#it was incredibly thorough and detailed and it was like having a part-time job

[littlehen]

Jarvis Cocker, b. 19th September 1963

[chibimui]

The Apothecary Diaries LN2 Thoughts - Part 2 (ch6-ch7)

[Part 1]

Hello! I'm back from touching grass, or uh... rocks mostly as I was exploring the Southwestern United States~.

Continuing my thoughts on LN2 of The Apothecary Diaries, we're getting to the part of the novel where thing start ramping up a bit as more character lore is dropped and important pieces of information start getting revealed. Because of all that's revealed I'm probably going to cover less chapters each post from now on - it really just depends on how much I have to say and for these upcoming chapters I have quite a bit.

Let's jump into it!

(Warning: These thoughts may contain spoilers from later light novels all the way up until LN15.)

These next two chapters are incredibly JinMao heavy, and again, some of my most favourite moments from the anime. This is when Jinshi asks Maomao to give him a makeover so that he can visit the city without being recognized.

There are so many things I could talk about regarding the makeover chapter - which is also why I am only covering two chapters this time - but of course, I have to start with this moment:

The anime toned it down a bit with having Maomao take a delicate sniff of Jinshi, but I love in the novel they describe it as Maomao "shoving" her face into Jinshi's sleeve, Suiren and Gaoshun both leaving instead of - you know - trying to get Maomao off him like they should be doing, and the detail of Jinshi's voice about to crack.

Honestly, I loved all the little details of Jinshi clearly having a mild life crisis as Maomao touches him, and gets incredibly close to him while he's half-naked and she just thinks it's because maybe she's being too rough.

Onto a more serious note about why I like this part though - I love how clearly it outlines the differences between a commoner and an noble and how far those differences extend to. It's the way you carry yourself, the way you smell, the way your body is built, etc. etc. Maomao's makeover isn't just about changing Jinshi's face with some makeup, she goes out of her way to make sure all the details are covered. It also just speaks a lot to Maomao as a person and how thorough she is when put to a task, and her attention to physical details also makes sense given her profession as a healer. You have to be observant to know what is wrong with your patient.

In fact, during this chapter we get more details that obviously hint to the fact that Jinshi probably isn't a eunuch, but of course, Maomao chooses to just gloss over these details as if they mean nothing.

*SHAKES MAOMAO* GIRL PLEASE. (We'll get there in LN3, but I do understand why Jinshi got so frustrated with her in the cave because honestly). I know it literally gives the reason that Maomao keeps glossing over these details, because she, currently, doesn't care and also knows if she knows too much it won't be good, but PLEASE MAOMAO. *SHAKES HER HARDER*.

Gaoshun and Suirun colluding to get Jinshi and Maomao to spend time together is also hilarious. Suiren has obviously been on the JInMao ship since day 1, probably literally the day Jinshi told her about Maomao's existence because he probably couldn't keep the hearts out of his eyes, but Gaoshun only really changed his mind at the end of LN1. I'm low-key just imagining them celebrating with a little toast after Jinshi and Maomao leave and patting themselves on the back for a job well done at nudging their relationship along.

And you know what? They deserve the pat on the back because I do genuinely think that the time Jinshi and Maomao spend in the town together is actually pretty significant for their relationship. It's the first time Jinshi has actually been able to interact with Maomao on "her level" (so to speak), and he's so excited about it while Maomao is, as per usual, much more reticent about their changing of roles.

The thing is - I actually felt genuinely bad for Jinshi during this moment. It's so clear that Jinshi probably see's this outing as an opportunity to get to know Maomao better on a more personal level, but he still doesn't know how. All their interactions up until this point usually have a specific purpose or come with a side of teasing. He's never really had to initiate a casual conversation with Maomao, and unfortunately she's not one to initiate either. Still, he tries his best, but I imagine her reply feels very much like a rejection. He's so curious about her and Maomao basically implies she has no interest in him.

Of course, this isn't really true. Maomao is just taking Jinshi at face value in this moment and how she is acting is basically her putting down her walls. She just allows herself to get lost in her thoughts because conversing with others isn't important to her, and she has been given express permission to not see Jinshi as her boss so she doesn't need to give him her attention.

Maomao notices her blunder though and we get another moment that really reveals her kindness, even if it is a bit awkward. Her action of buying skewers for them come off as really sweet to me because she didn't have to. She could have just found his reaction annoying and moved on, but she appears to notice that he's hurt--even if she doesn't really know why, and goes out of her way to bridge the gap between them. The skewers also opens the doors to allow them to have some simple small talk and a chance for Jinshi to actually share a personal part of himself.

Side tangent - the novel uses the word "bivouac" to refer to what the anime translated at "training camps" and that threw me off so much because that is... definitely a choice to use that word instead of going with something a bit simpler.

Anyway, back to the chapter. Jinshi gets to share a small tidbit of himself (which Maomao chooses to gloss over, again) and soon after, Maomao also gets to share something about herself which catches Jinshi off guard for multiple reasons: 1) he's never seen Maomao talk so passionately about another person and 2) he learns about Luomen.

I'm going to address the first bit because Maomao (and us readers) already know about Luomen's connection to the rear palace, but I found Jinshi's reaction interesting in this passage:

Unbeknownst to Maomao, I think Jinshi's inferiority complex is popping up a bit here. Jinshi basically implies this to Maomao a few paragraphs earlier, but up until this point I think Jinshi probably consoled himself about Maomao's coldness to him by telling himself that she probably just didn't care about other people in general. The moment she talks about Luomen though, Jinshi gets proof that this is not true. Maomao actually does have the capacity to care deeply for people--one of them being her father, Luomen, who also happens to be a very accomplished individual, something Jinshi does not believe he is.

I'm skipping ahead, but Maomao comparing Jinshi to Luomen in future LN's is so significant and telling of her feelings towards him later on. The only person Maomao speaks about with such adoration is Luomen - in fact her adoration is so palpable it genuinely shocks Jinshi in this particular moment.

And so their outing eventually ends as they arrive at Jinshi's destination. I have heard that in the Sunday GX manga it shows that Jinshi is actually meeting Ah-Duo and I love this detail. In my thoughts for LN1 I brought up the question of how often Jinshi gets to talk to Ah-Duo after she leaves the rear palace and the manga gives us the possibility of her arranging a secret rendezvous to chat with him. I just think that's so sweet. I really wish we could see more of Jinshi and Ah-Duo's relationship/private interactions because it's clear she's actually made quite a bit of effort to get close to him despite hiding the fact she is his actual mother.

More adaptation changes - in the anime they combined the end of this outing chapter with the moment Jinshi asks Maomao about how you lower a concubine's price. In the novel this conversation happens after Maomao returns from home two chapters later. The anime and novel use this conversation to serve very different purposes in the story - in the anime it enforces Maomao's disappointment of Jinshi at the end of the outing because she thinks he's going to a brothel for funsies, but in the novel the conversation serves more as a unsettling reminder of her mother whom she has just spent time with. I think both work and serve their purpose, it's just rare to see such an obvious change to an otherwise basically 1 to 1 adaptation.

As I mentioned, I'm actually going to end this post here. I have a lot to say about the next two chapters as well given how much they reveal about Maomao's parentage and past and I don't want this to get too long, so... until next time!

[ch8-9]

[lostfracturess]

helloo!!! just finished all the "symptoms and causes" chapters that are out and i want to say this story has me on a MASSIVE chokehold 😭😭😭😭😭 stumbled upon the recommendation and decided to give it a try, because i already saw the chapters under the tag, though i am not a huge fan of long ongoings with the y/n, but lord it was one of the best decisions here, i wish i read it earlier! I don't know even what to start with, so im sorry for this kinda chaos, i guess the first thing that really got me is the characters and the way you depict them!!! satoru is so fucking good here, you describe him in such a thoughtful and thorough manner it makes me smiling blushing giggling 😫😫😫😫 the characteristics of him, his actions, little details of him handling himself around... it's so subtle yet adds a lot of deep to the character! i like especially when you highlight the intensity of his stare in the various situations, i think it's really canon of him!! overall he has me on my knees 😞😞😞 and y/n??? GOSH THIS WOMAN! i understand satoru completely, she would've me wrapped around her finger as well. i like that she feels....real? like a total normal human being with flaws, she's neither perfect in every aspect nor she tries to be. i ADORE her strength and the way she collects herself in the difficult situations ("i have to be strong for them"), yet she's not kinda of a terminator and indeed is vulnerable. the chess game just had me thinking whether i want to be her or want to be with her (this option is closed but still-), it's just THIS good. pacing is also very nice!!!! i think that everything just perfect the way it is. and the setting??? you did a very good job at describing it, i really felt like i was there in these moments (though to be honest i half read the surgeries because of the terminology 😭😭😭😭😭), it's very good. also the thing i would like to point out is the surroundings of y/n, it's not only just her and satoru communicating, but a variety of other people, i like their friendship with yuta, maki and toge! suguru and satoru are also nice, their bond is strong for sure, I'm really glad they have such people in their lives (we do not talk about sukuna and gojo's parents...). and ALSO THE ANGST??? it's just so fucking good written, their emotions and feelings 😩😩😩😩 literally biting my pillow!!!!! overall, the story is magnificent and looking forward to the next chapter! sending you lots of inspiration!!!!

p.s. looked through your playlist as well, i think it's very nice! might i suggest you to listen to "don't blame me" by taylor swift, cause to my humble opinion it fits them perfectly 😫

thank you SO SO much for this incredibly thoughtful message! honestly, reading this was the best part of my day. it makes me so unbelievably happy that you gave symptoms and causes a chance, even tho you're not into long stories and ended up liking it! 😭

i'm so glad that you're connecting with the characters! i spend a lot of time trying to get into satoru's headspace, like messy, chaotic, but with a surprising amount of hidden vulnerability and a really genuine love. so glad you're catching all those nuances!!

and yes, the STARES! i think this man communicates with his stupidly handsome eyes 99% of the time. it just must be canon.

also so glad you like the reader persona in this story. i wanted to portray someone both strong and flawed, capable of taking charge yet never being immune to their own doubts. i've been nervous that people can't relate or see themselves in the story, so i'm very relieved to hear that! <3

also so happy to hear the chess scene landed well for you, this is one of my favorites!!!

moreover find it kinda funny that you just SKIP the surgery scenes because of the medical terminology, that i spend hours researching for haha. but i get you, it might be a bit much and boring...

thank you again for taking your precious time to write me this sweet message!! can't wait to share more of the story with you! & wishing you nothing but the best! 🥲🫶🫶

and i will definitely add, don't blame me! haven't been listening to taylor swift as much lately, even though i'm going to her concert this summer omg.

[on-till-morning]

The Final 15 Min: You’re a dark horse Mr Fell

Or: Azirawhy?

I’ve spent the better part of this weekend in bed with my cat, drinking cocoa, rewatching scenes from GO and reading and writing thousands of words of s2 meta, so first of all, thank you again Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaimon and this incredible fandom - you’re all geniuses and as a result I am literally living the dream. Secondly, after writing and rewriting my own extremely long meta a dozen times I’ve decided instead to link to the other metas that have essentially already said everything I wanted to say and condense my comments beneath them. I’ve also added my theories for season 3 based on my analysis of s2. However, despite my best intentions and having just using the word ‘condensed’ this turned out to be pretty long anyway, so you can find all this and more under the jump below.

My favorite possible explanations for the ending:

1) Aziraphale is lying to protect Crowley

I first found this theory here and here

And then it’s brilliantly explained with great attention to detail here. This piece includes SO many details that I had missed from the convo, referencing back to scenes from s1 as well as 2. Hats off and round of applause to this author. Just, wow.

I love this theory so much and a part of me wants it desperately to be canon - it explains away all of Azirphale’s foot-in-mouth shortcomings and cringey to downright horrifying wtf moments from the final scene, but after watching the final scenes 26495362893 times I’m landing more on the side that:

2) Az is being expertly manipulated by Metatron, and these shortcomings are all of his character flaws coming up and out in one horrible regurgitatation.

Extremely detailed and thorough multi piece meta going into exactly how Metatron is manipulating him and why it works here.

Briefer but also clear and thorough single post essay here.

3) Or some combination of the two.

Again, having watched this countless times I just do not buy that every single think Az says in the final scene is part of a master plan to deliberately break up with Crowley, but I do think

He’s as scared as he’s relieved/excited

And I don’t know if he’s actually relieved/excited but he’s definitely confused, surprised and increasingly panicked when Crowley insults him, turns down the offer and leaves, which is part of why I don’t think it’s entirely option #1

He is trying to stop the love confession or at least delay it for another time when Metatron is not standing right outside the door (hold that thought!)

And finally there are some lines that just don’t make sense, even from the angel who we’ve heard spout all kinds of nonsense about how “I am good and you are, unfortunately, evil.” Yes, I might buy that he might still think heaven is ultimately good and “the side of light” that’s just been run very poorly by “bad angels” who aren’t as good as Aziraphale at knowing what god really wants in the situation (as he tells himself in the Job episode). But “I’ll run it and you can be my second in command.”???? A blank stare at “if heaven ends life on earth it’ll be just as dead as if he’ll ended it”??? However, this brings me too…

The character arc we didn’t see

I love this post about expectations as a fandom and what we’re actually shown versus what we as ravenous shippers want and expect to see and couldn’t agree more.

What were we actually shown about Aziraphale and where he’s at with his repression and denial? Right in episode 1 Jim says “You know what it’s like when you don’t know anything at all and yet you’re totally certain that everything would be better if you were near one particular person?” and Aziraphale panics, jumps upright and begins backing away frantically while saying “NO. I have no idea what that feels like. What makes you say that?”

We haven’t seen Aziraphale have his come to Jesus moment yet (pun intended) in season 2. While we get to see Crowley hit over the head with the ‘holy shit this is romantic love’ anvil, Aziraphale has a different realization coming and we’ve already been told what it will be.

It’s not “they look at each other and realize they were made for each other.”

It’s “they realize they had misunderstood each other.”

I think in many ways Aziraphale is already unconsciously acting like they are a couple, possibly more so than Crowley, but we don’t see him acknowledge his feelings out loud. We see his evolution through the 3 mini episodes to go from everything is black and white to life and Crowley and even himself are made up of shades of gray, but apparently that wasn’t enough to finally seal the deal for his ultimate “realize they had misunderstood each other” moment, otherwise the season wouldn’t have ended the way it did. Despite how far he’s come he hasn’t fully yet come to terms with his deeply rooted belief that demons=bad or mostly bad and angels=good or at least better than demons. I think that those beliefs showed their face in the worst possible way during that final argument, and that’s part of why Crowley was such a hard no to the whole situation. It’s not just a no to going back to heaven as an angel, it’s also ‘I can’t believe you still think that way about me.’

I don’t, however, think Metatron knew things would go that deep. I don’t think he knows either of them very well at all, but he knows Crowley would never go back to being an angel and he felt confident enough to manipulate Aziraphale (once on his own) into proposing just that and then he pushed them together before Aziraphale could process anything and stood back and let the explosion happen.

There are a couple very well written posts already out there about how the problem is not so much miscommunication as it is fundamentally not agreeing, how deep down Aziraphale doesn’t like that Crowley is a demon and still thinks of him as the angel he was, and how Crowley twisted the knife in Aziraphale’s insecurities that I think all add up to spell out this story really well. To this I’ll add, I think they both condescend and in ways look down on each other. While still being very much in love. I want to keep this short so I’ll try to stick to one example: in the Job episode Crowley said “you’re an angel, you can’t be tempted” while obviously tempting him (“you’re an angel, I don’t think you can do the wrong thing”) which is gentle but also mocking, because Crowley is literally tempting him in that moment. Then there’s times when he’s less gentle (“how could someone so clever be so stupid?”). From Aziraphale we have endless examples of his “holier than thou” attitude. Yes I think some of it is part of their coded-spy-talk but when you say and behave a certain way for years let alone eons even if some part of you knows you’re joking it becomes real.

To sum up - in season 2 we got our realization that they were made for each other from Crowley for sure and maybe from Aziraphale - I mean, those were a LOT of heart eyes in the bookshop before Metatron arrived and the whole grabbing his arm thing when B talks about finding something better than choosing sides. But the realizing they’ve misunderstood each other is what we’ve been set up for in season 3 and I think the misunderstanding is on both sides.

Final thoughts:

The coffee or death metaphor as literal - YES. Both in the first time we see it where Michael is threatening death and Metatron arrives to offer coffee, and secondly when Aziraphale asks “where would I get my coffee” (I.e. not die) and Metatron answers by not answering and saying instead (summarized) “we know you’ve partnered with Crowley, come to heaven and he can be an angel again and you can work together - that’s where you’ll get your “coffee” (as opposed to the (false) other option which is death).

I don’t feel like enough’s been said about the final scene with Metatron in the elevator. His whole body sighs as if in relief and he gives Aziraphale A Look.

This whole body sigh sigh says to me “thank fuck I finally got this gd angel in the gd elevator” and the final look over at him seems to have a taste of “what trouble is this idiot going to cause me next?”

Oh Metatron, you have no idea 😈. Because Aziraphale is definitely planning something, from the second he heard the phrase “second coming.” We already know he would stop Armageddon alone if he has too.

Because it’s all about protecting for Aziraphale. Did anyone else think it was odd that Aziraphale, who was soooo keen and literally bouncing up and down with joy at having The Mystery of Jim/Gabriel to solve, suddenly switched to dropping the mystery entirely and it never comes up again? Then on one of my many rewatches I realized Aziraphale was 100% in detective mode until Shax casually mentions that Crowley is risking destruction for him, which is the first Aziraphale has heard of Crowley being in trouble. Michael Sheen gives us the eyebrow raise of infamy and seems pretty cool, calm and collected about it but Aziraphale then lies to Crowley about anything strange happening and goes on to then frantically plan the greatest shopkeepers and trade association monthly meeting of all time and never questions Gabriel about who else he was at the bar with and never mentions The New Clue again. He drops solving the mystery entirely and throws himself into the ball. Because he wants to dance with Crowley?!?!! 😍🥹🥰 Maybe. But if Nina and Maggie get together then heavens suspicions are allayed, and Aziraphale has just learned that Crowey’s entire existence is in danger. He can’t protect him from hell but he can try to get Maggie and Nina together and protect him from heaven. That doesn’t happen but what happens instead? THE Voice of god herself, the top of the bureaucracy, shows up and offers Aziraphale the very protection for Crowley that he just tried to Jane Austin into existence?! Regardless of whether he fully believed Metatron, partially believed, or is 100% playing him for a sucker, he believes going along with Metatron will protect Crowley as well as “make a difference.” Which one is the main goal and which the happy side effect? Is there a difference? Does Aziraphale have any conscious awareness over what he’s doing? I have no explanation for the bitter “I forgive you” and have not yet read a theory that resonates.

[igniakino]

On Set Production

Creative Exercise 1 - Production Design Research

When asked to research set decor, I knew it would be criminal for me to even think about writing my blog post about anything other than The Lighthouse. I am maybe, quite possibly, Robert Eggers biggest fan and a huge part of my admiration towards him is the extraordinary thorough research he does in order to make his films as accurate as possible. This is hugely evident in every little detail of The Lighthouse, but is especially prominent in the production design.

The enveloping realism of The Lighthouse is awe inspiring to say the least. It is incredible that a black and white film, shot in 1. 19: 1 with an extremely ambiguous narrative and fantastical symbolism can be this staggeringly immersive. You feel as if you are also cramped into this flooded, alcohol drenched hovel along with these two crazed wickes. You can almost feel the glacial sea foam and smell the overflowing bedpan. This is all thanks to Robert Egger’s and Craig Lathrop’s inspired artistic influences and drive to make this film as accurate as possible. It feels less like a film and more of an open window into the past.

To keep it rigidly authentic to actual lighthouses in Maine in the 1890s, the production design crew pulled off the grand feat of building the lighthouse, keeper’s house and fog signal house from scratch. This has been widely celebrated, as such an impressive set should be, but the true appeal of studying this particular film’s set design is in the smallest details.

The peeling walls of handcrafted buildings are all expertly designed to give a weathered, wind-beaten aesthetic without leaning too much into the overdramatic. In an interview with the SDSA for Set Decor Magazine, Egger’s states “Craig and I were very careful about patina. I think a lot of times, even the best scenic painters are conditioned to that kind of horror movie logic where you’re aging every crack and corner, which isn’t really how things work, you know.” If you look closely, most of the artfully created paint decay originates at the tops of the doors, where the damp from harsh rain would have run down the doorposts. This laser-sharp focus on detail is what sets this film apart from the rest in creating its deep immersion.

Eggers also talks in this interview about how the furniture was created to not only be absolutely authentic, but to create scale. As much as he states he is, “Not a fan of Dr. Caligari”, Egger’s utilizes this German Expressionist favored technique of distorting space with furniture by making Robert Pattinson’s character too big for the room he is in, therefore making him feel extremely out of place in this setting. Egger’s says “Those chairs were kind of small. Dafoe is a little bit smaller than I am, and so we wanted it to be like the perfect size for Dafoe, and for Rob to feel a little bit too big in this lighthouse.” This is one of my favourite set design techniques in cinema and I think both Eggers and Ian Grieg (set decorator) do a fantastic job of utilising it

[subbyfoxelf]

[theme park review] pandora: the world of avatar (2017)

this theme park land is literally responsible for me becoming an unironic fan of james cameron’s avatar. after seeing one of my favorite youtubers do an extremely (some would say unnecessarily) thorough video review of it, i found myself thinking, “what the heck? that looks awesome!” the thing is, said youtuber was like… at least mildly ironic in her enjoyment of it? and i’m completely incapable of irony, so i knew if i enjoyed it once i got to experience it, it was going to be wholeheartedly.

and holy shit did i ever enjoy it?

seriously, avatarland is unreasonably good. there is absolutely zero reason for it to go as hard as it does, but as much as i have an above average appreciation for the avatar movie this is far and away the best thing the franchise has ever produced. it’s one of the best things disney’s done in years, and all of it is in service to an ip that it seemed like very few people had strong feelings about at the time? it’s just truly kinda bizarre.

as far as rides, the big draw is flight of passage, and yeah it’s a flight simulator that truly does kick ass. especially if you get really into it and kind of lean into the turns with the ride vehicle. it does an incredible job of making you feel like you’re really flying, and there are so many awesome little touches like the fact that you can literally feel your “banshee” “breathing” between your legs. the queue for this one is also pretty fantastic, which is good because you’re probably going to be standing in it for quite some time.

but i’m a dumbass so i actually love the much-maligned na’vi river journey? i know a lot of people (including the youtuber i mentioned earlier) think it’s underwhelming, and maybe it helps that i went in with lowered expectations due to all the backlash, but now it is my child and i will defend it.

like okay part of the reason i’m so into it is that i just adore dark rides? i’m working on getting more comfortable on rollercoasters so i can enjoy theme park visits with my family more, but i just love a well-done dark ride. just take me on a chill trip and show me some cool scenery & animatronics. sign me the heck up.

i get it. this could use more than one animotronic. but i kind of just don’t care? it’s like a microcosm of the entire land in that there’s so much attention to detail in the scenery. i’ve been on it four times, but i feel like i’m still noticing something new every time.

so yeah, both rides are great, but i could just walk around looking at the scenery for hours. i took so many pictures, and they all look incredible. the only thing i haven’t gotten to do yet is walk around at night when everything is lit up with fake bioluminescence, and i desperately want to do that because i bet it’s gorgeous, but yeah this whole area is just unbelievable.

s-rank

[joshthebugguy]

Bed Bug Exterminator in Henderson, NV: The Ultimate Solution for Bed Bug Infestations

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be frustrating and stressful. These pests can invade your home, disrupt your sleep, and cause skin irritation from their bites. Luckily, professional Bed Bug Exterminators In Henderson, Nvare well-equipped to handle these infestations with expert care and proven techniques. If you suspect you have bed bugs, acting quickly is essential to prevent further spread.

1. Understanding Bed Bugs: Why They Are a Problem

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. Although they do not carry diseases, their bites can cause itching, skin irritation, and sleepless nights. These pests typically hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and even electrical outlets. Once they infest your home, getting rid of them without professional help can be nearly impossible.

In Henderson, NV, bed bugs are becoming a common issue due to the area’s growing population and the regular movement of people in and out of homes, hotels, and apartments. These pests can easily hitch a ride on your clothing, luggage, or furniture, quickly establishing themselves in your space.

2. Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

It’s crucial to catch a bed bug infestation early to prevent it from getting worse. Here are some common signs that you may need a bed bug exterminator in Henderson, NV:

Bite Marks: Bed bugs feed at night, leaving red, itchy welts on your skin. These bites often appear in clusters or lines on areas exposed while sleeping, like your arms, legs, and neck.

Blood Stains: You may notice small blood spots on your sheets, pillows, or mattress from crushed bed bugs.

Excrement Marks: Bed bugs leave dark, rust-colored stains or spots on bedding, mattresses, and walls.

Shed Skins and Eggs: Bed bugs shed their exoskeletons as they grow. Look for discarded skins and small, white eggs in mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture crevices.

Live Bed Bugs: While bed bugs are nocturnal and hard to spot, you might see them scurrying along seams of mattresses or upholstered furniture, especially at night.

3. Why Hire a Professional Bed Bug Exterminator?

Bed bugs are incredibly resilient and can hide in tiny cracks and crevices, making them difficult to eliminate without professional expertise. Here's why hiring a bed bug exterminator in Henderson is the best way to eradicate the problem:

Thorough Inspections: Professional exterminators use advanced detection methods to locate bed bugs, even in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that no part of the infestation is left untreated.

Effective Treatments: Exterminators use specialized treatments like heat, steam, and insecticides that are safe for humans and pets but lethal to bed bugs. These methods target bed bugs at all life stages, including eggs.

Preventive Measures: After eliminating the infestation, a professional exterminator will advise you on how to prevent future infestations. They may offer mattress encasements and other preventive products to ensure the pests don’t return.

Peace of Mind: DIY treatments often fail to fully eradicate bed bugs, leading to a prolonged problem. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done right the first time, giving you peace of mind and restoring your home’s comfort.

4. The Bed Bug Extermination Process

When you contact a bed bug exterminator in Henderson, the process typically follows several steps to ensure effective and thorough treatment:

Step 1: Initial Inspection

The exterminator will first conduct a detailed inspection of your home, focusing on common bed bug hiding spots like mattresses, box springs, headboards, and furniture. They may also inspect electrical outlets, carpets, and baseboards, as bed bugs can spread throughout the home.

Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan

Based on the extent of the infestation, the exterminator will recommend the most appropriate treatment. This may include:

Heat Treatment: Raising the temperature in the affected areas to a level that kills bed bugs and their eggs. This non-chemical approach is highly effective and safe for the environment.

Chemical Treatment: Using safe, bed bug-specific insecticides to eliminate the infestation. Exterminators apply these chemicals to mattresses, furniture, and cracks where bed bugs hide.

Steam Treatment: Bed bugs cannot withstand high heat. Steam treatment is another non-toxic method that targets bed bugs on contact.

Step 3: Treatment Application

The exterminator will then carry out the chosen treatment method. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the process may take a few hours, with follow-up treatments scheduled if needed.

Step 4: Monitoring and Follow-Up

Most professional exterminators offer follow-up visits to ensure the bed bugs are fully eliminated. They will monitor the situation and provide additional treatments if necessary to ensure no pests are left behind.

5. Preparing for Bed Bug Extermination

Before the exterminator arrives, you can take certain steps to ensure a smooth and effective treatment:

Declutter: Remove unnecessary items from the affected areas to make it easier for the exterminator to access bed bug hiding spots.

Wash Bedding and Clothing: Wash your bedding, clothing, and fabric items in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting. This kills any bed bugs or eggs on fabrics.

Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum your home, especially the mattress seams, carpets, and furniture crevices, to reduce the number of bed bugs before treatment.

6. Preventing Future Infestations

Once your home is free of bed bugs, it’s important to take preventive measures to avoid future infestations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use Mattress Encasements: Invest in bed bug-proof encasements for your mattress and box spring to prevent bed bugs from nesting in your bed.

Inspect Second-Hand Furniture: Always carefully inspect second-hand furniture or mattresses before bringing them into your home to ensure they’re bed bug-free.

Be Cautious When Traveling: When staying at hotels or using public transportation, inspect beds and luggage storage areas for signs of bed bugs before settling in.

Declutter Regularly: Keep your home organized and reduce clutter, as it provides extra hiding spots for bed bugs.

Bed bugs can cause significant discomfort, but with the help of a professional bed bug exterminator in Henderson, NV, you can restore peace and comfort to your home. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to preventing a severe infestation. Professional exterminators offer tailored treatments, long-term solutions, and expert advice to ensure your home remains bed bug-free.

If you’re dealing with a bed bug problem, don’t wait—reach out to a trusted bed bug exterminator today to get rid of the pests for good.

[exellercomputer]

"Quick and Reliable Laptop Keyboard Replacement | Restore Full Functionality"

laptop keyboard replacement is essential for productivity, communication, and navigation, making it one of the most frequently used components. Over time, keys can wear out, become unresponsive, or even break entirely due to spills, dust accumulation, or general wear and tear. When your keyboard starts to malfunction, it can be incredibly frustrating, hindering your ability to get work done or enjoy your laptop. Fortunately, a professional laptop keyboard replacement can restore your device’s functionality and make typing feel like new again.

Why Choose Professional Laptop Keyboard Replacement:

Replacing a laptop keyboard isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Unlike desktop keyboards, which can be easily swapped out, laptop keyboards are integrated into the device, often requiring careful disassembly of the laptop’s casing, battery removal, and delicate handling of internal components. Attempting a DIY keyboard replacement without the proper tools or expertise can lead to further damage, such as broken connections, damaged circuits, or misaligned keys.

Professional laptop keyboard replacement services ensure that the job is done correctly, using the right tools and techniques to avoid damaging your device. Additionally, professional technicians have access to high-quality replacement keyboards that match your specific laptop model, ensuring that your new keyboard works seamlessly with your device.

What to Expect from Our Laptop Keyboard Replacement Service

When you bring your laptop to us for a keyboard replacement, you can expect a thorough and efficient service that restores your laptop’s full functionality. Here’s what the process typically involves:

Comprehensive Diagnosis: Before proceeding with the replacement, our technicians will perform a detailed diagnosis to confirm that the issue is indeed with the keyboard and not related to other components like the motherboard or keyboard connectors. This ensures that the replacement will effectively resolve the problem.

Selection of the Right Keyboard: We source high-quality replacement keyboards that are fully compatible with your laptop’s make and model. This ensures that the new keyboard will fit perfectly and function as expected, with all keys responsive and properly aligned.

Careful Disassembly and Installation: Our technicians carefully disassemble the necessary components of your laptop to access the keyboard. This includes removing the laptop casing, battery, and sometimes other internal parts, depending on your device’s design. The old keyboard is then removed, and the new one is installed with precision.

Testing and Quality Assurance: Once the new keyboard is installed, we thoroughly test it to ensure all keys are working correctly, the backlight (if applicable) functions properly, and there are no connectivity issues. We also check the laptop’s overall performance to make sure everything is in order.

Quick Turnaround Time: We understand that your laptop is crucial to your daily tasks, so we aim to complete most keyboard replacements within the same day. Our efficient process minimizes downtime, allowing you to get back to work or play as quickly as possible.

Common You Need a Keyboard Replacement

Unresponsive Keys: If certain keys don’t respond or require extra force to register, it’s a sign that your keyboard is failing.

Sticky or Jammed Keys: Keys that stick or jam, often due to spilled liquids or debris, may need to be replaced.

Repeated Characters: If pressing a key results in repeated characters , it’s a sign of a malfunctioning keyboard.

Worn-Out or Faded Keys: Over time, keys can wear down, becoming difficult to press or losing their labeling, which can impact your typing efficiency.

Conclusion:

A malfunctioning keyboard doesn’t have to slow you down or force you to replace your entire laptop. With professional laptop keyboard replacement services, you can quickly and affordably restore your device to peak performance. Our experienced technicians are ready to help you get your keys working like new, providing you with a smooth, responsive typing experience. Visit our service center today for a reliable, fast keyboard replacement that will have your laptop back in top shape in no time.

[jobs-and-opportunities]

Navigating The Daily Demands of a Call boy in Delhi: The Call boy jobs in Delhi

It can be exciting and interesting to continue living a playboy lifestyle that emphasizes excess, blending, and joy. When starting this way of life, it's important to find a balance between having fun and staying healthy. This thorough aide will accentuate wellbeing and health as a fundamental piece of day to day existence and spotlight on guidance for new playboys. It is essential to acknowledge that the playboy lifestyle entails mixing, pursuing private interests, and enjoying life's pleasures prior to embarking on the adventure. In any case, maintaining the intensity and essentiality of the playboy lifestyle over time necessitates being aware of one's wealth. call boy job.

A crucial early stage of boldness development must occur for any self-assured playboy. Conviction is a charming quality that can contribute to a delightful playboy lifestyle and modernize social interactions. This can be accomplished by encouraging a positive outlook, planning, and genuine wellness. Ordinary activity works on one's appearance as well as lifts certainty and emotional well-being. A well-maintained playboy also needs to stick to a regular eating schedule. An eating routine high in regular food sources, vegetables, lean proteins, and entire grains gives the imperativeness and energy expected for an expert way of life. Water plays a crucial role in a number of certified cycles, including skin care and growth, so staying hydrated is important. call boy.

To spread out an involved acquaintance as a playboy, keeping an unblemished and sharp appearance is central. By focusing on one's personal appearance, selecting a well-known outfit, and finer details like how to groom one's hair or selecting the appropriate perfume, it is possible to significantly alter one's overall appearance. Not only does a neat appearance increase strength, but it also sends a positive message. Intuition is emphasized in the playboy lifestyle, which is necessary for effective communication. The essential components of productive social partnerships are being a respectable group, entertaining other people, and showing genuine interest in other people. New experiences and entryways can be made possible by organizing frameworks and establishing essential connections. call boy job salary india.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for a playboy lifestyle. A hit playboy acknowledges the importance of expert and private growth. By participating in activities that are in line with one's own advantages and interests, one can lead a life that is both deliberate and truly satisfying. Nonetheless, it's similarly critical to stay focused on commendable undertakings. Because it allows you to meet interesting people, learn about new social groups, and create memories that will last a lifetime, traveling is typically a big part of the playboy lifestyle. In any case, focusing quickly on prosperity is essential. A piece of this involves sticking to a customary rest plan, remaining incredibly strong, and observing dietary decisions. The body moves, and when strong emotions are combined, success and energy last for a long time. call boy job apply.

A playboy should approach relationships with honesty and dependability. Respect and open communication build strong relationships. Building trust and avoiding misunderstandings require being open about points and assumptions. Despite the fact that the playboy lifestyle encourages excess, control is essential for avoiding excesses that could harm prosperity. When it comes to socializing, drinking, or other pleasures, it is essential to maintain a sense of balance for long-term success. A playboy ought to concentrate on self-management because mental and significant flourishing are linked to true prosperity. In this, care, stress, and seeking assistance when needed are inextricably linked. call boy job apply online.

Playboy life becomes more grounded and stable when people are able to see the value in everyone and are flexible. Taking into account everything, the playboy way of life, when drawn nearer with care and a feature on flourishing upkeep, can be an eminent and satisfying excursion. The playboy lifestyle's energy and dynamic quality will last a very long time if there is some kind of congruence between success and blameworthy happiness. If the individual in question develops confidence, maintains awareness of certified thriving, enhances relational skills, and embraces care, then a young playboy can investigate this way of life with greatness and degree.Last but not least, the key is to live life to the fullest while focusing on the prosperity and success that will keep Playboy going for a very long time. call boy job. A new playboy must understand that self-assurance is not solely based on appearances in order to grow in confidence. Keeping an eye on oneself and having a positive outlook on life are also essential components of genuine certainty. Fitness and self-preparation are essential aspects of one's attitude as a whole. By embracing one's assets, identifying areas for growth, and portraying sensible goals, one can facilitate a ensured and traversing character insistence. This inward conviction simplifies it and is baffling to examine various social circumstances. Common movement is good for building a beautiful body but bad for real-world success as well. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises work to improve real health, mental clarity, and a healthy, secure environment by releasing endorphins. call boy job part time salary.

[hallbrothersmoving]

What Are Some Best Practices Applied By Furniture Movers St Pete?

Moving is without a doubt a stressful undertaking, and with regards to migrating your loved furniture, the significance of a solid moving help can't be overstated. Furniture movers St Pete sticks to a bunch of best practices that guarantee a consistent and secure transition for your valued belongings. How about we dive into a few key pointers that feature the best practices applied by these professionals?

Learn How Furniture Movers St Pete Master The Art Of Moving!

When it comes to moving job, good movers are highly efficient in it. Continue reading this blog further to understand how this is so.

1. Thorough Pre-Move Assessment

Prior to lifting a household item, respectable furniture movers Tampa lead an exhaustive pre-move assessment. This includes assessing the size & weight of things, distinguishing delicate pieces, and evaluating potential difficulties like tight entryways or flights of stairs. A comprehensive comprehension of the extent of the move considers better preparation and execution.

2. Customized Packing Techniques

Professional furniture movers employ specialized packing techniques tailored to the specific needs of each item. Fragile pieces receive extra layers of protection, including bubble wrap, furniture pads, and custom crates if necessary. This attention to detail reduces the risk of damage during transit.

3. Proper Equipment And Tools

Best-in-class equipment and tools are non-negotiable for St. Pete furniture movers. They use solid carts, furniture lashes, and hoisting equipment to guarantee the protected and productive stacking and dumping of things. This speeds up the cycle as well as limits the risk of wounds.

4. Trained And Experienced Crew

The backbone of any trustworthy trucking organization is its group. Furniture movers in St. Pete focus on recruiting prepared and experienced experts. These people grasp the subtleties of dealing with various sorts of furniture and are adroit at critical thinking on the spot.

5. Clear Communication With Clients

Effective communication is the foundation of fruitful furniture moving. From the underlying interview to the last conveyance, St. Pete movers keep clients informed about each part of the cycle. Straightforward communication assembles trust and guarantees that clients know about what's in store at each stage.

6. Insurance Coverage

Perceiving the innate dangers of shipping important things, legitimate furniture movers in St. Pete offer far-reaching insurance coverage. This furnishes clients with genuine serenity, realizing that their assets are monetarily safeguarded in case of an unexpected disaster.

7. Timely And Efficient Transport

Dependability is a critical part of incredible skill. St. Pete furniture movers comprehend the significance of sticking to agreed-upon timelines. By giving ideal and productive vehicle services, they add to a smooth change for clients.

8. Post-Move Inspection

A commitment to excellence reaches out past the conveyance of merchandise. Subsequent to dumping, furniture movers lead a post-move review to guarantee that all things have shown up in a similar condition as when they were pressed. Any issues are promptly addressed to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

Meet Premier Furniture Movers In St. Pete

Hall Brothers Moving is a leading relocation service specializing in furniture movers St. Pete. With a dedicated team, state-of-the-art equipment, and transparent communication, they excel in seamless, secure transitions. Trust Hall Brothers Moving for a stress-free move, ensuring your prized possessions are in adroit hands.

[bobharveyroofing123]

Metal Roofing In Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah

They did not ask for final fee till we have been glad with the result. Seth Jensen was outstanding to maintain in communication and to information through each step of this new roof set up. The metal crew was also thorough and expert at this tough job on a steep pitch. We are more than happy with the worth offered by Vertex and the standard of the work. Whether you're repairing or changing your roof, Elite Services & Roofing can do all of it. We concentrate on residential roofing with functionality to sort out giant scale commercial tasks.

Get the quotes and keep in thoughts that the lowest value isn't at all times the finest choice. Have a chat with us, we are going to put you comfortable and rectify your roofing issues quickly. At R1 Roofing we take satisfaction in our quality of labor by following all roofing requirements commercial metal roofing and tips. Unsurprisingly, union outlets represent a really small proportion of our respondents at three.4 percent, and when you included dual outlets (4.9 percent) that might solely increase to eight.5 percent of the total.

In desk 1 below, we now have listed the top featured manufacturers and suppliers of metal roofing on Thomasnet.com. Included in the data, you will see every company's location, yr based, estimated annual revenue, and transient firm abstract. A PAC-CLAD metal roof from Petersen is on the market in 30 colors which residential metal roofing are designated as Cool Roof colors by the Cool Roof Rating Council. Coating technology that is specifically formulated for PAC-CLAD merchandise reflects sunlight and cools a roof by emitting radiation to its environment. The roof stays cooler and reduces the quantity of heat performed to a house, saving up to 40% of a typical home’s annual energy prices.

It might be a worthwhile investment to acquire metal roofing, and standing seam metal roofing is a superb choice. Green Knight’s metal roofing installations present superior protection and security in opposition to unpredictable out of doors elements. Metals, corresponding to aluminum and metal, are thought of to be some of the most dependable roofing supplies for long-term use. If you’ve been thinking about a metal roofing set up in your residence in Leander, TX, discuss to our experienced roofers for extra details about the choices available. Of our responses, probably the most complete and assured information falls throughout the area of direct construction prices.

Roofs shall be coated with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. Class A, B or C roofing shall be installed in jurisdictions designated by regulation as requiring their use or where the edge of the roof is less than three ft from a lot line. Class A, B and C roofing required by this part residential metal roofing utah to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E108. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the design, supplies, development and high quality of roof assemblies. On the opposite hand, metal roofing has a few potential drawbacks.

Today's metal roofing also is available in quite lots of kinds and colours, making it simpler to get the look you want from your new roof. From metal panels to metal shingle which may be made to look more like commonplace roofing, you're positive to search out what you are looking for at Kessler Roofing, Inc.. Whether you own a retail store, restaurant, office constructing, or automotive dealership, you need to install a roofing system that provides metal roofing commercial you peace of mind while running your small business. As the best commercial metal roofing producers in Tennessee, we strive to offer superior products that cowl what issues most to you. I extremely suggest Green Knight in your metal roofing project. Brett Laughlin our advisor was incredibly responsive each prior to the sale and after together with in the course of the project.

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There is lots to be learned concerning the metal roofing market, and the Metal Roofing Cost of Doing Business Survey is only scratching the surface of the information. As we have mentioned a quantity of times on this article, there's extra research to be carried out. As we get higher depth of knowledge, we should always be capable of get higher info and improved benchmarking. Carlisle SynTec, Inc.manufactures roofing merchandise for commercial applications. Its line of merchandise consists of elastomeric roofing, materials, membranes, block insulations, liners, primers, and more. The company is located in Carlisle, PA, and was founded in 1993.

[call-sign-shark]

Lee, what an incredible 6th part.

The whole confrontation with Tommy was so accurate and in-character, I'm impressed. Honestly, kudos for Tommy to bring up Lizzie in the conversation with the thorough comment "as well as you cared for Lizzie last week?" Hey John should apply cold water to the burn area 😂😂 Nevertheless, I must say he got me a bit fuzzy when he admits he has been in love with reader since day one but only backed up because of Pol's warning. It's a bit tragic, right? The reaction of Tommy pinching his nose, desperate: Boy, I feel you.

"John pitched forward, allowing his head to hang low and breathed deeply, the thought of your rejection stinging far worse than Tommy's betrayal ever could" This was incredibly well worded, and honestly it hurt my heart a bit too much. And it's even worse with Y/N muttering she loves him too.

The little scene between Katie and Reader is heartwarming and excruciating at the same time. So sweet to see Katie close to reader despite the fact she has been harsh with her at first. The bond Reader has with John's kids is beautiful. "Ill be mad at him if you want me to" awww Katie, you're too pure for this world <333

The detail of Tommy giving his jacket to reader -- teehee. Honestly, I'm conflicted about him, cannot hate him but he pisses me off! WHich is exactly how I feel when watching the show, so wow, it means you're doing an amazing job at writing him. That being said, I particularly liked how he reassured Y/N, this is so sweet.

The hint at Tommy flirting with her made me gasp. "Tommy studied you for a moment, unsure if you were in need of more reassurance or distance. There had always been a fine line in your relationship, your agreement with one another shifting over the years until he could no longer think of the right word to describe exactly what you were to him.' This ... I loved this part so much. You have created such a complex dynamic here.

THAT ENDING WITH ENZO THO. I need moooore of this story ;w; Okay. Sorry. This was just me expressing my overflowing emotions for this cliffhanger -- now take all the time you need for this wonderful series. One of the best I've ever read, Lee!

Tachipen (Part 6)

Part 5

Tommy x female reader

Summary: John reacts to the news of his betrothal and Y/n finally learns of his true feelings. Seeds of a rivalry are planted between the two brothers. In 1924, the jealous actions of their past come back to haunt them as the vendetta begins.

Author’s Note: Tommy meets y/n in 1919 and the story goes thru present time which is the year of the vendetta, 1925. I'm borrowing some events from canon S3 & S4 with a few changes and condensed storyline.

Warnings: language, violence, arranged marriage, mention of arson, kidnapping

1919

"You've done what?" John asked, blue eyes narrowing in the dim light of the parlor. Tommy only nodded in confirmation and John looked away in disbelief. "Christ, Tommy!" he exclaimed.

"It's the only way forward, John. You can end this war," Tommy stated, eyes darting to John's clenched fists. The anger beneath the surface was threatening to spill over as it always did when he was being told what to do. His younger brother abhorred his sense of authority.

"A war you fucking started when you brought Y/n here!" John shouted, the toothpick in his mouth wobbling precariously. Then he stopped short, staring ahead as he remembered your offer to talk to your aunt. "Is this why she took you to see Zilpha?" he asked, voice now eerily calm.

Tommy swallowed thickly, recognizing a look of hurt wash over his brother's face. It might have been a shift of smoke from the fireplace, but he swore he saw John's eyes turn glossy as he awaited an answer. "Tommy?" John insisted.

Tommy let out a frustrated sigh in response. "You didn’t ask for Y/n to come live with you. What's the difference if it’s another girl now?” he reasoned. 

John clenched his jaw as he turned his gaze toward his brother. "You have no idea what I want because you never ask. Did you ever think I might care for Y/n?"

"So much you were fucking Lizzie last week?" Tommy retorted.

John lunged toward Tommy and Tommy grabbed him by the shirt front, slamming him against the wall. 

On the other side, you jumped at the sound of the commotion, one hand coming to rest over your heart. The voices of the two warring brothers carried through the thin walls loud enough for you to hear in the kitchen and you stopped to listen despite your better judgment.

"What the fuck are you doing, eh? Do you love Y/n?" Tommy asked, searching his brother’s face for the truth as John pushed against him.

John gulped, fight leaving his body under Tommy's firm grasp. "I've loved her since she arrived, but Pol said to let her alone," he confessed, hanging his head when Tommy’s hand fell away from his throat. 

Tommy stepped back, tugging his shirt sleeves back into place as John staggered along the wall to stay upright. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Tommy sighed with exhaustion, knowing there could be no other outcome once a pact had been made.

He opened his eyes to find John leaning over the sofa, plucking one of your discarded hair ribbons from the cushion and clutching it in his hands so tightly his knuckles began turning white. He stared at Tommy with the desperation of a man who still held out hope, despite already knowing the verdict.

“Doesn’t matter now, it’s done. The Lees will hold us to it or there will be bloodshed,” Tommy warned as he approached his brother cautiously.

"It's what the Lees want or you, Tommy?" John asked, as he caught his brother gazing at your black, velvet ribbon.

"It's what Y/n wants. She made the deal with Zilpha, not me," he confessed in a low voice.

"She did?" John asked with a loud sniff, hand brushing his nose harshly as he tried to keep emotion at bay.

Tommy confirmed with a nod. 

John pitched forward, allowing his head to hang low and breathed deeply, the thought of your rejection stinging far worse than Tommy's betrayal ever could. After a few moments, he stood to his full height and addressing his older brother in the same flat tone he used during the war, he repeated back the orders given to him like a good soldier. "I'll marry Esme Lee."

"Good," Tommy agreed.

You held your breath as you listened to John leave the house, the door crashing against the frame forcefully as he went. A single tear slid down your cheek as you whispered, "I'm sorry, John. I love you too."

——————————————

On the morning of John’s wedding, you helped the children dress and you took special care with Katie, braiding her hair and intertwining wildflowers you’d picked together as an added adornment.

“All finished,” you proclaimed, attempting an encouraging smile as you turned her to face you. There hadn’t been many words exchanged, a tinge of sadness around the edges of the day where happiness ought to have been.

As you held her small shoulders, you felt an almost imperceptible shake, then you noticed her lashes dampen with tears threatening to overspill her deep blue eyes.

“Why do you have to go?”  she questioned, a few tears escaping as she furrowed her brow in a mixture of confusion and anger as if she might force you to stay by her will power alone.

“It’s time,” you answered simply, reaching up to dry her damp cheeks gently with your fingertips.

“Because you and dad have been fighting?” she asked, looking up at you with sorrowful eyes.

"Oh, Katie...," you exclaimed, inhaling sharply, knowing she had probably overheard more than she should have in recent days as you and John sniped at one another under the stress of making new arrangements and the dreadful ache of emotion left unspoken.

“Your father is remarrying so I have to go live with Aunt Polly and help your Uncle Tommy in the betting shop,” you began, but you knew she was a clever girl who would need a bit more than that.  “But you’re right, we haven't been getting on as well as we should. Things will be better with your new mum. You'll be happy, you'll see,” you promised her, reaching out to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. As an afterthought you added quietly, “I hope your dad will too.”

She threw her arms around you, hugging you tightly as though she’d never let go and you patted her back comfortingly. “I’ll be mad at him if you want me to,” she offered between sniffles, voice muffled by the thick material of your dress.

You laughed silently at her act of solidarity before answering, “I’m not mad anymore, just a bit sad like you, but I’ll be alright. Come on, we have to go or we’ll miss the ceremony.”

——————————-

The deafening crack of fireworks exploding overhead woke Henry who had been peacefully sleeping in your arms since the dancing began. Blinking in confusion and rubbing his eyes with chubby fists, the toddler immediately burst into sobs. You tried to quiet him with gentle rocking and his favorite lullaby, but nothing seemed to help.

No one paid much attention as the party was well under way and most everyone was too drunk to care about a crying babe. You scanned the crowd for Polly, hoping she would be ready to leave, but you couldn’t find her as you dodged whirling skirts and men shooting celebratory gunfire up to the sky.

Pressing your hands to Henry's ears, you sought peace and quiet away from everyone just as a soft voice called out to you. “Would you like me to take him?” You turned to find John’s new bride with her arms outstretched toward you and you nodded hesitantly. Feeling as though you couldn’t deny her, you passed the child to his new stepmother and much to your astonishment, he stopped crying long enough to capture her veil between his fingers, rubbing it against his cheek as she giggled. 

“Looks like John, don’t he?” she remarked, stroking Henry’s blonde curls. You nodded again, unsure what you should say to her. Did she know who you were? It seemed foolish to explain now if she didn’t. 

Before you could say anything more, Tommy strode toward you from the dark shadows between vardos, eyes fixed on you determinedly as though he’d been searching you out for some time. “Y/n, may I have a word?” he asked.

Seeing Henry babbling away happily to Esme, you crossed to join Tommy by a large bonfire.

“Enjoying the festivities?” he asked, fishing his cigarettes from his pocket.

“I was thinking of leaving actually,” you said, pulling your arms into your body as you realized how chilly the night air had become.

Noticing your shivering form, Tommy removed his jacket and placed it around your shoulders. As he came close, you breathed in the scent of tobacco and whisky, so like John, but with a tinge of something earthier as though he’d just come from the pasture. It was oddly comforting and you focused on the scent to calm yourself, feeling a rush of emotion return to you as you watched John approach his new bride and place his arm around her with Henry squealing in delight between them.

“I know why you proposed that particular strategy with your aunt,” Tommy said, interrupting your thoughts. He looked down at his cigarette before daring to find your eyes in the glow of the firelight.

You swallowed harshly thinking about where your fit of temper had landed you, watching the man you loved speak his vows to someone else. “Maybe it wasn’t the right thing,” you mused, your whispered regret carried away on the wind to Tommy’s ears like the closely guarded secret it was. 

He shook his head softly, “No, this was meant to be.”

Your turned to look at Tommy with trembling lower lip, but no words would come out. 

He stepped closer to you, rubbing his large palms up and down your arms soothingly. “Hey, look at me,” he instructed and your heart skipped a beat as you found the courage to look into the hypnotizing blue of his eyes, like a tide drawing you inward. “You did what was best for the family. I know you were angry at the time, but what you did took courage and sacrifice. I won’t forget that.”

“And John? Will he forgive me?” you asked, blinking back tears.

“He’s gained a good wife in Esme. I’ve no doubt he’ll thank you for it in time,” Tommy said, reassuringly. It seemed as though he wanted to add something, but stopped himself and you stood together for a moment in awkward silence before he dropped his hands to his sides and shoved them back into his pockets.

You dried your eyes and shifted the coat around your shoulders as Tommy led you to his car, offering a ride home. He said he didn’t want his newest employee wandering the streets of Birmingham alone in the early morning hours, but you had to wonder. His protection over you seemed like more than a formality. 

----------------

1924, The Grace Shelby Institute

"You alright?" you asked as Tommy guided you toward the room where tea and cake were being served after his speech.

"I fucking hate speeches," he muttered as you passed a group of ladies associated with his charity. "Grace was better at this sort of thing," he mused.

You nodded in understanding as he fidgeted with his tie nervously. You pressed a hand to his shoulder, stopping him before he entered the room. "Let me," you offered, shifting Charlie to your opposite hip and reaching up to straighten the silk knot to your satisfaction.

Tommy grasped your hand in his, searching your eyes for a moment before admitting, "I'm sorry about the other night. It won't happen again."

Feeling a heat rise in your cheeks, you bit your lip unsure of how to respond. His advances hadn't been unwelcome, but you wondered if it was merely the grief causing him to act.

"Don't be sorry," you said with a small shake of your head. Just then the door swung open and your eyes locked onto Linda, standing in the corner and surveying everyone with a judgmental stare. "It's just...what would your family say?" you asked, hesitantly.

Grasping your chin and turning you to look at him, Tommy stressed, "We haven't done anything wrong, eh?"

You nodded, wishing you could agree with his sentiment, but you knew no one would ever believe that. "Maybe it's too soon though," you suggested with soft eyes, hoping he would trust you in this.

Tommy studied you for a moment, unsure if you were in need of more reassurance or distance. There had always been a fine line in your relationship, your agreement with one another shifting over the years until he could no longer think of the right word to describe exactly what you were to him.

Rushing toward you with a giant smile on her face, Ada triumphantly proclaimed, "Tommy, there's a woman who wants to discuss a two hundred pound donation with you."

"Go ahead, I'll entertain Charlie," you assured him.

However, the task grew more difficult as the afternoon wore on. The child was growing more restless by the minute as ladies gathered to coo at him and pinch his cheeks adoringly, taking turns to express their condolences or offer praise for Tommy's parenting.

When it was clear that Charlie needed a nap, you excused yourself and weaved through the dense crowd in search of Finn who was supposed to drive you home. Struggling to hold an ill-tempered Charlie, you suffered his kicks and jabs as he refused to be contained within your embrace. Finally, he pushed against you with the strength of ten children, suddenly sliding down your body and hurrying off on chubby little legs before you could grasp him. He toddled away precariously in between people’s legs as you rushed after him, calling his name.

“Charlie, come back!” you cried, but he only squealed excitedly at your game of chase and ran faster. With no other family members in sight, you hurried after him on your own, wishing you'd chosen more sensible shoes.

As you rounded the corner toward the empty offices, you heard his tiny shoes squeaking against the polished floor and heard his giggles as a door opened suddenly. Perhaps he was finding a place to hide to try and continue this little game, you thought, but that particular activity would have to wait. You were determined to get him home.

“Please, Charlie!” you called a bit more softly, hoping he would peek his head out and come running back to you upon hearing your distress.

“Sound so sweet when you beg,” a low voice rumbled behind you. The imposing figure removed his fedora and you gasped when you recognized one of Angel’s men, Enzo, looking down at you in amusement.

Your heel wobbled under you as you tried to back away from him and you stumbled in your hurried attempted to regain balance. “What do you want? Did Angel send you?“ you gulped, trying and failing to conceal your fear.

Your reply only infuriated the man. He captured your arms in a painfully tight grip, pulling you into his large frame, before leaning down to hiss in your ear, “Angel’s dead, you fucking puttana. You ought to know, you started all of this.”

You felt your mouth go dry and your hands began to shake as you thought back to the night John set Angel's restaurant ablaze. There had been no peace with the Italians since, only an escalation of violence. In the wake of Grace's death you should have known the Shelbys would retaliate and now, according to the tradition of the vendetta, they would pay dearly in return. It was in this moment that you remembered Charlie and prayed he was hiding himself well as Enzo slowly dragged you toward the exit.

To your horror the empty hallway soon filled with the sounds of a screaming child and the sight of a second man holding Charlie’s wriggling body in his arms.

You thrashed wildly against Enzo to reach the boy as you pleaded, “Take me and let him go. Please, he’s just a child. Don’t hurt him!”

Unwilling to hear any more, Enzo silenced you by placing his large hand over your mouth and nose. You continued to struggle until you could no longer breathe, the room spinning around you and black spots dancing across your vision before you gave into the darkness.

---------------

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[ficsex]

Writing Trans Smut - Part 3.

Last part, we're almost done! Here we get language, dysphoria, further considerations, resources, and thanks.

6) Language

So, in the previous sections, I used sex-specific language to talk about genitals, but that's not necessarily what your characters will do. They might! But they might not. It is helpful for accuracy in this post, but that doesn't mean you should use this language in your fanfiction.

If your character isn't comfortable with sex-specific language, you have options. Words that trans masculine people might use to refer to their genitals:

cock, dick, penis, t-dick

front hole and back hole, manhole, bussy - "boy pussy" (this is a little less common for younger trans masc people, but still existent)

cunt / pussy / clit / vulva (some trans masc folks like or don't mind this language!)

Words that trans feminine people might use to refer to their genitals:

clit, big clit, girl dick, strapless

tits, breasts, boobs

vagina / vulva / vag / cunt / pussy (for both folks who have or who have not had a vaginoplasty)

dick / cock (some trans femme folks like or don't mind this language!)

Some trans folks don't want their genitals to have language connected to them at all - they can be interacted with, but not spoken about (~~ooh, mysterious and powerful~~).

As a fanfiction author, you're also writing the narration, not just the dialog! I advise you to stick with consistent language use - if your character wouldn't want a word spoken, don't include it in the descriptions. Some authors have in the notes a list of the language that will be used for trans characters' genitals - I love seeing this!!

Language used for Martin's genitals are slit, hole, cock, mound, and chest. Language used for Jon's genitals are hole, cunt, cock, and tits.

Language can also tie heavily into...

7) Dysphoria

Not all trans people have dysphoria - many do not! Having dysphoria is not a prerequisite for being trans, and isn't necessary to highlight when you're writing about trans characters.

That said, many do, and you have to decide if your characters experience dysphoria before you write them having sex.

Dysphoria can hugely affect the sex that trans people want to have. They may not want to acknowledge specific body parts, or feel triggered or miserable to have them touched or perceived. Even more distressingly, they may want specific body parts to be touched for sexual pleasure, even if they make them dysphoric.

A trans masculine person may not want their genitals or breasts touched. They may keep their underwear on and wear a strap-on dick for penetration. They might wear a shirt or even binder during sexual encounters. They might want to be fucked, but only in the ass, or between the thighs. They might stay entirely dressed and give pleasure to their partner.

But also, they may love being penetrated or fingered or gone down on! They may get off on any enjoy nipple stimulation!

A trans feminine person might not want their genitals touched at all. They may hate the idea of penetrating someone with their genitals. They might want larger breasts, or feel awful about body hair or their voice and not want to be looked at. They may only want to fuck someone with artificial dicks. They may want to be penetrated. But also, they may love using their genitals to penetrate their partners! It varies so wildly!

8) Further Considerations

Be careful writing smut with trans folks.

You could do an incredible job and make everybody happy. You could do a terrible job and hurt people. You could make some people really happy and upset other people.

If you have trans friends that are also into fanfiction, see if they'll do a sensitivity read for you (and then offer to buy them coffee or something, as thanks).

But also, don't panic! Trans bodies are human bodies, and trans people are human people, and have sex and relationships and desires just like cis people. Be careful and be respectful, but also enjoy the writing process!

9) More Resources

Even this doozy of a three-parter may not have been enough information for folks who want to write about trans sex, so here are some extra resources for you:

Brazen - Trans Women's Safer Sex Guide

Primed - A Sex Guide for Trans Men Into Men

A trans man's perspective on sex

Here's how to have sex with trans women

Sex Without Involving Genitals

Why One Trans Woman Wants to Discuss Sex After Surgery

How to Navigate Gender Dysphoria During Sex (yeah Teen Vogue!!)

16 Things I Learned From Having Sex With Trans Men (this is a cis gay man's perspective; possibly valuable to get into the head space of your cis character who is having sex with a trans man, but note that this is not info from a trans person)

Fucking Trans Woman - an incredible zine (I think the first of its kind) with incredible images and very detailed information.

Girl Sex 101 (not specifically about trans women, but gorgeous and thorough, and inclusive of trans women)

Thank you

for sitting through this hugely long guide for writing fanfiction smut with trans characters. If you have any feedback, feel free to DM or message me. I have done my best, and also I imagine I may have missed the mark in some ways.

If you want to add anything on to any of these guides, please feel explicitly invited to reblog it and add commentary.

If you'd like to toss me a few dollars for the almost twenty hours now time that I spent creating this guide, here is my ko-fi.

(If you missed them, here are part 1 and part 2.)

[stained-glass-shatters]

Info-dump then, man! /pos

Okay- okay okay, this is probably going to be really long and I'm gonna start with DOOM (yes, both of them, both 2016 and Eternal and the DLCS for Eternal), and then move onto the entire Splatoon series (but focusing more heavily on 2 and its DLC since that one just... Got me man)

Warnings below for definite spoilers for DOOM 2016, DOOM Eternal, The Ancient Gods Part 1, The Ancient Gods Part 2, Splatoon 2, Splatoon 2 Octo Expansion

Okay so... With DOOM, just the everything? I hate gore and blood and all that nasty stuff usually but with DOOM it's... Different I guess? All the different weapons you get, and the fact you never have to reload?? I adore that so fucking much. Like and how it goes level by level, slowly giving you things while also feeling like everything's speeding past you, it's the perfect pace. And oh my gods, the soundtrack for them both goes so fucking hard, though I do personally prefer Eternals soundtrack they're both amazing. And the story it tells? How it goes beyond just The Slayer and saving Earth and all that? How every single demon is completely different from the last and how it consistently throws new mechanics at you? I love love love that.

I'm also going to touch on Eternal more here because I love the collectables and the secrets? How you get music that you can play and also all the toys? The Slayers room? It gives him so much more than just huge guts kill maim murder man because he got fucked over. The comics, the books, how it displays your weapons in your room? The broken mech that hangs in the station? Just the entire scenery is... It's incredible, it's so detailed and being able to see just how far it's come from when it first came out to now is... It blows my mind when I think about it too long.

And the DLCs for Eternal? The plot twist? The fact that everything led up to this if you go back and play it and all the little hints they left along the way that didn't mean anything if you haven't played the DLC yet I just... Wow. Wow man wow. Also just saying getting to finally fucking deck Samur? Oh I was thrilled to do that, absolutely delighted I love getting to bash his stupid fucking Seraphim head in over and over. And part 2? Where everyone just showed up to literally help you I had to put the controller down. In a good way because just... Oh it was the perfect ending, just everything about these DLCs was perfect. The very end of the game where they seal you back up? Man... Gets to me every fucking time without fail for a game that's on the surface funny haha kill game

Now for Splatoon... I didn't get a chance to play the first one unfortunately, though I've probably spent a good couple hours digging into it, though I don't know as much about it as I do Splatoon 2. For starters, the square? It's so detailed and thorough. How the TV's move with things on them, how there's players just chilling? I love all that. And that all the characters, at least NPCs all look different, and have such different backstories and personalities on top of all that.

I love the differences in Pearl and Marina. Looks, their personalities, their histories and backstories just all of it? I mean Marina was a fucking child soldier for the Octarian Army if I'm not mistaken. And Pearls dad is so fucking rich, and yes she's spoiled, but she's kind at the same time. They did a really good job balancing her out and I adore her color pallet. And it's the other little things around the game that really make it for me.

For a game with really simple and repetitive mechanics, it keeps you interested. Because it's not just turf wars. That not your thing? Go do salmon runs, or play one of their ranked battles! Personally I love splat zones. Or you just wanna be here for the story? Play hero mode! That too hard and you want a different branch of the story? Get the DLC.

The mem cakes, the fact that you could skip levels if they were too hard and still get the rewards from them, the fact that the train consistently refreshed with new passengers on it? Oh and dont forget the chat logs you got to see giving you even more story, alongside the fact that once you beat it you can actually play as an Octoling? And OH MY GODS THAT END FIGHT. The music, the setting, the everything got me so hard. I won't even lie I cried a little at it.

It's not just a game where you shoot either, all of the incredibly creative weapons, and how if you don't like the bomb or the special on that one weapon, you can find the same weapon, but with a different bomb and/or special? I love that so much. I also love how it's locked behind leveling, it makes leveling seem actually important and not just... Do it for bragging rights, which yes it's also that once you stop getting weapons at level 30 I believe, but you get what I'm getting at. And all of the clothes and the shoes and the hats you can put onto your little guy! Oh sometimes I just go in to mess around with that.

There's just so much to them both and I love them both dearly.

[p-artsypants]

The Ghost of Smokey Joe (4)

You’ve Got Me VooDoo’d

Adrien Agreste was acting bizarre. Stilted body language, plastic smile, and he seemed to have forgotten how close they were. Before she can get the truth out of him, Marinette finds herself as the sole heir to the Gabriel brand and the mansion, following the murder-suicide of both Adrien and Gabriel Agreste. The mystery continues as Tikki explains that Adrien was Chat Noir...but if Adrien is six feet under, why is Chat Noir still running around?

Ao3 | FF.net

--

“Have either of you talked to Adrien lately?” 

Nino scoffed from his place on the couch. “You mean Mr. Roboto? Yeah, he’s been a blast. What did you do, Marinette?” 

“Me?! I didn’t do anything!” 

“Well he wasn’t this weird until your failed date night.” 

“I know that! And I also know that I did nothing wrong!” She scolded. 

“Mari’s right,” said Alya. “Sunshine’s transformation is probably a side effect of his dear old dad.” 

“What did Gabriel do?” Asked Marinette. 

“Don’t you remember? He’s a great designer, and apparently a cool boss, but he’s a super shitty dad.” 

“Yeah. But ever since Adrien turned 18, he’s mellowed out. Somewhat.” 

“So? He probably cranked it back up. When was the last time you saw Adrien outside of the mansion?” 

Marinette blinked. “God, like two weeks ago, before ‘my failed date night’.” 

“Exactly. If you ask me, Sunshine is depressed. Or forbidden from showing emotion.” 

Marinette clutched at her chest, the very notion sending a throb to her heart. 

“I’m going to talk to him tomorrow. I’ll sneak up on him, so Nathalie doesn’t know. Maybe without her talking to him beforehand, he’ll feel more relaxed.” 

“That’s a good plan! And if he has a camera in his room?” 

“Um…I’ll write a note! Not an email, in case his dad is monitoring it, but an actual, physical note.” It was as good enough of a plan as it could be, though she had neglected to mention to them the tiny detail of Adrien’s document.

‘Your name is Adrien Agreste’ it said. 

Why would he be reading such a thing? Did he have amnesia and Gabriel was trying to keep it quiet? Extremely early onset Alzheimer’s? That’s the only thing that made sense.

Still, Marinette opted to not mention this. It was her clue to the mystery. Maybe later. 

Just like some magic potion

You fill me with emotion

You control my very soul

You've Got Me Voodoo'd

“You could at least respond with ‘k’.” 

The reply was immediate. “K.”

“Oh, so now you’re talking to me?” 

“K.” 

“Did I do something?” 

“K” 

“That doesn’t even make any sense!” 

“K”

“You’re really pissing me off, Agreste.” 

“K” 

Marinette put her phone down for her own health. After a morning in the office, and not getting a response from Adrien, she was beyond frustrated. 

If he had a problem with her, fine, but they had work to do! He still had a job at the company, outside of being a model, and some of her work relied on him. 

It was coming in, slowly, poorly, and mostly wrong. Besides modeling, he was an assistant in sizing, making sure that their clothes were made to be close to the market standard, and flattering for as many possible body types. They did do custom orders, of course, but for the average consumer, it was important that they ordered what they wanted, and received what they expected. 

But Adrien’s measurements were wildly wrong. Women’s extra large shirts didn’t gain inches in the bust, waist, and arms respectively, but the whole outfit scaled evenly. 

Meaning that if an average small was 16 inches long, instead of gaining one or two inches, it reached down to the knees. Shoulder seams fell halfway down the bicep, and sleeves continued a few inches over their hands. 

The models in testing looked like children wearing their parents' clothes. 

“Miss Dupain-Cheng, I have to ask you about this collection and the…interesting sizing you’ve decided to take.” One of the sales reps asked, right outside her office. 

“It’s wrong,” Marinette clarified. “It should have been caught before prototypes were made, but there’s been a hiccup in the production.” She stood, and put on her purse. There was no way to solve this problem without talking to Adrien. And goddamnit, she was going to make him talk! 

“See to it that it’s corrected immediately. With Gabriel’s nearly complete absence, this collection is way behind. Aubrey Bourgeois already has her fall collection out!” 

“Yes, I know. I’m heading over to the manor now to get some concrete answers. Hopefully by tomorrow, we’ll get our sizing corrected.” 

“I hope you do.” 

Marinette hurried down the hall, coworkers giving her concerned glances. 

It was pretty obvious, even to those who weren’t immediately in the office:

The company was a sinking ship, and Marinette was the only one who had a bucket. 

You knew the goddess Venus

Would start this love between us

You inspired me with desire

You've Got Me Voodoo'd

Marinette let herself into the manor, though it wasn’t her day to work there. Thankfully, it seemed like Nathalie was too busy to notice her arrival. 

Up at Adrien’s bedroom door, she was about to knock. Then she noticed his door was cracked open. 

Surely spying on him slightly wouldn’t be wrong?

She pushed the door open a little more for her to peek through. 

On the other side of the room, staring out the window, stood Adrien. And that’s all he did. He just stood looking out the window. The lights in the room were off, backlighting his silhouette. She watched him for a moment, waiting. Nothing. 

Then she knocked. “Adrien? Are you decent?”

“Yes, I am.” He spoke formally. 

She opened the door fully, and he turned to look at her with the most plastic smile she had ever seen. 

He didn’t have his dimples. 

“Hello Marinette, it’s nice to see you. I didn’t know you were working here today.” 

“Nice to see you too. I haven’t had the chance to talk to you properly the last few days, you’ve been so busy.” 

“I have been, I apologize.” 

“It’s not your fault. I know how your father is.” She took a seat on the couch, and pulled out her salad from her bag. “Sorry, I’d wait to eat with you, but I’m so hungry.” 

“You may eat. I understand.” Though he just stared at her, still smiling, and still standing. 

“Are you going to sit?” 

“I can.” He sat next to her, leaving a cushion of space in-between. Normally, he would practically be in her lap. 

“You don’t need to be so formal, you know. We’re alone.”  

“Oh, I’m sorry.” 

She frowned slightly. “You don’t need to apologize. Just like...relax.” 

Adrien looked at her, before exhaling loudly and sinking into the couch more. “Is this relaxed enough?” 

She shrugged. 

“What did you want to talk about?” 

“I just wanted to see how you were doing.” 

“Doing?” 

“Yeah, you’ve been acting super weird lately.” 

He tilted his head slightly. “Weird? How so?” 

“I don’t know, stiff? Formal? Just kind of...stand off-ish. And forgetful. There've been some pretty obvious mistakes in sizing for this collection, and you approved them. You haven’t been in the office the last few days, so I was worried.” 

He considered this. “I’m sorry if my absence caused you any inconveniences. I wasn’t aware I needed to be at the office.” 

She blinked a few times, incredulously. This was absolutely bizarre. “You don’t need to be there, you just usually hang around after shoots or fittings and keep me company.” 

“Oh, because we are friends, right? My good friend Marinette.”  

“Yes!” She slammed her Tupperware down. “This is what I’m talking about! It’s like you don’t know who I am!”

He frowned, the expression running lines in his face. “I’m sorry, Marinette. I’m having a hard time right now, and I’m kind of exhausted. I’m…kind of confused.”

She took a calming breath. “Okay. I get it. You’re stressed. Let’s talk this out though, okay?”

He twisted up his mouth in thought. “Okay, what would you like to talk about?” 

“What’s got you stressed? Is your dad breathing down your neck? Are deadlines too much to handle with modeling too? Do you need a vacation?” 

He stared at her, blankly. “I’m not sure. I would have to think about it.” 

“Well, you know you can talk to me about anything. I care a lot about you, Adrien.” 

“Oh…that’s nice.” He smiled and patted her hand.

It sounded incredibly patronizing. And it hurt. 

“What is up with you? You’ve been acting so strange! You’re not the boy I know!”

You knew you had the power

And even picked the hour

When the full moon was up above

I was hypnotized when I looked into your eyes

My heart was filled with love

The unbelievable plastic smile shifted then, relaxing ever so slowly, until it was gone, and it almost seemed like it was never there. 

“You should go.” Adrien said, hollowly. 

“What?” 

“You should leave now. I don’t think you should be here. Does Nathalie know you are here?”

Marinette swallowed. “No, she doesn’t. I mean—I didn’t think you’d mind. You usually like it when I come to hang out…” she looked to the floor, “at least you used to.” 

“Please give me thorough warning the next time you need to speak with me.” 

She snapped the lid back on her lunch, the second time she had done so. She only had a few bites, just like last time. 

And food just didn’t taste as good without him around. 

“Fine. You know what? I won’t bother you again. Next time, I’ll send an email, like I do with all my other co-workers.” She slid her lunch into her bag, and stood. “The sizing for this collection needs some serious work, and I’ve been the one to have to fix it, on top of all my other responsibilities. Please do better next time, Mr. Agreste.” She shouldered her bag, and walked out. 

Once the door slammed behind her, she let the tears gather in her eyes, but didn’t let them fall. 

So it was over then. Her friendship with Adrien, her best friend, was over. And she wasn’t getting an explanation. 

“Marinette,” Tikki said, sadly. “It can’t be your fault. You didn’t do anything.” 

“I know. And that’s the worst part. Because that means I can’t fix it.” 

She left the Agreste mansion that day, not knowing the next time she walked through those doors, life would be completely different.

Just like the siren Circe

You've got me at your mercy

Always to be brave and bold

Mama, You've Got Me Voodoo'd

It was late. Too late for anyone to be calling, and yet, here her phone was ringing. Marinette fumbled for it. Grabbing it and blinding herself with the screen.

It was 3am, and Adrien was calling her. 

She loved a late night confession as much as the next girl, but she had a presentation in the morning. What was he thinking? 

She hoped it was an apology. Maybe he was finally going to break down and tell her everything that was going wrong. 

Or maybe he was going to confess he didn’t actually know how clothing measurements worked and he’d been guessing the whole time.

“Hello?” She grumbled.

“Marinette.” His voice was so stern, so cold, it gave her goosebumps. “Did I wake you?” He asked, softer.

“Yeah.”

“Sorry, but it’s important.” 

“Okay. What’s up?”

“I’m sorry.” He breathed. “You were right. I’m not the boy you knew.”

More awake now, she sat up in bed. This had obviously been driving him wild for a while. “We all change, Adrien. It’s okay. If you’re going through something, I’m here for you. Just be honest with me.” 

“That’s not—“ he sighed, a growl at the end. “Look, just…I don’t have much time. I don’t know what he—what I was going to tell you that night, but it probably wasn’t good.” 

Another voice was on his end of the line. “What are you doing?! Who are you talking to?!”

“Shit. Just look in the basement!”

“What?!”

“How dare you!” 

“Let go of me!”

And the line went dead. 

What. The. Hell.

She called him back, now completely wide awake. 

“Hey there, it’s Adrien, I’m not available to answer right now…”

--

All the chapter titles are songs from my spooky halloween playlist that inspired this fic (and their lyrics will be in the chapters)! You can find that playlist here. The playlist will be updated as the fic goes on.

I hope to post the last chapter on Halloween!

[ducavalentinos]

Hi, My thanks to you! You are doing amazing job with Borgias! I wanted to know you opinion about Sacerdote's book. Is it any reliable?

Hi! that's so sweet, thank you! And well, I think he's more reliable as far historical evidence goes, although a caveat needs to be made that he does (intentionally or not) misquotes some primary sources, such as Andrea Bernardi, which can be seen in more detail here if you interested, but overall there is no denying his research with historical documents and primary sources is the most thorough we have about Cesare and his family, that's his strong suit, there's some material lacking, but you can fill in that gap with Alvisi's bio + historical archives of the time period. I tend to see his work more as an encyclopedia than as a biography, which leads me to my second point: as a biographer, as Cesare's biographer, no, I don't find him reliable. He brings some interesting insights here and there, and some assessments which can be supported by the historical material he presents, but for the most part his thoughts and conclusions about Cesare's personality and his political career (as for Rodrigo, his papacy, and Lucrezia) are outdated and misguided, or lacking of evidence in any case. My personal experience with reading his work was that his train of thought was often a bit bipolar, and full of inconsistencies, and that’s not so surprising in his case given the book is 800+ pages and all, but still to me it felt like his analysis were guided by his moods, when he was in a good mood, he could more objective and fair, when he was in a bad mood he was more passionate, cynical and malicious towads Cesare and Rodrigo. He also goes in and out between being a serious historian and being a gossiper, there are many times it seems he couldn't resist presenting scandalous, salacious gossip at face value. He's too willing to accept some shady information written by incredibly hostile sources such as Sanuto, if it suits his historical narrative and his personal conceptions about the Borgia family, the Italian Renaissance, or the Catholic Church as a whole, personally for me, that ended up being positive because it allowed me go deeper into the primary sources to find evidence for his claims, and how right or wrong that was, and that really helped me in understanding more clearly some themes about Cesare's life, the Borgias, the time period, history, historians, etc, but if you don't like doing a parallell research of your own, then I'd say Sacerdote, like most Borgias scholars, are to be read with tons of grain of salt. For reliablity, I'd rec. the already mentioned Alvisi, his work might be a little more limited in comparison to Sacerdote's, and he does make a few technical errors, but as a historian, he is truly amazing (or at least he is my kind of historian), and as a biographer, as Cesare's biographer, he is the best, for sure imo. And if you combine his work with Sacerdote's, you'll have an almost complete info resource about Cesare and his family. I talked more about my thoughts on Sacerdote here and here, and for general stuff about his book, it's (i think haha) all in this tag here, I hope this helps you somehow :))