#Trench Boxes for Hire

[nametakensff]

I'll show you disease (B/illy, S/tranger T/hings)

Here's a 3.8k nasty fic no-one asked for of E/ddie selling B/illy weed at a house party when B/illy is sick with some evil cold or flu bug. AU of some kind in which they are both alive and nothing exceptional ever happened to them so they're just getting on with life 🤷‍♀️

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Content:

M/M but not really (they hate each other), Cold/flu sneezes, voyeurism, E/ddie has the fetish, E/ddie is germaphobic but conflicted over it, some mentions of mess, contagion, sneezing in someone's face, mentions of masturbation

CW: Non-consensual contagion, very brief mention of someone throwing up, some suppressed shame over the fetish, homophobic and ableist slurs, physical violence, young men being fucking stupid and aggressive

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I really should emphasise this is a pretty seedy fic. No nice feelings to be had, just pure nasty fetish content I had to get out of my system 😅

NSFW, minors please DNI!

Eddie leaned up against the back wall of the fancy house he was currently lurking behind, black metal lunch box in hand. He hadn’t wanted to show up to this fucking shitshow of a house party. It had quite literally been the last thing he had wanted to do. This was his third time taking calculus and he had a stack of equations to get through before the homework was due on Friday. He hated that shit, hated it with a passion, and yet – he would rather be crouched over his desk, chewing the end of his pencil to wood chips and dying of boredom, than be at this party. But his amp had finally given out on him and he’d burned through any and all drug money this month already. He knew selling weed and ket to teenagers wasn’t exactly a respectable occupation, but nobody would hire him in this fucking town, even to flip burgers, and he sure as fuck wasn’t going to bug Wayne for cash. So he was here, trying to tune out the blare of some trash Oingo Boingo song and working his way through a crumpled pack of cigarettes.

There was a sudden commotion to his left. A jock pushed his way through a gaggle of students and made it halfway down the (extensive, perfectly mown) lawn before emptying his guts noisily. Eddie wrinkled his nose at the sight before tossing his cigarette to ground and grinding it out on the (obviously pricey and incredibly tasteful) flagstones. Why him, why him.

It was nearing the end of November, and Hawkins was fucking cold. He snuggled into his leather jacket, for all the good it did him. The other partygoers didn’t seem to notice the freezing temperature at all – but then again, they had enough cheap alcohol in their system to anesthetise a family of elephants, so it made sense. He’d have to break out his trench coat soon, and after that, his woefully ratty puffer jacket. He hated that shit, a total style-cramper of a coat, but vanity be damned. It was the only thing that successfully kept out the cold.

He sniffled, nose starting to run a little. He swiped across his philtrum, grimacing at the dampness pooling there and how freezing the tip of his nose was. He really, really didn’t want to get sick, not with whatever plague was going round Hawkins High this year. He’d had a close call with Gareth last week, had disbanded Hellfire mid-session in a desperate attempt to separate himself and everyone else from what had to be the fastest and messiest progression of an upper-respiratory infection he had ever seen. It seemed like half his classes were empty, not that he particularly gave a fuck about that. He would rather the sick students actually stay at home than brave coming to school and give their germs to him.

It was strange, to be so disgusted by the thought of himself being sick but find the contagion aspect of it so incredibly erotic. The other day he’d been making his way to his locker between classes when he’d seen and heard one of the senior cheerleaders – he forgot her name – erupt into a dramatic fit of seven girly sneezes that sent her pitching forward into steepled hands, before using said germy hands to open the door of a classroom. He took a detour to the bathroom to calm himself – from both the creeping anxiety and sudden rush of blood to his groin.

The sound of something shattering inside the house followed by drunken whooping and cheering pulled him out of his thoughts. He rolled his eyes and lit his third – or was it his fourth? – cigarette of the evening. He really should lay off the things, especially if he wanted to strengthen his immune system, but right now he needed something to occupy his mind. Business was slow-going, partially due to the fact that half the student body was sick, and partially due to the fact that he was in no mood to actively socialise and be surrounded by wasted teenagers while George Michael was blaring loudly enough to give him a tension headache. Funny that Iron Maiden never did that to him, even at the maximum volume of his car speakers.

A couple more sales should get him what he wanted. He could probably make more if he put in the effort, but it was just not one of those days. The thought that he would probably make easier sales going door to door selling Robitussin this week passed through his mind, and he chuckled at the absurdity of it.

“Hh’RRrSSHhh’uhh!!”

Nearly dropping his cigarette, Eddie’s body perked up immediately at the sound of what was, at least to his ears, an incredibly sexy sneeze. Gruff, irritated and masculine, it echoed a little in the garden and at least three girls called out blessings in response. He listened for a beat as the culprit offered no thank you’s, trying not to hold his breath in anticipation for what he hoped was a second sneeze.

“Hh-!! HAHhh’TSCcchhh’uh!!”

Ooh, that sounded desperate. And so wet. He took a drag on his cigarette and let himself luxuriate on the exhale and the sound of the sneeze looping in his mind. It was a welcome respite from the boredom and shitty pop music. Eddie scanned what he could of the garden from his vantage point but couldn’t see anyone that looked like they were recovering from a fierce double of sneezes. Maybe they’d made their way outside to sneeze before heading back in? Either way, it seemed like that was it. He was a little disappointed he wouldn’t get to hear any more. Those sneezes had been hot, plain and simple, admittedly leaving his jeans a little tighter than before. He was grateful that he was partial to black jeans and had found a particularly shadowy corner to skulk in. It wasn’t as if anyone was coming over anyway.

It was as he was sighing in frustration and taking a final drag on the stump of his cig that he heard honest-to-god footsteps approaching him from the left. He straightened up, ready to turn on as much charm as he could to secure the last 20 to 30 dollars he needed.

His smile dropped the second he took in the sight of the man approaching him, and it took him almost all of his energy to stop himself from groaning out loud. He kept his cool, flicking the cigarette butt to the ground and standing up straight.

“Hargrove! Fancy meeting you here.”

As he had expected he would, Billy downright snarled at him.

“Cut the shit, Munson. I’m not here to fucking chit-chat.”

Eddie smirked.

“Oh, believe me, honey, I know. You want a half-ounce of reefer?”

Billy bristled at the pet name, also just as Eddie had expected. He loved messing with the guy, even if it earned him a couple of punches here and there. Billy would never rough him up totally – the dude was insane, most likely a certifiable sociopath, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew that Eddie was both the fastest and cheapest way to get a fix, and it would do no good to brain his dealer over some light teasing.

“Yeah. Hurry up, freak.”

Eddie made a point of opening his lunch box as slowly as possible, delighting in the way the vein on Billy’s forehead was starting to bulge. He had no idea why the girls flocked to such a douchebag. Hargrove was good looking, he knew that – he had eyes. But there was this aura around the guy – something just not right about him. Girls didn’t even give him a chance, though he knew that was partially due to his own doing. Anyway. Weed. He could only joke around so much before Billy reached the end of his tether.

He held the plastic bag up to Billy, jumping back and out of reach when Billy made a grab for it.

“Munson, I swear to god –“

“Cash first, doll-face. Twenty dollars.” Eddie smirked at him.

“Fucking fag.” Billy grumbled but reached into his pocket and rummaged around anyway. He pulled out two crumpled tens and was half-started proffering them to Eddie when he suddenly froze. Eddie frowned and tilted his head, wondering what the fuck was happening until a sudden flicker of movement at the centre of Billy’s face – his nostrils giving a violent twitch – had him zoning in like a hawk.

An intense look of irritation was taking over Billy’s features in a distinctively pre-sneeze fashion. Despite himself, Eddie felt a tingle of anticipation race down his spine. Hargrove was a psycho, but he was a hot psycho, and it would be a lie if he said he wasn’t at least a little curious to hear him sneeze. The metalhead continued to feign confusion so that he could carry on watching Billy’s expression crumple, and, to his utter delight, listen as the younger man issued a couple of soft gasps, the tickle teasing him mercilessly.

Eddie licked his lips, a nervous habit and nothing more, but was nonetheless relieved that Billy was far too distracted to notice. And man, was he distracted. He didn’t mask the desperation on his face at all – if anything, he seemed to lean into it, nostrils twitching and flaring as his tongue pressed against his bottom lip. He looked ridiculous, which was to say painfully erotic, at least to Eddie. Stupid, sexy psychopath.

Finally, the tickle seemed to crest, and with a final gasp, Billy was pitching forward with a wrenching sneeze.

“HuHh’RRrrrschh!!”

Eddie jumped out of the way just in time, clumsily stepping back from the glittering cloud of spray that the younger man let out unhindered. He paused for a moment, in which Eddie watched the aerosol of the sneeze dissipate gently in the cold night air, before his head tipped forward with another harsh expulsion.

“HH’TTSCHhhGH!!”

The spray was even denser this time as Billy sneezed forcefully through clenched teeth. Eddie licked his lips again, couldn’t help himself. No question about it, Hargrove was definitely the source of those earlier, cock-throbbingly sexy sneezes, and he had a front-row seat to the absolute spectacle of it all. The lack of manners and etiquette, the way the younger man just let loose with no regard for the fact that Eddie had been standing well within the splash zone was an unfortunate and very potent turn-on. The metalhead shifted from one foot to the other, reaching a hand into his pocket and squeezing his cock through his jeans in a weak attempt to wrangle it into submission.

Billy righted himself, blinking through bleary, wet eyelashes for a moment and shaking his head, looking for all the world like the sneezes had temporarily sent him on a trip to another dimension. He snuffled and Eddie winced. That did not sound healthy. He watched as the younger man wiped his damp lips and nostrils on the back of his free hand before thrusting the bills out toward him, as if nothing at all had occurred.

“Uhh, bless you.” Eddie offered, hearing the thinly veiled disgust (and something else) in his own voice. He could have sworn he actually felt the germs being transferred from paper to skin as he slid the tainted money into his pocket, making sure not to graze his erection as he went.

Billy said nothing, didn’t even so much as grunt, just stared Eddie down with those cold blue eyes and held out his empty hand for the drugs. Eddie pressed the bag into his palm, trying not to stare but failing as Billy used the thumb and forefinger of his other hand to swipe at his nostrils – pinching them shut before pulling down towards his septum, transferring the dampness to his fingertips.

“Always a pleasure, Hargrove.” Eddie muttered under his breath, snapping his lunch box closed and turning to make his way the fuck off the property and back to the safe, germless confines of his van. He flinched at the sudden sensation of Billy gripping his shoulder tight. A confusing wave of disgust and arousal flowed through him as he realised it was the hand he had just been using to tend to his nose.

“Wait. Do you have any joints, pre-rolled?”

Eddie did, but they were his.

“I do, but they’re mine. Let go.”

He attempted to free himself from the grip, but Billy squeezed tighter. Accepting a quick defeat, he rolled his eyes and reached into the interior pocket of his jacket. With crazies like Hargrove, when they were on one like this, it was better to give them what they wanted. For a price, of course. He held it up so that Billy could see but not reach.

“I want another ten for this.”

He was absolutely pushing his luck, and he knew it. If Billy got violent, he’d cut his losses and fork it over, but he may as well try and milk the situation just a little. To his surprise, Billy just nodded, letting go of his shoulder and rooting around in his pocket for another bill. When he handed it over with no fanfare, Eddie handed him the joint and eagerly snatched at the money.

He was about to leave again when he noticed Billy, joint perched in his mouth, patting his own leather jacket up and down and cussing under his breath. He should have just turned and gone, would have under any other circumstances. If Billy the bigot couldn’t find his lighter, it was no skin off his teeth. It’s just, he had absolutely ripped the guy off, and he was clearly sick…

“Need a light?” He offered, flipping his own lighter open.

Billy regarded him for a moment before grunting, securing the joint between two fingers and allowing Eddie to lean forward and light the tip for him. He took a long drag before exhaling the smoke out of his nostrils – something Eddie had seen him do a number of times before, but never with such a miserably stuffy nose. Billy was coughing almost instantly before a shaky inhale tipped his blonde head backwards in preparation for another bout of sneezing.

His nostrils looked great when they flared like that, Eddie thought to himself, no longer giving a fuck about his lingering gaze now that it was evident Billy was entirely incapacitated by the tickle in his nose. He watched through unblinking eyes as those pinkening nostrils flared to capacity, stomach fluttering a little as Billy took in that final, heaving breath before he was pushed over the edge.

“Hh’RRISCHHhh’uh!! HaHH’TSCCHhhh!! ‘TTtSCHHhhttt!!”

A triple this time. Eddie watched as Billy sprayed the air thrice, each sneeze increasing in sloppy intensity and sending shivers of pleasure down his spine. The thought of catching those sneezes with his palm, feeling the force and drenching wetness of them first-hand sent such a sudden rush of blood to his stiffening cock that he almost swooned with it.

Billy appeared just as winded post-sneeze as Eddie felt. He hated that he felt pity for the guy, knew he didn’t deserve it, but it was there all the same, tugging at his goddamn heartstrings. He should just go. Instead, he opened his big, dumb mouth.

“You shouldn’t be smoking that shit when you’re sick, man.”

“Fuck off. I’m not sick.” Billy sniffled thickly, glaring at him as he took another drag from the joint and exhaling through his mouth this time.

“Right, sure. And I’m the pope. You clearly have the fucking disease that’s left Hawkins High on its knees this past couple of weeks.”

Billy pointedly ignored him. Eddie carried on anyway.

“You graduated, man. What the fuck are you doing at a high school party, other than swapping spit with some poor teenage girls who don’t know any better – who totally, by the way, gave you a fucking radio-active strain of influenza.”

Billy stared at him, that icy-cold gaze that normally looked so composed and lifeless seeming just a little more heated than usual.

“Do you ever shut the fuck up, freak?”

“No, not really.”

“Maybe you fucking should. Burnout retard, still in High School at twenty and selling drugs to those ‘poor teenage girls’. Nobody cares what you think.”

He heard this shit on the daily from various douchebag jocks. It was nothing new. His normal response would have been to laugh, make some kind of overly theatrical gesture and walk away. For whatever reason – the fact that he had been concerned for this scumbag, the fact that he was freezing cold, the fact that he hated this party with a passion, who knew – he opened his mouth again.

“Yeah? At least I don’t look and sound like a fucking human petri dish of disease, sniffles.”

Billy came at him so fast he didn’t even have time to blink before he was slammed up against the wall, head smacking painfully back onto the brick.

“Mother fucker!” He hissed in pain, reaching up to grab at Billy’s wrists as he gripped him by his jacket. “Get the fuck off me, psycho!”

Billy smirked at him, leaned up close enough that for one terrifying, exhilarating second, Eddie thought he was going to kiss him.

“I’ll show you disease, you piece of shit.” Billy muttered, so close Eddie could feel the warmth of his breath as his lips all but grazed his own.

“What are you…” Eddie started before realisation spread through his veins like icy water. That familiar snarl of irritation was back, Billy’s nostrils twitching wide, jaw yawning open as the tickle overpowered him again. The metalhead was entranced for a beat, felt his traitorous cock throbbing in his jeans. This was like one of the private fantasies he would stroke himself off to, as whatever flavour of the month he fixated on would sneeze for him over and over in his mind, except this was actually happening. He could actually feel the puffs of Billy’s choppy inhales and exhales, watch the stretch and flare of his pretty, round nostrils as he built-up to what was sure to be another drenching explosion.

It was as he heard Billy take in that final, cinching breath that he snapped out of his lust-filled haze and started to push the younger man backwards, his grip having been temporarily weakened by the all-encompassing hold of the culminating tickle. He wasn’t fast enough though - the first wet sneeze hit him squarely in the face, spray bursting over him and forcing his eyes to reflexively squeeze shut.

“HAAHh’TSSCHHTtt!!!”

Eddie continued to push him, utilising Billy’s total surrender to his illness to unbalance him. He opened his eyes to watch the younger man stagger backwards, a second sneeze barrelling out of him and gracing the frigid air (and Eddie’s chin and neck) with a wide arc of germ-filled spray.

“HH’RRRSSCHhh’ww!!”

He stumbled forward onto one knee, inhaling again and tipping his head back for the most violent, definitive sneeze of the fit.

“HhHH’RISSSCHHH!!! Ough…”

This last sneeze sprayed juicy droplets of mess across the grass in front of him, so powerful that a couple of drops splattered the toes of Eddie’s sneakers. Billy looked up at him with a sick look of smugness and pleasure.

Eddie stared down at him in disbelief. When Billy started to chuckle like a fucking maniac, snot dripping from his nose all while he looked up at Eddie with those empty eyes, something snapped. He kicked Billy right in the sternum, forcing a winded groan out of him and sending him sprawling backwards onto the grass. Eddie lunged at him, straddling his torso before landing a series of punches all over his pretty-boy face. He had the sense to swing with his right arm only, sparing Billy the impact of the three heavy rings on his left hand, if only to avoid damage enough that he wouldn’t be spending a regrettable night at Hawkins police station.

Five punches in, Eddie realised Billy wasn’t fighting back. His stomach dropped, and for a brief moment of panic he thought he’d knocked him out or worse, but those fears were assuaged as Billy righted himself, head lolling back to rest on the grass as he stared back up at Eddie. The grin plastered to his face was deeply unnerving. He was also boiling hot; Eddie could feel the heat emanating off the torso between his thighs even through his jeans. Feeling the anger dissipate and wanting only to be as far away from the guy as possible, he scrambled to his feet. Billy continued to smirk up at him, even as his left cheek was starting to swell.

Eddie scrubbed at his face with his sleeve, a delayed reaction that would serve very little purpose at this point but gave him something to do to break eye contact.

“I’m charging you double from now on, you dumb motherfucker.” He spat, knowing even as he said it that it was a bluff.

Billy continued to lie back on the grass and started laughing like a total fucking maniac. Eddie had had enough – he was an expert at throwing people off their game but Hargrove was on a completely different level. He was genuinely batshit insane. He snatched his lunch box off the ground and stomped his way down the expansive garden towards the street. He heard Billy’s laughter trail off, grateful for the temporary reprieve until he heard a telltale gasp.

“HuHH’TSSSCHHH’uu!! Hah-!! TSCCCHHHSsstt!!”

Even through the anger, the discomfort, the disgust, his stomach still fluttered at the sound of them. Several minutes later he was back in his van, debating whether or not to claw his own facial skin off, cursing under his breath as he fumbled to start his sputtering engine. He wasn’t escaping this fucking sickness, no way in hell. Not after Billy had…He shook his head, still in genuine shock and some degree of self-recrimination for simply not walking away the second he saw that psycho approaching him. The fever must have fried the guy’s fucking brain, because what the fuck. What the fuck.

His engine finally roared to life and he was peeling down the road far faster than was both advisable and legal. He wanted nothing more than to strip naked and scrub himself germ-free before collapsing into his bed and pretending this entire evening had never happened. Never mind that he was hard as a rock. He definitely didn’t need to address the fact that the second he was in the shower his hand would be creeping down his stomach before wrapping his erection in a firm grip. No need to dwell on how he would probably be coming against the tiled wall until his legs were shaking, conjuring both the image of Billy’s pink nostrils flared to perfect circles, and the sound of his cold-induced sneezes as they burst across his skin.

He stomped on the gas, letting the thrill of his reckless driving drown out the uncomfortable thoughts, at least until he made it back to the trailer.

[racheyace]

Be the Hero

Another little one shot featuring my OC's Luke and Matt, a size shifting story, approximately 2k words.

“Everybody get down on the ground! Hands where I can see em!”

The room erupted into chaos, children crying and others sobbing as they knelt down and put their hands on the floor in front of them.

Stevo really didn’t see another way out of this, he had a wife and kids to provide for, no one was hiring a convicted felon, this was his only option now, a life of crime.

He waved a massive machine gun around, firing a few shots in the air for good measure, he was wearing a ridiculous elephant mask so that he couldn’t be identified but aimed at the cameras anyway, better safe than sorry.

Luke and Matt watched fearfully from under a desk, they had been there only because they had noticed fraudulent activity on their bank account and wanted to freeze the cards attached to it.

Luke wished they had just come into the bank another day, situations like this involving high levels of stress were likely to trigger an episode. Of course, he couldn’t have known today was the day this bank would be robbed.

They watched quietly as the man stormed towards the front counters, the poor elderly woman behind the counter shuddered and closed her eyes in fear as he approached her.

“Empty em!” He shouted, before thrusting a canvas bag at her, she shrieked in response.

“The tills, empty em all! Now!” Stevo’s voice wavered, adrenaline pumping through his veins, this had to be quick, he couldn’t be busted, not again.

With shaky hands the silver haired woman pushed stacks of notes into the bag, before using a key to open the till beside her, her hands shaking as she did so before repeating the process.

“Quickly old lady!” He turned to make sure everyone else was still on the ground and shot another round of random shots around the room eliciting more screams and further sobs.

“Luke this is your chance, if you’re gonna be a hero, you need to be the hero.” Matt whispered to his friend urgently.

Luke on the other hand was shaking, he didn’t feel like a hero, there was nothing he could do without revealing his secret in front of everyone here and possibly putting them all in danger in the process.

“There’s too many people, I can’t.” He felt guilt rise in him as he watched the terrified woman complete the task the robber had set for her while tears streamed down her cheeks.

The sound of sirens made everyone jump, either in alarm, relief or in fear, after all, this man had a gun, he could quiet easily hold them hostage or aim to kill at any moment.

“Fuck!” Stevo shouted, sweat dripped down his nose and he had to think fast.

“No, no, no not the cops, I can’t go back there, I won’t go back.” He muttered to himself.

He whirled around to see the flashing red and blue lights through the screens of the building, they wouldn’t enter while he held hostages but there was no other exit for him either. Whispering a silent prayer and an apology to his wife and children he opened up his large black trench coat.

Luke watched with wild eyes as the man pulled a large device out of his coat, flipping open a switch the man armed the device placing it directly in the center of the bank floor, a red light blinking on top of it.

“If I’m not gettin out of here! Then nobody is!” He screamed manically; it was a bomb. He planned on blowing up the bank, killing everyone inside including himself.

Stevo pulled another device out of his jacket, a smaller black box with a red button, the trigger.

Luke felt his body straining to be released, it was now or never, he felt his body expand and watched the world around him shrink, he reached both hands for the bomb as he grew at a rapid rate. Each of his hands quickly grew to roughly the size of a large car and with as much strength as he could muster, he pressed into the bomb, pushing it down through the floor with his hands.

Luke squeezed his eyes shut, hoping he’d been able to push it far enough into the floor of the bank, using his hands to shield the explosion, and then he felt it. Everyone felt it as it shook the foundation like an earthquake and burned his hands in the process.

He opened his eyes to see that everyone in the bank was okay, the room was filled with smoke from the explosion, but no one was hurt from what he could see, he’d stopped the bomb in time.

“W-what! H-how!?” Luke turned his gaze on the robber, seeing the gargantuan man set his intense glare on him, he bolted but didn’t get very far before large fingers wrapped around him, pinning his arms to his sides and squeezing him tightly for good measure.

“W-what the fuck is this!” Stevo wheezed breathlessly, of all the scenarios he had played in his head of how this robbery would go, this was the furthest thing from his mind, it was just simply impossible.

“Luke!” Matt shouted from somewhere behind him, Luke turned to find his friend pinned up against the wall by his overgrown sneaker and cringed, he hadn’t had time to warn his friend of his intentions let alone shove him out of the way, it had all happened so quickly.

“Shit Matt are you okay?” Luke’s voice rumbled through the room, immediately moving his foot a fraction so that his friend could wriggle out. Matt waved Luke’s concern off, instead sauntering across the room and standing below his face bravely, addressing the criminal currently trapped in his fist.

“This my friend, this is justice.” Matt spat at him, and then began a round of applause, the occupants of the bank slowly began to stand up and cheer and clap, Luke felt his cheeks flush from all the attention.

Then the doors burst open, and a handful of Police officers barged in dressed in full bomb squad gear, guns raised.

“Holy Shit!” One of the policemen said staggering to a halt once they’d surveyed the room for threats and then settled on the largest thing in the room, Luke.

Luke certainly was a sight to behold, he was crouched on his knees, his back pressed against the high ceiling, his legs touching the far wall behind him, he quite literally took up almost all the space in the bank and his face was looming over everyone.

“He’s a friend!” Matt shouted, approaching the Police fearlessly, his hands held up in the air to convey that he held no weapon, and he came in peace.

“Luke stopped the bomb and apprehended the robber, see in his hand, that’s the bad guy.”

Officer Hicks eyed the giants’ fist, to confirm the young mans claims, it did indeed add up, regardless of how utterly impossible the whole situation was.

He signaled to his team to stand down before approaching the giant himself.

“Young man, please put the criminal down.” Officer Hicks cleared his throat as nerves threatened to overcome him, standing literally in the shadow of a giant, putting himself in arms reach and potentially in danger if the giant acted unpredictably.

“Of course.” Luke kept his voice as quiet as possible, he didn’t want to cause any trouble, he had only wanted to help, he lowered the robber down directly in front of the Officer who had spoken to him, the gun falling to the ground which was quickly picked up by another officer to be taken away.

Stevo had little fight left in him, still stunned beyond words that a giant had appeared out of nowhere and ruined his plans, he held his hands out to Officer Hicks who immediately cuffed him, sending him toward the door with the other officers.

Officer Hicks turned then to face the giant once more, he had a great many questions but before any words could leave his mouth, he stared slack jawed as the once giant man quickly dwindled in height until he stood the size of a regular man. A large crater lay in the middle of the floor, the only evidence that the giant had ever been there.

Luke held his hands up just as Matt had done, trying to look as non-threatening as possible which was much easier to achieve at his regular height.

“What are you?” The officer blurted, his words filled with disbelief and quite possibly a small amount of fear, this was after all a man who could turn into a destructive giant seemingly at will.

“I’m a size shifter, Sir.” Luke looked at his feet nervously before searching the room for his friend, he needed his supportive and outgoing best friend now more than ever.

Matt wasn’t far away; he’d briefly left Luke’s side to help usher out the other civilians and staff.

Matt stood beside his friend, facing the officer also, he wouldn’t let his mate go through this alone, no matter what was about to happen.

“It’s a gift he was born with Sir, we’re not sure why or how, but he’s never used his powers to endanger or harm others, he’s only ever used them to help people.” Matt’s words made Luke’s heart flutter, he was so grateful for him, he always knew what to say, he always had his back.

The Officer seemed conflicted, he held the bridge of his nose as though the decision were giving him a headache and perhaps it was. He met Luke’s grey blue eyes intently before speaking again.

“Do you swear to never endanger a human life? You swear to keep this ‘gift’ hidden? This is not something that the public will take lightly boy, and if the government catches wind of it, you’ll end up a guinea pig, understand? Do you swear?”

“I swear.” Luke stated firmly.

That was enough for Officer Hicks, he clapped the boy on the shoulder encouragingly, perhaps it was because the kid reminded him so much of his own son. He didn’t want to stop the boy from leading a normal life if he wasn’t hurting anyone.

“I’ll talk to my team; your secret is safe with us.” Luke very nearly hugged the burly man, but held himself back, smiling appreciatively instead.

“Sir?” Matt questioned.

“What about the witnesses, the other people who were in the bank?” Matt asked before they could exit the building.

“They are all being taken in for questioning as we speak, their statements will not mention either of you, their phones will also be searched, you have nothing to worry about.”

As they walked down the steps of the large bank, leaving a small crater and some minor structural damage behind them, they both breathed a sigh of relief before walking quickly in the opposite direction of all the commotion.

News crews were beginning the show up and they did not want to be there when the cameras started rolling.

“Shifty strikes again!” Matt hollered pumping his fists in the air and dancing circles around Luke as they walked through central park.

“Shut up or I’ll crush you with my shoe again!” Luke threatened good naturedly, in all honesty he had been worried that he had seriously hurt him, however Matt seemed fine, like nothing had happened at all, well, except for the dirty shoe print that covered his clothing.

“How are your hands by the way dude? I can’t believe you smothered a bomb in your hands, like who does that and lives to talk about it!?”

Luke held up his hands for inspection, he hadn’t noticed at the time but as he shrunk back down to his normal size the burns had vanished, there was nothing there, not even a scar.

“Whoa! Wicked! Super size shifting and super healing! Being your friend just keeps getting better and better.”

Matt smiled stupidly at his tall friend and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, he couldn’t wait for their next heroic act together.

[filth-burps-writing]

Horror house part one

This is the monster fucker feedism story I keep mentioning that no one cares about. This is one of three.

Kinks; monster fucking, slob kink, burping, farting, intox (weed), corruption, dumbification, weight gain,body hair

TW; weed mention, diet culture, xenophobia, serious “dead dove do not eat” situation on the tags

Howard’s speech

Charles’s speech

When Charles saw the ad for a makeup artist for a horror attraction he got confused. He knew the Parallel Plus Woodson Manor Walkthrough. He knew that they hired monsters, mostly succubi for their shapeshifting properties, on principle. He knew that they even teamed up with temp agencies to find enough of them to fill out the whole staff. Why would they need a makeup artist? But he needed work so he called them up and went to the zoom interview with the Parallel Plus HR guy.

On his first day they said that they would have the team leader pick him up at the gate because he needed an employee pass to get through the doors. He was still shocked when he saw a seven foot succubus on the sidewalk. While he knew that monsters were a part of society and the humanoid ones were sometimes even smarter than the average human it was still … intimidating. When he went up to the gate the succubi introduced himself as Howard. “I’ll show you around then you can start setting up your stuff”. Howard didn’t look like most succubi either. He had the typical light green skin, purple hair and horns but that was where the resemblance ended from the fit young demons he saw at the gym. Howard was in his early thirties with messy curtain bangs, grown out body hair and a visibly overweight body. He was dressed oddly too in a cropped shirt, a trench coat and low rise jeans with his hairy gut and love handles spilling over the waistband.

The space was two wings of huge mansion so it was majestic but creepy. Perfect for a horror tour. Eventually they left the building itself out the back and went to a large tent that served as a dressing room for all the monsters. “Because of our shapeshifting abilities and a few cultural differences in gender identity it makes no sense to divide by gender or sex so you might see the occasional half-naked person who looks like a woman but we’re all monsters not humans so just remember that. Our A team gets ready at four and our B team gets ready at six. I know your start time says three but we might call you in early if needs be and you’ll get paid for that time as well. Any questions?” “Umm if you don’t mind asking why do need a makeup artist if most of you can shapeshift?” “Oh I don’t mind at all. We actually have a bit diversity this year with us scoping out the local performing arts school so not everyone can shape shift. Our appearance undergoes a lot of changes throughout the month plus fake blood, mud and some fake injuries always help with scaring people.” “Okay then I’m going to go set up.” Howard grunted and pointed a long table with a few chairs in a line on it.

Charles was grateful for diligence in both purchasing and organising his products by the time B team arrived, led by a fae woman named Chris. He had already gone through two tubes of green concealer and a full box of fake blood when six rolled around and Chris sat and asked for a fake chin injury. People were bobbing in and out for the whole night snacking, asking for touch ups or changes, telling customer stories and eventually signing out and asking for a wet wipe to clean themselves. By 10:30 everyone was out except for Howard and Charles. Howard said “don’t judge Chris for running off. She has a couple kids and likes to feed the younger one before he actually goes to sleep” “wasn’t going to but thanks for the help cleaning up” Charles was starving. He had come in after a late but light lunch, thinking he would have a spare second to eat the oranges stowed away in his bag but he barely had time to drink water between clients. He hoped with extra help he would be done sooner but it was still 11:19 before he got out. Howard offered him a lift and a trip through the drive thru and he took it but alerted him that he was on a diet so might just have a drink.

By the time Howard drove in Charles was ravenous. He scoured the menu online for something he could eat. The abs would worth it come his next job he told himself as he said “can I have a garden salad with no dressing, a bag of carrot sticks and a Diet Coke.” Howard repeated the order then said “Can I have a family bucket with bbq for all the dips and a spicy chicken sandwich deal with large fries? Oh coke for the family meal drinks and a chocolate milkshake with the spicy chicken.” Someone should probably tell him about all the salt. It was clear how he got such a bulging belly and rounded face. He ate like a competitive eater as he drove Charles home. By the time he pulled up he was completely finished with everything and Charles hadn’t even started on his carrot sticks. It was mesmerising to watch Howard’s comedically stuffed belly churn to process the huge meal. Suddenly Charles separated from his body like there was a piece of dirty glass in between his thoughts and his actions and vision. Then he saw himself rubbing and kneading Howard’s stomach as the corpulent demon belched and farted. It was so loud he was sure the neighbours could hear it but it still didn’t wake him up. Then he left the car and entered the house still in a dream state and went to the fridge.

“Fuck fuck fuck” he said to himself as he looked around his house. It looked he ate everything in the kitchen and his secret stash in the bedroom. He could feel the blubber under his skin. He went to the bathroom and sure enough his pooch from stress eating all August and September had rounded out into full belly. He poked it and let out a loud burp. He drank a glass of water and got on the scale. His dance teacher told him to always get the “worst possible result” when weighing himself so his aim would be to be as small as possible and not just to be empty on the day. He was now 135 pounds, meaning he was up 8 from yesterday. That stupid succubus had to die. What the hell did he do to him?

He slumped on his couch until it was time to leave staring into space and drinking more and more water. According to his calculations from the food packets he now couldn’t eat anything for four days. The water would help him get full and make him pee to piss out all the fat. Another trick he learned from his dance teacher. Eventually it was 2:00 and he had to put on a shirt and walk to work. He put on a baggy t-shirt he usually slept in and an old tech hoodie from his job last year. Sweating would also loose calories. In the interest of weight loss he also ran to work. It was only 2:45 when he slammed his new employee ID against the gates sensor. He smiled. A thirty minute mile on an empty stomach wasn’t so bad. Sure the movement knocked a couple of loud farts out of him at inopportune times but he was running so quick nobody noticed.

As he set up Howard walked over to him. He had a smirk on his face. “I hope you’ve eaten breakfast because it’s a late one tonight. We’ve got a couple of stag do groups com-brrp-ing in” he said. Charles was furious “no I didn’t. I just drank water because thanks to you and your succubus magic bullshit I can’t eat for four days if I want a job after this one. I’m getting a lift from a mate. Don’t come near me unless it’s for work”. Charles immediately regret his outburst. Yes, Howard had violated his boundaries but how was he supposed to know how strict his diet was? “for your information it wasn’t my succubus magic. It was you. You’re the buuurpp one who eats like a damn bird. Maybe being around me did some passive shit but binging when you’re on a crash buurrrpdiet is really fucking common. Please eat by buuurrrp the way we’re liable if you faint” Howard shoved a protein bar into Charles’s hand. Charles sat feeling guilty about being so harsh with him. He finished setting up his stuff then started his shift.

He felt like it was taking forever. By 12:30 when everyone got out his vision was almost completely gone and he was dizzy as hell. Howard still helped him put everything away but did so in silence. Charles sat down and gripped the table. He had skipped eating before why was it so hard today? He took the protein bar and started eating it. He could go back to the gym. He was sick of having to stay so small but as a dancer he had to be incredibly light with good muscle definition. He was struggling to get jobs already he didn’t need to be fat too. Howard finally spoke “I’m sorry I yelled. I’m glad you’ve eaten.” Charles replied “I shouldn’t have accused you like that. I can’t get work as a dancer so my teacher and my agent put me on a crash diet because I gained weight. I was pissed because I knew I’d have to stop eating for a few days.” Howard looked at him in the eyes. He looked like he was planning something. Up close he was kind of handsome. His eyes were soft and playful. As Howard pulled Charles out of the chair to meet his gaze Charles felt himself blush. “Fuck that shit! Diets are dumb and theirs plenty of work for dancers buuurrrp who aren’t stick thin. Plus you’re really good at stage makeup. Life’s too short to buuurrrp be starving and cranky all the time. You’d look better if you put on a few anyway.” “Really” “Really. You look skeletal when you’re not bloated. If you gained weight buuurrp I’d hate to see you then. Cancel your lift, you are lucky you’ve got a pretty face. Im going to get you some food.” “Ok.” Charles was getting hard. Why was he getting hard? It was just some guy from work who kept bothering him.

Charles fell asleep in the backseat. Next thing he knew he was being offered a joint inside Howard’s apartment with five bulging bags of fast food and snacks at his feet. He nodded and Howard placed the joint inside his mouth with one hand and pulled his trousers down with the other. Howard himself had stripped down to his boxers revealing that he had a boner. Charles smoked it slowly enjoying feeling his muscles relax. He loved weed but rarely smoked because it tripled his appetite. That was a good thing right now though because he wanted to eat a lot to impress Howard who was getting sexier by the minute. In the back of his head he knew it was the weed and the succubus magic but he didn’t really care. This was the happiest he’d been in years. Howard started giving him bite after bite of food that he eagerly swallowed. After each one Howard heaped praise on him.

After two double cheeseburgers, three portions of fries, twelve chicken nuggets, a big bag of crisps, two litres of cola and four mars bars Charles was finally full to the point where he couldn’t be fed anymore. Howard who had polished off twice as much with ease started rubbing Charles’s belly “look at you. Already such a big appetite. BurrrpYou’ll be easy to fatten up. I know deep down burrrp you love big sexy fat boys. I saw you staring at my belly yesterday. I saw you bluuurrsh when I burped accidentally during the tour. I saw you today getting rock hard as burrpp soon as I turned on the charm. Buuurrpp Well now you’re going to become one. Buuurrp No need to worry about that diet I’ll take of your burrp job. I’m going to feed you until you become my fat, slobby fucktoy. Your going to eat tasty buurrpp food all the time, your going to belch and fart all the time, your going to sweat like a buuurrrp pig whenever you have to get up. I’m going to keep buuurrrp you high and hypnotised whenbuuurrrpever you’re not at work so you get really dumb too. We’re going to be fat slobs buuurrrrrppp together. You humans put so much work into being buuurrrp polite. Being gross is the most buuuurrrrpp fun part of humanoid bodies!” Howard said whilst rubbing Charles’s belly and letting out a stream of farts. Charles deliberately made every burp and fart he did as loud as possible. He was eager to please. His attraction to fat men and to monsters had been hidden for so long that he didn’t dare date either. He reached out and started rubbing Howard’s big green hairy gut. Now he was going to be the chubby, kept boyfriend of a giant succubus. A certified fat guy was going to teach him their ways. “Yes! Make me fat! BuuurppTriple me in size! I want to be a dumb slob! I want to be a fat boy! You’re so buuurrpp sexy, I’d do buuuurrrp anything for you! Fuck buuurrrp me! Please I’m so desperate! Buuurrp I’m so hard!” Charles whined.

Charles woke up bloated. But instead of being angry he smiled. Then he belched loudly. Today was different. Today was the first full day of his new life. He stroked his little belly and farted a couple times. Howard was next to him also sporting a bloated belly, snoring loudly and farting in his sleep. Eventually he stirred and smirked at the sight of Charles playing with his own belly. Howard reached over and pulled Charles in then belched in his face.

To be continued

[brainfilehasstoppedworking]

(Some family fluff with Mastermind Takaaki and Human Monomi)

It was freezing in their room. The heater was broken, somehow. Monokuma was trying his best to get the problem fixed up, but it seems it was futile. Since they couldn't hire repair men, they'd have to do it themselves. "Might as well just install fireplaces in the rooms if the heater can't be fixed." Takaaki angrily said as he tried his best to keep warm. The blankets weren't doing much. It was freezing still.

"Dammit, it's like an ice box in here...Usami, grab another blanket for yourself, better yet, find a jacket for yourself. Those sleeves are too thin. I don't want you getting sick." Takaaki told the bunny next to him. He was glad she had clothes for cold weather, but it wasn't enough to keep her very warm. "You need one too, Takaaki!" Monomi argued. "I'll be fine, I'm more worried about you than anything." Takaaki argued back.

Monomi just snuggled close to him. Maybe they could try to keep each other warm. "I wonder if we have hot chocolate..." Monomi thought aloud.

"Probably. Want some?" Takaaki asked her.

"Maybe later...my, it's so cold!" Monomi wrapped herself in the blankets more, covering her entire body. It was very cold, even with Takaaki's warm attire, he was freezing. "You wonder if it might snow in here?" Takaaki joked. "It's cold enough for it to snow, probably."

"Maybe."

"Sucks that it's cold outside too, then we could just leave and bask in the sun." Takaaki shivered more. Maybe he should grab another jacket for himself. This one blanket wasn't really enough. Monomi's three thick, warm blankets weren't enough either. "Shit, it's so damn cold." Takaaki looked at Monomi who was holding onto him for warmth.

Takaaki tried to think of how she could warm up. He sighed to himself and removed his trench coat. He removed the blankets off of her and quickly wrapped his coat around her. Then wrapped her in a three layered burrito. "There, you're gonna be a little warmer now on your upper half.." Takaaki said, smiling. "But we need to do something about your pants."

"Aki, take your coat back! You need it to be warm!" Monomi said. "You'll get sick!" She worriedly looked up at him. "It's fine, again, I'm more worried about you. I'm not going to die, anyways." Takaaki laughed, trying to ease her worries. He picked her up and laid her down on the bed. He climbed into the bed next to her, hiding in the covers with her. "I hope that bastard Monokuma fixes that damn heater." Takaaki muttered in annoyance.

Monomi nodded, hiding her face in Takaaki's coat. It smelled so much like him. She could see him shivering, hiding more underneath the covers, muttering curses under his breath. She snuggled up next to him again, wrapping a blanket covered arm around him. "If you get sick it's your fault." Monomi pouted.

It made Takaaki grin at her. He kissed her cheek, "I know. Thanks for worrying."

It took three more days of freezing their asses off for Monokuma to finally get the heater fixed. "Fucking finally." Takaaki said, sniffling. "Took him long enough." He sipped his hot chocolate, then sneezed after swallowing. He cursed into his cup. Monomi giggled into her hand, "Guess you did get sick." She said.

Takaaki leaned on her, grunting. He played with one of her side ponytails, "Yeah, yeah, you knew. So what? Be grateful I kept you warm."

That got him a blown raspberry.

He just smiled in amusement.

[lazyheartcomputer]

Another day, another valentines chocolate to give out to. You were new to this job you got hired and uh… you spot a young man who is being chased after his 3 secretaries. You want to find him but he’s nowhere to be found. After you start to go on your break, watching the sunset and realized why he’s being chased. You spot him wearing a disguise as he sits next to you. He wore a trench coat, a bowler hat with groucho glasses. And you thought he was a stranger. But it’s the same guy he was being chased by is cuties. He told you everything about why is he being chased by his cuties and why is it so toxic. You actually feel sorry for him, and actually gave him a hug. He never had a hug before, as his tears rolled up on his cheeks and hugged you for this. After comforting him, you gave him a box of chocolate, a dragon plush and a bonus…a kiss on the lips for a cutie like himself. After all his big brother wouldn’t like that when you kissed his little brother for the first time. Even though you two first met, you’ll love him forever until you meet him at the same job, the same roles and the same secretive crush.

[dunkledog]

Introductory Post !

I fear something of this nature is long overdue. So here it is.

I go by Lucifer and my pronouns are he/him. I'm an artist, I enjoy writing, and most of all I enjoy frolicking in anything TF2-related. Most of my art is somehow TF2-related these days. I'm back in the trenches of my biggest obsession hehee... I do have non-tf2 content that I may upload more of.

Unfortunately I don't post often. I'm more active on my main blog, @lucifer-the-fetus-eater, but I don't really post art over there, just general hijinks, rambling, and reblogging. I do dabble in SFM... So I might start posting stuff like that sometime. Who knows

For general warnings, I'm liable to post artistic depictions of blood and gore, possibly body horror, suggestive content, drug use, crude humor, and foul language. I will do my best to tag posts with the appropriate trigger warnings. Discretion is advised.

Now is a better time to mention than never that due to the general nature of my content, this blog is NOT intended for users under the age of 18. I apologize for not clarifying this sooner.

REGARDING ASKS:

I definitely should've been clear about whether or not I'm accepting requests. As of currently, I am not, since I have a bunch that are still sitting in my ask inbox and have been for months that I wanna try and fulfil before accepting any more.

I will, however, answer questions! I will answer questions about... like... anything, I guess. I'm afraid I might open pandora's box with that one, but to hell with it. Why not?

I don't want to make this too long, but below the cut I have described some blog-specific tags you'll start seeing on some of my posts.

!this post might change and update as time goes on!

Blog-specific Tags

#the magic renaissance - This is my main OC world. It's full of random fantasy crap I've cobbled together over the past like... 7-ish years. It's technically an urban fantasy since it features an alternate history Earth with magic and non-human sapient species and other neat stuff. The (segmented across time periods) story takes place surrounding six main characters. Heinz and Franz (Infernal Emperors), Adrik (Harbringer of Winter) Ritter and Winnifred (Twin Seraphim), and Connor (Son of Creation). There's a lot more, but idk how to condense it more than that just for this post.

#coarse gravel - The basic idea behind this one is "what if The Gravel Wars actually happened, and Valve was hired by the US Government to create a silly 'documentary' video game so no one would take it seriously?" It's like a version of the TF2 universe, but significantly less cartoonish with alternate, more disturbing lore. (With respawn mechanics inspired by Emesis Blue.) It takes place deep in the Rocky Mountains and focuses on the conflict between D.A.C.S, (aka Defense Area Control Squadron, a division or RED), and S.H.A.U, (aka Specialized Heavy Assault Unit, a division of BLU.)

#salem: supernatural reckoning - I haven't posted or mentioned this one at all as of writing this. Mainly because it's very new. It's way more of an elaborate shitpost than anything else... It's a TF2-based universe where these angel and demon teams run around trying to foil each other. I really let myself go crazy with this one. The conflict is between two angels of death-- one fallen, and the other still in reputable standing. One is in part responsible for the respawn machine, the other is trying to find a way to free the souls in its belly. You know how it is.

[charcadett]

I need some Reader X Larry headcanons for him with a genderneutral SO who’s… not necessarily the housespousey type. I have seen a lot of Lsrry Reader domestic bliss that I love but at the same time I know I am not necessarily a good cook and that my place sometimes looks chaotic (especially when I have a depressive downswing) and whenever there is domestic bliss involving reader cooking for Larry I inwardly cringe a bit because I CAN cook but it’s more like… simple meals all the time that probably wouldn’t impress him. So yeah, Larry headcanons for him with a reader who’s just slightly a bit of a mess in that regard (Not ultra lazy tough.)

Hiiiii, tbh I’m totally the same way. My cooking expertise goes about as far as garlic noodles and sandwiches, and I really hate cleaning. Me and motivation are not friends. This is short, but I hope you still enjoy it!

Larry With An S/O Who Isn’t The Housespouse-y Type

- The thing about Larry is that no matter how good of a cook you are, or how clean you are, he doesn’t particularly care. If you don’t like to clean, he has more than enough funds to hire a weekly cleaning service. He’s embarrassed to admit that he already hires a company around once a month. Larry works a lot, so much so, that when he comes home, the last thing he wants to do is clean. He understands if you feel similarly. Besides, no one likes to clean the bathroom. Cooking, especially done by you, is not something he’s picky about. No matter what you make him, may it be a simple sandwich or boxed macaroni, he’ll eat it with a smile.

- The idea that you did something specifically for him is what he appreciates, not how well you do it. To be honest, your presence in his life is enough for him. Larry never understood how lonely it was coming home to an empty house until he had you, greeting him with a smile every afternoon. Domestic bliss is sharing a space together. Waking up next to you, seeing a side to you that not many other’s get to see. The fact you feel comfortable enough to barge into the bathroom when he’s mid shower to brush your teeth makes him smile. Larry knows his faults well. He’s dull, kind of boring, not adventurous in the slightest. He has a tendency to overwork himself and his motivation is in the trenches. Encouragement and love mean the most to him. He’s a very simple man.

[mortemoppetere]

TIMING: current LOCATION: deersprings, near la sauce PARTIES: @vanoincidence & @mortemoppetere SUMMARY: van tries to support a local business and buy some fondue and instead gets bullied by a mean old man. CONTENT WARNINGS: none!

IT’S IN THE SAUCE! IN THE SAUCE, GET YOUR SAUCE! 

Van looked up from her phone, mildly interested in what the man in the trench coat was yelling about. In the cart next to him were bottles of what looked like off-yellow cheese. The cardboard sign taped to the cart had CHEESE FONDUE, SAUCE FONDUE, IT’S IN THE SAUCE written on it in bright green and blue sharpie with an assortment of cheese drawn into the corners. Van hadn’t ever heard of fondue cheese being sold in bottles, but then again, she didn’t know much about cheese like, at all. She was lactose intolerant, so why would she? Then again, the box of Kraft with dinner written all over it would beg to differ. But like, that wasn’t even real cheese, even if the box insisted that it was. 

The man caught her eye and she muttered obscenities under her breath before she quickly looked back down to her phone. Van winced as the man began to yell at her in an attempt to gain her attention. “YOU LOOK LIKE YOU WANT FONDUE FOR TWO!” Aside from the terrible pun (she thought it was supposed to be a pun), he was aggressively friendly with wind burnt cheeks and a wide smile that displayed a silver tooth. Van shook her head, pointing to the earbuds in her ears, motioning as if she were trying to say that she couldn’t hear him. He waved away her attempt and held up two bottles of the fondue, quickly shuffling over to her. 

“I’ll give them to you for free, little missy, as long as you use that there QR code about your expe– happiness with the sauc-y fondue!” 

It impressed Van that the man even knew what a QR code was. “For free?” She looked at the bottles in his hand, then back at him with a less than enthused expression. “I’m not–” 

“Nonsense, everyone wants the sauce! The cheese! The sauce is in the cheese, the cheese in the sauce, it’s yellow like the sun, only you have never seen the sun! We can’t see the sun.” 

He had lost her then. “Uhh…” She regretted meeting his eye now, regretting even leaving her house. Now, she just wanted to be left alone. “Fine, I’ll take a bottle.” 

The man lit up like the fourth of July and he handed over the two bottles.

—-

This had to have been the stupidest fucking case he’d ever gotten. And that was saying a lot, all things considered. He’d found missing cats who were napping under the furniture the clients who hired him were sitting on when they’d hired him, had hunted down ‘missing’ kids who had just forgotten to text their moms back, had been paid his full rate just to run a quick search and confirm that, yes, SHVITZ was an actual word, and this was still the stupidest fucking case anyone had ever brought across his desk.

But the college kid who’d brought it to him had paid up front, so, here he was. Looking for someone selling the stupid fucking sauce that had popped up in town under the guise of selling fondue to anyone stupid enough to buy it. 

He couldn’t imagine that business was booming, because even if it were real cheese… who would want to buy cheese from a stranger in the middle of nowhere? What the hell kind of a business model was that? Emilio was hardly a seasoned businessman, but even he knew that this was no way to go about things.

And yet, when he got to the location the kid had given him, there was someone standing across from the fucking sauce fondue guy, reaching a hand out to take the recycled water bottles full of gooey, dyed, definitely not cheese right from his grubby hands. Emilio didn’t think. He marched forward, planting himself beside the kid who was apparently in dire need of cheese, and slapped the bottle right out of her hand. “What,” he said through gritted teeth, “the fuck is wrong with you?”

—-

Van jumped as a man charged forward, slapping the bottle from her hand, just before she could even grab the second. She stared at the ground, then looked up at the cheese man who now wore a surprised and fearful expression. He sputtered something before taking off at a brisk jog, his fingers hooked through the belt loops of his jeans to keep them from falling down. Van watched in disbelief as he wheeled his cart deeper into the common. 

The bottle at her feet was now covered in wet grass and she frowned. Van looked back up at the man. “What was that about? If you wanted it, you could’ve asked him for some! He was giving it away for free!” She leaned down to pick up the bottle and she began to wipe it against her pants, ignoring the newly formed grass stains on her jeans. “What is your deal?” 

—

Cheese guy ran, and Emilio wondered if he should be chasing him. He’d left his ‘cheese’ behind, so there was no danger of him selling it to anyone else, but… He could probably collect more. It was something Emilio would have to deal with sooner or later, but he didn’t exactly foresee the guy being hard to find. He walked around the woods screaming about cheese and sauce. Even without his detective skills or hunter senses, Emilio would have been able to track him down just fine.

And he probably had… other things to deal with first, anyway. He could have been a little gentler with the would-be sauce consumer, he knew. Smacking the bottle from her hand might have been a little bit dramatic, but what was he supposed to do? If she drank it, there was no telling what might happen. (The kid who’d hired him claimed that his buddy had ‘become the sauce.’ Emilio couldn’t even begin to comprehend what that might mean, and he didn’t think he wanted to.) So, he didn’t have the best approach. What else was new?

“If I — You think I wanted some?” Emilio sputtered, turning to watch in disbelief as the girl picked up the bottle he’d just smacked to the ground. “Put that shit down, kid. You know what could happen to you if you’re stupid enough to put that in your mouth? What the hell are you doing, wandering around taking bottles of shit from strangers? Jesus.”

—

The man looked angry. He must have really liked the sauce, or the fondue, or whatever the hell the man had been selling. Van was sure it was cheese, even if it was colored weird. Some cheeses weren’t as vibrant, right? Van stared up at him, brows pulled together in obvious confusion. He was upset that she… took the sauce from the guy? Sure, maybe it was a little sketchy, but he was being loud enough that if anything bad happened, he’d surely be tracked down. 

“It’s cheese. I’m already lactose intolerant, so what’s the worst that could happen? Shit my brains out?” Van tugged the bottle closer to her chest, now frustrated that the anti-sauce man wanted to take away the free thing she’d been given. “He had a QR code on his poster! It looked legit!” Granted, calling it a poster was too high of a compliment for the jagged cardboard he had written on in sharpie. “Did he sell you spoiled cheese or something? Is that why you’re upset? Here, really, you can have mine.” She shoved it at his chest. “It’s probably all messed up now that it fell onto the ground anyway. Molecules and shit.” 

—

She thought shitting her brains out was the worst thing that could happen here? Emilio was beginning to wonder if she was one of those people in town who had no idea what Wicked’s Rest really was. It was always strange to think about, especially for a man who’d grown up with his life so intertwined with the supernatural that he found it impossible to separate himself from it, even if he was still technically human. But in this town? It seemed even weirder. A giant puddle of sludge had appeared in town overnight and spit out bones at random. How could people write that off in their heads without accepting a world that was wider than they’d always assumed it to be?

“What the fuck is a QR code?” How did that make something like this look ‘legit?’ “You know what? It doesn’t matter. He didn’t — I don’t want that.” Emilio took a large step back, scrambling to avoid coming into contact with the sludge. Some of it that had gathered on the outside of the bottle got onto his shirt, anyway, and he quickly swatted at it with his hand. “It isn’t cheese,” he snapped. “Look at it. It’s obviously that shit that’s been coming out of the ground with three bottles of food coloring in it.”

—

“What do you mean what is a QR code? It’s a QR code!” Van wasn’t really sure how QR codes worked either, she just knew they did. And so what if cheese came out of the ground, didn’t that mean it was really rare or something? Didn’t they bury fancy cheeses in certain countries so it would mold faster? The bottle was on the ground now and though it did look a little less like cheese and more like what the man had mentioned, Van was still certain it was the fondue the man had promised. 

She leaned down, grabbing the bottle off of the ground. Some of the fondue’s residue had gotten onto the outside of the bottle, which didn’t mean anything at all to Van. “Dude, why are you just throwing it around? It’s just cheese!” She let out a frustrated sigh and got to her feet. As soon as she did so, she felt small. The man was much taller than herself, but she could feel tall when she had something to prove. “Here. Look!” Van uncapped the bottle and shook her hand slightly as some of the fondue got onto it. The smell of the fondue was not reminiscent of cheese at all, but she was committed to the bit. Van held the bottle, cheersing the stranger before lifting it to her lips. 

—

“Saying it again doesn’t tell me what it is,” Emilio snapped, frustration abundantly clear. Why did people do this? Just say things that made no sense and expect him to understand them? And why did they think that repeating something would make it make more sense? If he didn’t understand them the first time, he wouldn’t understand the same words repeated back to him! That should be obvious! 

But clearly, obvious had no place here. Not when the girl was leaning down to pick up the damn bottle again, scolding him for throwing it around. “No es queso,” he snapped, emphasizing each word with a shake of his head. But then she was uncapping the bottle, was holding it out, was putting it to her lips. And that was — fuck. That was bad. That was really bad. Emilio wasn’t about to watch some fucking kid get turned into sauce trying to prove a point to him. He reached out again, intent on snatching the bottle away from her before she could do any real damage.

—

Not even Van’s high school Spanish class could help her there. Though, she had heard the word cheese. Maybe he was finally agreeing with her. If she were to ever look back on the moment in wiser years, she would kick herself for not hearing the no before es queso.  

The strange man grabbed the bottle again, and Van was left speechless. She stared at him, her hand still cupped around the air as if the bottle were still in her grip. “Dude!” Van wasn’t sure how much more of this she could take. She didn’t understand the big deal. It was just cheese. Maybe this man was upset that he was lactose intolerant and that he couldn’t share in the fun. “I’m also lactose intolerant, it’s okay, I’ve got lactaid in my bag somewhere. Are you really that upset?” 

—

He managed to yank the bottle away from her again, but it didn’t feel like much of a victory. What was the point in stopping her from drinking the cheese if she was going to keep trying? Was she going to hunt down the man who’d been selling it after he left and buy more? Why did she want to drink it so badly? None of it made an ounce of sense.

Neither did her refusal to believe that it wasn’t cheese. It didn’t even look like cheese. Was there some other kind of cheese, some kind Emilio had never seen that looked like this? Who would eat it? It wasn’t exactly appetizing. “I don’t even know what that means!” The frustration and stress were bubbling over now, leaving him angrier than he ought to be. “But this isn’t cheese! Look at it! It’s fucking —” He gestured vaguely, unsure how to put his thoughts to words. He’d always been bad at that. “The only other person I know of who drank this turned into goo. Do you want to turn into goo?”

—

“What do you mean you don’t know what it means?” Van blinked at him, still confused. “Do you not know what being lactose intolerant means?” Clearly he didn’t. He’d been blessed with good bowels, good for him. She pouted slightly, the urge to stomp down on the toe of his shoe with her own growing rapidly as she stood across from him. The poor cheese fondue on the ground was useless to her now. 

“Nobody just turns into goo.” She watched him carefully, brows pulled together. “Are you trying to sell me your cheese? Are you also selling cheese, so you want me to think this cheese is bad?” She knew that wasn’t the case, but it seemed like it’d exasperate him more, and this was becoming a game to her. Van should’ve been more careful, and deep down she knew that. But with everything that had happened, she needed a laugh, and this cheese-hater was providing it. “I still don’t know what you mean by the goo, but hey,” she shrugged. “I’ll trust you this once, but only if you don’t make me buy the cheese you’re selling. I bet it doesn’t even melt.” 

—-

“You hate cheese?” That was what intolerant meant, wasn’t it? And lactose, based on context clues, must mean cheese. English was a stupid language. Why couldn’t they just say cheese when they meant cheese? Why was that so hard? In any case, Emilio was pretty sure that his deduction was wrong. If she hated cheese, she wouldn’t be so adamantly trying to drink the sludge from the woods just because a stranger told her it was cheese. 

She also didn’t seem to know the goings on of Wicked’s Rest, because in this town? Someone turning into goo was very, very far from unbelievable. Emilio’s brow furrowed, and he tried to ease the frustrated anger rising in his chest. Count to ten, Juliana used to tell him. He’d counted to a hundred now. He was still furious. “I am not selling cheese,” he said slowly, enunciating each word to the best of his ability so he couldn’t be misunderstood. “I do not have cheese. There is no cheese.” At least she seemed willing to trust him… if only because the ‘cheese’ she’d been going to eat was now spilled all over the dirt. Emilio winced internally. That couldn’t be good for the ground. He made a note not to tell Nora or Ren about it. One of them was bound to get angry. “I will buy you different cheese if you agree not to buy that guy’s cheese again. Is this fair?” He probably had enough cash to buy cheese. How much could it possibly cost? 

—

Van sighed, relenting from her joke. “It means that you get fucked up when you eat any kind of dairy.” She had it worse with sour cream. Cheese, for the most part, just gave her indigestion and itchy skin. “But it doesn’t matter.” The joke seemed to have run its course. It might have been a little mean to pull on him anyway. If she had paid attention, she might have seen the genuine concern etched into his features. 

“That’s a bummer.” Van looked back down at the bottle of spilt fondue. She was no litter bug, that was for sure. “Since you know so much about the cheese–” She was about to ask him if it was safe to pick up, not that she really cared or believed him, but she stopped at his offer. She narrowed her eyes, considering the offer. “With a yoohoo and a slim jim, then you’ve got yourself a deal. No more cheese from the dude with the questionable sales tactics, but hey, he gave this to me for free. You think I would just buy weird cheese?” She would. She had proven she would. 

“Do you mean like, right now?” Stranger danger went out the window yet again as she waited for his answer expectantly. Van paused. “By the way, what is your name, mister fear-cheese-monger?” No, no, that was a terrible joke. She winced. The bit of who she was primarily online had come out in droves today, apparently. Maybe it was a sign that nature was healing. Nature, being her attempts to draw puns out of thin air. They’d always fail, no matter how hard she tried. If she could convince herself that she was somebody else right now rather than the scared little girl with blood beneath her fingernails, then it would be okay. If she could make this guy seem to believe she was stupid enough to eat the cheese fondue (she was stupid enough), then she could have a laugh later. 

—

“Then why do you want to eat it?” That made even less sense. He’d heard of self destruction — he was a pretty good example of it himself, even on the days when he refused to admit it — but fucking yourself up for cheese? Especially when the ‘cheese’ in question looked like what had been in the bottle he’d smacked out of her hand? It wasn’t even appetizing. He was beginning to realize that he didn’t understand the youth population of Wicked’s Rest even a little. He wondered if kids in their late teens and early twenties were like this everywhere or if this place was just special.

She seemed genuinely disappointed at the loss of her ‘cheese,’ though Emilio couldn’t bring himself to feel guilty about stopping her from drinking it. She’d have been far more disappointed if she’d turned into sludge and sunk into the ground, he figured. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he nodded. “Okay,” he agreed. “If you show me what a — yoohoo and a slim jim is, I’ll buy it for you.” He stumbled over the words, and they sounded wrong in his accent, but at least it meant an end was in sight. “You just tried everything you could do to eat the weird cheese. I think you would buy it, yes.” 

Right now? She wanted him to buy her things right now? At least it would end this whole charade. Hopefully, before she found the sludge cheese man again and replaced her lost bottle. “Sure. Right now.” He could come back and finish his ‘investigation’ later. “Emilio,” he replied, ignoring the pun… mostly because he didn’t quite understand it. For a man who had a thin grasp of English, English-based puns weren’t the ideal joke format. Not that he would have found it much funnier in Spanish; Emilio’s humor tended to lean more towards desert-dry sarcasm than clever plays on words. “What about you? If you don’t tell me, I’m going to keep calling you Cheese Kid in my head.”

—

“Because do you know how good cheese can be? Have you ever had a really good mozzarella pull?” She quirked a brow, crossing her arms over her chest. Van knew that Sly Slice’s cheese pulls weren’t as intense as what she’d seen from the Goofy movie, but maybe she could show this guy what she had meant and why she’d been so adamant about trying the fondue in the first place. “It doesn’t matter. You will one day.” It came off as more of a threat than it did anything else. 

Either this guy was as clueless as he made himself out to be, or he was fucking with her, too. She deserved it, after the stunt she had pulled. Van could get fondue anywhere, and the longer she looked at the goo– as the man had called it, on the ground, the less she wanted it anywhere near her mouth. Maybe he had been right, but she sure as hell was not going to admit that she thought so. She took his word for not knowing what either a slim jim or a yoohoo looked like and gave him a curt nod. “Sure.” At least it meant she could con him into buying the bottle of yoohoo. That was so much better. “I think you’ll like them, they look like something you’d eat too.” He didn’t seem very healthy, and he smelled a little like booze now that she was paying attention. “That’s your opinion, who am I to change it?” 

Van wanted so desperately to be this person she was pretending to be now. To pretend to be the idiot girl begging to eat the cheese. Because if she did, it meant that she wasn’t an anxiety ridden mess on no sleep and no hope that tomorrow would be better. 

“Emilio.” She sounded out his name, nodding, as if it were an appropriate name for a guy like him. “I’m Van. Not. Like. The. Car.” She paused, grabbing her bag from the bench, then looked down at the ooze. It continued to bubble, but she forced herself not to notice too much. If she cleaned it up with something else, it’d only prove the man’s point, and she couldn’t have that. So instead, she grabbed the cleanest part she could find from the base of the bottle and tossed it into the trash can. “There, it’s gone. Happy?” 

—

It sounded like she was threatening him with cheese now, which wasn’t the strangest thing he’d ever been threatened with. In any case, Emilio decided to ignore it. Let her show up at his apartment with cheese and a plan to use it against him. Nora would probably have fun scaring her off, anyway. Or Ren. Whichever one. 

He wasn’t sure if he believed her that the ‘yoohoo-slim jim’ combo was something he’d like or not; it seemed stupid to take any kind of culinary advice from a girl who’d just been bound and determined to drink dubious ‘cheese’ out of a recycled water bottle she’d gotten for free from a stranger in the woods, but who was Emilio to judge? He was hardly a culinary expert himself. If not for his client ensuring he knew better and the fact that his appetite had been a nonexistent thing since Mexico, he might have been the one taking cheese from strangers. He’d grown up taking his cues from Rhett, after all. The latter half of her statement had him scoffing in offense, however. “My opinion? You picked it up off the ground and put it to your mouth. That’s a fact.” He suspected she’d only been trying to prove a point at that stage of the conversation, but… The principle remained, he figured.

“Why would it be like the car?” He watched as she leaned down, tensing a little as if he half expected her to try to drink the cheese again. Instead, she tossed it into the trash. Emilio relaxed, letting out a small sigh. “Ecstatic,” he replied dryly. “Come on. Let’s go get you your slim-yim and joohoo or whatever.”

[daleydirectionaldrilling]

7 Practical Reasons Why Professionals Should Do Trenching

Trenching projects, while seemingly straightforward, involve a lot more than just digging a ditch. Whether it’s for laying pipes, cables, or other utilities, trenching requires precision, safety, and proper techniques. Many assume they can take on trenching tasks themselves, but enlisting directional drilling Sydney experts brings several advantages that ensure a successful outcome.

The following list explains the practical reasons why trenching should be left to the professionals.

Ensuring Safety Compliance

Trenching presents numerous hazards, including potential cave-ins, falling debris, and accidental contact with underground utilities. Professional trenching teams are trained to follow stringent safety protocols to prevent these risks. They conduct thorough risk assessments before beginning any project to identify potential hazards and implement necessary safety measures. This might include shoring up trench walls, using trench boxes, or implementing protective systems. Moreover, professionals are well-versed in relevant regulations and industry standards, ensuring that the trenching work complies with all necessary guidelines. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and associated legal liabilities.

Expert Knowledge of Soil Types

The composition of the soil significantly impacts how trenching should be conducted. Different soil types require varied excavation techniques and equipment to ensure the trench remains stable. Professionals have extensive knowledge about soil behaviour, including factors such as compaction, moisture content, and the risk of soil collapse. They know how to adapt their approach based on whether the soil is sandy, clayey, or rocky, using the appropriate methods to maintain structural integrity. This expertise helps avoid problems such as trench collapse or the need for costly repairs later on.

Access to Specialized Equipment

Trenching requires more than just a shovel or a basic excavator. Depending on the project's scope, specialised equipment may be necessary to achieve the desired depth and width accurately. Professional trenching companies have access to a range of heavy machinery suited for various trenching requirements. They also have the skill to operate these machines efficiently, resulting in cleaner cuts and more precise trenches. Additionally, using the right equipment ensures that the trenching is done quickly and effectively, minimising disruptions to surrounding areas and reducing project timelines.

Proper Handling of Underground Utilities

One of the most significant risks associated with trenching is the potential to damage existing underground utilities, such as gas lines, electrical cables, or water pipes. Professionals are trained to identify and navigate around these utilities safely, minimising the risk of accidental strikes. They often use advanced methods to locate underground utilities before starting any excavation, ensuring that the trenching process avoids these critical structures. Their ability to handle such complexities not only prevents damage and potential service disruptions but also ensures the safety of workers and the surrounding community.

Efficient Project Management

Trenching projects often involve multiple stages, from planning and excavation to cleanup and backfilling. Professional trenching services can efficiently manage these tasks to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Their experience allows them to anticipate potential challenges and implement solutions swiftly, avoiding delays that could arise from unforeseen complications. Additionally, professional teams often coordinate with other contractors and stakeholders, ensuring that the trenching work aligns with the broader project's schedule and requirements. This level of project management expertise results in a more seamless execution from start to finish.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run

While hiring professionals for trenching may seem like an added expense initially, it often proves to be more cost-effective in the long run. Professionals bring their expertise to avoid common pitfalls that can result in costly mistakes, such as trench collapse or damage to underground utilities. They also work more efficiently, reducing labour costs and project duration. Furthermore, their use of proper techniques and high-quality equipment helps avoid the need for rework or repairs, ensuring that the trenching is done right the first time. Ultimately, the investment in professional trenching services can save money by preventing unnecessary expenses down the road.

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Practices

Trenching can have a significant impact on the environment if not done correctly. Professionals are trained to use methods that minimise ecological disruption, such as preserving topsoil for reuse and implementing erosion control measures. They also take steps to prevent contamination of surrounding areas by handling materials carefully and using appropriate disposal methods. In cases where the project involves sensitive areas, such as near water sources or protected lands, professional trenching teams can employ sustainable practices to reduce the carbon footprint. Their commitment to environmental protection helps maintain the integrity of the landscape and complies with regulations concerning land use and conservation.

Choosing to hire professionals for trenching projects brings numerous advantages that extend beyond just completing the task at hand. Their expertise in safety protocols, soil management, equipment use, and environmental considerations ensures a successful and responsible trenching process. When trenching is done by experts, it results in safer, more efficient, and ultimately more cost-effective projects.

[fourthforay]

Prioritize For Any Occasion

Rather than walk, we run. Rather than run, we sprint. And rather than sprint, we often choose to stay still, waiting to see what happens. How would one react if an aggressive dog came up, barking at them? Prioritize safety first, above all else.

Whether it’s running from a potential bee sting, or seeking sanctuary from inclement weather conditions, is there a time to appreciate the otherworldly.

That where a person becomes vulnerable, is there a cause for concern. In that state, how we react can define the next 15 minutes, hours, days, or even weeks.

Our reaction is a synthesis of the telling, as well as the abominable. Rather than opening a box of chocolates, we choose to stow it away, for fear of increasing the abdominal. And rather than feign ignorance, we choose to outwardly express ourselves. Like the felling of a tree, do we see that those who are near risk getting hit.

Choose to Prioritize Yourself and Others

Why hire a lumberjack when a lightning strike can do the job for us? Likewise, why give a dog biscuits rather than let it sit at the table?

The answer is confined among the trenches of the war-torn, for fear of enemy advancement. That where there are limits, there are also expansive stories that stretch beyond the imagination.

When a hang glider chooses to see the world, he need not see it by ship, plane, or vehicle. Rather, he chooses to see it amidst the fog. For where a person is out of their element, does magic truly happen.

Amongst the excitement, is there a contrast between what is necessary and what is an inconvenience. For where those still rely on rainwater for survival, are others disadvantaged. For among the roads does it cause heavy traffic, exasperating thousands, is it a cause for celebration among people that rely on the environment.

We can’t always anticipate our environment to be reliable, or that everything will go smoothly. Indeed, there is risk to everything. From leaving the house, to driving, to eating food, how we assume risk is down to what we prioritize.

For many of us, we choose to prioritize family and friends, and, of course, ourselves. But if there was ever a time to prioritize someone, it is now.

Opposites Work in Tandem

Indeed, among the strife of war and endless political divisions that seem to only get worse, the Earth seems to be pushing away from the vitality of healthy relationships, and into a divide. Yet, where there are polar opposites, there is also a chance for reconciliation.

Just as yin and yang work hand in hand, do we recognize that we are made whole by our obverse. Just as opposites attract, do we see that there is value in the diametric.

And as the sun gets up as a reminder of a new day, does the moon remove our shadows to remind us that there are no double takes.

For where a relationship seems to go sour, is there a broadening of grievances, and a shortening of horizons. And where a deer is often hesitant to cross the road, it does so for good reason. Because without apprehension, we come not to consider the risks of our actions.

Consistency v. Constancy

Just as the sounds of birds chirping alert us to a new day, does the sedative sound of crickets signal a new beginning. For where there is a cycle, there is also constancy. Yet, surprisingly, not always consistency.

How do we guarantee consistency? You might eat the same three meals every day, and perhaps never leave your home.

Yet, even that does not guarantee it; it guarantees the opposite, resulting in poor health.

If we could, we would choose consistency AND constancy.

Constancy in a world fractured by divisions, where nations fall at the behest of others, and consistency among a people that strive for results.

Yet, we don’t always have that option, in fact, sometimes neither is available.

What then, do we do? Choose to be kind, and you’ll often receive the same. Choose to aspire, and there may be things within reach that would otherwise not be.

And choose to give thanks, for where there is none, we relinquish a time for choosing. Where our options are limited, comes at behest of recognizing what is given, rather what is not.

So, today, choose to give thanks, to appreciate, and to welcome change.

[lazodiac]

Hey, what if we had more Control to talk about on today, the day I stream Control.

Video Length: 3:57:52

In this episode, Jesse makes her way through Maintenance to fix up all the problems Ahti and the head of Maintenance have asked her to help with, to ensure we don't explode horribly! Hooray! Dealing with that nasty Clog is a highlight not just because it is genuinely very gross, but also because it is just another Problem the Oldest House has, completely unrelated to the Hiss, that just serves to remind you that as big and threatening and world-ending as the Hiss seem to be, and are, that this is just a Tuesday for the FBC. A rather hectic Tuesday, with a higher employee turnover rate than most Tuesdays, but still just a Tuesday.

We also start to get some of Jesse's more useful powers. Launch may be her bread-and-butter offensive move, but sometimes you need a Dash or a Shield to maneuver some of your more tricky problems. While I devalue Shield a fair bit sometimes, it IS quite good, I just need to make sure to use it more than once every blue moon. Dash is a lot more frequent to make use of, given the utility of Go Faster is always a relevant one. We also get our hands on the X-ray Light Box this episode, giving us the power of Seize, one of my favorite utility abilities… because sometimes aggressive hiring practices are required in an environment like this one.

Jesse also starts getting access to more of the Service Weapon this episode… I mean she did a little bit last time as well but this is a good time to bring up its various forms. The regular revolver-like Grip is a powerful mainstay- unsurprisingly from the folks who brought you Mad Max, the revolver is a Good Gun. Shatter is, reasonable- a classic video game short-range high-damage shot gun. It's likely better than I give it credit for, but given how fragile Jesse is and my particular tendencies as a player it is not my immediate go-to. Spin we haven't seen yet, but as you can gather based on the name it is a rapid-fire weapon suited for mid-range with lower accuracy at a distance. It's fine. Finally, (for now) we have Pierce… an incredibly high power charged sniper shot that can, as it says, Pierce armor. This was my favorite gun to use throughout the game, due to its high damage in a game with kinda chunky enemies, and due to its extreme long range safety abilities. Because yes, even someone as flailing and weird as me understands the power of a good snipers rifle.

Plot wise, Jesse starts to slowly unveil herself and her deal to her new employees- talking about her time in Ordinary, the friend she made and the brother she lost. Likewise, as she deepens her connection to the Old House, she starts to learn more about it in turn. The OOPs, the AWEs, the AIs, and of course her staff- many of whom have died, some of whom are still around. It speaks a lot to Marshal's skills that of Trench's old guard, she is seemingly the only one still in control. Tommasi is hissed up, Darling is MIA and clearly having a VERY normal day. I don't remember who else Trench mentioned was his inner circle. It's a lot of information, drip-fed slowly to Jesse and us, but each leg of this adventure is giving us more and more…

[aussiehydrovac21]

Tips for Staying Safe at an Excavation Site

Regardless of the nature of the construction project, the first activity that must be implemented to get the project started is excavation. Excavation entails digging a pit to lay foundations for the structure that will be built. Because excavation is one of the most dangerous construction operations, there are numerous hazards that must be avoided while digging on a construction site. With worker safety as the top priority, a list of precautions must be in place prior to the start of any excavation project.

Whether the excavation involves digging a small plot or a large trench, safety planning is a practice that is crucial to the success of the construction project. Safety planning also ensures that no workers are harmed and that the underground utilities are not harmed, as contact with buried cables and pipes can be problematic. Underground services impede any construction project by exposing workers to hazards such as fires, electrocution, flooding, and gas leaks.

Excavation Risk Factors You Need to Know

Workers must be wary of a variety of fatal problems during any excavation project, including cave-ins, falling loads, equipment accidents, and more. Workers should be given the necessary information, such as the condition of the land and the equipment in use, as well as the positioning of underground services, in order to avoid disasters.

Following a Safety First Approach

At the start of any excavation project, several safety guidelines should be introduced. Trench inspections and pit wall inspections must be performed on a regular basis. Workers should be warned not to enter an unprotected trench, and they should always wear safety equipment on the construction site. If the inspection reports indicate that there will be unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous conditions at the excavation site, all work should be halted immediately before further inspection and elimination of the problem.

Setting Up a Protective System

To provide safe and secure working conditions for construction workers, the excavation site must be protected during excavation. Standard excavation protective systems protect the trench and sidewalls, ensuring that no worker is at risk. Here are three methods that offer maximum safety during excavation:

Shielding: Shielding is a method used to avoid soil cave-ins. In shielding, supports such as trench boxes are utilized to protect the workers.

Shoring: Used for restricting soil movement and protection against cave-ins, shoring involves the installation of supports such as aluminum hydraulics.

Sloping: In sloping, the trench wall is cut at a certain angle that inclines the wall away from the excavation.

Choosing the best method from the list above entails taking into account a variety of factors such as soil water content, soil classification, current weather, and trench depth.

Safety Entry and Exit

Any excavation job cannot be completed unless a perfect entry and exit on the excavation site is established. The safe entry and exit of workers includes the installation of ladders, ramps, and steps in accordance with the terrain of the site.

Inspecting Existing Structure

In some cases, the required construction may be too close to another structure, or the excavation site may come into contact with underground services where the trench must be dug. Existing structures should be respected in such cases, and their condition should not have been tampered with. Underground cables and pipes can put workers in danger, and repairing them may increase the project cost. Hydro excavation experts should be hired for such projects because they use the best equipment and eliminate all potential risk factors.

Choosing the Right Tools

Using old tools at an excavation site is a sign of impending disaster. For a risk-free excavation project, it is important to use up-to-date tools and technologies. Choosing the best hydrovac services company gives you access to the most up-to-date equipment and ensures maximum output with no room for error. Before hiring an excavation company, make sure they use quality equipment, have an experienced staff, and follow all necessary safety protocols.

Aussie Hydro-Vac Services offers a one-stop shop for all of your excavation needs, including service locating, non-destructive digging, vacuum loading, drain cleaning, liquid waste disposal, industrial cleaning, and more. They provide innovative and cost-effective solutions for digging projects, ensuring that no utilities are damaged. Aussie Hydro-Vac Services’ trained staff has over ten years of experience as excavation experts and uses hydrovac technology to safely complete all excavation projects. If you are looking for excavation experts in Queensland or New South Wales, Aussie Hydro-Vac Services offers dependable, safe, and long-term solutions through advanced equipment, experienced professionals, and safe work practices.

[affordableexcavatinginc]

Professional Residential Excavating Services: Vital Things to Know

Excavating services are crucial in residential construction projects, whether building a new home, adding an extension, or landscaping your yard. Homeowners must understand the ins and outs of residential excavating to ensure smooth progress and avoid potential pitfalls. This comprehensive guide will explore the essential aspects of expert residential excavating services to help you make informed decisions for your project.

Understanding Excavation: Excavation involves digging, moving, and leveling earth to prepare a site for construction or landscaping. It's a foundational step in any residential project and requires expertise and specialized equipment.

Types of Residential Excavation: Residential excavating process encompasses various tasks, including site clearing, foundation excavation, trenching for utilities, grading for landscaping, and more. Each type of excavation requires specific techniques and equipment.

Site Assessment and Planning: A thorough site assessment is necessary before excavation begins. Factors such as soil type, drainage patterns, and existing structures impact excavation. Planning ensures that the excavation is done correctly and minimizes risks during construction.

Permits and Regulations: Residential excavating work may require permits from local authorities. Understanding and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure building codes and regulations compliance.

Safety Measures: Excavation sites pose significant safety risks. Proper safety measures, including shoring, trench boxes, and regular inspections, are crucial to protect workers and prevent accidents. Hiring a licensed and insured excavation contractor ensures adherence to safety standards.

Choosing the Right Contractor: Selecting a reputable contractor for residential excavating is paramount to the success of your project. Look for contractors with experience in residential excavating, proper licensing and insurance, and a track record of delivering quality work on time and within budget.

Equipment and Machinery: Excavation requires specialized equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks. The choice of machinery depends on the scale and nature of the project. Contractors with well-maintained equipment can efficiently complete the excavation process.

Cost Factors: Several factors influence the cost of residential excavating services, including the size of the project, site accessibility, soil conditions, and the complexity of the work. Obtaining multiple quotes and understanding the breakdown of costs helps homeowners budget effectively.

Environmental Considerations: Excavation can impact the environment, particularly soil erosion and disruption of natural habitats. Employing eco-friendly practices such as erosion control measures and proper waste disposal minimizes environmental damage and promotes sustainability.

Communication and Collaboration: Communication between homeowners, contractors, and other stakeholders is essential throughout the excavation process. Clear expectations, regular updates, and prompt addressing of any concerns ensure a smooth and successful project outcome.

Site Preparation: Proper site preparation is critical for efficient residential excavating tasks. It includes clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, marking utility lines, and ensuring adequate access to equipment. Adequate site preparation streamlines the excavation process and reduces the risk of delays.

Utility Location: Before excavation begins, it's essential to locate underground utilities such as gas, water, and electrical lines to avoid accidental damage. Professional utility locators use specialized equipment to identify and mark utility lines, ensuring safety and preventing service disruptions.

Excavation Depth and Slope: The project requirements, soil conditions, and building codes determine the excavation depth and slope. Properly grading the site ensures adequate drainage and stability for the foundation and surrounding structures.

Site Cleanup and Restoration: Once residential excavating is complete, the site must be cleaned up and restored to its original condition or prepared for the next construction phase. It includes backfilling excavated areas, removing debris, and grading the site as needed.

Post-Excavation Inspection: A thorough inspection ensures that the site meets quality standards and regulatory requirements after excavation. Any issues or deficiencies should be addressed promptly to avoid complications during subsequent construction phases.

Conclusion: Residential excavating services from Affordable Excavating Incare crucial to any construction project, laying the groundwork for a successful build. By understanding the key considerations outlined in this guide, homeowners can confidently navigate the excavation process, ensuring that their project progresses smoothly and safely from start to finish. Consulting with experienced excavation contractors and adhering to best practices will ultimately lead to the successful completion of your residential project.

[casspurrjoybell-26]

The Contract - Chapter 45

*Warning: Adult Content*

- Evan -

Donovan closed the penthouse door behind him.

He actually came for me and the full ride here he didn't say a single word to me, not even on the ride up the elevator to his place, he hasn't even looked at me, his face stayed stoic the entire time.

I'm dreading this, why the hell did I even come?

He's still not talking to me, I should've never answered the phone and just stayed at Robbie's for the night, to let whatever this is blow over.

Looking around, the pizza boxes are gone and everything is spotless clean once again, making me wonder if Donovan did it or if he had someone come clean, so early in the morning.

It's almost three in the morning, doesn't he have work in the morning?

Donovan walks past me, dressed in a full suit, that fit his sculptured body like it was made just for him, I thought he looked like he had just walked off a runway and even though he didn't look at me, I couldn't help but admire how handsome he was.

"Sit down," Donovan says, removing his trench coat. "And don't argue with me, I'm not in the mood."

Swallowing deeply, I do as he says, in no mood to argue with him either, not when I'm so fucking exhausted from driving around all night.

Sitting down opposite me, Donovan finally looks at me.

"This Amanda girl won't say anything, I made sure of it, you won't see her again."

I look at him confused.

"What do you mean? We work together, season two is going to be announced..."

"She's being replaced," he said, interrupting me. "I had my lawyer meet hers an hour ago, she was there and signed an NDA contract concerning our relationship, she won't bother you anymore, I made sure she understood the situation."

I'm wrapping my head around what the hell he just said... a contract to not speak, can he even do that?

"How... that's, she just signed it? Just like that?" I ask, not fully believing she just simply signed it.

"She had no choice," he stated, his eyes burning into mine.

"I'm not someone the likes of her can easily threaten without consequences."

What the fuck did Amanda exactly say to him on the phone?

To make Donovan go this far... he's either insanely crazy or just someone nobody should fuck with.

"Why did you run, when I told you I would fix this?"

I raise my head slowly to look at Donovan, who no longer looks like a man on a war path but a man who's hurting as much as I'm feeling on the inside.

"Do you love me?" he asks, his voice thick with hurt.

"Yes," I say without a single pause. "But you wouldn't even let me explain Donovan."

Rubbing my face with both of my hands, I groan.

"I'm fucking scared alright? I'm scared of being seen as the guy who only fucks for roles, money and gifts... fuck, do you know what that would do to my career? Nobody would hire me if Amanda told someone about me and you."

Looking at Donovan, I sigh.

"You're you and I'm me, you literally paid off my debt to get me where I am today, the press would find out eventually and it'll ruin me, Donovan, it looks bad because I was nobody seven months ago, now I'm being nominated for awards, how would it look if they knew about us?"

"Evan..."

"Amanda said it..." I interrupted him. "She said I was a 'Fame hungry, dick-loving slut'," I laugh bitterly. "That's how people will view me in the papers, that's why I'm fucking scared this is all going to blow up in my face, it's not because I don't love you, I do but I never thought I'd be in this situation so soon, our relationship was purely sexual five months ago, now it's... it's real and I'm out of my depth here."

I'm breathing heavily and on the edge of my seat with anxiety over everything that has happened, saying it all as clearly as I could so he would understand where I'm coming from, not wanting to argue with him anymore.

Donovan gets up from his seat and comes over to me, he sits on the seat next to me and grabs my hand and brings it to his cheek, making me look up at him, to see his stormy gray eyes looking at me.

"Do you trust me?" he asks, and I nod my head without hesitation, making him smile. "Then go public with me, on our terms, nobody will question our relationship if it comes from my mouth, all you need to do is trust me and let me do everything."

His words hit hard and I know he's right, if I waited... it could get only worse, the story would spin so hard that nobody would believe the truth.

"How? Where do we even start?" I ask. "We're not exactly normal people Donovan, we can't just post a selfie and then that's it."

He laughs and then kisses my hand, a smirk on his lips.

"Why not? Am I not handsome enough for you?"

I stare at him with furrowed brows.

"You can't be fucking serious right now, do you even have social media?" I ask and he shakes his head, his eyes filled with amusement.

I'm completely out of words to say, just when I thought Donovan couldn't say something so out of this world, he does.

"You can tell your family and friends before we do anything," He says, leaning forward to kiss me on the neck. "I can do the same."

"Do you even have friends?" I snort out, jokingly as he bites down on my shoulder.

Moving back, I see Donovan pout, making me laugh.

"Just because I'm a busy man, it doesn't mean I don't have friends, I'm actually quite popular, you just haven't met any of them yet," he states proudly, making me laugh harder.

Once my laughter dies down, Donovan surprises me by kissing me on the lips, his eyes closed and arms wrapping tightly around me as he moves his lips slowly against mine.

"I need to go to work," he says, pulling back. "And you need to sleep."

"Have you even slept yet?" I ask.

He smirks at me handsomely then stands up, walking over to the chair he left his coat on, once he puts his coat on, he turns and looks over at me, fresh-faced and brimming with power and elegance.

The next thing he says makes my stomach clench, his handsome face intimidatingly looking down at me, getting me all hot and bothered for simply being him.

"The devil doesn't need sleep, Evan but his boyfriend does."

[cristodelaroca]

6 Main Reasons To Tap The Services Of Specialist Towing Providers

When your automobile malfunction on the side of the street, it can be a stressful and frustrating expertise. You are actually left stranded, not sure of what to carry out next. That is actually where professional towing companies come in. In this particular article, we'll discover 6 reasons you should take into consideration employing a specialist towing solution when you find yourself wanting help. From their expertise and also devices to their availability and peace of mind they provide, professional towing services use a series of advantages that can make all the variation in your time of necessity. Let's dive in as well as uncover why they are worth thinking about when you're faced along with a lorry emergency.

6 Main Reasons to Employ Qualified Towing Companies

Hiring expert towing services can be actually a game-changer when it comes to vehicle breakdowns or even accidents. Here are six main reason whies:

Know-how as well as Safety

Towing an automobile might look like a simple job, yet it may swiftly end up being complex, especially if you lack the required expertise as well as tools. Professional towing providers work with proficient and also experienced staffs that recognize the intricacies of taking care of different kinds of lorries, coming from small autos to strong trucks. They are skilled in towing techniques, guaranteeing your motor vehicle is carefully moved without inducing additional damages.

Protection is very important during a towing operation, each for your auto and individuals involved. Qualified truck towing service near me comply with stringent safety and security methods, decreasing the danger of collisions and personal injuries. Seeking to tow your motor vehicle without the right expertise and equipment can easily result in accidents, further harm to your lorry, or even bodily danger. By choosing professionals, you make sure the security of your motor vehicle and everybody on the road.

Appropriate Tools as well as Modern Technology

Specialist towing firms invest in advanced equipment and technology developed to take care of a large variety of towing situations. Whether your automobile is embeded a trench, needs to have a flatbed tow, or demands heavy-duty towing, they possess the suitable resources as well as machinery to do the job efficiently.

Modern towing equipment includes specific cars along with gas systems for hauling as well as filling motor vehicles along with accuracy. This lessens the threat of harm during the course of the towing procedure. Furthermore, qualified towing Santa Clara companies frequently utilize general practitioner tracking systems to locate your automobile and route assistance quickly, lowering wait times and also making certain a speedy resolution to your circumstance.

24/7 Accessibility

Automobile crashes and malfunctions don't adhere to a convenient timetable. They can occur at any time of the day or even evening. Thankfully, specialist towing companies recognize this and also work 24/7, supplying nonstop support when you need it most. Whether you are actually stranded on an opted out road at twelve o'clock at night or even during heavy traffic web traffic, a qualified towing provider will route a staff to your site immediately.

This 24/7 schedule offers confidence, understanding that support is actually just a telephone call away. It likewise makes certain that your lorry is actually taken out from a potentially hazardous circumstance promptly, decreasing the threat of further incidents or even harm.

Damage Prevention

Poor towing strategies can cause considerable harm to your vehicle. This harm might certainly not be actually immediately visible but can easily lead to expensive fixings in the future. Specialist towing companies have the experience to stay clear of usual difficulties like damaging the gear box, revocation, or other vital elements of your auto.

In addition, they understand exactly how to safeguard your motor vehicle effectively during the course of transportation to avoid it coming from moving, gliding, or suffering added damages. Whether your lorry is a luxurious cars and truck, an off-road auto, or a business car, qualified towing service Santa Clara have the expertise as well as tools to ensure it gets to its own location in the exact same state as when it was gotten.

Insurance and Lawful Conformity

Reputable towing business hold the essential insurance policy protection to secure your auto throughout the towing procedure. This insurance coverage could be an essential protect just in case of any type of unexpected mishaps or damage while your motor vehicle remains in their care. Attempting to tow your lorry on your own or counting on unlicensed towing services can easily leave you monetarily behind any type of accidents.

Professional towing services also work within the bounds of neighborhood and condition rules and also follow particular towing rules. This makes certain that your auto is actually towed legitimately, protecting against any kind of possible lawful problems or even fines that might emerge coming from non-compliance.

Ease and Peace of Mind

Essentially, among the most significant perks of employing professional commercial towing Santa Clara solutions is actually the convenience as well as assurance they deliver. When your car break or is actually involved in an accident, it may be a turbulent and also difficult condition. Specialist tow truck drivers are actually taught to deal with these conditions comfortably and also effectively, creating the entire method smoother for you.

By leaving your lorry to professionals, you may pay attention to your personal protection as well as wellness while they take care of the truck towing logistics. This allows you to unwind, understanding that your motor vehicle will be taken care of along with treatment and moved to a counted on repair service establishment or even a protected place.

Conclusion

In times of motor vehicle emergency situations, the choice to hire specialist towing companies is actually not just a matter of convenience yet additionally a matter of safety, experience, as well as comfort. The perks of depending on competent professionals with the right devices and legal compliance far outweigh any type of cost considerations. When dealt with a malfunction or even crash on the road, do not hold back to contact the expertise of qualified towing companies to guarantee the swift as well as secure removal of your lorry coming from injury's method.

Santa Clara Towing

1361 calabazas court #2 Santa clara, CA 95051

669-228-5951

Towing Service: https://g.co/kgs/pbVTp3

[harryjessicaa]

Uses of Different EarthMoving Equipment at a Construction Site

Earthmoving equipment makes any construction project faster, better and safer, and they are offered economically in combo hire Brisbane deals. They are heavy-duty vehicles used at construction sites, mining sites for demolition, and other places for different tasks. There is a wide range available, ranging from excavators to bulldozers and other machinery that we often witness. They make excavation, digging and foundation installation very easy and help in various other jobs.

This mainly includes demolition, transportation, carrying and many others to speed up the process and keep the work site safer.

WHAT IS EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT?

The definition of this equipment is already given above that they are heavy-duty equipment or vehicles used in construction projects for various tasks. Depending on the project requirements, the site administrator can choose anything from excavators to bulldogs, water carts, dump trucks, bobcat machines, posi track machines, etc.

WHAT MACHINES ARE COMMONLY USED IN CONSTRUCTION?

One can get a vast range as a part of combo hire Brisbane deals. The civil engineers at the site discuss the requirements with the site manager, who then determines the right machines to choose from the following.

• Tower cranes

• Dozers

• Graders

• Excavators

• Backhoes

• Compactors

• Dump trucks

• Pile driving machine

• Screw pile boring machine

• Telehandlers

• Trenchers

• Track loaders 

• Wheel loaders

• Wheel tractor scraper

• Skid steer loader

• Scrapers and much more

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF EARTHMOVING MACHINES?

Every piece of equipment offered these days has a different role at a construction site. Let us quickly understand this with the help of discussions related to them below.

EXCAVATORS

The most versatile and essential equipment at any building site is the excavator. It can be used in more than 70% of the tasks there at the work site ranging from removing soil and rock or dumping and so on. This equipment has six main parts: the tracks or wheels, a cab, a boom, a stick, a hydraulic arm and the attachment. In most cases, the extension is a metal bucket or scoop, and on the tracks or wheels, this machine can move forward and backward based on the necessities. The main body can spin completely 360 degrees to allow the operator to dig and deposit from any direction. It is used in mixing, cleaning, laying pipes, demolition, landscaping, battering, benching, trench digging, loading, lifting, drilling, cutting, boxing, breaking and much more.

WHEEL LOADERS

Moving heavy materials and materials in large quantities can consume a significant amount of time. This can be prevented easily with wheel loaders offered as a part of a combo hired by you. It has a huge front bucket or a scoop that enables this machine to transport huge quantities of dirt, rocks and other materials from point A to point B. This machine has enough power to load materials in other vehicles like dump trucks for transportation. Uses of wheel loaders include cleaning up the site, backfilling, cutting and boxing, stockpiling, material mixing, lifting, hole drilling and soil stripping.

BACKHOE MACHINE

This machine is mostly part of combo hire Brisbane deals and deals offered with the posi track hire Queensland. It is given the name of jack of all trades, as it has a bucket in the front for loading, and a rear-mounted bucket is there for excavation. These attachments can be removed to add other attachments to make this machine further versatile. The main parts of a backhoe loader are four wheels, legs for stabilization, a cab, a front-mounted and rear-mounted bucket, a boom and a stick. These parts make this machine ideal for loading materials, mixing, battering, trenching, cutting and boxing, backfilling, lifting, trenching, breaking rocks, etc.

Other machines are also used at construction sites, mining sites and others, and all intend to make the process easier for the team. The most common machines are dozers, skid steers, loaders, track loaders, dump trucks, trenches, scrapers, etc.