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brown sugar

pairing: lewis hamilton x black oc (victoria "tori" scott). summary: he loves her. she’s too blind to realize it. warnings: angst. reference: brown sugar (2002). wc: 5.9k. an: this took forver, ngl. and I don't even know if I like it for real LOL, but I hope you all do! tags: @boujiestpoet @mauvecherie-writes @saintslewis @greedyjudge2 @vile-harlot @emjayewrites @ggaslyp1 @neewrites @cocobutterqwueen

Working hard for what he desired was a concept that was instilled in him from a young age. If he wanted something, his father would say, it was up to him to put in the work to make it happen. He'd have help, he'd have support, but the grit had to come from within. It was a lesson he carried with him throughout his life. 

As a child, he was determined to become a successful racing driver. He'd now become the primary name in Formula One as one (if not) the greatest racing driver and the first Black driver, especially of his caliber. He'd broken barriers and found himself doing things he'd never thought he'd do; designing, producing, and mentoring. 

He was determined in every aspect of his life, including his love life. Or, the lack thereof. He was used to the fast life of money, cars, and women, but as he grew older, it seemed unappealing. Bringing random women homemade his stomach clenched in discomfort, staying out too late made his head hurt, and having a large bed to himself grew lonesome. 

But, he knew what he wanted. He put in effort to ensure that, even selfishly, he got wanted; always did. And it was going to be her.

-

"Hello?" Her voice reverberated throughout the airy penthouse. Her heels kissed the hardwood floor as she entered the foyer of his home. Her nostrils widened as she inhaled deeply. He was still present. The scent of his favorite cologne lingered and tickled her senses. "Lewis!"

"Do you like yelling my name or something?" he joked as he came around the corner. As he came into view, she smiled gently. He looked very comfortable. He wore a pair of loose-fitted black sweatpants and pulled the matching sweatshirt over his head. His hair, as usual, was pulled into a low bun and a lazy smirk played on his lips. 

She rolled her eyes playfully and welcomed his hug and kiss on the side of her neck. She shuddered. "Try again. I came to drop this off." In her hand was a black restaurant-like bag. Lewis dropped his hand to her waist and turned his head to the side. He watched as she swallowed thickly. She said, "Nothing much. I cooked and had a lot left over." 

Lewis' eyes lit up in excitement. Her love language was cooking. Her grandmother was the 

chef of her family, often teaching everyone, including herself, her family recipes. And since leaving the States to move to Europe for business, her grandmother's recipes were the bridge that kept her connected with her Mississippi roots. Lewis was always an indirect benefit of her love for her roots. 

"You spoil me," Lewis said boyishly, allowing her to put the bag in his hand. The scent was familiar. Greens, green beans, cabbage, vegan mac n' cheese (an extra step she took), black-eyed peas and rice, and a small portion of. "Thank you." Lewis visited the States plenty of times, but nothing was as fulfilling as Grandma Eve's cooking, and he learned that from the first time he went to Mississippi with her. 

"Something like that, but that's all I wanted." 

Lewis's face turned upward. "You're not staying?" She shook her head. 

"I have a date." That didn't go over well with Lewis. He grunted in disdain and took a step back from her. She pursed her lips and turned her head to the side. "Don't act like that. I told you I had a date three days ago." 

He never forgot about her date. He simply didn't care. Not because he didn't care about her happiness and romantic prosperity, he didn't believe that the guy (or any other guy, for that matter) that she'd gone out with, was worthy of her. They weren't worthy of being in her presence, let alone breathing her air. He never forgot, he just knew she deserved more. 

"Mhm," Lewis hummed. He dug into the bag and plucked a piece of cornbread from the napkin atop the containers. "Yeah, I know. Guess I gotta eat all this by myself..." She chuckled and waved him off. She dropped a kiss against his cheek and waved, "I've got to go. I'll tell you about it later." 

Lewis nodded. It made his chest hurt saying, "Enjoy, love," but by the smile on her lips, he knew she appreciated it. 

"Thank you, baby!" 

He huffed deeply as she left his home, the nickname she gave rubbing his insides warmly. He only hoped he'd still hear her say it. 

-

She met the man. She said she met the man, who took her out and was everything a partner should be. He was kind, generous, and a leader--the overall catch. He tried not to show the jealousy, the envy, the discomfort on his face when she spoke of him, of this David character. 

He tried to stay happy, smiling and supporting her newfound love with the man who seemingly swept her off her feet. Lewis kept showing up for her in every way he could until he couldn't anymore. 

There was no reason (in his opinion), to show up when another had filled his place. Lewis knew it was wrong, but how long could he accept being pushed into the background by the woman he'd come to know and love in a way most wouldn't imagine? He knew it was wrong, but his heart couldn't take it. 

Once her phone calls slowed, texts grew less, and she stopped showing up how she used to, he didn't force it. He did what most hurt people did; he fell back. 

-

"You talk to Lewis lately?" Her friend asked. Tori thought for a moment. She hadn't seen him, she hadn't spoken to him, and she hadn't been to his races in a while. Life had been on the rise and her schedule grew busy. She'd accepted the position as senior partner at the law firm and had found love. Her life had changed so much that she hardly realized their disconnect. 

Tori took a sip of her almond red wine and twisted her lips. Suddenly, the sweet red was bitter against her tongue. She didn't meet the eyes of her friend, Jen, who grew curious with her silence. Tori swirled the liquid in the cup and shrugged. "No, it's been a while. He...he reached out to congratulate me on the promotion and I was told he came to the party, but I didn't see him. I haven't heard from him since." That was a month ago.

"I did," Jen countered. "He spoke to everyone, left a gift for you, and tried to get to you, you weren't around, so he left." 

Tori's stomach jerked. How had she not seen him? She'd known Lewis like the back of her hand, which included being able to sense his presence. How had she failed? 

"You were with David for most of the night, so, that's expected. I know you two are close, so the fact that you haven't said much about him is shocking. Did you at least thank him for the gift?" 

Shame fell over her. "I never knew he got me one. I just assumed he came and went because I didn't see him. I was so focused on everything else." 

Jen's eyes narrowed. This was odd. "So you don't remember the black box with the gold ribbon? Cursive writing on the bottom?" Tori shook her head. At first, she thought it was from David, but when he did not take credit for it, she simply pushed it into the corner of her room and said she'd get to it later, along with the other gifts that awaited her attention. 

Tori groaned, "I feel terrible." She hadn't known her best friend come to celebrate with her, she hadn't recognized his handwriting on a gift he got her, and she made no effort to show up for him within the last few weeks. And even worse, she hardly realized the shift. 

"You should," Jen shrugged. "I'm all for expanding your circle, trying new things, exploring new people, but abandoning your friend in the process isn't cool, T, and you know it. He loves and cares for you a lot, so I can only imagine how it feels to ignore my calls and texts while you're living la vida loca with this new guy and his circle." 

This time, Tori's eyes narrowed. "What does David have to do with this?" 

If only she wasn't so naive sometimes. Jen chuckled and shook her head, "I see you don't know your friend as well as you think you do." 

What was that supposed to mean?

-

Tori went home that night and sauntered to the corner of her room where the remaining gifts resided. Her friends and family were quite generous, having blessed her with money for new outfits, a new lunch box to carry, coffee mugs, and decor for her new office. However, her eye was trained on the black box with a gold ribbon. It was off to itself in the corner, hidden by everything in front of it. 

Tori crawled toward it and shuffled it toward her. It was heavy in her hands. She shook it. On the bottom was the cursive writing. To My Love, congratulations on all you've accomplished. Xx, LH. 

Her forefinger and thumb pulled the ribbon and opened the box after. She couldn't stop the tears from swelling once she saw what was inside. There were small knickknacks, such as her favorite snacks that she never had the time to get and a pearl necklace that matched his. But, what tugged at her heartstrings was the letter that was framed beautifully. A letter to herself, from herself. One that she swore she'd never see again. A note was on the front. Since your dreams have become a reality, here's your reminder that you can do all you put your mind to, Xx, LH.

"I wrote myself a letter. I don't remember what I did with it, but I wrote to my future self. All things that I'd hoped to accomplish in five years." 

Lewis turned his head, "And what's that?"

Tori sighed dreamily. "I want to make senior partner. Hopefully, own property and stop renting. I want to travel and go places I never thought I'd be able to afford. I want to find love. I want to be happy, Lewis. Truly happy." 

"And you think you'll get there in 5 years? To true happiness?"

She nodded, "I do."

Dear Tori, 

I can't believe you did it! Promotion to senior partner is no easy feat. Not only are you a senior partner, but you're the youngest in company history. When the world kept trying to decline you a seat at the table, you brought a folding chair and made your presence known. I hope you're proud of yourself. 

Did you ever take that trip to Athens? I hope so. I know you're a mythology nerd. I hope you went with Lewis; he always supported your nerdiness. 

And love? Is it there yet? How is the dating pool? Is it still terrible or have you found a man that you love? Is he caring, humble, generous (not just financially), and supportive? Make sure you're not settling! You know Lewis wouldn't approve of you settling. You're too good to settle. 

Write back in five years. I can't wait to hear about what you've done. 

I'm proud of you. All the love, 

Tori

Tori sighed heavily. She'd accomplished a lot that was on her list. She made senior partner, she explored Greece, Rome, and Alexandria, Egypt for her birthday the previous year with Lewis, and had more fun than she could have ever imagined. She remembered the trip like the back of her hand. From how he surprised her with the tickets on a Saturday morning and sent her on a spa day to prepare. How he had an itinerary planned for their 14 day excursion across two continents. His intentionality and persistence in ensuring she was fulfilled never went unnoticed...until recently. 

It made her wonder...did she have everything she wanted? Sure, she got the promotion she desired and deserved, she bought a home, and she met a good man. But, did she love David, was the question, and if she didn't love him, how did she allow him and her newfound success to blind her from the genuine connections she had before? When and why had she changed? 

Her eyes wandered over the box again. To my love. She missed him, she had to admit. Seeing his beautiful smile and eyes light up whenever she walked into a room and feeling his warmth whenever he hugged her. She wondered how he was doing. Would he pick up if she called? 

-

Lewis sat on the balcony of his penthouse humming along to the music that played on the outdoor speakers. His eyes caught the twinkle of the stars above and the winks of buildings. The night, quiet and gentle, had settled into a familiar sense of loneliness. He nursed a glass in his hand, swirling the liquid around, its color catching the light of his environment. The weight of the past few weeks had weighed on him heavily, especially with the growing distance between him and Tori. 

He missed her presence in his life--their conversations, her laughter, and the way she effortlessly made his house feel like a home. He replaced their last interaction in his mind, the way she casually mentioned her date with David. The bitterness ate at him ever since, not because she was with someone else, but because he hadn't been honest with her or himself. 

Lewis sighed and set down the glass. He picked up his phone and scrolled through the messages he'd sent her, most of which went unanswered. It hurt to feel her drifting away, especially knowing she was happy with someone else. But he couldn't keep pretending that he was okay with just being her friend. He couldn't keep pretending that he didn't love her. 

His phone buzzed. A message from Tori. He felt a strange mix of hope and dread as he opened it. 

Tori: Hi...I've been meaning to catch up. It's been a while since we talked. Been thinking about you. How are you?

He stilled. She thought of him. After all this time, she thought of him. 

Lewis: Hey love. It's good to hear from you. I've been okay, just busy with everything. I'd love to catch up if you're up for it.

Lewis gnawed on his bottom lip as he awaited her reply. He saw the three bubbles appear, but they disappeared just as they appeared. Fifteen minutes went by. He sat in the same place, phone in hand, tapping the screen every time it tried to go to sleep. His jaw clenched in annoyance and his stomach churned with an emotion he couldn't identify. 

She reached out once after not speaking to him in so long, and once he replied, she disappeared. Was she purposefully playing with him? 

Lewis: I see you're busy. I hope everything's okay.

Twenty minutes later, he received another message. 

Tori: Sorry, Lew. Dinner w/ David and his friends. Can we catch up another time? 

He didn't reply. Lewis stood from the seat outside and walked into his house, leaving the phone by its lonesome all night long. 

-

There was a gathering for her friend, Tone. He wanted to celebrate his birthday at his pool house and invited his closest friends and acquaintances to join him. So, Tori packed a bag, put on the best swimsuit she owned, and walked through the double doors with a smile on her face. 

As she moved through the room, her eyes scanned for familiar faces, until they landed on Lewis, standing on the balcony, looking unusually distant. 

Even from her position, she noted how different he seemed. His usual warm and welcoming demeanor was replaced by an aloof presence. He chatted with people, but Tori noticed he wasn't as animated, not as lively. 

She debated on if she'd approach him. Before she could finish debating, her feet carried her to him, her heart inexplicably heavy. 

"Lewis," she called softly. A small smile was on her face as she stepped closer. He turned to face her. The expression on his face was unreadable. "Hey, stranger."

He offered her a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Hey, Tori. Long time, no see."

An awkward chuckle fell from her lips as she felt the sting of his words. However, she continued, "How've you been?"

Lewis shrugged once. "Busy." There was tension in the air, palpable and uncomfortable. Tori shifted her weight, unsure of what to say next. His demeanor was so different from what she knew. 

She looked around, noticing how everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, oblivious to the sudden awkwardness that grew like a weed. "I've missed hanging out with you," she said gently, hoping to prod at something within him. 

Lewis nodded, but there was a coldness behind his eyes. "Things change, I guess." 

Ouch. Tori swallowed hard, trying to understand where he was coming from. "You seem different. Is everything okay?"

He looked at her for a long moment. Even so concerned, she still managed to miss the point. In the same flat tone, he said, "I've been dealing with some things." He avoided her gaze after that. 

Tori's chest tightened. She realized she hadn't been there for him, too caught up in her own life to notice the distance that had grown between them. But she couldn't understand why he was being so distant now, so cold. 

Tori chewed along her lip, hesitating before she spoke again. "Is this above David?" she asked, her voice hardly above a whisper. 

Lewis's jaw ticked. He turned to face her fully, a mixture of frustration painted on his features. His eyes rolled once. "It's not just about David, Victoria," he said, his voice low but firm. She gasped slowly. "It's about everything. You're so caught up in your new life, your new job, your new boyfriend. Have you forgotten about the people who were there before all of this?"

His words hit her like a ton of bricks. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She hadn't realized the extent of the distance she manufactured and hadn't noticed how her actions were affecting those around her, especially Lewis. She felt a lump form in her throat, guilt washing over her. 

"I'm sorry," she finally managed to say, her voice cracking. "I didn't mean to push you away. I didn't realize..."

Lewis shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. "I know, love," he interrupted softly, resignation evident in his voice. "But it happened. And I can't just ignore that."

Her mind raced back to her conversation with Jen and her revelation while opening gifts. She was losing touch with what truly mattered. Standing here now, feeling the weight of Lewis's words, she understood that her new life, while exciting, had pushed away those who had been there for her. Her realization about David became clearer-while she cared for him, he didn't understand her in the way Lewis did. David's presence highlighted what was missing, rather than fulfilling her in the way he had hoped.

"I miss you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Her eyes welled with tears as she faced the uncomfortable truth and consequences of her actions. 

Lewis looked at her, his expression softening for a moment. "I miss you too...but I can't keep pretending that everything's okay when it's not." 

The weight of his words settled heavily between them. They stood there in silence, the noise of the party fading into the background as they stood in the thick of it. Just as she prepared to say something else, she felt a hand settle around her waist. She looked up--David. Her eyes cut to Lewis, who chuckled lowly. 

"Hey, babe. Got off early." David pressed a kiss against her forehead and looked at Lewis, who stood expressionless. 

"Lew..." 

"I'll catch you around, V." With a nod toward David, Lewis set his cup down and walked away. If things kept going the way they were, he'd never speak with her again, and she couldn't live with that. 

-

A week passed and she hadn’t heard from Lewis. Her messages went unread and her calls went unanswered. It had been a week since she saw Lewis. She'd sent messages and called, all of which were ignored. She went as far as sending flowers. Flowers! David never got flowers from her. But Lewis did. 

She couldn’t get ahold of him and it drove her mad. She often pondered about what could possibly be going through his mind--was he fed up with her? 

She spent minutes, hours, and days with her eyes trained at the nearest blank wall, going through the motions in her head. Save for tonight, she didn’t have much time for that. She had an evening event planned with David that she couldn’t get out of even if she tried; she confirmed her RSVP and paid the registration fee. She’d have to suck it up and deal with it like a big girl. 

When she heard a knock on her door, she sulked to the entryway and unlocked in reluctance.

David’s presence filled the space as she stepped away from the door. "You alright?" he asked, concern knitting his brow as he took in her somber demeanor.

She forced a smile, but it felt like a mask slipping from her face. "Yeah, just a long week."

“M’fine,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. She swiped her purse off the side table. She tucked it under her arm, rolled her shoulders back, and nodded. “Let’s just get through tonight, okay?”

David eyed her intently but said nothing further. He opened the door and allowed her to walk ahead of him to the car, which she got in herself, as she often did because he was too busy trying to race to the driver’s side.

She scoffed. Lewis would never let her touch a door handle. 

-

The ride to the event was turmoil. David was oblivious to her turmoil as he mindlessly hummed to the pop songs on the radio as he drove.

When they arrived at the event, Tori plastered a smile on her face. T the atmosphere was vibrant--an array of colors as the theme was tropical living, with a surplus of exotic foods and drinks from all over the world. However, the underlying tension between Tori and David crept through. 

“Gonna get a drink,” David said in her ear. “Do you want anything?” Tori rejected and ushered him to enjoy himself. He pressed his lips against her forehead, to which she gave a tight-lipped smile. 

David nodded once and retreated toward the bar. She watched from a distance as he spoke with the bar attendant, breaking her gaze every once in a while to speak to others she was familiar with. But, when she saw his eyes light up and his smile widened when a woman made her way toward him, her eyes lowered. 

Who was she? She was pretty, Tori admitted. She was taller than she was, curvier in shape with light eyes. The woman leaned in, petted David’s color, and giggled at whatever he whispered in her ear. Her jaw ticked. 

The icing on the cake was when her lips touched the corner of his mouth. He did nothing. He only pressed further into her space. He seemed comfortable, which meant he’d done this before. Her tongue ran over her front teeth as her stomach bubbled and her throat grew tight, She turned on her feet and walked toward the bathroom. 

She dapped water on her face and looked in the mirror. This was not the place to fall apart. 

Tori returned to the event a few minutes later and still, David was entertaining the woman with no more shame than he had lacked before. 

As the night grew, her discomfort and frustration did, too. She spent most of her night alone speaking to familiar faces while David smooth-talked that woman. And soon enough, she couldn’t take it anymore. The more she glanced over, the more tears pooled her eyes, the shakier her voice got when she spoke, and the quicker her resolve wore down. 

“Excuse me,” she said quietly, swiftly exiting the conversation. She opened her clutch and fished out her cell phone. One way or another, she was going to leave before she suffocated. Her thumb hovered over the dial pad as she debated entering the 10-digit number she knew by heart. If she called, would he answer?

Tori gnawed on her bottom lip as she debated. Her determination to get out of the door curbed her ability to hear David calling after her. “Tori! Where are you going?” 

“I’m leaving,” she said quietly, not turning to face him. “You can continue with the girl you were with.” 

David huffed and rolled his eyes, “It wasn’t like that. You’re overreacting.” 

Tori turned slowly. “You mean to tell me that you come to an event with your girlfriend, go to the bar, snuggle with some broad, and you think it wasn’t like that?” 

The disrespect was glaring. 

David’s hands went up. “Because it wasn’t! She’s a co-worker.” Tori rolled her eyes. He disrespected her and was okay with it. He was comfortable with disrespecting her and saw no fault in it. She could only imagine what happened when she wasn’t in the room.

“Consideration is one of the best things someone can give another person,” Lewis told her as they walked along a trail. “If something would hurt you, I’d never do it to you. And if I did hurt you, unintentionally, it’s up to me to listen to you and take accountability, even if I didn’t mean to. It’s the kind thing to do.” 

What a difference between the two. Originally, David fit in the picture of what she thought she wanted, but everything was a facade. If he couldn’t admit his faults, how kind, generous, and supportive was he? What kind of leader did that make him? But Lewis, her partner through life’s ups and downs embodied empathy, understanding, and emotional maturity. 

The realization hit her hard. A mix of sadness and clarity. She’d been naive and out of the loop for so long, but in this bittersweet moment, she began to understand how she felt. Her life was good, but there was potential for more. David filled a space, but there was still a lingering emptiness without Lewis. 

Then, her conversation with Jen registered in her mind. How Lewis brought her that considerate gift, handwritten and thought out. David didn’t get her anything. Nothing but congratulations, a kiss, and an offer to buy her coffee on her first day. Her connection was nowhere near as deep and genuine as she had hoped and thought. 

The dots connected. Lewis loved her in a way she didn’t think to acknowledge. And with the revelations she had, the recent interactions with David, and the lack of interaction with Lewis that had her in emotional turmoil, she understood that she may have loved him the same way.

Everything became clear.

“Go back to her,” Tori said after some time. She held the phone to her ear and listened as it rang. “We’re done.”

The phone rang and rang. Her heart sank further as the waiting period grew longer. Then, she heard him. “Hello?” she heard on the other line. “Tori?” Hearing his voice made her eyes water. 

“Will you please come get me? I’ll be at the hotel on Fourth Street. Will you...” Tears began to flood her eyes as her frustration broke through.

She heard ruffling in the background and keys jingling. Lewis’s voice was clear, “I’m on my way.” 

Lewis arrived fifteen minutes later, waiting by the passenger door. Tori sighed in relief. When she was close enough, he opened it and assisted her in the car. 

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Lewis nodded, his eyes still trained on the road. “Anytime.”

-

The silence from the car ride lingered, thick with unspoken words and emotions. Tori stood awkwardly near the entrance, arms wrapped around herself, feeling the weight of everything she’d endured. Her eyes were red from holding back tears and her body was tense, still bracing for the chaos she left behind with Lewis. 

Lewis moved with quiet grace. He didn’t rush her, rather approached her with a familiar tenderness she forgot existed. “C’mon, let’s get you comfortable.” 

Tori found her way to the couch. Lewis knelt in front of her and lifted the hem of her dress. He took her foot in his hand, one by one, and plucked the expensive heels off her feet. Tori watched him, her breath caught in her throat. She could hardly believe how natural the ordeal felt. His touch, even in this simple act, was a balm to her frayed nerves. Her feet slipped free and she wiggled her toes, sighing in relief.

Lewis stood and offered his hand. A beat passed between them. She felt an array of emotions. Vulnerable by the events of the last few days, but she pushed them aside and took his hand. They made it to his room a few moments later. Tori followed him to his closet where a drawer full of her clothes was located. 

Without being prompted, Lewis’s hands were steady as he unzipped the back of her dress, giving her space to shrug it off. As her dress slipped down her waist and pooled at her feet, Lewis rummaged for something for her to wear, wanting to give her privacy and the dignity of handling herself. 

She couldn’t help but note the distinct difference in the approaches between David and Lewis. There was never such a powerful, wordless communication that made her feel seen. Lewis allowed her to control the pace. So, when she walked toward the bathroom and beckoned him to follow, he did. 

They faced the large mirror and Tori’s heart fluttered. He was very handsome, she noted. Still dressed from the evening’s excursions, she presumed. He wore a blue and white sweatshirt with baggy jeans and boots. A hat covered his unbraided hair but it still didn’t mask his beauty.  

Without much thought, she leaned into him. The warmth of his body eliminated the coldness she felt earlier. She closed her eyes and basked in the steady rise and fall of his chest. As she found herself relaxed against him, Lewis’s hands found their way into her hair, fingers deftly undoing the pins and ties. The sensation sends a shiver down her spine. 

Tori’s mind raced as she felt overwhelmed by the gentleness of his touch. It was all too much and yet it was exactly what she needed. Every brush of his fingers against her scalp, every slight shift of his body to accommodate her, spoke volumes. She felt her defenses crumble and a soft sob escaped her lips. 

Lewis didn’t speak; he held her. His arms wrapped around her, firm yet tender like she was a precious jewel. Tori buried her face in his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of him. It was intoxicating; a mix of nostalgia and comfort. His grip on her was tight—he’d never let her go. Through her pajamas, she felt his warm hands caressing her back as she shuddered with emotion. He whispered sweet words in her ear, further accelerating her emotional rollercoaster. But after a few moments, ori pulled back slightly to look at him. His eyes are filled with concern and something much deeper, something that made her heart ache with longing and desire. She missed this, and she missed him much more. She missed how he saw her and knew her so well. He knew her.

“What did he do?” Lewis’s voice was low. He released an arm from her body and wiped her tears away from her eyes, ignoring the brown makeup stains on his sweatshirt and the black mascara under her eyes.  

Tori smiled sadly and shrugged her shoulders. Simply, she replied, “He wasn’t you.”

The words cycled in his head like a wheel. What did she mean by that? Did she mean it literally or was there something hidden behind her words?

“Tori…” Lewis dropped his hands from her waist and sighed. “What are you talking about?”

He needed to hear her say it all. Everything he desired to hear, he needed to hear her say it. 

“He wasn’t…he isn’t you, Lewis.”

He said nothing. 

“I don’t know what I was so clouded by but,” she paused, taking his hands in her own. “He’s not as considerate or kind, not as sensitive or sincere. He was all on a girl this evening and saw no issue with it. He didn’t open my door and saw no issue with it. Then I started thinking…you’d never do that to me because you never have.”

Lewis’s face turned up. “So it’s about what I can do for you.”

Tori’s eyes widened. “No! No, it’s about the intent behind what you do that sets you apart. You…are just so kind and considerate without wanting anything in return. Not saying you don’t deserve it, but your selflessness and overall nature are so beautiful and I cannot believe I was blind to it all this time.” Her cadence increased as she continued to rattle off her enwfound revelations regarding him. 

Lewis’s dark eyes studied her face. He searched for any trace of uncertainty. His heart pounded so loud that he heard it in his ears; a mix of emotions swarmed within him.

“Do you mean that?” he asked quietly, his voice tinged with vulnerability. 

Tori nodded empathetically, squeezing his hands tighter. “Every word. I mean every word. I was so caught up in what I thought I wanted, in what looked good on paper. But you—you’ve been the one who’s always been there, who’s always seen me, even when I didn’t see myself.”

She took a breath, “David was what I thought I wanted, but you...you’re what I need. And I can’t believe it took me this long to see it.”

Lewis swallowed, his throat tight. “It’s nice to know you might feel the same way…” His voice was thick with emotion, and for a moment, they both just stood there, letting the gravity of the moment sink in. The air between them crackled with unspoken words. Tori’s heart ached as she saw the pain in his eyes, the hurt he’d been holding onto for so long. “I’m so sorry, Lewis. For not seeing you, for not appreciating you like I should have.”

Lewis shook his head, a small, sad smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “You’re here now, though.”

She blinked back tears, overwhelmed by his forgiveness. Always so kind. She stepped closer, closing the gap between them, and rested her forehead against her chest. “I’m here,” she whispered

Tori pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. “I do now,” she said softly. “And I’m sorry I made you wait. But I’m here, and I’m yours, Lewis. If you still want me.”

Lewis’s eyes darkened with emotion, and he gently cupped her face in his hands. “I’ll always want you.”

He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that was tender but laced with the promise of everything he’d been holding back. It was a kiss that spoke of his love, his desire, and his quiet, steadfast determination, despite all the ups and downs, to finally have what he’d always wanted—her.

[victoria-vd]

OFFSCREEN POST

Effective Deterrent: Part One

[Part Two]

Victoria impatiently tapped her foot against the hardwood floor, scanning over the bookshelves of the library for a certain shimmer of white hair. She eyed the elevator towards the back of the library, waiting for a familiar face to emerge behind the metallic doors, but though several students had come and gone through that elevator, the face in question was nowhere to be seen.

The girl glanced down at her watch with a slight frown. Hargrove was late to their library study session. How uncharacteristic of the girl… Victoria had been quite clear to her about the importance of punctuality. Had she not seen her a mere hour ago at their training session? And she had given no indication of being unable to attend their study session today. 

Victoria grumbled in irritation, tapping her fingers against the wooden desk as she waited. She had little tolerance for unexcused tardiness. “Hargrove better have a good explanation for this,” she scowled to herself.

The girl’s Indeedee shuffled uncomfortably beside her, casting a sympathetic glance at her trainer. The goat-like Pokemon tilted her head with a soft bleat.

She furrowed her brows with a frown. “If sudden complications arose, she would do well to inform me prior to our session. She is wasting my time.”

Her Indeedee placed a hooved hand on her hip and twirled a lock of her fur with the other, frowning at her trainer.

“I cannot simply ‘let it slide’, Maria,” Victoria narrowed her eyes at her Pokemon. “It is one thing to be late by a few minutes– five is pushing it– but it is another thing entirely to be 20 minutes late without prior notice. It is incredibly disrespectful. Frankly, I have half a mind to leave right now.”

Maria let out a bleat of disapproval.

The girl squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed the bridge of her nose between her fingers. letting out a long sigh. “Fine. Five more minutes. But not a second more, understood?”

The Indeedee smiled softly at Victoria, baaing quietly at her trainer.

“Hargrove is not my friend–”

She was interrupted by the loud clack of a metal door echoing throughout the library. Speak of the devil. The door to the stairway had swung open to reveal Esper Hargrove leaning on her cane, panting heavily as she tried to catch her breath. She seemed to take a moment to attempt to collect herself before scanning the library, her tired eyes falling on Victoria. Hargrove cracked an apologetic smile as she pushed herself forward– wincing slightly– and made her way to the table that the other girl was sitting at.

“Hei, hei, sorry I’m late–” the Hargrove girl spoke in a rushed whisper as she pulled out a chair and sat down, her chest still rising and falling as if she had just participated in a marathon.

Victoria narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, clearly displeased. “Care to explain the reason for your tardiness, Hargrove?”

“Ah–” The other girl glanced away, bringing her hand up to wipe sweat away from her brow, “Well– I had to… take the stairs. From the schoolyard. To here.”

There was a long moment where Victoria said nothing in response. She looked the girl up and down, taking notice of her exhaustion. Her brows furrowed as details ran through her mind. The elevator clearly wasn’t broken, as she’d seen countless students using it since she’d waited at the library. And it’d be irrational for Hargrove to deliberately choose the stairs. The elevator is specifically designated for disabled students, only accessible by a card given to said students upon request. She didn’t seem the type to simply forget the card, and even if she were, it would have been easier for her to go back and retrieve it rather than undergo the physical effort of descending the several flights of stairs from the schoolyard to here.

Victoria raised her eyebrow at the girl. “What happened to your card?”

“Great question! I don’t know...” She sighed, “It was in my bag when I was up in the schoolyard… but then, when I went to the lift to come down here, it was just gone. I doubled back to go look around where I had been and I couldn't find it anywhere–” 

“I see…”

Hargrove frowned, bringing a hand up to rub the back of her neck, “I spent nearly half an hour searching before I realized I was already late to the session with you, so I decided to just come down because I just… couldn’t find it.”

Victoria squinted at her. “And you did not think to notify me of such a complication?”

“Ah.” Hargrove blinked, “I hadn’t thought to do that… My apologies, I was so wrapped up in trying to find my card that texting you that I’d be late hadn't crossed my mind…”

The girl internally grumbled. Of course it hadn’t. Glancing down at her gloves to inspect them, she advised her study partner, “A word of advice, Hargrove: take care to inform others of the reason for your tardiness in advance in the future. You may be perceived as rude for wasting the time of others without an excuse.”

“You’re right.” The white-haired girl lowered her head. “I’m sorry for making you wait.”

“Don’t apologize,” Victoria dismissed her with a wave of her hand. “What’s done is done. All that matters now is that we move forward and take steps to ensure this does not happen again.” She rose from her seat and snapped her fingers, beckoning for both Hargrove and Maria to follow as she walked away. 

Hargrove hesitated for a moment, glancing at the Indeedee in confusion, before getting to her feet and following along, her cane clicking against the hardwood floors as she caught up with Victoria. “Where are we going…?” 

Without turning to look back at her, the girl answered, “To find your disability card.” She led her pupil out of the library, walking past the stairwell.

The Hargrove girl could be seen glancing back towards the stairwell as they passed, her face growing pale as she asked, “Are we taking a different stairwell…?”

“Please, Hargrove,” Victoria rolled her eyes. “I may be harsh, but I am not cruel.” And without hesitation she turned to walk directly into the girl’s bathroom.

“Oh.” The other girl tilted her head with a blink as she followed after her, confusion lacing her voice, “This is the toilets, Victoria.”

“I’m well aware.” She paused for a brief moment, glancing towards the stalls, and said, “Perfect.” Without warning. Victoria grabbed Hargrove by the wrist and pulled her into one of the empty stalls.

“WH–” The girl yelped as she was suddenly yanked forwards into the stall. She thrust a foot forwards to catch her footing…

… only for her shoe to stomp on soft astroturf. The girl nearly stumbled, not expecting the sudden shift in environment. She glanced around to find high ceilings, natural sunlight, and an expansive green astroturf field surrounded by brick walls on all sides.

The three of them were no longer in the bathroom. They were now, in fact, in the schoolyard, standing in front of the shed tucked into a shadow-covered corner.

Victoria heard Hargrove think to herself, “What the fuck? That was cool as fuck but what the fuck?”

It was indeed quite cool, Hargrove.

Internally preening herself off of the slight ego boost, Victoria stepped forwards to fix the girl’s necktie and brush the dust off of her shoulder. “There. No need to climb the stairs.” Behind them, Maria shut the door to the shed they had walked out of.

Hargrove nodded, seemingly still a bit shellshocked, “Cool. Cool cool cool.”

“So—“ Victoria turned on her heel to face away from the girl, hands clasped behind her back, “—where shall we begin our search?”

“Oh– Right– Follow me this way!” The girl nodded, this time more sure of herself as she began to lead Victoria and Maria toward the wooden pillars in the schoolyard.

. . .

An hour and a half passed as the three searched every inch of that accursed schoolyard. Not a blade of that fake astroturf grass was left unturned, nor a single corner overlooked. They’d checked the track, the bleachers, the jungle gym— everything. They’d traced back Hargrove’s steps over and over and over again.

And yet still the disability card was nowhere to be found.

Victoria tapped her foot impatiently as she thought to herself. The card clearly wasn’t here at the schoolyard. But Hargrove could not have gotten up here without it, hence why she had to take the stairs down in the first place. Logically, there was nowhere else that the card could be.

Unless it had been moved to a different location, of course.

She turned to Hargrove and asked, “Have you checked the Lost and Found? Perhaps someone had already found it.”

The girl shook her head, “It has my name and student number on it. If it had been found and brought to Lost and Found, then I would’ve been called down to get it.”

Victoria placed a hand to her chin and glanced back down in thought, “This is true…” One would think that after an hour and a half of the two of them searching, if the card had been turned in to the Lost and Found, then Hargrove would have been notified of it by now.

So if the card had been moved, but not turned in to the Lost and Found—

“Then someone stole it,” Victoria raised her chin to look her pupil in the eye.

“Well–! I wouldn’t–” Hargrove stumbled over her words, waving her free hand in front of her in defense before quickly sighing and dropping it down to her side. It was clear the girl had come to the same conclusion. “Yeah… Yeah someone might have stolen it…” 

Filled with a newfound vengeance, Victoria narrowed her eyes, standing straighter than she was before. “Suspects?” 

“Um…” Her pupil held her chin in thought as she looked down, thinking over the interactions with fellow students she's had the past couple of days. “Well… there were those girls that barred me from taking the lift I called for and took it themselves the other day…”

An image of the memory flashed in Hargrove’s mind: three girls— a blonde and a two brunettes— suddenly pushing past her, shoving her to the wayside as they stormed into the elevator, closing it before she could enter.

“I see…”

Another memory crossed the girl’s mind: the same three girls standing in the hallway of the dormitory, talking loudly amongst themselves, then turning to face her as she asked for their names and  attempted to make small talk, looking her up and down as she spoke, then calling her a charity case and snickering behind their hands.

“The same ones that deemed you a charity case?” Victoria asked.

Hargrove winced, glancing off to the side as she quietly answered, “Yeah...”

Maria glanced nervously between Hargrove and her trainer, well aware of what the girl was already planning.

Victoria gave a nonchalant glance towards the watch on her wrist. “Well. Dinner at the cafeteria starts in half an hour.” She looked up at the girl. “Shall I see you then?”

The Hargrove girl blinked, “I suppose so? I have no other plans so I don’t see why not?”

A strange sound seemed to emanate from the girl as her shoulders shook slightly. Her lips curled upwards, exposing her pearly white teeth as her cheeks raised to meet the malice in her eyes.

“Perfect.”

Scene End.

[Esper Hargrove belongs to @espers-n-espurrs]

[xsweetcatastrophe]

You Broke Me First

part 10

Zoe had every intention of calling him immediately... but she wanted to relish in this moment first.

The soft hum of the floor air conditioner, the cool air hitting her, cooling down the apartment at a fast rate. She might put on a hoodie! When was the last time she was able to do that?!

Zoe took out her phone and called Cillian. He picked up on the third ring.

"First date, and you get me an air conditioner?" Zoe said before he could say anything else.

"Hey, first time we met we had sex. There's no rules" He said, sounding sleepy.

Zoe smiled. Something about him bringing up ~that night~ made her smile. Maybe he thought about it as much as she did. Maybe he remembered more than she did. If that was the case, she was jealous.

"Well... thank you. You didn't have to do that. but I'm already putting it to good use."

"Well I would hope so, I don't even know how you dealt with no AC during these summer days. The second I closed the car door when I left yesterday I was on the phone ordering it for you," Cillian said. "Hey," He continued. "I also just wanted to see how you were feeling about today"

"What do you mean?" Zoe said. She was laying on her back on the hardwood floor in front of the AC with her eyes closed, in pure bliss.

"... the article and pictures are dropping today" Cillian said softly.

Zoe slowly opened her eyes.

It was to the point where she never hoped to be happy or content in a moment ever again. Because there was always something coming around the corner and kicking her in the gut.

"Oh." Zoe replied. That's all she could think. "Weird. I know what it feels like on publishing days. I never was on this side of it. Did she say what time it's being dropped?"

"Hannah said 10"

Zoe looked at the clock. 8:53. About an hour left before the whole world knew her.

"If you want to let anyone know... i'd give them a heads up" Cillian added. "maybe your parents.. sister"

"yea, will do" Zoe interrupted. Man, my dad sure would get a kick out of this shit, she thought.

"Why don't you come here and we can figure this out together" Cillian said.

"I'm not sure what is left to be figured out..." Zoe said, drifting off. However, the thought of being together sounded nice, she thought.

"I know... but, ya know that saying? Strength in numbers? I don't know. Just a thought. You don't have to-" Cillian started.

"No it's fine. i'll head over. Just text me your address. i'll get ready and come by"

"Don't worry about it. I'll send John" Cillian said, reminding her that they left their cars at the bar the previous day.

"ok, cool. Thanks" Zoe said, sitting up.

Cillian stated that he'll text her once John left to get her, and hung up with her to go shower.

Zoe herself stood up, hopped in the shower for a quick body shower, and stepped out and grabbed a pair of leggings and a Columbia T Shirt. She tired her hair up in a pony tail and grabbed her sunglasses and flip flops. She headed downstairs with the intention of waiting on the stoop for John. She hated anyone waiting on her, and she hated being late. She hated being an inconvenience; which is what she felt like most times, especially now. She felt like an inconvenience to her mom, and is convinced that if her and her sister were hanging off a cliff and she could only save one, her mom would save Jen. "Zoe is my tough one" she would tell people, and then sing nothing but praises for Jen. She felt like an inconvenience to her job, especially now. Donna knew her talent, and sometimes she feels like Donna hired her out of pity. She saw Zoe as a hurt puppy, someone you couldn't help but feel sorry for. She was a walking ASPCA commercial and Donna called the 800 number on the commercial and signed up to donate monthly. Zoe felt like an inconvenience to Cillian, who I'm sure didn't want to be wrapped up in something like this, let alone with someone like her. He could have a Victoria Secret model but nope! Zoe Parker for you!

John pulled up about 10 minutes later, and hopped out of the car to open the door for her. "Good morning, Zoe" John said with a smile. He had a smile that was contagious, she couldn't help but smile back. "Hey John! good morning" Zoe replied, sliding into the car. The leather seats were cool and she rested her head back against the headrest. "Did you have trouble finding it?" Zoe asked after he got back into the car.

"Not at all, I know this city like the back of my hand. And I have a very good memory" He replied, putting car into drive and pulling out into traffic.

The ride to Cillian's was only about 15-20 minutes. John pulled up to the section of town Zoe wouldn't step foot in.

"He lives... here?" Zoe muttered, loud enough for John to hear.

"Hey, he must be good at what he does, i guess" John said, laughing.

"Zoe, if you need a ride home, please let Cillan know. it would be my pleasure" He continued, turning around to face her and smile.

"I can call an uber John-

"No, no, they can't come through here. Just call me and i'll take care of it" He replied.

"Okay.. thanks John, i'll see you later. Thanks so much" Zoe said, sliding out of the car and making her way up the walk.

Zoe knocked on the door and looked around the neighborhood that banished Ubers. Big sprawling lawns, white brick curbs, wide quiet streets. Every house had a long driveway and most of the homes were protected by big spruce trees for privacy. Large old trees lined the curb, providing shade on the hot summer day.

I am so out of my tax bracket, Zoe thought.

Zoe was snapped back to reality by the door opening. "Hey, come on in" Cillian said.

Zoe stepped inside and looked around.

Did you ever step foot into a place and was scared to walk any further? As if one more step you take something would break. The perfect rug would crease. You'd get your fingerprint on something. Or you'd spill something; oh god you'd spill something red all over a white carpet. That's the worst.

Anyways, that's how Zoe felt. She looked around the foyer and looked at the connecting rooms. The room to her right had a piano with a record player against the wall, accompanied by a floor-to-ceiling record shelf filled with records. To the right was a formal dining room, with a dining room table and fine china in the china cabinet collecting dust. A winding staircase was in front of her, and just to the right of the staircase was the hallway to the kitchen, where Cillian was walking to.

Zoe followed him into the kitchen and was met with a dog barreling towards her.

"Scout Stop!" Cillian yelled, stepping in front of her to shield her from the dog.

"no that's ok! I love dogs!" Zoe said, pushing him out of the way. Scout jumped on her and almost knocked her over, excited to see her.

"Yea, this is what I was afraid of" Cillian said, pulling on his collar to get him off.

"No it's fine!" Zoe said, laughing on the floor and petting Scout.

Zoe hated people, but loved dogs.

"coffee?" Cillian said, getting up and heading further into the kitchen.

"Sure, Thanks" Zoe said, finally standing up once Scout was calm. She walked over and took a seat at the breakfast bar, wincing when she pulled out the stool and it made a loud noise against the floor. Great, i just scuffed his floor. It's probably made of italian marble, taken from the colosseum itself, it'll cost a fortune to fix, and you can't fix one, you gotta fix the whole kitchen, and i'll have to file for bankruptcy all because I wanted to sit down, Zoe's mind raced. However, Cillian hardly noticed. He was too busy pouring into a mug for her.

"it's gonna be... a little overwhelming today. For you, especially" Cillian said. "I just want you to know I'm here for you"

"I know. Thanks" Zoe said, taking the mug from him and taking a sip. "You have a really nice house" She said, changing the subject.

"huh.. oh. thanks." Cillian said, almost confused. "I've been trying to get rid of it for a while now"

"What, why? it's beautiful"

"reminds me of her" Cillian said, taking a sip.

"oh. Sorry" Zoe replied, wanting to evaporate into thin air.

"All good. People break up. I'm surprised she didn't want to keep this. This was her pride and joy." Cillian said, getting up and letting Scout out. "I guess it reminded her too much of me and since she couldn't stand the thought of me, she up and left"

"Thats... a little harsh" Zoe said, tilting her head. "don't' talk so badly about yourself"

"preaching to the choir, aren't ya?" He said, walking back to her and squeezing her shoulder. "You don't think i can tell when your mind is racing?"

"How could you possibly tell what i'm thinking about" Zoe said, her side leading against the breakfast counter. Cillian stared her down, taking a step closer towards her.

oh fuck.

"I may not know what you're thinking. But I know more about you thank you think. Like how you like your job but you want more, and scared to ask for it. You miss your sister. You feel stuck. You pick at your cuticles when you're anxious, which is at least 3-4 times a day" he said, picking up your hand off your lap and holding it, rubbing his thumb against your raw cuticles. "You want so much more, but you're scared to ask for it. You deserve so much more" Cillian said, softly.

"How could you possibly know all that from 3 days of knowing me" Zoe said softly, getting lost in his eyes. again.

Cillian smiled. "I guess I just...see you." Cillian said, squeezing your hand. Zoe smiled. there's those butterflies again.

And, in true fashion, around the corner was a gut punch to the stomach.

Cillian and Zoe were snapped out of their trance by their phones going off at the same time. They both reached for their respective phones. Zoe looked, and saw she had 4 texts and a missed call from her mom. She looked at the time.

"10:08" Cillian said. "Article dropped. Welcome to your new normal for the next 3 months."

Tags: @lau219 @@wolfieellsworld 

[hedgiwithapen]

DHD: Jenny Kord hates seeing her father's legacy slip through her fingers.

(Set in the continuity of the Blue Beetle movie!) Jenny crumpled the letter in her fist. Then, not satisfied with that, she threw it as hard as she could at the wall.  Crumped or not, it fell short, making the smallest skittering noise as it rolled an inch or two across the hardwood floors. They gleamed, newly mopped. 

The board thanked her for her interest, and declined to meet with her.   She wasn't a child, she had--she had shares, she had inherited everything her father had left for her, but they still treated her like a school girl who didn't know the difference between a metal fork and a metaphor. 

She could involve the lawyers. Of course, the family lawyers answered to Aunt Victoria, and Aunt Victoria was the one who'd taken everything. The stock prices had soared. Victoria had told her she should be happy, her Father's company was a success now, and she could reap the rewards.  As if a few pairs of designer boots were worth her voice. As if a new car was worth her father's wishes. 

She'd said as much, three nights ago at a dinner Victoria had hosted, ostensibly for her graduation. It was to brag, to show off, a chance to gild the lily. The food had been bland, and Jenny would have traded it all in a heartbeat for just one taste of her mother's cooking, would have given the live band Victoria had paid to play covers of pop radio for her father's off key celebration song, the one he'd made up just for her. 

Victoria hadn't slapped her, but Jenny had seen the desire to in her eyes. "Selfish," she'd said. "You want to bankrupt this company? cost thousands of people their livelihoods, destroy the city's economy, just because not everyone agrees with you? I thought college was supposed to teach you compromise."

She hadn't even had the decency to try to shame her with the classic ' what would your father say?' like Jenny had hoped, because she had had a response burning on her tongue all night for that, and she rehearsed it again in her mind. Her father would be ashamed of Victoria, not of his daughter, that she was the one destroying his legacy.In every way possible. Jenny  closed her eyes. Her father's name, his company, Victoria had won those. But she hadn't taken that last thing, yet.  Let the board think she was stupid; let her Aunt think she was spoilt.  none of that mattered, as long as she found the Scarab first, and kept it safe.

[sheepwithspecs]

Echar Agua al Mar: Chapter 7

|| DP Coco (2017) || Rated T ||

Ao3 Link

For Imelda, trying to prevent Héctor from coming back into her life is like throwing water into the sea: pointless. With her family keen to accept the strange musician, and a challenge she can hardly refuse, she soon finds herself caught up in the continuation of a romance decades in the making. [Updates every Saturday]

Saturday was not a normal day.

The Rivera family was on pins and needles, yet no one could explain why. There was, however, a fair reason for the change. Everyone had been exhausted by trying to cheer up Imelda after her disastrous market trip earlier in the week. They had been thrown off their own natural balance, and now they were all paying the price.  

Rosita had been squashing her tendencies for gossip all week long, and was fairly bursting at the seams to know what had happened between Mamá Imelda and Héctor. Julio knew his sister a little too well, and his efforts to keep her mind occupied and away from… certain topics… had left him at his wit’s end. Oscar and Felipe’s inventive hobbies spawned from a natural curiosity and inclination for experiments; when not indulged, the old “devilish” unruliness from their youth came back full swing. Although far too old to be causing mayhem, they were still unable to sit still for more than ten minutes without fidgeting. The noise bothered Victoria, teeth grinding with every finger snap and toe tap until she was in danger of cracking her canines.

Only Imelda herself seemed untouched by this madness. She sat primly in her favorite armchair, the sun shining through the open window and making warm patterns across her lap. She seemed the very picture of matronly serenity as she sewed, patiently plucking at errant stitches on her needlepoint without a word. If she had bothered to hum as she worked, she might have seemed grandmotherly. Without any background noise at all, she was distant, lost in her own world of tiny stitches.

Victoria was the first to crack, her frazzled nerves driven to their breaking point by the uneven tapping of the twin’s soles on the polished hardwood floor. Shutting her book with enough force to break even Imelda’s concentration, she stood and dusted off her skirt with a tight smile.

“It’s such a lovely morning,” she said, speaking faster than usual in an attempt to hide the edge in her tone. “I think I’ll take a walk around the neighborhood. Won’t you join me, Tía Rosita?”

“Hmm?” Rosita glanced up from the skirt she was hemming, her eyes full of confusion. Victoria jerked her head slightly towards the door. “O-Oh! Yes, I’d love to take a walk! The sunshine is so bright today.” She was on her feet in an instant, bouncing on her heels as she hurried to her niece’s side.

“Let’s go, too,” Oscar suggested, rising to his feet.

“Yes, let’s!” Felipe agreed, stretching his arms over his head. “If only to get out of the house,” he muttered under his breath, so quietly that only his twin heard. Julio looked first at Imelda, than his daughter; he made a little gesture that all children, whether alive or dead, know to mean “aren’t you forgetting someone?”. Victoria swallowed a sigh, but managed to keep her smile in place.

“Will you join us, Mamá Imelda? We can visit the plaza,” she offered. “I know you like to sit near the fountain.” At the word plaza, Imelda yanked the thread hard enough to snap. She blinked in surprise, mouth puckering at the frayed ends dangling from her needle.

“No, thank you.” She began to pluck at the torn thread, tucking it beneath another stitch to hide it. “I think I’ll stay here.”

“Then I’ll stay, too.” Julio settled deeper into his worn armchair. “These old bones would be grateful for the rest.” Imelda smiled at him, happy for the company. If she noticed how jittery the rest of the family seemed, she clearly did not care to comment on it.

The small entourage breathed a little easier as they passed the gate and reached the sidewalk, heading towards the plaza in the center of the neighborhood. There were few people on the streets at this time of day, most choosing to sleep in on the weekend or relax in the comfort of their homes. A group of men reclined in wooden chairs outside of an empty saloon, nodding to the twins and tipping their hats to the ladies. Children played hopscotch and tag in the alleyways, or sat huddled together on the stoop while watching videos on their phones.

“I just don’t know what we’re going to do,” Victoria sighed as they paused at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. She squinted at the sky before adjusting her shawl to cover the crown of her head; she did not like to be out of doors on such a bright, blistering day, even if she no longer had skin to burn. Still, it was worth the price of her sanity. “This is starting to feel ridiculous.”

“What is?” Rosita asked absently, chuckling at a trio of little girls jumping rope. The one in the middle lost her balance—and her skull—forcing her older sister to catch it before it rolled down the street.

“I just don’t understand her.” A group of teenagers rolled by on skateboards; Victoria glared as they blatantly ignored the red light, cruising across the street with a grumbling roll of wheels. “Does she think that if she pretends he doesn’t exist, Héctor will suddenly disappear?”

“Well, have you seen him?” Felipe pointed out reasonably. Héctor had not visited the shop since the afternoon he’d danced on the workbench. “It’s working so far.”

“And what happens when he decides to visit us? If he decides to visit us?”

“Mamá Imelda didn’t ban him from the shop,” Rosita protested. “He will still be able to visit.”

“But is she going to hide upstairs again? Or will she just pretend like he’s not even in the room? Are we just supposed to tiptoe around the topic until our Final Deaths?” The twins shrugged in unison.

“That’s what we did.”

“What we’re still doing, in effect.”

“And whose fault is that?” Victoria demanded.

“Why, Héctor’s!” Oscar laughed. Felipe nodded his agreement.

“Maybe that’s fine for you, but I’m not about to stand by and let it happen.” Victoria clenched her fists, hurrying across the crosswalk and forcing the others to jog after her. “I’m going to do something about it.”

“But what?”

“Well… I’m going to find Héctor.” She pushed her glasses up until they sat firmly on the cheekbones. “I don’t care how long it takes me.”

“And then what?” Rosita puffed, trying to keep abreast of her. Victoria stopped short, looking momentarily lost.  

“I… I don’t know yet.” She shook herself, her frown more resolute than ever. “But I can think of the rest after I find him.”

“But how do you expect to find him?” Oscar shook his head. “He’s just one man.”

“I’m going to ask around. I’ll ask every person in the neighborhood if I have to, and if I don’t find an answer I’ll move on to the next. Someone has to know where he is.” Even as she said it, Victoria sounded uncertain. Felipe let out his breath in a low exhale.

“Victoria,” he began slowly, “even if you do manage to find him… what good do you think it will do? Imelda said it herself: she and Héctor came to a mutual agreement. Even if you change his mind, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to change hers.”

“I don’t know! But it has to work. It has to.” Rosita grabbed her hand, slowing her until they stood together in the middle of the sidewalk.

“Mija….” She smiled faintly. Victoria scowled, her shoulders slumping.

“Of course it’s not going to work,” she admitted, rubbing her forehead. “But we can’t sit around doing nothing. We have to try.”

“I think we need to find a curandera,” Rosita suggested, clapping her hands together with a smile. “There’s nothing a good folk remedy won’t heal.”   

“Mamá Imelda isn’t sick,” Victoria huffed. “She’s just stubborn.”

“My mamá used to say that the best cure for marital problems was for a curandera to bless the house. In fact, it may be that Papá Héctor has a bad spirit connected to him due to his murder.” Rosita held up her hands, appealing to some higher authority. “We should bless him too, while we’re at it.”

“Tía Rosita, Héctor is a spirit.” Victoria pinched the bridge of her nose. “We all are. And we’re not getting a curandera.” They cut through a narrow alley, stepping down a flight of rickety wooden stairs before emerging on a main thoroughfare leading toward the plaza.

“Well…” Rosita paused to look wistfully at a cart of flowers, smiling as she touched the edge of a rosebud. “We could have used the advice, in any case.”

“Advice?” Felipe trailed to a stop, Oscar nearly running into him and knocking them both into the side of a building.

“Yes.” Rosita turned to look back at him. “They say curanderas give great advice.” Felipe didn’t seem to hear her, eyes glazing in thought.

“Advice….” Felipe grinned, snapping his fingers under Oscar’s nose. “Tell me, brother. Imelda won’t listen to us.”

“Never has,” Oscar agreed obediently. “She’ll tell us to mind our own business if we try.”

“Exactly! But, she needs to listen to someone, is that right?”

“That’s right.” Oscar caught on, leaving the ladies baffled as he began to nod along with his twin. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, then… I think so!” They turned to Victoria and Rosita, who were beginning to lean away warily. “The solution is…?”

“Who—?” Felipe prompted, waving his hands for them to add the rest. Rosita smiled apologetically, Victoria shaking her head. The men rolled their eyes before finishing the sentence as one.

“Who does Imelda listen to?” Felipe shook his head, as though it were the easiest answer in the world. Unfortunately, he was met with silence.

“Are we supposed to answer that, too?” Rosita asked nervously. “I’m not doing very well at this, am I?”

“It doesn’t matter, anyway. It’s a trick question,” Victoria guessed. “Mamá Imelda listens to Mamá Imelda.”

“No. There is one person.” Felipe held up one finger. “Oscar, who was the one person Imelda always listened to, without fail?”

“Mamá.”

“Mamá Isa?” Victoria repeated incredulously. “She’s not going to take our side in this.”

“No, not her. Outside of the family.”

“Ah… hmm….” Oscar ran a finger along his mustache in thought. “Oh! Lucía!”

“Lucía!” Felipe grabbed his brother’s shoulders in excitement. “All we need to do is find out where she lives now—”

“And ask her to help us!”

“She’ll talk to Imelda—”

“And Imelda will listen—”

“And forgive Héctor! Of course!” Oscar cheered. “Our problems will be solved! You’re a genius!”

“You would have thought of it, had I not,” Felipe replied modestly. “That settles it. We’ll just have to go find her.”

“Lucía…?” Victoria thought for a moment. “She was Mamá Imelda’s childhood friend, right? The loud one.”

“I remember her!” Rosita exclaimed. “Size 8, preference for suede, and… wasn’t she our first pair of rattlesnake boots?”

“That’s her,” Oscar nodded. “When we were young, Lucía and Imelda were inseparable.”

“And after we were grown, too.”

“She was always around, before Imelda married—”

“After Imelda married—”

“After she married—”

“Fine, fine!” Victoria waved her hands to make them stop, eyes practically rolling in her skull from switching between the two faster than the audience at a tennis match. “But are you sure she’ll want to help?”

“Maybe? She likes Héctor. Or… she liked him, once.” Felipe scratched his head. “It can’t hurt to try.”  

“But how do we find her? Is she even…” Rosita winced. “Here?” How are we sure she hasn’t been Forgotten? The question hung in the air between them, unvoiced and yet on everyone’s minds all the same.

“Imelda visits her from time to time,” Oscar assured them. “And her family always puts her picture on the ofrenda. I’m sure she has not been Forgotten yet. As for how to find her… we can’t ask Imelda, but there is a place we can ask.”

“The Directory at the Department of Records!” Felipe blurted out. “They should be able to give us her address!”

“Right! There has to be a payphone around here somewhere….”

“Very well. You two go and find Lucía.” Victoria looked at her aunt. “Meanwhile, we’ll keep looking for Héctor. We’ll meet back here at noon and share what we’ve found. Agreed?”

“Agreed!”

“Thank you for calling the Directory of the Deceased. If you are calling about the status of the Recently Deceased, press 1 now. If you are calling about a possibly Forgotten soul, press 2 now. If you—”

“Just press 0.” Felipe prodded Oscar on the shoulder to get his attention. “That should take us to the operator, right?”

“Shh!” Oscar smacked his hand aside, eyes narrowed at the phone. “I’m trying to hear the options!”

“If the person you are calling about is unrelated to you, press—”

“Here we go!” he shouted, repeatedly pushing the faded #6 on the number pad.

“Please hold. A representative will be with you shortly.”

“No!” Oscar jabbed the key again and again. “No, no!”

“Please hold. A represent— Please hold. A rep— Please hold.”

“Ay!” Felipe slapped a hand to his forehead. “I told you to press 0!”

“Shut up! Do you have any more change?” Felipe dug in his pockets while Oscar held the receiver in the air between them. A full ten seconds of jaunty elevator music looped loudly; there was a short pause, and they both held their breath only to groan aloud as a prerecorded message began to play.

“Here at the Department of Family Reunions, we treasure our patrons. Thank you for holding. A representative will be with you shortly.” Passersby peered through the glass doors of the phone booth at the pair of them, mirror images folded together with knees bent and skulls scraping the metal ceiling as they fed the machine the last of their coins.

“Good morning! Thank you for calling the Directory of the Deceased. My name is Samara; how may I be of service?”

“Hello? Hello, yes—” Oscar fumbled with the receiver. “I’d like to find the address of an old family friend, please.”

“Certainly! I’d be more than happy to assist you with that today.” There was the sound of a computer mouse clicking in the background. “May I have their full name, please?”

“Right! Her name is Lucía…a…erm…” He looked helplessly at Felipe, mind drawing a complete blank. “What was her last name again?” he hissed in a panicked whisper.

“How am I supposed to know?!”

“You were always better at remembering things—”

“We haven’t seen her in nearly— Didn’t she marry Fransico?”

“She married Fernando, but what was his name?”

“Señor? Are you still there?” Oscar grimaced, gulping back his nerves before shouting down into the receiver.

“She married Fernando!” There was a long moment of painful silence. When the representative spoke again, she sounded very tired.

“Señor, I’m sure you understand that there are many people in the Land of the Dead named Lucía and Fernando.”

“I do understand, yes.” He looked again at Felipe, who shrugged as best he could in the crowded space. “Our Lucía is from Santa Cecilia. She would have been alive in the 1920s.”

“She would have been…” Felipe counted quickly on his fingers, “twenty-four years old in 1920. She married that year, and she ran a bar in town until she died. Her husband Fernando was the butcher’s son, and her mother was named… Rosa, I believe. Or maybe Ramona?”

“Do you happen to know her date of death?”

“Well…” Oscar thought. “She died after Imelda, but I’m not—”

“I see.” Now the representative merely sounded impatient. “Please hold while I get in contact with the Department of Records.” Before they could utter a single protest, the tinny music filled the booth once more.

“I… I don’t think we’re very good customers, Oscar.”

“I think you’re right, Felipe.” They both stared quietly at the receiver, repeating the recorded message word for word with the chipper male voice whenever it appeared. Just when it seemed they might be at a loss after all, their last coin spent and time quickly running out, the representative returned.

“I was able to find a Lucía Fernández Oreiro de Santa Cecilia, who married a man named Fernando Garcia in 1920. If that isn’t your Lucía, then I’m afraid—”

“Wait! Yes, that’s her!” The representative let out a breath that sounded too close to a sigh of relief.

“Great!” she drawled. “Now, are you ready for her address?”

“Excuse me, but have you heard of a man named Héctor Rivera?”

“No, sorry.” The man brushed past Rosita, hurrying towards the bar.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but does anyone named Héctor Rivera live around here?”

“I don’t know any Héctor Rivera, sorry.”

“Well, that’s nearly everyone in the plaza.” Victoria wiped her skull quickly with the end of her shawl.

“What now?” Rosita leaned against the shade of a building, fanning herself with her hands.

“We pick a street and start knocking on doors, I suppose.” Victoria crossed her arms. “There just has to be someone who knows him. He’s been visiting the shop for ages now; surely someone besides us will have spoken to him.”

“I— Excuse me, we’re looking for a man named Héctor Rivera. He has a straw hat, usually barefoot?” The woman in question shook her head quickly, pushing her young son ahead of her as she disappeared into an apartment complex. Rosita sighed. “Maybe we should try another approach.”

“What else is there to try?” Victoria stepped in front of two men. “Do either of you know a man named Héctor Rivera? He’s about this tall, plays the guitar?” She measured the space with her hand.

“Sorry, don’t know him.” The men smiled sympathetically, stepping around her and continuing on their way. Victoria and Rosita looked at one another helplessly.

“Maybe we’ll have more luck in the thoroughfare?”

“It will be more crowded, if nothing else— Excuse me!” Victoria lunged after a tottering elderly woman, catching her by the sleeve. “Do you happen to know a man named Héctor Rivera?”

“Oh, my…” the woman tutted. “The man from the Sunrise Spectacular?”

“Yes! Yes!” Victoria leaned forward in anticipation. “Do you know him?”

“Oh, no, dearie. I only saw him on the television.” She tugged her sleeve free and continued on her way, her parrot alebrije fluttering overhead.

“You said you’re looking for Héctor Rivera?” a gruff voice boomed behind them. Both women turned, looking around… and then up at a broad-chested man that could not have been anywhere under seven feet tall. He stared impassively back at them, his arms crossed over his thick ribcage; a tiny slip of a woman stood in his shadow, fanning her curls against the heat of the day.

“D-Do you happen to know him?” Rosita managed, gulping back her nerves.

“Skinny guy? Guitar? Red neckerchief?” They nodded. “Yeah, I know him. He owes me money. Had some excuse about needing it to buy flowers.” The man lowered his skull, glaring at them over the rims of his sunglasses. “You payin’ for him?”

“Ron, stop! You’re scaring ‘em!” the woman huffed, giving his forearm a hearty smack. The man’s expression did not change, but he dropped his shoulders and let out a hearty laugh.

“Sorry, couldn’t help myself,” he chuckled, lifting the sunglasses onto his skull. “Yeah, we know Héctor. He’s a friend of ours. But, uh… what’s he to you?”

“He’s my grandfather,” Victoria answered. The couple stared at her a moment, brows raised, before glancing quickly at one another.

“Does he know?” Ron asked hesitantly.

“Héctor had a kid?” the woman asked at the same time, choking on the question before smacking her partner’s arm once more. “¡Oye! Don’t say it like that!”   

“How else am I supposed to say it, Gina!? He don’t really seem like the type to—”  

“He knows,” Victoria interrupted impatiently. “Please tell me you know where we can find him.”

“Well, uh…” Ron scratched his cropped hair. “I know where I can find him, though I don’t think you’re gonna like it very much.” He looked them over with the contemplative air of a man used to making judgements of character at a single glance. “If he’s not up on Toño’s wall—which he’s clearly not,” he added, glancing towards the bar, “the only other place I know where to find him is in Shantytown.”

“Shantytown!?” Rosita squeaked.

“Yeah. Just ask around and you’ll eventually get pointed in the right direction.” He shrugged. “There’s no other way to do it, really.”

“Don’t look so nervous!” Gina assured them, lifting her curls to fan the back of her neck. “What, can’t you swim?”

“I think it’s more the people they’re afraid of, Gi.”

“Pshaw! There’s no one to be scared of in Shantytown!” she giggled. “And even if there were, you could easily outrun them on the docks.”

“Not helping!” Ron grunted, shaking his head firmly. “Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about finding him. Héctor’s like a cat… he comes and goes as he pleases. He’ll be back eventually.”

“That may be so, but we’re in a bit of a hurry. I think we may try Shantytown after all,” Victoria finally managed.

“But Vic—”

“Thank you for your help,” she continued loudly, drowning Rosita’s mumbled protest. “We really appreciate it.”

“Good luck.” Ron waved away her gratitude before sliding the sunglasses back over his eyes. “By the looks of things, you’re definitely going to need it.” 

Old Ronaldo (Ron) and Gina art by @pencokun!

[cleaningexperts24x7]

Basic House Cleaning: A Step-By-Step Guide

Spring is upon us, so it's time for spring cleaning! Whether you're getting your home ready for the warmer weather or just wanting to freshen things up, a deep clean can do wonders. Still, trying to figure out where to start? Check out our tips below on basic house cleaning facilities.

Start with the Kitchen

The kitchen is a busy room in the house, so it's no surprise that it can get pretty dirty quickly. To clean your kitchen, start by wiping down all surfaces, including the countertops, backsplash, appliances, and cabinets.

Remember to empty the fridge and give it a good cleaning as well! Once all the big pieces are taken care of, sweep and mop the floor.

Move on to the Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another area of the house that tends to get pretty grimy. Begin by scrubbing the toilets, sinks, and showers/bathtubs. If you have tile walls or floors in your bathroom, give them a good scrubbing. Once everything is nice and clean, sweep and mop the floor (or use a wet vacuum if you have one).

Dusting and Vacuuming

After you've tackled the significant areas of the house, it's time to move on to dusting and vacuuming. Start dusting all surfaces, including shelves, picture frames, ceiling fans, and baseboards. Once everything is wiped, vacuum all carpets and rugs. If you have hardwood floors, give them a good sweep and mopping.

A deep clean can do wonders for your home - not to mention your peace of mind! Following our recommendations, you'll be in a new and clean house.

House Cleaning: A Step-By-Step Guide

Spring is here, so it's time to freshen your home! A thorough spring cleaning can do wonders for your space aesthetically and energetically. Still, trying to figure out where to start? This step-by-step guide will ensure a job is done quickly and efficiently.

Step One: Make a Plan

The first step to any successful cleaning project is to make a plan. What areas require the most attention? Please list the tasks you wish to accomplish, then prioritize them according to importance. Once you have your list, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks, so you don't feel overwhelmed.

Step Two: Gather Your Supplies

No cleaning project is complete without the proper supplies. Stock up on all the essentials—trash bags, dusting cloths, glass cleaner, etc.—before you start so you don't have to take frequent breaks to run out and buy more.

Step Three: Start with the Big Stuff

When it comes to spring cleaning, sometimes it's best to start with the big tasks and work your way down to the smaller ones. This could mean deep cleaning your carpets or decluttering your closets. By creating more significant projects, you'll make the most impactful changes to your space and give yourself a sense of accomplishment to motivate you to keep going.

Step Four: Don't Forget the Small Stuff

While the big stuff is important, remember the small details! Wiping down baseboards, dusting light fixtures, and scrubbing toilets might not make much difference, but trust us—they do! Taking care of the little things will help your home look and feel its best.

A basic house cleaning in Victoria can do wonders for your home aesthetically and actively. Anyone who follows a step-by-step guide can do the job fast and efficiently.

However, if you have so many options, it is better to choose someone with knowledge and promises to serve you in the best possible way. Though there are numerous companies, consider connecting with Cleaning Experts 24x7 for all kinds of cleaning jobs. You can count on the experts and schedule your appointment for cleanups without delay.

[groovesnjams]

gRººv333S,,,n,,,J▲M§ ▬|s|!|O|!| ❤︎|!|t|!|y|▬{{mmxxii}}  

..................number5 ....................of50

“Modern Love Stories” by Beach House

MG:

Lyrically, “Modern Love Stories” closes with Victoria LeGrand softly sliding the line “I reach into the darkness/ The universe collects us” through the space between a closed door and the hardwood floor, from one side of infinity, defined by her sparse and evocative lyrics, to the other, the song’s wordless outro. While her words sound like death, Alex Scally’s guitars, both the casually strummed acoustic that reaches back from LeGrand’s darkness and the fervently sustained slide that serves as the song and album’s closing bracket, feel like longing, longing, longing. Longing to go on, longing for more, longing for the sound of beauty itself. The slide guitar in particular dares to get more beautiful with every repetition, wrenching a little more luminosity with each pass around the ear drums. There is nothing so wrong with desiring and enjoying beauty, it is, in fact, a human need. Though the sense that our needs should be painful to meet persists, though the idea of hard truths dismisses beauty as, at worst, facile in its beguiling, or, at best, only available to us after we have thoroughly exhausted ourselves of every other preceding struggle, it remains essential to joy, the bright twin of suffering. There is no such thing as too beautiful, the harder your heart scorches itself, the brighter the energy released.

DV:

Maybe it’s death, maybe it’s just a particularly memorable trip at the end of a night out. I agree that the production, glorious and lush, doesn’t suggest finality - but I’m not sure LeGrand’s lyrics do either. Lines like “Carousel ascending” or “I reach into the darkness” are no more at home in an end-of-the-universe scenario (though they fit into one) than they are in a night where you’re waiting in line to use a bar bathroom, taking an escalator and riding the train back home, and sprawled in bed with a lover having a conversation you’re both too stoned or drunk to fully understand. Both can be true, as both can be beautiful. “Modern Love Stories” is evocative - and allusive - enough to bear multiple interpretations. Beach House lend them an epic grandeur, whichever path you choose.

[boobabietch]

Chapter IV: "Victoria O'Hara's Faces Her Toughest Opponent: Her Own Thoughts" | Diana Taurasi x OC

Warnings: nothing really just Victoria loosing her fucking mind but that’s about it (leave hg alone she’s trying her best)

A/N: I cannot tell y’all how much I freaking struggled writing this but anyways it’s here, enjoy. Honestly speaking I don’t know what to think but I’ll let you guys decide if y’all like it lmaooo. Remember that English is not my first language so if you find something wrong please tell me so I can change it asap, as always my likes, reblogs and comments(!!!) are highly appreciated and my ask box is always open. Love Sof :)

Making headlines masterlist

“Victoria? Yeah, she’s good."

I can’t stop.

"But God, she’s still a little baby!"

I won’t stop.

"There’s a difference between playing a good game and knowing how to win, and I think that we already know that she doesn’t know anything about the latter."

I can’t breathe.

“She’ll figure that out eventually... or not."

She won’t let me breathe.

I woke up to ragged breaths, my mind struggling to grasp the thin line between the real world and my dreamland. Every word, every mannerism, every inch of her image replayed in my mind, ever since that day, ever since that game. My teammates went home to their families, trying to enjoy their precious offseason time. I didn’t. How could I?

Wake up, train, pain, train, eat, sleep, repeat.

"Victoria? Yeah, she’s good."

No.

"But God, she’s still a little baby!"

No.

"There’s a difference between playing a good game and knowing how to win, and I think that we already know that she doesn’t know anything about the latter."

NO.

“She’ll figure that out eventually... or not."

FUCK, STOP IT.

It was like running in circles. My muscles ached, my lungs begged me for a few seconds to breathe.

Wake up, train, pain, train, eat, sleep, repeat.

"Victoria? Yeah, you’re good."

I felt her lips brush against my ear, her whispers feeling like a thousand needles piercing my eardrums.

"But God, you’re still a little baby!"

Her scent crept up my nose like deadly poison, making me hyper-aware of her closeness, of how her chest pressed against my side, caging me, trapping me in her warmth.

"There’s a difference between playing a good game and knowing how to win, and I think that we already know that you don’t know anything about the latter."

I can’t breathe.

"You’ll figure that out eventually... or not."

DIANA, I CAN'T BREATHE.

I woke up, my covers on the floor, tangled in a mess of fabric that matched my chaotic thoughts. The room was dark, the only light filtering through the blinds from the streetlights outside. It felt like the weight of her words pressed down on me, suffocating me in the silence of my room.

I glanced at my phone—2:43 AM. I couldn’t shake the feeling of inadequacy that had seeped into my bones. I thought the sting of her words would fade, but they lingered like an uninvited guest that refused to leave.

Every time I closed my eyes, I could see her, taunting me, that smug grin on her face as she delivered her harshest truths. This was supposed to be my time, my moment. I had worked so hard to prove myself, to rise above the expectations and the scrutiny. But all I felt was the nagging doubt creeping back in.

I threw my legs over the side of the bed and rubbed my eyes, willing myself to shake off the haze of sleep. The early hours before dawn were my favorite time to train, the world outside still, just as my thoughts should have been.

But as I laced up my sneakers, I couldn’t help but hear the echo of her voice in my mind.

"Victoria? Yeah, she’s good."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. The sun wouldn’t be up for hours, but I had my own battles to fight, starting with the one inside my head. I was done letting her live rent-free in my mind.

The court on my apartment complex was empty, just the sound of my shoes squeaking against the polished hardwood floor. I dribbled the ball, the rhythmic thud a familiar comfort. With each bounce, I channeled my frustration into my training, driving myself harder than ever before. Every drill felt cathartic. I poured everything into the shots I took, the sprints I completed, the reps I pushed through. But even as I fought to drown out her voice, it echoed louder with every shot that clanged off the rim.

“She’s still a little baby!"

I snarled at the ball, my anger fueling my drive. I was anything but a baby. I was a warrior, and I would show her what that truly meant. Hours passed, my body pushed to its limits. My lungs aching in every breath I took, forcing me to rest, begging me to stop, but I didn’t stop. Not until I felt every ounce of frustration boil over into determination. Finally, as the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the court, I stopped, panting heavily. I stood in the middle of the gym, surrounded by echoes of my hard work, and let the silence wash over me. I might not have won that game, but I was far from defeated.

April 22, 2018

Something you must know about A’ja and I is the bond we shared since our early days in college, we’ve been close since my sophomore and her freshman year, playing together at South Carolina. We had shared everything, blood, sweat, tears, losses and more than anything, wins.

Whether it was late-night study sessions, grueling conditioning drills, multiple love stories and eventual heartbreaks, you name it.

A’ja was always right there beside me. She was my rock, the person who always knew when to push me harder and when to tell me to chill out and breathe.

When I attended the 2018 draft and I found out my very best friend was going to be playing with me at the now Aces I was fucking thrilled.

But when I started practicing in training camp like my life depended on it after last season, she was the first to notice. And she wasn’t the type to let things go.

"Victoria? Yeah, she’s good."

The words echoed in my head as I threw another elbow into the defender's chest, ripping my way through the paint like a battering ram. The gym around me full with energy, the hardwood floor squeaking under our feet. But all I could hear was her voice, Diana’s voice.

I won’t stop. I can’t.

Sweat dripped from my brow, stinging my eyes, but I was locked in. Practice wasn’t just practice anymore. It was survival. Every drill, every scrimmage felt like a test, like I had something to prove. Not to my team, not to myself, just to her.

I glanced over at the rest of the squad. They were watching me. Kelsey raised an eyebrow, Sydney looked curious, and A'ja, just stood there, arms crossed, studying me like I was some puzzle she couldn’t quite solve.

"Yo, what’s up with V?" A’ja asked, adjusting her headband as we set up for another scrimmage.

"I mean, she’s been like this since the first day of camp," Kelsey muttered, keeping her eyes on me as I lined up for the free throw drill. "It's like she's on a mission or something."

"Mission?" Sydney snorted. "More like she's fucking possessed."

I took the shot. Nothing but net. The ball snapped against the floor, but I was already backpedaling, ready for the next rep. I didn't care who was watching. I didn't care about anything except my game. I wasn’t going to be the same player I was last season.

Not after what she said.

“But God, she’s still a little baby.”

“Yo, V," A’ja said during a break in one of our preseason practices, her voice low so the rest of the team wouldn’t overhear. "You’ve been going hard, even for you. Something up? Or you just trying to outwork me?" She flashed me that signature grin, but her eyes held a hint of concern.

I smirked, grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat from my face. "Nah, just focused. You know how it is."

A’ja narrowed her eyes, clearly not buying it. "Nah, this ain’t regular ‘I’m focused’ Victoria. You’re grinding like you’ve got something to prove. You trying to tell me something?"

I sighed, knowing I couldn’t hide anything from her. "I’m good, A’ja. Just... trying to get better."

"You've always been trying to get better," she shot back. "This is different."

I shrugged, looking away. "Maybe I just need to be better than I was last season. Stronger. Faster."

She studied me for a moment, then nudged my shoulder. "This about that Taurasi stuff? From last year? 'Cause everyone’s talking about how you've been in beast mode since camp started."

I froze for a second. I hadn’t told anyone about how much Diana’s words had gotten to me, but A’ja saw through me like always.

"What’s the deal with you two anyway?" She asked, not letting it go. "You beefin’ or…?"

I wiped the sweat off my forehead, looking away. “It’s nothing.”

But it wasn’t nothing. It was everything.

When she heard my dry response, she leaned in. "You don’t have to tell me everything, but... you know I got your back. Always."

I looked at her, my chest tightening with gratitude. A’ja always knew when to push and when to pull back, and today, she was giving me space. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t still watching, still keeping tabs on me.

"Thanks, J," I muttered, using the nickname I had for her. "I’ll be fine. I just... need to get through this season."

She nodded slowly, as if she understood more than I was saying. "Just don’t wear yourself out before we even start, alright? We’re in this together."

"Always," I echoed.

Our bond was the one thing that felt stable, even when the rest of my life felt like it was spiraling out of control. A'ja kept me grounded, and I needed that more than ever, especially with Diana still roaming free in my head.

"O'Hara on Edge: Will Her Relentless Training Pay Off or Push Her to the Brink?"

June 10, 2018

"Victoria’s been putting in the work, hasn’t she?"

I watched her from the sideline as she moved with a kind of intensity that was hard to miss. She was laser-focused, every step, every shot with purpose. She wasn’t the player I’d faced last year. No, this Victoria was something else. It pissed me off.

Headlines had been swirling about the new-look Aces, with most eyes on A’ja Wilson, but I saw the shift in Victoria. I could see she only had one goal, and it was clear she was gunning for me. Fine. Let her try. I’d be waiting.

The game was intense from the start, both teams pushing each other to the brink. Victoria was everywhere, diving for loose balls, taking shots with confidence. She was playing like she had something to prove, and she was damn well proving it.

I couldn’t help but admire her fire, but I also couldn’t let her forget who she was up against.

"Keep an eye on O’Hara," I muttered to BG as we lined up for the inbound. "She’s got something fucked up in her today."

Brittney chuckled. "Looks like you’ve been living in her head rent-free."

I smirked, glancing at Victoria as she locked eyes with me from across the court. "Yeah, well… she’s about to learn a thing or two."

The game intensified, the back-and-forth growing more physical. I found myself matched up with Victoria more than once, the tension between us palpable. She played with fiery intensity, and every time she drove to the basket, I met her with resistance.

But she wasn’t backing down.

We collided during a fast break, and the ball went flying out of bounds. The referee’s whistle blew, but neither of us cared. Victoria shoved me, hard, and I pushed her right back.

"What the fuck is your problem?" I spat, stepping up into her space. Our chests nearly touched, the heat of our anger crackling between us.

"My problem?" she hissed, her chest rising and falling as she glared at me. "You. You’re my fucking problem."

"Oh, baby, you’re gonna have to try harder than that" The name slipped from my lips, a mixture of challenge and something I couldn’t quite define.

Her eyes widened for a split second, caught off guard. "Don’t call me that."

"What? Baby?"

The whistle blew again, but it didn’t matter.

The referee's voice was drowned out by the sound of my own heartbeat.

"You don’t want me calling you that? Too bad, baby. You’ve been chasing me this whole time, and now you’re acting all tough like you’re not playing into it." I stepped closer, our chests now pressed together, neither of us willing to back down.

We were nose to nose, chest to chest, and every inch of me wanted to either push her further or… something else. Something I wasn’t willing to admit.

Her nostrils flared as she clenched her fists, but I could see it, her composure was cracking. A slight tremble in her hands, her lips pressed together like she was biting back something sharp, or maybe something soft.

Victoria’s eyes flashed with that fire she’d been carrying all game, but there was something else lurking beneath it. I could feel it in the tension between us, the way our bodies were gravitating closer instead of pulling away. It was like the collision had unlocked something neither of us had the guts to admit was there all along.

"You think you’ve got me figured out, Taurasi?" she shot back, her voice low and dripping with disdain, but her breath hitched ever so slightly. I noticed.

I smirked. "I know I do."

That got her.

"You don’t know anything," Victoria growled, gripping my arm to prevent me from walking away, refusing to back down, but her words lacked the bite they once had. Her eyes told a different story now, one I recognized all too well.

There was no more space between us. Her hand was on my arm, gripping tight, like she needed something to ground her in the whirlwind of emotions swirling around us. I could feel the heat radiating off her, the flush of adrenaline mixing with… something else lingering in the air.

"Don’t I?" I asked softly, my voice barely a whisper now as I leaned in. Her breath hitched again, and I knew I had her. "You’ve been chasing me, baby. All this time."

Her grip tightened on my arm, and I could feel her pulse racing beneath her skin. She was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling against mine as her resolve started to crumble. I could practically taste the frustration and anger rolling off her, but underneath it all, there was desire. Raw and unspoken, but there.

We stayed like that for a moment, just mere seconds, neither of us moving, the tension hanging heavy in the air between us. Then, slowly, I pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. The intensity was still there, but her guard had slipped. There was vulnerability now, a flicker of something she was trying to suppress.

Her lips parted, as if she was about to say something, but then an arm thrown over my chest pulling me back snapped us both out of it.

I turned my head slightly, seeing Brittney, dragging me out of the confrontation. "You two done, or do you need a room?"

Victoria immediately released the grip she still had on my arm and took a step back, her face flushing red. I couldn’t tell if it was from anger or embarrassment, or maybe both. I watched as she shook her head and stormed off toward her bench, her shoulders tense, jaw clenched.

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension. But as I stood there, watching her disappear into the sea of players, I couldn’t help but smirk to myself.

"Yeah, I’ve got her," I muttered under my breath.

My heart was still racing as I sat on the bench, trying to put distance between myself and Diana. I could still feel the warmth of her body pressed against mine, her voice whispering in my ear, taunting me. And the worst part? I wanted it. I hated how much I wanted it.

"Baby." The way she’d said it, so damn casually, like she owned me, like she knew exactly what buttons to push to unravel me.

I sat, my elbows resting on my knees and my head down, trying to catch my breath, trying to push down the emotions that were threatening to spill over. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I wasn’t supposed to let her get under my skin like this. I wasn’t supposed to want her.

But I did.

———

I squeezed my eyes shut, my fists clenching as I tried to wrestle control back over my mind, my body. Everything felt wrong and right at the same time, and it was driving me insane.

"Vic, you okay?" A’ja’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I snapped my eyes open, quickly wiping at my face to make sure there were no tears. I didn’t want her to see me like this.

"Yeah, I’m good," I muttered, forcing a smile as I turned upwards to face her. She looked at me, eyebrows raised, clearly not buying it.

"You sure? Because you and Diana looked like you were about two seconds away from throwing punches, or making out."

I shot her a glare. "Don’t start, A’ja."

She held up her hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I’m just saying. There’s a lot of tension there, and not all of it looks like the ‘I-hate-you’ kind."

"Whatever." I stood up pushing past her, heading toward my water bottle, but her words stuck with me.

Not all of it looks like the ‘I-hate-you’ kind.

No, it didn’t. And that was the problem.

"Rivalry Reaches New Heights: O'Hara and Taurasi Deliver an Unforgettable Game!"

June 5, 2018

EXTRA EXTRA!

“From Enemies to Allies? The All-Star Weekend Just Got a Lot More Interesting with O’Hara and Taurasi Both On Team Delle Donne!”

Dear god, you have to be fucking kidding me.

Requests are Open!

Masterlist

[getadvanceinfo]

Nothing compares to the timeless look, feel, and appeal of timber flooring. Whether you’ve settled on a specific variety, or still exploring your options, we’re proud to be the trusted source for all things timber flooring in Melbourne.

[fleasecleaning]

Bond Cleaning Melbourne: Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Bond cleaning, also known as end-of-lease cleaning, is an essential service for renters in Melbourne preparing to move out of a property. This thorough cleaning is crucial for securing the return of your bond and leaving a positive impression on landlords or property managers. Here’s an in-depth look at bond cleaning services in Melbourne, what they entail, and why they are important.

What is Bond Cleaning?

Bond Cleaning Melbourne, involves a comprehensive clean of a rental property at the end of a lease. It ensures that the property is returned in pristine condition, matching its state at the beginning of the lease. This type of cleaning is typically required to receive a full bond refund, which is usually a substantial amount paid upfront when renting a property.

Key Areas Covered in Bond Cleaning

Kitchen: The kitchen is often a focal point of bond cleaning. Services include cleaning appliances (oven, microwave, fridge), countertops, cabinets, sinks, and floors. A deep clean ensures that all grease and grime are removed, and appliances are spotless.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms require meticulous attention. Bond cleaning covers scrubbing tiles, cleaning showers, toilets, sinks, and mirrors, and ensuring that all grout and fixtures are free from mold and stains.

Living Areas and Bedrooms: These areas are cleaned thoroughly, including dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, and wiping down walls and windows. Special attention is given to removing any marks or stains from walls and floors.

Floors: All types of flooring, whether carpet, tile, or hardwood, are cleaned. Carpets may be steam cleaned or vacuumed, while tiles and hardwood floors are scrubbed and polished.

Windows and Glass: Clean windows, both inside and out, are crucial. Bond cleaning services include washing glass surfaces and removing any streaks or smudges.

Why Bond Cleaning is Important

Secure Your Bond: One of the primary reasons for bond cleaning is to ensure the return of your security deposit. Landlords and property managers conduct inspections, and a clean property increases the likelihood of a full bond refund.

Professional Standards: Professional bond cleaning services are experienced in meeting the high standards required by property managers. They use specialized equipment and cleaning products to achieve a level of cleanliness that might be challenging to achieve on your own.

Saves Time and Stress: Moving out can be stressful, and bond cleaning is a time-consuming task. Hiring professionals allows you to focus on other aspects of the move while ensuring that the property is cleaned to a high standard.

Choosing a Bond Cleaning Service in Melbourne

When selecting a bond cleaning service in Melbourne, consider the following:

Reputation and Reviews: Look for companies with positive customer reviews and a solid reputation for delivering quality service.

Experience: Choose a service with experience in bond cleaning, as they will be familiar with the specific requirements and expectations of property managers.

Cost and Guarantees: Compare prices and check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or re-cleaning service if the property manager finds any issues.

Conclusion

Bond cleaning is a critical step in the moving process, ensuring that you leave your rental property in excellent condition and secure the return of your bond. By choosing a professional bond cleaning service in Melbourne, you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your property will be cleaned to the highest standards. Whether you’re moving out of a small apartment or a large house, investing in thorough bond cleaning will make your transition smoother and help you start your new chapter with ease.

For more Information

Contact - 0469 301 833

Email - Candytomsly8096@gmail.com

Address - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Timings - open 24 Hours every day 

Visit - https://js-endofleasecleaningmelbourne.com.au/

[victoria-vd]

OFFSCREEN POST

Bittersweet Sobriquet

There was nothing Victoria enjoyed more than a quiet Saturday evening in her dorm. The sparsely-decorated room was dim, only illuminated by the faint glow of the extravagant lanterns that decorated her dorm. Atop one of the shelves, an ornate cluster of amethyst crystals glistened in the gentle light of the flickering lamps. Luxury Balls and battle trophies rested neatly atop red velvet cushions inside a display case. And with her canopy bed pushed into a dark corner of the room, Victoria had crafted the perfect living space for herself: a space of dim, quiet isolation from the overwhelming everything that was the rest of this wretched academy.

“– and another thing!” Esper threw her arms up into the air and leaned back in her chair. “I hate how she keeps assuming that I’m not paying attention!”

And yet Victoria had allowed Esper to enter it nonetheless.

The girl continued her rant with a wave of her pencil, “Like, sure, yeah it’s pretty damn early in the morning and I may not seem the most awake but I am! I am paying very close attention! I wouldn’t be in the bloomin’ class if I wasn’t!”

Victoria let out a small huff of amusement at Esper’s complaints. Make no mistake, the incessant mindless chatter cutting through her peaceful silence made her want to claw her own ears out—

(Despite the distance between her and the Hatterene standing across the room, she could practically feel the shadow of Barcelona looming over her. Watching her intently.)

—but at the very least, the girl was funny enough to make it bearable.

Without looking up from her laptop, she addressed the girl in a haughty tone reminiscent of the teacher of their ire. “Ah, Esper, glad to see you’ve joined the rest of the class now. Let’s see if you’ve been paying attention: approximately how many years ago was it that the Paldean Empire began to rule this region?”

The other girl let out a dramatic groan as she slumped in her chair, “Roughly two thousand years ago.”

With a raise of her chin, Victoria clicked her tongue in mock-disapproval and shook her head. “Wrong. Had you been listening, you would have heard me say that the Paldean Empire began two-thousand one-hundred thirty-seven years ago, on the first Sunday of August at exactly the 14th hour and 28th minute of the day. Do better next time, Esper.”

“Arrrccccc…” Esper whined before soon pushing herself back up into a proper sitting position. “She would. She fucking would. She’s– She’s like the most annoying teacher I’ve ever actually had.”

“There are few things that Señora Raifort enjoys more than ancient history,” Victoria hummed and turned her head to look at Esper, “But being needlessly difficult is one of those things.”

“Mhmhmhmhmhmhm,” she nodded, rocking back and forth in her seat as she looked at Victoria, “Y’know what I think–?”

“I tend to know, yes,” Victoria interjected with a quirk of her lips.

“Okay–” Esper rolled her eyes with a snort, “As I was saying. I think she’s haunted. There’s no way she isn’t cursed by some sort of spirits, her vibes say it all.”

“I see. As someone as experienced with hauntings as yourself, I suppose I cannot argue with your claim.”

Victoria’s pupil let out an indignant squawk before wildly gesturing with her hand, “My dorm may have not been actually haunted but I swear my old flat building was! There is no other way to explain–” Esper was interrupted as her cardigan sleeve caught on a lone water bottle sitting on the desk. The bottle rocked for a moment before teetering over the edge and falling off of the desk.

But (un)surprisingly, it never hit the ground. It simply hovered in place halfway between the table’s edge and the hardwood floor. The bottle slowly rose back to its proper place atop the desk beside Esper’s arm.

“Oh!” Esper took a moment before beaming at the other girl with a friendly smile, “Thank you, Tori!”

Victoria froze.

(Barcelona’s head snapped to attention, her eyes locked onto her trainer.)

…Tori?

The mere utterance of the name evoked something nostalgic and bittersweet, like a box of memories collecting dust on a shelf. Left aside and long forgotten. Cobwebs hung between each letter and the ink faded from every stroke. The name was crude and juvenile like a child’s finger painting. But what would one expect when the artist was but a child herself?

(The Hatterene snaked a tendril of hair to her side as she stalked her way towards the girls at the desk.)

A single syllable had pried open a myriad of memories best left forgotten for Victoria’s sake.

(Locks of hair in the shape of a hand reached up to Victoria’s shoulder.)

It’s funny, really.

In some ways, she was a lot like Esper, wasn’t she?

(Her hat cast a deep shadow over the girl as she loomed over her.)

Victoria closed her eyes and drew in a long breath.

(Suppress yourself.)

Breathe in.

(Breathe out.)

…

Twirling her pen in her fingers, Victoria simply hummed in response to her friend. “Think nothing of it, Esp.”

Esper let out the breath she had been holding. She let herself relax a bit in her chair before blinking in surprise, Victoria's words having registered in her mind, “Pardon?”

“Think nothing of it,” she repeated, leaning back in her chair as well. “But next time—“ she huffed in amusement, flicking her friend lightly in the forehead, “—you’ll be picking it up, Esp. You need the practice anyways.”

The other girl brought her hand up and gently rubbed the spot Victoria had flicked, letting out a quiet giggle, “Alright, Tori.”

There was nothing Victoria enjoyed more than a quiet Saturday evening in her dorm.

That is, except for sharing it with a friend.

Scene End.

[Esper belongs to @espers-n-espurrs]

[ahye1427]

1730 Whitehall Court Cookeville, TN 38501

Welcome to this beautifully updated home that feels like new! Recent improvements include a brand-new deck, fresh paint, engineered hardwood flooring throughout, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in the bathroom. The open floor plan is ideal for modern living, with the cathedral ceiling in the office and high windows adding grandeur and natural light.

The crawl space has been fully encapsulated, ensuring peace of mind. A spacious 2-car garage provides ample storage, while the large, fenced-in backyard is perfect for outdoor gatherings. The home also features a new rear sliding glass door and a craftsman fiberglass front door, enhancing its curb appeal. Inside, you'll find oak cabinets and warm wood flooring that create an inviting atmosphere. A washer and dryer are included, and the kitchen boasts a gas range, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

This home is move-in ready and waiting for you. Schedule your private tour today and see why this is the perfect place to call home! Call Victoria Carmack 931-261-9752, 1 Source Realty Pros Cookeville 931-267-5777 for more details.

[kemelliestimberflooring]

Transform Your Space with Premium Flooring in Ballarat

Transform Your Space with Premium Flooring in Ballarat

Our flooring options are carefully selected to provide both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability. From the warmth and elegance of hardwood to the practicality of vinyl, laminate, and carpet, we have something to match every taste and requirement. We only source from trusted manufacturers, ensuring that you get top-quality materials that stand the test of time.

For More information-

Contact- (03) 5222 8425 Address- victoria,Australia Website- https://www.kemellies.com.au/

[royalcanadianrealty]

Luxury Apartments in Kitchener: What to Expect and Where to Find Them

Kitchener, a vibrant city in Ontario's Waterloo Region, has been attracting attention for its growing tech sector, cultural amenities, and charming neighborhoods. For those seeking a touch of elegance and comfort, Kitchener offers a range of luxury apartments that cater to sophisticated tastes and high standards. If you’re considering making a move to a luxury apartment in Kitchener, here’s what you can expect and where to find the best options.

What to Expect from Luxury Apartments in Kitchener

1. High-End Finishes and Modern Design

Luxury apartments in Kitchener are characterized by their high-end finishes and contemporary design. Expect to find features such as:

Premium Materials: High-quality hardwood floors, granite or quartz countertops, and sleek stainless steel appliances are common in luxury apartments.

Spacious Layouts: Generous living spaces with open floor plans, large windows, and high ceilings create a sense of grandeur and comfort.

Designer Touches: Custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and sophisticated lighting add a touch of elegance to these apartments.

These features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide a comfortable and upscale living environment.

2. Exceptional Amenities

Luxury apartments often come with a host of amenities designed to elevate your lifestyle. These may include:

Fitness Centers: State-of-the-art gyms with modern equipment and dedicated workout spaces.

Pools and Spas: Rooftop pools, hot tubs, and spa facilities for relaxation and leisure.

Concierge Services: On-site concierge services to assist with various needs, from booking reservations to handling deliveries.

Smart Home Technology: Integrated smart home systems that offer control over lighting, climate, and security from your smartphone.

These amenities are designed to enhance convenience and provide a resort-like experience right at home.

3. Prime Locations

Luxury apartments in Kitchener are often situated in desirable neighborhoods that offer:

Proximity to Amenities: Close access to fine dining, high-end shopping, and cultural attractions.

Beautiful Views: Scenic vistas of the city skyline or nearby natural landscapes.

Easy Access to Transportation: Convenient access to public transit and major roadways for easy commuting.

Living in a prime location not only adds to the appeal of your apartment but also enhances your overall lifestyle by placing you near key conveniences and attractions.

4. High Level of Security and Privacy

Luxury apartments prioritize the security and privacy of their residents. Expect features such as:

Secure Entry Systems: Keycard access, gated entries, and security personnel.

Surveillance Systems: 24/7 surveillance cameras and monitoring to ensure safety.

Private Balconies or Terraces: Private outdoor spaces for personal relaxation and enjoyment.

These security features provide peace of mind and contribute to a comfortable living experience.

Where to Find Luxury Apartments in Kitchener

1. Downtown Kitchener

The heart of Kitchener, downtown, is home to some of the city’s most sought-after luxury apartment buildings. Here, you’ll find modern high-rises with stunning views, convenient access to dining, entertainment, and cultural venues. Buildings such as The Bauer Lofts and The New Kitchener City Centre offer upscale living with prime urban amenities.

2. Victoria Park Area

Victoria Park is a historic and picturesque neighborhood known for its green spaces and charming architecture. Luxury apartments in this area often feature beautiful views of Victoria Park and easy access to walking trails and recreational activities. Look for properties along the edges of the park for a blend of luxury and natural beauty.

3. The Iron Horse Area

The Iron Horse neighborhood offers a blend of modern luxury and historical charm. This area is known for its revitalized buildings and vibrant community atmosphere. Apartments in this area often feature unique architectural details and proximity to the Iron Horse Trail, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Forest Heights

Forest Heights is a well-established residential area known for its spacious homes and family-friendly environment. Luxury apartments here offer a tranquil suburban setting with access to local parks, schools, and amenities. This area is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat without sacrificing proximity to the city’s conveniences.

Conclusion

Luxury apartments in Kitchener offer a blend of high-end finishes, exceptional amenities, and prime locations that cater to discerning residents. Whether you’re looking for a modern high-rise in downtown Kitchener, a charming apartment near Victoria Park, or a spacious home in Forest Heights, the city provides a range of options to suit your lifestyle.

By exploring these neighborhoods and considering what you value most in your living environment, you can find a luxury apartment that meets your expectations and enhances your quality of life. For those ready to embrace upscale living in Kitchener, these luxurious options offer a unique and satisfying residential experience.

[jjsfirewood]

What are the Different Types of Firewood?

The winter season can be quite harsh, and you will need a lot of timber to keep your family comfortable. No doubt, there are now different types of heaters available that do not require timber, but if you have a wood heater, then you need to choose the best variety of wood to burn. Luckily, Australia is quite big, and you can find a diverse variety of timber here. So, let's move on to the top options available to you.

Best varieties of wood to burn

Let's check out the most popular and available variety around the country. So you can decide what is the most appropriate timber for your wood heater.

• Jarrah

It is the most common variety and the most sought-after eucalyptus hardwood available for home heating. The most beneficial advantage of using this type of wood is there will be no traces of ash or smoke. Thus, it is an ideal solution for your home. Further jarrah is readily available in port metro areas. So you can easily buy dry jarrah firewood in Perth at local stores or even online and get doorstep delivery of the same.

• White gum

Commonly known as wandoo, it is quite a heavier and dense hardwood. Not to mention, it is also a common eucalyptus firewood variety in Australia. As it is quite dense in its nature, it will burn hotter and slower. Here, using it along with jarrah can be extremely beneficial as you will get less smoke, but the flame will last longer.

• Sugar gum

This variety is a plantation-derived hardwood that originated in South Australia. It is the perfect solution for joinery, building and furniture making. However, as it is dense, slow-growing, and heavy to handle, it is not generally preferred for firewood. During the past years, rural farms used this variety for fencing and firewood. But these days, it is mostly used for decorative projects like polished doors, floors and cabinetry. It has to be of extremely low grade to be used in the firewood category.

• River red gum

Since colonial times, this variety of wood has proved to be quite a versatile timber. With many applications as a firewood, it works the best for combustion wood heaters. However, as it has a low flame, it might not be an effective option for open fire. Just so you know, it is quite a common firewood and is found in abundance.

• Ironbark

It is not a single variant as such, but it is a family of multiple types. Generally, they are associated with the term. The common ones here include red and grey ironbark. They are mostly found in the South Wales down into Victoria and other areas as well. It is yet another excellent combustion type of firewood that is available in abundance for those who are living in the region.

• Grey box

It is yet another variety of hardwood with numerous eucalyptus varieties and names. It is commonly found in New South Wales and Queensland. Although it was not so popular previously, it has gained great recognition over the years.

Now that you know the different varieties of firewood available, it is important that you consider researching them deeply and preferring dry wood. It's the only way you will be able to ensure the fireplace lasts long and you get adequate warmth. You can consider trying out different varieties to pick the right one. Just make sure that you always prefer dry wood, as it helps avoid excessive combustion and smoke. Also, it will burn easily.

Conclusion

Picking the right variety of firewood is extremely important. Of all the options available above, jarrah happens to be the most widely used and preferred for combustion purposes. But you have to be careful here and compare to find a store that can provide you with the best quality of firewood. To ease things you can trust JJ’s Firewood Supplies. They have all varieties of firewood available to them. They can provide you with a fast doorstep delivery of wood as required. Not to mention, the cost is highly affordable. So, you can now forget about carrying wood from the store to your home. They are here to make things easy.