#if you know what I based the bishops designs off of I think you’re neat
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
poopylumpkins · 2 months ago
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Here’s my other WIP AU (currently writing will likely be shorter than my other ff tho :3)
idk if anyone’s done this yet but boom vampire au
sorry if handwriting not legible 😔💔
275 notes · View notes
dwaynepride · 5 years ago
Text
Lemon Boy
Summary: Nick can be a little sour sometimes. Most people keep him at arms length. But not everyone.
Words: 2,851
Warnings: None
Tags: @pageofultron @stanathanxoox @cricket-scribbles @dressed-up-just-like-z1ggy @ms-allenbrown @ikbenplant @dylpickles1267 @diaryofafan17 @specialagentlokitty
Notes: Based off the song ‘Lemon Boy’ because I thought it fit him really well.
Tumblr media
There once was a bitter sweet man and they called him Lemon Boy He was growing in my garden and I pulled him out by his hair like a weed But like weeds do he only came and grew back again So I figured this time I might as well let him be
“God, I’m not looking forward to going back to my desk.”
A light frown appears at Bishop’s griping, and when you turn to look at her, you seeing she’s close to pouting. The sight makes you smirk. “Since when have you become such a workphobe? You never complain,” is your teasing response.
Ellie just gives you a sideways glance. “It’s not the work, it’s that new agent. Torres?” She looks to you for affirmation, and when you nod, she just huffs. “He’s almost...rude, you know? I asked him if he wanted a chair to sit down, because he’s been standing all day. You know what he said? He said, and I quote, ‘I don’t do desks.’ Like, who does he think he is?”
Your eyes turn away from Bishop, watching the silver walls of the elevator. And honestly, you could see where she was coming from. Nick Torres has only been here for a short time, and he’s already rubbing people the wrong way. You heard a couple agents complaining in the break room, as well. Did the whole building dislike him?
Not you, at least. “Well, he’s been undercover for a long time, Ellie. You should expect him to be a little rough around the edges.”
She just hums a little, finger tapping against her coffee cup as the elevator slows to a stop. “Yeah, well, he’s not undercover anymore. So he should learn that we’re all a team here,” Bishop continues, and once the doors open, she walks out.
You follow with a soft roll of your eyes. Out of everybody, you didn’t expect Ellie to be so harsh about a fellow agent, as grumpy as he may be.
As you follow Ellie out and to the bullpen, you can see Nick still standing in front of the plasma, reading over files that could just as easily come up on his computer screen. That fact isn’t missed by Ellie, and she throws a look over her shoulder because of it.
Has Nick been standing there the entire time you’ve been gone? You didn’t put it past him; he was weird about a lot of things.
But you put on smile on your face regardless, turning into the bullpen and walking right up to the newest agent. His eyes flicker over as you approach; not unfriendly, but still held back. It’s a look you recognize in Gibbs, oddly enough. “I brought you some coffee,” you tell him brightly, lifting the cup tray a little higher.
Nick blinks in surprise, and he turns his body to face you. “Uh, you didn’t have to do that. I could’ve gotten it myself,” he responds. But Nick takes one of the cups anyway, taking the top off to smell it.
“I was already at the diner, so why not?”
Admittedly, it’s a little difficult to keep up the friendly front when Nick still seems unimpressed. As if bringing him coffee was the same as walking on your hands. And you were about to cut your losses and sit down before he starts nodding his appreciation. “Well, thanks for that. I don’t like leaving too often; the guards always give me dirty looks.”
“Dirty looks, huh?” You scoff at his words, feeling emboldened by the tiny smirk that comes over his face. “I think you’re just seeing things.”
“Or I’m just hyper vigilant. It comes with the job.”
You just hum a little, giving Nick a disbelieving squint before moving past him to your desk. “Well, just tell me if that’s how you like your coffee or not. Next time I go, I’ll know just what to get.” You set your own coffee down and look up to the fellow agent, giving a light smile when he turns around.
Nick doesn’t reply right away. He shifts his weights, looks over his shoulder to Bishop, who stopped listening. Clears his throat a little before speaks his mind. “Listen, I appreciate the coffee and all. And it was nice of you to get it, but you don’t have to go memorizing my coffee order. I’m not gonna be sticking around that long.”
Your eyebrows furrow a bit, the smile replaced with a look of confusion. It was odd, how insistent Torres was about pushing away potential friends. So what if this situation was only temporary? That didn’t mean he couldn’t make a couple friends first.
Before you get a chance to respond, Gibbs and McGee walk back into the bullpen, and it gave Nick the perfect excuse to turn away and focus on the work again.
Though, you watched as he took sips of the coffee. How his nose wrinkled at the sharp taste, but still drinking it because he needed the caffeine boost. So you learned that, next time, Nick likes his coffee to be a little sweeter.
-
Lemon Boy and me started to get along together I helped him plant his seeds and we’d mow the lawn in bad weather It’s actually pretty easy being nice to a bitter boy like him So I got myself a citrus friend
You should’ve taken a job somewhere in the South. It was like Gibbs never felt the cold, even if it was below freezing. If he wasn’t cold, then nobody else was allowed to complain.
It was difficult to hold the camera with painfully-numb fingers. It was even harder to try and act professional at a crime scene when a bunch of civilians were staring. Watching you try to suppress the harsh shivers so you can actually take photos of the crime scene.
Looking up to Ellie and McGee, you’ve never been more jealous of them. More specifically, jealous of their thick NCIS coats, designed to warm even the most cold-sensitive agents. Jealous that they remembered to bring them, while you were stuck with a normal agency jacket that did nothing to insulate your heat.
And you must have been giving the two agents a pretty mean look, because Nick’s voice is humorous when he pads up. “Feeling a little chilly?”
“Shut it, Torres,” you snap right back, moving that mean look to the newest agent.
He’s hit with it full-force, and even though Nick takes a step back from such an intense glare, his wide grin doesn’t let up. Figures you’d have to be suffering in subzero temperatures to get Nick to smile like this. “I was just making an observation. Forget your jacket back at the office?”
You huff, creating a billow of steam that showcases your irritation. “No, I left it in the car because I love getting hypothermia at a stupid crime scene.”
Nick doesn’t reply to your sarcasm. Figures it isn’t worth pissing you off a little more than he already has. “Well, if you hurry up with those pictures, we can wrap things up and get back to the toasty warm office,” he says, voice light to further tease you.
And it works, because Nick feels your hard glare on the back of his head as he walks away.
Good riddance, anyway. You didn’t need another distraction, even if your face was suddenly a little less numb than it was just a minute before. Regardless, Nick is right; the sooner the scene is processed, the quicker you can get to warmth.
So you push your focus into getting shots of the evidence, the body, that bloody boot print that Abby will be able to get lots of information from. It seems like the killer could’ve been a man, from the sheer size of the print. It was a safe bet, anyway. A man you wouldn’t want to face alone because he’d probably just snap you in half.
You were so lost in thought, considering all the other pieces of evidence found, that you didn’t even notice Nick’s return until he was poking your shoulder. “What?” You ask briskly, head whipping up, prepared to bite a couple more harsh comments at him. Now was not the time to tease about your forgotten jacket.
But instead of a cocky grin, Nick’s face is obstructed by a coffee cup. You see the steam rising from the hot liquid inside; beautifully thick steam that immediately tapered your frustration. “I owed you a coffee,” Nick says.
Instantly, you reach for it. Clutching it with both hands to warm your fingers. Dipping your face in close so the steam warms your numb face. And when you take a small sip, the coffee seems to spread over all your frozen limbs. The feeling prompts a smile, and you notice Nick’s spine straighten up a bit. “Thanks,” you reply brightly. “This is exactly what I needed.”
He blinks once, shrugging a shoulder as he steps away to continue his own work. “Well, you shouldn’t have to freeze just because you’re forgetful.”
You’re too grateful for the coffee to comment on that last bit.
-
But soon his bitter sweet started to rub off on me You’d think smelling like lemon zest would be pretty neat I found out that my friends are more of the savoury type And they weren’t too keen on compromising with a nice lemon pie
It’s been a while since somebody was able to make Gibbs’ hackles rise the way Nick has.
Tension crackled like lightning between the two of them, staring at each other in a silent stand-off of will. You and McGee can’t do more than watch with wide eyes as Gibbs gives the order for Nick to stay in the office, at his desk, before stalking out of the bullpen toward the elevator.
Nick’s face is contorted with anger, eyebrows low with hot eyes and stiff muscles. He turns to the two of you with a shake of his head. “Is he always so-”
“Careful, Torres,” McGee warns lightly. “Gibbs has ways of overhearing when we talk about him.”
The newest agent gives a light snort, arms crossing over his chest. “Who does he think he is, keeping me chained to my desk? I’m so much more useful out there, in the field.”
You and McGee share a little sideways glance before he heaves a sigh, stepping closer to Nick. “If I’m being honest, I agree with him.” Nick’s eyes sharpen at McGee’s words, his weight shifting, about to respond but he isn’t quick enough. “Sometimes, you can be a little reckless. We have rules that we have to follow, and the sooner you learn that, the better,” McGee continues. You’re surprised at the stern tone in his voice while confronting the bull-faced Torres.
For a moment, he’s silent. Glowering at McGee, as if he wanted to say something, but obviously thought better of it. Instead, he moves past the both of you to leave the bullpen, not even sparing you a glance. And you watch him disappear behind the corner towards the break room.
That’s when you finally let out the breath you’ve been holding, shoulders slacking while looking to Tim. “I hope he doesn’t get into fights with Gibbs anymore. I don’t think I can take the stress,” you tell him, voice light to try to ease the tension.
But McGee’s face is still serious as he nods. “Maybe I should go talk to him...”
“No, I’ll do it.” He looks a bit surprised at your offer; he figured talking Nick down would be a chore you wouldn’t want. But you just offer him a light smile while padding off.
If you were being honest, you’re pretty sure Nick would listen to you.
The break room is empty, except for the angry agent leaning up against the counter with his arms crossed. Staring at the ground until you come into view. And you might not know Nick as well as you wanted to, but even you can see the slightest change in his eyes. Not so hot with anger. Just a little more welcoming.
“I guess Tim sent you in here to talk to me, huh?”
Your head shakes at his question, sitting at the table and looking up at him. “No, I came by myself. Wanted to see if you were okay.”
Nick gives a light huff, eyes averting away. “Why wouldn’t I be? I’ve faced a lot more guys a lot scarier than Gibbs,” he says flatly.
That was hard to believe, but you’re not about to pop his bubble. “Well, I’ve worked with him for a long time now. And I know how tough he can be. He might say things he doesn’t mean, or things he knows will motive you, but-”
“Are you trying to make me feel better?”
His question stops you, blinking once in confusion before giving a light shrug. “Is it not working?” You ask him.
Nick doesn’t reply right away; he’s just watching you. Considering your words before the smallest smile stretches over his lips. And you weren’t expecting him to smile so soon after an argument with Gibbs. You were fully expecting him to be licking his wounds for the rest of the day. But no, he’s smiling with damn softer eyes than he had before. “You don’t have to try to make me feel better. I appreciate you checking up on me, though.”
You’re not inclined to believe Nick. Sure, he was an easy-going guy. It took a lot for something to really get under his skin. But was a short talk with you really all it took for him to feel better?
Evidently, it was. Because Nick pushed himself off the counter with his head motions towards the squadroom. “C’mon, you heard Gibbs - we got work to do.”
Sure, maybe you didn’t fully believe that Nick was alright. But at least he was smiling, so that was good enough until later.
-
So Lemon Boy and me, we just gotta get along together I’ll help him plant his seeds and we’ll mow the lawn in bad weather It’s actually pretty easy being nice to a bitter boy like him So I got myself a citrus friend
It’s been a while since Nick was in a hospital this big. He wasn’t used to twenty floors and two cafeterias and a thousand gift shops. And he was a little too proud to admit that he needed to stop and ask a nurse for directions back to your room.
And he wasn’t sure why, but Nick felt his pace at a brisk walk all the way back. It’s not like you were in any real danger; just a flesh wound from an unlucky stray bullet. The doctors didn’t expect you to stay for more than a few hours. Tonight, at the most. That’s why the team went right back to work.
All except for him. Nick feigned his reason for staying as you needing a ride home. Sure Abby could’ve been the taxi, right? Or even Palmer?
Nah, Nick didn’t like the idea of leaving you in a hospital. Flesh wound or not.
And he’s relieved to have finally found your door. He pushes it open, head peaking inside to see you typing away on your phone. And the sight makes Nick frown. “Hey, shouldn’t you be relaxing? I know you’re texting Bishop about the case.”
The surprised look that appears tells Nick all he needs to know about your intent. And yet, you lie. “I wasn’t. I was, uh, asking Abby if she knew my nurse. She usually knows the names of the nurses here, in case any one of us gets hurt really bad.”
Nick looked like he was about to argue your explanation, but knowing Abby, that was probably completely true. So he sticks with wearing a doubtful expression while coming up to your bedside. “Right, well, I was walking around - stretching my legs - and I passed this stupid little gift shop. Saw something that might make you feel better,” he says, bringing his hand out from behind his back.
He sets down a little stuffed bear on the table beside your bed. Black fur, shining eyes, cute round ears. And between its paws is a heart that has ‘You Are Bear-y Sweet!’ stitched into it. All around, the kind of gift you’d find just about anywhere. It probably didn’t cost more than three dollars.
But Nick was right; it made you feel better. He watches your face break into a wide grin, reaching out with your good arm to pick it up and inspect it even closer. “It’s very cute, Nick. Thank you,” you tell him, giving the other agent a warm look before pointing it back to the bear.
He nods, about to say something else before his phone starts ringing. He answers it, and you’re able to piece together what the conversation is about; the team must’ve had some kind of break-through, and needed him.
When Nick hangs up, you’re immediately straightening up, giving him your undivided attention. “What’s up?”
“Uh, nothing too serious,” he answers. Giving you too much information might not be a good idea. It was hard enough getting you to relax, as it is. “I gotta go.”
You nod lightly, a little disappointed he was leaving, but that’s the job. “Well, come back tomorrow, okay?”
He blinks once at your request, like he wasn’t expecting it. But really, it worked out pretty damn well that you asked him - offering to come back tomorrow wasn’t his style, anyway. “Yeah, sure,” Nick replies. Keep it short and simple. Flash a smile.
At that, he turns and makes his way to the door. Keeping as cool as possible until he was outside, and that’s when he’ll admit to himself that he’s blushing.
And you saw all of that; the pseudo-coolness that Nick always likes to put out there. You didn’t have the heart to bring up that he’s the one who promised to drive you home. Because it made your heart monitor beep a little quicker, knowing he got all bashful.
305 notes · View notes
differentfields-blog · 7 years ago
Text
Home not selling? Here's 10 ways you're turning off prospective buyers
For starters, experts agree that a well-staged home is essential for moving a property. (iStock) Economists have called 2017 a seller's market. Still, that hasn't stopped thousands of houses from sitting unsold for months, without so much as a whisper of an offer. While the biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing, there are dozens of other off-putting things they can be guilty of. A seller has to be particularly sensitive to consumers' tastes since purchasing a home is the biggest emotional purchase most people make in their entire lifetimes. 7 DESIGN FEATURES ALL HOME-BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR Here are 10 things to stop doing if you want to start seeing bids: #1. Not staging Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes (Under-staging makes it hard for buyers to imagine living there, say experts.) According to the National Association of Realtors' 2017 Profile on Home Staging, 77 percent of buyers' agents reported staging a house made it easier for the buyer to visualize the property as a future home. "The goalfor home staging is to be so orderly, neat and clutter-free that you seducebuyers https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtor-com-real-estate-homes/id336698281?mt=8 into thinking: 'Wow, if I lived here, my life would fall into place,too,'" says Marni Jameson, a former professional live-in stager. Tampa-based real estate investor Eugene Gamble agrees, but cautions against getting rid of everything and being left with an empty, uninspiring space. "Hire a professional to find the sweet spot between the two extremes." #2. Over-staging Montana-based REALTOR Alexis Brill cringes when she sees bowls filled with wax fruit, believing that fake anything seems inauthentic and can leave a bad taste in a potential buyer's mouth. Allen Shayanfekr agrees overstaging can be harmful. "It's important the entire house is notstaged," says the CEO of Sharestates. "This leaves room for some thought on customization." Specifically, Shayanfekr prioritizes staging the kitchen, bathrooms and landscaping -- in that order. "Bathrooms and kitchens still sell homes," agrees Cathy Hobbs, a home staging expert and "HGTV Design Star" finalist. #3.Overdoing or neglecting the landscaping Steve Griggs Designs (A well-landscaped property should be free of excessive yard decorations.) "Too many plants and kitschy yard dcor is not only an eyesore -- it can also scream maintenance, or worse, overpower the house," says Brill. Landscape designer MoneyTeamProperties Steve Griggs particularly recommends trimming any bushes or trees blocking light from coming into the home. And from the exterior perspective, repair dead grass and remove weeds. The last thing you want your home associated with is death and destruction. HATE YARD WORK? 8 WAYS TO A SMARTER YARD #4.Posting poor quality pictures "You only get one chance to make a good first impression and that firstimpression is usually online," says Gamble. According to the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent of home buyers search online. Julie Locke, a Newport Beach-based Keller Williams agent, says it's essential to not skimp on high quality photos and video since they're often the first step toward getting a buyer's foot in the door. "You want people to 'swipe right' on the photos of your home," says Aaron Burnett, a professional photographer who charges between $150 - $500 for a shoot. "Professionals understand composition, lighting, shadows, color balance, etc. We also have really good equipment to work with." #5.Leaving evidence of pets Leaving evidence of pets can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. (iStock) Samantha DeBianchi, a real estate agent who appeared on "Million Dollar Listing Miami," remembers a time the seller left a foul-mouthed caged parrot at home during the walk-through. ("The bird knew more than just 'hello,'" recalls DeBianchi.) But even just leaving dog dishes out or cat toys laying around can be a huge turn-off for potential buyers. #6.Ignoring lingering odors Obviously, pets are a big source of these invisible dealbreaking odors, which also include mold and cigarette smoke. Food is frequently a culprit, too. RJ Winberg, an Orange County-based real estate agent, recommends finding a third party to provide objective feedback. For decades, retailers have been well aware that scent affects purchasing habits, and the same correlation is found in real estate. #7.Converting rooms for special uses Whatever you convert your extra rooms into, make sure to convert them back when selling. (iStock) Allison Bethell cautions against turning a garage into a family room or combining two bedrooms into one large bedroom if you're trying to sell your home. "A potential buyer wants a garage topark in and an extra bedroom for guests," says the Miami-based real estate analyst. If you do decide to convert, leave money in your budget to convert it back. "Transforming a bedroom into a walk-in closet or that dark room you've always wanted, may be something you will enjoy while living in the home, but will be a big negative topotential buyers," says Hobbs. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS #8.Lacking in lighting Few things are as frustrating as walking into a dark room and having to fumble around to find a light switch. Install light switches in places that make sense, and during a showing, make sure lights are already on when the potential buyer arrives. "Not only will this let buyers know everything is working correctly, it will also brighten the space," notes Jessica Levings, a Realtor in Orlando. To add even more light, open the curtains and use mirrors to reflect existing light. #9.Sharing TMI "I once showed a Democrat client a house where there was a photo of George Bush. He walked out," says Barbara Ackerman, a Realtor in Southwest Florida, who advises that clients hide polarizing personal items during showings. According to Ackerman, even the greatest house on Earth won't be purchased by a buyer who is offended. Removing personal items also applies to what's behind closed doors. "Buyers will often snoop," says Nancy Brook, a RE/MAX agent in Billings. "I've had some buyerscomment about a seller's use of Xanax. Why is this a mistake? It takes thebuyers' attention off the property and onto the seller's personal life." KENDALL JENNER DITCHED STARTER HOME FOR ONE WITH MORE CLOSET SPACE #10. Underpromising on storage Be sure to get your closets under control before showings. (iStock) The notion that you should "underpromise and overdeliver" doesn't work when you're trying to sell a house. "Thin out your closets and storage spaces," advises Kathryn Bishop of Keller Williams Reality in Los Angeles. "When closets are jammed with clothes, boxes, etc.,buyers think the home doesn't have enough storage." Bishop also cautions against stashing stuff in the garage, saying the best solution is to rent a POD-type storage unit. It's an additional expense, but it's also a head start on the inevitable process of moving out.
Tumblr media
Katie Jackson is a travel writer. When she's not working, she's chasing after a Leonberger named Zeus.
0 notes