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softboywriting · 5 years ago

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Welcome To The Pack | Mendes Triplets Series | Part Six

Summary: You’re a human who has moved in with the Mendes triplets as their newest housemate. You’ll have to learn to navigate life with werewolves, college classes, and your feelings for each guy. [fluff] [drama]

Word Count: 1.7k

|Masterlist In Bio|

The group of guys from campus appear again. It's been weeks since the run in where Raul saved you. You and the guys all figured it was a one off thing, just some guys being dicks. As soon as you see them, you know something is going on.

You're outside raking leaves in the front yard when the sound of crunching leaves gets your attention and you look up from your pile to see the guys walking into the yard. They just stare at you, saying nothing. Honestly it's creepy and you feel panicked.

"Sh-shawn!" You yell, dropping the rake and running up the porch and into the house. "Shawn!"

Shawn comes running down the stairs, taking two at a time and grabs you, arms around you in a split second. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"There's wolves out there. The group from campus, they're in our yard."

Shawn growls and looks to the open doorway to the front porch. "I didn't smell anything, are you sure?"

You pull Shawn toward the door. "Yes! They're out there right...now." There is no one in the yard. Just your pile of leaves and the rake you dropped. "They were just here."

Shawn looks around, stepping down off the porch and walking around the yard. "I don't smell anything. Are you sure?"

"Yeah." You cross your arms and look around. "They were here. Three of them. It...it was the same guys. They were just here I swear."

Shawn climbs the porch steps and puts his hand on your forehead. He presses his other palm to your cheek. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine Shawn. Those guys were here."

"I just...I'm not catching a scent. They were in the yard right? Did they say anything?"

"N-no they just stood there. I'm not crazy Shawn. I know what I saw."

"Okay, okay." He holds your shoulders. "I'll finish raking, just in case they come back. Just relax alright?"

You lean your head against his shoulder and he wraps his arms around you. "I promise I'm not lying."

"I didn't say you were. Go relax, please. You're very tense."

"Okay. I'll go look at what I want to make for dinner tomorrow and just chill."

"Good girl. I'll be back in shortly."

"Okay...sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry for anything."

_____________________

By the end of the day you feel awful. Strange how you started the morning feeling fine doing housework and raking but after you saw the group of guys, you started to feel bad. Shawn insisted he couldn't catch a single scent of anyone outside, and he even took a walk to see if he could pick up a trail of any sort. He came up with nothing.

Things got stranger when Shawn started to feel sick. His head began hurting, body aching and a cough that wouldn't go away. You were having the exact same symptoms, but you're a human and he is a werewolf who shouldn't be getting sick.

"Hey, are you okay?" Peter asks, poking his head into the living room where you're curled up under some blankets beside Shawn. The two of you decided to nap together when you began to get cold and shaky, the room spinning for both of you.

"We're sick."

"We?" Peter asks, walking in and taking in Shawn's sleeping form slumped over beside you. "Shawn's sick too?"

"Yeah. I...I think he is?" You shake your head, brain foggy. "It happened suddenly."

Peter furrows his brow and takes a step toward his brother, laying his hand on his head. "Werewolves don't get common colds or allergies. Did you guys get into something?"

"No?"

"Something isn't right. Did you eat or drink anything weird?"

You shake your head.

Peter takes a seat on the coffee table and you stare at him. He looks puzzled. "Walk me through your day."

"I woke up, had breakfast. I did laundry and cleaned the kitchen. Then I went outside to rake leaves, and after a while I saw a group of guys from campus, the ones who bugged me that day Raul stepped in."

"Wait, they were near the house?"

"In the yard but when I got Shawn he said there was no one there. The guys left or something. Then I went inside and Shawn finished raking and-"

Peter stops you. "Hold on. You say the guys were there, but Shawn didn't see them? Did he smell them?"

"No, no he couldn't find anything. I know I saw them, I swear."

"When did you start feeling bad?"

"After I came inside and calmed down a bit."

"And Shawn?"

"A little while later." You roll your head against the back of the couch. "Why are you asking so many questions Peter?"

"I'm curious." He stands and tugs your blanket off, making Shawn stir awake. "Did you shower or change clothes after you raked? Have you taken any medicine?"

"No?"

"Did Shawn?"

"Probably not?"

Peter sighs. "Where is the leaves you raked? Did Shawn bag them up?"

"Yeah? They're at the curb. Why?"

"I have a feeling something is in the leaves." Peter pulls you up and covers his face with the front of his sweatshirt. "You need to change clothes, shower, and take some allergy medicine. I think you have something on you that's making you sick. Shawn too."

"Something? Leaf dust?"

"No, something like nightshade pollen or leaves. It can make humans have an allergic, or even deadly reaction and hallucinations. It's less worse for werewolves but will numb their senses, even make them ill to an extent." Peter shakes Shawn's shoulder. "Get up Shawn, you need to go shower and take medicine."

"Fuck off." Shawn mumbles.

Peter smacks him upside the head. "Shawn, get up!"

Shawn sits up snarling and shoves Peter over the coffee table. You sink back down into the cushions. You feel horrible, not up to dealing with fighting. Your energy is drained.

Peter growls and tackles Shawn over the back of the couch, both boys go careening over the sofa and onto the hardwood floor. "What are you fighting me for?!"

"You tackled me!"

"I tackled you because you hit me!" Peter hauls Shawn up and you watch in awe as he does so. Peter is big, but not near as muscled as Shawn and Raul, at least you don't think he is. The ease with which he is moving his much larger brother is astounding. "You're poisoned. Go shower and clean yourself up."

"What?" Shawn shoves Peter off of him. "I am not."

"Then tell me how you're sick?" Peter quips. "Hmm? How's a werewolf sick with a fever and cold like symptoms?"

Shawn shrugs.

You peer over the couch at them and they both look at you as you groan, head hurting. "Can you stop arguing for a minute?"

Peter sighs heavily. "I think it’s nightshade, I think you've both inhaled some pollen from the leaves or dried flowers from it."

"Fuck." Shawn says softly. "It made her sick? Is she okay? I should have realized. I'm so stupid."

"Don't worry. She'll be okay, she didn't eat any of the plant. Just get her some medicine and out of those clothes. And take care of yourself too." Peter sighs. "Someone probably planted the dried flowers in the yard as an attack. I'm willing to bet it's that pack that she saw, unless that was a hallucination. I'm not sure."

"But-"

"No one was there right? Your senses would have become dull when you went out if the nightshade was out there. All of us would be vulnerable for who knows how long if she hadn't been the one to clean up most of the leaves. I'm going to go make sure there isn't anything left. Take care of her."

Shawn gets you into the bathroom and you take a quick shower, using just some bar soap to get clean. By the time you're done you feel a lot better. You're still a little stuffed up but the headache has mostly receded and you aren't as tired or dizzy.

You take an allergy pill and get dressed in some pajamas while Shawn showers and you head to the living room. Raul walks in the front door and stops, looking around for something before spotting you.

"What happened? Are you sick?"

"I'm alright. Peter thinks someone put nightshade in the yard."

Raul makes a face. "Did you get hurt? Where's Shawn and Peter now?"

"Showering and upstairs." You pull a blanket around your shoulders.

"They just left you alone?" Raul sinks onto the couch beside you and kicks his boots off. "Are you alright? Can you breathe okay?"

"Mmhmm. Showering helped a lot. I took an allergy pill and some decongestant. I feel better than when Peter found me and Shawn."

Shawn walks into the living room in his pajama pants, hair wet and a mess. He looks so good, like a model from some loungewear magazine. Unreal. "Good you're home Raul. Peter found nightshade in the yard."

"I heard." Raul moves to stand and you grab his hand, feeling the tension radiating off of him. "Why didn't you notice? How come you let her get sick?"

"Whoa what? I was busy feeling sick too, I didn't know what was going on. What am I, a fucking botanist?"

You squeeze Raul's hand and he tries to tug away but you won't let him. If he's holding on to you, he can't start fighting with Shawn. "Rau, sit down. It's not Shawn's fault."

Raul turns sharply and looks at you. "You...don't call me that."

"What? Rau?"

"My mom called me that." He sits down, hand in yours relaxing. "Sorry, I just...it's fine."

Shawn says he's going to get Peter so they can discuss what happened and how to move forward.

You lay your hand on Raul's shoulder and he leans back on the cushions. "I won't call you that if you don't like it. It was just a slip of the tongue."

"It's fine. I just haven't heard it in a long time."

"I don't want to remind you of your mom if you miss her or something. I won't-"

"No, I said it's fine. Mom would have liked you, and...I like you. So I don't mind it."

You lean your head on his shoulder and he leans his head on yours. "You like me?"

"Of course I do. A lot. You're my pack."

"Mmmhmm."

"Just...pack." Raul mumbles under his breath softly as he looks up at Shawn and Peter entering the room. There is a lot to decipher about events unfolding around the house, and you know there will probably be some arguments. You pull your blanket around yourself and settle in.

———–

End Part Six

———-

Thank you for reading! Please reblog if you enjoyed this and reblog to support and encourage myself and fellow writers. Next part coming soon! - A

Custom header per part made by the incredible delicateshawn

*****Note: none of my works should be posted anywhere outside of my linked accounts. I do not give permission to repost with or without credit to my accounts. Please notify me of any reposted fics.*****

#shawn mendes #shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes fanfic #shawn mendes oneshot #shawn mendes story #shawn mendes series #shawn mendes fics #mendes triplets #the mendes triplets #the mendes triplets fic #raul mendes #peter mendes #shawn mendes blurb #shawn mendes au #shawn mendes werewolf au #shawn mendes imagines #shawn mendes smut

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rkivepacks · 4 years ago

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TITLE: i’m good, i love you Series: why are you sorry? it’s not your fault you don’t love me [see previous work] Pairing: taekook/kookv/vkook (Kim Taehyung & Jeon Jungkook) Rating: PG13 Genre: angst but you’ll live Word Count: 2,029 Trigger Warning/s: swearing(?), one or two sentences of questioning self worth but not too graphic Cross-posted on: AO3/dtgloss

NOTES: ∟ banner by @rkivepacks ∟ request banner here ∟ request prompt/send commission here

∟ unbeta-ed ∟ the requests for a sequel for the first one was from a long time ago and im p sure when they said requests they were hoping for a fluff one but i wasnt in the mood for fluffy when i did this so...

Summary: the difference between want and have is you

his eyes roam the words carefully printed on the wall, on the lower left part of the painting. it is where the title, date and artist are usually placed.

a piece of me is always found right beside you it follows you wherever you go it’s lonely from what i see where i stay far from you

alone.

taehyung, these days, is alone.

he is used to it but routine never makes it okay to be alone.

his sadness should not be a routine but, oh well, it is.

he stays in his average house that’s one in the lined town houses in the village. the area itself is decongested, only the people habituating each house goes in and out of their little village and everyone is almost familiar, if not knows, each other.

his own house in particular looks lived on. more so on the side of used but not so worn out. maybe the walls are not as white and clean as they used to be, a few scratches and dirts that got on it as days pass by but no ceiling has started falling down unprompted and everything works how they’re assigned to function.

taehyung would like to think he’s more sad than alone. he still has friends anyway but friends cannot always live with you on your house guised under the cover of it being a sleepover that turns into days.

but friends just like him have their own personal matters and cannot always be with him. he understands when hoseok cannot stay for more than two days and has to leave just before lunch to meet up with a close friend of his, one from outside of their group of friends so taehyung can’t have the option to ask to come with. he understands when jimin cannot come on days he’s asking him to and sometimes comes on a saturday instead of his friday night invite.

when he’s so down, he thinks he’s not entitled to his friends times but they assure him it’s not the case.

so no, he is not alone.

he goes over to the next display, going over the sculpture itself and then to the artist description posed near the display. the sculpture itself is a form that resembles a man that is slightly haunched, although it takes more than a second to realize as the form only captures the head to chest of a human body, but considering that the back part of it protrudes slightly the way a man would when lax. the main body is that of charcoal color but it was designed to portray a visual effect of a dripping paint from its head, represented with different colors which are bright enough to contrast its dark body.

the display is almost familiar and it has been staring at him longer than he stared at it.

the title is printed in bold, a sinner

love is not a sin but my thoughts about you and the way i see the word love around you is

taehyung moves on to another display, it being a worn out stack of paper that looks as if it has 300 pages of a4’s binded by a clip. he steps closer to it to inspect, knowing displays are off limits and can only be appreciated through the eyes, he skims over the word of what he found out would be a script of some sort.

he reads,

i’m drunk, i love you

the difference between want and have is you

he walks over to the last one if its placement by the exit is anything to go by, just like the last one he’s looked over, it’s a display with a single ring in the middle.

all alone

and it sits there as if it has been assigned to mock him and the ring that sits on the very bottom and far end of a box full of things he doesn’t need but can’t seem to throw away.

he reads the title and wow, yes. it’s definitely mocking him. he had been giving it the benefit of the doubt but the title is the last straw. this whole exhibit is out to mock him.

taehyung thinks he’s being over dramatic. but he also thinks this last display is offensive to him, absolutely personal.

—

taehyung sits at home, eyes on the tv he has playing as he waits for night time news.

it seems like the words of the last display he went to see that day have been imprinted on his brain, on the wall in front of him, on the ceiling as he looks up, when he close his eyes.

—

Once you told me, your eyes are always on me.

And you did, you took care of me.

Because you are that kind of person.

You put me before you.

All the time.

Which is why you are the best.

To be honest, I would not even put me before me.

—

taehyungiehyungihyung,

have you been well? i hope you are. the longest time i’ve been away from you is now and still counting— the present. the second one would be during Christmas breaks because you and your family spend it on your relatives home alternately and don’t come back until after new years. anyway... is your hair longer now? i hope it is and i hope you dont cut it. i seem to have a lot of hopes.

im packing up for a trip to a long trail not too far from here. they said it was too pretty to pass up and you get to reach the clouds.

, jungkook

taehyung reads the letter. he received it yesterday late afternoon and it doesnt have a date. jungkook often forgets to write dates so he assumes they were written at least three days ago.

it wasnt the first letter he received. he doesnt keep count but he has a few kept behind his door where he puts his mails.

in the first letter, jungkook said its best to not have taehyung write back. he goes from one place to another, he said. so, taehyung merely reads them and keeps them.

in the first letter, he also said about his sudden departure. he wanted to be away for a while and he knows his best friend would need him for the wedding so he decided to do it after. he didnt even get to say goodbye and only got a whiff of the younger when the letter came that day.

jungkook didnt say why he left and where he went. he just did. right after taehyung’s wedding, he packed up and went away from taehyung’s vicinity as far as he could.

does he know? taehyung asks. does he know i’m not married anymore?

—

his divorce with minji was something that stemmed off a petty thing.

falling out of love is a petty thing.

but, he guesses, they both cannot trap themselves in a house they’re not happy in anymore.

it was sudden, the divorce.

minji told him that she doesnt feel the same anymore. they agreed to stay off the house and after more than a week of a cool off she said she doesnt feel anything at all.

in taehyung’s case, he did not feel it the same way minji did. he only noticed once minji told him she felt that way. it made him feel that the heaviness in the room when they’re both in it was a foreboding for something.

taehyung is a giving lover. the time away from minji made him think a lot. he knows he doesn’t have a choice but to agree on the separation. forbid his thoughts, but he doesn’t want the time to come when the both of them completely falls out of love and seeks warmth from another person and then go home at night to sleep in the same bed.

he texts minji, because as accepting as he is about the decision, he’s not too keen watching a soon to be ex wife pack up and leave.

both of them were gradually moving out their personal items from the house. properties they bought with their shared money will be sold as secondhand items and some are donated.

in between moving out and settling in to a new apartment, he’s had namjoon and jimin with him and if yoongi has extra time mostly at night, he helps sort out his things.

he knew there was a missing person. he wanted to tell jungkook about it.

but jungkook wasn’t there.

—

until one day, jungkook is back.

suddenly, he’s there attending the dinner party for jin’s birthday, sat beside hoseok.

he casted him wary glances throughout the night. at some point he was even referencing to taehyung like everything’s so normal, but taehyung knows it’s just a very jungkook way of letting him know ‘i’m here and i will talk to you and acknowledge your presence whether you like it or not’. taehyung isn’t one for being petty so he went along with it. thankfully, their friends don’t seem to give too much thought into their two other friends sat on the opposite sides of the table.

the next day, jungkook seems to have arrived in taehyung’s new home at the same time a delivery for taehyung came. it eased jungkook’s nerves that he doesn’t have to go through knocking and then purposefully being ignored.

“did you order anything?” jungkook asks just as the delivery person makes their leave.

“i went and bought some essential oils.” taehyung silently gestures for the other to come in and jungkook did, locking the door behind him.

“how are you, taehyungie?” jungkook was sat in front of taehyung in the living room. there’s only the makeshift coffee table and some mats on the floor to sit on since taehyung have yet to buy a sofa.

“tired these days. in between work and unpacking. i’m jealous of kids who do nothing when they’re moving into a new home because they get a free pass to not do things around.” taehyung pouts silently, looking at the soda in can at hand while he traces a finger on the lid.

jungkook chuckles at that and after, no one speaks until, “i’ve heard about it.”

when taehyung makes no motion to respond to it, jungkook continues, “jimin hyung mentioned it to me one time that they were helping you move out so i asked... sorry.”

“it’s okay. i had friends who helped me. i got by.” taehyung winces.

“i wasn’t.” jungkook says, the here that follows hangs in the air which they know would follow.

“you were busy.” taehyung says instead.

jungkook would retaliate but he knows there’s no point.

“i sent you an invite to my exhibit. you went?” jungkook asks, hopeful.

“i did.”

“you didn’t insist to text me or write. i kind of assumed you would once you see it, but it’s okay. at least you did go to it.” jungkook pats his own thigh lightly to distract him.

“i wouldn’t know what to say. at the wedding, and even before that. i would feel something but i didn’t want to be that person and assume. i could be seeing it wrong, i don’t know.” taehyung rambles. “but then the other boys would also drop a few comments here and then.” and it’s true. sometimes jin would say teasing words and taehyung only acts as if he doesn’t get it and sometimes, he acts as if he didn’t hear it at all.

“you were happy. i don’t have any excuse.” jungkook whispers.

“now-“

“now what?”

“i guess to some extent, i liked you back. but i didn’t see it until now so i’m not going to rush this and jump into a relationship with you right away. it’s not fair to the both of us.”

“i understand. after all, your divorce is not yet finalized. i’d be here for you but i’m not gonna distract you from it.” jungkook assures him and that’s all he needs. everything will be okay.

“i know it’s the last day of your exhibit today. wanna go together?” taehyung smiles at jungkook and indeed, everything’s okay.

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sassyshoulderangel319 · 5 years ago

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A Springtime Hike

For one of my oldest Tumblr friends, @saviorsong! Thank you for always being awesome, my friend!

Word count: 1,752 (it ran away with itself, lol XD)

Warnings: Kissing? Does that count?

The day was pleasant. Warm and light, but not too hot and not too bright. In fact, the light was dull and fuzzy, lending itself to painting the land in a dreamlike blur.

You and Thor were walking hand-and-hand down the path that led through the forest. You were fairly certain that this particular path was forged by deer over generations before humans took it over as a hiking trail.

The one good thing about quarantine was that “solitary outdoor exercise” (or whatever the governor called it) was still allowed. And Thor… well. His Asgardian immune system wouldn’t even accept the virus causing the outbreak. Some viruses weren’t cross-species compatible, and this was one of them. So you could walk with him all you wanted without worrying that either of you would infect the other.

“Okay,” you said after a few minutes of walking through the woods. “Where exactly are you taking me?”

Thor gave you a little smirk. One that had enough mischief to remind you that he did, in fact, grow up with an impish little brother who most definitely rubbed off on him. “You’ll see, love,” he said.

You narrowed your eyes at him, his ocean blue meeting your hazel green with mirth. Thor would never do anything to hurt you—physically, mentally, or emotionally—but he did have a tendency to exasperate you with unexpected surprises. You liked his surprises but sometimes they were just over-the-top enough that it was too much.

The hike was nice. Invigorating and energizing but not exhausting. Just satisfyingly tiring enough to leave you feeling accomplished.

Another mile went by while birdsong and Thor’s excited chatter filled your ears. A cool breeze—apt for spring—blew through your chestnut curls.

Though you couldn’t help but feel like you were being followed. Just a slight inclination. Like the hairs on the back of your neck could not lie down. But every time you looked back to see who was following you, the path was empty. There weren’t even any deer or visible birds hopping on the branches of the trees.

“Something wrong?” Thor asked. His grip on your hand tightened slightly as he looked around. His axe was hiding under the car at the head of the hiking trail and could be summoned within moments, but he wasn’t reaching for it yet.

You made a face. “Not sure. Just feels like someone is following us.”

“Who would be doing that when all your mortal people have been instructed to stay inside?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted. “I just can’t shake the feeling.”

“Hm. Should we wait a moment to see if another hiker catches up with us?” Thor asked.

“No. Let’s just keep going,” you decided. “It’s probably nothing.”

Thor nodded, maintained his tighter grip on your hand, and continued pulling you down the path.

Until he pulled you off the path.

“Where are we going?” Your complaining tone was lost on Thor’s ears.

“You’ll see,” he said.

The two of you trekked up a slight slope, breaking twigs underfoot and scaring off any wildlife within earshot.

And still the feeling of being followed didn’t go away. You rubbed the back of your neck to try and get the hair to lie down but your instincts refused to relax. Another chill breeze made goosebumps sprout on your arms—though they quickly disappeared as Thor wrapped an arm around your shoulders, bringing you to the warmth of his side.

His other arm reached up, across his body and covered your eyes.

“What are you doing?” Your voice was sharp but playful.

He chuckled. “Do you trust me?” He was teasing you, but also genuinely asking.

“Maybe. Should I?”

Another low chuckle deep in his chest vibrates against where your side is pressed to his. “I should hope that after six months of being together, you felt like you could,” he said.

You thought for a moment. “Sure,” you decided. “I trust you.”

A brief exhale of amusement out of his nose let you know he was smiling. He led you over the forest floor carefully, instructing you to step over fallen branches and large rocks, for a few minutes. No more than three.

Finally, he stopped. “Alright. Are you ready?”

“Absolutely,” you said.

Thor removed his hand from over your eyes.

Laid out before you was a clearing. Natural, by the looks of it. A meadow of wildflowers and wild grass extended in a twenty-foot diameter to the trees on the other side. It wasn’t perfectly circular, but the gap in the canopy of pine and leaves spotted the ground with that hazy sunlight that casted the whole day in a dreamy fuzz.

Nestled into the clearing is a picnic blanket. On top of which was a small table and two chairs. The table was draped in a pale green tablecloth, held down by the place settings.

Your mouth dropped open. “What is this?”

Thor took your hand and led you to the setup. He pulled out the chair for you and pushed it back in when you sat. Then he circled the table and took his own seat. “Well. I know how much you love the outdoors and how much you’ve disliked being stuck inside all the time. So I thought it’d be nice to have a little full service lunchtime picnic,” he said. “Speaking of full service…”

He clapped twice and looked back the way you came. You looked over too, curious of what he was on about.

Two dark figures dropped from the trees. Your friend Cassie and the small Spider child. Peter. Both were in black skinny jeans and T-shirts with tuxedo prints on the fronts. Cassie pulled white towels out of her back pockets and draped one on her arm, and one on Peter’s. They ducked behind the trees for a moment and approached the table. Cassie handed you a menu while Peter handed one to Thor.

“Good afternoon, we’ll be your personal servers today,” Cassie said professionally, fighting back a smile and losing the battle. “My name is Cassiopeia and this is… Peterolomew.” She snickered as Peter shot her a glare. “Can we start you off with something to drink?”

“Yes,” Thor put in before you could say anything. “We’ll both have the special.” He shot her a smug smirk. She nodded and she and Peter crossed to the other side of the clearing. They came back with wine.

After drinks were served, the two younger Avengers took your orders from the menus—you highly suspected they’d hidden coolers behind the trees, just out of sight—and disappeared with a brief goodbye of, “Signal when you’re ready for dessert.” You watched them step into the trees, duck out of sight, and then never reappear.

You looked back at Thor. “How long have you been planning this?”

He shrugged. “About a week. It was Cassie’s idea to have her and Peter play the servers.”

“Of course it was. Where’d they go?”

“Probably off to enjoy their time outside as well. They’ll come back when we call for them.”

You can’t help but laugh in mild exasperation. “Thank you for this. I really did need the outing. And… well. Any extra time I get to spend with you is time well-spent,” you said, winking at him. He beamed and reached across the table to take your hand. He picked it up and planted a quick kiss on your knuckles.

The wind brought the scent of spring trees. Pine and maple. The smell of the wildflowers dotting the clearing. It made the shadows of the leaves and branches dance on the green grass of the meadow.

The food was standard lunch stuff. Sandwiches, muffins, salads, simple stuff. But somehow just being out in the sun after so long of being shut inside made the food taste that much stronger. The flavors popped and your senses felt opened up. Like taking a decongestant after not being able to breathe from a cold.

Thor smiled across from you. His smile was bright and full of life. His eyes sparkled with amusement at just being with you and happiness at spending time together.

“What?” You couldn’t help but blush slightly at his unwavering eye contact.

He shook his head. “Nothing. I just love you. And love being out here with you.”

You smiled. “I love you too. And I’m glad we can do this.”

He nodded. “Me too. We should do simple things like this more often.”

“We should,” you agreed, taking a bite of your food. It saturated your tastebuds and made your mouth water.

The two of you talked a little more while finishing your lunch—about the pandemic, about families, about the other Avengers, about the two younger Avengers lurking in the trees somewhere probably eavesdropping the nature of their relationship (just to mess with them if they were listening in), and about anything else you thought about.

After the main course was finished, you let out a shrill whistle to summon the servers. It took a moment, but Cassie and Peter reappeared. “You rang?” Cassie asked with a smile.

“We’re ready for dessert,” Thor said.

“Lovely. Take a moment to browse the menu for desserts and then let us know what you want.”

“Of course.”

After the two younger Avengers gave the two of you your dessert and disappeared again, Thor picked up his chair and brought it to the same side of the table as yours. He threaded his fingers into your hair and pressed his lips to yours. They were sticky and cold from his ice cream and you could taste the caramel as you kissed him back. His lips parted just enough to let his tongue touch your lips before retreating. Asking quietly if you’re okay deepening the kiss.

“Let’s scar Cassie and Petey for life,” you whispered playfully.

He chuckled and kissed you again, asking permission to deepen it. You let your own lips part just enough to let your own tongue through. Thor tilted his head for a better angle and rubbed his thumb over your cheek as the two of you deepened your kiss.

The wind picked up, sending your curls tumbling over your shoulders and around your heads, the ends flicking Thor’s cheeks. You felt him smile against your lips and scoot closer to wrap you up in his warmth.

“Was this a good lunch date?” he asked quietly.

You couldn’t help but smile. “The best.”

#Thor #saviorsong #fic swap #love you girly!#my writing

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stopforamoment · 6 years ago

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Domestic Bliss—Bastien and Rinda Drabbles

Masterlist

Book: The Royal Romance (After Book Three)

Pairing: Bastien Lykel x OC Rinda Parks Word Count: 5,459 Rating: M for Language Author’s Note: Obligatory disclaimer that Pixelberry Studios owns the TRR characters and my pocketbook with those darn diamond scenes. OFC with all of her quirks is all mine. My apologies if Tumblr or I do something stupid when I try to post this. The keep reading link shows up on my laptop but not my phone. Ugh.

Thank you @asherella-is-a-dork-3 for always being my sounding board! Thank you @cora-nova @silviasutton1989 @bobasheebaby @riseandshinelittleblossom for still being a part of the journey!

Summary: Just some drabbles of everyday life with Bastien, Rinda, and Henry.

Laundry Rinda was searching for a dish towel to dry her hands. Bastien smirked but he didn’t say anything, and Rinda rolled her eyes. “I know. There’s a batch of laundry still sitting in the dryer. That’s where all the dish towels are. Guess I should fold laundry and put it away, huh?” Bastien shrugged. “I would think it’s easier to keep the clean towels in the kitchen. Unless you don’t mind walking over to the dryer to grab a towel when you need to dry your hands?” Rinda calmly reached around Bastien and used the front of his shorts to dry her hands, purposely taking her time to rub her hands very dry. Bastien sucked in his breath and gripped the counter as Rinda deliberately cupped his balls and stroked his shaft as she dried her hands. He spun around and grabbed Rinda before she could turn away, pulling her close for a passionate kiss. When Rinda leaned into him she wrapped her arms around his waist and reached down to give his ass a squeeze. Bastien grinned as he took Rinda’s hand to lead her out of the kitchen and into the bedroom, but suddenly Rinda pulled away. “Tria?” “Yes, Tiger?” “Where are you going, sweetheart?” Rinda gave Bastien an innocent look. “To the dryer. I have to fold dish towels.” Band Geek

Now that they were staying in Cordonia, Rinda insisted that Henry continue with at least some of the activities he did back home. In Wisconsin he was in rec baseball, swim club and cub scouts. He also took trumpet lessons through school. In Cordonia there wasn’t a baseball team and he didn’t want to play football on a team. Rinda breathed a small sigh of relief and ignored Bastien’s smirk. He didn’t mind doing a swim club here, and he wanted to be in Scouts of Cordonia because Phillip was too. He also definitely wanted to keep taking trumpet lessons and Rinda gave her enthusiastic approval, although she did give Bastien a discreet wink. Henry was still a beginner, so at times it was painful to hear him play. But that was all part of it. And Rinda remembered all too well how her parents would tease her squeaky solos when she practiced the violin as a child, and how much that hurt her feelings. But she had Grandma Lorinda to encourage her. And now it was Rinda’s turn to give encouragement to her son. And she did, to the point that back home she would go out of her way to make sure Henry never practiced in front of his grandparents. They went to his band concerts and Rinda would squirm with embarrassment as her dad commented on the overall quality of the performance—forgetting these were fourth and fifth graders who were beginner students. And forgetting that everyone else sitting around them were proud of their children and were scowling at Rinda’s dad for his insensitive commentary. Rinda would always provide that encouragement to Henry, to do his best no matter what. And of course Bonk would do the same for his Knuddelbär. And he did. Sometimes Henry would come in the living room and play a few songs for them. He would usually start laughing, which meant he’d be laughing spit into his mouthpiece, which made him (and Rinda and Bastien) laugh even more. Sometimes he’d remove the mouth piece and purposely make duck quacking noises when he blew through it. But then there were times they heard him practicing a part over and over, and they heard Henry get frustrated with himself. Bastien smiled, knowing Rinda was the same way when she was upset with herself. Then he’d knock on the door, waiting for Henry’s permission before going in his room. He’d tousle Henry’s hair and tell him that he was doing a good job, but could he stop practicing that piece just long enough to play a quick song for his Bonk? And Henry would smile and play a song that he knew really well. Then Bastien would hug his Knuddelbär and thank him for playing that song. And that song he was practicing earlier? He couldn’t wait until Henry was ready to play that song for him too.

Henry’s Shoes “Mom, where are my shoes?” “I don’t know. Where did you leave them last? Henry rolled his eyes and stormed back into his room. “They’re not in here.” Rinda calmly ignored Henry. “Mom!” “Yes?” “Where are my shoes?” “Henry, I wasn’t the last one to wear them. You were. Check by the door. Or the couch. And while you’re at it, find your coat.” “Bonk? Have you seen my shoes?” No answer. “Bonk? BONK! Are my shoes in your bedroom?” Bastien walked out of the bedroom, straightening his tie. “Knuddelbär, why don’t you retrace your steps. You came home from school and did homework. Were you still wearing your shoes?”

Henry scrunched his nose. “Yes.” “Okay, then what?” “We went outside, and when we were about to come back in you said my shoes were too muddy and I was supposed to take them off and hit them together to get the mud off.” “Then what?” Henry blushed. “Knuddelbär, then what?” He rolled his eyes. I didn’t do a very good job, so you told me that I had to leave them outside if I wasn’t going to clean them properly.” “And?” Henry was getting flustered. “And you told me it was going to rain, and that I should just take the time to clean them. But I didn’t want to, because the dirt will just come off when I’m walking around.” Shit. It rained last night. “Bonk? Are my shoes still outside?” Bastien looked at Rinda. “Did you bring Henry’s shoes inside?” Rinda shook her head. “And I didn’t bring them inside. Henry, did you bring your shoes inside?” Henry glared at Bastien as he went outside to grab his dripping wet shoes. “Mom, they’re soaked.” “Yup. So your options are to stand there with wet shoes or wear another pair. You have five minutes before we leave.”

Henry was grumbling as he went into his room to find another pair of shoes. “Mom, my other pair is too small. And it’s too cold to wear sandals and I’m not wearing boots.” “Four minutes, Henry. Wet shoes, tight shoes, sandals, or boots. Make a choice.” Henry threw his shoes in the dryer and then huffed off to his room. Rinda just shook her head. “Should we let him know that life just gets worse as you get older?” Bastien grinned. “No. He won’t listen, anyways.” Rinda laughed and gave him a loving kiss. “Well, it’s another thing to tell his therapist. And horror stories to tell his own kids. How we walked to school uphill both ways, in soaking wet shoes because he didn’t listen to his Bonk’s advice. Henry came out of his room with several pairs of socks. He put on two layers of socks before getting his shoes out of the dryer and putting them on, and then he put a couple extra pairs in his backpack to change into throughout the day. Bastien smiled, proud of his ingenuity. “Do you want a plastic bag to put the wet socks in?” Henry nodded and Bastien tousled his hair before putting the plastic bag in his backpack. “Have a good day, Knuddelbär. I love you.” Henry grumbled that it wasn’t going to be a good day because of his wet shoes, and Bastien cheerfully repeated that he loved him. Henry rolled his eyes. “Love you too, Bonk.” Rinda was waiting by the door, chuckling as she made eye contact with Bastien. “Okay Knuddelbär. Grab your coat and backpack. We gotta get going.” Henry froze, unsure of where his coat was. Shit. Did I leave that outside too? Rinda smirked and pointed to the kitchen table. It was sitting on one of the chairs. Rinda walked over to Bastien, both of them trying not to laugh. He leaned down so he could wrap his arms around her and lift her up. “I love you, Tria. Have a good day.” Rinda leaned in for a kiss and then nuzzled his nose. “I love you too, Tiger. And I hope you have a good day too.” The Man Cold Rinda wasn’t afraid of the Man Cold—unless she was sick or Henry was sick. Then there was nothing worse than a grown-ass man grumbling for something when she had other shit to deal with. Fortunately for Bastien, his first Man Cold came when Rinda and Henry were healthy, and she was happy to nurse her poor, sick, Tiger back to health. It actually made Rinda chuckle that a man who took a bullet for his king and was buried in rubble could be taken down by the common cold—and be such a pathetic snuggle bug about it. “Tria? I can’t breathe. I feel awful.” “I know, poor sick Tiger. Do you want me to help you take a hot shower? That might help.” Bastien gave her a pathetic nod so Rinda helped him out of bed and into the shower, reassuring him that it was okay to cough up yuck and blow snot down the drain if that helped him decongest. When he was done Rinda dried him off and helped him put on some snuggly lounge pants and a shirt. While he was in the shower she had changed the sheets, adding some eucalyptus essential oils. “Sweetheart, I’m going to rub Vicks on you and make you drink Grandma Lorinda’s cold remedy. It really does help.” Then she got the Vicks vapor rub and first rubbed some on his feet, careful not to tickle him too much, and put a pair of snuggy socks on him. Then she rubbed it on his chest, gently massaging him. It helped. A little. He was now able to breathe out of one nostril. He sighed with bliss as Rinda fluffed his pillows so he could sleep upright and she tucked the blankets around him. Then she gave him the box of extra-soft Kleenex that she bought just for him. But then she also forced him to drink Grandma Lorinda’s awful-tasting cold remedy. Fortunately Bastien’s taste buds were numbed from his cold and his nose was plugged enough that he couldn’t smell it. It was an old-world remedy that Rinda claimed would work wonders. And it did. Bastien was feeling much better the next morning, although he wouldn’t mind if Rinda still wanted to cuddle in bed with him for awhile and run her fingers through his hair. Rinda smiled. “As you wish, Schmusetiger.” Cuddly Tiger. And then when Henry got sick, Rinda patiently repeated the entire process for him.

The Flu Bug

Rinda usually managed to stay healthy when Jameson and Henry were sick, but once they felt better she went down. Hard. Last year, however, she was lucky. It was like her body knew she couldn’t get sick because she didn’t have Jameson to pick up the slack if she couldn’t function. But this year it was payback. Her body knew that Rinda had Bastien to help her, so once he and Henry were healthy again, Rinda got sick. Really, really sick. And she was even more pathetic than Henry and Bastien combined. “Tiger? It’s not fair. You guys just had a cold. I have the flu.” She was curled up on the bathroom floor, enjoying a brief moment when the room wasn’t spinning and she wasn’t feeling queasy. But then it happened again, and she was crying. “I hate dry heaving . . . Oh, God . . . There’s nothing left . . . Why . . .” Poor Bastien tried to help by holding back her troll doll curls, but Rinda moaned for him to stop touching her. “Everything hurts, Bastien. Even my hair hurts. Sweetheart, there’s nothing anyone can do. Just leave me here to die. Take care of Henry and live your best lives.” Bastien would have laughed at how dramatic she was--if he didn’t feel so horrible for his poor Tria. He gave her some water to drink, but it didn’t stay down. Now Rinda was like a stubborn child, pushing her face away and clamping her mouth shut, refusing to drink any more of the water Bastien was patiently trying to give her. “Tria, you’ll get dehydrated. Just try a smaller sip this time. I even got you a straw. Please, sweetheart. Just try? For me?” An hour later Bastien checked the bathroom to see if Rinda wanted him to carry her to bed. He could see she was shaking and miserable on the cold tile floor, but she wanted to stay put. She barely made it to the bathroom when everything started hours ago. Plus she was just so sore. And her muscles hurt from all of the dry heaving. Bastien brought her a pillow and blanket, helping her get as comfortable as possible on the floor. He wanted to sleep on the floor with her, but Rinda told him to please stay away from her. She still loved him and loved that he was willing to sleep on the bathroom floor with her. But she just wanted to be alone and not touched when she was this sick. Bastien and Henry woke up in the middle of the night to more of Rinda’s retching and sobbing. Henry went to get another glass of water and a tropical punch Fla-Vor-Ice popsicle. That sometimes helped her feel better. Bastien tried to open the bathroom door, but Rinda wouldn’t let him in. “Tria, please? I need to help you, Sweetheart.” He couldn’t fully understand what Rinda was trying to say through her crying, but he assured her that no matter how disgusting it was, he didn’t care. Eventually she let him in and she was sniffling like a child, covered in . . . Bastien didn’t even want to know. It was pretty awful—she obviously didn’t make it to the toilet on time, but he calmly turned on the shower. He got some towels and gently undressed Rinda and wiped her off. Then got undressed and picked her up and set her down in the shower, softly rubbing the washcloth over her body as he hummed a Debussy tune to help sooth her. When Bastien realized she was too weak to sit upright any longer, he sat down behind her and leaned her body against him. He began to wash her hair, gently scrubbed the disgusting crust out of her hair, still softly humming, soothing her. When he added conditioner he asked if he should massage her head, and Tria shook her head no. Her body was shaking and Bastien could see she was cold, so he quickly rinsed her hair one last time and got out of the shower. Then he helped Rinda out and wrapped her in a large towel and carried her to bed. He quickly helped Rinda get into clean pajamas before he got dressed. Then he towel-dried her hair, not even bothering to comb through her curls. Bastien smiled, thinking about the amazing troll doll glory that he would wake up to. Henry brought in the water and popsicle. He already cut the top off the plastic sleeve and pushed up the popsicle so it was ready to go. She gratefully took it from Henry and began sucking on it. “Bonk?” “Yes, Knuddelbär?” “I’ll wash the towels and bedding, and I’ll use a lot of bleach, but I can’t handle cleaning anything else.” Henry was a sympathy puker, just like his mom. Bastien nodded. “It’s okay. I can take care of the rest. But thank you for helping, and be sure to wash your hands really, really well when you’re done. We don’t want you getting this sick.” Henry solemnly nodded. Bastien slowly climbed into bed next to Rinda, being careful not to shift the mattress too much. He smiled when he saw Rinda had fallen asleep sitting up, the popsicle still clutched in her hand. Bastien gently released the popsicle from her grip, fluffed up some pillows to help wedge her into bed so she wouldn’t fall over, and put some extra blankets over her. Then he curled up next to her. He wasn’t touching her, but he was there if she needed him.

Rinda and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Bastien stopped home before going to his next appointment, and he saw Rinda’s travel mug of coffee sitting on the kitchen counter. He shook his head, knowing it had to be a rough morning if she forgot her coffee. After grabbing her coffee he quickly made a phone call to reschedule his next appointment and drove to the university to surprise her. Rinda was able to buy a coffee at school, but she was just having an off day. Her students were having problems making a connection with that day’s reading, and she knew it was because she was approaching it too much like an American. That was her intention, but it wasn’t working and she wasn’t thinking on her feet to fix it as well as she normally could. She made handouts for an important meeting—handouts that she left sitting on her desk. She was able to share the document electronically and the meeting probably went fine, but not as well as it could have. She always felt more comfortable when she had a paper copy in front of her when she needed to speak at a meeting and to take notes of what other people said. Now she was getting a tension headache, and she had 20 papers to grade in the next 24 hours. It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Until she started walking back to her office and saw her Tiger waiting for her outside. Her face lit up as she ran over and hugged him. Then Bastien slid her bookbag off her shoulder to carry it for her, and he handed her the travel mug of coffee. “Rough day, Tria?” “It was, until now. You don’t know how much I needed this. Thank you, Tiger.” “The coffee?” “No, you goof. Seeing you.” Rinda grinned and leaned into him. “You muppet gobshite.”

Bastien and the Very Long Day

It was almost midnight and Mr. Ariti couldn’t sleep, so he sat on his porch to enjoy the cool evening when he saw Bastien finally come home from work. Mr. Ariti was going to shout out a hello to Bastien, but he saw Rinda come running from their house, laughing as she jumped into Bastien’s arms, wrapping her legs around his waist and giving him a long, loving kiss. Mr. Ariti quietly went back into his house, not wanting to disturb the couple. But he smiled, remembering how his wife would come running to him when he came home from work. And she would do the same thing—come running into his arms to kiss him, not caring who saw. That starter house had so many joyful memories for him, and he was happy to see Bastien and Rinda bringing that kind of love back into that home. . . . . . Tria was in her Tiger’s arms, her legs wrapped around him as she gave him the most loving kiss. Then she nuzzled into his neck and kissed his cheek, both of them laughing as he carried her into the house. Henry was already asleep, so Bastien went in to kiss him goodnight while Rinda heated up dinner. And when he was done eating, Rinda got him snuggled into bed and booped his nose before she got ready to give him a foot massage. But before she started, Bastien gave her a wicked grin and used his big toe to boop her breasts. He snickered when Rinda started laughing at him. “What? I’m just saying hello to Kenna and Val.” Rinda reached over and gave him a loving kiss. “You are such a silly goof. And I love you so, so much.” “I love you too, Tria. So, so much.” Then he leaned back into the pillows and soon fell asleep as Rinda massaged his feet. Troll Doll Curls and the Midnight Fondler

Bastien groaned with pleasure. “Tria . . .” He slowly started waking up, enjoying the sensation, until he realized Rinda was still asleep. Her arm had shifted below his stomach, and her hand was brushing against him. Now Bastien groaned with frustration and muttered under his breath as he moved her hand. Rinda stirred in her sleep and started mumbling. “I’m sorry, am I snoring?” And she rolled away from him, taking half of the covers with her. Bastien shook his head and tugged on the covers, rolling her back into him. He secured his blankets and brushed back her troll doll hair before wrapping his arms around her. He smiled as he kissed her head. “It’s fine, sweetheart. Go back to sleep.”

. . . . .

When Bastien woke up in the middle of the night, Rinda’s back was cuddled against him and his arm was around her. She had most of the blankets and her amazing troll doll hair was tickling his nose. That’s what woke him up. Little Spoon. He smiled as he quickly brushed her crazy curls aside and grabbed another blanket to cover himself. Then he put his arm back around her before she could move away from him, and he heard her contented sigh. Bastien fell back asleep nuzzling the curls he just pushed out of his face.

Oreos

Month One Bastien knew that Rinda was hard down the first day of her period, so he would always get her a heating pad and gently massage her back. However, it wasn’t until he was living with her that he realized the full extent of her PMS. “Tria? What happened to the container of Oreos you bought?” “I ate them, Tiger.” “No. The pack you just bought yesterday.” “Yes, I know. And I ate them. Those are my PMS Oreos, and yes. I took down the entire container in less than 12 hours. If I buy two containers, you’ll have to hide one where I can’t find it. Otherwise, I’ll eat two containers of Oreos.” Calm hazel eyes met his shocked grey eyes.

Month Two

Bastien chuckled when he saw Rinda’s PMS Oreos were gone, but it didn’t matter. He had his secret stash that he hid . . . Fuck. Where did they go? “Knuddelbär? Where are our Oreos?” “The ones you tried to hide from mom?” Henry was chuckling. “What do you mean, tried to hide from mom?” Rinda walked out of the bedroom holding an almost empty container of Oreos. “You have to do a better job hiding Oreos, Tiger. It’s my PMS Spidey sense. I can smell chocolate ANYWHERE. Henry already grabbed some from me, but I managed to save you couple cookies . . .” Month Three “Knuddelbär? Do you want to run some errands with me?” “Sure Bonk.” Rinda heard giggling and the sound of the refrigerator door opening and closing, and the sound of the cupboard door opening and closing. Henry and Bastien were running to the car with the carton of milk and two cups, and they were driving to the nearest park. Bastien now kept his stash of Oreos in his car, where PMS Rinda couldn’t find them.

Dinner Bastien was an excellent cook, and he often made traditional Greek and Cordonian meals for Rinda and Henry. However, Bastien was in awe of Rinda’s culinary skills. She was a server for several years and learned some tips from the chefs she worked with, and she knew several of their famous recipes. But it was her “mom” cooking that really impressed Bastien, even though she thought he was teasing her when he said that. But it was true. Grandma Lorinda lived during World War II, and no one in her family ever took food for granted. She didn’t expect anyone to be a member of “the clean plate club,” but you put your leftovers in the refrigerator to finish when you were ready. Leftovers could be turned into tomorrow’s lunch sandwiches, or a casserole, or a soup. She taught these values to her children, and she taught them to her grandchildren—especially her dear Rinda. Rinda also learned how to cook from her maternal grandma. That grandma knew how to prepare game animals like squirrels, rabbits, or even snapping turtles (tastes like chicken!). She also knew how to prepare the less than desirable cuts of meat—tough meat. Offal. Hocks. Tongues. It wasn’t Rinda’s favorite food to eat, but she respected what her grandma did to feed her children when her husband went on a drinking bender and left them with nothing until he decided to come home again. As a police officer’s wife, Rinda also learned how to make meals that would hold up if she needed to push back dinner if Jameson worked late, or food that could be quickly packed up and eaten cold, if necessary, if he suddenly got called in to work. Then as local and state budget cuts pushed them from comfortable middle class to a much lower middle class, Rinda worked even harder to create healthy meals for her family on a tight budget. Bastien would laugh when he saw how excited Rinda would get when something went on sale, and he’d raise his eyebrows in shock when he saw how much she would stock up on certain items. There would be something in a container at the back of the fridge that he’d want to throw away, but he saw Rinda had it labeled and dated. Then when a hoard of hungry children showed up at their door for supper, Rinda would grab some of those containers and the food she stocked up on, and she’d miraculously stretch their dinner for three into a dinner that fed eight. Or there would somehow be leftovers that Rinda would send home with a child. At first Bastien raised his eyebrows. Rinda always found a way to use leftovers. Then he realized that was Rinda’s way of helping the families she knew were struggling, making sure that child’s parents and siblings also ate good a meal that night. But it was her American “comfort food” dinners that Bastien loved the best. Those meals that made him work out a little harder at the gym the next day, but they were worth it. Rinda would just laugh at him. Really? He wanted her to make that again? Meatloaf. Bastien loved her meatloaf with mashed potatoes and peas.

Grocery Shopping

Bride and Groom Dancing to Olly Murs “Dance with Me Tonight”

They were in the grocery store and the store’s music was actually pretty good. Bastien was laughing at Rinda when they started playing “Manic Monday” by the Bangles and she began singing along. She grabbed a cucumber, using it as a microphone as she bopped to the music. Henry rolled his eyes and walked to another aisle so he could pretend he didn’t know them. The next song was Olly Murs “Dance with Me Tonight” and Bastien twirled Rinda and pulled her closer. She threw back her head, laughing, eyes turning luminous green as he started swing dancing with her in the aisle. A few couples joined in and other people began to clap and cheer them on. When the song ended he eased Rinda into a low dip, capturing her lips in a playful kiss that she happily returned. When he pulled her back up she wrapped her arms around him, and Bastien gently lifted her up and kissed her nose before setting her back down. Henry came back, rolling his eyes. “Ugh. You guys are so mushy and gross. Knock it off.”

Extended Warranty

The weather was changing, and Bastien could feel it in his bones. His injured leg ached more than usual, and he was having a hard time getting out of bed. Rinda planted a kiss on his forehead. “I know you’re in rough shape when I’m the first one to get out of bed!” It was true. Bastien was the morning person who had to roll Rinda out of bed every morning. Rinda got him some Motrin and a heating pad. Then she massaged his hip, and when he was finally able to get out of bed they did some yoga stretches together. Now Bastien was feeling better and finally ready to start his regular morning routine. “Thank you, Tria. I’m such a piece of shit this morning.” Rinda laughed and booped his nose. “But you’re MY piece of shit, Tiger. Although I might have to look into getting an extended warranty if I’m going to be stuck with you.” Bastien gave her a loving kiss. “Get the lifetime warranty, my dearest Tria.”

Braces

Henry needed braces, and he wasn’t happy about it. “Mom, none of my friends have braces and I’ll look like an idiot.” Rinda sighed. She wasn’t expecting him to need braces for a couple more years, and it seemed like braces were more normalized in the United States than they were in Cordonia. Still, she knew he’d appreciate it when he was older. “I know, Knuddelbär. But you need them. We can talk to friends back home who have braces if you want to. The days you have your braces tightened we’ll go for ice cream. That will be a special treat, okay?” Henry wasn’t buying it, and Rinda wasn’t ready to bring out the big guns—pictures of her when she had braces as a kid. Nothing would be as bad as that, and she knew it would make Henry laugh. Still, she hated the reminder of how she looked back then. Instead, she tried asking Bastien first. “Bastien, you had braces as a kid, right?” He shook his head and Rinda started at him in disbelief. “What is with you Cordonians and your perfect teeth? Seriously? Your teeth are perfectly straight. And white. And perfect. Did I mention ‘perfect’ enough? What the hell?” “Why, Tria? Did you have braces?” Rinda nodded. “Yeah. Four long years and I was a total dork. I needed spacers, rubber bands, and a retainer. Ugh.” “But did you also need headgear? Because that’s really bad.” Henry started giggling, but Rinda winced and Bastien could tell he hit a nerve. “Oh, Tria. I’m sorry.” “No, it’s okay. I was a total dork in school. Chubby, acne, glasses with thick lenses, full metal mouth of braces, non-athletic, shy orchestra nerd. Seriously, not even cool enough to be a band geek. It started to get better by the time it was my junior and senior year in high school, but yeah. It was rough.” She looked at Henry. “Look, I know it isn’t fun to have braces. And if we were back home there would be more people with braces, but there aren’t here in Cordonia. I know it sucks, but you’ll be so glad when your teeth are straight. I’m still a dork, but at least my teeth are straight.” Henry snorted and looked at Bastien. “Grandma always said Mom was a late bloomer, and Grandpa still jokes that Mom’s the Desrosiers who is still waiting to bloom. He always thought that was pretty funny because their last name means ‘Rose Bush.’” Rinda gave a half-hearted smile and followed up with her canned response that her dad “needed to nip that joke in the bud,” but Bastien knew she was spiraling. “Knuddelbär, your mom has perfect teeth now and a beautiful smile. You are getting braces, and for tonight we’re done talking about it. Why don’t you go outside for awhile and we’ll be outside in a bit.” After Henry went outside, Bastien cupped Rinda’s face and nuzzled her nose. Then he started giving her sweet kissed across her forehead, on her nose, down her cheeks. He knew that Rinda had periods of intense self-doubt and insecurity, and he also knew that her parents’ brutal honesty and tough-love parenting approach only made it worse. Sometimes Bastien would speak to Rinda in German because he knew how “Gemütlichkeit-ed” that made her feel. It represented a feeling of comfort, closeness, and belonging for her. But other times, when it was an intimate moment between the two of them, Bastien spoke to her in Greek. “Είστε το όμορφο τριαντάφυλλο μου.” You are my beautiful Rose. Rinda blushed, suddenly shy. There were so many times she couldn’t believe Bastien chose her. But he did. “Και είσαι η πιο γλυκιά τίγρη μου.” And you are my sweetest Tiger.

#long post #really long post #bastien lykel #choices trr #rinda parks ofc

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perfectirishgifts · 4 years ago

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A Tried And Tested Guide On How To Win The War Against Maskne

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/a-tried-and-tested-guide-on-how-to-win-the-war-against-maskne/

A Tried And Tested Guide On How To Win The War Against Maskne

Asian beauty woman putting on mask on face. Wearing corona virus prevention masks for long hours are … [] creating irritation, skin problems, acne pimples.

Its starts with a seemingly harmless blackhead. Then you notice redness and swelling that will inevitably birth a dreaded pimple. The next thing you know one zit has multiplied to cover almost an entire area of your face along the jawline or chin. Like most skin breakouts, once acne takes over your life, it will often feels like a losing battle.

My bout with acne took over three months of my quarantine life with wounds (okay, maybe scars is a better word for it) that remind me to never again take this skin pandemic lightly. The guesswork was tedious and for weeks seemed futile. There were trial and error attempts, in search of a balancing skincare routine that would clear skin without stripping it off its moisture. This is most important especially for those with combination skin. I even cheated on my trusted dermatologist, only to get a subpar facial that did nothing to improve skin’s condition. Said facialist, however, offer sound advice: “Forego products that will leave your skin oily until the acne has subsided. This will take a while.”

Before getting into the meaty details of this war against maskne, let’s talk about causes. Maskne is basically acne brought about by wearing face masks for prolonged periods of time. Heat, dirt, sweat and bacteria, when covered by fabrics or other materials used to make face coverings, trigger skin flare ups. Even in cooler temperature, maskne continues to be a bane especially for sensitive skin that’s dry and flaky. So yes, the war is far from over, but the good news is it can be won.

A GENTLE AND THOROUGH SKIN CLEANSE is your first step to beating this very frustrating skin condition. I looked far and wide for natural cleansers that would help to control the oil, sebum and dirt. Oil-based cleansers seemed to aggravate the flare up. Bar soaps left skin feeling tight, dry and flaky. Clean facial wash formulations with tea tree oil work wonders as an anti-microbial skin solution. Of the many choices on offer, an all-natural Philippine made Acne Defense Facial Wash from HUMAN NATURE fulfilled its promise of soothing a nasty flare up without drying skin.

Alpyn Beauty’s Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel

Alypn Beauty’s Wildhuckleberry 8 Acid Polishing Peel is a multitasking skin treat that works as a … [] mask, skin peel and polish.

After a refreshing facial wash, double cleanse with an ultra gentle, multitasking mask, peel and scrub and polish in a jar. ALPYN BEAUTY’s Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel has sold out several times since it launched in October—and for good reason. This skin treat harnesses the powers of a natural salicylic, citric, malic, tartaric, glycolic, azelac, ferulic and lactic acids to exfoliate skin and dissolve dead skin cells. Wild crafted huckleberry protects skin barrier, while bamboo power combined with blueberry seed paste effect natural microdermabrasion of skin. This light and delicious skin peel is so gentle you can use is daily, day and night. Ingredients used for this heaven-sent are all sustainably sourced and wild-crafted so you know that it does your skin, soul and planet good. This peel is also ideal for prepping skin before makeup application.

M-61 Power Glow Toner exfoliates away impurities, refine pores, and smoothens skin texture to … [] prevent blemishes and quickly improve existing acne

Wipe away deep seated dirt and impurities with M-61’s PowerGlow Toner. Formulated with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, this gentle skin toner exfoliates impurities, refines pores and smoothens skin texture to prevent blemishes and existing acne. Unlike other harsh anti-acne toners that leave skin dry, extra sensitive and flaky, the PowerGlow brings out soft, hydrated and glowing skin. It is also ideal for sensitive skin types that need an extra anti-acne boost.

ZITSTICKA’s Press Refresh Sheet Mask combines functional technology and skincare tailored to fight … [] acne. It is formulated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, Niacinamide (to calm) and vitamin A.

Skin flare ups and breakouts in the past have taught me that the first thing to go when pimples take over are heavy creams and moisturizers. As much as we all love a good dose of hydration, war against maskne calls for heavy reinforcements like a hardworking, skin saving face mask. ZITSTICKA’s Press Refresh Hydrogel Sheet Mask is a warrior that combines functional technology and skincare tailored to fight acne. It is formulated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, Niacinamide (to calm) and vitamin A.

Cutting-edge Graphene Technology is used in the sheet mask, which “emits infrared rays into the skin, offering enhanced absorption of each ingredient.” There are five sheets in every box of Press Refresh. Applied during evenings on alternating days, Press Fresh does a remarkable job in reducing redness and inflammation. By the time the last sheet was used, skin texture had dramatically improved. Pores also appeared smaller. Post acne, Press Refresh is highly recommended as a routine mask for preventing future breakouts. ZITSTICKA is a brand dedicated to creating innovative skin solution that help to fight acne breakouts at all stages.

Peace Out Healing Dots combine Hydrocolloid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin A and Aloe Vera to clear up … [] acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness overnight.

Peace Out Acne Serum is formulated with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin C & Zinc that work … [] together to clear blemishes, prevent them from returning

Maskne is stubborn and often requires a stroke of mad brilliance to beat. PEACE OUT, the leading anti acne skincare brand at Sephora, has changed the way we address breakouts with a full range of innovative skincare solutions. The Acne Healing Dot combines hydrocolloid polymer technology with clean, active ingredients to zap zits. Instead of applying gel or liquid formulas on the surface, PEACE OUT offers fun, stick on skin solutions for hardcore breakouts. I had to try it to believe. To use, simply apply the sticker directly on the affected areas and leave on for a couple of hours. Hydrocolloid dressings absorb moisture and toxins trapped underneath the skin’s surface, which effectively helps to reduce redness and swelling. Use of this technology also helps to speed up healing of acne. For best results, pair the Healing Dots with PEACE OUT’s Acne Serum. Salicylic acid infused with Niacinamide and Vitamin C decongests pores, while reducing the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.

Heraux Molecular Anti-Inflammaging Serum shielding stem cells from the effects of stress and … [] promotES their overall youthful function.

It’s also essential that you give skin the protective barrier it needs against stressors and irritants. This helps to form a layer that will keep it from inflammation and ultimately, breakouts. HERAUX Molecular Anti Inflammaging Serum uses the first and proprietary Biomimetic Lipid, HX-1, to target “inflammaging” or aging caused by inflammation. Through the discovery of two stem cell scientists, this breakthrough skincare formulation “shields stem cells from the effects of stress and promotes their overall youthful function by modulating the protein that regulates regeneration versus inflammation.” The layer has also helped me to protect skin and bring back its radiance and texture.

I’ve been using Heraux for a month now, applying a pea-sized amount on thoroughly cleansed skin before getting on with my day. This potent, light serum leaves a matte finish on skin which is brilliant especially when you are paring down on makeup. Pores appear smaller and more importantly, skin barrier is less likely to react to friction or contact with face coverings. After a few weeks of continued use, skin was visibly more youthful and refreshed.

Femmue Lumiere Vital C Serum to help lighten post acne blemishes and dark spots.

Gradually bring back skin hydration into your routine with FEMMUE Ideal Creme Riche

Dull and dry skin with are some of the after effects of a maskne breakout. You can also expect unsightly blemishes and dark spots. To revive clear, smooth and radiant skin, FEMMUE’s “flower therapy” serums and mask did not disappoint. Using modern botanicals, products like Lumiere Vital C Serum and Ideal Cream Riche are skin super healers that restore skin’s glow and texture. Lumiere is a multi-tasking lightweight formula that works as both an antioxidant and brightening solution. It stimulates collagen production while refining skin surface and lightening dark spots. It is also specially formulated to work beautifully with extra sensitive, acne-prone skin types. For a restorative nighttime skincare routine, pair this serum with FEMMUE’s Ideal Crème Riche every other night. Apply a very thin layer all over your face, making sure to tap excess cream with facial tissue. I love to follow with a 10-minute LED Face Mask session just before dozing off.

Scelido Anti Bacterial and Anti Virus Masks are breathable, washable face coverings made with Aero … [] Silver fabric and Copper threads.

The best way to keep maskne from taking over your life again is to choose invest in a an antibacterial, breathable face mask. I love a stylish statement masks and have built quite a collection over the months. For long days that will require hours of wear, however, opt for cotton face masks that allow skin to breathe. Infusion of copper and metal ions into the fabric also help to fight off bacteria. SCELIDO Nano Antibacterial and Antivirus Cooling Mask uses ASKIN and Aero Silver fabric, which gives 99.9% antibacterial and UV protection. It is as effective in protecting wearers from viruses as a KF80 but is light, breathable, reusable and effective in preventing acne. Copper threads enhances protection level and seamless ergonomic design (with sizing from XS to Large) allows this facial covering to sit perfectly on skin without causing traction and irritation.

We all look forward to the day when masks and maskne become things of the past. War wounds, otherwise known as acne scars, are slowly beginning to fade. Till then, lessons from this battle remind us that nature truly is the best healer. And as we continue discover the skincare and self care routine that works best for us, any maskne survivor will tell you this: do your research, look at ingredients and don’t go into guesswork.

More from Style & Beauty in Perfectirishgifts

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ask-sickstuck · 8 years ago

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Meet Me

“Tula…don’t wanna go…” Mituna complained, shifting his weight on his feet as he stood in the doorway.

“Come on,” said Latula. “You took care of everything yourself, right? You look ready. Is everything in your backpack?”

Mituna made a noise.

“What was that?”

“Yeah…” Mituna grumbled.

“Awesome! Great job. What about your medicine?”

“Yeah…” Mituna sniffled. “But sniffly…sick…”

“You took it? Allergy medicine, too?”

“Yeah,”

“And eye drops?” asked Latula.

“Yeah…”

“Do you want an extra decongestant?”

“Mmybe…”

“Here, I’ll get you one,” Latula let herself into Mituna’s house, making her way to the bathroom.

“I’m sick,” said Mituna.

“No, allergies are just really bad for everybody right now,” said Latula, rooting around the cabinet. “You have to go to school today. She held up a package of red pills.

“You haven’t taken any of these today, right?”

“Right,” Mituna grabbed a tissue.

“Take one then,” she suggested as she read the box to figure out how frequently Mituna could take them.

“Hmm…” she read. “The spacing between doses is weird. Smoke break might be too far away for me to give you more.”

“Don’t wanna smoke…” Mituna complained. “meyes. Myeyes hurt.”

“You don’t have to, baby,” Latula smiled. “You never should if you don’t want to. But come meet me where we smoke by the art hallway right before 4th period, okay? I think we can both get away with skipping then. I’ll get you some medicine and we’ll sneak a smooch or two in.”

Mituna nodded.

“Rad. Alright, let’s get a move on. I left the keys in the car with the door open,”

Nervously, Mituna stood outside of the door to Latula’s 3rd hour class, looking in the window. He wiped at his nose, a bit upset that Latula didn’t notice him, but also glad that he wasn’t being too obvious. He sat down on the floor by the door, feeling a little better just to know that Latula really was in there. He was overly worried that she wouldn’t meet him after this class, so he decided to find her a bit early. The bell rang, and Mituna stood up and leaned against the wall as the other seniors pushed passed him.

“Oh, hey, Mituna,” Latula raised her eyebrows.

“Les’ go home,” said Mituna. “Sick. So, so, sick.”

“You know, you do look flushed,” Latula felt Mituna’s forehead as he pouted.

“I said so,”

“You did, but you weren’t all clammy like this in the morning,” said Latula. “I’m sorry it wasn’t obvious to me at first that you might deserve to stay home. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I knew you felt like shit and ill, but I didn’t think you felt like shit in a contagious, will-get-better-with-rest kinda way. I thought it was just the pollen. Having the pollen to deal with on top of this must only make things worse…”

“It does!” Mituna groaned.

“Your nose looks like it hurts,” Latula smiled nervously.

“I threwup outit. When I barfed in the bathroom,”

“You got sick?!?”

“Mhmm,”

“I didn’t know your stomach was bothering you!” said Latula as her boyfriend sniffled hard.

“Have you been blowing your nose?”

“It hurts,” Mituna whined.

“Oh my god. You have post-nasal drip. You have to blow your nose. It’ll make you chunder if you don’t!”

“I didn’t know that!” Mituna squeaked, holding his hands out.

“Tissues!”

“Ugh, shit, can you just wait until we get to the nurse’s office? That might be quicker than rooting through my backpack,”

“No,” Mituna said stubbornly, and then cautiously asked, “No nurse?”

“Why can’t we go to the infirmary?” asked Latula, taking her backpack off of her shoulder to look for tissues.

“I’m embarrassed. And I don't want to know who puked. Mess,”

“Oh, shit,” Latula nervously grinned and lowered her voice. “You vommed everywhere?”

Mituna nodded frantically, his nose running.

“Here,” Latula handed Mituna a packet of tissues. Mituna noisily blew his nose.

“Sorry,” he said. “Sorry. I don’t want anyone to know.”

“Oh, okay,” said Latula.

“But, I think you have a temp. I could totally get permission to take you home,”

“Can we just get in trouble?”

“Yeah,” Latula smiled weakly, feeling sorry for his boyfriend. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“If I pretend we skippedforfun noooobody will know,” said Mituna, pressing the tissue to his nose.

“You know, I don’t even think we’ll get caught,” smirked Latula. “When we get our detention slips, we could say we went on that field trip to check out the state campus. Just act like they just forgot to mark us down.”

Mituna laughed.

“Like we could go to COLLEGE!”

“Shut up!” Latula giggled.

The skater girl sat on the floor of her messy room with her boyfriend leaning into her. He was bundled up in blankets while sitting on a pile of jackets and t-shirts. Latula could also see a bra strap poking out from underneath his leg.

Mituna’s face was pale and he looked like he had just checked out Medusa.

“Feeling any better?” she asked. “Oh, you got a little something.” Latula pointed to her nose, and Mituna laughed and grabbed a tissue to clean up.

“Yes. Good sick. Very stoned.”

“You’re super hot,” Latula kissed Mituna’s cheek and nuzzled into his neck. Still leaning on him, she looked down and fumbled through the blankets for the thermometer.

“Hold still,” she instructed as she pulled out the thermometer. She held his chin and quickly stuck the tip in his ear. He winced uncomfortably for a second as it got a reading and she pulled it back out.

“You take my temperature…and…mytemperature’s…” Mituna made some noises Latula couldn’t understand.

“It’s 100.7,” said Latula. “I guess the fever reducer isn’t doing much. Poor baby.” Latula leaned into Mituna and knocked him backwards with her.

“Wanna pack another bowl?” asked Mituna.

“Hell yeah,” said Latula, opening up a small box to pluck out a few nugs into her pipe. “Sick boy first.” Latula handed Mituna the pipe and lit it for him. He took a hit and tried to blow smoke out his nose, but it worked poorly.

Latula took the teal pipe back for herself.

“Oh…” Mituna said sadly as his girlfriend put her mouth on the piece.

“Huh?” Latula looked up through the smoke.

“Germs,” said Mituna, his gaze shifting down to the red dragons painted on her glass piece. They were hidden slightly behind their cloud of smoke.

“Dude, we’re like, married at this point. I live in your germs,” said Latula. “I’ll be fine.”

Mituna was handed the pipe, and Latula watched him in awe. He was so pale. Her poor love.

Maybe some food would help, she thought.

“What have you eaten today, honeybee?” she asked.

Mituna blew out the smoke he was holding in his mouth and sighed.

“Nothin’,”

“Nothing?!? I need to make you something, baby! You have to eat!” Latula looked worried. “Keep smokin’ that and get the munchies. What could I possibly get you to eat? Poor thing. I didn’t know this was bad enough to harm your appetite.”

“I forgot ‘bout food,” Mituna seemed genuine in his answer, and he tried to pass the pipe to Latula. She held out her palm and he shrugged, taking another hit.

“Is it because your stomach hurts?” asked Latula.

“No,” Mituna promised.

“Honey, what would you like to eat? Soup maybe? That would be easy. Or something fun like chips?”

“…chips…”

“Of course,” Latula loudly kissed Mituna’s forehead. “Whatever it takes to get my boyfriend eating.”

#homestuck #humanstuck #mituna #latula #mitula #emeto #fanfic #//drug mention

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jiajots-blog · 6 years ago

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Week #1

June 13, 2018 was the day it all started. Despite being exhausted from our flight the previous day, my co-intern, Valerie, and I left our place at exactly 7:30 AM and started walking to Ortigas Medical Plaza which housed the office of the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation (HLAF). The walk lasted for around 15-20 minutes as we got a little lost along the way; however, it did nothing to damper our spirits. We got inside the building and were immediately greeted by the smile of HLAF’s charming secretary. “Good morning po! Sino po sila?” My heart thrummed with an odd mixture of anxiety and excitement. “Good morning din po! Interns po from UP Cebu”. We greeted, smiling back.

She ushered us inside and told us to wait for Atty. Aubree Sadural, HLAF’s program corrdinator. The office was big and cozy, the people already busy typing in their computers as another workday rolls in. Val and I sat at a table where interns were also currently sitting. Of course, pleasantries were exchanged. They were BS Social Work students from the Universidad de Manila (UDM) and like us, were also required to have an internship. We were making small talk when HLAF’s other members, Kuya Itoy and Kuya Melvin, walked in and introduced themselves to us. The two kuyas did not hesitate and dived right in with the questions. They also oriented us on the workings of the organization as well as on the upcoming activities they had for the next two months. Needless to say, we felt a little less nervous and more excited.

When Atty. Aubree arrived, she immediately gave us our tasks and let us work. Giving us a stack of papers, she explained that we were to transcribe all of these data and present them in tables and graphs. This was to be our major assignment for the whole duration of our internship and we were to present her our progress every week. In times when she was not in the office, she told us to assist Kuya Itoy and Kuya Melvin and do whatever they ask of us.

Once all were said and done, she and Kuya Itoy decided to bring us along on their meeting with BJMP NCR’s warden, CINSP Marizens Sese. Travelling to BJMP NCR Office, Val and I took the minutes of the meeting. Our first day may have ended early, but we were more excited than ever.

Our second day on the job brought us to Caloocan City Jail where we, along with Kuya Itoy and Kuya Melvin, were to engage with the male persons-deprived of liberty (PDLs) and interview them of the current problems they are facing regarding their cases. By taking note of these problems, HLAF hopes to hasten the process of their cases. Again, I felt that familiar combination of nervousness and excitement as this was my first time to visit a city jail. I was worried whether I can properly interview them and answer their questions. However, the kuyas as well as the paralegal officer were there to guide us.

In this setting, one might feel a bit uncomfortable and somewhat fearful surrounded by these people. However, it is a different story behind bars. Sure, some of them may be guilty of the crime/s they had committed, but they are still people. Their crimes do not negate their right for a fair and just trial and certainly not their right to be treated decently. Being citizens of the Philippines, they deserve that right just as much as everybody else does.

Moreover, it also made me realize just how inefficient and slow the country’s justice system was. As we all know, the Philippine judiciary is not only terribly understaffed but also overworked. In fact, Kuya Itoy told us that a PAO lawyer handles about 500 cases daily. With that many cases, a lawyer cannot possibly attend to them all. On the other hand, judges are also scarce. In our interviews, most of the prisoners’ hearings are suspended and rescheduled at a later date as the judge attends a seminar/convention/etc. Their absences further derails and slows down the whole process. Because of this, families spend one more minute separated from each other and justice is delayed for one second longer.

Another problem also exists within the PDLs themselves. Most of them do not even know their rights. Some of them do not even know the details of their cases and the like.

However, despite how problematic it may seem, it is nice to note that an organization like HLAF exists. They too saw the worsening problem of the justice system and decided to take action. Their programs such as the Jail Decongestion (JD) and Focused Reintegration of Ex-Detainees (FRED) have all yielded positive results. Through the JD, HLAF is exerting its very best to release as many PDLs they can and free up jail space. On the other hand, HLAF’s FRED program assists soon-to-be-released PDLs by equipping them with values and life skills that can help them in their lives upon and after release. Moreover, the organization is also a strong advocate for the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) and has conducted countless forums, symposiums, and trainings in various barangays and communities.

Knowing this, I feel more thankful that they accepted me to their organization. Through this, HLAF has given me an avenue to give back and serve the people. With the activities and programs they have lined up, I am sure this would be a busy and fruitful summer. I can’t wait!

#internship2018 #hlaf #upcebu #HumanitarianLegalAssistanceFoundation #entries

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itswingedcollectoranchorfan · 7 years ago

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Debate I On Bullet Trains, Letâ€™s Drop Jholawallah Options

Debate I On Bullet Trains, Let’s Drop Jholawallah Options

Bullet trains will ease long-distance travel and might be accepted the way Delhi Metro has eased into our life.(Photo: iStock/ Altered by The Quint)

Vivian FernandesUpdated: 22.09.17

(As India and Japan embark on an ambitious bullet train project worth Rs 1 lakh crore, The Quint debates whether the initiative would be economically viable. This is the View. You may like to read the Counterview by S Pushpavanam here.)

While inaugurating Bombardier’s metro rail coach factory at Savli in Vadodara in November 2008, Narendra Modi as chief minister of Gujarat took a jibe at the Congress Party. Those who talk of vote bank politics talk of bomb, he said, hinting at the Congress Party’s affinity to a particular community. But for him it was development and Bombardier, a reference to the Canadian manufacturer of trains and airplanes.

Nine years later, the Congress is questioning the prime minister’s decision to invest in a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It faults his priorities and love for giant projects. The investment of over Rs 1 lakh cr could have been better spent in improving the speed and safety of the railway network, its spokespersons say, though they know that the Japanese loan which will finance 85 percent of the project is not replaceable; the money cannot be diverted.

Also Read: 10 Things Modi, Abe Said During Launch of India’s 1st Bullet Train

Another set of critics find the interests of the better-off sections privileged against those of the poor. The Delhi metro was also derided as a “suit-boot” piece of showmanship, and the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT or separate bus lanes) was proposed as an alternative that could do as much for less.

Well, Delhi has had to scrap the BRT while the Delhi metro is being patronised by the poor, who love to travel in temperature-regulated comfort, which is quite a change from their usual push-n-shove experience.

Activists like Claude Alvares did their best to stop the Konkan Railway line from Mumbai to Mangaluru on the western coast, saying it will destroy Goa’s wetlands and paddy fields. It has done nothing of the kind. Instead passengers from Mangaluru can now reach Delhi via the eastern coast in 33 hours instead of 56 hours.

The Delhi metro was also derided as a “suit-boot” piece of showmanship but was accepted later.

(Photo: iStock)

At the Savli event referred above, Metro Man E Sreedharan told me that India should have invested in high-speed railways (HSRs), instead of dedicated freight corridors, which only shift goods trains to a separate, fast lane. Moving people at speeds of over 300 km per hour requires technology and skills of a different magnitude, in civil engineering, signalling and telecommunications, locomotion and, above all, passenger safety.

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the bullet train on 14 September is a historic development. It is as momentous as India’s first train run in 1853, when three locomotives ─ Sultan, Sindh and Sahib ─ hauled 400 guests in 14 carriages between Bori Bunder in Mumbai and Thane on its outskirts.

The bullet train could do to India’s railways what Maruti has done to its car and auto ancillary industry.

A worker walks at a Maruti Suzuki stockyard on the outskirts of the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

(Photo: Reuters)

HSRs are no doubt expensive. Many, or perhaps most, are not financially profitable.

But the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line is unlikely to be loss-making. It should be able to draw about 15 million passengers a year, or about 50,000 people on each of 300 working days, willing to pay about Rs 2,500, the same as the air fare, writes Neelkanth Mishra, India Equity Strategist for Credit Suisse, an investment bank.

Also Read: Is India “Running” Slow? Bullet Trains in India vs the World

New infrastructure creates demand. For instance, I would never travel to Kharibaoli in old Delhi to buy groceries at wholesale prices, but metro connectivity has enabled me to do so.

HSRs should not be evaluated only on profitability. They have wider benefits for the economy. The bullet train might help decongest Mumbai.

People might prefer to stay, say in Surat, which will be an hour away, rather than paying a ransom for a flat in the city. Since HSRs flatter land values in cities where their stations are located, their operators should also get a share of the value they create.

HSRs have environmental benefits as well.

A 2011 European Commission white paper on transport said HSRs are 14 times less carbon intensive than cars and 15 times less polluting than air planes.

A high-speed train will release 11 grams of carbon dioxide while moving a passenger between Valence and Marseille in southeast France, it said, against 151 grams by car and 164 grams by air.

HSRs can compete with airline over distances of 500 km to 700 km. Unlike airlines, the development of new planned townships between end points is possible because there can be stops, say, every 100 km. The extra cost of carrying an extra passenger on them is also negligible, which is not the case with planes.

In the 2010 budget, the railways had proposed to conduct studies to explore the profitability of the following six routes: (a) Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar (450 km); (b) Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad (650 km); (c) Hyderbad-Dornakal-Vijayawada-Chennai (664 km) (d) Chennai-Bangalore-Coimbatore-Ernakulam (649 km); (e) Howrah-Haldia (135 km) and (f) Delhi-Agra-Luknow-Varanasi-Patna (991 km).

Passengers travel on an overcrowded train on the outskirts of New Delhi on February 26. Photo used for representational purpose.

(Photo: Reuters/Ahmad Masood)

For the Delhi-Amritsar corridor, Systra of France gave a report in 2015. Pre-feasiblity studies are now being conducted. For the Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru stretch the Chinese are conducting feasibility studies. They have also done a planning study for the Delhi-Nagpur part of the Delhi-Chennai corridor.

The Japanese had said that an HSR between Delhi and Mumbai would be very expensive. Their 2012 study had estimated that the cost of converting the existing route to semi-high speed of 200 kmph and travel time of 12 hours to be about $7 billion while a 10-hour line would cost a little over $16 billion. It had recommended a line that could cover the distance in 12 hours.

Under former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu a plan had been drawn to convert the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah lines for speeds of 160 kmph to 200 kmph. This would be made possible by the shift in much of the goods traffic to the dedicated freight corridors which are expected to be operational from 2019.

To enable, semi-high speed travel, the railways are proposing to construct stone masonry walls on either side of the track so that there is no trespassing by humans or animals. Crossings will be through underpasses and overbridges but if there are not enough of them, normal life in towns along the route will be disrupted.

In a study done about five years ago, the Ircon International had said that the Delhi-Patna high-speed track via Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi would cost Rs 4.73 lakh crore. It said the service would be profitable even in the worst-case demand scenario.

It expected 15 eight-car trains to carry 57,000 passengers daily at a maximum speed of 300 km an hour when operations commenced in 2020 going up to 44 sixteen-car trains by 2045. The fares would be pretty steep: Rs 7,000 for second class and Rs 9,100 (that is, 30 percent more) for first class. The spot airfare between Delhi and Patna now is about Rs 4,500 but tickets booked a month in advance cost less. Its projections seem to be rich.

China has 20,000 km of HSR lines and plans to add another 10,000 km by 2020. In the early years of this decade, students and migrant workers returning home for the Chinese New Year in January would prefer buses because high-speed train fares were very high. But with incomes rising they have become affordable.

India should go in for a mix of high and semi-high speed trains. Some of the routes may not make money, but there may be economic benefits. Despite higher than anticipated traffic, Delhi’s metro train service does not even cover the cost of operations. The central government is subsidising it; it bears the exchange risk.

The value of yen has risen from 29 paise in 1993-94 to 40 paise in 2002-03. In 2012-13, it touched a high of a little less than 66 paise. The yen is now trading at nearly 58 paise to the rupee. Any appreciation of the yen will raise the cost of loan repayment . But life in Delhi will be impossible without the Delhi Metro.

Without it, the city’s roads would be gridlocked and its air even more un-breathable. Someday even bullet trains might become as basic to life in Indian cities.

(Vivian Fernandes is the editor at www.smartindianagriculture.in. This is an opinion piece and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)

(#TalkingStalking: Have you ever been stalked? Share your experience with The Quint and inspire others to shatter the silence surrounding stalking. Send your stories to [email protected] or WhatsApp @ +919999008335.)

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myfuckofffundjourney · 7 years ago

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Money Diary, Week 1

This will be long, and rambly! But it’s good to have it written down.

Tuesday, Jan 2

11 am: feeling like hell, go grab some over the counter decongestants. Pharmacist suggests a proper doctors visit. Make an appointment. 22nis

11:15: grab coffee at cafelix on the way to the bus. 11 nis

11:20: bus. 5.9 nis

12:00: pick up some doctor prescribed decongestants. 16nis.

14:30: bus home. 5.9 nis

14:45: crap. Can’t use transfer - buy another ticket. 5.9 nis

16:30: need water and snacks - 11 nis. I buy a glass bottle that I’ll reuse until I lose it or something. I had a reusable water bottle that i misplaced at a friends house. I keep reminding myself to go find it or buy a new one. That and a portable french press to-go mug, which is the best for my coffee addiction+constantly running around schedule.

22:00: Load my rav kav with 30 shekels. Home, grilled cheese and apple sandwich, TV, free yoga, bed. 30 nis.

107.7

Wednesday, Jan 3

11:00: Woke up feeling good! I planned my day out so that I did yoga, cleaned, and studied for two hours. Breakfast was a few pieces of peanut butter toast and a clementine. Now I need coffee and am out (used the last dregs for a sad cup this morning that just isn’t doing it) so I run out to grab some. 11 nis

14:30: I’m also out of toilet paper. On the way to get some, I drop off a sweater that needs to be dry cleaned. It was free so I don’t mind needing to dry clean it. Plus, its the best sweater ever. Grab a small package of toilet paper. In the future I will try to get to bulk stores and buy in bulk but for now, I’ll go with tiny 4-packs. Successfully restrain myself from buying a snack, telling myself I’m avoiding extra expenses and sugar. 5.5 nis

14:45: Heating up chicken soup for lunch. I see that my maple syrup has some weird blobs floating around in it which means some moths probably got inside. SO ANNOYED. I have more, and I probably didn’t even pay for this one, but it’s still an expensive food item I like having around and it sucks to waste it. Fuck you, moths. Eat my chicken soup, which is nearly finished (thankfully, it was getting a bit boring).

15:00: a friend is giving away a mattress, which I need. I just don’t know how i would get it to where I am, which is a studio sublet for the next 7 days, and where I’d put it after until I move into my new place. This is tricky.

22:00: The chair and mattress don’t work out, which sucks, because it could have saved me a lot of money. Oh well. I head to Jerusalem after class and get dinner with Shlomi. They end up giving us tons of free drinks because I used to work there. We split the bill. 88 nis.

104.5

Thursday Jan 4

10:00: coffee and a donut to nurse my hangover/sit and plan my day. I’m going to work somewhere that pays really well per hour, so things like a coffee in the morning feel less worrisome, as I need to be focused and Shlomi only has shit coffee at his place. A while after I leave, I realize that the guy forgot to ring up my donut, and make a mental note to remind him next time. 15 nis.

11:00: Take a taxi that I can bill to the client. I don’t in the end though. 30 nis.

18:00: Get paid! I worked really reallllllly slowly today so I end up charging them for an hour less. Still, I made 1200nis, and with reimbursements, it came to a nice 3170 nis. Wahoo!

18:30: Bus to meet friends for dinner. 5.9 nis.

20:00: Ugh. I told friends I’d take them to dinner as a thank you for a huge favor (that netted me a good amount of money a week ago). I put down 350 nis. 350 nis.

20:10: Train to the bus station because it is freezing and I’m tired. 5.9 nis.

21:00: Fill my Rav Kav. 100 nis.

22:00: grab chocolate and cream for my very necessary hot chocolate movie date night with myself. 18 nis.

524.8

Friday Jan 5

13:30: Head to a friend to cook and get ready for shabbat. He bought most of the food, which is nice for me. I pick up my sweater from the dry cleaners on the way to him. 30 nis.

13:45: Pick up necessary dinner items (I brought the rest from home) - noodles and nori. It costs 18 nis.

14:30: Meet up with a friend - I really want to get coffee or something but we just grab a package of cookies that I devour. 12 nis.

Saturday Jan 6

Money-free day! Woop woop.

Sunday Jan 7

In a fit of annoyance after waiting at the bank for WAY too long, I impulse buy a fuckton of cake. Whoops. 24 nis. But I made all my meals at home - including a truly vile peanut noodle stir fry that used up most of the veggies that were going off. It’s definitely not enough and I’ll probably get a snack later, but at least I ate my big meals (breakfast and dinner) at home.

20:00: buy some chocolate. I eat them and feel like shit in every part of my body. Dumb move. Ugh. 16 nis

Monday Jan 8

Morning coffe - 10 nis. After taking care of the bank (does depositing 5,000 nis into a deposit for an apartment count as spending money? Not sure…) I go to hand in receipts for an event I did a few weeks ago - will hopefully get paid for it soon. I need to return wineglasses I borrowed for it; the taxi ride there and back to a meeting with an interested potential client who wants cooking lessons costs me a shitload of money - 117 nis - and I’m annoyed that I didn’t bill the people who did the event. On the other hand, it might bring it a lot of work in the future so it’s worth it. I hope. Meet friends for coffee and donuts. I end up paying which is annoying but I know she’ll get me back in the future. 38 nis. Then I get lunch because I’m still getting over my sugar hangover. 33 nis. On the way to the bus I grab a water bottle because I feel faint with thirst - 7 nis. Once at school, I duck into a grocery store and pick up a banana, apple,and yogurt for breakfast tomorrow. 13.5 nis. Talk to a friend about signing up for a CSA which should actually save money - it’s 90 shekel a week plus a 20 shekel delivery fee. Divided by two people, it’s 55 shekel a week and should be enough produce for us, and as a bonus, it’s fresh, local, and seasonal and also will help me cut down on impulse grocery store buys.

I know the next few weeks/months are going to be stupidly expensive - I have to move a house, get new things for the new place, replace my phone because it’s dying. I can see that the cord on my computer charger is fraying - it will probably need to get repaired soon or fixed. That’s not to mention the two huge fees that have been looming over me - getting my license and getting my wisdom teeth out. Those two, plus tuition, are the like, massive things that I need to sort out but don’t even know how it is POSSIBLE. Gah.

Go home. Decide not to buy anything even though I need food that’s healthyish. I make some tea and peanut butter toast.

218.5

Tuesday Jan 9

Meet a friend for breakfast even though it’s not the smartest thing to do, but it’s delicious and we have fun. 50 nis.

Grab groceries on the way home, including some oatmeal to replace from what I took in this apartment. I get her a full container even though I only used a tiny bit. 30 nis

Throw in a load of laundry. Jesus christ I cannot WAIT to have a washing machine again. This blows. 20 nis. Then another 6 nis for drying it. Grr.

Head to class. I’m agressively tired so I go to cofix and get a shitty coffee and energy bar. 10 nis.

Happily I get a ride home! Make us tuna wraps and pack the apartment.

116

Wednesday Jan 10

I pack all morning. Kim is here to help me move which is amazing, so I take her for breakfast. Between the two of us and tip, it comes out to 112 nis.

Go home, continue packing. I need to get trash bags because I have nothing to put my linens in, and also replace some soy milk. 24 nis. While in am/pm I get a call from my health insurance - I need to make a late payment. Bloody hell. :(

We drive to make the second drop off - have to wait outside for a key. I get us both a juice because we are irritable and sore and exhausted. 18 nis.

Buy a soda water. 5 nis.

School. Buy a yogurt and clementine. 7.5 nis.

Head to Jerusalem. I’m starving and assuming Shlomi is in school till ten so I grab pizza with a friend. 45 nis. Meet another friend to kill some time - she convinces me to get ice cream. I dont even want ice cream but we’re stoned. Ugh. 15 nis.

226.5

Weekly Total: 1398

Food (groceries) 109

Food (restaurants/not at home/impulse buys) 870

Transportation 159.5

Transportation, work related: 147

Misc: 99.5

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sherristockman · 8 years ago

Link

Half the World Is Drinking Contaminated Water Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola The 1972 U.S. Clean Water Act was supposed to ensure clean water for swimming, fishing and drinking.1 Unfortunately, after more than four decades of regulations, American waterways are in serious jeopardy. Toxic runoff from industries, improper disposal of medications and agricultural runoff from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and large factory farms all contribute to a severe water pollution problem. Not only are groundwater aquifers rapidly depleting, but much of the world's water supply has become too contaminated to drink or bathe in. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly two billion people don't have safe drinking water.2 Forced to drink contaminated water, hundreds of thousands of people die from preventable diseases each year. Not only a problem for developing countries, water across the world is contaminated with pollutants that treatment plants are not prepared to filter. Water Pollution Threatens Your Health Pollution is not only affecting the health of humans, but also plants and animals on which we depend for our food supply. For example, the South Asian water basin should supply water to more than 750 million people, but the water is not even usable for irrigation due to arsenic contamination and excess salt.3 Factory farms are undoubtedly the greatest contributor to water pollution in the U.S., posing multiple threats to humans, plants and wildlife. Aquatic creatures are dying at higher than normal rates, and are born disfigured. Frogs with six legs or male fish that lay eggs are just two examples. A recent U.S. Geological Survey found an alarming number of white sucker fish with prominent cancer tumors in several of Lake Michigan's tributaries. These fish are bottom feeders, eating from the sediment on the river bottom and their health is an indication of how quickly the environment is degrading. As fish are succumbing to cancer due to toxins in the environment, it's no great surprise that cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in humans, who are at the top of the food chain. Ultimately, water pollution threatens the health of all who touch it, and the effects seen on wildlife may be a preview of what can be expected in humans. Two Billion People Drink Water Polluted With Feces In an attempt to address the world water pollution problem, the U.N. General Assembly adopted its Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. There are a series of targets countries may use to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions, including affordable water and sanitation, by 2030. However, according to WHO, many countries may significantly fall short of this goal without a radical increase in their community investments.4 The most recent WHO report acknowledged that countries had raised annual budgets for hygiene, water and sanitation an average of 4.9 percent in the past three years, yet that may not be enough. According to Dr. Maria Neira, head of WHO's public health department:5 "Today, almost [2] billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with feces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause more than 500,000 diarrheal deaths each year and is a major factor in several neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis and trachoma." According to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, since 1990 2.6 billion people have gained access to clean water sources, but nearly 663 million are still without access.6 And, more than 80 percent of wastewater contaminated by human waste is discharged into rivers and oceans without any pollution removal. This may be purposefully or as the result of treatment plant failure. On February 9, 2017, King County wastewater treatment plant in Seattle suffered an electrical failure. The failure resulted in catastrophic damage to the plant, after which nearly 30 million gallons of raw sewage and untreated runoff poured into Puget Sound, off the coast of Washington.7 Other toxic water conditions related to agricultural runoff include the recent algae bloom that closed beaches and killed thousands of fish off the coast of Florida.8 The blooms occurred after nitrogen rich water from Lake Okeechobee was drained and subsequently released into the ocean. High levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, from farm fertilization runoff, triggered algae growth, choking out oxygen in the water and creating a toxic waste area.9 US Drinking Water Contains Pharmaceuticals and Pesticides Research has demonstrated U.S. drinking water is contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, antibacterial products and medications.10 In an ambitious testing project, scientists are gathering samples from the Hudson River to measure levels of pharmaceutical pollution in the waterway.11 Past testing detected antidepressants, blood pressure medicine and decongestants, among others. This round of testing will include a larger portion of the Hudson River and comes immediately following a federal report that showed male fish in the Wallkill River, a tributary of the Hudson, were developing female characteristics. Dan Shapley, water quality director of the Hudson Riverkeeper advocacy group said:12 "There is a big universe of chemicals that we just don't know what their impact is. It took years for us to understand that greenhouse gases change the Earth's temperature, that nutrients added to water devastates coral reefs. We're just starting to look at what pharmaceuticals can do." Two years ago, 83 of 117 chemicals were found in samples from the Hudson, including insect repellent DEET. Researchers are hoping this latest survey of the river will help pinpoint the sources, as the male fish developing female characteristics are from one of New Jersey's most protected water areas. Unlike volumes of information available on the health effects of pathogens, the science on long-term exposure to small amounts of a chemical soup mixture of pharmaceuticals is still in its infancy. Research recently released in Environmental Science and Technology found evidence of complex blends of organic pollutants.13 Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and tested streams across the U.S., looking for 719 organic chemicals in 38 different sources.14 Every stream, including those from undeveloped and uninhabited areas, had at least one chemical, and some as many as 162. Since many were designed to have biological activity, the scientists believe the potential for complex interactions warrants further study. Hexavalent Chromium Spill Reaching Lake Michigan Following an accident at U.S. Steel Midwest Plant in Portage, Indiana, an undisclosed amount of hexavalent chromium was discharged into a tributary of Lake Michigan.15 This toxic metal was the focus of the biographical film, "Erin Brockovich," about a woman who investigated the discharge of this cancer causing chemical near a small town in California. Her data gathering on the deaths and disease in the area brought national attention to this chemical. Also called chromium-6, the chemical has found its way into two-thirds of the drinking water across the U.S. An analysis of federal water testing data16 by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found hexavalent chromium at levels determined to be unsafe by public health officials.17 Chromium-6 does occur naturally in the environment, but large amounts are also produced during manufacture of industrial projects, requiring costly disposal. Even in small amounts, this metal can cause birth defects, stomach cancer, skin burns and pneumonia. Even though it is classified as a carcinogen, there are no federal standards set for maximum exposure.18 In a statement, Brockovich said:19 "Houston, we have a problem. More than 20 years ago, we learned that this dangerous chemical poisoned the tap water of California communities, and now these tests and EWG's report show that roughly 218 million Americans are being served drinking water polluted with potentially dangerous levels of this known carcinogen. But in that time the EPA hasn't set drinking water standards for any previously unregulated contaminant, and there are disturbing signs the agency may again do nothing about chromium-6. This is an abject failure by the EPA, including members of Congress charged with overseeing the agency, and every American should be outraged by this inaction." US Government Policies May Increase Your Risk While more than half the world is drinking water contaminated by pollution — whether animal or human waste, agricultural runoff or pharmaceutical products — proposed federal regulations would likely loosen standards and drive water and environmental pollution to even higher levels. In a recent sample of water taken from streams that feed the Iowa River, researchers found 63 percent had at least one neonicotinoid, a class of insecticide.20 More concerning were samples from local tap water and from water released at the treatment plant at the University of Iowa, which had three main neonicotinoids, demonstrating filtration was not effective. Moving forward, the risk of water pollution may only increase as past environmental protection regulations are rolled back under the new White House administration. Legislation has already been signed that ends a coal mining rule set in place under President Obama, in which waterways were protected from coal mining waste.21 The Stream Protection Rule required mining companies to restore mined areas to their previous condition. Companies complained it was too expensive. It was just one of the campaign promises that came to fruition after the presidential election, likely to create more damage to the environment.22 Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator under President Obama commented:23 "I don't know why they've decided that our core values no longer include clean air and clean water. But that seems to be what this is about. It's executive orders that are threatening the safety of our drinking water for 117 million Americans." The changes to environmental policy of this administration make it highly likely water pollution, affecting both the health of the environment and the people drinking it, will only increase, triggering far more damage in the coming years than can reasonably be anticipated now. Can a Clay Pot Be the Answer? Water pollution and filtration in countries where people are forced to gather water from streams and wells increase the risk these sources are polluted with feces and other pathogenic contaminants. Water pollution in these areas often trigger diarrhea, which is a leading cause of death for children under the age of 5.24 Simple, locally manufactured, ceramic filters, used for household filtering in developing countries, have been shown to reduce the number of children and adults suffering from pathogenic water contamination.25 The most widely implemented design is from a mission-based organization, Potters for Peace. Harvard graduates Kathy Ku and John Kye have also developed a ceramic filtering device as a for-profit business.26 Using clay pots for filtration has several advantages and disadvantages.27 On the upside, the pots have proven to reduce the levels of bacteria and protozoa in the water. They are simple to use and have a long life if the filter remains unbroken. However, this type of filtration is not effective against viruses, may break over time and has a low flow rate, filtering between 1 and 3 liters per hour if the water is clear. If cloudy with sediment, the receptacles must be cleaned after each use. Although clay pots are an effective means of primary filtration when water treatment is unavailable,28 additional home filtration is often necessary, even when tap water is delivered to your home from wastewater treatment plants. Cut Unintended Intake of Drugs and Dangerous Chemicals at Home Many drugs and chemicals pass through water treatment plants, ending up in your home. In this video, I discuss how you can reduce your exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxins. It will require a global scale change to stop water pollution that is taking a heavy toll on health and the environment. But, in the meantime, you can make changes at home to protect yourself and your family. It is best to adopt the idea that your tap water is less than pure. One of the most comprehensive water testing kits I recommend is from National Testing Laboratories. To assure you drink and bathe in the least contaminated water possible, it is best to filter at the point of entry to your home and at the point of use, such as your sink or shower. Unfiltered water also exposes you to chlorine vapors, used to treat the water supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other governmental agencies report most homes have measurable levels of chloroform gas, courtesy of chlorine treated water. If you can afford only one filter, it is best to place one on your shower head, as you inhale aerosolized chlorine in the shower and absorb it through your skin. You can actually absorb three times more chemicals from showering or bathing than from oral intake. If you get your water from a municipal water supply and don't have a whole house filter, be sure to open up windows on opposing sides of your home to get cross ventilation. Keep the windows open for five to 10 minutes a day to remove chloroform gases. One of the best types of filters I've found uses a three-stage filtration process — a micron sediment pre-filter, a KDF water filter and a high-grade carbon water filter. This combination filters chlorine, disinfection byproducts and many other contaminants.

#VitalityPath

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save-trees-save-the-planet-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Baguio City Sans Pine Trees

By: Tes B. Choa

The Official Publication of Mother Earth Foundation

Outrage! Rallies! Protests! Court Suits! These are the everyday headlines in my hometown which is Baguio, supposedly the summer capital of the Philippines. The whole government used to transfer to this city because of the cool, green temperature even in summer. Not anymore. Baguio is now becoming another concrete jungle punctuated with squatters all over its mountains. And now the ShoeMart (SM) branch of Baguio is proposing a 7-level project that will cut another 182 trees. Somehow they think it will perfume their project if they say that the trees will be earthballed and relocated in their property. Tree Doctors and Experts – Serafin Metilla and Chito Bertol says it is very difficult to do this to pine trees because pine trees have such spread out sensitive roots that once the roots are injured, the whole tree dies. Ask the DENR an example of pine trees that they have successfully transferred or earthballed and they will show you NOTHING. For one thing, the DENR does not have the proper machines to relocate established trees. In the United States, it cost one million dollars ($1M) to earthball and transfer an established oak tree. SM repeatedly tells the public that only 182 trees will be affected. Let me tell you the truth. SM Baguio was the former Pines Hotel opposite the Vallejo Hotel. When the mall was built, 473 trees were cut. When they added the Call Center, another 100 trees were cut. With this latest project with 1,000 slots for parking, a water catchment or cistern that is capable of holding 6.9 million liters and a roof garden that will try to “simulate” nature – 182 trees will die. Get your calculators out and you have 755 trees massacred for this giant entity that calculates to earn P1 million a day, just on parking alone. With a roof garden, perhaps 6 meters of soil in depth , how can you accommodate the roots of a pine tree? How will you address the drainage? On top of that, do you know that Baguio has FIVE crisscrossing fault lines? In 1990 we lost more than 3,000 lives due to an earthquake. One crack on that water catchment or cistern and you have a deluge that will pour into Session Road and probably reach the Public Market unless the water path directs its flow to University of the Cordillera across Gov. Pack Road first. So there you have another school with hundreds of students that will be affected plus pedestrians trekking in red, thick mud into town and into the mall. With no roots to hold the erosion in check and just a reinforced retaining wall that has no guarantee of leaching, what a disaster waiting to happen! Do you have a tree in your backyard? If you do, you are a millionaire. A 100 year old tree is valued at P18 million pesos. A 50 year old tree is valued at P9 million pesos. These trees that will be sacrificed for a parking lot are 20 to 40 years old. If you value them at P4 million pesos, you are throwing away P728 million pesos. These trees give free fertilizer. The pine leaves and acorns that fall, decay and decompose thus enriching your soil. The old bark falls and regenerates with new cover. The insects, birds and fungi that you find in their natural habitat will no longer have a home. A 30 year old tree absorbs the emissions of 3 buses, carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, vital to the very breath of life. Can you imagine what will happen to the quality of air in the city? Emissions of 546 buses will stay and linger in what was once the summer capital of the Philippines. Add to that the jeepneys, other vehicles and motorcycle emissions, you have a veritable nightmare for persons suffering from asthma and other respiratory ailments. The roots that hold the soil will no longer be there during the 6 rainy months and strong typhoons. SM boasts they will plant 50,000 trees in a period of three years. Well, it takes 50 years for a pine tree to reach full maturity. Meanwhile the new, small and puny pine trees that will be planted cannot give the same benefits that these established pine trees can offer. And where will the 50,000 trees be planted in the city proper? You will probably go to Sto. Tomas Hill to plant that many. This is a good half an hour away from the city. There are no roads that can accommodate 546 buses in that area. Shall we sacrifice health for a daily intake of P1 million a day for SM? In a meeting with Mr. Hans Sy, he informed us that his “real” expansion was China. Then, why oh why expand in Baguio? One parking slot has an average of 20 turnovers in a day. If you charge P35 for the parking slot and multiply that by 20 users, you earn P700 a day for that one slot. Now multiply that by 1,000 and you get a hefty sum of P700,000. The present mall has at least 400 slots to begin with. Get your calculators out and add those 400 slots as well. Now you know why SM is determined to put up this 7 level project. Let me give you another scenario. SM has bought the PNR (Philippine National Railways) property near the Victory Bus Station. If you remember, you would take the bus in this terminal to catch the train in Damortis, Pangasinan. In that property, there are no trees. Why can’t SM build their 7 level project in that area? It is a 5 minute walk to the mall. Add a tram – the very first of its kind in the Philippines, and along the way showcase a winding garden that displays the flowers that every float carries during the “Panagbenga” Flower Festival. For the elderly and the physically challenged, the tram would be a wonderful way to go to the mall. Offer the valet service for those collecting their groceries and purchased articles in the mall and there you have more employment for Baguio citizens without harming or cutting one tree. I guess this cannot be envisioned by those overzealous architects, designers and engineers of SM. You not only add a new feature – a tram, you also save 170 trees. Twelve (12) trees have already been earthballed ready for their final death. A Dr. Pajillon from Los Banos was sent to testify at court about this earthballing of pine trees. When asked if he could give an example area where they successfully transferred pine trees, he had no answer. If you ask DENR what happened to those gorgeous Acacia trees that were supposed to have been transferred from Fort Bonifacio (Global City) to a protected area, the answer will be the same – No where! To add insult to injury, do you know that SM does not pay Income Tax to Baguio City? It pays to Cavite where the BIR National Office is located. What is paid in Baguio is the Real Estate Tax and the business permits to include the vendors’ permits. Unfortunately we have a Baguio City Council that has been cowed and lured into an illusion of traffic decongestion. The City Engineers must have been more than eager to give their approval for such a project. In a meeting with the City Urban Coordinator, I was informed there was an ordinance to limit buildings or construction to five (5) stories. So, why an approval for a 7 level project? The Regional Office of DENR took a year to give its ECC Clearance. Does Mr. Clarence Baquilat know of experts who can assure the citizenry that those earthballed trees will survive? If he does, can he pinpoint a location where they have successfully relocated established pine trees? I would dearly love to see such an area. I would love to call on Serafin Metilla (Bonsai and Tree Expert) and Chito Bertol (President of Manila Seedling Bank) to certify that earthballing of pine trees can be a successful endeavour. A Temporary Protection Order was issued by the Court (Branch 5) in Baguio. This Branch handles all environmental issues. Until this case is resolved, the building of the 7 level project of SM is on hold. Open your email, your google and facebook. You will see all the ads placed by SM. During the rallies, pictures of the event were on the front pages of the local papers. Did you hear a peep in the Big 3? Not a peep in the Star, Inquirer or Bulletin. When a giant is involved, especially one that regularly advertises every week, the “Silence of the Lambs” is heard. Self-Censorship dominates. Currently it is the Opinion Writers that take up the advocacy. SM has hired writers to counter the issues mentioned by the protesters. SM has applied for a LEED (Leadership in Energy Environmental Design) Certificate. I wonder if the cutting of 755 trees will be taken into consideration for this application. I guess not.

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