#Water-efficient faucets

[uptodatehome]

Water Conservation During Renovations: Save Water with Low-Flow Toilets & Rainwater Systems

Renovations are the perfect opportunity to update not only the aesthetics of your home but also its functionality. With growing concerns about water scarcity, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate water-saving measures into their renovation projects. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, upgrading your landscape, or even revamping your entire home, focusing on water…

[emergencyplumbingil]

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[blissfulbathroom]

Mastering the Art of Fixing a Dripping Faucet: Your Ultimate Guide

When it comes to dealing with the pesky nuisance of a dripping faucet, we understand your frustration. That incessant, rhythmic drip not only wastes precious water but can also disrupt your peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we, the experts in plumbing and household maintenance, will empower you with the knowledge and skills to fix that dripping faucet like a pro.

The Irritating Symphony of a Dripping Faucet

A dripping faucet is not just a minor annoyance; it's a hidden source of water wastage that can significantly impact your utility bills and the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single faucet dripping at a rate of one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year! Moreover, the incessant sound can lead to sleepless nights and frayed nerves.

Tools of the Trade

Before we delve into the step-by-step process of fixing your dripping faucet, let's gather the essential tools and materials you'll need for this DIY plumbing endeavor. Having the right equipment on hand will make the task smoother and more efficient.

1. Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is your trusty companion for loosening and tightening various faucet components.

2. Replacement Parts

Depending on your faucet type, you may need replacement parts such as O-rings, washers, or cartridges. Make sure to identify your faucet model and purchase the necessary components.

3. Screwdrivers

Both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are essential for removing screws and accessing hidden parts within the faucet.

4. Plumber's Tape

Also known as Teflon tape, plumber's tape is crucial for preventing leaks in threaded connections.

5. Bucket and Towels

Be prepared for some water spillage by having a bucket and towels nearby to catch and clean up any mess.

Identifying the Culprit

Understanding the anatomy of your faucet is the first step in resolving the issue. While there are various faucet types, most dripping faucets can be attributed to one of the following common culprits:

1. Worn-Out O-Rings

O-rings are small rubber gaskets that create a watertight seal within the faucet. Over time, they can deteriorate, leading to leaks.

2. Damaged Washers

Washers, located in the faucet handles, can wear down or become damaged, resulting in a constant drip.

3. Faulty Cartridge

Cartridges control the flow of water in modern faucets. If the cartridge is defective, it can cause leakage.

4. Corroded Valve Seat

A valve seat is the connection between the faucet and the spout. Corrosion in this area can lead to leaks.

The Fixing Process

Now that we've identified potential issues, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Follow these steps diligently to fix your dripping faucet:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin, ensure that the water supply to the faucet is completely shut off. Look for shut-off valves under the sink or at the main water supply.

Step 2: Dismantle the Faucet

Using your adjustable wrench and screwdrivers, carefully dismantle the faucet. Be sure to keep track of the removed parts and their order to facilitate reassembly.

Step 3: Inspect and Replace Components

Examine the O-rings, washers, cartridge, and valve seat for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Replace any faulty components with the new ones you've gathered.

Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet

Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure that all parts fit snugly and securely.

Step 5: Turn On the Water Supply

Once the faucet is reassembled, slowly turn on the water supply to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, congratulations! You've successfully fixed your dripping faucet.

Preventative Maintenance

To avoid future faucet troubles, consider implementing regular preventative maintenance:

Periodically clean and lubricate the faucet to prevent mineral buildup.

Check for and address leaks promptly to prevent further damage.

Install water-saving aerators to reduce water wastage and save on utility bills.

By mastering these simple techniques, you can keep your faucets in optimal condition and enjoy a drip-free, peaceful home.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we've equipped you with the knowledge and skills to conquer the annoyance of a dripping faucet. By identifying the root causes and following our step-by-step fixing process, you can save water, money, and your sanity.

Looking for more tips on bathroom maintenance and fixtures? Check out these informative articles on BlissfulBathroom:

Easy Ways to Fix a Dripping Faucet: Dive deeper into faucet troubleshooting and repair techniques.

Is Your Bathroom Vanity High Quality?: Learn how to assess the quality of your bathroom vanity and make informed choices during renovations.

How to Clean Bathroom Taps: A Step-by-Step Guide: Discover a thorough guide to keeping your bathroom taps sparkling and functional.

Are Faucet Cartridges Universal?: Gain insights into faucet cartridges and whether they are interchangeable across different brands.

So, don't let that pesky drip continue to torment you. Take control and become a DIY plumbing pro. Fixing a dripping faucet is not just a household chore; it's a step towards a more sustainable and tranquil living environment.

A well-maintained faucet is a happy faucet.

[hmmarble]

HMMARBLEDESİGN - DRAGON+ (2)

Marble Bathroom Sink

When it comes to home design, few materials evoke a sense of luxury and timeless beauty quite like marble. A marble bathroom sink not only serves as a functional wash basin but also elevates the overall aesthetic of your space. The elegance of marble exudes sophistication, turning an ordinary bathroom into a serene oasis.

Marble Bathroom Sink

A marble bathroom sink is not just a functional component of your bathroom; it is a statement piece that adds elegance and luxury. Marble, known for its unique veining and rich texture, brings a timeless charm to any space. When choosing a marble bathroom sink, there are several factors to consider to ensure it complements your bathroom design.

First, consider the style of your bathroom. Whether you are going for a modern, classic, or rustic look, a marble sink can fit seamlessly into any theme. The color palette of the marble also matters; white and cream marbles can lend a fresh and airy feel, while darker hues can create a dramatic effect.

Maintenance is another important aspect to consider. While marble sinks are stunning, they do require some care to maintain their beauty. Regular sealing and careful cleaning will help prevent stains and etching, keeping your sink looking pristine over the years.

Installation is another key consideration. Marble is heavier than other materials, so ensure that your cabinet and plumbing can support your chosen marble bathroom sink. Consultation with a professional can help you navigate this aspect of your renovation.

Ultimately, a marble bathroom sink is an investment in both aesthetics and functionality. By choosing the right type, color, and maintenance plan, you can enjoy the beauty of marble in your bathroom for years to come.

Wash Basin Sink

A wash basin sink is an essential fixture in any bathroom, offering both functionality and style. When selecting a wash basin sink, it is important to consider various factors such as size, design, and material.

One popular choice among homeowners is the marble bathroom sink. Known for its elegance and durability, marble sinks can elevate the aesthetic of your bathroom. Their unique veining patterns ensure that no two sinks are alike, providing a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your space.

When choosing a wash basin sink, you will encounter various types including undermount, vessel, and pedestal sinks. Each design has its own benefits and can enhance the overall look of your bathroom. For instance, vessel sinks are often mounted on top of the countertop, making them a stylish option that complements modern decor.

Aside from aesthetics, the wash basin sink should also offer practical features. Consider looking for a model with easy-to-clean surfaces and a design that accommodates your bathing and grooming needs. The right choice will not only enhance your bathroom’s style but also improve daily usage.

In terms of installation, make sure to consult with a professional if you are unsure. Proper installation of your wash basin sink will ensure that it functions efficiently and lasts for many years to come.

Lastly, don't forget to incorporate additional features such as stylish faucets and accessories that complement your wash basin sink and add to the overall design of your bathroom.

Ancient Roman Baths

The Ancient Roman Baths were an essential aspect of Roman culture, reflecting the importance of hygiene, social interaction, and relaxation in ancient society. These baths, also known as thermae, were large public bathing complexes that served as a social hub for citizens of all classes.

Typically, the layout of a Roman bath included a series of rooms with varying temperatures and functions. The caldarium (hot bath) heated the water through a sophisticated system of hypocaust, allowing steam to rise and warm the space. Next to it was the tepidarium (warm bath), which served as a transitional room, and the frigidarium (cold bath), where bathers would plunge into cooler waters to invigorate their bodies.

In addition to hygiene, these baths featured amenities such as libraries, gymnasiums, and gardens, encouraging a sense of community and leisure. Romans often visited to socialize, conduct business, or simply enjoy the art and architecture that adorned these luxurious facilities. The decorative mosaics and grand columns were not only functional but also represented the wealth and sophistication of the society.

The significance of the Ancient Roman Baths can also be seen in their architectural innovation. The Romans mastered the use of concrete and arches, allowing for grand open spaces and intricate designs. These structures have inspired modern spa designs, embodying the idea of relaxation and wellness.

Despite their popularity, the fall of the Roman Empire led to the decline of these spectacular sites. Many were repurposed, and their intricate plumbing systems fell into disrepair. However, remnants of these ancient baths still surface in archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into a fascinating aspect of Roman life.

Today, while we may not indulge in the same communal bathing practices, the legacy of the Ancient Roman Baths endures. Their emphasis on hygiene and social engagement continues to influence how we design our own spaces for relaxation and community interaction.

[thelampisaflashlight]

Aeon, watching Dew wash the dishes: "How come you organize the dishes before you wash them?" Dew, rinsing out a glass: "Makes it more efficient, plus my brain hates clutter." Aeon: "But isn't your room-" Dew, pulling the extendable faucet to max range and pointing it at Aeon: "Choose your next words carefully." Aeon, not scared: "Swiss tried the same thing last week and he couldn't hit me even from that ra-" -getting viciously sprayed in the face by cold water- "-AAAHHH!" Dew, using what little magic he inherited to extend the reaches of the water: "DROWN, BRAT!"

[konekoling]

Hi hello since the states are gonna get blasted with cold soon I figured I'd shave some Helpful Cold Survival Advice I've absorbed as someone who lives in an area that hits -50C/-58F temperatures periodically

-Starting with a somewhat obvious one, but HOLY SHIT DO NOT BRING BARBECUES, GENERATORS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF OUTDOOR HEAT SOURCE INSIDE FOR WARMTH. CO poisoning WILL kill you if you don't accidentally start a fire in the process.

-If you wanna stay in your car and turn the heat up for warmth DO NOT do it in the garage. Again. CO poisoning.

-You can turn up your stove/ oven and crack the oven door open in an emergency if you have zero other heat sources available, but only if its electric (Gas stoves will generate carbon mono...yeah you get it already), and even then its going to be much less energy efficient than a normal space heater, and you're gonna want to stay nearby while it's on to make sure you don't start a fire.

-Don't plug a space heater into a power bar or extention cord unless you're 100% sure it has a high quality cord. They need an absurd amount of power to run, and most extention cords in particular aren't insulated enough to handle those levels of power without becoming a fire hazard. And for the love of God, don't run multiple heaters on one power bar.

-Candles don't actually do much to generate heat unless you're ina very small area, but they ARE an excellent light source should power go out

- tragically, the best way to keep warm in the absence of home heating is through boring ol layering, especially on your feet and head. Avoid jeans, as they're somehow terrible at heat retention despite how thick they are, and throw on a pair of long underwear/leggings if you have some. Also feel free to pile as many blankets as you own on top of yourself, you deserve it.

-Youre gonna want to stay well fed, too. Keeping your body temperature up in the cold is pretty calorically demanding, AND the digestive process tends to heat your body up as well. Its a win/win.

-Also unfortunate: another excellent way to stay warm is through your enemy and mine, physical activity. Every half hour or so, pace around your living space to get the ol blood pumping a bit.

-If you get wet outside while it's substantially cold out, get inside as soon as possible bc that WILL suck the heat from your body. This goes for sweat too, so layer responsibly if you're out shoveling

-Electric blankets are a scam, don't buy them.

-heating pads and heated mattress covers are less of a scam, but don't fall asleep with them on bc once again, fire hazard.

-If you have any faucets in your house that don't see a lot of use/you live somewhere that doesn't usually see cold weather, keep all your faucets on just a bit so your pipes don't freeze and/or explode. This WILL cost thousands of dollars to fix.

-Likewise, if you're traveling for the holidays see if you can have someone come by to turn the faucets on every day or two so you don't come home to find your house sunk into the ground

-ALSO if you're traveling and think "hm, I think I'll turn off the heat while I'm out to save some money that is the devil speaking, do NOT listen. (Heating helps keep the pipes warm and unfrozen)

-Fill your bathtub up with water and/or stock up on bottled water if you're gonna be getting unusually cold temperatures in case your pipes DO freeze, since you're probably not gonna want to hit up the store should this occur

-Stay off the roads if you can help it. Turbocold weather makes cars periodically fail to start, and also the second snow touches the ground people somehow forget how to drive.

-IMO If it's below -38C before windchill, you have a substantial commute, and you have any PTO/can afford to miss a shift at work, don't bother going in. Just lie and say your car wouldn't start.

-If you absolutely need to go to work/go out for whatever reason, take public transit if possible. If thats not possible, keep some blankets, food, candles, and a lighter in your car in case the battery dies on the road so you can stay toasty and Alive until help arrives.

Probably gonna add more as I remember it, but thems the basics! Stay warm!

[peachy-posy]

Stargazing (Vash the Stampede x Reader)

Summary: An encounter with a bounty hunter leaves you feeling uneasy.

A/N: Vash has me in a chokehold, all I can do is write fics. Pls send help. Anyway, I am once again combining elements of both 98 Vash and Stampede Vash because best of both worlds and all that <3 Posted here on AO3

Warnings: Non-graphic violence, strong yearning (pre-relationship ofc), idiots in love

Word Count: 2.5k

Today was too close.

Rapidly cooling water drips down your sore arms as you hug your knees to your chest in the bath. The only sound in the bathroom of the quiet inn is the occasional drip of the faucet leaking into the cloudy bathwater. You close your eyes, resting your forehead on the tops of your knees.

A bounty hunter had caught you both by surprise. The pair of you were nearing the next town in your travels, laughing and chatting with each other like always. You had been admiring him; how the sunlight made his hair shine like gold, how his brilliant blue eyes would sometimes peek over his sunglasses if they slipped too far down his nose when he laughed. 

Then, there was a gunshot. 

It was all so fast. The rapid shifting of his expression made you feel like someone had dumped a bucket of ice cold water over your head. He shoved you, and then you were on the sand, looking up at him as a bullet tore the side of his shoulder.

You were frozen, the shock of it gluing you to the ground. He was virtually unphased, drawing his gun with a focused expression and frightening efficiency. He fired a single shot, and you registered someone grunting in surprise. Vash taking off in that direction was what shook you out of your stupor - you scrambled clumsily to your feet, drawing your revolver and following him.

The rest of it was a weird blur in your memory. The fight ended the way all of the other ones do. But for some reason, this one was so different. You couldn’t get the image of Vash being struck by the bullet out of your mind, even now.

The bullet that was supposed to hit you.

Luckily, it was just a graze. He didn’t even really need much first aid. But while he laughed and shrugged it off, you trembled the whole way into town.

You open your eyes once more, blinking a few times to focus your vision. The cloudy water ripples gently around you, and you realize that you are shaking. The water has grown quite cold, and you take that as a sign that it’s time to get out. 

After pulling the drain, you lift yourself out of the old tub, carefully maneuvering over the ledge. You make quick work of toweling yourself dry, wanting to escape the chill of the water. Goosebumps raise on your skin regardless.

You change into the set of clothes you brought into the bathroom with you, running a brush through your hair carelessly. You didn’t have it in you tonight to care all that much about your hair of all things.

After finishing up, you reach for the doorknob, but find yourself hesitating just before reaching it. The idea of sitting in the room with Vash made you feel nauseous. 

What a great friend you are.

You feel sick with guilt over that stupid graze on his shoulder. Logically, you know that it’s not your fault and he doesn’t blame you. You know that you would have shoved him out of the way if your positions were reversed. You know that both of you have had much, much worse injuries from various encounters with enemies. So, why are you feeling so weird? 

You swallow thickly. Suck it up. Stop being weird and go sit with him. Talk like you always do.

Inhaling deeply and finding your resolve, you square your shoulders and open the door. He’s sitting on one of the two beds in the room, cleaning his gun meticulously. Locks of his golden hair fall in his face, and he shakes his head to the side to move it out of the way. You find yourself smiling fondly at his focused expression, his bright eyes flicking up at you for a moment before returning to his task. He smiles softly, hands working all the while.

“Hey,” he calls softly.

His focused expression, while endearing, reminds you of how he looked earlier today. You feel your resolve crumble, and that constricting feeling squeezes your chest once more.

“Hey,” you manage weakly, walking over to your old, worn boots sitting by the door. You sit down, lacing them up. 

Coward.

Out of your peripheral vision, you see him look up at you, more intently this time. He says nothing for a moment, likely seeing if you plan on explaining where you’re going. 

“Everything okay?” He finally asks, the silence stretching on long enough apparently. 

You tighten the laces with a firm tug and sigh. “I’m okay. I’ll be back in a little while.” He seems like he’s about to question you some more, so you add in a teasing tone, “Go have a bath. You could use it, Stampede.”

He gasps with mock offense, his hand clutching his chest. You crack a smile, and you can tell he’s stifling a smile of his own.

“You’re so mean!” He pouted. 

You finish with your laces, standing up and putting your hands on your hips. “Doesn’t mean I’m not right!” 

He frowns playfully in response, and you shoot him a grin, turning to face the door. You reach for the knob, but the sound of your name from his lips has your hand coming to a halt before reaching its destination. You turn your head to the side, silently waiting for him to continue. 

He catches your eye, hesitating as he settles on what to say. “Be careful,” he finally murmurs softly, and you give him what you hope is a reassuring smile. You feel more guilt squeezing your heart at his affectionate expression. 

“I will,” you promise. With that, you twist the doorknob and quietly leave the room.

You don’t even know where you’re going. You left with absolutely no plan, letting anxiety and avoidant tendencies drive your decision to flee the room. You let your feet guide you out of the building, walking onto the small street. At this hour, there aren’t many out. You pause, sighing and lifting your gaze to the clear sky. The stars look stunning. 

You know where you want to go. 

There is a large rock formation right near the inn. You remember seeing it on your way into town today. The vantage point it would provide would make for some excellent star gazing. 

You walk around the base of the large rock aimlessly for a bit, trying to find a way up.  Eventually, you stumble upon a small, worn portion of the stone, making a path of sorts. Looks like the locals enjoy coming up here too.

You slowly make your way up the rock, the worn, smooth path becoming clearer as you ascend. At the top, you find that there are lots of flat spaces to sit down at, so you choose one near the edge. The ground is cold, the air is cold, but it’s all worth it for the view. 

The rock sits behind the inn, tall enough to be above the buildings of the town. You can see the vast, open desert stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction. The inky, dark sky is clear, the stars glittering brilliantly above you. Your cold, wet hair clings to your skin as you hug your knees to your chest. You feel most at ease under the night sky like this. Your problems feel small in magnitude when they are compared to the vastness of the universe.

You don’t know how long you sat in that spot, unmoving, thinking about both everything and nothing. It was apparently long enough to warrant a search party of one, though, you soon find out. 

You feel a sudden warmth drape over your shoulders. You turn around, but know who it is before seeing him. The warmth surrounding you comes in the form of a long, red coat you know very well. Your eyes travel up the tall figure behind you, eventually finding his own staring down at you. The look he gives you is nothing short of fond exasperation. You are certain your confusion is clear on your face, because how did he find you?

He crouches down, reaching for your wet strands of hair. He lets a small, wet lock slide between his fingers, and he sighs.

“You’ll catch a cold out here like this, Mayfly.”

You clutch the red coat that is engulfing your frame, drawing it against your chilled body more tightly. 

“How’d you find me?”

He sits down beside you, close enough that your shoulders are brushing against one another. 

“Because I know you. When in doubt, I go to the highest point I can find, and you’re usually looking at the stars up there.”

Well that makes your chest feel weird. You didn’t even consciously do all that, but he knows you well enough to spot those subconscious little patterns and habits. 

“Oh,” you breathe out, not knowing what to say.

He doesn’t suffer from the same predicament, apparently, because he keeps going. 

“I also know you well enough to know when you’re avoiding me.” You suck in a breath, ready to cut him off and argue that statement, but he shushes you, continuing. You relent begrudgingly, because… well, he’s not wrong. “Let me explain! It’s okay - well, it’s not necessarily ideal, but I’m not upset. I just want to know what’s wrong.”

Oh, this is dangerous. Because you’d tell him anything he wants to know if he looks at you like that for much longer. He locks eyes with you, gazing at you so earnestly, so kindly. You start to look down to avoid the eye contact that has you under its spell, but he quickly reaches out to lift your chin back up. 

“Please, Mayfly. Let me in.”

The dam cracks ever slightly. 

“How’s your arm?” You ask, and he furrows his brows. 

“It’s… fine? Why?”

He’s wearing that black turtleneck he always wears. You reach out to gently graze his arm, keeping your touch featherlight. He watches you curiously.

“I don’t know. I really—“ you cut yourself off with a sigh, feeling stupid. “I’ve just felt weird ever since you… well, you know.”

He regards you for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face. He says nothing, prompting the dam to crack a bit more.

“And I know today wasn’t that out of the ordinary. I know that. But…” you feel the traitorous burn of tears in your eyes, but keep going. “It scared me. That’s all.”

His expression doesn’t give much away, but you swear he seems… sad. Yes, definitely sad. You furrow your brows as he gives you that fake smile, the one you know he hides behind so often with others. It hurts to have it directed at you.

“Listen… I completely understand if you don’t want to travel with me anymore. Having danger constantly at your heels? It is scary. Of course it is. I know that better than anyone.” His voice is soft, and there’s a melancholic sound to it that you recognize from spending countless hours with him. He takes a deep breath, continuing. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to protect yourself… this is your life we’re talking about. That’s something that’s precious, something that needs to be protected. I promise you, there will be no hard feelings if you want to part ways.”

Wait, wait. What is he saying? Does he think you’re afraid because the bullet could’ve hit you?

Well of course he does. Why would he think otherwise? You haven’t explained yourself. This is probably the most logical conclusion for him to jump to. 

“No! Vash, wait, no. Please,” you reach out, taking his hands, halting the rambling he was engaging in while you sorted your thoughts out. “Listen.”

He obeys, watching you carefully, and gives you his attention with a nod.

“I wasn’t afraid for me. I was afraid for you.”

He looks completely taken aback. “Me?”

You frown. “Yes, of course you!” You squeeze his hands, not liking how surprised he sounds. “I care about you a lot, and today, I think I just realized that I need to do better. I need to be better. You wouldn’t have gotten hurt at all if I’d noticed that bounty hunter the way you had. I don’t want you getting harmed, especially not because of me.” Your voice trembled as you spoke. At some point during your admission, the tears you’d held back finally spilled. The dam broke. You sniffle, turning away from him.

He breathes your name so softly, you almost miss it. “C’mere.”

You feel arms wrap around your shoulders, pulling you close, and you don’t hesitate to curl into him. He holds you tight, hand threaded in your wet hair.

“I’m okay. No more tears. Not for me,” he murmurs, resting his chin on the top of your head.

It’s at this moment that you realize the true crux of the issue. You are terrified of losing him. He has become the most important person in your life, and so many people want him hurt or dead. That’s terrifying. This man, this kind, gentle person, is so hated for no reason. 

He’s become so much more to you than just a travel companion, or even a friend for that matter. That… is also a terrifying thought. 

“I promise I’m okay. And I’ll be okay. You don’t need to worry about me.”

You pull away from his chest enough to meet his eyes. “I’ll always worry about you.”

He softens, a smile forming on his lips.

You lean back into his chest, sitting together quietly, neither making a move to separate from the other. You watch the starry night sky, leaning your head onto him. His arm stays wrapped around you, keeping you close. 

He’s the first to break the silence.

“It’s… nice,” he remarks softly. “It’s been a while since I had someone to worry about me. Or to cry for me.”

Your eyes widen, heart breaking at his words. This world has been so, so unkind to him.

“I know that sounds bad to say. I guess I just mean… I’m glad I have you,” he whispers, chin resting on your head. You can hear the smile in his voice.

This starts a whole new wave of fresh tears. You turn around and face him, a tear sliding down your cheek. If you weren’t so heartbroken by his words, you would’ve laughed at the expression of pure panic he gives you.

“Wait! No, don’t cry! I’m sorry!”

Shifting to sit on your knees in front of him, you wrap your arms around his neck, squeezing him in a tight hug. You feel his jacket slip off your shoulders, but you don’t care. 

“It doesn’t sound bad at all. I’ll be that person for you. Always,” you murmur. “I’m sorry that people have been so cruel to you. If I could undo the hurt that others have done to you, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

You feel him slowly wrap his arms around your waist, reciprocating the embrace as he processes your words. Though belated, he’s holding you just as fiercely as you’re holding him. 

“Please… stay with me. I know it’s selfish to ask—“

“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Stampede.” You smile at him. “I don’t know how you put up with me.”

“It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

[rileyslibrary]

Imagine Ghost hitting the showers at the base

I wrote this as an outline for a fic I was working on. But I won’t use it so, here *slides it across the bar* take it.

Want more?

———————————————————————

He wants some privacy so he showers late at night or in the early hours after his workout.

Depending on the time of day, he adjusts the temperature to a relaxing lukewarm or crisp cold to wake him up.

He’s not picky about the products he uses, but he always carries his own: a 2-in-1 shampoo/shower gel and a deodorant. (No, there’s no Soap here, sorry 😉)

And he doesn’t use a loofah or a scrub. When he’s on a mission, he uses his hands to lather everything all over his hair and body.

He’s very conservative with water and efficient with the process too. He lets the water run on him, turns it off, lathers, then turns the faucet back on to rinse.

He doesn’t pay too much attention to his face. If he needs to shave, he'll do it in the shower, holding a tiny mirror. He wants to make sure that nobody walks in on him since shaving is a lengthy process.

He uses a small towel to dry himself up. He rubs his hair first before patting down his face and body. Then, he wraps the towel around his hips and tucks it on the side before stepping out of the shower.

He's puts on his mask first to avoid anyone seeing his bare face. However, he's okay with unwrapping his towel in front of others.

He’s very picky about his underwear. Very. Since his uniform is uncomfortable, he wants to at least feel good underneath it. So he prefers microfiber or micromodal boxer briefs (they’re breathable and prevent skin irritation and infections when he’s out in the desert.)

Finally, he leaves the showers to either get dressed for the rest of the day or go to bed in the evening.

Bonus: He drapes his towel on his shoulder as he walks out of the bathroom (I have a thing with making him put garments on his shoulder don’t I. I also imagine him doing that with a kitchen towel as he barbecues, but that’s for another time!)

———————————————————————

[billietherock]

There was no Weirdmageddon (pt10)

By: Billietherock

Chapter 4- Knock

Soon after Fiddleford left to call his brother, Stanford Pines got out of sweater town and sat at the edge of his bed. He really stank, he needed to shower. He needed to think. He trudged to the shower and turned on the faucet.

The water was cold, normally Ford would have preferred something cold, fast and cold and back to work but right now he wasn’t feeling that at all. He wanted something to warm him, to stimulate his mind like Bill did… he shakes his head and sits on the edge of the bathtub. He felt like his problem was equated to a teenage girl who just got broken up with.

If that was the case, why didn’t he just eat a pint of ice cream or get drunk. Why didn’t he feel like doing any of that?

He felt the water, it became warmer. He thought of the mechanics of how the faucet worked, how the knobs on the shower worked, maybe he would just redo the plumbing. He smiles lightly at the thought, but then frowns, not knowing if his idea for the new faucet would make it more or less efficient. Bill would know. Bill always knew how to make his equations, his inventions, his ideas just better.

Maybe that’s why he was so stuck, Bill just made him think so clearly that he doesn’t know what to do without him. He sat, naked, on the side of the bathtub contemplating how Bill would make his idea for a more efficient faucet better.

He lightly touched his neck, where Bill had made him scratch himself a few weeks ago, just now the scabs were starting to heal up. That was the risk of working with a demon, he understood that but… why does it still sting, is it because that was the last interaction he and Bill had?

So many questions and no answers, stuff he’s been pondering for weeks. Steam starts to come out from the shower. Stanford stood up and walked into the shower, then he sits down again.

Water dripped from his hair and down his face, dirt started to wash away as Stanford sat and thought of questions. Questions that he couldn’t seem to answer. What’s worse, he was starting to think his classmates were right about him. He really was one decision away from going crazy.

He squirts shampoo in his hand and spreads it around his head, everything hurt, on the inside. His head hurt, his stomach hurt, his heart hurt.

Stanford sat in the shower, watching the soap and suds wash away until the water became cold again. Once this happened he moved to turn the water off and just sat in the tub.

He closes his eyes, just wanting this anticipation to end. For Bill to come into his mind and tell him that it was just a joke or that he found someone else. Because then Ford could move on. But right now he was stuck asking questions and not getting answers.

Then there was a knock on the door.

At least Ford thought it was, odd, since Fiddford has a key. Maybe he lost the key, that didn’t matter, since he didn’t really want to talk with Fiddleford anyway.

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford was confused at the way this person was knocking, almost too loose with the knocks, like someone was sliding their hand against the door. Ford got up, he put on a towel and decided if it was Fiddleford, he wouldn’t care seeing him in a towel.

There was another knock at the door.

This time it was a little firmer. Stanford quickly decided that if it wasn’t his assistant, then that person would care to see him in just a towel. He grabs a robe, Fiddleford’s robe, and ties it around himself.

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford Pines walks down the stairs and looks at the front door. He was nervous, he was kind of a wreck. What if it was someone he didn’t know, or worse, someone he did. He starts to panic, he would say the wrong thing, looking like a wreck, that’s how rumors are spread.

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford grabs hold of the door knob and unlocks the door. He didn’t open the door though, something was weird. Fiddleford would have stopped knocking by now and start humming a tune. Any sane person would have left. Who was this? The IRS?

There was another knock at the door.

Stanford slowly opened the door. What greeted him wasn’t Fiddleford, wasn’t a classmate, wasn’t even someone from the town. On his doorstep was a walking corpse, with two yellow eyes and a grin plastered on his face.

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

Ways to practice eco-friendly living in your home

1. Reduce energy consumption:

- Install energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs.

- Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.

- Use natural light as much as possible.

- Set your thermostat to a lower temperature in winter and higher in summer.

- Insulate your home properly to reduce heating and cooling needs.

2. Save water:

- Fix any leaks in faucets and toilets promptly.

- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

- Collect rainwater for watering plants.

- Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.

- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor spaces.

3. Practice waste reduction:

- Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal.

- Compost kitchen scraps and yard waste.

- Opt for reusable products instead of disposable ones (e.g., cloth napkins, rechargeable batteries).

- Avoid single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and water bottles.

- Use a reusable shopping bag.

4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products:

- Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products or make your own using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

- Avoid products containing harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and your health.

5. Grow your own food:

- Plant a garden to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

- Use organic and natural fertilizers instead of synthetic ones.

- Compost food scraps to enrich the soil.

6. Opt for sustainable materials:

- Choose furniture made from sustainable materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood.

- Use eco-friendly flooring options like bamboo, cork, or reclaimed hardwood.

- Select paint and other finishes that have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

7. Reduce plastic waste in the kitchen:

- Use glass or stainless-steel containers for food storage instead of plastic.

- Replace plastic wrap with beeswax wraps or reusable silicone covers.

- Use refillable water bottles and avoid buying bottled water.

8. Conserve energy in the kitchen:

- Use energy-efficient appliances.

- Cook with lids on pots and pans to retain heat and reduce cooking time.

- Opt for smaller appliances like toaster ovens instead of full-sized ovens when possible.

9. Encourage sustainable transportation:

- Use public transportation, walk, or bike whenever possible.

- Carpool or arrange a car-sharing service with neighbors or colleagues.

- Transition to an electric or hybrid vehicle if feasible.

10. Educate and involve your family:

- Teach your family about the importance of eco-friendly practices and involve them in the decision-making process.

- Encourage everyone to adopt sustainable habits and lead by example.

- Discuss environmental issues and brainstorm new ideas for greener living.

[blorboazula]

"Blood" for the azutara drabble, please :)

Thank you for the prompt!

Azula is, of course, a very competent person. A very efficient person. She can survive in basically every possible wilderness with minimal to no equipment.

She can't slice vegetables without trying to also slice her fingers off.

However, Katara thinks the most concerning part in this is that Azula's holding a dripping dishtowel, dripping with her blood, without showing any signs of pain. She's looking at Katara after saying "hi, I've cut myself" as if the kitchen doesn't look like a crime scene.

Katara opts to give Azula a scolding for the Firebender's lack of basic kitchen skills later, grabs her wrist and pulls under the faucet. The water washes away the blood, revealing a cut that is deep, but not deep enough to be easily healed without leaving scars.

Just then Azula looks like a kicked puppy, and Katara knows it's because all her girlfriend was doing was trying to cook something nice for them.

But with a kiss on the cheek, Azula is banished from the kitchen.

[baubled]

slipped [tw: none, rating: t for vague angst]

Note: Just testing a piece here to see if I want to write more. Cinna finds Effie after a long evening. Hayffie overtones with a good helping of Effie's best friend. This was a gift for a friend and fellow writer.

When Effie dipped a tentative toe into the water it was rose petal pink and still steaming, just a little. It wasn’t often that she took a bath anymore. She vastly preferred the efficiency and reliability of a shower, but there was something about being submerged that appealed to her from time to time. It was one of those nights. So, deciding it was cool enough to avoid scalding, she braced a hand on either side of the ivory claw-foot and lowered in first one foot of her own, found her balance, and pulled the other in too. The descent of the rest of her body was slow, and she reveled in the temperature change. Watched the goosebumps raise on her arms and felt the chill creep up her spine from its base to the back of her neck.

She had gathered her hair - her real hair - into a loose knot at the back of her head, hung her dress by the door and left her stockings and shoes in a neat little pile. The tub was full to bursting, and though she hesitated before sitting down completely she did it anyway. Water slipped past the rim as its cohesion failed to hold, and a soft yet persistent trickle began to spatter against the white tile floors. Effie watched the room around her slip away as she allowed her back to keep sliding against the tub, until all she could see was the high windows, the intricate tiling of the ceiling. Shut your eyes. Hold your breath.

Only when the tip of her nose touched the surface of the water did she stop. One leg was pulled up, bent at the knee, the other outstretched, her toes reaching for the opposite end of her little pool but not quite finding it. She could keep going, right on down. Until her tear reddened eyes closed. Until all of her was swallowed whole by that stillness. That warmth. The crushing weight of being somewhere that can hold you gently even as it delivers you toward something else. Effie looked at the soft skin at the back of her knee, the way drops of water were running back into the tub now that her displaced weight had ceased its pouring. It was so quiet.

She lifted herself again, just enough that her shoulders broke the surface. Her breath hitched. A long stifled cry escaped through her mouth, and the fingers that had pressed there, dripping, trying to keep it in.

Then tears came, but this time they wouldn’t bend to her. They wouldn’t stop until her shaking body had wrung itself dry and her head lilted to one side, cheek rested on her shoulder.

The faucet dripped once, then not again, as if it understood.

A knock, soft, sounded at the door. Effie raised her head a little to look at the doorknob but it showed no sign of moving. She waited, silent, the last of her tears falling to mix with the bath water. It came again.

“Yes?” Her voice was quiet but the door opened just a crack anyhow, as if the air had shifted enough to do it on its own. There was no need to ask who it was. Cinna was the only other one in the accommodation. The only one who cared enough - she shoved Haymitch’s face from her mind - and would risk life and limb to enter the bathroom when he knew she was in the tub. She had come billowing into the main living quarters not twenty minutes before, eyes downcast and slender fingers balled into fists at her sides, avoided his gaze and retreated immediately to her own rooms. That only meant one thing, he knew. It was only ever one thing.

“May I?” He asked through the crack in the door, and Effie sniffed in response but didn’t deny him. For years they had pretended, to the point of breaking themselves and one another in half, to be in love - or at least something like it. To be committed to one another. It was getting more and more difficult for reasons that they both had and had not anticipated. But it made nights like this one a little less awkward. A little less lonely. Less desperate. He slid into the room quietly, only the rustling of his shirt fabric audible as he closed the door and slid down its face to sit at the bottom. He - like her - pulled one knee to his chest. Folded his arm around it and played with the cuff at his other wrist. “You want to tell me what happened?”

His dark eyes weren’t looking at her, and her blue ones weren’t looking at him. Sometimes it felt like they shared the same cage. Beautiful. Heavy. Hollow. And sometimes there was a thin pane of glass between them, like now. Fine to hear and see one another, but it left them incapable of reaching out. There are some things you can only witness.

“Not really,” Effie murmured, her breath rippling the surface of the water, and then, “it’s nothing new.”

Cinna had known that. It hadn’t been anything new for years. And still…

“When are you going to stop doing this to yourself?” He asked again. And again she wondered if she shouldn’t have kept a tally of those words. Would it have mattered? Nothing ever seemed to matter when she wound up right back here, year after year. In one way or another it always ended the same. Alone in a room full of people. An apartment full of accomplishments. And what did she have to show for it, really? Nothing.

She looked at him, then, and with her makeup mostly gone and her eyes bright with the shock of pain she didn’t have to say anything at all.

They were silent for a long while, and then he took a breath in through his mouth, “What happened? That night?”

And she exhaled the same breath, a half laugh of disbelief releasing from her lungs, “You’re going to have to be more specific, I’m afrai-“

“The first night.” She stopped as he said the words, looked at him again, found him holding her gaze. “You never told me.”

She still wouldn’t, but she knew he could see it in her eyes. Her hand in Haymitch’s hand. Being twirled, gracefully, on a dance floor. His lips against her ear as he whispered to her. In her memory the night was spilling out into alleyways, cold crisp air, stolen glances and kisses and words lost in the back of a car, the way she’d sucked a breath in through her teeth the first time his lips had grazed her thigh. The room, the dress, his suit jacket, the strawberries. The gasping for air that comes with being completely undone. And the nightmares. “Never,” she had whispered. Promised. Prayed. And it was all right there, on her face.

How they had never been caught-

“I slipped,” she said, finally. Simple, “and I fell.”

[missamyrisa2]

OMG Amy could you PLEEEEASE do a full version of the "shackled in shower and tickle cleaned" one, I'm (respectfully) BEGGING YOU. Just the idea of being bathed and tickled at the same time has me DRIPPING

"Awww so squirmy already? Why, I haven't even touched you yet~" I snicker and smirk and sneer over at you in equal measures as I inventory my little shower caddy ~ with a grin I tickle at your exposed underarms to make you pull on the bonds holding you inside the shower ~ always have to be sure, after all. I roll back the sleeves on my longsleeved red cropped sweater and kneel down, showing plenty of skin that could be tickled if only your hands weren't completely occupied ~ I pull out the handheld shower wand and hum brightly turning the faucet on and cycling through the various settings ~ "mmmh. mmhmmm~ ooooooh~" I test the pressure and sensation of each pattern on my palm before stopping at a wide spray with tingly pressure "uuuh huh~ that's it, that's the one~" I take the wand and let it start soaking you from your ribs downward. My tongue pops out the side of my mouth in concentration as I aim carefully to get the streams of tickly water between and around each rib, slowly working downward ~ "don't fidget now ~ gotta get you sooo nice and clean and shiny~" I work the water wand down and let the tickly water fill in your navel multiple times, pooling it watching it drain and then moving the wand back from your side to get you again ~ Once the water has you nice and squirmy and warmed up, my other hand reaches for the long scrub brush. I place the brush at your side and press a button on the handle, squirting thick soap onto your wet skin. "Hold still precious, this miiiight tickle~!" The brush starts working back and forth slowly, rubbing the suds into your twitchy cute skin. I crank the wand to switch to a higher pressure spray and work the tickly popping bubbles from your side.

"Awww did that tickle? Yeahhh? A little tickly cleaning cleaning for my sweetie pie? Gonna get you allll nice and pristine, ohh yess~" I move the brush and spray your tummy thoroughly with soap before scrub scrub scrubbing away ~ "Scrubby scrubby scrubby~ are you my scrubby sally? Mmmm? Yeahhh? Does it tickle here? Tickle cleann?" I merrily work my cleansing tool on your bouncy belly, chuckling and waving the wand teasingly before spraying your midsection down. "You can fight it all you like, I'm still gonna clean you~" I matter of factly say as the wand moves up to start soaking your underarms. I spray each armpit thoroughly with the soap, but set the brush down and reach into my caddy to slip a handheld tool onto my palm. "Theeese pitties definitely need a deeep deep cleaning. In fact ~ let's get them both at once~ we work on efficiency in the Cleansing Mama cleaning factory~" I slip another bristly tool onto my other palm and stand over you tauntingly holding the tools up for you to see ~ all those soft bristles pointing and teasing as they come down slowly. I nod and coo over you "widda widda woooooo~" I tease, as I bring them both to your helpless underarms, letting the brushes gyrate and tremble on your skin before really digging in with deep scrubbing. "Yep gotta get them alllll clean, every last bit. Get it all, all of it now~" I say over your hysterical sounds, refusing to let up no matter how much your struggle and twist ~

"Aww there there~ was it just sooo ticklyyy?" I sigh and gently blot my soft washcloth over your cheek, my other hand directing your head as I lightly cleanse your face. "There there, I knowww I know~ it's for your own good though~ you have to get clean~ mmmhmm~" I smile and run the cloth over your forehead and down your nose and under your chin ~ "Sooo cute, soo pretty yess~ don't fret my ~dirty~ little thing~ there's still plenty of cleaning for youuu oh yess there is~" I set my cloth aside and turn your head gently, humming again as I begin tracing your ear with a tiny brush, working up the curve and around the lobe ~ "don't squirm now, these are little dirty spots" I carefully work my tool around your ear's inner curves, ever so lightly dipping it in and out of the entry. Then I smirk and cock my head to one side. "Now the other oneee~" I singsong, moving to start the same procedure while gently caressing your neck with the soft cloth. Once I have both ears cleansed and you nice and giggly wiggly, I step back and take out a bottle of sweet smelling cleanser. "Oooh yes, this is the good stuff~" I hold it under your nose letting the perfume waft up before picking up the water wand and soaking your feet. "Yes, definitely need the heavy duty cleanser for these tootsies~"

I use the highest pressure on the sprayer, coating between your toes and down your soles before getting my cleanser back out and start dripping it onto my palm before rubbing my hands together in suds. "Yess darling, dahhling ~ let it alll out now~ you're safe here, safe and cleannnn this is where you belong~" I call to you through your squirms and sounds as my fingers work between each toe and rub earnestly at your insteps and soles. The slippery sweet suds filling and popping all over ~ your feet coated in white before long, dripping with my tickly cleansing technique. And then the scrubber is back on a palm. "Okayyy now ~ this is gonnnna tickle~" I briskly grasp your big toe and go to town, rapidly sealing in the soap with little strokes of my tool. "Sudsy sudsy soooooo~" I coo out, working as if you weren't hysterically flopping in the shower sending bubbles all over. I can't help but giggle myself as some hit my exposed tummy, to which I switch feet and hold the other and work my brush endlessly on your inner sole.

All through the cleaning I've been eyeing your royal area, never acknowledging it directly or touching it, but just keeping an eye like I would a slowly boiling pot. With your feet shiny and pinkened, I glance up and smirk. "Looks like the pot is boiled~" I gesture towards your royal area and pick the wand back up. I switch it to the single jet setting, one single stream firing from the center of the head of circles ~ all those openings now just watching in awe as their master gets acquainted with your girly button. I work the stream of water pressure up your legs, over your thighs crossing back and forth ~ then I suddenly cut it off and aim it directly to your princess part and squeak an innocent snicker before spraying it. "Oooh yessss must clean here toooo~" I work the water up and down your button slowly, coming in from each side and angle, occasionally drifting down or up, and occasionally reaching up to tease a nipple with my soft scrub cloth~ "Why, you're not just dirty down here ~ you're absolutely..." I crank up the pressure and hold the wand close to your protesting button, letting the vibrations of the shower tool radiate down "...filthy~!" I sneak the soft tiny brush over and let it gently love on your button as it is coaxed out fully with the cleansing tickles~ I work you up good and gaspy before cutting the pressure off and stand with my hands on my hips over you~

"Naughty thing ~ you're really enjoying this huh? Don't lieeee now~ I'll bet half that wetness there is all youuu isn't it? You naughty naughty thing ~ you need sooo much cleaning~ sooo dirty~ Cleaning right on your button? Your button? Yeahhh your buttttton~" I take the scrub brush and spray your inner thighs and girly area thoroughly with suds before scrubbing at your legs while the tiny brush works your royal parts with the utmost attention to detail. I'm bent over you, working as though I was sculpting a masterpiece ~ and maybe I am~ getting all those tickly bubbles thoroughly applied before the water starts again. And this time I don't let up, spraying down your legs, up to your belly, high pressure in your navel before circling each nipple and then back down, hand on my hip as I relentlessly cleanse your girly button, following your every squirm and thrash and buck. "Come on now~ you know you like it ~ you know you wanna be sooo naughty for your Amy ~ be naughty for me nowww~" I encourage and taunt and coo, varying the pressure up and down, but never leaving your button until I push you over into a watery drippy gigglegasm~ "gonna gigglecum for me? Yeah? Gigglecum? Ohooooh uhhuhh there you go look at you~!" I snicker as your writhe and give yourself to my cleaning, playfully tickling at your belly and thighs with my fingers all through the climax.

"MmmH! Naughty naughty! You just made yourself all dirty again~ positively filthy~ tsk tsk tsk.... " I click my tongue disapprovingly and start thumbing the wand's settings. "You knooow what that meeeans~"

[cheeriecherrymain]

The flooding of the "domestic/relationship situation prompts that make my heart warm" prompts

(4 of 5)

#14 - repairing a broken appliance

(Inventor Viktor to the rescue! There is no way he DOESN'T keep the house running as a way of showing love. Picture the breakfast scene from chitty chitty bang bang - look up 'chitty chitty Breakfast Pickering' to find the video)

i stole the prompt and ran away with it in my mouth whoops

Viktor x Reader

-Viktor absolutely creates things to make your home life easier. You guys have been together since you were teenagers, and for your entire relationship, he’s flooded your home with gadgets and little machines to help you on the day-to-day. 

-Whenever he’s not working on something big, he’s working on something small; the little things that he knows will make your life easier. Even if it’s the most mundane thing, like an electric can opener, or a portable cooking burner. He’s probably upgraded all of the appliances in the house, too, to make them more efficient. More efficient, more flexible, more reliable. Just…better.

-And then he starts working on HexTech.

-He starts being home less. You wake up more and more frequently to the otherside of the bed being cold - either from him heading to the lab hours prior, or having not slept beside you at all.

-You know that this is a huge opportunity for him, so you’re not going to complain. You know things will calm down eventually. They have to, right? Your relationship is years in the making, so there’s nothing that can break it apart.

-You just miss him, is all.

-Until one afternoon, you’re preparing your lunch and the sink breaks.

-It’s not a big deal. You can wash the potatoes in the bathroom for the time being, but you still make sure to tape a piece of paper over the kitchen faucet, so you don’t forget that it’s broken and accidentally douse yourself with water.

-You’ll ask Viktor to fix it when he comes home that night.

-Except it’s past midnight when he finally drags himself through the door. You meander into the front alcove to greet him with a kiss, though you know he’s surprised that you’re still awake.

-He looks so exhausted after a long day. So worn down that you can’t bring yourself to ask about fixing the sink. If you had to go a few more days without water in the kitchen, so be it: you just wanted him to rest.

-It goes on like that for a while, though.

-Viktor always gets home late, always looks tired, you drag him to bed and spoon him until you fall asleep, you wake up the next morning alone.

-A week passes, and then two. By now, you’ve moved a drying rack into the bathroom, though you’ve been hiding it under the bathroom sink.

-Perhaps hiding is the wrong word. Viktor was completely free to open whatever drawers and cupboards he pleased, and the rack would be in plain sight were he to do so. He just doesn’t. He floats through his morning routine, still half asleep, and pays no mind to the details of your home.

-You don’t blame him for being busy. You don’t blame him for wanting to put so much energy into a new project.

-But you’re frustrated.

-So on the first day of the third week since your sink broke, you dig out a bag of his old tools. Things he rarely used anymore, having been provided with better versions since starting his work with Jayce. But they still work.

-You root through his old notes and textbooks, things he had insisted on keeping even though they no longer served a purpose. Or…they didn’t. Not until now. The design for the split faucet is easy to find, and thankfully Viktor had been thorough with his building instructions and part descriptions.

-It takes you…most of the day, honestly. Fixing things has never been your specialty, but with your boyfriends’ notes to guide you, you manage to do just fine. By eleven at night, the sink works again, and you’ve managed to repair the persistent drip.

-And then, as you’re standing back to admire your handiwork, surrounded by tools and little scraps of paper, Viktor comes home.

-Perhaps the light from the kitchen is what draws him in so quickly, perhaps not, but for whatever reason, he makes a beeline for you. He stops in the doorway, startled by the scene that greets him, and honestly as equally confused. But he connects the dots pretty quickly.

- “Did something break?” he asks, wandering into the room to give you a kiss on the cheek.

-You don’t want to lie to him, but you don’t really want to tell him the truth either. “Just the sink,” you say vaguely, hoping he’ll drop it. But in typical Viktor fashion, he always has more questions.

- “What was wrong with it?” he wonders, stepping away to inspect your handiwork. “It was fine this morning, wasn’t it? Surely the situation was not so dire that you couldn’t have waited until I got home tonight?”

- “What, is my mechanical prowess not up to your standards?” you tease, trying to deflect. But again, he is Viktor.

- “There’s a bit of damage around the tip of the faucet. How much force did you have to use to remove the filter? Surely it wouldn’t have needed that much - unless the sediment was dry? But you use this every day, so it wouldn’t be. It would have needed to be inactive for…” he pauses, turning to you as all the pieces click into place, “...for weeks. Love, how long has the sink been broken?”

-You chew the inside of your cheek for a couple seconds, before admitting to him that yes, it’s been a couple of weeks. “I was going to ask you when you came home the day it broke, but you looked so tired. I wanted you to get some sleep, instead of having to worry about the appliances. And I guess it just…kept happening.” You sigh deeply, wrapping your arms around yourself. “I guess I just didn’t want to be a bother. You’re doing such important work every day, so it’s okay that you’re not here as often. I know this has always been something that you strived for.”

-He’s so gentle when he leans his cane against the counter, and takes your face in his hands, slowly stroking the pads of his thumbs over your cheeks. “I’ve been neglecting you,” he says, though it’s not a question.

- “Nothing is more important to me than you are,” he promises, “And while your support is astounding, you must remember that we are a pair, no? I do appreciate you beginning to learn about mechanics, and I must say, you did a lovely job in repairing the faucet - but do not feel as if you have to, just because I’m tired.” He kisses the tip of your nose. “Do not hesitate to ask me when you need something - I will tell you outright if it’s not something I’m able to do. Alright?”

-You droop slightly, but nod in agreement at his request.  - “Good, sweetheart,” he smiles, “But you know, I’m home early tonight. With all the appliances fixed, we…have a little bit of time together.” He leans down to let his forehead rest against yours, while his hands slowly wander down your body. “If you’re not too tired from your day?”

[eggcompany]

Diego's a good Dog

Diego really just needs some time to be mama's good pup. Eudora indulges him. He's just such a good boy.

Or a fic where Diego get fucked and gets called a good boy for his mama Eudora.

“Um d-dora?” Diego said in a shy small voice. 

“What Diego? What do you want?” Eudora said snappily. This caused Diego to turn into himself. His shoulder slumped down and he looked at his shoes. He usually didn’t mind shouting but it always upset him when he was floating just on the edge of his headspace. 

Of course the detective noticed. 

“Oh sorry baby... I didn’t mean to snap at you. You feelin tender?” Eudora always asked Diego if he was almost in subspace in different ways. Feeling tender, soft, squishy, puffy, needy, etc. 

“Yeah... I am. I’m-m fee-feel-feelin a w-way” Diego said and picked at his hands.

He knew what he wanted but he couldn’t say it. He wanted to be stripped and washed and snuggled and touched all over and he wanted to have his chest petted and feel his master’s nails on his back. But all he could say was he was feeling a way. 

Eudora pulled him up into a good hug. She laid a gentle kiss on his forehead and then pulled back enough to give him a chaste kiss. 

“Diego, how about we have some playtime. Do you want that? You want mama?” Eudora said in her silly ‘good doggie’ voice as they called it. She looked into Diego’s warm brown eyes. She smiled as she watched him melt. His shoulders relaxed and his face melted as he nodded. He flicked his eyes up to meet his master’s for only a second before looking down again. 

Diego really needed puppy time. Puppies didn’t have to talk or worry about money or their families or-

“You’re thinking too loud, bub. How about we get you out of these icky people clothes and get you all washed up?” Eudora said and slid her hand down his arm to grasp his hand. She could tell he was already slipping into his dumb little headspace. 

Diego nodded again. Mama always knew what to do. She always knew what he wanted and needed and always gave it to him. 

She took his hand and led him to their bathroom. She stripped him quickly and efficiently. He was pliant under her hands. Moving when she needed to move him too. She stood and looked at him for a moment. 

“You’re such a pretty puppy. My handsome little man.” Eudora said and scratched behind Diego’s ears. His eyes crossed for a moment and his mouth dropped open a bit. His breath was punched out of him and he smiled, open mouthed. This always got him. Always made him melt down into a puddle. 

Then she told him to sit right where he was. “Sit”. Diego obediently dropped down to his knees onto the dark tile floor. It felt cold against his knees. The floor was always so cold in here. 

Eudora looked at him for a moment while she collected the special soap they used for these scenes. She pulled out a shampoo and a body wash and finally she laid out his special blue dog comb. She watched him fidget on his knees. She knew the tile was cold but he only got to sit on the floor during these scenes unless he was invited onto the bed or couch. She thought for a moment before she said- 

“Oh your butt puppy. Your knees don’t need to be achy.” She knew he wouldn’t like the cold tile on his cock and ass and especially not his balls but she didn’t want his knees to hurt… yet. 

This was how it started when she planned on really working him. He slipped onto his butt and sat criss cross. He gasped as his tender parts met the frigid flooring. He shivered slightly in the chill of his nudity. She was about to cup himself just for some relief from the stabby cold feeling but he heard the faucet start. He looked up and watched Eudora put a few drops of the shampoo into the water. 

Diego perks up; he loooooves bubble baths! Bubbles means mama gets in too! He watched and smiled and started to fidget around, completely forgetting the cold he was just feeling. He sat and stayed where he was put and smiled. He watched his mama roll up the sleeves of her button up shirt and grab a few towels and put them on the closed lip of the toilet. 

Soon the bath was full and Eudora knelt down on the side of the tub. Was she not going to get in..? Usually bath time was a shared time. Diego frowned. He liked getting to lay on mama as she washed him. 

“Come. In the tub now puppy.” Eudora said and Diego obediently crawled on his hands and knees over to the tub and climbed in. Eudora smiled lightly as Diego dunked his head under the water for a long moment. When Diego emerged and looked at her and whined she patted his thigh under the water. 

“No complaining. I don’t want to smell like wet dog. When you get dry you can… play by yourself while I shower. Be good and let’s get you clean.” Eudora said and Diego let her wash him. She first washed his hair then body. She spent a moment to slip her finger, just to the second knuckle, into his hole. Diego let out a squawk but bit his lip and blushed when she pulled it out and fondled his heavy balls. 

“Out. No shaking.” The dom said when she saw Diego turn his head to shake the water off. He ducked his head and let her rub an old fluffy towel over his head and the rest of him. She didn’t say anything when she opened the door. Diego jumped slightly when she slapped his ass as he walked through the door into their bedroom. 

Eudora kept the door cracked as she showered but she knew Diego was already entertaining himself. 

“Oh poor little puppy baby. Poor thing. You can’t take it can you? It’s just too big for your tight little hole? I know you want it in but it just doesn’t fit. Yet. Maybe with some more practice you can have the big one. You can have your favorite one now though so come on. Come ride mama.” Eudora said to the struggling puppy on the floor. She had walked into the room to see Diego breathing hard with teary eyes as he struggled to take in his big toy. Diego spent most of their scenes trying to get that toy inside. She had quickly thrown on a pair of plain black boyshort underwear and a black tank top. 

Diego whined loudly and reached down to feel how much he had left. He really thought he could take the big toy this time! He used lots of lube and stretched with four fingers and used the smaller one to stretch even more! Diego really really wanted it! Diego was practically in tears. He felt let down and disappointed. 

It was just so thick and so long. He could barely get the tip in when he first got it, now he could manage about four inches. That’s where he was now, four inches down, kneeling on the floor, trying to sit on it. He felt the large section that was slick outside his body and looked up at his mama. A tear slipped out the edge of his eye. He wanted it so bad but also he felt so overwhelmed.

Diego sniffled as he got pulled up onto the bed. He smiled a bit when he saw his thick leather collar sitting next to them on the bed. Eudora slipped the heavy weight around his neck, not too tight though because if it was tight it made Diego nervous. The collar was about the comfort of the weight and the heft of ownership. 

Eudora positioned him to straddle one of her thighs. He poked his bottom lip out and she kissed it and scratched behind his ears. He bent down to kiss her and he made happy little noises as she licked into his willing mouth. He closed his eyes and relaxed as she licked across his teeth and sucked on his tongue. He felt gummy and loose as she pulled away. He bent and let his head drop down onto her shoulder. He was so subdrunk on it all. The surrounded feeling, warm and loved. Eurdora ran her hands down his back to rest and knead at his ass. 

“Oh poor baby. Poor little di. Don’t worry we’ll try again later okay? You’ll be able to fit it eventually. For now look what I have for you.” The cop says softly and gestures down at her thigh where a small harness rests with Diego’s favorite little vibrator is positioned. Diego looked down and his cock jumped. 

Diego perked up and moved so he could reach back and slip the small toy into himself. He easily sat down onto it and smiled, it always fit into him so perfectly. Eudora smiled and rubbed her hands across his stomach, purposefully avoiding his heavy erection, he ran up until she could rub and tug at his nipples. 

Diego moaned and shoved down onto her thigh, silently begging for her to use her remote to turn the vibe on. Eudora hits his thigh and scolds him. 

“Patience! Do not be greedy. Slutty pup.” She said but turned the vibrator onto the third of six levels. Diego moaned loudly and started to pant. His tongue lolled out the side of this mouth and his eyes crossed. This was his favorite toy for a reason. It always sat so nicely against his ‘cute spot’. His cock was dripping with precum as he ground down and wiggled his hips around. 

“You’re so pretty. Such a good boy. My good boy. Take what you need baby. Take it. You look so pretty sitting on your toy like this. My perfect pretty boy.” Eudora praised him as she scratched down his chest until she ended up at his cock. Diego whined loudly and yelled out when she wrapped one hand around his erection and let her other hand rub and play with his balls. 

“Almost there. I know you’re so close, Diego. Come for me, baby. Come for mama.” Eudora said. Diego fell apart. He moaned loudly and screamed as Eudora worked him through it. She let go of his testicles and rubbed his tummy as gushes of cum flooded from the red tip of his cock. He panted and whined when she continued to rub him after he finished. 

Eudora turned the vibe off and helped Diego lift up off of it and lay down next to her. She put the sticky vibe on the bedside and put away the thigh harness. She brought him a bottle of water and changed her shirt. 

“Puppy, how do you feel?” She said as she lounged against the pillows next to the still trembling man, she ran her fingers through his short hair. Diego looked up at her with big glazed over eyes. 

“I-I love you” He said in a yell roughened voice. He looked so vulnerable. 

“I love you too baby. I love you so much. But how do you feel?” She said again and watched him take small sips of water. 

“Um… smushy.” He said and flicked his eyes away from his dom. She nodded. 

“That’s alright. You can feel smushy. Do you want something to eat? Want me to feed you something?” Eudora asked and rubbed at the space behind his ears. Diego sat up onto his butt and winced slightly. 

“C-can I-I have um… ce-cer-cereal. Please ma-mama” Diego said and looked up at her. 

Eudora nodded and ruffled his hair as she stood up. Cereal usually meant he wanted to be a puppy for a while longer. She would feed him and then he would go to the bathroom and take off his collar by himself. 

Eudora had to admit she felt a lot more relaxed now. 

[sidekick-hero]

Blinded by you

(steddie | 2.1k | rated T | silly fluff | AO3 Link)

There are a few simple truths in Eddie Munson’s life.

Jeff Hanneman is the best guitarist in the world. Mac’n’Cheese counts as a balanced meal. He’s the least organized person he knows.

It’s the last one that gets him into trouble the most. He knows it. He tries to be better. But he can’t help it that his brain is usually all over the place. There are too many thoughts in his head to keep track of them. If he doesn’t write it down, it won’t be happening.

He should have written it down. Uncle Wayne, 10am, breakfast. It’s the first time his uncle visits him at his new apartment. Which is great and all, he’s proud that he found his this place and manages on his own.

Only problem is: he may have forgotten to clean the place.

Now it’s 2 in the morning and he just remembered that in about 8 hours, his uncle will arrive and be faced with what only could be described as a mess.

So, Eddie does the most logical thing that comes to his mind: he cleans the shower.

The showerhead is covered in limescale and Eddie wonders how he even managed to shower this morning. Did he shower this morning? He sniffs under his armpit and decides that no, he definitely didn't shower this morning.

He takes off his clothes and gets the bleach from under the sink. Why not combine both tasks and be done with it? He can be efficient when he wants to be. His uncle would be proud.

The showerhead is over his head and he puts some of the bleach on the scrubber and starts scrubbing the limescale.

One minute he's looking up at his hand scrubbing away, the next there's a burning pain in his eyes. He lets out a yelp and drops the scrub brush into the shower.

"Shit! Fuckfuckfuck."

He squeezes his eyes shut, but the pain doesn't go away. It only gets worse.

There's a distant memory in his mind that when something like this happens, you're supposed to flush your eyes with clear, running water, so he turns on the shower, waits a few seconds for the bleach to wash away, and steps under the spray.

He forces himself to open his eyes and let the water wash away the burning liquid. But there's still too much limescale, so he stumbles out of the shower and over to the sink. He bends over it and opens the faucet.

For the next five minutes, he lets the water run in and out of his eyes, praying to the gods that he does not lose his sight. Even by his standards, that would be the stupidest accident that ever happened to him. And that’s counting the time when he succeeded in breaking both hands at the same time.

The pain eases a bit, but his eyes still burn like hell. He thinks about just going to bed and hoping it'll go away in the morning. But then he imagines waking up to a world of darkness and reaches for the phone instead.

Swallowing his pride, he dials 9-1-1.

Later, he will remember this as one of the most embarrassing and surreal moments of his life. Him, standing in the doorway of his kitchen next to the phone, naked as the day he was born, water dripping all over the floor, his eyes squeezed shut. The receiver in his hand and a nice young man on the other line asking him what his emergency is.

I'm a fucking idiot, seems to be the best answer to this question.

"I accidentally got bleach in my eyes and they're burning like hell. I'm afraid I'm going to lose my sight."

"Okay, sir. Have you rinsed your eyes with clear water?"

Eddie pats himself on the back for his excellent survival skills, happily ignoring what got him here in the first place.

"Yes, I did. For at least five minutes. But it still burns really bad and when I try to open my eyes, everything is blurry and it hurts even more."

The operator on the other side was humming and Eddie could hear him tapping away at his computer. "Very good, Mr. -" The operator pauses and Eddie remembers that he hadn't even said his name, just blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Figures. "Munson. Edward Munson."

"Very good, Mr. Munson. May I ask what exactly happened?"

Shit. How embarrassing.

"I was cleaning my shower."

"At 2 in the morning?" Eddie winces.

"Yes?"

"Okay, Mr. Munson. We're going to send an ambulance to you. Explain to the paramedics what you told me and show them the chemicals you used. And please keep your eyes closed for now so you don't irritate them any more. Do you understand?"

Eddie nods, then remembers that the guy couldn't see him. "Yeah, I got it. Wait for the ambulance. Don't open my eyes. Show them the bleach."

"Very good. Oh, and Mr. Munson. A word of advice? Next time, clean the shower during the day and wear goggles and gloves." Eddie promises to do that and hangs up.

And so Eddie waits. Still naked and wet, his eyes closed.

The doorbell rings and he walks over to the door, stubbing his toe more than once on the way.

"Hello?" he asks through the door, not wanting to expose himself to a stranger and get arrested for public indecency.

"Hello, sir. We're here for an emergency. Something with bleach and possible eye damage?" A deep voice answers from the other side.

Eddie opens the door, eyes still closed, and says, "That would be me." The man gasps softly and Eddie is a little surprised. Doesn't he see a lot of naked people at his job?

He turns and walks to the bathroom, stubbing his toes again on the way, expecting the paramedics to follow him into the apartment.

"Sir, please wait. Where are you going?" The same voice, now closer.

"To my bathroom. The operator told me to show you the bleach. I left it there." A warm hand wraps around his arm and Eddie realizes for the first time how fucking cold he is.

"Sir, we need to examine you first. My partner can get the bleach in the meantime." His next words are not addressed to Eddie, but to the person behind him. "Robin, could you look for the bleach in the bathroom? Make sure you bring back anything you find that might be important."

Eddie feels someone walk past him and he wants to open his eyes so badly. He feels naked, exposed. Vulnerable.

The man in front of him speaks again, his tone soft. Soothing. "I need to look into your eyes and examine the damage. I will shine a light into them. It will probably hurt, but you must keep your eyes open. I promise to be as quick as I can, okay?"

All Eddie hears is 'keep your eyes open', so he does. His eyes are still burning like a son-of-a-bitch, but his vision is finally clearing up. Kneeling in front of him, rummaging through a large leather bag, is the most beautiful man Eddie has ever seen.

The literal angel at his feet chooses this moment to look up at Eddie through strands of golden hair. His beautiful, beautiful face is inches from his dick and Eddie has to do everything in his power to keep it from greeting the man in front of him like an excited puppy. Down boy, he thinks.

He has maybe ten seconds to be embarrassed by his nakedness before he notices a pair of pretty hazel eyes that are examining everything but his eyes. They linger on Eddie's dick and suddenly he's not ashamed anymore.

"You know, I hurt my eyes. Not my dick."

The guy starts and covers it with a cough. *"Sorry, sir. Wandering mind. Let's get to it."

"You can call me Eddie. And I wouldn't mind something else wandering while you do your examination." The most adorable blush adorns the man's cheeks, and Eddie is more than grateful that his eyes may still burn, but they work just fine. What a shame it would have been to miss such a sight.

The paramedic recovers quickly. He stands up again and takes a step closer to Eddie, radiating heat. Eddie wants to rub his cold skin all over it. Did the fumes go to his head?

"Well, Eddie. I think we'll focus on your eyes for now, okay?" Eddie starts to pout exaggeratedly, but hisses in pain as the blinding light hits his eyes. He instinctively closes his eyes and pulls away from the source of his discomfort.

A very warm, very large hand cupped his face and stopped him from retreating any further. "Hey, man. I'm sorry I startled you. But you gotta show me those big brown doe eyes of yours, okay?"

How could he ever say no to this? Eddie opens his eyes again and the hand on his cheek never leaves while the paramedic shines the light into both of his eyes. It hurts, but not as much as before.

"Your eyes are pretty." The guy says softly, and Eddie gets the impression that those words were not meant to come out of the paramedic's mouth.

“If all you wanted was to stare into my eyes, we could’ve just gone to dinner.” Eddie quips and the hand on his face drops, leaving him feeling cold and bereft.

"I mean, your eyes are pretty irritated." After what feels like minutes, but is probably no more than a couple of seconds, the guy turns off the light and puts it away. "But I don't see any encrustations or scar tissue on your cornea. Did you clean them with water?"

Eddie nods. "Yeah. At least five minutes, I think."

The guy hums. "No wonder they're irritated. Ah, Robin. You got the bleach?"

The other paramedic, a young woman also about his age, steps forward. Eddie wonders how long she's been standing there and how he missed it. The fumes have really done something to his head, he thinks.

Mr. Most Beautiful Face in the World takes the container from his colleague and examines it.

"Okay, I got to ask, Eddie. How did you get bleach in your eyes?"

And so Eddie tells them the whole story. It's no less embarrassing the second time he tells it, and the incredulous faces they make don't help.

"So, just to be clear. You accidentally got bleach in your eyes while trying to take a shower and clean said shower at the same time? At 2 in the morning?"

That sounded awfully judgmental, so Eddie does what he does best - deflect.

"You know what else I'd like to accidentally get in my eyes, big boy?"

"Please don't do that. What does that even mean?"

Admittedly not his best line, but he should get some credit for pulling any lines after the night he just had.

"It's the shock! You should be nicer to me, I almost died!"

"Jesus, are you always this dramatic?" Eddie thinks the guy is trying to sound annoyed, but the fond smile on his face ruins that impression.

"No? I mean...does it work? I mean. No, 'course not."

Before Eddie can put his foot in his mouth any further, the other paramedic chimes in. "It's kind of entertaining to watch...whatever this is. Like a very bad romcom or one of those cheesy soft porn things. But we really have to go, Steve. You know, to work?"

And there is that adorable blush again. Eddie has only seen it twice, but he's already hooked. Wants to cause it every day, wants to find out how deep it goes under the very loose, very revealing scrubs the guy - Steve - is wearing.

"You're right, sorry, Robs. Okay, Eddie, it looks like your eyes are fine, just irritated. You should go to bed and rest them for a while. They should be fine in the morning."

With that, they both turn and head for the door. Now or never, Munson.

"Steve, wait!"

Steve turns back to him, an expectant look on his face.

Eddie smiles his most disarming smile and says, "You better write down your number for me in case this happens again."

Steve laughs in surprise, the sound so beautiful that Eddie wants to record it. "You don't remember 9-1-1?"

"What if I just want a certain paramedic to check me out?"

There are some simple truths in Eddie Munson's life. One of them is that while his chaotic mind might get him into trouble now and then, it also got him a date with the most gorgeous guy he ever met.

___________________

As usual, my unending love and gratitude for the worst enablers I ever met, @legitcookie and @yournowheregirl 💜💜💜

Any and all resemblance to persons living or dead should be plainly apparent to them and those who know them, especially if the author has been kind enough to have provided their real names and, in some cases, their phone numbers.