#San Luis Open Challenger

[labrecha]

Pierden Tres Mexicanos en el Inicio del San Luis Open en el CDP

Pierden Tres #Mexicanos en el Inicio del #SanLuisOpen en el #CDP

Santiago Valle de México San Luis Potosí, SLP / Marzo 24 de 2024.- Inició el San Luis Open Challenger en el Club Deportivo Potosino, la primera jornada dejó fuera del torneo a tres mexicanos, Santiago Valle, Luis Antonio Ávila y Alan Fernando Rubio. Beibit Zhukayev En el primer partido en el Estadio de Tenis a las 10:00 horas se enfrentaron el mexicano Santiago Valle contra el colombiano Nicolas…

[stateofsport211]

San Luis Potosi Ch F: Nicolas Mejia [Q] def. Matias Soto [Q] 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 Match Stats

📸 ATP official website

M. Soto had a nervy start to the match, which was taken advantage of by N. Mejia as the former got some difficulties to find his range, even in some extended moments. On the other hand, although N. Mejia's aggressive play, even some notable drop shots and winners midway, helped him to create 13 break points and convert 54% of them (4% more than M. Soto out of 8 break points), M. Soto managed to briefly turn this around as N. Mejia got tight serving it out by the end of the second set, but the Colombian qualifier managed to regain his range in time to dominate the third set as M. Soto could not maintain his pace to start the said decider.

Furthermore, bar the end of the second set mess, N. Mejia still had a fairly solid service game. Scoring 6 more aces than M. Soto (10 to 4), he still won 10% more first serve points with 67%, which he often relied on when it came to some troubled moments. However, N. Mejia had a slight edge in his second serves since M. Soto double-faulted ten times (than N. Mejia's 7), fading the latter's second serve winning percentage 4% behind the Colombian qualifier.

This maiden title would not have happened if not because of N. Mejia's 2-match-point-save in the first-round match against wild card Ernesto Escobedo on his return. As a result of this title, N. Mejia is back to 345 in the ranks to start the week, while M. Soto is at 424 live by the start of the week. Their next tournament will then be in the Mexico City Challenger, where both of them earned Special Exempts thanks to their stellar performance this week: while N. Mejia will face Giovanni Fonio in the first round, M. Soto already had to face third seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard again in the span of several days after their semifinal encounter in San Luis Potosi. Mindblowing.

[lawyeronabike]

Misadventures in American Public Transit #1: The Pacific Surfliner and the LOSSAN Corridor

Once upon a time, America was the global champion of passenger rail. In school, we learned about the creation of the transcontinental railroad, which connected our enormous country from east to west. When it comes to trains (and many other things) America has fallen from grace.

Let's take a case study: The Pacific Surfliner

(Regrettably, the above is not a GIF of the Pacific Surfliner)

The Pacific Surfliner runs on the LOSSAN corridor and connects Southern California coastal cities. It connects Los Angeles (America's second biggest city) and San Diego (America's 8th biggest city), and extends as far as San Luis Obispo. It is currently (although at this rate, will not remain) Amtrak's second busiest passenger rail corridor (the first being the northeast corridor, which connects the east coast metropolises, including NYC).

The LOSSAN corridor is the name of the rail corridor, and although Amtrak runs trains, they are not the only game in town. Passenger service is also provided by local transit agencies and freight still is transported on those tracks by private companies. The rails themselves are largely owned by Union Pacific and BSNF. This makes coordinating to make changes to the rails challenging, particularly because private rail companies in the U.S. are notorious for being stubbornly short-sighted.

This is a problem because the Lossan Corridor is in a precarious spot. Much of it in Southern Orange County and Northern San Diego County is on cliff bluffs, subject to debris falling on the tracks and coastal erosion of the terrain supporting the tracks themselves. It's a time bomb. And it already went off.

On September 30, 2022, passenger rail along portions of the LOSSAN corridor between SD and LA were suspended to make emergency track repairs and do coastal stabilization work. The repairs took much longer than expected and full service resumed April 17, 2023.

Ten days later (April 27) yet another landslide closed down sections of the track. The subsequent train cancellations forced me to change my travel plans and take a very expensive raideshare even though I had already bought my rail ticket. And people wonder why Americans don't often take public transit.

Which brings us to today. The Pacific Surfliner has, once again, suspended direct rail service between San Diego and Los Angeles. Passengers needing to travel between LA and San Diego can ride the rails, get off the rails, get on an Amtrak bus, get off the bus, and get on the rails again to their destination.

If the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, the current operations of the Pacific Surfliner is insanity. The pattern repeats. Landslides in South Orange county force a suspension of rail service between Oceanside and Irvine, severing a key transit corridor for both people and goods. We clean up the area and open up the tracks, only for another environmental issue to suspend service again. Repeat ad nauseam.

By my estimate, out of the last 8 months (October 2022 through May 2023) the surfliner has had full service for just 15 days (April 27 - 26 and May 27 - 31). Half a month out of eight months is 6.25%, and the tracks are just closing again today, who knows for how long.

Here's what we can do to fix it.

Move the tracks away from the coast where it is so dangerous. Local NIMBYS in Orange County will complain that the construction will give their dog insomnia or that living closer to a rail line will expose them to 5G radiation or something like that. They need to be ignored. We cannot allow a few rich people to block societal progress for the rest of us, particularity if we truly believe in the ideals of economic mobility (think about the dichotomy of who chooses to ride transit and who relies on it) and reducing our climate impact.

Build California High Speed Rail. Make it fast, make it shiny, and extend it all the way to San Diego, on dedicated right of way that does not require the cooperation of selfish corporations.

At the same time, an obstructionist, anti transit, anti investment party holds the house of representatives at the federal level, California faces a historic budget defect, and myriad local transit agencies are facing a fiscal cliff (BART being in especially perilous circumstances), competing for already limited transit dollars.

Vietnam was a mistake. Iraq was a mistake. Afghanistan was a mistake. The trillions of dollars spent on America's perpetual wars could have bought us the country of our dreams, the envy of the world. Instead, we bought death abroad, and decay at home.

[jpbjazz]

LÉGENDES DU JAZZ

BENNY GREEN, LE PASSEUR DE FLAMBEAU

"I want to play music that speaks clearly to people. I want people to hear our music and get a warm feeling inside."

- Benny Green

Né le 4 avril 1963 à New York, Benny Green était le fils de Bert Green, un saxophoniste ténor qui jouait un peu dans le style de Lester Young. Green, qui  a grandi à Berkeley, en Californie, avait commencé à étudier le piano classique à partir de l’âge de sept ans. Malgré sa formation classique, Green avait vite commencé à s’intéresser au jazz, en puissant dans la vaste collection de disques de son père. Comme Green l’avait expliqué plus tard: "He [Green's father] not only taught me a lot of standards, but he really pointed me in the direction of the right guys to listen to.’’ Green avait ajouté que le fait d’avoir écouté les grands maîtres du jazz comme Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker et Billie Holiday lui avait permis de trouver sa place, tout en l’encourageant à aller plus loin. Dès son plus jeune âge, Green avait d’ailleurs développé ses talents d’improvisateur en tentant d’imiter les pièces qu’il avait écoutées sur le tourne-disques de son père. Il précisait: "I began trying to improvise on the piano, imitating the records I'd been hearing from my father's collection, which included a lot of Monk and Bird… it was a gradual process of teaching myself".

Green avait été particulièrement influencé par Bud Powell, Erroll Garner, Horace Silver et Oscar Peterson.

Après s’être produit avec différents groupes scolaires au Berkeley High School, Green avait été découvert par la chanteuse de blues Faye Carroll. Green expliquait: "That was good training for me in terms of accompaniment and learning about the blues, and she also gave me a chance to play trio, opening for her every night." Green avait travaillé par la suite avec un quartet co-dirigé par le trompettiste Eddie Henderson et le saxophoniste Hadley Caliman. Il avait aussi travaillé avec le big band de Chuck Israels.

À la fin de son séjour au high school, Green avait commencé à expérimenter avec différents trios, notamment dans le cadre de performances hebdomadaires au club Yoshi's, ce qui avait marqué ses débuts comme musicien professionnel.

DÉBUTS DE CARRIERE

Après avoir décroché son diplôme, Green avait passé un certain temps à San Francisco et avait étudié avec les pianistes Ed Kelly, Bill Bell, Dick Whittington et Smith Dobson. Au printemps 1982, Green était retourné à New York et il avait commencé à se faire connaître. Dans le cadre d’une entrevue qu’il avait accordée par la suite au grand critique de jazz Leonard Feather, Green avait expliqué pourquoi il avait décidé de s’installer à New York: "I free-lanced for a year in San Francisco, but when I heard these great musicians from New York visiting the local clubs, I realized that I was only becoming a big fish in a little pond. New York was the mecca where I could feel comfortable in a humbling atmosphere and meet a real challenge."

Après être retourné sur la Côte ouest en 1982, Green avait poursuivi sa formation avec des pianistes comme  Walter Bishop, Jr., Walter Davis et Larry Willis. Relatant sa collaboration avec Bishop, Green avait commenté: "I began studying with him and he helped point me in the direction of developing my own sound, and he also encouraged me to check out and study the whole scope of Jazz piano history, so I could get a sense of how I was to fit in."

À la même époque, Green avait aussi joué avec le saxophoniste Bobby Watson et le jeune pianiste Mulgrew Miller. En avril 1983, la chanteuse Betty Carter se cherchait un accompagnateur et avait entendu Green accompagner une chanteuse au club Sonny's Place de Seaport, à Long Island. Impressionnée, Carter avait offert à Green de passer en audition. Après avoir passé l’audition avec succès, Green avait accompagné Carter de 1983 à 1987.

Le séjour de Green avec Carter au milieu des années 1980 avait marqué une étape déterminante dans sa carrière. Comme il l’avait expliqué plus tard en entrevue, Green avait alors très peu d’expérience comme accompagnateur: "She [Carter] helped me be myself, get my own sound... And she taught me never to underestimate an audience." Dans une autre entrevue accordée en 1993 au magazine Down Beat, Green avait précisé: "She paid a lot of attention to the lyrics in the song and would remind us not only to think about the chord changes and the harmonic changes, but also to really relate the story the song told to our own personal experiences and deliver that through the music." En 1988, Green avait d’ailleurs remporté un prix Grammy pour sa participation à l’album de Carter Look What I Go.

Grand admirateur des Jazz Messengers d’Art Blakey depuis qu’il les avait vu jouer au club Keystone Korner de San Francisco, Green s’était finalement joint au groupe en 1987. Même s’il n’avait fait partie du groupe que durant deux ans, Green avait considéré son séjour avec la formation comme une grande école. Ainsi qu’il l’avait expliqué plus tard: "Art Blakey taught me some of the responsibilities of the jazz musician. He'd say that music would wash away the dust of everyday life, and that the bandstand was sacred ground. Whatever troubles we'd be undergoing, they'd be left aside. Nobody lifted the spirits better than Art Blakey."

Lorsque Blakey l’avait remplacé par le pianiste Geoff Keezer en 1989, Green s’était joint au quintet du trompettiste Freddie Hubbard, qui comprenait à l’époque ses futurs compagnons de trio, le contrebassiste Christian McBride et le batteur Carl Allen. Comme il l’avait précisé plus tard, Green avait énormément appris avec le groupe de Hubbard:

"Conceptually and stylistically ... nobody's kicked me in the behind like Freddie Hubbard. In one way, he's deeply rooted in the blues. At the same time, he's very advanced harmonically, and I'd never know how he'd approach the music on any given night."

ÉVOLUTION RÉCENTE

À partir de la fin des années 1980, Green avait commencé à se concentrer sur le travail en trio. Il expliquait:  "I began listening more analytically to some of the records by the Nat King Cole trio, the mother of all trios, and Oscar's [Oscar Peterson's] first trio and Ahmad Jamal's trio with guitar. I filled in the gaps with later developments like Red Garland's trio with Paul Chambers and Art Taylor, and Bob Belden turned me on to the Three Sounds led by Gene Harris, which blew me away just in terms of their sympathy." 

Le premier album de Green en trio, Lineage, avait été publié en 1990 par les disques Blue Note et mettait en vedette Ray Drummond à la contrebasse et Victor Lewis à la batterie. Green avait enchaîné avec quatre autres albums en trio au cours des quatre années suivantes. Dans son compte rendu de l’album Greens, publié en 1991, Lisa Shea écrivait dans le magazine People: "Green's high regard for melody helps him avoid some of the pitfalls of hard bopping--nothing here is done too long or indulgently." Le cinquième album de Green pour Blue Note, The Place to Be (1994), avait marqué une certaine rupture avec les albums antérieurs du pianiste. En plus de comprendre quelques pièces en solo, l’album avait été enregistré avec une section de cuivres de six musiciens. Cité dans le communiqué publié par les disques Blue Note, Green avait commenté:  "I feel I'm expressing and communicating more emotions and experiences here than I have in the past.’’ Décrivant son approche du trio, Green avait précisé:  "A lot of the tunes I hear in my head are played by a quintet, sextet or big band. I then condense them to a trio format." Loin de considérer ses partenaires de jeu comme de simples accompagnateurs, Green les avait toujours considéré comme des collaborateurs à part entière. Le critique et historien Leonard Feather expliquait: "He regards his trio as a congregation of equals, rather than an individual piano performance with bass and drum backing.’’

Reconnu pour la qualité de ses arrangements et pour ses talents de ‘’showman’’, Green était devenu particulièrement populaire dans les clubs. Comme Martin Johnson l’avait fait remarquer dans une article publié dans le magazine Down Beat: "His romantic style, chock full of rococo runs and florid exhibitionism is a guaranteed crowd pleaser." Cité dans le cadre du même article, Green avait ajouté: "I want to play music that speaks clearly to people. I want people to hear our music and get a warm feeling inside."

Également professeur, Green a présenté de nombreux ateliers à travers les États-Unis, y compris au  Jazz Camp West, en Californie, et au Centrum/Jazz Port Townsend de Washington. Un des plus récents albums de Green, Then and Now, a été publié en 2018 par Sunnyside Records. Il a également publié un album solo en 2020.

Green s’est produit avec les plus grands noms du jazz au cours de sa carrière, des Jazz Messengers d’Art Blakey à Ray Brown, en passant par Arnett Cobb, Freddie Hubbard, Christian McBride, Etta Jones, Houston Person, Lew Tabackin, Gary Bartz, Betty Carter, Larry Gales, Diana Krall, Mingus Dynasty, Oscar Peterson, John Pizzarelli, Clark Terry et Bobby Watson.

L’année 1993 avait été une grande année pour Green qui avait été choisi la même année par le grand Oscar Peterson pour devenir le premier lauréat du Glen Gould International Protégé Prize in Music and Communication décerné par la Cité de Toronto, au Canada. La même année, Green avait remplacé Gene Harris dans le trio de Ray Brown, dont il avait fait partie jusqu’en 1997. La même année, Green avait été couronné meilleur pianiste de jazz dans le cadre du sondage des lecteurs du prestigieux magazine Jazz Times.

Qualifié par le critique et historien Leonard Feather de "prototypical modern jazzman", Green est particulièrement reconnu pour son travail en trio ainsi que pour sa connaissance encyclopédique de l’histoire du jazz. Se considérant comme un ‘’passeur de flambeau’’, Green avait toujours considéré sa mission ‘’of keeping the jazz flame alive with enormous conviction, and he is a man who is devoted to his elders." Faisant l’éloge de la virtuosité de Green comme pianiste, Mike Fish avait commenté dans le magazine The Wire: "Green has a strong touch, a hard-hitting command, yet plays with a somewhat unexpected tenderness on ballads, and seems to orchestrate all his phrases for their inner voicings."

©-2025, tous droits réservés, Les Productions de l’Imaginaire historique

SOURCES:

‘’Benny Green.’’ Wikipedia, 2023.

‘’Benny Green.’’ All About Jazz, 2023.

‘’Benny Green Biography.’’ Net Industries, 2023.

MORGAN, Alun. ‘’Obituary: Benny Green.’’ The Independent, 23 juin 1998.

[huntcgm]

California Boar Hunting: An Adventurer's Guide with Conservative Game Management.

Introduction

California’s wild boar hunting is a thrilling pursuit that combines adventure, conservation, and responsible game management. At Conservative Game Management, we’re passionate about guiding hunters through California’s diverse terrains to ethically hunt wild boar while preserving wildlife balance. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials for a successful boar hunt in California and explain how our commitment to conservation helps sustain the population and ecosystem.

Why Hunt Wild Boar in California?

California’s wild boar population is both a challenge and an opportunity. Boars are an invasive species that can damage native habitats, making them a focus of conservation efforts to prevent environmental impact. Hunting these animals helps keep their population in check, protecting local flora and fauna. For hunters, this also means a rewarding experience in stunning natural landscapes, with the added benefit of knowing your efforts contribute to ecological balance.

Where to Hunt Wild Boar in California

California offers a wide range of hunting grounds, from grasslands to dense forests and mountainous regions, each providing unique experiences and challenges. Some of the most popular areas include:

Central Coast Region: Known for its rolling hills and oak woodlands, this area offers excellent boar hunting opportunities, especially in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.

Northern California: With vast forests and remote areas, Northern California, including Mendocino and Humboldt counties, offers an ideal hunting environment.

Central Valley: This region, with its agricultural lands, has a high concentration of wild boar and provides hunters with both public and private hunting grounds.

At Conservative Game Management, we offer guided hunts in some of the best boar hunting locations across the state, ensuring that you’ll be in prime territory for a successful and ethical hunt.

Boar Hunting Seasons and Regulations in California

In California, wild boar hunting is open year-round, with no seasonal restrictions. However, a valid hunting license and wild pig tags are required. It’s essential to adhere to California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations to ensure ethical hunting practices.

Our team at Conservative Game Management is dedicated to providing hunters with all the information and resources they need to stay compliant and hunt responsibly. We’re here to guide you through the permit process, inform you about bag limits, and help you understand any local restrictions.

Equipment Essentials for California Boar Hunting

Wild boars are tough animals that require durable and reliable equipment. Here are a few key items to consider:

Firearms: A .30 caliber rifle or higher is recommended for wild boar hunting due to the animal’s thick hide and resilient nature.

Ammunition: High-quality, soft-point bullets are ideal to ensure quick, humane kills.

Safety Gear: Wild boars can be aggressive, so proper safety gear, including sturdy boots and protective clothing, is essential.

Optics: The right scope can make all the difference, especially in dense brush or low-light conditions.

At Conservative Game Management, we can recommend the best equipment suited to your hunting location and personal preferences.

Tips for a Successful Hunt

Know Your Target: Wild boars are known for their thick hides and unpredictable behavior. Ensure that you’re prepared for a challenging hunt by understanding their movement patterns and preferred habitats.

Stay Downwind: Boars have a highly developed sense of smell. Position yourself downwind to prevent them from catching your scent.

Patience and Stealth: Wild boars are wary of human presence. Approach quietly, stay alert, and remain patient for the best chance of success.

Go with an Expert Guide: Especially if you’re new to boar hunting, having a seasoned guide is invaluable. Our guides at Conservative Game Management are highly knowledgeable about California’s terrain and boar behavior, ensuring that your hunt is both safe and rewarding.

Why Choose Conservative Game Management?

At Conservative Game Management, we believe in ethical hunting practices that align with conservation goals. Our guided hunts are designed to provide you with a responsible hunting experience that respects the environment and contributes to wildlife balance. We provide education, hands-on guidance, and all the support you need for a successful hunt, from obtaining permits to selecting the right gear.

Conclusion

California boar hunting is an exciting way to engage with nature while supporting conservation efforts. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or new to the sport, Conservative Game Management is here to guide you every step of the way. Join us for an unforgettable hunting adventure that prioritizes responsible game management and a commitment to California’s natural heritage.

Name — Conservative Game Management

Address — 50200 N Fork Rd, Coalinga, CA 93210, United States

Phone No — +18059145650

Website - https://huntcgm.com/california-hog-hunting/

[dognpooch]

Mastering Freedom: Off-Leash Training for Dogs in San Luis Obispo, CA

In the heart of San Luis Obispo, CA, where picturesque landscapes beckon and outdoor adventures await, there's nothing quite like watching your dog revel in the freedom of off-leash exploration. Yet, with this newfound liberty comes responsibility, and ensuring your furry companion is well-trained is paramount for their safety and your peace of mind.

Enter DognPooch, your trusted partner in off-leash training excellence. We understand the desire to let your dog roam and romp freely, and we're here to make that dream a reality through our specialized off-leash training programs.

Why Off-Leash Training Matters

Off-leash training isn't just about giving your dog the freedom to roam; it's about fostering a deeper connection and understanding between you and your canine companion. It's about building trust, enhancing obedience, and ensuring safety in any environment.

When your dog is trained to respond reliably off-leash, it opens up a world of possibilities for adventure. From hiking trails to beach outings, your dog can accompany you off-leash with confidence and control, enriching both of your lives.

The DognPooch Approach

At DognPooch, we believe in a positive, reward-based approach to training that emphasizes communication, consistency, and trust. Our experienced trainers work closely with you and your dog to create a personalized off-leash training plan tailored to your goals and your dog's unique needs.

Our training begins with establishing a solid foundation of basic obedience commands, such as recall, sit, stay, and heel, all while on-leash. We then gradually transition to off-leash work in controlled environments, gradually increasing the level of distraction and difficulty as your dog progresses.

Key Components of Off-Leash Training

Recall (Come Command): Teaching your dog a reliable recall is the cornerstone of off-leash training. We use positive reinforcement techniques to make coming when called the highlight of your dog's day.

Focus and Attention: Off-leash training isn't just about teaching commands; it's about capturing and maintaining your dog's focus in distracting environments. We teach techniques to keep your dog engaged and attentive to you, even amidst exciting stimuli.

Proofing Behaviors: Dogs don't generalize well, so it's crucial to practice commands in a variety of settings and situations. Our trainers gradually introduce distractions and challenges to proof your dog's obedience in real-world scenarios.

Safety Precautions: Safety is our top priority. Before transitioning to off-leash work, we ensure your dog has reliable obedience skills and is equipped with proper identification and, if necessary, GPS tracking devices.

The Benefits of Off-Leash Training

Enhanced Bonding: Off-leash training strengthens the bond between you and your dog, as you learn to communicate effectively and trust each other in any situation.

Freedom and Adventure: Imagine the joy of exploring the great outdoors with your dog off-leash by your side. Off-leash training opens up a world of adventure for both of you.

Improved Behavior: Dogs who receive proper off-leash training are often better behaved both on and off-leash. They learn self-control, impulse management, and social skills that carry over into all areas of their lives.

Safety and Peace of Mind: With reliable off-leash obedience, you can trust your dog to respond appropriately in any situation, whether it's encountering other dogs, wildlife, or unexpected hazards.

Join Us on the Off-Leash Journey

Ready to unleash your dog's full potential and embark on a journey of freedom and adventure? Join us at DognPooch for the ultimate off-leash training experience in San Luis Obispo, CA. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards mastering the art of off-leash living with your furry best friend.

[arnoldussenins]

Advantages of Buying Business Insurance In Paso Robles And Santa Maria, CA

Setting up a business and running it successfully are two different things altogether. Unfortunately, both come with certain risks that must be considered. Financial challenges may cause business disruptions affecting its operations and continuity as well. It is, therefore, advisable to ensure a stop-gap solution that will have the required sums available as and when required. The best way to do so is to buy the right coverage associated with business insurance in Paso Robles and Santa Maria, CA.

Business insurance is not the same for everyone. Instead, the business owner needs to pick and choose between the la coverage plans and then make the final decision based on facts. Sure, one is concerned about paying the premium regularly even when there is no need to claim insurance coverage. Having this option open will secure the business owner and go ahead with the business plans despite the risks.

Some of the things that one must be aware of before signing the business insurance documents include the following:-

· The insurance policies are designed to protect business owners from all financial risks that are directly related to the business

· It includes general liability, commercial property, and workers' compensation insurance, along with many other variants

· One has to pay the premium regularly, no doubt, but several options also come with deductibles that must be paid before the coverage kicks in

· It is advisable to bundle various types of coverage to remain fully protected from financial risks

Some of the most popular coverage plans that are essential for business entities regardless of their sizes include the following:-

· General Liability- It covers all legal costs as well as compensates for medical expenses paid to the injured party

· Commercial Property- The repair and replacement costs for the damaged business property will be borne by the carrier

· Business Income- Any business income that is lost due to slow down or natural disaster will be compensated by the insurance company

· Professional Liability- All legal fees related to settlements and legal suits will be paid by the company when the business owner is held liable for negligence, errors, and/or malpractice

· Workers Compensation- The employees receive due compensation when they are injured on the job

· Employment practices Liability- All legal suits associated with unfair employment practices are suitably resolved courtesy of the coverage

· Commercial Auto- All expenses for medical treatment, vehicle repair, and/or legal costs after the accident of the business vehicle are borne by the insurance company

· Commercial Umbrella- The expense that exceeds the coverage amount are paid by the carrier

· Cyber Liability- Any loss caused due to cybercrime or inadvertent damage to related devices, software, and systems may be compensated via this coverage

There is no formula for calculating how much business insurance one needs. It is best to consider the present situation and judge accordingly

Connecting with an independent insurance company can help one to find the right home insurance in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, CA, without overshooting the budget.

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

Eyes are the windows of the soul.

Perhaps the earliest and most unsettling iconic eye close up is from Un Chien Andalou (1929) - when Luis Bunuel teamed up with Salvador Dali to produce this short, surrealistic film which begins with a woman's eye being sliced open by a a razor.

Prior to that moment in cinematic, we have the moon being struck in the eye by a rocket ship from Earth.

Bela Lugosi used his eyes hauntingly and seductively as Dracula.

Marion Crane in Psycho has an unforgettable eye close up in Psycho after she he is butchered in the shower by Norman Bates. Earlier in the film, Hitchcock had smashed a long standing taboo by showing the flushing of a toilet.

Speaking of Hitchcock, how about the close up of James Stewart as he becomes obsessed with Kim Novak in Vertigo.

Dorothy Vallens' (Isabella Rossellini) eye as she sings "Blue Velvet" is another study in haunted, haunting surrealism..

Let's not forget DeNiro in Cape Fear and/or Taxi Driver and/or Raging Bull when his rage reveals itself.

Max Cady, Travis Bickle and Jake LaMotta.

Some eye close ups are so startling that we wish we could look away from the soulful windows or at least close the Venetian blinds.

Malcom MacDowell had no such option in The Clockwork Orange when he is undergoing the Ludavico treatment. His watering eyes are clamped wide open and unblinking as he watches horrendous scenes of violence in order to curb his murderous ways through repulsion

We in the audience share his agony but we can look away which is exactly what I did when I first saw Un Chien Andalou in a small art house theater in San Francisco, a moment that I can never forget.

There have been many iconic eye close-ups in movies throughout the years. Here are some of the most famous ones:

Psycho (1960) - The close-up shot of Marion Crane's (Janet Leigh) eye as she is being stabbed in the shower is one of the most famous and iconic shots in movie history.

Blade Runner (1982) - The close-up shot of Roy Batty's (Rutger Hauer) eye as he delivers his "tears in the rain" monologue is another iconic movie moment.

A Clockwork Orange (1971) - The close-up of Alex DeLarge's (Malcolm McDowell) eye as he undergoes the Ludovico technique is a disturbing and memorable image.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - The close-up shot of Gollum's (Andy Serkis) eye as he contemplates betraying Frodo and Sam is a haunting image.

Goodfellas (1990) - The close-up shot of Tommy DeVito's (Joe Pesci) eye as he shoots Spider (Michael Imperioli) is a chilling moment in the film.

The Godfather (1972) - The close-up shot of Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) eye as he decides to kill Sollozzo and McCluskey is a pivotal moment in the movie.

Blue Velvet (1986) - The close-up shot of Dorothy Vallens' (Isabella Rossellini) eye as she sings "Blue Velvet" is a haunting and surreal moment in the film.

La Dolce Vita (1960) - The close-up shot of Marcello Rubini's (Marcello Mastroianni) eye as he watches Sylvia (Anita Ekberg) wading in the Trevi Fountain is an iconic image from Federico Fellini's masterpiece.

Vertigo (1958) - The close-up shot of Scottie Ferguson's (James Stewart) eye as he becomes obsessed with Madeleine (Kim Novak) is a memorable moment in Alfred Hitchcock's classic.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) - The close-up shot of Roy Neary's (Richard Dreyfuss) eye as he sees the alien spaceship for the first time is a defining moment in the movie.

How about Bunuel

Luis Buñuel was a Spanish filmmaker and one of the most important figures in the history of cinema. He is known for his surreal and subversive films that often challenged societal norms and conventions. Here are some of his most famous works:

Un Chien Andalou (1929) - This short film, co-written with Salvador Dalí, is a surrealist masterpiece and one of Buñuel's most famous works. The film features bizarre and dreamlike imagery, including the famous scene of a woman's eye being sliced open.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) - This satirical comedy explores the hypocrisy and absurdity of the upper-class through a series of dreamlike sequences. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Belle de Jour (1967) - Starring Catherine Deneuve, this film tells the story of a woman who becomes a prostitute during the day while her husband is at work. The film is known for its provocative themes and Deneuve's stunning performance.

Viridiana (1961) - This controversial film tells the story of a young nun who is forced to confront her own desires and the hypocrisy of the church. The film was banned in Spain and caused a scandal at the Cannes Film Festival.

That Obscure Object of Desire (1977) - This film tells the story of a wealthy man who becomes obsessed with a young woman and follows her around Europe. The twist is that the role of the young woman is played by two different actresses, alternating throughout the film.

Buñuel's films often pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in cinema at the time, and his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers today.

Are Bunuel and Tarantino fetishiists

While both Luis Buñuel and Quentin Tarantino have been known to explore themes of fetishism in their films, it's important to note that their approaches are quite different.

Buñuel was a surrealist filmmaker who often explored themes of desire and fetishism through dreamlike and symbolic imagery. His films often portrayed sexual desire as a subversive force that could challenge societal norms and conventions. For example, in his film "Belle de Jour," the protagonist's fetish for bondage and domination is portrayed as a way for her to assert her own desires and gain power in a patriarchal society.

On the other hand, Tarantino's use of fetishism in his films is often more overt and can be seen as a way to pay homage to certain genres or to shock and titillate audiences. His films often contain scenes of violence, gore, and sexual fetishism, which can be seen as a way to push the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream cinema. However, it's worth noting that Tarantino has also been criticized for his sometimes gratuitous use of violence and fetishistic imagery.

In summary, while both Buñuel and Tarantino have explored themes of fetishism in their films, their approaches are quite different, with Buñuel using surreal and symbolic imagery to explore themes of desire, and Tarantino using overt and sometimes controversial imagery to shock and entertain audiences.

DeNiro eye closeups

Robert De Niro is a legendary actor known for his ability to convey emotion through subtle gestures and expressions, including his iconic eye closeups. Here are some of his most famous eye closeups in movies:

Taxi Driver (1976) - The close-up shot of De Niro's eyes as Travis Bickle prepares to confront Senator Palantine is one of the most famous shots in movie history. The intensity and determination in his eyes is palpable, making the scene all the more powerful.

Raging Bull (1980) - The close-up shots of De Niro's eyes as Jake LaMotta prepares to enter the boxing ring are some of the most memorable moments in the film. The way he stares down his opponents conveys his ruthless determination and unyielding spirit.

The Godfather: Part II (1974) - The close-up shot of De Niro's eyes as a young Vito Corleone in Italy is a poignant moment in the film. The way he looks out into the distance with a mixture of hope and determination foreshadows the character he will become.

Cape Fear (1991) - The close-up shots of De Niro's eyes as Max Cady are some of the most chilling moments in the film. The way he stares down his victims with a mixture of menace and glee is unnerving.

Goodfellas (1990) - The close-up shot of De Niro's eyes as Jimmy Conway is one of the most memorable moments in the film. The way he looks around the room with a mixture of suspicion and paranoia conveys his troubled mindset.

De Niro's eye closeups are a testament to his acting ability and his ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions.

Bela Lugosi eyes

Bela Lugosi was a Hungarian actor best known for his portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film "Dracula". His piercing eyes and hypnotic gaze made him an iconic figure in horror cinema. Here are some of his most famous eye moments in movies:

Dracula (1931) - Lugosi's eyes are the centerpiece of his performance as the titular character. The way he stares intently at his victims, his eyes glowing with a predatory hunger, is a testament to his ability to convey the seductive power of evil.

White Zombie (1932) - Lugosi's eyes are on full display in this horror classic. His piercing gaze as the villainous "Murder" Legendre conveys a sense of malevolence that is both unsettling and captivating.

The Raven (1935) - Lugosi's eyes are once again put to good use in this horror film. His portrayal of the sinister Dr. Richard Vollin is enhanced by his intense stare and menacing glare.

Island of Lost Souls (1932) - Lugosi's eyes play a key role in this classic horror film. As the Sayer of the Law, Lugosi's piercing gaze conveys a sense of authority and menace that makes him a memorable figure in the film.

The Black Cat (1934) - Lugosi's eyes are showcased in this film as he portrays the villainous Hjalmar Poelzig. The way he stares down his victims with a mixture of malevolence and amusement is a testament to his acting ability.

In summary, Bela Lugosi's eyes were a key part of his iconic performances in horror cinema. His ability to convey a sense of menace and malevolence through his intense stare and hypnotic gaze made him one of the most memorable figures in the genre.

[labrecha]

Más de 500 MDP Dejó la Semana Santa 2024

Más 500 millones de pesos. De derrama económica, dejó la Semana Santa 2024, con las más de 200 actividades deportivas, culturales y religiosas que se llevaron a cabo en Semana Santa y de Pascua. El San Luis Open Challenger Tour, el Festival San Luis en Primavera, la Feria Nacional de la Huasteca Potosina y la Copa Potosí, por mencionar algunos, fueron los eventos que atrajeron la atención de…

[stateofsport211]

📸 🎥 ATP official website

Although M. Soto started the match by being on serve, N. Mejia started to find his aggressive ways again since a notable drop shot finish moments after his pass to M. Soto's position at the net created his penultimate break point before the former broke early to start the set (1-0), even though M. Soto came up with a forehand winner to foil the said break point. After strengthening the lead with a service game hold to 2-0, he kept striking through another forehand pass before he doubled the break to 3-0, where he got broken back instead (3-1).

However, the moment shifted again as soon as N. Mejia took advantage of another service game chaos from M. Soto, scoring a backhand winner for a 2-point lead before breaking back again to 4-1 due to M. Soto's double fault. This was followed by a service game hold to 5-1, where despite conceding a point afterward, his successful drop shot secured the third set two games later (6-2), as well as his maiden Challenger-level title.

[revistapuntodevista]

Torneo de tenis San Luis Open Challenger fue inaugurado por el Alcalde Enrique Galindo

San Luis Potosí SLP.- El Presidente Municipal de San Luis Potosí, Enrique Galindo Ceballos, inauguró la edición 2023 del tradicional torneo de tenis San Luis Open Challenger que se celebra en el Club Deportivo Potosino. “Este maravilloso evento es ya parte de la ciudad; el San Luis Open Challenger es una tradición, por lo que les deseo una contienda extraordinaria, como lo ha sido las últimas…

[omg-im-such-a-masochist]

Insania Ch. 5

Summary: A psychiatrist has to face the biggest challenge of her career so far. Malakai Black, the most enigmatic and yet dangerous patient at the Redemption Asylum. As time goes by, the doctor has to leave her skepticism behind if she wishes to understand the deep waters of Malakai’s mind.

Word Count: Long

Pairings: Malakai Black x OFC Dr. Calla

Warnings: +18, adult themed, mentions of mental illness, disorders and psychopathy traits, mentions of mental breakdown

Editor: @thenightmareismyreality

Plot Beta: @letsgivethisonemoreshot

Tag: @theworldofotps , @blxckestheart , @unusual-tomorrxw , @wrestlersownmyheart , @waywardwrestlewritingwaif , @rdhester1987 , @whenimakeitshine1234 , @aerynscrichton , @new-zealand-chic , @thealliasylum , @crowleysqueenofhell , @sassymox , @sophiewolfheart-blog , @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch , @alliwant456

A/N: I’m not a doctor whatsoever and all the subjects approached on this fic are for plot reasons only. I’m in no way, shape or form affirming that anyone diagnosed with the mental illness mentioned in this fic have ill intentions or are criminals. I’m just using the diagnostics to construct the plot and create my version of Malakai’s character for this specific mini series since most of these mental traits can be found in psychopaths. If any of these themes offend or hurt you, please do not read it. Reminding you that to each chapter there’s a link to the song that inspired me to write, so you can add its meaning to the chapter as well. And last but not least, check out my Masterlist if you’d like to read some of my other works ❤️

Divider: @firefly-graphics

Prologue, Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4

Quinque

Dr. Calla’s eyes stared in disbelief at the scene playing out in front of her.

Malakai was dressed in his white asylum clothes, holding an inflatable doll in his arms and softly dancing around his room while singing:

🎶Des yeux qui font baisser les miens

Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche

Voilà le portrait sans retouche

De l'homme auquel j'appartiens🎶🎶🎶

He smoothly swayed to the rhythm playing inside his head without missing a beat.

🎶Quand il me prend dans ses bras

Qu'il me parle tout bas

Je vois la vie en rose

Il me dit des mots d'amour

Des mots de tous les jours

Et ça me fait quelque chose🎶

Dr. Calla was unable to suppress her shocked gasp when she realized what was happening.

🎶Il est entré dans mon cœur

Une part de bonheur

Donc je connais la cause🎶

The doll was dressed just like her. Clothed in a dress shirt and pencil skirt, sporting a wig that perfectly matched Dr. Calla’s hair, and even a name tag that looked identical to the one that had disappeared from her office the week before.

🎶C'est lui pour moi

Moi pour lui

Dans la vie Il me l'a dit, l'a juré

Pour la vie🎶

Malakai whispered against the doll’s open mouth, before he kissed her deeply. Suppressing her gag reflex, Dr. Calla forced herself to keep watching, so she could try to understand what his plan was.

His intense staring at the camera caused her to shiver, almost as if he could stare into her soul. Just as she grabbed the remote to pause the footage, he spoke for the first time:

“Can you feel it, sugarplum? Getting closer….our freedom. You can feel it, can’t you?” Malakai stepped closer to the camera and squatted down “Are you excited? To finally be free from everything? To leave all the little white lies and frustrations behind? To finally embrace who you really are?” Taking the camera in his hands, Malakai walked back to his bed and laid down on the mattress, causing the old bed springs to squeak beneath his weight. “Then it’s time, sugarplum. The clock is ticking…Embrace the House Of Black” And giving a cold, sinister smile, he whispered “Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick-”

Dr. Calla yelped when the screen became black and suddenly Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” began to play. She quickly turned off the tv and grabbed the empty box, eager to get rid of it.

But when she took the box in her hand, Dr. Calla heard a rumbling noise inside of it. Turning the box over to empty it, she frowned as she reached for the two items that had fallen out.

Attached to the black string of a purple velvet bag was a shiny black key. *A key? What’s that for?* Dr. Calla thought to herself as her hands fumbled to open the bag.

A disgusted whimper left her at the sight of the acrylic box printed with the purple letters: “Sugarplum - bullet vibrator”.

“You’re a disturbed fucker!” Dr. Calla spat when Malakai was securely handcuffed to the aluminum table “How did you do that? How do you know where I live? How did you know it was my birthday? How did you manage to record yourself and send a DVD to my house? Who helped you?”

Malakai chuckled at her desperation, finally having her where he wanted since the beginning.

“FUCKING ANSWER ME!”

In her sudden outburst of rage, Dr. Calla threw her ethics out the window and slapped Malakai across the face, causing the man to laugh out loud while he licked the blood from his lips.

“So you do like it rough then” He cackled “Good, because I do too”

“You're the most disgusting freak I’ve ever met. You make me SICK!”

“Aww, sugarplum” He cooed “If I knew we would be stating our love vows today, I would’ve brought mine too” Laughing all the while, pure amusement radiating from his face.

Carl bursted into the therapy room, completely shocked with the scene he had just witnessed. “Dr. Calla, in the name of God, what’s wrong with you?” The large man engulfed her in his embrace before she could strike Malakai again.

“It’s him! He’s a fucking demon! He’s everywhere!” She wriggled in his arms, trying to free herself from his firm grip “He knows everything I do, everything I think! He was in my house last night, hell, he’s there every night! He lays on my bed, watches me in the shower, stares at me while I’m sleeping for fuck’s sake!” As Carl’s grip loosened, she turned around to face him and pleaded in a whispered voice.

“Carl, please help me. Help me get rid of him. Please! He’s a fucking curse to hummanity and no one will ever miss him”.

The man frowned at her request and turned his back to Malakai, successfully blocking Dr. Calla’s sight of the man who had become her worst nightmare.

*Was she really asking him that?* Carl thought to himself, but his inner dialogue was soon cut off, when Dr. Calla began to speak again.

“I can’t sleep anymore…I-I live…I see him everywhere. I hear him calling my name, I feel his presence around me…I live in fear” Dr. Calla held back a sob as tears rolled down her cheeks “I can’t do this anymore, Carl. He will never leave me alone. I have these thoughts…these impulses that are not mine. I- I tried everything! Medication, hypnosis, psychotherapy, even drugs! Nothing helps…nothing stops him. Please, Carl. I beg you, help me stop this. I don’t how much longer I can take this an-”

Dr. Calla’s voice died in her throat as she stared at Malakai. He was now free from the handcuffs and behind Carl, with a knife pressed against the security guard’s neck.

“Malakai” The man pleaded

“Shhhhh” He glided the blade against his jugular “Give your set of keys to the Doc”

The man obliged and Malakai continued “And you Doc, are going to free my beloved looney friends” He smirked “This place has remained too calm for too long. I think it’s time for us to have some chaos around here”

Malakai waved at the security camera inside the therapy room “Because you know I always like to cause a good impression before I leave” And laughed.

[desertdollranch]

Luciana at the sand dunes

It’s a Dolly Good Season photo challenge, week 1: Nature & Outdoors

Luciana Vega had the opportunity recently to take a field trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park! 

This beautiful jewel of the natural world is located in southern Colorado at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and contains the tallest sand dunes in all of the United States. The sand is a remnant of an ancient lake; the dunes were formed by strong winds blowing west from the San Luis valley and east-blowing winds funneled by the mountain range. The dunes cover 30 square miles, and the highest dune is nearly 800 feet tall!

Luciana dreams of being an astronaut someday, but she has a lot to learn about her own world before beginning her exploration of Mars. Having a comprehensive education in geology and geography will help her understand the landmarks and landscapes she may encounter on Mars. A good scientist knows that many places on Earth can give experience and insight about other worlds--for example, did you know that the Apollo astronauts trained at Meteor Crater in Arizona and at Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho? Both those places have similar features to Earth’s moon, and helped prepare the astronauts for their walks upon its surface. Luciana is doing the same thing by trekking through these dunes. 

In the late morning when the sun is overhead, the dunes cast no shadows and seem to be painted onto a flat sky. 

In the late afternoon, the dunes are in shadow, giving them an otherworldly shape and texture. Those repeating ripples in the flat sand are caused by the strong winds. And the mountains in the distance--some of the peaks are over 11,000 feet high.

The dunes are fully open to exploration. There are no trails, so visitors get the choice of either staying the flat sands, or hiking up over 700 feet to the highest dunes. But be prepared: walking on such fine, dry sand is not easy! Luciana realized quickly that it takes a lot of energy to move through it, as her feet sank into the sands. An hour’s walk on flat ground can become a three-hour trudge up to the top of the dune. 

The most fun and exciting way to travel across the dunes is a sand sled! If you can find a steep enough dune, your sled will slide right down it at high speeds. 

As the sun set, Luciana tried to imagine herself walking across the stark, treeless surface of Mars, leaving the first-ever footprints in the ancient sands. 

She looked far ahead through space and time and wondered.... will she see something like this again someday? Maybe, far in the future, she’ll walk across the wide sands of a faraway world not yet known to us, and see high mountains rising in the distance, calling to her. Then she’ll remember this trip to Colorado, and be once again be reminded that one doesn’t need to leave Earth to find strange beauty and exotic adventure...  

[huntcgm]

Wild Boar Hunting in California: A Guide with Conservative Game Management

Wild boar hunting has become an exciting and necessary pursuit in California, as these invasive animals pose significant ecological and agricultural challenges. At Conservative Game Management, we’re dedicated to responsible hunting practices that help manage the wild boar population and conserve California’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or new to the sport, understanding the landscape and regulations of wild boar hunting in California can make a big difference in your experience.

Why Hunt Wild Boar in California?

Wild boars, also known as feral hogs, are not native to California. They are descendants of domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boars that have thrived in the state’s varied habitats, from coastal valleys to oak woodlands. However, their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators have led to an overpopulation that damages habitats, threatens native species, and affects agriculture. Hunting wild boars is an effective way to manage their numbers, protect crops, and reduce damage to local ecosystems.

Seasons and Locations for Wild Boar Hunting

One of the great aspects of wild boar hunting in California is that it’s open year-round, making it accessible for hunters across all seasons. However, the success of a hunt can depend on the region and time of year. California’s diverse geography provides excellent hunting opportunities, with hotspots in counties like Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Mendocino. Each region has unique terrains and habitats that offer different challenges and experiences for hunters.

Licensing and Regulations

To hunt wild boar legally in California, you’ll need a valid hunting license and a wild pig tag, which can be purchased from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Unlike other game animals, there’s no limit on the number of boars you can harvest, but hunters should follow ethical practices and guidelines for safe and responsible hunting. At Conservative Game Management, we prioritize sustainable practices and encourage hunters to do the same to ensure that hunting remains a valuable tool for wildlife management.

Hunting Techniques for Success

Effective wild boar hunting requires knowledge of the animal’s habits and behaviors. Here are some techniques to improve your success:

Stalking and Spotting: Wild boars are most active during the early morning or late afternoon. Use the natural cover to your advantage and move quietly to get close.

Tree Stands and Blinds: For hunters who prefer a stationary approach, tree stands and ground blinds offer excellent vantage points to spot boars as they move through feeding areas.

Using Dogs: Some hunters use trained dogs to track and corner wild boars, making it easier to approach them safely.

Baiting (Where Permitted): In areas where it’s allowed, baiting can help attract boars. Make sure to check local regulations on baiting practices.

Gear Essentials for Wild Boar Hunting

Preparing with the right equipment can make a big difference. Here’s a basic checklist:

Firearm or Bow: Many hunters prefer high-caliber rifles, while others use bows for a more challenging hunt.

Protective Clothing: Durable, scent-blocking clothing is recommended for the wild boar’s sharp senses and the rough terrain.

Binoculars: Essential for spotting boars from a distance.

Safety Gear: Boars can be aggressive when threatened, so make sure to carry a knife and have an exit plan.

At Conservative Game Management, we can also provide guidance on the best equipment for your specific hunt to ensure you’re well-prepared.

Responsible Hunting with Conservative Game Management

Our mission at Conservative Game Management is to encourage responsible and ethical hunting practices. We believe in balancing the thrill of the hunt with the need to protect California’s ecosystems and agricultural resources. By working with experienced guides, following the laws, and respecting the environment, hunters can play an important role in conserving California’s natural resources.

Book Your Wild Boar Hunting Adventure Today

If you’re ready to experience the thrill of wild boar hunting in California, Conservative Game Management offers guided hunts with a focus on safety and conservation. We have expert guides who know the best spots and can help you make the most of your hunt. Get in touch with us today to book your wild boar hunting adventure and help us make a positive impact on California’s environment.

Name - Conservative Game Management

Address - 50200 N Fork Rd, Coalinga, CA 93210, United States

Phone No - +18059145650

Website - https://huntcgm.com/california-hog-hunting/

[dognpooch]

Unleashing Harmony: The Comprehensive Guide to Dog Training in San Luis Obispo with Dognpooch

In the heart of the picturesque San Luis Obispo, where rolling hills meet coastal charm, dog owners find solace in Dognpooch—an oasis for canine companionship and comprehensive dog training services. With a commitment to fostering positive relationships between pets and their owners, Dognpooch has established itself as the go-to destination for dog training in San Luis Obispo. This comprehensive guide explores the unique approach, programs, and the tranquil environment that make Dognpooch stand out in the realm of canine training.

Understanding Dognpooch's Approach:

Dognpooch approaches dog training with a deep understanding of the individual needs and behaviors of each canine. Their philosophy centers around positive reinforcement, creating a harmonious learning environment where dogs thrive. Rather than focusing on punitive measures, Dognpooch believes in reinforcing good behavior through rewards and positive experiences. This approach not only builds trust between dogs and their owners but also creates a positive association with the training process.

Personalized Programs Tailored to Each Dog:

One size does not fit all at Dognpooch. Recognizing that every dog is unique, the trainers at Dognpooch design personalized training programs to address specific needs. Whether it's puppy training to establish a strong foundation or specialized behavioral training to address challenges like anxiety or aggression, Dognpooch adapts its approach to suit the temperament and requirements of each individual dog.

Obedience Training for a Well-Behaved Companion:

The cornerstone of Dognpooch's training programs is obedience training. This fundamental aspect lays the groundwork for a well-behaved and well-adjusted canine companion. From basic commands like sit, stay, and come, to more advanced commands, dogs at Dognpooch learn to respond promptly and positively to their owners, enhancing communication and strengthening the human-canine bond.

Socialization in the Serenity of San Luis Obispo:

The serene surroundings of San Luis Obispo provide an ideal backdrop for Dognpooch's socialization training. Recognizing the importance of dogs being comfortable and well-behaved in various environments, Dognpooch exposes them to different stimuli, both indoors and outdoors. This approach helps dogs become more adaptable and confident in various situations, making them well-rounded companions in the vibrant community of San Luis Obispo.

Specialized Behavioral Training:

Dognpooch understands that some dogs may face unique behavioral challenges, from fear and aggression to separation anxiety. In such cases, the trainers at Dognpooch specialize in behavioral training, using positive reinforcement techniques to address and modify undesirable behaviors. The goal is not just to correct behavior but to understand the root cause and provide tailored solutions that create lasting positive changes.

Puppy Training for a Strong Foundation:

For new pet parents in San Luis Obispo, Dognpooch offers specialized puppy training programs. These programs focus on establishing a strong foundation for puppies, covering essential aspects like housebreaking, basic commands, and socialization. The early training provided at Dognpooch sets the stage for a lifetime of positive behaviors, making the transition from mischievous puppy to well-mannered adult dog smoother for both the pup and its owner.

A Tranquil Haven for Training:

The location of Dognpooch adds a unique dimension to the training experience. San Luis Obispo, with its scenic landscapes and temperate climate, provides an ideal setting for peaceful and focused training sessions. Whether it's the open spaces for outdoor activities or the comfortable indoor training areas, the environment at Dognpooch contributes to a positive and stress-free learning experience for dogs.

Building a Strong Bond Between Dogs and Owners:

Beyond obedience and behavior modification, Dognpooch prioritizes the development of a strong and positive bond between dogs and their owners. The trainers at Dognpooch actively involve pet parents in the training process, offering guidance and support to ensure that the lessons learned in training extend to the home environment. This emphasis on building a connection goes beyond the training sessions, fostering a lifelong partnership between dogs and their human companions.

Testimonials and Success Stories:

The effectiveness of Dognpooch's training programs is evident in the testimonials and success stories shared by satisfied clients. Many dog owners in San Luis Obispo have witnessed transformative changes in their canine companions, from overcoming behavioral challenges to becoming well-behaved and joyful members of the family. These success stories serve as a testament to Dognpooch's commitment to excellence in dog training.

How to Get Started with Dognpooch:

Embarking on a journey with Dognpooch is a simple and rewarding process. Prospective clients can start by reaching out to the friendly and knowledgeable team at Dognpooch. A consultation allows the trainers to understand the specific needs and goals of both the dog and the owner. From there, a tailored training program is crafted to set the dog on a path to success.

Conclusion:

Dognpooch stands as the epitome of excellence in dog training in San Luis Obispo. With a philosophy rooted in positive reinforcement, personalized programs, and a commitment to building strong bonds, Dognpooch goes beyond basic obedience training. The tranquil setting of San Luis Obispo adds to the unique experience, creating a haven for dogs to learn, grow, and thrive. For dog owners seeking not just training but a transformative experience for their furry companions, Dognpooch remains the trusted choice in San Luis Obispo's vibrant canine community.

[kandoesfanfics-writes]

A Song Your Soul(mate) Sings

This is my Maribat Secret Santa for @my-northern-downpour. I hope you enjoy it! This is a soulmate!au based off of a trend on TikTok in which soulmates can hear each other when they sing. I extended this to include humming as well.

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

The room was dark by the time he returned to his bed.

It was sparsely decorated, the six-year old boy not wanting much for potential enemies to use to conceal themselves. His eyes scanned the shadows, watching for the slightest movement, trying to see if there was anyone currently in the room. Seeing nothing that tickled his fight or flight instincts, he cautiously walked into the room before locking it behind him. He quietly barricaded himself in the room before walking over to his meager bed. 

His body ached as he laid down to sleep. 

Where there was not gauze or bandages was dark skin decorated with purples and blues of varying colors. The pain was a dull throb in his limbs as compared to the sharp pains in his joints. His stomach ached from the punishing training he'd been put through earlier that day. He hadn't wanted to train, but his mother had smacked him and told him to be grateful that he was chosen as heir.

"Des yeux qui font baisser les miens, un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche, voilà le portrait sans retouche, de l'homme auquel j'appartiens…"

The joyful echoes in his head began again, right on time. The echo sounded child-like, like the singer was someone his age. The echo sounded feminine, and he wondered why such a feminine voice would be echoing in his ears. He wasn't a girl after all so why did it sound like a girl? Why couldn’t he talk to that echo either? He could always have conversations with himself, but the feminine voice never answered him.

"Quand il me prend dans ses bras, qu'il me parle tout bas, je vois la vie en rose, Il me dit des mots d'amour, des mots de tous les jours, et ça m'fait quelque chose…"

It wasn't in a language he knew either. So far Mother had only taught him Arabic and English. The strange foreign vowel sounds and unfamiliar words made no sense to the little boy. Why was he hearing a voice speaking in a strange tongue?

And was he the only one?

Mother and Grandfather had never talked about hearing strange voices in their heads. Neither had any of the others the little boy had met. If they heard the voices too, wouldn't they have talked about them? Why would Mother and Grandfather hide the knowledge from him… unless they didn't share the same experiences.

The little boy did not fear the voice, but he vowed never to speak of it. While he did not believe the voice was a threat, he did not wish to be seen as defective. He saw what had happened to those deemed unworthy of his Grandfather's presence. He did not wish to die…or worse, go through painful procedures to get rid of the voice in his head.

"Il est entré dans mon cœur, une part de bonheur, dont je connais la cause, c'est lui pour moi, moi pour lui dans la vie, Il me l'a dit, l'a juré, pour la vie, et dès que je l’aperçois, alors je sens en moi, mon cœur qui bat…"

As he curled into a ball, his daggers close at hand, he listened to the cheerful voice. He listened to the way the strange words would roll, and occasionally stutter, through his mind. It wasn’t terrible...if he had to be honest, it was rather relaxing. The sound was more often than not soft and gentle sounding compared to the harsh orders barked at him daily. Sometimes the voice had giggles and laughter interrupting the words, sending a strange warmth through him. He could feel himself relaxing enough to sleep, but he forced his green eyes to stay open as he wanted to hear more.

“Des nuits d’amour à plus finir, un grand bonheur qui prend sa place, les ennuis, les chagrins s’effacent, heureux, heureux à en mourir…”

He could feel sleep overtake him as he listened to the happy voice, glad that at least one thing in his life radiated warmth and was not tinged with fear.

He hoped Mother and Grandfather never found out.

Damian didn’t want the voice to go away.

————————

“Why do you keep singin’ if you can’t hear them, Mari?” a dark skinned boy asked, picking apart the sandwich his mother made him.

“Because Maman explained that some people can’t sing, Nino!” a little girl with paler skin responded. “Maman said that sometimes people are born without the ability to talk, or they get hurt real bad and can’t talk no more. She also said that sometimes people have a hard time hearing or can’t hear at all, so they learn FSL instead of talking with their mouth! What if my soulmate is like that? They’d be real lonely if I didn’t sing to ‘em!”

The little boy adjusted the small red cap on top of his head and said, “I guess that makes sense.”

The little girl nodded, her bob swinging a little with the force of her movements. Marinette Dupain-Cheng and her best friend, Nino Lahiffe, were sitting in her parents bakery, enjoying lunch. Nino was picking apart his food, not feeling very hungry after Chloe Bourgeois called him chubby. Despite Marinette telling Nino he wasn’t chubby, the little boy seemed to be down in the dumps. Marinette had tried to cheer him up by asking about the song he could hear his soulmate singing as Nino was very excited that he was hearing his soulmate more often now.

That had brought them to the conversation of Marinette’s soulmate...who she had never heard before.

Marinette knew her friend wasn’t trying to be mean by asking about it, and that he was worried about her. It wasn’t common that soulmates couldn’t hear one another’s voices so long as both people were alive. If one couldn’t hear their soulmates voice it could mean that they might have died, that they hadn’t been born yet, or that the person didn’t have one. There were also instances where both soulmates were still alive and still couldn’t sing to one another, and that was the type Marinette’s mother had just recently explained to her— people who were unable to verbally communicate due to either issues with hearing or speaking verbally.

Marinette was nibbling on her sandwich too, secretly trying to reassure herself as well.

After all, Chloe liked to tease her that she didn’t have a soulmate. 

Marinette shook her head, kicking her feet back and forth. No! Stupid Chloe was wrong! She did have a soulmate! They just couldn’t sing to her right now! Maybe they couldn’t sing at all, but that didn’t matter! As long as she kept singing, they would eventually find her voice...wouldn’t they?

“Hey Mari, do you wanna go to the park?” Nino asked, interrupting her train of thought. “I got a new football. It’s in my bag.”

Marinette smiled brightly, adjusting the straps on her pink overalls before saying, “Prepare to lose, Nino!”

The little girl jumped out of her seat and raced towards his backpack, the little boy following after her. Neither child noticed the dark haired woman watching them with a soft, sad smile. Her near silver eyes shone with love and concern as she watched her daughter go off to play with her best friend. She looked so happy...and Sabine desperately hoped she would stay like that.

———————-

...things at his father’s house were strange.

His rules were confusing.

No killing. None. In fact, Damian got into more trouble killing while with his father. It just didn’t make any sense to him! Hadn’t Mother told Father anything?! Hadn’t Mother told Father that he was going to be heir of both the cowl and the League of Assassins? He had to know how to kill in order to do that! He had to keep up with his skills to be able to maintain and grow to surpass anyone who would challenge him!

But Father told him that he didn’t want Damian to do any of that.

He told Damian that he wanted different things for him than his mother did.

And that confused him.

The other thing that confused him was his place in his father’s house.

With his mother and his grandfather, the dark haired ten-year old’s position was always clear. He was to be the Heir to the League of Assassins. He was to be stronger, sharper, quicker, and more deadly than anyone else in the League. He was constantly being tested by Mother and Grandfather too. He knew that if he did not perform to their standards then a punishment was in order...and they never let Damian forget how replaceable he truly was at the end of the day. 

He might be considered more important than the other League members, but he had to continuously earn that position.

Richard Grayson didn’t seem interested in fighting him for the cowl...at all. In fact, the young man seemed to want to get to know Damian. He seemed to get over his annoyance at the younger boy’s appearance rather quickly, and he’d started getting into Damian’s space. He asked him questions, trying to learn more about the newcomer. He didn’t appear to be threatened by Damian very much either, which irritated the aforementioned boy severely.

Dick was quick to suss out Damian’s boundaries, and while he’d ultimately respect them, he was also quick to push them too. His excuse was that Damian needed to act like other ten year old boys, and his father had agreed. While Damian had at first hated it...he had to admit he’d grown fond of Grayson, as the second Damian began to feel anxious, the older one would cease his pushing.

Dick was...well he was an older brother, through and through. He loved Damian, but he wasn’t afraid to try and kick the younger boy’s ass either. Damian appreciated someone who could see he had skill but wasn’t scared off by it. Dick was insistent in getting Damian to learn more about ‘normal’ kid stuff. Dick was the one showing him kids’ movies, loudly singing along to the lyrics, making their father groan.

Tim...Tim still wasn’t okay with Damian. Damian wasn’t okay with Tim either. Damian was more willing to overlook Dick as he was his own superhero— Nightwing. Tim was Robin. Tim was the one who had his role, according to his mother. Tim was the one he was supposed to show he was superior too. Tim was the one he had to get rid of.

But that had made father and Dick extremely angry.

Tim fought valiantly for his position, which Damian respected, but he also seemed to be sticking to Father’s no kill rule. It was clear that Father trusted Tim much more than he trusted Damian. Tim was still with the family. Tim hadn’t been replaced by him. Tim still hung out with Dick, though he did it less when Damian was around. Tim also clearly had Dick’s trust as well, while Damian was still on thin ice.

The younger boy couldn’t explain why that upset him so much, but it did.

As Dick had explained it to him, and Alfred re-explained, ranks were based purely on seniority. Alfred was in charge of Bruce, and Bruce was in charge of them. Dick was the next in line because he was the oldest, then Tim, and then Damian. There wasn’t any fighting in order to gain the upper rank...and despite Damian being on the bottom, he was treated with just as much respect as a living person deserved.

He was allowed to point out holes in plans. He was allowed to talk during meetings. He was allowed to offer his opinion. He was allowed to fight with them...he was allowed to fight without fearing death.

For the first time in Damian’s short life...he was allowed to do things without the risk of death constantly hanging over his head. The most his father would do is bench him from patrols, stop him from training, and put him under house arrest. All of these punishments were preferable to the ones his mother would come up with, and he felt so much better about that.

He was freer to be himself here than he ever had been with his mother.

“Here comes the sun, do, dun, do, do. Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right. Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here. Here comes the sun, do, dun, do, do. Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right!”

Damian looked up from his oatmeal, grimacing at his elder ‘brother’ as said man skidded into the kitchen in a tee-shirt, boxers, and his socks.

It had been an entire year since his mother had left him with his father. He was eleven years old now, and he’d told his mother that he was staying with his father. He had thought he’d grow used to his ‘brothers’ antics, but it appeared that there was one thing he still wasn’t used to— Dick’s insistence that he break out in a random musical number anytime he felt like it…

“GRAYSON, would you please shut up! Tt, it’s too early for this nonsense!” the green-eyed boy said with a scowl. “Alfred, please tell him that he’s much too noisy.”

“No can do, lil’ D! I have to let my soulmate know I’m a-okay! And the only way to do that is sing!” Dick said happily. “Good morning, Alfred!”

The elderly man shook his head in fond annoyance before saying, “Good morning, Master Dick. If you eat cereal, please leave some left for Master Tim. That boy hasn’t been eating much, but I have been getting him to eat cereal...and do lower your volume, Master Dick.”

“...what the, and I can’t emphasize this enough, fuck are you talking about, Grayson? Where did you hear such nonsense?”

The kitchen fell silent as both Dick and Alfred looked at Damian in shock. Alfred hadn’t even corrected Damian for cursing, both men clearly fighting back and array of emotions. Dick appeared to recover first. His inquisitive blue eyes focused on Damian before he took a deep breath.

“Dames...you know what soulmates are right?” Dick asked slowly.

“What kind of asinine—”

“Master Damian, have you ever heard a voice in your head?”

Damian froze like a rabbit that had just spotted a predator. Despite the boy’s training, Alfred could see it in his microexpressions that the child was afraid. It looked like he had no idea how to answer the question, so the old butler took pity on him and continued.

“This voice...or echo doesn’t sound like it belongs to you. It sounds like someone else...someone you may not know. It could be in another language, possibly, or it could take form in the sound of humming—”

“Almost everyone has one, Lil’ D...” Dick interrupted, his expression twisted with worry. “My soulmate sings back to me after I sing to him.”

The green-eyed boy’s jaw dropped, looking back and forth between Alfred and Dick in an alarmingly vulnerable way. Dick was about to go get Bruce before Damian let out the softest sound of shock and surprise he’d ever heard. He had to strain to hear what Damian said to Alfred next, hating how small and weak the proud boy sounded.

“I’m...I’m not crazy? She— she’s real?”

“Talia never told you about soulmates, did she?” Alfred said, taking the available seat next to Damian. “Of course you're not crazy, Master Damian. This is completely normal.”

Damian shook his head, looking anxiously at the butler and Dick. He thought the voice was just in his head! She was a real person? She was singing to him? Was he supposed to be singing back? Why could he hear her? Why him?

“Why we don’t explain what soulmates are first,” Alfred said softly. “A soulmate is someone whose soul compliments yours. You are whole as you are, Damian, but a soulmate is someone whose personality will compliment yours. They are the one person in the world who has the chance to know you as well as you know yourself. They’re a blessing to have, not a weakness to exploit.”

“In order to be able to find our soulmates, we have an almost telepathic connection of sorts. When our soulmates sing, we will be able to hear them in our heads. The same goes for when you sing. She’ll be able to hear you,” Dick added. “You will be able to find your soulmate through their singing. You’ll know when you’ve met her...Lil’ D...does your soulmate still sing to you?”

“Everyday...though the time has changed since I got to the states. I’m assuming she’s European due to the timezone difference and what I believe is a Latin-based language,” Damian mumbled, twiddling his thumbs. “Is that good?”

“That’s excellent, Lil’ D. It means she hasn’t given up on you,” Dick said with a grin. “So don’t keep her waiting anymore, okay?”

“Mother and Grandfather never talked about—is it safe? I assumed I was crazy because they never spoke of soulmates and neither did anyone else. I thought—”

“You’re not crazy, Master Damian,” Alfred said, this time firmer. “You are just like any other young man with a soulmate. You hear her voice when she sings to you, and you enjoy it, don’t you?”

“...it is a nice song…very pretty…”

“They probably saw their soulmates as weaknesses to their plans, but what they failed to realize is that soulmates are sources of strength as well. Do not be afraid to answer her now, Master Damian. She’s probably been waiting quite a while to hear your voice.”

Damian still felt like he was going to throw up, but he nodded. He was still tense as a freshly tightened spring as he watched Dick return to his breakfast. The older man started humming a tune that Damian recognized was a song from the movie they’d just watched the night before.

“Dick...what’s the name of that song? The one you’re humming from the movie last night?” he asked, trying to control his voice.

Dick raised an eyebrow, surprised by the use of his first name. He calmly told Damian that he was humming ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ as performed by Elton John. He said nothing further as he watched Damian make a beeline towards the door, clearly not wanting to speak anymore on the subject, and abandoning his oatmeal. He looked towards Alfred to see if he should bring him back to at least finish breakfast, but the butler shook his head.

“Let Master Damian go. This must be overwhelming for him as well as slightly invasive. Let him process.”

Little did Alfred know that Damian had already accepted that the voice was in his head. He had already accepted the voice that lulled him to sleep as a piece of him that he’d protect willingly and viciously. The only change was that he now understood why he was so keen on protecting the intruder in his head.

He wasn’t crazy.

She was real.

That song was real.

Everything she ever sang to him was real.

Damian wasn’t broken.

She was real.

———————

The last thing Sabine Cheng expected was for her daughter to be awake at seven thirty am, no matter how early she and her husband got up.

Her sweet little Marinette had never been a morning person, always sleeping in and making herself late. Sabine had tried to break her daughter of the habit, but she was just as stubborn as her father. Now Sabine simply tried to mitigate how late her daughter got up so that she wouldn’t be as late to things.

She’d gone to wake her daughter up as she had errands to run. Sabine needed Marinette to come with her to help carry some of the items they were picking up for her mother-in-law’s birthday while Tom worked the store. Neither parent expected the shriek that came from their daughter’s room.

Nor the disheveled state she came nearly crashing down in.

“MAMAN! PAPA!” Marinette shrieked, her hair half-in, half-out of her braid. “HE SANG! MAMAN, HE’S THERE! PAPA, MY SOULMATE ANSWERED ME!”

Marinette’s eyes were wide with shock as she spluttered, trying to get words out of her mouth. Her hands were flailing in every direction, trying desperately to articulate the words she couldn’t get out. She was still dressed in her pajamas, looking at her parents helplessly.

“Marinette! Marinette, you have to breathe, little dumpling,” Sabine said, grabbing her daughter’s hands. “Take a few deep breaths.”

Marinette took a deep breath, following her mother’s instructions of in and out. As soon as she had stopped practically vibrating out of her skin, Marinette grabbed her mother’s arms and said, “He sang back, Maman. He was so shy and stuttered a lot, but he sang back. He answered me!”

Tom looked absolutely relieved, his posture relaxing slightly. He had been worried about Marinette’s soulmate never singing back, and how that would affect Marinette. They knew that she’d been bullied by the mayor’s daughter for never hearing her soulmate sing, and they knew how bad that had made her feel. Tom then stiffened back up when he realized that Marinette’s soulmate sang back, and now someone would be trying to find his little girl.

Sabine couldn’t help but roll her eyes at her husband. Their daughter was only eleven, so she doubted that someone was just going to come and steal her away! However, she was very excited for her daughter. She kissed Marinette on the forehead before saying, “That’s amazing, little dumpling. You go get changed, and you can tell me about it while we walk to the store.”

Marinette nodded eagerly before pausing.

“Maman? Do you think we could get some English books? To help me practice and learn? I’m pretty sure my soulmate sang in English,” the dark haired girl said, biting the tip of her thumb.

Tom looked at his wife, waiting for her to give the nod of approval, before telling Marinette that of course she could get some English studying material. While Tom was apprehensive of the soulmate that just started singing (why hadn’t he sang before?), he wanted nothing more than his little girl to be happy. He kissed his wife on the cheek before walking back into the kitchen, continuing to work on the pastries.

Marinette couldn’t stop the smile on her face as she raced back up to her room. 

Her soulmate sang back to her!

She bounced over to her mirror, picking up her hair brush. She pulled out her hair tie, allowing the braid to fall apart completely. As she began to brush her hair, she picked up where her song had left off before her soulmate had tried to sing back.

���Quand il me prend dans ses bras, il me parle tout bas, je vois la vie en rose, il me dit des mots d’amour, des mots de tous les jours, et ça me fait quelque chose, il est entré dans mon coeur, une part de bonheur, dont je connais la cause, c’est toi pour moi, moi pour lui dans la vie, il me l’a dit, i’a juré pour la vie,” she sang, carefully braiding her hair.

She paused for a moment, waiting to see if he would try singing again.

Her soulmate sounded male, but it was hard for her to hear him. He sounded uncertain and shy as he stumbled across his words. Then he sounded a little bit upset before changing to humming a tune she was familiar with. He was humming “La Vie en Rose” which was a song Marinette sang very often, and that was another reason she believed he wasn’t French. He clearly knew the tune, but didn’t seem confident to say the words.

A familiar tune timidly filled her head, soft and sleepy.  She felt affection well up in her chest as he continued to hum “La Vie en Rose” to her. Marinette could tell he’d been listening to her every time she sung him that song. He hummed every note perfectly until his voice began to drift off. Marinette wondered for a moment if that means he’d fallen asleep.

She finished getting dressed quickly after that, throwing on her pink sundress and black ballet flats. Blue-grey eyes sparkling with joy and excitement, Marinette practically ran down the stairs, causing her papa to call out to her to be more careful. She told her papa she would as she skipped over towards her mother.

She couldn’t wait to tell her mother about her soulmate humming her song back to her.

——————

It wasn’t until Damian was almost seventeen that he felt comfortable enough actually singing to his soulmate.

At first, he’d attempted a clumsy rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. He hadn’t been able to remember the words properly, so he’d gotten frustrated and embarrassed. She had been able to hear him messing up! He already hadn’t been singing back to her for years, and now his first attempts were pathetic! He had been worried about how she’d respond to him finally returning her songs, but he’d then begun to worry about what she thought about him screwing it up entirely!

Instead of giving up though, he had decided to hum her song back to her. He knew every note of that song, despite not knowing the words or the name to the song. He had hummed until she answered him back with her own bright cheerful song. She had sung the words, strange and unfamiliar to him, while he hummed the melody, creating the most beautiful sound Damian could have sworn he’d ever heard.

Her voice had sounded even brighter than before, and Damian could tell she was happy. After the first day, he’d noticed an uptick in his soulmate’s humming and singing. The more he’d returned her humming with his own, the happier her voice had sounded. It had warmed his chest in an inexplicable way...almost as if he’d missed her without ever meeting her until he hummed back.

Damian had reached the point where he could easily recall all of the words to Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, but he’d only hummed it to her. He hadn’t felt confident enough to attempt to sing it out loud again, but he was getting there in small steps. He’d been working on it, speaking the words out loud to ensure he remembered them as to not have a repeat of his first attempt. He had begun singing little bits and pieces to the song, which seemed to get the interest of his soulmate. He had fallen even faster for her when she began to show him what she’d been working on.

Singing in English.

Despite her difficulties, his soulmate had continued to try and sing to him in what she probably assumed was his native tongue. She had learned another language for him! She had learned one of the most difficult languages to learn (the grammar rules could be absolutely atrocious, and Damian hated it) just so he could understand her singing.

The least he could do was actually sing for her.

Especially since his soulmate had grown more somber and sad in the past few years.

Her songs seemed to have changed from the light-hearted melodies about love and life to heavier music, in both genre and topics. She’d never stopped singing the song he’d come to know as “La Vie en Rose” though. It appeared that she only sang it for him now because her voice was always quiet, almost like a whisper as she sang. Some nights she only sang a few words or not at all, which worried Damian greatly. So, he did the only thing he could do.

He hummed to her even when she was silent or didn’t seem to want to sing much.

Damian began to hum to her like she’d sang to him all those days while he still lived with the League. She had dealt with his silence for years, never knowing if she had someone on the other end of her connection. Damian only realized how terrifying that was when she’d gone completely silent for a day, not singing anything at all. He could toughen it out and hum to her until she felt like she could sing again, but it only got worse.

She had begun to sing in the softest, saddest voice Damian had ever heard.

It broke his heart to know she was in pain.

Which led him to his current situation, standing in a busy Parisian patisserie with his father and brother, singing to his soulmate for the first time.

“There's a calm surrender, to the rush of day, when the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away. An enchanted moment, and it sees me through. It's enough for this restless warrior, just to be with you,” he sang softly, ignoring the shocked looks of both Bruce and Tim. “And can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are. It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer, that we got this far, and can you feel the love tonight. How it's laid to rest? It's enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best.”

The small Asian woman behind the counter looked concerned until Tim apologized and kindly informed her that Damian had never actually sang to his soulmate before. The woman chuckled before telling Tim that he didn’t need to apologize, and that their order would be out soon. Tim nodded, paying the kind woman before Bruce guided them both off to the side to wait.

The dark haired boy ignored his brother’s insistent questions, listening for her voice. She was still quiet, having stopped singing the previous song that had gotten Damian so concerned to begin with. He continued to sing, wanting his soulmate to know that even if it felt like no one else did, he cared about her. 

He’d have to thank Dick later for his annoying pop music obsession, or he’d never have recognized Sia’s song “Breathe Me”.

“There's a time for everyone, if they only learn. That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn. There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors. When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours,” he continued, ignoring all of the sounds going on around him.

Just as Damian was about to sing the next section, the patisserie door slammed open. A tiny girl(?) with pitch black hair that was falling loose around her face came racing in. He could see tear streaks down her face as if she’d just been crying. Her body posture was defensive. Her arms were crossed tightly against her chest, and her body was hunched over as if she were trying to make herself smaller.

A blond haired guy followed her into the building. He seemed out of breath with his face as flushed as it was. His green eyes reminded Damian of limes or acid, bright and loud. His entire demeanor displayed a nervousness as he tried to reach the girl, whose posture seemed to scream ‘I’m not okay’ the closer he got to her.

“Marinette, listen! It was just a joke! Alya said they didn’t mean it, and Lila already told the class to stop messing up your schedules,” the guy said. “Please, Marinette? Don’t be mad. You’re better than that.”

The young woman, Marinette, stopped dead in her tracks before turning around. With the more composure than Damian had thought she possessed, she simply said, “Adrien, I am allowed to be upset. They destroyed my planner, which had all the events for our class in it. As class president, I’m supposed to have all of those dates written down and available to anyone who needs them. I now have to remake the entire schedule on top of all my other responsibilities. Besides, real jokes don’t normally involve destroying someone’s personal property, now please leave me alone.”

Damian felt his heart drop into his stomach.

He knew that voice like he knew his katana.

He’d never be able to mistake the voice that had lulled him to sleep so many nights.

That was her voice.

He knew her.

“And can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are. It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer that we got this far, and can you feel the love tonight? How it's laid to rest? It's enough to make kings and vagabonds, believe the very best,” Damian continued, needing to be certain it was her.

He watched the young woman’s arms fall to her sides, looking almost startled. Her eyes, which he now noticed were an enchanting slate blue color that reminded him of a storm, were now darting around. Her petal pink lips, which looked so soft, were agape which hinted towards her being alarmed by something. Her posture straightened up as she scanned the room again. Not finding what she was looking for apparently, she slowly began to sing, her eyes searching the room once more.

“Et dès que je l’aperçois, alors je sens en moi, mon coeur qui bat.”

Damian’s heart then decided to make a violent return to his chest as he could hear it pounding in his chest.

It was her.

Those were the last lines to “La Vie en Rose”.

It was her.

——————

Marinette, to say the least, had been having a couple rough years.

At the age of thirteen, she had been given the ladybug miraculous by the former Guardian and became the spotted heroine known as Ladybug.

At around the age of fourteen-fifteen, Lila Rossi had joined her class and the bullying began.

At the age of sixteen, she realized that she had less friends than she thought she did.

And now at the age of seventeen, Marinette was just done.

She hadn’t been able to locate Hawkmoth due to his increasing power, gaining Mayura as an accomplice, and her inability to keep a standard set of heroes. Some people had lost the privilege to wield the miraculous by breaking Marinette’s trust, and others had been compromised by Hawkmoth. This meant that everytime she needed assistance, she either had to combine the miraculous or give a rookie hero a crash course in superhero training.

Add to that Chat Noir’s endless attempts to flirt and get her to sing in front of him, and Marinette was ready to throw herself out a window. 

Being a superhero with little to no training had been hard enough, but now she was the Guardian of the box! Now not only did she have to worry about her Kwami, Tikki, she had to worry about all of them! She would also have to do this with absolutely no training as well except from what the kwamis could remember/tell her. 

And all of that didn’t take into account the Marinette part of her life either.

Her only solace had been her soulmate, who had slowly been learning how to sing. She had been surprised to hear attempts at singing, as he’d been humming almost consistently since his first attempt, but it made the ache in her chest feel lighter. Her soulmate clearly cared enough about her to try and overcome whatever had been stopping him from singing before, and it made her feel good. She had come to find the humming comforting, but she also found she enjoyed his voice while he sang too.

More grown up now, his voice was a deep baritone that settled into her bones and made her relax. She had found herself wishing she could talk to him more, wanting to hear words instead of humming. She had forced herself to be patient though. If her soulmate had had problems singing before, it was a possibility he’d only recently gained the capability to verbally speak. She didn’t want to be rude and push for more if that was the case.

Which was apparently something none of her classmates understood.

Marinette had walked into her classroom, only to find the planner she had painstakingly put together for the class in tatters on the floor. She’d left it for their teacher to use, as the teacher needed to add a few more dates in for school functions that had just gotten approved. She wished she could say she hadn’t been upset, but she was.

They’d stuck her with this thankless job, due to Lila not wanting to have to do anything, and this was how they repaid her?

She found it ridiculous that they were still bullying her over Adrien. Sure, she’d liked him when he’d first arrived. He was handsome and rather nice, and most girls had a crush on him. She knew he wasn’t her soulmate though. While he could speak perfect English (thanks to his aunt and cousin living in England, and his late uncle speaking mainly English), the time zone differences didn’t match up.

Her soulmate hummed at specific times, and Marinette had attributed that schedule to reflect their difference in time zones. If Adrien had been her soulmate, then the humming would have occurred around the same time Marinette was normally singing. Plus, she’d heard Adrien sing before when Nino had pressured him into doing it.

The click didn’t go off in her head and as a result, her crush slowly began to die out. She’d even explained to Alya the situation when she’d told her former best friend that she was giving up on dating Adrien. Alya knew that Adrien wasn’t her soulmate, so she didn’t want to waste her time on him.

So why had she joined Lila in bullying her?

Why had she conveniently forgotten that Marinette was completely over her crush and didn’t want to date him?

Why had she lied to Adrien about Marinette wanting to date her?

Most of all, why had Alya believed Lila over her?

Marinette hadn’t heard anyone apologizing to her when she raced out of the room, overwhelmed and upset. She was doing her damndest to control her emotions so that Hawkmoth couldn’t akumatize her, but she could still feel the tears hot on her cheeks. She ignored everything else, storming back towards the patisserie, considering telling her parents she’d thrown up on the way to school and decided to turn around and come home.

Taking a deep breath, she began to sing an English song she’d found while browsing around online. At first she wanted to listen to English songs to help her learn her soulmate’s language, but she did end up finding music and artists that she liked.

“Help, I have done it again. I have been here many times before. Hurt myself again today, and the worst part is there's no-one else to blame. Be my friend, hold me. Wrap me up, enfold me. I am small and needy. Warm me up and breathe me,” she sang, picking up the pace as she heard Adrien shout out her name.

“There's a calm surrender, to the rush of day. When the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away. An enchanted moment, and it sees me through. It's enough for this restless warrior just to be with you.”

Marinette nearly froze in her tracks.

Her soulmate had sung!

From the sound of his tone, he seemed worried about her. Marinette continued the song she’d been singing, only pausing when he began to sing his song back to her. She had continued walking on autopilot, taking comfort in her soulmate’s voice despite the fact that she could still register Adrien’s shouting in the back of her mind.

She slammed the patisserie door open, too shocked and upset to think about using the private entrance to their home above the bakery. She heard Adrien’s footsteps follow her inside. She had planned on ignoring him, not wanting to have another fight about whether or not Alya and Lila’s latest shenanigans had been ‘friendly teasing’ or not. 

She was going to until Adrien opened his stupid mouth to tell her she was ‘better than this’.

“Adrien, I am allowed to be upset. They destroyed my planner, which had all the events for our class in it. As class president, I’m supposed to have all of those dates written down and available to anyone who needs them. I now have to remake the entire schedule on top of all my other responsibilities. Besides, real jokes don’t normally involve destroying someone’s personal property, now please leave me alone,” she’d told him, firmly.

Before Adrien could respond though, she heard her soulmate sing.

“And can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are. It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer that we got this far, and can you feel the love tonight? How it's laid to rest? It's enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best.”

Marinette felt like she’d been struck by lightning as she realized she’d heard an echo, meaning that he was also in the patisserie. He was here! He was here, and he was singing for her!

Her eyes darted around the room, taking in everyone who was present. She saw that her father and mother were swamped with orders, doing their best to keep the line short. There were several regular customers in line with a couple new faces, but no one who stuck out. There was a small trio off to the side, clearly waiting for their order.

They did not appear familiar at all but from the looks of their suits, Marinette wagered they were businessmen. Perhaps they were in the city on business? Or perhaps this wasn’t their normal stop for baked goods, but they came here because it was closer?

Still feeling anxious, she steeled her nerves and began to sing slowly, trying to find the one person who would react in the crowd.

Her eyes were drawn back to the trio, noticing how awestruck the one looked.

He was objectively handsome with a sharp jawline and defined cheekbones. He had tanned skin that made the two men next to him look rather pale in comparison. His hair was jet black and well groomed. He looked strong with broad shoulders, and Marinette was certain he had several inches on her as far as height went.

It was his eyes though that caught her attention.

They were a jade green, a bit darker than Adrien’s, but captivating all the same. They were also looking at her with a look of longing that for some reason didn’t frighten Marinette. He looked like he desperately wanted to come over to her, but he appeared to be waiting for something.

The second he realized she had her eyes on him, he opened his mouth and finished the song.

“It's enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best,” he sang, looking at her almost hopefully.

Marinette felt something in her mind click into place.

She also could swear she heard Tikki giggling from inside her purse.

The little kwami had always told Marinette she’d meet her soulmate one day. She’d also told Marinette that she’d meet him when she needed him most. The little red kwami had seemed extremely confident about that fact and about how her soulmate would be able to help her.

Feeling a nudge from her purse, Marinette swallowed before marching over to where the three men were standing. The one whose gaze had been fixed on her also began to step forward, meeting Marinette half-way. He smiled at her, but his eyes told her he was nervous.

“Hello, my name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” she said, holding out her hand in what she knew was a traditional American greeting.

He took her hand but surprised her by kissing the back of her hand instead of shaking it.

“Hello, I’m Damian. You have a lovely voice.”

Marinette felt her cheeks heat up as she smiled back at him.

“You too...though I’d like to hear it more,” she replied, ignoring the fact he’d yet to let go of her hand.

The grip wasn’t harsh or uncomfortable...but rather warm and reassuring.

“Okay, seriously Demon Spawn,” the shorter man said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “What the hell is going on, and why were you singing to your soulmate? You never sing out loud! Who is she, and why did you kiss her hand? Do you even know her?”

“Shut. Up. Drake,” Damian hissed, his cheeks coloring a bit. “Can’t you and Father give me a moment?”

Marinette could see the tension building, so she asked the question that had been bugging her since she was a child.

“Why didn’t you ever sing to me before we were eleven?”

This made the two men freeze. A look of realization dawned on them as they looked between Marinette and Damian. The younger of the two had the decency to blush a little bit, mumbling a ‘nevermind’. The older of the two seemed almost...relieved? Happy? Ecstatic?

“Terribly sorry,” the older man said with a smile. “My name is Bruce Wayne. I’m Damian’s father. This is his brother Tim Drake, who I adopted, hence the different last name. Damian, we’re going to take our pastries and head back to the hotel. You can meet us there when you’re done.”

With that, Marinette watched as Bruce pushed Tim towards the exit, still feeling a little confused and dazed. She returned her attention towards Damian, who looked very uncomfortable and upset. She almost told him to forget about her question until he said quietly, “...my mother never told me about soulmates. I wasn’t allowed to sing or hum growing up, but my mother never told me why. They never taught me any songs either. I mainly had to learn them myself. I— I didn’t even realize I was hearing another person’s voice until someone explained it to me.”

Damian was looking down at his shoes, but he managed to lift his head to look at her before continuing.

“I’m sorry. I never meant to make you feel lonely or unwanted. I tried singing to you at eleven because I started living with my father around that time.”

Marinette felt relieved and heartbroken all at once.

“You don’t have to apologize just because your mother didn’t tell you about this,” she murmured, getting closer to her soulmate. “I’m just relieved that it wasn’t because you didn’t want me.”

“Excuse me, but Marinette and I were having a conversation! Marinette, you can’t just ignore people! It’s rude! Besides, Alya and Lila are here to apologize.”

The dark haired young woman let out a hiss, making the man in front of her chuckle.

Adrien.

She’d nearly forgotten about him.

Marinette turned around to see that Adrien was glaring daggers at Damian. The blond walked forward and actually had the audacity to wrap his arm around her shoulders. She pushed her arm off of her and stood in front of Damian.

From her new position, she could also see the two harpies from hell waiting at the patisserie door. Alya looked only a little nervous, and Lila had her usual fake sad face on. She could also see the simmering anger in Adrien’s eyes as she chose the stranger over him.

“Oh! Marinette, there you are!” Lila crooned, latching onto Adrien’s arm. “We’re so sorry! We didn’t realize that was your book.”

“I thought you said it was a joke on me though,” she responded, looking between both of them. “If you didn’t know it was mine, why would the joke be on me?”

“We never said that—” Alya began, but Marinette just cut her off.

Reaching into her bag, she took out the little tape recorder she’d been bringing to school to gather evidence. She briefly rewinded it before playing it, the two girls’ voices coming through crystal clear. Her expression did not change as Alya and Lila began to scream about how she couldn’t just record them like that, scrambling to also include how recordings could be taken out of context or misconstrued.

“You’re only mad because Lila won’t let you have Adrien!” Alya shouted, gaining the attention of Marinette’s mother and the other customers. “You’ve had a crush on him forever, and now you’re jealous because you can’t have him because of Lila!”

Marinette could feel a migraine coming on as she bit out, “I. Don’t. Have. A. Crush. On. Him. Seriously? That crush was like a month, two months long before I told you I was over it?”

“Don’t you still love me?” Adrien interjected, looking like a sad puppy.

“Not any more than a friend,” she said bitterly, “but I have no idea if I can consider you even that now.”

“You’re a filthy liar! You so totally have a crush—”

“Excuse me, but could you three kindly fuck off?” a cold voice came from behind her.

Marinette’s head twisted back to see that Damian no longer looked all that shy or vulnerable.

“I’ve waited years to be able to hear her voice in person, as Miss Marinette Dupain-Cheng is my soulmate, and I’d really like to get to know her. Without an audience of absolute buffoons,” Damian continued, still coming off cold. “She already asked you to leave her alone, Blondie. My suggestion is take your two bitches and leave before I make you.”

“Ugh, you’re so rude!” Alya snapped. “No wonder you ended up with a cheat like Marinette!”

Marinette felt a twinge in her chest as she looked down at her shoes. She wasn’t surprised Alya had said something like that, but it still hurt deep down. Alya had once been a dear friend of hers, and for her to say such terrible lies about her made her heart break. She went to call out to her mother when Damian let out a snarl.

“You’re the rude ones. You think destroying private property is a joke? You think taking people’s belongings is a joke? You think barging into a place of business isn’t rude? Do you think interjecting on conversations that you’re not a part of isn’t rude? You think what you said isn’t fucking rude? Why don’t you try thinking before you speak? I know that takes up a lot of oxygen, but I can get you a plant if you’re worried about running out. Now, Get. Out.”

Damian cracked his knuckles and slid off his suit jacket, showing off muscled arms that looked a lot stronger than Adrien. He glared at the trio, watching them carefully as they backed off of Marinette. The subtle threat seemed to work as Alya latched onto Adrien’s other arm, both girls pulling him out of the patisserie. They were complaining loudly about how rude he was and continued to say passive aggressive things about Marinette. She thought the situation was going to explode until her mother walked over to them.

“Marinette? What’s going on?” Shouldn’t you be at school? And why were your classmates here?” she asked, gently holding her daughter’s face in her hands.

“I don’t feel well, Maman,” Marinette replied quietly. “It’s getting bad again.”

She watched her mother’s normally gently and friendly face twist into a well concealed look of rage. Sabine’s silver eyes narrowed, slightly worrying Marinette, as she looked at Damian before demanding to know who he thought he was, thinking that he could speak on her daughter’s behalf.

“I’m her soulmate, ‘mam. I wasn’t trying to speak for her, and I apologize if that’s how it was coming off. You see, my mother didn’t allow singing when I was growing up, and I went to go live with my father when I was ten, so for the first ten years of my life, I didn’t know what a soulmate was,” he answered. “It’s been about six years since I learned what a soulmate was, and I’ve been waiting since then to meet the girl who still sings to a silent soulmate.”

Marinette began to blush, stuttering apologies before Damian responded that she had nothing to apologize for. He then smiled at both her and Sabine before asking if they wanted to attend dinner at Le Grand Paris so Sabine could meet his father.

“I’d really like to get to know you, Marinette, but only if that’s what you want too,” he said with a soft smile. “I want this to be your choice as much as it is mine. I don’t want you to think you have to say yes just because we’re soulmates.”

And as she looked into the face of a man who taught himself how to sing just to be able to connect with her when she needed him the most, Marinette actually believed him.

Perhaps this wouldn’t be like Chat Noir and Ladybug…

A hard nudge from her pocket prompted her into answering, “Yes...I’d really like to get to know you too, Damian.”

As he smiled at her, a genuine smile that reached one’s eyes instead of the fake one he’d been using when talking to Lila, she felt her heart skip a few beats. He readjusted his grip on her hand, sending tingles down her arm and making her entire body feel warm. She gently squeezed his hand, receiving an evenly pressured squeeze in return as he talked to her mother about their patisserie shop.

Vaguely in the back of her mind, Marinette wondered if this is what being with your soulmate was supposed to feel like.

If it was...well, Marinette wasn’t going to be trading the warm homey feeling she got watching her mother talk nice with Damian for anything in the world. He seemed to have a quiet sort of charm about him, and he wasn’t easily intimidated by the looks of it, as he didn’t flinch when her father came out to meet him.

No, instead Damian had shook her father’s hand firmly, introducing himself with proud shoulders and confidence. This seemed to make her father happy as he wasn’t frowning as hard when he asked Damian what he did. Her father also seemed satisfied when Damian responded that his father owned a large business, and he was studying to help his older brother take it over once his father decided to retire.

The way he seemed to seamlessly slide into her family, the domestic feeling of it, made Marinette very happy.

Now all she had to do was figure out how to break the news to her soulmate that she was a superhero…

Oh boy.

*Songs in Order of Appearance:

“La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as performed by Elton John

“Breathe Me” by Sia