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shoppingbagss1 · 2 months ago

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How Travel Shoe Bags Can Save You Space and Sanity on Your Adventures

Have you ever found yourself frantically searching through your suitcase for a matching pair of shoes, only to come up empty-handed? Or maybe you've arrived at your destination, only to realize that your favorite pair of sneakers is covered in the dust and grime of travel. If these scenarios resonate with you, then it's time to consider an often-overlooked travel essential—travel shoe bags. These handy accessories can be the key to a more organized, stress-free travel experience. In this guide, we'll explore the world of travel shoe bags, highlighting their benefits, various types, and how they can transform your travel routine.

The Problem with Packing Shoes

Let's face it—packing shoes can be a nightmare. Not only do they take up valuable space in your luggage, but they also have a knack for getting everything else dirty. This section dives deeper into the common challenges travelers face when packing shoes and how these issues can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful ordeal.

It's no secret that shoes are one of the bulkiest items in your travel wardrobe. Their size and shape often make them difficult to fit neatly alongside clothing and other essentials. Trying to cram them into your luggage without a plan can lead to wasted space and unnecessary frustration.

There's also the hygiene factor to consider. Shoes, by design, are in constant contact with the ground, collecting dirt, dust, and potentially unpleasant odors along the way. Without a proper barrier, these less-than-pleasant elements can easily transfer onto your clothes and personal items.

Finally, there's the organization aspect. Different occasions call for different footwear, and locating the right pair amidst a jumbled suitcase can be time-consuming and vexing. This is where travel shoe bags come into play, offering a solution to these all-too-familiar packing woes.

What Are Travel Shoe Bags?

Before we explore their myriad benefits, let's establish what travel shoe bags actually are. In this section, we'll provide a clear definition and breakdown of the different types available, helping you identify the perfect option for your needs.

Travel shoe bags are protective pouches designed to safely house and transport your footwear. Constructed from a variety of materials, these bags come in different sizes and styles to accommodate everything from flip-flops to hiking boots.

Their primary function is to separate your shoes from the rest of your belongings, ensuring that your clothes remain clean and your shoes are easily accessible. With the right travel shoe bags in tow, you can bid farewell to last-minute packing dilemmas and say hello to a more organized travel experience.

From drawstring closures to zippered compartments, travel shoe bags offer features tailored to different preferences and needs. Investing in a set that suits your specific travel style will help you maximize their benefits and pave the way for stress-free packing.

Benefits of Travel Shoe Bags

Now that you know what travel shoe bags are, let's uncover the advantages they bring to the table. From keeping your shoes clean and organized to enhancing your travel experience, these benefits are sure to win you over.

One of the most significant benefits of travel shoe bags is their ability to maintain a clean and tidy suitcase. By storing your shoes in designated pouches, you can prevent dirt and debris from transferring onto your clothing, keeping everything in pristine condition.

Additionally, travel shoe bags promote better organization. Having a dedicated bag for each pair of shoes makes it easy to locate the exact footwear you need, without having to dig through your entire suitcase. This streamlined approach saves time and reduces stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Furthermore, travel shoe bags can extend the lifespan of your shoes. By providing an added layer of protection, they shield your footwear from damage during transit, ensuring they remain in top-notch condition for future adventures.

Choosing the Right Travel Shoe Bag

With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the best travel shoe bag for your needs. In this section, we'll break down the essential factors to consider when making your selection, ensuring you make an informed choice.

Size is a crucial consideration when selecting a travel shoe bag. The bag should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your shoes, yet compact enough to fit within your luggage. Be sure to measure your footwear to ensure a snug fit and prevent excess bulk.

Material is another key factor. Travel shoe bags are typically made from lightweight, durable materials like nylon, polyester, or canvas. Opt for a material that is both water-resistant and easy to clean, as this will provide maximum protection for your shoes.

Look for travel shoe bags with practical features that enhance usability. Drawstring closures, zippered compartments, and transparent panels are just a few examples of features that can make a significant difference in the bag's overall convenience and functionality.

Clear Shoe Bags for Travel

For those seeking a stylish and functional option, clear shoe bags are an excellent choice. In this section, we'll explore the unique benefits of clear shoe bags and how they can elevate your travel experience.

Clear shoe bags offer the advantage of visibility, allowing you to quickly and easily identify the contents within. This feature is particularly useful when traveling with multiple pairs of shoes, as it eliminates the need to open each bag to find what you're looking for.

These bags are crafted from high-quality, transparent plastic, providing a sleek and modern appearance. Their durable construction ensures that your shoes are well-protected, while their transparent design adds a touch of sophistication to your travel gear.

Clear shoe bags are incredibly versatile and can be used for more than just travel. They make excellent storage solutions for your closet or gym bag, keeping your shoes organized and free from dust and dirt.

18x24 Clear Shoe Bag Features

Looking for a travel shoe bag that ticks all the boxes? The 18x24 Clear Shoe Bag with Cotton Drawstring might be the perfect fit. Let's explore its standout features and why it deserves a spot in your travel arsenal.

This premium-quality shoe bag is designed with convenience in mind. Its 2 Mil thick plastic construction is both stain-resistant and breathable, ensuring your shoes remain fresh and protected throughout your travels. The cotton drawstring closure provides a secure seal, preventing your footwear from slipping out during transit.

The 18x24 Clear Shoe Bag is lightweight and foldable, making it easy to pack and carry. Whether you're heading to a yoga class, a weekend getaway, or a business trip, this bag is the ideal companion for all your travel adventures.

With a transparent design, you can quickly identify the contents of the bag, saving you time and effort during your travels. Available in packs of 100, the 18x24 Clear Shoe Bag is perfect for both individuals and families looking to streamline their packing process.

12x18 Clear Shoe Bag Benefits

The 12x18 Clear Shoe Bag with Cotton Drawstring is another fantastic option for travelers seeking a versatile and efficient storage solution. Here's a closer look at its features and benefits.

Crafted from high-quality, 2 Mil thick plastic, the 12x18 Clear Shoe Bag is durable and reliable. Its lightweight and portable design make it perfect for on-the-go use, whether you're hitting the gym or embarking on a cross-country adventure.

This shoe bag's transparent design allows for easy identification of its contents, eliminating the need to rummage through your bags to find the right pair. The drawstring closure ensures a secure fit, keeping your shoes safely contained and protected from dust and dirt.

Available in three convenient sizes, the 12x18 Clear Shoe Bag is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of footwear. From running shoes to dress heels, this bag is a must-have for any organized traveler.

10x14 Clear Shoe Bag Advantages

Small but mighty, the 10x14 Clear Shoe Bag with Cotton Drawstring is the ultimate solution for compact and efficient shoe storage. Let's explore its features and benefits.

Constructed from 2 Mil thick plastic, the 10x14 Clear Shoe Bag is both lightweight and durable. Its compact size makes it perfect for storing smaller shoes or accessories, ensuring they remain clean and organized during your travels.

The transparent design of this shoe bag allows for quick and easy identification of its contents, making it a convenient choice for busy travelers. The cotton drawstring closure ensures a secure fit, keeping your shoes safe and protected from the elements.

Ideal for a variety of activities, the 10x14 Clear Shoe Bag is perfect for yoga classes, hiking trips, or simply keeping your closet tidy. Its versatility and practicality make it an essential addition to any traveler's packing list.

Travel Shoe Bags for Families

Traveling with a family can be a chaotic affair, but travel shoe bags can help keep things organized and stress-free. In this section, we'll explore how these bags can benefit families on the go.

With multiple family members comes multiple pairs of shoes, and keeping them organized can be a challenge. Travel shoe bags provide a designated space for each pair, ensuring that everyone knows exactly where their shoes are at all times.

These bags also help protect your family's footwear from damage during transit. By keeping shoes separated from other items, you can prevent scuffs, scratches, and other wear and tear.

Travel shoe bags streamline the packing process, allowing families to quickly and efficiently pack and unpack their footwear. This saves time and reduces stress, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Eco-Friendly Travel Shoe Bags

For eco-conscious travelers, making sustainable choices is a top priority. In this section, we'll discuss how travel shoe bags can align with your values and contribute to a greener planet.

Many travel shoe bags are made from environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled plastics or sustainable textiles. By choosing these options, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support companies that prioritize sustainability.

In addition to being eco-friendly, travel shoe bags can extend the lifespan of your shoes by protecting them from damage. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, ultimately minimizing your environmental impact.

Opting for reusable travel shoe bags instead of disposable alternatives can also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. These durable bags can be used time and time again, reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption.

Fashion-Conscious Travel Shoe Bags

For fashion-conscious travelers, style is just as important as functionality. In this section, we'll explore how travel shoe bags can cater to your sense of style without sacrificing practicality.

Travel shoe bags come in a wide range of designs, allowing you to choose options that complement your personal aesthetic. From sleek and modern to bold and colorful, there's a shoe bag to suit every fashionista's taste.

These bags provide a chic and polished way to store your shoes, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure. Their stylish design ensures that your footwear remains organized without compromising on elegance.

By investing in fashion-forward travel shoe bags, you can elevate your travel experience and showcase your impeccable sense of style, no matter where your adventures take you.

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athletic-seating · 4 months ago

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Double Tier Storage Cart: Your Gym Setup Savior

https://athleticseating.com/double-tier-storage-cart-your-gym-setup-savior/

The Gym Setup Challenge

Picture this: You’ve got just one hour to transform the high school gym into a seating area for 200 people. The clock is ticking, and folding chairs are scattered everywhere – along the gym walls, in random piles, and even in nearby storage rooms. It’s enough to make anyone break into a sweat!

Enter the Double Tier Storage Cart

Here’s where Athletic Seating’s Double Tier Storage Cart comes to the rescue. This nifty cart isn’t just another piece of equipment – it’s your new best friend for organizing and storing those pesky folding chairs.

Keep Things Tidy

Gone are the days of chair chaos! With the Double Tier Storage Cart, you can say goodbye to messy piles and hello to neat, orderly rows of chairs. It’s like giving your gym a mini makeover every time you use it.

Convenience at Your Fingertips

Imagine being able to wheel dozens of chairs around effortlessly. That’s exactly what this cart offers. No more back-breaking trips across the gym floor – just load up the cart and roll it where you need it. It’s so easy, you might even start to enjoy setting up for events!

Why the Double Tier Storage Cart is a Game-Changer

Time-Saver: With chairs neatly organized and easy to transport, you’ll shave precious minutes off your setup time.

Space-Efficient: The two-tier design means you can store more chairs in less space. Your storage areas will thank you!

Reduces Wear and Tear: By keeping chairs off the floor and properly stored, you’ll extend their lifespan.

Improves Safety: No more tripping over stray chairs or unstable stacks. Everything is secure on the cart.

Real-Life Success Story

“Before we got the Double Tier Storage Cart, setting up for assemblies was a nightmare. Now, my team and I can have the gym ready in no time. It’s been a real lifesaver!” – Coach Thompson, Westfield High

Making the Most of Your Cart

Here are some friendly tips to get the best out of your Double Tier Storage Cart:

Load it up: Don’t be shy – these carts are sturdy and can handle a full load of chairs.

Keep it rolling: Regular maintenance of the wheels will keep your cart gliding smoothly for years to come.

Make it a team effort: Get students involved in the setup process. It’s a great way to teach responsibility and teamwork.

The Bottom Line

When you’re faced with the challenge of setting up 200 chairs in an hour, the Double Tier Storage Cart from Athletic Seating is your secret weapon. It’s not just about making your job easier (though it definitely does that). It’s about creating a more organized, efficient, and safe environment for everyone who uses the gym.

So why not give it a try? Your future self – the one who’s not stressed about gym setups anymore – will thank you!

#sideline chairs #sideline chair storage #gym storage #Double Tier Storage Cart

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govindhtech · 4 months ago

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MSI MS-C906: Tiny Ultra low power Fanless Edge AI IPC

Edge AI Applications

MSI Introduces the MS-C906, a Compact, Ultra-Low-Power Fanless Box IPC for Edge AI.

The debut of the MS-C906, a small box PC with an Intel 13th Gen Raptor Lake-P U Series processor, is proudly announced by MSI, a leader in AI and advanced computing solutions worldwide. Built for ultra-low power fanless operation, the MS-C906 delivers unmatched performance and dependability, making it the perfect choice for edge AI applications.

Principal Elements

High Performance

Allows for up to 32GB of DDR5 5200 MHz RAM and has four separate HDMI screens, making it ideal for a variety of commercial and industrial settings where visual output is needed.

Strong Network Connectivity

This device has four Intel 2.5GbE LAN ports, which makes for strong network connectivity. SATA and M.2 ports offer a wide range of storage choices.

AI Integration

This feature speeds up the implementation of AI solutions, especially in image processing and machine vision applications, by integrating with the Intel OpenVINO AI development tools. Suitable for additional AIoT applications, smart cities, and smart manufacturing.

Durability

The wide operating temperature range of -20°C to 70°C and the wide voltage DC-IN of 12~24V allow the MS-C906 to function dependably in challenging industrial situations. The gadget is protected against electrical abnormalities and ensures reliable and secure operation with its features of Over Current Protection (OCP) and Over Voltage Protection (OVP).

The MS-C906 is a strong option for a range of industrial applications because of these precautions, which also increase its longevity and durability. Its IEC 61373-compliant anti-vibration and shockproof construction further guarantees that the gadget can resist shocks and vibrations in industrial environments.

Numerous Serial Connections

Four COM ports (RS-232/422/485) allow you to connect a wide range of industrial devices, including controllers, sensors, and legacy equipment. This improves overall operational efficiency in settings like smart factories, retail stores, and healthcare facilities.

Fanless Design

Because fanless design ensures silent operation and lowers maintenance, it’s perfect for places like retail stores and healthcare facilities where dust and noise are issues.

Security

The enhanced security of TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) makes it appropriate for applications including financial services, healthcare, and government that demand safe data management and protection.

Rich Interface for I/O:

4 HDMI Ports

Four HDMI ports are perfect for multi-display configurations, digital signage, and high-definition video output.

Four USB ports

Four USB 3.2 Gen2 ports allow accessories like external storage, cameras, and other USB devices to transport data quickly.

4 LAN Ports

With four 2.5 GbE LAN ports, this network is well-suited for applications including data centres and surveillance systems that demand fast internet and network access. since of its sophisticated network capabilities, the MS-C906 is more suitable for a wider range of industrial and commercial situations since it offers dependable and fast connectivity.

4 COM Ports

Four COM ports (RS-232/422/485) are necessary to link industrial devices, such as sensors, controllers, and legacy equipment. This feature makes the port appropriate for automation systems and smart factories.

DIO (Digital Input/Output)

SMBus connections for better multimedia and system administration; audio and amplifier; and digital input/output (DIO) for a variety of control and monitoring applications.

Power Input

DC power input ranging from 12 to 24 volts provides a range of power choices suitable for various settings.

Utilizations

Smart Factories

By utilising the MSI MS-C906 for data analysis, equipment monitoring, and machine vision inspection, production efficiency and product quality can be improved. Smart factories will find the Intel 13th Gen Raptor Lake-P U Series Processor, quadruple HDMI a monitors, and four Intel 2.5GbE LAN connections ideal. Its broad operating temperature range of -20°C to 70°C, anti-vibration and shockproof construction, combined with its integration with the Intel OpenVINO AI framework for sophisticated image processing and machine vision, guarantee dependable performance in demanding industrial environments.

Retail and Commercial

The MS-C906 can be utilized to improve customer service and operational efficiency in the retail and commercial sectors through customer flow analysis, smart vending machines, and digital signage (both indoor and outdoor). Perfect for dynamic digital signage and client involvement, its quadruple HDMI 2.0 independent displays feature the EDID Lock display capability.

The M.2 and SATA interfaces offer versatile storage options, while the four Intel 2.5GbE LAN ports guarantee dependable network access. The ability to analyze consumer traffic and operate smart vending machines is improved by the integration with the Intel OpenVINO AI toolset.

Healthcare

By using MS-C906 for telemedicine, patient monitoring, and medical image processing, healthcare services can be provided more effectively and at a higher quality. Clear and detailed medical imaging is made possible by its quadruple HDMI screens, which are essential for precise diagnosis and patient care.

For seamless telemedicine consultations and real-time patient monitoring, the four Intel 2.5GbE LAN ports provide dependable and quick network connectivity. Advanced diagnosis and treatment planning are made possible by the integration with the Intel OpenVINO AI toolbox, which improves medical imaging processing capabilities.

With cutting-edge solutions that satisfy its clients’ changing needs, MSI is at the forefront of the industry. Purchases of the MS-C906 can now be made via authorised distributors and MSI’s official channels.

Read more on govindhtech.com

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marketing-features · 5 months ago

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Dual Mast Goods Lift in Ahmedabad by Shreeram Enterprise

In today's fast paced industrial world, efficient material handling solutions are essential for maintaining productivity and safety. One such solution is the dual mast goods lift in Ahmedabad, a robust and reliable mechanism designed to transport heavy loads with ease. In Ahmedabad, Shreeram Enterprise stands out as a premier provider of these vital lifts, offering top products that meet the diverse needs of various industries.

About Shreeram Enterprise

Company Background

Shreeram Enterprise has been a trusted name in the industrial equipment sector for over a decade. With a commitment to quality and innovation, they have carved a niche for themselves in the market, providing state of the art material handling solutions.

Mission and Vision

Their mission is to deliver superior products that enhance operational efficiency and safety. Our enterprise envisions becoming a global leader in industrial equipment, known for their reliability, customer centric approach, and technological advancements.

What is a Dual Mast Goods Lift?

Definition and Features

A dual mast goods lift is a type of lift designed to move heavy loads vertically. It consists of two vertical masts that provide additional stability and support, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods.

Advantages over Single Mast Lifts

Compared to single mast lifts, dual mast goods lifts offer enhanced stability and higher load capacity, making them suitable for more demanding industrial applications. They are designed to handle heavier weights and provide a safer working environment.

Key Benefits of Dual Mast Goods Lifts

Enhanced Stability

The dual mast design provides increased stability, reducing the risk of tilting or swaying during operation. This makes it ideal for transporting bulky and heavy items.

Increased Load Capacity

Dual mast goods lifts in Ahmedabad can handle larger and heavier loads than their single mast counterparts, improving overall efficiency in material handling processes.

Safety Features

These lifts come equipped with advanced safety features such as emergency stop buttons, overload protection, and safety barriers, ensuring the well-being of operators and preventing accidents.

Applications of Dual Mast Goods Lifts

Manufacturing Plants

In manufacturing plants, dual mast goods lifts are used to transport raw materials and finished products between different levels, streamlining the production process.

Warehouses

Warehouses benefit from these lifts by efficiently moving inventory, reducing manual labor, and increasing storage capacity.

Retail Stores

Retail stores use dual mast goods lifts to move stock between storage areas and sales floors, ensuring shelves are always well stocked.

Construction Sites

On construction sites, these lifts facilitate the movement of construction materials, improving site safety and productivity.

Why Choose Shreeram Enterprise?

Quality Assurance

Our Enterprise prides itself on delivering high quality products that meet stringent industry standards. Their goods lifts are built to last and perform reliably under challenging conditions.

Customization Options

Understanding that different businesses have unique needs, we offer customization options for their dual mast goods lifts in Ahmedabad. Customers can specify load capacities, platform sizes, and other features to suit their specific requirements.

Customer Support

With a dedicated customer support team, we ensure that clients receive prompt and professional assistance, from installation to maintenance.

Technical Specifications of Shreeram's Dual Mast Goods Lifts

Load Capacity

Shreeram's dual mast goods lifts are designed to handle loads ranging from 500 kg to several tons, depending on the model.

Lift Height

These lifts can reach heights of up to 20 meters, making them suitable for multi-story buildings and tall warehouses.

Platform Size

The platform size can be customized to accommodate various load dimensions, ensuring flexibility and versatility.

Safety Standards and Certifications

Compliance with Industry Standards

Shreeram Enterprise adheres to all relevant industry standards and regulations, ensuring their products are safe and reliable.

Certifications Acquired

Their dual mast goods lifts are certified by recognized bodies, providing customers with peace of mind regarding the quality and safety of their equipment.

Installation Process

Pre installation Checklist

Before installation, our enterprise conducts a thorough site assessment to ensure all requirements are met. This includes evaluating the structural integrity of the installation site and ensuring adequate space and accessibility.

Installation Steps

The installation process involves several steps:

Preparing the site and ensuring it meets all safety requirements.

Assembling the lift components and securing them in place.

Conducting safety tests and inspections to verify proper functioning.

Providing training to operators on safe usage and maintenance.

Maintenance and Servicing

Routine Maintenance Tips

To keep the dual mast goods lift in optimal condition, regular maintenance is essential. This includes checking for wear and tear, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring all safety features are functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common issues such as unusual noises, slow operation, or malfunctions can often be resolved through routine checks and minor adjustments. We provide a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help users identify and fix common problems.

Service Packages Offered

Our enterprise offers various service packages to meet different maintenance needs. These packages include regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and emergency repair services.

Cost and Pricing

Factors Affecting Pricing

The cost of a dual mast goods lift depends on various factors, including load capacity, lift height, and customization options. We provide detailed quotations based on individual client needs.

Financing Options

To make their products accessible to a wider range of businesses, we offers flexible financing options. Customers can choose from various payment plans that suit their budget and financial situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dual mast goods lifts are an indispensable asset for any business requiring efficient and safe material handling. Shreeram Enterprise offers top of the line dual mast goods lifts in Ahmedabad that cater to a wide range of industrial applications. Their commitment to quality, customization, and customer support makes them a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable lifting solutions. Invest in a dual mast goods lift from our enterprise today and experience the difference in your operations.

#dual mast goods lifts in Ahmedabad #dual mast goods lifts #goods lifts in Ahmedabad #goods lifts

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boat-storage-orange-beach · 5 months ago

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Orange Beach Boat Storage: The Ultimate Solution for Your Boating Needs

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Owning a boat in Orange Beach is a dream come true for many enthusiasts. The beautiful waters, vibrant marine life, and the myriad of water activities available make it an ideal location for boating. However, one challenge that boat owners often face is finding a reliable and secure place to store their boats. This is where Orange Beach Boat Storage comes into play, offering the perfect solution for all your boat storage needs.

Why Choose Orange Beach Boat Storage?

Prime Location Orange Beach Boat Storage is strategically located near the most popular marinas and boat launch points in Orange Beach. This means that you can quickly and easily access your boat whenever you want to hit the water. The convenience of our location saves you time and hassle, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your boat and less time worrying about logistics.

State-of-the-Art Facilities Our facilities are equipped with the latest in boat storage technology. From climate-controlled indoor storage units to spacious outdoor lots, we cater to all types of boats, whether you own a small fishing boat or a large yacht. Our climate-controlled units ensure that your boat is protected from the elements, reducing the risk of damage from extreme weather conditions.

Security You Can Trust At Orange Beach Boat Storage, we understand that your boat is a valuable asset. That's why we have implemented top-notch security measures to keep your boat safe. Our premises are monitored 24/7 with high-definition surveillance cameras, and we have on-site security personnel to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the storage areas. Additionally, our secure gating system and access control measures provide an extra layer of protection for your peace of mind.

Affordable Rates We believe that quality boat storage should be accessible to everyone. Orange Beach Boat Storage offers competitive rates without compromising on the quality of our services. We have flexible pricing plans to suit your budget, whether you need short-term storage during the off-season or a long-term solution for year-round storage.

Comprehensive Services Beyond storage, we offer a range of additional services to make boat ownership as hassle-free as possible. These include boat cleaning, maintenance, and repair services, ensuring that your boat is always in top condition. Our experienced staff are knowledgeable and passionate about boats, and they are always ready to assist you with any needs or concerns you may have.

Benefits of Professional Boat Storage

Choosing professional boat storage with Orange Beach Boat Storage comes with numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your boating experience.

Protecting Your Investment Boats are a significant investment, and proper storage is crucial in maintaining their value and performance. Exposure to the elements can cause wear and tear, leading to costly repairs. Our storage solutions provide the protection needed to keep your boat in pristine condition, extending its lifespan and preserving its resale value.

Convenience and Accessibility Storing your boat at a professional facility means you don't have to worry about finding space at home or dealing with local zoning regulations. With easy access to your boat whenever you need it, you can enjoy spontaneous trips out on the water without the hassle of transporting your boat from a remote location.

Enhanced Security The security features at Orange Beach Boat Storage far exceed what most boat owners can provide on their own. Our 24/7 surveillance, secure access, and on-site security personnel offer unmatched protection, giving you peace of mind that your boat is safe at all times.

Maintenance and Upkeep Regular maintenance is key to keeping your boat in good working order. At Orange Beach Boat Storage, we offer maintenance services that ensure your boat is always ready for the water. From routine cleaning to engine checks and repairs, our comprehensive services help prevent issues before they become major problems.

Choosing the Right Storage Option

At Orange Beach Boat Storage, we offer a variety of storage options to meet your specific needs:

Indoor Storage Our indoor storage units are ideal for those who want maximum protection for their boats. These units are climate-controlled, protecting your boat from humidity, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors that can cause damage over time.

Outdoor Storage Our outdoor storage lots are perfect for larger boats or those who prefer a more cost-effective storage solution. These lots are spacious and secure, with ample room for maneuvering and accessing your boat.

Covered Storage For a balance between cost and protection, our covered storage options offer shelter from direct sunlight and precipitation while still being more affordable than fully indoor units.

How to Get Started Getting started with Orange Beach Boat Storage is easy. Simply contact us to discuss your storage needs, and our friendly staff will help you choose the best option for your boat. We offer flexible contract terms and straightforward pricing, so you can find a solution that fits your budget and schedule.

In conclusion, Orange Beach Boat Storage is your trusted partner in boat storage. With our prime location, state-of-the-art facilities, robust security measures, and comprehensive services, we provide everything you need to keep your boat safe, secure, and ready for the water. Contact us today to learn more about our storage options and how we can help you make the most of your boating experience in Orange Beach.

#Orange Beach Boat Storage #Boat Storage Orange Beach #Youtube

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trustedpackersandmoversblog · 8 months ago

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Some Hacks for Moving Your Essential Goods during the Rains

As soon as the rains arrive, what do most of us feel? It is a very happy and amazing experience that many people enjoy every year whereas for few of them it is like dirty and filthy surroundings full of water everywhere. You just want to sit and enjoy the feeling of monsoon season. Besides this many individuals love to do many activities outside in this pleasant weather. But what if you have already planned your move and suddenly rainfall happens. How to cope up with this situation? If you are so willing to change your home or office in the weather when rains are expected to happen then it will be very much challenging for you. Packing and moving in a water logged roads will definitely affect your shifting and delay it for longer duration. To help you with movement of goods, many Packers and Movers are present in the market who offers all types of relocation within cities or across the states. As exceptions are always there, some people deliberately prefer to move in this season because sunny day and hot summers are not bearable for them. It is the most non-feasible option to move. In addition to this many seasoned movers are also available that work according to your requirements so that you do not have to undergo unnecessary pains.

Not all moving companies are available at your doorsteps for assisting you with packing and moving. Ultimately you have to do it from your own. Such packing and moving firms either try to extract large amount of money from the pockets of innocent customers or they offer exclusive offers for the same to attract their customers, yet reliable service providers have the provisions to help you in any situation, no matter whatever is the season type, conditions of the roads. They do not allow any kind of hurdle to come in their path of process.

Few convenient tips that prepare you when the situation goes worst will be discussed in this section. It will turn out to be very useful when you have to handle the packing and transportation for your side.

Check The Weather Conditions

It is important to check what kind of weather it will be when you have to move. It can be done by using weather forecast applications or directly through the internet because you cannot afford to cancel your plan. Hence, making the plan in advance is the only solution for this. Do not forget to compare and contrast at least three websites so to have accuracy with predictions. It is recommended to verify the weather until the last moment.

Early Arrangements For Packing

One of the systematic ways to pack your belongings is to follow the inventory list that you have made before actually executing the process. It is also the professional method to do as done by only reliable Packers and Movers Kolkata.Whatever is the goods type, it is suggested to always use fine-quality packaging supplies that are durable in nature. This ensures safe movement of goods and places them intact in their position even if traveled over rough and bumpy roads. Using of hard carton boxes bought from nearby supermarket will help to store the small items like- clothes, papers, books, spare electronics etc. You must keep the used newspaper to fill the gaps between the two items. Before packing them in boxes, wrap them in bubble or plastic sheet.

Secured Movement of Metallic Items

Thunderstorm is most likely to occur along with the rain and when you have goods made from metals it becomes really back-breaking job because the probability of getting things damaged is on the higher side. They might get affected when come in contact with electric current. Whenever you start packing, wear gloves, rubber boots and raincoat that will keep dry material away from the current. Be careful with the driving, if you are driving your vehicle with goods avoid being in a hurry otherwise chances are high that you would meet with any mishap or road accidents. Hence, hire skilled packing and moving suppliers.

Connect with Responsive Insurance Firm

Though by keeping this thing in mind that you will be careful while driving during monsoon season if you are taking your things by yourself, but still there are choices to hire authentic transportation company in Kolkata who can do it for you. Insurance services are provided when your goods get harmed because of any damage or theft.

Some Complementary Tips

It is possible that your process could be delayed because of heavy traffic, so having an extra spare time in your relocation process will keep all your plans on time. Also keep some cleaned boxes in extra so that if any box gets torn in between the transit, you can immediately change it and move ahead smoothly.

Moving during rainy weather can be a challenge, especially when it comes to transporting essential goods. Here are some hacks to help you out:

Waterproof Packaging: Use heavy-duty plastic bins or waterproof containers to pack your essentials. Double-bag important items like documents or electronics in sealable plastic bags.

Plastic Wrap for Furniture: Cover furniture with plastic wrap or large plastic sheets to prevent water damage. Seal the edges securely with tape.

Use Tarps or Tarpaulin: Lay down tarps in the moving truck or over packed items. This extra layer provides protection from leaks or water seepage.

Elevate Items: Keep boxes and furniture off the floor of the moving truck by using pallets or wooden planks to create a barrier against potential flooding.

Umbrellas and Rain Gear: Have a stack of umbrellas and rain gear handy for both you and the movers. This ensures everyone can stay dry while loading and unloading.

Strategic Loading: Load the most water-sensitive items last, so they're the first to be unloaded. Place them away from openings in the truck where water might seep in.

Dry Cloth and Silica Gel Packets: Keep a few dry towels or cloths inside the moving truck to quickly wipe off any moisture. Silica gel packets can also help absorb excess moisture in sealed containers.

Plan Ahead: Monitor the weather forecast and plan your move accordingly. Try to pick the driest periods for transportation, if possible.

Seal Doors and Windows: Ensure that the truck you're using has functioning doors and windows that seal properly. Use additional sealants or tapes if needed to prevent water from getting in.

Communication with Movers: If you're hiring moving company, communicate your concerns about the weather and the need for extra care with your belongings.

Remember, despite precautions, some moisture might still find its way in. So, it's crucial to unpack and dry your belongings as soon as possible after the move to prevent any lasting damage.

With these tips on hands, hopefully your relocation process will be clean and simple. Still if you wish to have hassle free move then rent Packers and Movers Kolkata.

#professional movers and packers kolkata #packers and movers near me #moving services in kolkata #trusted packers and movers blog

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carynokey · 10 months ago

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Reasons That Selecting Vape Online Is Actually A Wise Decision

Cigarette smoking is a hazardous behavior that eliminates countless people worldwide annually. For those who are battling to stop cigarette smoking, vaping may be a safer choice. E-cigarettes or even vapes make vapor by heating liquids which contain smoking, tastes, and various other additives. For many years, vaping has actually ended up being increasingly well-liked, and along with its popularity happens a boost in the amount of vape shops.

Having said that, many individuals find it challenging to go to a bodily establishment, especially if they reside in remote control regions or even have an active routine. This is actually where buying vapes online is available in. In this post, we will definitely discover the reasons deciding on to buy vapes online is actually a clever move.

Reasons that You Required To Decide On Vapes Online

Benefit

One of the most ideal aspects of getting vapes online is actually the benefit it offers. You can obtain IGET vapes from the comfort of your office or home, without the need to leave your home. All you need to have is actually a world wide web link and an unit to check out the available options. You may additionally save time as well as money on transport, vehicle parking, as well as gas. On the internet purchasing is actually additionally offered 24/7, so you can acquire a vape anytime and also have it supplied to your doorstep.

Wide Variety of Collection

Internet vape shops provide a substantial collection of vape units, e-liquids, and extras to select from, making it much easier to find what suits your requirements. You may contrast items as well as rates from various brands and also shops, and help make an educated selection. On-line vape stores possess a big selection of products, that are actually tough to find in brick-and-mortar retail stores. They likewise supply brand new items, promos, as well as price cuts to bring in consumers. Igetoz is the very best website where you may purchase HQD box flavours.

Wider Accessibility of Information

Online vape outlets provide extensive product descriptions, assessments, as well as information on vaping, making it easier for clients to recognize the items they are actually buying. They also deliver a more in-depth product requirements, consisting of substances, pure nicotine strength, and flavor profiles, which could be useful for those who yearn for to customize their experience. This details is not always readily offered in bodily establishments, where the workers might certainly not possess the required expertise regarding the items.

Security

Purchasing vapes online is a safe and also protected technique to store, along with encrypted repayments as well as freight choices. Contrasted to bodily establishments, internet outlets have an additional sleek process of acquiring and are actually considerably less likely to be actually the targets of burglary. They also give gain policies, service warranties, and also item assurances, which can offer satisfaction to consumers who are purchasing expensive vapes or extras.

Higher Restrictions

Numerous nations have restrictions and also policies on vaping, which may make it difficult for individuals to purchase vapes face to face. Online vape outlets are actually not restricted through geographics, as well as you can acquire from any kind of component of the globe. This offers you better accessibility to a broad variety of items, especially if you live in an area along with rigorous vaping legislations.

Vaping has come to be a preferred option to smoking cigarettes, and also online vape buying is becoming a style for lots of folks who prefer convenience, broad range collection, higher accessibility of relevant information, more significant security, and also greater regulations. Having said that, while buying vapes online can easily offer numerous benefits, consumers must make sure when choosing their e-liquids and gadgets, as there are actually lots of second-class products on the market.

Consumers should check the genuineness as well as top quality of the items just before purchasing and needs to merely acquire from reputable on-line vape shops. Essentially, deciding on to purchase vapes online can easily be a smart propose any person that desires to give up smoking cigarettes, delight in a bigger assortment of vaping products, and also experience the comfort of buying from the comfort of their own homes.

#HQD box flavours #HQD flavours #HQD Australia

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victoriawholefoods · 1 year ago

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Navigating Toronto's Gluten-Free Culinary Scene

A Toronto User's Guide to Gluten-Free Produce

Do you maintain a gluten-free diet in Toronto? The search for food that is both fresh and safe to eat could be challenging in that situation. But don't worry! This user's guide to gluten free produce in Toronto has got your back. We'll show you where to go to locate the tastiest, healthiest, and most reasonably priced gluten-free produce in Toronto and vegetables, from natural food stores to supermarket delivery services. We provide a wide variety of options, whether you're looking for vegan ice cream or alcohol-free beer.

A description of gluten-free food

Produce that is free of wheat or other substances that contain gluten is any type of fruit, vegetable, or grain. Consuming meals containing gluten can result in serious gastrointestinal problems and damage to the small intestine in those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Knowing which food is suitable for consumption is crucial for maintaining a healthy gluten-free diet. The majority of fresh food is typically inherently gluten-free. Some goods, however, could get contaminated while being processed or transported.

Therefore, it's crucial to thoroughly study labels before acquiring any packaged goods. To prevent any possible cross-contamination, you should also carefully wash all your fruits and vegetables.

A gluten-free diet can be difficult at times, but if you pay attention to what you eat and frequently read the ingredient lists on food packaging, you'll soon grow used to living this way of life!

The Various Gluten-Free Produce Types

In Toronto, there are many choices when it comes to gluten-free fruit. Here are some examples of the various kinds of gluten-free vegetables you can eat:

Fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free since they are fresh. At organic markets or supermarkets, you can get a range of seasonal organic produce in Toronto.

2) Gluten-free grains and flour substitutes, such as rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and millet, can be used in place of products prepared with wheat. Like almond flour, coconut flour is a great substitute for wheat flour.

3) Dairy Products - The majority of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are gluten-free. However, be sure to read labels before making a purchase.

4) Meat and Seafood: Unless treated with marinades or sauces containing gluten, naturally occurring meat, such as beef, chicken, hog, and fish, does not contain any additional quantities of gluten.

5) Legumes and Beans - Lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, and baked beans provide vegans and vegetarians with a protein-rich diet that is also nutritious.

You have a wide range of alternatives when it comes to preparing delectable dishes that satisfy your dietary requirements thanks to these several kinds of gluten-free fruit!

Where to Purchase Gluten-Free Food

People who follow gluten-free diets can find food in Toronto that suits their needs. You may get a huge selection of gluten-free fruits and vegetables in Toronto.

A excellent area to look for gluten-free food options is at farmers' markets. Locally produced produce found at these markets is, by definition, gluten-free. Among the numerous thriving farmer's markets in Toronto are St. Lawrence Market, Evergreen Brick Works Farmers' Market, and Leslieville Farmers' Market.

Sometimes, specialty and organic products are available in greater quantities at health food stores than in regular supermarkets. Several Toronto markets, including Organic Garage, Ambrosia Natural Foods, and The Big Carrot Natural Food Market, carry high-quality gluten-free produce.

You can discover gluten-free options in a department or on products that are labeled throughout several popular grocery shops, including Whole Foods.

Finally, and most crucially, many nearby farms offer delivery services that can bring freshly harvested produce right to your door, depending on where you reside in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

How to Keep Gluten-Free Food Fresh

To keep gluten-free produce fresh and of high quality, it must be stored. Here are some pointers on how to properly store your fruits and veggies that are gluten-free:

1. Place in the fridge.

The majority of fresh produce should be kept in the fridge, especially perishable items like cut fruit, berries, and leafy greens. Put them in containers or bags lined with paper towels to keep them dry.

2. Keep gluten-free items apart from other items.

Store your gluten-free produce away from other items that might contain gluten to prevent cross-contamination.

3. Freeze food in advance.

Consider freezing extra produce for later use if you won't be able to use it all right away. Before packing them into airtight containers or freezer bags, just wash and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

4. Apply in a few days.

Even when properly stored, most fresh produce has a short shelf life of no more than three to five days. Consume your gluten-free fruits and vegetables as soon as you can after buying them to preserve their freshness and nutritional worth.

You can extend the shelf life of your gluten-free goods and guarantee that there is no chance of contamination by using these straightforward storing methods!

Conclusion

Maintaining a gluten-free diet doesn't require giving up flavor or variety. There are many delicious and healthy options available in Toronto due to the abundance of possibilities. You can easily discover all the gluten-free produce you require by using our user's guide to explore the organic grocery stores in Toronto, bulk food markets, and farmer's markets. For a delicious culinary experience, always read ingredient labels attentively, keep your products properly, and experiment with new dishes!

#gluten-free produce in Toronto

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apolloscooterscouponcode · 2 years ago

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Apollo Scooters Coupon Codes

What is an Apollo Scooters Coupon Code?

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stilemawillow · 3 years ago

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MTIJ | Ch.15 The Bus Isn’t a Place For High Heels

|mtij masterlist|

pairing: levi ackerman x reader (eren jaeger x reader)

word count: 9.8k

summary: a girl with a variety of hidden complexes has to live with a french asshole for nine months. easy? on the surface. problematic? definitely. romantic? not too much, or at least they’d make it a point to say so everytime when asked. the end? please, their dynamic isn’t as simple as that.

Saturday. Most dictionaries would tell you it was a weekend, the day on which God was done creating the world and decided enough was enough before resting for all of Sunday. But as a high-class member of society and a person living in the 21st century, I had the privilege to work five days and rest for the remaining two until the circle spun back to its beginning. In this case, Saturday was humanity’s holy grail and I personally wished for it to be untainted, free and for my use only, every week of every month of every year, till the day I died. For the past 173 weeks, I’d gotten exactly what I’d wanted, but obviously not today. Because it was Saturday and it kept getting worse, awkward mishaps piling up like the forgotten homework on Eren’s desk.

It would be useless of me to recount what the mishaps were but I was interested in the number so far, thus why we begin with the fact I had to come into school to make up for my future spring vacation. Then the fact I had P.E., which enabled Hitch to come onto me like an angry mix between a rhino and a hyena. Third mishap was probably my short fuse and the fact I’d kicked a fucking bench to cool off, which, by the way, I wouldn’t recommend to any individual with dignity who didn’t want to have a giant purplish bruise on their leg. Hitting the air was a way more harmless, exhausting and safe option. Onto mishap number four, which pictured the intern coming along in the Jaguar and telling me about the restaurant we had to go to. Counting the dozen small things during our lunch would be useless so I could directly skip to the kiss we’d had to perform at the end, followed closely by the fact we were dumb as fuck and had given away the Jaguar, along with all my belongings.

A close seven was the humiliation at the book store and maybe eight was the new magic number because I greatly hoped for public transport to be my last unfortunate situation at the top of the pile. My uncle and aunt probably thought my fiancé and I were having the time of our lives, walking around the square and giggling to ourselves on our lovey-dovey fairytale-like date but reality was a bit different than that. After we’d called our truce, we sat at the bus stop and I was quick to think up a game to drown the uncomfortable silence with, so I challenged the ebony-haired intern to bet on what colour cars would pass us. The rules were simple. When the street was empty, we bet on colours without specifying the particular shades and waited to see who would win when a car rolled by. Our scores didn’t make the official board in my head because, frankly, we played for twenty minutes and I didn’t really want the numbers to spike because of a simple betting game based on luck. Or, well, in my case knowledge.

Because I won, of course. I wouldn’t call it cheating but it was an advantage I refrained from boasting about, because I’d played this game a lot with Eren and Annie, and the blonde had beat me only once. The secret to success? Why, I was a person who did a lot to entertain themselves. Also, somebody who drove their own car for two years now. What conclusion stemmed from that? Well, that I knew very well what types of cars the city had and which colours were popular. Annie and Eren hadn’t picked up on that after almost a decade of playing and I doubted my father’s intern – however smart or intelligent otherwise – would get the gist of it on the first try. True to my prediction, he didn’t. And technically he caught up with the fact I named mostly dark colours but it was his own fault for being somewhat of a gentleman and not opposing me when I claimed the spot of choosing first. Eight out of ten times, I got it right and his glare only made me laugh. Thus, over fifty cars later, the scoreboard in my head looked like this:

Asshole: 3 Me: 5 Out of a Total: 8

It felt good to be a winner. The feeling didn’t last long once we got on the bus. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say all eyes were on us and with good reason – our betting game had made me forget for a little while that we still looked like a mafia couple heading to a lavish banquet. All we were missing was the gun strapped under Levi’s shirt and the knife tucked into my stockings, you know, right by the slutty slit, where it would be easy for me to reach and grab it. We paid for our tickets and there were no free seats so maybe that was the number eight mishap that led to a rather painful ride. Painful both emotionally and physically, seeing as we had to smush ourselves into the crowd with nothing to hold onto.

"Don't fucking push me." I growled in displeasure at Levi, whose elbow was by now digging halfway past my ribcage and poking my poor liver. The intern was reluctant to move away but just as he made an attempt, the woman pressed flushed into his side decided it would be the perfect time to sway, push at him and thus make his elbow jab into my ribcage with doubled intensity. "Ouch!" I yelped spitefully, trying to take a step to the side and accidentally bumping my back into the chest of the man standing next to me. In comparison to him, I looked like a baby mouse next to a rat on steroids. Wasn’t too proud of that. He casually glared at me before pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose and stiffly tightening his grip on his suitcase. I cringed internally and looked at the raven with a scowl, making him click his tongue.

"If you haven’t noticed, princess, I don’t control everybody on this bus. We’re in the same boat.” The bus came to a halt right after he’d finished talking, which almost made my ankles tie. I wobbled and tried to hold onto my balance whilst spitefully asking how many of this “everybody” was in tall heels? He rolled his eyes and held onto the side railing that unfortunately wasn’t accessible to me. The man behind me was holding the one over my head and, even with my four-inch advantage, I was still incapable of reaching it properly. I clutched the books closer to my chest and followed the bus’s motion as the doors closed and it drove off. "Excluding your highness you mean?" The intern’s retort made me glare as I attempted to grasp the handrail above my head. Futile and humiliating was what that looked like.

The people surrounding us, thankfully, seemed indulged enough in their own misery not to laugh at me. Besides the cold businessman behind me and Mr Professional-French-Asshole next to me, I was also surrounded by a trio of kids from the front (every time they snickered, I couldn’t help being conceited and think they did so because of me) and a pair of women on my other side – a middle-aged woman with a lot of Walmart bags and a plump young girl boredly scrolling through her phone. If I had to pick, the biggest annoyance of all those was the intern. Mind you, he was the only one out of the bunch I was acquainted with and that was the exact reason asking him for help was immensely humiliating. Not to mention he’d probably much rather push me over than aid me.

"Grab on." Patronising and cold, and I glanced at him as he gestured towards his free hand. He was an inch shorter than me right now, I was staring at him in complete bafflement and when the bus took a sharp turn I almost knocked the girl’s phone out of her hands in my attempt to stay upright. Her reproachful glare made me cringe shamefully as I glanced at the intern’s awaiting expression and frowned prior to wrapping slinging my arm round his. Acceptable in terms of stability but not so much for our image, seeing as everybody probably thought we were a couple and this wasn’t helping me correct their assumption. Then again, pride above all. That meant I’d let them assume and prevent them from laughing at me if I refused and happened to fall over. “How much time left?” The raven’s question made me hum as the bus stopped at a red light and I had to tighten my hold on his arm.

"Twenty minutes without traffic." I was staring at the doors ahead when the kids in front of us snickered and made my eyes narrow as a random memory floated to the surface of my mind. Elementary school for me was hard because being rich and having parents on the brink of divorce made me exactly the spoiled princess the intern thought I was. My only friend had been Annie and everybody else, well, had been my enemy. Bullying was a regular occurrence, almost entirely the norm.

One day, I got into a fight and my father was called to the principal’s office. In typical Raven fashion, he sassed him, walked out with my hand in his and approached the kid I’d hit and his father in the hallway. Before the other man could say anything, my father requested an apology from the kid. Mumbled, yes, but there. Then, at the other father’s snide expression, Rolland Raven said something (“If I hear my daughter’s been bullied again, I’ll be forced to act accordingly. Your kid’s one strike in and if we get to the third, your only mistake will be that you didn’t take me seriously.”) that would’ve put Liam Neeson’s performance to shame. We walked out of the building and I never once heard him berate me for using violence but he did note a proper Raven’s job would be to take everybody down using nothing but their words. The following day, the kid’s father personally came up to me and gave me an apology basket to bring home. This was one of many examples my father gave me throughout the years as to accidentally prove that he was somebody whose approach to most situations was an approach I wanted to one day have as well.

"Entertain me." The bored command made me snap back to reality, where the intern was looking at me expectantly. I snorted at his tactlessness and sarcastically asked if he expected of me to dress in a drag and do the hula, to which he cocked a thin brow. My face paled in mild panic because he couldn’t have possibly recognised the source. But he did have a little sister. But he surely didn’t know--- “Did you just quote The Lion King?” And he just had to prove me wrong because he obviously recognised it. Yes, not like Disney movies were only for little kids. The movie marathons Annie and I had monthly were a perfect example. This, however, wasn’t something I planned on letting him know, hence why I immediately denied. "Isn't the word you're searching for “yes”?" His voice was cold but his eyes were as if laughing.

"No, the word I'm searching for I can't say because there are preschool toys present." My arrogant statement was accompanied by a glare, to which he clicked his tongue and looked at me with something akin to condescension. Either that or I’d villainized him to such a point he possessed only three types of looks – a lost one, a spiteful one and a condescending one. He casually noted I hadn’t been too sneaky with the Toy Story one and the middle-aged woman behind me pushed past my body in her attempt to reach the bus doors. I stumbled forth, almost dropped my books and felt his arm let go of mine to instead wrap around my waist and pull me against him. My hopes of this being a normal spite-filled bus ride with no physical contact resembling intimacy hit rock bottom and stayed there to weep in their hopelessness. “I’m surprised you even noticed the first one.” The driver hit the breaks, his hold tightened, the doors opened, the kids snickered and I couldn’t stare at my feet because I’d be headbutting the intern.

"For your information, I think I’m just as knowledgable as you, if not more.” I gaped at him in offence but his face was like an impenetrable fortress, except there was this little open window on the second floor and past it – the glimmering blue specks challenging me to doubt his cold self-assuredness. Almost like he wanted me to argue with him. And I took the bait immediately because my ancestors would be very disappointed in my Raven ways if I missed an opportunity to prove my intelligence or, in this case, dedication to memorising Disney movie scripts. “Go ahead, princess. Floor’s yours.” My eyes narrowed at the flat taunt and we stepped back when a few more people got off at the stop. The intern’s back was pressed against the window and the group of kids was stalking us, too drawn to eavesdropping on our childish topic to resume discussing theirs.

"South America. It's like America, but south." I blurted out the first quote that came to mind and the raven’s frown stayed put as he returned it was from Up. Almost like it had been too easy. “Your turn.” I waited for him after clearing my throat and making him realise he was still holding onto my waist. His grip disappeared and I begrudgingly slung my arm round his again. We were standing shoulder to shoulder when he spoke ("Geez, I used to take lunch money from guys like this.") and I didn’t even need to hear the accent that went along with his words to know immediately which the movie was. I’d binged it with Eren two weeks ago, after all. “Too easy. Atlantis The Lost Empire.” I was smirking, proud and confident and very very sure my knowledge surpassed his. We were staring at the doors, he looked like a scary sculpture and I looked like a Mathematician solving a hard equation in my quest to browse my memory for something that would stump him completely. So I chose a classic. “It looks awful.” Vague as fuck. Perfect. This would surely secure my victory. Or so I thought.

“That’s because it’s on you, dear.” His indifferent voice didn’t suit the line but he quoted it word for word. This was war. And despite the fact I should’ve felt threatened or frustrated with the fact he was putting up a fight, I was just a bit giddy because he was proving to be a worthy opponent. Almost like we could go a few minutes without fighting or being passive-aggressive to each other. I hummed and bit back a smile whilst commenting that he wasn’t too bad, to which he only huffed. “Not so bad yourself, princess.” The praise was unneeded but, for the first time, I didn’t feel like he was being condescending. Or maybe he was and the game had riled me up to the point of forgetting I hated him. "Tell us where the talking llama is and we'll burn your house to the ground." Came his next quote, to which I bit back a snicker.

"Uh, don't you mean “or”?" Suppressing laughter, enforcing my acting lessons and quoting back all at once was a strenuous job that, upon a closer look, seemed to entertain our young group of stalkers rather efficiently. Then he kept the script going with a blank expression and a flat voice ("Tell us where the talking llama is or we'll burn your house to the ground.") and I watched our reflections in the bus doors when a traffic light stopped us next to a dark office building. Then I decided to bring things to a whole new level by using the impressions I’d done in my prepubescent period to win over my boyfriend’s heart. "Well, which is it? That seems like a pretty crucial conjunction." I faked a high-pitched sassy tone and caught the raven twitch at my side. My eyes were on the reflection and I swore my breath hitched in my throat when I saw the corner of his straight lips curl upwards. He huffed, I blinked and it was gone. Must’ve been my imagination. I kept blinking in stupefaction when the bus drove off and made me tumble. We would’ve clashed if one of the kids in front of me hadn’t lost its balance. I reached to grab its shoulder and realised a bit too late I’d let go of the intern completely.

I would’ve fallen atop the children if the ebony-haired male’s hand hadn’t caught me before that. I stared at him awkwardly, the books were pressed between our bodies and when the bus’s speed normalised, the kids were giggling at our pair. The gentle pressure on top of my lips was suddenly back. His cologne was strong, my hatred should’ve been stronger but the mean voice in my head ended on top. What do we have here? Bad thoughts? You know, I wouldn’t blame you if you fell in love. Since you already fell and all. We have just one more step to get through. I refused to shake my head and appear like a complete lunatic. The blue specks were blurry but bright and then his fingers began withdrawing.

"It would seem that you've fallen for me, princess." His touch almost seemed to linger but that might’ve been my imagination playing tricks on me again, like it had with the reflection. I was just a bit red, just a bit mesmerised, just a bit angry with myself and surprisingly not with him, just a bit aware of the fact he went out of his way to embarrass me, if only for the simple joy of listening to the kids laugh at my constipated expression as I stepped away from his touch, fixed my dress and jabbed my shoulder into his with my back pressed flat against the window. I hated my high heels and I knew the perfect thing to say that would serve two purposes – a little bit of mockery and a whole lot of spinning the topic back round whence it’d been a tad more peaceful, if certain peace was something that could even be achieved when it came to us.

"Well, you know how men are. They think “no” means “yes” and “get lost” means “take me, I'm yours”." Not to be cliché but strong females in kids’ movies did something to my sexuality. That, added to my family’s influence, probably made me who I was right now. A morally grey female on the path to independence whose Prince Charming occasionally depended on her a bit more than she did on him. Maybe if I hadn’t found true love early on, I would’ve wallowed in my misery contrary to embracing the teachings of single life and its supposed advantages. Either way, this would, for sure, settle the score in my head.

"You're the most amazing person with weak ankles I've ever met." The intern’s cold retort made me glance at him. I was glaring because he’d been quick to catch on to the source of the quote but his expression left me in the dust because the blue specks amongst the grey were like an endless galaxy and they were saying (“Count us, (Y/N), count us, and even if you glare at us, we don’t mind because we mean it.”) something that made my shoulders go rigid. Hercules and Meg had been a duo I’d fancied as a little girl. The girl with the dark past working as a double agent and the naïve hero with heart of gold falling for her schemes and, subsequently, for her. This before me wasn’t Hercules – in spite of that, I almost felt like Meg for a split second because I’d enjoyed myself but that wasn’t right even with our established truce and now it was time to go back to my schemes. The businessman with the suitcase was looking at us and the girl’s eyes spared themselves a second away from her phone’s screen in order to throw a suggestive glance at our duo. Embarrassment clawed its way to the tips of my fingers and I clutched the books closer to my chest, absentmindedly twirling the silver ring on my left hand to distract myself.

We kept tossing quotes at each other for the remainder of the ride. I was sad to announce nobody won for a lack of rules that would dictate a victory contrary to a loss. Three more falls occurred. Two more tripping accidents. And exactly one scenario where the intern was the one to lose his footing due to being pushed by the band of cruel kids in front of us. The most details I would share (in order to keep some of my privacy and some of my sanity) were that my left boob was collateral damage, I was glaring and saw, for the first time, the impenetrable fortress buckle in mortification at the prospect of accidentally having touched me inappropriately. He was red, the colour didn’t suit him and the mental scoreboard in my head didn’t budge but giving him a taste of his own medicine was sweet and I did laugh loudly enough for the whole bus to cease their activities and spare us a glance. They wrote us off as a lovesick couple and proceeded whatever it was they were doing but it almost felt weird to realise that one last day of perseverance parted us from acting like complete strangers around the house. Maybe I was happy about that. Maybe the mean voice in my head begged to differ. Either way, on our way out of the bus, the intern’s elbow chose the perfect moment to stab my abdomen and make me grunt as I stumbled out in my high heels.

“Oh, look at that, I’ve been impaled.” It was laced with spite and pain, and I was pacing towards the front door but the key-bearer wasn’t trying to catch up and maybe my ears were lying to me but I could swear I heard stifled chuckling behind my back while awaitingly glaring at the door. It haunted me for the remainder of the day but I chose to pin in on incoming delirium, early stages of old age, bad hearing and whatever else I could think of. I refused to admit I’d made the cold statue laugh, even if it had been for a mere five seconds. I refused to admit also that whatever the name of the sound, it had made my heart act weird for a bit. Just a bit. Just a skip. Nothing of importance.

It was safe to say the first thing I did when I got home was snatch the Jaguar keys from the counter and go grab my stuff from the car in the garage. Then I spent the rest of the day in my room, till it was time for me to go downstairs and have dinner with my family. My mother had made a mainly vegetable dish, I barely ate and my uncle and aunt didn’t mention at all the lunch we’d had – my parents mentioned nothing of it either. Obviously, this was going to be a peaceful dinner. I called Eren and paced around the backyard after it was done, the intern was in my father’s office working on papers for next week and suddenly it was 10 p.m. – the perfect time for me to change into my pyjamas and go to sleep. Exactly one highlight was the fact the intern walked in right as I was putting on my bottoms, so I tripped in them while hissing at him to close the goddamn door, which got slammed with the speed of sound.

I called him in with a growl after I’d calmed the angry cherry shade of my face, he quietly settled into his sleeping bag for the last time and I turned my back to him, tightly shut eyes and pursed lips till I drifted off, which was exceptionally hard because the guy I hated, who I’d kissed earlier today was on the floor. Maybe a good comedian could twist this situation into a good skit about how a pair of spiteful strangers forced into a fake engagement were the mirror image of a pair of spouses after twenty years of actual marriage. Buckle your belts, kids, the future doesn’t look that different from bitterly scrunching your nose at the breathing pattern of the person getting cramps on the polished parquet next to your bed. It was about eight hours later when my subconscience told me it was time to wakey-wakey.

That was done, of course, in the gentlest ways possible. By making me turn like a human fidget spinner, tangle in my sheets and gracelessly tumble from the bed. There was a pained grunt, sharp pain in my foot and chest and my eyes were supposed to be open but my vision was heavily impaired. For a second I got scared I’d gone blind because, well, karma. Maybe for cheating on my boyfriend. But no, one second was needed for the situation to clear in my head, mostly because the pained grunt hadn’t come from me. I pushed myself up, blinking rapidly and trying to chase the drowsiness from my features as the intern’s disgruntled expression stood inches away from me.

"What the fucking hell?" The mumbled question made my vocal cords pause because this was such a typical representation of a man’s morning voice it struck me as weird the intern even had it in himself to hit a deeper octave than he usually did. He blinked at me twice but his lids soon fell and he threw an arm over them to block the sunlight coming in from the window. I felt a yawn going up my throat, let it out in a very unladylike manner and proceeded to excuse myself for almost brutally murdering us both in the early hours of a Sunday.

"I had a nightmare." Not a lie. Fragments of it were still doing circles in my head. Eren and a horde of pigs were chasing me and I thought I fell off a cliff and they followed at the end but I couldn’t be sure. Would make a good script for a comedy-horror but that wasn’t the point here. My eyes went back to closing and the shock factor of the nightmare and the tumble weren’t affecting me at all – in that moment I knew exactly two things: it was blasphemy not to sleep in on a Sunday and the body in the sleeping bag under me was like a furnace whispering casting spells on my easily tempted mind. Then it occurred to me the body didn’t belong to my boyfriend, thus it would be a blasphemy to let myself be affected by the spells.

"And you had to drop on top of me of all things?" I glanced at the clock and ignored his question and yes, my mind acknowledged I couldn’t drop, play dead and go back to sleep on top of him (tempting as that might’ve been) but that didn’t mean the little amount of conscience I had in me had spread enough to control my limbs. It was seven a.m. and this was my thirteenth reason, if you know what I meant. I sat up with a mumbled apology and groaned at the sudden headache attempting to split my skull into two perfect halves. I just barely muttered under my breath that my head hurt, knowing the raven would either ignore me or briefly lecture me on how hatred resulted in stress. "I'll give you a pill later." His morning voice made me blink at him as if he’d just told me he’d kiss it better. The impossibility of ignoring the allure of his tone, paired with the fact he was offering help, resulted in me frantically looking around the room to check if we had an audience. Because he wasn’t kind and considerate when it wasn’t for the sake of the play. Must’ve dropped his asshole persona because he was too sleepy, I concluded. Still, it was alarming.

"Are you alright?" Suitable inquiry, if you asked me. The live epitome of the word “cold as fuck bad boy asshole who don’t smile for nobody” was telling me he’d give me a pill for my headache in a voice completely devoid of sarcasm. It was natural I would immediately assume something was wrong with him. Maybe, biologically impossible, but maybe the one glass of wine he’d drunk yesterday had a drug with a timer in it. Or he was sick and about to die and being kind was on his bucket list. Or somebody had kidnapped, brainwashed and returned him while I slept. Possibilities were raining in my head, almost to the point of considering the scenario of having to drive him to the ER because he had a brain tumour. Then he gave a weak snort and turned his back to me.

“Of course, I’m fine, Petra. You’re the one I’m worried about.” Soft mumble with just a pinch of mockery in it but otherwise – the single most gentle tone of voice he’d used in my presence. My eyes widened and I blinked at his back like an owl – something was wrong here, after all. This was disturbing. Was he still dreaming? And who the fuck was Petra?

Must care about her if he goes as far as to openly say he worries. My mind woke up bit by bit the more it analysed the puzzle pieces on the table. Sure, some were stuffed under the bed and others were probably playing hide and seek in the backyard, but the ones I had right now were enough for me to overthink for a while. Under normal circumstances, I’d use this for blackmail in case he decided to be annoying or I’d push more to test how long of a conversation he could lead with me in English whilst calling the name Petra. Sure, but the fall probably deactivated my sadistic switch because I did neither. His hair looks soft. Which reminds me, he’s probably stealing from my conditioner. I hummed suspiciously at his head and was barely reaching forward when my logic gripped the reigns. Hold your horses, girlie. You hate this guy around the clock, okay? No breaks at 7 o’clock were mentioned in the written agreement. Yes, they weren’t, I nodded along while withdrawing my hand and slowly rising to my feet to approach the balcony door.

Total babe from head to toe in my unicorn pyjamas, I knew. I opened the balcony with a quiet sigh and listened to George’s snoring echo in the quiet morning and it occurred to me I was batshit crazy for getting up at 7 a.m. on a weekend without being held at gunpoint to make it happen. The fresh air made a chill run down my spine, then I breathed in deeply and decided that I’d be a productive person today – which just meant getting up early and having a peaceful lonely morning downstairs all by myself. Every new parent’s dream, far as I could guess. So I let my grandma-like mental age show, I went back to the intern, who, in his sleep, had pushed his sleeping bag away, and my hands quietly put it back over him. Genuinely hoped he wouldn’t wake up because this would be hard to play off as something done out of spite.

"I'll go make coffee. Want one?" Futile to ask him, I knew. But I had to act like a good fiancé and, well, we’d called a truce yesterday so it would do no harm to bribe him into staying out of my life. There was a moment of silence and I was about to head to the door when his murmur ("... Earl Grey. Thank you.") made my mouth gape in shock. A thank you? Seriously? He was trying to creep me out or something. Still, I nodded along even though he’d probably gone back to sleep. "Sure." I took my leave right after, cautiously closing the door behind myself and immediately heading to the bathroom to wash my face. The cold water made my droopy eyes open a bit more, I got goosebumps and my mind was put in race mode as looked at myself in the mirror. The name Petra couldn’t stop repeating in my head, to the point I turned a blind eye to the fact I looked horrifying.

Not inherently French, maybe. Could be a friend or a relative. I dried my hands and face with a towel, combing my hair when my hand halted. Girlfriend? Possible. I exited the bathroom and headed down the stairs, gazing at the fridge with stale longing. The vegetables yesterday would surely make me act up today. Maybe she dumped him and he’s still in love. I went through the process of turning on the coffee machine mechanically – pouring water, waiting for it to heat up, fixing the adjustments, putting the ground coffee and setting a cup in place. He can be gentle. Always cold subtle insults for me but this was a level of care I never expected. She must be a whole angel with wings to bring out so much kindness in him. Didn’t swear once. The beeping told me my coffee was done. I took it, poured milk, mixed in sugar and sat at the counter. Yeah, 100% his girlfriend. I put my chin in my palm and propped my elbow on top of the cold marble, absentmindedly stirring my coffee.

The sun rays were slithering across the floor of the living room through the glass door to the backyard and the air seemed to have a gold tint. Green grass, empty pool, rose bushes. I remembered how I’d helped my mother plant them years ago. Empress Joséphine was first with her lively pink petals that sometimes had the ability to help me calm down if I stared at them long enough when I was annoyed. We’d planted the Ispahan rose second because my mother adored preaching that it had a long blooming season even though it came once a year. I’d caught her on multiple occasions when she sat in the backyard and drew the flowers. Last but not least, my favourite bush since I’d been young – Harrison’s Yellow. The colour drew me to it initially – at a specific angle, the yellow petals turned golden. The bushes formed a half-circle surrounding the pool we’d left to its own devices around the time I was ten. My father didn’t want to clean it and my mother was sceptic when it came to basically filling it with money.

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. During moments like these, when I was all alone in the kitchen, gazing at the backyard, I felt warm nostalgia settle in the crevice of my chest. The beautiful scenery made me think I was all alone in the world with a small corner of paradise staring at me. The graveyard silence of the house contrasted the chirping of birds on the other side of the door and I was the little kid who’d snuck down the stairs in the early morning with the intention to make breakfast for her parents. My life was good and peaceful, mostly a comedy, sometimes a tragedy, sometimes romance – this was one of the moments that made it feel like the frame had frozen at the perfect time. The camera would keep rolling at some point and the peaceful scenery would fill with the comical approach of my sleepy family and their pretentious taste when it came to morning drinks. And even though I hated silence, I was just trying to enjoy it right now, before the frozen frame moved.

It was ten minutes later when I took a sip from my coffee with my eyes tracing the dust particles in the golden air that my ears caught the sound of an opening door, closely followed by the soft padding of bare feet over the parquet floor. My lids fluttered and my hues lazily climbed the stairs prior to settling on the figure at their top. I greeted my uncle with a small smile as he sat across from me at the counter, rubbing at his eyes and running a hand through his hair. I quickly got up with the intention to help him awaken better by making him a cup of coffee.

“Morning, cupcake. You’re up early.” I returned I could say the same to him, then he snorted. “Exceptions have to be made once in a while. Also, your aunt elbowed me out of the bed.” He sighed and I chuckled from my spot next to the coffee machine. I was staring at the glistening ring on my finger when the beeping of the machine sounded in the quiet kitchen. I served his black coffee with a smile, then he gave a satisfied nod. “Thanks, cupcake.” I took my place across from him and wrapped my fingers round my cup, eyeing the look on his youthful features. Jared Raven was forty, looked like he was thirty and acted like he was twenty. The only things about him that matched his actual age were the silver stings interlocking with his dark locks here and there and the small laughter-induced wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. Also his weakening stamina and regular sleeping schedule. He’d become a father at twenty-two, winning a bet against my father, who’d been welcomed into fatherhood by my highness four months later. Doubted my father was proud of himself for losing that one.

"You know, (Y/N), I love your father." Speak of the devil. Uncle Jared’s words were slow and cautious, almost like saying the wrong thing would make a mess. “You know we began competing when we were young. Your grandpa had a fetish for being disappointed in both of us so we decided to settle the score of who comes out on top on our own. At first, I did it to win, because I love winning.” The emphasis made me chuckle. “But I love my brother more. Pride is an inherent Raven trait but his was special. As a kid, I liked angering him, but time changed that. I ran slower to the store when I was twelve and gave him his first victory. After that, he won every time we ran there. Next, I got lower grades. I became quieter, had fewer friends, asked Petunia to marry me only after Rol and Arie set their date for January. I, however, had a child first and it walked first but spoke second. You know your first word was “victory”?” He laughed and I thought it must’ve been why I was grandpa’s favourite – a Raven straight out of the crib.

“Throughout the years, the bets kept going. You know only about a few. So one night we got tipsy and I foolishly slurred that George, as the eldest, was supposed to find himself a fiancé first. Rol argued without batting an eyelash. We found a whole month later our father had raised the stakes. And three years later, it’s your victory, though I’m not losing much since I won the bet on who’d get a better-paid job.” His weak chuckle made my lips purse as I pushed at my cup and when his soft eyes landed on mine, I almost knew what was coming. “I don’t need the truth but it’s obvious your father wasn’t ecstatic when we admitted our defeat last night. I don’t just love my brother, I know him. Whether you’re engaged or not isn’t important. The money is for your college fund. I’m letting it slide, Petunia doesn’t know and Levi didn’t know either, judging by his reaction when I told him. Now, cupcake, this is just between us. Your father’s doing this for you but it doesn’t make him feel good so maybe cheer him up.” His warm smile made me nod.

"I will." My statement made him chuckle heartily and pat my hand over the counter. “Uncle,” he was looking at me, waiting and I wouldn’t be admitting defeat but I was curious, “is this based only on my father’s behaviour?” Because we’d made other mistakes but we’d performed brilliantly at the restaurant and I wanted to know if he saw it the same way.

“Entirely. You were impeccable. But, you know, the rest of the family will also love Levi. So, in case this was all a farce, I think you shouldn’t let them meet him unless you actually plan on marrying him.” I refrained from nodding and then he smirked. “You know it wasn’t the kiss that sold your aunt? It was the ride back home.” My brows scrunched at his words and then he snorted. “The bra on the floor of the car? Yeah, she was in stupor for a few hours.” My face paled, then reddened, then my uncle was laughing loud enough to wake the whole house. “I won’t tell your father, don’t worry. I know he likes to fancy you’re still as innocent as you were when you were five. And when it comes to you, he’s a winner through and through.” I gave a light smile and he took a sip from his coffee when the opening of a door sounded.

"Why are you two awake so early?" My mother’s voice sounded from the bottom of the stairs and I turned to look at her sleepy form still in her pyjamas. I’d inherited my (h/c) bird’s nest hair from her. She was yawning when uncle Jared cleared we’d just happened to wake up, to which I nodded along and my mother narrowed her droopy eyes at our smiling faces. Smiling people in the early hours of a Sunday were usually a good source of suspicion. “I hope you’re not discussing a family taboo or something.” She began preparing herself tea, reminding me of the fact the intern had wanted an Earl Grey and I probably had to make it.

“Why, that’s all we ever talk about, Arie. I’m currently telling her about your mother’s strange tradition to wet the toothbrush before putting on the toothpaste. What a monstrous act. And your daughter will remember it for life.” Uncle Jared’s exaggerated performance made me cackle as the room became livelier and livelier with the passing of each second.

“Please, Edward’s the one who can’t learn how to put on clothes before he goes to sleep and my mother’s hygiene habits are the ones to scar my daughter for life? I admit it’s a taboo for you, Ravens, but it’s not nearly the worst thing you can tell her.” My mother was heating up water when uncle Jared retorted his father at least closed the door of the bathroom when he took a shit, unlike some of her relatives. She turned around with an offended gasp, then the microwave’s beeping created the perfect background noise for their bickering. “You saw my cousin Joshua do it once, Jared! Once! I’m not going to hear about it for the rest of my life.” The last part was mumbled as she took a jar of honey out of the cupboard above the sink and uncle Jared gave a mocking snort before taking a sip of his coffee.

"Might as well, it’ll haunt us all.” His words were muffled by the rim of his cup as I bit back a chuckle and my mother gracefully brushed off the topic and quirked her brows at me whilst asking, at last, how yesterday had gone. Uncle Jared seemed convinced enough of our engagement and he’d promised not to say anything either way. But I knew he was the type to inspect a fact from all possible sides – thus why he might’ve immediately concluded the kiss we’d shared in front of them, in the case of this being a lie, was a taboo. I glanced at his bright gaze and it was laughing at me encouragingly as if saying he wouldn’t interject no matter what I decided to say.

"Well, the food was fine. But then somebody tricked us into giving him the Jaguar without offering to drive us home and we had time to spare. I bought myself two books and took the bus home. I was impaled on the way out but that’s not important.” I dismissed casually with a whisk of my hand as my mother sat next to me with wide eyes. Uncle Jared, however, was the first to echo the impalement part of my sentence. Of course, a bit of hyperbole never hurt nobody. “Yeah, by my precious fiancé's elbow.” The explanation made them sigh as they lifted their drinks to their lips. It was then I stood from my chair and began rummaging in the cupboard holding my mother’s tea collection for the box of Earl Grey. One last day of being a good fiancé and I’d never be making tea again. I heated some water, picked an orange cup the intern would be annoyed to drink from and proceeded to steep the tea.

Annie will have some Psychology bullshit to say about me avoiding his name. I rolled my eyes and took the milk out of the fridge, tapping on the carton mindlessly. Which is interesting because he also avoids using mine but he was quick to say Petra. Further proof she’s his girlfriend. Or kiss might’ve been an entirely shit experience for him, too, in that case, for more than one reason. I hummed, throwing out the tea bag once the herbs had done their job and pouring some milk. How cute. You remember how he likes his tea. I scowled at my mean alter ego whilst stirring the hot beverage. Enough of this intern. My conversation with my uncle was a bit more important. My father had told me the money would be mostly for me in the form of future savings, still, to think he felt bad for using a total stranger to win them had eluded me. And now I was supposed to cheer him up when I didn’t even know how to cheer myself up sometimes.

"Good morning, Arie, Jared. (Y/N), you're up early." My father made his entrance just as I was pondering how I was supposed to entertain him out of his unusual misery without particularly letting him know I was doing that. I was putting the milk back in the fridge, looking at his drowsy frown and rolling my eyes with a retort (“What’s with you brothers using the same lines on me? Do you practice?”) that made him gasp dramatically. It was cut off by a yawn, uncle Jared was laughing and when I seated myself at the counter with the intern’s tea, (e/c) clashed with (e/c) and I realised my father was in a good mood. His performance only went to prove that. "Oh, no, Jared, we've been found out. Quick, we've got to bicker to distract her." The brothers exchanged conspiratory glances, then the eldest one nodded hurriedly prior to slapping his knee with a fake gasp of disgust. How fast he could turn on his acting would never cease to amaze me.

"Ew, Rolland, are those the pyjamas our mother gave us?! Are you trying to copy me and look cool in pink after all these years?!" Upon a closer look, they matched perfectly, safe for the colour of their shirts. Loose worn-down pink sweatpants whose once-upon-a-time bright red had washed down to a dull dark pink and simple baggy T-shirts – white for my father and black for my uncle. My mother put a hand to her mouth as to not laugh out loud and it took the brothers about three seconds to realise uncle Jared’s diversion had been spot-on. The most sibling thing they’d done besides bickering constantly, to be honest. They did share one brain sometimes.

"Jesus Christ, we actually match. What the hell, Jared? Aren't those the sweatpants Petunia wore last year?" Their shocked faces of realisation matched perfectly despite the differences in their features, too. My father’s outrage, however, triggered a contrasting reaction from uncle Jared – meaning scepticism and mockery, conveyed by a very particular type of smirk. Then he spoke (“Pot, meet kettle, Rol. Those are Arie’s sweatpants from the year before. Don’t think I wouldn’t recognise them.”) and I took a sip from my coffee only to almost choke on it while my mother’s lips pursed in her comical attempt to hold back laughter. Then the brothers were glaring at each other and my father’s mouth gaped in mild offence. “Does this mean you’ve been checking out my wife when I wasn’t looking?” Certainly a question in desperate need of an answer. One I almost wished never to have heard since it made me swear to all gods in existence despite my religious abstinence that I would’ve died on the spot if I had coffee in my mouth in that moment. Uncle Jared laughed straight at his brother’s face, slapped his knee and then smirked condescendingly.

“Wrong question, my dear brother.” He waved a boney index finger in front of my father’s frowning face, then proceeded to make my mother’s and my eardrums suffer the second-hand embarrassment and shame of his words. “I do it when you’re looking, too. It’s my duty as the eldest in our family and I’m a proud Raven. Therefore, the only wife I don’t check out is my own.” He put a proud hand to his chest, my father looked like he would strangle him, my mother was slapping the marble and wheezing and I put a hand to my forehead at the ridiculousness of my uncle’s impeccable performance. Still, it made me think that if only I could speak such humiliating words whilst yielding confidence of that calibre, I would be unstoppable. My father was on his way to blow a fuse when we heard a yawn coming from the stairs.

"What’s all the ruckus about?" Aunt Petunia and Goerge were rubbing their eyes groggily, then my cousin went to his father’s side, pouting sleepily as uncle Jared patted his head. I snorted and stared at the steam coming off the intern’s tea, coming to the conclusion that my peace had been written off as deceased for the rest of the day. Till the next weekend on which I’d be cursed enough to wake up first. The next few minutes were full of bickering left and right – my mother, my aunt and I were trying to slip out of making breakfast, the two brothers benevolently offering to make more coffee and George deciding, quite wisely, that he’d settle for eating a banana instead of nagging us to cook. The sun had risen, illuminating the rose bushes in the backyard from a different angle – one I wasn’t able to observe due to the interference of the Raven brothers’ broad shoulders pushing lightly at each other in a silent battle of sorts. Despite that, the morning stayed just as pretty.

"So... back to your impalement." Uncle Jared’s words made everybody at the table quiet down as they looked at me. My mother and uncle knew the circumstances, George and my father seemed just a bit baffled by the lack of context and aunt Petunia paled, making my lips purse as I realised what kind of impalement she was thinking of. George quietly asked what that meant, my father nodded along and I hastened, for fear somebody besides my uncle would notice my aunt’s constipated expression. Not a supporter of premarital sex.

"Yeah, well, my asshole of a fiancé has elbows as sharp as knives. Would compare them to spears if they’d actually cut through but the overall process was impalement.” I explained nonchalantly and my shoulders sagged in immediate relief the moment my aunt let out a breath of relief. Would’ve been really unfortunate if her misunderstanding made my father go into cardiac arrest because, technically, the evidence they’d found was incriminating and very convenient for any of them to jump to the wrong conclusions.

"Seriously, princess? And your heels aren’t like knives? They did pierce my toes." The typical morning voice was gone but the annoyingly flat baritone stayed the same. My eyes narrowed and I glanced at the bottom of the stairs, where he was glaring at me. Speak of the devil. I wasn’t particularly superstitious but I liked to believe he’d sneezed in his sleep one too many times because of the fact I’d talked about him. I rolled my eyes and sweetly greeted him with a “good morning, asshole”, to which he only huffed and took a seat next to me since the only other free seat was between my father and aunt. “Morning, princess.” He returned casually, brushing a hand through his ebony locks and briefly furrowing his brows at the cup of tea I pushed in his direction. He scrutinised the drink and hummed gratefully prior to taking a sip.

And to think the first “hey, family, look, it’s my boyfriend” breakfast I’d be having would be with a French asshole I knew for a week and not with Eren. Entirely disappointing. Everybody was observing us despite the low conversations they led. I could feel five pairs of eyes on my face as I huffed at the raven, who only stared at me indifferently. I glanced down at our hands resting on the marble next to each other and refrained from immediately removing my hand. My thoughts went back to the early morning and his muttered words. I could bet Petra, whoever she was, was important to him. Could bet he’d held her hand. Could bet that if he’d been lucky enough and she’d settled with his grouch ways he’d kissed her. I’d been able to hear the care and his voice and that was a lot coming from somebody who had three default tones – the one he’d used hadn’t been amongst them.

Jealousy was a natural instinct when it came to romance. I’d been jealous on occasion, mostly at the beginning of my relationship with Eren. He, in turn, was in a perpetual state of jealousy that waited for the appropriate moment to show. I loved him like that even though he required lots of reassurance once his initial anger wore off. And, to dig a grave for the mean alter ego in my thoughts, I concluded there was no jealousy here. I was just a bit curious to know who Petra was. But knowing he had feelings for her did nothing. If anything, our truce was intact but so was my latent spite. I wasn’t angry, sad or anything of the kind – and it went to prove to my stupid subconscience that there was nothing besides hatred here. I don’t like him. Not at all and certainly not that way. Ha, see? Not a single drop of jealousy. I was performing a victory dance in my head and the mean voice kept quiet, if only to make me feel like I was crazy to address it. I just think he’s attractive which is very different. I don’t like him. I don’t---

My internal monologue was cut off by the (gentle, barely there) cold touch upon my hand. Levi’s slender fingers had wrapped securely around my sweating palm over the marble and I was having a hard time telling whether his skin or the stone was colder. My eyes observed the twitch of my fingers then darted upwards to meet his gaze. His face was well-hidden behind the rim of his atrociously orange cup but his hues were there and I thought they’d be lost again but they were quite bright. They were grey and blue and the sun was adding a weird glimmer – or maybe it was my imagination but I could almost swear they hadn’t looked this pretty before. I felt heat creep up the back of my neck and sneak its way around to the apples of my cheeks. And I couldn’t stop staring.

“So, we were talking about knives and impalement?” My father’s sudden question made me snap out of my daze as I glanced at the people seated at the counter. For a second there I’d forgotten they were there. And now it made sense – why he’d held my hand at all – because this was the last day of our performance. And I’d let him do it despite forgetting completely about it. My uncle and aunt were awkwardly eyeing their drinks, George’s neck was painfully bent as he tried to observe the backyard through the glass doors and my mother was looking at the stairs like the most interesting art exhibition was displayed there. I realised we’d looked like a couple spaced off in their own world full of rainbows and shit made of sugar and an uneasy smile hesitantly tugged at the corners of my mouth.

You forgot! You forgot and you’re preaching to me about jealousy when you let him grab your hand out of duty but forgot about the duty completely! How the turntables – this is hilarious! The mean voice was back and it was cackling, it was making me realise how wrong this had been. I wanted to dig myself a grave right about now. Look at yourself, so confident, so sassy, so much of everything – and you completely forgot. Didn’t even question it, just let it happen. Poor boy, he’s just practising his acting and you, the master manipulator, fell for it. Oh, this goes on my fridge of humiliation. I gritted my teeth, feeling the intern’s light grip on my hand and, along with it, the intense urge to yank my hand from his hold. But that would ruin all the effort I’d put into this performance for the past four days. So I only opened my mouth and tried to manifest the kind of confidence uncle Jared had. Maybe it would help me mask the terrible moment I’d just participated in. Thankfully, it did.

"Yeah, well, in short – the bus isn't a place for high heels."

tag list: @unloved-cadillac

#mtij #levi x reader #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman fanfiction #reader insert #x reader #snk x reader #editing this made me realise i had actual development as a writer lol #either way #the plot is going to thicken from like... three chapters from now ig

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melanated-maddy · 4 years ago

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TYTON

Hey welcome to this fan fiction. I recently finished war storm and I’m in love with Tyton. Couldn’t help but want to right a fic after seeing so little on this guy on tumblr. Don’t know if I’ll write more as got exams but if you like let me know! All characters and world and everything belongs to the queen herself Victoria Aveyard

Chapter 1

“Debark, debark, debark.”

Tyton was snapped out of his musings pale fingers still gripped against the fading cover of his book. They’d finally arrived back in Ascendant after another long plane journey. A year after the kingdom of Norta was officially dissolved with Cal’s abdication there was still unrest with the Silvers. Too many houses had attempted to feel comfortable on the sparkling throne. ‘Osanos says water comes after fire, Rhambos is taking strength and power a little too literally and Merandus is trying hard to distance themselves from the insanity their own brought forth in Maven and actually claim the throne. At least there’s no more Samos worries. That ship sailed or should I say smashed along with Volo’s head with his offspring are safely tucked away in the capital.’ The soldiers on the plane had started their move off some in a rush to get home to worried families and others ready to have a drink. Davidson was the closet family Tyton had after his own lost their lives to a raid. His mother, father and two younger brothers all gone in an instant. That instance was the first time Tyton’s ability was able to properly manifest. Properly surge. Properly show how dangerous he was. It was Davidson who found him when searching the wrecks of homes and families. Still holding his brother’s Aeon’s hand tears in his eyes. Davidson was always quiet even back in those days and knelt to Tyton’s small height hugging him close. After that day Davidson properly set about burying the family well allowing Tyton to grieve and giving him another place to call home. He’d never admit it, but Tyton was lucky...relieved that Davidson and Carmadon took him in. Even if those raiders who had taken his family from him deserved his rage, he was terrified of the lightning under his skin. With a huff, Tyton uncoiled his long body from his seat standing and stretching up to remind his muscles of their function. The suit he wore was dark not one of the traditional Montfort green it just would not do for some missions. Under his seat he pulled free the small bag carrying a bottle of water, bag of nuts and stored the book into it securely. It was the last thing he’d received from his parents and even so he still struggled to get through it properly. As Tyton turned to move out the aircraft door onto the tarmac he spotted Mare struggling to reach an overhead compartment to grab something. He quickly moved forward and grabbed hold of two items: a maroon scarf and backpack.

“Thanks.”

“No worries I’m always available to help the vertically challenged.”

Mare’s face turned into a vivid shade of crimson and she moved as if ready to punch his arm when Cal swung his head back into the cabin. He seemed exasperated which quickly shifted to a swift glare as his eyes settled on how close the two were.

“Tyton.”

“Cal.”

“Mare what's taking so long?”

“Difficulties getting the scarf and backpack you decided to thrust into the overhead bin. As well as being ready to obliterate string bean here.”

Tyton gave a chuckle, although he was slightly leaner than Cal a string bean he was not.

“Don’t worry just helping her out she’s still yours, your highness.”

Cal bristled with the label, but Tyton was already strolling out onto the blinding tarmac doused in bright light.

As he got his bearings about himself, Tyton could not help feeling the pulses of electricity going off in every person around hims body. Just as you could imagine different emotions and thoughts had different electric compositions. As people moved around he recognised stress signals, pulses of joy and shifts of concentration. The signals never went away but with time he’d found away to keep them working in tandem with him so he didn’t get overwhelmed.

“Tyton come on rides here.” Rafe called his hair in the sun giving the appearance of green flames.

Tyton walked to the transport, long legs eating up the distance in a few moments to be face to face with Rafe. Ella must’ve caught a different one as the storm addict’s blue hair was no where to be seen. Together the two walked towards Davidson who was speaking to Arezzo in hushed tones. With a nod she was dismissed walking instead of jumping to wherever she needed to go. Davidson turned to the two a smooth smile on his face and opened his mouth, but was interrupted by a quick trill.

“Rafe!”

A blur of orange smashed into Rafe’s chest holding him tightly as he clutched her back.

Laughing Rafe greeted her, “Iz, nice to see you too, but you’re crushing me.”

With one last tug, Izelle released her older brother a wide grin tugging on her lips as she looked up at him. Izelle, was Rafe’s little sister by a year who shared his dark brown skin smooth and even and bright smile. In her orange dress that spun around her knees and black combat boots, she giggled letting her hair of tight curls circling her head move slightly held back with an orange band.

“Is it wrong for me to have missed my dumb big brother? Am I wrong Tyton?”

Tyton smiled and shook his head as Rafe glared at him.

“So nice to know that it won’t be a strongarm that gets me but my sister’s choke hold.”

Iz shoved Rafe as he rolled his eyes and moved to put his bags in the transport while Iz turned to greet Tyton.

“Hey.”

“Hi.”

And with that Tyton opened his arms and Izelle moved into them giving him a tight hug.

‘Her hugs are always great.’

“Thanks for looking out for Rafe. I’m one hundred percent sure he’s not dead somewhere because of you.”

A deep rumble erupted from Tyton as he shook his head. They walked to the transport as Tyton asked how she’d been.

“All good here finally ready to move onto the fourth arc only two more to go before I’m a qualified teacher of education.”

“That’s excellent. You’ve worked hard for it.”

“Yeah it’s been so long definitely the hardest thing I’ve faced, but it’ll be so worth it once I’m in a class with little guys.”

“Do you know what specialism you’ll take yet Izzy?”

In Montfort, classes were not segregated at all with children of all blood types getting the same education to the best standard they could. Those who were Ardent or Silver has supplementary classes to help in coming into their abilities. However, it was courtesy for teachers at normal school to specialise in understanding one blood type well so that support chains could be used in school for any student struggling.

“I’m not sure yet to be honest. I’ve still got to think, might swing for Ardent or Red they’ve already got lots of silver specialists.”

Tyton liked listening to Izzy speak. Her mind although more hyperactive than most was one he enjoyed feeling the thrum of. She would be an excellent teacher one who was fun and silly, but able to understand and be serious when needed. For all her loudness Rafe often called her the thunder to his lightning. As Izzy spoke she tended to often get enthralled by her words and lost her bearings of where she was. So much so she didn’t see a smaller transport squealing into her path. In seconds Tyron had pulled her back allowing the small buggy to rush past on its was.

“Izzy.”

“Ha sorry about that. Forgive me.”

And with a smile, all was forgiven.

“Come on Rafe is definitely going to start a mood if we don’t hurry up,” and with that she pulled his arm to the transport releasing him to clamber up and take a seat next to Rafe. For all the bickering and teasing they did the two siblings loved each other dearly. They had sought refuge in Montfort from the Piedmont principalities with their mother. The two remembered little about their original home as they had left so young, but the happiness Montfort gave them was all they needed. Forgetting all about her conversation with Tyton, Izzy poked Rafe to tell her all about Norta and what things they’d encountered. Izzy had never left Montfort. She was definitely not a soldier, barely remembering to tuck in her thumbs properly when punching Rafe and the Ardent abilities had only passed to him so a useful electricon on the battlefield she was not. The ride to Ascendant was bumpy, Davidson muttering about looking into the concrete and upkeep of the infrastructure when back home. The air rushed in as they sped across the landscapes moving closer to the capital with every second until the transport stopped in a quick halt. The stop was so fast Izzy almost span out of her seat if not for Rafe and Tyton’s arms coming to forth to stop her fall.

“What’s going-“

Davidson was cut off when a terrible crunch sounded off. Leaning forward, he could see one of the transports being crushed the metal casings crumbling against each other. Without a thought Davidson threw out a shield glowing blue in the setting sun surrounding the two vehicles.

“Raiders already?” Rafe hit his head against the seat in frustration before moving out of the car to help passengers in the afflicted vehicle. Tyton quickly went about feeling how many Raiders were out there without being told.

“10, all seems to be magnetron. 3 females, 7 males. Wait they’re leaving?”

“Leaving?”

“Yeah moving away.”

Davidson heaved a sigh, “Radio in for some teleporters for the wounded.”

“They’re already here.” Tyton looked out seeing that those badly injured were being jumped back. Being so close to Ascendant meant the teleporters could make the jump.

“Alright then, destroy that transport don’t leave anything of use behind for them.”

With that, Tyton moved to the transport now empty and absentmindedly called forth a storm preparing for a powerful bolt. The skies darkened as his storm came into existence. Davidson let the shield down for a moment to let the bolt come through. In a fraction of a second, a burning bolt of lighting came down from the sky smashing against the transport reducing it to dust and scorched earth. The air singed with crackle as the fire wreck obliterated. Tyton surveyed the scene inspecting the damage to see if it was at a high enough level to not be useful to a magnetron. Being happy with it he turned and started to walk back to Davidson and Izzy, Rafe already sitting in his seat. He was laughing at Izzy as she covered her ears wincing at the terrible sound of the lightning on metal. It was a sound not comfortable for most ears, but Tyton’s power was unheard of in an Ardent. He was different to the other electricons being able to handle electricity more naturally than even them. It didn’t take much for him to call a storm bolt of that magnitude. As he was within a few metres of the transport he suddenly felt a barrage of electrical energy moving towards them. Recognising it as the previous magnetrons he turned to quickly release brain lightning on them being able to drop 4 of them before one let off a spike. Moving out of the way he could do, but the spike still got him in the side forcing him to the ground. Davidson’s shields again went up and Tyton was pulled into the transport as it began to drive away with Davidson’s shields still up. Izzy clambered towards him pulling apart his suit to get a better look at the cut. Her hand pressed down hard as she told Rafe to get the medical kit under the seat. Tyton grasped onto her had holding it down as he grimaced from the pain. “You’re fine it’s only a scratch.” Izzy nervously laughed.

“Of course because scratches produce this much blood.”

“Shut up big baby. I’ve met toddlers tougher than you,” she grinned and Tyton smiled back focusing on her electricity and letting it calm him down in the transport racing back to Ascendant.

#red queen #tyton jesper #rafe #mare barrow #cal calore #montfort #silver #war storm #fanfiction #electricon #black girl #oc

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theaterism · 3 years ago

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☆ a surprise for @magickedhat !

Foxtrot had never traveled outside England. New York felt distant, intangible, real in concept alone.

And yet, Wren showed him an invitation to a witch gathering there, and they asked him to accompany them. Foxtrot, baffled, lost his voice at first. They could bring one person with them. They’d thought of him. And they’d chosen him, someone who wasn’t even a witch, to join them. Gratitude and eagerness leapt in his chest. Some nerves flared as well, but he agreed with a smile. Of course he did. It was Wren.

The day of their departure arrived. Wren had hidden a transportation glove in Wetherton, tucked into a tree in the field where the circus performed. Suitcase in hand, Foxtrot took a breath and slipped his free hand into the glove. One instant he stood on grass; the next, he found himself in an unfamiliar room with a familiar face grinning at him. Wren. They wore the other glove and thereby held his hand the moment he appeared. He mirrored their grin in a heartbeat.

Time rushed past after that, and it swept him along with it. He’d arrived in Lou’s home in France. He met Lou soon afterward in a flurry of an introduction that slightly bewildered him. Wren called her a friend, so he trusted her. And she was nice. Genuinely nice. She gave them a tour of the bakery beneath her house. Foxtrot marveled at the magical treats in the back. Star-shaped tarts speckled with stardust and berries. Cakes with baked-in magic that brought happy memories. Donut filling laced with laughter.

Lou’s parents drove them to the magic portal to New York, concealed within a forest. Wren brightened the ride with conversation. Foxtrot smiled as he listened, and he felt comfortable enough to chime in as well.

The gathering struck a more familiar chord. He knew the etiquette expected in similar events. Manners. And the theater sometimes held formal occasions, which had provided him with suitable clothing.

He also revealed he could tie a tie.

Wren’s open approval flustered him so much that he flickered out of sight. His face burned. He returned the compliments with ease when he found his voice again, though, and sincerity softened his words.

He still teased Wren about their shopping quest. Several people had entrusted them with a proper pile of goods to buy. The kids split the list between them, and they turned the search into a competition to see who could find their items faster. Lou was right: it did prove to be a rather brilliant bonding activity. They got distracted with jests, but that added to the fun.

Something else caught their attention as well. The chocolate fountain. An amazing find. They debated stealing it. Tragically, it wouldn’t fit into Wren’s hat.

They sought grander excitement in the city. They roamed between towering buildings, down bustling streets, within crowded stores. Potential adventures surrounded them at every turn. And they couldn’t resist causing trouble. They stole souvenirs from shops. Wren hunted for fox-themed items; Foxtrot swiped model planes to add to their collection. He also stole Wren a fluffy stuffed dog — and naturally, they refused to consider it fluffier than him. They snapped candid pictures of each other to send to friends. They play-fought over the sillier ones.

On Wren’s broom, they soared upward and landed on rooftops. A rush of cold air and adrenaline. The people dwindled to pinpricks far below them. The cars seemed toy-sized. Heights thrilled them both.

They spent more time exploring the city than within the mansion. Still, they drifted inside for the festival. They pursued elusive items on their shopping list, conversed with other partygoers, admired the chocolate fountain. It continued to tempt them.

The mansion tested Foxtrot, though; more than he’d expected. Restlessness prickled beneath his skin. Sudden noises startled him. Certain things stirred half-forgotten memories or memories etched in nerves alone: a piece of clothing, a tone of voice, a clatter of glasses. His heartbeat raced. His throat tightened. He tried to ignore it, distract himself, focus on anything else. He could handle it on his own. He could control and stifle it. He didn’t need to bother Wren with it. And he masked it rather well.

The most trouble arose at night. They were staying in guest rooms in the mansion during the festival.

Foxtrot couldn’t sleep. His mind refused to settle; his worries echoed over and over: what if it happens again? what if I don’t escape in time? and Wren’s in the mansion as well, so what if— what if— And when the sharp taste of soot rose in the back of his throat, he slid from his bed and padded to the window-seat. He sat and gazed outside. The city lights washed out the starlight, the sky dark, so he traced memorized constellations in his head. He planned escape routes in case the past repeated itself. And he waited.

He dozed off sometime in the early morning, leaned against the cold glass of the window. Sunlight greeted him when he jolted awake. He bottled up the jagged remnants of dreams, and a breath of relief left him. Everything hadn’t quietly fragmented to ashes in the night. He was okay. And when he saw Wren again, the tension melted from his shoulders and he could breathe easier. They were okay. Safe.

Sleeplessness followed him the next night. Again, his wariness spiked once the sun dipped below the horizon; and again, he reviewed the best ways to escape. Weariness draped itself over him. He could still feign energy — as always, Wren’s presence brought easy grins and laughter. But they knew him. They spotted the slight shift in his demeanor.

His request to explore the mansion one night might’ve betrayed his unease too clearly.

They asked him about it. He faltered and misdirected at first, but he worried they’d assume he didn’t enjoy the festival — or worse, assume he didn’t enjoy their company — if he continued to hide the truth. So he admitted he’d lived in a mansion as a child. Staying in one again felt… strange. Not the whole truth, but more than he’d usually reveal. It was a deeper secret; a detail shoved behind him; an avoided subject.

The old mansion was a wound. He preferred pretending it had healed over without a scar.

He’d noticed subtle restlessness in Wren’s demeanor as well. He didn’t want to burden them and worsen their stress. Really, he wanted to ask whether they were alright, whether he could help them somehow, but the questions remained lodged in his throat.

They suggested a hotel. Gratitude swept over Foxtrot even as shame twisted in his stomach. A sharper guilt — years old, but enduring — burned in his core and reminded him he didn’t deserve their kindness. But passing out from exhaustion struck him as a more definite way to ruin their trip, so he agreed. His hesitance lessened when he helped pay for it.

Amazement grew within Foxtrot as they moved to the hotel and their trip continued. He expected Wren to express frustration or disappointment. He sensed neither. But he’d messed up; he’d shown weakness. He’d done nothing to earn their continued warmth. He feared their exploits would lose their excitement.

And yet, and yet, and yet — lightness and laughter resumed between them as though it had never left.

The hotel eased Foxtrot’s jumpiness; apprehension loosened its grip on him. Danger no longer seemed to lurk in the darkness after nightfall. Sleep regained its sense of safety. His dreams smoothed over, lost their smoldering sharpness. He could rest. His energy returned. And during the day, they joked around and explored and caused more trouble.

They spent a whole day dashing from one adventure to the next, narrowly avoiding danger several times along the way. The sky dimmed and darkened to a velvety blue. The city stayed alight. Rows upon rows of skyscraper windows glowed and stretched high above them. Headlights and streetlights gleamed in the streets. The motion quieted but never ceased. The kids’ sightseeing slowed as their energy faded. Exhausted, they collapsed onto a subway seat.

He’d messed up. And yet their fingers intertwined as casually and naturally as before.

They fell asleep leaned against one another. Their stop came and went, and another stop passed… and another. When they woke up, they found themselves disoriented and far from the hotel. Shared earbuds and music kept them awake on their return trip. They found ways to cheer themselves as well. Illusions deceived fellow people on the subway — pranks of Wren’s invention — and a fair bit of cash (possibly pickpocketed) found its way into Foxtrot’s jacket.

They made pancakes one morning. Their typical food was takeout, but Wren noted the benefit of cooking in hotels: they wouldn’t need to clean the resulting mess. A fair point. Foxtrot couldn’t argue with their reasoning. He lacked any skill in cooking — he was rubbish at it, really — so Wren did most of the work. They talked and joked together all the while. Their conversation meandered and glimmered with humor.

As Foxtrot rummaged for ingredients, his gaze kept drifting back to Wren. Their presence was familiar and vibrant and bright. They lit up every room they walked into. The weight on his shoulders eased, and warmth bloomed in his chest, light and sparkling.

He was happy, he realized. Truly happy.

Was that okay?

He still needed to ask Wren about their wellbeing. He would ask them. The words no longer felt trapped. He wanted to offer them the same compassion they’d offered him. They’d shown him more warmth than he’d ever deserve; more understanding than he’d ever expected to receive. They were a brilliant person in general, really. He’d be there for them, no matter what. Of course he would. It was Wren.

He poured the batter onto the pan, his brow creased with focus. Distantly, he noticed the flames on the stovetop didn’t spark anxiety. Wren’s flow of words washed away his nervousness. Aloud, Foxtrot compared the pancakes to coins. Wren mentioned doing tricks with them, and Foxtrot deemed this a challenge. One pancake fell from the window and landed on the head of an unfortunate passerby. Foxtrot and Wren dissolved into laughter.

Was it okay to feel this happy?

It’s okay, Foxtrot decided then, his smile lingering.

In this moment, it’s okay.

#magickedhat #|☆| stories #(gives u this very very gently!!!)#(gosh this got so long aaaaa)#(i literally just finished it before u showed me art of them agsgd kids!!!)#(their new york trip has been stuck in my head for so long and i wanted to write it out!!)#(i loved discussing it so much and i cried writing it agdgd)#(i had a bunch of fun with it as well tho!!)#(also i realized fox had never been to a place where he couldn’t see the stars before and hhhh)#(he felt lowkey lost…….)#(he was super grateful for wren in general!! it was tricky at times but they helped him a lot and he had so much fun)#(their support meant a lot to him)#(guilt definitely set in as well but the softness was very very good!)#(and i wanted to show what led up to him crying when they called him amazing bc like agdgd it was a Lot)#(and what led up to him hugging them………)#(BUT YEAH JUST!!)#(I APPRECIATE THESE KIDS A BUNCH!!)#|☽| foxtrot ( clever fox )#|☆| to the stars || fox & wren

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pleasantwizardphilosopher · 3 years ago

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Blooming

This is chapter 4 of my current fic, I am posting them here as well as in AO3 just because, I really hope you like it, let me know if there are mistakes and your thoughts overall.

Supergirl arrived at Zor-El headquarters like a speeding bullet, almost breaking the sound barrier, out of sheer excitement. Things with the CEO went beyond her wildest dreams, not only was the joint project approved, almost, since Lena still has to sit down with the same old misogynists and make them approve the budget, however, the Maiden of Might has no doubt that the green-eyed genius will make them bend under her gaze. She herself, felt her knees growing weak every passing minute in the woman’s presence, she is now certain that the CEO can bend steel *wink *wink. Furthermore, the Kryptonian has gotten the opportunity of working side-by-side with Lena (isn’t that a beautiful name?), the same one she has been in awe with for several years; watching the CEO work up close was something the Kryptonian never even dared dream of, as it was something she always thought to be quite impossible, because although their companies aim for similar purposes, their markets and social statuses are entirely different.

Moreover, she is certain that there is something bonding them together, what, she isn’t sure exactly, there is just this itching crawling under her skin, making all her nerves tingle with excitement, wanting to grab the Irish goddess and hold her close, to protect her, to know her entirely, to pull a smile from crimson lips, to make sure that she feels safe, validated and supported in a way the Girl of Steel is now certain Lena has never experienced, she also wants to tear down all the walls she has built around herself and know the real Lena, the one that’s deeply hidden behind years of trauma and abuse, and it frightens her, her whole life she’s always wanted to make friends, sure, she’s friendly by nature, but this, this depth, she has never before encountered and albeit the horizon seems promising, scary as well but first and foremost promising; it’d imply bringing to light many things that she’d truly rather not. However, as they say, time will tell, and she definitely wants to see what lays on the other side.

The first thing the Superfriends get to after receiving the good news from Kara is to slightly modify the organization of the company’s headquarters; during the last year of their superheroing endeavors they installed a vigilance room to allow their crime-fighting activities to go smoothly (ish). Said room is in the basement, the vault where they keep their prototypes is still there, occupying one full corner; however multiple monitors and computers had been installed as well, to keep track of Nia and Kara while they’re on the field; there are several chairs, and a platform is installed on the middle for debriefing and planning. There are also four suit holders, where Dreamer’s and Supergirl’s suits are, as well as prototypes for Winn and Brainy’s, in case they ever want to join them on the spot. Since they are one of the most innovative tech companies, many of their security and communications prototypes are firstly tested by them on life-saving missions, taking the devices to their tipping point, that way they ensure that every single device and software launched works perfectly under their prompted circumstances. What they added were a few biometric locks to avoid being discovered and a false wall that hides the elevator leading to the lowest floor. The rest of the building remains the same. Safe for the fact that Nia and Brainy have their own office and lab, respectively, on the third floor and on the second floor, where Winn’s supercomputing lab is, they’ve added a med-bay, after several injuries on the field and only a little bit of alcohol and cotton to treat them, some of their most successful medical equipment are used there.

The first time the two of them actually get together to work on the project, or more specifically, to go through the details of their work together; Kara arrives at the CEO’s office with a paper bag filled with doughnuts and two coffees on a cup holder, she's done her research (aka asked Jess) and now knows that the green-eyed woman likes her coffee black, which is something she honestly doesn’t get the fuss of. The Kryptonian thinks it's a great way to start this project, this working-relationship, starting with the right foot and all that, especially considering that she'll put forward her own lab for them to work on the project, is more private than the L-Corp tower, brimming with scientists and business people; and she'll feel a lot more comfortable there, having her friends and colleagues close and being a few steps away from her suit, in case her assistance is needed, is a lot less likely that the genius woman finds it suspicious, she just had to make sure that no scribbles in Kryptonian were left on her desk and project board, the ones she did have were (not) carefully folded (more like threw) in a locked drawer, away from prying eyes.

When she's let into the office, after giving Jess a couple of doughnuts for her invaluable help with her ‘getting to know Lena’ research; she cannot help but be struck dumb (again), and surprisingly it never gets old, at the sight of the Irish woman. The CEO is standing facing the city through her office’s windows, her silhouette highlighted by the sunlight flooding the office, she is wearing a crimson red three-piece suit that fits her perfectly, after she turns around, Kara can see that underneath she’s wearing a black button up, and her signature red lipstick, the whole outfit paired with dangerously high heels. She gestures for the hero to sit down on her very white couch so they can thoroughly review the information they have and design their project’s timetable and budgets, her eyes are glinting like light reflecting from beautiful emeralds, unblemished, there is curiosity written all over them and she smells wonderful, the strong smell of the coffees the blonde is still holding do nothing to diminish the smell of cinnamon and a citric perfume coming from the CEO.

Lena, on the other hand, finds herself to be intrigued by the woman sitting in front of her, she’s wearing a white and black flannel paired with khaki pants and a simple belt at her hips, her hair is braided perfectly and falls over her shoulder; and the whole outfit makes her look so young and innocent that the CEO has to refrain from wanting to hug her, which is not a common circumstance she finds herself in, for someone as touch starved as she is. The scent of the coffees she’s brought still lets a scent of vanilla and lavender get to her nose and she feels at ease, for the first time in who knows how long. She should be worried, about someone having such strong effect on her, but she honestly isn’t, it feels as natural as breathing, there is something about those cerulean blue eyes that settle her heart and even her breathing, like coming home after a long day at work, or falling asleep into a mother’s embrace, she finds it to be really easy to just let go and be.

Both of them engage in shy smiles and deer eyes for a few moments, all boardroom meetings and upcoming deadlines forgotten. With the information they have now they know for sure that current solar panels are very inefficient, you can power two computers and a light bulb tops with the best ones available on the market, and not for a very long time, as their reliability is quite low. But with the system proposed by the Kryptonian who, with huge compliments to Alex, for helping her with the cellular growth and with her help as medical specialist to analyze the results; has spent the past two months thoroughly evaluating her cells solar absorption. The system will work as follows, the nanoparticles oscillate when solar radiation hits them, this is due to a quantum phenomenon called surface plasmon resonance that enhances the radiation through the oscillation of the particles, as a result of their electromagnetic fields, to the wavelength of certain radiations, solar now, and hence, the energy obtained is higher than that of the incident light, then, this enhanced energy in the form of light will go to the circuitry, which will do... something, Kara isn’t entirely sure as to what exactly, even with her engineering background the circuitry she can think of will be huge and inefficient; to turn the radiation into current and voltage so it can be stored in batteries and transported, if necessary.

Lena laughs softly at the woman’s circuitry perception and pipes in, explaining her own vision for the circuitry, she has been thinking about it for the past months, getting all her knowledge together to develop the best system, she proposes to build nanobots that will act as small transformers, turning raw energy into voltage with the aid of electron energies, which are directly bound to voltage, jumping from one orbital to another, however, now that she understands the blonde's idea better, she had been quite secretive about this, she thinks they can add a cobalt isotope battery that would allow the system to store the energy for further use and for long periods of time without any significant decay; the system would allow power to be distributed evenly with no current peaks or voltage drops. They also agree on having the nanobots programmed with a failsafe to prevent the system from supercharging. As enraptured as they are in their little science discussion, finally having someone who gets their brilliant minds and has more ideas, challenging one another, time flies for both of them, and suddenly they have to part ways to keep with their day, having been discussing ideas and details for several hours, there are now several pressing matters that they need to attend. As she is walking out of the office, Kara spears one more look at the green-eyed genius, who is now checking something on her laptop, after turning on the TV in mute, if she didn’t know better, she’d say she’s smitten, but that is a dumb idea.

When Lena is left alone in her office again, she feels light as a feather, in a way she had forgotten one could feel, this project holds many expectations, for both of them, nonetheless, she can finally let her mind free, without being afraid that someone may feel threatened by her intelligence. Smiling softly to herself she turns her attention to her laptop, in order to keep going through accumulated emails and paperwork; remembering then to do something she takes out her phone to call Sam, her CFO and best friend, to let her know about the project and the fact that although she will still be working as CEO and taking care of whatever fires need her attention, the rest of the every-day paperwork will go directly to her, as well as any boardroom meetings (thank God for that), as she herself will be busy with the project.

They are animatedly talking about a certain blonde when a streak of red and blue on her TV catch her attention. Supergirl is rescuing several kids from a severe accident, where their school bus was pushed out of the road and down a cliff by a lory speeding out of control, the images are startling, the destruction left behind by the bus rolling down the hill shows very bad premonitions for the kids’ safety and overall health. However, Dreamer and Supergirl are giving all they have to rescue them as soon as possible, the blonde hero is flying the children to safety five at a time, while Dreamer is holding the bus with blue-energy constructs, to keep it from sliding further into the ocean, from the images being shown, she can tell that the young hero is struggling, even though the Super is taking them out at an impressive speed. Emergency services have started arriving and providing first aid to the more severely injured ones, most of the kids have several bruises and cuts, but she can tell, even with how far the camera is, that some are at actual risk, the few ambulances that have arrived and the traffic piling on both directions are a bad premonition to those who were pierced by metallic pieces or have broken bones, particularly broken ribs.

Kara is gritting her teeth together, trying to keep herself as focused as possible, which is hard on the light of the events. The bus had twenty-seven five- to ten-year-olds, most of them managed to hold onto something the moment their transport was pushed off the road and only show minor scratches and bruising. However, there are a few who are severely injured, and Nia is struggling greatly to keep the bus from keep rolling down the hill and into the ocean, as it is quite heavy and the dirt she’s standing on is very unstable, making her slide further helplessly, hence, she cannot fly to a hospital those whose life is at risk, because even though she can fly extremely fast, human composition and physiology wouldn’t withstand such extreme conditions. She can only hope for the best and try to pull them all faster, one problem at a time.

Without thinking twice, the CEO activates a few codes on her computer and a swarm of aid drones are launched from a nearby warehouse. On screen she sees how the drones arrive on site, giving first aid to anyone that needs it and allowing kids to jump out of the bus by their own feet, the older ones helping those who need it or are too young, the bus driver is the most injured one, nevertheless, she has improved her drones from the first time she presented them, and now they can assess a person and act accordingly faster, by the time Supergirl gets to him, his life is no longer in danger, albeit he’s still pretty beaten up. Through the camera of the drones, she sees the hero waving a thanks and then speeding off with the driver to the nearest ambulance, rushing afterwards to move the problem-causing lory out of the way, so that ambulances may leave as fast as possible, otherwise, all the effort put forward by them, the rescue teams and Lena, would be for nothing. Finally moving to Dreamer’s side to lift the bus back into the road where cranes can dispose it properly.

Letting out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, the raven-haired woman drops on her chair, just as the news shift from the rescue efforts to a report on how "a xenophobic group declares war on all aliens", according to an anonymous letter that was sent to the news channel, this groups seeks to fight for their planet, to avoid alien invasion and for humans’ rights, as “aliens are a threat to our way of life”. She feels all blood draining from her face, that sounds an awful lot to what her twisted family believed in, it cannot be though, after Lex was incarcerated, she pulled several strings among the board members, with hard evidence on how Lillian posed a threat to the company, resulting from sharing the same world-domination ideals she pushed onto her son; and thanks to her friends, Sam, Jack and Andrea, helping her buy shares from her mother through shell companies, the woman started losing her spot on the board, eventually being left with absolutely no power over L-Corp, as she owns only about 0.2% of the total shares. That way, Lena prevented her twisted mother from using the company’s resources to do something along the lines of what her brother did, and also from her getting enough money to fund whatever twisted idea of patriotism and ‘right or wrong’ she has. But this, this could very much be their doing, she’ll have to dig into it and make sure that her sick relatives, have nothing to do with it, maybe even find out whoever is actually behind it and put a stop to this nonsense. There is a dread deep in her stomach, that tells her otherwise.

Lena parks her car at the entrance, she is at the direction Kara gave her. She’s wearing black jeans with leather boots and a deep green turtleneck sweater underneath a thigh-high grey coat, as it is the beginning of January and this year’s winter has been quite cold, she can see the puffs of her breath condensing on the air in front of her every time she exhales; the building she’s in front of are the Zor-El Technologies headquarters, she isn’t sure what she was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this. The building is big, from the outside she’s certain that they would need a few hundred people to fill it, it has huge floor-to-ceiling windows on every floor, and the glass is, she’s certain, bulletproof (the fuck?), which is quite startling, and polarized, so that someone from the outside can’t see what’s happening on the inside but without preventing sunlight from streaming in, however, from the inside you could clearly see the outside. The only detail that differentiates this building as the one from a tech company is the huge Z hanging on the front from the rooftop. She approaches the glass doors, which slide open as soon as she nears them, and is stunned to see that there is no one, no secretary, no front desk, no security detail; there are a few cameras and the lobby is clean, open-spaced, with dark wooden floors and a few paintings hanging from the wall, in the furthest wall, there is an elevator, and coming out from it, is Kara.

The cheery blonde is wearing denim jeans with heeled ankle boots, making her look a few centimeters taller than the CEO; a light pink polo shirt covered by an open lab coat. She hands the green-eyed woman a card with her name on it, which she assumes is her access card, and is quite surprised to see the easiness with which she was given access to this building, family name aside and knowing that she may not have access to all floors and stuff, it’s still refreshing in a way. She is then led to the elevator, where she swipes her card and presses the button to the first level, where she now knows Kara’s lab is, and where she will be spending a lot of time until the end of this joint project. When the doors open, she gives herself a moment to observe.

There are several workbenches across the space, underneath them all are cabinets that contain chemicals and solvents, she assumes; there are tools scattered messily over some tables, screwdrivers, LED’s, tweezers, mixed oddly with Erlenmeyer flasks, hot plates, test tubes and other glassware. On the furthest left corner, right in front of the windows, is a desk, with a small lamp and a laptop, beside it is a cork board filled with scribbles, notes and drawings from other projects the blonde must be working on. There is soft music playing from a couple of speakers next to the elevator and a big painting of a sunset, she thinks, because of the red-ish color of the sky, on the wall to her right. Again, she’s surprised by the easiness with which Kara has let her into her space, her life, because, as a scientist herself, she knows how hard it is to open the doors of her lab to just anyone, so this small gesture amazes her and fills her with warmth, she feels welcomed, there is a knowing feeling that from now on she’ll feel a lot like that.

Research is hard she knows this, even though the background check, patents, recent developments and discoveries; is already done, the first months of their project have been a bumpy ride, to say the least. Their first experiments have been disastrous, to put it nicely, the nanoparticles vary in size to a level of polydispersity were they don’t fulfill their purpose, the nanobots the genius woman has been trying to develop don’t work, not only do they not do what she’s programmed them to, but they don’t do anything at all and is fucking infuriating. She should be able to do this, designing this kind of technology is not new to neither, particularly to the Irish genius, who has actually developed several nanotechnologies to improve life quality. In spite of that, good things have come up, the aching to know each other better, to find out more about them, paired with their constant failures has given them window to actually do so. And it’s heartwarming.

It starts with an invitation to get lunch together from Kara, after another very terrible outcome, they get on Lena’s car and drive downtown, which is only a few kilometers away from the warehouse. They eat at a Chinese restaurant, the best on National City, according to Kara. Engaging into small talk with the blonde, is easy, Lena finds, there is no judgment coming from her, she just listens, sapphire blue eyes earnest and filled with interest, honest interest, making her feel like she’s the only thing that matters; and gives reassurance whenever the Irish woman needs it, even without her actually voicing it, she just notices. What was meant to be a short lunch, became hours of them talking about everything and nothing, the outside world and that stupid project, vanishing for them. Lavender and citric coffee. Green and blue. Kara finds herself lost in kryptonite green eyes, warm and glinting, and a soft smile, the way her hair falls in dark waves only adding more and more to the softness of the woman in front of her, who has suffered and lost so much, she unknowingly and silently makes it her life’s mission to protect this beautiful human being, vowing to no one but herself to always stand up to that promise.

After a few more lunch dates they start getting close, the pull their hearts experience, stronger than ever. The first time Kara goes forward with a hug as a way to greet the raven-haired genius, Lena stiffens as a rock, not being used to such closeness, it takes her a few more attempts at physical contact but when she gives in, she finds her new favorite place, in the blonde’s arms. There is something about the way Kara hugs her that makes her feel at ease and safe, like a small precious creature that needs to be taken care of, as if she were fragile and invaluable, the scent of vanilla and flowers that she has now come to associate with the woman, dizzying, and her warmth, protecting. She feels certain that no one has ever said so much and yet so little with the simplest wrap of arms. She surely has gotten a little enraptured by her hugs. And her eyes, she’s not sure she’s ever seen bluer eyes than those, and she finds captured by them every single time. At first, she felt like they could be deceiving, however, as time went by, she has come to realize that she can read them like an open book, whether is worry or affection, she knows what Kara is feeling, and she’s now certain that the woman can also read her with that same easiness.

Will she ever get used to this woman’s presence? Somehow, she truly hopes not, is addicting the way the baby hairs at the base of her neck seem to electrify the moment she gets into Lena’s eyeline, how her breathing becomes shallower and everything else in her line-of-sight fades. After more than six months working together, she still loses her bearings every single time the raven-haired woman crosses the doorstep of her lab, it’s been natural, the way she seems to exist in her space, the way the move around each other as if they’ve been doing this for years instead of a few months. She has become attuned to the sound of her heartbeat, knowing the precise instant she arrives at the door of the warehouse, to her constant smell of citrus and coffee, she is now an addict of. Moreover, she’s addicted to her smile, her laugh, the way her dimples show whenever she is actually letting herself feel, long gone is the mask of the no-nonsense, cold-blooded CEO every newspaper feasted on.

Lena, on the other hand, has devoted her entire mind to this project, after the first months of failure, they both started gaining momentum and now they seem unstoppable, the device will still take some time as it is groundbreaking and will move Earth’s technology forward several years; however, their progress is excellent and is going ahead of their own agenda. The Luthor is so enraptured by the project that whenever she’s not working on it, her mind is reeling with possibilities; she can’t help it, she is so excited that whenever a new idea or pathway pops into her mind, she springs out of bed and drives to their lab, Kara’s lab, to keep working. After a few times Kara caught her in there, she made it her new purpose to make sure that the woman eats and sleeps properly, becoming aware of her terrible work habits. For Lena, it’s grounding in a way, the fact that someone actually cares for her, is new, and at first it scared her, but she’s come to realize that it’s deeply rooted into the blonde, she truly cares, and her kindness is blinding.

They have become accustomed to each other, and have started opening more, mostly Lena, since Kara still has a super big secret, she’s yet to come clean. The Kryptonian now knows about all the abuse Lena has endured throughout her life. How even though Lillian never actually hit her, she would still make her hate towards the green-eyed woman very well-known, criticizing every single detail, from her posture, to her eye-color, her freckles and every little imperfection she could find; humiliating her for sins she never committed, like that one time she decided to go to a party, during summer, and returned home soaking wet, as a downpour had broken lose, and Lillian made her cook for her and Lex, with her clothes soaked as punishment, and then berated her for dripping water on the floor, forcing her to clean with a rag and a bucket, on her knees. Kara’s heart broke that time, so badly that she couldn’t stop herself and hugged the woman trying to convey all her support and care. Running her fingers through black strands, whispering tenderly into her ear that it wasn’t her fault and that she is worthy.

Kara knows about the huge betrayal her brother committed that time when he went rouge and tried to kill Superman, using one of her own inventions to synthesize kryptonite and embed it into his Lexosuit. She has never trusted anyone after that. Simultaneously, Lena knows that Kara is adopted, she hasn’t given a lot of information about her life prior to the Danvers, but she’s certain it was horrible and traumatizing, she doesn’t want to pry, but she can tell from the way the light in those blue eyes seem to vanish, like a suffocated candle, the way there is a red glint to them, whenever she mentions that she failed, that she should’ve been better, smarter. And Lena holds her, rubs her back and lets her crumble and cry, she’s certain that this personification of the sun had nothing to do with whatever happened and she needs her to understand that, it’s hard. Without them knowing, their hearts started opening, giving the other a soft spot, always there, prevailing, waiting.

Kara has a drawer filled with snacks. Lena is not ever sure why she is surprised by that when the woman is literally always munching on something, how she doesn’t gain weight, she sure as hell doesn’t know; but there is just something about opening her desk’s drawer, which surface is always filled with scribbles, experiments records and calculations, and find it filled to the brim with snacks, from Poky’s to chips and… is that one of the pastries she bought last month? The CEO shakes her head in disbelief, a loving smile forming on her lips, and tries not to think about it too deeply, she absolutely doesn’t steal a chocolate bar. Sitting on a stool in front of the prototype she’s currently trying to make work, her thoughts inevitably drift to how her life has been for the past months. When she first started working in this lab, she got to know all of Kara’s friends and colleagues, and she was impressed again about the easiness with which they let her in. But being alone in Kara’s lab is something else entirely, it is not the first time this has happened, the blonde sometimes remembers she has to do something last minute and gets to it, leaving Lena on her own. Is a small gesture, but it never fails to turn her into goo, being trusted so blindly by someone so caring, she has seen the blonde playing with kids and eating unhuman amounts of ice cream, she is certain that the woman is the impersonation of goodness and the sun, and it makes her feel something she hasn’t given the time, nor wanted to for that matter, to analyze, shoving everything in little mind boxes, her life is pretty messed up without the added weight of feelings, especially with the whole anti-alien campaign.

She pinches the bridge of her nose to try and lessen the upcoming migraine she can feel the beginnings of. Whoever is behind that letter has been working from the dark, pulling strings here and there and planting the seeds of hatred towards aliens. National City has been one of the main destinations of displaced aliens and there were already growing sentiments before this whole thing, nevertheless, there weren’t any actual actions towards them, there are now. A few protests against the recognition of aliens as citizens has arisen, and there are now several youtubers who ‘state facts’ on how aliens are a threat to the human race, a speech about how aliens are taking their jobs and invading their spaces, how they will come and conquer, and who knows what other bullshit. At first she was sure this little uprising was going to end quite fast, and never really gain strength or followers, she was wrong, it turned out that a lot of humans had resentments towards aliens and this has just spurred them to the surface, many other humans who have lost their jobs to aliens have also joined and now is a very wide movement throughout the city that doesn’t seem likely to go down in the near future and is worrying, this kind of hatred-guided obsessions always escalate to more violence from both sides and who knows what could happen.

Sighing and hoping for the best, she turns around to keep working in her nanobots while Kara arrives and drags her to grab some dinner, smiling to herself at the thought of their now usual routine, where they work together all day, Kara always bringing something for lunch for them and at the end of the day she’d drag the raven-haired genius to either her apartment or the blonde’s and they’d have dinner, if Lena was in the mood she’d cook for them, not letting Kara touch anything, being remitted to chopping, if not they’d just simply order something and then watch some Netflix or another rom-com that Kara needs Lena to know (is general knowledge Lena). It fills her body with goosebumps the way they have gotten close, understanding each other easily, as if it had been always them, forever each other. She’s not usually this cheesy, though.

#supercorp #karlena #lena luthor #supergirl #i am supercorp trash #kara danvers #idiots i swear #please give me feedback #they are actual dorks #we love them

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heavy-lobster · 4 years ago

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POST THE FUCKING ESSAY KOAL/DUSTY I SWEAR TO GOD

WAIT I THOUGHT YOU READ IT ALREADY??? DID I SERIOUSLY NOT SEND IT TO YOU WHEN I INITIALLY FINISHED IT??? GOD WHAT THE FUCK

Well I can’t NOT post it now.

So for some background, the assignment was to write a short essay arguing as to why a children’s series of our choosing could be classified as horror, based on some article we had to read. I chose Wow Wow Wubbzy because I thought it would be funny and. man. So anyways this is VERY poorly written because I did most of it between like,,, midnight and 3 am. It’s very ranty and way longer than it needed to be. For ease of reading I went back and fixed up the shitty formatting and fixed a few spelling errors, as well as linking my sources.

So uhhh this is about horror so,, warning for horror ig?? It’s not scary like, at all, but better safe than sorry.

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: The Horror Within

Introduction

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” is an American TV show originally aired on Nick Jr. From the mind of Bob Boyle, this educational kid’s show was very memorable for a lot of kids growing up at that time. The show features Wubbzy, a yellow, square, animalistic character, with a curly, “springy” tail; as well as Wubbzy’s various friends. Most episodes feature Wubbzy and his pals, Widget and Walden (as well as Daizy in later episodes), dealing with an every day situation, or well, depends on your definition of “every day”. The situation spirals out of control because of the actions of various characters, and it is resolved by the problematic character of the episode learning a lesson and fixing their mistake. Seems like a typical kids show, right? Well, there may be more to it than that. What if I told you that Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! could be interrupted as a horror show about horrifically mutated beasts struggling to survive the post apocalyptic world they are forced to inhabit? Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! fits many categories described in Sharon A. Russell’s literary criticism in “What is the Horror Genre?”. In this essay we will discuss how Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! could possibly be classified as a horror series.

Asking the real questions; what is everyone?

First of all, a very important question. What exactly are the characters? There are claims that Wubbzy himself is some kind of gerbil, but frankly I don’t see it. Also, what’s the deal with the inhabitants of Wuzzleburg in general? Wubbzy and his friends are supposed to be anthropomorphic animals, but they seem more like horrific monsters, mutated from normal animals. Monsters are a very common and important element in horror. Not all monsters are vicious killers, and not all of them are obvious in appearance. Some monsters are small and cute, but it’s almost always a facade.

There are also some “regular” animals running around, but yet they aren’t “normal” by any stretch of the imagination. Some are very obviously not normal, others seem mostly normal. “Flutterflies” are a common, non-anthro animal seen in Wubbzy, with their most prominent appearance being in the episode “The Flight of the Flutterfly”. Flutterflies seem like normal butterflies, but why are they called “Flutterflies” instead? Are they in any way different to the butterflies of our world, or is that just what the inhabitants of Wuzzleburg call butterflies? What about the more blatantly odd non-anthro animals? In “Attack of the 50 Foot Fleegle” Wubbzy acquires a pet “Fleegle”. It appears to be a small, purple, almost hamster like creature. It remains small and happy if you feed it the right kind of food, but Wubbzy foolishly feeds it candy and sweets. When fed candy, the Fleegle increases in size in increasingly large increments. After a time, it becomes so big that it rampages all over Wuzzleburg. The only thing that could shrink it back to normal size was carrot juice. When fed bologna, they multiply, and the solution to this is unknown, as the episode ends there and this is never brought up again.

There are plenty of strange animals, both anthropomorphic and not; yet no humans. Not a single human character in sight. This begs the question, what happened? Why are all these animals how they are? What happened to the humans? Obviously, these questions were never answered, as this is a kids show. Here is a thought to consider: what if all the humans are dead, and all the characters are mutant abominations, or, monsters as they’d more fittingly be called. Humans have been wiped out, and the animals who survived mutated in many different ways. Some animals became intelligent, and capable of building their own society similar to what once was our own. That society is what we know as Wuzzleburg. In conclusion, all the creatures seen in the show are the result of something terrible; mutated abominations passing as animals. This fits the “monster” category of horror as described in Russell’s article.

What’s the deal with Wuzzleburg?

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! takes place in the fictional town of Wuzzleburg. Wuzzleburg and its surrounding locations look very odd. Everything is unnaturally geometric. Everything- from houses to trees- is very odd in appearance. Tree branches are often bendy, always at a right angle, with the edges being smooth and rounded. In Wuzzleburg, many houses look like completely normal houses, yet Wubbzy lives in a tree house. Another common thing is that houses and buildings of importance are usually designed based on a specific object. Daizy’s house, for example, is shaped like a flower.

Outside of Wuzzleburg, the locations only get weirder. There is an island, shown to be somewhere off the coast of Wuzzleburg, called “Dino Island”. As the name suggests, this island is inhabited by dinosaurs. So apparently, dinosaurs are not extinct in this universe; at least on this island. As far as other towns go, there is Wuzzlewood, clearly based on Hollywood, where all the biggest celebrities in the Wubbzy cinematic universe (WCU) live. Everything in Wuzzlewood is covered in stars, a clever spin of the celebrity theme. Another interesting location is Plaidville. In Plaidville, everything is plaid; the trees, the ground, and even the inhabitants. I don’t have to explain what is unnatural about that.

Now, back on the topic of Wuzzleburg, since it is the main location seen in the show, and is where Wubbzy and his friends live. It has been stated that Wuzzleburg was founded in 1853 by “Heinrich van Wuzzle”. The specific year being given is an odd detail, that you wouldn’t normally expect in a show of this nature. Wuzzleburg is clearly a town in every sense of the word. It has plenty of stores and restaurants, an airport, houses, residents, a mayor, a rich history, annual festivities, reliable transportation, schools, and even a stable economy. All of this being made by what we have already established as horrific monsters. That’s impressive. There is common debate in the Wubbzy fandom on whether these locations are in a parallel universe, or perhaps if they exist on our Earth. In the episode “Fly Us To The Moon”, the place where they land back on “Earth” appears to suggest that Wuzzleburg is located somewhere in or near Washington state, in America, or possibly somewhere in British Columbia.

My theory is that the events of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! takes place on Earth, but certainly not our Earth. An alternate Earth, where humans may have lived before. Some horrible nuclear accident wiped out all human life, and caused all the animals to mutate into the many strange creatures of the WCU. This also explains the unnatural features of the setting. Post-apocalyptic Earth? Sounds like a perfect horror setting to me. This fits perfectly with the criteria described in Sharon’s article.

The beast within; Wubbzy’s true villain

Finally, the matter of the deep internal conflict hidden deep within the show. In the show, you can expect every episode to have a lesson or moral, as many kids shows do. Most episodes feature one of the main characters (almost always Wubbzy) making a mistake, followed by them learning the lesson of the episode and using their newfound knowledge to make things right. What if I told you that this is sign of a much deeper internal conflict going on far beneath the character’s cute exterior? Would it be so far fetched to believe that every episode is focused on the anthropomorphic abominations struggling to fight against their beastly instincts? Their own organized and civilized society goes against their very nature, and they constantly fight to uphold the standards they set; both for themselves, and each other. It's a constantly uphill climb. Wubbzy is undeniably a flawed character. He messes up constantly, often learning the same lessons over and over again, as if it’s more of a reminder than a lesson. It’s Wubbzy against himself. This fits Sharon’s criteria of internal horror, but that’s not all.

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is also the story of a quest for self improvement, as well as a good vs evil scenario, which are two of Russell’s other criteria. I mean, think about it. Every character is open to self improvement once they realize the harm they’ve caused. Every character is on their own quest, seeking to better themselves. Every character is going through their own internal battle. They fight their own flaws. Their own evils. The true villain of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is the evil within all of them, the beastly instincts lurking within all of Wuzzleberg’s monster inhabitants. And they may not always be perfect, maybe they don’t know how to be “good”, maybe being good just isn’t in their nature; but they try their best despite all the challenges, to be better, and improve themselves.

In that way I think we can all relate to them. We aren’t always “good”, we aren’t perfect, sometimes we don’t know how to do the “right” thing, but our flaws are what make us human. It may not be in our nature to be flawless, but it is in our nature to seek self improvement, and that’s what Wubbzy is really about. The struggles we all go through to be better people, because inside? We’re all just monsters trying our best to be civil, and conform to our moral code. And really? That’s enough.

Conclusion

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is undeniably a kid’s show at heart, but if you really stop to analyze it, you find a much darker horror series. It would be fittingly classified as a psychological horror. It fits almost all of Sharon A. Russell’s criteria as described in the article “What is the Horror Genre?”. What is Wubbzy? In fact, what are all of the show’s characters? Their vaguely animal appearance appeal to young children, but I believe that they may actually be normal animals mutated into horrible monsters. Freaks of nature created by a nuclear incident. There is not a single human seen in the show, but plenty of abnormal creatures. This suggests that we are long gone. The monsters we left behind built their own society.

Not only were the animals affected, but also the earth itself. The odd nature of the setting supports my nuclear devastation theory. Finally, is the true conflict of Wubbzy. The show itself is about nuclear monsters trying their best to adapt to the society they built for themselves, even if it goes against their own nature. It’s beasts on a quest where the only objective is the betterment of the self. An internal conflict. There is no physical villain in the show. The only antagonist out to get Wubbzy, is Wubbzy himself. In that way, I think we can all relate. In conclusion, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is actually about horribly mutated animals fighting their inner demons, on a metaphorical journey to be better than they are. For that very reason, I believe it could be interrupted as a horror series.

Sources:��

Wubbzy Wikipedia page

Wubbzy Fandom Wiki, which I did NOT know existed before this project and honestly the comments on the page were the funniest fucking thing, I highly recommend it

And uhhh various episodes of Wubbzy I had to watch

I apologize for my crimes

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