#Plastic furniture mould

[fanficonly]

Wenclair X Reader -

What Are You?- Part 5

TW: physical Abuse, description of blood

This chapter was a bit darker than I originally wrote it but it ended up this way so it makes sense for the story in the future.

Please don't read if you will be triggered, it's not a lot but that's my own feelings towards it and everyone's different so be careful beautiful readers

Meanwhile*

You trailed behind the women, reluctant to continue on knowing exactly what was going to happen. You stare down the entire time watching the twigs and leaves crunch beneath your studded black boots while you trudged along warily.

You're lost in thoughts, the image of Wednesday's horror etched into your brain by the blade of your own misfortune. You're so out of it that you don't realise the woman who had stopped so abruptly in front of you causing you to collide into her back and stumble backwards. She lets out a somewhat unnerving giggle before smiling and looking down at you amused.

"We're here" she announces and as you look up expecting an extravagant vehicle or the royal guard, you are instead met with a rusty old cabin, that's falling apart at its edges, looking like it's seen better days.The plastic windows cracked, the splintered door and it's frame mould-ridden and discoloured with it's all round unkempt look being the eye-sore of the beautiful forest it occupied.

"Wow bit of step down for you don't you think?" you speak with a twinge of snark and smirk at yourself, still stood coldly with your hands glued to the inside of your pockets. Honestly one day your sarcasm will be your demise, but it's hard not to be slightly petty with her after everything she had done to you. If you asked the woman however she would say 'After everything I've done FOR you' which would only make your insides twist and turn uncomfortably.

"Hmm" she hums "Inside" she jerks her head in the direction of the door and you walk in hesitating with every step, rather annoyed at yourself for complying so easily. You reach for the door and twist the knob, cringing as it creaked loudly and taking one last look back at her before stepping inside.

Upon entering your eyes grow wide, partially from confusion the rest in awe.

"What the fu-" you begin before the women snaps at you, cutting off your speech.

"Language." She scolds you before the curse could barely even touch the surface of your lips

"Sorry" you mumble still admiring the, deceiving from the outside, rustic cabin. The furniture was very modern, the fire was lit creating a light and calming glow and the inside wooden beams were fully varnished and sturdy. It was as if you had stepped through a portal into a completely different house and you knew it had to be some kind of magic or cloaking. Yet that didn't stop you from feeling a little insane and misdirected. You could clearly see the windows double glazed glass, now uncracked, and patterned like those in a 1 million dollar mansion, your eyes glued to it. Mostly because it proved just how close you were to Nevermore still, where you could see the bricks of the school peaking from between the trees outside. Fair play your vision was currently enhanced right now so you weren't that close but you were close enough that the idea of anyone finding this place made your stomach churn once again.

"It's rather insulting that you would believe me to take up residence in such an unflattering building" she comments while your eyes scan the rest of the decor. Of course, you shrug before again having your eyes pulled wide in realisation.

Take up residence..." There's a pit in your stomach as you repeat her words "You're..." You try to ask "you live..." Again you can't bring yourself to finish the question

"Yes I am currently living here Y/N" she confirms your unsaid question with a slight sinister tone "What?" She asks rhetorically "Did you think I was going to allow you to leave us without some kind of supervision?" She breathed out a chuckle causing your face to twist into a frown. You can't help the rise of anger building inside you. The only silver lining in transferring to Nevermore was the freedom you would have from ... Them. She stares at you but all you can focus on is settling your emotions which you weren't succeeding in.

"I didn't leave I was forced out" you mumble and she tuts a little responding only with

"I"m sorry what was that?"

You knew she wasn't really asking. In fact that kind of tone only meant one thing. She was giving you a chance to change your response or atleast take it back.

So you decline to answer her, shrinking away from her and awaiting further instructions or atleast explanations from her instead. Anything that would make you feel more at ease.

"Your eyes are glowing again Y/N" She gives you a disapproving look, one you had grown far to familiar with in the last 5 years. You wanted to comment. Make a snarky remark, tell her to fuck off, leave the cabin and yet you couldn't. With all the conditioning you had been subject too it seemed to be impossible. So you curse yourself mentally, not just for failing to halt your powers but also for turning into this beaten, broken submissive puppy as you always did. And no matter how hard you tried to hide it. No matter how hard you tried to force it down... You just ... Couldn't.

"Oh no I'm sorry it's fine I can..." Your words become quiet when you watch her leave, you assume to retrieve the one item you really REALLY didn't want her to return with. "I can control it!" You yell louder so she can hear you from the kitchen.

You scrunch your eyes together and begin to breathe deep and slow to attempt to control your emotions. You needed to get a handle on this trigger and FAST.

She returns, a disappointed look still covering her features

"I can control it" you shake your head slowly as she approached, you could only retreat, taking a step back still willing it to go away. It was the single most difficult task you ever had to do, once you had a tiny taste of power any subtle hint of strong emotions would spark it up again like a match hitting gasoline. Control the uncontrollable. No amount of water would mix with that fire.

"Aww" she faked a sympathetic tone "Stop lying to yourself sweetie" the most condescending and venomous tone left her lips so sadistically. There she is. That's the woman you knew. You were sure she took some kind of sadistic pleasure in "helping" you control your abilities

"No I can-I can control it please" You try to reason with her as you had done a thousand times before but her blunt and unbothered expression said it all. Stumbling backwards as the back of your knees hit the velvet couch, you buckled falling back into it.

She ignores your tumble then sits beside you and strokes her hand across your face trailing her fingers to your chin to turn it to face you. With how fast and hard your eyes slam shut it's as if they made a thud sound that violated your own eardrums and again you wince.

"Open your eyes Y/N" she instructs but you just shake your head slowly in response, a stray tear betraying you and trailing down your cheek.

"Open. Your. Eyes." She demands more forcefully this time

You practically gulp in fear, but make no move to even turn towards her let alone look at her.

She sighs again, more disappointment and more irritation rising within her, you can practically feel her negative energy penetrating your own sad aura.

"I'm sorry sweetie you have to learn" she almost sounds sincere this time but you know it's all an act, a trick to lure you into a false sense of security before experiencing the pain you let yourself believe you deserve.

"No I can I can control it please please just" you repeat and pull away from her, refusing to sob and instead forcing the tears to to stay put causing your vision to become blurred and fuzzy.

"I'm sorry" she says plunging her jagged nails into your back, causing your head to fly backwards, your eyes to fly open and the water to finally burst from your tear ducts. She grabs your chin with her other hand, slashing your cheek accidentally due to your twitching and struggling . "Ahhhhhhhhhh" a strained scream erupts from your throat followed by a weak whimper. The sting comes next as she blows a light breath in your eyes, It's almost beautiful, the blue tinted sparkly substance that danced towards your eyes like meteors crashing into the earth. And then they land so lightly onto your open pupils and you scream at the embers setting them alight.

"You need" she digs deeper "to learn" you struggle away from her, the pain of the glittery substance still burning your retinas. "To control it" she digs even further and twist her nails emitting a small charge and watching as you fall to the floor panting breathlessly. Paired with the fire in your eyes, the electricity that was pulsating through your body was almost unbearable and you can't help but scream "Fuck!" As your knees hit the harsh ground and you're left digging your own nails into the splintered floorboards beneath you.

"Language!" She scolds again

"FUCK YOU" you're unable to stop yourself from, twisting your neck to bark the hateful words at her. She rips her hand from your spine and plunges one more time, you throw your head back to the sky the light in your eyes dimming, as you push off from the floor. She pulls away again and you grunt in pain gripping the coffee table now more upright, your powers subsiding aggressively.

"There." She smiles and you look back at her with pure hatred in your eyes "That should do it" she proudly states as if abusing you and forcing you to keep your powers buried within was some kind of proud mum moment.

"You're evil" you spit, between breaths.

"Honey" she sits back crossing her legs and pulling out a hanky to wipe your blood from her finger tips "You know it has to be done. Pain is the only way to control your unique abilities" she explains to you. The same speech you have heard a thousand times over penetrating your ears, now nothing but a pointless explanation falling on deaf ears .

However unruly, you knew it was true. Since the day you started showing signs of being this creature you had been subjected to the horrors of "Controlling your unique abilities" and yet you never got used to the horrid feeling.

"Have they stopped glowing then?" You ask her, looking up hopefully your anger subsiding along with your powers.

"Yes. Now relax I will make us some tea, get you a change of clothes and then you can return to Nevermore" She replies

"Can't I just leave now" You whine barely looking at her as you settled your breathing.

"Oh come on. You don't want to spend time with your dear old Godmother, we're family after all" a wicked smile crosses her lips and she tilts her head unnervingly. You wriggle in your clothes, feeling the wet liquid seeping into your white shirt causing it the stick to your back. A change of clothes started to feel like a necessity but right now you needed to address her weak attempt at declaring herself family

"Just because my parents shipped me off to you when I was 12 doesn't make you family" You breath out one more time now able to stand to move as far from the wicked woman as possible. You stride away and vere towards the door slowly.

"No but it does make me responsible for you" you hear from behind you. She rushes to block the door with her arm and continues "And I would hate to have to bring you back to the society grounds" she explains but it feels more like a threat. Well... It is a threat actually and you know better than to fight the sadistic Bitch.

"It's not even been a day Auntie! You have to give me a better chance" You plead with her, now using the term you knew she secretly somewhat liked hearing you say. But of course it's not enough, it never is and she just responds with iron clad logic and condescension.

"A chance to do what? Run around with wolves stealing thier powers and draining ever student you see" she scoffs and looks away elegantly, extremely aware of how right she was. She doesn't say it. She doesn't say what you are. But you know she hates being near such a dangerous human.

"What did you think I was doing at the society it's no different! Maybe at Nevermore it will be" the glint of hope glazed across your eyes seemed to have no affect on your GodMother and instead she continues

"Nevermore outcasts are stronger than our lot and I was hoping with less ... Emotional distractions it wouldn't be necessary for me to intervene as much as I had to there" she says and your mind drifts back to the countless incidents you had caused over the past 5 years. You shake the thoughts from your head and glare at her in response to her slight jab at you.

"Whatever. I haven't even settled in yet can I go?" You ask finally returning to your usual self and staying blunt, just wanting to leave and get out of here.

"Let me look at you" she grabs you by the cheeks inspecting your features aggressively umm'ing and aww'ing as she did

"Give it an hour" She says and you just walk to sit back down slumping in the chair, complying easily once again. The worst was over, now all you had to do was endure her unfortunate company for an hour.

....

Eventually she let you leave after a grueling 70 minutes of talking and because of this you couldn't help but whine all the way back to Nevermore.

When you reached the gates you took a shaky breath in, preparing yourself to start over.

"Okay ... Do over let's start this again" you say aloud before smiling and taking large strides towards the school. You meditate to yourself in your head and walk through the halls, pulling the information you had been given by the principal out of your pocket to find your room. As you pace up the stairs to the top floor you pass by 2 doors on your right and reach the end of the hall a small almost unnoticeable door to the left and open it.

[shachaai]

[Hetalia Version] The Lindworm’s Lullaby

Chapters: 3/14 Rating: Explicit (For Gore) Main Relationships: Arthur Kirkland (England)/Gabriel Cardoso Fernandes (Portugal) Characters: Arthur Kirkland (England), Gabriel Cardoso Fernandes (Portugal), Original Child Character(s), Ludwig Beilschmidt (Germany), Julia Blumenschien (Fem Prussia), Kiku Honda (Japan), Lovino Vargas (South Italy), Assorted Others Other Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe - Human AU, FBI Murder Mystery/Thriller, Case Fic, Adapted from a Hannibal Fic, Baby Fic, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Gabriel Fernandes, Omega Arthur Kirkland, Pre-Relationship, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Single Parent Arthur Kirkland, Violence and Gore Canon-Typical to Hannibal Levels, Cute Moments and Murder, Murder Scenes, Dead Bodies, Poisoning, Discussions about torture/infidelity/rape

The FBI is called in to investigate when a series of bodies shows up around Ohio: all of them alphas, and all of them skinned alive. With the killer’s motives a mystery, Ludwig Beilschmidt pulls Arthur Kirkland from the classroom and his vigil at the comatose Madeline Williams’ bedside once more to lend his insight to the case - with very little mind paid to the fact that the busy Arthur, omega and single mother to a six month-old daughter, might have some scheduling issues. Necessity - and pressure from Ludwig - drives Arthur into reluctantly asking Gabriel Fernandes for a favour at short notice. Gabriel is delighted to help Arthur with babysitting - once he has, of course, recovered from both the surprise of learning that Arthur Kirkland even has a baby to care for and, presented with the adorable armful that is a sleepy Lenore Kirkland, feeling a little skinned raw himself.

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CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2

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Chapter 3: deep into that darkness peering

Ludwig’s vague ‘Ohio’ turns out to be Lucas County, Ohio, on the outskirts of the city of Toledo. An abandoned manufacturing plant for electrical goods out in the suburbs off highway 24, just one of many factories standing empty along the more desolate stretches of road.

Even in the deepening shadows of a fading sunset, it’s obvious that the plant is falling into wrack and ruin. Some of its buildings are still mostly intact but more than a few are falling in on themselves, roofs everywhere full of holes and insides open to the elements. The paint is peeling everywhere moss, mould and mildew hasn’t spread, cracks in the plaster giving way to brick dust and rubble. Weeds have pushed up between the tarmac and cement that had once been part of the paving outside, broken glass from smashed windows and abandoned beer bottles crunching underfoot with gravel.

Squatters or youths looking for a thrill have clearly been in all the buildings at some point. Old empty chip packets and smushed-up polystyrene cartons lie caught-up in loops of abandoned rusting wire and under plastic shells of white furniture that never was, aluminium cans rolling noisily in the evening breeze until they dink to a gentle stop against a wall or piece of broken building. The local wildlife has, thankfully, mostly been scared away by the greater vermin of law enforcement officials moving in, but there are probably still a few rats and stray cats about the place somewhere. Bats and birds as well.

Truly, the only thing going for the plant is that it - at least - hadn’t been too far from the airport.

The evening breeze blows by again as Ludwig’s team unload themselves from their assigned cars to the plant, sending long cool fingers up the nape of Arthur’s exposed neck and threading his hair out on the wind’s tangled loom. Arthur shivers. He hadn’t planned for an evening outdoors in damn Ohio when he’d dressed himself that morning, and he’s cold without his scarf.

The sight of the factory itself does not fill him with the warm and fuzzies. Not the building, nor the swarms of law enforcement bustling about the place like flies under their own glaring floodlights as the night grows dark around them. The Toledo and Cleveland offices have sent their agents here already, and a large truck has been set up as the HQ for the scene.

“Oh, Ludwig,” Arthur sighs as the other man crunches his way through debris to walk alongside him, clasping his heart sarcastically-sweet in the picture-perfect pose of a swooning omega. “You always take me to the nicest of places.”

Already ahead of them, call-me-Julia (on the plane) Blumenschien smothers a laugh as she negotiates her way under the crime scene tape with her bulky kit, her long silvery braid swinging with the motion. Lovino Vargas doesn’t bother hiding his smirk as he slinks along after her with the teams’ camera equipment, and even Kiku Honda, usually the most painfully polite of the group, looks to be holding back his grin as he hauls the last of their things out of the cars’ trunks.

As he often does when he’s getting his own way, Ludwig takes the magnanimous approach. Bolsters morale by accepting the dig pointed his way - and even spares Arthur a wry smile as he lifts the crime scene tape for them both to duck under. “Tell me if you feel the same way after you’ve seen the scene. We believe it might be the second one this month.”

Huh. Arthur reaches up to brush back a strand or two of his flyaway hair. “Nothing worth making a fuss about until number two?”

“Once could always be a freak incident,” Ludwig says seriously. “Twice is something we have to be concerned about.” He gestures over a jacketed agent who had been standing at the steps of the HQ truck, the woman obviously waiting for their arrival. Late 20s, maybe, Asian American and serious-looking. Not someone Arthur recognises, but clearly an agent in charge. “Special Agent Linh?”

The agent - Linh - nods, her sleek black ponytail bobbing neatly with the motion. “Sir.” She looks tired and smells faintly of coffee and something floral. An omega. A green woven ribbon omega collar is just visible under her FBI jacket and buttoned-up shirt.

Arthur could really do with a coffee right now. With the night off from looking after Lenore and no need to worry about his caffeine intake provided he ditches the milk he produces for the rest of the night, he could even have a strong one.

“Beilschmidt,” Ludwig introduces himself. Jerks his chin at Arthur. “Special Agent Arthur Kirkland. The latest report?”

“Three bodies,” says Linh, “no ID for any of them. All men, strongly suspected to be alphas. Estimated time of death was two days ago, based upon the early insect activity.”

Which means young maggots. Lovely. Arthur isn’t sure exactly why he’s smiling faintly at Linh with maggots on the table - only to belatedly realise that the other omega reminds him of Marianne. Nothing in her appearance, but that floral smell is of sweet pea. Sweet pea, with Linh, and something like lotuses and lily-of-the-valley. No white musk or roses, nor creamy beeswax blended with vanilla.

Arthur squashes the smile. “Why is there no confirmation of the victims’ dynamic?” Most alphas - even dead ones - are easy enough to identify just by their scent, but, should scent fail, it isn’t hard to pull down a pair of jeans and look for a knot.

Linh licks her lips with a quick dart of tongue - trepidatious. “Each victim has been tied to a chair and had all their skin cut off. Flayed. We’re assuming the victims are all alphas based upon the presence of mass alpha pheromones in the room and what we think are penises with knots on all three victims, but there was some glandular and genital mutilation across all of the bodies. No concrete identification could be made without disturbing the scene, so we need to wait for confirmation about the victims’ dynamics in the lab.”

“Other wounds?” asks Arthur, but Linh just gestures helplessly at him. Another question that the lab will have to answer for them once the bodies are taken to the morgue. “In your opinion, was the flaying done pre or post-mortem?”

The smell of dry, almost sour, flowers in Linh’s scent spikes a little higher, a weird stress note in it edging it into the realms of unpleasant. Her gaze going distant: she’s remembering the scene. “Based upon the amount of blood and the pain scent in the pheromones when we first entered the room where we found the victims… I’d say pre.”

Skinned alive.

The night grows darker yet, and Arthur finds himself unconsciously shifting closer to Ludwig’s body beside him. Seeking some of the warmth exuded by the alpha’s steady bulk, even as Ludwig’s expression turns grim.

Ludwig: “Who called it in?”

Linh: “A man from Toledo’s Urbex League.” Elaborating at Ludwig’s blank look - “Urban explorers.”

Ludwig, exactly as clueless as before: “‘Urban explorers.’”

“People who explore vacant, abandoned, and ruined buildings for fun.”

“It’s a hobby for thrill-seekers with an interest in photography, architecture and historical documentation,” says Arthur. Rolling his shoulders free of the stiffness of cold before stuffing his hands in his pockets to keep them warm. “Sometimes it’s all about the art. Sometimes it’s a search for inspiration. Sometimes it’s a genuine desire to, uh, to preserve constructs for the historical record that others don’t think - or aren’t allowed - to keep. It’s an acknowledgement of the lovely ache of transience with a heap of rebellion thrown in.”

“Stick it to the man,” Linh says drolly, and Arthur likes her all the more for it.

“There’s a moving kind of beauty to be found in the decay of uninhabited space,” he adds, Ludwig still looking unconvinced beside him, “the man-made slowly sliding back into the grasp of nature.”

A bit like sending the painstaking self-construction of a man that is Dr. Fernandes out on a trip to Arthur’s little refuge in Wolf Trap. Unlike many of his neighbours in the local community, Arthur had kept his home as its original build, preserving the wild on his acres of land instead of slapping a McMansion down on top of it all. Nature rules the territory around Arthur’s little white-washed house, a thriving chaos that will have no respect for Dr. Fernandes' soft charcoal and cream attire. Arthur can only hope that nothing too terrible will happen to the alpha as he takes Lenore to Arthur’s neighbour and stops in at Arthur’s house for the dogs. (A little bit of coyote shit never really hurt anyone in the long-term, but Arthur would certainly pay to see Dr. Fernandes wrinkle that big arch nose of his after getting some of the crap on his fancy shoes.)

…Dr. Fernandes should be in Wolf Trap - or just leaving the area - about now, actually. Arthur takes one hand out of his pocket to check his phone. No frantic text messages or missed calls from Dr. Fernandes, so Lenore is fine. He can breathe.

Arthur slides his phone back into his pocket. “...Could also just be ghost-hunters.”

Ludwig huffs through his nose, his scent bleeding with exasperated chillies and black pepper. “Go,” he says to Arthur. Nods meaningfully to where the greatest hubbub of sound and light is coming from on-site. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Arthur sighs as well, but obediently leaves Ludwig with Special Agent Linh to go investigate the scene. Blumenschien-Julia, Honda and Vargas had long since gone ahead of him, and Arthur isn’t surprised to see the three of them as he approaches one building less damaged than the others, its heavy industrial door pulled wide open to the night. Floodlights, conversation, and the heavy iron scent of blood drift out.

One of the original investigators - fully suited and booted - stops Arthur before he goes inside. Hands Arthur a fresh pair of nitrile gloves and overshoe covers in matching blue, the whole set reminding Arthur quite starkly of his daughter’s matching sets of mittens and booties for fall. All he’s missing is the hat.

Inside: a big cement box. This building appears to have been used as a storage warehouse in the past, old, now empty, shelves disintegrating into rust where they’ve fallen over on the floor. The few small windows around the large room seem to still be intact, set high up on the walls so that, in the past, no-one passing by would have been able to sneak a peek at the goods stored inside.

It’s a good place to kill someone. Close the door, and almost all sound and light would be trapped inside the warehouse’s four thick walls. With the plant abandoned as it is… three victims could very easily be tortured to death, and no-one but the killer would ever scent their suffering or hear their screams.

Even days after their death and with new, living people on-site the air is still smeared with the intense suffering of alphas, a pungent enough odour that Arthur rocks back onto his back foot for a moment as he steps inside the warehouse. Unable to stop the instinctive wrinkling of his nose, the immediate defensive hunching-up of his shoulders to protect his vulnerable throat. His eyes prickle, threatening to shift to gold, Arthur’s body responding to the pheromones in the air and sending the first trickles of defensive hormones out into his bloodstream. Alert to any danger.

For the scent to have built up to this degree, the victims must have been tortured for many, many hours. Death by a thousand cuts: for most, being flayed isn't a quick way to die.

Photographers and note-takers scuttle around the warehouse like beetles over a corpse. Corpses. Three bodies sit slumped in their plain wooden seats, all in a row, stripped - badly - of their skin from head to foot. Glistening wet muscle, fat and bone exposed to be buzzed over by flies. Hands tied behind their backs, ankles lashed to the feet of the chairs. Blood dried in pools on the floor.

Arthur studies the scene, takes as deep a breath as he can bear, and then lets the golden pendulum in his mind swing.

All of the other people in the room disappear. Then the flash of cameras, the crime scene markers, and the yellow tape. The blood pools on the floor recede like the tide, drain backwards, upwards, up the wet muscle that used to be three men’s legs. Maggots are unborn, retreating into their shells around crusted eyes and slashed-up ears, and flies depart from the buzzing strings of beads they had made against lipless mouths. Skin regrows across mangled limbs like lichen stretching out over the trunk of a tree - but none of the victims wake. All three men remain slumped in their bonds, naked, alive but unconscious.

Arthur circles them to examine them from behind. No signs of head trauma on their scalped skulls, nothing overtly obvious to indicate a reason for the victims’ unconsciousness prior to flaying. They’d likely been drugged.

Further back in time. The victims had been brought into the room one by one, all at the same time. Dragged - there are scuff-marks from the door to a patch of floor outside of the pools of blood the size of a man’s body. A torn-off shirt button too clean to have been here since the plant went out of business in the same area meaning that the victims had been clothed originally, stripped off in the same patch of floor before being dragged over to the chairs. Tied in place with unforgiving cable ties.

The killer waits. The killer waits until the sedating properties of the drugs begin to wear off and his three victims all wake. The victims are still weak, sluggish, unable to resist when their kidnapper approaches them with a blade -

“Any sign of the murder weapon?” Arthur asks the room.

Julia, nearest to Arthur, answers him, too busy bagging up the abandoned shirt button to look over. “Nope. We’re looking for something incredibly sharp though, a blade no longer than six inches. Slight curve.”

“A dressing knife.” The tool of a hunter. Or butcher.

Arthur sinks back into his recreation, the weight of a 6 inch dressing knife comfortable in his hand. Its grip is warm and familiar: an old friend.

The killer begins with the victim in the leftmost chair. The blood under his corpse is the oldest, and blood spatter indicates that he was conscious enough to struggle at least a little when the knife was placed to his skin. Feet first - the killer wanted the victim to last as long as possible, and watch every moment as his skin was sliced from his body. To scream. The killer wanted all three of his victims to watch, John Does #2 and #3 watching #1 tortured to death. #3 watching #2. And #3…

This is personal. I skin these men slowly, one by one, so that the others may watch. I have ordered them by their sins, so that those whose sins were greatest will wait longest for their death to arrive. Look at me. Know me. Do you remember me now? It is important to me that you see what you really are on the inside.

John Doe #1 still has a patch of skin over his right ankle bone almost the size of Arthur’s palm. Thumb-sized pieces of skin hanging loose at the back of his knees, under the curve of his ass where it meets the chair. Eyelids, and the remnants of a nose.

John Doe #2 has been flayed so badly he’s lost one of his balls, and it’s impossible to tell if the man had had a knot at one point with what little flesh remains of his genitals underneath all the blood, under the slippery pool of his own intestines where they’ve slithered forwards out of his abdomen and onto the remains of his lap. There’s a vicious gouge in his perineum: Doe #2 talked back.  

I’ve done this before. Humans are not my usual prey - I know how to handle my knife, but the shape of the animal beneath the blade is still unfamiliar to me. That my inexperience extends your suffering only brings me more pleasure, because you deserve to suffer. My cuts grow more precise as I move along the row of my victims, but now I know how to keep you alive for longer as I cut. Peeling off your skin inch by inch, dropping it in a pile in front of you on the floor. Warming to my task.

Arthur frowns, rising from his crouch near the third body. “The killer knew these people.” He’s shaking, the screams of three men still echoing in his ears. Has to clench his hands into fists to get control of himself, the scent of raw spoiled meat stuck in his nose, itching across the roof of his mouth.

“Well, I’m glad someone did,” Vargas snarks, lowering his camera after snapping a picture of the first body’s bound wrists. “We’ve got nothing to ID them with. No clothes, no wallets, and not enough left of their facial features for us to run a photograph of them through the system. If their DNA doesn’t show up in our files we’ll have to start looking at dental records.” Notoriously spotty.

“Any of the missing skin turned up?”

“Nada.” Julia again, still scouring the floor for any more pieces of clothing. For strands of fabric and the marks of feet. “Victims’ personal effects are still AWOL as well. Agents from the local field offices have already swept the plant’s buildings searching for them, and they’ve got the K9s out in the surrounding fields. Just in case any of it’s been dumped outside.”

It’s almost fully dark now outside, so the sniffer dogs should be coming in for the night.

“Just what we need,” Vargas gripes. Grumpy enough that, even though Vargas is a beta, Arthur can smell him from a few metres away, Vargas’ scent green and sharp at the edges with lemon basil over something thicker, spicier, smokier, and woodier. A church’s herb garden kitchen - lavender, something, something and frankincense? “Paw Patrol at the party hosting the world’s most fucked-up ménage à trois. The last time one of the field offices brought out the K9s near one of our crime scenes, we got dog fur contaminating the evidence.”

“You’re kvetching like you’re the one who had to get the DNA of 8 dogs to eliminate them from the suspect pool,” Julia grumbles back at him, exuding just enough of her own sour cherry and almonds alpha scent that Arthur almost misses the moment that the notes of cedar, coffee, pepper and baked bread hit the air around all of them, Ludwig Beilschmidt entering the old warehouse.

It says something about the raw meat stink of the bodies, their pheromones and their blood, that Ludwig smells appealing to Arthur’s nose. An actual beacon of stability amongst this mess, safe harbour for Arthur’s nose.

“Ménage à quatre,” Honda says softly, his eyes limned with the same instinctual gold as Arthur’s. Ducking his chin apologetically when Vargas only looks at him blankly and offers a puzzled huh? “Quatre, not trois. The killer in this scenario makes four.”

Arthur would’ve quite happily taken examining a scene after a real ménage à quatre over this. It wouldn’t have been the first time in his life he’d had to search for evidence using UV - wouldn’t even have been the first time he’d had to do so with four completely naked, thankfully still alive, civilians right beside him.

“This wasn’t an act of passion,” he says, pitching his voice a little further for Ludwig, “but one of cold and pretty methodical revenge. A slow, controlled burn.” Arthur gestures to the victims, one after the other. “One. Two. Three. He deliberately flayed them one by one, so the later victims watched the earlier victims die. They were drugged when they were first brought here, but they were all alive and conscious when the knife was applied to the first one’s skin.”

Julia whistles. “They were tortured.”

That’s exactly the word for it. “Our victims were still under the effects of whatever concoction they were drugged with. They struggled in their bonds - but not too much. Damage from the ties into the raw flesh is relatively minimal, and blood spatter hasn’t gone too far from the bodies.”

Honda pipes up again. “That suggests a high dose of sedatives, paralytics.”

“Which suggests our unsub might be someone who isn’t able to - or doesn’t think they’re able to - handle an adult alpha male without the aid of pharmaceuticals, even when the victim is tied down.”

“Handling one alpha is a great deal different to handling three,” Julia points out. “The killer could just be cautious.”

“We have no way to tell that the victims were awake when the killer started hacking at them,” Vargas complains. “We can check for stress hormones during the autopsy, but the body naturally produces those when it's attacked anyway. The whole revenge theory is entirely suppositional.”

“Suppose then,” grunts Ludwig from behind the beta, and Vargas nearly jumps out of his own skin.

Arthur waves sharply to the body in front of him again: John Doe #3. “He pissed himself pre-mortem, pre-flaying. You can smell the ammonia, and it’s diluted some of the blood that dripped down onto the floor after the urine.”

(“I have it,” says Honda, and approaches so he can snap a few more photos of the floor under victim #3’s chair. To Vargas - “Did the earlier team take swabs?” Vargas only shrugs at him irritably.

“Alright, sourpuss,” says Julia, “you get the fun job of going to find out.”)

“Skinning is an act of humiliation,” says Arthur. “Our killer had to show each of these men exactly who they were underneath the front they were putting up for the world. And make them sorry for it.”

Julia hmms in thought, idly spinning the evidence bags in her gloved hands. “A ‘beauty is only skin deep’ sort of situation?”

Ludwig looks sceptical. “You think these men were targeted for their vanity?” For all their posturing, alphas rarely have the word applied to them.

Julia, unlike many others of her dynamic, has a reasonable amount of self-awareness. (When she wishes to apply it.) She shrugs. “Every alpha gets a little vain during pre-rut. Maybe they all peacocked in front of the wrong person.”

“I’m not sure,” says Arthur, frowning again. “All I really know for certain is that these men did something that personally upset their killer.”

Ludwig looks at Arthur meaningfully. Jerks his chin towards the warehouse’s door before heading in that direction himself. Walk with me.

Arthur goes and walks with him, falling into step with Ludwig just outside the building. Night’s chilly mantle drapes itself out over Arthur’s shoulders again, the crunching of gravel and glass underfoot shockingly loud against the quiet murmuring of agents around them. Arthur has forgotten to take his booties off, and the sharp debris on the ground is slicing their thin plastic to ribbons.

In the distance, a dog barks.

“You were asking about the dogs,” says Ludwig.

“Anything?” Arthur asks, but Ludwig only shakes his head. “Likely the unsub took the victims’ skin with them then.”

“A trophy?”

Arthur shrugs, enjoying the smell of the fresh air outside the warehouse. Staring off into the night rather than at the blinding FBI floodlights, the chaos that is the HQ truck. The road directly outside the manufacturing plant is empty.  “...You said this is the second scene.”

“The first body was found three weeks ago. West of here, in an abandoned farm building off Highway 20A, just outside the village of Delta.”

There’s a half-lit billboard out there in the darkness, where the plant’s short entrance road meets the nearby highway. Tall, spectral white letters haunt the display:

WHERE ARE YOU GOING? Heaven? or Ohio? 855-FOR-TRUTH John 3:36

“How far from here?” Arthur asks. Turning his eyes away from the promise of manufactured heaven to concentrate on his balance, lifting up his feet, one after the other, to pull off the remains of the elasticated overshoes he had been given earlier. The matching gloves soon follow, and Arthur warms up his twitching fingers by rubbing them over the back of his neck.

“Around half an hour by car,” Ludwig replies. Looking about as pleased as Arthur feels hearing that answer, Ludwig’s eyes glowing red-white with light reflected from behind Arthur. That’s a lot of ground for the investigation to cover. Where are all the serial-killing homebodies these days?

“The unsub has a relatively wide working area. Must know the region pretty well.”

“It is not too far from here to Michigan,” Ludwig points out gruffly. Another negative. “We could be looking at a killer from out of state.”

“Maybe.” Arthur purses his lips, the tips of his fangs sharp against his tongue. He doesn’t want to imagine another serial killer at large across state lines right now, especially not in states so far from his home. “...What made the locals link the first body to these three? Going from one victim to three is quite a quick escalation. Sudden change in M.O. could mean this is a copycat.”

“First victim is also an alpha with her skin cut off. Still no ID.”

Arthur pauses. “‘Her’? Our victims are all men.” That’s another big difference between the two scenes. “Change in victim count, change in primary gender of victim...”

“Do we have a copycat,” asks Ludwig, a perfect echo to Arthur’s own thoughts, “or someone who knows just enough to throw us off?”

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. “Maybe someone who’s learning. There’s a noticeable increase in the precision of the cuts going from the first victim to the last, a - uh - developing technique. The killer was getting better with practice.”

“Learning on the job.” Ludwig sighs, reaching up with one hand to rub at his temples. “Practice makes perfect, they say.”

Arthur’s sigh echoes him, Arthur using his own hands to knuckle at his tired eyes. Multicoloured stars flash and twinkle in the dark behind his eyelids. His nose is cold. “We need to see the first body.”

“We’re working on it. The locals are putting up a fuss.”

“They’re hitting us with the red tape?” Arthur frowns, a flash of frustration ripping through him. Isn’t it enough that they’ve come out to Ohio to take a look at this mess without being asked to perform tricks as well? “Do they want the FBI to handle this case or not?”

“Oh,” says Ludwig, bone-dry and mirthless, “the local bureaucracy wants rid of it. But apparently there’s some complication with two open missing persons cases and the families involved.” He snorts - “The rich families involved.”

“...They’re each wondering if the Jane Doe is their missing person.” No matter that they’d all get their answers quicker if they just cooperated with the FBI. Arthur shakes his head, muttering - “More money than sense.”

Ludwig doesn’t disagree with him, sighing a long plume of warm breath out into the increasingly cold night. “Money makes the world go round.” Not logic. Fuck it.

*****

*****

Special Agent Linh - Vietnam Julia Blumenschein - Female Prussia

Fun fact: sweet pea has always been an asshole of a scent to obtain for perfumiers. The flower, often referred to as Queen of the Annuals, produces a stress hormone when picked, which ruins its beautiful smell. It’s also a flower that’s used extensively in those fashionable teas/tisanes/cocktails that change colour as you pour them.

Thank you, still, to my friend Reid, who helped me with Ohio lore! The billboard Arthur spots here is based on a real one that google claims is in Ohio, so any mistakes there are google’s fault rather than mine. >>

NEXT CHAPTER

[ghostieeeee]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎: 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐄?

ᶜᵘᵗ ʰᵉʳᵉ ✄-----------------------------------------

Word count: 2.3K

Warnings: Ngl, I wrote this a few months ago, and I'm honestly too lazy to edit some parts, so excuse the poor quality 🙏🏻 Also possible spelling errors? :D

ᶜᵘᵗ ʰᵉʳᵉ ✄-----------------------------------------

A pleasant smell, a smell that reminds you of a particular warmth, a particular comfort, is what greets you with a wide smile and an even wider embrace as you step into Yunjin's place of residence. The interior was cosy, easy to look at and confine within.

Taking another step into the dorm, your eyes drift to the outer canopy of your umbrella. It’s a splash away from creating a waterfall as rain still trails from the end tip, small swells of puffy water clump in cults- shining so delicately under the impression of whatever light it can grasp at. “Here-” Yunjin says, holding her hand out to you as she closes the door behind you.

Handing her the rain-stained umbrella, she places it within a convenient umbrella rack, hanging it with a gentle ease. “Please, make yourself comfortable” She smiles, nodding towards the main living space.

“Thanks” you reply, giving her a grateful nod as you move to take your pick of seat, instantly finding yourself sitting on a soft spot of cushioned padding, naturally lining the surface of her stainless couch.

“Looks like we’re just on time” You look over to where Yunjin had nodded to, eyebrows furrowing slightly as your brain loads the visual of the window behind you and the scene it held.

And surely enough, just as Yunjin had said, it was instantly proven that you had gotten to her place just in time. The outside world beyond the window was that of a mob raid of brainless rain. It thrashed around, whipping and slashing at the glass pane as if it were desperate to get inside, desperate to flee the harshness of the outside situation. But it was bound, flung, and pinned down in a raw entertainment for the twisted sky. The clouds let out great gouts of something between either sorrow or boast- nothing is ever truly certain anymore.

“It seems so” you smile, eyes following the rigid trails the small clusters of water had left behind, little slipstreams for their fellow kind allow for flocks and herds of rushing liquid to squelch themselves from existence- waving a small farewell in their formula race. That's where you draw the winner's flag.

“It wouldn't have ended so well if we had got caught up in that-” Yunjin begins,“being ill isn’t something I plan to do” you hum at the words, averting your attention to the way she moulds herself into the furniture- almost seeming as if she was the house instead of the tenant.

“You? Being ill?” You pause, your direct vision tracing over the smaller decorations present within the room- particularly the small vase of flowers on the coffee table- a delicate assortment of light pinks and soft purple roses- presumably plastic. It’s cute. “Sounds like a nightmare”

“Huh?” her eyebrows raise as her mouth goes slightly slack “Why? How?”

“Relax” you let out an airy laugh, mind relaying the visual image of Yunjin's face,”I’m joking”

“Sorry but who is this?” A new voice interrupts from beyond your sight, soft yet loud as it intrudes on your small conversation.

“Rosie,” Yunjin begins,”I thought you’d be asleep”

“I was” she smiled, her face going smooth against the odds,”But I woke up and now I'm thirsty”

“Oh… well I washed the dishes earlier” Yunjin pauses, glancing back to you,”Rosé, meet Y/n”

It was apparent that this roommate was acting, although, it's also apparent that you’re rather oblivious. Her smile had widened and her balance shifted from one leg to another as she looked at you. “Hello Y/n. I hope Yunjin isn’t freaking you out too much”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Yunjin scoffs jokingly, standing up “Y/n, do you want a drink or anything?”

“Uhm… a water please” you tilt your head down, powering on your phone to see the few missed calls and unanswered messages from Lia and your friends.

“A water? You sure? You can have anything”

“Your stash of coffee that even I’m not allowed?” Rosé asks, folding her arms expectantly as she leans slightly closer to her brown haired friend. “Even that” Yunjin nods approvingly.

“Nope, I'm good with just water. Thank you though” You offer them both a smile before they disappear into the kitchen.

You open your phone again and instantly begin to read through your texts.

“Sorry that took so long, Rosie needed me to cut her some apples while she made herself a drink" Yunjin apologises, placing your tall glass of water on the coffee table for you, causing the sea of chilled water to delicately swoosh around like an enraged storm was present within the room with you.

“I thought she was thirsty?” You eye the taller girl as she crashes back into her seat. “So did I… guess she got hungry too” Yunjin smiles, readjusting the way she’s sat to face you better, her elbow upon the top of the couch. “You’re sure you don't want anything else?”

“Yunjinnn!” You almost whine, laughing as the other girl acts almost confused at the sudden drag of her name “I'm sure”

“Sure, sure?”

“Yes”

“Certain?”

“Absolutely certain”

You take a second to just stare at her, your eyes meeting for a brief moment before you suddenly both burst out laughing. An ugly combination of belly-rupturing chortles and sniffles fill the space, bouncing from wall to wall as if the dorm was a soft play area.

“Fine, fine” Yunjin squeezes out between a particularly deep breath,”If you say so”

“I do say so” you claim, calming yourself down as you reach over to coin your drink from its stance.

“Fair enough…” Yunjin pauses, leaning slightly closer to you with a curious glance,”Can I ask you a question?”

You take a second to think, but ultimately nod regardless,”Yeah, sure. Go ahead”

“Are you close with your parents? You mentioned them earlier, about having a set list of jobs to pick from and whatnot…” Yunjin's voice lowers as her sentence comes to an end, her eyes evidently searching yours for a hidden reaction.

You open your mouth to speak, but it’s almost as if even the word ‘yeah’ refused to crawl from your lips, and instead, evaporated at the base of your tongue, leaving like a mist into the depths of a pending volcano, or even the pending of what could easily be described as a crime scene. However, you had to force the four letters out, almost choking upon the basic syllables. “Yeah”

But that was arguably the most simple answer possible. Anyone could say “Yeah” and get away on less than even a warning. Like, for instance, someone being pulled over for speeding- the officer could give them a speech as long as a university essay- and all the offender would have to do is say “Yeah” to get away from the situation faster. Or even a student in a behavioural meeting- the staff could bash on for hours about the students behaviour and attitude- and all the student would have to do is say “Yeah” and leave, only to return the next day and do the exact same thing over... but it worked!

So, the need and urge to expand on your response bubbled around like a plague within your chest. “Yeah- I mean, I haven't talked to them in a while, but personally, i'd like to say we’re okay”

Your hair sticks like another layer of skin on the back of your neck as you gulp down some cool air, feeling it swash around within your anxious lungs. Her look was almost venomous, like the point of a snake’s fang, or a sharpened elephant tusk. It almost hurt to look at her with how much your throat closed at the idea of… everything.

“You sure? You don't look or sound so sure about that” You sigh at her concern, taking another sip of your drink before tutting gently. “You really don’t need to answer, I just wanted to understand if you’re close with your family or not…”

“No. no. It’s okay. Trust me, it’s just complicated. I love my family as much as the next guy, but they’re not always available. I can never seem to call them anymore, not on their personal numbers anyway. I have to call the homeline…” You almost cringe at the fact your family even have a homeline. It just seems so outdated. “-and even then, it’s not them who answers”

“Who answers?”

Pausing, you almost feel your bottom lip quiver. “My grandpa” you smile sadly, exhaling deeply through your mouth. “He lives with my parents due to paralysis in his left leg. His wife- my grandma- still lives in another country due to visa issues. So when I can't get ahold of my parents, I ring the family homeline and talk to my grandpa about grandma and how much they’ve talked”

Noticing a small smile playing on the plush of Yunjin's lips, you can’t help but smile too. “That’s cute” she beams, holding eye contact as she does so. Somehow, her smile felt different this time, and it somehow made the miraculous happen- a certain heat reached your neck. It’s tingly, and it’s certainly not unwelcome as the onlook of your new friend ceases to flatten your mood.

“We’re probably the closest in the family, me and my grandpa. He’s always telling me about a new story every few weeks- and a life lesson that comes along with it too”

“He sounds like a charming man. I can really see where you got yours from”

There it was again, the same warmth that resided upon your neck just seconds ago was back for a suffocating round two. It strangled you in a calm grasp. Your neck acts as a bottle of rose champagne, fizzing and bubbling the more it’s aggravated- rising in volume and colour with the increase of verbal intimacy and attentiveness present within the room.

You were going to need some time to get used to this girls' compliments...

“Thank you, Yunjin”

Yunjin laughs, shaking her head,”Please call me Jennifer, or Jen for short”

Your eyebrows almost lift in surprise, a nickname? “If you say so Yunji- I mean Jen” you’re quick to salute jokingly, face going slack as a smile threatens your lips into a not so covert grin.

This only makes her laugh again though, her hand moving to brush through the brown of her silky hair away from covering her face.

“Sorry” you mumble bashfully, a small smile finally breaking from your lips.

“It’s all good” Yunjin pauses to yawn, her hand moving to now cover her mouth as her jaw inevitably stretches open,”don’t sweat it”

“Are you tired?” You ask, feeling kind of stupid now that you think about it. Why else would she be yawning? “I can leave if you want to get some rest-”

“No!” Yunjin surprises both you and herself with the sudden uproar in her tone, her voice reaching far beyond what it normally does. She coughs,”sorry, it’s just that it’s still raining, and I don’t want you getting sick… you know?”

Glancing back to the window, you take a mental note at the progression of the on-going storm outside. It looks far worse now… “Yeah… I do understand, thanks for looking out for me”

“It’s no big deal, you would’ve done the same for me... I hope?”

“I would've” You confirm, observing as she nuzzles her head against a pillow, her body language seeming more so relaxed. “There’s no way I’d let you go out in that”

"That's good to know"

You hum,"you never answered my other question though…" A flash of concentration blimps within her eyes,"What question?"

"Are you tired?"

"What? What's that got to do with the question you asked earlier? A tired brain wouldn't stop me from remembering, it shouldn't-"

"No, Jen" you smile,"the question was, are you tired?"

Her face morphs to one of disappointment and understanding, eyebrows tightly pinched together "Oh… sorry, that must've completely slipped my mind," she laughs awkwardly. “I guess I am tired”

“You should rest then”

“But who’ll keep you company? I don’t want to leave you alone… not because I don’t trust you or anything! I just want-”

“Want to be a good host?” You cut her off with a smile,”Yeah, I understand”

“I’m glad you do, I don’t want to leave the impression that I don’t care”

“I could never get that impression from you” you reassure, gaze shifting to the blonde that’s walked into the room again, a contentless plate in one hand while her phone occupies the other. You make brief eye contact before she continues on into what you've mapped out to be the kitchen. You sip on your water again.

“What are you looking at?” Yunjin asks, turning to evaluate the rest of the room with a suspicious eye.

“Your roommate came back out” is what you would’ve said… if you hadn’t noticed the small flare in her eyes, a look that spoke a thousand words without a vocal meaning. But instead, you just shook your head. “Nothing, just thinking”

“Oh?” She turns back to face you, quirking an eyebrow at your response,”What were you thinking about?”

"Not much," you smile before downing the rest of your drink,"mind if I go and refill this?"

"Not at all. It's just through there," she points in the general direction.

"Thanks"

Walking into the kitchen meant coming face to face with Yunjin's roommate and her more innocent looking features. Rosie, a name you remember so vaguely, though, that’s not what she used to call her.

ᶜᵘᵗ ʰᵉʳᵉ ✄-----------------------------------------

: A new college means new faces, and although you already have a set of friends to hang out with, you can't help but be drawn to the two campus heartthrobs... and they can't help but be drawn to you too...

ᶜᵘᵗ ʰᵉʳᵉ ✄-----------------------------------------

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 | 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓

ᶜᵘᵗ ʰᵉʳᵉ ✄-----------------------------------------

𝐓𝐀𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: [𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍]

@cosettesrants @havex00 @1luvkarina @lesleepyyy @luvjanexx @jeindall777

@xen-16 @sewiouslyz @verdanst @pandafuriosa60 @misclsims

[lancedoncrimsonwings]

TLDR; I put up new curtains today as celebration for tackling the mould problem in my bedroom! I had to get rid of half of all my belongings but I am proud I got it sorted.

The mould apparently followed me and cropped up again after living in a damp riddled place a year or two ago. I lost most of my furniture, aside from the solid wood pieces that were thankfully undamaged, but when I moved I decided to keep the IKEA bookcase and desk, since they were only there for about 6 months and kept upstairs so should have been fine from the severe rising damp. I also kept my Nana's old bedside table, which had been affected by the mould and damp but cleaned thoroughly.

Sadly, fast forwards a year renting in my new place free from damp, and a bunch of mould showed up on that Ikea desk and bookcase, and half of the stuff that was on or in it.

So I've spent the last three weeks trying to go through it all, bin everything that wasn't too sentimental to try and save, and introduced the remainder to the mould-spray-cleaner-Gauntlet.

I tipped the furniture and scoured the rest of my room- to my dismay, the back of the bedside table was again affected, as well as more things that I kept under my bed, but had in the previous house been near the now affected furniture...

...leading me to gut the everloving fuck out of the rest of my room, getting rid of nearly everything I own that wasn't visibly clean and safely inside a plastic storage box already, clothing I could just wash, or far too sentimental to lose like my snake's ashes/urn and ceramic bird figures from my Nana.

Today I cleaned the wooden mirror, reorganised the cupboard and under my bed with everything I'm keeping, cleaned in plastic boxes, scrubbed the windows clean for a third and final time, got rid of the old curtains and put up new ones. I bought myself the Kingfisher ones I wanted years ago to cheer me up. They don't fully match my lilac walls but they're really pretty!

I have now to clean the carpet properly and then have one final piece of furniture to clean and empty, which is the second (unpictured) chest of drawers full of clothes, then I'm done with this entire fiasco.

I know no one cares but. I'm gonna talk to the void because honestly this is a massive weight off my shoulders, I've felt like I wanted to scream and cry every time I even went in my room because I was scared of it, but now I can breathe easy in there and it's starting to feel like mine again.

Once upon a time I would have buried my head in the sand and just started to sleep downstairs instead.

Now though I took steps to fix the problem- even though it's taken me a while with the fatigue, I did it, and I'm so much happier for it. The majority is done, the rest will be done by the end of the month.

I've gone from homelessness to nearly losing all I own from the house I found being uninhabitable. This place is decent, I'm about to move again for uni and so scared of all this happening again but. If it does I will tackle it.

I got this.

[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.

[sebyth]

List of youtube artists I follow, along with a brief description of what to expect from their videos and a link. This was originally a twiiter "Moment" back when those existed, and I've transcribed what I could here with a few edits. Trying to bring the vibe of oldschool webpage "links" pages.

-- Last updated: Aug 19 2023

Using a read-more for length.

Adam Duff LUCIDPIXUL Mostly long form discussion of art-related problems and issues over a backdrop of creature illustration rendering. Also art book and product reviews. CW: has been talking a lot about "AI art" programs lately. https://www.youtube.com/c/AdamDuffArt

AhmadArt Mostly watercolour and acrylic painting demonstrations, with tips and technique tutorials geared towards beginners, focusing more on semi-abstract landscapes and sky scenes. https://www.youtube.com/c/AhmadArt

Ahmed Aldoori Art fundamental demonstrations and tutorials in a broad range (studying values, using reference effectively, developing form, etc) https://www.youtube.com/c/AhmedAldoori

Alphonso Dunn Informative tutorials and demonstrations of drawing, mostly with pen & ink, focusing on utilizing line to more effectively depict form, also how to approach various drawing-related problems. Also has books available. https://www.youtube.com/c/ALPHONSODUNN

Anna Bucciarelli Mostly watercolour but some other painting media as well, focusing more on both realism-style and a more simplified style of florals, animals, and nature elements. https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnaBucciarelli

arleebean Demonstrations and tutorials of semi-abstract watercolours, usually vibes and portrait-related. Also reviews of smaller watercolour and gouache brands. https://www.youtube.com/c/arleebean

artistlin8 Watercolour demonstrations of portrait illustrations in a more realism style, focusing mostly on characters from shows and movies. https://www.youtube.com/c/artistlin8

BlackBean CMS Mostly oil pastel and oil paint demonstrations in a unique abstracted style portraits with voice-over discussion and high energy vibes. Also some candid reviews of various oil pastel brands. https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackBeanCMS

Bobby Chiu General and specific art tutorials and advice, interviews with other artists, art challenges. Founder of Schoolism art classes site. https://www.youtube.com/c/BobbyChiu

BoroCG Digital illustration demonstrations and discussion. https://www.youtube.com/c/boroCG

Catmeleon Studio Doll customization, mostly on Monster High base, involving a lot of sculptural/structural changes and often a stand or setting, focusing on whimsical and dark themes. https://www.youtube.com/c/CatmeleonStudio

Cesar Santos Oil painting and sketching demonstrations and discussion mostly in realism "old masters" atelier style. https://www.youtube.com/c/CesarSantosArt

Chris Hong Art Drawing and painting process demonstrations, was mostly watercolour and colour pencil, later moved more to pen and marker, focusing mostly on stylized portraits, figures, and illustrations. https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisHongArt

Coco Bee Art Abstract watercolour process meditations and demonstrations, also tutorials. https://www.youtube.com/c/CocoBeeA

Craft with Creativity Demonstrations of how to make usable household items and decorations with cardboard and other scrap/waste items. https://www.youtube.com/c/CraftwithCreativity

DBNaila Mostly acrylic illustration painting demonstrations with some narration and sound effects, also oil painting more recently. https://www.youtube.com/c/DBNaila

Debi's Design Diary Demonstrations of creative customization of furniture using her own paint brand, various brands of stencils, and decorative moulds, interwoven with stories from her experiences. CW: sometime stories involve her religious experiences (Christian) https://www.youtube.com/c/DebisDesignDiary

Dollightful In-depth doll customization process, usually on a base of Monster High or other plastic/vinyl dolls, including face-ups, hair rerooting and wigs, clothing and accessories, and often structural and articulation alterations. Occasional themed collaborations. https://www.youtube.com/c/Dollightful

Doodle Date Fun videos where a couple demonstrates various drawing and painting tools and art items together in their cartoony styles. https://www.youtube.com/c/DoodleDate

Draftsmen Video version of long-form podcast-type discussion on various art-related topics and themes, hosted by Stan Prokopenko (creator of Proko) and Marshall Vandruff. https://www.youtube.com/c/Draftsmen

Drawfee Show A group of people demonstrate quick creative drawings on various themes for fun in their various styles or sometimes in style-related challenges. https://www.youtube.com/c/Drawfee

Emilyena Mostly demonstrations of portrait illustration speedpaint process in a gothic illustrative semi-realism style using digital media. https://www.youtube.com/c/Emilyena

Emily Artful Mostly watercolour illustration demonstrations featuring mostly florals, with an unrelated narrative on top, often telling a story about the artist's life or past that inspired the piece. CW: the artist sometimes talks candidly about her past struggles with drug use. CW: was victim of bullying and stalking from other artists so there are some videos discussing these events https://www.youtube.com/c/emilyartful

Emma Jane Lefebvre Mostly watercolour demonstrations and technique tutorials, with a focus on semi-abstract style florals and nature elements. https://www.youtube.com/c/EmmaLefebvre

Ethan Becker Sassy art tips and advice mostly geared towards beginners, focusing more on character design and animation. https://www.youtube.com/c/EthanBecker70

Following the White Rabbit Various watercolour sketching demonstrations and creativity challenge suggestions. https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowingtheWhiteRabbit

Heikala Ink and watercolour process demonstrations in a whimsical illustrative style. https://www.youtube.com/c/Heikala

HulloAlice Mostly videos about painting process and art related issues, also demonstrating various art products. Some tutorials geared towards beginner artists focusing on painting, sketching, and journaling. https://www.youtube.com/c/HulloAlice

Jay Nathan Watercolor Mostly swatching groups of watercolour paints, some by palette or brand, some by hue or pigment. Also a few watercolour demonstrations and beginner tutorials. https://www.youtube.com/c/JayNathanWatercolor

Jess Karp Mostly drawing and painting practice demonstrations and advice, focusing more on portraits of humans and animals and nature. Semi-realism and more whimsical styles. Also sketchbook tours. Recently more inspirational and motivational vibe videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgpzW4py32WW-Bbkxs8iTVA

J.hunsung Watercolor Incredibly skilled realism-style watercolour demonstrations, visual only with no text nor voice-over. Mostly portraits. https://www.youtube.com/c/JhunsungWatercolorPainting

kelogsloops Mostly watercolour demonstrations and techniques tutorials in a semi-realism style, mostly focusing on portraits. Also some older videos about art school and exhibition experiences. https://www.youtube.com/c/kelogsloops

Kloodwig Drawing demonstrations mainly with inks, focusing on figures/characters illustration. Also a few painting videos. https://www.youtube.com/c/Kloodwig

Kooleen Sassy vibes art tips and drawing shortcuts for beginner artists, mostly digital but also general stylized drawing and portrait/figure construction. Also gives demonstrations of ways followers could improve their submitted artworks. https://www.youtube.com/c/Dospordos

Lioba Brückner Mostly watercolour and gouache portrait illustrations tips and process in an art-nouvaux inspired semi-realism style with florals, but also used to work primarily in oils and some acrylic in earlier videos. CW: has been using and endorsing Midjourney a lot lately for concept ideas https://www.youtube.com/c/LiobaBrueckner

Liron Yanconsky Watercolour tutorials and demonstrations, mostly landscape, city-scape, still life. Showing how to work with washes and values in a loose style. Sometimes also shows other watercolour artists. https://www.youtube.com/c/LironYanconskyArt

Love Life Drawing Mostly life-drawing and general art advice with a focus on gesture and drawing process techniques. https://www.youtube.com/c/lovelifedrawing

makoccino Watercolour demonstrations geared more towards beginners, focusing on simple scenes and elements, also suggestions for getting creativity and getting started or back into art. https://www.youtube.com/c/Makoccino

Marco Bucci Mostly general art advice (light, colour, etc) and painting tutorials, in both digital and analogue mediums. Some focus on animation and character design. https://www.youtube.com/user/marcobucci

Maremi SmallArt Mixed media demonstrations, trying out a variety of materials and techniques, also tips for beginners, how to break a blank page and get started with what you have to create something. Art journaling, making decorative cards and items. https://www.youtube.com/c/MaremiSmallArt

Maria Raczynska Watercolour demonstrations and tutorials, featuring florals/plants, animals, nature scenes, also tips for beginners. https://www.youtube.com/c/mariamorjane

Margaret Morales Mostly watercolour demonstrations with a focus on character illustration from various animated films and shows. https://www.youtube.com/c/MargaretMoralesArt

Mmmmonexx Mostly drawing and watercolour demonstrations of portraits in a semi-realism semi-cartoon styles. Korean language with English subtitles. https://www.youtube.com/c/Mmmmonexx

Nianiani Watercolour illustration and decoration demonstrations, mostly featuring florals and nature elements. https://www.youtube.com/c/Nianiani

Niaz Hannan Watercolors Watercolour demonstrations and techniques, focusing mostly on landscape scenes in a semi-realism style. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQc4NTDrz0Qncp7zx3YM1g

Paint Coach Mostly oil paint process and tips demonstrations but also general art technical skills, portrait and still-life subjects in semi-realism style. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC_J48PF1BcUV6fmCBo2HKQ

Paint in Hiding Mostly comparisons of watercolour paints, swatching them beside each other and talking about the pigment information. Also some reviews of related items, like watercolour papers and brushes. https://www.youtube.com/c/PaintinHiding

PearFleur Painting and drawing demonstrations, tips and tutorials, also some craft demonstrations like book binding and sculpting. https://www.youtube.com/c/PearFleur

Proko Extensive drawing/art tutorials and advice on a wide range of topics, interviews/discussions with other artists, challenges, classes etc. https://www.youtube.com/c/ProkoTV

RapidFireArt Drawing and art fundamental tutorials, mostly with pencil. https://www.youtube.com/c/RapidFireArt

Ross Draws Mostly digital art demonstrations and some more general art tips, focusing more on stylized and colourful character illustrations. https://www.youtube.com/c/Rossdraws

Sea Lemon In-depth demonstrations of book-binding techniques, also painted decorative patterns, and paper crafts. https://www.youtube.com/c/SeaLemonDIY

Shayda Campbell Shorter demonstrations of watercolour and some drawing, mostly stylized florals and nature elements for decoration and journaling. https://www.youtube.com/c/ShaydaCampbell

Steven Zapata Art Mostly long-form skilled drawing rendering demonstrations and sketching practices with narration, focusing mostly on creature and shape design. (Also the reason I tried changing my face studies into a less grid-like composition after I watched his face studies.) https://www.youtube.com/c/StevenZapataArt

Teoh Yi Chie Urban sketching and watercolour illustration demonstrations and tutorials, how to fill sketchbooks, also digital. https://www.youtube.com/c/TeohYiChie

Uncomfortable Comprehensive drawing tutorials covering fundamentals, process, and practice, in a precise and structured lesson series. Also videos suggesting how to solve both drawing and drawing mentality problems. https://www.youtube.com/c/Uncomfortable

Watercolor by Shibasaki Mostly watercolour technique demonstrations at various skill levels, but also sometimes other mediums like acrylic and oil pastels and recently even digital. Also has videos where students send him their work and he shows what might be improved. https://www.youtube.com/c/WatercolorbyShibasaki

Watercolor Misfit Mostly watercolour demonstrations and informative painting and tool tutorials, geared more towards beginners and getting started with painting. Focused more on soft whimsical style animal illustrations. https://www.youtube.com/c/WaterColorMisfit

Zin Lim Oil painting and charcoal drawing demonstrations, focusing mainly on loose, expressive realism-style portraits and figure drawing. https://www.youtube.com/user/zinlimpresent

[themidcenturyscene]

The Deadly Everyday Items Of The Post War Kitchen | Hidden Killers | Timeline

Dr Suzannah Lipscomb looks at the hidden dangers of the British postwar home. In the 1950s, people embraced modern design for the first time after years of austerity and self-denial. The modern home featured moulded plywood furniture, fibreglass, plastics and polyester - materials and technologies that were developed during World War II.

[digitalanchor0]

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[lord-vermin]

Oh shit I don’t think I’ve actually told this fucking story on here BUT (and this story is totally made up for many reasons) I ~accidentally~ kinda stole(?) a painting/tile worth iirc 15,000

So this was back at my old shop and basically it used to be an art gallery, the building was old as shit and I had a theory that the loft (attic) of the building connected to the other two buildings & my boss wanted me to store some furniture but we were so limited on space in this tiny fucking studio that I decided hey - I’m going to strategically break (gently rip it open) the door to the loft & see if we can get away with storing the furniture upstairs.

I get up there and it’s creepy as shit but my theory is true it’s HUGE up there & because it’s not the same building we can store stuff up there & hopefully the landlord won’t have a clue. But on my exploration into the world of black mould and asbestos I find these cardboard boxes filled with pictures, frames, tiles, etc.

(Fictional pictures to help your imagination)

& bc the building used to be a gallery up until the 80(?)s when the guy who owned the gallery passed away. I immediately start seeing what’s good - I decide ‘hey let’s not go crazy’ and I took 3 downstairs for people to look at.

Alas I only have pictures of the two that aren’t relevant to this story & not the third one which was the once that caused all the fucking trouble in the first place.

But I take them downstairs wayyy too eager to please my boss and I’m like “hey these are cool maybe we should put them on the wall?” I mostly just liked the one with the crows Ngl. We all agree they’d be good to fill some gaps on the wall and they go into a plastic bag on the floor while we all procrastinate on actually putting them up. Which turned out to be a fucking miracle.

So the landlord comes by and this is the first time in years he’s stopped by, first time I’ve ever seen the dude and he’s PISSED because SOMEONE broke into upstairs and has gone through all his paintings (no idea who that would be) and even worse some are missing. We own up to using it as a cheeky storage space which he says is fine. And I SOMEHOW had to look this man in the eye, with said paintings wrapped in a plastic bag on the floor in front of him and go “no clue mate sorry” while this painting shaped plastic bag sat on the floor in front of him. My boss decides he will keep the paintings because they’re his bc he pays the rent despite me saying maybe we should just put them back upstairs.

So the dude apparently reports the paintings as stolen & takes everything he had from upstairs and removes it. And my boss on a slow day tasks me with finding out what the fuck is up with these paintings and why this guy lost his shit. The first two paintings, the ones pictured above - worth £100 at a stretch. Valued at that but no one is buying. But the other one was this ceramic tile that I end up bringing to a gallery and I’m like “do you know anything about this” the guy immediately is like “oh my god where did you get this I haven’t seen one of these in forever” I lie. Just frantically making shit up as I’m starting to realise it’s probably been reported nicked and I’m getting it fucking checked out. And he tells me the artists name & some info and I get back to the studio and we do about 5 seconds of googling and this guys incredibly well known & his stuff goes for a lot. This piece was part of a set and some of the other pieces of the same set had been sold at auction for roughly 15,000. I am fucking mortified.

This is where the realisation that I’ve fucked up really starts to set in. We don’t want this anymore. We wrap it up in plastic & bubble wrap - put it in the store room and never speak of it. Kinda running off the logic of ‘it’s never left the building so it’s not stolen it’s just misplaced’

until one of the tat-artists who decided to secretly move studios steals a bunch of shit including the tile-painting-thing. But then he suffered a psychotic break and gave it to someone. So now it’s just out there somewhere??? The other two got put back up stairs into storage.

[pokemonleagueofficial]

can you post a bedtime story I’m tired

The chair has been used since antiquity, although for many centuries it was a symbolic article of state and dignity rather than an article for ordinary use. "The chair" is still used as the emblem of authority in the House of Commons in Galar[6] and Canada,[7] and in many other settings. In keeping with this historical connotation of the "chair" as the symbol of authority, committees, boards of directors, and academic departments all have a 'chairman' or 'chair'.[8] Endowed professorships are referred to as chairs.[9] It was not until the 16th century that chairs became common.[10] Until then, people sat on chests, benches, and stools, which were the ordinary seats of everyday life. The number of chairs which have survived from an earlier date is exceedingly limited; most examples are of ecclesiastical, seigneurial or feudal origin.[citation needed]

Chairs were in existence since at least the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt (c. 3100 BC). They were covered with cloth or leather, were made of carved wood, and were much lower than today's chairs – chair seats were sometimes only 10 inches (25 cm) high.[11] In ancient Egypt, chairs appear to have been of great richness and splendor. Fashioned of ebony and ivory, or of carved and gilded wood, they were covered with costly materials, magnificent patterns and supported upon representations of the legs of Pokemon or the figures of captives. Generally speaking, the higher ranked an individual was, the taller and more sumptuous was the chair he sat on and the greater the honor. On state occasions, the pharaoh sat on a throne, often with a little footstool in front of it.[11]

The average Egyptian family seldom had chairs, and if they did, it was usually only the master of the household who sat on a chair. Among the better off, the chairs might be painted to look like the ornate inlaid and carved chairs of the rich, but the craftsmanship was usually poor.[11]

The earliest images of chairs in China are from 6th-century Buddhist murals and stele, but the practice of sitting in chairs at that time was rare. It was not until the 12th century that chairs became widespread in China. Scholars disagree on the reasons for the adoption of the chair. The most common theories are that the chair was an outgrowth of indigenous Chinese furniture, that it evolved from a camp stool imported from Central Asia, that it was introduced to China by The Original One missionaries in the 7th century, and that the chair came to China from India as a form of Buddhist monastic furniture. In modern China, unlike Korea or Kanto, it is no longer common to sit at floor level.[12]

In Europe, it was owing in great measure to the Renaissance that the chair ceased to be a privilege of state and became a standard item of furniture for anyone who could afford to buy it. Once the idea of privilege faded the chair speedily came into general use. Almost at once the chair began to change every few years to reflect the fashions of the day.[13]

Thomas Edward Bowdich visited the main Palace of the Ashanti Empire in 1819, and observed chairs engrossed with gold in the empire.[14] In the 1880s, chairs became more common in Unovan households and usually there was a chair provided for every family member to sit down to dinner. By the 1830s, factory-manufactured “fancy chairs” like those by Sears, Roesawsbuck, and Co. allowed families to purchase machined sets. With the Industrial Revolution, chairs became much more available.[15]

The 20th century saw an increasing use of technology in chair construction with such things as all-metal folding chairs, metal-legged chairs, the Slumber Chair,[citation needed] moulded plastic chairs and ergonomic chairs.[16] The recliner became a popular form, at least in part due to radio and television. In the 1930s, stair lifts were commercially available to help people suffering from Polio and other diseases to navigate stairs.[17]

The modern movement of the 1960s produced new forms of chairs: the butterfree chair (originally called the Hardoy chair), bean bags, and the egg-shaped pod chair that turns. It also introduced the first mass-produced plastic chairs such as the Bofinger chair in 1966.[18] Technological advances led to molded plywood and wood laminate chairs, as well as chairs made of leather or polymers. Mechanical technology incorporated into the chair enabled adjustable chairs, especially for office use. Motors embedded in the chair resulted in massage chairs.[19]

[yongstarshaker]

For Protein Shakers and Gym Shakers Choose Us

We can create shaker bottles with the company logo and favourite colour for you. For your brand, create bespoke items. You're prepared to use superior YONGSTAR shakers to develop your brand or that of your company. As a reputable shaker bottle maker, Yongstar Shaker specialises in creating unique Gym Shakers bottles in your preferred design, colour, and branding. We have been producing protein shaker bottles for a variety of customers, including some well-known supplement companies, for the last several years. With exceptional quality, a reasonable pricing, and superior service, we have established a solid reputation with our customers. We're glad you're here, custom protein shaker cups.

We sell Protein Shakers bottles for protein shakes. PP is often used to manufacture plastic shaker bottles. Plastic called polypropylene has outstanding all-around qualities and is a linear polymer with high density, no side chains, and high crystallinity. Typical items include shaker bottles, barrels, basins, furniture, woven bags, bottle caps, automobile bumpers, and more. PP plastic, often known as polypropylene, has the following characteristics: specific gravity of 0.9–0.91 g/cm3, shrinkage during moulding of 1.0–2.5%, and moulding temperature of 160–220 °C. Since PP is a crystalline polymer, it performs better overall than PE material. Products made of polypropylene (PP) are lightweight, durable, and chemically resistant. Low dimensional accuracy, inadequate stiffness, poor weather resistance, post-shrinking, quick ageing, embrittlement, and distortion after demoulding are drawbacks of polypropylene. The often used protein shaker bottle in everyday life is composed of PP material.

Amorphous in nature, PP polyester should have a melting point over 220 degrees and a thermal deformation temperature of about 121 degrees. However, since it is a macromolecular polymer, tiny analytical oligomers are more prone to precipitate at higher temperatures. The majority of these chemicals are harmful to human health. Additionally, because boiling water is often 100 degrees, the basic plastic shakers won't have a mark above that temperature. After thorough washing, the plastic shaker bottle may be used in the microwave and reused. There are several shaker bottles that need special care. Visit us online at http://www.yongstarshaker.com/

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] From the brand Nilkamal India's Favourite Furniture About Us Nilkamal’ s association with Furniture needs no introduction. Nilkamal is the world’s largest manufacturer of moulded furniture & India’s favourite furniture; All Nilkamal manufacturing units are ISO certified across various levels along with BIFMA – Level 3 and Greengard (UK Cert). Our Best Seller Shop Nilkamal Furniture Product Dimensions : Depth : 41 CM Height : 86.5 CM Width : 43 CM Material: 100% Polypropylene Material :: Pattern: Glossy Design :: Style: Contemporary. No Assembly Required: The product is delivered in a pre-assembled state Warranty: 1 year on product; Primary Material: Plastic Assembly Instructions: Already Assembled; Back Style: Solid Back; Is Assembly Required: False Made of 100% Polypropylene Material - gives ultimate strength and durability to the product Comfort - Ergonomic features provide comfort during extended use No Assembly Required – Product is delivered in pre-assembled state Easy to clean – Just wipe down with a clean cloth [ad_2]

[chrisrock06]

Tile Removal: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re looking to renovate your bathroom, kitchen, or flooring, tile removal is one of the first and most crucial steps in transforming your space. While it may seem straightforward, removing tiles can be a time-consuming and complex task that requires the right tools and techniques. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tile removal, including the steps involved, why you should hire professionals, and what to expect during the process.

1. Why Tile Removal is Necessary

1.1 Outdated or Damaged Tiles

Tiles can quickly become damaged over time, especially in high-traffic areas or spaces that experience a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Cracked or chipped tiles not only ruin the aesthetic of the space but can also lead to further issues like water damage, mould, and mildew. In such cases, tile removal becomes essential to ensure the area remains safe and functional.

1.2 Changing the Design

Sometimes, a change in your design vision or a desire to update the style of your space is the main reason for removing tiles. If you're looking to switch from a traditional to a modern style, or change the colour or texture of your tiles, removing the old tiles is the first step in the renovation process.

1.3 Floor-Leveling or Subfloor Repair

In some instances, tile removal may be necessary if you plan to install new flooring, such as hardwood, vinyl, or carpet. Removing the old tiles ensures that your subfloor is even and prepared for the new material, as uneven surfaces can lead to complications during installation.

2. Tools and Equipment Required for Tile Removal

2.1 Manual Tools

Pry Bar: This is the most basic tool for lifting tiles. A pry bar allows you to get under the tile and gently lift it from the surface.

Hammer: Used in conjunction with the pry bar, a hammer helps loosen the tiles from the floor or wall.

Putty Knife: A putty knife can help remove any remaining adhesive on the surface after the tiles have been lifted.

2.2 Power Tools

Hammer Drill: A hammer drill is often used for tile removal as it can break through tough adhesive and grout.

Tile Cutter or Wet Saw: These tools are designed to cut tiles for more precise removal when needed.

Angle Grinder: For more challenging tile surfaces, an angle grinder can help cut through stubborn tiles.

2.3 Safety Gear

Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris and dust that may fly up during the removal process.

Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges on broken tiles.

Dust Mask: Prevent inhaling dust and particles that can be released when tiles are removed.

3. How the Tile Removal Process Works

3.1 Preparation

The first step in tile removal is to prepare the area. Remove all furniture, appliances, or any items that may be in the way. Cover the surrounding areas with plastic sheets or drop cloths to protect them from dust and debris. Turn off the water supply if you are working in a bathroom or kitchen.

3.2 Loosening the Tiles

Start by loosening the grout around the tiles with a grout saw or utility knife. Then, using your pry bar and hammer, gently lift each tile from the surface. Be careful not to damage the underlying surface, especially if you plan to re-tile or install new flooring over it.

3.3 Removing Adhesive and Grout

Once the tiles are removed, you will need to clean the surface and remove any adhesive or grout left behind. This can be done with a putty knife, scraper, or power tools like a hammer drill. Depending on the surface material, you may need to use a chemical adhesive remover for more stubborn materials.

3.4 Disposal

Once the tiles are removed and the area is cleaned, the next step is to dispose of the old tiles. You can take them to a recycling centre, or contact a local disposal service to ensure proper disposal.

4. Hiring Professionals for Tile Removal

4.1 Why Choose Professionals?

While DIY tile removal is possible, it can be a time-consuming, exhausting task that requires careful handling of tools and materials. Hiring professionals ensures the job is done efficiently and safely. They have the right equipment, experience, and techniques to remove tiles without damaging your walls or floors, saving you both time and effort.

4.2 When to Hire a Professional

It’s best to hire professionals for tile removal if you’re dealing with large areas, stubborn materials, or if you’re not familiar with the necessary tools and techniques. They can also assist with safely disposing of the debris, preventing health hazards from dust or broken tiles.

5. Tile Removal and Renovation: What’s Next?

After tile removal, the next step is often preparing the space for new tiles or other flooring materials. This might involve smoothing the surface, making any necessary repairs, or installing a fresh layer of adhesive. Once the surface is ready, you can proceed with your renovation project.

Conclusion

Whether you're renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or flooring, tile removal is an essential part of the process. While it can be a challenging task, understanding the necessary tools, steps, and safety precautions will help ensure your renovation goes smoothly. If you’re not ready to tackle the job yourself, hiring professionals will guarantee that your project is completed efficiently, safely, and without unnecessary stress.

[rosepaintingptyltd]

Why Are Spray Painting Services the Future of Modern Renovations?

Refurbishing a property is an exciting yet challenging process that requires meticulous planning, the right materials, and professional execution. Regarding surface finishes, spray painting has become the go-to solution for residential and commercial renovations. From walls and ceilings to cabinets and furniture, spray painting offers efficiency, precision, and an impeccable finish that traditional painting methods struggle to match. This blog explores why spray painting services in Melbourne are transforming modern renovations and delves into the top coating options available for various surfaces.

Why Spray Painting Services Are the Future of Modern Renovations?

Unmatched Efficiency

Spray painting is far faster than traditional brush or roller methods. By covering large areas quickly and evenly, spray painting significantly reduces project timelines without compromising on quality. 

This is especially beneficial for large-scale renovations. These places include offices, warehouses, or apartment complexes, where time is critical. For residential projects, spray painting can minimize disruptions to daily life by completing tasks in a fraction of the time.

2. Flawless Finish

One of the standout advantages of spray painting services is their ability to deliver a smooth, uniform coating. Unlike brushes or rollers, which can leave streaks or uneven textures, spray painting creates a uniform layer that enhances the overall charm of the surface.

This accuracy is beneficial for intricate or textured surfaces, such as furniture, mouldings, and cabinetry. They are where traditional painting methods might fall short.

3. Versatility Across Surfaces

Spray painting services are incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of materials, including:

Wood

Metal

Concrete

Plastic

Drywall

This adaptability makes spray painting ideal for modern renovations, where a cohesive look across different surfaces is often desired. Spray painting can handle everything from refreshing kitchen cabinets to revamping industrial machinery.

4. Eco-Friendly Options

As sustainability becomes a priority in modern renovations, spray painting services offer eco-friendly solutions that reduce waste and environmental impact. 

High-quality spray equipment ensures minimal overspray. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and water-based paints provide safer and greener alternatives for homes and businesses.

5. Customization and Innovation

Modern renovations often demand unique finishes and custom colours to match specific design visions. Spray painting services allow for advanced customization. 

You can pick from metallic finishes, high-gloss coatings, and textured applications. With computer-aided colour matching and a wide range of options, spray painting offers unlimited design possibilities.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

The initial cost of spray painting services is higher than traditional methods. But, the long-term savings make it a cost-effective choice. The precision and durability of spray-applied coatings mean fewer touch-ups and repaints, reducing overall maintenance costs.

Top Coating Options for Spray Painting Services

Selecting the right coating is essential to achieving the desired surface look, feel, and durability. Here are some of the most popular coating options available through professional spray painting services:

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paints are a popular choice for interior walls and ceilings due to their fast-drying properties and versatility. They are available in various finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss. Thus, allowing homeowners to create the perfect look for their space.

2. Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy coatings are renowned for their durability and resistance to chemicals, water, and abrasions. These coatings are ideal for:

Garage floors

Industrial spaces

High-traffic areas

Epoxy coatings are also available in various colours and textures, including metallic and flake finishes. Thus, offering functionality and aesthetic appeal.

3. Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings provide a durable and flexible finish. Hence, they are an excellent choice for surfaces that require impact and abrasion resistance. They are often used for:

Wood furniture

Floors

Metal surfaces

With a high-gloss finish and UV resistance, polyurethane coatings are perfect for interior and exterior applications.

4. Powder Coating

Although powder coating requires specialized equipment, it is popular for metal surfaces. This coating is highly durable, environmentally friendly, and in various textures and colours. Common applications include:

Metal furniture

Appliances

Automotive parts

5. Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are known for their smooth application and glossy finish, making them ideal for:

Doors

Trim

Cabinets

These paints provide excellent coverage and durability, although they take longer to dry than water-based options.

6. High-Temperature Paints

High-temperature paints are the best choice for surfaces exposed to extreme heat, such as fireplaces or industrial equipment. These specialized coatings defy high temperatures without cracking or peeling.

Conclusion

Spray painting services in Melbourne have become essential to modern renovations, offering speed, precision, and versatility that traditional methods cannot match. From achieving flawless finishes to providing eco-friendly solutions, spray painting is redefining the industry's standards of quality and efficiency. By choosing the right coating options, homeowners and businesses can ensure their surfaces look stunning and last a long time. Whether a home makeover or a commercial upgrade, spray painting services from Rose Painting PTY Ltd are the future of innovative and sustainable renovations.