#Luxury skylar homes

[flatsinzirakpur]

Experience the ultimate in luxury living with Skylar Homes flats in Zirakpur. Contact Flatsinzirakpur real estate company to secure your dream home today. Call at - 9872892267

[vendetta-if]

Hello! I found this IF weeks ago and I've been loving it ever since 💕 I have some questions...

Let's just say that MC & RO are already married in this scenario and both of them decided to have kids... If so, what kind of parents would they be? And how many kids would the RO wants to have?

Also ignore this ask if it's already answered 🫶 Hope you have a great weekend!

For how many kids, I don’t think any of the ROs really have any preference 🤔 But I suppose some would probably have higher tolerance or experience in living in a livelier house 😆

I can see Ash and Rin not really wanting too many kids; Ash because they are not that confident their ability to take care more than two kids and Rin has always wanted two kids at max.

Skylar and Santana are more open to have more than 2 kids. Skylar being an only child all their life would not mind having a livelier home and they like kids. Meanwhile Santana has experience in taking care of their two little siblings and they don’t really mind kids much.

As for what kind of parents the ROs would be…

Ash

They’ll be quite the protective parent in the sense that they’ll always be ready to fight tooth and nail to protect their kids from danger or harm (including bullies, so they and their parents better think twice because Ash would be ready to throw hands with both 😂).

But other than that, they’re actually pretty chill parent. They’re the kind of parent that the kid would go to ask for something because they’ll be more likely to say yes 😆 They’ll also always make effort to be interested in their kids’ hobbies or interests.

Rin

They’ll be the stricter parents compared to the other ROs. They do have certain expectations of their kids like doing well in school and taking their studies seriously (not slacking off or missing too many classes).

But they’re also a really understanding parent, will always encourage their kids to talk to them about anything troubling them or maybe just talk about other things in general. Rin has always been very mature and possessed great insight into people, and they’ll always be ready to give some sage advice to their kids.

Santana

They’re honestly probably the most normal parent in the sense that they’re very balanced and flexible. They will be strict when needed, but chill and understanding otherwise.

One of the most important things to them is to impart a sense of responsibility in their kids, so even if they ended up marrying MC and had much comfier and luxurious lifestyle, they’d still want their kids to be independent and capable of doing basic chores like doing laundry or cooking simple meals.

Skylar

Straight up the fun and outgoing parent. Similar to Ash, they’ll always make an effort to get into their kids hobbies and interests as well. They’ll try to make time to personally drop off and pick up their kids from extracurricular activities and encourage them in pursuing their interests.

They’re really doting and might be the most similar to Viktor out of all the other ROs. I’d say they’re like a mix of Viktor and Takashi 🤣 Gentle and caring like Viktor, but energetic and playful (to the point of childishness at times) like Takashi. Of course, the downside is they have a hard time being strict to their kids.

This is the type of thing that Skylar (and Takashi and to a lesser degree, Viktor) would do:

BONUS

This is the difference between how Ash and Rin would’ve reacted to a bully bullying their kids:

Ash

Throw hands, no questions asked 👊

Rin

Find out everything they can about the bully and their family ✨ Those information will be used as necessary until the bullying stops.

[skylarxgraham]

Every day, no matter what odd job or task he has undertaken to earn money — Skylar always made sure to be in a particular place at a specific time. That being of course the bakery when it closes, so he could reunite with a certain dragonblood at the end of their shift. He's grown quite fond of Aiden during the past few weeks they've been spending time together. Skylar couldn't deny his physical attraction towards the larger man. Aiden was beautiful to look at, even more so to smell and taste. However, his tenderness and gentle heart were the two key factors which drew the borrower witch in. Such traits normally didn't coincide with a typical alpha. Skylar would be a fool to let the opportunity to find the perfect mate escape his clutches.

The smaller of the two blondes patiently outside while Aiden locked up, smiling giddily when the dragonblood was finally finished. Skylar immediately went for a warm hug and a kiss to the cheek. "How was your day, love?" he asked and gently wiped some smeared flour off Aiden's face with his hand. Seeing the baker was definitely a highlight and luxury Skylar enjoyed on a routinely basis. "Ready to go home and relax with me?" The witch linked arms with Aiden and began walking alongside him over to his vehicle.

@fire-and-brimsdoughn

[parkskylar]

For: @huntedarte Where: Cool Beans Cat Cafe

There was no one in the cafe, hadn't been for the last hour and even more. The last customer had only come in for a take away order and Skylar had been left alone to wander about in her own mind. Thoughts swirling restlessly as she considered the last two months she's been living in this city. It felt strange still, being away from home for so long, without hearing about her parents. Unable to call them. Fear still gripped tightly at her heart.

The paper figures scattered around the counter were soon joined by another. She had already swiped the floors and cleaned all the tables. Even the coffee machine was ready to be turned off. Seemed like all the city and their neighbors had attended that luxurious party she heard about. And she groaned as another minute ticked by way too slow. She almost cried from happiness at the sound of the door. But any word that could had come out of her lips was suddenly stuck on her throat. Do you have a pack?. The question had been circling her mind even when she was adamant that she didn't needed a damn pack. She didn't fit in one, she never will.

She clears her throat, looks at the redhead, fancy and... good in the formal wear and... runs a hand through her hair. "Hi huh... what can I get you?." Welcome to cool beans fucking long name cafe, welcome. Her boss would surely say something about her manners but Skylar couldn't manage more than that.

[rick-trager-b1tch]

Jeremy Blaire - a true buddy? 🤔

Jeremy Blaire, the Vice President of Murkoff Corporation, made his way to Rick Trager's luxurious home for a casual evening of drinks and conversation. Rick was known for his wild parties and extravagant lifestyle, and Jeremy was always up for a good time.

As soon as Jeremy entered Rick's home, he was greeted with a warm smile and a glass of whiskey. The two men settled down on the plush couches in Rick's living room, surrounded by expensive art and elegant furniture. Rick poured out lines of cocaine on a small table, and the men wasted no time in indulging in the illicit substance.

"Cheers to another successful day at Murkoff," Jeremy said, raising his glass.

"Cheers," Rick replied, clinking his glass against Jeremy's.

The conversation quickly turned to work, as both men were passionate about their roles at the corporation. They discussed upcoming projects, potential mergers, and the latest innovations in technology. Rick was particularly excited about a new venture he was spearheading, and Jeremy was impressed by his dedication and vision.

However, the mood turned slightly tense when Rick brought up his assistant, Skylar. He complained about how she had refused to accompany him to a golf outing earlier in the day, citing a busy schedule. Rick was clearly annoyed by her lack of willingness to indulge in his leisure activities.

"I can't believe she had the nerve to say no to me," Rick grumbled, taking another sip of whiskey.

Jeremy couldn't help but laugh at Rick's frustration. "Maybe she's just not into golf, Rick. You can't expect everyone to enjoy the same things you do."

Rick ran a hand through his chaotic, curly hair, a gesture he often used when thinking deeply. "I guess you're right, Jer. But still, it would have been nice for her to at least make an effort."

Jeremy chuckled, teasingly. "You'll have to work on your powers of persuasion, my friend. Not everyone can resist your charm like I can."

Rick grinned, his annoyance fading away. "That's true. You're one of a kind, Jer."

The men continued to chat and laugh, the cocaine fueling their energy and conversation. They delved into deeper topics, discussing their personal lives, aspirations, and dreams. Jeremy shared stories about his upbringing and his rise to success at Murkoff, while Rick opened up about his family and his struggles to find true happiness.

As the night wore on, the two men grew closer, their bond strengthened by the shared experience of indulging in forbidden pleasures. Rick affectionately called Jeremy "Buddy" or "Jer," a sign of their growing camaraderie.

Suddenly, Rick's phone beeped, indicating a message from Skylar. He groaned in annoyance, clearly not in the mood to deal with work matters at that moment. Jeremy, ever the understanding friend, encouraged Rick to respond and resolve the issue before it escalated.

After a few moments of texting back and forth, Rick set his phone aside, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thanks, Jer. You always know how to keep me in line."

Jeremy smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "That's what friends are for, Rick. We have each other's backs, no matter what."

As the night came to a close, the two men shared a final toast to their friendship and the future. They parted ways with promises to meet again soon, their bond stronger than ever.

In the quiet of his home, Rick couldn't help but feel grateful for Jeremy's presence in his life. Despite their differences and the challenges they faced, they were united by a deep respect and admiration for each other. And as Rick drifted off to sleep, he knew that he had found a true friend in Jeremy Blaire, the Vice President of Murkoff Corporation.

[jadhavpropmart]

PSK-SKYLAR in Thane: Premium 1BHK, 2BHK, and 2.5BHK Flats in Thane's Real Estate Market

Thane, one of Mumbai's fastest-growing suburban areas, has seen exponential growth in its real estate sector in recent years. Nestled amid this development is PSK-SKYLAR, a premium residential property in thane offering 1BHK, 2BHK, and 2.5BHK flats designed to cater to homebuyers looking for a blend of luxury and practicality. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an investor seeking long-term value, PSK-SKYLAR promises to deliver on all fronts. Let's dive into why this project has become a top choice in Thane's real estate market.

Prime Location of PSK-SKYLAR in Thane

One of the most significant factors that make PSK-SKYLAR stand out is its strategic location. Thane has emerged as a hotspot for real estate investments, boasting excellent connectivity to both Mumbai and surrounding areas. Located near major highways, such as the Eastern Express Highway and the Ghodbunder Road, residents of PSK-SKYLAR enjoy quick access to Mumbai's business hubs, Navi Mumbai, and other western suburbs.

Top-Class Amenities for a Modern Lifestyle

PSK-SKYLAR offers an extensive range of amenities that align with the needs and desires of today’s modern homebuyer. These features are thoughtfully designed to ensure that residents experience a balanced lifestyle, filled with comfort, recreation, and wellness.

Clubhouse

Swimming Pool

Gymnasium

Children’s Play Area

Landscaped Gardens

Multipurpose Hall

Apartment Configurations: 1BHK, 2BHK, and 2.5BHK Flats

PSK-SKYLAR is thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of lifestyle needs. Whether you are looking for a compact home or a spacious living space, this project offers diverse apartment configurations:

Configuration:

1 BHK (430 – 433 – 480 Sq.ft)

2 BHK (625 – 650 Sq.ft)

2.5 BHK JODI FLAT (866 Sq.Ft )

1BHK Flats in PSK-SKYLAR

The 1BHK flats in thane are perfect for single professionals, couples, or small families. With intelligently designed spaces, these apartments make the most of their compact layout without compromising on comfort.

2BHK Flats in PSK-SKYLAR

The 2BHK flats are ideal for growing families or those who need an additional bedroom for guests, a home office, or extra storage space. These apartments feature a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

2.5BHK Flats in PSK-SKYLAR

For those seeking even more flexibility, the 2.5BHK flats offer an additional half-bedroom, which can be used as a study, home office, or extra storage room. These flats provide the perfect solution for families that need a bit more space without opting for a full-sized 3BHK apartment.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving real estate market of Thane, PSK-SKYLAR emerges as a top contender, offering affordable luxury, world-class amenities, and excellent connectivity. Whether you are looking for a compact 1BHK, a spacious 2BHK, or the added flexibility of a 2.5BHK, this project has something for everyone. With its strategic location, modern amenities, and promising future growth, PSK-SKYLAR is a wise choice for both homebuyers and investors.

For more details visit our site: https://www.propmart.co/city/properties-in-thane/

[kpawarpropmart]

PSK-SKYAR: Premium Living in Thane

PSK-SKYLAR in Thane is the latest addition to the growing skyline of the city, offering modern homes with a blend of comfort and luxury. This project, situated in one of the prime locations in Thane, is a promising real estate investment for homebuyers seeking the perfect balance between work and leisure. With its excellent connectivity and modern amenities, PSK-SKYLAR is rapidly gaining attention in the market for properties in Thane.

Prime Location of PSK-SKYLAR

Located strategically in Thane, PSK-SKYLAR enjoys proximity to major transport hubs, shopping centers, and reputed educational institutions. The location offers seamless access to the Eastern Express Highway, making commutes to central Mumbai and other areas extremely convenient. Public transportation options, such as local trains and buses, are also easily accessible, adding to the location’s appeal. Whether you’re working in Mumbai or nearby suburbs, living at PSK-SKYLAR ensures you are always connected.

Variety of Flat Configurations

PSK-SKYLAR in Thane caters to different needs with a range of well-designed flats, including 1BHK, 2BHK, and 2.5BHK options. The 1BHK flats are ideal for young professionals or small families, offering compact yet comfortable living spaces. For those seeking more room, the 2BHK flats provide a spacious layout perfect for growing families, while the 2.5BHK Flats in Thane offer an additional room that can be used as a home office, guest room, or study. Each flat is designed to maximize space and light, creating a welcoming ambiance.

Configuration:

1 BHK (430 – 433 – 480 Sq.ft)

2 BHK (625 – 650 Sq.ft)

2.5 BHK JODI FLAT (866 Sq.Ft )

Modern Amenities for a Comfortable Lifestyle

PSK-SKYLAR boasts a range of modern amenities that cater to the lifestyle needs of today’s homebuyers. The project includes a well-equipped fitness center, swimming pool, and landscaped gardens, providing residents with spaces to relax and rejuvenate. For families, the children's play area and dedicated spaces for indoor games ensure that there’s something for everyone. Additionally, the presence of 24/7 security and ample parking space adds to the overall convenience and peace of mind.

Amenities:

SCULPTURE REFLEXOLOGY

YOGA MEDITATION

GYMNASIUM

KIDS PLAY AREA

ARTISTIC WALL

ROCK CLIMBING WALL

BABY CRECHE

VIEWING DECK

SPA , STEAM & SAUNA

Real Estate Investment in Thane

Investing in Properties in Thane, especially in projects like PSK-SKYLAR, is a smart choice given the city's rapid growth as a residential hub. Thane has seen a steady rise in property values due to its infrastructure development, making it a great option for both homebuyers and investors. With its modern design, top-notch amenities, and strategic location, PSK-SKYLAR represents a great opportunity to invest in Thane’s booming real estate market.

Conclusion

PSK-SKYLAR in Thane is not just a residential project; it's a lifestyle upgrade. With options like 1BHK, 2BHK, and 2.5BHK flats, it caters to diverse needs while offering top-class amenities and excellent connectivity. If you’re looking for properties in Thane that combine modern living with convenience, PSK-SKYLAR is a standout choice in the real estate market.

For more details, visit our website: https://www.propmart.co/city/properties-in-thane/

[flatsinzirakpur]

Discover the epitome of luxury living at Skylar Homes in Zirakpur. Experience exquisite flats with top-notch amenities. Contact today flatsinzirakpur at 9872892267 to get the best info on flats.

[californiapool1]

Welcome to Best California Pool Builder

Your Premier Destination for Luxury and Custom Pool Design

Best California Pool Builder stands as the leading name in luxury and custom pool design and construction in the heart of California. With years of experience, we specialize in transforming ordinary backyards into private retreats that exude elegance and comfort.

Expertise and Experience

Our team of seasoned designers, engineers, and construction specialists brings a wealth of expertise to every project. With a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for perfection, we ensure each pool we create is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and innovation.

Unparalleled Quality and Service

At Best California Pool Builder, quality is at the forefront of everything we do. We are committed to delivering pools that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. From the initial consultation to the final touches, our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the project is executed flawlessly.

Transforming Backyards into Private Retreats

Imagine stepping into your backyard and being greeted by a stunning, custom-designed pool that reflects your personal style and taste. Whether you envision a sleek, modern design or a lush, tropical paradise, our team has the skills and creativity to bring your vision to life. Our goal is to create a space where you can relax, entertain, and make lasting memories with family and friends.

Why Choose Best California Pool Builder?

Choosing Best California Pool Builder means choosing excellence. Our years of experience, combined with our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, set us apart from the competition. We take pride in our work and strive to build pools that not only enhance the beauty of your home but also add value to your property.

Contact Us

Ready to transform your backyard into a luxurious oasis? Contact Best California Pool Builder today to schedule a consultation. Let us show you why we are the best choice for custom pool design and construction in California.

Reach Out To Us:

Name: Best California Pool Builders

Address: 515 Flower Street 18th & 19th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Phone: +1 213 799 5322

Email: skylar@bestcaliforniapoolbuild

External link:

https://www.pinterest.com/bestcaliforniapoolbuilder/

https://www.youtube.com/@CaliforniaPool-d9j

https://www.tiktok.com/@best.california.p

[wqbytop100]

WQBY

Top 100 for the week ending May 26, 2024

End Of Time --Lucas & Steve, LAWRENT, Jordan Shaw -2

Lighter --Galantis, David Guetta, 5 Seconds of Summer -1

Love & Pain --Enrique Iglesias -4

Sleep Tonight (This is the Life) --Switch Disco, R3HAB, Sam Feldt -3

One, Two & 3 --Galantis -8

Eyes Closed --Imagine Dragons -6

Buscando Money --Twenty Six, Tayson Kryss -5

Beat of your Love --Ownboss, LAWRENT, Ekko -7

Fallin Luv --Gordo, Jeria -9

Kissing Strangers --USHER -12

What If We Met --Ali Gatie -10

Jet Plane --R3HAB, VIZE, JP Cooper -11

Heaven Or Not --Diplo, Riva Starr, Kareem Lomax -14

Lovers In A Past Life --Calvin Harris, Rag'N'Bone Man -15

I Had Some Help --Post Malone, Morgan Wallen -17

Weight Of The World --Bonnie X Clyde -13

The Moves --NEIKED, Muni-Long, Nile Rodgers -28

Hell Together --David Archuleta -20

Addicted --Zerb, The Chainsmokers feat/INK -21

Underwater --DubVision, Afrojack -23

Take A Moment --ATB, David Frank -27

We Ain't Good At Breaking Up --Brothers Osborne -26

My Favorite Drug --Justin Timberlake -50

Glad I Found You --Elderbrook & George Fitzgerald -24

Without You --Disco Fries, Lavish Life -22

When I Wake Up --Lucas & Steve, Skinny Days -19

***Role Model --Fat Boy Slim, Dan Diamond, Luca Guerrieri -(new)

Low Again --BAKERMAT -16

Reckless Child --Milky Chance --25

Young & Foolish --Loud Luxury, Charlieonafriday -29

Outlaw Love --Brooke Eden (Dave Aude Remix) -30

Enhancer ---Northeast Party House -32

Nothing Ever Changes --Vintage Culture, MAGNUS -44

Make Me Your Mrs. --Mae Stephens -18

Anthem --Diplo, Shram, Pony -35

Monster --A7S, ALOK -31

Shadow --Trixie Mattel -56

Feel This Way --Victoria Nadine, R3HAB -36

Houdini --Dua Lipa -39

Lil Tune --Gus Dapperton, Electric Guest -40

The Afterhours --Kyle Watson -37

Level Up --Wolfgang Gartner, Scrufizzer -46

One On One --Robin Schulz, Oaks, Topic -43

Before You Go --Seeb -33

Electricity --Fast Boy, R3HAB -34

My Body --Illusionize, Y&M -38

Loose Ends ---Lucas Estrada, Syn Cole -45

Don't You Cry --Sunday Scaries, Discrete -47

Slide Out --Life On Planets -48

Undone --Forest Blakk -42

Lonely Dancer --Conan Gray -41

Love Me --INNA -54

Willing To Let You Go --Diplo, Anella Herim, Abby Anderson -55

Never Ending Song --Conan Gray -57

No Shade At Pitti -The Chainsmokers -61

Don't Look Down --Lucas Estrada, James TW, SUPER Hi -62

Forgive Me --ODESZA, IZZY Bizu -64

Cutting Loose --Disco Lines, J. Worra, Anabel Englund -53

Waterslides --Tiesto, Rudimental, Absolutely -52

She's On My Mind --Romy -51

Never Be Friends --Jost, Minogue -49

Wake Up --Young Franco, Master Peace -65

God Don't Leave Me Alone -Gioli & Assia -67

Disconnect --Becky Hill, Chase & Statis (Tiesto Remix) -78

Make You Mine --Madison Beer -71

Last Night ---LOOFY -69

Eat The Bass --John Summit -70

Weatherman --Zach Hood -72

Whatever --KYGO feat/Ava Max -73

Wake Up --Skylar Blatt feat/Chris Brown -74

Animal --R3HAB, Jason Derulo -75

Illusion --Dua Lipa -76

Without You --Felix Jaehn, Jasmine Thompson -89

***LA --Northeast Party House -(new)

***One Cry --Galantis, Rosa Linn -(new)

Wish I Never Felt ---Nate Smith -58

Fantasy --Cosmo's Midnight, Frank Moody -59 >>>

Soultrain --Triplism, Nandu, Radeckt -63

Save You A Seat --Alex Warren -68

Dance Alone --SIA, Kylie Minogue -81

Why Should i? --Z2LLA -82

Better Me --Michael Schulte, R3HAB -83

Regret The Morning --SILK, Mali-Koa -84

In Your Arms --Jess Bays, Jem Cooke -85 >>>

Come With Me --Claptone -86 >>>

Monster --Don Diablo, Felix Jaehn -89

America --Charlie Crockett -98

***I Believe --Bassjackers, WUKONG, D Jayne -(new)

Murder On The Dancefloor --Sophie Ellis-Bextor -87

The Weekend --Anti-Up -90

Anyone --Morgan Page --80 >>>

Home --CamelPhatt, RHODE (Vintage Culture Remix) -77 >>>

***Promised Land --Vintage Culture, Paige Cavell -(new)

Kettle's Up --Mahmut Orhan, Axelax, Botin -92 >>>

Give It To Me Good --SIDEPIECE, Disco Lines -100

Good As It Gets --Blanco Brown -91 >>>

Yellow --Jxdn -60 >>>

Stereo --Two Colors, Roe Byrne -66 >>>

Outside Of Love --Becky Hill -99

***Come Come --Vintage Culture, Tube & Berger, Kyle Pearce -(new)

6 New on the chart this week 5.26.24 @# 27-Role Model @# 74-LA @# 75-One Cry @# 88-I Believe @# 93-Promised Land @# 100-Come Come

[merrock]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: Tom Holland

full name: Skylar Hartman

nickname(s) / goes by: Sky, SJ

pronouns & gender: cis man & he/him

sexuality: pansexual

birth date: june, 4, 1997

birth place: merrock

arrival to merrock: he is a local! he left for five years and just arrived back 6 months ago

housing: historical downtown

occupation: mental health counselor

work place: NA.

family: Livvy & Mandy Hartman

relationship status: single 

PERSONALITY

Skylar would give the shirt off of his back for someone, even if he didn't know them. He has always been selfless and have always cared more about others than himself. While that's great, he also has struggled to take care of himself at times so that plays into his insecurities a little bit. He tries not to show that side of himself unless it's someone super important to him. At the same time, his family doesn't know and it's hard for anyone to tell he's going through something because he's so bubbly. 

WRITTEN BY: JimJam (he/him & they/them), est.

BACKGROUND / BIO

triggering / sensitive content: drug usage

Growing up in a family where you constantly felt the love was something that Skylar was grateful for. He knew that not everyone was able to have the luxuries in life that he was able to have. He also knew that not everyone had the older siblings that he had and that's why he made sure to cherish it every single day. Family was never anything that Skylar would be able to take advantage of because they always had each other's backs through thick and thin. 

When he was in high school, he had a natural act for volleyball. He loved playing and he was actually really good at it. He wasn't someone who liked to be modest about it as he was a humble individual. He was kind to everyone that he saw walking through the halls as he didn't see the point in making anyone feel ostracized. While some of his teammates thought differently, he knew that there was no talking any sense into them so he just tried his best to make up for them. 

When Skylar was sixteen, he noticed his best friend acting differently. He didn't know what to do but eventually he had found out that they were using drugs and Skylar wished that he could have helped them through whatever they were going through. This was his best friend and he didn't want to see them struggling so he did something that he didn't think he would have done to them, but he went to their parents and reported his concerns to them in which they had sent their child to rehab to get some help. 

Skylar tried to visit them multiple times, but they refused so he felt awful as all he wanted to do was help his best friend. As he was deciding what to go to college for, he realized that his best friend's predicament showed him that he wanted to help others through their darknesses. He went to school in New York State for psychology and then got his masters in mental health counseling. 

Skylar continues to work day after day to help others and he wanted to save his best friend. After graduating and finishing his internship, Skylar was in New York still and so he decided to move back home to Merrock where he knew that he could be truly happy. 

[internationalrealestatenews]

[ad_1] For 4 years now, the housing market has defied all logic.A world pandemic didn’t collapse costs, however despatched them hovering to new heights. Final yr, mortgage charges hit a 23-year excessive and gross sales plummeted. Even so, residence costs stubbornly stored rising, creating essentially the most unaffordable housing market in generations.This yr provides a brand new plot twist: Extra residences are beneath development than at any time in half a century, delivering renters extra new residences than they’ve seen in a long time.So whereas shopping for a house continues to be an infuriating expertise, marked by excessive costs, excessive rates of interest and low stock, renting an condominium is getting simpler. That implies that until you intend to stay in a home for the subsequent decade or so, now might not be the very best time to purchase it.“That is concerning the worst time to purchase a house,” stated Christopher Mayer, an actual property professor at Columbia Enterprise College.Sure, mortgage charges have edged down from their October peak of virtually 8 p.c, and stock has ticked up as sellers creep again into the market. However the total image hasn’t modified in any significant means — and sure received’t anytime quickly.Most economists don’t count on mortgage charges to fall rather more this yr. The common 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.6 p.c within the third week of January, in line with Freddie Mac. And whereas optimists like Selma Hepp, the chief economist for CoreLogic, assume that charges could dip beneath 6 p.c by the top of the yr, pessimists like Skylar Olsen, the chief economist at Zillow, assume they might inch nearer to 7 p.c once more.The headwinds aren't nice. In December, the variety of new listings was up 2 p.c from a yr earlier, however nonetheless down virtually 15 p.c from prepandemic ranges, in line with Zillow. As for costs, economists count on them to roughly flatten this yr. Redfin is predicting that they’ll fall by 1 p.c; Freddie Mac, that they’ll improve by simply 2.5 p.c, half the speed of 2023.All of because of this anybody shopping for a house at this time will doubtless pay prime greenback, at a excessive borrowing price, for an asset which will have already peaked.As Mr. Mayer put it, you’re “successfully shopping for a luxurious good, and it’s not going to pay the identical charge of return” as different investments.The Yr of the Renter?The rental market, nonetheless, seems to be slightly completely different, not less than for this yr.Not since 1973 has america seen so many residences — about 1 million nationwide — beneath development directly. Greater than half will likely be accessible this yr, and virtually all are leases.Many of those developments broke floor throughout the pandemic, when builders guess on a market with hovering rents, as folks uprooted their lives and moved. However a multifamily constructing takes time to assemble, and these buildings are getting into a modified panorama. Renters, squeezed to their monetary limits, are now not signing as many leases, which is driving up vacancies.Asking rents had been mainly flat final yr throughout the nation, falling by virtually 1 p.c, to a median of $1,379 a month, in line with Condominium Record. In New York Metropolis, the median asking hire — $3,500 a month — edged up by lower than 3 p.c in November 2023 from a yr earlier, marking the bottom acquire since August 2021, in line with StreetEasy.However it’s nonetheless a time of crushing housing prices, with rents 19 p.c increased than they had been earlier than the pandemic, a interval that “reset the market to an entire new value stage,” stated Igor Popov, the chief economist for Condominium Record.Housing and shelter prices had been among the many largest drivers of inflation in December 2023, in line with the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. And final yr, the everyday renter was price burdened, spending greater than 30 p.c of their earnings on hire.“Renters want some reduction,” stated Bess Freedman, the chief govt at Brown Harris Stevens.

“Individuals can’t pay these loopy costs. They must have a house.”The brand new housing could not less than hold rents from rising a lot. Renters ought to count on offers, with landlords providing months of free hire, health club entry or parking. (In December 2023, 33 p.c of Zillow’s rental listings included concessions, up from 27 p.c in December 2022.)“For renters, with rising stock, they are going to lastly really feel extra empowered to barter on rents and concessions” in New York Metropolis, stated Kenny Lee, a StreetEasy economist.Whereas these new developments are concentrated within the Sunbelt and the Midwest, they are often seen in different places, too, together with exurbs and rural communities, stated Robert Dietz, the chief economist for the Nationwide Affiliation of House Builders. “It’s actually happening all over the place,” he stated.However the get together received’t final lengthy. Excessive rates of interest have spooked builders throughout the nation, drying up the development pipeline, and begins of latest multifamily developments are anticipated to drop 20 p.c in 2024, in line with the Nationwide Affiliation of House Builders. In New York, the place a property tax exemption expired, month-to-month filings for brand spanking new foundations, a essential marker of latest development, had been already down 78 p.c in 2023 from the earlier yr, in line with the Actual Property Board of New York.“I at all times give it some thought when it comes to a drought,” Mr. Popov stated. “You might need that one wet season that helps, however you’re nonetheless in a drought.”‘The Math Doesn’t Make Sense’Final yr, many potential sellers stayed put, unwilling to commerce pandemic-era mortgage charges for a lot increased ones on their subsequent residence. To make issues worse, the nation is brief anyplace from 1.5 million to six.5 million new houses, relying on whom you ask, as a result of builders haven't constructed almost sufficient housing because the foreclosures disaster to maintain up with a rising inhabitants.The end result: Fewer houses had been offered in 2023 than at any time since 2014, in line with CoreLogic — however not for lack of demand. Regardless of skyrocketing rates of interest, folks nonetheless needed to purchase houses, and lots of discovered themselves navigating a baffling world of bidding wars as a result of there have been so few that can be purchased.By October 2023, residence costs had been up 45 p.c because the begin of the pandemic, in line with the Case-Shiller residence value index. Mix that value progress with the rise in borrowing prices, and housing is now extra unaffordable than at any level since 1984, in line with a November report by Intercontinental Trade, an information firm. Within the third quarter of 2023, the everyday prices of proudly owning a house — mortgage, insurance coverage, property taxes — exceeded $2,000 a month for the primary time in historical past, consuming virtually 35 p.c of the typical wage, in line with ATTOM, an information analytics firm.If you happen to take into account shopping for a house as a call based mostly solely on dollars and cents, the reply isn't clear lower — significantly for anybody who could transfer once more within the subsequent few years.“In some methods, the maths doesn’t make sense,” stated Lisa Sturtevant, the chief economist at Vibrant MLS, a a number of listings service for the Mid-Atlantic area.The maths definitely doesn't make sense for anybody who already owns a house with a 3 p.c mortgage rate of interest. Transfer from one residence to a different of across the similar worth, and it'll price hundreds of dollars in increased curiosity funds through the years.First-time consumers are additionally dealing with troublesome math, as rents are at the moment low in comparison with mortgage funds. Purchase a $400,000 home at this time, with $80,000 down and a 30-year mortgage at a 6.6 p.c rate of interest, and curiosity funds alone (not together with taxes or upkeep) will price virtually $20,000 the primary yr.

However suppose you discover an condominium on the median hire — $1,379 a month? A yr of renting will price you $16,550.Put that $80,000 down cost in a mutual fund or the inventory market, and you'll doubtless get a better charge of return in your funding.“If I make investments the cash in a house at this time, given how excessive costs are, I’m actually saying I’m anticipating residence costs to go up quite a bit,” Mr. Mayer stated. “I don’t assume that’s a practical expectation.”Eyes on the Perpetually HouseHowever folks don’t purchase houses the identical means they purchase shares.A house isn’t simply an funding — it’s a supply of stability and a spot to stay your life, and perhaps elevate kids. There are vital tax advantages, too, particularly should you personal the house for a few years.A former scholar of Mr. Mayer’s was shifting to the Bay Space for a brand new job, and requested for recommendation. Given the exorbitant value of housing within the space, the scholar needed to know if it made sense to purchase. The speed of return on her funding didn’t look favorable within the short-term, however she had different elements to think about — the place her kids would go to high school and discovering a house in a neighborhood she appreciated, with a manageable commute.In different phrases, she needed to take into account her life. Mr. Mayer suggested her to purchase.Different consumers and sellers appear to be making an analogous calculation. In the course of the second week of January, mortgage purposes for residence purchases had been up 9 p.c from the earlier week, in line with the Mortgage Bankers Affiliation.As Dr. Sturtevant, of Vibrant MLS, identified, “It’s not at all times concerning the math.”“For some owners, the maths could look difficult,” she continued, however different elements come into play: Maybe they want one other bed room for a rising household, “or they should transfer to be close to an getting older father or mother or a change in job.”After 18 stable months of excessive rates of interest, consumers and sellers could determine to make a change anyway, she stated: “I feel 2024 is the yr of ‘life occurs.’”For weekly e mail updates on residential actual property information, enroll right here. [ad_2] Supply hyperlink

[averyqueerhalloween]

See For Me (2021) || 4/5 || Thriller || "A group of thieves break into the luxurious, secluded mansion Sophie is house-sitting. Sophie, a visually impaired former skier, must rely on Kelly, an army veteran living across the country, to help her fight back."

CW: Blood, Murder, Hostage Situation

Now I wasn't orginally going to make a post about this movie since there are no Queer characters in the film but I might do posts about certain movies if the lead actors are Queer. The main character, while sexuality/gender is never stated the lead is Skylar Davenport, they are a visually impaired Non-Binary actor. I didn't know this going into the film, I honestly watched it for Jessica Parker Kennedy (and she was great in it).

I was pleasantly surprised about how much I actually liked and enjoyed this movie. Home Invasion movies are usually very unsettling as it's something very real that happens. I don't often have much luck in finding any enjoyment or entertainment from modern horror movies, I generally just like old black and white horror but I liked this.

Some people said this movie wasn't violent enough for them but honestly if you don't do gore then this is probably a fine horror for you. (There is a bit of blood but nothing actually gorey)

[labrats-and-clonetroopers]

“Fractured” Oliver Drabble, Lab Rats: Elite Force

Masterlist 

Lab Rats/Mighty Med/Elite Force Masterlist 

Request Guidelines 

Warning: depression, discussion of a broken home

___________________________________________________

He knows he’s taken it too far. His crush on Skylar has started to become obsessive and a bit creepy, and he isn’t proud, but it’s so much easier to think about Skylar, to dream about love, affection and things for once actually turning out right. It’s easier to pour yourself wholly into saving the world and chasing girls until your eyes burn and hands tremble for pushing harder and harder without ever taking a break. He doesn’t want to take a break. If he does he will remember that the home he used to walk to every night no longer exists. It started falling apart the day his father got that promotion, and his parents being the kind to put their careers above absolutely everything else, got divorced. His father moved to England and married only three months later to a woman who wanted a picture perfect family, one that didn’t include stepchildren, even on holidays. Then there was his mother, constantly treating him like a DIY project, getting engaged to Horace Diaz, and choosing to become a monster even as he begged her to stop the insanity and just go back to being his mom.

She didn’t. 

And now he was losing one of his closest friends, the girl he loves, to Chase Davenport. He can’t let it happen; he’s already lost so much. One more fracure and he will finally break; his soul will bleed out onto the ground and only a numb shell of who he once was will be left. He just wishes someone would notice, would hear his cries for help, but no one does. Kaz, for all his loyalty, never understood, and Skylar rarely seemed to see beyond her own problems to truly console another human being. 

Here he stands, on the terrace of the tallest building in all of Centium City, surrounded by the kind of night skyline associated with luxurious life, and for the first time in three years he lets a tear slide down his cheek. One cascades into a dozen, and Oliver lets himself fall apart. 

He doesn’t hear the footsteps come up behind him, or the soft “Hey”, but he does feel the gentle hand on his shoulder. He cringes, embarrassed, ready to assure Kaz or Skylar that he was just fine and endure their prompt dismissal of any concern they might have had, but as he turns his head it isn’t Kaz or Skylar, it’s Bree.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, and Oliver looks up at her in half shock, “Should…should I find Kaz or something?”

“No,” he chokes, “No, I’m…I’m okay.”

Bree nods, but she doesn’t move. She stays even as his tears come flooding back and he confesses all the pain he’s tried so hard to suppress. She holds him as his mind unburdens his despair, because if she knows anything it’s the fear that the people you sacrifice so much of your life for won’t be there to catch you when you fall. 

Givers who have nothing left to give but their own skin and bone, so they fall apart at the seams, nothing left but broken parts and puppet strings; and the people you love never realize what’s happening until it’s over. Until it’s too late.

[thecandywrites]

Jewel Of The North Part 8

The calm down but a little storm is about to be brewed into a hurricane. 

Again, thanks to @monstersandmaw​ for sharing ice orcs with me. I really appreciate it. Alorna is in the bottom left corner. 

Enjoy. 

Jewel Of The North 

Part 8

“What is wrong with you? You are the only person on the planet that the thought of a millionaire joining the family pisses you off!” John yelled at his wife before he got a call from work. 

“What?” He demanded. 

“Tim called off, is there any way we can get you to come in?” Harald asked him. 

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a bit.” John grumbled before he hung up. 

“You go home and cool off and just think about this and work on a good apology and how we can get into Zara’s good graces. We need her to like us. She’s from a good family and I would bet you twenty bucks that she paid off all her family’s debts, she could do the same for your parents, all of our family’s and hell even Neena’s family’s debts- if she wanted to. She could even donate to the clans. She’s a godsend, literally. You’re always complaining about how I don’t make enough money and how poor we are and our one shot into an easy life in the lap of luxury and you pissed it away on your petty jealousy over what? Because her son is in ballet? Who the fuck cares? He could torture small animals for fun or literally anything else and it shouldn’t make a damn difference! Or was it because she was Anglo? Hell, I’m mostly Anglo and the only time you give a damn is when you can reserve judgement whenever a native marries a non native and you get to sit on top of your high horse and drag everyone else into the mud even though you’re the most guilty of it. Or was the biggest reason you instantly didn’t like her was because she was prettier than you? Gave you some competition for being the most beautiful woman in the family? Was that it? Gods you are so vain! Get over yourself, the world does not revolve around you! She can afford to give Sakura anything she wants and everything she needs and therefore, everything we want and everything we need. She’s the best kind of rich because she wasn’t born with it so her parents didn’t get the chance to tell her to hoard it all, she’s only had it for a couple of years and poor people love to share new wealth! If you had just played nice like your parents asked, we would be on the winning side of this! You knew the family would turn on you if you turned on her. You should have just kept your mouth shut and your judgement to yourself!” John barked as he drove them home before she got out of the car and slammed her door shut and stomped into the house and had a temper tantrum. 

She couldn’t lose like this. Then she got an idea. 

She got in her car and drove to the community center where she knew the remaining elder body would be gathered going over the final details of the festivities the day after tomorrow. But on the way, she saw Doug stumble out of another bar and stagger to his car. 

“What happened to you?” She asked as she pulled up next to him. 

“You don’t want to know.” Doug shook his head. 

“Does it have something to do with Zarasashasabine Kingsley?” She inquired smugly before he looked up at her. 

“Get in and tell me everything.” She invited before he did as she asked and got into her car as she drove to the community center and once there, they stayed and came up with a scheme to get even before Doug seemed to sober up before they went into the center together to address the council. 

“Hey, so there’s been a development…” Alorna insisted to the remaining council of elders that were gathered there. 

Meanwhile-

“Well that was awkward.” You murmured to Noah quietly as he drove over to Taylor’s house to pick up the remainder of your things from her house. 

“That was just Alorna, she always has a blow up at about every family gathering we have. I don’t know if you noticed how everyone else there was way over her bull shit. Literally everyone was mad at her for making a scene. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Noah reassured you before he took your hand from where your arm was wrapped around Sakura and kissed the back of it sweetly. 

“You’re not allowed to feel bad or guilty over the mess Alorna made, it’s Alorna’s mess to clean up. Not yours.” He insisted. “Just give her a wide berth at the summer solstice and you’ll be fine.” He advised. “But it means a lot to me and everyone else that you’ll be coming to it as a priestess. That means the world to the rest of us.” Noah encouraged. 

“You’re welcome, I’ll be happy to do it. Is there anything that needs to be done, like any work on outfits or accessories or anything like that?” You asked. 

“It’s stuff we can work on tomorrow.” He assured you. 

Once you gathered the rest of your things from Taylor’s house and got it all finally put in Noah’s house, he went ahead and took out his ceremonial outfit and laid it out along with Sakura’s as you made sure Sakura would fit hers only to find out that hers was too small. 

“Well lucky for you sweetie, I can sew and first thing tomorrow, we’re gonna go to town and see what we can do to make this work ok?” You reassured Sakura before you all got ready for bed. 

It felt so natural to get into bed with Noah and even though you had a Frozen Tundra sized king bed. You two were cuddled close and you nearly melted when Noah began to scratch your back. 

“Oooh, harder baby,” You moaned which he obliged before you stripped off your night shirt and laid over his chest to provide him all the access to your back you could and before you knew it, scratching turned to stroking turned to massaging and you were in utter bliss. 

“You have an amazing sense of touch. Your pressure is awesome.” You genuinely praised. 

“Thanks.” Noah grinned proudly. Happy that he could please you so well and when you felt his cock poke at your core through the strain of his boxers, it turned you on and before you knew it you had stripped off your underwear and rode him with great enthusiasm because the look of him just staring up at you in awed wonder made you feel like a wonder of the universe. Especially when he would make all these little keens and groans and moans and murmured his praise and love and adoration made you feel like a goddess and the look of him under you was a sight you would happily engrave into your mind forever. He was...perfect. He was handsome, he was built like a blue marble statue of a god and his strong hands that tightly grasped your hips as he guided your movements while also pushing up into you from below were heavenly. 

The next morning you were woken up to the sound of your phone going off and the caller ID told you it was your children. 

“Good morning.” You greeted sleepily from inside Noah’s embrace since he was spooning you. 

“Good morning, are you with Noah?” Skylar asked. 

“Yes I am.” You confirmed. 

“Can we talk to him?” Skylar requested. 

“Sure,” you answered as you gently stroked your foot on his leg which did get him to stir. 

“The kids want to talk to you.” You told him as you handed him your phone from over your shoulder which he lifted his head off his pillow to crack an eye open to see it before he unwrapped his arm which had been wrapped around your waist to reach up and gently take it from you before you turned around in his embrace and cuddled into his warm chest and continue to use his upper arm as your pillow which caused him to bend the arm at the elbow to fold it so he could wrap his forearm around your upper back and shoulders before his fingertips began to delicately stroke your arm. 

“Hello,” he greeted groggily. 

“So, we have been thinking. And if you were up to it...” Skylar began. 

“Put the phone on speaker.” You suggested since you could overhear your daughter before he did as you asked and let the phone rest on the side of your head which made you snort a laugh as his other hand snaked around you and pulled you flush against him as you could feel his morning wood pinned between you which in turn invited you to hike your leg up around his hip. You could still feel all the seed he pumped you full of last night squish between your feminine lips and yet, here you were, hungry for more and Noah’s hand that found your knee and was stroking up your leg to your rear to give it a good squeeze as his hips rolled into yours- it was divine and one of the best ways to wake up. Gods, if you kept this up, your pussy was going to get raw. But at least you were catching up for lost time. 

“Would you be able to take a week off of work so you and Sakura would be able to go on a family cruise with us?” Skylar proposed. 

“Oh no you don’t. No. Nothing too expensive and cruises are nothing but expensive, try again.” You immediately cut in as you picked up the phone to speak into it before you set the phone down on the pillow between Noah’s head and your own. 

“We know, just hear us out before you shoot it down, that’s why we want Noah and Sakura to be our guests on a Disney cruise, to the Frozen Tundra. We originally wanted to go to the Bahamas but Grandpa Gru said that ice orcs can get really sick if they get too hot and we don’t want Sakura especially to get sick. So we figured a Frozen Tundra cruise would be a good in-between. They get to show us a snapshot of the Frozen Tundra and we can show them some Wainwright slash Kingsley hospitality. And we doubt Sakura’s ever been on a cruise and Disney makes the best kids cruises and the kids activities would still give you guys some privacy if you wanted it and we can even get a two bedroom cabin so we can all stay together and Skylar already called dibs on the loft bed and once we can sit down and talk about the possibilities of our two families merging and what that would look like and how that would work and if we figure out it’s not gonna work out, then we got to go on a nice vacation with a nice family and if it does end up working out and we click, the week after the cruise, Noah can fly us home and show us the Frozen Tundra in more detail and we can meet his friends and family and all that jazz.” Xander specified. 

“When would you want to go?” Noah asked. 

“The cruise week would be the third week in July, that way we can have the last week in July up there if everything goes well and that still gives us time to come back home at the beginning of August and have time to get back on our sleep schedule for school.” Xander informed him. 

“What do you think?” Noah asked you. 

“I will admit, I may have been a little too hasty to shoot that down, I apologize for not being respectful in listening to the whole offer before I made a decision. It sounds like a lot of thought and considerations were put into this and all of that sounds fair to me and that gives me enough time to book it and get things mapped out and planned out.” You answered. 

“Then we have a deal.” Noah answered your kids as you heard their cheers which made you and Noah chuckle. 

“Is there anything else that you need to tell me?” You asked as Noah wasted no time in groping your breasts from under your night shirt and you responded by pushing your chest into his touch because you had missed intimate touches like this. 

“Nope, that’s all, we’re looking forward to it.” Your kids chirped charmingly. 

“Well call me if you need me ok?” You invited. 

“Will do, bye.” They bid you before they hung up and right on cue just as Noah finally hiked his hips up into yours and seated himself to the hilt in you, his phone went off. 

“Oh you’ve got to be kidding me.” Noah groaned as he checked his phone. 

“I am so sorry,” He apologized to you. “Unfortunately I have to answer this.” He said before he answered the phone. 

“Hey Kragan.” He answered. 

“Hey Noah, sorry to bother you but I have a load of supplies that needs to be delivered to Fair Banks for the festival tomorrow and I can’t get a hold of anyone else. Is there any way you can do this load? I can pay…” Kragan began. 

“Yeah, I can do that. Give me a bit, I’m in the middle of something right this second.” Noah said as his hips stroked into yours and you bit your bottom lip to keep from moaning. 

“Thank you so much Noah,” Kragan thanked him before he hung up and with that, he rolled over you and started up in earnest. 

“Don’t you have to get going?” You asked as you clung to him as Noah lavished licks and bites and sucks on your neck, giving you another hickey. 

“I always finish what I start.” Noah murmured in your ear before he picked up speed. 

“Lucky me.” You giggled before you gasped then moaned when he nipped at your ear lobe. 

[societydatabase]

* 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐊 / marifer valverde & mary sakamoto

location: gallagher’s dinner hall, the georgian garden

timeline: november 28th –– late evening

triggers: n/a

PREMISE: Marifer Valverde and Mary Sakamoto receive two notes tied together by a black ribbon. the first is easy to decipher ; the second will need each other’s assistance.

         When  she  realized  that  there  was  not  one  new  note  but  two  from  the  Black  Dahlia’s,  along  with  the  velvet  black  ribbon  which  tied  the  two  together,  the  smile  that  spread  across  her  features  was  inevitable.  Marifer  had  been  practically  counting  down  the  days  since  their  first  meeting  after  the  Autumn  Gala  for  when  she’d  hear  from  the  Dahlia’s  again.  Marifer  is  not  a  part  of  a  legacy  family,  no  one  in  her  family  has  been  a  spy  or  knows  much  about  spy  work,  to  her  the  existence  of  the  secret  society  is  more  about  something  fun  and  mysterious  to  look  forward  to  rather  than  anything  that  has  to  do  with  honor.  That  word  is  often  foreign  in  her  vocabulary  but  perhaps  if  she  can  join  the  Dahlia’s,  that  will  change.  The  first  note  itself  is  pretty  self  explanatory:  Wear  the  ribbon  to  the  dining  hall  and  spot  the  other  Dahlia  wearing  a  matching  ribbon.  

         Marifer’s  entire  aesthetic  already  revolves  around  the  color  black.  It’s  classy  and  she  likes  that  it  can  go  with  absolutely  anything  which  is  proven  even  more  right  when  it  comes  to  styling  the  ribbon  on  her  wrist  with  one  of  her  outfits.  No  one  would  suspect  it  being  out  of  character,  except  the  other  Dahlia,  whom  she  hopes  to  find  rather  quickly.  The  raven-haired  girl  is  more  than  a  little  excited  to  be  able  to  get  started  with  solving  the  mystery  that  is  the  second  note  she  received.  Marifer  is  hoping  that  the  other  Dahlia’s  note  contains  more  of  an  explanation  because  ‘ where  lies  distant  donated ’  doesn’t  give  many  context  clues,  even  to  someone  like  Marifer  who  spends  a  good  amount  of  time  snooping  around  the  grounds  at  Gallagher.  

         It’s  subtle,  the  way  velvet  black  ribbon  ties  the  usually  loose  hair  up.  Yet,  the  bow  sits  high  and  tight,  key  point  of  the  styling,  no  doubt.  To  anyone,  it’s  nothing  more  than  an  accessory  ;  to  someone  that  would  be  looking  for  it,  it’s  catchy.  Just  like  the  one  around  her  wrist.  Of  course,  Mary  had  a  light  case  of  jitters  as  she  was  getting  ready,  the  hop  in  her  steps  a  little  more  nervous  than  joyous  this  time  around.  If  she  could  bet,  she’d  definitely  put  a  20  on  the  other  pledge  catching  the  way  her  shoulders  instantly  become  less  tense,  result  of  the  silent  sigh  of  relief  Mary  lets  out.  She  looks  sweet,  it’s  reassuring.  “  Do  you  have  any  idea  what  flowers,  ours  and  brothers  could  mean  ?  ”  Mary  knows  that  small  talk  would’ve  probably  been  appreciated,  but  for  some  reason,  she  feels  like  there’s  a  clock  ticking  above  both  their  heads.  Getting  to  where  they  need  to  go  or  to  what  they  need  to  do  a  little  more  important  in  her  eyes  than  talking  about  how  cute  the  ribbon  around  the  other  girl’s  wrist  is.  Plus,  the  note  neatly  folded  up  in  her  hand  had  left  her  slightly  confused  since  the  moment  she  read  it.  

         Marifer  understands  the  other’s  urgency  to  get  the  rest  of  the  clues  out  of  the  way  because  it’s  all  she  herself  has  been  thinking  about.  Trying  to  gather  a  mental  list  of  every  place  at  the  school  so  that  she  can  tick  them  off  one  by  one  but,  of  course,  her  clue  alone  won’t  get  her  there.  She  knows  several  people  at  Gallagher  that  would  opt  out  for  the  ribbon  in  their  hair,  so  she’s  grateful  that  Mary  has  also  spotted  her  and  deduced  that  they  were  looking  for  one  another.  “ I  think  it  would  make  more  sense  if  we  put  it  together  with  where  lies  distant  donated. ”  Her  voice  is  quiet,  only  loud  enough  for  the  girl’s  ears  but  she  maintains  the  friendly  smile  on  her  face  so  they  just  appear  as  two  friends  having  a  casual  conversation.  If  there  is  one  thing  that  she  does  hope  to  get  out  of  being  a  part  of  the  secret  society,  it’s  getting  to  make  friends,  forming  bonds  that  perhaps  will  become  unbreakable.  As  she  thinks  about  this,  however,  she’s  also  thinking  about  the  clues,  attempting  to  put  them  together.  “ The  gardens,  most  of  them  are  donated,  correct?  Or  given  to  the  school? ”  She  spends  enough  time  snooping  to  figure  that  part  out,  waiting  for  the  nod  of  approval  from  Mary  who  provides  the  conclusion  to  their  clue:  The  Georgian  Garden,  given  to  Gallagher  by  the  Blackthornes.  

         “  I’m  curious  what’s  going  to  be  waiting  there.  When  they  said  to  be  ready,  I  wasn’t  really  expecting  a  search  and  find.  ”  Ah,  there’s  Mary’s  small  talk  on  their  way  to  the  solved  riddle’s  location.  It’s  truly  harmless,  too,  for  she  has  no  reason  to  ever  be  hostile  to  her  potential  new  sister.  It’s  a  little  way  off  on  the  grounds,  going  there  silently  would  just  be  awkward.  “  If  it’s  another  riddle,  I’m  fairly  confident  in  our  chances  of  both  getting  in.  Wouldn’t  that  be  so  fun  ?  ”  Mary’s  getting  a  little  ahead  of  herself,  but  she  means  it.  “  Being  able  to  make  our  own  legacies  here,  you  know.  ”  Sure,  Mary’s  last  name  is  basically  plastered  every  other  places  around  the  school,  but  it’s  not  her  doing.  She’s  proud  of  her  family,  of  where  she  comes  from.  And  this  could  be  a  way  to  prove  that  she’s  worthy  of  the  name,  that  she  can  achieve  the  potential  her  mother  once  showed  the  school’s  officials  in  her  time.  Needless  to  say,  this  means  a  lot  to  the  young  Sakamoto.

         All  that  she  can  do  is  agree  with  the  other  girl  because,  yes,  it  would  be  so  fun  to  become  her  sister.  She  has  enjoyed  working  with  her  thus  far.  The  no  bullshit  part  especially,  getting  straight  to  the  point  so  that  they’re  able  to  find  their  prize  all  that  much  faster.  By  this  point,  Marifer  has  deducted  just  how  important  this  might  be  to  Mary  and  more  than  that,  the  importance  it  might  have  to  her  family  name.  Naturally,  she  is  rooting  for  her  as  much  as  she  is  rooting  for  herself.  Marifer’s  lack  of  friendships  her  first  two  years  at  the  school  had  left  her  starved  for  forming  connections  with  people  and  Mary  was  no  exception  to  that.  Then  comes  the  final  instruction  under  the  sign  for  the  gardens  :  “ Start  together,  but  dahlia’s  must  bloom  alone.  Find  our  namesake. ”  Her  mouth  drops  a  bit  at  this,  although  she  wonders  if  both  of  them  should  have  been  expecting  it,  that  it  wouldn’t  be  as  simple  as  solving  riddles  all  night  long.  They’ve  chosen  which  way  each  of  them  will  go,  knowing  there’s  no  sense  in  searching  in  the  same  places  if  only  one  of  them  will  find  the  dahlia.  A  smile  that  certainly  doesn’t  touch  her  eyes  is  set  on  her  face  as  she  looks  at  Mary  before  the  two  of  them  are  off  on  their  own.  

         One  last  look  goes  Marifer’s  way,  mouths  a  good  luck,  and  off  Mary  goes  on  her  own  part  of  the  gardens.  Young  girl  knows  she’s  not  alone,  not  truly,  but  the  eerie  silence  only  being  broken  up  by  the  sound  of  her  own  footsteps  makes  her  feel  like  it.  And  in  a  way,  they  are  alone,  because  how  could  the  other  help  without  sabotaging  themselves  in  the  process  ?  And  at  this  point,  it’s  not  a  question  of  being  selfish  or  selfless,  it’s  to  complete  something  that  had  been  demanded,  where  only  one  gets  to  finish.  Mary  is  set  on  this  idea,  set  on  doing  what’s  asked  of  her.  Finding  a  flower  in  a  garden,  it  sounds  tedious.  Although,  she  supposes  there  won’t  be  a  patch  of  thousands  of  dahlias  out  in  the  open,  right?

         Nerves  ;  that’s  all  she  feels,  but  there’s  a  certain  adrenaline  that  comes  with  that  as  well.  She  can’t  help  but  compare  this  to  her  previous  adventures  throughout  Gallagher.  With  Skylar,  with  Cecilia,  with  Nate.  More  than  anything  she  wishes  that  she  could’ve  told  Wilder  about  all  of  this  but  even  after  the  fact,  she  still  can’t  tell  him.  He  wouldn’t  tell  anyone,  she  knows  that,  but  still  Marifer  knows  when  to  hold  her  tongue.  With  the  light  of  her  phone  shining  on  the  different  plants  and  flowers,  this  all  feels  much  more  eerie  than  the  tombs  or  entering  Gillian’s  home.  “ You  can  find  it. ”  A  whispered  attempt  at  a  pep  talk  to  herself.  It’s  as  motivating  as  it  is  fleeting.  Everything  kind  of  looks  the  same  after  a  moment,  especially  when  the  garden  itself  feels  like  one  big  shadow.  

         She’s  gripping  her  phone  tightly  in  one  hand,  figured  out  the  plant  would  probably  be  hidden,  and  the  light  emitting  from  the  device  simply  makes  her  life  easier.  Mary  doesn’t  know  just  how  long  or  how  far  into  the  gardens  she  is,  just  that  each  edges  and  each  turn  she  takes  either  brings  her  closer  or  further  from  her  goal,  and  it’s  enough  to  put  a  more  pressing  pace  to  her  steps.  Enough  to  get  an  already  fast  beating  heart  pumping  even  faster.  If  she  trips,  it’s  on  her  own  feet  for  wanting  to  get  too  fast.  She  doesn’t  have  the  luxury  to  slow  down,  because  if  Marifer  finds  it  first,  she  won’t  try  to  cheat  her  way  into  stealing  the  win  from  her.  If  there’s  one  thing  that  Mary  wants  to  be,  it’s  fair.  They  both  know  that  whatever  happens  next,  the  one  that  finds  the  Dahlia,  wins.

         The  gardens  are  one  of  the  few  places  that  never  caught  her  interest  enough  to  roam  through  so  she  isn’t  expecting  it  when  it  becomes  somewhat  of  a  loop,  from  where  she’s  standing  she  can  see  where  the  garden  begins  to  curve.  It  wouldn’t  be  as  simple  or  predictable  as  for  the  dahlia  to  be  right  in  the  center  of  the  garden,  right?  Where  everything  meets?  She  shakes  her  head  as  if  answering  her  own  question.  Still,  this  makes  her  hurry  more  as  she  continues  looking,  until  Marifer  swears  that  she  can  hear  Mary  somewhere  too  close.  This  stops  her  for  a  moment  and  despite  herself  she  stops  to  contemplate  the  fact  that  she  may  genuinely  lose  and  her  biggest  adventure  at  Gallagher  yet  will  come  to  a  close.  

         It’s  very  faint,  but  she  can  see  Marifer’s  own  light  in  the  corner  of  her  eyes.  Did  they  really  walk  until  they  found  each  other?  Was  the  prize  not  on  the  other’s  side?  Mary  doesn’t  have  the  time  to  ponder  too  long  on  it,  because  if  Marifer’s  close,  so  is  the  dahlia.  She  shines  her  way  closer,  keen  eyes  still  looking  for  the  elusive  flower,  free  hand  getting  restless  to  grab  it.  Only  a  few  steps,  she  thinks,  only  a  few  more  ste  ————

         It’s  one  of  those  moments  that  you  can’t  believe  happened  unless  you  physically  lived  it  and  even  when  you  have  lived  it,  it  feels  like  a  dream.  It  is  something  of  fate  or  more  like  chance.  They  did  this  together,  it’s  not  fair  that  only  one  of  them  should  win.  It  isn’t  fair  that  one  of  them  should  feel  their  stomach  drop  from  the  realization  that  the  other  has  won.  There’s  only  a  single  phone  light  shining  now,  pointed  right  at  the  fully  bloomed  dahlia  that’s  sitting  there  (completely  unassuming,  as  if  it  didn’t  and  would  never  realize  it’s  own  importance),  Marifer  takes  a  deep  breath.  “ No. ”  The  word  leaves  her  mouth  without  thinking,  she  looks  up  to  meet  Mary’s  gaze.  Mary,  who  is  telling  her  something,  attempting  her  best  to  smile,  but  she  sounds  a  thousand  miles  away.  Marifer  feels  as  if  she’s  drowning  underwater  even  though  she’s  still  simply  standing  there.  

          The  statue  is  one  she  has  seen  probably  a  hundred  times  before  while  walking  through  campus.  Susan  Qualley  who  sits  near  the  entrance  to  one  of  the  other  gardens,  looking  as  somber  as  most  of  the  statues  do.  “ Place  the  name  of  the  winner  behind  Susan  Qualley  and  they  will  claim  their  prize. ”  The  raven-haired  girl  has  written  down  her  name  in  her  most  elegant  penmanship:  Marifer  Valverde.