#i have provided a second and slightly worse cake <3< /div>
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I fell into some sort of fugue state and when I woke up I made this
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grellestan · 3 years ago
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Not As Beautiful As You- Tamaki/Kyoya OHSHC Oneshot
“We’re going camping!”
Tamaki’s excited cry was met with the faintest ripple of acknowledgement. Seven glances were shot his way, but nobody stopped what they were doing or even praised- or more likely, disapproved the idea. Not even Honey paused eating his cake, just blinked and looked up at Mori with an eyerow raised.
The prince scowled at the blank room.
“I said, we’re going camping!”
Haruhi wearily turned towards him, raising her head out of her book. “Senpai, yesterday you said we’d go to the zoo. The day before that, it was paintballing. And last week, you were going on and on about… what was it again?”
“The Bahamas,” Kyoya chimed in, his glasses reflecting the light in a chilling fashion as he looked up. “Where you expect some of our members to get the funding for that is beyond me.” Haruhi winced at the pointed statement. Tamaki took zero notice.
“Oh please, this time is different! See, Kyoya’s family has just bought an acre of land, a forest with a simply beautiful lake flowing through it to build a campsite! Ah, it is most lovely there, almost as gorgeous as me!” Tamaki spun around, producing a rose from his lapel, just to embellish his point.
“We could even do it the way the commoners do! In a tent, with sleeping bags, as an homage to our own commoner!”
He looked around again, expecting some kind of a reaction, before sighing at the blank looks, and slumping to the ground to begin growing mushrooms. Kyoya stared disdainfully at him for a second, praying the idea would be dropped for not wanting to bother hs father by using the not-yet-opened facilities.
No sooner had he fell, however, a grinding of gears and a familiar, shrieking laugh pierced the air. Renge appeared from under the floor in a bright pink, glittery parka and canary wellington boots, clutching a tent bag and sitting on a camping chair. Haruhi did a double take, still not entirely used to the stunts that the club somehow found a way to both fund and pull off without failure.
“Ahahahaha! How foolish you all are for not heeding this idiot’s words! He’s usually a totally terrible excuse of a leader, but he’s onto something with this plan!” She brandished an umbrella from inside her parka, and pointed it at Kyoya. “Kyoya-Senpai! Don’t you see this could be a brilliant marketing scheme? All the outdoor photo shoots and camping brands you could be promoting in exchange for club funding?”
She was right- even Kyoya couldn’t shoot this down. The twins had already started to jump on the idea, joining Renge on her pedestal. Somehow, they were both already in hiking boots and waterproof trousers.
“She’s right.”
From the back of the room, even Mori had put in his twopence. Kyoya couldn’t deny it- it was a perfect way to generate some funding for the club. He gave a tired smile, and made some quick notes down on his clipboard. The whole room was looking towards him now, waiting for approval from the man. Kyoya drew in a long breath. “Fine, you lot. I’ll work my father and make him come around to the plan.”
His statement was met with cheers from the members. Haruhi glanced at everyone, still dumbfounded by how quickly situations at the club could change. How was the place even real, with this level of madness? She was lost in thought when she felt Kyoya’s breath on her cheek.
“Not to worry, Haruhi. I’ll add your expenses to your debt.” She rolled her eyes. He was never going to let that debt go.
The issue of tent-mates had occurred almost as soon as the group of loveable idiots arrived at the Ootori family’s luxury campsite. The twins had attempted to purloin Haruhi into their tent, insisting that they “definitely had space for all 3!”, much to Tamaki’s disdain. Haruhi had taken none of this, and stated calmly that she and Renge had already agreed to share together.
Really, Haruh enjoyed the twins’ antics and knew nothing bad would ever come of hanging out with them, but if Ranka had caught wind that her sweet daughter was camping out with filthy boys Haruhi would never hear the end of it.
After squabbling for a half hour, it was decided that the twins would stay in one tent, Haruhi and Renge in another, Mori and Honey would steal the luxury camper that Kyoya had planned on using alone, and he would be left in the last and smallest tent with Tamaki.
It wasn’t the worst arrangement, and it was only for a night. Kyoya couldn’t help feeling slightly bitter about his campervan, but it would be better for him to stay with Tamaki, however cramped, rather than incur the wrath of a sleepy Honey-Senpai.
It took them a further 3 hours to set up the tents, while Honey and Mori watched them all struggle from the comfort of the van. Tamaki had refused to use the pre-set-up tents that the Ootori family staff would provide, saying that he “needed the full commoner experience”. It went without saying that he would come to regret this immensely, having multiple temper tantrums when the flimsy tent material wouldn’t bend to his will. Renge and Haruhi were a surprisingly nimble and efficient tem when it came to the construction of their tent, and they ended up begrudgingly setting up Kyoya and Tamaki’s after a flood of begging and crocodile tears from the boss. Kyoya had refused to help with any of the tent-building process, under the grounds that it wasn’t his job after he had managed to wrangle the whole campsite for them to roam for pratically no fee. By no fee, he meant affordable for all club members besides Haruhi, for whom it was an unspeakable amount.
During the tent session, Honey and Mori had dug a pit and had started collecting firewood for a campfire. Rather, Mori collected wood, and Honey found sticks that were the perfect size for roasting marshmallows- “A total essential for the outdoors!” -and organised the snacks he’d stashed in his bag for that evening. By the time the tents were set up in a neat semicircle, there was a roaring fire and even wide logs for them to sit on around it that had been dragged around the woods by Mori.
Their campsite overlooked the still lake, and the moon reflected high in the sky above the friends. Fireflies buzzed around and glowed gold in the night, hovering just above the fire’s smoke, their light bouncing off the group’s faces. Their cheeks and noses were pink with cold and they were huddled under layers upon layers of blankets. Tamaki was sittig next to Kyoya, squashed against him penguin style, sharing the blanket and body heat. Kyoya couldn’t help but note Tamaki’s familiar vanilla cookie smell over the green, clear scent of the woods.
He inhaled before he could help himself, feeling a familiar swell in his chest. There was something about Tamaki, there always had been, from the moment they met and every minute since. He would never admit it- he hardly even let himself entertain his thoughts- but Tamaki was a beautiful, shining beacon radiating warmth and love for his friends, his family, the world. Kyoya privately wished he too could exude this kind of emotion, but more than that he wanted to absorb it from the blond boy. He wanted to soak in every part of Tamaki and then more. There was an unnameable emotion swelling within Kyoya with every glance at his friend, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to hide it for much longer.
He stood abruptly, shedding the blanket onto Tamaki. The feeling in his chest was too much; he couldn’t remain so close to the boy he was trying so desperately to ignore his love for.
“Excuse me- I think I may have to take my leave, everyone. Lots of budgetng to do.” He brandished his clipboard and gave a wan smile. Tamaki looked heartbroken.
“But Kyoya! We haven’t even finished the marshmallows, you can’t possibly pass up smores for work!” The blond boy protested. He knew how to get round anyone but Kyoya knew he wouldn’t be able to stand another minute by his side, feeling his warmth just centimetres away from his heartbeat.
“No, no. Please enjoy the sweets without me. Somebody has to take care of business in this club after all.” He scurried into the tent before anyone could try to stop him, leaving behind the chattering group and the glow of the fire.
Kyoya tossed and turned in his too-short sleeping bag for hours, listening to the crackling fire and sleepy laughter of his friends. What was he going to do? Why couldn’t he love some noble’s daugher and make his family proud? Why was he cursed to love those he would never be able to have?
These thoughts plagued him long into the night, and angry tears escaped from his eyes. He was a failure, a terrible son and an even worse friend to Tamaki for having such terrible feeligs towards him. Eventually, with his mind spitting thoughts that ricocheted round his head like bullets, Kyoya fell into a restless sleep.
“Okay everyone! I’m off to bed. Hopefully Mommy won’t snore!” Tamaki rose from his space on the log after swallowing down his sixth smore.
Honey was leaning against Mori, breathing deeply and clutching at Usa-chan, dreaming of sweets. Haruhi had long gone to bed, and Renge soon followed. The twins were soaked through, having thought it would be hilarious to throw each other into the lake fully clothed. They hadn’t brought towels, the unprepared idiots, so now they had to dry off next to the campfire before they were able to crawl into bed.
A sleepy chorus of “goodnight” echoed around the fire from the remaining group members as Tamaki slowly unzipped the door to his tent, trying his hardest for once to be quiet as to not wake Kyoya up. He’d acted kind of strange earlier, and Tamaki couldn’t help but wonder what could be going on for his oldest and dearest friend. Tamaki was hesitant to give time to the thought, but he was finding himself having different kinds of feelings towards Kyoya recently, just here and there. At first, it was just that he notced a little more than usual when Kyoya had cut or styled his hair differently, then it was that he was almost hyper-aware of Kyoya’s features and how beautiful he was- he looked chiseled, like a marble statue with his clear, glassy skin.
Tamaki shook his head to rid himself of the emotion filling his mind. Not the time or place, he thought to himself, especially given that he would soon be lying right next to Kyoya. As quietly and quickly as he could, the blond boy clambered into the tent, trying hard to fit his long legs and arms neatly into his sleeping bag. He lay his head down onto the pillow and tried his hardest to fall asleep, not wanting his head to buzz with what he didn’t want to admit was love.
Tamaki awoke with a start. There was a rumbling noise, and in his sleepy stupor he couldn’t work out what the sound could possibly be coming from… Ah. After a minute of frantically whipping his head around trying to find the sure, he realised it was his friend snoring. Wow, Tamaki thought. Kyoya snores like a pig. Maybe that would be grounds to try and detatch his feelings! He couldn’t possibly fall for someone so loud- nevermind, it was no use trying to persuade himself of feeling anything other than a swell of happiness whenever he was around Kyoya.
He glanced over at the black haired boy. He was beautiful- his face was softened by sleep, making him appear vulnerable and young, almost like a baby bird who can’t yet fly. The slight tightness in Kyoya’s brow that usually marked his face was dissipated and relaxed, and he no longer showed a air of uptight snootiness. Tamaki wanted to reach out and stroke the smooth skin of his cheek, run his hands through Kyoya’s silky hair. He resisted.
Unzipping the door, Tamaki softly padded outdoors. The sun wasn’t up yet, but it was definitely too light to be the dead of night anymore. He sighed, knowing that he wouldn’t be getting any more sleep that night. No matter, he would nap when he got home.
Tamaki wandered down to the lake’s edge, to where the water lapped at his toes and brushed his heels. It was cool and comforting, softly spashing at his feet. He considered for a second before stripping down to his underwear, the early morning half-light illuminating his toned shoulders and reflecting a shade of orange onto his chest. Tamaki stepped into the water, letting it swell around his knees and thighs for a second before dipping his shoulders under the golden water. He swam with a strong stroke into the centre of the lake, treading the water and watching the sky streak with pink, yellow and gold.
Back in the tent, Kyoya had stirred from his dead slumber. He could see that the door was flapped open, letting a breeze flow into the sleeping pod. He sighed and rolled out of his sleeping bag, pushing aside the door and following the footsteps down to the lake, twigs crunching underneath his bare feet. The coals in the firepit were still faintly glowing, and he stopped a minute to re-stock the fire and get the flames going again for when the others woke up. Once it was quietly crackling once again, he walked down to the lake’s shore, looking out across the woodlands. He could see Tamaki in the middle of the lake, his bare shoulders shining with water. No sooner had he arrived at the edge did Tamaki turn around and smile, yelling something that Kyoya didn’t quite catch across the water. When he didn’t respond, Tamaki made a wide beckoning gesture with his arms.
Kyoya hesitated a second, but reluctantly took his pyjamas off and wading into the lake. It wasn’t as chilly as he’d expected, just a still coolness that slipped over his skin as he swam to his friend. As he got closer, Tamaki sliced through the water towards him, grinning.
“Hey! I didn’t know you snore, I wouldn’t have shared a bedroom with you if I’d known! You totally woke me up” he raised an eybrow and smirked a little before falling into peals of laughter, unable to take himself seriously enough to smirk. Kyoya felt his cheeks redden.
“I do not snore, Suoh. Don’t project your faults onto me.” He deadpanned before smiling to show Tamaki he didn’t really mind the dig.
Tamaki suddenly looked past Kyoya, eyes shining. “Look! The sun’s rising! Isn’t it stunning?”
Kyoya turned. He was right- it was beautiful. The streaked sky was punctuated by the shimmering sparkle of the rising sun, a giant glowing full stop. He felt a hand on his shoulder, quickly followed by Tamaki’s chest resting on his back, chin on his shoulder.
Kyoya reddened again, but this time he felt bolder.
“It’s not as beautiful as you.”
Tamaki pulled away abruptly, and his stomach tied in a tangled knot of regret. Shit. Maybe he was too bold, thought Kyoya. He bowed his head and turned in the water, slightly raising his head to look at Tamaki’s face. The boy was wide eyed and pink cheeked, staring at Kyoya with his mouth slightly ajar.
“Tamaki, I-” Kyoya began to apologise. He was cut off by Tamaki’s tackled embrace, almost knocking him backwards into the lake. He could feel his friend’s- no, his love’s- hands gripping his back before rising to his jaw. Tamaki’s eyes were hazy and dark. He was beautiful.
“Kyoya,” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I’ve wanted you to say that for so long.”
He leant forwards. Kyoya could hardly believe what was happening, and leant into the kiss that he’d waited for forever.
It was perfect. The sun was high now, and the lake was still and crystal, and Tamaki’s lips were so soft, and his hands so gentle. Kyoya didn’t know how this would pan out after this moent had ended… But he’d cross that bridge when he got to it.
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moostaronce · 4 years ago
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Clumsy Coffee
Not requested
Clumsy Barista Yoohyeon x fem!reader
word count 2,146
A/N: My goal is to have at least one scenario for each member of Deukae since Gah has one and Sua has 3. If you have any ideas or requests let me know. My requests are still open so it doesn’t have to be Dreamcatcher. Enjoy <3
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GIF from 7nsomnia
The bell above the entrance chimes as you cross the threshold for your daily visit. The tantalizing aroma of coffee beans mixed with the sweetness of cakes and pastries in the air feels like home as you make your way to the small line to the cash register. As you look around everything is as it has been on the daily. The many seating options around the small shop that are surprisingly well spaced considering the room provided. 
Then you look to the front to see your favorite barista Choi Yerim at the front making drinks while your classmate Gahyeon takes orders. The person up front moves out of line to wait for their order, now there are only 2 people ahead of you. 
“Coming through!” 
You hear it loud and clear and then your best friend Kim Jiwoo comes bursting through the kitchen doors with a tray of hot cookies in one hand, and a bundt cake in the other. It was funny how you and Jiwoo met at this very café. She had baked the best strawberry strudel you’d ever tasted in your life. When you asked who made it she came out of the kitchen, with maybe the cutest smile you’ve ever seen to this day, and told you to call her Chuu. After that day you became a regular and have been coming here for a year and a half everyday like clockwork. You always ordered something whether you were there to study or just to keep the staff company. 
Honestly, you knew everyone that worked there and they all knew you and your usual order. You would come in and order your favorite coffee, unless you were in the mood for something different, and then cycled through one of Jiwoo’s many delicious desserts.
It was now your turn and Gahyeon visibly lights up like the human lightbulb she is. She’s typing in half of your order before your even situated in front of the register.
“Hey Y/N! What’s the pastry of the day?” Her energy puts you in an amazing mood and you glance over at the case and make your decision.
“I’ll go with a cinnamon roll today. They look extra good for some reason.”
You both startle as you hear a dramatic gasp come from the right of Gahyeon. Of course, it was Chuu being extra about your statement. 
“For some reason?! Did you forget where you are? Did you forget who made it? How dare you Y/N I thought we were friends!” She clutches her imaginary pearls and looks on at you with mock offense. 
Neither you nor Gahyeon can quite tear your eyes away from the dramatic display that just went on before your eyes. She blindly hands you your receipt, unable to get rid of the slightly confused expression brought on by Chuu.
“Sorry?” You just shrug at your friend and shoot Gahyeon a smile before you move to the side to greet Yerim and wait for your order.
“Aye sunshine, how’s it going today?” Yerim glances up at you and smiles before refocusing her gaze on the coffee she’s making.
“Hey Y/N. You know, just another day. We’re pretty slow actually which is good and bad. I hope that means we’ll be slow tomorrow so the poor thing isn’t overwhelmed.” She says the last part in a mumble, like she was talking to herself.
“Who? What’s going on tomorrow?” She seems alarmed at your inquiry before she understands that you heard her.
“Oh! I guess you should know in advance as a regular. We have a new hire and she starts training tomorrow. I’ll be off so Minji will be training her in my place.”
“Ah, well at least it’s Minji. She has a lot of patience and a lot of skill, I’m sure she’ll be fine. Plus you know me I’ll be nice to her.”
Yerim smiles up at you as she’s putting the finishing touches on your coffee and puts your heated cinnamon roll on plate to hand to you.
“It’s not you I’m worried about. It’s the other customers, and Bora’s helping Chuu in the kitchen tomorrow so she’ll likely be hazed.”
The two of you laugh together at the thought of how Bora will see the new girl as fresh meat. You make your way to your favorite window seat and eat quietly while you people watch. --------
You wake up the next morning with a weird feeling that something interesting is going to happen today. You get to the coffee shop at 10:00am sharp as usual. You smell the same smells as always but the sight is a little different. Gahyeon is still at her cashier position from yesterday, but over by the coffee machine Yerim is nowhere to be found. In her place is another one of the best baristas that work here, Minji. It’s the girl right next to her that draws your attention. She’s cute. She’s a little taller than Minji but not by much and she looks nervous, like she could bolt any second. This must be the new girl, you look to her name tag out of curiosity. Yoohyeon, it states bolded in black letters on the silver plated name tag. Her hair is long and brown with blonde streaks in it and you can’t help but think about how well it suits her.
Really, you can’t tell how long you were spaced before Gahyeon squeals your name like she doesn’t see you at this same time every day. You play off your staring at Yoohyeon by moving your eyes to the pastry case as you approach. 
“Hey Gah, hit me with a blueberry danish today.” You look up from the case and smile at her.
“Good choice! They just came out of the oven and Chuu won’t stop bragging about how they taste.” The sound of the kitchen doors makes you laugh since you know it’s your best friend.
“You ordered the blueberry, right? It’s so good Y/N if you don’t love it I’m breaking up with you as my best friend.” When she hears your laughter she puts on a fake pout.
“Kim Jiwoo, you couldn’t survive one day without me.”
She opens and closes her mouth like a fish out of water before she huffs and stalks back into the kitchen. All you can really do is just shake your head at her antics. You hand Gahyeon a twenty you tell her to keep the change with a smile and she shows her appreciation with a mega watt smile of her own. This time, when you stand in front of the barista station, Minji is the one to greet you brightly.
“Hey Y/N! I’m having our newbie make your coffee today if that’s alright. Kim Yoohyeon, meet our favorite regular Y/N. Y/N meet Yoohyeon.” Yoohyeon looks startled at the introduction as her eyes alight with recognition like she knows you.
“Ah, hello. It’s nice to meet you Jiwoo and Gahyeon told me a lot about you.” She bows a full ninety degrees as she greets you.
“Oh yeah, Yerim did say someone new was starting today. How’s it going so far?”
You watch as Minji and Yoohyeon glance at one another before Yoohyeon lets out a nervous giggle. 
“Well... it is her first day so it could really be worse.” Minji says while lightly scratching her cheek.
“But don’t worry I’ll make your order perfect!” 
Your laugh is light as you nod, then make your way to your usual window seat to wait. You trust that it may take her a while. 
While your walking away Yoohyeon looks to Minji with wide eyes.
“You guys didn’t tell me that she’s so cute.” It comes out in a whisper for fear that you might hear her.
“Well she is? Sorry, we didn’t really think about it. Here, this is how she likes it. Then when we finish how about you go take it to her.”
Yoohyeon’s eyes almost pop out of her head but she tries to focus in on the task at hand. When the coffee is finished Gahyeon approaches her with a blueberry danish. 
“Here, this is with Y/N’s order. Just a heads up she likes all of her desserts heated except for cakes.”
“O-Oh okay.”
Gahyeon notices the nervous glances Yoohyeon shoots your way and can’t help the smirk tugging at her lips.
“She’s cute, right?” Gahyeon bursts with laughter at the horrified look on Yoohyeon’s face.
“Calm down Yooh, she’s really sweet. I promise she doesn’t bite.”
Yoohyeon calms slightly at the pat that Gahyeon, then Minji land on her back. She takes a deep breath and grabs your coffee and your danish; before she knows it her legs are walking in your direction. Everything goes well until someones’ discarded receipt on the floor suddenly becomes the bane of her existence. 
It happens so fast no one can really register it. No one but you apparently; since you jump from your seat and catch her awkwardly under the arms before your own quickly move to lock around her waist. Your coffee and danish lay on the floor, while Yoohyeon’s whole body leans forward against you. That’s when you both realize that she’s only really standing because of the tight hold you have on her. You’re a bit caught off guard because you didn’t even see how she fell, you just acted but now your closeness is starting to sink in.
“Are you alright?” Your voice is soft against her ear and sends a shiver through her body that you can feel.
You pull away and hold her at arms length checking her over to see if she’s hurt, mistaking the shiver for pain. You’re so focused on checking her for wounds, that you miss the deep red her ears turn. When you meet her eyes you see that she’s chewing on her lip nervously and she’s gone a bit red.
“Hey, it’s okay. Things like this happen on the first day. Don’t stress about it, okay?”
Your smile is just as warm as your words, maybe warmer. When you let her go completely, she bows to you again and apologizes like there is no tomorrow. Then she scurries away back to the barista counter and slams her head on the clean space next to Minji. Gahyeon makes her way over to the mess to clean it up for her and Minji just pats her on the back. Chuu and Bora have their heads peaked through the kitchen door, having seen everything but the fall itself.
“I bet she thinks I’m a loser now.”
“Maybe not, she looks worried over there.” 
Yoohyeon lifts her head up and locks eyes with you. She watches you sigh in relief and smile at her before you return to helping Gahyeon clean up her mess.
“Wait, she’s a customer I should be doing that.” Minji just chuckles at her.
“Told you she was sweet. Maybe you should ask her out.”
“No way, after that display she’d probably laugh in my face.”   
-----------
Every day after that day you return as usual to find Yoohyeon scrambling around. Every day she either drops something, trips, or almost fumbles somebody’s order, but it only worsens when you arrive. Without knowing it or meaning to you make her so nervous she could pass out. She thinks that you might look down on her for being so clumsy; but every day you see her, you like her a little more. 
You have been working up the nerve to confess, until one day you just stay until she clocks out.
“Hey, Yoohyeon. Come sit. I want to talk to you about something.”
Yoohyeon looks at you like a deer caught in headlights but shuffles over and takes a seat anyway. The two of you look at each other for a while before you open your mouth to speak. However, before you even utter a word the most relieving sentence spills from her mouth.
“I like you!” She says it so quick that you almost miss it, and it surprises her so much that she covers her mouth with both hands. Her eyes are wide like they always are when she surprises herself. 
Yoohyeon looks on at you and relaxes a little when a genuine smile spreads across your face.
“Me too. I like you too, Yoohyeon. Do you want to grab dinner with me tonight?”
Another mortified expression. 
“Oh! Well I look like a mess right now I’d need time to go home to shower and change and I-” She stops speaking abruptly when you grab her hand off the table and hold it gently.
“Yoohyeon. It’s 2pm. I was thinking of having dinner more around 6:30. Is that enough time?” Your thumb strokes warm soothing patterns into her soft skin as you speak.
She looks down at your hands with a blush and a smile, then looks back up to meet your eyes and nods. You take note of the cute dimple that appears when she directs her smile at you; and you think that maybe you’ve finally found a prettier smile than your best friend’s.
“It’s a date then.” You tilt your head a little and grin.
“A date.”
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sorcererinthestars · 4 years ago
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That Which Lurks in the Dark [FAHC]
My contribution to the @rtwritingcommunity‘s Secret Santa fic exchange. I love this exchange because it forces me to write and this year, I got a delight because I got to write something for one of my very best friends, @shadeofazmeinya! I hope you enjoy, my love! <3 
Everyone else, enjoy as well.
WC:  4583 Summary:  Sent out to Boston in the middle of the winter to make relations with a new gun-running squad, the Lads don't realize how badly this could go. Furious, bleeding, and cold, they take shelter in a shitty motel room and are forced to confront the reason they're in this mess... and the feelings that lurk in their hearts.
AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28073598
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It was that kind of storm that stole breath away, tore the sight from your eyes and made you weep with the fear of it. The storm howled around their little car, made every mile treacherous and dangerous, the potential of it stopping seemed to diminish with every passing second.
Inside the car it was no less dangerous. Three men sat hunched and breathless, trying to flee where they came from and yet make it to their destination unharmed. While they were out of the storm, the atmosphere inside the car was tense, able to be cut with a knife.
Michael, in the back, is bleeding. It slips crimson red down his side, across his pants, and stains the car seat. There’s no way they could return this rental — yet another thing Gavin had to deal with when they got somewhere safe. But the road almost unpassable now, not yet plowed, and the wind continued to howl its rage into the skies around them.
Gavin shifts, gritting his teeth as he tries his best to keep his hands on Michael’s wound. “How’re you doing, boi?”
The resulting wince is enough of an answer, but Michael wasn’t one to stay silent. He huffs an angry grumble. “Fine,” he snorts. Obviously untrue, but what was he supposed to do? The blood flow was thankfully stopping, but stab wounds needed treatment — none he was going to get here. “Or, fine enough.”
“We need to fuckin’ get back to the hotel,” Jeremy growls. His whole body is fixated on the road and not on the two men in the back seat. “If you had just listened to me…”
“Don’t fucking start!” Michael snaps back, his fury igniting like a piece of ripcord. If Gavin hadn’t quickly ducked out of the way, he would have been clipped by Michael’s head as the man straightens up quickly to throw his words at Jeremy like missiles. “Don’t you dare.”
“I knew it was a trap from the moment we walked in!” Jeremy hisses. “But no, you said we still had to go like you’re the fuckin’ leader or something…”
“I AM the fucking leader of the Lads!” Michael shoots back before Gavin wrestles him back down. “Boys, boys, you’re both pretty!” he snaps. “But Michael, you’re gonna bleed out if you continue to fight like this. Sit back, damn it. And Jeremy, you’re gonna crash the damn car. We need to find a place to stop.”
Stop? Jeremy turns to look at him owlishly before having to skid to avoid an ice patch in the center of the road. “This is Boston,” he retorts. “It’s what it’s like in the winter.”
“Doesn’t stop us from havin’ a half-dead guy in the back,” Gavin shoots back. “We need to stop and deal with Michael’s wounds. And look at it! You can’t see.”
It was true. The wind was just getting worse, threatening to toss the car off the road. A full out blizzard. They would need to ditch off for fear of losing everything in a crash. The money in the back seat wasn’t remotely how much they were supposed to get, but it was something, and Geoff would be upset if it didn’t make it home.
Not to mention, probably upset if three of his best crewmates didn’t return home either. Jeremy sighs. “Fine. Google a hotel or a motel closer to here then. Somewhere that won’t ask a lot of questions if we stain shit red with Michael’s blood.”
Gavin nods, pushing Michael’s hand over so he would keep pressure on his own wound. The other shifts, leaning against the car door and pressing firmly down on the stab wound. It wasn’t critical - they wouldn’t have made it out of that damn warehouse if it was. But it was fucking painful as hell and would need stitches for sure. Michael wasn’t quite looking forward to that procedure.
With hands covered in blood, Gavin pokes at his phone, grimacing at the stains that get all over the screen. “Looks like there’s a ... Motel 6 about ten...ten-ish miles down the road. Take the next right.”
Jeremy does, the car skittering and causing them all to grab on tight with shouts of alarm. “Sorry, sorry...,” Jeremy mutters, focusing again on the road and getting traction. He had forgotten how to drive in the snow after so long away.
Michael grunts under his breath and with Gavin’s directions and Jeremy’s partially safe driving, they manage to navigate towards the motel. Its lights barely puncture the maelstrom, providing a somewhat sickly flush of yellow light against the howling winds. But it’s shelter and warmth and a bed, and right now that’s all they need.
Pulling in, Jeremy takes stock of the situation. He’s probably the least bloody of the three of them, just a few stains on his jacket that he wipes off with the back of his hand. “Look. I’m gonna go in and see if I can get a fuckin’ room or two for us. You just... wait here.”
Michael glares at him from the back seat. “Like I’m g-gonna go anywhere,” he winces sarcastically. Jeremy just grunts. He knows he looks ridiculous in his purple and orange getup, but at least he has a big black parka to throw on over it. He snatches it, shouldering the heavy material, and stomps off towards the main building.
As they watch him disappear into the storm, Michael leans back against the leather. Maybe he shouldn’t be so frustrated - it certainly wasn’t Jeremy’s fault they were stood up and attacked during what should have been a simple gun-running meeting - but the sickening feeling that he failed... failed Geoff, failed them, failed himself... still twists in his stomach.
The assignment was simple. They were meeting some east coast gunrunners who were looking to start making shipments across the USA. These guys were cheap and would be a great addition to the Fake portfolio, so Geoff had Gavin research them and then sent his Lads to Boston. They’d meet with the dealers, Gavin would negotiate a deal, and then they’d fly home with money and deal secured.
But shit went tit’s up, and well...
Gavin knocks Michael out of his train of thought by adjusting his pressure on the wound, sending another wave of pain through Michael’s abdomen. He grunts. “Just ... just climb in the back and get some bandages or some shit,” he says forcefully, shoving on Gavin’s shoulder.
Glancing out the back window, Gavin frowns. “I - uh. It’s ... well, Micoo, it’s snowing, and I don’t really want -”
“Baby,” he shoots back, but before he could make another quip, Jeremy comes stomping back. His nose and ears are bright red and his eyes are shining under the hood, which is caked in snow. He hops back into the car and hovers over the heating vent for a few breathless moments, shivering. “FUCK.”
“Cold?” Michael says dryly. “Never would’ve guessed.”
He shoots him the bird and shakes himself off. “They’ve only got one room left,” he announces. “With a King bed. Which means some of us are sleepin’ on the fucking floor. But there’s heat. And a roof.”
“Good enough,” Gavin says quietly, glancing between the two of them with a somewhat uneasy expression. Jeremy starts the car and with a bit of slipping and sliding in the snow that gathered, they make it to the space outside their hotel room. A deliberate effort between all three of them manages to get Michael out of the car, Gavin gagging a bit at the bloodstain on the seat. They hobble Michael to the door and Gavin stands, shivering and supporting Michael’s dead weight as Jeremy fumbles with the lock.
The door opens with a whoosh of warm air and they stagger inside, frantically throwing the door shut behind them with finality. It’s a basic motel room, certainly nothing fancy, but thankfully warm and clean enough. Michael sags onto the bed, holding his side with a grunt. “...ugh.”
“Ugh indeed,” Jeremy shoots back. “Gav, can you stay with him? I’m going to unload the car.” He adjusts his parka. “See if you can get some hot water going, we’re all gonna need a shower.”
The room turns into a flurry of activity with Michael as an oasis of calm. Jeremy drags their few things inside - a black duffel bag full of cash, a few guns, and that’s it. All their clothes and supplies are back in the five-star hotel they had booked, a twenty-five minute drive back into the city. It may as well be sixty miles, based on how fast they could drive and as much as they could see.
Gavin, in the bathroom, fiddles with the old pipes. He cranks the hot water on as high as it would go and waits, hearing the rattle and hiss as the pipes pull the water and tries to heat it. The first blast is ice cold, sending him skittering away like a kicked puppy as he almost gets a blast of the artic against his already cold skin. The pipes rattle and groan and the water turns very slightly less miserable.
He frowns at it and leaves the bathroom. “...gonna take a while,” he announces, “if it ever gets there at all.” Then he immediately gags and almost runs back into the bathroom to vom, as Jeremy has Michael’s shirt off and is probing the wound that weeps miserably down his side.
“I can do it,” Michael grits. “I’ve dressed my own wounds before.”
“Alone, in the middle of a heist, maybe - and I’ve seen the results of your self-stitching in all the bubbled scars on your skin,” Jeremy retorts. “Just shut up and let me help you, you whiny baby.”
Michael squeezes his eyes closed as Jeremy probes the edges of the wound before digging into his first aid kit. Thankfully, they had brought it along, figuring their meeting may involve a bit of a scuffle but never realizing it would devolve as much as it had. Controlling his stomach as best he could, Gavin pads over to sit next to Michael and watch owlishly as Jeremy starts doing what he can for the wound.
First he cleans it with strong antiseptic, to the point where Michael has to bite on the side of his sweatshirt to stop from howling and alerting all their neighbors to something nefarious going on in the next room. Then he sterilizes a needle as best he can and lays Michael back.
“No fuckin’ booze?” he grunts. “Just going to have you stitch me up stone cold sober?”
“This kind of place doesn’t have a fuckin’ minibar,” Jeremy retorts. “Just shut up and let me do this.”
Gavin elects to go check on the water as Jeremy works to clean and stitch Michael up. Despite the apparent frustration between the two, Jeremy’s stitches are neat and clean and as painless as he can make them. At least until Michael mutters a rude comment under his breath, making Jeremy tug the sutures harder than necessary. Michael gasps in agony. “Bitch!”
“Don’t be a dick when someone’s got a needle in your flesh,” Jeremy retorts calmly, tying off the string. He cleans the wound again and wraps it in clean, bright white bandages. “There. You won’t die.”
“Glad for that,” Michael says stiffly, moving so he could kind of lean against the top of the bed. Jeremy glances over to the shower when Gavin pops back out. “So...,” he says hesitantly. “There’s - uh. Really no hot water.”
Jeremy groans and goes to put his face in his hands but stops when he sees the blood all over them. Gavin weakly tries to smile. “Enough for a quick one?” he says hesitantly and then squawks as Jeremy shoulders him aside to claim the stall. He tries to close the door but Gavin shoves his arm in the way to block it.
“.... we’re both covered in sweat and blood,” he retorts. “Just share, yeah? I won’t look if you won’t.”
Both try to ignore the blooming red on their cheeks, but it’s kind of a hard thing. But what is Jeremy going to say? Neither of them could bathe in ice cold water, not tonight when it was only nominally warmer inside than it was outside. They’d get sick. And they needed enough hot water to bring Michael a cloth to sponge himself off. So reluctantly - with Michael making joking noises in the other room - Jeremy opens the door for Gavin to follow.
They undress quietly, trying not to look. It’s hard not to. Jeremy’s eyes keep flicking to Gavin’s long, lithe figure. He’s got scars, they all do, but they seem to work on him more than they do on the two brawlers. They’re smooth and slight white lines instead of bubbled, dark little things. Gavin’s skin is still tanned despite the winter cold and he’s got hair all over. Tasteful hair, though. Hair Jeremy really has to stop himself from wanting to run his hands through.
For fuck’s sake, J. Get yourself together. He frantically tears his eyes away and focuses on trying not to be caught looking. It had been a stressful night, he just was aching for a quick tug that he would have got if Gav wasn’t sharing the fucking shower with him. He just had to focus solely on not giving himself away with any ... unsavory uncontrollable actions in his nether regions.
For Gavin, he hadn’t ever really hid his attraction in Jeremy and tonight was no different. He gazes long at Jeremy’s back and the curve where it swelled into his ass. But he was too cold and tired to dwell on his thoughts for too long, instead jumping under the lukewarm spray and huddling there until Jeremy viciously shoves him out of the way.
They wrestle for the prime spot under the water for a bit before starting to focus on cleaning themselves off. Thankfully the stall was big enough that they weren’t chest to chest - this would be impossible otherwise. They dance around each other enough to get all the grime and blood and sweat off. Jeremy even offers to clean Gavin’s back of anything he can’t reach.
“.... are you and Michael gonna bitch at each other all night?” Gavin asks reluctantly as they shut the water off and climb out, starting to towel down and change back into the only clothes they got. Jeremy elects to stay in his boxers and throws his ruined bloodstained pants into the tub to try to wash them out. He shrugs a bit. “Guy’s an ass.”
“You know he’s not. You know he’s just scared.” Gavin shifts, glancing over at Jeremy where he’s pulling his tshirt back on, grimacing at how dirty it feels on his clean form. “He got stabbed to save you, y’know.”
Jeremy jerks a bit, straightening quickly. “I know,” he shoots back. “But if he had listened to me, we would never have be --”
“Are you two fuckin’ done in there? I gotta pee!” Michael slams his hand on the door and Jeremy frantically opens it to find Michael holding himself up against the wall sluggishly, having hauled his own ass off the bed and hobbled over to the bathroom.
Jeremy sighs and helps Michael to the toilet, where he braces himself on the side of the sink and gives Jeremy a baleful look. “I can do this part myself, thanks,” he says coldly, and Jeremy holds up his hands. “Fine, fine. We’ll let you pee. If it’s bloody let me know.”
They clamber out of the bathroom and Jeremy and Gavin are left considering the big elephant - or rather, bed - in the room. One bed. Three angry men. Jeremy runs an exasperated hand over his face. “I - who’s taking the floor?”
“I can,” Michael says, opening the door and hobbling forward. “You dicks can take the bed.”
“No way,” Jeremy retorts. “You’re still bleeding. You take the bed, I don’t want to risk anything getting worse. I can sleep on the floor.”
“Can’t we all just share the bed?” Gavin asks with a raised eyebrow. “It’s a King. There’s more than enough room if we squish.”
Jeremy glances over at Michael, who groans and throws his hands up in the air as best he can without toppling over. “I don’t -”
“I’ll just take the floor then,” Gavin shoots back. “You two work out your issues.” They can all hear the exasperation in his voice as he grabs a pillow and one of the spare blankets out of the cabinet and makes a small nest on the floor. “Go to bed,” he snaps. “It’s late.”
Jeremy stands a bit dumbfounded, staring owlishly at the now pile of Gavin that was laying among the blanket on the ground. “I - Gav...”
“Just fucking stop being kids!” he snaps. “Michael, you should have listened to Jeremy when he said it’s probably a trap. Jeremy, you should have left your gun inside because that’s what tipped them off and made them start shooting. But me!” Gavin’s face contorts and he sits up a bit. “Me? I should have fucking researched this team a bit more and saw a setup when one was right in front of me. But I didn’t! None of us did. But we’re alive and for the moment safe, so can you stop being such mongs and just drop it?!”
Michael’s mouth had sort of ... dropped open. Gavin normally didn’t give such impassioned speeches, particularly ones that ended with him curling back up with his back to them on the floor in a somewhat dirty looking fleece blanket. His eyes flick to Jeremy, who is looking back at him.
“I’m sor--”
“Michael, I - “
They blink. Michael turns a bit red. “Look, I should’ve listened to you, okay...”
“No,” Jeremy shoots back. “I never should have brought my gun. If you didn’t shove me out of the way, that knife that guy threw probably would have blinded me, or worse. So uh.... thanks.”
Michael nods a bit. “I - yeah. Come on. If Gav is so comfortable on the floor with all the jizz or whatever the fuck else is down there on that shit carpet, you can take the spot next to me.” He pats the bed and, chuckling slightly, Jeremy climbs in. Gavin, meanwhile, squawks a bit at the thought and shifts, grumbling. “Micoo, why’d you have to remind me....?!”
Before he could reply, there’s a big snapping sound, what sounds like a mini explosion which makes them all jump partially to their feet, and the room plunges into darkness. And cold. “.... shit,” Michael retorts, holding his side and easing back down with a pained gasp. “Transformer blew. No power.”
It’s quiet for a few moments as the cool air starts winning the battle against the now useless heating system. They wouldn’t freeze to death in their sheltered room, but it was going to get a lot colder. Gavin whimpers a bit and pulls his blanket closer to him as Michael adjusts and pulls the covers up and over him and Jeremy.
“....guys?” Gavin’s voice is small. “I ... I know I just yelled at you, but... it’s cold...”
“Oh, get up here,” Michael sighs. Jeremy nods and moves to make a small warm place for Gavin to slip into. He leaps to his feet and clambers over Jeremy to nuzzle between the two of them, dragging his blanket over them all.
For a moment, they just lay there, squished into one bed and breathing into the cool, dark room. Under the covers, Gavin shivers a bit and his hand finds Jeremy’s, latching onto it. Surprisingly, Jeremy squeezes it and holds it close.
“...you guys okay now?” Gavin asks softly. A beat and then two communal noises of affirmation from the other two boys. Michael moves a bit to get himself upright, hissing in pain, but pulls Gavin a bit closer to him. There’s something a bit possessive in the gesture.
“I’m sorry,” he says to the room, to the faces he can’t really see. “I - I almost lost you both because... because of my stupid fuckin’ decision and I...”
“Micoo,” Gavin purrs a bit, stroking his face with a blundering hand, as he could just see shadows and shapes in the dark room. But Michael’s eyes still close at the caress, loving the touch of Gavin’s hand against his skin.
“Me too,” Jeremy admits, turning. His eyes glint in the bit of light they had through the window and Michael meets his eyes. The silent apology is obvious. He snuggles closer to Gavin and they all hunch a bit tighter. More for skin contact and touch than for warmth.
Gavin’s the one, in the end, that starts it. He squirms a bit, sandwiched between the two, and holds them close - his two burly boys. One hand drifts a bit too far over and brushes against Jeremy’s crotch. Clothed in only his boxers, Jeremy gasps and shivers at the sensation, unable to stop himself.
No one can see the smirk that arrives on Gavin’s face, but he turns and Jeremy knows the expression despite not being able to see it. “Just sleep, Gav,” he retorts, a bit strained, but no chance now. “Michael... Jeremy likes being in the bed with us, Michael.”
“Shut up, Gav.”
“I think he’s just being grumpy because he secretly loves us and doesn’t like it when we all fight,” Gavin whispers conspiratorially, playfully, to Michael, who chuckles. “Don’t tease him, Gav.”
He grins down at Jeremy, squirming closer to him, but doesn’t realize when a spark kind of ... ignites behind Jeremy’s eyes. He grabs him and yanks him closer, so Gavin’s kind of on top of him and looks down at him breathlessly. “You’re a little shit, aren’t you?”
Gavin giggles a bit. “Mm. Maybe. You’re just a very pretty boy, Jeremy.” He just likes to see the smile on Jeremy’s face, despite the fact that it was almost too dark to see. Michael next to them just watches with an amused look ... that turns into shock as Jeremy yanks Gavin down and seals their lips together.
If Michael was shocked, that was nothing like what Gavin felt. He tugs back for half a second in surprise and Jeremy immediately goes to let him go before he’s surging back down to kiss him deeper. Gavin had wanted this from the very first time Jeremy appeared on the doorsteps to the Fakes, a bag in one hand and a gun in the other, demanding a job.
“Shit,” Michael grins, face red. He wants to turn more but can’t, gasping again in pain. “Don’t... ah! Don’t leave me out of the fun.”
Two heads pop up, just shadows. “You?” Gavin says brightly. “Michael?” Jeremy whispers. “Are - I mean... we just...”
“You don’t think I take a stab wound for just anyone, do you?” Michael says dryly. “Now give me kisses, you dicks, before I have to demand more. I’m currently the invalid, you have to help me feel better you know.”
Gavin’s squeal of pleasure is all he needs, clambering as safely as he can over Michael so they could get the man comfortably between them. Gavin’s lips are very soft. Michael had always imagined them to be so, but it was one thing to use his imagination and another thing to taste them for himself. He tries to pull Gavin closer, but the move hurts and he gasps into the kiss making Gavin pull back.
As soon as he does so, Jeremy is stealing a kiss. It’s rougher than Gavin’s. As if Jeremy’s trying to apologize or make him apologize through a simple kiss. Michael does what he can to push back into it without much control of his ab muscles, meeting rough lips with rough lips.
What he doesn’t expect is Gavin’s hands on his hips. Wrapping around him and jerking. Michael’s eyes fly open with surprise and he jolts, pain and pleasure combining in a spasm. “Jesus, Gavin!”
“No good?” Gavin says quickly, retracting his hand. “I thought - it’s been a stressful night and Jeremy... and you.... “
“No, no, no...,” Michael gasps against Jeremy’s lips before he pulls away. “Very good. Very good. Just - are you sure you...”
“Before we go down this road too much, I need to remind you two that Michael fucking has a hole in his side,” Jeremy cuts in. “Nothing too crazy, please.” But he says it so easily and its so dark Michael can’t really see faces but there’s just such quiet longing in Gavin’s tone, in Jeremy’s, that he can just fall back on the bed and gasp a bit. “We’re idiots.”
“Hmm?” Jeremy asks, chuckling. “How so?”
“Yelling at each other when we were worried instead of doing this,” Michael mutters. “This is much more fun.”
Jeremy laughs. “Sure is.” Then he bends back down to kiss Michael again as Gavin kisses above his wound and gently runs his hand up and down Michael’s length.
In the end, it doesn’t take long before Michael is bucking into Gavin’s hand and gasping. Jeremy and Gavin follow him through to the end and curl up next to him, pressing kisses on both cheeks. Michael closes his eyes, a sleepy breathless mess, pain still intense but more manageable with two warm bodies next to him.
They may be lost in a hotel room in the middle of nowhere, hundreds of thousands of miles from home. They may have no power and not be able to see each other’s faces, and maybe thats’ why things escalated the way that it did. Maybe. But all Michael can think about now was that he had his Lads in his arms. And they were safe, at the end of the day, despite all the fear he held that made him lash out.
He’s hurt, but they’re with him. And they’ll stay with him until the bitter end.
And that’s all he needs.
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kattodoroki · 6 years ago
Text
awkward assistance. (Bakugou x Reader)
/Back at it again w the fic! hopefully, this one is enjoyable, likes, reblogs, and comments are so loved and welcome! thanks for reading <3/
You thought being Bakugou’s new sidekick was going to be cake, it turns out you took a big piece that you knew you weren’t going to finish.
---
You had applied for a lot of jobs, mostly ones in a different country, you just didn’t want to live in the United States anymore. Graduating from a good hero school really paid off for you; you were really proud of your resume and having a lot of recommendations. You wanted to take the first plane out of your country once you got a call, any call would make you buy any plane ticket.
Your anxiety with each passing day started to get dreadful, staring at your phone, desperately waiting for the call you feared you would never get. Until four days after you started applying, you had finally gotten your call. You tried so hard to understand what the person on the other side of the phone was saying, they had to get you a translator eventually. Besides not knowing the language you still took the job, more than excited to hop on a plane to Japan.
Once you got there after copious amounts of hours on the flight, you finally landed in Japan. You left the plane and found it comical when you found someone holding up a sign with your name on it, in English. You found it hard to not laugh when you saw the limo waiting for you also. You came to realize that it was your job that was doing all of this for you, you thought it was overboard but you weren’t going to complain about a free ride, not really wanting to make conversation with the driver.
When you got there you were getting smaller by the minute, already feeling the weight begin to drop on your shoulders. Having now realized how many people you were going to talk to and interact with, you felt the new job hype wash away, your awkward demeanor now crawling back like a monster you haven’t killed yet. It fit you even worse when you remember that you were also meeting your boss.
Once you were welcomed into the agency everyone smiled and saying hello, or at least what you guessed was hello. You had been informed over the phone that the head of the agency only knew how to speak English and also translate other people for you, so you knew you were going to meet him right away. You were waiting in the lobby, not bothering to even sit down, you just stared at your feet and waited on the ding of the elevator.
When you heard it you thought your heart was going to jump out of your chest, you almost broke your neck, snapping it up when the annoying sound hit your ears. You stared at the man, you parted your lips to form a gasp that never escaped, he looked beautiful with a permanent scowl on his face, silently hoping he wasn’t going to yell at you on your first day. He wore his suit with a wild hair due that didn’t match his neat body.
You closed your mouth, realizing that he now parked himself in front of you, now looking down at your closed posture. You didn’t really know what to say, wondering if you should start the conversation, but your throat closed, palms now forming a fine layer of sweat, and you noticed the room was ten times hotter now. You wanted to reach a formality with him, wanting to leave a first good impression by just saying a simple hello, knowing that he would understand, but you felt defeated when nothing came out, just staring him down like a hawk.
He cleared his throat, wanting attention, you wished you could grow smaller, “Hello, I’m your new boss, Bakugou Katsuki, or you can call me by my hero name, ‘Ground Zero’,” He paused in case you wanted to add anything and when you didn’t he continued, “You are my new sidekick, yes?” He looked at you, smirking. All you did was shake your head yes, now remembering that was the position you did apply for online. His smirk grew wider, satisfied with your reply, “Good, you and I will be working together, let’s go to my office and we can discuss the details further.” He picked up his foot and turned on his heel, now walking away from you, you stared at his back for a second, admiring the way his hips slightly swayed with the way he walked. You reluctantly followed him to the elevator, not daring to look at his employees eyeing you.
You noted that he kept the elevator open for you, knowing you took the longest time to stare you were surprised he even waited for you. The ride up to his office was layered with a quiet awkward aroma, you wanted to disappear but your boss didn’t think anything of it, just scrolling away on his phone.
You gave a little sigh in relief when the door opened up, showing off dark, professional office space, you were welcomed by the cold temperature, now feeling like you could actually breathe again. You looked back at your boss and quickly looked away when you noticed that he was looking at you, you gave the floor a wide-eyed look and you scrunched your face up in embarrassment.
He chuckled and you didn’t dare to look at him, you would probably die from embarrassment. He moved over to his desk and started moving things around, trying to clear the awkward air by being away from you; you didn’t blame him. He cleared his throat and walked towards a smaller desk that was more towards the wall then the middle of the room, “This is your desk,” He stated.
You bowed your head, “Thank you, sir,” You didn’t realize that your voice had even cracked and you were flushed like a tomato. You looked up at him and started making your way towards your desk, now inspecting every little detail about it.
“Now I will let you get comfortable and then we will discuss sleeping arrangements.” He didn’t look at you, you looked over to see him sitting comfortably at his desk, now looking through papers. You hummed in response, now remembering that this job did come with free housing provided by the company. You sat down at your desk, admiring how the chair pulled out with ease, not making a scratching noise from the floor. You pushed yourself forward and folded your hands atop the table, smiling about how professional you felt at the moment. You felt indifferent as you continued to stare, your smile faltered thinking about how dumb you looked. You forced your lips into a thin line, trying your hardest not to quiver with each aching moment that passed by in awkwardness.
Bakugou coughed, and you look at him, he was staring at you with a look in his eyes that he was about to say something. You waited a good two minutes before he even started speaking, “Let’s go check out that apartment, yeah?” You nodded and stood up, banging your knee on the desk in the process, your boss tried not to laugh but didn’t say anything in response, you didn’t say anything about it either, now just wanting to get out of there.
Bakugou lead you to the apartment building next door, “I built this so my employees would have an easier time getting to work, it's optional to live here though, but its all owned by me,” He smiled with pride. You looked the tall building up and down, impressed that he managed to do this also, he must really love his agency if he was willing to go this far and house some of his employees. You walked in after him, now taking in the nicer interior, “Your apartment is on the same floor as mine, since you’re my sidekick you get the second-best seat in the house.” He smirked.
You swallowed, nodding at his statement, you didn’t really care where you were put at but you weren’t fond of the idea of sharing a floor with him. You just wished it was furnished already so you could go inside and sleep the rest of the day away. Bakugou leads you to the elevator and pushed the button, “I already had your things sent here if that's okay,” He looked over at you and you gave him a nod, “It’s just easier that way.”
You chuckled at his comment but didn’t say anything, not really wanting to compliment on his sense of humor, this was your boss after all. “Thanks, for this.” You whispered looking down at the floor.
He didn’t say anything, just waited with his hands in his pockets. When the elevator dinged you followed him down the hall and a door that was identical on the right, you noticed your boss’s last name was on the door, and your last name was on the door across. You cringed when he slide the key into the lock, now opening up the door with your name on it. He motioned his arms towards the room, wanting you to get a look of it before he entered. You walked past him, keeping your head down, not wanting your awkward expression to be seen. You lifted your head up, now meeting the warm glow of the lantern above you, how the floor windows showed you a perfect sight of the city, and how the furniture complimented the wall paint. You were really in awe from an apartment, one that was much better than the one you lived in at home.
“It’s great, I love it.” You said out loud, hopefully, your boss around to hear the praise.
“I look forward to working with you, your resume was very impressive.” He said.
You were taken aback at his compliment, “T-thanks.” You managed to squeak out.
“We start training tomorrow, show me what you can do with your quirk.” He looked at you for confirmation.
You nodded, “Of course sir, I’ll be there on time.” You gave him a courteous smile.
“I sure hope so,” He mumbled before closing the door and leaving you alone.
You sigh in content, now moving to the bedroom to finally sleep for the day… and night.
You awoke to your alarm, now getting you up an hour before work. You noted how your boss had placed a special space in the closet for your hero costume, you put it on with vigor of excitement, now actually wanting to interact with someone new, wanting to prove you are more than a scared sidekick from a different country.
You left for the agency and gladly made your way to the elevator, now going to your office desk, and sitting down, patiently waiting for your boss. You were watching your computer screen, noticing that he arrived forty-five minutes after you left, you smiled at him and felt your cheeks flair up when heat when he didn’t smile back. You quickly snapped your head down and stared at your hands like they were the most important thing in the room.
You looked back up at Bakugou, trying to sneak a glance every few seconds. You noticed how different he looked now wearing his hero costume, looking like a completely different person from when he wore his suit. Taking in his form, the way he was fit so securely in the restraints of fabric, how they molded his body into that of a God, one you wanted to worship for the rest of your life. You shook your head, not even clocked in for two hours and you already thinking about your boss in a way that was upmost unprofessional. You sighed, now just wanting to train and show off your quirk.
“Let’s go,” You looked up from where Bakugou was now standing, in front of the open elevator, waiting in annoyance for you to come and join him. You quickly got up, remembering not to hit your knee this time and make a fool of yourself, you bounced over to where he was and joined him in the confinements of the elevator. You watched with worry as the doors closed.
It took a minute and about twenty floors before you made it to the training area, you looked around and noticed that it was only you and Bakugou. He was your boss after all, and you were there to be his sidekick so you knew you would have to show him your quirk now, you had to explain it on the resume but there is only so much you could write with words.
“Okay, let’s start.” He informed you, you smiled and walked over to the middle of the room, you touched the chair that was in front of you, but didn’t sit down.
Bakugou gave you a quizzical look, “Show me.”
You tried to hide the laugh that was rising out of your throat, “Pick up the chair.”
He scoffed and moved over to your surroundings, now entering the space between you and the chair, he turned away from you and tried to pick up the chair, he struggled and tried to pry the metal legs from the floor. You watched and admired how his bicep and tricep flexed every time he tested the strength of the chair.
He huffed and looked over at you, “Impressive.” You smiled and looked down at the ground, not wanting him to see the awkwardness that invaded your body. You kicked his shoe, making him stay in place. He tried to move but wasn’t able to, you laughed as he tried to move his foot.
“I see,” He gave a weak chuckle, “Very funny. Now undo it.” You complied and touched his shoe again, now making it a bit lighter than what it was, to begin with.
He sighed and straightened his costume out, “Ready to go patrolling.” You nodded in response, face still stinging red from trying to joke around with him. You followed him down to the main floor and out the building, you enjoyed the warm sun and slight breeze, letting yourself get lost in the moment.
“Let’s go.” Bakugou found himself repeating the same words from this morning. You opened your eyes and looked at him in surprise, feeling dumb that he caught you in an embarrassing daydream. You followed him down the street, trailing after him in his shadow like he was still leading you somewhere that you would never reach.
“Stop hiding,” He grumbled. You reluctantly stepped out of the darkness and forced yourself to keep pace with him as you walked side by side. You felt honored that he saw you as an equal but uneasy about how professional he was trying to be like it felt wrong.
Bakugou and you didn’t get any calls yet, but you heard shouting, alarmed by the commotion Bakugou put an arm out making you stop, you collided with his arm and looked at the men, you realized the group was yelling to you and your boss.
You didn’t understand what they were saying, but you noticed it was bad by how Bakugou’s calm demeanor changed to sour.
You froze, now feeling all eyes on you, “What did they say?” You whispered to your boss.
“Uh, Nothing,” Bakugou managed to tell you through the anger he was trying to suppress.
“Was it anything good?” You asked. You tugged on the sleeves of your shirt, you got a rock ready, now touching it with your shoe, making it lighter so you could launch it at them, you looked over at your boss who looked like he was going to do worse damage, you were confused on what they said that made him really angry but if it really was bad then you probably didn’t want to hear it too. You tried your best to drown out the yelling and focus on your boss, trying to fight back the rising panic in your chest and ignore the way your stomach contorted every time they opened their mouth you felt like you were about to dissolve into dust and fly away with the wind. You looked at Bakugou for a response, a validation that everything was okay, and that you didn’t need to panic.
“Uh, No.” Your boss answered.
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chrysaliseuro2019 · 5 years ago
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Sandy Shore
Next morning it was time to move on from Nea Moudania. There was more peninsula to discover. After another hearty breakfast this time augmented by another Theodora specialty cake. This time a sort of chocolate cake. It did not seem to involve much sponge though Liz advises there was a base of it. Above that was chocolate mousse and on top of that about 2 cms (looked like 3) of whipped cream. My heart sank about the only thing that I found appetising about that was the sponge which was thin on. Liz had to pull her weight for two of us. I was beginning to understand why the sweet section of breakfast was more extensive than the savoury one. Clearly Theodora had a sweet tooth though the spanakopita was excellent, flaky and very tasty and she said was her favourite. Time for us to move on and Liz bade farewell to Theodora which apparently involved a big hug to her ample bosom. I did not know this at the time but as I separately went to say my farewells and thank you I stuck my hand out and was on the end of a Lathamesque fist pump. Apparently Theodora gave some last pieces of advice to Liz on destinations but finalised with "after a couple of days, if it's not working you can come home ie to the Sokratis as she had rooms coming free". It felt a bit like home too. On Theodora's advice we were heading for a town called Chanioti well down the Kassandra peninsula. Very booked out so we had had to take a large hotel for 3 nights not really our preference. However it had free cancellation right up to midnight on check-in day (which seemed by odd) and so we determined that if we saw anything better on the way to it we would switcheroo. The peninsula has a very narrow channel which separates it from the mainland. We drifted down slowly trying to stick to the coast. Got out at the little town of Nea Fokea and had a look at the byzantine tower and a little chapel. It had possibilities as a little Marina there and beach but a bit too early in our journey so kept going. We stopped for a coffee at a fairly ghastly place. A beach bar where there were wall to wall umbrellas cushions and sun lounges. Average age 25 and the music pumped up to a high level of decibels. Close to the bar you had to yell to make yourself heard. We made the coffee a take-away. Further on we saw a sign to another beach but as we pulled off the road we saw a couple of buses and then in the car park there were around 5 more. Clearly a venue for day trippers. We passed on and this was the ongoing story really. Nothing really jumping out at us. Either the odd big town which did not really look the goods or quite remote places where you don't know where you might get a feed. Didn't see many vacancy signs either. One slightly disconcerting thing is there seemed to be far more apartments for rent than hotel rooms. For us, the one or two night stayers, this is less than ideal as they really want week long bookings. Also you can't always walk up and find someone on the premises though in some places the owners are on site and have just sub-divided their house. We also hit some heavy traffic as basically there is one road in and one road out. At least on this side of the peninsula. We had been warned about that but we could see perhaps a 2-3km queue of dawdling traffic heading out with congestion in various other places too. Hopefully they were going home because the weekend was looming and it was back to work Monday. Could be painful for us getting back out if this is the norm. We finally arrived in Chanioti which was a small maze in itself and very lively but found our way to the hotel. It was every bit as soulless as we feared. Smart enough but a dozen people hanging around a pool with very little atmosphere. 3 nights here would not be fun. We went and had a look at the beach which was about 200 metres away and things went from bad to worse. Umbrellas and beach beds as far as the eye could see in either direction with the music going loudly as well. Not much serenity here. We retreated thinking - where to next? This joint was a last resort if we drew a blank elsewhere but we had now been going for 3 hours+ without a sniff re ally. On we went towards the bottom of the peninsula. Went down several back roads pointing to little towns but either nothing much there or on one occasion the 5 star resort complete with a fleet of Greg Norman yachts and the $$1000/night price tag. As we crossed over and started to make our way up the other side (western side) of the peninsula we found a nice little town called Loutra Beach (not to be confused with a similar place that seems to be on an island). Liz googled away looking for a room while I knocked on several doors where apartments were for rent. Liz had one possibility while I drew blanks. We headed into the centre of town to check Liz's lead but she had been led up the garden path by someone she spoke to. Nothing. We hadn't eaten anything since breakfast except for a few nuts so stopped for a Greek salad and soft drinks. Now around 5.00 and no closer. We tried one final hotel on the outskirts which was up a very steep hill, so great view, but nada. On we went steadily heading down the peninsula but nothing much jumping out. Tried a couple more hotels by walking up at Fourka Beach but again nothing and then Liz's perseverance on booking.com paid off. The hotel Paralio at Possidi beach which was close by had a room free with sea facing balcony. We whipped down there Liz took a look while I waited with the car in an area which didn't allow you to park ie residents parking (a local nicely tried to shoo me away but was happy when I said it would only be a few mins). Thumbs up from Liz and we were in. It was around 6.00 pm and a big day really but soon realised that the effort was worth it. Dinky room right on seafront ie sea across the road with balcony just above street level. Immediate dip in the sea as we were pretty hot. Enjoyed some drinks on our balcony post that. Also we decided that we weren't going to find anything much as user friendly and well located as this so booked a second night. For dinner we tried a couple of the nicer restaurants in town but both fully booked (as they were the following night which was Saturday). A very nice couple of locals who had just sneaked onto the last table in one of the restaurants sympathised with us. As soon as he heard where we were from he broke into a "throw the shrimp on the barbie" routine. Life must have been a bit too easy as there was no sense from the guys in the restaurant that a table might free up if we came back in 20 mins. It looked like one sitting even though some people were clearly going to finish in the near future. Even the young couple had had to talk them into giving them a table which was free but sort of in the passageway. We ended up going to the restaurant 50 metres away which was not as flash but just as full. Total bedlam as it was quite large. Seating seemed to be arbitrary. In fact also went there the next night and after I enquired of the boss lady who took all payments if we could sit at a certain table I was told if it's free just sit there. Service took a long time and we didn't choose particularly well. Liz had the stuffed peppers which can best be described as ho hum. I had the moussaka, tasty enough, but the copious amount of béchamel sauce fixed me up big time. The digestive system is not fond of creamy stuff. Also of course had a Greek salad. Very amusing young waiter who was not allowed to take orders (he was a meal deliverer and table setter upper) though he could get me a beer. As he spruced the table up by putting the table cloth down and separately brought the meals he stopped us if we tried to assist him in any way, saying - "that's my job". All with an infectious smile to go with the braces on his teeth. Despite the fare we enjoyed the ambience and were right by the sea. A short stroll around the very small village before heading home. The béchamel kept me awake and even tried a minnie heave (unsuccessfully) so have sworn off that. The next day was all about the beach. Breakfast was a disappointing event. Because the breakfast room was small we were encouraged to take our breakfast back to our own room. No hardship that as we had the balcony. Choice was very ordinary. Three sweet cereals no muesli, fried eggs sitting in a Bain Marie together with minuscule saveloys, cold pancakes. One of the pastries with custard was good as was a slice of cake with jam. Greek yoghourt was good though not much effort required there. We felt they are just going through the motions. Breakfast was included in the deal so they had to provide it but had skimped and didn't give a "toss", breakfast was not winning then business. Their location across the street from the sea was. Off to the beach though for a pretty full day of relaxation. I did go past the two flasher looking restaurants and managed to book one of them for the Sunday night. We also adjourned to a neighbouring cafe for lunch as our hotel was not serving food that day due to some kitchen issue. A very healthy club sandwich and chips was shared. That night we decided we liked the previous night's place enough to return. Just would choose differently. In truth its slim pickings in terms of choices in this town (with a number of clone restaurants) once the two main restaurants are full (and neither was very large). It was bedlam again and chokkers. A table was free literally near the entrance so away from the seafront which wasn't so bad as the wind had got up and it was a bit cool. After our advice to grab wherever is free from the boss we jumped in but we were so tucked away that service was not forthcoming. Not that it was fast in this place at any time. Luckily a table became free at the front by the sea we moved swiftly to grab it just ahead of others and we braved the wind which wasn't too bad as it turned out. Service eventually came and we shared grilled squid and sardines and a salad. Another pleasant evening and at the end the manic maitre de did spend a few minutes chatting to Liz which was nice as he had seemed pretty disinterested. Just run off his feet. Next day Liz was up earlier than me and walked to a neighbouring sandy promontory. Probably a couple of kms walk and it jutted out about 400 metres into the sea. She returned for breakfast and then I did the same. Very nice to walk out there and by the time I did it was pretty hot so I got right to the tip and had a quick swim to cool off. Water very clear around there and a bit cooler as more exposed. The rest of the day followed the usual routine of a beach day. We did have a pork gyros and chicken souvlaki for lunch. Pork good chicken not so. That night after drinks on the balcony we headed to the nicer restaurant. Food was undoubtedly better quality as was the clientele. Maitre de also charming. Liz's seafood pasta, more risotto like was plentiful and very tasty and I had octopus marinated in onions, tomatoes and whatever. Very very nice. Our time at Possidi was at an end. It had been painful finding it and as often is the case a combo of perseverance and luck got us there and in particular in our very pleasant room across from the sea. Just the right size of town/village (small) with enough action and good beach. Liz made a good point about the beach (they all seem to be sandy in this neck of the woods) which was that it was narrow, perhaps no more than 20-25 metres where we were, but that stopped there being masses of beds and umbrellas. We left wanting a little bit more which is always a good way to go.
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sa5477-blog · 6 years ago
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DIY Series #1: The most beautiful and easiest indoor plants to grow in your home
https://blog.truuue.com/diy-series-1-the-most-beautiful-and-easiest-indoor-plants-to-grow-in-your-home/Original content is available here -I love to repurpose my home every once in a while.
Growing up a nomad, and having lived alone for quite a number of years now, I’ve learned various tips and tricks along the way to make my place as consistently homely (and comfortable, and big) as possible. After all, it is my own space… and I need a lot of it.
So, to share the joys of DIY-ing, I’ve decided to start a Series of DIY Tips and Tricks to help youupgrade your home.
I’m starting with indoor plants.
Want to share your DIY journey and creations with Truuue? Follow us on @TruuueHome onFacebook and Hashtag the picture of your DIY project with #DIYTruuue. Cool submissions will be featured!
To see our list of Singapore’s Best Condominium Gardens, click HERE or visit Truuue.com.
My favourite indoor plants (featured below) are super easy to upkeep, aesthetically pleasing, and good for your wellbeing – being highly effective in fighting off indoor pollutants (which are apparently 12x worse than outdoor pollutants), and boosting self-esteem, cognitive functions, and sense of stability and control.
Follow the care tips provided and I’m very sure your plant will brighten your home for a very, very long time.
1. Money plant (Pilea Peperomiodes)
Also known as the Feng Shui plant, the money plant is grown in Singapore to bring wealth and luck to the household. It is simple to care for, and can tolerate low light and air-conditioning. Prune it correctly and the leaves will flourish.
Care tips:
Light The money plant is best kept under constant indirect, medium light exposure. However, if any leaves start to turn slightly yellow, you’ll have to give your plant some good ole’ Vitamin D under the direct sunlight.
H2O The money plant does not need a lot of watering. In order to maintain the soil at ideal moist level, you’ll just have to water your money plant every 7 to 10 days.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
One of the prettiest and most low-maintenance blooms to keep in your home, the peace lily is one of the world’s best air purifiers. A NASA Approved air-filtering houseplant, the peace lily helps neutralise gases such as Carbon Monoxide and Benzene from household products and furnishings. Over time, your Peace Lily will acclimatise itself to your indoor environment, making it a statement plant that is truly oh-so-easy to care for.
Care tips:
Light Like the money plant, peace lilies thrive better with indirect sunlight. If the leaves turn yellow, it’s because there’s too much light exposure.
H2O It’s really easy to determine when your plant needs water – its leaves will droop. Air conditioning may dry up its soil faster than usual. Watering is only required to keep the soil moist.
Flower Care Flowers will blossom twice a year (for a period of two months each time) and are strikingly white in colour. If your plant is not flowering yet, keep it in a dark room. Add in water-soluble fertilizers when the plant is at full bloom to ensure the flowers remain in prime condition.
3. Swedish Ivy Plant (Plectranthus Verticillatus)
For those looking for hanging basket houseplants, the Swedish Ivy is the perfect choice. It is not as easy to maintain as the other indoor plants featured, but I love it because it is simply adorable. If pruned correctly, the potted plant can look like a big head of Afro hair. The Swedish Ivy comprises of a vibrant foliage of shiny, dark green leaves. With enough bright light, the plant can also grow white or pink tubular-shaped flowers.
Care tips:
Light & Shape To maintain the ball-shape of the plant, it’ll have to be placed under bright indirect sunlight, so the leaves do not “reach” for more sun. You’ll also have to prune the plant, once it’s too long for your ideal shape, cut off 1/3 of the vines.
H2O Watering need not be frequent – do it only when the soil is dry to touch. Swedish Ivy is much easier to “save” when there is lack of water (when the leaves are shrivelling).
Temperature The plant thrives better in cooler temperatures, so your indoor environment should be maintained between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius.
4. Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
A gorgeous indoor tree with big, dark green leaves that look like fiddles (hence, the name), the fiddle-leaf fig is the perfect statement piece to brighten a room. Fiddle-leaf figs can grow up to 3 meters tall indoors, although they can be topped to prevent them from growing any further. The plant should be displayed in a 20–35cm diameter pot to give it room to grow.
Care tips:
Light The plant thrives in bright but indirect sunlight – so placing it next to the windows (and not in front of it) is perfect.
H2O Watering is not frequent – only when the top inch of the soil is dry. One way to figure this out is to stick a third of your finger into the soil.
Leaf Care Given how big the leaves are, you’ll have to wipe down dust resting on the leaves once in awhile. Dust accumulation prevents the sunlight from being absorbed by the plant. Also, the leaves should not be watered / sprayed as this will encourage bacterial and fungi growth.
5. African Violets (Saintpaulia)
African violets are probably one of the easiest blooms to take care of as compared to other flowering plants. Growing in vibrant pink and purple colours, African violets look delicate, and are best displayed in small pots. These pots will also tightly contain the roots, allowing the plant to absorb water effectively.
Care tips:
Light The plant thrives best in indirect, medium sunlight. The perfect place to perch your African violets is next to the windowsill.
H2O African Violets only need to be watered sporadically – the soil should be kept moist but not wet.
Flower Care The flowers will require 8 hours of darkness per day to bloom at full capacity. To encourage new bloom development, spent blossoms and blossom stems should be pinched off.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a choice Feng Shui plant to keep at home. Having medicinal qualities, the Aloe Vera is believed to add positive chi and balance to its environment. Caring for the Aloe Vera plant is also super easy – all the signs are on the leaves.
Care tips:
Light If the leaves turn a little bit brown, that’s an indication that your Aloe plant needs less sunlight. Leaves that are not growing upwards, but lie quite flat is an indication that the plant needs more sunlight. In general, your plant should be placed in indirect light.
H2O Aloe Vera leaves are meant to naturally grow upwards. If the leaves are thin and curled, that would indicate that your plant needs more watering. Proper watering of the Aloe plant will depend on the size of the plant itself, as well as the soil. But the general rule of thumb is that the soil should be soaked, and the frequency of watering should be every 1-2 weeks and only when the soil appears to be dried out.
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Hands down the easiest plant to upkeep in this list (at least, from my experience), the Snake Plant is really the perfect go-to-choice for seriously low-maintenance plant owners. It’s also great for cleaning air (converting CO2 into Oxygen at night), and best kept in the bedroom.
For owners looking for more exotic Snake Plants, there are varieties in yellow or silver striped leaves – called Golden Flame and Bantel’s Sensation respectively.
Care tips:
Light & H2O The Snake Plant can go neglected for weeks on end and still look completely fresh. It also does not need much sunlight. Replenish it every fortnight or so with a good watering and leave it out in indirect and bright sunlight for the occasional therapy.
8. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
Staghorn ferns look best when mounted on the wall as feature pieces (as pictured). There are two types of staghorn fronds (a.k.a. fern leaves) – fertile and sterile. The decorative types have fertile fronds that are forked, resembling deer antlers. If you want to DIY your fern mount, here’s a great instructional blog.
Care tips:
Light Staghorn ferns that are placed indoors thrive best in indirect, brighter light (as compared to outdoor ferns, which thrive in medium to low light).
H2O The key to prolonging the staghorn fern’s life is to water it frequently enough – taking into account the humidity levels in the room. The general rule of thumb is that the more humid your home is, the less the staghorn fern needs watering (every 1.5-2 weeks or so). Once watered, let the plant drip dry before re-hanging it.
Frond Care The staghorn frond is prone to black spot fungal disease in indoor conditions. To prevent this from happening, fronds should never be moistened or misted. The fronds should also be wiped down to prevent dust from accumulating.
9. [EDITOR’S CHOICE] ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
Following on from the snake plant, the ZZ plant takes the cake as the second easiest plant to upkeepindoors. It is perfect for the indoor conditions as it can survive in low light and more artificial conditions. A fun fact about the ZZ plant is its ability to actually flower a bloom resembling a yellow Calla Lily – though this rarely happens.
Care tips:
Light While the ZZ plant can survive in very low light conditions, the optimal way to care for it is to place it in the way of indirect medium sunlight. Monitor the leaves to make sure that the sunlight exposure is just right and does not scald the leaves. If leaves start becoming yellow and curly, that is an indication of too much light.
H2O The ZZ plant only needs the occasional water therapy, which should be done when the soil has dried out. The number 1 cause of plant death is actually over-watering.
Original content is available here -https://blog.truuue.com/diy-series-1-the-most-beautiful-and-easiest-indoor-plants-to-grow-in-your-home/
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livingcorner · 3 years ago
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How to Clean and Paint Outdoor Concrete Statues?@|how to paint concrete garden ornaments@|https://repaintnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Paint-Concrete-Statues.jpeg@|21
Whether you’ve got an old concrete statue that needs a bit of touching up or a brand-new item that doesn’t help the Feng Shui of your garden, cleaning and painting outdoor statues could be just the trick you need.
As you’ll find out, servicing these statues is easier than you may think! In this guide, we’ll go over all the steps you’ll need to take to make sure your statue has that desired look.
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With this in mind, keep reading to find out the best ways to clean and paint outdoor concrete statues!
And what are the best paints you can use for painting over your outdoor concrete statues or garden gnomes…
How to Clean Concrete Statues for Painting?
My wife and I have been making cement as well as concrete statues in our backyard for a very long.
The last we have made was of a rabbit that “looks just awesome” (our neighbors complimented).
Believe me, it’s a great proud feel to make these statues and paint on your own…
Well, when it comes to statue painting in a garden you’ll definitely want to clean your garden ornaments before you paint it for all the obvious reasons.
For starters, leaving debris on your statue before painting it can lead to an uneven (and unattractive) paint job that certainly won’t be turning heads on your patio.
Not cleaning your gnome statue could also increase the chances that your paint job becomes damaged, meaning you’ll have to spend more time and money repainting your statue than you expected.
If you’re looking for a long-term fix that will have your lawn looking its best for years to come, you’ll want to follow the upcoming cleaning tips:
Step 1- Remove Debris
You’ll want to start cleaning your outdoor lawn ornaments by using a small, soft-bristled brush that can remove external debris such as dirt and cobwebs throughout damaging the concrete.
Many first-time cleaners make the mistake of using harsh brushes such as grill brushes, which have been known to strip the concrete and leave an overall patchy finish.
Avoid doing this and instead opt for paintbrushes and toothbrushes, which are gentle and versatile enough to enable widespread cleaning of your statue.
For larger areas, consider using a paintbrush to remove large swaths of debris.
To get into smaller nooks and crannies, a soft-bristled toothbrush is excellent at restoring detail to your statue.
Step 2- Use a Garden Hose
Never pressure wash your outside statues and garden gnomes.
Instead, opt for a gentler approach by going with a standard garden hose.
Going with the most powerful setting, you can spray down your concrete statue without having to worry about damage.
Make sure you do so on a stable, man-made surface, as splash-back from the ground can actually make your statue look worse.
As you spray with the garden hose, you’ll want to be sure to attack the statue from a variety of angles.
The pressure of the water should be sufficient to remove much of the debris that’s caked around your statue.
Step 3- Apply Household Cleaners
For a more intimate clean, you may also consider applying organic household cleaners.
You’ll first want to verify that the type of cleaner you are using isn’t harmful to the environment.
If you’re not careful, you may very well kill your garden in the process.
Standard household cleaners are great at getting the job done but must be applied to wet statues.
If you feel inclined after hosing off your statue, you may scrub down the concrete with a safe household cleaner using a small brush.
You can also mix the cleaner into a solution of hot water and brush off the statue instead of using the hose.
Tip: Avoid Cleaning in Cold Weather
Expecting a sudden temperature drop? Then you don’t want to clean your statue.
In general, it’s best to avoid cleaning your outdoor concrete statue in cold weather.
That’s because concrete absorbs moisture, which can freeze, expand, and bust your statue if the weather gets too cold.
For this reason, you want to make sure that you’re doing your cleaning in warm weather or at least in a temperature-controlled setting such as your garage.
Taking care of these conditions can help you keep your birdbath statue safe and looking brand new.
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How to Paint The Concrete Statues Perfectly?
Now that we’ve gone over how to clean concrete statues, it’s time to take an in-depth look at how to paint them.
Use the following information to get your concrete statue matching your desired look!
Step 1- Wash
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to wash your statue with the steps provided above.
Again, be sure not to use any harsh chemicals that can damage the ground or damage the statue.
Remember that some chemicals can cause your statue to change colors, which will pose problems later on when painting.
As the final step of the washing process, make sure that you give your statue time to dry completely, which can take up to a day.
Blow any leftover debris away if necessary.
Step 2- Apply Primer
Once your statue is good and clean, it’s time to apply your primer.
For concrete statues, it’s best to apply an epoxy exterior primer that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Make sure that you are doing so in a well-ventilated area.
For best results, you’ll also want to wear a mask that will help you avoid breathing in any harmful fumes.
Start by setting your statue on a towel, tarp, or other surfaces.
If you wish to paint the base, set the statue on its side and start with a paintbrush on the bottom.
Make sure the base has time to dry, then work your way up the statue until it has been completely coated in primer.
Step 3- Paint the Base
Setting the statue back on its side, apply a twenty-percent diluted exterior latex concrete paint to the base of your statue.
When this has dried, move upward until the entire statue has been coated.
As before, you can complete this process with a paintbrush.
If you do not wish to paint the base, simply leave it untouched and focus on the other sides of your statue.
Step 4- Paint the Surface
Using the same paintbrush (or paint sprayer, if you choose), coat the remaining sides of your statue with the diluted paint solution.
Make sure that every inch of your statue is covered evenly. This can be difficult if you skipped any of the cleaning steps before.
Giving your first coat time to dry, apply a second coat of paint when you are ready.
Step 5- Apply a Topcoat
Unlike your base coat, your topcoat should be full-strength.
You’ll want to apply this coat everywhere you applied the base coat, including the base of the statue if applicable.
You may choose to do so in full or rather use a stencil to create a design for your statue.
Some individuals find it nice to apply the topcoat and then rub it gently to reveal bits of the base coat.
This can create a more weathered pattern that fits nicely with certain gardens or patios.
Step 6- Add a Waterproof Seal
Once your paint has completely dried, you’ll want to add a waterproof seal.
This will help the statue stay safe in the rain and in storms, giving you that extra protection you need for a better-looking statue.
Make sure to do this after a period of around twenty-four hours so that your statue is completely dry.
When applied, the seal will help lock in your colors and drive off any unwanted moisture.
Step 7- Dry the Statue
Your statue should be completely dry within another twenty-four-hour period.
But you’ll want to keep it out of moist areas for a period of about two days to allow the paint and sealer to set.
Once done, you’ll have a statue that will make the neighbors jealous!
What Kind of Spray Paint Should I Use for Statues?
Choosing the best paint for outdoor concrete statues is highly important so that you can get the job done right.
Standard aerosol can spray paints can be used both for full-on painting and accents.
Whether you’re looking for a solid color or would like a concrete statue that has a bit of a personal touch, you can use standard spray paints.
A pro tip is to use a standard can for your base paint and a glossier paint on top so that you can have a statue that pops.
Acrylic Latex Paint (I used THIS) that’s meant for exteriors can also do the job pretty well if you want something more traditional and cheaper in your backyard.
In fact, it’s a good option to choose from as it can last for years when you do it right.
Plus, it will not be going to harm your backyard friends!
One good paint that I highly recommend is ARTEZA Outdoor Acrylic Paint ( HERE on Amazon).
I use this all the time for painting my client’s garden statues (outdoor sculpture, concrete flower pots, birdbaths, gnomes, and many more decorations made of stone in the backyard).
What Do You Need To Know?
With all the paints in mind, it’s time to look at some information you should know before painting your backyard statue:
You Can Use Regular Paint
Both standard acrylic latex spray paints and regular paint that have been watered down work well for concrete statues.
These paints are thin enough to adhere to the concrete and strong enough to form tight bonds on the surface of the statue.
What’s more, these paints are versatile enough for accenting, detailing, and shadowing depending on how far you want to go with your paint job.
Concrete Stains
Exterior concrete stains are also a great way to get the job done.
These stains come in aerosol cans and act like spray paint to cover your statue.
Of course, the finished look is slightly different, with concrete stains providing a more acid-washed effect for your finish.
Don’t Paint a New Statue
You’ll want to wait at least a month before you paint a brand new statue.
That’s because it takes time for the statue to set and be ready to hold the paint molecules.
Likewise, if your statue has already been painted or sealed before, you’ll want to take special precautions so as not to end up with a bad paint job.
Consider sanding the material and following the manufacturer’s directions for painting and sealing.
Don’t Dry the Statue on the Ground
For best results, make sure to set your statue on a pedestal when drying.
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This will help keep moisture from soaking up into your statue during the drying process.
You may also consider leaving your base unpainted so that your statue has room to breathe and moisture does not get trapped on the inside.
Protect the Painted Statues and Gnomes
Once you have repainted your garden gnomes and have ensured that it’s completely dry, consider applying a UV-protectant sealer like a Rust-Oleum protective clear coat.
You simply need to spray this on the painted statue as you would spray the paint or primer.
This awesome product will help protect all your hard painting work from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Plus, it also adds a bit of gloss finish to the gnome’s surface.
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Few Additional Ideas for Painting Outdoor Garden Rabbit Statues
You may have rabbits passing through your garden from time to time, but you can honor these little creatures with small statues that populate the area.
Believe me, there are few things that can really liven up a garden more than little statues of rabbits, pelicans, or garden gnomes.
These ornaments for your garden come either finished or in their raw concrete form which is perfect for painting.
From highly detailed, realistic representations to simple, colorful designs that make the statues truly stand out, you can choose whatever pattern you want for your statues.
What follows are a few tips on how to paint your concrete rabbit statues, so you can get what you want to enhance the appearance of your garden.
Weathering
If you do not want to paint the figurines and statues, providing them with a weathered look can be quite attractive.
Simply wash the statues and let them air dry. Then, use a clear sealer and let it dry.
Afterward, cover the statue in stain or latex concrete paint using dark colors such as brown, green, or black.
Leave the paint on for about 10 seconds, then wipe it once with a wet cloth, then again with a dry one.
Allow it to set for at least 24 hours and then add another layer of sealer.
Keep It Simple
In other words, you can quickly spray paint the statues a single color quickly and easily.
Be sure to wash the statue first with clean water and let it air dry under the sun if possible.
Once fully dry, you can start by adding a base coat of latex if the statue will be outside.
Then, you can simply spray paint the statue with the color that you desire.
After 24 hours, apply a clear sealer and it will last for many years.
Applying Patterns
Rabbits have distinctive patterns in their fur and a bit of cuteness in their eyes which can be mimicked when hand-painting the statues with a brush.
You can get the required paint from hardware or craft stores and follow the pattern typical for certain breeds of rabbits;
Lop Ears: Mix brown and white colors to match the popular Holland Lop rabbit
Upright Ears: A spotted black and white pattern similar to the English Spot rabbit works
Harlequin Rabbit: This is a rabbit with a brown and orange coat, so make sure to paint like that
Be sure to use a sealer about 24 hours after completing the paint job. Once completed, you can move the statue to the garden.
If you have selected a metal statue and not a concrete one, then you will need to clean the statue first of all rust.
Then use a metal primer to keep rust from forming on the statue again.
Once completed, you will need to use a rubber or oil-based paint.
You can stick with tradition and go with natural colors and patterns or go for a more exotic look using bright pastels.
*Last update on +61404532026 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The bottom line
Putting a few rabbit statues (Santa, birds, couples, or any other you like) in your garden will add to the natural atmosphere and help create a world that you’ll look forward to visiting again and again.
The good thing is you can repaint these outdoor statues the way you want and can refresh them whenever you need to get a fresher look.
Instead of painting the old ones, you can also find concrete statues at your local retail or home improvement store that offers gardening implements.
They are rather inexpensive to buy and you will love adding them.
Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for more than a decade to serve the customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques that are being implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.
Just in case you want to hire pro painters in your local area, you can click here. We can instantly send you free quotes from trusted painters based on your specific requirement.
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source https://livingcorner.com.au/how-to-clean-and-paint-outdoor-concrete-statueshow-to-paint-concrete-garden-ornamentshttps-repaintnow-com-wp-content-uploads-2020-01-paint-concrete-statues-jpeg21/
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minishawmd · 8 years ago
Text
Restraint Pt 2 (Chrismd)
Requested?: No Warnings: Smut Pairing: Chris and Reader
Again prepare a bath of holy water before you read
Word Count: 1757
_____________________________
Y/N POV
Ever since the night we came home from the movie, Chris has barely been around me. Like he’s been a bit distant and I can’t figure out why.
I honestly hope it’s not because of what I did the morning after, because he wasn’t too happy with me.
My god has he been trying to tease me though.
I mean he walks around the house without a shirt on and his sweats hanging low on his hips.
Chris knows how much that drives me crazy, but every time I try and touch him, he pulls away from me and just walks away. I swear that this boy wants to kill me.
To make matters worse, tonight we have been invited to some fancy dinner, put on by YouTube. So I have to sit there all night, looking at him in a suit and my god does that boy look good in a suit.
“Babe, you almost ready?” Chris asks me, standing in the doorway of our room.
I turn to him and nod “Yeah, just help me with this necklace?” I ask, holding it out to him
He smiles and walks over to me, taking the necklace out of my hands.
I turn around so he can put it on easier.
Once the necklace is secure, I can feel his fingertips ghosting over my shoulders. Causing goosebumps to form all over my body.
“I love when you were this dress.” He whispers in my ear, pressing a kiss just below.
I turn around and press my lips against his. He kisses me back, but only a few seconds before pulling away.
“We’re gonna be late if we don’t leave now.” Chris says, walking out the door
I groan internally, before following Chris. I’m beginning to hate this boy. He won’t stop with all of the teasing.
~~~
We have now been at this dinner for about a hour and the whole time Chris’s hand has not left my thigh.
He’s moved it up and down. He would get close to where I needed him, but then pull away like he was never there. It was driving me crazy.
I’ve just started up a conversation with Sarah, about her song that just came out. That’s when I felt his hand, go underneath my dress.
I tried my best to ignore it, until I felt his fingers push my underwear to the side and run them up my slit.
I glance over at him, and see that he is in a conversation with Simon, acting like there is nothing wrong.
As I’m asking Sarah about her album, I feel his middle finger push into me. This causes a groan to leave my lips.
“You okay?” Sarah asks
I nod “I’m fine,” I mutter “ I just accidentally kicked the table.”
I then turn to Chris
“Stop it.” I whisper in his ear
“Why babe?” He asks looking at me, pumping his finger in and out, now adding another. “I thought you’ve been wanting this.”
“Not in public.” I mumble, trying to keep a moan down that’s in the back of my throat
“I think that makes it all the more fun.” He mutters, now turning back Simon
I close my eyes and take a deep breath in, before turning back to Sarah.
Thank god these tables had table cloths or I’m pretty sure everyone would know what is going on under it.
I can feel him move his thumb, so he is now rubbing circles on my clit. I’m having to hold my breath and bite my bottom lip to keep me from letting out a moan.
I know that this is payback for what I did to him, but I never imagined him to do it in such s public place.
“Y/N, you okay?” I hear Josh ask my from across the table
“Yeah, you look like you’re in pain or something.” I hear Freya say
“I’m fine,” I say looking at them both “Like I told Sarah, I accidentally kicked the table.”
They both nod, not thinking twice about it.
The waiters are soon bringing out the dessert that is provided, which can only mean that the dinner is almost over.
I couldn’t wait to get out of here. With all of this teasing, I don’t know how much longer I can last.
I go to take a bite of the cake in front of me, when I feel Chris hit a certain spot. This causes a soft moan to slip past my lips.
“Y/N, did you just let out a moan?” I hear Simon ask, which causes Chris to stop all movement
“This cake is just so good. I didn’t realize I did that, sorry.” I say, as my cheek redden.
“Please quit.” I mumble in Chris’s ear
“No can do princess,” He whispers in my ear “I want you to cum, right here in front of all of our friends.”
With those words, his begins to move his fingers again, this time at a faster pace.
This causes me to gasp and grab ahold of him arm. I’m biting my bottom lip very hard to keep myself from moaning out loud.
Before I could even do anything I felt myself reaching my high. Having to turn to Chris and bury my head in his shoulder to keep everyone from seeing my face.
I then feel him removing his fingers, as I sit back up.
He makes eye contact with me, as he brings his fingers up to his lips, licking everything off. Which completely turns me on even more.
“Guys, Y/N isn’t feeling to well.” Chris says now looking at everyone else “So we’re gonna leave a little early.”
Everyone just nods as the both of us stand up.
“Hope you feel better.” Sarah says, before Chris and I walk off
Once we get into his car I turn to him
“Christopher Michael Dixon, why the fuck did you do that?”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” He says, acting innocent
“You know exactly what I am talking about.” I say, moving my hand to his thigh
“Don’t you dare.” He says, glancing at me
“What?” I ask innocently moving my hand up
“You know what?” He says, gripping onto the steering wheel tighter
“Oh you mean this?” I ask, now palming him through his pants
“Y/N, quit it now.” He says, not taking his eyes off the road “You do it and I will go straight to bed when we get home.”
I remove my hand and cross my arms “Fine.”
“Good girl.” He says quietly
~~~
Finally after what feels like forever we arrive at home.
“Since you were such a good girl, and let me do that in front of all of our friends. I’m gonna give you a nice reward.” He says, pulling me into him
“Oh?” I ask looking up at him “And what would that be?”
“I think you can guess.” He says, pressing his lips to mine.
I move my lips against his, moving my arms up around his neck. His hands travel from my hips, to my lower back, and then finally to my bum.
“Jump.” He mumbles against my lips
I do as he says and wrap my legs around his waist. He then begins to carry upstairs to our room.
Upon entering the room, Chris drops me on the bed before crawling on top of me. The whole time he keeps our lips connected.
“As much as I love this dress on you,” He says disconnecting our lips “But I think it would be better in the floor.”
He then pulls me up into a sitting position to pull my dress off.
“Well you better get that suit off too then.” I say beginning to unbutton his shirt
Once unbuttoned I push the shirt off of his shoulders, before moving to the. Iron of his pants
Before long we are both naked, bodies pressed together.
“You ready for this?” Chris asks, sitting up
“I’m always ready for you.” I say, biting my bottom lip.
I then feel him push into me, causing my back to arch slightly.
He then begins to move his hips at a rhythmic pace. Making sure to hit all of the right spots.
My hands are tightly gripped onto his arms, surely leaving crescent moons shapes from my nails.
Chris then leans down and connect with my neck, sucking on it. Surely leaving a mark there, marking me as his.
At this point I didn’t care if I had marks up and down my body, as long as it’s from him.
“C-Chris.” I stutter out, in between moans.
He head shoots up at that and then connects his eyes with mine.
“Together?” He asks
I nod, and he takes my hands in his, lacing our fingers together.
“Count of three.” He says
“1”
“2”
“3”
I then feel myself reach my high and Chris just a second behind me.
Out of breath, Chris collapses on top of me. Resting his head on my chest, still inside of me.
Once the both of us have caught our breath, he rolls over so he is lying next to me. I whimper at the loss of contact, causing him to smirk.
“How is it you get better every single time we do that?” He asks
I shrug “I don’t, but you surely do.”
He smiles and pulls me into him “Maybe we both just get better every time.”
He then kisses the top of my head, cuddling me into him.
“After the other night and tonight, can we just cuddle for a while?” I ask looking up at him
“Of course,” He nods “Movie night?”
“What about a a tv show marathon?”
“A little Netflix and chill?” He asks “Well I guess in our case Chill and Netflix.”
I roll my eyes “You keep those jokes up you won’t ever get to do the chill part again.”
He chuckles “You love my jokes, don’t lie to your self.”
“Yeah you’re good ones.”
He rolls his eyes and grabs the tv remote from the bedside table, turning on the tv. He then switches on ‘How I Met Your Mother’
We only get about two episodes in, before I can feel myself drifting off to sleep.
“Go to sleep baby girl.” He whispers “You deserve it.”
I nod, “I love you.” I mumble, falling asleep
“Goodnight princess, I love you too.” I hear him whisper, before I fall completely asleep.
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inze · 8 years ago
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five times + near-dying (fistofrao)
@fistofrao (I had to put this one under a cut because dear god it got long)
Meme - vaguely accepting, but it’s like lowkey. I’ll only do them when I have lots of muse and downtime at work.
Near-Death
1. They had known each other for a while, forged their friendship during the intense training of the academy. Astra couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather have at her side. Keora understood her in a way that was almost familiar. It wasn’t the same as Alura, but the bond was just as strong and unshakable. Keora was a lifeline in an otherwise harsh and unfeeling environment. But oddly enough, Astra had never been as afraid of losing her as she had Alura. Not until it happened. They were both part of an advanced class, two of the youngest in it. One of their duties was to help test some of the newer equipment, figure out the bugs. It was always supervised and not usually as dangerous as it could be. They had been testing a new prototype glider. Everyone agreed that it was well designed and would be perfect for individual soldiers to get into enemy territory without being detected. The whole group had been playing with them for the better part of a day, slowly growing confidence in the product. They were sure there was no way they could break. Keora, being herself, was out trying a fast maneuver when something seemed to snap. For a moment, no one moved, but then Astra ran, jumping off the ledge they’d been standing on. A few people called out to her, but it was too late. She angled herself down, using the fact that she was diving while Keora was trying to ease up to her advantage. Astra slammed into her friend, wrapping her arms around her. With the added weight, it was difficult to not keep racing to the ground, but Astra pulled up slightly, slowing their descent. It made for a sort of softer landing, but they both crashed into the ground and rolled heavily across the dirt and into the bushes. Groaning, Astra eventually was able to push herself up and scramble towards Keora, reaching to check her over. Her friend, unharmed, though shaken by the fact she could have fallen and died, saw the look in her eyes and started to snicker. In a few moments they both were laughing, fueled by the effects of the adrenaline. They hugged tightly and then flopped to the ground. Tomorrow they would be sore and more than certainly reprimanded for recklessness, but they’d survived and they had each other. 
2. It was rare that they were paired together after the glider incident, but there came a time when it was needed. A colony in the far reaches of Krypton’s influence was being attacked by a mercenary band. Several squads are sent and it ends up that Keora is part of one while Astra is the second in command of another. Since Astra was being fast tracked into the command positions, there hadn’t been much opportunity for them to see each other, but the bond was still there. After a few weeks of no activity, people relaxed. The colonists were more friendly and the soldiers no longer jumped at every sudden noise. Astra was co-leading a routine check and managed to get Keora as part of the squad. While she did outrank her, Astra knew that there wasn’t anyone else better to have. They had gotten to the furthest part of their route when shots rang out. Suddenly a band from the mercenaries or perhaps all of them, Astra can’t tell, are charging towards them. Astra and the other officer shout out orders, trying to get people behind cover. A few Kryptonians get caught by the onslaught, but most make a sort of retreat. Then the shout comes to shoot. She isn’t sure who it’s from, but it creates chaos. A flurry of shots and the sound of weapons being drawn sounds through the air. The next thing that comes is the screams. Some are familiar and others are otherworldly. Astra was trying to provide covering fire and get her soldiers out. There was no way that they could win this. But there was no communication and with every mercenary down, another seemed to appear. The soldier next to Astra shifted and then suddenly a huge alien with claws jumped from above and tore his throat out, Astra screamed herself, but the gun she had came up in that so practiced motion and she shot. The alien collapsed with the body of someone who had once been her responsibility to keep alive. She swore and then just ran, trying to find someone who was still alive. Without any ammo left, Astra dropped the gun and pulled out her knife. It was better than nothing. Then she spotted a figure. As she got closer, her heart caught in her throat. It was Keora. Her friend had fallen, but there was no sign of an active injury. Dropping to her knees, Astra leaned over, trying to find a pulse. Her hands were shaking so badly that it took her several tries, but eventually she finds it, a pulse. It isn’t steady and it’s faint, but it is there. For a moment, Astra relaxes. But that moment means she’s let her defense down. Someone charges towards her and she fumbles for her knife, still trying to shield her unconscious friend. Claws rip into Astra’s back as she finally grasps the knife and then she turns, using the surprise that she’s still alive to bury the blade into the creature’s chest and crack it upwards. Astra knows she must have hit a vital spot with all the blood that starts pouring from the wound and the fact its eyes glaze over. She pushes the body away and stumbles. Her back stung and she could feel the tearing of the wound as she moved. But there wasn’t time to deal with that. Astra groaned and picked up Keora, not willing to even consider leaving her friend on this ground and started to move back towards the settlement. She makes it to the outskirts before she collapses. There is too much blood loss. So much that it’s blended with the blood of others that she has on her clothes and they’ve caked together in her clothes. Her vision has been growing darker with every step and then it finally falls into pitch black. When Astra wakes up again, Keora is there, clutching her hand. Astra can’t help but give a smile, though it’s not quite natural as the drugs in her system make things slow. “Good, I thought I lost you,” she says, her voice not quite her own, lips fumbling with the words. Keora swallows and returns the smile. Astra can’t see the way that tears seem to well up in her friend’s eyes. “I thought the same, mizhao. But I’m glad to see I didn’t.” Astra nodded. “You will never lose me. Not without a fight anyways, my friend.”
3.  It’s many years until the thought of Keora reappears in Astra’s mind. They are both commanders in their own right, each with families and responsibilities. It’s harder to see each other, to keep in touch, but Astra always does keep tabs on her friend. She misses her, but there are things that she has to protect and keep safe that keep her from reaching out. But when she hears about Keora’s brush with death, Astra’s blood runs cold. There isn’t even a question of what to do. She clears a few days and drops almost everything. Guilt coats her heart as she travels to Keora’s home, where she is recovering. Had her position in leadership made her that much more short sighted? If Astra couldn’t protect the few people that she loved then there was no point in her even trying to protect Krypton. She knew then that she had to do something different and she vowed that when she got home that there would be no stone left unturned. Astra would make sure to keep her family from being hurt. But she reached the other woman’s house finally and seeing her friend helped to calm her mind. Once they were inside, Astra pulled Keora into a tight hug, pressing her lips to the other woman’s temple. Being able to feel her warmth and hear her heartbeat was enough to confirm that Ke was here and alive. There was a laugh from her friend and Astra finally pulled away. “It’s been too long, but I came as soon as I heard. I’m glad to see you, now, tell me about everything that has been going on. I’ve missed you dearly.” 
4. One of the side effects that they couldn’t have known about the Kryptonite emitters is that it weakens the immune system as well. So when Keora gets sick, really sick, Astra begins to grow worried. She’s promised to stop bringing up taking out the emitters, but this nearly makes her start again. Astra hovers by Keora’s bed with every ounce of spare time that she gets and badges the doctors with as many questions as she can. The only explanation that they have is that there are many different diseases that Keora hasn’t experienced and without the powers from the yellow sun, she can’t fight them off. There are still moments of lucidity and it almost makes it worse when Keora is telling her that it’ll be alright. Disease isn’t an enemy that she could have fought for Keora and it hurt to have to watch her friend struggle through something without her. They’d been through so much, seen enemies fall to them, but this is achingly lonely in a way that battle never was. It had been years since Astra had ever thought of praying, but on the nights where all she could do is hold Keora’s hand and hope, she finds herself begging anything larger than her to take pity on them. This was one of the few people in the world that she had left and to take her away would have been too cruel. So when the fever finally breaks and things look to be better, Astra is grateful. She’s never been more grateful. Nothing really changes, but Astra makes sure to give Keora more oranges and points her to other healthier options. 
5. It feels like what Astra would imagine death would feel like. Her body tenses and then there is a rush in her ears, her vision going for a moment. Then everything relaxes and Astra knows for sure that she’s not dead, not with the warmth she can feel between her legs. Her eyes open and her hand reaches down, tugging Keora’s hair and pulling her up for a kiss. Though Astra does have to ignore the satisfied smirk on her lover’s face. They fit together so well and Astra marvels at how this feels. They took so long to get here, to this level of being together, but even now, Astra can’t think of anyone else that she wants to have by her side. She loves Keora so deeply that this feels like coming home. It makes it worth every moment of pain and suffering. Astra would take it all again for these few moments of peace. 
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airoasis · 6 years ago
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"Speed 3" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot
New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/speed-3-father-ted-series-3-episode-3-dead-parrot/
"Speed 3" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot
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he’s finished later tremendous-comfy 2nd costume haha disgrace disgrace seem at us have you ever obvious some thing like that no i’ve now not right how must we do this how about two kilos each and every however this is not a tenable good I wasn’t seeking to sell them to you I I simply wanted to exhibit you ways one in all your workers is up to on this round Oh oh my god sure why what did you consider oh I I utterly misinterpret the concern on the peace this is disgraceful habits he despatched Khloe will be dispose of from this job right away thank you for bringing this to our awareness father evidently whats up you who’s going to supply the milk now precisely subsequent week is a giant week for us we just lately agreed to ease the milk floor issues of the newly liberated japanese European republic of Crafton over with the aid of shopping 17 faculties overwhelmed direction sagging couldn’t have come at a worse time god it can be terrible to believe of all that beautiful milk floating around and gone sorrow at no one dropping it off anyplace I wish I could do it now we might definitely believe you Father you are finally a man of God what Creed good yeah thanks for reminding me however i might love to be a ignored man for a at the same time that’d be great God is aware of I do flip all around here unhealthy concept you could without doubt a fill-in for a while huh oh i am no longer sure father McGuire has different obligations within the parish like what and be sure to keep warm would you and no longer in front of mr.Fox hmm in the next title world do i do know that turns it on that makes it go that’s do that okay proper k you are in a position to be a milkman get going simply just bet though you realize except it is UHT milk but there isn’t any demand for that considering it must be best holla what’s going on father hackers acquired very fond of that freak the grizzled pet from he doesn’t must see this our cleanest part 82 the bay scoot them all the way down to the ground i’m going to own my break possibly we’re seeing an additional aspect to father Jack more caring considered no fast approach oh sorry i am throwin condo father mentioned obviously speakme any father bastard is that you just mustard you received me sacked and now i’m having to yank me serve our relative courses i have not bought any suitable sex with ladies if you are going to use that language no do not help from to tell you I’ve left a bit shock on the milk love your little pal took off me some thing to don’t forget me through a bomb what an awfully targeted bond when your little pal gets to over four miles an hour then the bonuses last component when he comes again under four miles an hour there sorry I misplaced it there what happens when it goes on the shape as de quoi Oh God Dugan there may be a bit of 3.2.2 points of Newt father oh my god goodbye at two aspects to Pyke there you go morning is get together hey wait here then Junu tillu are you going over 4 miles an hour a third airplane leave me by myself are you doing on the some distance okay take heed to me there’s a farm on the following load oh correct who’s that woman kill you that ought to’ve put up there when you consider that I received actually when you wish to have to 4 miles an hour it can go off the barbel cool have you obtained that oh god I gotta get a cell anymore honey do not tell them okay seem it can be a giant field Miranda Otto Schalk courteous I ought to have a factor barren Islands parochial condo for the beaching right here jewel is in hindrance he acquired a job as a milkman and the earlier milkman has put a bomb in the milk flows with a view to blow up when the Minnesota to four miles an hour yes stack is a hindrance do not panic Ted will have the opportunity through it we’ve got bought to do whatever realistic some thing as a way to really support doogal wait i have it days being provided for father killed within the wire is excessive in our forces between we pay the Cardinal special performative title provide him to protection yes they are going to be peeling them off the wall for weeks to return fireplace tenders gone maintains to like and serve the Lord don’t look there may be a roundabout just preserve using round around as it’ll be ok boy I get dizzy this is a fossil plant again to my condominium and step on it that’s the idea the fine we’ve had did yet another mass that’s our satisfactory proposal I taught the opposite one went very well google it cells no longer a math there is a time for math and a time for action and this can be a time for action is there some thing to be mentioned for seeing an extra suit only a small and of God i really like pronouncing that this issues there was a time a couple of years in the past here at the Moscow Olympics Sean teach rollin this is a great story we don’t have time take a 2d for ladies to y’all simply shut up and help me provide you with a functional solution howdy each person how’s the whole thing Victoire tea biscuit or cake woohoo biscuit or cake pay attention you’re gotta hurry up man pay attention okay visible the injury Obama’s blow up-to-date beside of a tree which worked for them and they saved thousands of lives we best have to keep one who was one-of-a-kind the towering inferno used to be a enormous building that caught fire you are not able to practice the identical criteria to rescuing a priest from an explosive milk flows and apart from they’d Paul Newman and Steve McQueen i do not love it’s goodbye when you consider that I’ve visible it I forgot Steve McQueen was in it I’ve got us the presiding journey what Gene Hackman performs a priest in us well I was no help at all he didn’t even look at calm let’s get right down to the roundabout we see if we are able to consider of something there Oh second brick wait a minute I’ve bought an notion yes gents father Dougal is propelling the milk glide by using exerting a small amount of pressure on the accelerator if we will change his foot with an object that applies the equal pressure then I consider we are able to safely remove them from the car you mean yes we put the brick of the accelerator however you gotta trust me okay I want to be a priest once more and you’re going to be to them no longer relatively your texting is it oh i don’t like this job in any respect okay after I take step off missile you step up the missile all right simply brace except and keep saying I want to be a priest again I wish to be a priest again they need to be a priest once more again oh sure make a mess with the incorrect heritage baba good when you don’t mind i am off higher get out the earplugs father given that when that mixed glide goes off and here is all of the method to the north there you are Dougal thanks Ted are you definite you wish to have any milk goodness oh no no no I think I keep off mix for a good long at the same time why did I ever wish to emerge as a mesh man Ted you must stick to what you’re just right at and i am excellent at being a priest yes and it can be scary available in the market in the real non monks world Google now not every job is detrimental has been a milkman anyway tonight tonight head
0 notes
batterymonster2021 · 6 years ago
Text
"Speed 3" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot
New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/speed-3-father-ted-series-3-episode-3-dead-parrot/
"Speed 3" | Father Ted | Series 3 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot
Do not even speak to me i am so sorry you’re judging a child competition you are not imagined to get them agitated this occurs whenever i love ailing of it I was just enjoying with them ten taking part in with them you’re jumping up and down with them jogging round to them and getting wholly overexcited that is why you acquired ailing on me I proposal the general this year used to be garbage is awful o.K. Yet another very sloppy toddlers who looked in order that they relatively could not be and the hairiness of some of these babies very hairy little one interval precisely k if persons don’t seem to be even going to shave their infants earlier than the industrial commonly do excellent you would not without a doubt need to shave a baby what hell this is Doyle do you place a brick in the center flooring I did one why I can’t be completely happy to your paper clips which you can put them in that is known as a white within the center of the ground why no longer have the tube I obtained the notion from a journal that may be all very good for will sell for one of those fellas capable for the more normal aspect of no longer hanging bricks in the middle of the floor I think in future you should consult me be mrs.Dooley looks very unique in these days but there may be undoubtedly mrs. Doyle i’m sorry i am just looking for mrs. Darn I concept you were Marilyn Monroe yeah pablor pleasant simple rectangular gap creation what a little low truly a lot more where that came from I inform ya I will not be here at all the police are after me they are not yes i’m so attractive they want to put me under arrest actually i am a bit of sad at the second mrs. Doyle yes I need to go to a funeral oh no we yes my final girlfriend she died from exhaustion this is prior masters the brand new milkman oh yeah just over the south part of the islands notion i might spread myself round slightly that is Joyce you have got to do some dusting off in father Jack’s room and there is a gigantic cobweb in the shed desires getting rid of first-class additionally father well i’d be on my approach Padre off on my rounds right good day looks like an common blackboard doesn’t it sure that’s what I idea but what’s this you see you can rub off the letter you are able to do that with any blackboard Ruben very milky cup of tea mrs.Doyle oh it is enormous come workforce I imply is there any tea in right here in any respect wait no any person would think you have been trying to use up all the milk covers so the fats monster can come right here more usually that is very fascinating door father the weekends he is a swimming instructor in the pool and he fought in Vietnam and armor mr. Universe and he informed it was pretty the right way to play crash it sounds to me as if he is telling you a number of tall memories now not utilizing Google Earth well mentioned i’m very cynical as my father it can be no longer my situation i do know however it sounds to me like you are in de Canas jealous a mr.Milkey man I very a lot believe now not what are you doing dude I was once just looking at probably the most bushy little one from in these days however anything about them let’s examine the terrible factor to claim however if you took this child’s moustache this little one’s head hair if they mentioned sideboards and put them collectively I feel you would get pat mustard do you feel the infants are copying in variety I think it can be more doubtless that that mustard has been you know I mean providing more than dairy products no Timmy he is been oh I suppose we will have to perform a little detective work discover what this fat mustard fellow health practitioner fixes Oh Wanda you be computed big instrument in my box is too tremendous for the foremost floor i’ll prefer it up the next day that is Joyce might you leave us for a couple of moments myself avex i do know what is going on on Pat Buster’s there are some very hairy infants on crayons and that i think you and the furry child maker oh yes well I suppose that you would want proof if you’re gonna make that form of an accusation and i am a very cautious man father an awfully careful man besides relating to taking precautions within the bed room now yeah you would not be informed of the usage of synthetic contraception yes proper knowing if you’re going to be a yo of course you you just again off you’d wish to rise up very early in the morning to capture me father very early within the board and now right mrs.O’Reilly did you get that okay I turned up the volume as loud as i can in case you can hear what’s going on within the apartment I believe they’re acquaintances supply it here proper now English oh no he’s finished later tremendous-comfy 2nd costume haha disgrace disgrace seem at us have you ever obvious some thing like that no i’ve now not right how must we do this how about two kilos each and every however this is not a tenable good I wasn’t seeking to sell them to you I I simply wanted to exhibit you ways one in all your workers is up to on this round Oh oh my god sure why what did you consider oh I I utterly misinterpret the concern on the peace this is disgraceful habits he despatched Khloe will be dispose of from this job right away thank you for bringing this to our awareness father evidently whats up you who’s going to supply the milk now precisely subsequent week is a giant week for us we just lately agreed to ease the milk floor issues of the newly liberated japanese European republic of Crafton over with the aid of shopping 17 faculties overwhelmed direction sagging couldn’t have come at a worse time god it can be terrible to believe of all that beautiful milk floating around and gone sorrow at no one dropping it off anyplace I wish I could do it now we might definitely believe you Father you are finally a man of God what Creed good yeah thanks for reminding me however i might love to be a ignored man for a at the same time that’d be great God is aware of I do flip all around here unhealthy concept you could without doubt a fill-in for a while huh oh i am no longer sure father McGuire has different obligations within the parish like what and be sure to keep warm would you and no longer in front of mr.Fox hmm in the next title world do i do know that turns it on that makes it go that’s do that okay proper k you are in a position to be a milkman get going simply just bet though you realize except it is UHT milk but there isn’t any demand for that considering it must be best holla what’s going on father hackers acquired very fond of that freak the grizzled pet from he doesn’t must see this our cleanest part 82 the bay scoot them all the way down to the ground i’m going to own my break possibly we’re seeing an additional aspect to father Jack more caring considered no fast approach oh sorry i am throwin condo father mentioned obviously speakme any father bastard is that you just mustard you received me sacked and now i’m having to yank me serve our relative courses i have not bought any suitable sex with ladies if you are going to use that language no do not help from to tell you I’ve left a bit shock on the milk love your little pal took off me some thing to don’t forget me through a bomb what an awfully targeted bond when your little pal gets to over four miles an hour then the bonuses last component when he comes again under four miles an hour there sorry I misplaced it there what happens when it goes on the shape as de quoi Oh God Dugan there may be a bit of 3.2.2 points of Newt father oh my god goodbye at two aspects to Pyke there you go morning is get together hey wait here then Junu tillu are you going over 4 miles an hour a third airplane leave me by myself are you doing on the some distance okay take heed to me there’s a farm on the following load oh correct who’s that woman kill you that ought to’ve put up there when you consider that I received actually when you wish to have to 4 miles an hour it can go off the barbel cool have you obtained that oh god I gotta get a cell anymore honey do not tell them okay seem it can be a giant field Miranda Otto Schalk courteous I ought to have a factor barren Islands parochial condo for the beaching right here jewel is in hindrance he acquired a job as a milkman and the earlier milkman has put a bomb in the milk flows with a view to blow up when the Minnesota to four miles an hour yes stack is a hindrance do not panic Ted will have the opportunity through it we’ve got bought to do whatever realistic some thing as a way to really support doogal wait i have it days being provided for father killed within the wire is excessive in our forces between we pay the Cardinal special performative title provide him to protection yes they are going to be peeling them off the wall for weeks to return fireplace tenders gone maintains to like and serve the Lord don’t look there may be a roundabout just preserve using round around as it’ll be ok boy I get dizzy this is a fossil plant again to my condominium and step on it that’s the idea the fine we’ve had did yet another mass that’s our satisfactory proposal I taught the opposite one went very well google it cells no longer a math there is a time for math and a time for action and this can be a time for action is there some thing to be mentioned for seeing an extra suit only a small and of God i really like pronouncing that this issues there was a time a couple of years in the past here at the Moscow Olympics Sean teach rollin this is a great story we don’t have time take a 2d for ladies to y’all simply shut up and help me provide you with a functional solution howdy each person how’s the whole thing Victoire tea biscuit or cake woohoo biscuit or cake pay attention you’re gotta hurry up man pay attention okay visible the injury Obama’s blow up-to-date beside of a tree which worked for them and they saved thousands of lives we best have to keep one who was one-of-a-kind the towering inferno used to be a enormous building that caught fire you are not able to practice the identical criteria to rescuing a priest from an explosive milk flows and apart from they’d Paul Newman and Steve McQueen i do not love it’s goodbye when you consider that I’ve visible it I forgot Steve McQueen was in it I’ve got us the presiding journey what Gene Hackman performs a priest in us well I was no help at all he didn’t even look at calm let’s get right down to the roundabout we see if we are able to consider of something there Oh second brick wait a minute I’ve bought an notion yes gents father Dougal is propelling the milk glide by using exerting a small amount of pressure on the accelerator if we will change his foot with an object that applies the equal pressure then I consider we are able to safely remove them from the car you mean yes we put the brick of the accelerator however you gotta trust me okay I want to be a priest once more and you’re going to be to them no longer relatively your texting is it oh i don’t like this job in any respect okay after I take step off missile you step up the missile all right simply brace except and keep saying I want to be a priest again I wish to be a priest again they need to be a priest once more again oh sure make a mess with the incorrect heritage baba good when you don’t mind i am off higher get out the earplugs father given that when that mixed glide goes off and here is all of the method to the north there you are Dougal thanks Ted are you definite you wish to have any milk goodness oh no no no I think I keep off mix for a good long at the same time why did I ever wish to emerge as a mesh man Ted you must stick to what you’re just right at and i am excellent at being a priest yes and it can be scary available in the market in the real non monks world Google now not every job is detrimental has been a milkman anyway tonight tonight head
0 notes
thrashermaxey · 6 years ago
Text
20 Fantasy Hockey Thoughts
Every Sunday until the start of the 2018-19 regular season, we'll share 20 Fantasy Thoughts from our writers at DobberHockey. These thoughts are curated from the past week's "Daily Ramblings".
Writers: Michael Clifford, Ian Gooding, Cam Robinson, and Dobber
  1. Word came down that Patrice Bergeron is on track to start the season with the Bruins after offseason groin surgery in June. This is the second consecutive summer that the 33-year-old has gone under the knife as he needed a sports hernia repaired last year. Bergeron will skip the team’s trip to China in mid-September but plans to appear in at least a couple of the domestic preseason contests.
Bergeron posted some incredible numbers in his 14th NHL season: 30 goals and 63 points in 64 games. His 0.98 points-per-game represented a career-high, as was his 13.4 conversion rate. The boost in production can be explained by a few causes. His centering arguably the most lethal line in the league with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak is at the forefront. His high conversion rate and a career-high offensive zone start time come next. Last season, Bergeron started 59.4 percent of his even-strength shifts in the fun end of the rink. A far cry from the typical 40 percent he was used to for most of his career. (sep1)
  2. Robert Thomas is a curious player this year. There were some quotes back in July that Thomas could legitimately be the No.2 center for the Blues this year, or at least on a line with Ryan O’Reilly. I’m not bullish enough on him to believe he’ll do that but it sure did sound like he’ll have every opportunity to make the team out of camp. (aug28)
  3. J.T. Miller begins his first full season in Tampa Bay as a real threat to increase his across-the-board totals. After the deadline deal from the Rangers, the 25-year-old concluded his regular season by splitting time next to Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov on L1 and with Yanni Gourde and Brayden Point in the middle of the lineup.
Those 19 games bore out 10 goals, 18 points, and 45 shots on goal. Just six of those points came on the man-advantage, despite seeing 2:23 of power play time on the top unit. This appeared to be a match made in heaven for the Bolts and for fantasy owners. Until the playoffs came, of course.
In 17 postseason contests, his production dipped considerably. Two goals, eight points and just 32 shots on goal. Four of those points came on the man-advantage where his deployment shot up to 3:33 per night. As the team tried to get things rolling, he ended up on the third line with Gourde and rookie, Anthony Cirelli.
Coming into 2018-19, the questions are plentiful for the former 15th overall selection from 2011. First and foremost is his position in the lineup and positional eligibility. Fantrax has him as a RW/C, while Yahoo has him as a RW. Only ESPN has him as a C/LW option. Drafting him with the expectation that he meshes with Stamkos and Kucherov would mean you’re locking him down as a left-winger on your roster with no assurance that he’ll be given that eligibility. Not straight away at least.
The other option that the Bolts need to look at is if Cirelli isn’t ready to take on the 3C duties, how easy would it be to simply slide Alex Killorn up to 1LW and move Miller to 3C? That would be an even-strength killer to his fantasy value. It would also put his spot as the net-front on PP1 in jeopardy if Killorn found a little magic at evens.
The potential is there for a career-year for Miller. But the moving parts that need to come together are considerable. He'll be a big swing in the top 60 and I'd caution against reaching before 80 on draft day. Likely, he ends up living in the 55-point range that's he seen the previous two campaigns. (sep1)
  4. How the Panthers’ goaltending situation will play out is anyone’s guess. Roberto Luongo was by far the better goalie last season (2.47 GAA, .929 SV%) but injuries have been a major concern. Lu was held to 35 games after missing time with both a thumb injury and a groin injury (the more significant of the two). Yet, James Reimer could end up starting more games than Luongo, not necessarily because Luongo will be injured a lot but possibly also to give Luongo more rest in order to be effective. So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Lu owners to handcuff James Reimer. Because Reimer could simply end up with more starts.
Compared to Luongo, Reimer struggled mightily last season (2.99 GAA, .913 SV%). On the other hand, Reimer has proven to be a timeshare-level goalie in the past, posting a 2.53 GAA and .920 SV% in 2016-17 and a 2.31 GAA and .922 SV% in 2015-16. If you’re looking in the discount bin for a goalie, you could probably do a lot worse than Reimer. (sep2)
  5. Question posed to me this week: Does Mark Giordano’s fantasy value improve with Dougie Hamilton being shipped out of Calgary? During his three seasons in Calgary, Hamilton averaged around 2:25 of power-play time per game. This was slightly lower than Giordano, whose average was closer to the 3:00 mark. In fact, that was the criticism of the Flames in their usage of Hamilton – that he should have been the first-unit guy for what they had invested in him. T.J. Brodie is the other name in the mix and his power-play time was similar to that of Hamilton’s. So, I’d expect Gio to be on the first unit again, followed by either Hanifin or Brodie in the power-play pecking order.
What concerns me about Giordano is declined returns. After a 56-point season in 2015-16, he has settled in as a 12-13 goal, 38-39-point defenseman over the past two seasons. His shot total improved dramatically in 2017-18 (151 shots to 214 shots). However, Gio is turning 35 once the season starts and 35-year-old players don’t tend to have spikes in production at that stage in their careers. So, I’d have to say that despite solid ice time (nearly 25 minutes per game in 2017-18) and power-play time, his numbers probably won’t change much. And neither does his fantasy value. (sep2)
  6. Noah Hanifin put pen to paper on Thursday. The restricted free-agent and new Calgary Flame signed a five-year pact worth $4.95 million per. Let’s remember that five million is the new four million – especially when it comes to blueliners. That makes this pretty good value for both sides. Hanifin will be 27 when the contract expires and will be set to join unrestricted free agency right in the midst of his prime. The team gets a young, top-four defender at under five million.
Hanifin has witnessed slight offensive improvements in each of his three NHL seasons. That culminated with 10 goals and 32 points in 79 contests last season. He was sheltered in Carolina, playing third pairing minutes at even-strength and skating on the team’s second power-play unit. A similar deployment is expected in Calgary as he’s immediately reunited with his former Hurricanes’ bench boss, Bill Peters.
It’s always a bit of a challenge to project a 21-year-old, especially one with nearly 300 NHL games under his belt. However, the 21-year-old has never projected as a premier point producer.  He’s likely destined to living in the 35-point range for his primes years and be able to supplement the peripheral categories with a few blocks and maybe sniff 100 hits if he ramps it up. (sep1)
  7. The Winnipeg Jets signed their top prospect, Kristian Vesalainen earlier this week. The power winger was selected 24th overall in 2017 after seeing time in the SHL. He made the transfer to the Finnish Liiga in 2017-18 and was a force. Twenty-two (2) goals and 43 points in 49 games were good to lead all U22 players in goals and points. His six points in five World Junior Championship games was a nice icing on the cake.
Vesalainen is trapped behind incredibly youthful depth on the wings in Winnipeg. That means he should begin his North American career in the AHL. But, watch out for this player in dynasty leagues. He owns high-end offensive skills and the size to impact the game in different ways than an Nikolaj Ehlers or Kyle Connor can at their size. (sep1)
  8. Veteran Lee Stempniak was skating with some Bruins last week. This isn’t to say that the Bruins are on the verge of signing Stempniak, or anything, but it is a signing, or potential PTO, that would make sense. It would be a one-year, low-dollar contract that can easily fit on this roster and provide a bit of punch on the third, likely fourth line. This was just for local players so maybe he’s just getting some ice time in with top competition and Boston isn’t interested at all. Just found it curious. (aug31)
  9. This week’s ‘Capped’ from Alex MacLean, which was Part 4 in his team-by-team series of players to buy and sell, made a point about one player in particular that changed my tune a little bit.
I have one salary cap league, it’s a keeper, and I had been thinking about putting in an offer to acquire Jeff Petry. Being that it’s a multi-category league, and he should be the power-play quarterback for the first half of the year, I thought it made sense. Alex’s point, though, that now would be the time to sell on Petry rather than to buy on Petry isn’t one I really considered, and it probably is the right move. Petry will hold a lot of value in multi-category leagues but even for maybe a top-20 defenseman, $5.5-million is a lot in a cap league. If he can be sold for a profit at this point, that’s an avenue worth considering.
  10. In your fantasy leagues, look for arbitrage opportunities all Draft long. Arbitrage may be something unfamiliar to even long-time fantasy players. It’s something I’ve written about on this site in previous seasons as well as something that was covered recently by Cam Metz in one of his Eastern Edge columns. To put it simply, it’s identifying a player who can provide a similar value in similar categories to another player who is being drafted much higher. Basically, why waste a seventh round pick on a player if you think a similar option can be had in the 12th round?
This was something I alluded to in a Ramblings back in June on name value and actual production. Whether it be name value, excitement for a young player, excitement for a team, or any other number of reasons, players are over and undervalued all the time. Being able to assess each player on their own expected production and ranking accordingly can help identify these arbitrage opportunities. (aug31)
  11. I suppose it depends on how you view the Blackhawks’ lineup: Is the Jonathan Toews line or the Patrick Kane line the first line? Regardless, here I mean the Kane line. I think most people can agree that Brandon Saad/Toews and Nick Schmaltz/Kane are going to be the top-two forward pairs. I want to know who is going to play with Schmaltz and Kane.
The natural option would seem to be Dylan Sikura but Artem Anisimov also played nearly 280 minutes with Schmaltz and Kane last year. We also have to factor coach Joel Quenneville, which means there’s an outside chance that Chris Kunitz could see some time on that line as well. This is like the situation in Tampa Bay where the difference between playing on the second line and third line is a gigantic gap and will have a huge impact on a player’s outlook for 2018-19. (aug30)
  12. The loss of John Tavares is clearly huge for the Islanders but it also could mean that Jordan Eberle moves to the top line alongside Mat Barzal, and also to the top PP unit. That wouldn’t be such a bad thing for his fantasy value. Plus/minus will be a concern for this entire team but there is going to be a significant difference in point potential between skating with Barzal and skating with whomever is the second-line center for this team.
I will be very interested to see if Barry Trotz just decides to keep the chemistry of Barzal and Eberle together, or if he sticks with the top-line winger duo of Josh Bailey and Anders Lee. It’ll make a significant difference in how we should view Eberle’s potential for the year. (aug30)
  13. When I wrote about power plays earlier this summer, one power play that really stuck out to me was Los Angeles’. There is no doubt they’re going to have a heavily-used top unit, and there is no doubt that, if they’re healthy, Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Drew Doughty are going to be locks for the top unit. The question is who will be the fourth player? Do they go with a second defenseman like Jake Muzzin or Alec Martinez? Do they go with a fourth forward like Tyler Toffoli, Dustin Brown or Tanner Pearson? It’s a nice problem to have for the coach because he does have several options, but it could be a nightmare for fantasy owners.
We might not get this answer until late in exhibition season when the roster is nearly cut down to the actual NHL roster but it’s something to monitor for those with drafts that near the start of the season. It could mean the difference in a player having 15 power-play points or five. (aug30)
  14. The Oilers have signed Jason Garrison to a PTO. Might not seem like much but remember that Andrej Sekera could miss a significant portion of the season with a torn Achilles and Darnell Nurse remains unsigned. Garrison is a veteran body for training camp at the very least, but I think given the Oilers’ lack of defensive depth he’s got a good shot to make the team. (aug29)
  15. Marc-Andre Fleury posted stellar numbers (29-13-4, 2.24 GAA, .927 SV%, four SO) that would have made him a Vezina Trophy nominee had he not been derailed by a concussion for about two months. You might remember that the Golden Knights were forced all the way down to their fifth-string goalie from the WHL, while their AHL/ECHL goalies were dropping like flies. During that time, Malcolm Subban went 7-2-0 with a 2.33 GAA and .924 SV%, and Oscar Dansk went 3-0-0 with a 1.76 GAA and .946 SV%. Hardly a dropoff! Hopefully, you jumped off the train by the time Maxime Lagace took over, as he didn’t prove to be NHL-caliber with a 3.79 GAA and a .872 SV%.
It might seem like yesterday that Fleury was a rookie with the Penguins but he’s now 33 and has dealt with his share of both injuries and rough stretches. He seems to be in a great place now, though. So are the Golden Knights, who finished eighth in the NHL with a 2.74 GAA in their inaugural season. So, I would be okay with drafting Fleury at his average draft position while adding Subban as either a handcuff or a priority waiver-wire add, depending on how deep your league is. (aug29)
  16. Something that stands out to me about Jaden Schwartz is his points-per-game numbers. Although he was held to 62 games in 2017-18, Schwartz still recorded 59 points (24g-35a), mainly on the Blues’ top line with Vladimir Tarasenko and Brayden Schenn. That calculated out to 0.95 points per game, which was the same number as the likes of Tyler Seguin and William Karlsson.
In case you’re wondering why Schwartz is not ranked higher in your multicategory fantasy league, only 11 of his 59 points came on the power play. In fact, his highest PPP total in his career is 15 from back in 2014-15. The Blues were ineffective on the power-play, with only the Oilers sporting a worse power-play effectiveness than the Blues’ 15.4 percent success rate. Schwartz also averaged the second-highest PPTOI among Blues’ skaters. The fact that the power-play game plan is to get the puck to Tarasenko might not bode well for Schwartz’s numbers.
Schwartz might have a reputation of being injury-prone, but he has played at least 75 games in three of his past five seasons. Don’t let that deter you from drafting him at least slightly higher than where he’s ranked by Yahoo, although it might be wise to knock off a few games from a full season in your projections. Dobber also mentioned the above comment in his Monday Ramblings, citing the Band-Aid Boy reason. He had an interesting thought about drafting players who seem to regularly miss a chunk of games as opposed to playing a full season. (aug29)
  17. I want to look at goalies on ESPN and Yahoo only. Here’s a few things to note:
Carey Price is ranked a fair bit lower on ESPN (goalie number 14) than on Yahoo (goalie 10). Last week, I wrote that I’m probably not interested in Price being my team’s No.1 goalie but would consider him in the No.2 range. It looks like I may be able to do that in the one league I have on ESPN.   
John Gibson, meanwhile, is ranked way higher on ESPN (goalie number 6, 41st overall) than he is on Yahoo (goalie 17, 95th overall). I think there are valid concerns about the Anaheim Ducks, chief among them being their aging stars. All the same, goalie 17 seems awfully low for a 25-year old goalie with such a stellar track record. If he starts sliding in your Yahoo drafts and you can legitimately grab him anytime outside the top-10 goalies, it’s too good an opportunity to pass on. (aug28)
  18. Everyone has fallen in love with Charlie McAvoy and think that his arrival will spell the end of Torey Krug. Injury issues aside (I have concerns, but I also have concerns about Krug so that’s a wash), McAvoy is not stealing the PP job from Krug anytime soon. I find that fantasy owners get hunches and while these hunches may turn out to be absolutely correct, they almost never do within the timeline they expect. If they think ‘this year’, it ends up being ‘four years from now’. Krug had 37 points in the second half last season! Thirty-seven! It’s true, look it up. Does that sound like someone on the decline? And for those who respond ‘Yeah, but that’s because McAvoy was hurt’ – come on! McAvoy could return as an enhanced cyborg and it’s not going to remove a defenseman from his place on the roster after the guy got 37 points in 41 games to end the season! (aug27)
  19. Someone wanted to know my thoughts on Erik Gustafsson. I love this question and immediately made a mental note to answer it here. The 26-year-old has improved steadily in the AHL and thrived last year with 17 points in 25 games. He finally got into the Chicago lineup on January 20 (likely delayed by Jordan Oesterle going supernova briefly before flaming out) and tallied two points. That earned him enough goodwill to keep him in the lineup for another 11 games, but he managed just one point. That got him scratched. Gustafsson returned to the lineup February 19 and stayed in the lineup from that point onward, posting 12 points in 22 games with ice time that eked steadily upward to close to 20 minutes per game towards the end. Impressive!
All Chicago did in the offseason to address their lack of depth on defense was to sign Brandon Manning, who is hardly a threat to Gustafsson. I have him penciled in for 31 points in 67 games and as a strong sleeper for topping 40. Look at the team – Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are in decline but they are still 1-2. After that, competition for PP time is with Jan Rutta, Connor Murphy, Gustav Forsling and Manning (I don’t think the Hawks rush Henri Jokiharju). These are all No.6 defensemen on a lot of teams, as is Gustafsson. But it’s his spot to lose, which is the No.3 guy for PP ice time. (aug27)
  20. We heard rumblings about Henrik Zetterberg missing the season but now we have more concrete information  confirmed by the man himself. Zetterberg will miss Red Wings’ training camp and is out indefinitely but he is not ready to concede that his career is over. This news makes it seem more likely that he will miss the entire season and even end his career on LTIR. (aug29)
If Zetterberg cannot play, Andreas Athanasiou moves to center. I don’t see Michael Rasmussen in the NHL this year but Filip Zadina’s odds just increased. I really like what this does for Athanasiou, as he moves from third-line winger with minimal PP time to second-line center with secondary PP time. Rasmussen’s odds certainly improve and now he may get a nine-game trial, I just don’t think he’s ready to stick. Dark horse long shot: Joe Veleno. (aug27)
One thing I would like to add is that this undoubtedly solidified Dylan Larkin’s role. Larkin played just under 20 minutes a game last year but with the lack of depth at center now, it’s easy to see Larkin’s role expanding even more. We could see Larkin end up playing close to Aleksander Barkov minutes, which would be around 22 a night. It’s probably not what Jeff Blashill, or any coach, really wants to do but they don’t have a lot of options.
Athanasiou has very solid underlying numbers like controlled zone entries and exits but he’s more of a shooter than a true playmaker. Does he continue his shot-heavy ways, or does he expand his game to be a true all-around center? It’ll be fascinating to watch. He could have relevance in 12-teamers now but as a late-round flier and not someone necessarily to target. (aug28)
  Have a good week, folks!!
from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/20-fantasy-hockey-thoughts/20-fantasy-hockey-thoughts-39/
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flauntpage · 7 years ago
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How do the Sixers Replace Joel Embiid?
It went from bad to worse last night when Joel Embiid’s precautionary testing revealed an orbital fracture and concussion, suffered Wednesday in a second-quarter collision with Markelle Fultz.
The Sixers’ big man is expected to miss two to four weeks of actions, according to ESPN, and would likely return for the start of the playoffs or midway through round one. He has yet to undergo surgery.
Until then, the Sixers will play eight more regular season games without him, a schedule that includes just two playoff teams and six non-playoff teams, with four on the road and four at home. It is not, thankfully, murderer’s row, and this roster is good enough to beat the likes of Atlanta and Dallas sans Joel in a continued push for home court advantage.
For what it’s worth, the Sixers are 3-8 without Embiid this season, but five of those losses came on the second night of a back-to-back, long before Joel was cleared to play in those games. In full context, not only are you missing your best player, but you’re traveling and tired, so I don’t know how much those back-to-back losses can be blamed on Embiid’s absence and how much can be blamed on weariness in general.
More than anything Embiid provides on the offensive end, his vacancy as a defensive player of the year candidate is significant. Embiid’s defensive rating of 99.7 is best on the team and one of the best numbers across the league. 1.8 blocks per game is 7th best in the NBA and his defensive rebound percentage of 28.9 is 18th-best. He’s sixth overall with 8.7 rebounds per game and posts the league’s 9th best defensive win share percentage at 0.055.
All of that is a fancy way of saying that Embiid is an elite defensive anchor, but you knew that already. You see that with your eyes. Driving past Robert Covington or JJ Redick doesn’t mean as much when Joel Embiid is ready to welcome you at the rim. The Sixers, as a group, are the NBA’s 4th best defensive team and 2nd best when it comes to disallowing points in the paint. You probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Utah is #1 in that department, which confirms what we already knew – Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert are both pretty damn good.
So the Sixers will cover Embiid’s absence in three different ways:
Amir Johnson starts
Richaun Holmes off the bench
Usage of Dario Saric as a stretch five alongside Ersan Ilyasova
Let’s start with Johnson.
Does he bring the same amount of energy as Richaun Holmes? No.
Is he a better offensive player? Probably not.
Do you get more from him on the defensive end? Yeah, you do.
And that’s how Brett Brown sees it. That’s how he’s seen it the entire season. He’s been quoted multiple times saying that Amir gets the minutes he does because he’s steady defensively and that’s something this team puts a lot of value in.
Before I get ahead of myself, let’s just compare the numbers each guy is putting up:
Amir actually shoots the ball at a slightly higher clip, but he doesn’t shoot as much as Holmes, which is why you see the disparity between FG% and points per game. Johnson gets higher extrapolated marks in offensive rebounding, steals, and blocks, while Holmes isn’t too far behind in most categories, playing almost exclusively with the second unit. Johnson gets much more time playing alongside Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and Robert Covington.
To that point, Johnson’s defensive rating is better than Holmes’. Basketball reference has the numbers rounded off to 103 and 104, but when I go over to NBA.com, they’ve got Amir listed at 102.9 and Richaun at 106.5. I’m sure why the huge difference there, but again, keep in mind that Richaun is doing most of his defensive work with the second team. When you watch his game, he’s active under the basket but doesn’t possess the same defensive awareness that Johnson has. Sometimes he’s late to slide to recognize where the ball is going. Amir’s legs aren’t what they used to be, but has a veteran shrewdness that serves him well on that end of the floor.
The advanced numbers favor Johnson, too, with an edge in win shares, box +/-, and VORP.
I’m not too high on that stuff, but here’s the chart if you want to take a look:
On the offensive end, I think the most obvious thing is that the spacing looks much different when Embiid isn’t out there. Johnson and Holmes are basically zero threat to shoot outside of the paint, so you’re not going to see them dragging centers out to the three point line the same way Joel does, or taking advantage of guys who sag too far into the paint.
You definitely will not see these two plays from Holmes or Johnson:
Amir might try one or two of those, but he only shoots the three at 29.6% this season on a whopping 0.4 attempts per game.
The last game Embiid did not play was the 104-102 home win against Miami before the All-Star break, before the signing of Ersan Ilyasova and obviously long before Markelle Fultz returned to the lineup.
But they did have Marco Belinelli making his debut, and he went for 17 off the bench. The Sixers shot 42.4% that night and just 9-35 from three, but got 19 points out of Dario Saric and 18 out of Ben Simmons in a come-from-behind win. Johnson went for 5, 4, and 3 in 20 minutes and Holmes snagged 11, 9, and 2 in 28 minutes. Johnson was the starter and defensive preference, while Richaun came in as a spark off the bench.
I think that’s obviously the formula for these final eight games, all of which are winnable.
They had some success in the Miami game simply running sets for other guys. Here you’ve got an Iverson cut and combination flex for Saric, who gets the bucket at the rim:
Nicely done, right?
They also did some solid elbow work with Holmes, who I think is a better screener and roller than most people realize:
You’ve got plenty of ways to run sets without Embiid in there. There’s enough firepower between Redick, Simmons, Saric, and Belinelli to score the points required to win. I don’t think that’s the issue at all. Maybe Markelle even gives you 8 to 10 points off the pine.
In fact, Dario usually steps his game up when Joel is out. You saw a lot of that in the early part of the season when Embiid was on the load management/no back-to-backs routine.
In the Miami game above, Saric went for 19, 8, and 3.
Here’s how he’s done in the other games Embiid has missed:
1/29 at Milwaukee: 19, 9, and 2
12/30 at Denver: 20, 9, and 6
12/21 vs. Toronto: 18, 10, and 9
12/19 vs. Sacramento: 11, 9, and 3
12/18 at Chicago: 27, 8, and 1
12/10 at New Orleans: 13, 11, and 4
12/9 at Cleveland: 17, 9, and 6
11/30 at Boston: 18, 10, and 4
11/7 at Utah: 25, 10, and 1
10/21 at Toronto: 9, 7, and 1 (came off the bench)
Dario is averaging 15, 7, and 2.5 this season, so you see in that list above that us usually plays well beyond his numbers when Embiid is out. I think that gives Brett Brown incentive to roll out that stretch five look, especially with Ersan Ilyasova replacing Trevor Booker as the backup four, a guy who can shoot the ball.
I think they’re in good position. I really do. Throw Amir out there, give him 16 to 18 minutes, let Richaun come in and play 20, then use the small ball/stretch look with Dario when necessary. The Sixers play a bunch of cup cakes down the stretch, teams that hopefully are smart enough to lose on purpose at this point in the season. I don’t see why they can’t rip off five or six wins without Joel, who then returns wearing a cool mask and picks up where he left off.
    How do the Sixers Replace Joel Embiid? published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/
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junker-town · 7 years ago
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NFL Dad, Week 6: Sorry, Aaron Rodgers. Have some birthday cake
Can one overwhelmed dad pull off a toddler birthday party in the morning and still watch six and a half hours of RedZone? That depends: Do naps count as watching football?
My daughter turns three this week, so we hosted her birthday party before the games kicked off. It was a confetti-themed party. There was confetti inside the balloons, over-sized beach balls with colorful spots, sprinkles on the cake, and more sprinkles at the cookie-decorating station.
Not that a theme matters to my daughter. She wants two things out of a birthday party: pizza and cake. Everything else is window dressing.
ME: Look sweetie, all of your best friends in the world are right here just to be with you!
HER: [shrug]
ME: Should I go pick up the pizza?
HER: PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA!
That said, the cookie decoration station was a big hit, and it bought the adults a long stretch of time where the kids are stationary and mostly quiet. This was a REVELATION. Ever since my wife gave birth twice in 19 months, I haven’t spoken to another adult at a kid’s birthday party for longer than 45 seconds.
But with the kids entertaining themselves? I had no fewer than five pleasant conversations with other parents that ended like normal human interactions, and not with me sprinting toward a crying child. I know every parent says, “It goes so fast!” and “I miss those days!” but I’m more than happy to floor it past the first two years of birthday parties.
We can stop time now, at age three, while Aaron Rodgers has two intact collarbones.
EARLY GAMES, FIRST HALF
— My picks this week for Team OddsShark in the SuperContest are as follows:
Lions +5 at Saints
Packers -3 at Vikings
Cardinals +2.5 versus Bucs
Chiefs -4.5 versus Steelers
Raiders -3.5 versus Chargers
At one point a few weeks ago, I said I was going to include my picks every week, but that was before I learned I could write a column with a word count to rival Peter King’s. So when my picks have been bad, they’ve been edited out (or never written at all). And they’ve been REALLY bad: I’m sitting at 12 points (out of a maximum 25) through five weeks. Woof.
UPDATE: 1-4 on the day! This section is hereby retired forever.
— The birthday party ends at 12:30 Eastern, but it takes a while to clean up, pack up, walk home, and start putting the kids down for their naps. By the time I turn the TV, the Jets lead the Patriots 7-0, and Aaron Rodgers has left the game with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Yeesh, Friday the 13th is really making a full weekend of it, huh?
— I’m counting on Lions-Saints to be a fantasy bonanza. I have what feels like every wide receiver from these teams in one league or another, and the conditions are ideal (bad defenses, Superdome) for a million points. Golden Tate’s opening touchdown HAS to be a harbinger of what’s to come.
I've seen better tackling in a Pee Wee game LOL Saints http://pic.twitter.com/YHTtBpFt9I
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) October 15, 2017
The one wide receiver on these teams I DON’T have is Tedd Ginn, who immediately scores a touchdown on what appears to be a crossing route (if I’m wrong, it’s because I’m watching my kids, not All-22). I refuse to let Ted Ginn be redeemed in the Saints’ offense. I don’t care how open he gets behind the defense, the only people he’s burned with any consistency is fantasy owners.
The only people Ted Ginn burns with any consistency are fantasy owners.
— After the Vikings intercept Brett Hundley, Jerick McKinnon scores on a screen pass to give Minnesota a 7-0 lead. I have zero faith that a greenhorn backup can rally the Packers on the road against one of the best defenses in the league. This one’s over.
— Josh McCown is now 11-of-15 passing with two touchdowns. The Jets lead 14-0. Twitter reacts wildly, as if they expect the Patriots to NOT come back and win this game comfortably. Yes, this is a bad Pats defense, but also — and more importantly — this is the Jets. New England’s gonna win this one.
— My son has been teething non-stop for the last six weeks or so, just rows and rows of new teeth like a shark. Before I had kids, I heard enough from parents to know, “Oh, teething is bad,” but I never knew just WHY it was bad. “Their mouth hurts, bummer” is what I’d think, then I’d go back to thinking about movies or sex or eating at a restaurant.
But no! The mouth pain is just one small aspect of the teething experience. When teeth are tearing through little toddler gums, the child doesn’t eat as well. He doesn’t sleep as well. But that’s fine, eating and sleeping are only THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT PARTS of keeping a child happy.
On top of that, although there’s no medical evidence for causation, teething is often accompanied by fever, a runny nose, and diarrhea. Runny noses can lead to ear infections, and frequent diarrhea can lead to diaper rash. So, instead of your usual happy child, you’ve got a tired, hungry monster whose various holes are in constant pain.
And the worst part is that you don’t even know he’s teething. You just spend several days being frustrated at your kid: “Why won’t this little jerk eat? Why’s he so grumpy?” And then three days later you see a new tooth poking through, and it’s like, “Ohhhhhhhh, NOW I get it.” Teething blows.
— Tarik Cohen throws a touchdown to Zach Miller on a halfback toss! There is now a viable argument that Cohen is the fourth-best quarterback in Bears history.
Running Back Tossing TD Alert! @_Twenty8_ to @ZMiller86 for SIX! #DaBears http://pic.twitter.com/MlyxkpaUr9
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2017
This is my all-time favorite play in Madden (NOTE: This is also why I was very bad at Madden).
— Like Golden Tate before him, Braxton Miller flips into end zone.
.@BraxtonMiller5 is flipping his way into the end zone! #Texans http://pic.twitter.com/huhWiO3YuZ
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2017
I’m happy for Braxton. It has to be hard to make it in the NFL with a lacrosse name.
— KIRK COUSINS FREE AGENCY SUPER-CONTRACT WATCH: Cousins, playing his future suitors from Santa Clara, throws an interception, which is overturned on replay. He then throws ANOTHER pick by air-mailing a deep ball into double coverage.
There are 49ers fans who are actually excited about the prospect of signing Cousins. To these people I can only say: Have you considered a sanitarium? Fresh air, no wi-fi, comfy robes. We can help, but you need to want to get better.
— Stephen Gostkowski misses a 47-yarder, and it looks like the Pats will go into halftime down 14-7 or worse ... until Josh McCown throws an INT. A quick bomb to Brandin Cooks sets the Pats up inside the Jets’ 5-yard line, and a Rob Gronkowski touchdown ties the game before the half.
Well, at least the Jets had that first quarter.
EARLY GAMES, SECOND HALF
— Besides the excitement of the party, my wife and I balanced parenting with three and a half hours of party prep (squatting at picnic tables, a trip to Party City); schlepped a a full party’s worth of food, drink, and decorations to the park; and weathered my daughter’s first bee sting. GOOD NEWS: She’s not allergic to bee stings! Helluva day to find out, though.
All of this is to say: You’re goddamn right I took a nap when the games went to halftime.
— When I wake up, the Pats lead 24-14. Order has been restored to the world.
— But the Falcons are … losing? At home? To the DOLPHINS?!!? But they were up 17-0 at the half! What in God’s name is going on here? And why are the Falcons rushing to get plays off? WHOA THERE’S ONLY A MINUTE LEFT! That was a good nap!
I know Falcons fans must be stressed the hell out about this two-minute drill, but this moment made me chuckle:
LOL http://pic.twitter.com/wPBYFHUWAC
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) October 15, 2017
Taylor Gabriel is just a speedy little football doll!
Then, with the Falcons in range of a game-tying field goal, Reshad Jones picks off Matt Ryan. The throw hit Austin Hooper in the hands, but his bobble provided Jones with all the opportunity he needed to end the game.
Wow. The Falcons were 11.5-point favorites at home, and they lost to Jay Cutler. Gonna have to fumigate the whole stadium after that one.
— We can tell my daughter has woken up from her nap when we hear a full-voiced “Happy birthday to youuuuu” coming from her room.
— The Ravens trail 24-13 at home, and they’re kicking a 50-yard field goal with three minutes left. What a limp way to run up the white flag.
A few minutes later, RedZone cuts back to the Ravens, who have gotten a spectacular punt return for a touchdown!
This is CLUTCH! #RavensFlock http://pic.twitter.com/1v9j6L9kdY
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2017
ALL PART OF JOHN HARBAUGH’S PLAN. You have to get the ball out of Joe Flacco’s hands and let the defense and special teams take over (The only other Ravens touchdown today came from a kickoff return).
The Ravens convert the two-point attempt to tie the game, and the Bears have 1:30 to take the lead back. With the game on the line, Mitchell Trubisky leads ... a three-and-out. Once again, we get an extra period of ham-fisted ding-dongs flailing at each other instead of sending them home with the tie they deserve. BAN OVERTIME.
— As the Packers lose in Minnesota, the news gets even worse: Aaron Rodgers has broken his right collarbone, just like my daughter earlier this season. She healed completely in four weeks, but Rodgers, being a slightly lesser athlete, may be done for the season. We go now to race for the NFC North division title:
PANDEMONIUM
— Every week I struggle to demarcate the endings of early games with the beginnings of late ones, so they get their own section this week. We’re gonna let this football estuary do its thing, trusting that time will separate the saltwater from the fresh.
— As my son wakes up from his nap, a Lions punt return for a touchdown cuts the Saints’ lead to 45-31. There are still 11 minutes left; this could be a game.
— In the span of about a minute, RedZone shows the following: The Rams returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown; Adrian Peterson’s first touchdown for the Cardinals; Leonard Fournette responding to the Rams’ score with a 75-yarder to the house; and the 49ers getting a late touchdown to put some heat on Washington. Scott Hanson is losing his mind.
— A’Shawn Robinson intercepts Drew Brees at goal line and walks it in for an easy touchdown. It’s now 45-38 with more than six minutes to play. I am desperate for the Lions to cover.
The girl can freehand a circle that rivals Giotto’s but still hasn’t learned to jump properly.
— My wife leaves with to walk our dog, taking our son in the stroller with her. My daughter stays at her kid-sized IKEA table, focused on drawing. She would draw or paint for five hours every day if we didn’t force her get up and attempt to develop gross motor skills. The girl can freehand a circle that rivals Giotto’s but still hasn’t learned to jump properly. We have some work to do.
— The Bears win! It was a field goal or something, I was putting some frozen chicken nuggets into the oven. There are two kind of frozen nuggs: pre-cooked, which take about 15 minutes to bake, and uncooked, which take 25-30 minutes. The uncooked ones (which is what we’re making today) ultimately taste better, but 25-30 minutes is a LONG time for kids. You really need to be ahead of the hunger curve to make these.
— In Jacksonville, it’s Jags 14, Rams 10 barely 8 minutes into the game. I’m gonna need this game to come down off PCP.
— The Lions have a disastrous muffed punt that nearly goes for a safety. Instead, they start a drive at their own one-yard line, and Matt Stafford promptly gets picked by Cam Robinson for the insta-six. It looks nearly identical to the play that brought them within a score. Now it’s 52-38, and while the score isn’t THAT surprising, these teams combining for FOUR defensive touchdowns certainly is.
In consecutive games, the Saints defense has produced a shutout and scored three touchdowns. I blame this on global warming.
LATE GAMES, FIRST HALF
— With the early games finally done, I’d like to celebrate the rarest of RedZone occasions: A good slate of late games! Chargers-Raiders is a great rivalry game despite the two teams’ records, Steelers-Chiefs is a battle of AFC heavyweights, and Rams-Jaguars is high on bath salts and running loose through the swamp. The lone clunker looks to be Bucs-Cardinals, where the Cardinals are already up 21-0. Larry Fitzgerald is doing that thing where he’s one of the greatest receivers who ever lived.
— My daughter runs into the room wearing a pink cape. She eats a tortilla chip that my son discarded on the couch. “I’m a superhero!” she says.
“What’s your superhero name?” I ask.
“HMMMMM.” She has obviously not done the groundwork on her origin story.
“Are you the Pink Crusader?”
“Yeah!” She runs out of the room, then runs back in. “I’m a superhero!”
“What’s your superhero name?” I ask again.
She yells, “The Pink Crusader!” Again, she runs out of the room.
She runs back in and stops in front of me. She casually leans an arm on the couch and says, “I’m the Pink Crusader.”
— After a Steelers safety and a Chiefs field goal make a baseball score, the Steelers score the first TD of the game by giving Kanas City an overwhelming dose of Peak Le’Veon Bell. The entire drive was Bell gently picking his way through traffic with his trademark hesitation-acceleration.
Now that I think about it, the late slate is bursting with my favorite running backs to watch — not just Bell, but Melvin Gordon, Marshawn Lynch, Leonard Fournette, and Todd Gurley. And while every news report from the last three years suggests that Adrian Peterson is an unrepentant egomaniacal shithead, his resurgence for the Cardinals adds to the overall effect (I’d still prefer a healthy David Johnson, though).
Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t even the best Fitz in this game.
— Jameis Winston is doubtful to return with a shoulder injury. RYAN FITZPATRICK CLAIMS ANOTHER SCALP. Fitzmagic takes his first snap down 24-0 on the road in a game where he’s not even the best Fitz. My expectations are sufficiently tempered.
Soon enough, Fitzpatrick leads the Bucs on a respectable drive. On second-and-goal, he does one of his trademark moves: giving up on a play too early, running for it, and diving headfirst into defenders. On third-and-goal, well, let’s just call this unorthodox and leave it at that.
I got you Bill http://pic.twitter.com/yTkI0rtkQQ
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) October 15, 2017
And on fourth down, Patrick Peterson fights through a pick to break up a slant to Mike Evans. Still no score for the Bucs.
— I’m starving. I head to the kitchen to grab a slice of leftover pizza, then absentmindedly head back to the TV. Rookie mistake. My kids are in the middle of their non-pizza dinner, and they’ve witnessed the superior option.
“I want pizza! I want pizza!” my daughter says, and my poor wife has to explain that she already had pizza at her party today, and will have pizza again on her actual birthday this week. “You’re right, Mommy. That’s enough pizza for one week,” is not what my daughter says. It is the last thing any child would ever say.
— The Rams score on a blocked punt, their second special teams touchdown of the half, to head into the locker room up 24-14. Jags DC Todd Walsh DEFINITELY hates the other coordinators, right?
LATE GAMES, SECOND HALF
— Fitzpatrick’s first throw of the second half is an interception, and the Cardinals respond with a 4-play touchdown drive. Carson Palmer’s touchdown pass to John Brown is so hilariously underthrown that it fakes the defender out. The cornerback foolishly ran into the end zone as Brown tracked back to catch the ball floating down at the two-yard line.
— Bath time. My wife puts both kids in the bath, but when my son is done I leave the TV to help with my daughter. She says, “I’m the Little Mermaid!” (shakes fist) DISNEEEEYYYY!
“Well, the Little Mermaid has beautiful hair because she washes it all the time. We should probably shampoo your hair so it’s like hers,” I say, and she assents faster than she ever has to a hair-washing. Although now that I think about it, mermaid hair would have to be distinctly different from human hair to not be completely damaged by constant submersion in saltwater. The lies we tell our children.
When I finish washing her hair, she lays back in the tub to rinse, and I hold the back of her head to massage the shampoo out. Ringed by remnants of bubbles, her face has the beatific look of the precogs from Minority Report, and she makes up a song about a bear, singing it under her breath, so lightly I can’t follow whatever plot there is. It is a peaceful, unscripted moment that is filled with the kind of awe and love usually reserved for cathedrals. Best part of my day.
— After I dry her off and put her in pajamas, I come back to a virtually unchanged landscape of football: The Jaguars, Steelers, and Raiders are still holding on to single-digit leads, and the Bucs are still getting pantsed, though they ARE finally on the board.
— The Chiefs offense, humbled by the Pittsburgh defense most of the day, pieces together a drive by throwing to Kareem Hunt. But on 4th and 2 inside the Steelers’ five-yard line, Andy Reid, trailing 12-3, chooses to go for it instead of kicking the field goal. The pass is nearly picked off, and the Steelers get the ball.
Now, I am Mr. Go-For-It, a believer in advanced analytics and a member of the Cult of Barnwell. I would love to celebrate Reid’s boldness (process over outcome!), but I’m just not sure the risk was worth it.
— Here now is the Bortlest pair of plays possible: On second down, Blake Bortles is sacked and fumbles, but Jags are able to recover the ball. Then, on 3rd and 14, Bortles sails a pass over a wide receiver (who is well short of the sticks); the ball bounces off the receivers’ outstretched fingertips and into the hands of a defensive back for an interception. It’s all there in two plays: poor pocket awareness, bad decision-making, and costly inaccuracy.
I know the “They could have Colin Kaepernick on their team!” refrain is growing old, but for me it’s growing old because it’s EXHAUSTING to think about the success that mediocre teams could enjoy if they cared more about winning than not signing a guy whose activism offends the NFL’s ruling class.
— My wife is shrieking with laughter as my son blows raspberries on her legs. He’s been a relentless pain in the butt in the final hour before bed during this teething epoch, so I’m really only writing this so there’s some historical record of him being a sweet, funny kid.
— One of the Chiefs’s speedy playmakers finally steps up. Alex Smith scrambles and finds De’Anthony Thomas open on the left sideline, and the former Duck makes tacklers miss in space before flipping into the end zone. That’s the third one today!
Alex Smith extends the play... And @DATBLACKMOMBA13 takes care of business. 57-yard @Chiefs TOUCHDOWN! #ChiefsKingdom http://pic.twitter.com/lVmaGuCdJe
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2017
MANDATORY NOTE: This touchdown would have given the Chiefs the lead if they’d just kicked the dang field goal.
— Holy bananapants, this Antonio Brown touchdown on third-and-two:
Already the catch of the year from Antonio Brown @btsteelcurtain http://pic.twitter.com/tXDNfVrr06
— Clay Wendler (@ClayWendler) October 15, 2017
Your move, De’Anthony Thomas and/or Tyreek Hill. No? No equally jaw-dropping game-breaker? Very well, then: Steelers win.
— I put my kids to bed. Their hair smells like dreams.
— The Bucs are scoring a bunch of points, but it’s too little, far too late. I’m not going to legitimize this alleged comeback with details.
— The Raiders run a hook-and-lateral in their own territory on third-and-12 up two points. It doesn’t go horrifically, but it DOES fall short of the first down. The Raiders punt, back the Chargers up, then allow a game-winning field goal drive.
— As the games wrap up, my wife asks, “Why are we watching the NFL if Aaron Rodgers, J.J. Watt, and Odell Beckham aren’t in it?” It’s a great point, but also: WATCH IT, LADY. THIS COLUMN FEEDS OUR FAMILY.
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kbbeautyblog · 7 years ago
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Huda Beauty recently released her new eyeshadow palette – the Desert Dusk Palette- and today, I am going to be fully reviewing and analysing each shade, and the palette as a whole. This post is pretty long because I talk about each shade in-depth, and then provide my overall thoughts on the palette as a whole after that. If you want to scroll to my final thoughts and not read about each shade, just scroll down to the end!!
My Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette Eyeshadow Look Post- Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette Eyeshadow Looks!! x 14 different looks
My Huda Beauty First Impressions + Arm Swatch Post- Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette First Impressions + Swatches
I will also link these at the end so you can read this first.
Skip to overall conclusion/summary section (& skip single shade review)!!
Overall Conclusion + Palette as a Whole
Desert Sand is a Creamy Yellow Shade with a Matte Finish. It has a soft powdery consistency and for this reason, does have a tiny bit of kick up/fall-out. The fall out level is in the medium range and it’s certainly not as bad as it could be, but you do get a little bit of dust kick up when you tap your brush into it.
Desert Sand does have pigmentation, but you do need to build it up a lot to see it, especially on my pale skin. This shade will most likely come up better on someone with darker skin than me, but because this shade isn’t far off my actual skin-tone, it just doesn’t come up on me. Although it does have some color pay-off, it is such a light shade and it’s hard to see it.
When I first looked at it, I thought it might be good for eye preparation,  and as a base color on the lid to help other shades go on better. However, I found that because it was so close to my skin tone, it didn’t work very well for either of these things.
For one, it doesn’t set the eyes very well and doesn’t give them a nice, caked up appearance. When I’m prepping my eye area, I use concealer first, and then I set with a powder and what it does is give the eyes a ‘cakey’ feel/look, which makes eyeshadows go on SO MUCH better and it leaves the eye area looking so clean and cut. As I said, Desert Sand just doesn’t do the job for me and I would prefer to prep with a slightly darker, brighter powder.
  Secondly, it isn’t anywhere near as bright or pigmented to be a good lid base shade. Instead of coating the lid and giving a nice, opaque finish that is perfect for layering other shades on top of, it just kind of blends into the skin on my lid. It doesn’t really show up and is a bit more yellow toned than I like on the lid. When you apply a yellow based shade to the lid first, instead of helping other shades look better or brighter, it makes other shades look worse and can give them a yellow tint.
Additionally, Desert Sand is not bright or pigmented enough to look good on the lid alone, and it is way too light to be a good transition shade (people with darker skin might like it in the crease, but even then, it’s not going to do much at all).
This means that I can’t find any use for this shade, none. I can’t use it to prep the eyes (I could, but I would rather something else), I can’t use it as a base on the lid and I can’t wear it alone in the crease or on the lid. If this shade wasn’t in the palette, I would have absolutely no problem with it because I won’t reach for it much, if at all. I think that it would of been better to swap Desert Sand for a pure white shade, which everyone could get use out of.
All in all, Desert Sand has a good formula and works well but the shade/tone of it just isn’t my favourite and as I said, I just can’t think of anything I could do with it. I do think a shade like this is needed in all palettes, but the specific tone is just too yellow based for me and I really just can’t make it work on my skin.
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Musk is a Cool Toned Light Brown Shade that has a soft, powdery consistency. Just like Desert Sand, which also has a soft matte consistency, Musk does have a bit of fall-out and kick up when you tap your brush into the pan, but it’s nothing crazy and I would say the fall-out is in the medium range.
This shade has medium pigmentation and you do have to build it up on the eyes for it to show through. The good thing is that it builds up relatively easily and blends out extremely well. I think because it does blend out so well, you do have to spend more time building it up because it just blends out like a dream and is fairly light in terms of color, so it tends to blend into the skin a little too much.
I can say that if you are going for a really bold look and you want to have a well defined crease, you will have to use another, darker shade on top of it. Musk does work extremely well as the first crease transition shade, but will be too light for some people to want to use it alone in the crease.
Personally, I really love using this shade alone in the crease because it gives the eyes a beautiful, subtle, flash of definition without adding too much pigmentation. However, I am extremely light skinned and the shade is already very light on me, so I am pretty sure that it may blend out too much on darker people’s skin and not show through at all, just like Desert Dusk (the above, creamy yellow shade), did on my light skin.
What I LOVE about Musk is that it is the ONLY brown toned shade in the palette that doesn’t have neutral, or red-based, undertones. It frustrates me when palettes only come with red-based crease/transition shades because I really DO NOT want to have a warm look every single day, and I do prefer and reach for cool-toned shades more.
Musk is my go-to shade to use in the crease when I wan’t to avoid the red shades and neutral looks.  What I have found is that when you use red-toned crease shades, the look ends up being very similar to the last look you created. There is only so much in terms of differences that you can do with them. When you have cool-toned transition shades however, you can create A VARIETY of different looks because they don’t totally dominate the whole look like red-toned shades do.
I am glad Huda put Musk in the palette because without it, there wouldn’t be as many possibilities in terms of producing different looks. However, I would of loved it if she put at least one darker, cooler-toned brown shade in the palette, which would of worked amazingly in combination with Musk. Oud (shade 6) does have less red-tones than the other brown matte transition shades, but it does still have some slight red undertones. In summary, I would certainly say that as a whole, the palette lacks cool toned matte shades, and I really like Musk because it is the only shade I can go to all the time when I want to avoid red (which I tend to want to avoid frequently).
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Eden is a Light Orange Peach Shade with a soft, powdery, matte consistency. It has the same soft consistency as the last two mattes (Desert Sand and Musk), and just like them, it does have a tiny bit of fall-out and kick up when you dip your brush into it. The fall-out is nothing too crazy and again, it is in the medium range. You just have to make sure you are tapping the excess off your brush before you apply it, and I don’t find that it has much fall out on the face, but when you dip the brush into the pan you will get a bit of kick-up. The kick up/fall-out of this shade really doesn’t worry me in the slightest but I think it’s worth mentioning.
Eden has a medium pigmentation/colour pay-off and medium opacity, and it is highly build-able. You can build it up to give you full pigmentation very easily, you just have to apply, dip back in, apply, dip back in, a few times.  The high build-ability, and high blend-ability of this shade makes it an amazing crease/transition shade. It just blends out extremely well in the crease, and you can use it and build it up to be your main crease color, or you can use it as a first or second transition shade to give you more definition and to create a gradient effect.
Eden can be used on the lid also, but because the consistency of it is so soft and the finish is matte, it is best used wet on the lid. You can deffo wear it on the lid alone by packing it up dry, but to really make it pop, it applies better when you wet your brush by spraying it with spray fix plus or dampening it with water. When you apply it dry to the lid, little bits of powder do seem to fly around a bit, but it can certainly work as a lid shade especially if you build it up dry and then wet your brush and pack it on wet. Using this method intensifies the color, and you can pretty much use any matte on the lid by doing this.
In terms of what brush works best with Eden, fluffy blending brushes work amazing with it in the crease. For the lid, synthetic shader brushes work the best. Usually I would pack a matte shadow onto the lid with a flat shader with natural hairs (like the MAC 239 Shader Brush), and then pack it on wet with a synthetic flat shader brush (like the MAC 249 Shader Brush), but I found that a synthetic flat brush works best when packing it on dry AND wet. This is just because the consistency of so soft, and natural hair brushes are not going to stick the shade to the lid like synthetic hair brushes will.
All in all, Eden is an amazing shade and I really like it. You can get so much use out of it and it is a PERFECT crease shade. It is pigmented, and is so easy to build up to give you the intensity you want. It blends like a dream, and you don’t have to fight the shadow for it to work, it just blends beautifully and works really well on the eye.
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Amber is a warm, medium red brown shade with a Matte finish. It has the exact same soft, powdery consistency as the last 3 mattes I talked about, and performs the exact same way as they do. It is pigmented, but is not extremely pigmented straight away, so you do have to build it up but the good thing is it is extremely easy to build up.
You don’t want matte, transition shades like Amber to be extremely intense straight away and you do want them to be build-able, so the pigment level of it is perfect in my opinion. The soft consistency of Amber means that you will get a bit of kick-up when you tap your brush in, but this fall-out mainly happens in the pan and I didn’t notice any fall out on the actual face (you do have to tap of the excess prior to applying though).
Amber works extremely well with the other mattes in the palette – it can be used to make the lighter shades deeper, or can be used under darker shades (like Oud and Saffron) to create a nice deep, gradient effect in the crease. It also looks really good in the outer corner of the lid and crease and when you apply it there, it deepens and defines the eyes.
All in all, this shade has been a dream to work with. It has just the right pigmentation, is so easy to build and blends out amazingly.
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Blood Moon is a bronze shade that has a Pressed Pearl (Shimmery) finish. When you look at this shade in the pan, it looks way more red based than it comes up on the eye, and at first I thought it was a full bronzy gold colour until I noticed that it does come up slightly red aswell. The consistency of Blood Moon is a soft, gritty, shimmery powder that has some kick-up and fall out, but not much at all especially if you are using a synthetic flat shader (or concealer) brush to apply it.
Blood Moon has a very high pigment level, and it works and applies to the eyes and lid extremely bright and opaque using ALL methods (i.e, fingers and brushes, with a dry brush and with a damp/wet brush). Sometimes shimmer shades NEED to be applied wet (or sprayed with fix plus) for them to pop out and have a metallic, high colour finish, but this shade is not one of them because as I said it works with all methods and DOESN’T need to be wet to get it to high intensity. However, when you use it wet it does go brighter, and I usually apply shades like this with my fingers, and then I pack it up with a brush, which gives maximum intensity.
Im regards to where Blood Moon is best placed, I absolutely love it as a lid shade, and as an undereye liner shade. It looks absolutely amazing smoked out under the eyes, and makes the eyes shine! It also looks really nice all over the lid, or put in the inner and outer corner and into the crease to create a beautiful, bronzy eye with a tint of red.
All in all, this shade is absolutely beautiful. It is so pigmented and it takes literally no effort to build it up. It is versatile and can be used for many purposes, and as I said, it looks amazing under the eyes.
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Oud is a matte, deep red brown shade. It has some purple tinges to it and I would say that it leans slightly more towards purple, but there is no denying it does sway red and I would class it as a warm toned brown rather than a cool toned brown shade. Oud has the same soft, powdery consistency as the rest of the mattes (with the exception of Amnetyst, which is more dry and seems to be pressed harder than the rest of the mattes, more on this below). Oud shares the same fall-out level as the soft mattes and works the exact same way as they do.
Like I have said when I have talked about the previous mattes in this row, I would class the fall-out and kick up level as medium, and while it is nothing bad and something you can live with, when you did your brush int he pan, you will experience a tiny bit of kick back, so make sure you tap softly at first while you get used to it.
Oud is an amazing crease shade and works really well with the other matte crease/transition shades in the palette. It can be used in combination with the other shades in the crease, or can be built up alone and worn as the only crease shade. It is a nice shade to use to define the outer corner of the lid and crease, and when you build it up there, it defines everything.
What I love about Oud is that it is the ONLY other slightly cool toned brown shade in the palette (apart from Musk, which is shade 2 and the coolest transition shade in the palette). Oud does have a lot of red tones, but it also has slightly purple tones which distinguishes it from the other red toned transition shades in like palette.
When you use Oud in combination with Musk, you can create a look that isn’t going to be warm or red toned. Something that annoys me (which I mentioned when I talked about Musk) is that when palettes have too may red toned matte shades, you start to reach a road block in terms of different looks you can create. If there was an even number of cool toned crease shades vs warm toned crease shades, you could create so many more looks. Warm toned shades tend to dominate the look and can make them look the same, whereas cool toned transition shades don’t dominate the look so much.
All in all, Oud performs really well and is pretty much an absolute dream to work with. It has high colour pay-off but it is build-able and blends really, really well.
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Celestial is a Duo-Chrome Topper shade that has a yellow base and light pink/purple reflects. In the pan, Celestial looks way more red based than it actually is, and when you put it on the eye, it is certainly more yellow based with pink sparkles. The consistency of this shade is a gritty, shimmery/glitter that has bigger particles than most traditional shimmers.
Celestial is intended to be a lid topper and a shade you apply over other shades to give a gradient effect, but like all of the duo-chrome topper shades in the palette, it can be worn alone and is pigmented enough and has enough colour pay-off to perform well as an intense lid shade. I will say, I do prefer this shade on the lid alone because when you wear it on the top of other shades, it kind of blends in and is very subtle.
Other than performing as an amazing full lid shade, Celestial looks nice and applies super brightly when you cut the middle of the lid with concealer, apply it and apply a darker shade (like Oud) on the outer and inner corner of the eyes. It can also be added over the top of full lid colors, which won’t give you too much colour, but will intensify the glitter in your look!
All in all, Celestial works perfectly in terms of the formula. It is easy to work with, applies brightly wet or dry, and just generally works well. I just don’t think the yellow base is a good idea because it just blends into the other colours on the lid, which takes some of the intensity away!
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Nefertiti is a soft gold shade that has a Pressed Pearl (Shimmery) finish. The consistency of Nefertiti is a gritty, shimmery powder. What I mean by gritty is that the fine particles in it are slightly larger than typical shimmery shadows from other brands are (all of Huda’s shimmer shades have this consistency).  For this reason, the shade does have a bit of fall out but it’s nothing crazy.
Nefertiti looks really good in multiple places on the eye. It is amazing as an full lid shade, and it applies directly to the eyelid so easily and pigmented using multiple methods. For example, it works dry, it works wet, it works with synthetic shader brushes and it works with the fingers, delivering a high colour pay-off no matter what method you use. I like to apply Nefertiti to the lid with my finger, and then go in with a flat shader brush to build up the intensity.
  It is also a good shade to put in the middle of the lid between darker colors to create a beautiful, halo-like gradient effect, and looks amazing on the lower lash line and as a brow.inner corner highlight shade.
All in all, Nefertiti looks amazing in multiple places on the eyes so is very versatile in that aspect. It applies really well , is easy to build up to the intensity you want and delivers a very opaque, high colour pay-off.
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Twilight is a pale lavender shade with white, blue and purple reflects. It has a Duo-Chrome/Topper finish and has a soft, gritty powdery consistency. Just like the other shades, it does have a bit of fall-out and kick up when you apply it, but it’s nothing bad.
Even though it is a duo-chrome shade, it applies SOO pigmented and can be worn alone because it is so intense. You don’t even have to wet your brush to get high colour pay-off, you just get it straight away (of-course when you do wet your brush prior to applying, you can build the intensity up even higher), but it’s certainly not necessary which is a big bonus because most shimmery shades require some help from time to time.
Twilight looks amazing in soooo many different places on the eye. It is absolutely stunning to wear all over the lid alone, and pretty much goes with every single other shade in the palette.
For example, if you want an intense, deep look you can combine Twilight with any of the deep and darker mattes/shimmers in the palette. If you want a soft look, you can wear Twilight alone or pair it with other light shades. It just works so good with every shade and there is honestly so many possibilities for this shade.
Twilight also looks really nice as a lower lash line smokey shade, as a brow bone highlight, as an inner corner highlight, and pretty much everything else.
I have to say, I think this shade is my FAVOURITE in the palette. Every-time I look at the palette, my eyes go straight to this shade and I had to pull myself away from it in order to try out the other shades lol!! It is just such a beautiful, pigmented, glittery shade that looks amazing on the eye.
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Amethyst has a harder, more dry consistency that the other matte shades, which is most likely due to the fact it is a purple shade which can be hard to formate and perfect, especially in a matte finish. In terms of differences between all of the matte shades in the palette, Amethyst is the only matte that is different to the rest and the consistency is extremely more dry than the others which have an extremely soft feel. The harder consistency of Amethyst means that unlike the other mattes, it has virtually no fall-out or kick-up at all. It also means that you have to dig into the pan to coat your brush harder than you do the other shades.
In terms of pigmentation and colour pay-off, it is build-able and you can build up the intensity to give the shade full opacity, but it is certainly more bright in the pan than it comes up on the eyes. I tried Amethyst on multiple places on the eye, and I found that it works well as a lid shade, a crease shade and an undereye liner shade.
On the lid, Amethyst can be built up to give a nice, pigmented finish, but the intensity really comes when you wet your brush and apply it. I did apply it all over the lid dry at first, but it just wasn’t giving me what I wanted so I decided to wet the brush and when I did, it come up way more pigmented and like I wanted it. It was also patchy, and kind of streaky even though I kept building it up and blending it around. I think the best method of using Amethyst on the lid is to build it up dry, and then go in and pack it up wet. Even then, you might want to put one of the duo-chrome shades over the top of it just to give the eyes more colour because it can look dull. In saying that, Amethyst works amazing as a base lid shade when you want to create a nice purple based look, and I find it extremely handy for that reason.
In the crease, Amethyst works slightly different than it does on the lid. It is nowhere near as bright, and I found that I really had to keep going in and building it up multiple times before I started to get the colour pay-off I wanted. Even then, it didn’t come up quite as pigmented and bright as I wanted even though I had dipped back in and built it up close to 15 times, but it did come up pretty well and does work good in the crease. If you are expecting it to look the same on the eyes as in the pan you will be disappointed though. I think because I expected it to be a bright purple that I was let down by the opacity of it.
Amethyst also works really, really well under the lower lash line as an eyeliner shade. It is extremely easy to build up pigmentation here, and gives the eyes some definition and colour. It looks good ran under the lower lash line with other purple shades, but it also looks good here when you create totally different looks. For example, if you create a really bronze eye with the palette, you can run this on your lower lash line which will give the look a pop of colour and contrast with the colours on your upper eye area.
All in all, I am happy with Amethyst but I do wish it performed slightly better. I found that I had to take heaps of time building it up to how I wanted it, and I just had to keep going back and fourth and back in fourth, which got quite annoying at times. Even then, it didn’t come up as bright as I wanted it to. I think this is because looking at it in the pan, you form an expectation of the level of pigmentation you want and how you want it to look on the eyes, and then when it doesn’t come up exactly that way, it’s a bit of a let down. However, I think this shade is essential to the palette, and it DOES work but takes a little more effort. Other than Eden, the matte orange shade, there is no other matte coloured shade and because Amethyst is in the palette, you do have many more options in terms of creating different, distinguishable looks than you would if it wasn’t in it.
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Royal is a Deep Violet Shade with a Pressed Pearl (shimmery) finish. The consistency of Royal is a gritty, shimmery powder and it feels the exact same in texture as the other Pressed Pearls in the palette.  Royal has extremely high pigmentation, and applies to the eyes fully opaque with or WITHOUT spray fix plus or wetting the brush, which is a massive plus for me because not all shimmery shades have such a high color pay-off and do require a wet brush to pack up to full intensity. One swipe of Royal on the lid will fully coat it and it is extremely easy to apply. It looks the exact same on the eye as it does in the pan.
In regards to what brush works best, I found that on the lid, synthetic flat shader brushes work really well, and packing it on with the finger also works amazingly. To get full intensity, I like to apply it with my finger and then go back and pack it on with a brush, but if I want full precision, I will use the brush alone. There is absolutely no reason to apply it wet, but if you want to you of course can. For applying it under the eyes on the lower lash line, I also found that using the tip of a flat synthetic brush gave the best colour pay-off as well as giving full precision.
All in all, Royal is a beautiful, pigmented and fully opaque shade that looks absolutely stunning all over the lid and on the lower lash line. It is one of my favourite lid shades in the entire palette and I have nothing bad to say about it because it performs extremely well.
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Retrograde is a Duo-Chrome/Topper shade that has a burgundy base and purple, green and silver reflects. The consistency of Retrograde is gritty, shimmery and powdery and it has more glitter particles in it than actual pigment. As you can see in the above picture of Retrograde on the lid alone, the burgundy, purple base is clearly visible, and you can see that the glitter particles sit on top of this. When you apply it over the top of other shades however, the base doesn’t come up much and you can really only see the fine glitter particles. Before I applied this alone, I used it on the top of a deeper shade on the lid and was shocked by how sheer it was in comparison to Twilight (the light purple, duo-chrome shade that I talked about above), which applies extremely pigmented when you apply it over other shades.
This doesn’t really matter because the shade performs perfectly as a topper, but when you apply it over other shades, just expect glitter and not much actual pigment. This can be a good thing because it means that Retrograde can be applied over the top of other shades without totally messing it up and changing the colour and just adding little specks of glitter instead.
All in all, Retrograde performs well, has nice glitter reflects and can be applied all over the lid and worn alone or added to the top of colours on the lid to add a pretty glitter effect. However, I have to say that this shade is one of my least favourite just because I don’t really reach for it much and much prefer the other duo-chrome shades. Still, the shade is beautiful and can turn a look from dull to pretty and sparkly.
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Cashmere is a Silvery, Champagne shade that has a Pressed Pearl (shimmery) finish. It has the same soft gritty, shimmery consistency as the other pressed pearl shades and does have a tiny bit of fall-out when you dip a brush into the pan. It applies to the lid extremely pigmented, and is fully opaque. It can be worn all over the lid alone, used in combination with other shades on the lid and can be applied under the eyes as a lower lash eyeliner.
Just like the other pressed pearl shades, it works best when applied with the finger and/or a flat synthetic concealer or eyeshadow brush. You do NOT need to wet the brush to make it intense and fully pigmented, but it does work to brighten the shade when you do. You might also have to build the shade up once or twice, but when you build it up it looks beautiful.
What I really like about Cashmere is that it is totally different than the pink and purple shades in the palette, and produces a completely different, smokey, light gold look. This gives the palette more variety in terms of the different, distinguishable looks you can create with it. I have to say, this shade wasn’t the first my eyes were drawn too, and it wasn’t until after I had tried most of the shimmer/toppers that I actually applied it and I was surprised by how much I actually do like it.
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Angelic is a light pink shade that has a Pressed Pearl finish. Unlike the other Pressed Pearl (shimmery) shades, it has yellow reflects dispersed through-out it, giving it a beautiful, duo-chrome finish even though it is classed as a Pressed Pearl and NOT a duochrome/topper shade. Angelic works in the exact same way as the other Pressed Pearls, and has the same soft, gritty and powdery consistency with a tiny bit of fall-out.
The pigmentation of Angelic is really good, and the shade applies fully opaque to the eye area. I did find that it worked way better and applied smoother and more pigmented more quickly using the finger, but it does work with a brush too. The only difference is that you do have to build it up and pack it on more with a brush than the finger, which is nothing bad but will take more time.  I think when you apply the product with the finger first, and then go in and pack it up with a brush, it will take less time and is a really good method for making eyeshadows pop. I do recommend using a flat synthetic shader or concealer brush when applying this shade because anything with natural hairs won’t stick it down as well. While it’s not necessary, when building it up with a brush it might be best to slightly wet or spray your brush, but you will be able to reach full pigmentation without it, it will just take a tiny bit longer to build up.
Even though Angelic looks amazing alone, it also looks really nice over the top of other eyeshadows on the lid. The yellow duochrome reflects that are imbedded in the light pink pigment gives other eyeshadows a hint of shimmer when you apply it over them. This looks beautiful on the lid and gives the eyes a nice halo effect, especially when dabbed in the centre of the lid.
I am extremely impressed with this shade. It performs extremely well, is fully opaque and pigmented and looks absolutely beautiful packed on the lid alone, I have to say, this is one of my favourite shades in the palette and I will wear this constantly on the lid as a simple, easy, one-shade look.
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Cosmo is a Pure Glitter shade that has a red base and purple, yellow, pink and purple reflects. It has an extremely gritty, rough consistency and feels like the typical pressed glitter. Cosmo does have a lot of fall-out, as you can imagine, but it’s not AS bad as I initially anticipated it would be. However, there is NO denying that you should probably apply it before foundation because you will need to go in and clean things up.
In terms of application, Cosmo does adhere to the lid without glitter glue, but I found that when I applied it without glitter, little particles kept jumping around everywhere every-time I moved my eyes in the slightest. This means that while it is stuck to the lid , it is not probably sticking to it properly because it flings around, so using glitter glue is the best option although it’s not necessary.
The ratio of pigment to glitter leans more towards the glitter side, and it’s only when you use Cosmo alone on the lid or use glitter glue that you start to see the red base that is dispersed throughout the glitter (or the glitter throughout it). When you layer Cosmo over the top of other shades on the lid, you don’t see as much red pigment and you see more glitter. At first, I used this over the top of a shade on the lid and I thought that it had absolutely no pigment and only glitter, and it wasn’t until I tried it alone that I noticed it does have some red pigment to it. Even when I applied Cosmo over lighter shades on the lid, it didn’t come up as red as it does when it’s applied alone, which is a good thing in my opinion because it means you can use it over pretty much any shade and it won’t dominate or alter the pigmentation/colour too much.
Even though I love this shade and it performs well, I try and avoid it as much as I can because it’s just so messy. This just isn’t with this glitter, all cosmetic glitter’s are messy and I don’t like using them all the time. Still, I think it’s good that Huda added this shade into the palette because it gives you a lot more options, and is there when you want to create a nice, glittery look.
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Turkish Delight is a red, burgundy shade that has a Pressed Pearl (Shimmery) finish. It has the same soft, powdery consistency as the other Pressed Pearl shades, and works pretty much the exact same way as the rest do. Turkish Delight has full pigmentation and opacity, and applies to the eyes extremely brightly and you do not need to use spray fix plus or wet your brush for it to pop up.
This shade looks beautiful on the lid, and really nice on the undereyes as liner too. The best brush to use is a synthetic shader/concealer brush, I like to apply first with my finger, and then start to pack it up using a brush. If you want Turkish Delight to pop even further, adding spray fix plus to your brush will do the trick but again, it’s not necessary and it shows up extremely pigmented without the help of spray fix plus.
All in all, Turkish Delight is extremely pigmented, performs exceptionally well and looks really nice on the lid. It complements most of the other shades in the palette and looks good on the eyes alone or in combination with other shades. This isn’t my favourite colour though. I don’t like red-based, warm looks very much and this shade is extremely warm. Nonetheless, it is a good quality eyeshadow!
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Saffron is a red brown shade with a Matte Finish that has the same soft, powdery consistency as the other mattes in the palette (except Amethyst, which is drier). It has a bit of fall-out, but it’s nothing crazy and nothing to worry about.
Saffron applies extremely well to the eyes, and has extremely good blendiability and build-ability. It is pigmented and opaque, but not too pigmented which is good because you can build it up in the crease little by little instead of getting a massive colour pay-off straight away, which can be hard to blend out. I did find that it comes up more brown on the eye than it does in the pan, and while I wasn’t bothered by that it’s something to take note of.
Saffron works really well with the other shades in the palette, especially the other red-based, brown matte shades. When you apply Saffron over the lighter red-brown shades (amber and oud), or even the orange shades (Eden & Blazing), it deepens everything up and gives the look a finishing, defining effect.  It performs really well and is an amazing crease shade. I do think it is pretty similar to Amber, even though it is certainly more red based, you could most likely build Amber up to look similar to Saffron, so I am not sure if this shade was necessary for the palette but nonetheless, it’s a good shade.
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Blazing is a bright, pure orange shade with a soft, matte consistency that is the same as the other mattes in the palette (again, except for Amethyst). It performs extremely well, blends out on the eyes absolutely perfectly, and has a high colour pay-off with high opacity. This shade is one of my FAVOURITE matte shades in the palette. It just looks so amazing in the crease area, it and can be worn alone or added over or under other shades to give a gradient/defined effect. Just like the other mattes, it works best in the crease with a fluffy blending brush.
Blazing also works on the lid, but like it’s paler, orange sister (Eden – shade 3), it does take a bit of patience to build up here. I recommend using a synthetic brush dry to build it up, and then going back in with a wet synthetic brush (spray fix plus or water) to make the colour pop. Even then, I do prefer Blazing as a crease shade, but it can certainly be worn on the lid and look good, especially when you add a duo-chrome shade on top of it.
All in all, Blazing performs amazing on the eye, blends extremely well and can be built up to whatever intensity you want it to be. It has a high colour pay-off, and is just a good shade to work with in general.
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Overall Review/Conclusion Under Swatches!! Keep Scrolling 🙂
The Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette, which has 18 eyeshadows in 4 different finishes and is a pretty good, valuable palette for the price. Each shade performs extremely well, and I found that the palette doesn’t have any extremely horrible or bad shades. Only 1 shade in the palette – Desert Sand, which is shade 1- was ranked lower than 6.5, and the only reason I ranked it so low is because it looked extremely sheer on my pale skin. It came down to preference and how ,much I liked the shade, and the low ranking wasn’t due to performance, just preference. This means that every shade performed and ranked extremely well and I really did not have trouble with any of the shades. They are all very useable, and are pretty much a dream to work with, with the exception of Cosmo (the pure glitter shade), that get’s quite messy.
I am now going to talk briefly about how each finish performed. Remember, there are 4 finishes in the Huda Desert Dusk Palette – Pressed Pearls, Mattes, Duo-Chrome Toppers and a Pure Glitter
Mattes Shades (x8)
Desert Sand, Musk, Eden, Amber, Oud, Amethyst, Saffron and Blazing
The 8 matte shades in the Desert Dusk Palette all perform extremely, extremely well. Each one – except for Amethyst– has the same soft, powdery consistency and work the same way on the eye. Amethyst , which is the bright purple matte shade, has a more dry, hard consistency and in comparison with the other matte shades, is harder to build up on the eyes and is slightly patchy and less pigmented. However, it still works and you just have to spend some more time building it up. It certainly isn’t a bad shade, but is different to the other mattes which is probably because purple shades can be hard to formulate.
In terms of application, all 8 matte shades work beautifully in the crease, and they blend out so effortlessly with a fluffy blending brush. They also look really good in the outer corner to add definition, and can be worn on the lid. Some shades are more pigmented than others and will require more building up. For example, the two orange shades – Eden and Blazing – tend to be more pigmented upon first application, whereas the other shades require a bit more building up.
All in all, the matte shades in the palette are a breeze to work with, and I can get good use out of each and every shade (with the exception of Desert Sand, which is too light for me). The downside is that I wish that there was less red-toned, warm mattes and more cool toned, brown mattes. Musk is the only cool brown shade, and the rest are very warm. Oud is the only other slightly cool brown shade that I can use with Musk and use when I want to AVOID red, but even then, it has red and purple tones and isn’t fully cool. The colour set-up is great for people who like warm shadows in the crease, but I really prefer cool brown shades over red’s because I just don’t like warm eyeshadow looks all that much.
DUO-CHROME Shades (x3)
Twilight, Retrograde, Celestial
The Duo-Chrome Topper shades in the palette are very glittery and sparkly, but have a base pigment and a tint of colour to them. I found that Twilight is more pigmented than Retrograde and Celestial, and looks better on the lid alone, but each Duo-Chrome comes up fully pigmented and bright on the lid. I was NOT expecting the duo-chrome shades to actually be so pigmented and look so good on the lid alone because in my head, I imagined really sheer shades that would only come up on top of other shades, but thats deffo not the case so I was pleasantly surprised.
Pressed Pearl Shades (x6)
Nefertiti, Angelic, Royal, Turkish Delight, Blood Moon and Cashmere
The 6 Pressed Pearl Shades in the palette share the same soft, gritty and shimmery consistency. They are all extremely pigmented and apply to the eyes with full opacity, and you do not need to use spray fix plus to get them to show up, which is common with other shimmery eyeshadows on the market.
I did find that Angelic, Cashmere and Nefertiti have some duo-chrome reflects to them, and Blood Moon, Royal and Turkish Delight are one colour and have no reflects. At first I did think the first 3 were duo-chrome shades because they have that nice, reflective effect to them but they are deffo classed as Pressed Pearls and you can tell because they have a more opaque finish than the duo-chromes do, and they don’t have any visible sparkles in them.
Every single Pressed Pearl shade is absolutely beautiful on the eyes. I find that they look the best all over the lid, and applied under the eyes as lower lash eyeliner. They have such a high colour pay-off, and there is not ONE shade that I dislike.
Pure Glitter (x1)
The 1 Pure Glitter shade in the palette – Cosmo – performs the same way as any pressed glitter in a palette does. It is messy, but it applies to the eyes really well.
In terms of the colour selection/theme of the palette, I do have a few things to say. For one, I found that there were way to many red-toned/warm crease and matte shades, and not enough cool toned, matte crease shades. For example, Musk is the only cool brown shade in the palette that has a matte finish, and there are 5 matte warm, red and orange shades which is annoying to me. I am someone who prefers cool shades WAY more than red shades, I just can’t wear them everyday. I think instead of adding Saffron or Amber, which are pretty much the same red brown shade with Amber just being slightly lighter, Huda should of picked one and then added a deep cool brown shade. You really do not need this many neutral/warm shades in one palette when each one is going to pretty much look the exact same way on the eyes anyway.
Another thing that annoyed me a bit was the number of glittery shades. The duo-chrome topper shades are very glittery, and most of the shimmer shades do have a bit of glitter too- like Angelic and Nefertiti. It does gets to the point where you are sick to death of glitter and want to create something without it, but after a while you do run into road blocks in terms of the different looks you can produce that do not involve glitter or the duo-chrome shades. After using the palette for a while, I am kind of sick of glitter at this point, but I am sure once I have a break I will be loving it again but still, it can be annoying so take that into consideration. If you do not like glitter, you will not like this palette because it is full of glitter.
All in all, as you can see, you can get so much use out of the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette. All of the shades perform extremely well on the eyes, and there is enough variety for you to be able to create 14+ different looks. I think when palettes are priced in the mid range like this palette is, you have to be able to get multiple, distinguishable looks out of it, and Huda’s palette has lived up to that. Even though I get slightly annoyed with glitter and want more cool toned matte shades, there is no denying that this palette is very unique and extremely beautiful and it works perfectly. I am a big fan!!
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What do you think of the Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette?? Let me know in the comments below babes!!!
Link To My Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Look Post (x14 looks)
Huda Beauty Online Site Link
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Sephora AU Online Site Link
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Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette Full, In-Depth Review!! Huda Beauty recently released her new eyeshadow palette - the Desert Dusk Palette- and today, I am going to be…
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