#gray concrete round patio

[poeticlifephoto]

Patio in Los Angeles

Mid-sized mid-century modern backyard concrete patio photo with no cover

[kosovare-madridista]

Fire Pit in San Francisco

[wedelivergravel01]

Best Gravel Suppliers in Toronto for Your Landscaping Projects

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[tynatunis]

Je vous propose ce mardi matin de découvrir cette maison située dans le quartier de Gràcia à Barcelone. Un coin de paradis acquis il y a quinze ans par ses propriétaires actuels, même si le bâtiment d'origine existait déjà depuis 1870. C'était un bâtiment industriel typique de Barcelone divisé en deux, dans lequel l'étage supérieur était utilisé comme logement et l'étage inférieur était occupé par une ancienne imprimerie. Après l'achat, une rénovation complète a dû être entreprise pour transformer cette relique du passé en la belle maison unifamiliale qu'elle est aujourd'hui. Lesprojet de rénovation a été réalisé par sa propriétaire, Carina Casanovas , ainsi que la décoration. La grande majorité des meubles et objets proviennent de la maison de vente aux enchères qui porte son nom. Repost @elledeoritalia Photos @montgarriga In this house in the Gràcia district, the antique dealer Carina Casanovas has managed to recreate a charming retro and bohemian style, rustic and refined at the same time. Great care was taken to give the house the desired country feel, with washed pine pieces, but mixed with vintage pieces that bring color and ironic, casual notes. A collection of child-sized mannequins accompanies the ascent to the upper floor. They are by Carina Casanovas, as is the round iron table with a red burlap top. Transforming the outdoor space into a garden was a primary goal of the renovation. The original gray, concrete-floored patio was transformed into a small garden. Ivy and honeysuckle cover the facade and their intense color contrasts with the scarlet tone of the facade. https://www.instagram.com/p/CngdmrhN8zI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[prvtocol]

mercysought​ ( V. ) —

So, yes - her answer only added to the compounding worry and trepidation she felt whenever she had to make the rounds back to this place. Fuckin’ hell Vince, what the fuck did we get ourselves in?

Considerin’ what Goro said about what was goin’ on in Arasaka, she wouldn’t be super surprised if shit turned sideways soon enough. Wondered what that would mean for someone who’s family was so tightly involved in the skeleton of the place. Would they just wipe the slate clean (and leave a good red stain along the way) or would they bend their spines to match the new overlords? Whatever their thoughts and V.’s for that matter, she also didn’t think they’d have much control over it.

A gut feelin’. They worked like gangs, just with a lot of eddies behind it. When gang leadership went tits up? The leftover enforcers didn’t often get offered an option to go to the farm upstate and live off the rest of their lives in peace. Unless you had plenty of eddies or were a real smooth talker, but that shit only got you so far.

There was no loyalty in the corpo life, only the leash of the almighty eddie. No matter how much Goro loved to repeat that, no matter how much the Arasaka’s seemed to think. She’d seen enough about their concept of family. She’d heard plenty too. They were all snakes.

And V. didn’t expect the Landry family to be that different. Not that V. had the fuckin’ bandwidth for that shit, because she didn’t.

  "So pretty close to your dad I take it?“

She asks when she finally makes her way to the outdoors, her hands still inside her pockets. One of them twirled the closed lighter in her hands while the other held the roughed-up cigarette box.

then again, daddy and mommy issues probably just come with the territory with anyone that goes into this sort of corpo life. Probably a bit of a massive judgement and if Viv really cared to deny it she could always say that it’s the Parasite’s influence rubbin’ off on her. If she really cared to air that thought, it rang true regardless of Johnny’s presence or influence. She grins leaning against one of the bare concrete walls but keepin’ her shoes firmly on the ground "Weekend’s fishin’ somewhere in Europe, sorta deal?

Glass walls come with large glass doors, heavy if not for gorilla arms negating any weight in her push. Overwhelming one might call the natural light throughout the space that the step outside onto the side patio is not realized by full access to the sun. Warmth is at least felt on raven head soon enough, however. This V takes to lounging against the stark back wall, while Vez moves near a line of perennial plants she doesn’t know or care to know the name of. A colorful contrast to the neutrals donning her sister’s minimalist indoor palate. A French cigarette, freed from a half empty pack during the short walk, hangs from her unadorned lips. A platinum lighter with the French cuss word putain etched across the front is in the other; a gag gift from a friend a few birthday’s past.

A shrug is all she got on the prior question while a “Sounds idyllic,” is wryly mumbled for the other while thumb strikes the worn spark wheel. Gray optics lull to their corners, overtly but vapidly observing her grinning facade before she turns on flat rubber sole to face her. Cigarette is held to her side, smoldering a second longer before another puff is taken, further halting her words. Only when the nicotine hits is she willing to indulge questions she can only pin on V’s curiosity on how the other half lives.

“Hm. More like Sunday horse races.” Cheltenham, Grand National, the Derby, France’s Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; memories of grand stands and kicked up dirt. That’s probably where her gambling addiction started; dear old dad reading the names and letting her pick which horses she thought sounded the fastest — though those weren’t usually the ones he bet the most eddies on. Nah, he’s strategic with his investments and the horses he sponsored.

“Ya know, a rich people’s sport. Real horses, big hats, and all that shit.” In Britain, horse races are treated as one of the last vestiges of monarchical traditions, as sacred as royal family fox hunts. Mingling with who’s who in the upper crust of society. Not that these outings happened often, as often as a fishing trip perhaps. She was more often locked in a Paris boarding school waiting for a holidays to reconvene with her kin.

“A damn different world from these city’s streets.”

[bunny-hoodlum]

Don't Leave Her(e)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20434955/chapters/48480602

Sasuke follows an Otsutsuki into a world very much like our own.

It lead him farther than he’s ever gone.

A new dimension opened up to him.

He would like to get used to this by now, but no. His Space-Time dojutsu still left him winded.

He stepped out of the side of a building into a narrow alley, the abyssal portal closing behind him.

An assortment of unknown sounds bombarded his senses, so loud they seemed in competition.

Chugging, whirring, whooshing. Blaring horns not unlike the those on the freight ships back home. There were beeps that stuttered and others that dragged on.

Amongst the din was a constant shuffling like a herd in the distance. There too played music with instruments he’d never heard before.

It was rather… chirpy.

A noisy creak alerted him. A door a few feet to Sasuke’s left opened outwards and a man in a white apron and white hat stepped out, trash bag in hand.

But…

Sasuke hadn’t sensed him.

The man took no notice of Sasuke as he headed for the dumpster. Soon as he tossed the bag in and headed for the door, he halted to a stop.

The cook scrutinized him for a good minute.

“Ain’t never seen anyone wear a cape so casually, ‘cept the cosplayers on the bridge. You lost?”

Sasuke shook his head. “Just passing through.”

The cook craned his head back, looking down his nose. “Uh-huh. From where?”

Sasuke looked to his right, taking note that the alley lead to a brick wall. The building ahead appeared to be five storeys tall, its fire escape evidently unused.

Having no answer, Sasuke strode for the exit.

“Wait. Wait now, hold-” The cook grasped at Sasuke’s left arm, only to come up empty. “-up?” His grip slackened enough for Sasuke to slip through.

Leaving the alleyway had been like emerging from a tunnel of ignorance.

The world opened up to him, blinding at first, then overwhelming with the sheer activity of life all around him.

Thousands of people filled these streets. Phones to their heads and bags in their arms. Vehicles he’d never dreamed before sped along what seemed like a concrete river. Monitors which hung off of the faces of sky-reaching buildings flashed obnoxiously with gleaming faces and polished products.

A monstrous scream accompanied by an enormous shadow swept overhead, spiking his heart rate.

A giant bird?

No. It had a long, conical body with a tail like a shark and blades for wings. It was evidently metal, shining white as it hummed fiercely towards its descent.

An old anecdote from Naruto’s teen years came to mind, the only one where he rode upon a giant flying island turtle. But he doubted Naruto could help him understand this UFO any better, even if he was here.

Upon closer inspection, Sasuke noticed something: It had a bright red emblem on its tail.

A red leaf.

_____

The trail was gone.

Sasuke cursed his luck.

Perhaps they had merely passed through this realm.

But now Sasuke was stranded until his chakra replenished enough for another crossing. At this point, he was more inclined to return home than follow a cold trail.

Sasuke tugged at the collar of his cape, sweat slicking down his skin. The gesture brought more attention to himself, based on the passive stares he was receiving.

Just like back in his world, it was the height of summer.

He was missing the summer solstice festival. He couldn’t promise to go with them. Didn’t mean he wouldn’t like to.

Sakura said she’d send him pictures. She already showed him the yukata Sarada would be wearing. He wouldn’t be able to see the pictures until he got back, though.

The season was the same, but somehow it was much more stifling than he was used to.

Actually, it was a lot more of many things he was used to.

For starters, the roads back in his world are never this crowded. He feels like a minnow swimming against a current of impatient salmon, ready to be tossed out.

How is it that there are this many people existing in a single mile radius, and yet they have no perceivable life force?

He just couldn’t get his head around it.

_____

Sasuke needs to get his bearings.

He needs to prevent the Otsutsuki from feeding off any more God Trees.

What if there was one here?

It was worth to check.

Finding relief away from the crowds, Sasuke stepped into a wide side street. Square stone seats and benches lined the center, offset by a series of shrubs encased in stone boxes.

Shops lined either side, and overhead were diamond-shaped awnings that spanned the entire arcade.

As Sasuke strode past an eatery of sorts, cool mist struck his eyes and mouth.

He jumped back slightly, ignoring the looks from the customers seated in the patio dining area. From the awning of the restaurant was a system of black devices attached by a black wire. From the mouth of these devices spewed a constant production of mist that shrouded much of the patio from the summer heat.

Sasuke reminded himself to move on. And to stop getting surprised by the little things.

He was only bound to run into more.

____

This was the first time he’s seen Sarada since she was born.

She was two now.

Sakura held their toddler, her expression warm and a little exasperated as Sarada grabbed onto his forefinger.

Quite the grip.

Sarada began nomming on his finger.

Oh. That’s what she wanted it for.

“She’s been teething,” Sakura said. “I’ve tried frozen mochi, a homemade anesthetic gel, my parents stopped by with a kokeshi, all with limited success…”

Sasuke smiled at his adorable daughter. The hard bumps of her budding front teeth not unlike a dog’s play-bites, and he felt strangely proud of her. Proud of her health, her growth.

“I’m sorry to leave you with everything, Sakura.”

Deep down, he’d love to trade places with his wife, to experience the same joys and stresses as her.

She waved him off. “We’ve already discussed this. You’re fighting for peace of mind. Someday Sarada-chan will understand.”

Sasuke’s jaw shifted.

Because on his worst days, he hardly understood himself at all.

_____

It’s when Sasuke finally takes a moment to purchase food at a nearby grill stand that he realizes his currency is unrecognizable.

Figures.

He’s concerned he’ll have to make multiple trips back to this world. In which case, he better make the most of his time gathering intelligence.

His phone doesn’t work.

Of course. Why would it?

He has access to Konoha’s main databank; what Shiho and her ever expanding department of coders call 'the Intranet’. But here, nothing.

He thinks his technology may not be up to date, let alone remotely compatible. Another thing to look into, for sure.

Sasuke folds the phone closed and rests his mouth against the flat of his fingers.

His hard stare into the distance gains focus as he registers something. There on the television screen appears to be a familiar face.

But that had to be a mistake.

Sasuke got up from the stone bench and approached the store window displaying various TVs.

One had a drama, not unlike the new form of scripted entertainment cropping up in his world. Another showed a man at a desk and two other men were seated off to the side. There was a martial arts tourney held in an octogonal ring there, horses racing along a dirt oblong on this screen, and six people in brightly colored jumpsuits struggling up a flight of white stairs over on this screen. Why they kept falling down and getting back up, he didn’t understand.

But he imagined Naruto wanting to give it a try.

Ignoring these distractions, the one thing that really pulled at his gaze was the news coverage.

PM Sarutobi Extends Visit to Kumo no Kuni

That was him.

That was really him.

Liver spots and all.

Sarutobi Hiruzen.

He looked so different out of the robes and hat. The dark gray suit was tailored to fit, emphasizing his diminutive stature. He wasn’t that old yet, but he was getting there, and he would likely only continue to shrink.

Just when Sasuke’s imperfect reasoning had begun to toy with the possibility of reincarnation, Hiruzen was shown seated at a conference desk beside none other than A himself.

And the old hard-ass still had both arms.

Sasuke rubbed at forehead, shutting his eyes as he tried to process everything.

His forehead rubbing soon upgraded to firmly knocking against his skull.

No. He didn’t understand it all.

_____

He pressed his mouth to his wife’s small, round shoulder, earning a low, drawn-out moan.

A sharp wail disrupted this evening of stolen kisses and Sakura pulled away, suppressing her groan.

“Let me soothe her. It may be nightmares again.” She said, getting up.

Again, huh? Sasuke wondered what a three year old had to be afraid of.

His hand was on her shoulder in no time. He dipped in for a quick peck. “Get yourself ready for me. I’ll be back in a minute.”

His wife’s blush stirred the want more as she nodded obediently and reclined into bed.

Slipping out into the hallway, he made it to Sarada’s room.

She was standing and clutching at the rails of her crib. Her hiccups were frequent, almost violent and her sobs frantic.

She spotted him in the doorway, and it was like an instant switch. “Papa.” She chirped matter-of-factly.

He always wondered if it had been Sakura’s idea to teach her 'papa’ over anything else.

His father had always been 'Chichi-ue’ to him.

But Sasuke had demurred from taking the mantle of clan head. He had far too much to do. He had been the final Uchiha, the last true heir and he ran their name into the ground with his so-called 'wilding’ as Kakashi-sensei liked to tease. He needed to clean the slate. He needed to earn back his place.

Sasuke lifted Sarada up, inspecting her face for any trace of fear or sadness.

“Papa.” She reached for him, arms waving. She was perfectly fine now. He did say he would only need a minute.

As soon as Sasuke put her down, the pained screams started again. And in a panic, he scooped her up again.

Her big black eyes stared at him expectantly.

What was he supposed to do during this part?

_____

There was a curious amount of disquiet in a world so peaceful that Sasuke had to wonder what prevented it from falling apart at all.

Jashinist Slain after Tokonoha Commissioner General Indicates Group’s hand in The Nines Incident

“… There’s a lot of misconceptions going around about what we worship and the nature of our rituals. But it’s all purely symbolic. We invite people to see for their own eyes that we are not dangerous…”

Sasuke heavily doubted there were any misconceptions.

Former PM Senju Hashirama’s Legacy Brought Into Question

Sasuke wasn’t ready to go down that rabbit hole again.

Uzushio-Hi no Kuni Relations Worsen as the Fifth Anniversary of the Nines Incident Draws Near

“… They refuse to release the full list of the victims names. My daughter was nine months pregnant at the time. I just want to take her home. I just want to bury my daughter…”

Sasuke had the vaguest dread as to what this 'Nines Incident’ meant in this world.

But if there was no monster here like Kurama, then to what scale had been this destruction?

Momochi Zabuza Evades Arrest for Botched Attempt Against LDP’s Oppositional Leader

Apparently some things never change.

Whatever the current climate of unrest seemed to be, he sense no threat of war.

Perhaps this world was too big to suffer as a whole.

Some people may get scratched off, but that’s all it is: A scratch.

Had the massacre never happened and his grandparents passed away of old age, he likely wouldn’t have been able to muster a misty eye. He barely knew them enough at the time to be fond of them.

Sasuke’s world is vast, but the lines between territory and loyalties are clear.

A single domino can topple an entire nation.

Was a single domino enough for this world to fall too?

_____

Night had fallen and the streets had emptied.

The alleys and roadsides took up bedraggled, bearded men resting on their cardboard beds.

But then Sasuke came upon a man in a nice suit, face down in the street. He wasn’t injured, Sasuke soon found. Just black-out drunk.

Sasuke shifted him upright and leaned him against a nearby wooden bench. Sasuke paused to observe his breathing.

It was going to take some getting used to, not being able to sense life in the way that was so innate to him.

A place like this would be absolute hell for Karin.

Sasuke had noticed the CCTVs for some time.

It was better he didn’t perform any strange acrobatics for the time being.

_____

Sasuke toyed with the idea of creating an assumed identity.

He didn’t know how long it would take him to be sure this world wasn’t cultivating a God Tree. He wouldn’t be able to stay anonymous for long.

He would need to adapt to this world’s level of technology, as well. Seeing the wires pulled away from the sides of buildings, suspended instead upon metal spires that looked tadpole tails, he knew there was a difference in the logic of their engineering. If it wasn’t simply ahead of theirs, it was surely done out of necessity and perhaps tradition.

Back home, the wires were visible, running alongside buildings, homes and roofs like arteries.

Shinobi, who often travelled above the ground, had no fear of snagging their ankles or neck. The design, therefore, was their tradition, their necessity.

One final thing he became aware of the sheer amount of individual businesses packed in a single mile radius. Cafes, clothing stores, electronics, furniture, groceries, these things seemed to have fused at the hip, forcing new businesses to build atop them like bricks.

Perhaps commerce was the blood of society in this world.

Perhaps this was what the so-called End of History was to look like.

When all wars are settled, there is nothing else to do but play with money.

_____

An unassuming stone staircase caught his attention, for it lead three flights down into a darkened, verdant park.

The walking path wove like a snake between the trees.

Black metal trash cans stood along the trail here and there. Green dispensers carried rolls of black bags. They sported a sign, showing a stick figure stooping over behind a dog.

Huh. He wondered what that Inuzuka boy would think of this.

Sasuke took a seat on a lone wooden bench. He craned his head back to rest.

But when he closed his eyes, he became unsettled.

Even if he relied on his ears, or that subconscious instinct that told him when he was being watched (an ability he decided that had to be vestigial from being an indirect descendant of Kaguya), his senses still sought out the flickering warmth of chakra.

Closing his eyes felt like he was sinking into a place he could never wake up from.

_____

Something scurried in the distance. Through the bushes. Too big to be a squirrel or stray mutt.

Sasuke lurched upright and there peeking out from behind a tree was a little girl.

She had straight, dark hair in a cropped princess cut style. Her skin was white, her eyes blue, and she couldn’t be older than four or five.

Unsure what to do, Sasuke waved at her.

And she waved back.

Sasuke reached into his vest pocket, digging out four pieces of hard candy in paper wrappers.

Sarada snuck them in when he wasn’t looking.

Black tea flavor. Sakura said they were her favorite.

Sasuke leaned forward, elbow propped on his knee and he held the candy out towards.

In the back of his mind, this gesture felt a little shady to him. If some strange man happened to offer his daughter her favorite candy, he would be inclined to reveal the hilt of his sword.

The little girl stepped out from behind the tree.

She took one little step. Hesitated. Then another little step. She repeated this pattern, when halfway her eyes brightened and she ran up to him.

She reached for the candy, her hand hovering short of grabbing one while her big eyes implored him for his approval.

“They’re for you, from my daughter. She told me sweets should be shared amongst friends.” A total fabrication, but how else was she going to trust him?

The little girl plucked a single candy from his palm and fished it out of its paper wrapper, then popped it in her mouth.

She then grabbed another one and held it out towards him.

Oh yeah. He did say sweets should be shared amongst friends.

Pocketing the other two pieces, he accepted the candy from her. He gazed at it reluctantly. He’s had these in his pocket for over a week. A gift from Sarada, perhaps even a bribe in her mind to get him to stay. For him, they were precious keepsakes.

Well, it wasn’t like he was never going to see her again.

Sasuke worked the candy from its wrapper with his thumb, popped it into his mouth and let the flavor meld onto his saliva. It was pleasant and smooth, not too sweet at all. An unassuming treat.

The little girl’s face began to scrunch and droop, as if she were working on a cough drop instead.

“Don’t like it?”

She shrugged. Through a mouthful of darkened saliva, she said. “Not sweet enough.”

“Hn. What’s your name?” Sasuke began to cautiously eye the toddler. Her lavender pants were soaked with muddied water from the knees down. Her white shoes were caked in mud as well. Her elbows were scuffed, giving him the impression that she must have fallen. Her skin and her hair were otherwise clean, showing that she was not like those downtrodden men from earlier.

It must be that she was only gone recently enough that her family wasn’t looking for her yet. But that would change soon if he didn’t act.

She looked at him funny for asking. “Hinata.”

In this world full of coincidences, time seemed to slow to a halt.

And in the brief seconds when her eyes would close, a round, timid face from his childhood replaced hers with perfect sameness.

“How old are you?”

She thrusted four fingers towards him.

He hoped this wasn’t somehow her.

“Is your birthday soon?”

She shook her head. “Too hot. Us'lly snow comes out to celebrate with me.”

No. This was just a coincidence. She couldn’t possibly be who he thought she was.

She scooted towards him, hands clutching the edges of his cape. He stiffened, hoping she wouldn’t see the scabbard angled against his back.

“Aniki, you taking me back to daddy now?”

Sasuke clasped his hand over hers and nodded.

_____

Sasuke stood in the hallway, holding Sarada against him as Sakura slipped her shoes on in the genkan.

“I’m not going to be gone long, but you sure you’re going to be okay with her?”

“She’s sleeping.” What was there to worry about?

Sakura brushed her bangs aside, looking torn between leaving him or staying.

They were short on groceries. Sakura’s director duties at the children’s clinic had cut into the little free time she had, and his appearance today had been spontaneous to say the least.

“Okay.” She finally said. “I’m leaving now.”

“Take care.”

This was all he could do really.

Sakura knew what they needed, what they usually stocked up on when he wasn’t around. She most likely felt compelled to pick up extra things now that he was here. And with his self-imposed penance, he wasn’t going to be much help carrying all of that back from the marketplace had he gone instead.

This was all that he could do.

_____

Hinata’s resting against him just like Sarada was that day. She seems to have taken to him quite easily.

It’s calming, going for a walk like this. He thinks of doing with this Sarada some day, before she got too big of course, with Sakura’s hand curled around his bicep.

Their village was beautiful, and there’s so much to try and explore. He keeps hearing about it. It’s Naruto’s pride and joy to share how it was evolving, expanding. Rokudaime must be proud, too. He tries to say he’s just a holdover Hokage until Naruto is ready, but no one was going to let Kakashi talk himself down like that.

Every day something new sprouted up to the point that an official newsletter had begun to circulate through the village. Naruto told him the first time he, Hinata and Boruto had waited in the longest line ever for the new bakery that had debuted right across Dango-ya.

Sasuke understood right away: Competition is good for growth.

The city lights greeted them as he drew closer to the shops he had ventured passed during his first hours. Their windows were darkened however, and he believed it was well past business hours.

But in a place this developed, he was banking on one thing: Finding a convenience store.

Konoha was beginning to have shops like these.

Naruto wrote him once, (back at a time when neither of them were quite accustomed to their phones just yet), and he had gone on and on about the selection of instant ramen he had discovered on their shelves.

He sounded just like his twelve-year-old self. As excitable and single-minded as ever.

Hinata started to squirm against his shoulder. She was getting antsy.

“You hungry?” He asked.

“Mmhm.”

She hadn’t been able to tell him much about her home or where it was, but taking her sullied state into account, he felt he could narrow it down. This place was like a paved island. His search would have to begin outside of its limits.

“How come you weren’t scared of me?”

She shrugs. “I have a lotta big brothers. You look like them.”

Interesting. Sasuke tried to picture Hiashi with a whole brood of boys. In that picture, Neji stormed in, fending off anyone who would dare replace him as her most beloved brother.

Sasuke had heard from Naruto how the reformed branch member had become so fiercely protective of his younger cousin. To think the key to Neji’s freedom from hate had been one withheld letter penned to him by his father. Why it had been revealed so late, Sasuke failed to understand. But for all the pain Sasuke had caused, he kind of envied Neji for being able to make it back home so easily.

“So what do you mean I look like them?”

Bright white lights beamed out of a squat building, their white and blue sign shining just as brightly.

“They wear dark clothes, their hair is dark, the faces they make are dark.”

“They scowl at you?”

They crossed the parking out and entered inside. A synthetic bell tone welcomed them.

“Not at me. I seen them look mean at someone else’s brothers.”

“Hn.”

They began to peruse the shelves. Sasuke considered finding something that Sarada would enjoy.

Royal Milk Tea Biscuits? Matcha Chews?

Hinata pointed at a row of packaged cinnamon rolls, and Sasuke frowned.

He picked it up in a hurry and the moment the cashier stepped outside the back door, Sasuke slipped out the front.

Just a pile of coincidences, he reminded himself.

_____

There was a booth up ahead, lonely and a little out of place.

A man in uniform idled inside on a chair, his legs pointed out towards the street. His clothes were shades of blue, dark pants and dark vest, pale dress shirt and a dark, brimmed hat with a golden emblem on the center.

Hinata stirred and pointed towards the man. “He knows my daddy!”

Sasuke slowed, wary of catching the man’s suspicion. “Does he?”

Hinata nodded vigorously. “They’re in my house all the time.”

What the hell does that mean?

The closer Sasuke neared, the more his gut told him what kind of person this was: Law Enforcement.

“Aniki, he can help us.”

“Yeah, I know…”

It would be the quickest, most sane thing to do. But it wasn’t in the cards right now.

They’d want ID, a home address…

“Sorry Hinata-chan, but we can’t trust him.”

She peered up at him for a beat before settling back down. “Okay. My daddy says that, too.”

Sasuke kept his head down, forcing himself to make it past detection.

Naruto had come to him one day on behalf of Rokudaime. They wanted to reinvigorate the police force, build it up to its former glory. Sandaime had long relied on ANBU to keep the order, and Godaime after him, but that was no longer viable.

Because the police force was no longer being placed upon a single clan, they were working on the interviewing process, as well as reviewing the previous standard of regulations. A copy of the citizen registry, alongside an old compilation of past arrest records found in his father’s preserved study had given him significant insight for updating those regulations.

The last thing Sasuke needed was to get detained. Kamui wasn’t even an option, not unless the situation were truly dire.

“Where’s your daughter?” Hinata asked out of the blue.

“She’s at home.”

“And what are you doing here?”

“I’m working.”

“Oh.”

_____

In his attempts to have more presence in Sarada’s life, this too has been occurring just as frequently.

The first time he heads for the genkan, his sandals are missing.

He finds them in the storage room.

The next time they’re missing, Sakura screeches.

They’re in the toilet.

The next time they’re in the trash, soaked in melon juice and forcibly hidden beneath discarded egg shells, bok choy stalks, and styrofoam meat trays.

Sakura gets mad.

He doesn’t.

Sarada stops hiding his shoes.

So when he slips them on, a tiny crawling sensation lances up his spine. He stares down at the mess. He’s just pushed pudding everywhere, and it’s oozing between his bare toes.

When Sakura holds up Sarada towards him with an expectant glare, he pokes his wife’s forehead then Sarada’s, and takes his leave.

He didn’t know that was the wrong thing to do until the most recent incident.

His shoes are missing again.

They find Sarada in the backyard. She’s shoving large rocks down the high-tops of his right sandal. She’s thought this through. They’re too large to slide out of the cutouts on their own.

“SARADA!” Sakura scolds, marching towards their daughter.

Sarada whirls around on them in a panic. She grabs the left sandal, which has not been stuffed with rocks, and chucks it across the backyard with a bitter shout.

Sasuke grasps his wife’s wrist before she reaches their daughter, and it was the wrong thing to do.

“Are you going to do something this time?!” She wrenches her wrist free. His lack of response, his obvious lack of awareness earns his wife’s full ire. “Stop trying to be her friend. You are her father.”

“She’s little.”

“She’s being a brat. And you know why this keeps happening?!” Sakura grips his hand and hard. “Every time you’re here, you undermine me. She thinks its okay because you act the same no matter what she does. Is that fair? Is it fair that I have to be the bad guy all the time?”

His chest constricts. Any rebuttals he had were void as soon as he felt them on his tongue.

It startled him, the feeling that layers of happy illusions were peeling down all around him.

Sakura’s changed. Motherhood’s changed her. Of course it would. Of course she would know these things that he doesn’t know anything about. Of course.

But they became a mother and father at the same time. He thought… He thought that was it. Like he’d just been moved into a new squad with a higher promotion.

“I’m sorry-”

“Sasuke, I know. You’re always sorry. I know.”

Yeah. He was sorry his wife was still married to a teenager. He was sorry that he’s been disrupting the space she’s created for their daughter to grow in. Sorry he has nothing to contribute.

“Sasuke.” She urged. But she wasn’t giving up on him. She was trying to put him on the right path.

But he was still scared.

He didn’t want to be the bad guy, either.

“What should I do?”

Her grip softened. “Just be firm with her. She knows better than to disrespect someone else’ property.”

“Does she?”

“Yes. She plays with Choji’s girl. I’ve talked with you about this.”

“Yeah.” He doesn’t remember this at all.

'Firm’ she says. Right, his mother had been firm with him before. His father, instead, withheld praised Sasuke knew he deserved. They loved him, he knows. He isn’t mad. But when he recalls how he felt back then, he had doubts towards them. He felt like he wasn’t good enough for his father, that he was a needy nuisance towards his brother, that mom didn’t need to rely on him nearly as much as she did on Itachi’s successes.

In a single instance, he could cause his daughter as much pain as those moments had for him.

And he would carry that knowledge with him forever.

Sasuke stepped off the engawa and approached his little girl. He crouched down before her, holding her gaze like he was staring down ten thousand poison-tipped senbon.

“Sarada-chan, no matter what you do, you can’t stop me from leaving.” Straight facts. A three-foot tall four year couldn’t stop a shinobi of his caliber.

But that wasn’t what Sarada wanted to hear.

And that’s not how she heard it at all.

Her eyes widened, trembling. They were glassy with tears.

He moved forward to course correct, to hug her, to love her, but she stomped off for the discarded sandal.

Picking it up, she gives a running start and throws it even farther away, right into Sakura’s rose bushes.

Sarada ran off.

“SARADA! Sasuke, hold on, I’ll get her! Sarada!” Sakura sprinted off their property. It didn’t take long for her to scoop up their screaming toddler.

He watched his wife in a daze as she scolded Sarada so expertly, and in that moment he thinks that his and Naruto’s childhood roles have truly reversed.

No longer was Sasuke a natural at whatever he set out to do.

He was the useless one.

_____

“Are we going to walk there?”

Sasuke’s brows furrowed. “Is it too far?” Walking is the only way I get around. He wasn’t sure how Kamui would work on a powerless human, either.

“Yuh-huh. I was home with mommy. Then I was on a plane with mommy. Now I’m here… without mommy.”

Sasuke was about to ask what was a plane, until the last part.

“I thought we were looking for your dad.”

“Yes. Look only for dad.”

“But what about your mom? You were with her last, you shouldn’t run away.” He recalled the last time he saw Sarada bolting out the backyard. He wondered if he was causing not just resentment towards him, but towards Sakura as well. She didn’t deserve what was happening to her. He really hoped Sarada would understand some day.

A little fist came down on his shoulder and she began to kick. “She did it first! I want my daddy!” She flopped face-first against his shoulder, her frustration palpable.

“Okay, okay.” Sasuke awkwardly bounced her in his arm, something he happened to recall Sakura doing back when Sarada was much smaller.

“You don’t know where we are.” Hinata said.

“No.”

“I don’t know where we are.” She said.

“It’s okay. We’ll figure this out.”

“Nobody knows where we are.”

Sasuke bit down his tongue.

If he wasn’t careful, that part may not be true for very long.

[rocketwerks]

English Village

3418-3450 Grove Avenue

Built, 1927

Architect, Bascom J. Rowlett

VDHR 127-0374

June 2020

Housing ahead of its time.

(Newspapers.com) — Richmond Times Dispatch, Sunday, July 10, 1927

The sales prospectus of English Village citing "...the new lifestyle ... while enjoying all the amenities, including privacy of single house living ... with an atmosphere of social respectability..." lt reads like a contemporary advertisement for carefree condominium ownership, yet the ad is over fifty years old.

(Newspapers.com) — Richmond Times Dispatch, Sunday, July 10, 1927

Incorporated April 14, 1927, English Village was designed as a cooperative community both for economy and for efficiency while at the same time maintaining a gracious lifestyle. The Village by-laws, still in force, state that "it is the purpose and object of this corporation to maintain and operate the property in English Village on a mutual and cooperative basis.&. without any profits or other gains or remuneration to the corporation, excepting assessments made as hereinafter provided necessary for the upkeep and expense of maintaining the property and providing heat and hot water to the seventeen dwellings located in English Village."

(Newspapers.com) — Richmond Times Dispatch, Sunday, July 10, 1927

This cooperative planned comity was a radical experiment in housing for Richmond as well as for the rest of the country since most of the multi-family housing constructed at the time were apartment complexes in the city or rowhouses in the suburbs.

While many different types of cooperatives in this country enlisted members at the beginning of the 20th century -- credit unions, agricultural co-ops, retail consumers, workers' productive, insurance and others -- cooperative home ownership was a fairly new concept in 1926. 

(Newspapers.com) — Richmond Times Dispatch, Sunday, July 10, 1927

At that time, articles appearing in popular periodicals extolling the merits of cooperative apartment ownership, and in 1928, an article appeared in Arts and Decoration entitled, "Cooperatives: the New Way of Buying a Home." The reasons behind cooperative homeownership, the author said, were that they were "...cheaper, more desirable, more flexible in plan... owners realized a savings in rent . . . they had a voice in management." This philosophy had already been espoused by Davis Brothers a year before in their advertisements for English Village.

(Newspapers.com) — Richmond Times Dispatch, Sunday, July 10, 1927

Unlike most of this country's housing co-ops of the 1920s which were built for the working class by industry, philanthropists, or non-profit governmental agencies, English Village was built in the fashionable Grove Avenue neighborhood for the upwardly mobile middle class by private entrepreneurs. According to an article in the real estate section of the Richmond Times Dispatch dated January 23, 1927, English Village would have all the latest modern conveniences including: separate garages; electric refrigeration; community heating; a parked entrance-way as well as "a janitor and cook service on the cooperative plan.

June 2020

Advertised by Davis Brothers as "English Architecture al; its best," the Village was designed by Rowlett, a lesser known Richmond architect, who was noted for a number of fine residences and apartment buildings in Richmond in the 1920s. Reminiscent of the Shelby Apartments of Kingsport, Tennessee, built in 1926, Rowlett's Tudor Revival mannerisms lent variety to the multi-unit complex.

June 2020

Designed for economy, efficiency, and permanency of building materials without sacrificing aesthetics, the Villas is composed of seventeen attached units two-and-a-half stories high built of brick walls, a distinctive water table, buttressing, prominent gables, and half-timbering in some of the second-story gables. The overall appearance is that, of asymmetry yet the plan is symmetrical with each half being the mirror image of the other. The plan consists of a symmetrical main block and two wings extended forward at each end of the rectangular main block. The wings are asymmetrical but mirror images of each other. 

June 2020

The off-centered doorways are capped with 'Tudor-arched lintels made of cast concrete embellished with designs of lions heads, coats of arms, grape vines, and the diaper motif. Some of the door surrounds are quoinwork of cast cement made to look like stone. The Arts and Crafts philosophy is apparent in the treatment of the doorways. 

(The English Village)

The doors are board-and-batten with stained-glass windows and wrought-iron strap hinges and thumb latch door handles and knockers. Fenestration on the first and second floors consists of a variety of window shapes and sizes; round-headed windows with leaded stained glass, small narrow rectangular leaded stained-glass windows with label moldings of cast concrete, and metal casement windows set in groups of two's and three's.

June 2020

The cornice in the second story is small and molded. The lines of the gray slate-covered hipped roof are broken by shed dormers, stepped gables, gable ends, some of which have jerkin heads, and large decorative chimney stacks. The focal point of the building is the main block which faces the central courtyard.

(VDHR) — 1983 VDHR nomination photo

The horizontal lines of the main block are interrupted by the vertical lines of the prominent central gable with second-story half-timbering and the vertical thrusting of the chimney stacks flanking either side of the gable end. The one-bay entrance porch again reflects the Arts and Crafts era with its heavily turned wooden posts with brackets and carved acorns and slate roof. Except for this rather ornate porch, Rowlett gas somewhat restrained in the use of ornamentation, but rather used quality materials for color and texture. 

June 2020

The brickwork is laid in Flemish bond with a tapestry-like pattern in the gable peaks. Cast-cement recessed panels with molded coat of arms designs are also located in the top of the gables. The gutters and downspouts are made of copper. Other uses of ornamentation include a distinctive brick beveled water table which serves, visually, to tie the units together, and brick corbelling under the eaves on the gable ends.

June 2020

The south, east, and west elevations fronting Grove Avenue present the formal side of the Villas, while the north, east, and west elevations facing the rear alley are more utilitarian and resemble the typical rear elevations of rowhouses in Richmond. The plain rectangular common brick walls of the first and second stories are laid in common bond.

June 2020

Simple hoods with brackets shelter the rear doorways. Fenestration consists of 6/6 lights with double-hung sash. Each dwelling has its own private tiny rear patio or garden area enclosed by a picket fence. "Modern refrigeration" boxes are still conveniently located near the back kitchen doors. The furnace room and four-room apartment for the custodian is located on the northwest corner on the rear of the building facing the alley. Seventeen attached brick garages with metal shed roofs are located on the north side of the concrete paved alley.

(Newspapers.com) — Richmond Times Dispatch, Sunday, July 19, 1927

The interior plan which varies slightly for each unit was designed for comfort, convenience, and efficiency and for a servantless lifestyle. One enters through an interior vestibule dimly lit by stained-glass windows. Tudor arched doorways lead from the living room to the dining room to a compact galley-type kitchen at the rear. An open stairway on one side of the living room leads to three bedrooms and a porcelain tiled bathroom upstairs. Some living rooms are equipped with corner fireplaces with cast cement Tudor styled mantels and terra cotta tiled hearths. 

(Newspapers.com)

The original mantels were left unpainted to resemble carved stone, however, most of the mantels have been painted over. The ceilings are low with coved ceilings in the hallways, living rooms and dining rooms. Party walls are constructed of cinder block with a stucco finish. The walls were originally painted a cream. The woodwork, including the two-paneled doors with glass door handles, door and window trim , stairway newel post, handrail and turned balusters, was originally stained a dark oak. The creamy walls and the lighter red oak floors were meant to contrast with the darker tones of the doors, windows, and trim.

June 2020

The original landscaping plan consisted of fir, spruce, elm, and hemlock trees combined with ornamental shrubs and lined with terra cotta patios and walkways. A water fountain graced the central courtyard. The circular drive was paved with brick. A playground was located in the northeast corner of the lot behind the buildings. Brick walls enclosed the grounds with a gateway leading to the driveway.

(The Cultural Landscape Foundation) — Charles Gillette

In 1947, the original landscaping plan was altered by Charles Gillette, a Richmond landscape architect. The fountain was removed and replaced by the present flagpole. The driveway was paved with asphalt and the playground no longer exists.

June 2020

The corporate structure and by-laws of English Village Corporation were much the same as that of Garden Homes Cooperative in Milwaukee, one of the first cooperatives in the country, built in the early 1920s. The homeowners in both cases bought shares in the corporation. Besides paying for stock, the homeowners also paid a rental sufficient to cover interest, taxes, insurance, depreciation, repairs and maintenance. But while the home ownership was collective in Milwaukee with no clear title to the property, English Village stockholders retained clear title to their individual properties similar to today s condominium ownership.

June 2020

Since its beginning in 1927, the business of English Village Corporation has been transacted at an annual meeting, or special meeting; if needed, with duly-elected officers and a board of directors managing the property. Each stockholder is assessed one-seventeenth of the total expenses for the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings and grounds.

June 2020

During the depression many of the early owners lost their homes through mortgage foreclosures. However, by 1934, the deeds indicate that all the dwellings were once again owned by families who resided there. The Robert L. Atwell family, original owners of one of the dwellings, managed to hold on to their property and still retain it to this day.

June 2020

English Village Corporation no longer contains all of its restrictive covenants, but it does retain an important one in the original by-laws which has helped maintain the architectural integrity of the building. Homeowners are restricted from making any changes to the exterior of their individual homes which would constitute a departure from and in contrast to the original architectural plan and design of the village structure as a whole. English Village, a product of the era of community consciousness, functionalism, and the Garden Cities ideal, remains an excellent example of an early 20th-century planned cooperative community. (VDHR)

June 2020

A thing of beauty is a joy forever, and that goes double for English Village, still looking good at 93 years young. That’s also true of Architecture Richmond’s write up on this unique Richmond location, a worthy read.

(English Village is part of the Atlas RVA! Project)

[clumsydarknut]

Scripted Wishes

Chapter 3: Fairy Tail Theatre

Beginning | Previous | Next | Most Recent

Lucy felt like her arm was going to come clean out of her shoulder socket if Natsu tried to run any faster. She silently cursed the heels she was sporting. The pinkette, though visibly ecstatic, couldn’t possibly be charging through the halls just because he was excited… could he?

Almost in answer to her question, Erza violently crashed through a nearby door whilst hastily tying her bangs up with a leopard print headband. Upperclassmen habitually jumped out of the way while unfortunate freshmen were steamrollered by the scarlet senior as she dashed down the hall. Natsu tightened his grip on her hand and urged her forward.

“C’mon Lucy we’ve only got four minutes left!” he shouted.

“Wha-?” Lucy began.

“Don’t talk just run!”

“But you just-“

“Gahhh 3:50 come ON!”

He tugged at her arm harder just as Jet whizzed past in a blur, carrying what looked to be a very startled Levy. A cry of “I won’t let you be late I swear it!” echoed through the hall above the yelps of sophomores as they dove out of the way. Droy could be heard shouting unintelligibly behind them. Natsu instantly let go of Lucy’s hand scooped her into a princess carry.

“N-Natsu!” she shrieked, “Put me down put me down!”

“Agh that’s my ear!” he cringed. “And no! I was late yesterday because you didn’t wake me up! No way in hell am I gonna be late today!”

Lucy shrieked again and clung to his shoulders as he vaulted over a student crouched at their locker. To Lucy’s surprise, despite carrying both of their bags, her, and her notebook in his hand, Natsu only got faster. Did her heels really slow them down that much? His shoulders were taut beneath his red hoodie, and his arms were steady and secure under her weight. A thought crossed her mind and her breath hitched.

“What?” Natsu said, rounding a corner.

“ Nandemo nai! [1] ” Lucy squeaked. She looked away hoping desperately he hadn’t noticed her blush.

Natsu kicked open a door and rushed into the blinding sunlight. Lucy cringed and blinked as she realized they had just left the building and were now on the far side of the school. She noticed a dozen other students sprinting for the crosswalk, and suddenly realized why Natsu had nearly torn her arm off.

“Wait, the theatre department isn’t in the school? ”

Natsu laughed. “Do you really think we’d use this school’s crappy auditorium? Nah, all the drama classes are in the company building.” He adjusted his grip and Lucy squeaked again.

“P-p-put me down!” she shrieked, slapping him across the face. He tripped and dropped her in the grass.

“Owww what was that for?” he grumbled, rubbing the red mark on his cheek.

Lucy covered her chest protectively with her arms, fuming and glaring. Natsu looked her up and down, and slowly realization bloomed on his face.

“Gahhh oh my god Lucy I swear I was not-“ he stammered, jumping to his feet.

“Sure you weren’t!” she shouted, “Just like Bora wasn’t trying to-“

“Oi don’t compare me to that second-rate faker!” he yelled back.

“If he’s second-rate then what kind of pervert are you?!”

“Lucy I swear I wasn’t trying to cop a feel that was an accident!”

A smile started to grow on her face. These arguments were kind of fun; she could see why Gray and Natsu kept them up.

Natsu looked at his watched and groaned. “Gah we’ve only got a minute left we’ve gotta move!”

Without warning he scooped her up again, this time slinging her over his shoulder. She shouted in protest as he sprinted to the crosswalk, beating on his backpack weakly as he ran. He bounded across the street and skidded on the concrete as he turned onto the patio of the large building next to the school.

Lucy awkwardly tried to look over her shoulder to see where they were going. The building was obviously a theatre, though an odd one. The architecture looked to be some combination of a pagoda and a castle, boasting multiple floors, spires, and a large medieval portcullis that couldn’t possibly be real. Atop it sat a large, open bell tower. What gave it away as a theatre, though, was the long red carpet extending from the ornate doors beneath a large diagonal theatre screen that read “Anima Extalia: Final Performance Tonight!” Above the screen was an ornate sign that read “Fairy Tail” in bold, with “Theatre Company” written smaller underneath. From a ledge on the third floor hung a large, crimson banner with a fairy insignia embroidered on it in white and gold.

Lucy only had a moment to take in the grandiose building before she was hurtling through the doors past the ticket booths and into the primary theatre. Natsu came to an abrupt halt, dropped her on the floor and promptly collapsed into a velvet seat before a faint ding, ding, ding echoed through the room.

“Yosh!” he said, panting and holding up a fist of victory. “Just made it!”

“Did you have to drop me in the aisle, though?” Lucy grumbled, rubbing her rump.

“Psh, you’re fine,” he chuckled. She rolled her eyes.

“If you guys have class out here why doesn’t Director Dreyar give you more time to get here?” she snapped.

“Cuz we don’t need it. We’re Fairy Tail.” He replied as though it was obvious. Lucy raised an eyebrow and shook her head.

The theatre was huge, holding several hundred velvet seats. The stage itself was framed with beautiful red curtains and ornate carvings of mythical creatures. Despite having a very classical atmosphere, Lucy could see the evidence of special effects equipment rigged through the edge of the stage and along the walls of the house.

“Gather ‘round, brats!” a short, old man shouted from the edge of the stage. He wore a garish blue and orange hat over a mostly bald head and a matching jacket over a white shirt. His thick white mustache twitched as he waved over his students with a thick stack of papers. That’s Director Dreyar?

“C’mon, Luce!” Natsu said as he miraculously regained his energy and bounded down the aisle. Lucy furrowed her brow as she followed. This guy isn’t at all what I expected. He runs the whole company?

They merged into the crowd of gathering students. Lucy caught a glimpse of orangey hair and azure glasses in front of her. Her skin prickled uncomfortably.

“Now then!” Director Dreyar began, “After our reading of the script yesterday, I’ve come up with the cast list!” Several students cheered, Natsu among them. Lucy was a little disappointed at missing the initial read-through, but she knew the plot well – as a closet thespian she had read it a hundred times. The Shakespearean comedy featured four interweaving storylines: the quarrel between the fairy king Oberon and his queen Titania, the marriage of Theseus to the amazon Hippolyta, the frustrations of two sets of star-crossed lovers, and the horrible production of a play for Theseus’ wedding festival by inept commoners. All of the storylines end up intersecting because of a mischievous fairy prankster, and hilarity ensues.

The director continued, “If there are any issues, let me know now so I can take care of it before we get started. First up, our Duke of Athens Theseus will be played by Elfman Strauss!”

“ OTOKO DA! ” Elfman shouted as his sister and friends clapped.

“Wait, Natsu,” Lucy questioned, “The director just reads off the list? He doesn’t post it instead?”

It was Levy who answered her, coming up from behind. “He posts it later, but he’s found out that a lot of the time people don’t read the list carefully enough and there ends up being problems.” Natsu nodded in agreement.

Lucy tilted her head. “Problems? Like what?”

“Like, misreading your casting or having a double casting as a minor character,” Levy said thoughtfully, “or not reading it at all.”

The look of shock on Lucy’s face made Levy giggle.

“For our Hippolyta,” Director Dreyar continued, “we’ll have Cana Alberona!”

Cana immediately lunged toward Elfman and planted a huge wet kiss on his lips.

“MRTRKRDR!” Elfman yelled through her lips, eyes wide with shock.

“Cana, settle down,” the director chided, “There’s only one kiss scene, you don’t need to practice now.”

“Aww, but gramps,” Cana whined, keeping her arms draped over Elfman’s tense shoulders, “It’s so much fun.”

“If I said I agreed with you I’d lose my job…” the director muttered. He shook his head and continued. “Egeus will be played by Nab Lasaro!”

A hand shot up. “But Director is that really the right role for me? One that only I can do?”

“Shut up and take the job!” Director Dreyar barked. Nab’s hand dropped disappointedly. “For our first set of lovers, Hermia will be Bisca Mulan and Lysander will be Alzack Connell!”

Both Bisca and Alzack blushed fiercely. The crowd whooped and whistled as Mirajane shouted, “MY SHIP! IT’S SAILING!”

“In the second set of lovers, our Demetrius will be played by Loke Auriel, and-“ The director was cut off by the squeals of several girls as Loke flipped his hair. Lucy could have sworn he glanced at her in the process.

Irritated, the director continued, “and our Helena will be played by Evergreen Brown!” Loke took a step toward a green-haired, voluptuous beauty, obviously intending to make some gentlemanly gesture, but was brushed off with a whine of “But I wanted to be Titania!”

“For our play-within-a-play, we have Freed Justine as Philostrate, Warren Rocko as Peter Quince, Marcas Bickslow as Nick Bottom, Jet Sarasuke as Francis Flute, Droy Darrow as Tom Snout, Max Alors as Snug, and Vijeeter Ecor as Robin Starveling!” Lucy saw Jet and Droy high five and a spindly boy do an extravagant pirouette.

“Now,” the director said, pausing dramatically, “for our fairies.” The crowd immediately went silent and the air got tense. “Oberon, King of the Fairies, will be played by…” Director Dreyar seemed to be relishing torturing his students. With a smirk, he finally announced, “Jellal Fernandez!”

The class cheered. Lucy looked around to find the blue-haired senior, who was being clapped on the back by several other boys. His mouth hung open just a touch, smirk tugging at his lips. Barely holding on to that method acting now, huh? Lucy smiled to herself. Congrats!

“Congratulations,” the director mused. “Now, Queen of the Fairies Titania…” Once again the room seized up and all eyes were glued to the tiny old man. “Erza Scarlet!”

“YOSH!” Natsu bellowed as the class erupted again. “THAT’S HOW S CLASS WIZARDS DO IT!” Erza stood not far in front of them, tossing her hair back as though uninterested, but excitement glinted in her eyes.

Lucy laughed at the sight. “That’s funny,” she commented to Levy, “I didn’t take Erza for the gaming type.”

“Huh?” Levy puzzled. “Gaming?”

Lucy nodded. “Natsu just called her an S Class Wizard. That’s like a Dungeons and Dragons thing, isn’t it?”

Levy stared at her before realizing what she was saying. “Oh no that’s just what we call people who have been student directors before. Erza directed the musical last spring. Kinda spawned from the fantasy-themed company thing.”

“For our prankster of pranksters,” the director continued as the crowd died down, “as you would expect, our Robin “Puck” Goodfellow will be played by Natsu Dragneel!”

The class laughed at the fitting role, but Natsu’s hand shot up immediately.

“Wait, gramps, I can’t be on stage though!” he called.

Gray jeered over the crowd, “Yeah gramps, he can’t act at all!”

“Shut up, Gray,” Natsu growled through the chuckles. “Laxus is out this semester because of a schedule conflict. I’m the only one who can run the sound booth, so I can’t be on stage.”

“Sounds like an excuse not to embarrass yourself, flame-for-brains,” Gray scoffed.

Director Dreyar hummed to himself, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “You’re right, Laxus is out, we really need an experienced hand for this production. I could recast Demetrius and pull Loke off stage for this one…” Several girls gasped in horror and the old man immediately regretted the suggestion. “You’re right, Natsu. But who to cast in your place?”

“Gramps, maybe he could do both!” Gray joked, “We could rig a zipline from the booth to the stage so he could get on and off in time. He’d probably have to quick change on the fly, but I’m sure the crowd would look away since he’s hideous.”

Several classmates laughed and Natsu hissed, about to retaliate when the Director jumped in. “Well, Gray, it seems like you’re similar enough that you could take the role instead.”

“Wh-what?” Gray sputtered. Natsu’s irritated scowl swiveled from the dark-haired boy to the mustachioed man.

“That ice freak ain’t nothing like me!” Natsu fumed.

“Darn right I ain’t!” Gray snarled. “That gecko can’t act for his life!”

“Well then it’s a good thing you can ,” the director smirked, “because you’re my second choice.”

Both Gray and Natsu grinned proudly for a minute before scowling and simultaneously yelling, “Hey!”

The director ignored them and continued, “Our fairy attendants will be Levy McGarden, Kinana Cubellios, Laki Olietta, and Sonya Eclair. You may decide amongst yourselves who is who. Everyone else, you’re backstage full time! Actors, spend the rest of this class working lines. Stage crew, meet me backstage in 10 minutes for assignments! Let’s go!”

The class gave a cheer and started filtering off into different areas. Lucy tentatively weaved her way up to the edge of the stage to talk with the director.

“Um, Director Dreyar?” she asked hesitantly. The short man looked down at her from the stage as though he were a hundred feet tall. Lucy gulped.

“Who are you, may I ask?” he said sternly.

“My name is Lucy,” she stammered, “I just transferred here, and I’d like to join-“

“Oh a newcomer!” He perked up and gave her a huge warm smile. “Sure thing kiddo! Got papers for me to sign, right?”

Lucy blinked before registering what he was saying. “Oh! Right! I have them in my bag.” She moved to pull her bag off of her shoulder and found herself grasping at air.

“Eh?!” She twisted around looking for her silver messenger bag, the director chuckling a bit. Suddenly the bag was dangling before her eyes.

“Sheesh, Luigi, stop making me carry your stuff,” Natsu whined before shooting her a smirk. Lucy snatched the bag from him with a scowl and began digging through it.

“I can’t put you in the show,” the director noted as she pulled out her papers, “but you’re welcome to help off stage or audition for the next company production.”

“Company production?” she asked. The director nodded and took a seat on the stage with the paperwork in front of him.

“The whole company meets right after school,” Natsu chimed in, “We’re usually running a company play, a company musical, a university production, and a high school production all at once, plus any minor performances like improv stuff. Our company finished The Crucible just two weeks ago, and tonight is closing night for our musical, so more auditions will be coming up.”

“That’s all well and good, Natsu,” the director murmured, finishing his signature with a flourish, “but it doesn’t give her anything to do during class.”

“Psh, easy!” Natsu smiled, clapping Lucy on the back, “She can team up with me in the sound booth!”

“Team up with you?” Lucy blinked.

“Well yeah, I’ll train you on the tech stuff. Then you can help out with the really crazy effects,” he replied with a toothy grin. “We can do some of the crazy stuff with multiple spotlights and color fades. We already get along pretty well so I betcha our timing will be perfect!”

Lucy didn’t hesitate for another second before beaming enthusiastically. “That sounds like fun! I’m in!”

Natsu’s face lit up even more and he turned to the director. “What do you say, gramps?”

“Well,” he said thoughtfully, “It would be handy to have another person trained on the lights. I’d love to get you, Laxus, and Loke on stage together sometime. Have at it.”

“Yosh!” Natsu yelled. He and Lucy shared an impromptu secret handshake. “We’re all set! Let’s go!”

“Aye sir!” Lucy laughed in reply.

“Glad to have you on board, Miss Lucy!” Director Dreyar laughed as Natsu dragged her up the aisle towards the sound booth stairwell. Lucy’s heart pounded, the day’s events settling in her mind. I’m in Fairy Tail! Finally! The grin on her face was so wide that her cheeks started to ache, but she was so happy she couldn’t do anything about it.

Natsu tugged her up the stairs and kicked open the door at the top, revealing a mostly black room containing two swivel chairs, a small wooden table, and a huge electronic console covered in sliders and toggle switches. The wall behind the console was not a wall at all, but a floor-to-ceiling window giving a spectacular view of the stage and seats. Suspended above the console were three very expensive looking screens, and in the far corner an extra wide door was propped open to reveal a darkened staircase going up.

Natsu dropped his bag onto the small table and threw himself into the far seat, sliding down the console and turning in a full circle. Lucy followed suit, hooking her bag over the back of her seat before examining the multitude of buttons splayed out in front of her. Natsu wasted no time jumping into an explanation of all their functions and quirks, speaking so quickly Lucy could barely keep up. When he got to the sliders Lucy had to stop him and pull out a notebook.

“So that’s how the fog machines work, and the back stairs go up to the manual spotlights,” he concluded with a grin. “Oh, and when the lights are on in here, they can see us from onstage. I found that out the hard way.”

“The hard way?” Lucy puzzled, “What were you doing in here?”

Natsu turned a terrific shade of scarlet. “L-l-let’s just say it was Gray’s fault and leave it at that.”

“Oh now you’ve got to tell me!” she said with a grin.

“Hell no!” he spluttered.

“I guess I’ll just ask Gray later…” she sighed, grinning slyly.

Natsu blanched. “No, Luce, you can’t do that to me-“

“Consider it payback for calling me Luigi!” she cackled.

“I was joking! Jyoudan da yo! [2] ” he whined back. Before Lucy could rub it in further the door clicked open.

“Hey, Natsu, is it cool if I leave my bag here until after rehear-“ The bag in question hit the floor with a hefty thud.

“Oh hey Loke! Sure thing man!” Natsu chimed.

Lucy immediately felt uncomfortable, her attention now glued to the auburn-haired actor. His mouth hung open slightly, eyes wide. Tension permeated the space between them. She had never seen such a perfect rendition of the deer-caught-in-the-headlights look, and if she thought the mood was right she would have commented on it. Natsu apparently thought it was right, though.

“You look like a dear caught in the headlights,” he laughed, “You okay dude? Should I tell Gramps to cast you as a background animal instead?”

Loke didn’t even blink. Lucy got the impression that if she didn’t say something he would stand there gaping at her for who knew how long. Why is he so scared of me? He didn’t look up from the table once during lunch. It’s not because I was kinda rude earlier, is it?

Collecting herself, she smiled warmly and offered a quick “hey!” That seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in. He shook his head and picked up his bag to set it on the table.

“Loke?” Natsu frowned.

“Hm?” the ginger said, “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Just, didn’t know- well I mean- usually it’s just-“

“Ohhhh yeah yeah I’m teaching Lucy the sound booth stuff,” the pinkette grinned. “Gramps wants another person trained on this, y’know?”

“Y-yeah,” Loke stuttered, eyes flickering to Lucy uncomfortably, “Good to have you on board.”

“Thanks!” Lucy beamed. Despite her best efforts, she was pretty sure the awkwardness still showed on her face.

Thankfully Natsu didn’t seem to pick up on the tension and jumped straight into talking logistics with Loke. Their chatter gave Lucy a moment to breathe and go over the sliders and knobs again in her head. Soon enough Loke made a hasty retreat back to the main stage. From the booth she could see him flirting unabashedly with a few of the stage hands, taking up the suave demeanor he had had that morning. So it really is me…

“ Dou omou? [3] ”

“Hm?” Lucy turned to Natsu abruptly. “About what?”

“The booth,” he replied, “What do you think?”

Lucy shook the encounter with Loke out of her head and took another look around. It was certainly impressive. They had some top-notch equipment to work with. It was pretty small, though; there was barely space to walk between the wooden table and the backs of their chairs, and the ceiling felt lower than normal. It didn’t help that everything was painted black. That made her even more curious as to what exactly had been seen so easily from the outside that was presumably Gray’s fault.

“I think…” Lucy smirked, “That you still haven’t explained how you know this isn’t one-way glass.”

---

Gray sat on the end of the second row with his feet propped up on the seat in front of him, his script book in one hand and a blue highlighter in the other. He hadn’t intended to take Natsu’s role in the show when he started heckling the flame eater, but he certainly wasn’t upset about it. If anything, he considered it a handy spark of good luck and timing. The pyromaniac would surely come flaming to him later over the whole thing, and Gray was itching for another brawl. This time, he’d win for sure.

A confident presence took the seat next to him, assuming a similar pose. Gray didn’t look up from his script book, but he could tell it was Loke.

“I can’t seem to make any headway with Evergreen today,” he sighed, clasping his hands behind his head. “I guess I’ll just have to wait until we start blocking scenes.”

“Yeah, and how many girls will you seduce between now and then?” Gray scoffed.

Loke smirked and raised an eyebrow. “I don’t seduce , Gray, I pursue . I just happen to be very good at it. Don’t insult the intelligence of my love interests with insinuations of trickery.”

“Didn’t seem to be pursuing much today,” Gray yawned, “You didn’t even make eye contact with the new girl. Losing your touch?”

Loke’s joking demeanor vanished. “That’s different.”

Gray finally looked up from his script. “Different? Last I saw she was gorgeous and single and into theatre.”

“Yeah, but she’s…” Loke didn’t say any more, facial expression resting somewhere between frustration and… anxiety? He had never seen Loke anxious before, not even backstage. I probably shouldn’t ask.

“Anyway,” Loke said, changing the subject, “Congrats on Robin Goodfellow. It’s been a while since you’ve done a play, hasn’t it?”

Gray almost laughed – he had been the second choice after all. “Thanks, Loke. It has been a while. Gramps likes to put me in the musicals because I can dance, but it’s been ages since I wasn’t on set for a play.”

“This should be fun then,” Loke grinned. “Maybe after rehearsals we can do some tag-team pursuing eh?”

There it is, Gray thought. Loke was always trying to talk him into joining one of his “pursuits”. He had never agreed, and he didn’t intend to do so now either.

“Wouldn’t it make more sense for you and Alzack to do that since you guys are the ones in the love quadrilateral?” he pointed out.

“Yeah,” Loke sighed, “But you know Al. He’s totally smitten with Bisca and he definitely doesn’t have the nerve to do something about it.”

“Then take Jellal,” Gray countered, “He has the nerve.”

Loke scoffed. “And end up on a double date with Erza? No thank you.” He had a point. Jellal was quite obviously into the scarlet-haired fairy queen, and while Erza was good fun, she wasn’t one to tolerate shenanigans.

“C’mon, Gray,” he persisted, “Just think of it as more acting practice. You play shirtless, seductive characters all the time, right?”

“That’s not because I want to!” Gray shot, exasperated. Loke gave him a funny look. Yikes. Better tone that down. He ran a hand through his hair nervously and continued. “I don’t try out for those parts, I just get them by chance. Besides, hockey starts up soon. I won’t have time.”

Loke just rolled his eyes. Hope that keeps him off my case for a little bit at least.

Just then, the bell signaling the end of school hours pinged softly from the foyer. Here it comes. Gray covered his ears.

As if on cue, Cana burst out from backstage holding a bright red megaphone. “WAS THAT THE BELL?!”

Gray and Loke both nodded and braced themselves.

“Hell yeah!” she shouted. In one swift motion, Cana grabbed the hem of her shirt, lifted it over her head, and tossed it into the seats. Now clad in a blue bikini top and shorts, she flicked on the megaphone and yelled deafeningly, “DRESS CODE IS DEAD!”

---

“Ugh, Natsu, now my tank top is covered in soot.”

“Well you’re the one who wore it,” Natsu replied flatly, kneeling awkwardly in the tiny suspended loft as he shifted a spotlight back into place.

Lucy attempted to brush off the ash but only succeeded in rubbing it deeper into the fabric. She sighed. “I didn’t know I’d be doing sound booth stuff. Besides, this is your workspace. And you are the one who works the pyrotechnics. Would it kill you to clean up a bit?”

“Look, Luce,” Natsu grumbled, gesturing to the cramped space, “Do you really think I could get a broom up here?”

“Well… maybe not,” she mumbled. Natsu gave a self-satisfied nod and began making his way along the platform to the stairs. Lucy followed behind in an awkward half-crawl. “Still, you could find something!”

“Like?” Natsu slid off the walkway onto the landing of the stairwell.

“Maybe one of those handheld vacuums?” she offered as she slid off behind him. If the stairwell weren’t so dark she would have seen that her pants were also now covered in soot.

“Too expensive and not reliable,” he maintained. “Gah, geez Luce that was my foot!”

“Sorry,” she huffed, “You’re also the one who said we shouldn’t turn on the stairwell light.”

“Well yeah, because we can’t have the lights on during a show. Good practice.” He made his way down the steps and pushed open the extra wide door into the cramped sound booth.

“Then why do we even have lights?” She closed the door behind them with a hefty click.

Natsu turned to make an argument, but instead both of them found themselves covering their ears tightly as a loud megaphone-distorted screech filled the booth.

“Gah what is that?” Lucy winced, unclamping her hands from her ears. She looked at Natsu expecting a similar pained expression. Instead, he sported a large, mischievous grin.

“ That ,” he smirked, “means the real fun begins.”

Lucy’s heart jumped into her throat, all thoughts of her soot-ruined tank gone, as Natsu pulled his hoodie over his head.  What she had thought was a T-shirt was actually an open black vest with a goldish yellow hem. Under it he wore nothing, and that’s what made Lucy’s eyes boggle. Sculpted pecs and shoulders, lean but defined biceps, and toned, tanned abs. Only inches from her. She could touch them if she wanted. The thought made her squeak.

“Ah, there we go!” Natsu said contentedly, readjusting his scarf. Lucy couldn’t help but stare as his arms flexed and relaxed with the simple motion. Ah no stop it Lucy! Snap out of it! This is like, the eighth guy you’ve ogled today!

“Luce?” Natsu was suddenly only inches from her, gazing at her intently. Lucy leapt back with a shriek.

“W-W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

“Gah, you’re so loud!” Natsu winced and covered his ears. “You were staring at me and didn’t answer my question, so…”

She felt her face get hot. “Oh, u-um, sorry. What did you say?”

“Why are you staring at me?” he said, rolling his eyes in amusement. “You sure are weird.”

“ I’m the weird one?” she shot back indignantly, “ You’re the one who’s practically half naked!”

Natsu simply shrugged. “It’s too hot for shirts.”

It was Lucy’s turn to roll her eyes. “Oh that makes complete sense, with it being the rainy season and all.”

“I overheat easy. Here, feel.” Before Lucy could object Natsu had grabbed her hand and put her palm in the middle of his chest. She gasped, both at the action and at the high temperature of his bare skin.

“ Atsui! [4] ” she yelped and pulled her hand away. “That’s definitely above fever temperature. You should be really sick right now.”

Natsu shrugged again. “Always been like that. And now that the dress code is dead, I don’t have to wear a jacket!” Seeing her confusion, he pointed out the window. Lucy could see many of the students removing jackets and shirts or donning more outlandish clothes. Elfman had dropped his jacket in favor of his taut wifebeater. Erza had strapped a metal breastplate over her blouse. In the midst of it all, Cana now only had two blue triangles and a rectangle of denim covering her sensitive parts. The brunette had an almost crazed look in her eye, seemingly relishing the moment as her fellow club members shed layers. “As soon as the bell rings, the school dress code isn’t enforced anymore. Cana gets real psyched about it. That was her on the megaphone.”

Lucy watched her classmates below for another minute. She grinned as Cana quarreled with Gray, who had elected not to participate in the “festivities”. Cana pointed angrily at him, then gestured to her bare stomach. Gray waved his hands in exasperation. Cana proceeded to snag Elfman by the front of his shirt and point at the side of his neck. Lucy squinted to get a better look. On his tanned, taut neck, she could just make out a small tattoo. Puzzled, she took another look at Cana’s belly. Much clearer on her pale skin was a deep blue tattoo of the emblem hanging on the front of the theatre. The Fairy Tail Emblem.

“What are they doing?” Lucy asked.

“Probably arguing about Gray still wearing a shirt.” Natsu stretched and clasped his hands behind his head.

“Why though? Does it have to do with the tattoos her and Elfman have?” Cana tugged on Gray’s open button-up and he swatted her hand away.

“It’s not just those two,” Natsu laughed. He flexed his right arm and pulled back the hem of his vest with his other to show off a deep crimson version of the mark tattooed on his shoulder. “We all have them. Gray’s is on his chest.” Lucy looked back to see Gray angrily gesturing to Loke, who was awkwardly trying to make an escape. “Cana pesters Gray about it allll the time. She says it’s because ‘company spirit’, but I think she just likes to see him shirtless.”

“With the way she pounced on Elfman, I wouldn’t be surprised…” Lucy muttered. Cana finally gave up and stomped away indignantly, leaving Gray to study his scripts.

Bampampampam. The knock on the door was followed by a frantic cry. “NATSU-NIIIIII!”

Natsu pulled open the door and a boy with dark indigo hair burst inside. He was young, maybe 13 or 14, and sported a long maroon waistcoat and a bright orange scarf. Judging by his equally sculpted abs and the scarlet emblem on his left shoulder, Lucy guessed he must have been Natsu’s younger brother.

“What’s up, Romeo? Everything okay?”

The boy’s eyes were wet. “I can’t find my dad. He wasn’t in his classroom like he usually is, and he’s not in the theatre either.”

Natsu frowned. “That’s weird. He was here teaching chemistry this morning.”

Just then, Loke arrived in the doorway. Lucy felt her lungs seize up at his presence, and he looked just as uncomfortable. “Everything okay here?”

“Ah, Loke, perfect timing!” Natsu exclaimed, pulling the ginger inside. “I’m gonna help Romeo find Macao. You stay here and run the lights for the dress rehearsal with Lucy. Jaa ne! [5] ”

With that, he and Romeo vanished, leaving Loke and Lucy behind.

[1] Nothing!

[2] A joke!

[3] What do you think?

[4] Hot!

[5] Seeya!

[maryland-gentleman]

Is Tech Making Decorative Concrete Patio Ideas Better Or Worse?

It also needs to be mentioned that any brick pattern may be used. The mostly utilised sample is actually a jogging bond – This can be the pattern most brick walls take on. Stack bonds Stick to the very same thread but stack vertically.

When Many individuals visualize concrete patios, they visualize simple gray slabs. As we’ve already mentioned, this isn’t the situation In relation to stamped concrete.

Casarta Slate: High-quality Brazilian slate is Employed in the creation of such lavish paving slabs that are tailor-made for up to date backyard and patio jobs. 

Breathe new existence into your previous concrete with the help of Bullion Coatings. We are an experienced Houston contractor that has been in the marketplace for over thirty several years and we're self-assured that We now have what it's going to take for making your outdoor dwelling Area quite a bit a lot more nice to look at plus a large amount far more purposeful for various applications.

If you have an current concrete patio that is certainly cracked or stained, it may be resurfaced. Concrete resurfacing can make your patio appear to be new. A resurfaced concrete patio may be colored and stamped.

Incorporate pigment inside the concrete combination immediately after it’s poured should you desire color. For those who’re looking for a additional ornate floor, insert a stamped layout following the troweling. Complete with a coat of sealant.

The most crucial causes for that cost distinction are more labor, elements, and encounter. The smallest decorative concrete occupation takes at least two days to finish due to the timing of the different measures included. Contrast this with standard concrete, that may be shaped, placed, concluded, and sealed in someday.

Yes. The main reason is as the faces in the measures must be finished together with the tops. This usually takes beyond regular time, ability, and supplies. An elevated patio offers the same condition: the uncovered edges all have to be finished.

The shape doesn’t typically affect the price. Most contractors demand a similar for your curved edge and rounded corners because they do for straight edges and square corners. Nonetheless, there are several exceptions.

Moreover, they generally have reduce heat absorption because They are really Typically laid over a concrete slab or RCA foundation with sand swept joints concerning them, which happens to be A serious bonus on the barefooted people.

With decorative concrete, we can offer aesthetic enhancement to any patio when nevertheless preserving its necessary purpose and factor as part of the In general structure. Decorative concrete permits you to personalize any surface area to match your personal taste and elegance.

As with any other home renovation, the longevity of stamped concrete is a crucial variable to look at ahead of it is installed. With the cost of set up as it's, it’s crucial which the solution will previous as very long as is possible.

The special equipment and supplies desired for decorative concrete also contribute for the cost, as does the practical experience on the installers. To check out how decorative concrete is finished, look at our decorative concrete procedures:

We stimulate you to give us a call @ (713) 999-6461 or ship us an email so we are able to provide you with additional information pertaining to stamped overlays and other resurfacing providers. Have to have a quotation? We’ll give it for you rapidly and cost-free!

[exposedaggregate122-blog]

Exposed Aggregate Get in on the gorgeous trend of making a driveway or patio with texture and color that's different from anything . think about using an exposed aggregate concrete mix for your next repaving project round the house or around your business. Exposed Aggregate Exposed Aggregate

What is exposed aggregate concrete? it's a mixture of the many different materials that are aggregated from natural, man made or recycled source. The aggregated concrete are often made from concrete, sand, gravel, sand and crushed stones. Decorative exposed aggregate concrete mixes are made from these and provides eye-catching effects for a coffee price.

Exposed aggregate concrete mixes set and appearance a bit like granite or marble. The transformation occurs once the combination is poured, dries and is polished. the sweetness is undeniable whether the merchandise is formed of natural or manufactured materials, although many of us choose recycled exposed aggregate concrete for its low-impact on the environment.

The process of using exposed aggregate for decorative outdoor purposes has been around for over 100 years. This was done before stenciling or stamping were put into practice in concrete pouring. This trend has given thanks to the creative way during which exposed aggregate concrete mixes are often wont to add artistic touches to several facilities.

As for the security of the mixture , it's skid-resistant and sturdy . The finish wont to complete the project are often used reliably to make beautiful sidewalks, driveways, pool areas and patios.

The different sorts of aggregate exposed mixes are often made during a sort of colors. they will be in reminder gray, black, and tan.

[lamazerine]

Crushed Stone vs. Pea Gravel: What’s the Difference?

Source : Ozinga

Whether you’re looking to add some landscaping or are trying to find the best aggregate for a project, two popular options you will consider are crushed stone and pea gravel. Some people may believe that these two products are interchangeable, and while each can be used for similar applications, they’re not entirely the same.

To the untrained eye, crushed stone and pea gravel may both just be some form of rock, but each one serves its own purpose and has its own specific set of uses. From shape and size, to applications, to even cost, these two materials are different. Thankfully, if you’re stuck in the crushed stone vs. pea gravel debate, we’ll clarify it all for you below.

WHAT ARE THE SIZE AND SHAPE DIFFERENCES?

When you compare the two, the biggest differences you’ll notice are the sizes and shapes. Although gravel can come in a variety of sizes, pea gravel is typically 3/8”. It is often softer to the touch too thanks to its rounded and smooth sides. Plus, pea gravel comes in a variety of different colors, including neutral colors like brown and gray, as well as more eye-catching colors like red and blue.

Crushed stone is available in a variety of sizes, from 3/8” to 4”. Because it is literally crushed stone, there is no consistency to its shape. The edges tend to be sharper and it feels rougher to the touch than pea gravel. Also, most crushed stone will either be in a white or gray hue, giving you a more neutral look than the colorful pea gravel.

WHAT IS CRUSHED STONE USED FOR?

There are many different uses for crushed stone, but it is typically used as an aggregate for underground projects. Many contractors prefer to use ½” or ¾” crushed stone as a subbase material before laying concrete. Since it’s durable, it is also regularly used for backfill, drainage solutions, or pipe bedding. Larger crushed stone, such as CA6 or CA5, is typically used for parking lots, driveways, shoulder stone, or railroad ballast. While it is typically found in underground applications, there are some people who opt to use crushed stone for landscape beds or as decorative rock around walkways.

With crushed stone, it’s important to consider its texture. Crushed stone can be easily tamped or rolled into place, which creates a more stable surface for areas such as driveways. However, because it has rougher edges, it may not be the best choice for areas such as playgrounds or dog runs.

WHAT IS PEA GRAVEL USED FOR?

Because of its size, texture, and color, pea gravel is typically used for more above-ground projects and applications. Many home and building owners opt to use pea gravel to accent gardens or flower beds. The different color options allow pea gravel to complement the landscaping or to stand out from the foliage. Since it has a smooth finish, pea gravel is also regularly used for walkways, dog runs, playgrounds, patios, and a variety of other high-traffic areas. Like crushed stone, pea gravel can also be used for underground projects, such as drainage and pipe bedding. It’s also a good choice when looking for fence post installation aggregate.

When considering pea gravel, it’s important to understand how its size can impact a project. Because it’s small, pea gravel will move easily if not edged properly. If you’re going to add it to a walkway or a flower bed, be sure that you have concrete blocks or landscape trim set up to keep the pea gravel in place. It’s also important to note that pea gravel will retain heat, which can be bad for some plants. If you want to use this in a garden or flower bed, be sure you choose plants that will last in pea gravel, such as Spanish poppy, evergreens, and even thyme.

WHAT IS THE COST DIFFERENCE?

The cost of pea gravel and crushed stone will vary depending on where you live, the specific type, and how much of that product you will need. To determine exactly how much each option would cost for your specific project, it’s a good idea to get a materials price estimate from a local supplier. This way, you’ll be able to determine exactly which option is the most cost-effective for your project.

Knowing the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel can ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. If you have questions, be sure to contact a materials specialist for more detailed information on the right product to choose.

Working hard to bring you the best materials and service ! Let us help you with your next Gravel and Pea Rock project ! Contact REEF, ROCK & SAND : (305) 219-8599

KEEP IT LOCAL, SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY BUSINESS 

[wedelivergravel01]

Different Types of Gravel and Their Uses

Gravel is a versatile material used in a variety of construction and landscaping projects. Its wide range of types makes it suitable for many purposes, from creating beautiful garden paths to providing a solid foundation for driveways. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of gravel and their specific uses.

1. Pea Gravel

Description: Pea gravel is small, rounded stones about the size of a pea, typically ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 inch in diameter. It comes in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, white, and gray.

Uses:

Landscaping: Ideal for creating decorative pathways, garden beds, and rock gardens. Its smooth texture makes it comfortable to walk on.

Playgrounds: Often used as a safe and attractive surface for playgrounds.

Drainage: Effective for use in drainage systems due to its small size and permeability.

2. Crushed Stone

Description: Crushed stone is made from larger rocks that have been broken down into smaller pieces by a crusher. It comes in various sizes, ranging from fine dust to larger pieces.

Uses:

Driveways: Provides a stable and durable surface for driveways and parking areas.

Construction Base: Commonly used as a base material for roads, buildings, and other construction projects.

Concrete Mix: Often mixed with cement and sand to create concrete.

3. River Rock

Description: River rock consists of smooth, rounded stones that river currents have naturally polished. They come in various sizes and colors.

Uses:

Landscaping: Popular for decorative purposes in garden beds, water features, and along pathways.

Erosion Control: Used along riverbanks and slopes to prevent soil erosion.

Aquariums: Often used as a substrate in fish tanks and aquariums.

4. Granite Gravel

Description: Granite gravel is composed of crushed granite rocks. It is known for its durability and attractive speckled appearance.

Uses:

Driveways and Walkways: Offers a robust and aesthetically pleasing surface for driveways and walkways.

Patios: Suitable for creating patios and outdoor living spaces.

Drainage Solutions: Effective in drainage systems due to its permeability.

5. Decomposed Granite

Description: Decomposed granite is granitic rock that has weathered to the point of breaking down into smaller particles. It has a sandy texture and comes in various shades of red, brown, and gold.

Uses:

Pathways: Ideal for creating natural-looking pathways and trails in gardens and parks.

Mulch: Used as a mulch alternative in garden beds to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Patio Bases: Serves as a stable base for patios and other hardscape features.

6. Crushed Shell

Description: Crushed shell gravel is made from crushed sea shells. It is an eco-friendly option that provides a unique look to landscapes.

Uses:

Driveways and Pathways: Offers a coastal charm to driveways and pathways.

Garden Beds: Used as mulch in garden beds to enhance soil quality and aesthetics.

Landscape Accents: Adds a distinctive touch to various landscape features.

7. Lava Rock

Description: Lava rock is formed from volcanic activity and is known for its porous texture and vibrant red or black color.

Uses:

Mulch: Commonly used as a mulch in garden beds to retain moisture and control weeds.

Fire Pits: Ideal for use in fire pits due to its heat resistance.

Decorative Accents: Adds a striking visual element to landscapes and garden designs.

Choosing the right type of gravel for your project depends on the specific requirements and desired aesthetic. Whether you're constructing a driveway, designing a garden path, or creating a decorative landscape feature, understanding the different types of gravel and their uses will help you make an informed decision. Each type of gravel offers unique benefits, making it essential to select the one that best suits your needs.

For high-quality gravel delivery in Toronto, trust WeDeliverGravel.com to provide the perfect gravel for your needs. Whether it's pea gravel for your garden, crushed stone for your driveway, or decomposed granite for your pathways, we have it all. Our expert team ensures timely and reliable delivery to keep your projects on track. Contact WeDeliverGravel.com today at 647-868-2447 for professional gravel delivery services in Toronto, and let us help you achieve the ideal landscape or construction outcome.

[blogconcretepavermolds]

Margin Concrete Paver Molds

You can discover rectangles, squares, and octagons among different shapes. You can choose the sort of concrete or different mortar to make the stones, and even add coloring agents to the mortar to change it from gray to any colour beneath the sun. Adding rocks, pebbles, or colored stones also can add curiosity and variety. All of these additions and selections add up to garden paths lined with concrete pavers that are as unique as you would possibly be and add your individual personal stamp to the backyard. While you probably can certainly select fascinating and exquisite ready-made concrete pavers, making your individual provides a creative dimension that appeals to many gardeners. Building a path is a superb do-it-yourself project https://columbiamachine.com/concrete-molds/.

Of course, these calculations are very basic, however they summarize the overall correct concept that making your personal pavers is normally 50% cheaper than shopping for. So, so as to cover the entire 200sqft patio, you'll spend round US$600. That isn't counting the value of supply.

In time, they'll crack, break and provide you with all kinds of things to fret about. Pouring concrete is hard, particularly in a sort of “delicate” work like the one concerned in creating pavers. Your pavers must be uniform, technically equivalent to every other.

It takes a lot of time to make concrete pavers, at least in the future just for them to dry out. That is not essentially a problem when you want few pavers, but if your project is big, you’re going to spend a huge amount of time making all of the pavers you’ll want. This is a extra complicated query than it appears. In sheer worth, at first look, it seems cheaper to make your own concrete pavers. But that’s not entirely true, and there are way more things you should think about to have a whole reply. Concrete molds can additionally be used for bigger areas.

Diy Decoration Plastic Concrete Paving Molds For Garden Path

With today’s software program and scanning technology, we created a few of our favourite natural surfaces that allow for a distinctive texture on the concrete molds and different products you create. In addition to our standard textures, send us your design and we are able to shortly present custom-made surface samples. Columbia’s 3D parametric CAD system allows us to design concrete molds for essentially the most complicated merchandise and shapes our trade calls for.

Smooth Paver Mould 200mm x 200mm Smooth Paver Mould – Approx dimension 200mm x 200mm x 40mm.

Consolidate and easy the floor of the form utilizing a concrete margin trowel.

Sweep the product into the gap to wash the paver surfaces while filling the gap.

Smooth Paver Mould 400mm x 400mm Smooth Paver Mould – Approx measurement 400mm x 400mm x 40mm.

Each order comes with straightforward to make use of mould instructions to create decorative looking decorative pieces on your home or garden.

Let’s say you may have a 200 sqft patio to work with. At finest, your mildew will cowl round 4 sqft, which would require a 60 lb bag of concrete, which costs round US$6. In order to cowl the complete concrete paver molds patio, you'll need 50 bags of concrete, making you need to disburse US$300. All these things add up and alter the quick value of the project. So it is not only a query of which one is objectively cheaper, an important factor, as all the time, is the cost-efficiency of the entire project.

Concrete paving stone molds and concrete molds patio paver stone molds. Our paving stone molds are made out of the liquid rubber that hardens to mildew and recreate all pure stone texture and grain detail. Finding the best plastic concrete paver molds is straightforward here.

Please notice, when our moulds are made we combine a UV stabilizer agent with virgin polypropylene. This provides protection from the solar, so the moulds won’t crack or warp as easily. The Life Expectancy of our moulds are therefor greater than DOUBLE compared to cheaper imitations.

Cobblestone Garden Paver Mould

The result is a beautiful pathway that combines the custom look of brick or pure stone with all the sturdiness and financial system of poured concrete. We left 0.75″ of house between the stepping stone and mould box partitions to create zero.75″ thick mould walls. The following tutorial particulars the way to reproduce concrete stepping stones from an current stepping stone.

»Optiflame carbo sixty eight plus™« molds have flame-cut cavity contours and precisely milled base layout. Mix a batch of concrete for the primary part, following the product directions . Place the form at the start of your path and degree it, if desired. Shovel the moist concrete into the shape to fill each cavity. Consolidate and smooth the floor of the shape utilizing a concrete margin trowel.

So in case you have never labored with concrete before, you’re better off simply shopping for pavers. You're an artist, and your canvas is your garden. Paint a bold, stunning picture utilizing stones and pavers that is uniquely you. Suzerain Ltd is a supplier of paver moulds and equipment used for paver brick manufacturing. These simple to make use of paving moulds are merely crammed with a wet concrete mix and are reusable. View our recipespage for some different supplies to make use of in our paver molds.

When decorating a living room, you should combine totally different furniture designs with décor to realize a style that is exclusive and matchless. The excellent place to get house furnitures in lagos is on Jumia. We have furnitures for all areas of your house - living room furnishings, bedroom and extra. We are the largest Nigerian furniture online retailer so flick through our massive number of furnishings and make a choose on your residence and office. No matter what you ate in need of, whether it is a leather furniture or some banquet chairs, you can be positive to find the greatest quality on our on-line retailer. The »Multigroove™« FEATURE describes holding grooves in the insert partitions, which maintain the block whereas the mold lifts up from the production board.

With one-touch product and project information for householders and professionals. Use QUIKRETE® PowerLoc jointing sand in place of play sand to simulate mortar joints. Sweep the polymer-modified sand into the joints, mist with water, and Powerloc will harden in place. Next, merely mist the jointing sand with clear water, taking care not to wash the sand out of the joint. Once the water dries, the polymers in the combination may have hardened the sand to look like a mortar joint. After eradicating the form from a freshly poured section, reposition the form within the course of the curve and press right down to slice off the inside corner of the section .

Have A Query Earlier Than Buying?

We have a customer gallerypage the place you can view some completed initiatives that our customers have completed. If you want to have your project added to our buyer gallery page please e-mail us your footage. Each order comes with straightforward to make use of mold instructions to create decorative looking decorative items for your home or garden. EDGE PAVER STONE RUBBER MOLDS Drain Mold Application areas for paving stones include resi.. There are as many choices out there on our molds as there are on our machines.

All of our moulds are protected by our copyrighted designs, because of this you'll find a way to make, produce and sell unlimited casts and ornaments. However, you are NOT PERMITTED to make, sell or reproduce precise copies of the moulds themselves. Cobblestones Mould Make 4 At A Time Approx measurement of every cobble is 95mm x 95mm x 35mm. Ideal for Patio’s, Pathways, Ponds Area’s and Path Edging. See how to use plastic moulds in our how-to information section.

Can be used to go with our Yorkstone Paver Range. Yorkstone Australia Paver Mould for Patio Paving Approx concrete paver molds dimension 450mm x 450mm x 35mm. Can be used with our Yorkstone 450mm x 450mm Pavers. Our regularly requested questionspage ought to answer most questions that you might need about using our molds. You will find solutions to your questions from pouring products into the molds to some completely different paint strategies on how to complete your finished items. Whether you need a driveway cutter, hydraulic aspect skirts, adjustable side partitions, or even altering profiles, Miller Formless can design a mould to match your slipforming needs.

At Krishani Molds & Parts, we've skilled concrete mildew makers and we serve industries like – Construction and Manufacturing plants with numerous merchandise. If you have a sample and also you would like to develop the similar concrete molds, we will try this as properly. Seal the skin edges of the mildew field to help forestall rubber from leaking outside of the field.

[redprincessofdawn]

Choose Waterproof Outdoor Furniture

Selecting the right materials and also covers can maintain your patio furniture looking excellent for years. From summer rainstorms to sweltering heat and also scorching sunlight, excellent outdoor furniture has to fight the elements. And also, if you plan to leave your outdoor furniture outside year-round (and also stay in a location with wintertime weather condition), it will likewise need to stand up to below-freezing temperature levels as well as ice. To give your outdoor furniture the most effective shot at survival, beginning by choosing materials that can take care of severe weather condition as well as temperature level variations. Then, invest in covers as well as storage space systems to safeguard cushions and also pillows. One important variable is going with products that are proven to hold up against rain as well as moisture. These include weatherproof galvanised steel and also concrete composite, waterproof synthetic wicker, as well as teak, which is normally weather-resistant and immune to fungus. When subjected to the elements, woods like teak wood will certainly establish a silvery gray patina with time.

Acacia wood is another great material for outdoor usage, however it needs a bit much more upkeep than its metal-based counterparts. While naturally weather-resistant, acacia can still be sensitive to wetness and also humidity. To maintain acacia wood furnishings looking new, Hunt recommends covering it to maintain excess wetness away. As well as the same opts for various other items of outside furnishings, also.

[homefurnitureidea]

Top Picks: 6 Best Living Room Coffee Tables

Top 1. Tirso Modern Rectangular Wooden Coffee Table

This rectangular coffee table provides four colors for different living room styles and its 4 big drawers can save plenty of items to meet daily storing need. It is equipped with many detailed accessories to improve the user experience. The self-closing drawers slides can run silently and smoothly. The round corner and the hidden pulls are kid-friendly and prevent bumping.

 Key Features:

Color: Wood, White, Wood & Black, Black & Gray

Dimensions: 51.18"L x 27.55"W x 13.77"H

Materials: 

l Wood, Wood&Black: Walnut Lacquered Ash Veneered MDF Board, Pinewood

l White, Black & Gray:Oak Lacquered Ash Veneered MDF Board, Pinewood

Storage: 4 Drawers

Pricing: $759.00

Get it Now >>

  Top 2. Alva Lifting-top Nesting Coffee Table Set

This round nesting coffee table set of 2 can be rotated and lifted up for the higher tabletop, which can be used together as coffee table/tea table or used separately as side tables. The lift-top table can also work for small computer desk. The lower table with stone tabletop; the higher one with wood board top and golden metal legs make this table set durable and stable.

 Key Features:

Color: Black, Light Brown, Dark Brown

Dimensions: 

l High Table: 31.50" Diameter x 15.74"-22.04" H

l Low Table: 27.55" Diameter x 9.85" H

Materials: Sintered Stone,Metal Frame, MDF

Storage: 2 Drawers and hidden storage

Pricing: $849.00

Get it Now >>

 Top 3. Tirsoo Square Coffee Table with Storage Drum Drawer

This square coffee table with drum style fits well into modern and minimalist house. Its sleek and clean-lined silhouette makes it as the center table for living room. The hidden handle of the drawer offers great convenience and safety. Over 2,000 customers selected this coffee table.

Key Features:

Color: Black, Brown

Dimensions: 39.37"L x 39.37"W x 14.17"H

Materials

l Black:Oak Lacquered Ash Veneered MDF Board, Pinewood

l Brown: Walnut Lacquered Ash Veneered MDF Board, Pinewood

Storage: 1 Drawers

Pricing: $759.00

Get it Now >>

 Top 4. Minimalist Concrete Drum Coffee Table

This drum-shaped coffee table without storage is made of concrete and PU paint, which fits for minimalist, industrial and retro home style. It even can be used for enjoying coffee or tea in outdoor space, e.g.: backyard, garden, patio, etc. It is perfect for standard sofa and l-shaped sofa with chaise.

 Key Features:

Color: Black, White, Dark Gray

Dimensions: 

l S: 31.5"Diameter x 13.8"H

l M: 39.4"Diameter x 13.8"H

l L: 47.2"Diameter x 13.4"H

l XL: 47.2"Diameter x 15.7"H

Materials: Concrete,PU Paint,Scratch-resistant Surface

Storage: No Drawers

Pricing: $819.00 at least

Get it Now >>

 Top 5. Modern Drum Coffee Table with 2 Swivel Drawers

The sintered stone tabletop, high-grade MDF board and gold-plated stainless steel base come together to this black coffee table. The beautiful veining patterns on round tabletop and swivel drawers design make the coffee table fit for modern and simple style.

 Key Features:

Color: Black

Dimensions

l S: 23.6" Diameter × 13.8" H

l M: 31.5" Diameter × 13.8" H

l L: 39.4" Diameter × 13.8" H

Materials: Sintered Stone, High-grade MDF, Concrete Paint, PU Paint, Gold-coated Stainless Steel

Storage: 2 Drawers

Pricing: $589.00 at least

Get it Now >>

 Top 6. Stone Coffee Table with 2 Pinewood Drawers

The white or black sintered stone tabletop ensures the stability and durability, which is easy to clean. The round table with 2 drawers can keep your living room organized and the hidden pulls are safe and kid-friendly. The simple design brings modern and stylish tone to your living room.

 Key Features:

Color: White, Black

Dimensions

l S: 31.49Dia× 11.81 inch

l M: 35.40Dia× 11.81 inch

l L:39.37Dia× 11.81 inch

Materials: Sintered Stone

Storage: 2 Drawers

Pricing: $889.00 at least

Get it Now >>

[dangerous-stain-builds]

Your builds are so good! Do you have any tips for landscaping? I always struggle with it (also you dont have to answer this if youre too busy/dont want to).

Sorry for the late answer, I was trying to figure out way to condense the pictures (s/o to iphone apps)! Here’s pretty much a huge list of things I do to fill space and decorate backyards with plants and various other things.

So the most important part of landscaping is plants! 

Color (here you can see i chose a gradient hydrangea line for a simple gray house, and yellow and white follower for a bright blue house)

Size (you can see I’ve framed the sitting area with a mix of large and small palms to give it variation)

Density (I’ve added depth to the wall by adding layers of ivy)

Environment (each world has a specific environment, like Oasis Springs vs. Newcrest, and staying within the plant species that live there is generally a good idea)

Style (adding tall trees to a suburban style home is a simple filler along fence or property lines)

If backyards are really small, potted plants can replace growing plants

Sizing up (making a potted plant larger and raising up the tall shrub is a cute porch plant)

Terra Cotta (I created a small garden corner that would be good for condos, apartments, or townhouses with tiny backyards)

Garden plots (adding flowers to large garden plots gives the illusion of gardening, but without the dying)

Terrain paint is a really good tool for creating sections

Shapes (making shapes for landscape groups is an easy way to siphon off parts of the yard)

Placement (using the smallest size can make stepping stones)

Accents give backyards character and make it playful

Springs (this is really good for big backyards, or “beach” houses)

Playground (making a sandbox with fence and terrain paint and putting the money bars together looks like a more complete playground)

Fountains (fountains in the front are easy plant substitutions)

Driveways (sizing up cars and using concrete helps make the front look less plain)

Straight Trellin from Get Together

Putting 2 together (makes a small pergola)

Putting 4 together (makes a large pergola)

Sizing up (makes a large front accent for a porch or a patio)

Half Walls like fences

Outdoor shower (adding onto a pool house or close to the pool is good for a more expensive house)

Plants (using potted plants, palm trees, or lights are good for paths to the front door or accents in the back yard)

Fencing and borders

Fences (round fences in a large driveway and putting a tree, or fences around the front of the house in fill space)

Bushes (bushes, like fences, take up space, especially in 20 x 15 lots)

Filling up empty space

Hedge maze

Wedding/large garden space

Pool

Pool house and outdoor kitchen

Patio and covered patio with a built in spa

Pergola

Lattice grass and concrete (making patterns with grass and concrete make a backyard look decorated without any objects)

String lights (one of my favorites, these are super easy to make a backyard look full)

Tree line (to break up sections of the yard

Fenced flower garden (along the border fence, adding a smaller fence 1 pr 2 blocks out and filling it with flowers takes up space easily)

Ask me more?