#High-quality mobile phone cases

[ah-123-4]

Tough Phone Cases-Tough Phone Cases

Protect your phone in custom style with this tough phone case. This lightweight phone case is impact-resistant thanks to its TPU lining and Polycarbonate shell. Meanwhile, the interior rubber liner adds an extra layer of protection to your phone for total peace of mind. Compatible with iPhone and Samsung smartphones. Check sizes for all available phone models. (iPhone 16 model now available).

visit our store from herehttps://the-key-to-imagination.printify.me/product/14672454

[phonecompanion]

Stylish and Versatile, Luxurious Texture - New Women's Handheld Small Square Bag

The new women's tote bag is a must-have accessory for daily wear, with a fashionable and versatile design, light luxury texture, and made of PU material with lychee pattern car seam thread. The horizontal square design features a zipper and a hidden pocket, allowing for easy access to commonly used items. Additionally, the bag is equipped with a cell phone pocket and an adjustable handle for easy daily use. The interior contains an internal patch pocket for effectively sorting and storing items, making your life more orderly.

Furthermore, the bag offers multiple ways to wear it, including hand-held, cross-body, and single-shoulder, making it easy to switch between them at any time. The shoulder strap is adjustable to fit different body types. The bag also comes in five colors, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs.

The high-quality hooks and wear-resistant bottom design make this tote bag more durable, allowing it to accompany you for a longer time. The fashionable letter decoration design adds a trendy and personalized touch to the bag.

Overall, this new women's tote bag not only has a fashionable and versatile design, but also has outstanding functionality and user-friendly design, making it an indispensable companion for women's daily life.

The fashionable horizontal square design of this new women's tote bag is simple yet exquisite, with a moderate size that is suitable for daily wear as well as various occasions. The high-quality PU material provides a soft and textured feel, while the lychee pattern car seam thread design enhances the overall exquisite feel of the bag.

In addition to its fashionable appearance, the practicality of this tote bag is also outstanding. The interior of the bag features multiple storage pockets and a hidden zipper pocket, effectively sorting and storing your daily items and making your life more convenient. The bag is also equipped with an adjustable handle and a cell phone pocket to meet your different needs.

The multiple ways to wear this tote bag are also a highlight. Hand-held, cross-body, and single-shoulder options can be easily switched between, allowing you to use it in various situations. The shoulder strap can also be adjusted to fit your body type, providing a more intimate design.

Overall, this new women's tote bag adopts a light luxury texture and fashionable and versatile design concept, with exquisite appearance and outstanding functionality and practicality. It is a high-quality tote bag worth purchasing and using for women.

[apparently-artless]

sorry to bother but I was wondering how you make your gifs so smooth and get rid of pixelation?

Hi, anon! Sorry for the late reply! And no worries, you're not being a bother at all. ^^

Regarding your question, these are some of the tips I can give which I typically do on my GIFs:

Use video sources with higher resolution

In all honesty, I am not doing that much to make my edits look smooth and HD. I just always make sure to download videos that are not less than 720p. I typically download 1080p but 720p would suffice since the suggested width for images here on Tumblr is 540p.

Use good editing apps

I use Photoshop which is a good app but if you're not using this, you may use Photopea (this is like an online version of PS). There was a time when I didn't have a PC and I tried making GIFs on my mobile phone but even when I'm using high-resolution videos, the output was not as good when making it on PS. I also used Photoscape before. This was my first app when I was still starting making GIFs and oh boy, the quality is just... XD Anyway, PS is good with the compression of images when you're saving the frames as GIFs even when resizing the file to a smaller scale.

Maintain the original size until the export

I've seen tutorials where they are already adjusting the size at the beginning of their edit. I personally don't do this because this contributes to the reduction of the quality of your GIFs. And if I want to crop (because I want a different width and height compared to the original), I will see to it that the height is the same with the original (only the width will change).

Take a look at this example:

This is a 1920p x 1080p image but I wanted to crop it to a 400 x 540 aspect ratio. What I would do is after cropping the image, I would resize the image to make the height 1080p again.

After cropping, this is now the dimensions of the image:

Then I will revert the height back to 1080p (the value of the width doesn't matter):

Of course, 1080p is just my preferred resolution. You can select a lower resolution but not lower than the original image or the final size of your GIF.

As you can see, even without further editing, the image already looks good and does not appear to be pixilated. Then after cropping, I will apply my coloring. If I save this as it is using 540p width, this is how the GIF's gonna look like.

As you can see, there is almost no difference between the 540p (width) gif and the 1080p (height) image. That's because I only resized the image during export and not in the middle of editing.

Use sharpening tools to make your GIFs look HD

The key to fooling the eyes is to make them look in a different direction. XD So what do I mean by this? Like I said, I'm not doing that much to remove pixelations from my edits. I just make it so people will focus on other stuff. If you don't want them to focus on the pixels, let them focus on the line art.

Just a reminder that this last tip is only applicable to anime GIFs.

In my case, I always start with frame animations, then later on convert to a video timeline. And then I will convert the frames to a single smart object so I can apply filters to all the frames at the same time.

These are the steps I do when I sharpen my GIFs.

Apply SMART SHARPEN. (Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen)

These are my preferred settings but you can also explore your own.

[Comparison of GIF without sharpening filter and with sharpening filter]

2. Apply POSTER EDGES filter. (Filter > Filter Gallery > Artistic > Poster Edges)

These are my settings. You can adjust the Edge Thickness if you want to have thicker art lines. As for Edge Intensity, it's better to set it to zero to avoid adding unnecessary details to the shadows of your image.

[Comparison of GIF without sharpening filter and with sharpening filter]

3. Apply POSTER EDGES again.

This is an optional step. I typically use this whenever I want the art lines to be thicker. I use the same settings in the second step.

[Comparison of GIF without sharpening filter and with sharpening filter]

And that's about it! I hope this helps! By the way, this is just my own way of sharpening my GIFs. If you're not using PS or Photopea, you might want to check other tutorials that are specific to the app that you are using.

[waycaseuk]

Waycase - Your One-Stop Shop for Phone Cases Accessories

At Waycase, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of top-notch mobile phone cases and accessories to suit every style and need. Whether you're looking for a chic phone cover, a reliable screen protector, a cutting-edge charging accessory, or a trendy Apple watch band, we've got you covered. We offer a wide range of high-quality smartphone accessories, including phone cases and screen protection, charging essentials, AirPod cases, AirTag cases and Apple watch straps. Our carefully curated selection guarantees that you'll find the best products to elevate and protect your devices. Shop at www.waycase.co.uk today and discover the perfect mobile accessories to enhance your tech experience. Shop iPhone cases for all your mobile needs and take advantage of the free delivery service.

[refitglobal1]

Discover the World of Second Hand Mobiles with Refit Global

In recent years, the demand for second hand mobiles has surged, driven by consumers seeking affordable and sustainable options. Refit Global, a reputable refurbished mobile maker, offers a diverse range of high-quality second hand phones that deliver exceptional value for money. With a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Refit Global has become a trusted name in the industry, ensuring customers enjoy the best experience when purchasing a second hand mobile.

Why Choose Second Hand Phones?

Opting for second hand phones can be a smart choice for several reasons. Primarily, these devices are cost-effective, enabling consumers to access premium models at a fraction of the original price. For example, a high-end smartphone that once seemed out of reach can now be a reality. Even so, the quality of these refurbished devices often rivals that of brand-new models, making them attractive to budget-conscious shoppers. Additionally, buying refurbished phones promotes sustainability by reducing electronic waste, positively impacting the environment.

The Refit Global Advantage

At Refit Global, every second hand mobile undergoes rigorous testing and refurbishment to meet high-quality standards. This dedication ensures that customers can confidently choose from a wide selection of devices, knowing they are receiving products that have been carefully inspected and restored. In short, Refit Global not only provides access to affordable phones but also guarantees each device's reliability and functionality, offering peace of mind to buyers.

Tips for Buying a Second Hand Phone

When shopping for a second hand phone, it’s crucial to do thorough research. Look for reputable sellers like Refit Global, who prioritize customer satisfaction and product quality. Always check for warranties and return policies, as these offer extra assurance in case of issues. Otherwise, consider the device's condition, which can significantly affect your overall experience. By following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions and enjoy your purchase for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Refit Global stands out as a premier destination for those seeking second hand mobiles. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the company is reshaping how consumers view refurbished technology. By choosing a second hand mobile from Refit Global, you not only save money but also contribute positively to the environment. Explore their collection today and discover the benefits of owning a reliable second hand phone!

[june-gdprototyping]

What Industries Is Injection Molding(Moulding) Applicable To?

Injection moulding is a common manufacturing process by injecting molten plastic material into a mould so that it can be formed into the desired product shape upon cooling.

Injection moulding process has the advantages of low cost, high production efficiency and stable product quality to make it widely used in various industries. In this vast injection moulding market, there are three industries are particularly eye-catching, which are extensively used for production and manufacturing due to their specific needs and product characteristics.

1.Household Appliance Manufacturing Industry

As an indispensable part of people's daily life, the market demand for household appliances is stable and continuously growing. The injection moulding process plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing of household appliances, from the outer shell to the internal components, injection moulding technology provides key support. Most of the exterior and structural components of home appliances, such as TV remote controls, refrigerators, TV sets, air-conditioning panels, and washing machine shells, are manufactured by injection molding process.

2.Automotive Components Industry & Transportation Sector

With the booming development of the automotive industry, the auto components and parts market has ushered in unprecedented development opportunities. Components and parts such as automotive dashboards, door interior panels, bumpers, and lamp housings as well as a wide range of pipework and connections are made through the injection moulding process. These parts require not only high precision and good mechanical properties, but also need to meet the strict appearance requirements, which injection moulding process is precisely by virtue of its unique advantages, in this field to occupy a place. In addition, with the rise of new energy vehicles, injection moulded parts play an important role in the manufacturing of key components such as battery packs and motor housings.

3.Medical Device Industry

With the increasing emphasis on health, the market demand for medical devices continues to grow. In medical device manufacturing, the injection moulding process is used to produce disposable medical devices such as syringes, infusion tubes and surgical instruments. These products require strict quality control and hygiene standards, and injection moulding process ensures product safety and effectiveness.

In addition, the injection moulding process is also widely used in the electrical and electronic industry, consumer electronics, packaging industry, toy manufacturing, construction materials, industrial parts, furniture and household furnishings and agriculture, among many others.

4.Electrical & Electronic Industry

In the manufacturing process of electronic products, many components such as housings, cases, sockets, connectors, cables, switches and holders for electronic circuit boards need to be manufactured by injection moulding process. Injection moulding process can achieve precise control of product appearance, size and structure, to meet the requirements of electronic products for appearance quality, functionality and reliability.

5.Consumer Electronics Industry

In the electronics industry, injection moulded parts are equally widely used. From mobile phone housings, computer components including keyboards and mice to remote controls and battery cases, the injection moulding process offers a wide variety of appearance and structure options for electronic products. These components not only need to have good mechanical properties and appearance, but also need to have excellent electrical insulation properties to ensure the stable operation of electronic products. Injection moulding technology occupies an important position in the manufacture of electronic products due to its advantages of high precision and low cost.

6.Construction Sector

In the construction field, injection moulded parts also have a wide range of applications, the drainage systems, door and window frames, pvc pipes, valves, wire troughs, insulation materials and other construction materials and accessories are mostly manufactured by injection moulding process. These components are not only high-strength and corrosion-resistant, but also weather-resistant and easy to install, meeting the construction industry's requirements for material performance and ease of use and improve construction efficiency and aesthetics. The application of injection moulding technology in the construction field not only improves the performance and quality of construction materials, but also promotes the sustainable development of the construction industry.

7.Packaging Industry

The packaging and container industry is also one of the key application areas for injection moulding processes. Plastic bottles, food boxes, cosmetic bottles, plastic bags and other packaging containers are mostly manufactured by injection moulding process to meet food safety and aesthetic requirements. These containers need to be well-sealed, drop-resistant, retain freshness and recyclable to ensure that the products are safe and environmentally friendly. Injection moulding processes can offer flexible design and manufacturing options to adapt to different packaging needs and provide strong support for the development of the packaging industry.

These areas above are just a few examples of the application areas of the injection moulding process. In the toy industry, injection moulded parts are used to manufacture a variety of plastic toys; In the textile and clothing industry, injection moulded parts are used to manufacture accessories such as zips and buttons; In the agricultural sector, injection moulded parts are used to manufacture agricultural tools and equipment such as sprayers and watering cans; Even in the aerospace sector, injection moulded parts are also used to manufacture parts for aircraft and spacecraft. It can be said that injection moulded parts have penetrated into almost every corner of our life.

In summary, injection moulded parts play an important role in several industries by virtue of their high precision, low cost and wide applicability. The application of injection moulding process in these areas not only improves production efficiency, but also meets the needs of product diversification and individualisation. With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous improvement of people's requirements on product quality, injection moulding technology will continue to be widely used and developed in various fields.

[milfweirdal]

gif making tutorial for the inimitable @snowysobsessions

disclaimer: this is exactly how i do it, but im basically just winging it tbh. there may be other methods that are quicker and/or look way better. this is just the way to which i have become accustomed. i am not a fancy ass gif maker who does colouring and sharpening or uses photoshop whatever, those folks are the real pros. i just like to get the job done :) if you wanna make really fancy gifs other tutorials may be more appropriate. ok lets get into it under the cut!

step 1:

select your source. for the purposes of this tutorial im going to stay on-brand and use this video of weird al on 30 rock (aka the original Milf Weird Al).

step 2:

either download the video (i dont have a good recommendation for a website for that unfortunately, they all seem virus-ridden these days) or screen-record the part of the video you want to turn into a gif. for me, thats the part with al in it.

my computer runs windows something - 11 maybe? and it comes with screen recording software built in that saves into a folder called "captures" in the video folder, which can be activated with the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Alt + R. most phones also have screen recording functions, you could record it on your phone and transfer it to your computer? (for the record the website i use works on mobile too, but its very slow and annoying so i much prefer to use my laptop.)

step 3:

use video editing software of your choice to cut the clip down to just the part you want giffed. i use microsoft clipchamp because thats whats on my computer. it can also be used to crop away any black bars around any video clip, which is useful, because a properly cropped gif will probably be better quality. export the clip in as high quality as possible.

tip: try to keep the gif 3 seconds or under. this keeps the filesize down. tumblr gif size limit is 10MB, but i keep all my gifs 5MB or below because otherwise the loading time/storage burden is painful, and like i said, im not making fancy ones here, i dont mind them being a bit lower quality.

here is my clip. i saved it muted because its filesize is smaller that way.

step 4:

go to https://ezgif.com/video-to-gif which looks like this.

note that ezgif has tools for cutting, cropping and resizing videos if you dont have access to any video editing tool. its quicker if you do it in advance, though, i find.

upload your video and you will see this type of screen appear.

if youre uploading it to tumblr, the 540xAUTO size option is the one i go for by default, but it also has the following size options.

smaller size = smaller filesize, and you want the filesize as small as possible within reason. i sometimes make a gif smaller in dimensions if i'm really struggling to get the filesize below 5MB.

next is the frame rate: i set it to 25 because thats closest to the oriignal frame rate of most recorded video, but in order to make savings on filesize, it can be selected to 20FPS or 12FPS. i wouldnt recommend lower than that unless you want it to look weird and choppy, in which case, go ahead, and i wouldn't recommend higher unless you literally need the animation to be smooth as silk - for making it slowmo, for example.

i don't mess with the "method" drop down bc idk what it means.

the "Optimise for static background" tickbox is useful for if someone is doing something on a totally still background, because it reduces filesize by not animating every single bit of background in every frame. it could be helpful here as our background is not moving at all, just our heroine Alfina. i'm going to tick it.

now you can click "Convert to GIF". you should see something like this - itll be animated of course, this is just a screenshot.

our gif looks crispy fresh (and has 69 frames - NICE), but its filesize is 5.51MB which is more than id like it to be, but first we're gonna look at Effects, so I'm not going to click the "Optimise" option yet.

step 5:

clicking effects will provide the following options

if the video was sort of dark and hard to see, for example if it was live footage, it can be helpful to increase the brightness. changing the brightness and contrast makes our gif look like this, and makes it pop a little more.

you can keep playing with the settings and clicking "Apply selected" until it looks about right to you, or not add any effects at all - it's up to you. I hit the back button in my browser to go back to the gif before i added the effects, then I went to Optimise.

step 6:

the Optimise screen is like this

i tend to stick with the Lossy GIf optimization method. I put the compression level down to 30, and press Optimise GIF and see what happens.

as you can see, the filesize has been reduced by 41.95% to 3.2MB without a super noticeable drop in quality.

if you set the compression level to 200, this is what it looks like

much more pixely, and not much further reduced in size, so i stick to the lower end of the compression scale.

this is our finished gif! isnt she beautiful. i just right-clicked and hit save on it on the webpage after generating - on mobile, i guess you'd long-press on it to download it.

hope that helps!!! lmk if you need help with any other aspect like changing speed or overlays or anything but honestly it's pretty intuitive once you know how to do these bits.

[vconet]

SEO services for pipeline industry

SEO services for the pipeline industry are specialized to cater to the unique needs and challenges of companies within this sector. Here’s an overview of how SEO can benefit the pipeline industry and what specific strategies might be employed:

Key SEO Services for the Pipeline Industry:

Keyword Research and Strategy:

Identify and target industry-specific keywords such as SEO services for pipeline industry in the USA “oil and gas pipelines,” “pipeline maintenance services,” and other relevant terms that potential clients may search for. Long-tail keywords and location-based keywords are crucial for reaching a more targeted audience.

On-Page Optimization:

Optimize your website’s content, meta tags, headings, and images to align with targeted keywords. This includes ensuring that your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and has fast loading times, which are important for search engine rankings.

Content Marketing:

Create and distribute high-quality, informative content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. Examples include blog posts about pipeline safety, case studies, industry news, and white papers on the latest technology in pipeline construction and maintenance.

Technical SEO:

Ensure your website’s technical elements are optimized, including site structure, crawlability, and indexing. Implementing structured data, improving site speed, and ensuring HTTPS security are critical for improving search engine rankings.

Local SEO:

Optimize your online presence for local searches, especially if your business operates in specific regions. This includes creating and optimizing Google My Business listings, managing online reviews, and ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across directories.

Link Building:

Develop a strategic link-building campaign to acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable industry websites, trade publications, and professional associations. This increases your website’s authority and improves search engine rankings.

Competitor Analysis:Perform in-depth analysis of competitors within the pipeline industry to identify their SEO strategies and uncover opportunities to outperform them in search engine rankings.

Industry-Specific SEO Content:

Develop content that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities in the pipeline industry, such as advancements in pipeline technology, regulatory changes, or sustainability practices.

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO):

Improve the conversion rates of your website by optimizing landing pages, call-to-action buttons, and user experience, ensuring that visitors are more likely to contact you for pipeline services.

Analytics and Reporting:

Regularly track and analyze SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Reporting helps you understand the effectiveness of your SEO strategies and make data-driven decisions.

Benefits of SEO for the Pipeline Industry:

Increased Visibility: SEO helps your company appear at the top of search results when potential clients search for SEO services for pipeline industry in the USA services.

Targeted Traffic: By focusing on industry-specific keywords, you attract more relevant visitors who are likely to convert into leads or customers.

Brand Authority: Consistent content creation and backlink strategies position your company as a thought leader in the pipeline industry.

Competitive Edge: Effective SEO strategies help you stand out against competitors, capturing a larger share of the market.

By leveraging these SEO services, companies in the pipeline industry can improve their online presence, attract more qualified leads, and ultimately grow their business in a competitive market.

#seo services for pipeline industry in usa

[dearweirdme]

https://www.tumblr.com/dearweirdme/734589013736013824/hello-im-a-different-anon-from-the-rest-and-i

So jumping to conclusions when it's the het relationships is completely sane and non delusional. Even if the evidences are too flimsy and laughable to be even considered as evidences. A plushie and a helmet isn't a gender specific item. If the helmets were recently used does that somehow confirm that it was used by a woman?

"he confirmed the video when he went live and told fans they know where he lives" his address is in a YouTube vid. He himself said that you all know where I live coz it's on YouTube. Don't pick and choose what he said to prove a point.

People are willing to accept the existence of a woman in jk's life based on such dumb things but they can't even fathom the thought of tae and jk being together.

Tkkrs are delusional for claiming to hear jk in tae's lives. When it's so so obviously jk, esp in that bed live. We are delusional for believing there's a romantic relationship b/w them when tae mentions that very romantic song that jk sings to him.

As for the some sweet moments narrative, you are either not a tkkr or you are one of those who only watch tiktok edits coz tkk isn't about skinship alone. If it was just about skinship, there's another ship that is chock full of some very obvious skinship. No one would be here if that were the case.

I was already very sure of them being together after watching a lot of raw bts content before I discovered their ship name and shippers. Some sweet moments are present between every BTS member coz they've been together for more than a decade. If you think tkk is real based on just some random moments then you are bound to flip.

You are a visual person, but don't you use logic when looking at visuals? Do you blindly believe in everything that's infront of you and never question anything? You saw tae holding hands with Jennie and now you believe in taennie. I wouldn't have believed in that very obvious pap walk even if I wasn't a tkkr. It was captured by a paparazzi but that dude didn't even have a high res camera with him? Even mobile phone cameras have better quality than that pixelated thing. I am not a believer of the cosplayer theory coz that is too far fetched but I do believe that taennie is a pr thing. Whenever either of their companies ran into some shit, there you had taennie "leaks". As for jk's apartment video, when everything else in that vid is so clear, why is only jk's face indecipherable? You can see the girl's face but not his? Do you not know that videos can be edited? Why have there been no new clips since?

Being a visual person, did you not see jk's listening party pics? You can easily accept a relationship based on tae and jnnie walking like kindergarteners flanked by their managers but these pics are somehow explaniable in a platonic way? What about when tae kissed jk's nape?

"it's not just about the plushie there's more to it, but this is getting too long" no please do tell more. What more is there according to you that proves the existence of a gf in jk's life? Please enlighten me

Hi anon!

Jep jep jep!

[janarthanantumbl]

🌞 Dive into style this summer's end with Kapaver's Mobile Back Cover Case Sale! From sleek designs to rugged protection, discover your perfect match and safeguard your phone with flair. Don't miss out—shop now and make your phone shine! 📱💫 #Kapaver #PhoneProtection #SummerSale"

[yjano]

Who I am now?

Part 19.

Pairing: Jake x Mc.

Genre: Angst, comedy, dark romance.

Warnings: Strong language, angst scenes. 18+ content can be found.

Words: 6.2k

Author's note: This story contains mature topics and is not fully related to the duskwood game. A different parallel with different personalities. Thank you everyone for following and liking this! lly.♡

•

.

Mc focus.

.

"Alright, what's your question for me?" Nymos muttered, driving one-handedly as his other hand used a balled-up paper towel to clean up any traces of coca cola on his skin.

"I don't have anything in mind, to be honest." I coughed, adjusting my shirt. "Um, do you have any photographs on you of you and Jake when you were kids? Like the ones in your home?"

"...I'm giving you the most perfect opportunity for you to find out more about my brother through me but you just wanna waste the opportunity by looking at our baby photos?" Nymos tutted, shaking his head in disapproval, but still reaching inside his jacket pocket for his mobile phone.

"Like, I can tell you so many things about bro that he'll never bother to share with you. Things like the first time he had sex with someone. Wasn't a great experience for him I'm guessing since he accidentally knocked her out, because she squeezed his bud too hard. He woke me up at 3 am in the fucking morning and made me drive him home because his dick hurt too much to do it himself." Nymos concluded, laughing and handing his unlocked phone to me. I took it with my eyes widening at his words.

I glanced down at his phone screen to see I was in his photo album app, staring at a grainy photograph of young Jake and Kaden grinning so hard at the camera.

"Swipe right for more." Nymos smiled. I did that as he said, giggling at the next photo which happened to be of either a ten-year-old Jake or Kaden glaring viciously at the camera whilst being kitted out in a black turtleneck, black skinny jeans, several pieces of chunky silver jewelry, and boots studded with little spikes. Additionally, the boy's eyes were heavily lined with black, and his face was powdered a ghostly shade of white. In the background, I noticed an infuriated elderly lady lifting a sandal in the air, seeming to be in mid-warrior cry.

Nymos, noticing me laughing especially hard at this photo, grinned widely.

"Bro tried going to school like that one day but our grandma saw and beat his vampire-looking ass, telling him she wasn't gonna drive him to the hospital if he got heatstroke."

I laughed harder in reply, swiping right with my thumb to find yet another low-quality photograph of both the twins in their final year at high school, dressed in muddied football wear and looking a lot more like how they look now. Tanned by the sun, muscular, dark hair tousled, and wearing grins that left me a tad bit breathless.

Fuck, I bet they were super popular in high school. I wanted to send this specific photograph to my phone so I could privately drool over them in their red and black colored football uniform. I suppressed the urge to do so and instead forced myself to swipe right.

"Oh my god, oh my god! What is this?"

"Hmm?" Nymos took a peek at the photograph and grinned widely.

"Oh, those are my old high school nudes," He hummed, amusement evident in his voice as he studied the image depicted on his mobile phone screen.

"Man, I was tiny back then. Don't worry, I swear I'm way bigger now."

"Why would I fucking worry about your dick size?" I choked out, hurriedly throwing his phone back as if the phone casing could potentially burn a rectangular-shaped mark onto my palm.

"Because you know, you might think Jake's tiny too. Because we're identical twins." Nymos shrugged, chuckling. "Don't wanna have Jake hunting me down later for spreading false information about his dick size."

"Kaden, please stop talking."

"So it's your turn to ask a question now, screaming baby."

We've been playing twenty questions for quite a while now, probably passing the limit of twenty long ago.

I thought for a second, chewing contemplatively on my straw before glancing at Nymos.

"Why...Why did you believe Ikari instead of Lex and Jake?" I asked, almost kicking myself for my incapable brain-to-mouth filter because as soon as those words spilled out from my lips. I found myself wanting to swallow back a very single word.

But what happened? There was nothing I could do to redraw the flinch that Nymos reacted with.

"Damn, we're going for the big questions now, huh?" He coughed, and the hand that was not on the steering wheel reached upwards to cup the back of his neck as he laughed awkwardly. I thought that he might have a habit of touching his neck whenever he felt uncomfortable.

I cleared my throat now, looking down at the half-empty contents of my can of coke that I stirred silently with my straw.

"Um, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to," I mumbled, feeling like I crossed the line with my question.

"No, I'll tell you. It's just a question that people surprisingly haven't bothered to ask me," He replied quietly.

-a year and a half ago-

.

Nymos focus.

.

"Try not to hate me too much for making Lex work overtime on your birthday," Black shadow called over his shoulder as he walked away with a grin forming on his face when he heard me groan behind him.

"It's hard not to, fucker!" I yelled after him, watching the black shadow languidly draping his winter coat over his shoulders.

"But thanks for coming, bro." I grinned, lazily wiping the messily smeared buttercream icing off my cheek.

"We appreciate it."

"Of course, I'll come. You guys are family." He chuckled, walking towards the front door whilst reaching into the pockets of his coat in search of his lighter and the hand-sized box of cigarettes.

I was about to reply warmly back to my friend's statement when I was suddenly interrupted by someone flinging their entire, full weight into my side, throwing their heavy arms around me, and engulfing me whole in an overly tight bear hug.

My attention was immediately cast down on the mess in my arms.

"Kaden, your younger bro wishes you a happy birthday!" Jake exclaimed loudly against my neck as he clutched at my denim jacket. I almost instinctively wrapped my arms around my twin brother and laughed into his dark hair, responding with a muffled. "Happy birthday too, baby bro."

"No, happy birthday to you." Jake persisted in a croak before he started sniffling loudly and just as I had preconceived it, my baby brother broke down completely, sobbing and crying into my shoulder and weakly mumbling something along the lines of.

"Wish mom and dad were here to see us." And. "Fucking hell, aasshole, when did you get such a nice physique?"

Whilst Jake sobbed quietly and distractedly squeezed my left bicep, from his left, I heard Sam groans.

"Oh god, who the hell gave the sad drunk alcohol?"

"I'm not a sad drunk, asshole!" Jake protested tearfully, pulling away from me to glare at Sam through narrowed eyes before returning to my inviting arms and bawling like the sad drunk he is.

"Yeah, yeah, sure you aren't, dick." Sam smiled fondly, rolling his eyes when Jake mumbled a sequence of incomprehensible words directed at him. I, still laughing, comfortingly petted my baby brother's soft hair.

"Babe, come on, you're stifling Kaden." Ikari giggled, coming out from nowhere and resting her hand on Jake's back, patting him comfortingly.

The rather emotional Jake reluctantly shuffled away from me upon hearing Ikari's softly spoken words. But he doesn't let up at all on being a baby because the next thing he was doing, was crushing Ikari in a bear hug.

Making the startled, smaller girl stumble a few precarious steps backward as he tearfully choked out.

"I love you so so so much, Kari, you're the best."

Ikari, in reply, laughed softly, letting her emotional hulk of a boyfriend wrap his arms around her waist and draw her suffocatingly close to his chest.

"Love you." Jake hiccuped, "I love love love love you."

"Mm, I know you do," Is what she hummed to him as she reached up and soothingly ran her perfectly manicured fingers through Jake's tousled, jet-black locks. Glancing upwards, she met my warm eyes and she shivered under my gaze, smiling sweetly at me before mouthing.

"I'm gonna take him to the guest room and let him sleep it off. Is that okay?"

In response, I nodded and smiled gratefully at my baby brother's girlfriend before shifting my attention back onto a disgruntled Sam.

"There's something off about her today," Sam muttered, folding his arms over his chest as he followed Ikari's back with narrowed eyes.

"I mean, there's usually something off about her but today it's maximized a hundred times," Sam explained, flickering his calculative brown eyes onto me. "Hm, just be careful, Nym."

"Bro, you make it seem like she's a witch out to get me specifically." I laughed, shaking my head with disbelief.

"She is one," Sam muttered under his breath.

"Sam, Ikari's not gonna grow warts and green skin overnight and attack me in my sleep, okay? I think that is near impossible so stop worrying. She's a good person come on, you know that, you've seen her with Jake-she loves him with all her heart." I grinned, feeling happy about my baby brother's relationship.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Sam dismissed, relaxing his stance and shooting me a small smile. "Happy birthday, sexy, you've grown well."

"You've grown well and sexy? What the hell does that mean? Are you a simp for me? Lex's going to leak your nudes to the government if she finds out, and Asher is going to get jealous." I laughed, raising an eyebrow at Sam. He just simply smiled knowingly at me before glancing over his shoulder and calling his friend's name. Asher was currently strewn across my and Lex's couch, chugging down the celebratory vodka he had bought for me and Jake as a gift.

"Ash, for god's sake, quit drinking already. I don't wanna have to spend all night holding back your bangs whilst you throw up," Sam groaned out loud as he walked away from me and towards Asher who giggled at Sam, not-so-discreetly tucking the bottle of alcohol behind his back and chugging some more.

I tore my attention off the 'couple' when a small "ding!" emanated from the phone in my palm, indicating that I'd got a notification. Glancing down at my phone, I smiled at the instant heartwarming message sent to me by Lex.

Baby L.

I might've missed out on your birthday party but I'm determined! To! Finish! Hacking this godamn database within an hour so we can celebrate your birthday a little before midnight comes. ;) Save me some birthday cake and alcohol if the dickwhores haven't downed it already!

Baby L.

So see you in an hour! I love you, my dumb idiot. <3

Baby L.

Oh and if Jake's still there at the apartment, tell him I said happy birthday and I love him lots and that his birthday gift's in the back of our wardrobe!

I pocketed my phone, smiling at my petite girlfriend's message. I was still smiling to myself like an idiot when I waved goodbye to an annoyed Sam and his bumbling drunk of a friend or boyfriend, we will never know. I was still smiling when I locked the door after them and moved to my hideously untidy kitchenette, fumbling around with the now-empty takeaway boxes of greasy pizza and the stray, half-melted candles decorating the kitchen countertops.

"Hey, there."

I glanced upwards at the sound of Ikari's greeting, offering her a small smile.

"Is Jake asleep?"

"Mhm," She reassured, "He's off to dreamland and snoring the entire way."

"Yeah?" I chuckled, heading towards the kitchen's bin and dumping the pizza boxes by its side, setting it as a reminder for me to take the trash out tomorrow morning. Remembering her presence I glanced back up at her.

"Oh hey, if you're tired, feel free to stay the night here with Jake. There's no need for you to make the journey back to yours so late at night."

"Thanks." Ikari grinned.

"No worries."

"Oh, and, Kaden, honey? You're not meant to clean up on your birthday," She hummed disapprovingly, shaking her head as she fully walked into the kitchenette's small space, her cream-colored heels click-clacked against the tiled marble floor.

"It's the unwritten rule." She laughingly announced as she strode over to the steel beast of a refrigerator, opening the appliance up and procuring more of Asher's celebratory iced vodka. Her neatly painted, red fingernails encompassed the glass neck of the bottle, its hand waving the said item tauntingly at me.

"I don't think that rule applies to the boyfriend of my beautiful baby Lex," I chuckled to myself, rolling up the sleeves of my thrasher hoodie and dutifully resuming my self-assigned task of cleaning the kitchen.

"Better to clean this all up than have my baby whining my ear off tomorrow."

"Oh, I'm sure Lex could let this pass," Ikari assured, walking towards the kitchen island where I was situated and she leaned against the polished counter.

"Come on birthday boy, I haven't seen you drink at all during the party." Ikari coaxed. Softly, settling the bottle of vodka down on the countertop with a pleasant 'clink'.

In reply, I raised a dark eyebrow at her persistency-to which she fluttered her eyelashes in response, smiling innocently.

"I really shouldn't-"

"Have one sip as least."

I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Just one sip?"

"Just one sip." Ikari agreed, handing me the bottle of alcohol for me to pop open. I did it with a soft sigh before lifting the opened bottle to my lips, tipping my head back, and swallowing more iced alcohol than just a mere sip.

"Thanks, Ari, but I think I should finish up on-"

"Come on, Kaden," Ikari drawled, gazing at me through her lashes, "Don't make me drink all this by myself."

-present-

"Next thing I know I'm in the hospital for alcohol poisoning and my friends and family fucking hate me." I sighed, almost tiredly. I glanced at Mc, "Screaming baby, I never intended to drink that much, and I never intended to do anything with Ikari. That night, I had no fucking clue what I was doing, I wasn't moving off my own accord. The selfish bitch just kept pouring alcohol down my throat until I was so fucked I could barely think."

"For fucks sake, I didn't even realize, she had drugged me and manipulated me into her selfish game. I broke my brother's and Lex's hearts. But the worst thing is she had recorded something when I was unconscious, and she pretended that I was harassing her. She told me everything when visited me in the hospital and told me she'll post the video online if I tell Lex and Jake the truth."

"God she's so fucking disgusting," Mc stated quietly. She looked up at me. "Why haven't you tried to talk with them still?"

"As soon as I was discharged from the hospital, I tried to meet up with Jake and explain what'd happened but he didn't let me speak, didn't even bother opening the door when I went around to his apartment. And then Black shadow who took Lex in didn't allow me to speak to her. All of our friends stopped talking to me after they found out what I 'did' with Ikari. I didn't have anyone apart from fucking Sam who kept staying over at mine. Yeah, he's the only one who knew the truth and kept it to himself when I begged him to. I was an idiot, I should've found a way to tell them. Now they're just hating me."

"You're not an idiot. You were alone and hurt. I knew you weren't the bad guy and Ikari was the bitch in your story."

I looked momentarily startled by her words. I wasn't expecting Mc to believe my words so easily let alone console me.

"And Kaden," Mc mumbled, gnawing on her lower lip, "You didn't give consent. So what Ikari did to you is sexual assault. You, you need to explain this to Jake and-"

.

Mc focus.

.

"I know what she did," Nymos mumbled and I noticed his blunt nails digging into the soft leather of the steering wheel as he spoke softly.

"But I'm not gonna file a complaint because it's kinda unfair, don't you think? Me getting her charged with sexual assault when I've done so much worse? Screaming baby, for god's sake, I once worked for a fucking human trafficking ring when I was eighteen."

Swallowing hard, I looked away from him at that, feeling so fucking angered, disgusted even, by what he just claimed. Looking plenty disgusted himself, Nymos continued speaking with his nails burrowing crescents into the leather of the steering wheel.

"And, I've already thought about explaining it to Jake or Lex but after really thinking it through. I've decided not to tell them because I despise nonconsensual sex, and I don't even remember what I told them that night, yeah. But in a way, I've still cheated on my baby bro and Lex. It's, it's just pointless now to explain my situation back then and try to win them back. It's been a year and I don't want to open the old wound I caused especially to Lex."

I didn't reply to his words and Nymos made no effort in trying to change my response from me. We both sat in the car in heavy silence and air too thick to breathe in without feeling suffocated.

Isa's passive-aggressive growls can't even mask the tension within the car as she was sleeping peacefully in her carrier.

"Do you, do you love her?" I asked quietly.

"Yes," Nymos replied firmly without a second thought.

"Then why aren't you still with her? Why are you not trying to win her back?" I asked simplistically, staring at his side profile as he was driving. "Win her back already and make amends with your friends."

"It's-" Nymos sighed, "It's not that easy, screaming baby."

"You make it sound like Lex is nothing to you anymore. But she's indeed your life support." I turned away, mumbling, "Maybe she's mad and hurt but I know that she loves you too, she even trusted you with her pup."

Nymos didn't say anything for a few seconds and again, I didn't press him for a response. I rested my head against the headrest of my seat and stared out of my window at the scenery flitting by until Nymos spoke up.

"... I know that she loves me. But I am bad for her." Nymos murmured, not looking at me but keeping his eyes on the road ahead. "That's why I keep my distance from her. I pretend to be playful and we end up having one-night stands and all. I'd rather suffer instead of hurt her."

Furrowing my brows, I swiveled my head to face Nymos.

"What?

He sighed.

"I'm not a good person, screaming baby. I'm a bad guy, and bad guys never get the good things they don't deserve it. It's practically a written rule that they should never get the girl, or in this case, Lex. They don't get good friends or a nice, easy life. I don't deserve to have Jake or Lex, I deserve nothing, of course, I try to stick by them but-. Do you..." He exhaled tiredly, "Do you get what I'm trying to say?"

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"That has got to be the most idiotic ideology I've ever heard in my entire life."

Nymos frowned at my strong words.

"Screaming baby, I-"

"Yeah, you're a bad guy. But so is Jake. He does bad things for a living, but that doesn't stop me from loving him, does it? Kaden," I exhaled, "Love has no bounds." I started almost fiercely. "Just because you're bad, it doesn't mean you can't love and be loved."

He didn't say anything in response.

The two of us were quiet after that. He was driving silently and I was resting my elbow on the ledge of the window, cupping my palm and staring past the glass. The radio was still on, playing so softly that it was not soon before it lulled me to sleep.

.

Nymos focus.

.

I noticed her head tilting forwards and jerking back suddenly with her bleary eyes blinking in bewilderment at her surroundings before closing once more.

"Screaming baby, if you wanna lie down, you can sleep in the back with the rabid bitch." I suggested.

"I'm okay," It was what Mc replied softly but made no movement to climb into the back. I quirked an eyebrow at this but let her doze off, not bothering to wake her up.

Five minutes later, whilst in traffic, I reached into the back for my denim jacket that lied across the seats and picked it up, balling the item into a makeshift pillow for Mc to use. Unbuckling my seat belt, I leaned over to cup Mc's cheek, lifting her head slightly to shuffle my denim jacket under before letting her go.

I smiled when I noticed Mc cozying up to my makeshift pillow. Drawing the seatbelt over myself, I turned away, still smiling.

"Thanks screaming baby. Thanks for believing me." I murmured.

Isa decided to wake up at that moment, immediately starting her bout of incessant growling. I rolled my eyes and replied to her.

"Oh, fuck off."

.

Mc focus.

.

I stirred in my sleep at loud laughter coming from my left, the sound of persistently loud chatter made me reluctantly open my eyes and blearily study my surroundings.

Isa yippee excitedly behind me, causing me to tear my gaze away from the denim jacket sitting on my lap as a crumpled mess, at Isa's little barks. I looked over my shoulder to see the small pup looking up at me expectantly, pink tongue lolling out of her mouth.

I was surprised, to say the least when she started whining, nudging at the latch of her pet carrier dejectedly-so dejectedly, it pulled at my heartstrings and I immediately found myself reaching for the latch. I stopped myself short though, remembering this morning when she looked like she wanted to dismember me.

Isa whined again making me feel conflicted.

"Please don't bite my fingers off." I finally said, sighing before reaching for the pet carrier with shaky hands, unlatching it slowly, and allowing the pup to gingerly nose the front open. Delighted, she barked in what presumed its joy. Cute.

"Hey," I peered to my right when I heard Nymos by the car door opening. I sleepily watched him slide into the driver's seat, a packet of strawberry laces in his hand which he soon proffered to me.

Still half-asleep, I took the packet and simply held it in my hand, yawning.

"Are we nearly at my angry bird place?" I murmured, finally looking out of the window to see that we were currently parked at a busy petrol station and the cacophony that had woken me up and the smell of petrol that I now wrinkled my nose at. I wasn't one of those people who liked the smell of petrol.

"Yeah, we'll be at his in around thirty minutes." He hummed nonchalantly.

I, suddenly awakened, swiveling my head around to face Nymos with my eyes widened and jaw slackened with surprise.

"What? Thirty minutes?"

"Yeah, it's-"

Isa barked at Nymos. He glanced at the pup through the rearview mirror and immediately sharply inhaled at the sight of her proudly parading around atop the backseats of his car.

"Who the hell let the rabid bitch out?"

"I did," I muttered, distracted with tearing open my packet of strawberry laces, "She looked sad."

"Oh god, oh god, don't make eye contact with her," Nymos told to himself, "Don't make eye contact. Making eye contact with her is like challenging her to pee all over the seats. Or worse she's gonna claw the leather upholstery apart-"

"She seems sorta sweet," I said, chewing on a strawberry lace. "Come here, isa," I said, setting my gifted confectionary down on my lap and reaching carefully for the elated ball of caramel-colored fluff that practically jumped into my arms.

Giggling, I pulled her close to my chest before turning around to beam at scared Nymos.

"Fuck, screaming baby. She turned you over to the dark side-"

I burrowed my cheek against her soft fur and rolled my eyes at his words.

"Oh, don't be dramatic, Kaden."

Isa glanced up then and Nymos could swear the puppy was smirking at him.

Thirty minutes passed by in a flash.

Panicked I scarf down my strawberry laces, hurriedly shoveling them into my mouth and only slightly choking on them. I dismissed the concerned expression Nymos was wearing on his face when he glances over at me.

I climbed haphazardly into the back, taking isa with me and settling in the back seats with her. Nymos frowned at me through the rearview mirror, wordlessly questioning my actions with furrowed brows.

Completely oblivious to his quizzical eyes on me. I set isa on the leather seat beside me and once she was comfortable, I moved quickly to work on my appearance. I re-tucked my white tee back under the waistband of my jeans, throwing it atop the striped sweater I'd taken off earlier when it got too stuffy in the car, and carefully retied the laces of my sneakers.

I felt a little shy though when I unzipped my backpack and draw out my small vanity bag-feeling a tad bit self-conscious about the possibility of Nymos playfully teasing me for trying to look my best for Jake. But all Nymos said when I applied my moisturizing face cream was.

"Damn, that smells like fucking roses."

I smiled at his words.

Satisfied with my efforts, I climbed back into the passenger seat, not bothering to take isa this time as she was too busy gnawing away at one of the seatbelts much to Nymos' chagrin.

I draw my seatbelt over my chest, settling against the leather upholstery and sigh softly as my lidded eyes study the slow sunset taking place outside, the grey winter sky now consumed with soft pinks and delicate purples that had me smiling subconsciously.

"Excited?" Nymos asked, smiling.

"Mhm. Nervous too."

"I'm excited too," Nymos grinned. "I don't have to deal with you and Jake moping around me anymore."

"Oh, shut up," I laughed. "I know you've enjoyed this."

"I have, I have." Nymos agreed, chuckling.

I started biting my nails distractedly, staring at the sunset absconding behind silhouetted skyscrapers that tower overhead, resembling large, black, ugly shapes. I swallowed nervously.

Nauseating nerves overwhelmed me, easily outweighed my excitement from before.

I feared I was going to throw up. There are two minutes left.

There is one-

"Alright, we're here."

"What?" I choked out, straightening up in my seat and watching Nymos unbuckle his seatbelt with a grin on his face.

Busy with overthinking the idea of Jake casting me away with a look of distaste and a new partner on his arm, I hadn't even realized Nymos had pulled up to a six-story apartment that exuded the amount of wealth invested into the building.

What was stunning about the apartment was its sleek, smoked glass that covered a good two-thirds of the entirety of the building, the glass easily reflecting the city's bright lights and creating a kaleidoscopic effect of a thousand differently colored lights playing on the glass.

"Oh fuck," I cursed, turning away to face Nymos who already had opened his car door, slipping out without a word to me.

Panicking, I hurriedly opened my door and stumbled out, swearing under my breath when I nearly tripped over my own feet.

"Fuck, fuck. Kaden, I can't do this." I breathed, locking eyes with Nymos over the roof of the car.

"Yes, you can, screaming baby," Nymos replied, leaving his car door slightly to check on isa.

"But, I- Wait! How do I punch someone?"

Nymos quirked an unimpressed eyebrow at me.

"Is this necessary to know right now?"

"I swear this is necessary." I quickly said, resulting in Nymos. He narrowed his eyes at me.

"Make a fist like this- Not with your thumb tucked away, okay? Because, like  I don't know? Some bad shit could happen to your thumb?" Nymos sighed sounding resigned.

"Screaming baby, you really shouldn't ask me this since I've dislocated my thumbs, fractured my hands, and bruised up my fingers way too many times to count."

I was oblivious to his warning and only focused on balling my hand into a fist like how he had demonstrated it. Nymos rolled his eyes at this.

"Alright. You practice, making a fist while I call up Jake and make sure he's at home."

"Wait, what?" I halted my ministrations, frowning at Nymos. "You drove us out here and you don't even know if he's at home??"

"He will be, he will be. Don't worry."

.

Jake focus.

.

I regretted not bringing my leather jacket with me to the convenience store opposite my apartment complex. Because now I was shivering in the winter weather, my nose and cheeks colored a soft red courtesy of the wind.

I sighed at my stupidity, lifting my lit cigarette to my mouth, inhaling the grey tendrils that creep down my throat and burn in its wake, at least now I had my cheap cigarettes to warm me.

Exhaling softly, I crossed the road, haphazardly. Ignoring the angered drivers I left behind, pressing their horns aggressively and spitting harsh insults in my direction. I didn't bother replying, just lifted my cigarette to my mouth and breathed in its dangerous fumes, continuing walking.

I was in one of those moods. One where you're oblivious not passive to almost everything. You just don't care about anything. I didn't care for the winter weather biting my fingertips numb. I didn't care for reporting that twelve-year-old kid who stole a packet of strawberry-flavored bubble gum. I didn't care what brand of cigarettes I wanted to smoke. I didn't care now for the crude words a middle-aged man threw at me from his cruddy-looking ford fiesta.

I continued walking, walking down the pavement towards my apartment complex, smoking my cigarette distracted. However soon I was broken away from the trance I seemed to have fallen into when my phone vibrated quietly in my pocket.

Taking my phone out of my pocket, I swiped a thumb over the damaged screen. Courtesy of when I was in one of those moods, angry, frustrated, and desperately needing an outlet to vent my rage into. I placed my phone against my ear, listening and smoking.

"Hey, bro? Are you at home right now?"

Nymos said at once, almost excitedly. Rolling my eyes at the realization that Nymos was calling me. I sighed, replying with.

"Why do you wanna know? Are you coming over again with another one of your shitty mixtapes?"

"Shitty? Excuse me, you fucking love that mixtape, and no. Unfortunately for you, I'm not here with another one of those mixtapes."

"Then why the fuck are you coming over?" I grunted, stepping into the private parking lot allocated beside my apartment complex, walking past parked cars, and smoking.

"Wow, I'm hurt. Can I not visit my favorite brother without an ulterior motive?"

"First of all, you only have one brother, fuckass."

"And that's you! What a lucky boy."

"Kaden, I'm not in the mood to deal with you today so-"

"But I brought you something!"

"If it's not food, you're not coming in."

"Well... I guess you could consider it to be food."

"What the fuck does that mean?" I snorted.

"Because you could eat her between her le-Ow! What the fuck, screaming baby?"

I frowned, hearing indistinct, angry muttering over the phone but waited impatiently for Nymos to return to our conversation. Whilst waiting, I placed my cigarette between my lips, using my now free hand to run it through my tousled hair. Contemplating distractedly whether or not I should cut my overgrown mess of hair.

"Sorry, so sorry about that." Nymos wheezed, sounding ready to burst into a bout of laughter. I raised an unimpressed eyebrow despite him not being able to see me.

"Kaden, if you've seriously bought me a prostitute, I'm gonna-"

"Hahahaha, he thinks you're a prostitute-Ow! Fuck! Screaming baby quit it!" More angry muttering ensued, causing me to sigh. I was tired already of this conversation.

"Kaden, I'm hanging up."

"No, bro wait! I gotta- Hey, is that you?"

"Huh?" I frowned, glancing at my surroundings but I was utterly unable to identify if there was anyone around what with the weak, artificial light of the streetlamps limiting my sight to only my nearby surroundings.

"Shit, hold on." With that, Nymos hung up abruptly, without another word.

Furrowing my brow at the rather crude conversation I just had with my twin brother, I slid my phone back into my jeans pocket and with a sigh, I dropped my cigarette to the cemented ground below, purposefully crushing the cigarette to a stub underfoot.

I walked my way towards the entrance of my apartment, praying that there wasn't a- God save Nymos if more than one prostitute was warming my bed for tonight.

Shaking my head at the rather absurd thought, I was about to climb up the few steps leading up to the entrance of the building when someone timidly tapped me on the back, causing me to glance over my shoulder and- And abruptly get hit in the face by a fist.

Somewhere to the far left of me, I swore I could hear Nymos choke out an

"Oh, shit!"

Almost at once, pain pulsated throughout my nose, causing me to cry out, alarmed. Stumbling back and nearly tripping on the steps behind me, instinctively, my hands fly to my face, protectively cupping my nose, seething with both blinding pain and rage.

Who the hell dares to attack someone from behind? A coward, that's who.

My eyes blazed with fury, I looked upwards with pure anger thrumming through my veins, looking ready to swing my fist at my attacker when-

"Mc?" I breathed, with my eyes widening.

Mc fucking Estrada was standing a couple of steps before me with her tiny balled-up hands trembling by her sides, her shoulders were shaking with sobs she failed to suppress and her eyes were shiny with tears. That fell steadfastly down her cheeks, staining them. My breath instantaneously got caught in my throat.

"M-Mc? What-What the?" I choked out, all of sudden incapable of making eligible sentences for myself. Out of shock, my hands fell from my face, causing Mc tearfully wince at my now bloodied nose.

"Y-you! You were supposed to come back for me, you asshole!" Mc cried out, "Y-you were supposed to come back! I waited so many months for you!"

"Mc, fuck. Mc, I'm so- I'm so sorry." I breathed with tears prickling my eyes, "I'm so sorry for leaving you alone. I- fuck, I'm sorry. So sorry, baby."

Mc cried harder at my words, stumbling blindly towards me and reaching out for me. Her hands found purchase on my white tee and used her grasp on the soft cotton. Mc drew herself into my inviting arms. I wrapped my arms around her almost instinctively.

Now, I almost sobbed when I ducked my head slightly, burying my face in the junction of Mc's shoulder and inhaling vanilla and freshly washed cotton sheets. A scent I've missed sorely over these past few months.

"Fuck, baby. I missed you so much." I croaked out with tears falling freely from my eyes.

"I missed you too, angry bird."

I can't tell if I was laughing or crying at her words but I pulled away from her neck a little reluctantly though and lifted a hand to Mc's cheek. Cradling my face when I caught her tears with my thumb.

"Sorry for punching you on the nose." Mc breathed out shakily, her eyes flickered downwards with evident embarrassment on her face.

I chuckled softly in reply, tilting Mc's chin upwards so I could meet her gaze.

"It's okay, baby. I deserved it."

"Hmm," Mc nestled her head against my neck, finding relief in my touch and the slight warmth I emanated. I murmured something softly in her ear and noticed in the corner of my eye, Nymos leaning against the side of his car with arms folded over his chest and smiling at the two fondly.

I had caught his eye and mouthed a "Thank you. Thank you so much." To him. He simply chuckled to himself, shaking his head slightly when Mc started crying again.

[smvexperts7]

Tips for Creating Engaging About Us Pages

An About Us page on a website is like the front door of a house - it's often the first thing visitors see. Just like a welcoming entrance sets the tone for a home, a well-crafted About Us page can make a big impression on visitors to your website. In this article, we'll explore some practical tips for creating About Us pages that are informative but also engaging and compelling. So, if you're ready to make your About Us page stand out from the crowd, keep reading!

Understanding the Audience: 

When creating your About Us page, it's essential to keep your audience in mind. Think about who will be visiting your website and what they're looking for. If you're a Web designer and Development company in California, your audience might include small businesses, entrepreneurs, or individuals looking to create or improve their online presence. Tailoring your content to resonate with this audience will help you connect with them on a deeper level.

Authentic Storytelling: 

Your About Us page is the perfect place to share your company's story. People love stories, especially ones that feel genuine and authentic. Take the time to tell the story of how your company got started, what inspired you to do what you do, and what sets you apart from other Web design and Development companies in California. Don't be afraid to show some personality and let your passion shine through!

Clear and Concise Messaging: 

When it comes to writing your About Us page, clarity is key. You want to make sure that your message is easy to understand and that visitors can quickly grasp who you are and what you do. Avoid using fancy jargon or technical language that might confuse people. Instead, use simple, straightforward language that anyone can understand. Break up your content into short paragraphs and use headings and bullet points to make it easy to read.

Visual Appeal: 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that's especially true when it comes to your About Us page. Incorporating visual elements like images and videos can help bring your story to life and make your page more engaging. If you're a Web design and Development company in California, you might want to showcase some of your past projects or highlight your team members in action. Just make sure that your visuals are high-quality and relevant to your story.

Call-to-Action (CTA): 

Every good About Us page should have a clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells visitors what to do next. Whether you want them to contact you for more information, sign up for your newsletter, or follow you on social media, make sure your CTA is easy to find and compelling. Use persuasive language that encourages visitors to take action and lets them know what's in it for them.

Incorporating Social Proof: 

People are more likely to trust a company that others have had positive experiences with. That's why it's essential to incorporate social proof into your About Us page. This could include customer testimonials, reviews, case studies, or endorsements from industry experts. If you're a Web design and Development company in California, you might want to showcase some of your satisfied clients or highlight any awards or recognition you've received.

Accessibility and Mobile Optimization: 

In today's digital world, it's more important than ever to make sure that your website is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or the devices they're using. Make sure that your About Us page is easy to navigate and that all of your content is accessible to people with disabilities. You should also optimize your page for mobile devices, as more and more people are accessing the internet on their phones and tablets.

Regular Updates: 

Finally, don't forget to keep your About Us page up-to-date. As your company grows and evolves, so should your About Us page. Make sure to update it regularly with any new information or accomplishments, such as awards you've won or new team members you've hired. This shows visitors that you're active and engaged and helps keep them coming back for more.

Conclusion: 

Creating a compelling About Us page is essential for any company in Web design in California. By following these tips, you can create a page that not only informs visitors about who you are and what you do but also engages and inspires them to take action. So, roll up your sleeves and get started crafting your About Us page today!

FAQs:

How important is an About Us page for a website?

An About Us page is crucial for establishing credibility, building trust, and connecting with your audience. It provides an opportunity to tell your brand story, showcase your values, and humanize your company.

What should be included in an About Us page?

An About Us page should include information about your company's history, mission, values, team members, and any unique selling points. It's also a good idea to include testimonials, awards, and achievements to build credibility.

How often should an About Us page be updated?

It's important to keep your About Us page content fresh and up-to-date. Aim to update it regularly to reflect any changes in your company, such as new hires, achievements, or milestones.

How can I make my About Us page more engaging?

To make your About Us page more engaging, focus on authentic storytelling, incorporate visual elements, include a clear call-to-action, and showcase social proof such as customer testimonials and awards.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Google reneged on the monopolistic bargain

I'm on tour with my new novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT in SALT LAKE CITY (Feb 21, Weller Book Works) and TOMORROW in SAN DIEGO (Feb 22, Mysterious Galaxy). After that, it's LA, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix and more!

A funny thing happened on the way to the enshittocene: Google – which astonished the world when it reinvented search, blowing Altavista and Yahoo out of the water with a search tool that seemed magic – suddenly turned into a pile of shit.

Google's search results are terrible. The top of the page is dominated by spam, scams, and ads. A surprising number of those ads are scams. Sometimes, these are high-stakes scams played out by well-resourced adversaries who stand to make a fortune by tricking Google:

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/phone-numbers-airlines-listed-google-directed-scammers-rcna94766

But often these scams are perpetrated by petty grifters who are making a couple bucks at this. These aren't hyper-resourced, sophisticated attackers. They're the SEO equivalent of script kiddies, and they're running circles around Google:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/24/passive-income/#swiss-cheese-security

Google search is empirically worsening. The SEO industry spends every hour that god sends trying to figure out how to sleaze their way to the top of the search results, and even if Google defeats 99% of these attempts, the 1% that squeak through end up dominating the results page for any consequential query:

https://downloads.webis.de/publications/papers/bevendorff_2024a.pdf

Google insists that this isn't true, and if it is true, it's not their fault because the bad guys out there are so numerous, dedicated and inventive that Google can't help but be overwhelmed by them:

https://searchengineland.com/is-google-search-getting-worse-389658

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Google has long maintained that its scale is the only thing that keeps us safe from the scammers and spammers who would otherwise overwhelm any lesser-resourced defender. That's why it was so imperative that they pursue such aggressive growth, buying up hundreds of companies and integrating their products with search so that every mobile device, every ad, every video, every website, had one of Google's tendrils in it.

This is the argument that Google's defenders have put forward in their messaging on the long-overdue antitrust case against Google, where we learned that Google is spending $26b/year to make sure you never try another search engine:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-27/google-paid-26-3-billion-to-be-default-search-engine-in-2021

Google, we were told, had achieved such intense scale that the normal laws of commercial and technological physics no longer applied. Take security: it's an iron law that "there is no security in obscurity." A system that is only secure when its adversaries don't understand how it works is not a secure system. As Bruce Schneier says, "anyone can design a security system that they themselves can't break. That doesn't mean it works – just that it works for people stupider than them."

And yet, Google operates one of the world's most consequential security system – The Algorithm (TM) – in total secrecy. We're not allowed to know how Google's ranking system works, what its criteria are, or even when it changes: "If we told you that, the spammers would win."

Well, they kept it a secret, and the spammers won anyway.

A viral post by Housefresh – who review air purifiers – describes how Google's algorithmic failures, which send the worst sites to the top of the heap, have made it impossible for high-quality review sites to compete:

https://housefresh.com/david-vs-digital-goliaths/

You've doubtless encountered these bad review sites. Search for "Best ______ 2024" and the results are a series of near-identical lists, strewn with Amazon affiliate links. Google has endlessly tinkered with its guidelines and algorithmic weights for review sites, and none of it has made a difference. For example, when Google instituted a policy that reviewers should "discuss the benefits and drawbacks of something, based on your own original research," sites that had previously regurgitated the same lists of the same top ten Amazon bestsellers "peppered their pages with references to a ‘rigorous testing process,’ their ‘lab team,’ subject matter experts ‘they collaborated with,’ and complicated methodologies that seem impressive at a cursory look."

But these grandiose claims – like the 67 air purifiers supposedly tested in Better Homes and Gardens's Des Moines lab – result in zero in-depth reviews and no published data. Moreover, these claims to rigorous testing materialized within a few days of Google changing its search ranking and said that high rankings would be reserved for sites that did testing.

Most damning of all is how the Better Homes and Gardens top air purifiers perform in comparison to the – extensively documented – tests performed by Housefresh: "plagued by high-priced and underperforming units, Amazon bestsellers with dubious origins (that also underperform), and even subpar devices from companies that market their products with phrases like ‘the Tesla of air purifiers.’"

One of the top ranked items on BH&G comes from Molekule, a company that filed for bankruptcy after being sued for false advertising. The model BH&G chose was ranked "the worst air purifier tested" by Wirecutter and "not living up to the hype" by Consumer Reports. Either BH&G's rigorous testing process is a fiction that they infused their site with in response to a Google policy change, or BH&G absolutely sucks at rigorous testing.

BH&G's competitors commit the same sins – literally, the exact same sins. Real Simple's reviews list the same photographer and the photos seem to have been taken in the same place. They also list the same person as their "expert." Real Simple has the same corporate parent as BH&G: Dotdash Meredith. As Housefresh shows, there's a lot of Dotdash Meredith review photos that seem to have been taken in the same place, by the same person.

But the competitors of these magazines are no better. Buzzfeed lists 22 air purifiers, including that crapgadget from Molekule. Their "methodology" is to include screenshots of Amazon reviews.

A lot of the top ranked sites for air purifiers are once-great magazines that have been bought and enshittified by private equity giants, like Popular Science, which began as a magazine in 1872 and became a shambling zombie in 2023, after its PE owners North Equity LLC decided its googlejuice was worth more than its integrity and turned it into a metastatic chumbox of shitty affiliate-link SEO-bait. As Housefresh points out, the marketing team that runs PopSci makes a lot of hay out of the 150 years of trust that went into the magazine, but the actual reviews are thin anaecdotes, unbacked by even the pretense of empiricism (oh, and they loooove Molekule).

Some of the biggest, most powerful, most trusted publications in the world have a side-hustle in quietly producing SEO-friendly "10 Best ___________ of 2024" lists: Rolling Stone, Forbes, US News and Report, CNN, New York Magazine, CNN, CNET, Tom's Guide, and more.

Google literally has one job: to detect this kind of thing and crush it. The deal we made with Google was, "You monopolize search and use your monopoly rents to ensure that we never, ever try another search engine. In return, you will somehow distinguish between low-effort, useless nonsense and good information. You promised us that if you got to be the unelected, permanent overlord of all information access, you would 'organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.'"

They broke the deal.

Companies like CNET used to do real, rigorous product reviews. As Housefresh points out, CNET once bought an entire smart home and used it to test products. Then Red Ventures bought CNET and bet that they could sell the house, switch to vibes-based reviewing, and that Google wouldn't even notice. They were right.

https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/welcome-to-the-cnet-smart-home/

Google downranks sites that spend money and time on reviews like Housefresh and GearLab, and crams botshittened content mills like BH&G into our eyeballs instead.

In 1558, Thomas Gresham coined (ahem) Gresham's Law: "Bad money drives out good." When counterfeit money circulates in the economy, anyone who gets a dodgy coin spends it as quickly as they can, because the longer you hold it, the greater the likelihood that someone will detect the fraud and the coin will become worthless. Run this system long enough and all the money in circulation is funny money.

An internet run by Google has its own Gresham's Law: bad sites drive out good. It's not just that BH&G can "test" products at a fraction of the cost of Housefresh – through the simple expedient of doing inadequate tests or no tests at all – so they can put a lot more content up that Housefresh. But that alone wouldn't let them drive Housefresh off the front page of Google's search results. For that, BH&G has to mobilize some of their savings from the no test/bad test lab to do real rigorous science: science in defeating Google's security-through-obscurity system, which lets them command the front page despite publishing worse-than-useless nonsense.

Google has lost the spam wars. In response to the plague of botshit clogging Google search results, the company has invested in…making more botshit:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/16/tweedledumber/#easily-spooked

Last year, Google did a $70b stock buyback. They also laid off 12,000 staffers (whose salaries could have been funded for 27 years by that stock buyback). They just laid off thousands more employees.

That wasn't the deal. The deal was that Google would get a monopoly, and they would spend their monopoly rents to be so good that you could just click "I'm feeling lucky" and be teleported to the very best response to your query. A company that can't figure out the difference between a scam like Better Homes and Gardens and a rigorous review site like Housefresh should be pouring every spare dime it brings in into fixing this problem. Not buying default search status on every platform so that we never try another search engine: they should be fixing their shit.

When Google admits that it's losing the war to these kack-handed spam-farmers, that's frustrating. When they light $26b/year on fire making sure you don't ever get to try anything else, that's very frustrating. When they vaporize seventy billion dollars on financial engineering and shoot one in ten engineers, that's outrageous.

Google's scale has transcended the laws of business physics: they can sell an ever-degrading product and command an ever-greater share of our economy, even as their incompetence dooms any decent, honest venture to obscurity while providing fertile ground – and endless temptation – for scammers.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/21/im-feeling-unlucky/#not-up-to-the-task

[rushikshah]

How to Optimize website for Local Organic SEO

Optimizing your website for local organic SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial for businesses targeting a local audience. Here are some steps you can take to enhance your local SEO:

1.Keyword Research:

Identify relevant local keywords that potential customers might use to find your products or services. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or SEMrush to discover local search terms.

2.On-Page Optimization:

Include local keywords naturally in your page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content. Optimize your website's URL structure to include location-specific terms. Use schema markup to provide search engines with information about your business, such as address, phone number, business hours, and reviews.

3.Google My Business (GMB) Optimization:

Claim and verify your Google My Business listing.Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms.Add high-quality images of your business, products, and services.Encourage and respond to customer reviews on GMB.

4.Local Citations:

Ensure your business information is consistent across online directories, social media profiles, and review sites.List your business on popular local directories such as Yelp, Yellowpages, and local chamber of commerce websites.

5.Local Content Creation:

Create content that is locally relevant and valuable to your audience.Write blog posts, articles, or case studies about local events, news, or community activities.Use local landmarks, events, and news in your content.

6.Mobile Optimization:

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as many local searches happen on mobile devices.Optimize page loading speed for a better user experience.

7.Local Link Building:

Build local backlinks by partnering with other local businesses, sponsoring local events, or participating in community activities.Engage in local partnerships and collaborations.

8.Social Media Presence:

Be active on social media platforms that are popular in your local area.Share local news, events, and promotions.Use location-based hashtags and geotags in your posts.

9.Online Reviews:

Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews.

Conclusion:

Remember that local SEO is an ongoing process, and staying up-to-date with changes in search engine algorithms and consumer behavior is essential for continued success. Regularly evaluate your efforts and make adjustments accordingly.

Contact us for our Local SEO consultation to increase your website ranking in search engine results pages today.

[waycaseuk]

At Waycase, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of top-notch mobile phone cases and accessories to suit every style and need. Whether you're looking for a chic phone cover, a reliable screen protector, a cutting-edge charging accessory, or a trendy Apple watch band, we've got you covered. We offer a wide range of high-quality smartphone accessories, including phone cases and screen protection, charging essentials, AirPod cases, AirTag cases and Apple watch straps. Our carefully curated selection guarantees that you'll find the best products to elevate and protect your devices. Shop at www.waycase.co.uk today and discover the perfect mobile accessories to enhance your tech experience. Shop iPhone cases for all your mobile needs and take advantage of the free delivery service.