#They are awful in the same flavor but in opposite directions <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[collectorcookie]

Oh wow another north twin ramble

the thing is, i WISH separating the twins could fix them, but i think it was impossible to separate them without pain before, and now it is quite literally physically impossible to separate them at all.

You know how therapists fuck up sometimes and bring back unresolved trauma while a patient is very much just...not ready to confront that and that ends up with the patient infinitely worse than before? I think something similar happened here. Like, they were each other's coping mechanisms, in a way.

And taking away someone's only shield leaves them very vulnerable and makes them lash out.

I think the identity issues also play a huge role here. Like...snow and white did not even think of each other as separate people. It's like they thought of each other as extensions of themselves.

It's the horrors of growing together with a person, your own psyche melting with their own. It's the horrors of realizing too late that, in the comfort you've found, you've sacrificed a part of yourself. It's the slow realization that you never really have been your own person, maybe you still don't want to be that in the first place. And the horrors of realizing that if you try to be, you are hurting yourself too. Like you're ripping your own limbs off of your body.

Thing is, they've always been two different individuals.

You take two semi-immortal babies who look identical to each other and put them in the kill-or-die land. Nobody raised them. Nobody loved them. They only trust each other.

Like it makes sense to me why white wanted to kill himself the second snow wanted to leave him. What meaning does this world have if the only person he ever wants by his side won't be there anymore? Also, he might as well kill snow too because as far as he is concerned, he is snow and snow is him. Completely ignoring all moral stances on killing someone is not okay

And it also makes sense to me why snow would give up on more than half his powers to bring white back. Also completely ignoring all moral circumstances on why necromancy is not okay either.

White forcing death onto snow because he couldn't handle the idea of dying alone and wanted to take back control and snow forcing life onto white because he couldn't handle his sins and also wanted to take back control.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #452

“what i’ve felt, what i’ve known, never shined doing what i’ve shown  /  never free, never me, so i dub thee unforgiven”

Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community? I am. Do you have Tiktok? Are you addicted? I don't. Do you enjoy being outside? IF it's cool outside, yes. Do you like being around kids? No, not really. Have you ever gotten Covid-19? No. What's your ethnicity? Caucasian. If you were president, what's the first change you would make? I'd probably put in place free healthcare first. What is an animal that you'd like to have as a pet but it's not allowed? If an animal shouldn't be a pet, there's a reason. So none. What was your favorite meal as as kid? Has it changed now? It was spaghetti. I still love it, but it's not my favorite now. Which doctor is your least favorite? Primary, eye, dentist, gynecologist, etc. Potential TMI answer follows. So, the VERY easy answer is gynecologist. Like, I've never even BEEN to one because I'm too scared. Not because I think they'll find anything wrong, but because I'm just very self-conscious about stuff like that and I do fucking not want some random stranger laying a goddamn finger on me like that. My doctor is really pushing me to go by now though as a safety precaution, but I just really, really don't want to. Do you feel that you'd be any good at solving a murder? No. I'm so clueless. You own a dragon, but it doesn't breathe fire; what comes out instead? Water, I guess? That could be beneficial in a lot of ways. Have you ever been sprayed by a giant rain puddle when a car passed by? No. Do you remember the last movie you saw while on a date? Yeah, IT with Girt. What color is your iPod? Hot pink. Do you think baby clothes are adorable? Ha ha yeah, I just tend to like miniature things in general, and babies are just... miniature humans lmao. Whose house did you last sleep over at? Sara's. If you could adopt 3 unique pets, what would you get? A plains hognose morph (probably a lavender, or snow?), a Brazilian black tarantula, andddd... an African fat-tailed gecko morph. What grade are you in, if you’re still in school? I'm not in school. Do you get a lot of tourists in the area where you live? Hell no, there's not shit here. Do you enjoy watching vlogs? Only occasionally by certain people I like. What was the last new video game you were excited about? It really sucks I don't have the appropriate console to play it myself, but I was SUPER stoked for Resident Evil 8: Village to be released and literally watched like four different playthroughs at the same time, ha ha. Have you ever talked about your period with a guy? Were they okay with it, or grossed out? In a three-and-a-half years intimate relationship, it obviously came up before. He didn't care, because he wasn't 12. Have you ever been to small church/bible group/study? Forced to or wanted to? I was forced to go to Sunday school, as well as church. Have you ever been to an Asian (any type) market? If so, what is the closest one to you? I've never seen one here, even. How would you feel if your significant other had tattoos? That'd be a bonus to how physically attracted I was to them, probably, lol. I just love tattoos. Where was the last place on your body that you felt physical pain? My uterus is screaming. :') What are you listening to right now? I am fucking unhealthily obsessed with Violet Orlandi & Skar's cover of "The Unforgiven" by Metallica lkasdjkflawjerwr like I will not stop listening to it lol. Last person you texted? My mom. Have you ever gone out of your way to make someone happy? Yes. Is there a certain person that makes you feel safe? My mom. Have you ever used a chainsaw? Nooo, and I don't want to. Do you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa? crihmuh Ever been so stunned, no words came out? Oh yes. Ever written that you were going to end your life? I have. I was fucking stupid and made a suicide note on Facebook. I genuinely wanted everyone on there to know what they meant to me, so like it seriously wasn't for attention, which I still worry people think that. Ever put fake bugs around your house to scare someone? Not to scare people, no. I have two faux tarantulas in my room as decor, though. Is there a reason you have the name you do? Not particularly. My parents just liked it, ig. Choose: the best song by Green Day? Aw, that's way too hard! I love Green Day. I guess if I absolutely had to pick, maybe "21 Guns." It's just a truly beautiful song. Have you ever tried to “save”, or “fix” someone, before? No. I don't believe that works and only damages you. Were ethics discovered or invented? That's a good question. I really can't say I know. Do you put effort into getting tan during the summer? Nah. Are you a fairly self-motivated person? NO. I need external motivation pretty badly. Be honest, does the person you like actually deserve you? Or are they actually not worthy of your affections? I don't deserve him. List 5 things that have been on your mind most recently. 1.) wtf I feel about Girt and wtf to do about it; 2.) my weight; 3.) what job I'm going to search for once I make progress at the gym; 4.) whether or not to quit photography and focus my efforts elsewhere; and 5.), as always, Jason. What is better, history or science? Science is way more interesting. Do you flinch at the sight of blood? No. Do you enjoy swimming? Yeah. When you swear, is it usually in general or directed at someone? In general. I don't generally swear at people. Are any of your friends hoping to be famous one day? Yeah; I've got a couple of musician friends. Who would you kiss right now if you could kiss anyone? GO AWAY Ever slapped a guy in the face? No. I don't hit people. Do you think you’re a good friend? I sure try to be. Have you ever thrown your cell phone in anger? When? I have on only one occasion when I Jason and I were texting and he pissed me off. I don't remember what we were even talking about now. My phone was fine btw, ha ha, I didn't like, chuck it. What color of hair do you find the sexiest on the opposite gender? Out of the natural hair colors, black. But I really like hair that's dyed exotic colors on like... anyone. Have you slept over at a member of the opposite sex’s house in their bed? Yeah. When you lost your virginity, were you sober? Yeah. Have you ever given your phone number to somebody you met online? Quite a few people, actually. Most of my friendships are online. On average, how much does gas cost where you live? When I was out today, it was $2.99. Why are you happy? Who said I was? I'm not happy. What is in your pocket? Nothing. What was the worst feeling you last felt? Severe indecision. Worthlessness. Yesterday had some grim periods. What would you name your future son? I always answer with the first name, "Damien," so let's see about a middle name... uhhhh... maybe Damien James? I'm not really sure about a middle name, but that sounds nice. What are you waiting for? Girt to message me back. He barely touches Facebook, so I can't blame him, but I wanna plan a day for him to visit and we can hang and I can decide what the fuck it is I feel towards him. What takes your breath away? Big waterfalls, to name a major one. What fact of life would you rather not know about? That the world doesn't give a fuck about you. It sounds super pessimistic, I know, but it doesn't. There is no sentience to it, no will to keep you safe and happy, it just... exists, and we're thrown onto it to figure it out. Unfair things happen. That's life. ... Damn, this answer was dark lol. What’re a few things that automatically make you go, “Awww?” Meerkat pups doing so much as blinking, guys being really cute with kids, seeing elderly couples holding hands and just generally being precious, proposals (especially gay ones just because of how hard that was fought for), seeing literally any picture in existence of Mark and Amy together, veterans coming home and their dogs freaking out... Man, a lot of things. This question brightened my mood to think about. :') Are you easily scared by horror movies? Nah. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? Illinois to visit Sara. :') I really wanna hang. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? No, but a former best friend had her bday a day before mine. Are you wearing a ring? I always wear two. Do you hate to hug people? No, I love hugs. How many rooms does your house consist of? Seven. If you could be on any TV show, which would it be and why? Can I be a Pokemon trainer, pls???? What would you want to be famous for? Most ideally, a great wildlife photographer. The kind photography students would see and be inspired by. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? No, I sleep with a real animal, ha ha. What is your favorite brand of hairspray? I don’t have one. What is in your backyard? Not very much... I'm barely ever even out there, so I barely know. There's one shed, a small tree, and uh... idk. Who is/was your favorite teacher? I have a few. Mrs. Whitley, Mr. Proctor, Coach Collie, and Miss Tobey are some. What’s your favorite non-sexual thing to do with a girl/boy? Play video games together. Do you cheer for the bad guy? Ha, I have a tendency to do that... Would you rather start a new career or a new relationship? Career. I want one so very badly. Something on the human body that grossest you out the most: So even though I am sexually attracted to any gender, nevertheless, genitalia gross me the fuck out. Either kind. Penises especially though like what the fuck- Do you think it’s easier to raise a boy a girl? Why? From most parents, I've heard boys are much easier because girls (supposedly) tend to have more of an attitude. What is your favorite strawberry flavored food? Strawberry is generally my favorite flavor for like, everything, so this is just about impossible. Maybe uhhh slushies? What is the oldest video game system you’ve played? An Atari.

[dorkyungsoowrites]

Ambivalence Ch. 4

Pairings: Kyungsoo x You

Genre: Smut/Angst | Room No.7 AU

Warnings: Dom/Sub play, breathplay, degradation kink, use of safeword

Word Count: 3.2k

Description: If either way was ruin, why would you choose to be alone?

| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | The Ending |

Everything in your chest was screaming not to take his hand. An uncomfortable dread filled the spaces between your ribs; certain that this was one of those moments people talk about. The fork in the road. One path completely unknown, and the other, surrounded by the unknown tucked beside an anchor. One was far more selfish than the other. He'd be dragged in if you stayed, you were sure of it. Something awful and life-altering waited outside his apartment walls. You wanted to remain sheltered, but then the danger would only break in. You could read it in his palm like one of those psychics; Taejung would drown.

"Go get my cigarettes," he drawled. Then like a spell, you obeyed. You got the pack and a lighter from his discarded jeans and returned to him. His hand was still outstretched. You set the rectangle in his hand and his fingers curled quickly, catching yours in his grip. It squished the cardboard between, and he tugged you closer. You fell where you were guided; knees on either side of his hips. Then he kissed you. Passion without the roughness from before. It was pleading without words, and when he did speak, it was quiet. No more than a whisper against your lips.

"Whether you're lying or not," he said. "You're still just a princess...which means you're a good girl."

"And if you found out I was a bad girl?"

The corner of his mouth twitched up in a suppressed smile. "Then I'd have so many more things I'd want to do with you. To you." His mouth went to your jaw and left a kiss with a small hum, free hand caressing your skin, and some of the tightness left our chest. "Do you enjoy torturing me by filling my head with all these ideas?"

"Maybe a little," you grinned. Taejung chuckled, and you pulled your head back to see his face. You only caught the tail-end, his smile fading, but that small showing of happiness was all you needed apparently. The stone of dread that had weighed on your chest was suddenly gone, and your inhibitions were assuaged for the time being. Something about Taejung's presence gave you peace even when you knew there should be a tempest warding you away.

"Crack the window open." He gestured to the tiny window next to his bed. You obeyed, understanding as his eyes followed you and his hand slipped from yours, then slid to the floor and got between his legs, looking up at him expectantly. He was already half hard again, precum beading at the tip of his cock.

Before he could give you the command you took the slightly crumpled pack from him, got out a cigarette and held it between your lips while lighting it. He wet his lips watching you. You set the rest of the pack and lighter to the side, inhaled, then exhaled slowly. The smoke floated out of your mouth in a thick cloud. The corner of Taejung's mouth quirked up before taking the cigarette from your lips and doing the same, blowing towards the cracked window next to him. The freezing air from outside drifted in and made you shiver. Taejung took another leisurely drag and gestured down with his head with an almost silent,

"Go ahead." You hesitated, but wrapped your fingers around the base of his cock and put your lips around the head. Your tongue licked up the bit of precum that had leaked out then swirled around, eliciting a quiet groan. He was growing stiffer in your hold. You peeked up at him through your eyelashes. Smoke puffed across your face. You fought back the urge to pull away and instead took him in further. "That's it, pet," he praised. "Go nice and slow. You have until I finish this to get used to having my whole cock down your throat before I fuck it." You hollowed your cheeks and bobbed slowly, taking more of him in each time. "You look like such a pretty whore right now." 

He could've simply called you pretty, but the demeaning nickname was keeping that safe distance between you. You weren't together. Both of you knew that. To be honest it was starting to grow on you. Taejung's whore. It meant he used you. It meant he fucked you. It meant he wanted you. Glancing up through your eyelashes you watched his eyes gleam at the sight of you between his legs. Longing and needing more of you.

Another drag. You could hear the subtle pop when his lips came apart. His head tilted back, a small plume of smoke rising to the ceiling. Without looking his arm extended over the edge of the bed beside you. Cigarette between his middle and ring finger, his thumb flicked the loose ash off the end, flecks of grey and white going to the floor. He leaned back on one hand while he inhaled the smoke again. That time he met your gaze. The tips embers glowed brightly. You took him all the way to his base, hitting the back of your throat, and made a swallowing motion so it constricted around him. The cigarette left his lips, and he smirked down at you.

"You have no idea how turned on I get when I see you enjoying my cock. You want me to cum in your mouth, don't you?" You moaned around him and continued your ministrations. His cock twitched, Taejung hissing above you. "Fucking hell. You may get your wish sooner if you keep that up. You really are a cumslut. Fucking pathetic." 

You raised off of him to catch your breath, hand stroking him in absence of your mouth. You kissed his thigh, second hand coming up to cup his balls. You trailed fleeting presses of lips up to the underside of his dick. 

"You like my cock, pet?" he asked in a low voice. You traced the sides of his length with your lips before completely enveloping him in your mouth again. "Hands behind your back, slut." 

Gazing up as you obeyed, he stamped out the finished cigarette on the wall and tossed the bud out the window. His free hand lovingly pushed your hair back before cupping your face. 

"Relax your throat." 

You breathed deeply through your nose as his hand threaded through your hair. Then he was directing your movements, roughly thrusting up into your mouth. You gagged slightly despite your efforts, but he didn't stop. He moaned loudly.

"Fuck. Choke on my cock, baby. You take it so well. I've never enjoyed fucking someone so much. You've been so good I'll give you what you want. You want my cum, isn't that right?" 

You moaned as an answer, tears escaping your eyes when you pinched them shut. You could barely breathe, jaw burning. 

"So take it and show me how much you enjoy it," Taejung growled. "It won't be long before a single inch of you hasn't been covered in my cum. I'll fuck you every day until that happens. And you'll love every minute of it, won't you, you fucking worthless cunt?" Taejung thrust a few more times before his breathing grew more shallow. "A-almost. Fuck. So close. Moan again for me." You did, and he stilled, hot liquid spilling on your tongue. His hand left your hair, and you didn't stop until you were sure you had milked everything from him. You carefully pulled off so nothing spilled, tilted your head up to meet his burning gaze, and opened your mouth. He nodded, satisfied with your showing. "You can swallow now." The unique flavor lingered after going down your throat, but it was a taste you enjoyed. "Lay down on the bed and spread your legs for me." 

Eagerly, you listened and got in position. Taejung went to his knees between your legs, palms gliding up your thighs, staring at your glistening center. 

"Just what I thought," he smirked to himself. "You're pussy is dripping wet. Do you think I should give it a taste?" 

You nodded and writhed under his hold. 

He chuckled darkly. "What a desperate, pathetic cunt." His head dipped down, and you gasped sharply as his tongue flattened and licked the length of your slit. Taejung paused to savor your juices, moaning. "But oh so delicious." A small teasing lick that made you quiver. "This cunt is mine. Say it."

"You own my cunt," you answered airily.

"And what can I do with it?"

"Anything you want."

"That's right. It's too bad it's on such a disgusting bitch like you. I bet you could have men worshiping this pretty cunt if you weren't mine. Fuck it's so beautiful." Taejung spread your folds with his thumbs to open you up further. "All tight and pink, and always wet for me. So fucking wet." He teased around your entrance with his tongue. "So fucking perfect. I love your pussy, princess." Taejung pressed a sloppy kiss to your center before capturing your clit with his lips and making you call out. He didn't stay long, tongue dipping back down to your entrance and pushing past. The teasing continued. Once he had lapped up some of your arousal he retreated again, mouth and chin glistening. His hand came down and made you jolt when it connected with your clit, gasping. He pinched the sensitive bud roughly and you whimpered, writhing on the sheets. "Stay fucking still," he warned. "Or I'll make sure you stop moving the rest of the night."

You shut your eyes and concentrated on controlling yourself. His mouth replaced his fingers, lightly flicking your clit before flattening his tongue. You moaned out his name as euphoria rippled up your spine. Taejung stopped touching you altogether suddenly, and you looked over in time to see his open palm swing at your inner thigh. It stung and left a red imprint.

"What did I say about talking without permission?" Another hard slap on the opposite thigh. "Disobedient, worthless whore." His hands grabbed you and flipped you over, smacking your ass twice as hard. Tears pricked your eyes, core throbbing with the need for more. "You're getting off on this, aren't you?" Two more hits. "I should just toss you back in the street where you belong. What do you say now?"

"T-thank you," you choked out. You rose to your knees shakily, presenting your ass to him so he could see your need. "You're so good to me, Taejung. Please keep punishing your cunt."

A deep growl that almost sounded like a purr reverberated in the tiny apartment. He put his hands on the globes of your ass, fingers flexing. "I have a better idea. Have you ever had someone fuck your ass?"

“No," you answered nervously.

"Stay exactly where you are." Out of the corner of your vision you saw Taejung go to his desk and retrieve a small bottle of lube. Your heart rate leapt up into dangerous territory. Were you prepared to do this? Should you use the safeword? But you wanted the pain and the domination Taejung had been giving you. This was just another part of that. Ultimately when he stood beside the bed and popped off the cap, the sound sent a spark of panic through your heart, and you rolled over, sitting up against the wall with your knees pulled up.

"Mercy." You repeated it several times. "Mercy. Mercy. Please. I'm sorry." You hid your face in your hands. "I'm so sorry. Mercy." The mattress dipped beside you, and his arms came around you, kissing the top of your head.

"It's okay. It's okay, princess," he cooed gently. All the edge was gone. His mellow voice calmed you minutely. "Don't be sorry. Are you okay? Did I hurt you too much? Are you in pain anywhere?"

You shook your head.

"Was it the last punishment? Is that the limit? Because I'm totally okay with not doing any ass play. It was just a suggestion. You always have a choice."

"I-I thought I could, b-but--"

Taejung shushed you and pried your hands from your face then peppered sweet kisses on your skin. "I'm glad you didn't force yourself into something you wouldn't enjoy," he assured. Taejung called your name softly; your real name. "That's what the safeword is there for. We've stopped and I'll take care of you. It's okay. Just relax. Can I pick you up?" You nodded. Taejung lifted you bridal style and transported you to the bathroom, setting you on the sink counter while he got a towel and turned on the shower. He cupped your jaw and kissed you slowly, lovingly. You tangled your fingers in his short hair. Your center still ached to be touched. Taejung trailed his lips down your jaw to your neck. Hands supporting you, he urged your legs around his waist and carried you into the shower. The hot water splashed on both of your sides, your back hitting icy tile.

"Taejung," you moaned quietly. "I still want to cum."

"I don't want to push you," he mumbled back. "You don't have to do this."

"I want it. I want you. Please."

"Fuck, princess. You really are amazing." He lined himself up and pushed his hard member inside you carefully. His mouth continued marking your neck, rocking his body into yours over and over at a moderate pace. "Does this feel okay?"

"Oh fuck yes," you answered, head thrown back. "Don't stop, please."

"Is this speed good then? Do you want me to go faster?"

"A little faster. You teased me a lot."

Taejung smiled against your skin and listened. He moved his mouth to the other side of your neck, nipping and licking, having to take more breaks as his breathing became more labored.

"That's perfect," you encouraged. The sound of wet skin hitting skin and panting echoed off the tile. His hands held you tighter to keep you up, digging in to your hips and backside.

"I'm so sorry for making you use the safeword so soon. I promise to be a better dom. We'll talk through our limits, okay? Are you okay with that? Do you still want to continue with me?"

"I don't think I could leave," you replied, holding back a smile. "You're too good at fucking me. I could fuck you all day."

"You know the perfect words to make me..." he breathed into your ear, strained from the exertion. He paused to take a few fuller breaths. "You act like a perfect sub. I hate that."

"I hate you more."

"Fucking bitch."

"Your bitch."

"That's right. Only mine. Say my name."

"Taejung."

His head lifted, eyes overbearing and overflowing with something you couldn't quite determine. And his voice dipped lower. "Say it like you love me."

You put on a silkier voice and repeated his name reverently.

The color seemed to snap into place in his irises, sharp and somehow unfocused. Then his face fell to your chest. "Fucking hell. You're so easy. Cum for me, princess. I'm so close to losing it inside you."

"Then do it," you replied, shocking him. The twist in your gut was rising. "I'm on the pill. Treat me like the filthy fucking whore I am. You have no idea how badly I want it, Tae. Fill up my greedy fucking pussy. Fuck me. Fuck me until I pass out."

"Fuck, are you sure?"

"Fuck me," you begged. Taejung snapped his hips harder, faster. You were just on the edge, nails digging crescents into his shoulders and back. His groaning and grunting grew louder.

"Take it then," he gritted. Then breathlessly, a sound almost like a whine tapering at the end, muffled along your skin. "Fuck take it."

The pressure spread and burst free, clinging to Taejung while you shook and moaned. He followed after you, thrusting deep inside of you and stilling. He left a few sloppy, open-mouthed kisses on your neck, chest heaving with uneven breaths. 

"Keep your legs spread. I'm gonna set you down." You nodded. He gingerly pulled out from you and supported you when your feet hit the floor. He reached a hand between your legs, running his fingers up your folds. When he came back they were covered with a mixture of your releases. You took his hand and licked his fingers clean while he watched on in fascination. "You like that?" You hummed, sucking his middle finger clean. He twisted his wrist to hold your jaw. "I'm so proud of you, pet. So proud to call you mine." His lips pressed to yours briefly. Your heart fluttered at the praise. You had craved his approval. Now you had it. "Let me take care of you so we can rest, okay princess?" You nodded.

Taejung held you close, supporting most of your weight while he cleaned the both of you off. You snuck a few kisses in to his amusement. He was kind and gentle drying you and dressing you in a borrowed sweatshirt. More so than you had ever observed from him. It was a nice surprise. It made you believe he wasn't just using you for your body. That maybe there was something more than hatred for you in his words.

Afterward he pulled on a pair of boxers, shut the window from earlier, and helped you under the sheets on his bed. Taejung pulled your back to his chest, curling himself into a question mark around you. His hand sought yours and laced your fingers together on your stomach. His breath tickled the back of your neck.

"Tae?" you whispered timidly. He hummed to acknowledge he was listening. "For the record, I think you're a great dom. I really appreciate that you listened to me. I trust you."

His face nuzzled closer. "Careful what you say princess," he mumbled tiredly. "I might start to think you like me."

You huffed out a weak laugh. "As if I could ever fall for someone as apathetic as you."

"Maybe I'm just misunderstood."

"Or maybe you're just an asshole."

"Maybe."

"Also for the record, in the future, nothing goes up my ass, and no blood."

"Those are easy rules to follow. No other parameters?"

"I'll try anything else at least once. You?"

"Also no blood or other uncommon body fluids, no cross-dressing, and I learn as little about you as possible. Your name and phone number are enough."

"Uncommon?"

"As in it's only meant for a toilet."

"Agreed. Forgot that was a thing. How strict are you on being the dom?"

"You're mine. If I say you're not allowed to do something, even if I'm not around, you'll obey. I control everything about your sexual life. Are you okay with that?"

"Without knowing anything about you? Sounds exciting."

He said your name again. "I need to hear a yes. This is serious."

"Yes, I agree."

"Good. If I want to try something new that's a bit more intense I'll run it by you first. Any other requests?"

"Yeah actually. The nickname 'pet'; you won't actually expect me to act like a cat or something, will you?"

"No. Maybe a collar in the future, but again, I'll run the idea by you first."

"Then that's it. Thank you for bothering to ask."

"I should have asked sooner, but you're welcome. Also, master is okay, but never call me daddy. I remember you asking earlier."

"Yes master," you replied, smiling to yourself.

Taejung moaned pleasantly and squeezed you closer once. "That's my good girl." Lips brushed the nape of your neck. A little shiver rippled down your spine at the light touch. "Get some sleep, princess. You worked hard to earn it."

"Thank you. Sweet dreams, Tae."

[synthient]

The Key to Understanding Deltarune: The Halloween Hack

So we’re currently in the middle of a 4000 year content hiatus

Which is unfortunate, because ever since the big iconic Halloween-day surprise demo drop, my brain has been rattling a baseball bat against the inside of my skull and chanting “CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT”

Undertale was like candy for the thematic analysis side of my brain. I still wake up in a cold sweat some nights going “fun value......he put a quantitative value on fun.....numbers going up.....”

I am desperate to know what kind of themes Deltarune is going to tackle. Can you effectively predict that from one (1) 3 hour demo? No. Does my brain care? No.

Which is what lead me to the wonderful world of intertextuality, or examining how a media text is shaped by other media texts

It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this with me doing a playthrough of EarthBound, the video game that Toby has cited as his biggest inspiration for Undertale

That was fun & interesting (the “throwing away an emotionally engaging experience to grimly make Numbers Go Up” thing feels a lot closer to home after trying and failing to get the sword of kings), but it didn’t provide much insight into Deltarune, specifically. It wasn’t enough. I needed more. I was willing to dig into literally any intertext (except Homestuck, which no force on this earth can compel me to read :) )

anyway thats how I ended up playing Toby Fox’s high school fangame

And somehow (sorry Toby) I walked out of there with an unironic theory (a game theory....if you will....): Deltarune is Toby’s adult reexamination of the Halloween Hack.

What is the Halloween Hack?

You know that thing where, like, people take the engine of a Pokemon game and edit it so there’s a new region and a bunch of new fakemon, and also There’s Swears Now

In 2008, Toby Fox entered a contest on an EarthBound fansite for the best Halloween-themed EarthBound hack

In one sense, reducing the Halloween Hack to a “bad romhack with swears” is a little bit of a disservice. There are some glimmers in there of a really affecting, thought-provoking game, and you can see some of the early blueprints of what would later become Undertale (“do video game ‘monsters’ really deserve to die” is a major theme, and the character of Dr. Andonuts was effectively split up into Alpyhs, Asgore, and Sans)

But it’s also. very much a fangame made by a 16-year-old.

You can read a basic summary of the Hack here. High school-age Toby wrote two pretty extensive analyses of his thought process behind the game. I’ll be referring back to them a lot, and I’d highly suggest giving them a read--Toby’s been so famously resistant to making any Word of God statements about Undertale that it’s kind of fascinating to see him being so candid

an extremely long and rambling examination of How This All Relates To Deltarune

The Halloween Hack opens in the town of Halloween Twoson. Twoson is one of the cites in EarthBound, and here it’s been painted orange. and there’s pumpkins now

See, high school Toby had...a bit of a chip on his shoulder. In the Making Of notes, he explains that he was frustrated that “most people generally thought I was just ‘another funny guy’”. So he designed the opening of the game to seem unoriginally close to the original EarthBound--like “a regular, funny, lazy hack”--to lull players into a false sense of security before the horror elements set in.

Two interesting things there:

“Lazily, unoriginally close to the source game” sounds an awful lot like the Dark World segment of Deltarune

Halloween Twoson looks very visually similar to Hometown

Toby’s description of Twoson also sounds pretty Hometown-esque:

The main impressions of Twoson that I wanted to give the player were: It's funny. It's a nice fall day outside. The person hacking this game is ridiculously lazy. It's a nice place to live. If you look at it a little closely, it's kind of claustrophobic.  

And when does the horror kick in? When the player descends into the underground tunnels beneath the city.

The “horror” in the Halloween Hack is, however, Pretty Not Good.

There’s a whole lot of the flavor text narrator (put a pin in that one) insisting “this is so scary. you’re so scared. your hands shake and your head throbs because you’re so scared.” There’s also a thing where the battle text keeps going “the shambling zombie BITES your HEAD OFF!!! (you lose 15 hp).”

I think the True Lab sequence in Undertale is a decent demonstration that Toby’s come a long way since then (and that Honey We’ve Got A Storm Coming :’) ). But you know what the Hack’s style of horror reminds me of?

My first thought when I beat the demo and saw this stinger was “this looks like an intentionally shitty creepypasta.” Now I wonder if it’s lowkey adult Toby poking a little fun at teenage Toby

The Halloween Hack is a game about railroading. It’s Spec Ops The Line before there was Spec Ops The Line.

According to Toby:

The main theme of this game is the lack of choice. There is really no choice in this game. From the moment you start to the moment you finish, you're destined to kill Dr. Andonuts. There are two endings, but they both eventually end up the same way. It's all a big joke on the player.

You know why there isn't a choice there? Because you already chose to make Varik go into the door. You already chose to go forward. The only real choice, as Varik realizes at the end of the game, is to stop or keep going. By "stop" he means "turn off the game," and that's all you can do. Anything you play is your own fault for playing, and that's the only real choice you can make.

Interesting? Yeah. A little obnoxious? Also yeah.

That’s one of the criticisms people had of Spec Ops. "The atrocities we commit when we feel like we don’t have a choice” is an intriguing theme, but “~the only way to win is not to play~ [the game I worked hard on for the express purpose of people playing it]” isn’t a very satisfying conclusion.

Undertale, in direct contrast to the Hack, is all about choice. It earns the right to guilt you for the No Mercy Run by giving you every opportunity not to go through with it.

But even Undertale plays a little with the concept of railroading--you can’t stay with Toriel; you can’t spare Asgore in any of the neutral runs; you can’t save Asriel.

Now Deltarune seems to be returning full-on to the Hack’s “your choices don’t matter” premise. But it’s going to need to find something more insightful and satisfying to say about it.

Which makes me really curious about this:

If the Hack has a secondary theme besides railroading/lack of choice, it’s The Soul-Crushing Impact Of Internalized Homophobia.

The tragic antagonist, Dr. Andonuts, destroys his own life trying to repress his gay desire. He retreats into a dream world made of his neuroses and trauma, and he’s inevitably Otherized and murdered by the player. He’s something of a dark version of Alphys, who “disappears” into her lab without ever meeting and getting support from Frisk, Papyrus, and Undyne.

Undertale takes an opposite approach to its lgbt themes--the Underground is a utopia where homophobia and transphobia don’t exist. Everyone respects Frisk’s and Chara’s pronouns. Alphys finds solace and healing in her relationship with Undyne.

It’s a heartwarming growth from the despair in the Halloween Hack. And it’s a vision that’s been deeply meaningful to a lot of people. But that doesn’t mean that there’s no value in exploring issues of homophobia. 16-year-old Toby tried to do that, but...wasn’t exactly at a point where he was equipped to handle it with a ton of sensitivity and nuance.

(There’s. There’s a boss battle where you fight the physical manifestation of Andonuts’ gay repression. It’s a crotch. You fight a crotch.)

Some of the hints in the Deltarune demo, however--the Toriel Has Become Catholic thing; the fact that Alphys and Undyne haven’t met and Mettaton hasn’t been able to transition; the potential trans implications of choosing a name only to have it discarded for an assigned one (“you can’t choose who you are in this world”)--make me suspect that’s one of the themes that Toby will try to revisit from an adult perspective.

The Hack is interested in the idea of the flavor text narrator as a distinct, intelligent entity, whose thoughts and goals don’t always align with those of the player character or the player. 

The Hack’s narrator makes a habit of dictating “your” emotions to you (you’re scared; you can sense ‘the monster’ and you want to kill it; etc). The narration starts to seem more and more unreliable, until, as Toby put it, “The narrator starts talking to you personally...rambling about incoherent things.”

At the game’s turning point, you’re given a yes/no choice to kill Dr. Andonuts. Choose yes, and the narrator (mockingly?) calls you a good person, describes the murder you commit, and then narrates what appears to be your (or their? or Varik’s?) psychological breakdown. Choose no, and the narrator tells you that’s not a real choice and redirects you back to the yes/no box. If you press the b-button to try and opt out of the choice (the game’s unofficial subtitle is “Press the B-Button Stupid,” and doing so allows you to follow Andonuts into his dream world), the narrator starts to panic, although the game ultimately ends the same way.

Not to NarraChara Real, but NarraChara Real 

The Hack is also interested in the idea of the player character as a possibly-unwilling puppet controlled by the player (who in turn is controlled by the railroading/their need to beat the game).

According to Toby:  

 As you approach someone you've never met that you're labeling as a monster, your body pushes you forward to kill him. What's funny is that it's not even uncontrolled, it's really just the force of the player's controller pushing that little bounty hunter into murdering Andonuts. You might not realize it, but Varik is almost dead, and yet he can't stop moving because you keep pushing those buttons. 

The Halloween Hack is, fundamentally, a nostalgic meditation on an existing game.

It’s a little obvious to say, but the Hack isn’t a standalone game. It’s a hack of EarthBound.

Toby writes:

EarthBound dominated my childhood, shaped my preteen years, and played a large role in molding me into the offbeat pseudohippie I am today. It gave me a sense of humor. It helped me learn how to read. Its lessons served as a basis for my sense of justice and courage.

But at age 16, Toby’s feeling about the game that had shaped him were a little mixed. He describes “the staleness of a fifteen-year-old video game” as one of his motivations for making the Hack.

In Deltarune, he (kind of hilariously) has Alphys parrot his teen-self’s “staleness” line:

(I could write a whole meta just on the Mew Mew Kissy Cutie vs Mew Mew Kissy Cutie 2 thing)

Still, Toby’s nostalgia for EarthBound is essential to how the Hack operates. Earlier, I said there were glimmers of an thoughtful, affecting game buried in the “bad romhack with swears.” The most genuinely moving moment in the Hack, in my opinion, is the Onett sequence. 

You wander though a faded, dream world version of Onett--the hometown from EarthBound--while a slowed down arrangement of the Onett music plays. Snatches of forgotten conversations appear on road signs. Various monsters from EarthBound follow slowly behind you, but don’t attack. The only battles are against creatures called “Remember Me?”

The EarthBound characters appear to recognize “Varik” as Ness, EarthBound’s protagonist--or are they recognizing you, the player, as the same person who played EarthBound once upon a time?

The one problem, of course, is that not everyone has played EarthBound. It’s a relatively niche game. The sense of remembrance and regret and loss in the Onett sequence is universal, but being shaped as a person by the specific video game EarthBound isn’t a universal experience.

But in the years since the Hack, Toby has created something with a wider reach than EarthBound. Something that can evoke that sense of memory and nostalgia in players. A familiar game that he can take apart, rearrange, and examine in an entirely different light.

He made Undertale.

And now he’s rearranging the pieces into Deltarune.

[jtrbluv]

perfect harmony | jjk

pairing: jungkook x reader (again oml)

genre: fluff, implied smut ahadhjndkd

warnings: implication of sex

word count: 2.4k

summary: one-night-stand. which according to the trusty urban dictionary means, “hooking up with someone for one night of sex with no strings attached and hoping to never see them again.” you and partner of choice for the night, Jeon Jungkook, have had a handful of one-night-stands. why did this one stand out much more than the rest? college!au

A/N: i didn’t intend on writing another jungkook fic but i had gotten this request and shoot this was for sure a challenge to write hahaha. this is definitely the closest i will get to a ‘smut’. tbh i’m not really satisfied with this but like i’m never satisfied lmao. anyways, enjoy! thank you so much for this request anon!

47) “I thought it was a one-night-stand... and now we’re married.”

♫ ♫ ♫

It’s a rather cliche story. Jungkook was the handsome, seemingly perfect music major that girls of all ages would coo and awe over. You, on the other hand, majored in music as well, and happen to run into the young fellow every day. The two of you were both known to be very well-rounded and talented students, being at the top of the class and both exceeding in the same field. The odds always seemed to be in your favor as you two had never been paired up for any assignments or projects.

While the two of you were at the top of the class, you both had usually gotten paired up with students on the other side of the spectrum that happened to be struggling and failing. You, in particular, had grown accustomed to that, and you had hoped it never changed.

College parties and college boys had led you to have your own fair share of sexual experiences. Most of them being absolutely platonic and lasting for a single night, also known as, a one-night-stand. It happens, and along with Jungkook having the reputation of a seemingly perfect music major with the good grades and teachers following his beck and call, there was another side of him that everyone was aware of as well. That Jungkook with the chiseled body and the washboard abs, known to be good in bed, and also known to be a player. In regards to that information, you avoided him as much as you possibly could outside of school premises. You didn’t want to be the next person on his smash list.

“Miss Y/L/N and Mister Jeon, may I please speak to the two of you at the end of class?” your teacher Mrs. Lam questions the two of you one day as the hem of her skirt brushes along the side of your desk.

You turn around as Jungkook exchange confused stares before looking back at your teacher as you suddenly respond to clear the silence, “Yeah, of course.” She nods in agreement as she travels back to her desk. Your brows furrow in confusion, trying to think of what she was possibly going to talk to you two about. Jungkook taps you on the shoulder as you lean back in your seat to hear what he has to say, “Do you think we did something wrong?” he asks you. You pause for a moment, but not being able to think of any sort of time in this class where you two could’ve possibly caused any trouble. You two have always done the complete opposite in retrospect. You whisper back to him, “Not that I know of. Can you think of anything?” He scrunches his face, trying to possibly recall anything, “Nope, nothing.” You try to think of something, anything,

“I mean, we’re all doing our final projects, but it’s all individual, so it can’t be that,” you suggest.

“Yeah, it can’t be,” he replied. The final project was to compose your own song and it would count for 15% of our grade. Ms. Lam had made it an individual final to the dismay of many students who wished to get the guidance and help from the two of you.

“I guess we’ll just have to find out.”

“Yeah, well, it’s most likely not something bad, if it wasn’t for us, half the class would be failing.”

“You’re right.” you chuckle, turning back to face the front of the classroom.

Twenty-minutes quickly went by as the bell rang and signaled the end of class. Music happened to be your last period which is why she had the time to talk to the two of you. You packed up your belongings as you and Jungkook stood up from your seats. You looked back at him as you nodded at one another and walked up to the front of the classroom.

Ms. Lam looked up from her desk, “Oh, hello. You two aren’t in trouble of any sort, I was just wondering if you were willing to do something extra for the class. You see, the rest of the music department teachers and I are picking the top two students for each class to compose a song together,” she began to clarify.

Together? Oh god.

“It won’t count for your grade at all though. It’s just for us music teachers to see the true potential our top students hold.”

I mean, that’s sort of a relief.

“It also is optional of course too, but almost all the classes are deciding to participate.”

Well, that doesn’t mean we have to.

“After all, the winning duo does win $500,”

WHAT? $500?!

“I know for a fact that if I had an opportunity like this in college, I would snatch it.” she finishes off with a smug smile.

“I’ll do it.” Jungkook quickly replies, looking back at you, waiting for a response. You couldn’t just say no, and you weren’t going to. This is $500 we’re talking about, and you were going to win it.

“Me too,” you hesitantly answer back, a smile spreading onto your teacher’s face.

“The deadline is in exactly 3 weeks! I wish the best of luck to both of you. I believe that you two have a very good chance of winning.” your teacher finishes, as you two exchange ‘thanks’ and head out.

“So, when do you wanna start?” Jungkook asks, looking back at you as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

“I’m basically free whenever. Just text me, and we can figure out times.”

“Will do. We can work at my place if you want, my roommate is usually out until really late, but I’ll let you know,” he suggests.

“Alright, that’s cool, I’ll see you around then.”

“Okay, see you around Y/N.” he responded with his signature smile, heading the opposite direction. This was going to be interesting.

-

The next 3 weeks had gone by extremely quickly. Almost like a blur. Most of your nights were spent in Jungkook’s dorm; exchanging ideas, making beats, writing lyrics, and recording. You two would frequently sneak out just to get some food, and to be honest, you had both gotten comfortable with another fairly quickly. So quickly, it scared you.

There were several nights that you had accidentally fallen asleep in his dorm, and instead of waking you up and having him feel your wrath, he would carry you to his own bed and tuck you in while he slept on the floor. You felt really bad every time it happened, but you seriously couldn’t help it sometimes. You’d wake up to a set of his clothes to wear and walk out to see him stumbling around in the kitchen, hair ruffled and sticking out everywhere, attempting to make you breakfast. It had soon started to become one of the best things you could possibly wake up to in the morning.

You undeniably began to see him in a different light and wanting to be much more than just project partners, but you tried to put those feelings aside. You thought of him differently, and he wasn’t just what everyone thought he was. He was so much more. He was a sucker for love songs. He liked spending most of his free time playing video games and composing songs on his own. He even let you into his private folder of songs that he’s never let anyone listen to and all you can say is, wow. They were all so amazing, it left you speechless every time you listened to some of his works. His compositions were just so timeless and reminded you of all the R&B songs you know and love. His voice. It’s almost as if you’re put in a trance every time you hear him sing. His voice held so much emotion and control, it’s almost as if he truly meant those lyrics and was singing it to someone, and you wished that someone could be you.

You truly did hate the fact that you were falling for the boy. Almost every girl in school has fallen for him, and you didn’t want to be next up on his list. You didn’t really know what to think at this point, he didn’t really seem like that type of person the more you got to know him, and when you truly thought about it, you’re not that innocent either, and sometimes resorting to sex is what you did to take your mind off of things. It is college anyway.

-

You two had met up for your final day before the due date, making minor tweaks and going over everything. Not to be biased, but you really did think that the song you two made was pretty good. You loved the beat and its harmony and you and Jungkook did a pretty good job of displaying the emotions of the song. Bonus points for your voices blending very well together.

It was 1:30 in the morning and you two had finally agreed that you were done,

“Let’s listen to our Grammy Award-Winning single shall we?” Jungkook teased in a voice mimicking a host of an award show.

“Yes, you dumbass.” you chuckled, shaking your head as he gave you one side of his headphones.

You both sat in silence for 4 minutes, assessing the song and basking in the creation that you two made together. Everything worked out just the way you two wanted, and both artistic flavors were shown in the song itself. The song was amazing, and so was his voice, as always.

The song ended as Jungkook slowly put the headphones down before slowly looking back at you. You looked back at him and into his eyes, you hated the fact that you were falling for him and falling for him fast, but how could you not. Everything about him was just so ethereal and beautiful, to the way his eyes glimmered to the way he smiled.

You two sat side by side, staring into each other’s eyes not knowing what to say. You couldn’t take it anymore so you broke the stare, a deep flush of pink rushing to your cheeks. He gently takes your chin and turns your face to meet his once again. Your breath hitches and your eyes go wide at his actions as he starts to lean in. You could see all his features at this point. You had gotten so close that you could probably even count his eyelashes too. You close your eyes lean in as well as your lips meet. The lavender scent of his cologne was dizzying as well as his cherry-flavored lip balm. His lips were soft and pillow-like as they gently massaged your own. The kiss had started off slow but had soon escalated as you both crashed against his sheets and the rhythm of your kisses had started to become faster and faster. Parted lips had allowed access for tongue as he soon started to travel and explore the rest of your body that would later on leave visible marks the next day. Your bodies were pressed against another as you both fumbled with each other’s clothes, quickly throwing them off to the side. You both relished in the indescribable sensation that was each other. The rest of the night was filled with roaming hands and dancing fingers, gentle touches and rough ones too, lustful eyes and moans of pleasure. It was everything you both wanted and needed and more. Fuck, what did you just get yourself into?

You wake up to the sight of his muscular chest in front of your face, reminding you of the chain of events that had occurred the previous night. A twinge of guilt as well as regret rose within you for what you were about to do. Never speak a word to Jungkook again. If you win, you split the money and part ways, and if you don’t, even better. His arms were wrapped tightly around you in a warm embrace, his hair messily hanging in front of his eyes while his lips were slightly parted open. You blindly grab your phone on his nightstand and check the time, it was 4:45 in the morning. More than enough time to slip away and go back to your dorm unnoticed, he was a heavy sleeper anyway. You figured it was better to try to dismiss your feelings for the boy and make an attempt to go on with your life. College was coming to an end and you figured you didn’t want to spend your last weeks drowning in the seas of unrequited love. You’ve had enough of it.

You slowly and carefully try to slip out of his tight hold, resulting in a tiny whimper on his part. Your eyes widen until you see him begin to fall back into his deep slumber. You quietly put your sweats back on, rubbing your eyes in an attempt to actually see. You shove your phone back into your pocket and look back at the sleeping boy. He really was so beautiful and you know a part of yourself would hate the fact that you’re doing this. You step closer to the bed as you lean down towards him, holding your hair back, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. You took a big, deep sigh, beginning to take in what you were about to do. Goodbye, Jungkook.

-

���Damn, I thought it was a one-night-stand… and now we’re married” you mused, lying down on top of your bed, your husband Jungkook right by your side.

“Yeah, but hey, that song we made together was pretty good, wasn’t it?” he questions you, propping his body up on the bed with his elbow, looking down at you.

“It did win after all,” you nod in agreement, a small grin spreading across your face, reminiscing in the project that brought the two of you together in the first place.

“Soooo,” he chimed, brushing his hair back, “you up for round 2?”

You gasp while your brows furrow in utter shock as you throw a pillow at him and push him off the bed.

I guess some things just end up working together in perfect harmony.

-

-

-

MASTERLIST

[achronologyofbits]

GOTY 2019

I wanted to write a personal Game of the Year list, but I realized I really didn’t play that many games that were new in 2019. So I’m ranking them, but it’s less a “top 10” and more a “10 games I played and how I felt about them.”  

10. Kingdom Hearts III

Kingdom Hearts III plays like a game from 2005.

I’m not sure I can fully articulate what I mean by that. Maybe I mean its combat is largely simplistic and button-mashy. Maybe I mean its rhythms of level traversal and cutscene exposition dumps are archaic and outdated. Maybe feeling like this game is a relic from another time is unavoidable, given how many years have passed since its first series entry.  

But there’s also something joyful and celebratory about it all — something kind of refreshing about a work that knows only a tiny portion of its players will understand all its references and lore and world-building, and just doesn’t care.

Despite all the mockery and memery surrounding its fiction, Kingdom Hearts’ strongest storytelling moments are actually pretty simple. They’re about the struggle to exist, to belong, and to define what those things mean for yourself. I think that’s why the series reaches the people it does.

Those moments make Kingdom Hearts III worth defending, if not worth recommending.

9. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Admittedly, I only played about 10-15 hours of this in 2019. Perhaps fittingly, that’s about the amount of time I originally spent on Dark Souls when it released in 2011. I bounced off, hard, because I didn’t understand what it was asking of me. Once I did — though, it has to be said, I needed other people to explain those expectations to me, because the game sure as hell didn’t — Dark Souls became an all-time favorite. And I’ve played every FromSoft game since then, and enjoyed them all. Until Sekiro.

Part of it is, again, down to expectation. Dark Souls trained its players on a certain style of combat: cautious movements, careful attention to spacing, committing to weighty attacks, waiting for counterattacks. In every game since then, FromSoft have iterated on those expectations in the same direction in an attempt to encourage players to be less cautious and more aggressive. The series moved from tank-heavy play in Dark Souls, to dual-wielding in DS2, to weapon arts and reworking poise in DS3, to the system of regaining health by attacking in Bloodborne.

In some ways, Sekiro is a natural continuation of this trend toward aggression, but in others, it’s a complete U-turn. Bloodborne eschewed blocking and prioritized dodging as the quickest, most effective defensive option. Sekiro does exactly the opposite. Blocking is always your first choice, parrying is essential instead of largely optional, and dodging is near useless except in special cases. FromSoft spent five games teaching me my habits, and it was just too hard for me to break them for Sekiro.

I have other issues, too — health/damage upgrades are gated behind boss fights, so grinding is pointless; the setting and story lack some of the creativity of the game’s predecessors; there’s no variety of builds or playstyles — but the FromSoft magic is still there, too. Nothing can match the feeling of beating a Souls-series boss. And the addition of a grappling hook makes the verticality of Sekiro’s level design fascinating.

I dunno. I feel like there’s more here I’d enjoy, if I ever manage to push through the barriers. Maybe — as I finally did with the first Dark Souls, over a year after its release — someday I will.

8. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

In December, my wife and I traveled to Newport Beach for a family wedding, and we stayed an extra day to visit Disneyland. As an early birthday present, Aubrey bought me the experience of building a lightsaber in Galaxy’s Edge. And the experience is definitely what you’re paying for; the lightsaber itself is cool, but it’s cool because it’s made from parts I selected, with a blade color I chose, and I got to riff and banter with in-character park employees while doing it. (“Can you actually read those?” one asked me in an awed voice, when I selected a lightsaber hilt portion adorned with ancient Jedi runes. “Not yet,” I told her. “We’ll see if the Force can teach me.”)

Maybe it’s because I just had that experience, but by far my favorite moment in Jedi: Fallen Order is when main character Cal Kestis overcomes his own fears and memories to forge his own lightsaber, using a kyber crystal that calls to him personally. It’s maybe the only part of the game that made me feel like a Jedi, in a way the hours of Souls-inspired lightsaber slashing didn’t.

I think that’s telling. And I think it’s because so much of Fallen Order is derivative of other works, both in the current canon of gaming and of Star Wars. That’s not to say it’s bad — the mélange of Uncharted/Tomb Raider traversal, combat that evokes Souls and God of War, and vaguely Metroid-y power acquisition and exploration mostly works — but it’s just a titch less than the sum of those parts.

Similarly, as a Star Wars story, it feels under-baked. There’s potential in exploring the period immediately after Order 66 and the Jedi purge, but you only see glimpses of that. And I understand the difficulty of telling a story where the characters succeed but in a way that doesn’t affect established canon, but it still seemed like there were a couple of missed opportunities at touching base with the larger Star Wars universe. (And the one big reference that does pop up at the end feels forced and unrealistic.)

When I got home from California, I took my lightsaber apart just to see how it all worked. Outside of the hushed tones and glowing lights of Savi’s Workshop, it seems a little less special. It’s still really cool…but I sort of wish I had had a wider variety of parts to choose from. And that I had bought some of the other crystal colors. Just in case.

That’s how I feel about Jedi: Fallen Order. I had fun with it. But it’s easier now to see the parts for what they are.

7. Untitled Goose Game

Aubrey and I first saw this game at PAX, at a booth which charmingly recreated the garden of the game’s first level. We were instantly smitten, and as I’ve introduced it to family and friends, they’ve all had the same reaction. When we visited my brother’s family in Florida over the holidays, my eight-year-old niece and nephew peppered me with questions about some of the more complex puzzles. Even my father, whose gaming experience basically topped out at NES Open Tournament Golf in 1991, gave it a shot.

I’m not sure I have a lot more to say here, other than a few bullet points:

1) I love that Untitled Goose Game is completely nonviolent. It would’ve been easy to add a “peck” option as another gameplay verb, another means of mischief. (And, from what I understand, it would be entirely appropriate, given the aggression of actual geese.) That the developers resisted this is refreshing.

2) I’m glad a game this size can have such a wide reach, and that it doesn’t have to be a platform exclusive.

3) Honk.

6. Tetris 99

Despite the number of hours I’ve spent playing games, and the variety of genres that time has spanned, I’m not much for competitive gaming. This is partially because the competitive aspect of my personality has waned with age, and partially because I am extremely bad at most multiplayer games.

The one exception to this is Tetris.

I am a Tetris GOD.

Of course, that’s an incredible overstatement. Now that I’ve seen real Ecstasy of Order, Grandmaster-level Tetris players, I realize how mediocre I am. But in my real, actual life, I have never found anyone near my skill level. In high school, I would bring two Game Boys, two copies of Tetris, and a link cable on long bus rides to marching band competitions, hoping to find willing challengers. The Game Boys themselves became very popular. Playing me did not.

Prior to Tetris 99, the only version of the game that gave me any shred of humility in a competitive sense was Tetris DS, where Japanese players I found online routinely handed me my ass. I held my own, too, but that was the first time in my life when I wasn’t light-years beyond any opponent.

As time passed and internet gaming and culture became more accessible, I soon realized I was nowhere near the true best Tetris players in the world. Which was okay by me. I’m happy to be a big fish in a small pond, in pretty much all aspects of my life.

Tetris 99 has given me a perfectly sized pond. I feel like I’m a favorite to win every round I play, and I usually finish in the top 10 or higher. But it’s also always a challenge, because there’s just enough metagame to navigate. Have I targeted the right enemies? Do I have enough badges to make my Tetrises hit harder? Can I stay below the radar for long enough? These aspects go beyond and combine with the fundamental piece-dropping in a way I absolutely love.

The one thing I haven’t done yet is win an Invictus match (a mode reserved only for those who have won a standard 99-player match). But it’s only a matter of time.  

5. Pokemon Sword/Shield

I don’t think I’ve played a Pokemon game through to completion since the originals. I always buy them, but I always seem to lose steam halfway through. But I finished Shield over the holidays, and I had a blast doing it.

Because I’m a mostly casual Pokeplayer, the decision to not include every ‘mon in series history didn’t bother me at all. I really enjoyed learning about new Pokemon and forcing myself to try moving away from my usual standards. (Although I did still use a Gyarados in my final team.)

As a fan of English soccer, the stadium-centric, British-flavored setting also contributed to my desire to see the game through. Changing into my uniform and walking onto a huge, grassy pitch, with tens of thousands of cheering fans looking on, really did give me a different feeling than battles in past games, which always seemed to be in weird, isolated settings.

I’m not sure I’ll push too far into the postgame; I’ve never felt the need to catch ‘em all. But I had a great time with the ones I caught.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

I have a strange relationship with the Zelda series, especially now. They are my wife’s favorite games of all time. But I don’t know if I’ve ever actually sat down and beaten one since the original Link’s Awakening. Even with Breath of the Wild, which I adore, I was content to watch Aubrey do the heavy lifting. I know the series well, I’ve played bits of all of them, but most haven’t stuck with me.

Link’s Awakening has. I wrote a piece once about its existential storytelling and how it affected me as a child. I love the way the graphics in this remake preserve that dreamlike quality. It’s pretty much a re-skin of the original game, but the cutesy, toy-set aesthetic pairs well with the heavy material. If this is all a dream, whose dream is it? And when we wake up, what happens to it?

Truthfully, some of the puzzles and design decisions haven’t held up super well. Despite the fresh coat of paint, it definitely feels like a 25-year-old game. But I’m so glad this version exists.

Oh, and that solo clarinet in the Mabe Village theme? *Chef’s kiss*

3. Control

I actually haven’t seen a lot of the influences Control wears on its sleeve. I’ve never gone completely through all the episodes of the X-Files, Fringe, and Twin Peaks; I’m only vaguely familiar with the series of “creepypasta” fiction called SCP Foundation; and I have never endeavored to sit through a broadcast of Coast to Coast AM. I’m also unfamiliar with Remedy’s best-known work in the genre, Alan Wake. But I know enough about all those works to be able to identify their inspiration on the Federal Bureau of Control, Jesse Faden, and the Oldest House.

Control is an interesting game to recommend (which I do), because I’m not sure how much I really enjoyed its combat. For most of the game, it’s a pretty standard third-person shooter. You can’t snap to cover, which indicates you’re intended to stay on the move. This becomes even more obvious when you gain the ability to air dash and fly. But you do need to use cover, because Jesse doesn’t have much health even at the end of the game. So combat encounters can get out of hand quickly, and there’s little incentive to keep fighting enemies in the late game. Yet they respawn at a frustratingly frequent rate. The game’s checkpointing system compounds this — you only respawn at “control points,” which act like Souls-style bonfires. This leads to some unfortunately tedious runbacks after boss fights.

On the other hand, Jesse’s telekinesis power always feels fantastic, and varying your attacks between gunshots, thrown objects, melee, and mind controlling enemies can be frenetic fun. That all comes to a head in the game’s combat (and perhaps aesthetic?) high point, the Ashtray Maze. To say more would be doing a disservice. It’s awesome.

The rest of the gameplay is awesome, too — and I do call it “gameplay,” though unfortunately you don’t have many options for affecting the world beyond violence. The act of exploring the Oldest House and scouring it for bureaucratic case files, audio recordings, and those unbelievably creepy “Threshold Kids” videos is pure joy. The way the case files are redacted leaves just enough to the imagination, and the idea of a federal facility being built on top of and absorbed into a sort of nexus of interdimensional weirdness is perfectly executed. And what’s up with that motel? And the alien, all-seeing, vaguely sinister Board? So cool.

With such great worldbuilding, I did wish for a little more player agency. There are no real dialogue choices — no way to imbue Jesse with any character traits beyond what’s pre-written for her — and only one ending. This kind of unchecked weird science is the perfect environment for forcing the player into difficult decisions (what do we study? How far is too far? How do we keep it all secret?), and that just isn’t part of the game at all. Which is fine — Control isn’t quite an immersive sim like Prey, and it’s not trying to be. I just see some similarities and potential, and I wish they had been explored a little.

But Control’s still a fantastic experience, and in any other year, it probably would’ve been my number one pick. That’s how good these next two games are.

2. Outer Wilds

Honestly, this is the best game of 2019. But I’m not listing it as number one because I didn’t play most of it — Aubrey did. Usually we play everything together; even if we’re not passing a controller back and forth, one of us will watch while the other one plays. And that definitely happened for a large chunk of Outer Wilds. But Aubrey did make some key discoveries while I was otherwise occupied, so while I think it’s probably the best game, it’s not the one I personally spent the most time with.

The time I did spend, though? Wow. From the moment you wake up at the campfire and set off in search of your spaceship launch codes, it’s clear that this is a game that revels in discovery. Discovery for its own sake, for the furthering of knowledge, for the protection of others, for the sheer fun of it. Some games actively discourage players from asking the question, “Hey, what’s that over there?” Outer Wilds begs you to ask it, and then rewards you not with treasure or statistical growth, but with the opportunity to ask again, about something even more wondrous and significant.

There are so many memorable moments of discovery in this game. The discovery that, hey, does that sun look redder to you than it used to? The discovery that, whoa, why did I wake up where I started after seemingly dying in space? Your first trip through a black hole. Your first trip to the quantum moon. Your first trip to the weird, bigger-on-the-inside fog-filled heart of a certain dark, brambly place. (Aubrey won’t forget that any time soon.)

They take effort, those moments. They do have to be earned, and it isn’t easy. Your spaceship flies like it looks: sketchy, taped together, powered by ingenuity and, like, marshmallows, probably. Some of the leaps you have to make — both of intuition and of jetpack — are a little too far. (We weren’t too proud to look up a couple hints when we were truly stuck.) But in the tradition of the best adventure games (which is what this is, at heart), you have everything you need right from the beginning. All you have to do is gather the knowledge to understand it and put it into action.

And beyond those moments of logical and graphical discovery, there’s real emotion and pathos, too. As you explore the remnants of the lost civilization that preceded yours, your only method of communication is reading their writing. And as you do, you start to get a picture of them not just as individuals (who fight, flirt, and work together to help each other), but as a species whose boundless thirst for discovery was their greatest asset, highest priority, undoing, and salvation, all at once.

I don’t think I can say much more without delving into spoilers, or retreading ground others have covered. (Go read Austin Walker’s beautiful and insightful review for more.) It’s an incredible game, and one everyone with even a passing interest in the medium should try.

(Last thing: Yes, I manually flew to the Sun Station and got inside. No, I don’t recommend it.)

1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

If I hadn’t just started a replay of this game, I don’t think I’d be listing it in the number one slot. I started a replay because I showed it to my brother when we visited him in Florida last month, and immediately, all the old feelings came flooding back. I needed another hit.

No game this year has been as compelling for me. That’s an overused word in entertainment criticism, but I mean it literally: There have been nights where I absolutely HAVE to keep playing (much to Aubrey’s dismay). One more week of in-game time. One more study session to raise a skill rank. One more meal together so I can recruit another student. One more battle. Just a little longer.

I’m not sure I can put my finger on the source of that compulsion. Part of it is the excellence of craftsmanship on display; if any technical or creative aspect of Three Houses was less polished than it is, I probably wouldn’t feel so drawn to it. But the two big answers, I think, are the characters and their growth, both mechanically and narratively.

At the start of the game, you pick one of the titular three houses to oversee as professor. While this choice defines who you’ll have in your starting party, that can be mitigated later, as almost every other student from the other two houses can be recruited to join yours. What you’re really choosing is which perspective you’ll see the events of the story from, and through whose eyes: Edelgard of the Black Eagles, Dimitri of the Blue Lions, or Claude of the Golden Deer. (This is also why the game almost demands at least three playthroughs.)

These three narratives are deftly written so you simultaneously feel like you made the only possible canonical choice, while also sowing questions into your decision-making. Edelgard’s furious desire for change is just but perhaps not justifiable; Dimitri hides an obsession with revenge behind a façade of noblesse oblige; Claude is more conniving and pragmatic than he lets on. No matter who you side with, you’ll eventually have to face the others. And everyone can make a case that they, not you, are on the right side.

This is especially effective because almost every character in Three Houses is dealing with a legacy of war and violence. A big theme of the game’s story is how those experiences inform and influence the actions of the victims. What steps are justified to counteract such suffering? How do you break the cycle if you can’t break the power structures that perpetuate it? How do good people end up fighting for bad causes?

While you and your child soldiers (yeah, you do kind of have to just skip over that part; they’re in their late teens, at least? Still not good enough, but could be worse?) are grappling with these questions, they’re also growing in combat strength, at your direction. This is the part that really grabbed me and my lizard brain — watching those numbers get bigger was unbelievably gratifying. Each character class has certain skill requirement prerequisites, and as professor, you get to define how your students meet those requirements, and which they focus on. Each student has certain innate skills, but they also have hidden interests that only come to the surface with guidance. A character who seems a shoo-in to serve as a white mage might secretly make an incredibly effective knight; someone who seems destined for a life as a swordsman suddenly shows a talent for black magic. You can lean into their predilections, or go against them, with almost equal efficacy.

For me, this was the best part of Three Houses, and the part that kept me up long after my wife had gone to bed. Planning a student’s final battle role takes far-seeing planning and preparation, and each step along the way felt thrilling. How can you not forge a connection with characters you’ve taken such pains to help along the way? How can you not explode with joy when they reach their goals?

That’s the real draw of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, I think: the joy of seeing people you care about grow, while simultaneously confronting those you once cared about, but who followed another path. No wonder I wanted to start another playthrough. I think I’ll be starting them all over again for a long time.

[fuctacles]

A Life Full of Flavor

BakuKami Week 2018 Day 3

December 4th [Day 3]: Pro-heroes | Spicy | Fear 

Ship: Bakugou Katsuki/Kaminari Denki | Rating: T | Wordcount: 2717

Read on AO3

The day was sunny, bright and calm. It hurt Katsuki’s eyes as he was dragged down the muddy alleys to some unknown direction.

“You’ll like it there, trust me!” his captain had said and started leading him further and further into the pirate haven.

It’s been a few months since Katsuki started his life as a pirate. He wouldn’t admit it to anyone but he preffered it his previous tasteless one. Learning new stuff on calm days, breaking shit on stormy ones. He liked it. But there were some things he missed. Like showers or balanced breakfasts.

It was their first stop when they could use the money they gathered so far and somehow he let himself be dragged by his captain to what he claimed was “a promised land”.

Soon they stood in front of an inn that looked far different from what they’ve passed so far. It was build with actual bricks and didn’t look like it was about to collapse on them. When Chargebolt stepped inside Katsuki followed him with wariness.

The inside was even more striking. It was clean and didn’t smell like cheap rum and pee. It wasn’t crowded either and whoever Katsuki laid his eyes on was tipsy at worst.

Struck by the sudden change of the atmosphere he haven’t noticed his captain had already approached the counter and got a key that he dangled in front of Katsuki’s face as soon as he joined his side.

“I got us one room to share for some captain – quartermaster bonding time.”

“I don’t wanna bond with you,” Katsuki growled but he followed Chargebolt nevertheless. The corridor leading to their room was decorated with old mismatched tapestry and some random paintings. Bakugou would laugh at how pirates tried to imitate higher culture but being one of them now he was surprised they managed even this much.

The room turned out to be so much better. It had two queen sized beds, a fluffy carpet with a coffe table, and a small wardrobe. A big window was letting in warm sunlight, adding to the room’s inviting coziness.

Chargebolt flopped down on one of the beds, nuzzling into the pillows like he didn’t have even better ones on his ship. He waved in the direction of closed door.

“You can go first, I’ll order us some food,” he said, and Katsuki suspiciously followed his hand. He opened the door and nearly gasped at the sight.

“Shower…” he whispered in disbelief. Chargebolt chuckled behind him.

“Aren’t you happy to clean up after all this time on the ship?” He smiled knowingly which only made Bakugou shut the door behind him, muting his laugh.

He didn’t waste time and stripped down immediatelly. He stepped inside and turned the tap without even adjusting the water, welcoming the cold cascade on his bare shoulders, his eyes closed in pleasure. After a second of relishing the shower itself he went on to actually adjusting the water to his liking. When it was pleasantly hot he looked around and spotted a shelf full of soaps and bottles with labels in so many languages he couldn’t read some of them. There was still so much more world for him to see, so much to learn and discover. He grabbed the bottles and read all of the labels he could carefully so he could choose the scents and properties suited to his liking. He was glad to find something soothing for his sunburnt skin and scented with heavy spices.

He knew he had spend much more time in the shower than he would in his previous life but it was a given when he hasn’t seen one in half a year. He had never thought a simple shower would feel so good.

When he stepped out into the steamy bathroom, all its tiles wet with droplets, he found towels folded on a shelf. He dried himself off and wrapped one around his waist before grabbing his clothes and leaving the bathroom.

His captain looked up from a piece of paper, a glass of wine in his other hand. He smiled at the sight of him. Katsuki felt his eyes on his bare chest.

“I’ve already ordered. Wasn’t sure what you’d like so I got a bit of everything,” he said, pouring another glass of wine and handing it to him. Katsuki took it and sat down on his bed, dropping his clothes on the floor. At this point he had developed a weird kind of reluctant trust towards his captain so he drank the offered drink without second thought.

“I’ve also asked someone to get our clothes and clean them later,” Chargebolt have added, putting the glass down and starting to take off all of his earrings, signets and other jewelry. “Take the food when they bring it. And don’t bother dressing up,” he added, noticing Bakugou’s glance towards his clammy towel. “They’ve seen way worse things.” He smiled, dropping his belt and unbuttoning his t-shirt. “Mind my stuff,” he said just before taking off his pants. Bakugou averted his gaze as his captain undressed to add his clothes to their pile of laundry. Finally, he heard an amused chuckle and the sound of bathroom door closing.

Katsuki leaned back and after a second of thought poured himself another drink. The towel he was sitting in started to feel a bit unpleasant with all the water it absorbed but he didn’t want to take the service with no clothes on. He believed the reason his captain showed him this place was because he was more civilized than the rest of the crew. He didn’t want to ruin that impression. His knowledge already put him high in the rank with little time but he knew from experience it was easy to ruin one’s achievements by fucking up one or two social interactions.

He was halfway through the bottle and the first chapter of a book he found on the shelf when he heard a knock on the door. “Come in!” he yelled, eyeing the distance between him and his captain’s pistol.

He didn’t let his guard down before all the food was laid on an acceptably flat surface and their dirty clothes were taken. Only then did he look around at the various meals before him. Some of them he knew only from books and others he couldn’t even name. He grabbed some safely looking shrimps and while he was chewing one, the bathroom doors opened and he nearly choked seeing his captain butt naked.

It was not that he saw him like that for the first time. He learned quicky and harshly that pirates were ordinary and straight-forward, but he didn’t expect much from a bunch of men confined to a limited space in the middle of an ocean. This, however, was no such situation. There were only two of them and the room they shared. Adding the captain’s teasing personality and his ambiguous relationship with Riot, Bakugou didn’t know what to expect. He didn’t give a single shit about his captain’s preferences. He just didn’t know how he would react if he turned out to be one of them.

Chargebolt opened the wardrobe Bakugou didn’t pay much attention to before, and retrieved two pieces of silky fabric. He threw one at him.

“Here, you can change into it,” he said, while sliding on what appeared to be silky red robe. Somehow it seemed even less appropriate than his completely undressed state. Bakugou didn’t want to make a big deal out of this though so he stood up, letting his wet towel drop to the floor, and shrugged on the robe too. He tied it loosely around his waist and threw the towel on the wardrobe door to dry.

Meanwhile his captain sat down on the fluffy rug next to the short table most of the food was placed on.

“The bathroom smelt nice after you,” he informed, grabbing some kind of sandwich with a big chunk of weirdly shaped meat. He bit into it, motioning for him to join him on the floor. Katsuki was reluctant after the sentence he just heard though. Nevertheless his captain continued unfazed. “If you’re into spicy things, which honestly I thought you would so I ordered it, you should try this one,” he said, scooting to the plate near his bed where a bowl of steaming food was standing. He picked it up and offered it to Bakugou, who took it after a second of confusion.

Accepting his captain was a total nutcase, he sat down where he could lean on the back of the bed. That made them sit quite close to each other but it didn’t make him feel concerned. Yet.

He took a bite of the meal he recognized as curry, something he wanted to try but never had the chance too, and felt the pleasant burn of hot, spicy food he liked so much. He felt his captain’s gaze on himself but didn’t let it get to him. The good meal helped him with that.

That was until he was halfway the bowl and he heard a sniff right next to him. He looked to the side and saw the blond leaning in and honest to god sniffing him.

“With all due respect, captain, but what the fuck are you doing?”

“Smelling you,” his captain answered like it was nothing. “You smell kind of the same,” he noticed. Bakugou growled and put his hand on his face to push him away, but he persisted, pushing back into it. “I wanna try it,” he whined like he wasn’t one of the most feared pirates of the seven seas. Bakugou rolled his eyes and put the bowl in front of Chargebolt’s face. He looked kind of disappointed but Bakugou didn’t put much mind into it.

His captain took a bite of curry and stuck his tongue out almost immediately, giving him the bowl back. He also seemed to bite down a comment at the tip of his tongue, eyeing Bakugou intensely. He already knew he wouldn’t like where it was going even before the words escaped Chargebolt’s mouth.

“Do you taste the same though?”

“The fuck what now.” It was too much for him to process or even accent his response with appropriate anger or question.

“Can I taste you, Lord Explosion Murder?”

Bakugou felt his face grow hot both at the question itself and the use of nickname he came up with when he was trying to find a cool pirate name.

“What,” he barked out, getting defensive and leaning back while Chargebolt leaned in closer with a mischievous smirk.

“You heard me,” he said, smiling. “Just a lick, for comparison,” he added, but Bakugou was already moving away to the opposite side of table.

“Stay away, pervert,” he growled, curling into himself and digging back into his food. Chargebolt only shrugged, grabbing the bottle of wine and refilling their glasses.

But the idea of his captain’s tongue on him was already planted in Bakugou’s mind and it was taking dangerous turns whenever he stopped paying conscious attention to it. He kept thinking if he’d just lick his hand or rather get distracted by the opening of his robe and go for the collarbones, the neck. Or would he go further and reach his cheek, getting really close to his mouth and then-

“It will get cold, you know.”

Bakugou focused his gaze on the man in front of him, realizing he spaced out with the  spoon midway to his mouth. He pried the fantasy away, feeling his cheeks grow hot with the sudden awareness of the proximity with the man he just fantasized about and the knowing smile he was aiming at him.

He casted his gaze down, continuing eating and focusing on the food solely. As soon as he finished it there was another glass in his hand.

“From Mexico,” his captain explained. “Try it.”

“If you drug me I will kill you after,” he threatened, lifting the cup to his mouth.

“If I drugged you you would thank me. I know some pretty good stuff.” Chargebolt smiled at him and yet again he wasn’t sure if they were talking about drugs anymore.

The drink tasted like a liquid jalapeno and it was the best thing he has ever had in his mouth. He extended his glass for more which earned him a disgusted face but he was poured more anyway.

They dug into more food seasoned generously with stories of their lands of origins from Chargebolt who became only more talkative with each drink, his stories becoming less and less believable. Katsuki listened though, knowing him well enough by now to believe most of them.

“…and it was such a pity to crash their reception like that, so I asked him if he’d like to marry me instead. And that’s how I’m basically engaged with a Cuban prince,” he finished one of the stories, the words a bit slurred at the end.

“So you do swing that way?” Bakugou asked suddenly and thus realized he was more drunk than he had thought. The spice burning his throat completely covered the burn of alcohol so he had forgotten he was even drinking one. And even if he’d ask his captain about it sober, it would never be a slurred flurry of words stuck to each other.

His captain hummed, unaware of his sudden realization.

“’course I am,” he admitted just like that, which took Bakugou aback. “I mean, I’m on a closed space with a bunch of dudes and I have my needs. Or did you not notice my alone time with Riot?” He looked up while rising his glass to take a sip, looking him straight in the eye.

Bakugou did notice Riot. And him disappearing in his captain’s cabin for hours. Their captain, that is.still processing this, he nodded absentmindedly at the next question he hasn’t even heard. Chargebolt’s piercing gaze made him realize in delay he was just complimenting his lover.

“Are you jealous, grenade boy? I’m sure he would be interested and I can share,” he said, this dangerous tone back in his voice and Katsuki suddenly wanted to be far away from him, from this room, from the alcohol and their loose tongues. From the truth he was denying for months. “Or is it me that you’re jealous of?”

“Yes.”

They stared at each other, blinking owlishly and processing this one word that just appeared between them, both equally bewildered by it. Chargebolt huffed, putting his glass down.

“Oh.” He brushed his blond hair back with his fingers, biting down on his lip. Bakugou knew he wasn’t anticipating such response, that he expected more teasing and having an upper hand like the captain he was.

But not with him, and seeing his captain like this finally made his desires clear and his mind set on one goal, now involving alcohol flushed cheeks and bitten down lips. With the annoying teasing aside, he was now the one with control and he was going to use it to his liking.

“I-“ Chargebolt finally opened his mouth to say something, but Bakugou was already on him, scent of fruity soap and alcohol filling his nostrils. The captain’s eyes zeroed on his lips and that was all the invitation he needed before kissing him. His lips were softer than he had expected and he was very responsive which he anticipated. He raked his finger through the blonde hair while captain wrapped his arms around his neck, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss.

The taste of alcohol mixed on their tongues, making Katsuki feel intoxicated. He let his free hand roam and explore the expanses of his captain’s bare chest, which made the man sigh into his mouth and lean back, almost pulling them on the ground. And after a second of thought, Katsuki pushed him fuly down anyway.

Chargebolt looked up at him with a content smile, his fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck and his tongue licking the aftertaste of their kiss.

“You taste way better,” he concluded. Bakugou snorted at that and leaned back down to shut his stupid mouth with his own.

[zutara11thyear]

Day 3: Tea

Katara had had enough of watching the palace servants run around looking for Zuko. At first, she had laughed with the rest of the Gaang when the head servant rushed into the gardens and asked if they had seen his royal highness. Now after watching several people race around the golden halls crying, she decided to put them out of their misery.

There were panicked people in every hall as she headed to the Fire Lord's secret hideaway. The waterbender made sure to look as aloof as possible as she opened the familiar wooden door that lead into the kitchens. A few turns later past various dishes and spices, she was faced with Zuko bent attentively over a tea pot. He stared unblinkingly into flame without acknowledging her entry.

Katara rolled her eyes at the Fire Lord's antics before plopping down on the stool he'd left for her. For the past few weeks, the firebender had brewed several pots of tea hoping to make one that wasn't dirt flavored. She beared it with tight smiles and plenty of sweet cakes in between sips.

No matter what Zuko tried all the tea tasted the same-like dirty water. How the firebender wasn't aware of this fact completely baffled her.

The waterbender wished she could go back in time to stop Sokka from opening his big mouth. She'd expertly hidden how bad Zuko's tea was for a solid two months before her brother butted in.

The two benders were having their usual weekly tea in the main gardens when Sokka ran in claiming he was parched from sparring with Suki. The firebender being his dumb noble self offered her brother a cup. Katara had tried to signal behind the Fire Lord's back to tell her brother to not drink it, but he just rolled her eyes at her before taking a big chug.

The waterbender couldn't meet Zuko's gaze as Sokka went on a tangent on just how god awful the tea was. Secretly, she hoped the rant would dissuade him from brewing anymore tea.

The exact opposite happened.

Now, Katara was forced to drink more tea than ever. She made sure to smile brightly at the firebender and declare that he was improving everyday. Which wasn't true in the slightest, but he didn't need to know that.

She also made sure that Sokka never got any tea either.

The teapot let out a high pitched whistle, and Zuko hurried to pour her a cup. He also pulled out a tray laden with her favorite cakes, so that was something to look forward to.

She dodged the golden eyes trained on her by closing her own as she took a sip from the offered cup. They immediately snapped open, again. It wasn't dirt flavored.

The tea had a sweet almost flowery taste that made her taste buds sigh in relief. It also had a refreshing after taste that didn't have her immediately reaching for a snack.

Something must have shown on her face, because Zuko practically lit up (as much as the moody teen could light up). His soft half smile was a little wider than normal, and Katara swore the lantern flames jumped a little.

"So it's good?" He asked.

The waterbender responded by taking another longer sip. She darted her eyes around while drinking. Surely, Iroh was hiding behind a shelf or a pile of dishes. Finding no evidence of the older bender, she let her smile break through.

"This is really good. Can I have another cup?"

This made his smile grow larger. He quickly moved to oblige her request. The two chatted over tea and cakes for several minutes before Katara remembered why she came. She put her half-eaten sweet down before fixing the firebender with a stern look.

"Zuko the servants are going crazy looking for you with have to go, now."

He gave her a guilty have shrug before standing. She also stood, and the two made their way out of the castle kitchen. Right as two were about to exit out into the busy hallway, Zuko pulled the waterbender back by her foreman.

She turned back to look at him prepared to remind him that they had a country to rebuild, but stopped at the look on somewhat serious look on his face. He then gripped her shoulders and made sure they had direct eye contact.

"I know you really like the other tea, but I can't take the dirt taste anymore. So I'm glad you like this one more."

Then the Fire Lord stepped out into the hall leaving Katara to let her head slam into the adjacent wall.

~

~~ This almost didn't happen today. I'm glad I managed to write it all out for today's prompt. Ayeee only 4 more days left T-T.

@zutaraweek

[moondancewrites]

S.O.S. - Chapter 4

Pairing: Lance Tucker x Evelyn Burns (OC)

Warnings: None.  Just some flirting.

Summary: Evelyn Burns’ life is turned upside down when her sister and brother-in-law are killed in a car crash and she becomes the legal guardian of her 13 year-old niece Hannah.  The one thing that will get Hannah through is continuing her work as a gymnast, so Evelyn takes it upon herself to find her the best coach in town.  Enter Lance Tucker, a scandal-ridden scoundrel yet brilliant coach who has been laying low in Florida where he owns his own gym.  He’s everything Evelyn hates about men and she is the polar opposite of what he looks for in a good lay, but when they’re forced to spend time together they realize that maybe they are just what the other needs.

The time Evelyn had been dreading was upon her: the holidays.  Rachel had always loved the holidays.  She’d gone out of her way to make sure everyone was well fed, entertained, happy.  At least that’s what Evelyn remembered; she hadn’t come to a gathering the last few years Rachel was alive.

She was so nervous about Hannah.  Would she even want to celebrate?  She seemed to be doing well, but Thanksgiving was her first big holiday without her parents.  Should Evelyn do something, she wondered?  She wasn’t much of a cook, but she could try.  Or should she just let it be?  Would it be a comfort to Hannah to celebrate or would it stir up old feelings?  What if it made her break down?  Evelyn hadn’t seen her break down yet - not fully.  There were a few nights in the beginning, late at night, when she heard whimpers from her room but she was too chicken shit to go in and comfort her; she didn’t know what to say.

It was the Saturday before Thanksgiving when Evelyn blurted out on the way to practice, “Do you want a Thanksgiving?”  Hannah’s head turned up from her phone and Evelyn panicked.  “I mean like Turkey and stuff.  I’ve never really done it, but if you want-”

“You don’t have to,” Hannah said with a sigh.  

“I know I don’t have to, but I was just thinking ...  it might be nice.  I don’t know.  Your mom always used to-”

“Really, it’s okay.  I shouldn’t eat that stuff anyway.”

“Is that what coach Tucker is telling you?” Evelyn fumed.  “Because he shouldn’t be.  You’re a growing girl.  You’re active.  You look great, too.  You should be able to have some damn cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes if you want to!”

“Whoa, auntie.  Calm down,” Hannah said with a laugh.  “If you want to do Thanksgiving, then you can do it.”

“Oh ….” Evelyn loosened her vice grip on the steering wheel.  “Okay, then.”

“Is Ben going to come?”

“I don’t think so.  He’s out of town on business.”

“Surprise, surprise,” Hannah said with an eyeroll.  

“Hey, he works hard, you know.  He’s doing all he can to provide for us.”

“Auntie,” Hannah shot her a look.  “You and I both know that you work hard enough to provide for both of us times three.  And you don’t even need to, considering the inheritance grandmama and grandpapa left you.”

“How do you -” Evelyn’s mouth was agape.

“Mom told me.  She said I should be grateful to them for helping pay for all of my lessons after dad lost his job.”

“Oh ….”

“Yeah.  So I know you don’t really need to work if you don’t want to.”

“Well,” Evelyn shifted in her seat after they pulled into the parking lot at the gym.  “Just because we have that money doesn’t mean that Ben doesn’t need to work hard.  His work is like gymnastics to you.  He doesn’t need it to survive, but he’s good at it and he enjoys it and it makes him happy.  Just like my work.”

“I still don’t get what you do,” Hannah said with a little chuckle.

“I’m the VP of strategic analysis-”

“For global planning and acquisition,” Hannah said with her in unison in the same tone as Evelyn, as if she’d heard it a few times.  Maybe she had....  “I know… but I still don’t get it.”

“It’s complicated,” Evelyn said plainly.

“Are you staying for practice today?” Hannah said with a hopeful smile.  Evelyn had been making an effort to stay a bit longer each week - kind of easing herself into it.  She knew that she’d lose Hannah if she didn’t at least try to show an interest in her favorite thing.  

It wasn’t easy, especially with those moms.  All they did was gossip about stuff around town and stare at Lance Tucker’s ass.  Evelyn did her best to ignore them, often bringing some weekend work or a book to distract her, but it wasn’t easy; especially when Lance would come and talk to her.  He would always have something to say, even if it was really nothing.  It was as if he enjoyed seeing Evelyn get worked up by his ridiculousness.  And she could feel the impaling glares from the moms, like arrows in her back.  

For Hannah, Evelyn would chant to herself.  For Hannah.

“Yes, I think I’ll stay.”

“Awesome! Because I want to show you my new trick Lance taught me this week.  It’s really cool!  He said I’m the youngest student he’s ever seen do it!”

“A trick, huh?  What kind of trick?”

“You’ll see,” Hannah beamed.

It was in the middle of rehearsal that Lance knocked on the glass to get Evelyn’s attention.  She was sitting in the corner working on a spreadsheet and didn’t notice him until he knocked again.  “YO.  Evelyn!”  Her head shot up.  “Watch this, okay?”  Evelyn looked around sheepishly; all the moms had taken notice.  She nodded and Lance turned around.  “Okay, Hannah.  Show time.”

Hannah got up on the uneven bars and did twists and turns and flips like Evelyn had never seen.  It was so effortless for her, but it almost made Evelyn dizzy watching her.  But it was awe-inspiring, that was for sure.  When Hannah stuck the landing, Lance ran up to her and gave her a big hug, spinning her around.  “That’s how it’s done!” He gave her a double high five and turned to Evelyn.  “Did you see that?”  Evelyn nodded, beaming at her niece.  

After practice, Hannah approached her aunt with caution as if she had a question she was scared to hear the answer to.  “What is it?” she asked.

“I was just wondering.  I was talking to Coach Tucker about Thanksgiving and-”

“Did he say you can’t have any turkey?  I’m going to sock him in that stupid hard stomach of his,” Evelyn said, stepping in Lance’s direction.  

“No, no.  It’s not that.  I was just telling him about it.  And telling him about how we used to have all these people over and it was a big thing and that this year it was just going to be us probably.  And he said that he wasn’t doing anything but he was happy we were.”  He was happy, huh?  “And then I said … well, I kind of invited him.”

“You did what?” Evelyn’s eyes widened and Hannah frowned.

“Please, auntie?   He’s all alone down here.”

“Doesn’t he have Yasmine?  Or Gigi or Bianca or whoever his flavor or the week is?” You’d tried not to take notice of the women you saw him joining up with after practice on some nights, but they were just so … obvious.  

“C’mon, auntie.  He’s lonely.  And he’s like … my uncle.”  What about Ben? Evelyn thought.  In the last four months that Hannah had been living with them, they’d probably spent about a month of that in Ben’s company.  She spent way more time with Lance.  But her uncle?  Really?  Evelyn shook her head.  Hannah’s hopeful face seared her heart.  How could she refuse?

“As long as he doesn’t make any remarks on how fatty the food is,” Evelyn said.  Hannah jumped on her, giving her a hug.

“Coach Tucker!” Hannah called.  “She said it’s okay!  See you thursday?”

Evelyn heard some of the moms whispering as Lance approached them with a smile that was very out of character for him - it was sheepish.  Wonderful.  Now everyone knew who was coming to dinner.  

“Hannah, I told you not to bother,” Lance said, shaking his head at her.

“But it’s cool, isn’t it, aunt Evelyn?”

“Yeah.  I mean, one turkey is a lot for two people to eat,” she answered.

“What about the fiance?” Lance asked.

“I told you, coach … he’s away on business,” Hannah said.

“Right, right,” Lance said, nodding.  “Alright then.  What time should I come and what should I bring?”

“You don’t have to bring anything,” Evelyn said, almost taken aback by the kind gesture.

“Well, I know I don’t have to.  But I want to.  It’s what guests do.  How about dessert?  I make some delicious lemon bars.”

“Let me guess - low fat?” Evelyn quipped.

“No, they’re dripping in fat,” Lance said to her; a snarky tone in his voice.  “I’m not a food Nazi, you know.”  Evelyn rolled her eyes.

“Fine.  Bring your bars.  Dinner with be at 3.”

“Perfect.  See you then, Hannah.”

As they were leaving, Jeanie’s friend, whom Evelyn learned was called Tracy a few weeks back, came up to her.  “How did you get coach Tucker to come to dinner at your place?  We’ve all been trying at every holiday and no luck.”  Evelyn just shrugged and said she didn’t know before getting out of there as fast as possible.

This stirred up curiousity in Evelyn.  Why did he say yes?  And why hadn’t he said yes to these women before?  It’s not like he didn’t love being gawked at.  And, Evelyn learned, a few of them were single and definitely on the prowl.  But yet he said no.  So why now was he saying yes?  Maybe he was doing it for Hannah.  Maybe he saw how hard this was going to be on her and he thought a familiar, friendly face would help.  Or maybe he knew it would put Evelyn on edge.  Maybe he was doing it to see just how far he could push her buttons before she finally blew up at him.  Maybe he was doing it because he liked watching her squirm.  Evelyn pushed down those notions and decided that supporting Hannah was his main reason.  She’d have to go with that, or else she’d cancel the whole thing.  

The day had come.  Evelyn had gone into high-power planning mode the last few days and now everything was set.  The table looked perfect, the turkey smelled amazing, the potatoes were nearly done.  Hannah had been such a great help, too.  The two of them truly felt like … family.

“You look nice, auntie,” Hannah told her as she came back into the kitchen after getting ready.  Hannah sounded disappointed.  She had wanted her to wear the pretty forest green dress that she’d found in her closet the other day when she was helping her plan her outfit, even though Evelyn insisted she didn’t need to.  She’d already decided to wear her black dress with the high neckline.  It was kind of plain, but it was comfortable and it went nicely with her pearls.  Honestly, if her hair had been straight she’d look like it was just another day at the office.  But Evelyn decided that since Ben wasn’t going to be there, she didn’t need to put in the extra effort to straighten her hair.  So she left it curly, pinning one side back.

“Thanks,” she told her.

“Black … again.”

“Yeah, well … I like this dress.”

“I know, auntie, but that other dress makes your eyes look so pretty and-”

“I’m not trying to look pretty,” Evelyn retorted.  Hannah’s gaze moved to the floor.  “You look nice, too,” she told her.  Hannah was wearing a pretty floral dress and a cardigan.  She looked like a young lady.

Ding dong.

“Coach Tucker is here!” Hannah jumped off the couch, running to the door.  Evelyn busied herself in the kitchen, putting an apron on over her dress before she went to baste the turkey one last time.  After closing the oven and turning around, she was met by her niece and Lance, who was wearing dark blue slacks and a baby blue sweater that looked way too soft.  The shades were gone, as was a good amount of the hair gel.  He’d only used enough to keep it in place.  He looked, regrettably, incredibly handsome.

“Happy turkey day, Mrs. Cleaver,” he said with a gigantic grin.

“Mrs. Cleaver?”

“Yeah, you know.  From Leave it to Beaver?”

“Yes … I know who she is,” Evelyn replied.

“Yeah, well …” he started.   Evelyn just stared at him.  “The pearls.  The apron.  The cooking.  Come on …” He looked at Hannah.  “She looks like Mrs. Cleaver.”

“No idea who you’re talking about,” Hannah said, walking over to get a cup of water with a little bounce in her step.

“What I - what I meant to say was … You look ….”

“Like a stereotype,” Evelyn quipped, flattening her palms over her apron.  Same old Lance, she thought.  She knew this was a bad idea.

“No … you lo- ...you looked nice,” he choked out.  “I have the bars.”  He held out a foil-covered glass dish to her.

“Thanks,” she said plainly, taking them and placing them on the counter with a thunk.  She could feel Lance beside her - he was too close.  She could smell his cologne.  She hated how good it smelled.  

“I’m sorry.  Sometimes my filter … I’m sorry, okay?”  He lowered his head so he could look up at her, trying to catch her gaze.  He made a puppy dog face and Evelyn nibbled on her bottom lip to keep from smiling.  He noticed, and he smiled at her.  “C’mon, Evelyn … I’m sorry.  You look great.”

“It’s fine,” she said, flashing her eyes towards his only for a moment.  “I’ve got to get this turkey out.  Hannah, can you get the wine out that I told you about?”  Hannah’s eyes lit up.  “And the sparkling cider for you?”  Her eyes dimmed.

“Yes, auntie,” she said with a pout.

“While we’re alone,” Lance said softly.  Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat.  “I wanted to run something by you.”

“Wha-what’s that?” she asked, trying to focus on getting the potatoes into the serving dish.

“I was wondering if you’d be interested in chaperoning a trip after the new year.  There’s a competition up in Orlando and I need a few parents … or guardians … with me to watch the kids.”

“Oh, I don’t think I could take the time off work,” Evelyn said.  

“Couldn’t you?” he asked, leaning in again.  The seemingly soft fabric was of sweater was, indeed, incredibly soft as it brushed against her arm.  “When was the last time you took a vacation?”

Honestly, Evelyn couldn’t remember.  It was probably right after she started dating Ben, and that was years ago.  

“I have my honeymoon coming up in May …”  Even though it was going to be short, and Ben would technically be at a conference half the time.  

“Oh.”  Lance stepped back.  “Right.  But … this would be with Hannah.  I think it would be a good bonding trip for you guys.  And it’s in Disney World.”  He took a bean from the plate and popped it in his mouth, smiling at her.  “The most magical place on earth.  Mmm.  Good beans.”

“Disney World?”  She’d avoided that place for as long as she’d lived in Florida.  She’d never gone and she had no desire to.  The crowds, the kids, the long lines, the heat, the kids … She really didn’t want to be around that many kids.  Hannah was all she could handle, and she was a teenager, not a screaming baby.  

“Yeah, you know…. Mickey, Splash Mountain, fireworks … “ he was leaning in again.  “It’s fun.  You’d love it.”

“If you think that, then you must not know me very well,” she said, looking up at him.  He looked utterly bummed.  “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“It’d mean a lot to Hannah.”

“You haven’t mentioned this to her, have you?” she said in a loud whisper, pointing a potato covered ladle at him.  He chuckled, shaking his head and holding his hands up in surrender.

“No.  That’s why I’m asking you while she’s not here.  Where did she go, anyway?”

“The wine cellar.”

“You have a wine cellar?”  Lance’s eyes got wide.  “Of course you do.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Evelyn popped her hip.  Lance noticed.

“Look, I just ...I think it would be good for you and Hannah.  She’s gotten better since you started coming to practices.  The fact that you’re embracing her passion … it’s making her better.  If you came, she’d do better.  She’d do amazing.  And it would be fun.”  Evelyn looked up at him.  “You know… fun?”  She glared.  “Come with me.”  He cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck.  “I mean, us.  Come with us.  We need you.”  Evelyn sighed.  “Honestly, I just need one mom … guardian … there that doesn’t act like I’m a piece of meat.”  Evelyn blinked at his honesty.  Lance made a face, almost as if he were ashamed.  “Please come?”

“I’ll see if I can get time off work.”  He beamed at her.  That smile, she thought.  He could make a lot of people do a lot of things with that smile.  

“Excellent.”  He clapped his hands together loudly.  “Now!  Anything I can do to help?” He asked, turning so his back was against the counter. He crossed his arms over his chest and even though the sweater wasn’t nearly as tight as the shirts he’d usually wear, his muscles still bulged beneath the soft blue fabric.  Evelyn had to will herself not to look, but she couldn’t help but glance.  Lance smirked at her.  “Hmm?” he hummed.  

“Actually …” Evelyn looked up at him with a hopeful smile.  “I’m not really good at the whole carving bit.”

“I can do that,” he told her.  “Got an extra apron?”  Evelyn shook her head.  “Do you mind if I borrow yours, then?”  She shook her head again.  Lance moved behind her, working on the knot at her back.  He was dangerously closer to her ass, and it made Evelyn’s body heat go up a bit.

“I can do that, you know,” she told him.  She felt his breathy laugh on the back of her neck and it gave her a shiver.  

“I’ve got it,” he told her.  He moved to stand in front of her, lifting the apron over her head.  She felt his fingers brush against her curls.  He smiled, dawning the apron.  “How do I look?”

“Just like June Cleaver,” she quipped.  Lance’s jaw dropped in jest.  “Your turkey awaits.”  She motioned to the turkey.

“Alright, baby.  Time to get carved,” he said to the turkey, licking his lips while the scraped the fork against the knife as if he were sharpening the blade.  Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh at him.  And once he started, she couldn’t help but laugh at the terrible job he was doing; he wasn’t good at everything after all.  

“Oh my God, Lance.  What are you doing?”

“What?” he chuckled, slicing a huge piece of meat off the turkey leg.

“You don’t slice the leg!” Evelyn laughed.

“Maybe I do,” he said.  “Now shh, let me work.”  His tongue moved over his top lip; his brow furrowed in concentration.  Evelyn leaned against the counter now, her hand covering her mouth as she stifled a laugh.  “Stop laughing,” he said, pointing the knife at her.

“Watch where you point that thing!” she said with a laugh.  He sheepishly pulled it back.  “Here, give it to me.”  She grabbed for them, but Lance pulled out of her reach.

“Uh-uh.  This is my job.  I’ve been given this task and I will execute it with perfection.”

“I think you’ve strayed far away from that,” Evelyn teased.  Lance glared at her, his blue eyes staring into her green ones.  “C’mon.  Let me show you.”  Evelyn held out her hand.

“Didn’t you just say you weren’t good at this?” he said to her.  She just stared at him.  “Fine,” he groaned, handing her the knife and fork.

“Step aside,” she told him, shooing him with the knife.  He did so, but he was still very close.  “You’ve got to dig dip in there,” she said, going at the turkey.  Lance covered his mouth this time.  “Get your head out of the gutter.”

“Easier said than done,” he quipped.  “Go on, Evelyn.  Get in there.  Nice and deep.”  She knew he was teasing, but his tone was overtly sexual and it made Evelyn’s entire body get suddenly very warm.  Again.  He really needed to stop doing that.  “That’s it,” he teased.  “Show that turkey who’s-” Some juice from the turkey squirted right onto Evelyn’s dress.  “Oh shit.”

“My dress!”  Evelyn dropped the knife and fork.  She glared at Lance.  “You’re still wearing my apron.”  Lance shrugged, biting his lower lip.

“Sorry.  Do you have any baking soda?”

“What?” Evelyn asked, trying to find a cloth to dab at the stain.

“Baking soda.  It will help.  Trust me.”  Evelyn motioned to the cabinet and Lance got it out, opening it and sprinkling it on Evelyn’s stain, taking a cloth and dabbing it.  It didn’t seem to cross his mind that the stain was right on her left breast.  

“Whoa, whoa.”  Evelyn pushed him back, grabbing the cloth.  “I’ve got it.”

“Sorry.”  Lance shook his head, as if he were disappointed in himself.  And his cheeks looked red.  Did Lance Tucker even know how to blush?  Apparently so.  “Where’s Hannah?”

“Is this the right wine, auntie?” Hannah called from the doorway.  “Oh no!  Your dress!”

“It’s fine,” Evelyn said.

“Wait … Coach Tucker, why are you wearing the apron?”

“I was carving … badly, it would seem,” the rolled on the balls of his foot, pushing his hands into the pockets of the apron.  “Your aunt tried to teach me, but then the turkey got angry and attacked.”

“Ew …” Hannah grimaced.  

“I’m going to finish carving, since I’m already a mess-”

“No, I’ve got it,” Lance told her.  “You can go change.  If you want to.  I mean, you don’t have to.”

“No, I will,” Evelyn replied.  She walked upstairs and into her walk-in closet.  The green dress was there, practically shouting at her to put it on.  Since she didn’t really have any other dressed picked out, she went with that one.  The neck was a little lower than she was used to.  The very tip of her cleavage showed, and she had ample cleavage.  But it was tasteful.  The skirt was a bit more flowy than she was used to, like it was meant for dancing.  It came to right above her knee.  After she put it on, she looked at herself in the mirror.  Hannah was right, it did make her eyes pop.  

“Who’s hungry?” she said as she descended the staircase.  She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Ben standing at the bottom, briefcase in hand.  “Ben, what are you-”  

“Whose car is that out in the driveway?” Ben asked, his voice strained.

“It’s …”  Before she could answer, Ben walked towards the kitchen.  Shit.  Shit shit shit!  Evelyn had neglected to mention that Lance was coming over.  She thought it didn’t matter since he wasn’t going to be here.  If she were being honest with herself, though, she didn’t mention it because she knew Ben would have refused and that would have broken Hannah’s heart.  

Evelyn raced into the dining room after Ben.  “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced,” Ben said to Lance, who stood up.

“No.  You must be Ben.  I’ve heard a lot about you.  I’m Lance.”  Lance held his hand out to him.

“Lance …”

“Coach Tucker.”  He was still holding his hand out, waiting for Ben to take it.

“Oh.  Right.  Well, I wasn’t aware the girls were having company over for dinner.”  Ben shot Evelyn a look.  She’d hear about that later.  “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“We’re surprised, alright,” Hannah said, taking a sip of her cider.

“Why don’t you go freshen up, dear?  I’ll make a setting for you.”  Evelyn rubbed Ben’s shoulder, trying to calm him.  Hell, she was trying to calm herself.  She was suddenly a bundle of nerves.  This dinner was turning out to be a disaster.

“Thank you, darling,” he said to her, pushing his cheek towards her like he did when he expected a kiss.  She obliged him, but in the corner of her eye she saw Lance mouth, ‘darling?’ to Hannah and  stick his tongue out.  Hannah laughed.  Ben looked at her and she stopped.  “I’ll be down in a moment.  Please, go ahead without me …”

“Oh, no, man.  We can wait,” Lance said.

“How kind,” Ben replied before disappearing upstairs.

“So … that’s Ben, huh?”

“Yes.  That’s Ben.  Why do you say it like that?” Evelyn inquired.

“Like what?  I’m just saying … I never thought I’d meet the guy.”

“Well, you just did.”

“Auntie, you’re wearing the pretty dress.  Isn’t it pretty, coach?”  She could feel Lance’s eyes on her and she didn’t dare look up at him.

“Very,” he replied, as if it were totally normal to compliment one of your student’s parents like that.  

“Thanks,” Evelyn said, looking up at him only for a moment.  His eyes looked darker than they did earlier.  It must have been the lighting.

To say that dinner was awkward was the understatement of the century.  Ben was cordial, but Evelyn knew him well enough to know that he was a little more than upset that they had a guest he’d never met.  A very charming, very handsome guest that was alone with his fiance and his ward, as he called Hannah.

When Ben asked Lance about himself, Evelyn held her breath.  She knew enough to know that this could go badly, but she hoped that Lance wouldn’t say anything unsavory in front of Hannah.

“Not too much to tell, I guess.”

“I’m sure there is.  You’re an ex gymnast, right?”

“Yeah,” Lance said after swallowing a bite of turkey.

“And I think Hannah told me that you’ve won a couple of medals, am I right?”

“A few.  Two golds and two silvers.”

“So why did you stop?” Ben asked.  “Too old to do those little flips?”  

“I suppose,” Lance replied cooley.  “My hamstrings and I got into too many disagreements.  So, I decided to pursue coaching.  I have a lifetime of knowledge to pass down to kids like Hannah, here.”  He motioned to Hannah and she beamed at him.  She really did think the world of him, Evelyn thought.  She prayed that Hannah never found out about his past … if she didn’t already know.  Olivia had probably heard it from her mom and she was sure Olivia had passed it on.  Or maybe she hadn’t.  She really hoped not.  

“Well, that’s noble of you.  I guess it’s true what they say, huh?”  Lance shot him a questioning look.  “Those who can’t do, teach.”  Evelyn tensed, expecting Lance to reply with something colorful or even blow up at him.

“I guess so,” Lance replied. After a moment of struggling to catch his gaze, Evelyn found it.  She tried to say sorry without words, and Lance nodded at her, giving her a small smile.  Ben was being such an asshole and she felt terrible about it.  Lance was taking it in stride, though.  That surprised her.  “This turkey is really amazing, Evelyn.”

“Thank you,” she replied.  “Ben, do you like it?”

“A little too moist for my taste,” Ben said.  Evelyn heard Lance bite back a laugh.  She nudged him with her foot under the table.  Leave it to Tucker to be totally calm and cool when someone was insulting him, but lose it when somebody made an unintentional sexual innuendo.  Lance nudged her back and she glared at him.  He gave her a little wink and she held her breath, praying that Ben didn’t notice.

“I think it’s great, auntie,” Hannah said.  Ben looked at Hannah.  “I mean, aunt Evelyn.”  Ben thought the word ‘auntie’ was too childish for a teenager to use.  And unladylike.  

“What is it that you do, Ben?” Lance asked.  Oh great … here we go, Evelyn thought.  Ben went on for ten minutes about his job, using unnecessarily big words to try to confuse Lance.  But Lance didn’t falter.  He listened intently, or at least he feigned interest.  Either way, he shocked her.  

When Hannah and Lance talked excitedly about her progress, Evelyn sat and listened while Ben went to his phone.  “Ben, come on… it’s Thanksgiving.”

“I know.  I’m here, aren’t I?  I just have to answer this email.”

“Fine,” she said defeatedly.  “I’m going to go get the dessert.  Lance, will you help me?”

“All you need to do is-” he stopped when he saw the look in her eyes.  “Yeah.  Coming.”  He got up and followed her into the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, Lance.  I had no idea he was coming.”

“What?  It’s fine.”  Lance shrugged his shoulders.  “You’ve got a real winner, there.”

“He’s just … on edge.  He wasn’t expecting you.  And for you to be …” Evelyn motioned to Lance.  “You.”

“What do you mean for me to be me?” Lance asked, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.  He stepped closer to Evelyn, reaching for the tinfoil of the dish.

“I just mean that if you came home to your fiance having dinner with a man that you’d never met and that man looked like you, wouldn’t you feel a bit insecure?”

“A man that looks like me …” the smile widened.

“Oh, cut the crap, Lance,” Evelyn groaned, ripping the tin foil.  “You’re fully aware of how you look.”

“I am.”  He took one step closer, his gaze searing into Evelyn from above her.  “I just wasn’t aware that you were … aware.”

“Well,”  Evelyn pulled back and started putting the lemon bars on a serving plate.  “That’s because you’re not my type.”

“No?” he asked.  

“Definitely not.”

“I guess that’s not surprising, seeing as you’re engaged to Mr. Roboto out there.”  Her brow furrowed.  “You know, you’re going to go blind from glaring at me so much.”

“Well, maybe if you’d stop saying things that piss me off we wouldn’t have a problem!”  She took a lemon square and bit into it.  Suddenly, the anger she had subsided as she was whisked away onto a perfect cloud of lemony goodness.  She closed her eyes, humming.  

“Good, huh?” he asked.  She opened her eyes to find him smiling at her.  “Told you they were delicious.”  He popped one in his mouth, humming in response.  Her body felt hot again, but she was sure it was the anger this time.  That’s all it was.

“They’re okay.”

“Ha!  Liar … you love them.”  

“I don’t.”

“You do,” he teased, stepping closer to her again.  “Admit it.  You love my bars.”  She blinked at him.  “C’mon …”  he motioned with his hand.  “Admit it.”

“They’re … fine.”  

“Fine?  No.  My chocolate chip cookies are fine.  My lemon bars are divine.”  

“Fine …. They’re really good.”  Lance made a triumphant gesture with his fist.  “Okay?  Happy?”

“Very.  Now, let’s see if these will make Ben smile.”

Spoiler alert.  They didn’t.  But, dessert meant the night was almost over and that made everyone happy.  After dessert, Lance made an excuse that he had to be up early tomorrow for practice.  When Hannah said she thought the gym was closed, he let out a nervous laugh and said he was going because the gym was being cleaned and he had to  be there.  Quick thinking, Evelyn thought.  She knew it was a lie, but she didn’t blame him.  She wanted out, too.

She thanked him for coming.  Hannah gave him a hug.  Ben gave him a sturdy handshake.  And then he was gone.

“Well, that was … interesting,” Hannah said.  “I’m going to bed.”

“It’s 4:30,” Evelyn replied.

“What I meant was, I’m going to my room.  They’re having a marathon of all the Friends Thanksgiving episodes.”

“You know the role, Hannah.  Only one hour of TV a night,” Ben told her.

“C’mon, Ben.  It’s a holiday.”  Evelyn pleaded with him with her eyes.

“Fine.  But after the last episode, no more.”

“Yes, sir.”

Evelyn braced herself for a tirade.  But Ben was unexpectedly calm.  In fact, he was too calm.  And too quiet.  He barely said a word to her before he excused himself to go to bed, saying his jetlag was catching up with him.  Once he was gone, Evelyn went upstairs to ask Hannah to come down and join her for the Friends marathon.

“You okay, aunt Evelyn?” she asked after a while.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, Ben didn’t know about coach Tucker …”

“No.”

“He seemed pretty pissed about it.  Did he yell at you?”

“No.  Why would you-”

“It’s just that sometimes I can hear him yell at you,” Hannah said softly.  “And I hear you yell back.”

“Hannah …”  Evelyn had no idea that Hannah heard them.  Were they that loud?  And did they fight that much?  She felt awful.

“I’m sorry.  I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”  She got up.  “I can go back upstairs now.”

“No, please stay,” Evelyn pleaded, patting the couch.  “It’s Thanksgiving … we should be with family.”

“Okay,” Hannah said with a small smile, sitting beside her.  “I liked having coach Tucker over.  Even if it was kind of a disaster.”

“Me, too.”

[pinesofthemind]

Beauty [7]

As the twins slowly begin to realise their feelings for each other, it only creates more havoc and turmoil. The attempts of trying to keep it a secret make them question if it’s even worth it in the end.

Chapters:  [1]  [2]  [3]  [4]  [5]  [6] 

After the anxious and painful dinner that awaited them downstairs the two set foot to their bedrooms. Away from prying eyes their hands intertwined as they met by the staircase. He leads her by the hand upstairs, a silly and amateurish attempt at romancing her. However, the ecstatic smile on her face encouraged him to continue. As they reached the top, she slipped her hand away from his passive grip. Dipper’s smile faded as he turned towards her, wondering why she had let go. Mabel had dreaded the idea before reaching the stairs but reconsidered after the journey that Dipper had taken her through. She pushed herself forward and laid a bare kiss on Dipper’s cheek. A soft and immediate press of her lips felt like a fleeting feeling. He wanted more of it and Mabel knew this. The act of this tease was simply meant to inspire these exact thoughts. As he faced her, a press of her finger against his lips silenced him.

‘We will don’t worry. When I’m ready, you’ll know.’

In a hushed and erotic tone so beautiful the very angels of heaven would be stomping their feet with jealousy. With that message, she took a stride over to her door and opened it.

‘See ya next time bro bro’. She then slipped inside and closed the door.

Why...why was she so god damn sexy? He thought to himself. Who knew Mabel was his dream girl, she was there with him the whole time and he didn’t know. The exciting, adventurous and creative significant other he had always dreamed of. She was there to have and to hold from now on.

‘I don't think I'll find anyone as good as you.’ He whispered aloud to himself.

Dipper entered his bedroom and closed the door behind himself. A rush of thoughts so chaotic they started to punch his head left and right, spinning around on the fragile crane of his neck. A flavorful knock of unconsciousness is what the two needed. As they prepared themselves for bed, the commonplace negative thoughts had ceased.

In their place grew delightful and joyous plans for their future. What if they could get jobs and still be together? Just them with no Mum and Dad around to look out for. Dipper would come back from his 9-5 job tired and erratic. Mabel would be working from home and cooking up some grub before he arrived to surprise him. She would always make an exotic dish for him so that every day would never be the same.

It would change for the both of them. It was all they wanted, privacy and peace of mind. However, they knew nothing ever came easily. It didn’t just fall from the sky and into your palms, it does so only if you work hard enough for it. From that point on, they promised to work their hardest in order to achieve that dream.

The next morning approached their bedside, squirming around on the floor and shining through their open windows. The first day of their new life had officially begun. The dread, anxiety and anger had all seeped away into the dry walls. Now the thrilled and upbeat parts of the two were coming out and ready to play.

As they were both getting dressed and ready they noticed they were both looking forward to College as well. That was something they couldn’t anticipate. Dipper was the first to reach downstairs as he grabbed his two pieces of toast and spread them with a tinge of pure honey. Mabel was taking a little longer than normal, however, and it triggered Dipper’s curiosity. After he had finished, he started to time her, looking at his watch he predicted another two minutes. If not, then he would confront her directly.

With thirty seconds left on the clock, he heard the familiar voice, ‘hold on I’m coming!’ in a way that made it all sound like one word. There she came face to face with her new lover and Dipper had a surprise for his eyes. She wore a polka-dot sweater with pigtails sprouting at the sides of her head. Along with black tights, skirt and knee-high boots. It turns out she really had class after all. She turned her head to the side, almost too embarrassed to make eye to make eye contact with him.

‘Do you like it?’ From the nervousness in her voice, Dipper could tell. She really did put a lot of effort into it.

‘Of course. You look amazing Mabes’ He said with a short chuckle. He watched as her face lit up with excitement, cheerful rainbows of fireworks exploding within her eyes. It gave her passion, drive and determination. She now had a reason to look to the future instead of obsessing over the past.

‘Oh my God Dipper! I just love you so much!’

The atmosphere around College begun to transform. They both stopped their habitual behaviour from skipping classes and studied hard to catch up. The determination and drive they had could very well rival the highest ranking students in their College. As long as they had their dream in sight, nothing could stop them. Dipper tried his hand at being more romantic than usual and although it was appreciated, Mabel did get a few chuckles out of it. He bought her a plate of sushi as a little present for their first day. It was all too sweet for Mabel as the look on Dipper face looked almost the same as hers that morning. She squealed with glee and snatched the fork and plate away from him just to gobble it all down. Dipper watched with a peaceful smile on his face. She’s just too good for me. She really is. I promise I’ll take care of you Mabes, all the way to the grave.

The trip back usually consisted of taking the bus all the way back but Dipper had another idea. There was a local field nearby, and he wanted to take Mabel for a stroll there. When he told her she excitedly accepted the idea and waited for him outside of the gates that afternoon. As Dipper approached her, he pointed the way and she followed suit. The walk was short but still full of surprising and interesting conversation between the two. Dipper had brought up the topic of the dream and the chit-chat became more of a serious verbal blueprint. He carried it forward with his discussion about what jobs they would have, how they would care for one another when sick. If Dipper would work the night shift or day shift. Mabel gazed in awe at him as verbal diarrhoea came spewing out.

‘I didn’t realise he cared this much.’ she thought to herself and it made her rather worried. Was she not putting enough effort into the relationship already? They just started but Dipper’s going all out guns blazing. Maybe she should follow after him. She felt a sudden tap on the shoulder and looked towards Dipper.

‘Here we are Mabes, check it out.’

She turned her head to witness an explosive array of bright pinks and dazzling oranges above the horizon. They spread across the blankets of the sky like wings on an elated vulture. She hadn’t realised how much time had passed. It felt like the exact opposite of last week. She didn’t know what to say, it was too good to be true. The colours in her vision blurred the thoughts in her head. She turned to Dipper eyes wide with wonder ‘how did you even find this place?’

Dipper let out a nervous chuckle, she knew she was in for a story.

‘It was last week, around the time it all got worse for the both of us. I think it got to me in one of the classes and I just bailed and left. I wanted somewhere to clear my thoughts, a space full of nothing. Away from all of the crap we keep around us all the time. I just kept walking in one direction from the gates and didn’t look back. The rustling sound of the cars driving by only made it worse. I just kept running hoping to find something and lo’ and behold here it was. It was honestly so beautiful the first time I saw it and it still is. It was my relief from the hell we brought upon ourselves. A temporary escape from my feelings. I guess I don’t need to use it like that anymore.’

[x-procrastinator-tee-blog]

Getting it right - the serene  climax to a beautiful fantasy.

  I was volunteering to take part in Sweden’s underwater ritual that was being held 200 meters from the coast of a silver sanded beach in Skane. The tradition was more of a rite of passage for adolesent boys to be turning into young men. I was to hold my breath underwater clenching a wooden cross against my chest, my back perfectly horizontal, touching the sea bed. As i reached my threshold, and was unable to hold on any longer, I let go of the cross and saw it rise rapidly above me. The water was so clear that I could see that it had reached the surface, and that was my cue to begin my ascension. It sort of felt like the ultimate act of faith in Christianity. In God i trust; an extreme baptism of sorts.   As soon as I began to rise through the crystal clear water I could feel the bed on my feet again, almost immediately. Didn’t I start to rise? Had an underwater current pushed me towards the shore? Because I had emerged from the surface and was walking towards the sands at this point. It all happened so quickly, while I was still struggling for air. Was it divine intervention? Like Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his Son if God wanted it so. I could see that it was a test. Under normal circumstances there was no way I could have reached the surface and swam towards shore. I wouldn’t have the energy to cover the 200 meters unless I was like Micheal Phelps. I should’ve drowned, no less.   I had made this trip a solo adventure, so I could only see myself in the DREAM. The ritual ended with all the participants getting to keep the crosses that they were submerged with, a memento to never forget what their faith meant. After bidding farewell, I walked into town. I passed by a few houses until the name plate on the door of the last house on the bend caught my eyes. I froze in my tracks. I mean it was winter time in Sweden but the cold didn’t bother me as much as the name “Get_Right” did. This was the house of Counter Strike’s legend, Christopher Alesund. I was stupefied by my luck. I’ve been a die hard fan of this man since 2008, since his time with SK in 1.6, back when he wore a grey tshirt and baggy jeans and gelled up hair and stretched out his hand to JW to say good game only to be denied a handshake because of an extremely “salty” opposition. GTR and Forest were just that good. They stuck together for 10 years while the remaining 3 members of NiP kept changing like the seasons. But then GTR announced his departure from NiP, and that changed everything for me towards my own experience with the game. Perhaps a part of my subconscious decided to make this trip in hopes of meeting Chris. I had to meet him at least once in my lifetime, and so I rang the bell.   I could see Chris’s hair had become a lighter shade of brown than I remembered, sparse as well, a symptom that I suffered from as well. The human condition of ageing. His head popped out through the gap between the door and the frame, the latch was still on. He looked at me and said, ”Yes? Can i help you?” I went down to my knees, clasped my hands together, tears rolled down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe it was him. He saw my act, unlatched the door, smiled and knelt before me in te exact same pose. Face to face with the legend himself. I embraced him and he invited me into his abode.   I sat at the table while he was in the kitchen preparing a warm beverage, probably a Swedish specialty, when his younger sister walked. A cute little girl with freckles and who wore plastic framed glasses. She was eating a bar of chocolate as she walked into the kitchen. She saw me and then looked at her brother, then smiled at me again and asked, “Are you a fan?” to which I replied, “Number 1″. She giggled.   The rest of what I saw was the three of us sitting at the table, sipping coco and laughing a lot at each other’s jokes. Chris asked me about my trip, and then later I got to ask him about his life’s direction. He told me about his plan to retire from the pro scene. I responded by telling him that i made a promise to myself that I would leave the day you did. “Well it certainly has come to that my friend, the younger talent out there is diificult to keep up with”. “Are you implying that you’re getting old for this?”, I asked. “My priorties have changed, and therefore my game has changed along with it I guess. I’m not the hero player that I used to be 10 years ago. I’m a grown man, that supports my family and I guess that perspective has trascended into my gameplay as well”. I had to respect that insight. I saw his role getting sidelined over the years within the team and not necessarily because of a bad performance. It’s the shifting mindset. When that happens, I realised (after talking to him that is) that it’s time to move on to better things. “FIne wine is fine because it keeps on fermenting, churning new ways, never stopping, each new twist adds a new essence of its flavor. That’s what being a legend is about. It’s not about being “Get_Right” or “tING”. It’s not about sustaining the title and playing to expectations. When you’re willing to let go of stabiltity (the titles) and playing it safe and instead, embrace the depths of the unknown, that’s when you feel alive”.   I looked at him with awe and even more respect than i began with that day when I stood outside his door. I shook his hand and thanked him for his hospitality and for making me come to terms with a game that I’ve had a relationship with for more than 15 years. I bid goodbye and walked towards a sun setting horizon. My mind was clear. I had no worries about this divorce. On towards better things in life, getting it right....finally.   

[yeskhanzadame11]

Pilates, Alexander and the Health of the Human Race

Joseph Pilates and F. Matthias Alexander law group have been essential pioneers in considering how the human body functions, and the way to enhance that functioning. Their ideas, carried on nowadays as the Pilates Method and the Alexander Technique, have had a profound influence on many different fitness education and somatic training packages.

One of the maximum putting parallels between those two guys's paintings is the sweeping view that they had of the fitness challenges facing mankind nowadays, and of the extensive-ranging advantages that could come approximately if their thoughts were placed into practice. They each spent a few years experimenting and operating on themselves, making their very own our bodies as laboratories, as it were, for checking out each new idea. They each also obtained sizable revel in in operating with others to enhance their functioning and that they each time and again offered to demonstrate their methods to anybody in authority who could make the effort to investigate them.

In each in their first essential publications, they express frustration with the direction the human race is taking and make pressing calls for remedial motion based totally on their discoveries. At the begin of "Your Health", published in 1934, Joseph Pilates writes:

"Daily, from sunrise to sundown, radio, newspapers and magazines broadcast to the world a way to maintain health, a way to modify fitness, what to consume, what to drink, even what to think.

"This conflicting statistics... (has triggered) not anything less than confusion (to those) who are so unlucky as to hear or examine the diametrically opposed viewpoints of our so-called guardians of our fitness, in view that it is alternatively the exception than the rule, that these instructions are in settlement of their thoughts and techniques.

"To person who has devoted the foremost portion of his life to the medical examine of the body and, to practical utility of natures's laws of lifestyles concerning the herbal improvement of coordinated bodily and intellectual fitness, and to the prevention as an alternative that the remedy of disorder, the incorrect information I actually have so frequently listened to or study borders carefully on the criminal. Why? Because the popularity of lots of those popular but bogus theories now not handiest effects in the squandering of untold millions of greenbacks, however, extra severely, can and does certainly shorten the lives of uncounted millions."

Apart from not citing TV or the net, one would have no manner of knowing this changed into written over seventy years in the past. We stay subjected to conflicting advice approximately nearly the entirety related to fitness - nutrients, exercise, posture, prescribed drugs, to name however some examples.

Clearly Pilates was addressing principal heath problems, troubles that are not prone to any kind of brief fix. The equal is proper for Alexander. In the outlet pages of his first e-book, "Man's Supreme Inheritance", written in 1918, Alexander devotes a exquisite many pages to the same worries voiced through Pilates. Some concept of the flavor of Alexander's writing may be located In his Preface to the First Edition of the eBook. Here Alexander explains why he feels the want to position forward his thoughts at once, despite the fact that they have been nevertheless in a initial nation of improvement:

"...There are numerous reasons why I ought to hesitate not...Leader among them being the appalling physical deterioration that can be seen via any smart observer who will stroll the streets of London or New York, as an example, and notice the shape and element of the average individuals who make up the crowd. So tons for the surface signs and symptoms. What inferences can we no longer draw from the facts? To take three times best: What of the disproportionate and reputedly undeniable growth within the cases of cancer, appendicitis, and madness? For that boom is going on no matter the truth that we have taken the subject critically to coronary heart. Now I might now not...Say that because the increase in those evils has gone hand-in-hand with our endeavors to elevate the standard by means of physical-lifestyle theories, relaxation sports, rest treatment plans (and consequently) the one is the result of the opposite; but missing more precise evidence on the primary point, I do keep that if physical-way of life sporting events, and so on., had carried out all that become anticipated of them they must be considered a whole failure in the checking of the 3 evils I actually have indexed."

n their analyses of the sad state of human affairs, occasionally both men veered into the world of the weird. Pilates, as an instance, viewed masturbation as "the curse of mankind" and Alexander had a few peculiar thoughts approximately vaccinations and approximately "primitive peoples". I suppose it is honest to say that those have been aberrations that did no longer take away from the critical discoveries these men made.

***

Pilates and Alexander placed forth a number of hints about how the serious health disaster going through present day present day man could be alleviated. They each encouraged a reasoned technique to the problem: find out exactly what is going incorrect, why it's far going incorrect, and then think out and observe a rational answer.

Both men emphasized the unlucky function of faulty childhood education and schooling which, in their perspectives, unavoidably caused dangerous habits of concept and movement. To conquer this, right schooling (or, greater accurately, re-seduction) turned into wished. As Pilates placed it, in a statement that would without difficulty have been written by using Alexander, "..Wrong behavior are accountable for maximum of our ailments, if no longer they all. Equally actual is the statement that only via right training is it viable to replace awful conduct with true ones..."

Both men felt that this re-seduction needed to be based totally on a clear factual knowledge of ways we characteristic and a clear-headed method to improving that functioning. As Pilates writes, "...Simply so one might also receive the maximum gain and resulting normal fitness from one's daily sports, one need to apprehend at least a number of the rudimentary underlying ideas governing the mechanism of the human body in motion, rest and sleep. For instance, knowledge of the leverage opportunities of the skeletal framework, the range and drawback of proper muscle anxiety and relaxation, the laws of equilibrium and gravity, and last however not least, a way to inhale and exhale (i.E. The way to breathe nicely and normally) are essential if we're to benefit from any physical activities."

This corresponds carefully with Alexander's perception that it's far essential to have some know-how of the way we're designed if we wish to make useful adjustments. Some of these ideas have been elaborated on in latest years by Alexander Technique teachers and termed "body mapping" - a easy, systematic, method via which you will find out a few some very simple, sensible, anatomical statistics approximately yourself.(1)

It's telling that both Pilates and Alexander had event to make disparaging remarks approximately anatomists. Pilates castigated them for failing to apprehend what he looked as if it would be the proper mechanism of the backbone and right strategies for training it. Alexander once met with a collection of anatomists and later commented that their research had carried out not anything beneficial to beautify their personal posture and movement patterns. For Alexander it made no experience to examine anatomy in case you were not going to apply your knowledge to improve your own functioning.

Both men had been self-educated in the subject of anatomy and, for the most component, their know-how of human form and functioning become correct. On event, but, they each have been guilty of profound anatomical misunderstandings. Pilates made a totally serious mistakes when he insisted that the appropriate human backbone ought to be straight - that any spinal curvature at all isn't herbal. Alexander, for his part, placed forth an odd take a look at designed to speedy determine the level of a person's nice of functioning ("use" in his phrases) based accessible positions - a check that has ultimately been completely discredited.

In the grand scheme of things, these failings are of adolescent importance in comparing the overall significance of these two guys's' method to health and health.

(1) Alexander law group Technique instructors Bill and Barbara Con able had been leaders in this development. Their eBook “How to Learn the Alexander Technique - A Manual for Students” is a good begin for absolutely everyone who wants to explore ways of enhancing posture and movement patterns on their own.

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New Post has been published on Webpostingpro

New Post has been published on http://webpostingpro.com/forget-the-property-ladder-we-need-real-housing-rights-for-all/

Forget the property ladder. We need real housing rights for all

S far returned as 2007, I take into account more affluent peers with a bit of luck predicting that they would be clambering onto the assets ladder rapidly after graduation: shopping a small flat,

Then upgrading to a small house before, with any luck, shopping for in their Nineteen Forties the kind of domestic featured in weekday nighttime assets programs.

Then the financial crash hit at the same time as we were in college,

And locating a job, let alone a loan regarded more and more not going. house prices rose, at the same time as wages didn’t and the dream regarded greater distant. Now, post-Brexit and Trump,

With Global Conflict III threatening to result from Russia, Syria, and we’re sabre-rattling, looking to get onto this increasingly more mythical assets ladder appears fruitless, in view that we’re essentially dwelling in a society that resembles Threads extra carefully than Notting Hill.

Now, even the Telegraph(£) is warning that so-known as “housing mobility

The capability to move from one domestic to any other large domestic is declining. Sure, folks who were given into the marketplace early, and onto the famous ladder, may be asset rich, however, this advantage is offset through how tons their children will pay to get away personal renting.

Increasingly people are also paying the most they are able to on mortgages, with a growth in interest charges, or a redundancy threatening to disillusioned the monetary balancing act. Few young human beings now purchase in maximum top markets without parental help and in the regions wherein a housing is most low cost, like Blaenau Gwent, Copeland, and Port Talbot, jobs are scarce.

And that’s just the those who had been ever possibly to scale this ladder.

The poorest by no means anticipated so that you can comfy mortgages, however inside the beyond have been much more likely to discover a home in social housing, with the security of tenure and low-priced rents.

That safety has been attacked for many years, with council homes bought underneath proper to shop for, and now with the pressured sale of excessive value council houses, the end of lifetime tenancies, and right to shop for put on steroids: the right to buy bargain has been raised to encourage income, and authorities leaflets advertising the scheme are repeatedly published thru letterboxes.

How To Give A Girl A Kiss She Will Never Forget

However, be warned, as the way you kiss maximum clearly tells lots about you, make certain that you are sending out the right message to yours!

With that in thoughts, shall we have a look at the subsequent:

Bad Styles of Kisses and Terrible Matters They say about You

1, Suckface

This can scare her away right away, her face isn’t always a carpet to be vacuumed!

It’s going to make her see you as controlling and does not send a good message.

2, Overly Competitive Monster

Take into account that you are each equals and are not competing so do now not attack her mouth, you aren’t some soccer participant pushing via the shielding line to try and rating a touchdown.

This could nicely inform her which you are over demanding and once more would not give a great message. You need to try to ease into it as girls an awful lot select someone who shows that they are no longer so desperate.

3, Useless Fish

This is terrible and entails you just poking your tongue in their mouth and leaving it lying there, This is a certain hearth way to make certain you will in no way get a kiss from them once more! This shows no effort, laziness and can display the lack of willingness and dedication… now not accurate.

4, The Sloppy Moist One

once more, not very attractive… Who likes saliva drooling anywhere and tongues thrashing approximately like infants in a paddling pool, if you move approximately your kissing like this, you’re showing girls loss of competencies and attention to detail.

And, if there may be one factor which is extremely essential to ladies, it is the ones little info.

A girls character may also be conveyed in her kiss so appearance out for a way she kisses you too.

Earlier than going any similarly, you must understand that ninety% of sex is mental, therefore you have to construct it up in her mind.

You need to get her emotions flowing and set the temper. Additionally, Remember the fact that the most attractive best a lady seems for in a man is confidence, and you can convey this via your kiss, But never try and kiss a lady if you predetermine that you are going to tug returned if she appears hesitant or in any way sense uncertain of yourself.

Property Development – What’s an Entitlement and Why Do I Need it to Build

The definition of entitlement with regard to land improvement is the criminal approach of obtaining approvals for the proper to expand property for a particular use. The entitlement manner is complex, time ingesting and may be high-priced, however, know what you can and can’t do with a piece of assets is critical to determining the real estate feasibility of your mission. Some examples of entitlements are as follows:real property search

Entitlement Examples:

1. Zoning and zoning variances for constructing heights, a variety of parking areas, setbacks. Your land use lawyers and zoning specialists come into play here. My recommendation is to heavily rely upon their understanding and follow their directions to keep away from unnecessary delays on your approval procedure.

2. Rezoning. Depending on the contemporary use allowed for the property, you might want to have the website rezoned which is a complex process and every so often can’t be done.new property Malaysian

3 Use Allows. You could want to reap conditional use Lets in and this is going hand in hand with zoning and zoning variances.

4. Avenue approvals. Do you want to put in present roads? Who maintains the roads? Are there shared roads through easements? These are all questions which you want to have the answers to and be prepared to comply with within the regulatory technique.

5 Utility approvals. Are utilities to be had to the site? Do you want to donate land to the metropolis in exchange for Software entitlements? Again, you may need to conform to the municipality rules and standards.

6. Landscaping approvals. The town making plans and development businesses must also approve your design and landscaping. Your architect and engineers may be most useful on this location.

Hire an Experienced improvement Crew:

The fine suggest is to Hire an Experienced development Crew of architects, builders, attorneys, mission specialists, civil, soil, landscape and structural engineers and consultants on the onset that will help you examine, review, interpret and advocate you regarding layout studies, relevant zoning and code requirements, and most development capability of the belongings. Without a Skilled Team, it is extraordinarily tough and a number of time might be wasted in trying to complete the regulatory manner due to the fact the very nature of the regulatory process is so complicated.

Selling Your Home in a Slow Housing Market

Shopping for or promoting a home in a gradual housing market may be hard however no longer not possible. A client is reluctant to make investments due to the fact they are scared that the prices of houses will decrease extra after they buy a home even as the dealers are locating it tough to promote their domestic at an inexpensive or respectable fee. It will become a touch difficult for a property owner to convince a client to shop for their home. In case you are a dealer there are a few smart hints you may incorporate that will help them sell their home speedy even in a slow housing marketplace.

One tip which can work in your desire is to position a board for your front garden that states on the market or fee decreased. Ensure that you rent a professional real property agent that has experience in selling houses in a gradual housing market. Right here are a few other pointers that can help you promote your property fast.

Realize your opposition and market before

You may begin to search for customers you need to Recognize about the composition of your goal marketplace. For instance, if your property is primarily based in a cul-de-sac this is quiet and you have a traditional house empty nesters or infant boomers may be interested in this type of home.

Newly married couples could be more interested in a modern home. All of the advertising efforts may be based on customer options and vicinity; you ought to also have estimates of your competition, to be able to be different dealers to your area. customers will inquire approximately different homes on the market so you can not just quote a charge and anticipate a consumer to pay what you quoted. In a slow housing market, sellers will outnumber the buyers.

• Level your property professionally a few experience that doing

This is simply an added expense but it’s miles one the nice approaches to stimulate the choice within the customer to stay in the home. it’s miles endorsed which you hire a professional domestic staging expert due to the fact they have the information of the psychology of various buyers,

Their options, and flavor. These experts also Recognize how to coins in on the strengths of your private home and camouflage any weaknesses. They may Know how to position your fixtures in order that it leaves a lasting impact on the buyer and make your property stick out from its competition.

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The Life of Her London Parties, Now Out to Save Them All

New Post has been published on https://universeinform.com/2017/03/19/the-life-of-her-london-parties-now-out-to-save-them-all/

The Life of Her London Parties, Now Out to Save Them All

LONDON — In the 25 years considering the fact that she moved to London from her local New Jersey, Amy Lamé has staged an overdue night time manifesto on included intercourse in one of the city’s most notorious homosexual cruising zones, and created and hosted a sex and sexuality-themed Tv recreation display. She has also emceed a cabaret night whose visitors have covered a flame dancer, a hula hoop artist, and a stripping dwarf.

Subsequent up for Ms. Lamé: one of the most visible positions in London’s town authorities.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, appointed Ms. Lamé in November because of the metropolis’s night time Czar committed to fostering and selling night time lifestyles Inside the metropolis. Belying its reputation as a global capital for meals and entertainment, London has misplaced about 50 percentage of its nightclubs and 35 percentage of its domestically owned and operated track spots considering the fact that 2007. The metropolis’s excellent cherished clubs have had acrimonious public fights with builders and citizens to stay open.hyde park london

Now, the mayor’s office is instituting measures — along with the only year appointment of Ms

. Lamé — to ensure that London continues its part at the same time as Britain’s go out from the European Union threatens the metropolis’s fame as Europe’s de facto capital of factors like night existence, tourism, and banking.

“Sadiq should see night existence disappearing earlier than his eyes,” Ms. Lamé said at a current dinner at a chic overdue-night restaurant Inside the Soho district. She had completed her martini — an ardor fruit-flavored vodka, with a pour-over shot of champagne, served compliments of the house —

And moved on to red wine. “My job is to stem that go with the flow Ms. Lamé, forty-six and a self-defined “chubby white American lesbian,” moved to London in 1992, looking for an adventure and a place to stretch her wings. She had simply popped out of the closet and had graduated from Washington University at the Japanese Shore of Maryland with a diploma in French and arts with a strong point in medieval studies. (“Masses of jobs for French-talking medievalists, through the manner,” she said over dinner.)

The big apple regarded too near domestic for a place to take the subsequent step and, she stated, like an area full of human beings from returned domestic pretending they came from the town. So Ms. Lamé decamped to London and began operating before everything Out, a cafe-bar in Soho, which becomes then the metropolis’s middle of homosexual life.

Even as running there, she met Simon Casson, and in 1995 they commenced Duckie, a cabaret night time and art collective that has run each Saturday for 22 years at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. She commenced a wide-ranging freelance career that has covered work as a presenter on BBC radio, a version, a sports show host, a neighborhood activist and mayor of the borough of Camden. This spring, she can release her first e-book, a gay history geared in the direction of youngsters.

  The Best Retail Therapy London Has to Offer

For plenty traffic to London spending a few days shopping is precisely what the doctor ordered. In fact, a massive volume of visitors will do their buying in London taking gain of the shops and boutiques, in which they can purchase a number of the top manufacturers and a few considered one of the kind items.

There are positive streets and areas that are considered the crème de Los Angeles crème for retail therapy, these consist of:

Bond Road

Bond Road is probably the maximum well-known buying Road in all of London. This has the biggest awareness of fashion designer stores with names inclusive of Prada, Louis Vuitton, Armani and more to pick from. You may without problems spend an entire day buying in Bond Avenue and don’t forget to try the adjoining streets to peer what other stores are to be had for you to shop for what you are seeking out.

Carnal Avenue

Carnaby Avenue is every other need to for absolutely everyone trying to get some purchasing completed while traveling London. This Street has more than one hundred and forty shops, bars and eating places. An appropriate place to shop and loosen up, sip an espresso and watch the opposite shopping bustle by way of. Take advantage of the quaint boutique stores and fashion designer shops, providing an extensive variety of clothing, home goods, technology, electric and greater.

Kings Road

Kings Roads is every other of the pinnacle shopping regions of London. Here you’ll find an energetic and nearby area complete with the excessive Street shops you expect to locate whilst having a far needed day of retail therapy. From Primark to Debenhams and more, you may without problems spend your day exploring the shops and playing the time you want to relax and get all of your shopping carried out without problems.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a top purchasing region with the marketplace as the principle focal factor. Once you’ve got browsed the market and bought what you want, You could make your manner to the sort of shops and coffee stores on offer. loosen up with a delicious cappuccino or latte between stores to present you the electricity boost you want to maintain with the retail remedy properly into the afternoon.

Knightsbridge

When searching out an afternoon of shopping, then Knightsbridge can be the solution you’re seeking out. Knightsbridge is the house of the very famous branch save, Harrods, which is known around the sector for his or her luxury purchasing studies. Harrods has greater than three hundred departments complete with experienced and qualified staff, so you are assured to have the first-class purchasing revel in.

Oxford Avenue

Oxford Street is home to over 3 hundred stores taking up five million rectangular toes of retail area. As You could consider this is a consumer’s paradise. This Avenue is understood for it is dressmaker boutique shops, that could take a whole day to discover everything on offer. Spend an afternoon window buying or enjoy a day of secure retail therapy in Oxford Avenue that is one Avenue you do now not want to miss when spending an afternoon of buying in London.

Regent Road

Regent Street isn’t always the very best at the listing for buying, but this Road does have something special which affords a tremendous day of shopping in London. Regent Avenue is wherein you will discover the bigger shops, so at the same time as you could no longer have as many stores as Oxford Road or Bond Street, every shop will provide you a much wider selection of objects, so you need to visit fewer shops to get what you need, which may be beneficial when you are purchasing on constrained time.

Advantages of Hiring Catering For Parties

Events are truly fun. However organizing them isn’t always so clean process. It’s miles, in truth, stressful and consists of loads of difficult work both bodily and mentally. If you are at a rate of organizing the entirety then that can be lots tough for you. Even the anxiety can give you sleepless nights due to a whole lot strain.

Due to the rapid development of the contemporary age, many staff has grown to be a lot easier than it becomes in the sooner days. Certain pointers had been supplied on several matters that makes the running of it easy. So, when you are in a temper to host a celebration you could take the assist from these. There are quite a few websites which are committed to providing the vital assist. those assist you to with the birthday party making plans, an idea about how celebration planners do the paintings. Additionally, you will get to understand about the different services like the catering, the decorators, and so on.

Hiring all the services no longer handiest makes you much less demanding But also facilitates you to triumph over excessive anxiety approximately the birthday party. They’re even precise in making the whole thing take place within your finances. As a result, you may be unfastened to roam about and party tough along with your pals and the member of the family and live each moment with them.

At the same time as deciding on a caterer, it may be said that you should leave those who have a prior expertise and feature worked with big company units. This would make sure that they’ve higher information of the marketplace, budgeting understanding and sources that could be beneficial for you. Additionally, they preserve recipes which might be substituted if one isn’t always equipped to have what have been supplied via them. The fine component is that the offerings vendors do not compromise with the great of the meals gadgets and different things.

Any other component is that when the birthday celebration is over you do no longer must fear approximately the cleaning element. The caterers will contend with the used dishes and the regions. This will come up with comfort from the heavy and burdening mission. Therefore, It’s far lots obvious that a catering career can alleviation you from the burdens of after celebration paintings. you will also ensure that everything is within your price range and also you keep the more penny. As a result, your partying might be an awful lot better than you may have possibly idea of. So, without a second concept lease the birthday celebration caterers and experience your day.

Ambition: Do Some People’s Childhoods Set Them Up To Be Ambitious?

Even as there are some human beings who have really no desire to do something, there are others who find it hard to take a seat nevertheless. In relation to the previous, one is probably best too glad to stay in bed all day.

Yet, In relation to the latter, they’ll be handiest too satisfied to get away from a bed and to get matters shifting. While they could recognize how important it is to sleep, they might nonetheless see it as something that gets in the manner.

Some other Dynamic

At the side of this, there are going to be folks who visit paintings to pay the payments and others who go there to rise to the pinnacle. inside the first case, it may be said that they will satisfied to show up, and that would be as some distance as it is going.

On the other hand, whilst this is not the reason why they go to work; it is not going to be sufficient for them to do that. they could need to gain mastery over the level they’re at, after which to transport to the following stage as soon as they can.

The Similarity

Even though the primary instance is barely different to the second one, it still shows that there is a distinction When it comes to how driven people are. nevertheless, this isn’t to say that everybody will fall into one aspect of the spectrum or the other, because it is not going to be this black and white.

There are truely going to be human beings who’ve the choice to be successful in lifestyles, but it might not consume their whole life. In addition to this, there might be human beings who’ve moments once they need to transport forward in lifestyles and moments while this isn’t the case.

Balance

If this does not consume someone’s lifestyles, there might be a number of others matters that matter to them. Perhaps they’ve youngsters, after which loads of their time may be spent looking after them.

On the identical time, they may prefer to spend a whole lot of time with their friends and family, and this can be an essential part of their existence. Their career could then be visible as being insignificant in evaluation.

inside the Beyond

There may be also the threat that they have not usually been this way, and this could have changed after they had children. This would then have triggered them to take a step returned and to reflect onconsideration on what definitely topics.

Their priorities needed to alternate, and This would have enabled them to be there for his or her children. Or, they may have got to the factor where they have been now not inclined to hold on in this way, and having fulfilling relationships have become a priority.

Some other Perspective

But, if one does have a strong preference to gain success, they may say that this will permit them to provide their children a higher lifestyles. And if they’re not a parent Yet, they will be ready till they attain a sure factor.

One then has one consciousness, however that does not mean that they’re now not interested in some thing else. Therefore, as their lifestyles begins to alternate, it’s going to permit them to pay greater attention to this place, in addition to many others.online typewriter

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New Post has been published on Webpostingpro

New Post has been published on http://webpostingpro.com/forget-the-property-ladder-we-need-real-housing-rights-for-all/

Forget the property ladder. We need real housing rights for all

S far returned as 2007, I take into account more affluent peers with a bit of luck predicting that they would be clambering onto the assets ladder rapidly after graduation: shopping a small flat,

Then upgrading to a small house before, with any luck, shopping for in their Nineteen Forties the kind of domestic featured in weekday nighttime assets programs.

Then the financial crash hit at the same time as we were in college,

And locating a job, let alone a loan regarded more and more not going. house prices rose, at the same time as wages didn’t and the dream regarded greater distant. Now, post-Brexit and Trump,

With Global Conflict III threatening to result from Russia, Syria, and we’re sabre-rattling, looking to get onto this increasingly more mythical assets ladder appears fruitless, in view that we’re essentially dwelling in a society that resembles Threads extra carefully than Notting Hill.

Now, even the Telegraph(£) is warning that so-known as “housing mobility

The capability to move from one domestic to any other large domestic is declining. Sure, folks who were given into the marketplace early, and onto the famous ladder, may be asset rich, however, this advantage is offset through how tons their children will pay to get away personal renting.

Increasingly people are also paying the most they are able to on mortgages, with a growth in interest charges, or a redundancy threatening to disillusioned the monetary balancing act. Few young human beings now purchase in maximum top markets without parental help and in the regions wherein a housing is most low cost, like Blaenau Gwent, Copeland, and Port Talbot, jobs are scarce.

And that’s just the those who had been ever possibly to scale this ladder.

The poorest by no means anticipated so that you can comfy mortgages, however inside the beyond have been much more likely to discover a home in social housing, with the security of tenure and low-priced rents.

That safety has been attacked for many years, with council homes bought underneath proper to shop for, and now with the pressured sale of excessive value council houses, the end of lifetime tenancies, and right to shop for put on steroids: the right to buy bargain has been raised to encourage income, and authorities leaflets advertising the scheme are repeatedly published thru letterboxes.

How To Give A Girl A Kiss She Will Never Forget

However, be warned, as the way you kiss maximum clearly tells lots about you, make certain that you are sending out the right message to yours!

With that in thoughts, shall we have a look at the subsequent:

Bad Styles of Kisses and Terrible Matters They say about You

1, Suckface

This can scare her away right away, her face isn’t always a carpet to be vacuumed!

It’s going to make her see you as controlling and does not send a good message.

2, Overly Competitive Monster

Take into account that you are each equals and are not competing so do now not attack her mouth, you aren’t some soccer participant pushing via the shielding line to try and rating a touchdown.

This could nicely inform her which you are over demanding and once more would not give a great message. You need to try to ease into it as girls an awful lot select someone who shows that they are no longer so desperate.

3, Useless Fish

This is terrible and entails you just poking your tongue in their mouth and leaving it lying there, This is a certain hearth way to make certain you will in no way get a kiss from them once more! This shows no effort, laziness and can display the lack of willingness and dedication… now not accurate.

4, The Sloppy Moist One

once more, not very attractive… Who likes saliva drooling anywhere and tongues thrashing approximately like infants in a paddling pool, if you move approximately your kissing like this, you’re showing girls loss of competencies and attention to detail.

And, if there may be one factor which is extremely essential to ladies, it is the ones little info.

A girls character may also be conveyed in her kiss so appearance out for a way she kisses you too.

Earlier than going any similarly, you must understand that ninety% of sex is mental, therefore you have to construct it up in her mind.

You need to get her emotions flowing and set the temper. Additionally, Remember the fact that the most attractive best a lady seems for in a man is confidence, and you can convey this via your kiss, But never try and kiss a lady if you predetermine that you are going to tug returned if she appears hesitant or in any way sense uncertain of yourself.

Property Development – What’s an Entitlement and Why Do I Need it to Build

The definition of entitlement with regard to land improvement is the criminal approach of obtaining approvals for the proper to expand property for a particular use. The entitlement manner is complex, time ingesting and may be high-priced, however, know what you can and can’t do with a piece of assets is critical to determining the real estate feasibility of your mission. Some examples of entitlements are as follows:real property search

Entitlement Examples:

1. Zoning and zoning variances for constructing heights, a variety of parking areas, setbacks. Your land use lawyers and zoning specialists come into play here. My recommendation is to heavily rely upon their understanding and follow their directions to keep away from unnecessary delays on your approval procedure.

2. Rezoning. Depending on the contemporary use allowed for the property, you might want to have the website rezoned which is a complex process and every so often can’t be done.new property Malaysian

3 Use Allows. You could want to reap conditional use Lets in and this is going hand in hand with zoning and zoning variances.

4. Avenue approvals. Do you want to put in present roads? Who maintains the roads? Are there shared roads through easements? These are all questions which you want to have the answers to and be prepared to comply with within the regulatory technique.

5 Utility approvals. Are utilities to be had to the site? Do you want to donate land to the metropolis in exchange for Software entitlements? Again, you may need to conform to the municipality rules and standards.

6. Landscaping approvals. The town making plans and development businesses must also approve your design and landscaping. Your architect and engineers may be most useful on this location.

Hire an Experienced improvement Crew:

The fine suggest is to Hire an Experienced development Crew of architects, builders, attorneys, mission specialists, civil, soil, landscape and structural engineers and consultants on the onset that will help you examine, review, interpret and advocate you regarding layout studies, relevant zoning and code requirements, and most development capability of the belongings. Without a Skilled Team, it is extraordinarily tough and a number of time might be wasted in trying to complete the regulatory manner due to the fact the very nature of the regulatory process is so complicated.

Selling Your Home in a Slow Housing Market

Shopping for or promoting a home in a gradual housing market may be hard however no longer not possible. A client is reluctant to make investments due to the fact they are scared that the prices of houses will decrease extra after they buy a home even as the dealers are locating it tough to promote their domestic at an inexpensive or respectable fee. It will become a touch difficult for a property owner to convince a client to shop for their home. In case you are a dealer there are a few smart hints you may incorporate that will help them sell their home speedy even in a slow housing marketplace.

One tip which can work in your desire is to position a board for your front garden that states on the market or fee decreased. Ensure that you rent a professional real property agent that has experience in selling houses in a gradual housing market. Right here are a few other pointers that can help you promote your property fast.

Realize your opposition and market before

You may begin to search for customers you need to Recognize about the composition of your goal marketplace. For instance, if your property is primarily based in a cul-de-sac this is quiet and you have a traditional house empty nesters or infant boomers may be interested in this type of home.

Newly married couples could be more interested in a modern home. All of the advertising efforts may be based on customer options and vicinity; you ought to also have estimates of your competition, to be able to be different dealers to your area. customers will inquire approximately different homes on the market so you can not just quote a charge and anticipate a consumer to pay what you quoted. In a slow housing market, sellers will outnumber the buyers.

• Level your property professionally a few experience that doing

This is simply an added expense but it’s miles one the nice approaches to stimulate the choice within the customer to stay in the home. it’s miles endorsed which you hire a professional domestic staging expert due to the fact they have the information of the psychology of various buyers,

Their options, and flavor. These experts also Recognize how to coins in on the strengths of your private home and camouflage any weaknesses. They may Know how to position your fixtures in order that it leaves a lasting impact on the buyer and make your property stick out from its competition.