#four hole kitchen faucets

[tacticaldiary]

Meant To Be a Ghost, Not a Shadow

Pairing: Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader

Genre: Hurt/Comfort

"You're so...so stifling." She snaps. "This past month has been hell for me, you know that? You've made it impossible to breathe with how much you've been hovering!"

For once in his life, Simon does not have a response.

Masterlist

Sighing into the chilly air outside their bedroom, she rubs the sleep out of her eyes rounding the door to the kitchen. She normally keeps a glass of water on her nightstand, but it'd been empty when she'd woken up halfway through the night, parched.

Her cup is half full when she hears the telltale creaking of the stairs.

Holding back a sigh, she shuts the faucet off, waiting for Simon to appear. It had been tough to slip out of his hold during the night, the man being ever the light sleeper, but it appears she wasn't as successful as she thought.

He peers in through the doorway, eyes tired but body alert. On guard, ready to fight.

"Are you alright?" He asks in a raspy voice still laced with sleep once his gaze lands on her. On any other occasion, it would've sent a spark of heat through her but right now all she feels is the prickling of irritation that's been steadily building up for the past month.

The past few weeks had been...different. Simon had come home from a week-long mission and at first it had been normal. He'd arrived, she'd greeted him with a grin and a kiss, he'd lifted her up into his arms and reciprocated. The first few adjustment days had been great, she was always happy when he came home from base to her.

At first, she'd dismissed his clinginess to missing her, to assimilating to normalcy. He was always a little too tense after getting back and it normally took a week for him to relax.

But then two weeks passed. Then three. Then four. And it only got worse.

Simon had gone from clingy to unbearably overbearing.

He wasn't clingy in the sense of being attached at the hip. It was more like he was always...there. He needed to see her, to be within reach at all times.

Accompanying her to the store, walking her to the bus stop, hovering in doorways. Eventually the store hadn't been enough and he'd insisted on driving her to and from. Instead of walking her to the stop he'd get on the bus with her. Anytime she stepped away for a moment alone, he materialised, made himself known.

It wasn't just that, too. He was always tense, always looking her up and down critically as if expecting to find a bullet hole somewhere. Simon glared at people who came too close, always insisting they go everywhere together. The mundane joys she used to find by herself had been taken over by the overwhelming experience of being stifled and watched.

Monitored.

Even now, she was sure he'd heard the faucet turn on, he would have known she was getting water and that she'd be right back, but he couldn't help but venture down to keep her within sight.

"Fine. You didn't have to get up." She tries to keep the irritation out of her voice. When he sweeps his gaze over her, she gets more annoyed. "I'm alright. Go back to bed."

"I can wait." Is all he says, leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.

He actually intended to wait.

"Just go, Simon." Annoyance seeps into her voice, it has him straightening up immediately. "I'll be there in a minute." There's no response for a second, just him thinking quietly.

"You're acting off." He comments. "Something's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong."

"Don't lie to me."

She cracks.

"Enough, Simon!" She snaps, slamming the glass into the sink. She doesn't startle as it shatters into pieces in her palm, rivulets of blood prickling and nicking her skin as she lets go of the jagged pieces clutched in her hands.

"Shit," Simon narrows his eyes, immediately rounding the kitchen island to make his way to her. "Let me see-"

"Stop!"

He stops dead in his tracks.

Struggling to keep her voice even, her feelings bubble and boil to the surface, a wave that scalds crashing over her patience. Back against the sink, she glares at Simon, anger rising to her cheeks. "You're so...so stifling." She snaps. "This past month has been hell for me, you know that? You've made it impossible to breathe with how much you've been hovering!"

For once in his life, Simon does not have a response. He stays silent, staring at her with uncomfortable confusion, the slight knowing look in his eyes stopping her from raising her voice any farther.

"It's not like that and you know it-"

"This is getting out of hand." Standing her ground, she barely feels the stinging in her hand over the thrum of blood in her ears. "For fuck's sake, Simon, you barely let me go to the bathroom without you standing outside the door like I'll get murdered in there."

It's too much. It's too much and too quick and all of it is so encompassing it presses down on her like an anvil, squeezing her lungs tight until an odd sense of claustrophobia sets in.

She loves him.

She loves him more than he could ever know, loves his mannerisms and dry humour, the way his actions convey more love than any confession she's ever been given. The way he's so gentle with her, how his tone softens the barest bit when he talks, the smiles she drinks in during the rare and intimate moments when his mask is off.

All of it is treasured and loved, but recently it's been tainted by this looming presence that seems to be more for his own peace of mind than how he claims it's for her 'safety'.

There was only so much danger she could get into going to the kitchen for a glass of water alone in the night.

"Do you not trust me? Is that it?" There's an inkling of hurt in her voice as she voices the thought. "Do you think I'll-...what, you think I'll run off with someone else if you don't supervise my walk to the damn bus stop?"

"Of course not," He says immediately. Simon knows she'd never do that to him, never put him through misery like that. "I've never thought that."

"Then why are acting like this? Like I'm not capable of handling myself? Like I'll vanish if you blink-"

"Because you might!" The exclamation is so out of character for him, that it startles her into a surprised silence. For a moment, the only sounds are their deep breaths and the dripping of her blood hitting the sink below. Simon draws in a shaky breath, confliction evident in his eyes. "You might." He repeats, a softer edge to his voice.

She can't find it in herself to interrupt, not when he seems to be making his own mind up into talking. Years, she's spent memorising every inch that makes him, him. Every quirk, what his smiles mean, down to the very essence of his being, she's familiar with it all and all signs right now point to Simon being upset and uncomfortable.

"I...I lost everyone I cared for once." He pauses, jaw ticking. "I can't lose you. Not you. Not again."

She softens at the tremor in the hands he attempts to hide by clutching the counter next to him.

"This isn't the same thing, you know that." She reminds him. "You know it's not."

"The mission I came back from," He starts. "It was a hostage rescue. Extracted the family of a military official." Simon's careful with his words so as to not give anything confidential away, but he needs to explain, needs her to understand why he's been so antsy and overbearing. "I kept looking at his wife and thinking about how easily it could have been you and I instead. You taken away from me, to hell knows where." His shoulders tense at the very thought. "I'm not...I have enemies, love. People who'd hurt you to hurt me."

She takes in his words, turns them over in her mind. How paranoid and worried must he have been this past month, plagued with thoughts like those? It mellows out her anger a little but does not dismiss it. It doesn't erase the countless times she'd questioned him or asked him if he was alright, told him to knock it off.

His explanation doesn't excuse his behaviour, but it sparks the compassion and empathy she needs to let her feet carry her towards Simon until they stand face to face.

Taking a deep breath, she brings up her good hand to cup his face, tilting his jaw to lock eyes. "I'm sorry I snapped like that." She says quietly. "I shouldn't have yelled, but something needs to change, Simon."

He nods slowly after a moment. "I know." Barely a whisper. "Wasn't my intention to piss you off, darling. I swear." His hand comes up to rest on her hip with a practiced ease.

"I know you're a Ghost, but you can't be my shadow all the time." She cracks a small smile. "It feels...it feels suffocating. Like I can't breathe without you monitoring me, feels like you don't trust me."

Leaning down, he mumbles an apology into her lips, softer than she's ever seen him be. "I'll work on it." Simon breathes when he pulls away momentarily.

"We'll work on it." She nudges them apart with a hand on his chest. "I may be annoyed at you, but you're not going to go through anything alone. Not while I'm here."

And that...that strikes deep. It means something to him, something he can't quite form words conscience enough to convey. Ghost is used to riding solo, solving his own problems, and fixing his own mistakes. To have someone he's wronged still want to stay by his side is...it makes his heart clench.

Hands on her hips, Simon pulls her close to him, pressing their bodies together. This was good. It was alright. It'd all be alright-

A sharp hiss from her snaps him back to attention immediately. Simon pulls away with a frown, scanning her up and down for the source of the noise. She pulls her injured hand to her chest, blood cacking into the lines of her palms.

Simon curses, leading her towards the sink with a hand on the small of her back. "Forgot about that."

"Me too." She huffs out half a laugh, which turns into a small squeal as he hauls her up by the waist, setting her down on the counter. Simon grabs the first aid kit from the cabinet below them and slots himself between her legs, gesturing for her hand.

She offers it to him, but he hesitates.

"If you'd rather do it yourself-..." He trails off, but he looks like the idea of stepping away and leaving her to bandage her own wounds would hurt him more. His implication hits her then. Shaking her head, she yanks him further into her by his shirt.

"I don't want you to stop looking after me, Simon." She explains. "This isn't what I meant."

"I'm not a mind reader." He mutters, shaking his head at her giggle. "Give me some time, yeah? I'll figure it out." He's gentle with inspecting her hand, picking out the shards left inside, soothes her with a hand rubbing circles on her thigh when she winces at the sting of the antiseptic.

"We'll check and rebandage tomorrow." He finally says when he's satisfied with his handiwork.

"Copy." She mock salutes him, giggling when he rolls his eyes and tugs her off the counter.

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(27/08/2023)

[thewriterwhowritesnot]

To Have and To Hold

Warnings: Yandere!Aliucard, SMUT, creampie (wrap it before you tap it my dudes this is FICTION! Kids cost money), slight degradation, a little bit of fluff. A/N: Yall, please don't judge me. I had a hell of a rough time writing this out because I had to take a break every three minutes to BREATHE lol. I hope the smut is okay. I'm not ready to be that explicit just yet. I hope y'all like this. This is another 2k words and is not proofread. If you want to be in the taglist just lmk! Summary: You travel to Dracula's Castle to help the owner get the place registered as a historical landmark and enter into an overwhelming relationship with Alucard.

Masterlist Chap 1.

Chapter Two

 The next morning you awake to an old chest half your size in the middle of your room. On top of it, there’s a note.         “ I was informed this morning that your bag was lost in transit and they’re unable to locate it. I took the liberty of getting you some clothes to wear while you’re here. I hope they fit you and if they don’t we can make adjustments. 

A. “

A bit bummed at the loss of your clothes, you open the chest and immediately forget about what small things you packed in your bag. The first piece of clothing was a soft pink sundress with white flowers on it. The Queen Anne neckline was lined with white lace and you loved it instantly. Setting it aside to wear it for the day. There were multiple sets of silk pajamas. Pretty nightgowns and fluffy slippers and beautiful shoes (that were all your size). You giggled like a child in the long mirror against the wall, swaying this way and that. 

Granted, in your job description you wore clothes that kept your skin safe from poisonous spiders, cobwebs, and splinters. But the knowledge that Adrian had picked these out to lend you made butterflies spring to life in your belly and you couldn’t resist thinking of what he’d think of you in them. 

Deciding to bathe before you start your day, you enter the bathroom and examine the large tub and new shower head. The place was spotless and smelled of lemon. You turned on the faucet and allowed the hot water of the shower to steam up the room before getting in. Being too tired to shower the night before you basked in the warmth of the hot water washing the days of travel off your skin. 

However, your peace was short-lived because a rush of cold air cut across your skin beckoning a wave of gooseflesh. There were no vents or holes near the shower so you shut the water off and peered out of the shower curtain. The bathroom door was open and you struggled to remember if you’d closed it or not. Surely, you would’ve closed it to keep the heat in, right? 

         Stepping out of the shower you wrap yourself in a towel and enter the room to find nothing amiss. 

Strange. 

You searched the chest for the round container of lotion you’d spotted when you were rummaging through it earlier. After getting dressed, you leave your room, notepad in hand, and find your way to the kitchen. 

Marguerite is there and quickly introduces herself and offers you a full breakfast. Shamefully, you find yourself very pleased with the fact that she’s an older woman. Much too old to be romantically involved with your host. Her grey hair is pulled back into one bun, pulled away from her round face which is free of wrinkles. Her eyes are almost catlike which would appear almost frightening if not for their warm disposition and the childish curve of her features. She looks incredibly young and old at the same time. You watch as she pours you both a cup of tea and puts exactly four sugars into your tea. 

“How is your room?” Her voice is warm much like her eyes. Hoping she hadn’t noticed your staring, you mix your oatmeal in an innocuous figure eight. “It’s lovely. Everything is perfect and the bed is quite comfortable.” 

Marguerite hums with approval. “Wonderful. I put everything to right myself. The little prince would have nothing less.” Baffled, you turn to face her. 

“Little prince?” 

Marguerite’s warm eyes all but twinkle in the morning light. She sips her tea once before getting to her feet. “I’ve got some small tasks to finish before the morning ends. Once you’re done eating, you may leave your dishes in the sink. I’ll tend to them.” She doesn’t wait for your answer before she leaves, cup in hand.

Curious but too excited to think about it for too long you hastily finish your breakfast. Now, you have a system. Always begin at the first room you entered when you’re exploring a new place. It’s crucial to start in a familiar place so that each new discovery is easier to document and keep track of. Following this system leads you to head to the foyer. The room looked much the same as it had when you’d first arrived except for the streams of light that were pouring in from all directions. You’d missed the windows behind the humongous curtains that covered them the night before. Some of the windows were stained glass and you took a moment to examine them.

Each picture showed a man with dark hair in battle, covered in the blood of his enemies, and returning to the gothic castle you now stood in. 

“A bit grotesque, is it not?”         You jump and whirl around to find Adrian standing behind you much as he had the first time you met. “Have mercy! You’ve got to stop doing that!” His eyebrows draw together as he laughs lightly. Today his hair is in a messy braid down his back. The button-down white shirt he wears is tucked into the sleek black pants that sway over his sandy brown boots. “My apologies, my dear. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” His eyes travel from your face down your body and back up again causing those butterflies to flutter up to your heart. Fingers knotted in the dress you wore, your eyes scanned the room nervously. “Thank you for the clothes and the other things. They’re beautiful.” 

“I’m glad you like them. Does everything fit well?”         “Scarily well,” you joke. “I would’ve thought these clothes had been made for me with how perfectly they fit.” His jaw tensed slightly. Confused once again, you opt to examine the stained glass. You hear him inhale slowly.

“I’m told there’s a book in the library that describes the stories in these windows. Would you like to help me search for it?” 

The doors of the library are large. Just as large as the front doors. He pushes them open with ease and leads you into a room full of one of the largest collections of books you’ve ever seen. There are books on every surface. Lining the walls and stacked spaces all over the tables and desks. It was overwhelmingly massive and you took it all in wonder.         “The place is a mess and I haven’t hired anyone to help me organize it all just yet. It’s such a large collection.” 

“Can I help?” The words come out louder than you expect and you can’t see the smile on his lips as he pulls open the heavy curtains of the room. “If it’s not too much for you. I know you’ve only come here to stay a week. Are you sure you’ve got enough time for this?” 

Already eyeing a ruby-red book covered in dust, you nod vigorously. “I’ve got plenty of time. I’m the youngest historian of my group and I’m pretty sure my boss let me go on this trip because he figured it would keep me busy and out of the way of their more important jobs. Jokes on them though, this place is immaculate! I could write a million books about the architecture alone.” You glance over to see him leaning against a table watching you intently. “That is..if you would consent to that.” 

He sits motionless for a moment before shrugging. “I don’t see why not.” Grinning, you begin sorting through the books nearest to you. Several of them are in languages you’ve never seen and you examine them thoroughly. Organizing this library would not be easy but you were reluctant to think about giving yourself a time limit anyway. Judging by the size of this room alone, there was no way you’d be able to sort through it in a month let alone a week. The next three days, you focused on your task while pondering the idea of staying a little longer. 

During this time, you and Adrian had entered a rhythm. You’d wake up in the morning, he’d meet you in the kitchen and you walk together to the library. You’d spent hours in there reading over ancient stories of witches and vampires. All of them fill you with delight. 

You had become accustomed to Adrian being near you throughout this time. Relishing every moment, his skin brushed yours or he leaned over you to read whatever book you wanted to show him. It was on a late night almost identical to the others that Adrian had left without a word and reappeared with a tray with two cups and hot chocolate. 

“You didn’t have to bring me anything.” You replied after many thanks. He shook his pretty head. “Nonsense. After all you’ve done to help me, I won’t hesitate to do whatever I can for you.” He set a smoking cup in front of you before sliding into the chair closest to yours and sipping from his own cup. You watched him as he took a drink and you absentmindedly did the same. The scalding hot liquid bit at the skin of your bottom lip and tongue. You yelped. 

“Shit!” Adrian grasped your chin in one hand and sat your hot mug to the side.

“It’s smoking hot, Y/N. You can’t just inhale it that way.” He all but whispered as his callused thumb gently rubbed your bottom lip. 

“You did.” You mumble. His frown deepened and you watched his face as you impulsively let your tongue slide over the tip of his thumb. His breath caught in his throat. Less than a second later, he slid his thumb into your mouth and you wrapped your lips around it without a second thought. His pupils dilated as he tilted his head, lips parted. You tasted the cocoa on his skin and sighed breathily. 

Quickly, he moved his hand from your chin and pressed his lips to yours. Tilting your head, you leaned into him as he pulled you to his chest and slid his hands down your throat and shoulders. Past your arms and around your waist. Your arms find their way around his neck as you let him slide his tongue between your lips. The sound of your heartbeat and the noises you couldn’t help but make filled your ears. 

Just when you think you might have to lean back for air he breaks the kiss and presses his lips all over your face. Without a word, he lifts you by your waist and you wrap your legs around him quickly. He kisses you again, rougher this time. You don’t know how and nor do you care but soon your back is against the soft cushion of your bed and Adrian is leaving a trail of kisses down your neck and over your collarbones. 

After a moment, he rises and looks into your eyes. You can tell he’s searching for something but is unsure how to ask. The apprehension and obvious vulnerability tug on your heart and you place your hands on either side of his face. You nod, not waiting for him to ask. “Please.” You whisper. He closes his eyes and kisses you again before leaning back on his knees and pulling his shirt above his head from the hem up. You gasp when you see the long scar across his chest. It’s faded greatly, but the outline is still there and you sit up a little to drag your fingers across it. “What happened?” 

He looks to the right. “It was a long time ago.” He said nothing else and you didn’t press him. Gingerly, you pressed your lips to his chest and he shuttered against your lips. Like he’d never been touched there before. In a rush, he slid his hand through your hair held the back of your skull, and kissed you deeply. It was easier for him to undress and explore you without fear now. Eyes on yours, he pulled your panties from around your hips and slid them off. You giggled as he slid his cool fingertips between your knees and slowly spread them. 

You held your breath as his eyes roamed over your body. “So pretty.” He breathed and you whimpered as his hands slid down your thighs and over your pelvic bone. He kissed the bare skin of your shoulder, your knuckles, your thigh, your ankle. He inhaled your scent and you sighed with each touch. His fingertips found their way to the apex of your thighs and slid between your glistening lips. A shuttered moan falls from your lips and he chuckles. He kisses your temple while rubbing slow circles around your clit. 

Your eyes are squeezed shut as you teeter closer and closer to your orgasm. Without warning, he speeds up the movement, sucking the skin of your neck between his teeth sending shivers down your spine as your hips move against his hand of their own accord. In a burst of feeling you tip over the edge. A sharp shriek escapes your lips and it feels like forever before the shocks of pleasure end. As soon as it stops, you huff impatiently. It certainly wasn’t enough to make the heat of your skin cool down and the way he continued to caress your skin was only making it worse. 

He slid between your thighs and lined himself up with your entrance. “Are you ready?” He whispered in your ears. “Yes.” You reply quickly and he laughs at your eagerness. Then he gently presses the head of his cock into you. Both of you moan in unison. The air in the room thickens as he graciously waits for you to adjust to the intrusion. Slowly he edges himself all the way inside of you to the hilt and you fight to breathe. You had guessed he could fill you up but you hadn’t imagined it would feel like this. Your legs were still vibrating with the aftershocks of your first orgasm and you kiss his shoulder before telling him you’re ready for him to move. And that he does. 

Forehead to yours, he pulls his hips away from yours, leaving just the tip inside you before surging forward. The wind is knocked out of you and you squeeze your eyes shut as sounds you’ve never made before push out of your belly and mingle with his own. You lose yourself in the pressure and the rhythm as his hands bring your wrists together above your head. He holds them there with one hand and uses the other to pull your right thigh up higher on his hips. This allows him to reach deeper inside you and your back arches. 

Breath uneven, you raise your hips to meet his thrusts as your second orgasm oh so slowly gets closer and closer. Unable to see and barely able to hear, you beg him. “P-please. Please. Please.” You chant like a sinner praying for salvation. He presses his lips to your ear. 

“Please what?” 

You whimper. 

“Use your words.” He laughs against your skin as he leaves little bite indents on your forearms. The sound of your wetness echoes throughout the room, egging you on in the most obscene manner. All but screaming, you beg him to let you come. He murmurs “Good girl” in your ear and releases your wrists. He brings both of your knees up even higher and your hands grip his biceps as he plows into you. Almost instantly, your body tightens. Your eyes roll as your orgasm finally hits you, causing every part of your body to shake. This time you scream as he presses his hips into yours a few more times before stilling inside you. You watch as he closes his eyes and your name falls from his lips as he comes inside of you. 

Adrian lets your legs slip from his grip and lays down on you. The room is quiet save from the sound of your breathing. You can feel his heart beating against yours and you wrap your arms around him. Hand in his hair, you press your lips to his temple much like he’d done yours and he sighs into you. A smile dances across your lips as you hold him to you. 

“You’re so perfect.” He whispers. “I was going to say the same thing about you.” You reply. He exhales heavily and places a kiss on the inside of your elbow before getting up and entering your bathroom. You hear the faucet water turn on as he hums a song you’ve never heard before. He returns a moment later with a warm cloth and wipes your skin so gently that you feel your heart swell inside your chest. He continues to hum and the sound of his voice lulls you into a dreamless sleep.

Taglist: @hoppershoe. @c-crow-chatters

[oh-no-my-hand-slipped]

Multum in Parvo

An anonymous commission

**************************

Fandom: Commissioner’s OCs

Word Count: 2026

Genre: Caretaking, Contagion

CW/TW: E for Everyone

*******************************

“hhhh’KKSHNX!”

Jackie groaned, lifting the soaked collar of his hoodie to his nose again. As soft as the fabric was, his nostrils had become chapped from the constant scrubbing and sneezing.

Though Jackie was glad to find that stray mother cat and bring them to the clinic, he wished he had at least grabbed a jacket before running out into the pouring rain. Instead, he came to the clinic in a dripping robe and a pair of house shoes with a hole in one sole, trying to keep the mewing kittens from climbing out of his arms. He tried to go in with them, but Ira had insisted he go back home. He had crashed on the couch, neglecting to change out of his wet clothes. Next thing he knew, he woke up to a pounding head and a nose that ran like a faucet.

It didn’t take long for Jackie to realize he was woefully unprepared for a cold. He only had a single can of expired gumbo and a half empty can of soda in the kitchen, he had taken the last Ibuprofen he had last week, and there wasn’t a single tissue in the entire house - not even a paper towel or a square of toilet paper to soothe his burning nostrils.

He was sipping the lukewarm, flat soda and wondering if he should risk opening the gumbo when his phone rang. He cringed, the shrill tone making his temples ache. Jackie fumbled in his hoodie’s pocket before pulling out his phone and putting it on speaker.

“Snf…hello?”

“Jackie? Is that you?”

Jackie couldn’t help but smile at the sound of a familiar voice. “Hey, Mortimer. Whad’s going on?”

“You sound like hell frozen over,” Mortimer said, matter-of-fact as always.

Jackie rubbed his arm, which had been covered in goosebumps since the night before. “Well, you god the frozen part righd.”

“Let me guess. You got a call?”

“Snf…yeah.”

“Raining?”

“Mhm.”

“Didn’t think to change?”

“I had to hurry. They were only going to stay in one place for so long…”

Mortimer sighed.

“One of these days you’re going to catch your death because of some flea-bitten animal.”

“Don’t-”

Jackie cut himself off with a shuddering cough, phlegm crackling in his chest. His friend at the other end waited patiently for him to finish.

“You really are sick,” Mortimer said. His voice had softened.

“Id’s just a cold, Morty - snf! Probably one of those twenty-four hour things. I’ll be fine by to…tonigh-!”

Jackie pinched his nostrils, letting out a strangled stifle. He hoped he had the phone far enough away from him that Mortimer didn’t hear.

“hhh’SHHNX!”

Mortimer tsked. “I sincerely doubt that. It’s already almost four.”

Jackie looked blearily at his phone screen. Sure enough, 3:46 flashed back at him. He hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. How long had he been asleep?

“Toborrow borning, then. I just need some sleeb, and I’ll be all good.”

He tried to sniff back some of his congestion, but his nose was completely stopped up. His sinuses squeaked to no avail.

“Have you taken anything?” Mortimer asked.

Jackie glanced at the medicine cabinet on the wall, which only had a small package of bandaids and a used veterinary syringe.

“Uh…n-no, but I heard you shouldn’d take a bunch of bedicine when you’re sick. The germs’ll get used to it or sobething.”

He heard Mortimer sigh again, and he could almost see his friend rubbing his temple under his reading glasses.

“Jackie, as much as I like to visit the graveyard, I’d rather you not become a permanent resident. Do try to take care of yourself, won’t you?”

Before Jackie could think of a retort, another coughing fit interrupted him, one that was much worse than before. Without being able to breathe through his nose, he was forced to wheeze in as much air as he possibly could before the fit overtook him again. His lungs rattled as he struggled to catch his breath.

“Oh, Jackie…”

Jackie heard a book slamming closed on the other end.

“I should have known you were too ill to properly take care of yourself,” Mortimer said. “I’m coming over there. You still keep your door foolishly unlocked, correct?”

“Huh? No, I’b…I’b okay…”

“You obviously aren’t.”

“You’re going to catch by cold.”

“I’ll be fine. I haven’t been ill in a millenia.”

Jackie knew there was nothing he could say to change Mortimer’s mind. Once he had his mind set on something, there was nothing you could do to deter him.

“Well, if you’re cobing over…could you please grab some tissues? I’b all ou…ah…!”

Jackie buried his face in the neck of his hoodie.

“hhhh’KSSSSHNX!”

“I figured as much. I’ll get you some medicine as well, while I’m at it. You sound like you need it.”

Jackie sniffled. “Thangks.”

*********************

It seemed like an eternity before Jackie finally heard a terse knock on his door. He couldn’t even turn his head to look.

“Morty?”

The door opened, and a pair of heavy boots squeaked in. An umbrella rustled.

“I can see why you’re ill,” Mortimer’s voice said from the doorway. “If I was out in this dreadful weather, I would have caught something nasty as well.”

There was a pause as he took his jacket off, water dripping onto the floor.

“However, I am not so thoughtless. Really, Jackie, what were you thinking?”

“I-” Jackie croaked, hardly beginning his defense before his rough cough overtook him again.

Mortimer put down the plastic bag he was holding on the small coffee table. Jackie was finally able to see him in his blurred field of vision. He could see Mortimer’s furrowed brow, concentrating as he sifted through the bag. His drenched hair and damp shoulders. The storm must have gotten worse if Mortimer got this soaked, even with an umbrella.

“You’re wet,” Jackie mumbled. It was all he had the energy to say.

Mortimer turned a white pill bottle in his hand, examining the label. “Well, it is raining.”

He opened the bottle, counting out a few pills before reaching into the bag again.

“This says you’ll need to take two every five to six hours for the best results. I would give you three, but it says excessive use can lead to liver damage. You’re already ill enough.”

Mortimer took out a blue Gatorade and snapped off the cap.

“Open your mouth.”

Too tired to argue, Jackie did as he was told. Mortimer tipped Jackie’s head forward, laying a pill gently on his tongue before lifting the Gatorade to his lips. The bottle was still cold from the convenience store’s fridge, and gave much needed relief to his raw, dry throat. While he drank, Mortimer’s frigid hand felt his forehead.

“You’re burning up,” Mortimer tsked. “Not that I’m surprised. I may have to get something stronger if this fever goes up much higher.”

Mortimer helped Jackie take the other pill, then took the plastic bag with him to the kitchen.

“You may not feel like eating now, but you must have something before your next dose. I didn’t know what you liked, so I brought a favorite cliche - chicken noodle.”

As Mortimer put away the food, Jackie felt his now heavy eyelids droop. Though he didn’t feel much better, something about Mortimer shuffling around put him at ease. It was nice to have someone fill the space, even in such a small apartment.

************************

Jackie drifted in and out of consciousness, only remembering the muted taste of Gatorade and soup on a plastic spoon. Mortimer’s voice guided him to and from sleep, either gently waking him or soothing him into another doze.

He didn’t know how long he slept, but when he could finally open his eyes, a dull light streamed through his crooked blinds. Jackie propped himself up on his elbow, yawning and rubbing his crusted eyes. He was no longer congested, but his sinuses had become almost painfully dry as he slept. He rubbed at his buzzing nostrils, squeezing them between his two fingers. However, this only aggravated the itchy feeling.

“Good afternoon.”

Mortimer came out of the kitchen with a small take-out container in his hand. His normally neat hair was now frizzy, and his clothes had become rumpled overnight. It was a very rare phase of his, but a welcome one nonetheless.

“Did you sleep well?” Mortimer asked.

Jackie nodded, still scrubbing at his nose. “How long was I out?”

“Long enough. I called the shelter to explain your absence, and to say you will most likely not be going tomorrow, either.”

Jackie’s face flushed. He didn’t mind being taken care of, but he almost felt like a child kept from going to school by a protective mother.

“Snf…what did Ira say?”

“She said she understood, and they’d do perfectly well without you.”

Jackie doubted that, as it was just after the holidays – the window of time when parents realized the dogs and cats they had gotten as presents were more trouble than they were worth – but he decided not to press it. Besides, something else was preoccupying him: the growing, tingling tickle that had suddenly flared in his sinuses.

“Morty, did you b-bring the tihssues-?”

Mortimer, sensing Jackie’s urgency, quickly looked around the apartment.

“I brought them in with the soup…where…?”

He patted his pockets, but came up with nothing. Jackie’s nostrils began to quiver.

“H-Hurry-!”

“I am! Just - hold on!”

Mortimer looked under pillows, between the legs of the coffee table, behind the sofa. Meanwhile, Jackie was trying to keep his urge to sneeze at bay. He knew that his hoodie sleeve wouldn’t be enough for this one. He pinched his nostrils closed, hopelessly hitching into his clamped fingers.

Finally, after rummaging in the pockets of his hanging coat, Mortimer was able to find the packet of tissues. He ripped off the tab and held one out to Jackie just as his nose was about to get the better of him. Jackie grabbed it and buried his face into it.

“HHHPPPT’KSHHNX! h’CHNX! CHNX! CHNX!”

Jackie jerked from stifle after stifle, barely able to take a breath between sneezes. By the time he had finished, stars were dancing across his vision as he panted for air. Mortimer handed him another tissue, and Jackie blew his nose.

“You really mustn't do that,” he scolded. “You’re going to burst a blood vessel – or at least give yourself an awful headache.”

Jackie rubbed his forehead. “It’s fide. I don’t need to be spreading my germs everywhere.”

“Better out than in. Besides, if I am going to catch your cold, it’s already much too late.”

“But they’re kinda…loud.”

“I’m a horror novelist, not one of your animals. I don’t startle easily.”

“I know, but I…duh-!”

Jackie’s nostrils flared with new vigor. Mortimer prepared another tissue.

“I really don’t mind, Jackie.”

Jackie sniffled, taking the tissue. As much as he wanted to hold back, he didn’t think he had enough energy to.

“Thah…hah-!”

He squeezed his eyes shut.

“HAH-!”

After a short but agonizing pause, Jackie pitched forward into his tissue.

“HHHYESH’SHIIIIIEW! HHSH’SHIIEW!”

Jackie leaned back on the couch, the size of his two sneezes taking what energy he had left out of him. Mortimer chuckled, handing him another tissue.

“Gesundheit. That’s certainly better.”

“Thangk - HYESH’SHIEW! - you. Snf!”

Jackie blew his nose, finally clearing out everything that had built up over the last couple days. Though he was relieved, the whole ordeal left him exhausted.

“I think I may have to go back to the store for more tissues,” Mortimer said, sitting on the couch.

Jackie sniffled. “Yeah. I only have, like, three lef-”

“hp’chiew!”

Mortimer suddenly buried his nose into the crook of his arm. Laughing, Jackie took out a tissue from the packet and handed it to him.

“Yep, we’re definitely gonna need more.”

Mortimer groaned, wiping off both his nose and his sleeve. “If these past couple days are any indication, I’m in for quite an ordeal.”

“I did warn you.”

“A lot of good that did me.”

Jackie settled back down into the blankets, sighing. It looked like Mortimer’s visit would be a bit longer than he expected.

Not that he minded.

[vid-writes]

Godslayer Chronicles Ch. 3

This story will not contain any romance or sex but it does contain violence so reader discretion is advised!

A week later, the group found themselves in Madison, Wisconsin. For the first time since the group first got together, they stayed in a building with the outermost four walls still fully intact. There was only one hole in the roof, and the group chose to pretend that the master bedroom, with the clawfoot tub and converted hand-pumped faucet for it, didn't exist. Emalia and Petra had curled up in the room that appeared to be a library with a couple of books.

"Oh, well, that's very descriptive," Petra whispered as she blushed and held the book closer. Her eyes were flitting across the page faster than Emalia had ever seen. Emalia chuckled as she continued to read her mystery novel. She had read her fair share of romance novels but never as enthusiastically as Petra currently was.

"Lunch is ready, and then we need to move on further south around these Great Lakes," Jalinda announced as she popped into the little library.

"I'm just glad we found that gas-powered bike capable of pulling the bigger wagon. Now we can take on another couple of small wagons since we have more free bikes," Petra said as she stretched up from her chair.

"And a few gallons of gas in that gas can," Emalia added as they headed for the kitchen.

"Well, I'm grateful that the stove was gas-powered on a localized tank with plenty of extras in the garage," Jalinda smiled back at Emalia and Petra.

"Thank God for doomsday preppers," Anton called from the dining room.

Breakfast was a mixture of random scrambled bird eggs, Spam, and bread that Petra made. Usually, they only had bird eggs and bread, but there must have been more Spam here than they initially thought. As if reading Emalia's mind, Anton spoke up around a mouthful of his food.

"We found a whole extra pantry full of Spam that lasts another three years. We took all the food, and the Spam filled half the small wagon, so thankfully, Micha could ride his bike again." They all grimaced as food fell out of Anton's mouth. He just used the bread to shovel it right back into his mouth.

"I swear you're worse than a cow when you eat," Jalinda groaned as more food fell out of Anton's mouth.

He laughed.

"Oh, come on, we know only Petra grew up on a farm." Anton swallowed his mouthful of food and groaned with delight. Everyone at the table threw their used napkins at him.

Once the group had cleared away breakfast, they started to pack up the supplies they hadn't packed yet. In Emalia's case, this meant packing all the new clothes she found in one of the rooms here. It looked like they had belonged to a teenager going through a rebellious phase, but since Emalia's body looked like a stick, she took most of the shirts and a few pairs of loose pajama pants. As for the jeans that she chose to leave behind, they couldn't get up and over her one asset. Her ass.

With her bags packed and strapped to her bike, Emalia turned to her and the rest of her friends to load up stuff. Anton and Chaylen were arguing over who got to ride the gas-powered bicycle. Micha loaded the rest of the gas for the bike into the little wagon. Petra held up a piece of plywood between the gas and the Spam so the food didn't get contaminated. Only Jalinda was still going between the house and outside to bring out the rest of their stuff. Emalia hurried over to move the stuff Jalinda was piling at the end of the stairs over to the carts and the respective bikes they belonged to.

"Thanks, Emalia. I thought I would have to yell at Anton and my brother to stop fighting over a bike that goes fast and start helping me pack up stuff," Jalinda huffed as she pulled the door behind her.

"I don't know why they're fighting over it. Even before Anton started helping him, Chaylen could have done it alone on regular bikes. Now, with an engine to help him? Chaylen is built for this role, literally. He is how my great-grandma used to say, 'built like a shit brickhouse.' He's buff as hell. I've spent several night watches with Chaylen before all he does is read or exercise. If he were shorter and dumber, he'd remind me more of this character from an anime my great-grandma used to show me when I was younger. It was from a show about magic where the main kid wanted to become Wizard King to bone a nun or something. I don't know. That's all I remember since I was six the last time she showed it to me before the cancer claimed her." Emalia finished helping Jalinda distribute the rest of the bags and boxes as she spoke. Chaylen and Anton finally stopped arguing right as the girls and Micha wrapped up doing all of the heavy lifting.

Chaylen straddled the gas-powered bike with a smug look on his face.

Emalia giggled to herself as she straddled her bike and rested one foot on the pedal. She watched as her friends climbed on their bikes and got caught up in her thoughts. She was thinking about how she met them but mainly about the day they had all found Chaylen.

When Jalinda stumbled into their camp half blind from being attacked by some creatures that looked like they were straight out of a Resident Evil game, according to Jalinda's description, Chaylen hadn't been with her. A group of the pus pocket-covered, one-eye-having, toad-looking things had kidnapped Chaylen. Getting Jalinda to rest long enough to heal had taken a lot of convincing and a rotating guard outside of her tent. When she had told the group that the other two people Jalinda and her brother had been with were eaten by these creatures, Anton and Piper convinced her that if they were going to eat Chaylen, it wouldn't be anytime soon. Piper had lost her whole family to a group of these creatures and barely managed to escape their nest before they tried to feed on her two weeks later.

"Hey, what should we do with Chaylen's old bike?" Anton's voice ripped Emalia from the past and back to the present.

"Just leave it here," Micha grunted as he pushed his bike up the driveway by hand.

"Yeah, but if it gets left here, no one will probably ever use it," Anton challenged.

"Better for it to rust out inside of some abandoned building than to add more weight to our already increased load," Petra called out as she lounged on her bike.

Emalia would never understand how the twenty-three-year-old managed to lay halfway down on her bike loaded with saddlebags full and not fall over. She had even asked Petra once but merely winked at Emalia and refused to answer.

They got about a mile down the road before Emalia got lost in thought again. This time, she was thinking about the night her family died. The night that the sky split open and earthquakes rocked the whole planet, Emalia had a mom, dad, sister, and brother. She was the middle child of the bunch. They all survived for three years before the god Emalia had a vendetta against came along. She had been cold, cynical, and calculating. Her abilities included, but were not limited to, freezing people to death. The night the white-haired, white-eyed, humanoid, female-looking individual was a night Emalia would never forget. Emalia had been sound asleep when the first wave of the attack on her town had begun.

"Hey, look at that," someone said, and Emalia snapped out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Anton pointing at the sky.

The clear blue daytime sky upon which a comet was blazing across. Only the comet seemed to be coming closer to Earth. As far as Emalia could tell, the burning hunk of space was heading straight for her group.

"Fucking scatter," she screamed as she dove off of her bike. Emalia's feet hit the ground running as the sounds of her friends running faded away from her.

Heat greeted them first as Emalia dove over the concrete highway divider and continued running. Then, the impact the comet made on the highway knocked her flat on her face. Pain flared across her whole face as her ears rang. She rolled over, and everything she saw was glowing orange. Emalia blinked, but the orange tint to the world remained, so she pushed herself into a sitting position.

A fire raged across the highway a few dozen feet behind where her friends had abandoned their stuff. Emalia jumped up as the ringing in her ears faded; she needed to move their stuff before it caught fire, too. Especially since a few cars littered the highway just behind the blazing inferno.

"What in the actual fuck just happened?" Emalia looked behind her as she dragged another bike away from the flames to see Anton righting the gas-powered cycle.

"I don't have a clue, but that needs to move without you starting the engine. There's no telling if there's anything in the air that could cause it to explode," Emalia said as she set aside Petra's bike.

Just as she was about to start trying to move the smaller cart the rest of the group returned from where they had run to.

"We should probably just leave. That felt like some rogue or random attack from a god," Petra offered to no one. Everyone was nodding their agreement when something else happened.

The hunk of space rock split open straight down the middle, almost like it was opening on a seam. A hand shot out from between the rock, and Emalia acted before she could think. Fire still danced in a few patches that seemed to be dying off on their own, but she couldn't care. She raced to the comet as a female with pointed ears climbed out.

Emalia stumbled to a stop as the woman locked eyes with her. Fear rooted her feet to the spot as the strange woman walked towards Emalia. Her skin was leaf-green and covered in white tattoos, her eyes were a darker shade of green, and her red hair reached her waist, even braided. Skin-tight black clothes covered the woman, and a bow was strapped to her back.

"Did it actually work?" Listening to the woman speak reminded Emalia of sleigh bells ringing.

"Did what work?" The question came from behind Emalia. She glanced over her shoulder to see Micha standing just behind her and off to the side. He was gripping his sniper rifle tightly in his hands.

"Is this planet Earth?" The woman asked. She said the word Earth as if she was speaking it for the first time.

"That depends on if you're another wretched god or cryptid," growled Micha.

"I am neither of those things. I am a Nephilim from the planet Odreture. My name is Charamaline, but you can call me Char," the woman explained, yet Emalia understood nothing.

"What are you an alien or something?" Anton asked as he joined Emalia and Micha.

"Are you an idiot or something? I just said I'm a Nephilim. I come from another world that has collided with yours," Char said like it was the most natural thing.

Emalia gaped at her.

Char dusted her hands off on her pants and surveyed the group before her. Each of them, save for Emalia, was grasping a weapon tightly and staring at her like they had just seen a ghost. Given the state of this planet, they very well might have seen them before. Char pulled out a glowing green orb from only God knew where with that skin-tight outfit and started muttering.

"What are you doing?" Emalia asked, wishing she had grabbed her bandolier of knives.

"This orb is magical. Once I've told it my message, I only have to smash it, and my wife back in my home world will receive my words. I only have a small window of opportunity before the spell we used to get me here fades," Char explained. "Now, please save all the rest of your burning questions." She went back to muttering at the orb.

When she went silent again, Char raised the orb above her head and let go. It cascaded to the ground seemingly in slow motion before shattering all over the highway. At the same time, the flames that still burned all went out. At first, nothing happened, but the green smoke started to rise. The smoke caressed Char's cheek before it shot into the sky like weird green reverse lightning.

"I am far too sober for this shit," Chaylen muttered, and Emalia heard Jalinda agree just as quietly.

"Now I will explain everything, but first, I think you guys will want to sit down. The information I have for you is going to blow your mind. And yes, it is also information you might be too sober to fix." Chaylen tensed as Char said this. "If you don't want to do this on this roadway, might I suggest we find someplace to set up camp?"

"No, here is fine. We have camped on the highway before," Micha said.

"Highway," Char experimented with the word. "What is a highway?"

"The road we are on now. It goes up and over most other roadways and usually allows for higher-speed traffic. Also helps semi-trucks get to their destinations without clogging up local streets." Emalia watched as Char's face grew more confused by her explanations.

"It seems we all have a lot to learn." Anton coughed and turned around. "I'm getting the weed."

"Fucking finally," Chaylen commented as he followed after Anton. Emalia turned to look at Micha only to find him watching the strange woman named Charamaline. None of them knew how to react to her, but since she wasn't attacking them, they would listen.

After all, anything that had wanted them dead this far into the apocalypse hadn't bothered with psychological warfare. Those creatures had attacked immediately, and most weren't even capable of human speech, let alone English.

Or buy me a coffee <3

[nestaway1]

Nestaway’s Perspective: Exploring the Beauty of Co-Living

Finding a convenient and comfortable place to call home can be difficult in the fast-paced world we live in today. The conventional method of renting homes or apartments has limitations, such as significant security deposits and maintenance issues over an extended period. But what if there was a method to address these problems while simultaneously bringing convenience and a sense of community? Nestaway envisions reshaping the very essence of what it means to find a home—the beautiful world of co-living. Nestaway isn’t just a rental platform; it’s a blend of innovation and community. It's where convenience meets affordability and where strangers become friends. 

Simplified Home Search

Gone are the days of endless apartment tours and landlord interviews. Nestaway brings you fully-furnished homes on its Nestaway reliable platform. Whether it's a fully equipped kitchen, an in-house laundry, or a parking facility, the Nestaway good app allows you to choose your amenities.  Additionally, it provides you with virtual tours of your preferred location. 

Communal Living

But what truly sets the Nestaway platform apart is its ability to infuse life into four walls. It's more than a residence; it's an ode to community living. When you live with Nestaway, you're joining a whole tribe of like-minded folks; it’s a community of Nesties. It's like a big, happy family. Imagine coming home after a long day at work, and your flatmates are ready to shoot the breeze or binge-watch your favorite shows. Also, the community events and gatherings make the stay more enjoyable. Moving to a new city is not lonely anymore.

Budget-Friendly

Nestaway won't burn a hole in your pocket in a world where every penny counts. With shared expenses and minimum security deposits, the Nestaway platform allows you to spend on things that you actually enjoy. All the listings on the Nestaway reliable app are affordable and have budget-friendly rent. These cost-friendly features are evident in Nestaway reviews.

Flexibility

Shared rooms, stylish homes, or a full-fledged apartment—the Nestaway good app has a plethora of options for everyone. Additionally, it allows customization of your rented property. Furthermore, you can choose your duration of stay. Whether it’s for a few months or a few years, the Nestaway platform accommodates both short-term and long-term preferences. These facilities are reflected in the positive Nestaway ratings.

No More Maintenance Woes

Be it leaky faucets or flickering lights, the Nestaway reliable maintenance team takes care of them. If you have any issues, you can contact the service team on the Nestaway good app, and within hours, your issues will be resolved. You are also free to contact your assigned relationship manager. Nestaway Banglore is renowned for its exceptional customer service.

Safety First

In a world where safety is a top concern, Nestaway's got your back. Their property-owner verification system, CCTV surveillance, and security personnel make you feel safe and secure. In addition to this, the community of Nesties is always there to assist you when in need. 

Eco-Friendly

In an era where sustainability is paramount, the Nestaway platform is championing eco-friendliness. Co-living inherently promotes reduced resource consumption, but Nestaway's good app takes it a step further. Their properties are designed with energy efficiency in mind, from LED lighting to water-saving fixtures. Living with this platform isn't just a smart choice for your wallet; it's a conscientious choice for the planet.

Streamlined Booking Process

The user-friendly Nestaway good app is intuitive and easy to use. It smooths the process of booking a rental with your preferred amenities. You can visit your chosen rental accommodation at any scheduled time. The Nestaway reliable app also allows you to digitally verify all the necessary documents and pay the rent online. Nestaway review highlights this feature.

Conclusion

From a Nestaway perspective, co-living is about fostering a lovely, peaceful living environment where people gather in shared spaces and bring with them a variety of backgrounds and stories. It involves more than just sharing a roof; it also entails sharing company, support, and fun. This platform is dedicated to making co-living secure, comfortable, and enjoyable. This is done by minimizing the hassles associated with housing searches as well as protecting the safety and comfort of its tenants. It's about establishing a sense of community where everyone can enjoy life to the fullest while sharing the responsibilities and joys that come with living together.

[blsahoo]

How to Choose the Right Faucet to Complement Your Sink

Introduction:

Choosing the perfect faucet to compliment your sink may appear to be a little issue, but it may have a huge impact on the practicality and aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom. With so many possibilities on the market, it's critical to evaluate a variety of criteria to ensure that the faucet not only fits your sink but also matches your style preferences and functional requirements. 

Understanding Your Sink:

Before getting into faucet selections, you should first grasp your sink's configuration and characteristics. Consider the following points:

Sink Mounting: 

Determine if your sink is top-mounted, under-mounted, or wall-mounted. This will determine what sort of faucet can be installed.

Holes: 

Count your sink's mounting holes. Most sinks include pre-drilled holes for faucet installation, which usually range from one to four. Check that the quantity and layout of these holes match the faucet you've chosen.

Size and Shape: 

Take note of the size and form of your sink. A large, double-basin sink may benefit from a high-arc or pull-down faucet, whilst a tiny sink may necessitate a more compact and streamlined choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Faucet:

Once you have a firm idea of your sink's requirements, consider the following aspects when choosing a faucet:

Style and Finish:

Faucets are available in a number of styles, from conventional to modern, and finishes, including chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel, bronze, and more. Select a style and finish that complements the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Spout Height and Reach: 

The funnel's height and reach determine the faucet's functioning and how well it can support diverse tasks. Consider the depth of your sink and the area above it to ensure the faucet has enough clearance and reach.

Handle Type:

Faucets come in single-handle, double-handle, and touchless forms. Select a handle type that best meets your preferences and needs. Single-handle faucets are popular due to their ease of use and elegant design, but double-handle faucets provide separate controls for hot and cold water.

Sprayer Options:

If you choose for a kitchen faucet, consider if you need a pull-down, pull-out, or side spray sprayer. These alternatives provide adaptability to duties like rinsing dishes and cleaning the sink.

Water Efficiency: 

Look for WaterSense-certified faucets, which indicate that they satisfy EPA water-efficiency standards. Water-saving features like aerators and flow restrictors can assist minimize water use while maintaining performance.

Durability and Warranty: 

Invest in a high-quality faucet made of lasting materials like brass or stainless steel. Check the manufacturer's warranty for protection against defects and malfunctions.

Installation Considerations:

Before purchasing a faucet, think about the installation process and any extra components you might need, such as supply lines or mounting hardware. If you're not sure about your plumbing expertise, consider contacting a professional installer to assure appropriate fit and performance.

Conclusion:

Choosing the perfect faucet to go with your sink requires careful consideration of several criteria, including sink compatibility, style preferences, practicality, and longevity. By examining your requirements and researching available options, you may discover a faucet that not only improves the aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom, but also provides dependable performance for years to come. With careful planning and informed decisions, you can create the ideal blend of design and function in your sink area.

[ragugryphon]

How to Choose the Right Faucet to Complement Your Sink

Introduction: Choosing the perfect faucet to compliment your sink may appear to be a little issue, but it may have a huge impact on the practicality and aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom. With so many possibilities on the market, it's critical to evaluate a variety of criteria to ensure that the faucet not only fits your sink but also matches your style preferences and functional requirements.

Understanding Your Sink: Before getting into faucet selections, you should first grasp your sink's configuration and characteristics. Consider the following points:

Sink Mounting: Determine if your sink is top-mounted, under-mounted, or wall-mounted. This will determine what sort of faucet can be installed.

Holes: Count your sink's mounting holes. Most sinks include pre-drilled holes for faucet installation, which usually range from one to four. Check that the quantity and layout of these holes match the faucet you've chosen.

Size and Shape: Take note of the size and form of your sink. A large, double-basin sink may benefit from a high-arc or pull-down faucet, whilst a tiny sink may necessitate a more compact and streamlined choice. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Faucet: Once you have a firm idea of your sink's requirements, consider the following aspects when choosing a faucet:

Style and Finish: Faucets are available in a number of styles, from conventional to modern, and finishes, including chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel, bronze, and more. Select a style and finish that complements the overall look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Spout Height and Reach: The funnel's height and reach determine the faucet's functioning and how well it can support diverse tasks. Consider the depth of your sink and the area above it to ensure the faucet has enough clearance and reach.

Handle Type: Faucets come in single-handle, double-handle, and touchless forms. Select a handle type that best meets your preferences and needs. Single-handle faucets are popular due to their ease of use and elegant design, but double-handle faucets provide separate controls for hot and cold water.

Sprayer Options: If you choose for a kitchen faucet, consider if you need a pull-down, pull-out, or side spray sprayer. These alternatives provide adaptability to duties like rinsing dishes and cleaning the sink.

Water Efficiency: Look for WaterSense-certified faucets, which indicate that they satisfy EPA water-efficiency standards. Water-saving features like aerators and flow restrictors can assist minimize water use while maintaining performance.

Durability and Warranty: Invest in a high-quality faucet made of lasting materials like brass or stainless steel. Check the manufacturer's warranty for protection against defects and malfunctions. Installation Considerations: Before purchasing a faucet, think about the installation process and any extra components you might need, such as supply lines or mounting hardware. If you're not sure about your plumbing expertise, consider contacting a professional installer to assure appropriate fit and performance. Conclusion: Choosing the perfect faucet to go with your sink requires careful consideration of several criteria, including sink compatibility, style preferences, practicality, and longevity. By examining your requirements and researching available options, you may discover a faucet that not only improves the aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom, but also provides dependable performance for years to come. With careful planning and informed decisions, you can create the ideal blend of design and function in your sink area

[wasimfarhat]

How to Select the Best Kitchen Faucet?

Whether you want your faucet to be a showcase or focal point in your new kitchen or tie the appliances and design components together, selecting a new one is a vital part of any kitchen update project.

Yet, the aesthetic appeal of a kitchen faucet is not the only factor to be considered when making a purchase. While shopping for a kitchen faucet, here are a few important considerations to bear in mind:

Factors Need To Consider Before Selecting Kitchen Faucet

Height

The height of your faucet is an excellent starting point. If you desire a fashionable high-arc spout, you must examine the total height of the faucet and how it fits into the available area. How much space do you have if cabinets are installed over the sink?

Does the window behind the sink have a sill that could interfere with the body of the faucet? When selecting a kitchen faucet, it is prudent to consider these dimensions and layouts, as they will influence your style choice.

Countertop Thickness

The distance between the faucet's opening and the backsplash will also affect the design of the kitchen faucet. You should choose a design that fits the space and is entirely practical. In smaller locations, the whole range of the faucet may be impeded by some designs; for instance, if the rotation of a side handle contacts the backsplash, you will not be able to enjoy the full functionality of the faucet.

Shape and Purpose

The style of a kitchen faucet is not the only consideration when selecting one. Also, you must consider function. Consider how you and your family will utilize the space and the features you desire in a faucet design. Single-hole faucets with retractable pull-out sprays are usual, but you can also add a drinking water faucet or a hot water dispenser if that is important to you.

There are also intelligent and Best Touch Kitchen Faucets available. Check out these kitchen faucet designs for ideas, or schedule a consultation with a Kitchen and Bath Classics kitchen specialist to learn about your alternatives.

Harmonise Your Finishes

For many, aesthetics are the most enjoyable aspect. Whether you're matching the faucet to your appliances, kitchen sink, or cabinet hardware, you should carefully consider the finishes you select. A brass faucet may seem out of place if everything else in your kitchen is stainless steel. On the other hand, selecting a complimentary accent finish, such as matte black, is fashionable.

A showroom Shower Buying Guide at Kitchen and Bath Classics can show you all of the options for finishes for the faucet style of your choice and assist you in finding the one that is the greatest fit for your space and the design as a whole. While looking for a faucet for the kitchen, keep these four considerations in mind.

[queenclaudiabrown]

The Scarecrow | Chapter Nine: Barn Barricade

     It soon became apparent that the wind made the barn creak and groan as well as the farmhouse, only serving to further fray the trio's nerves. The unsettling noises had them constantly on edge, tense, sometimes unable to distinguish a board creaking in the wind from a board creaking under someone's foot. Melody barely let go of the shotgun, and when she did she immediately passed it off to either Zak or Marty.

     They had done their best to barricade themselves into the hayloft. They pulled up the ladder, cutting off inter-level access, and went so far as to keep it in the loft with them. Every window and door to the downstairs of the barn had been closed and blocked as best as could be managed, and in the loft itself nearly a dozen hay bales kept the door shut.

     Purple and red seeped through the cracks between the boards, signaling the start of sunset. They'd been in the barn all day, without food or water.

     "We need to eat." Marty finally spoke, voice raspy from dehydration. "And we need water."

     "It's too dangerous to go back to the house." Melody refused firmly.

     "Mel, he's right." Zak told her. "Either we run the risk of the scarecrow getting us out there or we starve to death in here. We've got the shotgun, and I doubt he's stayed in there all this time. I say we go, all three of us, and we grab some food and water, maybe some blankets, and then we come back. We'll only use one door, and we'll check the whole barn before we settle in again."

     The brunette weighed his proposition, tiredly resting her forehead against the upward-pointing barrel of the gun, the butt of whose stock was on the floor. "Fine, we'll go now, while there's still light. We don't split up, we don't make any more noise than we have to, and if we see him, we run like h3ll. Got it?"

     The men nodded, and Melody echoed the action. With a sigh, she rose to her feet, and they shifted the bales of hay just enough to slip single-file out the loft door. They dropped the ladder down the hole and climbed down- first Zak, who had the shotgun dropped to him while Melody descended, and then Marty. Armed again with the gun, Melody led the way back to the house, all three running hard.

     The house door was still open, but whether from their exit or Héctor's, they couldn't know. Melody nudged the door farther open with her foot, wincing at the loud creak of its hinges, and tentatively stepped inside. She glanced into the kitchen and saw it empty, then peered into the living room before leading them into the kitchen. "Should we grab the clock?" She whispered.

     "Good idea." Zak weighed in. He reached up and took the analog timepiece off the wall, tucking it under his arm.

     Marty opened the pantry and grabbed a fistful of used plastic grocery store bags, and promptly filled them with the paltry remains of their food stock. "What else?" He asked in a whisper.

     At the tap, Zak was filling up the four mason jars he had found with water- disgusting as it was, it would keep them hydrated. Two bottles of storebought water sat on the counter beside the sink. He shut off the faucet. "Some candles and flashlights, unless we want to be stuck in the dark all night. Melody?"

     She nodded. "We should get some blankets and pillows from upstairs. Just a few, and we should try to grab our personal belongings while we're at it- our old clothes, at the very least."

     So the three scavenged a few flashlights and some batteries from the kitchen drawers, then collected a three-candle candelabra from the library. They crept upstairs, Melody leading the way again, while Marty and Zak hugged their luggage to their chests to keep the jars and cans from clanking together and alerting the scarecrow if he was nearby.

     They collected Melody and Zak's blankets, pillows, and belongings first, then went into Marty and Grace's room. He quickly bundled up the blankets and stuffed them into his duffel, tossing his clothes aside. He reached for his pillow, but paused, and after a moment he grabbed Grace's instead.

     Melody and Zak exchanged a look. It had been easy to forget, with the constant threat surrounding them, that Marty had lost more than any of them; Melody and Zak had lost friends, but Marty had lost the girl he loved on top of that. And worse, he hadn't been given a chance to grieve, or even have even a little closure from her body.

     Marty went into Grace's bag and took out her wallet and cell phone and put them into his duffel. "Alright," he said as he stood, "I'm ready."

     Melody nodded, and the three descended the creaky staircase. She pulled the door open with the toe of her boot, stepping out onto the porch warily before giving the all-clear nod. The three burst into a run again, barreling single-file through the cornfield and praying desperately that Héctor wouldn't suddenly pop out of another row and commence homicide.

     Back in the barn, they quickly swept the building and returned it to its previous state of admittedly questionable security. Melody still only put the shotgun down to lay out her makeshift bedroll so she could sit more comfortably on the floorboards, and laid the gun across her lap as she ate and drank.

     Night finally fell, and they lit the candelabra and set it in the middle of the loft. Its flickering, swaying golden light filled the space somewhere between comfortingly and eerily.

     "If we ration correctly, we've got enough supplies to last us until someone comes to check on us." Melody said. She turned to look at Marty and Zak, both also sitting on their bedrolls. "So none of us leave this hayloft until either the police or the scarecrow turn up. Agreed?"

     "Agreed."

     "Agreed."

     Melody nodded once, relieved they hadn't put up a fuss. She turned hard eyes to the barricade of haybales blocking the loft's door.

     "Next person through that door's our killer."

[vancouverkitchenrenovation]

Country Bathrooms Ideas

Ready to uplevel your country-style bathroom? Here’s what you need to know.

Sleek, modern lines don’t have to take precedence in your country-style bathroom. Enjoy the classic beauty of traditional styles with updated accents that bring freshness and an unexpected personality to the space.

Accentuate the room with luxuriously lacquered taps, elaborate sink vanities, and striking clawfoot tubs. Bring storage solutions into play with richly-crafted Shaker-style cabinets that keep items out of view and readily available.

Opt for patterned floor tiles or a beautiful rug matched with neutral tones to create a palette of soft elegance in the bathroom. Introduce depth through textured walls crafted with shiplap boards for a more organic feel. And finish off the look with subway tiles for an artistic touch in the shower area.

No matter what shape or size it is, you can transform your country bathroom into a maximalist masterpiece by daring to be bold and embracing your style sense.

Shiplap wall

Shiplap on the wall in a country bathroom can create a welcoming and charming space. You’ll find that shiplap is versatile enough to suit many styles and can help you create a stylish, comfortable bathroom.

In addition to enhancing the look of a room, shiplap is also an effective way to keep your walls dry. Moisture can damage paint layers and cause mildew to grow. Using moisture-resistant paint in a satin or high-gloss sheen, you can protect your walls.

Whether you are renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, shiplap is an inexpensive way to add some swagger. It’s also easy to install. You won’t need any special tools to do the job. You may want to use a moisture-resistant polyurethane to keep your shiplap boards from warping.

Shaker-style cabinets

Among the most popular designs of furniture are Shaker-style cabinets. They have a traditional look that can suit any home. You can choose from a wide variety of designs and colours. They are a popular choice for families because they are sturdy and easy to care for.

Clean, simple lines and a rectangular look characterize Shaker-style cabinets. They feature hidden hinges and a recessed center panel. They also feature a four-cornered frame.

Shaker-style cabinets are made from valuable wood. Typically, they are made from cherry or maple wood. They can be painted or stained in a variety of colours. They also come with a wide selection of hardware.

You’ll need to shop around if you’re looking for shaker-style cabinets for your home. You may find some great deals at local kitchen and bath showrooms. Alternatively, you can contact furniture makers to find out more. They’ll be able to give you a quote based on your specific needs.

Subway tile

Whether you’re updating the look of your master bath, creating a small guest bathroom, or need to add a bit of pizazz to your kitchen, subway tile can help. Not only is it versatile, but it also comes in a variety of colours and materials.

One of the most popular choices is the white subway tile. It’s a timeless choice that’s sure to last a long time.

Another classic is the grey subway tile. These tiles are perfect for a neutral bathroom. These tiles can be stacked vertically to create clean lines. You can combine them with louder design elements to create a more cohesive look.

Lacquered taps

Whether you are redesigning your country bathroom or putting together a new design scheme, taps can be a key element. They pull all the elements together and help make a room feel more coherent.

There are many types of taps on the market. Some have a classic look, while others have a more contemporary feel. The choice of faucets depends on the style of your bathroom.

When choosing taps, consider their size, hole size, and material. You should also consider the style of the tap and the design of your bathroom. Some taps look similar to stainless steel but are made of brushed brass. Brushed brass is a modern finish that adds a chic look.

Consider a brushed brass faucet if you’re looking to bring a modern touch to your country bathroom. These faucets have a sleek finish and add a touch of opulence to the room.

Unique bathroom decor

Whether you’re going for a rustic, cottage, or farmhouse feel, plenty of unique bathroom decor ideas help you create your dream bathroom. You may have an existing item that you want to incorporate into your decor, or you may want to try your hand at a new craft.

One of the essential elements to consider when planning your bathroom is the tile work. You’ll want to ensure that everything in the room complements each other. You can add some glam touches to make the space feel more luxurious.

For example, you can purchase a large basket to store your towels. You can also add a hoop-yarn-style hanging rug to liven up your bathroom.

Another fun item is a custom-made Instagram photo wall wallpaper. This is an unexpected and fun addition to your bathroom.

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The bathroom is often the last room people consider renovating, which makes sense since it’s usually the smallest space in the house. With Vancouver Kitchen Renovation, you can expect a spa-like bathroom that feels luxurious and is built to last. We’ll create a custom bathroom design based on your preferences and budget and handle everything from demolition to installation.

We understand that to be successful is to stay ahead of the curve. That means staying current with the latest technology and design trends. We always want to improve our products or services without breaking the bank. That’s why we stay connected to the latest technologies of NKBA, National Kitchen and Bath Association. In addition, at Vancouver Kitchen renovation, our primary focus is providing sustainable bathroom design and renovation packages, and we believe in sustainable living. Sustainable living is a way of life in harmony with nature. It is a lifestyle which focuses on the preservation of our environment. Sustainable living is a philosophy emphasizing respect for the environment and concern for its well-being. This means we should take care of the planet and treat it as if it were our home. We should try to preserve what we have and protect it from destruction. If we do this, we will enjoy the benefits of the earth’s resources for many generations. Whether you’re planning a major remodel or adding finishing touches to your current bathroom, we’d love to discuss your project. Book your showroom consultation online.

Main Areas of Service in British Columbia:

Vancouver

North Vancouver

West Vancouver

Burnaby

Coquitlam

Squamish

Whistler

Frequently Asked Questions

Are large tiles better for a small bathroom than big tiles?

Yes, big tiles are often better in small bathrooms as they make the space feel bigger and brighter. To create a cohesive feel, you can use them to tile the floors and walls. For grout lines to be avoided, make sure you use large format tiles on your floors or walls.

What is the most costly part of a bathroom remodeling project?

Bathroom remodeling projects are the most expensive because of the labor involved. Professional labour costs can vary depending on the size and scope. This doesn’t include the cost of materials, which can vary widely depending on the type of fixtures and finishes you choose.

Can I Install A Bidet In A Small Bathroom?

Although it is possible to put a bidet into a small bathroom, there are some things you should consider. First, you need to think carefully about where the bidet will be located. It should not be too close to the toilet. You must ensure that the size and type chosen for your bathroom is appropriate. You should also ensure that your bathroom’s plumbing is capable of holding a bidet. It is always best not to try to install a bidet inside a small bathroom without consulting a professional.

What bathroom finishes do you prefer?

In 2022, matte black was very popular and it will be popular again in 2023. Other finishes that will be popular in 2023 include brushed brass and bronze. These finishes can add a touch of luxury to any bathroom.

Bathroom finishes are often considered an afterthought when designing a bathroom. Because they can have such a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room, it is important to plan for them from the very beginning. They play a vital role in creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Another important factor to consider is the choice of bathroom materials. A white tiled floor may be preferred with a wooden bathroom vanity unit and tub. Perhaps you prefer a different color scheme such as black and/or a completely contrasting one. Whatever your choice, make sure it fits in the overall design scheme of the house.

Bathroom finishes don’t necessarily have to be expensive. Any bathroom can be transformed with a simple coat of paint.

How can I make my bathrooms feel modern?

Modernize your bathroom in many different ways. You can achieve a modern design by using simple lines that are sleek and clean. Other colors that you can use are white, grey, black. Modern fixtures like LED lighting and rainshowers will also make your space feel more modern. Finally, decluttering your bathroom and ensuring everything has its place will help to create a cleaner and more minimalistic look.

Statistics

2023 bathroom design trends: Windows above tubs were favoured by 51% of those surveyed. Skylights were selected by 37% of those surveyed. (https://nkba.org)

This article will reveal more about AntiBac surfaces and how Villeroy and Boch products have 99.9% fewer bacteria. (superbath.co.uk)

2023 bathroom design trends: 82% of those surveyed preferred low-maintenance, nonporous surfaces for their bathroom. (https://nkba.org)

With this technology, whether you take a 5-minute or a 50-minute shower, you’ll use the same amount of water, reducing your use up to 90 percent! (elemental.green)

2023 bathroom design trends: Bathroom faucet designs reflected wellness concerns, with 61% choosing accessible lever handles, 48% choosing motion and 36% going for the touch or tap options. (https://nkba.org)

2023 bathroom design trends: Large format tile (59%) was the most popular material for tub and shower surrounds. Slab surfaces (40%) were the next most popular (https://nkba.org)

2023 bathroom design trends: Large format tiles were favoured by 59% of those surveyed.mSlab surfaces were favoured by 40% of those surveyed. (https://nkba.org)

NKBA estimates that broken down, most of this cost comes from fixtures and plumbing (about 29 percent), followed by counters and surfaces (21 percent), labour (20 percent), and cabinetry and hardware (16 percent). (remodelista.com)

Glass tile is one of the greenest bathroom flooring options because it can be 100% recycled. (caddetailsblog.com)

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had someone call and say they have an existing old tub (which, 99% of the time, is 60” wide once they’re pulled out) and want to convert the bathtub to a shower. (blog.innovatebuildingsolutions.com)

WaterSense-labeled bathroom sink faucets use a maximum of 1.5 gallons per minute, reducing water use by 30 percent or more from the standard flow of 2.2 gallons per minute – without sacrificing performance. (elemental.green)

According to the EPA, a conventional toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush, but that old pink one could use between 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. (elemental.green)

External Links

homeadvisor.com

Find out how much it costs for a bathroom remodel

What is the Best Place to Spend Your Money on a Bathroom Remodel? | HomeAdvisor

thespruce.com

How to Buy a New Toilet for Your Home

How To

How to design a master bath

You should think about a few things when designing your master bathroom. The first is to consider the size of your master bathroom and the fixtures you desire. You should also choose a style and color that you enjoy, as well as one that complements the overall design of your home. Choose materials that can withstand moisture and wear. Last but not least, add personal touches to personalize the space.

To make your master bathroom feel luxurious and spa-like, you can add a spa experience. A steam shower, heated towel racks, or candle-scented candles can make your master bathroom feel more luxurious. These small details create a relaxing atmosphere for bathing.

Lighting is essential in the master bathroom. Lighting is essential for reading, working and relaxing while you bathe. The skylight you choose should not detract the beauty of the bathroom.

There is no need to decorate your master bath extravagantly. Keep it simple. Avoid bright colours and use neutral tones. The bathrooms will make your home look much better.

You must not forget storage! You need storage space in every room, but it is especially important in the master bathroom. Make sure everything is in its own place and invest in top-quality cabinetry. You’ll be amazed at how much it is easier to keep the bathroom tidy if everything has its own home.

These are just a few tips to help you design the perfect master bathroom. You are the one who will be using this space, so you can make it your own. Enjoy the journey!

The post Country Bathrooms Ideas first appeared on Vancouver Kitchen Renovation.

source https://vancouverkitchenrenovation.com/bathrooms/country-bathrooms-ideas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=country-bathrooms-ideas

[pestcontrolperth]

Cockroach Treatment - How to Get Rid of a Cockroach Infestation

Having a cockroach infestation in your home or business can be a nuisance. These insects are unhygienic and can contaminate food products and utensils, as well as spreading diseases. They are also known to trigger allergies in susceptible individuals. You should call in professional pest control services to remove cockroaches and prevent them from returning.

Cockroaches are commonly found in the kitchen, as they thrive in warm, humid environments. They are easily attracted to food sources and can hide in places like cupboards, sub-floors, and drains. They are also attracted to places with lots of moisture and dark places.

Some of the most common cockroach species in Perth are the brown-banded cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and German cockroach. These invasive species are often found in homes during the summer, when intense Western Australian heat can make them seek shelter. They can also be found in hospitals, bakeries, factories, and drains. In addition, they can be found in burrows and holes of other animals.

Cockroaches are known to breed quickly and can contaminate food products. They are also known to spread diseases and pathogens, as well as spreading foul odour. They can be difficult to control and are known to be a health risk to human populations. They can cause serious food poisoning. Cockroaches carry a number of diseases, including poliovirus, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. These diseases can cause serious illnesses and may even be fatal.

Fortunately, there are cockroach treatment services in Perth that can help you remove cockroaches from your home or business. These services use effective cockroach treatments that are safe for children, pets, and plants. These services also include a warranty that protects your home or business from future cockroach infestations.

In order to eliminate a cockroach infestation, you will need to first remove any clutter from the affected area. This means removing items from kitchen cupboards, cutting up food, and disposing of food waste. You should also make sure that all food items are stored in sealed containers. You should also ensure that any water sources are properly sealed, and that you do not leave the faucet or sink open.

After you have removed all of the clutter, you should then begin to treat the affected area. In the kitchen, this means removing the crockery and cutlery from the cupboards and placing them on the table. You should also clean up any crumbs on the surface and remove excess grease. You should also make sure that the kitchen benches are cleaned of food crumbs.

Next, you should place baiting products around the affected area. These products are odour-free and pet and kid-safe. You should also leave aerated fish tanks off for at least four hours after you have applied the treatment.

Cockroaches can survive for a long time without food. The average egg takes 20 to 60 days to hatch, depending on the species. Cockroaches can also breed in small pockets of moisture. In addition, they will be attracted to any food or drink that is stored in an open container.

Half Price Pest Control will take care of everything your needs in Pest Control Services in Australia. Call our team today to book and Half Price Pest Control will help you to combat these creatures with speed, efficiency and at a cost that is the lowest in the business.

[alltonguenocheek]

Kitchen Torment Sessions

tap   tap   tap   tap   tap its the clack of cracked nails on brittle plastic; the sounds of the faucet dripping on shriveled brain matter. this is an introspective waterboarding session, my skull sawed open and my scalp pinned back - an ape’s experiment with self-dissection. tap   tap   tap   tap   tap and after an endless hour                       or two                       or five                       or eight an under-stimulated nerve is shocked awake - wrench open the refrigerator door,     try to ignore           infected marks on its edge                 polish deposits of red                        in counts of four try not to acknowledge the rearmost tupperware, sitting behind orange juice that expired last year. with painted cherry blossom on a plastic facade, it’s pretty face contrasts wretched contents. it taunts pokes prods eye sockets sits there brightly           smugly           and fucking mocks me a glib testament to shame clasped around my waist; the bloated corpse of cake from that party in may - the one three springs ago when we parted our ways. three years tastes like a lie the calendar feeds me, but just then my eyes catch the sky through the window, just in time to observe the slaughter of apollo - well, the aftermath anyways. his blood stains the horizon crimson, a gruesome ritual gone unnoticed over five minutes spent in the kitchen - those minutes mangled and stretched since I last checked the clock at half past five pm. and I suppose cronos may be a murderous bastard, but never a liar. i'll give him that much credit. no. i know its me that keeps misplacing the hours, and its me that keeps paying the price. its far too late to open pandora's chest now, ive made my bed in ignorance, content as a coward. or at least thats the prayer ive tried, paralyzed by fear of what i might find. but is it really the mold spores and slime that terrifies? Or is it the resemblance to my own rotting guts? The door slams shut, hands more resolute than i feel. I'm not dealing with this tonight. So i head downstairs, pretend not to notice the eyes on the wall that follow, or the tap tap tapping that resumes its incessant call. its time for bed and it turns out dissection is a mess. instead, maybe tomorrow ill try drilling a hole in my head.

//n. thorne//

[kassandras-one-braincell]

Abby Anderson x GN!Reader - Please Don’t Leave Me

Bad Things Happen Bingo prompt: Please Don’t Leave Me (I’m creative with my titles)

Can be found on AO3 here.

Setting: before Abby leaves to go golfing. Abby and the reader are in an established relationship.

Warning: angst angst angst, excessive usage of the f-bomb and discussions of murder.

(Y/N) replacer safe.

Word count: 1846

Fuck, she’s really doing this.

Every day since Isaac had granted the Salt Lake Crew leave to hunt down Joel Miller, you tried to bargain with Abby, tried to make her see some sense. That killing him won’t take away any of the pain she feels. The grief. The gaping hole in her heart. But she’d always brush you off, distancing herself from you, suppressing her emotions with bicep curls and crunches as per habit.

Each passing hour, a nail was hammered into the coffin of the woman you love. And this morning is the final nail.

The quaint apartment you call home is filled with a cacophony of rustling and pleas as Abby shovels supplies into her backpack, preparing for her hunt. In her mind, Joel’s death warrant is signed, the execution nigh. And God are you desperate, trying to drill some semblance of reality into her stubborn mind one last time before she embarks on a journey she’ll only regret.

“Abby, please just listen to me for one minute—”

“I need to do this.” She heads to your small shared closet, refusing to look at you from your position by the bed. You frantically try to intercept her path, knowing full well she’s much, much stronger and can reposition you with ease. But it’s worth a try.

“This isn’t going to solve anything,” you implore, clutching the wood.

“Move, (Y/N).”

“Abby, this isn’t going to bring him back. You know that.”

“Move.” Her tone is exasperated, utterly focused on packing her shit and promptly leaving. Your heart sinks to your stomach.

“That girl in the hospital. The immune one. She must have been like a daughter to him for Joel to kill a group of innocent people for her,” you plead, feet firmly planted on the floor. Searching for her eyes, those blue irises alight with a maelstrom of hateful determination. They meet yours. “Killing him will just put her through all of this.”

Abby reaches for the closet door and slowly pulls it open, acknowledging your reluctance to move, deciding to disregard it. The wood begins to dig into your back and you’re forced to step aside. “This isn’t going to end, Abby. You fucking know this.” As she folds some spare clothes and places them in her backpack, you fall gracelessly to the bed, needing to sit down. Bile climbs up your oesophagus. Shit, where was her sense of fucking empathy?

“Abby…” Once again, she doesn’t so much as spare you a glance, folding the garments in robotic fashion. “Abby, you said she was a kid. A kid.”

The final shirt is stuffed haphazardly into the bag. She grits her teeth and turns to you. “He killed dozens of Fireflies, (Y/N). Dozens. And that’s all we fucking know of. There could be hundreds of others because he’s a stone cold killer.” Her face flushes with anger, no remnants of the woman you know left behind. “No one person is worth that many fucking lives.”

You let out a breathy laugh in sheer disbelief. “But it’s not about them, is it? Not to you.” The words escaped you in a hiss, one that didn’t go unnoticed. “Never fuckin’ has been.”

Abby rolls her eyes and grabs her maps from the coffee table, iron fist crumpling the papers beyond legibility. “There could have been a cure. A fucking cure to all this.”

On the surface, her words are rational. One life for a cure that would save millions was a worthy sacrifice, that you would be foolish to deny. But the odds of developing this cure were slim, and the girl would have likely died in vain. You knew this. Abby knew this. Jerry knew this.

With a shaky breath, you cradle your arms, never before having felt the urge to cage yourself around Abby. Fingers firmly gripping at your elbows, you let the cards fold. Unadulterated truth.

“You’re in denial, Abigail.”

A tut. “Don’t you fucking ‘Abigail’ me.” Her previous efforts to maintain a steady tone have been vanquished, anger seeping into each progressing word.

She’s gone.

And it’s this precise revelation that fills your eyes with oceans. Throat closing up, nose burning with the urge to spill over, you attempt – attempt – to articulate yourself, to no avail. Seconds later, rivulets trickle from your eyes to your cheeks, and you find yourself sniffling like some stupid kid… No, not a kid. A grieving adult, bereaved by the loss of a lover. Because the other figure in the room is but a husk of the radiant soul you fell for.

“All…” You pause to inhale, deeply: a futile effort to regulate your breathing, to lay rest to the turmoil suffocating your ability to fucking think. “All that’s going to happen is… You’re going to have to—” Hiccupping, you close your eyes, praying no more tears would fall. “To live with the guilt of orphaning a kid.”

Sentence finally out, you surrender to your sorrows, allowing them to wrack your chest with sobs and heaves until it gets too much, salt freely spilling from the floodgates. You can’t…you won’t bring yourself to look at Abby – the machine in her place, one programmed to kill and kill alone.

It’s wholly terrifying.

Distress flickers in her eyes, her frown slackening for a fraction of a second at the sound of your despair. “No one is forcing you to come,” she puts plainly, as if that has anything to do with the issue at hand.

“You know this – isn’t about that. Fuck, even Owen knows this…this is a bad idea.” Too dejected to cry. Too dejected to battle the hitched breaths you take trying to force out the words.

Words that fall upon deaf ears. “That’s not what Owen told me.” She slots a Swiss army knife into her cargo pants’ pocket, headed with a canteen in hand towards the kitchenette. “He was there, (Y/N). He agreed that Joel needs to die.”

“Because he’s fucking scared of you!” We all are, nearly breaks free from your lips, but that’s not what Abby needs to hear right now. Nothing that will push her away. Further away. The reigns you have on your lover are fraying, leaving you grasping at nought but strings. Frenzied, you attempt a softer, less concrete approach. “Baby, it isn’t normal to be so…hellbent on revenge like this.”

Silence. The delicate trickle of water sounds from the faucet as Abby fills her canteen. Then, a sigh, one of frustration as opposed to defeat. “If you think calling me ‘baby’ is going to erase four motherfucking years of grief, you are sorely mistaken. You’re smarter than that.”

Patience thinning, you stand up, wading through strewn supplies across the apartment floor towards the kitchenette. “Four years and you still haven’t given yourself time to mourn properly,” you reason, deliberately obstructing her path out of the kitchen with your body again. “Maybe if you had you’d see some fucking sense.”

God, that was a mistake. Shit, shit, shit shit shit the last thing you want to do is piss her off, not with her mind in such a volatile state, devoid of all logic.

“I appreciate you’ve lived a fucking sheltered life since the outbreak,” she seethed. What?

“That’s not true—”

“And you have no fucking idea what it’s like to have someone ripped away from you like that.” Volume rising, words a mantra fuelled by detest. “And you know, maybe, just fucking maybe, this’ll be my one chance to put an end to this shit!” The fist not clutching her backpack clenches. And for the first time ever while alone in her company, you flinch.

“He fucking deserves this, (Y/N)! If I can show him a fraction of the pain he caused me—”

“Abby, you’re scaring me,” you whimper, closing in on yourself. Genuinely afraid she’d raise her hand towards you.

Had you a mirror, you’d know truly how perturbed you look in this very moment. Streamlines drying on your cheeks, eyes reddening and puffy from crying, wide with fear like a doe face-to-face with a moving car. Body subconsciously making itself smaller, reducing its surface area, reducing the likelihood for any incoming swings to hit.

She lowers her guard, colour returning to her knuckles as she unravelled her fist. Knitted brows returning to their natural place above her eyes, mouth parted as the horror of her behaviour settles in.

“You know I would never hurt you, right?” Even her previously stern voice cracks at this.

It takes tremendous willpower to not fall back as she takes a tentative step towards you.

Drying your eyes with your sleeves – her sleeves…you forgot you’re wearing her old sweater, the notion sour on your tongue – you break your mutual gaze. “You’re not you right now,” you whisper, not trusting your larynx to produce anything above a mouse’s squeak. “This isn’t the Abby I know.”

For the first time this morning, a sentiment other than bloodlust registers in her face. Hurt.

Either unable or unwilling to respond, Abby recommences her packing in solemn silence.

Shit, you have three, perchance five minutes at best to dissuade your girlfriend from leaving and doing something that will haunt her for all eternity. Yet all you can do is brace yourself against the wall and allow a second tsunami of tears to wash over you, pangs of anguish striking your heart. “Abby—”

“I’m going, (Y/N).” Firm, with a shred less conviction, but firm enough.

A violent sob tears through you as you beg, beg, the vessel of the woman you adore, “Please don’t leave me.”

For a fleeting moment, your heart stops as she hesitates in her tracks. A flicker of hope seizes your mind, that perhaps she has reconsidered, that finally some logic has entered her train of thought.

It all crashes down when she reaches for the spare rifle ammunition by the front door.

“Fuck, Abby—”

“I’ll be gone a month at most.”

Hail-Mary.

Hail-Mary.

Please.

Chest shuddering with each sob that wracks through you, you utter through violently trembling lips and hiccups, “You’re so – fucking blinded – by your hatred – right now – that you can’t – fuck, see – this will – kill you—”

The gravity of the situation threatens to make your knees buckle.

Abby plucks her jacket from the coat hanger and wades over to your crippled stance by the kitchen. A hand brushes your salt-slicked cheek as a lock of hair is swept out of your line of sight. “I love you,” she whispers in pained honesty.

“Abby…” You try to take her hand, to ground her, to remind her of the life she’s leaving behind on her relentless pursuit of this warped sense of justice.

“Goodbye, (Y/N).” She squeezes your palm and lets go, zipping up her pack as the front door to the apartment creaks open and slams shut.

Death is a word that isn’t used lightly, especially not after an epidemic takes the world by storm. But part of your spirit certainly died the moment that door closed behind her.

(I’ll leave it up to you whether she has a change of heart or leaves and scores a few hits above par.)

[sinnamonrolle]

[ the little moments] ♡ Leviathan

4 - That moment when you baked cream puffs with Leviathan.

✿ part of a series now! ✿

❀  gender neutral reader  ❀

“What are you making?” you asked, peeking over Levi’s arms.

“GAH!” Levi yelped. “BEGONE, DEMONS!—oh. It’s just you. Why did you sneak up on me??? It’s not fair for my poor heart, okay.”

Levi set down the spatula into the bowl and patted his chest a few times, clearly spooked by your unannounced arrival. You felt bad for scaring him, but his reaction was utterly adorable. There was a faint blush across his cheeks, and all you wanted to do was see it again and again.

“I’m sorry,” you said sincerely, giving his head a few pats for good measure. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

The blush deepened at the contact between you two, but Levi didn’t push you away. He only turned his head and grumbled with a small pout, “It’s fine, I forgive you.”

You looked at the dough in the bowl, the cup of beaten eggs on the counter, and the bottles of whip cream neatly lined up to the side. “So, what are you making? Do you need any help?” you asked.

He perked up instantly, and all lingering signs from the scare vanished. As he whipped out his D.D.D. from his pocket, he began explaining to you.

“So, you see,” Levi began, his fingers moving furiously against the screen, “in the anime ‘The Magical Ruri Hanai: Demon Girl’, in one episode, Ruri-chan visited one of her human friends and they made cream puffs together, and as I was rewatching that episode, seeing Ruri-chan enjoying her cream puffs that she made with her own two hands also made me want to make my own cream puffs, because if I make it myself, then it’ll be like eating it with Ruri-chan, you know, but I’ve never made cream puffs before so I’m following a recipe and yeah. That’s where I am right now—Did you get all that? You look a little dazed.”

When Levi talked about something he’s passionate about, the purple in his eyes rose and fell in accordance to his emotions. It’s something that took you a while to notice, but once you did, you couldn’t stop staring. For example, when Levi was sad, the purple swallowed most of the orange, leaving behind a sliver of dark orange. And when Levi was angry, and you meant really angry, only a tiny amount of purple circled his pupil. The bright orange consumed all other colors, and it almost seemed to glow. But when Levi was happy, that’s when his eyes were the warmest orange. The purple was mild, nestled underneath hues of oranges—you thought it was a beautiful combination of colors.

Like currently. You were utterly entranced by the way the orange seeped into the paler orange, pushing down the purple until all you could see was the sunset in his eyes. Too entranced that you appeared dazed to Levi, but not to the point that you didn’t listen to what he was saying.

When you refocused again, Levi turned away to the ingredients on the countertop, hands reaching for his headphones only to meet the collar of his cardigan. It seemed to be a habit of his. When he was nervous or feeling out of place, he often reached for his headphones to feel safe, to feel protected against the world. But he didn’t have them today, probably because he planned on baking and didn’t want them to get dirty or to get in the way.

“Of course,” Levi mumbled, tugging his cardigan closer to his body, “I shouldn’t expect a normie like you to understand, why did I even bother? There’s no way you would care about something stupid—”

“I was listening,” you said firmly. “By making cream puffs, you will feel like you’re eating them with Ruri-chan, right? It’s not stupid at all, Levi. I think the idea is adorable. Can we make them together?”

Levi spluttered and turned further away from you, red ears peeking out of his hair.

“That-that’s not fair! Acting so cute, especially with that head tilt! It’s like you’re trying to KO me!” Levi complained, but he finally turned to look at you. However, his eyes were constantly moving between the bowl of batter and your face. “Although… if it’s on purpose, I, uh, I wouldn’t necessarily mind… BUT that’s not the problem here! Are you sick or something? Why did you look so out of it? Like, like something came and ate your soul! You can’t let anyone eat your soul, okay?!”

There was no need for shame in this house, so you confessed with a straight face. Besides, there wasn’t any reason to hide it from Levi, whose concern for your soul had his hands on your shoulders, all of his inhibitions regarding intimacy out the window.

“I got distracted by your eyes,” you said honestly. “When you’re really happy, your eyes are this really pretty shade of orange. It reminds me of sunsets and autumn trees that we have in the human world.”

It took Levi a minute or two to process what you just said, but when it registered, he froze up. His hands clamped down harder on your shoulders, fingers squeezing you as he choked out, “A-ah… I, I see…”

His eyes bore holes into your clothes, not daring to meet yours, as red bloomed beautifully on his cheeks. It was just tempting you to touch it, to feel the warm soft skin with your fingertips, to encourage the blush with pinching and kneading, but just as you started to move for his cheeks, Levi removed himself from you and showed you a picture of cream puffs, drawn in a familiar anime style.

“Th-this, AHEM, this is what Ruri-chan made,” Levi said, the blush still lingering on his cheeks as he explained. “She cuts it completely in half and then they put the cream inside.“ Then, he swiped to another picture. “This is the recipe I found. I’ve already cooked the dough on the stove, so all I have left is to mix the perfect amount of eggs into the dough.”

You lowered the hand that was reaching for Levi’s face and smiled at him. Even though you really wanted to touch his cheeks, you were still satisfied from the way Levi was enjoying himself with baking. It was rare to see Levi so unbridled and unabashed with his happiness in a public space, although perhaps the House of Lamentation wouldn’t count as public.

Something this rare... you didn’t dare disrupt.

“Then, let’s mix the eggs together,” you offered, turning to grab the measuring cup of beaten eggs. “Is this the amount that we need?”

Levi picked up the spatula he had set down earlier and replied, “There’s four eggs in there, but the recipe said that it’s really finicky. We just have to make the dough a good consistency. Let’s see… we need it shiny, thick, and smooth.”

The mixing went well. Levi was extremely strict with making sure the dough came out well, and while you did some baking before here and there, you definitely weren’t an expert on the amount of eggs that needed to be in cream puff dough. You were glad Levi knew enough for the cream puffs to come out looking absolutely delicious, because you weren’t sure if your heart could handle Levi breaking down into tears.

“Be careful when you’re cutting it in half,” Levi said nervously, watching closely as you sliced a cream puff. “Don’t get hurt, okay? I’ll freak out if you do. I don’t know how to reattach fingers, so I’ll probably have to go get Satan but wouldn’t it be too late by then? How long does it take before human fingers aren't able to reattach? Ah, but we have magic so—”

“Levi,” you said, patting his arm in a consoling manner, “I understand your concerns, but I’ll be fine. I promise to be extra careful, but you shouldn’t hold the whipped cream can—”

Pop.

“—too tightly…” you finished, but it was already too late.

The bottle of whipped cream, branded with a logo of Little Devil, exploded from the top. Some of the cream decorated the kitchen countertop in white spots and some fell on your hand, but most of it landed on Levi. You could barely see his face through the thick layer of white.

“...”

“Pfffftttt—cough, cough!” you started laughing, only to immediately cover it with coughs. It didn’t sound believable at all, but you continued on, setting the knife to the side. “Levi, are you okay?”

Before he could respond, much of the cream fell from his face in a huge glob, leaving behind a white coating with varying thickness and two spots where his eyes were. You choked back the laughter as best as you could, but it was hard to stop your lips from twitching. It wasn’t helping that he looked somewhat like a clown.

“Are, are you okay, Levi?” you asked again, biting down on your lips to stop it from forming into a smile. “That’s a lot of whipped cream…”

Levi opened his mouth, but you couldn’t see his lips at all, only a dark, gaping hole that opened and closed.

“Unbelievable…” he said, and you would have helped him clean the cream off his face if you didn’t absolutely lose it then and there, doubling over as you wheezed, slapping a hand against your thigh.

“I’m sorry,” you gasped, “but, oh my goodness, Levi, you—AHAHAHA, you look like a clown! A clown! Levi, I’m so sorry but—”

When you took another look at Levi, he was looking at you in equal parts disappointment and embarrassment as he wiped off most of the white cream with a hand, washing it under the faucet.

Even though most of the whipped cream was gone, the look he sent you almost launched you into another wheezing fit, but you steadied yourself as you wiped the tears from your eyes.

“Unbelievable,” Levi grumbled, but this time you could see the pout on his lips and the absolutely adorable way his eyebrows furrowed together.

“I’m sorry,” you said again, with a bit of guilt, and reached for the remaining cream hanging onto his bangs. “Here, let me get that—”

Levi caught your hand.

“You complete idiot,” he complained as he brought your hand to his lips. “Cruel and heartless, I can’t believe you’re my master… Normally, I wouldn’t forgive you for a hundred years but… ” He trailed off, and his eyes, the color of coral, met yours for a brief second before his eyes eluded yours, and his tongue peeked out and licked the whipped cream that had landed on the back of your hand.

Your eyes followed the retracting tongue and the way it swiped gently against his pink lips as it passed through. Dazed, you only processed what had happened when the kitchen air blew against the wet patch on your hand, the cold sensation and the realization warming up your face.

Now, you were the one blushing.

Levi finished with a whisper, “You’re lucky I love you.”

-------

Masterlist!

[enha-woodzies]

𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦 ㅡ CHAPTER 01 [ m. list ]

𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 : timetraveler!sunoo x fem!reader

𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘𝗦 : fantasy au; dystopian au; classism; friends to lovers au; angst; romance; drama

𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 : none

𝗪𝗖 : 2.1k

𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 : @en-sun @youreverydayzebra @ofaffectionate @enhaphile @thaliee @sooblvr @neo-shitty @danyxthirstae01 @lublycho @jdyunvrs @woonieiv @whoe-dis

Sixty seconds.

Murky water from the rusty faucet drips repeatedly on the kitchen sink.

Forty seconds.

The anxious, ten-year-old boy restlessly drums his fingers on his exposed knees.

Thirty.

Thirty more seconds, he counts.

Narrowing his gaze on the antique pocket watch he’s gripping, the impatient boy keeps on muttering under his breath until all that’s left of him is a mere seventeen seconds.

A beam of flashing blue and red lights bounces through the walls, hitting his face as he sits in the center of the room, now fidgeting his fingernails in a slight panic. He heaves a sharp breath when he hears the wailing sirens, then carefully exhales, repeating the process until the time runs out. “Please don’t let them get to me, please, please, please,” His voice becomes a soft, husky whisper until his mind goes blank. His eyes glowed yellow as it slowly became blinding to look at.

POOF!

Tiny specks of dust fall on the surface of the now empty chair as silence engulfs the entire room once again.

He’s gone.

The birds chirp mellifluously around the brightly-lit forest, rays of sun seeping through the tiny little holes of the vividly green leaves. The now eighteen-year-old Sunoo walks along the cold ground until he spots the neatly folded pile of clothes sitting on the tree stump, waiting for his scheduled arrival. He smiles to himself, remembering how he once told someone to leave him clothes in the backwoods; a girl he met four years ago.

He carefully puts on the oversized shirt that reeked of men’s perfume. Sunoo slowly sniffs the scent in, emitting a loud sneeze in the aftermath of his curiosity. He then slips the knee-ripped denim pants on and shrugs the dust away before walking towards the path that leads to the meadows behind a massive mansion.

“There you are!” The girl rushes to him the moment he steps out of the large shrubs, trapping him into a tight hug. “Where have you been? I waited a year for you. You promised.” Sunoo closes his eyes as he leans his chin on the crown of her head, finally feeling the warmth of her embrace. “I’m sorry. I got lost in time.” Y/n glares at him with a scoff. “Literally and figuratively.”

“And by figuratively you mean?” Y/n jerks a brow at the teen who was busy smirking at her pissed-off approach.

“Remember your sweet-sixteen party? That night we hid in the forest over there ‘cause you were sick of the loud noises? Apparently, I got carried away when you slept on my shoulders after chatting a lot. I couldn’t just leave you there on the cold ground with your pretty pink dress.”

“Lies! You said you can’t control your time-jumps!”

“I did say that, didn’t I?” Sunoo purses his lips and cups his chin while looking at the sky as if he was thinking, earning a playful nudge on the side from Y/n.

“You missed my birthday, again.” He places a chaste kiss on her forehead and stays there for a moment, reliving the time he mustered up the courage to befriend her, exactly four years ago when she passed him the blanket so he could wrap it around his bare body. “What are you thinking about?”

“A very special girl,” Sunoo mutters against her crinkled forehead.

“Ahh. Lucky her, then.” Y/n lets go of Sunoo and go back to sit on the blanket she laid out on the grassy field, trying her best attempts to get her pettiness across. Sunoo follows her after, gently plopping himself on the soft fabric while looking at her every move with a smirk plastered on his face. “This shirt you lent me smells fancy, very masculine. Who must this lucky guy be?” He is about to take a bite off the buttered toast when Y/n yanks it away from his grasp.

“Hey! What was that for?”

“Idiot. Hasn’t it ever occurred to you that I have a post-pubescent brother who showers himself with expensive scents? God, Sunoo.”

The boy only laughs at her with a toothy grin, cheeks so round and eyes hardly visible. Y/n stands up from her seat, storming out from their mini-picnic as Sunoo quickly latches his hand upon her wrist while following her aggressive pace. “Hey, hey, hey! I was joking, okay? Jeez. My best friend is all jealous of herself now, huh?”

Y/n stops from her tracks and turns to the boy, eyebrows still furrowed in frustration. “You can’t just tell me you’re thinking about some other girl while your lips are on my skin! And I’m still gloomy about you not returning as promised!”

“You didn’t hear me just now, did you?” Sunoo smiles playfully as he slowly walks toward her, taking her small hands to mingle them with his pale ones.

There have been multiple instances where these arguments would get heated, and Sunoo has seen almost everything. Almost. Despite being gifted with such abilities, it also comes with limitations. Such as the frustration that one may feel when they see a life-changing effect of an event but doesn’t have any idea what the cause or the conclusion is. They will have to spend their lifetime trying to figure out how or why it happened; a feeling so common and familiar amongst time travelers.

He tucks her hair behind her ear while leaning closely against it. “You’ve always been stubborn and you can’t help it even now.” Sunoo plants a soft, quick peck on her flushed cheekㅡ one of the few things he learned over time to calm her from anger.

“I was thinking about the first time I met this very special girl who handed me her picnic blanket instead of running back to her Mama. But I don’t know if she’s lucky though. Do you think she’s lucky?” After giving her a fleeting kiss on the cheek, Sunoo goes back to his spot and takes a quick bite off the toast before Y/n hauls it away again.

She rushes to his side and forces his resting arm to drape around her shoulder. “I hate you.” Y/n mumbles. “Yet here you are snuggled against my chest. This may just be a playful argument, but remind me not to fight with you next time.”

“Have you seen it go worse?” She looks up to see his face, staring down at her in a daze. He recalls the time they fought at the age of twenty; not a great event to think of but it keeps replaying in his head. Sunoo heaves a deep sigh before forcing out a smile. “I did.”

“So we really do end up together, huh?”

“Yeah,” his hand finds its way to hers as he lifts it up to his lips, planting a feather-light kiss on it before caressing it with his thumb. “but as far as I can remember, that moment will be the last time we’ll ever see each other. I drift from timeline to timeline, but I can’t always see the bigger picture. Or maybe I can, but it will always be a question of how and why.”

“I hope it's not too soon. I still wanna see you. You've barely been around, and to watch you slip from my touch again will hurt more than your previous visits.”

“You know I’ll keep coming back for you.” He softly lifts her chin to meet her tantalizing eyes. “Always.”

“But in those times that you will, I might not recognize you. It must be very hard to want to hold me in your arms but can't because I don't know you yet.”

“It's not like I have any other choice. I’ve come to live with it.” Y/n holds his hand tightly as if he’ll disappear at any moment. She heaves a deep sigh before humming along with the birds.

“How’s school? Is it any good?” Sunoo always wondered what it felt like to go to school. Although he’s learned sufficiently in the comforts of his home with his father back then, he thought it would feel a lot more different learning outside. He’d imagine how fun life would be if he had friends and teachers to approach whenever he’s curious about something. Maybe then, he would learn how to have ambitions of his own and dream to become someone great one day.

It all goes down the drain eventually, when his consciousness slaps him in the face telling him that the reality he’s living in is far worse than the life he yearns to have, and how there’s literally nothing he can do to turn things around.

“It’s fun. But I wish I was homeschooled. The boys there are really messy, I hate them. Remember Heeseung? The guy I danced with after you at my sixteenth birthday? He kissed me on the cheek the other day.”

“Huh. That’s bold of him, considering you slapped me the first time I did that. Did you slap him too?”

“No, I didn’t. I froze, unfortunately. I thought of your lips when he did that,”

She lets out a chuckle mid-sentence. “it’s weird, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’d do the same. But Heeseung, he’s gonna stick around so, be careful around him.”

“What do you mean?” Y/n looks up to him but Sunoo decides to remain tight-lipped for now. Heeseung is Y/n’s senior, and eventually, future Sunoo’s nemesis, with whom he has a love-hate relationship. But the light warning he gave her was intentional.

He remembers seeing a broken vase scattered on a carpeted floor and loud sobbing from the other room; Heeseung standing against the door frame, glaring coldly at him. Sunoo quickly squints his eyes and shrugs his thoughts, he doesn’t want to see that memory today. Only a no-brainer would want to ruin today’s special occasion.

He lays his head on hers that was already resting on his chest. Sunoo wants to play with her hair and talk to her in the meadows all day; so many things he planned for today, for the both of them, but he must get going. His insides are starting to tingle and it's too much for his liking. Though he is quite capable to resist the pull, there are a lot of things that needed to be done.

“Y/n? I need to go.”

“B-but you just got here,” Y/n stammers while sitting up from her spot, brows furrowed in confusion.

“I'm sorry, but I can't stay.”

“Sunoo, we still haven't celebrated your eighteenth birthday. Your cake must be done by now, let me go check Nana if she's through with it-” Y/n swiftly stands up facing the direction of their mansion. She runs and runs but Sunoo seems to catch up on her faster.

“Y/n, please? I told you, I don't have any other choices.”

“B-but your cake.. and Jay… Jay’s got you a present and… everybody's waiting for you at the-”

At this point, Y/n’s crying against his chest, wetting her brother's shirt with her tears and snot. “Shh, it's okay, it's okay. As much as I wanna stay, it's not up to us. You guys celebrate without me, okay? Tell your folks I had an emergency to attend to and that I'm really, really sorry.”

Y/n only nods in between her sniffles, tightening her clutch at the back of his shirt. “When are you coming back?”

“October 1st. Same place.”

“Happy birthday, Sunoo.” Y/n kisses the lips of her best friend at the time, sealing off the day with a memorable parting gift. Her clutch on his shirt is starting to loosen as his lips begin to feel like the tip of a feather.

The cold, early morning air brushes against her face, disheveling her hair in the process. She reminds herself that, time and time again, Sunoo will come back, and not for a year this time.

As the poor girl watches the object of her affection slowly vanish before her eyes once again, Sunoo gives her a half-wave with both eyes glowing yellow. From the audible beating of his heart to his muffled breaths, Y/n waits on tiptoes until she hears the sound of clothes dropping freely on the grass.

The birds chirp mellifluously around the brightly lit forest, rays of sun seeping through the tiny little holes of the vividly green leaves. Seventeen-year-old Y/n walks along the cold ground until she spots the familiar tree stump. She neatly folds the clothes, piling them up like they were before he got around it, letting them sit there and wait again for his scheduled arrival.

She smiles to herself, remembering how he once told her to leave him clothes in the backwoods; Sunoo, a boy she met four years ago.

But now he’s gone.

*send an ask or a message if you want to be added on this series' taglist!

ㅡ ©ENHA-WOODZIES, 2021

[blsahoo]

Choosing the Right Faucet for Your Futura Sink: A Comprehensive Guide

Every detail counts when it comes to building your perfect kitchen or bathroom. The selection of a faucet may appear to be a minor consideration, but it may have a huge impact on both the operation and aesthetics of your room. Futura sinks are known for their sleek and modern style, and matching them with the right faucet can make all the difference. 

1. Consider Your Sink Style

The first step in selecting a faucet for your Futura sink is to evaluate the style of the sink. Futura sinks are distinguished by their modern and minimalist style. Depending on the model, your Futura sink may have a single or double bowl, a top mount or undermount installation, and a variety of materials such as stainless steel or granite. These elements can have an impact on the optimum type of faucet.

For instance, a high-arc or gooseneck faucet can offer the necessary clearance for filling pots and cleaning big dishes if you have a single-bowl undermount Futura sink. A pull-down or pull-out sprayer faucet may be a practical option for rinsing and cleaning if you have a double-bowl top mount sink.

2. Match the Finish

It's crucial to coordinate the faucet's finish with the sink's and the rest of the decor in your kitchen or bathroom to create an appealing overall aesthetic. A variety of faucet finishes, such as chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and more, are available for Futura sinks, which are frequently offered in stainless steel or granite.

To create a polished and well-coordinated design, take into account the existing fixtures in your area, such as cabinet knobs and appliances, and aim for a uniform finish throughout.

3. Assess Functionality

Your faucet of choice should not only look nice, but also work effectively for your regular activities. Consider your unique requirements:

Sprayer Type: Are you looking for a kitchen faucet with a pull-down or pull-out sprayer for increased convenience? These kinds work great for cleaning, filling pots, and rinsing.

Handle Style: Choose a single-handle or double-handle faucet based on your preferences. Double-handle faucets allow precise control over water temperature and flow, whereas single-handle faucets are simpler to use and may look more contemporary.

Spout Style: For your Futura sink, select a high-arc, low-arc, gooseneck, or other spout depending on the clearance and reach you need.

Water Efficiency: In order to save money on water bills and lessen your environmental impact, look for faucet that have received the WaterSense certification.

4. Installation and Mounting

Make sure the faucet you select is suitable with the installation style of your Futura sink before making a final decision. Pay attention to the number of installation holes needed because some sinks only need one while others need three or four. Choose a faucet that fits the arrangement of holes on your sink, or think about getting a deck plate to conceal any extra holes.

5. Budget Considerations

It's crucial to set a budget when searching for faucets because they come in a wide range of price points. Although it may be tempting to choose the most expensive options, there are good faucets available in a range of pricing points. Don't forget to factor in the price of installation as well as any extra accessories you might require, like a soap dispenser or water filtration system.

6. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Reading consumer evaluations and getting referrals from friends, relatives, or experts are always wise moves. They can offer insightful information about the functionality, dependability, and general pleasure of a specific faucet model.

7. Check Warranty and After-Sales Support Finally, a functional and visually beautiful kitchen or bathroom begins with selecting the proper faucet for your Futura sink. You can select a wise choice that matches your Futura sink and improves the entire look and usefulness of your area by taking into account the sink style, finish, functionality, installation, budget, and getting advice from others. The appropriate pick will surely have a big impact on your daily life, whether you go with a sleek, contemporary style or a traditional, timeless faucet.