#like. how much can a reflective vest/jacket really cost.

[solarpunkani]

Listen I’m not saying that *I* have the balls to buy a reflective vest and go off on a roadside or retention pond somewhere and start fucking around guerrilla gardening

But I am saying that the past week I’ve driven past many MANY people in reflective vests either doing roadwork or maintaining roadside shrubbery or whatever and the amount of times I considered questioning what the fuck they were doing is zero and the amount of times I would’ve even had the TIME to question what the fuck they were doing is zero

I saw groups of people I saw someone solo I didn’t question it I just figured ‘eh they’re doing SOMETHING and carried on. Depending on the location you pick, anyone who WOULD Karen up and interrogate you won’t even have the time space or ability to

[martianbugsbunny]

OUAT Thoughts Pt.56--Episodes 2-3

I have watched through S6E3; spoilers DNI. Also, spoiler warning for anyone further behind than I am.

—That Renaissance-y ballroom Monte Cristo had was so pretty. If I had a house that cool, I wouldn’t throw parties or care about revenge, I would just stay home and stare at the decor all day.

—Regina’s outfit at that ball was lovely. She has the best embroidery on her Evil Queen clothes.

—Zelena and the Evil Queen working together is going to be a huge pain in the neck, I can just feel it. Zelena’s annoying and the Evil Queen is…evil. It’s a very bad combination.

—Belle is low-key full of crap. She never really tried to make things work with Rumple. (Disclaimer, he didn’t really try much either.) She A) didn’t have realistic goals for their marriage and B) didn’t really do the whole communication thing too well. She could at least have the good grace to admit it instead of acting like the marriage not vibing is entirely Rumple’s fault.

—Very cool how extremely normal it’s played for Emma to go to counseling. And I love Hook even more for being supportive of her, and encouraging her to go. Their relationship is actually one of the most plausible, realistic, healthy relationships in the show. I mean, not that I know much about that kinda stuff, but that’s how it comes across to me.

—Why is Monte Cristo so speedy? I know the gist of the original story, but none of the details, so I’m not going to know which traits are derived from the original and which are cool new ones. Which is a lil sad for me, because I love being able to compare.

—I like the Evil Queen’s hairstyle except for the loose hair. When you’ve got a perfectly chic updo, why ruin it with having some hair not make it in?

—Archie is still v handsome. I wish he was wearing more sweater vests right now, but jackets and ties are cool too. I 💖 his glasses, btw. So cute. And he’s a listener. Oh, gosh, listeners slay me.

—Regina’s new haircut is cute.

—Hook and Henry sword fighting with branches is cute. I love that they get to have a good relationship. And I love when Hook gets to show his playful side.

—Monte Cristo makes me sad. He wanted revenge, but not at any cost. When he died, yes Regina was defending her friends, but he wasn’t trying to hurt them of his own free will.

—Rumple’s Scottish came out in full force when he was reading that nursery rhyme for the baby. Like damn, I’m still kinda starry-eyed over it. 

—It’s an interesting take on Cinderella to also have one of her stepsisters be a victim of the stepmother’s scheming. I’ve seen Cinderella where the stepsisters are willing accomplices and Cinderella where none of the stepfamily is evil, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this before. Well done.

—I also like that Gus got to go to the ball with Cinderella in his human form. He can eat so much more cheese as a human!

—David’s verging on dumbass here. Seriously, this whole family needs to take a communication workshop. Something important happens? Somebody’s gonna die? Well, no need to discuss with the loved ones, they’ll find out soon enough!

—Speaking of, Emma not telling her family about her impending death is very David-in-Neverland. She’s really her father’s daughter.

—I have seen the light. The light is Dr. Frankenstein x Dr. Jekyll. They’re both kinda mad scientists and the way Jekyll was all ‘it’s an honor to meet you’??!?!!? YES! Plus they aesthetically work, because one looks a little bit more sinister and one of them looks pretty non-threatening, which reflects their personalities. Put them together and they just 🌟vibe🌟 in every possible way!

—Also I would like to point out that Frankenstein is low-grade smoking, what with his blonde hair, mad scientist lab coat, and little bit of dark eye makeup. Dr. Whale? Not so interesting. Dr. Frankenstein? Oh yes.

—I am gonna be obsessing over Jekyllstein (IDK) for at least another week. Maybe longer. If I get some decent footage of them working together in Frankenstein’s garage lab, it’s gonna be a month.

—Speaking of eye makeup, Hook’s was on point in episode 3. His eyeliner just stood out so well for some reason. And gosh does it highlight his eyes!

—He and Emma are finally moving in together! YAY!

[wave0fg00dvibes]

Sparks - Spencer Reid x Reader

Request: Could you do a spencer Reid x SSA fem!reader where you guys are on a case and he sees the cops flirting with you and gets jealous and reveals his feelings?

A/N: WOW I’m really sorry this was out so much later than I predicted. Life is hard sometimes, y’all! My stressors are gone now so hopefully I’ll be cranking out a whole lot more of these. 

Also, I never understood how writers could just start a story they thought would be short and end up with 6K words. Now I know! Whoops.

Please leave feedback if you have any! Lots and lots and LOTS of love, as always. 

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Your favorite part of any given case was closing it.

There was no rush or relief quite like the feeling of taking someone dangerous off the streets. No sensation could match handcuffing an unsub and watching officers escort them to police cars, never to wreak havoc again. Those days were undoubtedly the best part of being a profiler at the BAU. Those beautiful days took away the pain and anguish you so often faced as an agent, even if only momentarily.

Today was one of those days.

The resolution of this case provided the small town a chance to take a deep breath of relief. The killer was locked away, there were minimal casualties, and several hostages had been rescued and reunited with their families. All in all, it was a success.

Normally the team would fly back to Virginia right away, but a large, dangerous, looming electrical storm prevented a safe flight. Hotch made the executive decision to stay another night at the motel, and no one complained. After all, this case had been exhausting and draining for all of you.

It wasn’t until Morgan suggested a trip to the bar next door that the night got interesting.

Classic.

So, there you and Emily were, taking a trek across the street in the pouring rain, clutching your shared umbrella as if your lives depended on it.

“You know; I think I might be getting too old for this.” Emily nearly yelled over the roar of the weather. You laughed.

“Never! Who would be my off-duty partner in crime if not you?”

She shook her head and smiled at you. Strands of lightning lit up the sky and reflected in the many puddles at your feet. As beautiful as it was, you were not particularly comfortable holding a large piece of metal in a barren landscape during an electrical storm. As soon as the next inevitable clap of thunder shook the earth, both of you silently agreed to walk even faster to get to the bar and out of the rain.

“All I’m saying is you’d better start looking for my replacement.” Emily fired back, clutching the umbrella even harder as the wind blew the raindrops straight into your faces.

“As if I could ever replace the best wing woman I’ve ever had.” You shouted back to her. At that, Emily laughed out loud.

“Wing woman? Yeah, right.”

You didn’t have time to question her cheeky comment before the two of you finally reached the door to the bar. Emily immediately sighed in relief and you chuckled, stepping inside to relish in the warmth and shelter from the aggressive storm. Both of you stood in the doorway and took off your rain jackets, thankful to be dry and safe again.

“So, you’re telling me that if I found you someone at this bar…” Emily started to tease you, elbowing your ribs in jest. However, her eyes held an underlying mystery that frightened you. It was as if she was looking directly into your heart, reading your every move, discovering your deepest secrets.

Emily was one of your closest friends, but there was one secret in your heart that you could barely admit to yourself, much less another person. That was not something you wanted to dive into at the moment. It had been such a good day. There was no need to tarnish it with rambling thoughts and uncomfortable feelings.

Did that secret involve romantic feelings for a team member? Maybe.

She couldn’t know. There was no possible way she could know.

“I mean… I don’t know.” You bashfully tripped over your words, knowing she was kidding, but not doubting her willingness to embarrass you.

“Really? A gorgeous, smart, single woman like you, not wanting to find any company?” You blushed at the compliments, but shook your head in denial.

“Nice try, but I am perfectly happy being all alone.” You playfully nudged her shoulder. She let out a big laugh, hooking your arm in hers and starting to head toward the rest of the team at the back of the bar.

“Oh, come on. Don’t feed me that. We all know about you and Reid.” She subtly whispered in your ear.

And there it was.

She knew. Of course she knew. You felt your face begin to drain its color.

“We…” you attempted to launch into your heavily used “just friends” speech, but Emily put a finger up to your lips.

“Don’t even try that excuse with me. Just, don’t. Your self-appointed wing woman knows better.” She smirked and gave you a wink before releasing your arm and taking a seat between Morgan and JJ.

Rolling your eyes at her, you sat down in the only remaining seat, conveniently next to none other than Dr. Spencer Reid. You glared at Emily and she wiggled her eyebrows at you, fully aware of what she had done.

Oh boy. This was going to be a long night.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to be around him. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Plopping down next to Spencer was the most comforting thing you had done all day. Though he was deep in conversation with Morgan, he grabbed one of the drinks in front of him and handed it to you without looking. You smiled, taking the glass as you watched his face contort while arguing with his friend. This was undoubtedly a conversation you did not want to interrupt.

You took a sip from the glass, and your heart skipped a beat. He had ordered you your favorite drink without even asking if you were in the mood.

Then again, he’s a professional profiler and one of your closest friends. Of course he knew you needed it.

That’s the whole problem, though. Why fix something that isn’t broken? Why go out on a limb for something that could destroy an already perfect relationship, both personally and professionally? The costs outweighed the benefits in every single sense. It just wasn’t worth it.

But all the rationality in the world couldn’t stop your heart from longing for the fairy tale.

“Hey!” Spencer’s soft, warm voice cut through all of the noise and broke you right out of your thoughts. He had turned to face you, cheeks slightly tinted red, probably from the heat of the bar and the alcohol. His ever-shining smile lit up his face. You couldn’t help but return it.

As always, you were amazed at how one shared moment with him could make every insecurity and anxious thought feel so small.

“Are you feeling better?” He asked, the furrow in his brow reflecting his genuine concern.

“Oh, yeah! Just a couple of bumps and bruises. Nothing too serious.” You assured him.

Earlier that day you had been shot by the unsub. Thankfully, all of the bullets hit your vest and not your unprotected body. It wasn’t the first time you had been in a shooting match with a perpetrator, but for some reason this one had really rattled you.

He nodded, taking another sip of his drink before proceeding.

“I looked at your vest. If that last bullet had been just 2 centimeters to the left, it could’ve dissected your subclavian artery, and that could’ve been deadly. Arterial rupture can cause life-threatening hemorrhages, pseudoaneurysm formation, and compression of brachial plexus.” His eyes lit up with excitement as he continued to talk about your circulatory luck of the day, blissfully unaware of how intensely it had scared you.

That was one of your very favorite things about him. He took any moment, any situation, any scare, and turned it into a statistic. He put all your irrational fears into rational numbers and ideologies. No matter what happened to you, or anyone on your team, he was right there to make sure you all knew you weren’t alone, even if that meant spouting off facts about arterial dissection in a bar at midnight.

This man was something else.

“Hey, pretty boy!” This time the voice breaking you out of your thoughts was Morgan’s. Spencer’s many statistics halted abruptly as he turned to face the summoning voice.

“What ever happened to that lovely lady you were going to ask out for coffee last week?”

His body immediately tensed next to you. Your stupid, irrational, unforgiving heart dropped into your stomach.

“Um, I mean… I didn’t end up asking her.” His answer was surprisingly short. You had never seen Spencer so flustered and lost for words. You looked up at Emily and saw the delicate look of annoyance in her eyes.

“It’s really hard to date in this line of work…” Emily attempted to defend his decision, JJ nodding and offering noises of agreeance while taking sips of her drink, but Morgan cut them off to press him further.

“Oh come on Reid, you haven’t shut up about her for months!”

“Yes, thank you Emily.” Spencer replied, letting some of the tension go. “I’m not sure I want to take any of my focus away from this job right now.”

“Oh whatever…” Morgan started, but before he could go any further you saw Emily subtly kick him under the table.

She looked up at you, eyes faintly conveying her apologies and intent to knock some sense into the oblivious man. He gave her a confused look, but immediately dropped the subject after meeting her fiery gaze.

“Anyway… are you seeing anyone?” This time Morgan’s question was directed at you.

Nope. Not happening. Where was the alcohol?

“On that note, I’m going to go get a drink. Anyone want anything?” You asked, grabbing your glass and standing up quickly.

Before they could answer, you were on your way to the bar. The first drink was strong, but not strong enough to numb the stupid, unreasonable pain and excruciating awkwardness of what had just happened.

“I’ll have another of these, please.” You asked the bartender, sitting at one of the chairs to help calm your shaking knees.

Breathe.

There was literally no reason for you to be upset. He was allowed to see people. Both of you were single, for crying out loud! There was nothing you were willing to do to make the fairy tale in your head a reality, so why was this weighing on you so heavily?

Breathe. For the love of everything, breathe.

He deserved every happiness in the world, and more. There was no reason for you to be so self-centered and deny him that. Who’s to say he even thought of you as anything more than a colleague anyway?

“Agent?” You slightly jumped and turned to face the familiar voice, recognizing the man sitting next to you instantly.

“Sergeant Jones. Hi.” You presented the best smile you could muster in the moment at the sight of one of the local deputies.

“Please, call me Michael. It’s so nice to see you outside of the unfortunate situations our jobs bring.” His smile was warm, and the hand he reached out to shake was soft.

“It’s nice to see you too, Michael.” You smiled, angling yourself to face him more directly.

Breathe. Distractions are good, especially when they are this handsome. Breathe.

His short blonde hair was combed perfectly, and his blue flannel shirt subtly brought out his eyes. No wedding ring. You could feel your heart ever so slowly begin to rise at the prospect of feeling valued, wanted, especially by a handsome stranger. 

Did it take your mind off Spencer? No. 

Could anything at this point? Who knows.

“Are you okay?” He asked, the true concern evident in his pretty blue eyes.

No, Michael. You seem wonderful but this is the worst timing.

“Yeah! Yeah, it’s just been a long day.” You lied straight through your teeth like a pro. However, you were captivated by his seemingly genuine integrity.

“You can say that again.” He chuckled. “This town hasn’t seen action like this in the last century, at least.”

Spencer could probably pinpoint the exact date of the last time this tiny town had a historic day like this…

NOPE. Breathe.

“How often does your team handle cases like these?” Michael’s deep voice snapped you out of your racing thoughts.

Okay, this was good. You were good at talking about work. It was basically your whole life.

“Well, we mostly handle serial killer cases. Sometimes abductions, things of that nature.”

Michael was a good listener, and the way his body angled toward yours indicated he actually enjoyed listening to you talk about your gruesome job.

“Cases involving children are the hardest for me, but it’s different for everyone.” You added.

“Yeah, I understand. I know our jobs are of different caliber, but I struggle with those too.”

You were enamored with Michael’s honesty and emotional depth in your short conversation. Compassionate, good at listening, and handsome? The other shoe was sure to drop soon…

The bartender set your drink down in front of you, but before you could pay her Michael handed her some cash.

“Oh no…” You started to argue.

“Please, I insist. It’s been a hard day for all of us.” Michael softly smiled at you. You smiled back, immediately taking a big gulp of the strong drink. Bring on the numbness.

“So, do you have any kids?” His surprising question caused you to choke and begin coughing profusely. He immediately looked alarmed, placing a hand on your arm to steady you.

“I’m so sorry, I just meant because those cases affect you so much… I didn’t mean…”

“No! No, it's okay!” You choked out between coughs. Could this night get any more awkward? You took a deep breath and drink of water before continuing, noticing his strong, soft hand was still on your arm.

“No, I don’t have any kids yet. It’s hard to find time to date in this line of work.”

“Cheers to that.” He smiled, lifting his drink to tap yours.

Feeling the alcohol start to kick in, you closed your eyes and smiled. Finally.

“Hey, I never got a chance to thank you for what you did today.” You opened your eyes to meet his, slightly confused as to what he meant, but he continued. “You jumped in front of one of my men and took those bullets.”

Ah, transference. He’s only interested because he thinks you’re a hero.

“Oh, that’s just part of the job.” You brushed it off.

“No. That was true bravery and sacrifice.” Michael turned completely toward you. “I don’t know many people who would’ve done that. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

...or maybe he’s just incredibly kind?

“Of course.” You laid your free hand on top of his. Thankful for the recognition, but far more thankful that no one had been harmed that day.

“Man if you didn’t have to leave, I would absolutely be asking you on a date right now.” Michael’s undying honesty once again caught you by surprise.

“You’re just saying that because I took a successful risk today.”

“No, I’m saying it because in the last five minutes I’ve realized that you’re smart, along with brave and clearly beautiful.”

All you could do was smile and squeeze Michael’s hand, for though the flattery was lovely, both of you knew full well that was all it could be.

Out of nowhere, you felt the air tense. Michael looked past you in confusion, and all at once you knew who was there. You could feel Spencer’s presence before he spoke a single word. Somehow you could tell he had been there for a short while, and could feel the inevitable speech coming.

“Actually that’s called transference, which happens when material from our unconscious mind is propelled into our conscious mind as we try to deal with the usually painful psychological trauma that we are experiencing. The brain unconsciously re-surfaces and re-enacts conflict-ridden experiences as if the past were the present and one setting were another. We transfer thoughts, feelings, and attitudes, especially about people who resemble others. We assign them roles once played by others. We take on old roles ourselves. All unconsciously.”

Both you and Michael were stunned into silence, staring at Spencer as if he were from another planet.

What the hell was he doing?

You sighed, giving up any hope for a single shred of happiness to come from this night.

“Michael, you remember Dr. Reid.”

“Of course, good to see you again.” Michael nodded toward Spencer, which he awkwardly returned.

“Sorry to interrupt. I came over to see if you were alright after that coughing spell and couldn’t help but overhear…”

“It’s fine, Spencer.” You coolly cut him off, begging him with your eyes to go back to the table and let you make a connection, for once.

He saw the look, understood, and promptly ignored it.

“We should probably get back to the motel. The others left when I got up to check on you.”

“I’m a big girl, Spencer. I’ll be okay.” You scoffed, rolling your eyes at him.

“I can walk her back.” Michael looked up at Spencer, attempting to analyze him, to no avail.

“That won’t be necessary.” Spencer looked him dead in the eye, challenging him. A sudden look of realization dawned on Michael’s face. He immediately stood up, grabbing his jacket.

“Wow, I’m really sorry for the misunderstanding. I assumed you were single.”

God fucking dammit, Spencer.

“Oh I am! I am. It’s not like that. Spencer is just a good friend.”

Spencer stood there, unmoving, arms crossed, stoic as he could be. Michael gave up the silent fight, putting on his jacket and turning to leave.

“Listen, it was really nice to see you again, agent. Thank you again, truly, for all you did for my team today. Best wishes.” He shook your hand, far more awkward this time, and nodded to Spencer before bolting toward the door.

The prior sadness couldn’t hold a flame to the anger bubbling inside you at that moment. You whipped around to face the ever stoic Spencer, who didn’t seem to care about the fact that you were pissed as all hell about what he had just done. Before he could say another word, you took your coat from his outstretched arm and stormed toward the door, not caring if he followed or not.

Thankfully, the rain had stopped, but the beautiful lightning illuminated the sky as you furiously stomped back across the street to the motel. Normally you would attempt to walk softly in your heeled boots so as to not draw attention, but you couldn’t care less in this moment. You wanted Spencer to know just how royally pissed off you were, and you could tell he was right behind you.

Who did he think he was? Swooping in at the last second to sever the one human connection you’d made all night? Breaking the newfound bond you started with someone to distract from what he had caused?

The anger coursing through your veins seemed to dissolve the alcohol all on its own. You were no longer drunk, you were furious.

Breathe. Assault of a federal agent will put your ass in jail. Breathe.

It wasn’t until the two of you were alone in the elevator that you’d finally calmed down enough to form a sentence.

“What the fuck, Spencer?”

He didn’t answer. You took a deep breath, trying to expel the burning desire to scream. It didn’t work.

Of course, the one time you truly needed his explanation, he refused to offer it.

When the elevator reached your floor, he silently followed you to your room. You fished in your pocket for the key, but before you could swipe it Spencer grabbed your wrist, turning you toward him.

“I’m sorry.” He flatly stated.

Sure. Nice try.

“For what?” You challenged, not breaking his eye contact.

“For not getting you out of that situation sooner.”

You laughed right in his face. Pitiful, loud, uncontrollable laughter.

“Are you kidding me? Seriously? Oh my God.” You laughed so hard you thought you were going to throw up, clutching your stomach and leaning forward. His arms attempted to steady you but you eagerly batted them away.

“What is so funny about that?” You could tell he was getting frustrated.

Were you really about to start this?

You were really about to start this.

“Guess what? Men are allowed to flirt with me, Spencer. Believe it or not some people actually find me desirable.” He was surprised, but not as much as you thought he might be.

He didn’t deny that this was what had struck the nerve and prompted him to get you out of the bar.

“Those cops are bad news.” He broke eye contact, further proving your point.

“Michael was kind to me.”

“He was putting up a front.”

“Why is it so difficult for you to believe someone could actually be attracted to me?”

“He doesn’t even know you!”

“And if he did he wouldn’t want me?”

Spencer opened his mouth to fight back, but immediately closed it, eyes darting between the patterns on the carpet. Your heart cracked.

“I didn’t realize you thought so little of me, Spencer.”

“That’s not what I…” He cut himself off with a deep sigh, putting his hands behind his head and looking up to the ceiling.

“Then what the hell is it, because I don’t have time for this.” You spat, trying to use your keycard once more. Spencer grabbed your wrist again, holding tightly even as you tried to squirm away.

“What is your problem?” You nearly yelled in his face. “I don’t understand why it is SUCH a stretch in your mind that a man could want to spend time with me. Why can’t you fucking accept that?”

This time, as you tried to push him off of you, he grabbed your other arm and pinned both behind your back, pulling you close to him so you couldn’t escape.

“Because no matter who it is, I can guarantee they don’t want you as badly as I do.”

Your entire, sober brain shut down. All at once, the world was spinning, and not from alcohol.

You pushed him away, and this time he let you go, standing at a respectful distance, allowing you to soak in his confession. The wheels in your head weren’t turning fast enough for this.

“But… that girl Morgan was talking about…”

“Yeah. That’s you.”

Wait… what?

You let your hands fall to your knees as you leaned forward. It was too late in the night for this, too wrong a moment for such a bold confession.

So… he wanted to ask you out… but didn’t? When did that happen? When have you ever given him an indication you weren’t interested? But had you ever given him an indication you were interested?

The madness in your swirling thoughts was interrupted by Spencer taking a step toward you. Oh no. Oh dear God no.

Your brain screamed at you to move, take a step, run away, anything. But your heart held its own. In your deepest desires, you had been waiting for this moment since the day you met him.

Now it was your turn to observe the patterns on the carpet. Each and every flower seemed far more interesting now that you were confused out of your mind and your heart was beating at twice its normal rate.

All of the sudden, the toes of his converse lined up with your own, and you felt his hand lift your chin to look him in the eyes. In the low light of the hallway, they almost looked golden.

He moved painfully slowly, as if you would bolt at any moment. Which, to be fair, if your rational brain had anything to say about this moment, you’d be halfway down the street by now.

But, it didn’t. His hands slowly made their way to your waist, delicately touching to make sure you were okay before settling firmly. Your own hands worked their way up his arms and around his neck, feeling every tense, trembling move he made the whole way.

It was as if the entire world was paused, as if everything was in slow motion except for you and him. For the first time since you joined the bureau, you allowed your guard to drop for a moment.

And in that brief moment, his lips met yours.

Alarm bells sounded in your mind as soon as it happened, and you pulled your head away, ending the kiss almost as quickly as it began. You frantically looked into his eyes, still clutching onto him, allowing yourself to let it sink in.

Spencer Reid had just kissed you. Okay, sure.

The part that really scared you was how much you enjoyed it.

Breathe, dear God, fucking breathe.

He held your gaze with a surprising intensity, letting his eyes tell you all the truths he was afraid to say out loud.

You were afraid too. Terrified.

Yet, somehow, standing in that musty motel hallway holding onto your best friend for dear life after just locking lips for the first time felt like the most natural, perfect thing in the world.

Were you really about to continue this?

You bet your ass you were about to continue this.

You grabbed his face and pulled his head back down to yours to kiss him again. Your lips met just as softly, but this time settled into an intimate rhythm. One of your hands made its way into his hair, lightly pulling, causing him to let out a deep moan.

Oh, no. No, no, no. You really liked that.

His hands splayed out over your back, attempting to bring you even closer as your bodies moved together.

So this was what you had been running from all this time, the scariest possible scenario you’d tried so hard to bury.

That fear seemed minuscule compared to the overwhelming feeling of goodness that came from being this close to him, feeling his soft hair in your hands and his beating heart against your chest.

The edge of the abyss grew closer with every soft movement and crash of your lips. The point of no return loomed, begging you to hold him closer, bring him into your room, and cross all of the lines your paranoid mind had set long ago. After all, rules were made to be broken and lines were meant to be crossed, right? By the way he hungrily pressed your body against the door to your room, you knew he was thinking the exact same thing.

But, in true agent fashion, your rational brain caught up to you before you could make the dream a reality.

You pulled away harshly, and he immediately removed his hands and stepped back. Your heart was beating so fast you thought it might burst right out of your chest.

He looked so beautiful like this, hair all disheveled, lips big, full, and thoroughly kissed. His eyes held the horror you had grown to know so well, the fear of ruining one of the very best things in your lives. You were positive your own eyes reflected the very same idea.

“Spencer…”

“I know.” He cut you off, closing his eyes.

“We can’t ruin this. We can’t go down that road.”

“I know.”

The charged silence that followed was most unwelcome. 

“Why would you say that. Why would you act on that?” Your accusation against his confession was less of an attack and more of a whimper, trying so hard to bury the longing feelings again.

He shrugged, analyzing the carpet once more. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath.

“Spencer.” You let his name roll off your tongue softly, gently, longing to somehow take it all back, to push what you had done into some secret place, never to be seen or spoken of again.

He looked up at you, the same emotions swirling through his eyes. He understood.

“I didn’t want to live any longer not knowing, I guess.” He softly admitted.

You opened your mouth to respond, but no words came. There was no way to take it back, no way to fix this, no rational comfort you could offer.

There was nothing more either of you could say.

So, with that, he turned on his heel and walked back to his own room, never looking back.

You stood there in the hallway for a long while, completely stunned. It wasn’t until the subtle bell of the elevator broke your trance that you finally swiped your keycard and retreated to the solace of your room.

Somehow, in the midst of the war going on in your head, you managed to pack all of your things. You wouldn’t remember going through with your night routine or climbing into the soft motel bed, but somehow your unconscious mind led you there.

The tears of frustration didn’t start until about 20 minutes into blankly staring at the ceiling. They rolled down your cheeks and pooled in your hair, but you barely noticed. Every so often, you lifted your hand to your lips, unbelievingly, wishing for some reminder of what it felt like to be connected with him. 

How had your pride been so dominating that it thrust you into the very situation you worked tirelessly to avoid? What prompted him to act so impulsively? Why did you just stand there and let him leave?

Most importantly, how in the world were you going to resolve this?

To say it was going to be a sleepless night would be the understatement of the century.

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

As you got on the plane the next morning, Emily was the first one to meet your exhausted gaze. She got up from her seat and walked over to you, enveloping you in her arms.

“I heard the yelling from my room. I’m sorry.” She whispered. You sighed, hugging her back as hard as you could.

So, they all knew. Of fucking course they all knew. Even Hotch and Rossi shot you a look of understanding sympathy as you moved to take the seat next to Emily. JJ patted your knee knowingly, and you gave her hand a squeeze before laying your head on Emily’s shoulder. Maybe now, surrounded by your girls, you would finally be able to get some sleep.

Thankfully, your hope became a reality. The next time you opened your eyes, everyone around you had drifted off as well. You gingerly lifted your head, making sure not to disturb Emily’s fragile sleep. 

The plane was peacefully silent, and as you scanned the cabin, your heart ached with gratitude for your team, your family. Getting shot was less than ideal, but the love and appreciation it prompted was most welcome. 

You felt Spencer’s eyes on you before you even noticed he was awake.

Turning your head toward the couch he was sprawled out on, your eyes locked with his. He made no move to look away, and neither did you. 

Fixing this was a necessity, and you both knew it. There was no space for awkwardness or personal feelings getting in the way of this line of work. 

As always, even despite the awkwardness and confusion of the past 24 hours, plopping down next to Spencer was still the most comforting feeling. Looking into his equally-tired eyes provided some comfort. At least you knew you weren’t the only one that lost sleep over the incident. 

His eyes were always a home to you, no matter what state your friendship was in. This was uncharted territory for both of you. Simply sitting next to each other, enjoying the presence and absorbing the moment, seemed to kickstart the healing that was sure to follow. 

Before you knew it, your arms were reaching out for him, and his enveloped you. Your head immediately fell to his shoulder, letting out a deep breath you didn’t remember taking. 

“I’m sorry.” You offered, chuckling at the whole situation. He joined in your slight laughter, squeezing you a little bit tighter as you felt the glorious sound reverberating in his chest.

“I’m sorry too.” He whispered. 

You pulled away to look at him, offering a small smile that he quickly returned. It already felt as if 1,000 pounds had been lifted from the air around you.

“It’s just, I would never forgive myself if I ruined this friendship, you know?” You admitted, ashamedly.

“I do. I promise, I do.” He insisted. You knew it was the truth.

The plane jolted from sudden turbulence, and you quickly scanned the cabin to make sure no one had woken up. When you were certain the whole team was still in a deep sleep, you turned back to Spencer, finally voicing the question that had been hovering for hours.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” 

“Probably for the same reason you didn’t tell me.” He replied, smirking at you.

Fair enough. You relaxed at the reemergence of his straightforward attitude, refreshed to know that his brutal honesty was unceasing. 

The silence that followed held far more meaning than more words could. 

There was no easy fix here, even though both of your feelings were now out in the open. Romantic attachment was a recipe for disaster for anyone at the BAU, much less two of its own agents. You both knew that all too well.

So… what now? Logically, you were at a dead end. 

Then, in true Spencer Reid fashion, he genuinely surprised you.

“Would you like to get coffee with me sometime?” He unceremoniously blurted. You looked up at him in surprise. Suddenly, it felt as if every logical answer to that question had left your brain.

“I…” 

“Don’t think too hard, just reply.” He quickly added, desperate for an answer, longing for a means to an end of whatever this night had started.

“Spencer Reid… are you asking me on a date?” 

“Yes, I am.” His golden brown eyes met yours. No hesitation, no jokes.

It’s amazing how the moments you spend so long running from can sneak up on you in a single instant. You knew that every fear you had about taking this path with him was rational. Attachment was a death sentence for one or both of you, in its own way. 

Was your heart really worth that risk? Running away from your feelings for so long was exhausting. How much longer would you really want to push it all away?

Well… you were both inevitably going to die anyway. Might as well do it with some love in your heart. 

“I’m not asking for forever, I swear. Just for a couple hours of your time. I just think…” He started, but you held up a hand, hoping he would ease up for long enough to let you answer.

Were you really about to take this leap?

“I would love to.”

Damn right you were.

His surprised smile was blinding, and you couldn’t help but match it. 

This time, you barely noticed the turbulence when the cabin fell silent. Both of you sunk back into your seats, relief flooding the air. The million thoughts constantly circling in your head all stopped for a single moment, allowing you to finally, blissfully, breathe.

“You know, for two profilers, we really should have caught this sooner.” Your tired eyes began to fall closed again, finally feeling the full weight of the night lift from your shoulders.

“Yes, but as two emotional repressors, I think we did a pretty great job.” Spencer’s sweet, beautiful voice brought you back, and you couldn’t help but let out a joyful laugh at his sassy retort.

Touché, Reid.

You silently scooted closer to him on the couch, laying your head on his shoulder and letting sleep overtake you once more. 

“I’m not asking for forever.”

His words, meant for comfort and persuasion in the moment, replayed in your mind as his arms encircled you.

“I’m not asking for forever.”

No, love. Not just yet.

[winter-fox-queen]

No Cheap Thrill

Thank you to @autumnleaves1991-blog for this awesome prompt, Writer Wednesdays are lovely!  Also, thanks to @hnt-escape for encouraging me to try.  The title is from one of my favorite Suzanne Vega songs, which uses poker playing as a clever theme.  “It’ll cost you, cost you maybe more than you can pay...”

Summary:  You are a thief trying to steal a prize off a steam ship during a themed poker weekend, but a certain Statesman Agent has other plans...

Some making out, the reader is in a dress and seems fairly feminine.  No names used so can be a reader insert.  Not re-read...I wrote it yesterday, got stuck, so I changed it a bit.  

I was not best pleased with the reflection the mirror showed me.  I looked like an extra from a Maverick movie, down to my lace covered cleavage and corset top.  The skirt was full, the sapphire and black colors of my clothes, down to the jet beading decorating on the sleeves screamed expensive and highly inaccurate 1800’s costume.  At least the full skirt hid my revolver (pearl handled, must stay in costume, right?) and some assorted odds and ends.

I was on a steam ship, a steam ship with a themed poker tournament – the prize was a diamond. The diamond wasn’t the real prize. The box, with its flash drive full of dirty little secrets was.  And that was what I wanted.  Not that I’d turn down the diamond.

Tonight was just practice. The main event would be tomorrow…but before the sun rose I intended to be far, far away from here.  I went into the parlor.  

I don’t want you to think I am easily distracted.  But the second I entered the room I made my first mistake.  I let my eyes longer for far too long on a man.  

Everyone there was in costume…but he was the only one here who carried it off.  Black cowboy hat, black frockcoat, tall black boots.  His vest was tawny colored, with a hit of copper in the brocade, and saved the outfit from being too cold.  Something about him hit me in the chest.  And, stupid as I was, I let myself forget who I really was.

He noticed me staring at him and he smirked at me, tipped his hat.  He looked so damned smug – he knew he looked good, blast him.  The voice of self preservation in my head told me to ignore him.

Instead, I did my best sashay over to the gaming tables, took a seat.

I looked up.  He was still looking at me, his gaze more speculative now.  I tilted my head towards the other empty chair, and smiled.

He put down his drink and accepted my invitation.  Settling into his chair he said, “I’m Jack Daniels, what’s your name, darlin’?”

“Darling works.  You have to earn more.”  I said, as the dealer started to lay out the cards.

He grinned, sensing a challenge.  “Well, then. Let’s  play.”

He had a casual way of playing.  I hoped he would be horrible at cards, careless.  He played with the ease of someone who’d been playing all his life.

Then I made my second mistake.

I got invested.

It was a combination of things.  The way he smiled at me, his eyes lazy as they worked down my cleavage and back up. I felt the weight of his gaze like a caress, on the back of my neck, tracing my collarbone…Those dark eyes made me feel like I was melting from the inside out.  It as also the way his large hands held the cards. The way they flipped chips into the pile in the middle of the table.  Oddly graceful.  I never thought I’d ever be jealous of a stack of cardboard, but there you are.

I also liked the way his eyes crinkled, the way he praised me when I had a better hand.  It was so damned good natured.

Sexy without being sleezy. He had a sweetness to him, but also an edge.  Sometimes I would look at him and think his gaze was more sharp than it should be, but he covered it up with that good ol boy act of his.  And I found myself wanting to believe that he really did think I was that attractive.

Finally, it was just us.

“You gonna call, darlin?”

I stared at my hand. A full house.  Not much beats a full house, and I could get my money back, maybe a little of my dignity.  Jack had twisted me around his fingers and then led me to my destruction.  “I don’t…I don’t have anything left.”

He gave me another one of those looks, the kind I could feel burning my skin.  “I wouldn’t say that.”  I blushed like a virgin.

“Still.”

“Your earrings.  Toss those in.”

I took them out and threw them in.

He looked at his cards. I held my breath.  

He dropped his cards with a flourish.  Aces and eights.  

A full house, like mine.

But mine was king high. “You won.”  I said softly.

He stood up, took the earrings off the pile.  “Nice meeting you, darling.”  And left. Someone asked about the pot sitting in the middle of the table.  “Let her have it,” he said, as he worked through the crowd.  

I wanted to get up and rush after him.  But I stayed, tipped the dealer, made arrangements for my winnings.  Use the opportunity to follow the chips back to the saferoom, scope out what I could.

I took off my choker, and placed it with my chips.  “Do you mind locking this up, too?”  It had a nice sapphire on it, but wasn’t really worth much, but the banker smiled and did as I asked.  

Jack had accidentally made the next step of my plan easy.  I walked back towards my stateroom.  The necklace had a tiny sensor and camera installed.  I could pull up a lot of data on my phone, data that would…

A hand grabbed me by my upper arm, and I was pushed back against a wall.

“Jack.”  I was ashamed how relived I sounded.  Perhaps I shouldn’t have been…we were alone in a side corridor, and unlikely to be disturbed.  His eyes looked far more dangerous than warm.  His arms caged me on either side.  Something told me it would not be wise to run.

“Good evening darlin’. Did you get a good look in the saferoom yet?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

He grinned at me, mirthless. “You’re a beautiful woman with a rather unfortunate hobby.  Do you really think I don’t know who you are? We were told someone would come for the diamond…”

I looked him in the eyes and cupped his face gently.  “I’m not here for the diamond.”

“Then why are you here?”

I pulled him a little closer.  “Why don’t you tell me, Mr. Daniels?  Maybe I’m here to distract you.”

He reached into his pocket. I felt a tug on my ear, his fingers traced their way down my neck.  I realized he’d put one of the earrings back into my ears, his touch like a ghost’s.  

“Consider me distracted.” He whispered, kissing the other side of my neck, firm enough that his moustache didn’t tickle.  I felt an ache, deep and longing, start to build.  His hand rested on my waist, his other hand coming up to replace the other earring.  

“We can do this one of two ways, sweet thing,” he drawled softly on my ear, then kissed along my jaw line, just stopping short of my lips.  I kept staring at his lips, wondering what they’d feel like on mine. Part of me felt angry, yelling in the back of my head for acting like this, lust struck over some cowboy.

“Does one of them involve you kissing me?”

He grinned a little, “It could.  Let’s see…” And he kissed me.  Gentle at first, then deeper.  I fisted his jacket labels in my hands.  

He pulled away, took my chin in one of his hands, and looked me in the eyes.  “Don’t make me do what I’ll have to, if you go back for the diamond.” He paused, and then, soft, heartfelt. “Please.”

My jaw dropped a little, and I said, moved to honesty, “The flash drive…it’s got…”

“There is no flash drive.” He said softly, dropping his hand away.

I felt the blood drain out of my face.  “The whole thing was a trap.”  I said, dully.  

“My friends picked up three other like minded souls already.  A couple more less savory characters are due in tomorrow.  I’ve read your file.  You ain’t like them, darlin.  Not yet.”

“I’m a thief.  I said with a spark of – alright, yes, misplaced – pride.  

He leaned against the wall next to me.  “And a damned good one, stealing things back for people who can’t get them back otherwise, stealing blackmail back…you’ve never actively hurt anyone.”  He paused.  “Yet.”

“Yet.”  I said softly.  

He leaned in close.  “I have a proposition for you, pretty thing.”

I hugged myself.  “What?”

His lips were so close to my ear I could feel the heat of his breath.  “Ever hear of the Statesmen?”

[writingismyhappytime]

Marry Me (Part 5)

Ricky Horror x Reader

Warnings: Language

"Daddy?"

"Yeah?"

"What are you and (Y/N) doing?"

Ricky pauses slightly, glancing back in the rear view mirror at his daughter where she sits in the car seat, curious. She’s staring straight ahead, expecting an answer he’s not quite sure of. 

"What do you mean?" He's trying to get her to school on time, but the traffic has become a serious issue. He's eighty-five percent sure she's going to be late and a hundred percent that her mother is going to ream him a new asshole over it.

"Mommy says you're having a party and stuff, but Sam," Sam? Who the fuck is Sam? "--- says that you're getting married."

"Well, uh, we are."

"So does that mean you don't love Mommy anymore?"

Oh jeez.

Oh hell.

Ricky hasn't even had his coffee yet! His fingers tighten nervously around the steering wheel, and for a few panicked seconds, he doesn't know what to say; he honestly doesn't think he ever loved the mother of his child, but then there's moments when he just...

"I still care about her, Chloe, she's your mother. I'll always care, but now it's... different."

"How different?"

"Well, how I feel about (Y/N) isn't... the same as how I feel about your mother." Definitely a lot less contempt, that's for sure.

"Oh."

Oh?

"Oh?" Ricky echoes, thrumming his fingers, eyes periodically looking at her frowning reflection.

"So... what does getting married mean?"

"It means me and (Y/N) are going to live together, that when you get to stay with me, we'll be at her place and not me and Ryans."

"But I like Uncle Ryan!" She gasps, looking as if she'll never get to see the man again.

"I know, and you'll still get to see him. You'll just see (Y/N) a lot more, she'll be my wife."

"And what does that mean?"

Uh.

Why is she suddenly asking so many questions?

"It means we want to spend the rest of our lives together, that we love each other a lot." The words taste sour on his tongue because he knows they're a lie.

"But you don't love Mommy."

"Not anymore."

"So you... does that mean you'll stop loving me one day?"

Oh hell.

Ricky glances forward, seeing the traffic in front of him is going nowhere before he firmly twists, looking back at the little girl in the carseat. Her blue eyes are wide, and her lower lip is trembling like she's about to cry.

"I'll always love you more than anyone else in the world," Ricky says firmly, reaching back to squeeze her cold, sticky hand. "You're the most important person to me, and no one is ever going to change that. You understand? No one. I'd do anything for you, Chloe." He wants her to understand that, know how important she is to him. He doesn't want whatever her mother and this suspicious "Sam" character says to make her think that she's not his universe.

"But Mommy says when you're with (Y/N), you won't want me around anymore." Chloe sniffles, big crocodile tears forming on her dark lashes. "Th-that I'll b-be in the way."

"Oh no, baby, no." He squeezes her hand again, his chest pinching as it grows hot. "(Y/N) loves you too, we definitely want you with us. You can stay every single day if you want, we always want you there!"

It's all he can do not to grind his teeth, an angry, hot ball forming in the center of his chest at Chloe's words. She's genuinely upset, thinking her father won't want to see her after he marries his new wife, but that's not true at all. He's marrying you for her.

He wants to be a good father, he wants to do what's right and be able to see his little girl --- why does he feel like the universe is fighting so hard against that?

"No one is going to take you away from me," he says firmly after a moment, reluctantly letting go of her and turning around as the traffic around them starts to move. He shifts, his hands closing tightly around the steering wheel. "I promise, Chloe."

~~~~~~~~

Son of a dick.

You purse your lips.

Complicated, much?

How the hell do you even get in that dress by yourself? Sure, it's beautiful, and white, and has a pretty, sparkly train that will trail behind you. Sure, it's only two hundred bucks, you can just rent it for fifty, and it's in your size, and sure ---.

"Would you like to try it on?" the lady holding the dress asks after a moment, seeing your longing look.

It's a little out of your price range, you'd been hoping to find something around a hundred, but...

"Yes," you say resolutely, straightening. "Yes I do."

~~~~~~~

"Ricky."

"I don't want to talk about it, Ryan." Ricky turns nervously in the mirror, smoothing out some wrinkles on the suit he's renting for the wedding. Ryan had agreed to go with him, and get one since he has the honor of being the best man, needs one as well. "Were getting married."

"I know, I get it, I just --- it's so fucking sudden, man. You two weren't even interested in each other until last month."

"We were always interested, we just didn't let anyone know about it." Ricky hastily defends, shirking out of the tux jacket he decides he doesn't like; you already told him you're wearing white, and had pinched him when he'd mentioned he thought only virgins wore white on their wedding day. Anyhow, the colors were fairly simple and tame from what he thought; lots of white, some shade of red you're calling burgundy, and ---.

"Why not? You keep saying it's because you didn't want Claire to know, but you couldn't even tell me? We live together, dude, I got your back." Ryan says, and admittedly, he's hurt. Why couldn't Ricky tell him what was going on? Why all the sudden whispers and secrets with you? What the hell is going on?

Ricky hesitates, staring at his best friends reflection in the floor length mirror as he picks up a black vest with silver embroidery, slipping it on over his white dress shirt. He can trust Ryan with the truth, can't he? They've been best friends for so long and ----.

Fuck, Ricky has to tell somebody!

He takes a deep breath, mulling over his next words carefully.

"Ryan, I... I gotta tell you something."

~~~~~~

You bite your lower lip as you close your closet door, successfully hiding the long white gown inside. It's so pretty, and you're sort of excited to wear it; not sure how you're getting in and out just yet, but you'll figure it out.

Maybe your aunt will help? If you ever tell her, that is.

Yeah, you better get on that.

Hmm.

Cake is done, wedding venue chosen as the pastor had been ever so happy to do it for you and let you use the church when he realized you'd take nearly a grand off his repair, and looks like you found your dress!

So far so good.

Now did your future husband get his tux?

You: hey hubby darling, get your suit?

Ricky: yup. Found one. Even Ryan.

You: good. Found a dress! Also church is a go. And cake. Just gotta buy decorations and get catering taken care of.

You're not shocked he doesn't answer right away. All he sees is dollar signs, which you can understand, but you're not even going to tell him how much everything is going to cost, you'll take care of most of it. Really, the only reason it's even going to be a thing is because that's what you want and not him.

You just... well, who else will ever want to marry you?

You were always teased for being a Tom boy, and being raised by a single dad and in a car shop didn't help. You're not super girly, although you have your moments, and you're more then ready to get into a fight if it's something you believe in defending.

Some people tend to find that intimidating.

So really, other then your mechanics and your small remaining family, you won't have very many people there. Ricky will have his sister and parents, possibly Chloe and Claire, all of the guys hopefully, and whoever else he deems worthy of the invitation. It shouldn't be too big of a thing, right?

right.

Ricky: so I told Ryan.

Huh?

You sit down on the edge of your bed, kicking off your shoes and frowning at the message on your phone.

You: told him what?

Ricky: about the situation

You: THE situation? OUR situation! ?!?

Ricky: yeah, he deserved to know

You: I thought you wanted to keep it quiet...?

What the hell! He rants about wanting to keep Chloe and keep the reason you're getting married low key, and yet here he goes talking about it! Really, you like Ryan and figure he won't say anything, but still!

Ricky: I do but it's Ryan. It'll be fine he gets it

You: you better hope he does

~~~~~~~

"Chloe asked me if I wouldn't want her around when we get married," Ricky mumbles where he lays face down on your couch.

You glance up at him from where you sit in the floor, creating small bouquets of white and red flowers; you'd told your aunt you were getting married, she'd of course happily congratulated you, and she'd even offered to help with the planning! So at least now that's not completely on your shoulders, because obviously Ricky isn't any help.

"Why would she ask that?" You curl the black string around the stems of the fake flowers, tying them all together.

"I think Claire said something. And someone named Sam." His muffled voice is barely audible from how far he's buried his head against the couch pillows.

"Who's Sam?"

"I don't know!"

So frustrated.

"Ricky, she's a kid. She just doesn't understand."

"Yeah, but I don't want someone telling her I don't want her," he grumbles as he raises his head, eyes bleary. "Like, this entire thing is for her."

"Darn, and here I thought you were marrying me because of our undying love for each other."

"(Y/N)."

You chuckle, tossing him a bouquet of flowers and narrowly avoiding his head. "Help me work on these. I need twenty of them. And stop worrying so much, Chloe knows how much you love her, that'll never change. When she's older and understands a little more it won't be so bad."

"But ---."

"No buts. I need these as bouquets!"

He huffs, rolling himself up into a sitting position as he lifts a few flowers up. He watches as you wind the black material around them, arranging the flowers so that it actually looks nice. He frowns down at the bunch he holds, trying to copy your design.

"I'm just worried, I guess. That Claire will turn her against me, make her not want to be around me." he admits, his black tattoos catching his attention. "I mean, look at me. I don't exactly look like dad material, do I?"

You hesitate, turning to look at him over your shoulder. Does he really feel that way about himself?

"Ricky, you're a wonderful father. Chloe loves you to death, you spoil her." You say, immediately coming to his defense. "If you weren't good at it, I wouldn't do this for you, I wouldn't help you get custody of her."

"I just feel like I'm shit at it sometimes," he looks at you, unsure of why he's confessing it suddenly, but it gnaws at him. What if he could do better? Do musicians typically tend to have good relationships with their kids? When he tries to think of any, or even Google it, all he finds is divorce, the oddly named children split between bickering parents, and he doesn't want that.

He loves his daughter, he wants the best for her, and he'll be damned if he lets Claire fuck that up. He's just worried when he gets to court, the judge will take one look at him and give his ex full custody where he can barely see her. He knows when he's on tour, he can't care for her, but if he's married to you --- maybe the judge will give him a break.

"We shouldn't even have to go to court, everything has been fine." He mutters, scowling at his ugly bouquet. "She's just wanting more money off me and I don't have it. Sure the band is successful but I'm not going to let her bleed me dry, either. I want to see my kid like we agreed on when we broke up."

"Everything is going to be just fine, I'm sure of it," you say, your hand closing around his and squeezing. "It has to be. Have you tried talking to Claire about any of this?"

"I can't be within five feet of the woman without us getting into an argument about something," he shakes his head. "She drives me fucking nuts."

Well.

You frown, chewing your lower lip. "Don't stress yourself over that right now, we'll deal with that bridge when we come to it. Right now, just... well, just be excited that you're getting married to someone who is awesome, and fantastic, and will cook you spaghetti out of a box like a pro."

Ricky reluctantly chuckles, looking down at you. "Thank you, (Y/N), for doing all this for me. I don't know what I'd do without you."

You smile brightly at him, squeezing his hand again. You get what he's saying, you understand his worry, but there's nothing else the two of you can do about it. All you can do is wait it out and see what happens. You figure if Ricky is going for a stable home environment, being married to you and you owning your own home and business is a good start. Plus, Chloe adores you, so that has to say something, right?

You'll worry about the rest of that later.

"I'm shit at making this flower things," Ricky grumbles, and you glance down at his hands. "How the fuck do you get them to stay like that?"

"Skill." You take the bunch away from him. "I'll fix them up, don't worry. So how did Ryan take the news, anyhow? You never did elaborate."

"Oh, well, I think it explained a lot to him, actually. He just didn't get why we were getting married so out of the blue unless I'd knocked you up."

"Did he think it was a good plan?"

"He called me stupid, actually." Ricky rubs the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "And a few other things because I didn't tell him what was going on, but he's with us. I'm sorry about telling him, I just --- he's my best friend."

"I know, it's alright. You just... well, I was surprised. You were so adamant about keeping this between us." You shrug your shoulders, fixing the flowers and tossing them with the rest of your growing pile.  "Just don't tell everyone or it'll be pointless."

He sighs. He doesn't need to be berated, but he understands what you're saying. He shouldn't have said anything, but... he said to tell someone.

"I'll start bringing some of my stuff up tomorrow, for your spare room." He says after a moment. "I was thinking since Ryan knows now, I don't technically have to move out."

Your hands pause.

"How are we supposed to keep up the guise of marriage if you're not even living with me?" You ask, getting annoyed. You're still sitting in the floor beside your coffee table, his legs beside you where he sits on the sofa.  His hands are clasped, black ink stark against his pale skin.

"Just, well, I'll be over here a lot, but Ryan can't take the rent on fully just immediately."

"So I'm basically a halfway house then? When you have Chloe you're over here?"

"Sort of."

"You realize when you come over, you can't just sleep on the couch. Chloe will ask questions." Alright, you're really irritated. It's like he's taking a giant step back here, he's not committing at all! He can't live with Ryan if he's married to you, even fake! People will seriously notice that shit!

Ricky flushes. "I know. We can sleep in the same bed, I won't touch you."

You roll your eyes. "Do you really think I'm worried about some bullshit like that?"

You know Ricky wouldn't make a move, he doesn't like you like that. You can tell when you kiss him, well those few times you have, there's just no... passion there. He has absolutely no interest in you whatsoever, and though you find it sort of irksome, it's probably for the best. You already know there's something wrong with you, emotionally it seems like it's impossible to connect, but you suppose you shouldn't bitch too much.

Ricky is at least going to give you a beautiful wedding you can remember forever. You'll just have a ton of photos, and maybe one day you'll meet someone who loves you so much they can't breathe without you. You wish you could find something like that, to be just wildly and whole heartedly in love in a relationship. You want to love someone so much that it kills you not to see them, that you smile when you come home and find them waiting on you.

Why is that so hard to find?

Why can't you have that?

"My aunt wants to meet you, by the way." You decide it's best to change the subject. "Before the wedding."

"Oh, okay. I have Chloe this weekend."

"That's fine, you can bring her. I have little cousins she can play with, while us adults talk." Your aunt had been so over the moon when you told her you were getting married, she's about the only family that you have left. She's never heard of Ricky, has no idea what he looks like, so the shock of his appearance is going to be interesting.

You just hope this goes smoothly.

"Us adults talk?" Ricky echoes, and you nod as you get to your feet, your hair bundled in a bun on the back of your head.

"My aunt is going to literally slam you with questions about our relationship."

"What am I supposed to say?"

"The truth, for the most part." You gather up your wedding supplies, getting the bouquets all in a box with some other decorations. "Just not all of it. She's a big romantic, so she'll believe it all."

"Oh." Ricky rubs his hands nervously against his jeans. "What if she doesn't like me?"

"Ricky." You give him an exasperated look where you kneel by the TV, raffling through your boxes. "Don't be silly."

"Well, she's your family." Ricky has never met any of your family before. It makes him nervous. "If she doesn't like me ---."

"It's not a real marriage." You remind him, glancing up at your wallpaper, noticing it's starting to peel in one corner. You really need to get that fixed.

"I know. But it doesn't need to be hard on you if your aunt thinks I'm a dumbass."

"You're going to be fine, don't be dramatic. We can go over to her house for dinner on Sunday, how does that sound? Then we were going to head to the church and look at maybe decorating."

"Decorating?" Ricky blinks. "But it's not for a few weeks yet."

God, only a few weeks? He can't believe the day is coming at him so fast. Have you already sent the invitations? All of his guys are going to be there, and his family, but what about yours? Is there going to be special seating in the pews?

Ryan had laughed when he realized it was in a church.

"I want to get a headstart on things and the pastor said it was cool. My aunt is super excited about it, she's basically taken a lot of the planning over." You shrug your shoulders, your mind flicking to your dress. You really hope it looks as good on you on your wedding day as it did when you tried it on. Your aunt is a hairdresser, so she's going to help you get fixed up.

You want to look pretty, not like a grease rag as usual.

"Alright." Ricky glances at his phone. "I gotta get going, it's getting late."

"Okay." You straighten, and walk him to your front door, reminding him how to lock the door downstairs when he leaves.

"Yeah, I got it,"he waves you away. "Don't worry. I'll see you Sunday."

"Just let me know when you get home, be careful." You hug him, giving him a warm squeeze. You let your face rest against his shoulder for a moment, then, "And I don't want you worrying about you being a bad dad, okay? You're one of the best people I know, and that little girl adores you so much. You're doing it right."

"I hope so," he sighs, his breath tickling your neck as he tightens his arms around you, thinking about the situation. You hesitate, standing wrapped in his arms, growing warm. You can feel his heartbeat against yours, the stubble of his jaw as it brushes your skin, the rough material of his shirt. You honestly don't want to let him go, it's kind of nice to be held like this, even if it's just for a few moments. You take the opportunity to bury your face against his neck, letting his cologne wash your senses.

"Please don't flake out on me, okay?" You say after a moment, feeling him shift. "Like, don't leave me at the altar looking like an idiot waiting for you."

"I would never do that," he says in surprise, and he takes a step back so he can look down at you, blue eyes serious. "(Y/N) ---."

"It's just... you're so reluctant about all of this, and I don't want the big day to get here, and then you say no." You're embarrassed to bring it up, your cheeks are growing hot, but you want to get it out there. "Just please don't do that, okay? If you change your mind, do it beforehand."

"I would never do that to you," he says firmly, his hands cupping your shoulders, much like he does his daughter when he really wants her to look at him. "That's a shitty thing to do. I'll be there, waiting at that altar for those pigeons to fly over my head."

Your lips curve just the slightest. "Doves."

"Whatever, those birds. I promise I'll be there, and that we'll get married."

"And live happily ever after?"

"Something like that." He shrugs, squeezing your shoulders before letting go. "I'm not much of a prince."

"A knight in shining armor is sufficient." You smile at him, and he relaxes; you worried him getting all mushy suddenly, that's not like you. You're always the one telling him to man up, to stop worrying himself before he gets wrinkles.

He doesn't want this marriage to go wrong, it's strictly a business deal, his relationship with you is completely platonic. Sure, you're a very attractive woman, there's no doubting that, but you can be so... intimidating, sometimes.

"I'll see you Sunday," he says, and you watch him go with a frown.

You hope this isn't going to be a disaster.

~~~~~~~~~

"Don't be nervous," you grunt as you and Ricky walk up the concrete sidewalk to the modest yellow home, flowers growing up the sides, a white picket fence lining up the front yard. It looks like something out a movie, perfectly groomed, very... fifties.

He feels extremely out of place and incredibly anxious now.

Chloe holds his hand, admiring the pretty flowers. She thinks her daddy looks nice in his white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and she likes the place they're walking towards. You look nice too, especially with your hair down and the pretty color on your lips. She's not sure why everyone is so fancy, is this important?

"I'm not nervous," he huffs, letting you take the lead as you step onto the white porch with the swing, knocking on the door. Chloe stands right beside him, a red bow in her black hair to hold it out of her curious eyes. She's in a little red and black dress you picked out for her, and you even let her use your polish to paint her nails, which her mother never lets her do.

You take a step back as the door comes open, and your aunt welcomes you with open arms. She's a larger lady, wearing a white apron with curled hair that reeks of hairspray.

"(Y/N)! I'm so happy you made it!" Your aunt says in excitement, a necklace of pearls around her neck. She's beaming as her eyes sweep to the dark haired man standing behind you, and the little girl holding his hand. She notices the plentiful tattoos instantly, the black hair and the piercings, but she doesn't comment. Instead, she smiles, her arms widening before she wraps him in a hug that rivaled the one she gave you. "You must be Ricky!"

Ricky tenses. "Uh, yes. Nice to meet you."

"Auntie, this is Chloe," you introduce her to the little girl, who your aunt instantly is in love with.

She leans down to shake Chloe's hand, smiling at her.  "Well, welcome, Chloe! It's nice to meet you!"

"You too." Chloe says, releasing her daddy's hand and holding onto your aunt's. Ricky looks panicked instantly, looking down.

"Well, come inside, all of you! Chloe, my grandson is in the living room watching TV, do you want to meet him?" Your aunt asks as you walk into the house. "He's watching some boy show, so we can change it if you like."

Chloe hesitates, her pale fingers suddenly curling into his fathers pants leg. "No, that's okay." She doesn't want to get too far away from Ricky, especially if there's a lot of new people.

"Well then, how about a snack? Dinner is just about done but it's still going to be a few minutes."

"Okay." Chloe could totally go for a snack. She likes snacks.

Your aunt leads her off to the kitchen, which Ricky is assuming is where that amazing smell is coming from. He stays glued to your side as you follow her, shirking out of your coat and laying it on the back of a chair that apparently is serving as the coat rack as well. You're completely relaxed whereas he feels like a tightly strung rubberband, ready to snap at any moment.

Chloe is already sitting at the table when you enter the room, munching on a chocolate chip cookie from the looks of it; you made it explicitly clear she was allergic to peanuts, so you don't have any worries your aunt will give her anything.

"Kaleb is playing video games in the living room," your aunt says of your cousin, checking the contents of her oven, which is green and probably from the seventies. "And Leo is still out in the garage fiddling with that old truck of your dads."

Leo is her husband, your uncle by marriage, although he's never treated you like you weren't blood. He's one of your favorite people and really helped you out around the shop when your dad died.

"Cool." You gesture for Ricky to sit at the table, which is already set for dinner with flowery plates and empty glasses. The kitchen smells heavenly and Ricky finds he's suddenly famished.

Chloe offers him a bite of her cookie, but he shakes his head; Ryan always feeds her junk at the house, and Ricky never really believed in the whole no sweets before dinner thing. So long as she doesn't eat her weight in cookies she'll still eat her food.

"I'm so glad you three could make it," your aunt says, still smiling; honestly she's just glad to see you involved with someone again, that you're not going to end up a spinster! She's a little concerned that you might be pregnant with how hasty the wedding is, but at least the boy is making it right by marrying you!  "We haven't had a family dinner in ages!"

"I know, I'm sorry." You say hastily, crossing your legs beneath the table. "I just stay busy at work."

"Well apparently not busy enough to not have a boyfriend," your aunt chuckles, giving Chloe another cookie she happily accepts. "How long have you two been an item, anyway?"

You and Ricky look at each other. You told him there would be relationship questions that he better be able to answer, so the two of you concocted a plan earlier.

"Uh, we've known each other for years." Ricky hedges when you don't say anything, nervously rubbing his palms against his thighs beneath the tablecloth. "Seems like forever now."

"Yes but when did you decide you were in love? Was it spontaneous?" Your aunt loves romance, she wants all the details; did he sweep you off your feet? Plan a romantic getaway? How did everything transition from friendship to more?

"You could say that," you chuckle, reaching under the table to squeeze his hand, he doesn't have to squirm.  Your aunt will sense his fear. "It just sort of happened."

"Well, that's always the best way." Your aunt nods her head. "Just sort of happened," means you're pregnant after a possible one night stand with each other. "Why, I dated Leo for three years before I ever agreed to marry him, but we were sweethearts through high school as well. Oh but times were so different then," she sighs at the memories. "He would bring me flowers, sometimes cook dinner when I was pregnant with Tony," her first son, "and you know how much I enjoy the mushy things in life."

Oh.

You do.

Ricky is glad he doesn't have to say anything else, your aunt keeps a rather constant chatter once she gets started. Chloe seems quite content to just eat cookies and look around the room, thinking it looks a lot like her grandmas. She eventually wanders off into the livingroom where your cousin is playing video games, although Ricky keeps a focused eye on her through the open doorway.

"So, do you two have much planning left for the wedding?" You aunt asks, and you shake your head, propping your chin on your hand.

"Not really. I have the cake and catering done, thanks for suggesting that restaurant down town, they were super reasonable."

"Of course, I'm friends with Becky, I figured she'd give you a good deal."

"I have my dress, the tux, Chloe is going to be the flower girl and I've already picked her out the cutest little dress," you add, it's currently hanging in your closet. "It's white like mine, but there's flowers all around the hem that'll match my theme."

"Oh, that's wonderful! Lennie said she could be your maid of honor, I know you said you didn't want a lot of bridesmaids."

"Yeah, we're trying to keep it fairly small," you agree, watching your aunt move around the kitchen. Lennie is her daughter, your cousin, and Ryan would be walking her down the aisle to your altar; you're nervous and excited at the same time, but you're ready to get the decorating done and get this over with! You feel like Ricky is making it a huge event in his mind, when in reality it's not going to be that big of a deal.

It'll go smoothly.

You hope.

"Now, the wedding is around two, so you'll want to be at the church around seven so we can get your dressed and ready." Your aunt reminds, checking the oven again. "I'll make sure the catering and everything is ready. Ricky, honey, do you and your best man have everything together? I can make sure you get to the church, you can ride with Leo."

"Uh, that's okay. We have everything together." Is she trying to make sure he makes it to the wedding, or doesn't? He sends you a nervous look, but you just smile at him, reaching over to squeeze his hand where it clenches in his lap. You're so relaxed, and after a moment he forces himself to mirror your image. This dinner is nothing to worry about, it's just for looks anyhow, meeting the family. "The invitations and everything are already sent out."

"So everyone has RSVP'd?"

"Yes." You say when Ricky just hesitates. "We pretty much know the headcount for the wedding. Not too big, just around twenty or so people."

His band of course, their plus ones, some of your family, the guys from your shop, any other friends Ricky wants to be invited--- a pretty intimate event.

"Well that's good." Your aunt takes a big pan of food out of the oven, pleased at the golden hue of her turkey; she really wanted to go all out cooking for dinner, so she's made a large meal. "(Y/N), will you go grab Leo from the barn? Dinner's ready."

"Sure," you slowly push to your feet, seeing Ricky's panicked face immediately. You pat his shoulder absently as you pass by, heading out to where your uncle is.  Your aunt turns on your future husband immediately, and he sort of shrinks back in his seat at her serious look.

oh god.

"Well, she seems very content with you," your aunt comments as she sits the turkey on the range cooktop, the heat prickling her skin. "You must be treating her well, I never thought she would get married."

"She changed her mind, I guess." Ricky manages after a moment, hoping you hurry back. "She said yes to me when I proposed."

"Yes, and quite a quick proposal. We never knew she was interested in anyone."

"Yeah, I know it seems like it's moving pretty fast, but we're serious about it." He almost feels bad for outright lying, and he squirms in his chair. "She wanted to get it over with. The wedding, that is."

"You're letting her have her way with it, it seems."

"Well, it's whatever she wants. Pigeons and all," he waves his hand dismissively.

Your aunt blinks. "Do you mean doves?"

"Uh, yes. Doves." He can never remember. "I know she wants a really nice wedding, and I want to make sure that's what she gets. So doves, flowers, fifty bridesmaids --- whatever makes her happy."

"I never pegged her as a romantic." Your aunt looks out the window where she knows you'll be coming from with her husbamd, almost smiling. "Being raised by her father and all. It's nice to know she didn't let that go. You know he raised her by himself? He did his best by her, but a girl needs her mother too."

"She seems just fine." Ricky hesitates, wishing it wouldn't be weird if he stood; he doesn't like sitting down, he feels vulnerable. Your aunt seems nice, and she keeps a tidy kitchen, yellow wallpaper and all --- he feels like he's in a TV show meeting the parents for the first time, but at least the room is homey, and no one is sitting cleaning their shotgun somewhere. "She's tough as nails."

"Oh, I know she is." Your aunt turns to look at him, and he notices you almost have the same eye color. "But I've always worried. It's not right for a little girl to always be on her own, and before you, she's never had much luck with finding the right gentleman. I just hope that you treat her right, and you make her happy, because she deserves that after all she's been through."

Yep, Ricky feels incredibly guilty now. "I promise I'll treat her the best I can," he says sincerely, a serious look on his face. "I can't guarantee she'll always be happy, but I'll take care of her. She's done more for me than anyone else in my life, she's always been here when I needed her. I'm not going to let her down now."

Well, strange way of putting it, but your aunt seems content with his words. "I hope so." is all she says, turning away. "Does your daughter like cherries?"

~~~~~~~

"Hey, Leo. Dinner's ready," you say as you step into the barn, glancing around the junk-strewn area. Your uncle converted it into a garage, so all his tools are everywhere, the ancient truck in the very middle on stilts. You look down expectantly as your uncle rolls out from under it, a wrench held in hand, oil staining his coveralls.

"You look nice, sweetpea." He comments, giving you a smile as he pushes himself up. "I'm glad you came over for dinner."

"Thanks," you hug him quickly, finding a little comfort in the smell of engine oil and whatever laundry detergent your aunt uses. It's how your dad used to smell too after working on cars all day. You hold him a little tighter before you let go, forcing a bright smile up at him, noticing the gray eating at his hair. "Auntie fixed up a big meal, didn't she?"

"Been cooking all day to get things ready," your uncle nods his head, tossing his tool into the red toolbox sitting on the wooden workbench, grabbing a rag to rub the oil off his hands. "Been talking nonstop about you and your man."

Right, your man.

"Yeah, I left Ricky with her. Not sure how good an idea that was."

"She's giving him the third degree, no doubt." Your uncle chuckles, glancing towards the house. "Is he a good man?"

"Yeah, he's good. You'll like him."

"Know anything about cars?"

Pffft.

"No, but I think I have that taken care of," you chuckle, slipping your arm through his and lightly urging him towards the house,  a little worried Ricky might slip up and spill your big secret --- he's already told one person! Your aunt can be very... intimidating sometimes, and Ricky is the weak link. "He's a musician."

"Is he good?"

"His band is successful."

"Hmph." Your uncle wants to make sure you're taken care of; sure, you own a shop, so financially you'll be alright, but he doesn't want you having to support someone who can't hold a job and keeps trying for their dreams. You're too smart to have to take care of a bum, especially with a kid from another relationship. He's honestly surprised you're getting married, he never figured you would.

"So, um, you're going to walk me down the aisle right?" You ask after a moment as the two of you start forward, flicking your eyes up at him. "I don't have to walk myself?"

"Course I'll be walking you," your uncle wouldn't have it any other way. "Promised your dad I'd take over for him, and I meant it. Your kids can even call me grandpa if you like."

You chuckle, shaking your head; you and Ricky aren't going to be having children, you're not sure if you ever will. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Now this boy, he treats you well? You're not making any rash decision are you?" he then asks, just to be clear. He won't let you be bullied or rushed into a marriage, not even if you are pregnant, which is what your aunt is worried about. Why else would you want to get married so quickly if not for a child?

"No, no, this is something I want. I've always wanted a pretty wedding, and Ricky is pretty much letting me have full reign," you say, which is true; he's barely helped any, if you're being honest, but you're going to let it slide. "We want to get married."

"Hmph." Your uncle steps up on the front porch, not quite satisfied with your answer but dropping it for the time being. he opens the front door, letting you step inside, his eyes flicking towards the living room where he can see the kids, noticing the pretty little girl with her dress and bow in her hair giggling.

You used to be so little like that too, but you were such a tomboy. You wouldn't wear ribbons or bows, and you hated your Sunday dresses. Your father never really enforced it, but you had to wear them for your aunt, she wanted you to be girly sometimes.

Didn't really seem to rub off on you, though.

"Wash up and we can eat," your aunt says with a welcoming smile to her husband, gesturing him towards the sink. You take your seat by Ricky, glancing between him and your aunt as you settle; did he spill the beans, or maintain the ruse? He gives you a slight smile, which sort of looks more like a grimace, so you figure your lie must still be good, otherwise, he'd look totally panicked.

"Just think, this time next year, you'll be married." Your aunt gushes, beaming just thinking about it. "In a few more weeks, you'll have your own little family!"

Ricky and Chloe, right.

"Have you two thought about getting a house together?" Your aunt asks, handing your uncle a towel without even looking at him. He'd been looking around trying to find the hand towel, it's like she has eyes in the back of her head. "Maybe one with a little fence, plenty of room for the babies to play outside."

Babies?

No more babies, Ricky feels sick just at the thought of more than one kid!

"Well, to begin with, we're just going to stick with the apartment," you say hastily. "Maybe eventually we'll find a place we like, but we're not rushing it."

"Well, you're young, no need in rushing," your uncle grunts, turning around to eyeball Ricky thoroughly as he dries his hands; this is his first good look at the boy. He's not too muscular, a little pale with long hair, lots of tattoos. He doesn't really seem your type, but opposites attract he supposes. "Take a long time, enjoy what you have together. You don't have to bring kids into it immediately."

"Well, a baby is always a good addition though," your aunt adds hastily, sending her husband a look. "I love little babies! Their little toes, and their laughs! No one has any grandbabies for us yet."

Well, it's not going to start with you, that's for sure.

You start to answer, but you don't really know what to say, you hadn't prepped completely for this question. Luckily, Chloe comes into the room, asking if the food is ready because she's starving! Ricky even looks relieved, and your aunt is quickly distracted.

Thank goodness.

Chloe takes her seat beside Ricky, completely comfortable with your family. She's all yes please and thank you's, so polite you're actually quite impressed. Ricky might grouch about her mother, but she's done a good job teaching her child manners.

Your eyes flick to your future husband. Next week, actually, and the two of you will be married. Is he ready? Are you ready?

You really hope it isn't a disaster.

Tags: ryansitkowskiswifey, theoneandonlykymberlee,  maelloute,  musicsexandpizza69,  jojomiwbvb6 svintsandghosts

[hellyeahomeland]

“Chalk One Up” | Directed by Seith Mann, Cinematography by David Klein

The episode opens with Carrie arriving from a long night out doing… God knows what with God knows who. We love the starkness of this close-up on the exterminated motorcycle light. According to Lesli Linka Glatter, this mode of transport is based on a real life story: 

“The scene where she gets out of the embassy was based on the real agent who Carrie is based on. She was based in Iraq at the time and that’s how she got out: by dressing as a man and traveling on a motorcycle. So, we used that for this. Also, you can’t leave in Kabul without an armored vehicle.”

...as the camera slowly pans up to reveal it’s Carrie underneath that (gigantor) motorcycle helmet, the question becomes clear: where the fuck was she? 

Sara loved these scenes between Samira and her friend. Homeland has depicted several cities in the Middle East over the years but has rarely given us glimpses into the world outside the walls of a hotel or CIA station, especially without our main characters. The market that Samira and her friend walk through is vibrant and filled with color, as are their outfits. It’s a stark contrast to the interiors of the CIA station. And Samira’s line that the Taliban didn’t go away but were no longer hiding proves remarkably predictive of the rest of the episode’s events.

The real highlight of the scene is the selfie, of course. We love the detail of the man on the far, far left being cut out. Samira’s friend is the master of the one-arm selfie! 

This shot of the various players at the Kabul station looking outward at Carrie is striking. It’s almost a reverse fish bowl. Carrie remains on the outside but everyone’s looks are in her direction. Jenna standing at the front of the room further suggests she was never “stuck in the starting gate.” She’s in the same position of power in that room as the Chief of Station and the commanding military officer at right. From afar, the dynamics are almost similar to early season one, Carrie running an ops meeting with Saul by her side. All of which is to say… is Jenna the Carrie to Mike’s Saul?

Dog.

This was such a specific detail that we thought it required pointing out, but 27 is not a significant number on this show (at least that we can remember), so we’re not sure why they bothered to show this. 

...unless it’s a reference to the general ominousness of the 27 Club and a hint that Carrie (who, to be fair, is far past the age of 27) is going to die. 

This week the show confirmed that Tasneem is the Director of the ISI. Which means that (after President Elizabeth Keane) she’s the second most powerful woman ever depicted on this show. And boy does she dress the part! 

Tasneem’s all-white ensemble is attention-grabbing and distinctive (the other women in this frame are dressed in dark clothes). It’s also visually similar--especially with her long, black hair peeking through the sheer fabric of her headscarf--to the dress worn by several other men at the reception.

Homeland has told lots of stories over the years--whether intentional or otherwise--about the challenges women face living in a patriarchal, misogynist society. Whether it’s Martha losing her career because her loser husband couldn’t stand having a wife who was more powerful and smarter than he…. Or Allison dying in the back of a car near the Russian border in an act of scorned lover revenge. Or Carrie, screaming and crying at the end of “The Vest”... but being right the whole time. 

Or, as Abigail Nussbaum said more elegantly than we ever could: 

“Carrie is, in many ways, a boogeyman; she is what professional women, and particularly ones in male-dominated professions, have been taught never to become - emotional, hysterical, crazy. Emotion is how women who want to be taken seriously are undermined and dismissed. Even if you’re perfectly sane, being emotional - and most especially, being angry - devalues you and your professional contribution. A woman can be called crazy simply for behaving like a normal human being rather than a robot (and of course, if she behaves robotically and unemotionally, she’s a cold bitch). But Carrie isn’t simply emotional (though she is that too, and worst of all, she allows her feelings for a man to cloud her judgment) - she actually is crazy and hysterical, in the proper clinical sense rather than the exaggerated one which attaches to any feminine display of emotion, and profoundly pathetic and unattractive in that state. And she’s completely right, the only person who figures out Brody and Abu Nazir’s plans and motivations, and the person who saves the day by being hysterical, infecting Brody’s daughter with enough of that hysteria that she calls her father and convinces him not to blow himself up.

It’s certainly possible to read this arc as purely tragic, Carrie’s self-destruction being the cost of saving the world (though this is a character arc that is applied to men as often as women, for example in Thomas Harris’s Red Dragon), but to my mind its effect is more complex. It makes a crazy, hysterical woman into a hero without in any way mitigating her craziness or hysteria, and thus defangs the argument that emotion in women is a weakness. It’s the rational, sane men around Carrie, who turn away from her unattractive mania with distaste and embarrassment, who are blind and incompetent, and it’s that same inability to look past surfaces that leads them to put their trust, wrongfully, in Brody - just as Carrie performs hysterical femininity, Brody performs stalwart masculinity. Both are misleading.”

All of which is to say, we’re really fucking pumped to see how Tasneem’s role expands for the rest of the season, and we think the array of women in Tasneem, Carrie, and Jenna and their varying degrees of power is going to be really interesting to see unfold. 

Sara is obsessed with this shot. She’s obsessed with the set design of Samira’s apartment. She’s obsessed with this moody lighting. She’s basically just obsessed. 

Last week we had a slow pan around Jalal to reveal Tasneem. This week we have a similar slow pan around Carrie to reveal Jenna. This definitely means that Sara’s theory that Jenna will “single white female” Carrie is right on track. 

Also, Gail hereby declares Carrie’s delicate silver jewelry her “FULL circle earrings,” because everything is coming full circle this episode, including accessories.

That said, we can’t deny the power of this shot. First, we have to note what’s going on in the background (which is actually in focus). President Beau has just arrived off Air Force One and immediately stops for a photo op with the Afghan president. From the beginning, the show is clear this is an optics-based trip. 

But we really love this image of Carrie and Jenna (out of focus, but in the foreground) side by side. Again, they mirror each other, but in opposite ways (“So they’re mirror opposites?” --Sara’s brain). Carrie’s light hair versus Jenna’s dark hair. Jenna’s light jacket versus Carrie’s dark one. It’s eerie.

On the podcast we talked at length about the scene between Beau and Carrie. It’s genuinely moving. The staging of it is unique as well. The camera shoots them both at the same height. They stand close together. Ironically, the power dynamic seems almost equal. He’s one of the few people who’s ever acknowledged the sacrifices she’s made in service of her country. 

Their twin smiles here are all the more tragic following the sequence of events that closes the episode. They all sincerely want peace. So many characters smile real, genuine smiles this week. That’s not a normal Homeland occurrence! 

And they all legitimately believe in what they’re doing. They believe they’re doing the right thing. Maybe they are. But partly out of necessity, and partly out of more selfish desires (Hayes later says it’s all about getting a second term), they get caught up in the theater of it all. They make poor decisions. They take the wrong risks.

Every so often in this series we have to abandon screenshots in favor of gifs in order to truly capture ~the moment~ and this is one of those times! The way Claire plays Carrie’s reaction here is so specific, so nuanced and strange and wonderful. These “lived in” moments are something we’ll really miss when the show is over.

IJLTP.

We’ve all been there, Carrie. 

This is another interesting shot choice. We’re not sure what its purpose is, other than to add interest to a fairly run-of-the-mill scene. But still, the set design! *heart eyes* 

Sara’s note for this shot was “Saul is so extra.” We talked about genuine and sincere smiles above and Saul’s here does qualify… sort of. This is halfway between genuine and self-aggrandizing. AKA “where Saul lives 100% of the time.” He looks like a director about to screen his short film at Sundance. The red curtains parting slowly behind him are Too Much.

Tasneem and G’ulom are the kids in the back of the classroom who are so fucking done with this shit but can’t leave because they’ll get detention. We will continue to stan. 

It’s a classic Homeland device to show a significant moment from a variety of perspectives, especially if those perspectives involve screens. The multitude of angles on Beau’s speech here reminded us a lot of Keane’s resignation speech in the Oval Office in “Paean to the People.” Coincidentally, that was her last hurrah as president too. 

(P.S. Another Saul over-the-shoulder shot!)

Two selfies in one episode! 

We loved the payoff to Max’s subplot. For once this season the weird LA filter actually looks nice! These are beautiful shots and the reflection in Max’s glasses is especially striking. 

The skull and crossbones on the barracks is an ominious detail. As is the rock labeled “Boredom Rock.” Death and boredom really have been the two extremes of Max’s stint at the combat outpost.

We’re still divided on the merits of the “Carrie has to save Samira” storyline, but the camerawork here, with Carrie’s armed hands appearing out of nowhere, was pretty cool. 

This RPG shot was one of the cooler special effects the show has done in a while. The entire sequence of Chalk One looking for Chalk Two was tense and thrilling and extremely well-executed.

Bringing us back to the ops room, the “LOSS OF SIGNAL” projected now for both helicopters is pretty chilling.

This is now Sara’s favorite shot of the entire series and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that it’s another over-the-shoulder Saul shot. This time he observes one of the crowning achievements of his long career literally blowing up in his face. 

Visually, this shot anchors the viewer back to the Carrie/Saul relationship, the central one of the show. The black blankness--and the failure it represents--engulfs the frame. 

We love the choice to end the episode on Carrie alone. It refocuses the event back to her. The horror in her eyes, welling up with tears, is palpable. How does Carrie feel? Alex Gansa explained that the writers wanted to create a new 9/11 with this maybe-assassination of the president. And it’s a fitting bookend for the show in many ways. In Homeland’s pilot, Carrie says she “missed something that day,” misdirecting blame to herself for not preventing 9/11. Now, in the final season, the show seems poised to tell a story in which Carrie is blamed for the “new 9/11.” 

Strap in, folks. It’s gonna be a rough ride. 

[searchingwardrobes]

Jumper

It’s a big day in the fandom with TWO birthdays! I couldn’t let the day go by without gifting a fic to @gingerchangeling ! I got to know her long before I was on tumblr when she started leaving me wonderful comments over on Ao3. She may not even remember them, but they meant a lot to me. Happy birthday, my dear!

And before you hate me for thinking I gave you a horrible gift, I just want to explain that I am keeping my cards very close the vest with this. I know the summary and tags are intense, just . . . yeah. That’s all I can say.

Summary: He turned his gaze on her, his eyes blinking slowly. His pretty blue eyes, shining with tears. Emma blinked. He was incredibly handsome, despite his clenched jaw and melancholy eyes. Or maybe because of them. It was one thing to consider jumping yourself. It was another to stand by and let someone else do it. So she was going to stand here and ironically convince this guy not to do the very thing she was here to do herself. Based on the song by Third Eye Blind.

Rating: M

Trigger Warnings: attempted suicide, major character death (it’s not what you think!)

Words: 4,000

Also on Ao3. Part of my Fandom Birthday Playlist

Tagging my usual (hope they don’t hate me for this!) plus others I think might like it: @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @kday426 @jennjenn615 @teamhook @profdanglaisstuff @captainsjedi @welllpthisishappening @thislassishooked @bethacaciakay @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @winterbaby89 @wellhellotragic @let-it-raines @killian-whump @sherlockianwhovian @artistic-writer @hollyethecurious

I wish that you would step back from that ledge my friend. You could cut ties with all the lies that you’ve been living in, and if you don’t want to see me again, I would understand.

The bay bridge was eerily quiet at two am. Like any big city, this one never slept, yet the bridge still slumbered in its own way. The occasional car whipped past with a rhythmic sound, the waves quietly lapped at the pilings. Moonlight reflected off the water, and the streetlights shone like spotlights along the edge of the bridge. And illuminated by one of those spotlights was a figure, poised on the railing, one hand grasping a support pillar. Emma approached him cautiously, pushing aside her slight irritation that she couldn’t even fling herself off a bridge without an obstacle. This was her spot, damn it!

When she reached him, he didn’t even glance her way, eyes transfixed on the water below. His fingers were white where he gripped the pillar, which made Emma wonder if jumping were really his goal. Now that she was next to him, she saw that he was about her age.

“Whatcha doin?” she asked softly, casually. As if she’d walked up to a classmate flipping through a magazine at school.

He turned his gaze on her, his eyes blinking slowly. His pretty blue eyes, shining with tears. Emma blinked. He was incredibly handsome, despite his clenched jaw and melancholy eyes. Or maybe because of them.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He gazed back out at the water, his thick dark hair falling across his eyes. His hair was messy and a little long, curling at the nape of his neck and around his ears.

Emma kept her gaze focused on his profile. “It looks like you’re about to jump. Any way I can change your mind about that?” It was one thing to consider jumping yourself. It was another to stand by and let someone else do it. So she was going to stand here and ironically convince this guy not to do the very thing she was here to do herself.

“I doubt it,” he replied bitterly.

“You look about my age. How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

“Me too. Seems awfully young to die.”

He gazed at her again. “And yet here you are to do the very same thing.”

Emma swallowed. “You’re not from here,” she pointed out, changing the subject.

“Perceptive,” he said wryly, “and how did you gather that?”

“Not many people in Portland, Maine with a British accent.”

“Ah, I see.”

Emma climbed up on the railing herself, wrapping her arms around the pillar on the other side of her new friend, if that’s what she could call him. “Is that why you want to jump? Because you’re so far from home?”

He looked at her again with those profound blue eyes. “No, because I’ve lost my home.” He stared down at the water again, and when he finally spoke, his voice was choked with emotion. “I just feel so lost. I can’t . . . I just can’t do this anymore.”

“I get that. Tired of everything? Tired of the hunger? Tired of the loneliness? Tired of the fear?”

He nodded once, and their eyes held for a long moment. Finally, Emma let go of the pillar and reached out her hand.

“Jump together?”

His lips quirked halfway up in a hesitant smile, and Emma imagined that if he really, truly, smiled, it would light her up inside. Smiles that would soon be cut off by the slip of a foot. Sadness crashed over her at this realization, and somehow that emotion messed with her balance. Both feet slipped into empty air, and as her heart leapt to her throat, she realized with sudden clarity: she didn’t really want to die.

Then a calloused hand grasped her forearm. She was jerked back up on the bridge, crashing into the boy’s chest. He was anchored to the pillar where his arm was wrapped around it, and he now had his other arm firmly around her waist. She had guessed he was hungry because of his slender build, but she now realized that his chest was solid, his shoulders knotted with muscle. Small for his age, perhaps, but not weak. He wasn’t much taller than her, and when she looked up, her gaze was zeroed in on his lips. She darted her eyes up to his instead, which were bright blue from the streetlight overhead. They were also wide with shock.

“I couldn’t let you do it,” he said.

“I don’t want to die,” she whispered.

He somehow eased off the railing without letting her go, collapsing onto the solid asphalt. They both shook, clinging to one another, sobs wracking their bodies.

**********************************************************

“Not that one, Swan,” Killian argued.

“Why not?” she protested indignantly, adjusting the dark rimmed glasses perched on her nose. “There’s no one around.”

“The color, that’s why. Yellow attracts way too much attention.”

Emma gnawed on her lower lip as she contemplated the yellow Bug at the end of the alley. Killian playfully tugged on her ponytail.

“You really like it, don’t you?” He grinned at her. “I’ll get it for you if it’s what you really want.”

He said that all the time. The first time had been that night on the bridge. Once her tears were spent, she felt a little too raw, and much too exposed. She was also appalled to see the tears and snot that were smeared over the front of his t-shirt, so she had whispered against his neck, “I’d really like a grilled cheese right now.”

Killian had gotten her one, too. Hot, and not from the garbage can either. He simply charmed one out of a waitress at a diner on Ocean Street. Killian could charm his way into (and out of) a lot. He had a face for it. Yet the only one who could charm Killian was Emma. Or at least she liked to think so.

“No,” Emma told him now with a shake of her head, “you’re right, it’s too visible. See another mark?”

“Over beside that convenience store,” Killian said, pointing, “it’s been there all day.”

Emma wrinkled her nose. “It looks like a toaster. Will it even run?”

“It can after you tinker with it,” Killian told her confidently, “and since it isn’t much to look at, the person may even thank us for stealing it.”

He winked at her, and she couldn’t stop the warmth that spread across her cheeks. Killian Jones seemed to think she could do anything, and frequently called her “bloody brilliant” in his adorable accent. So she followed him to the rusted out Chevy, leaving the yellow Bug behind in the alley.

********************************************************

Killian had a “code” about stealing. She teasingly called him “Robin Hood,” because stealing from the rich to give to the poor pretty much summed him up. Of course, the “poor” was just the two of them.

According to this “code,” they could shoplift from nice stores, but when they went to the Goodwill down the street from where they were crashing, they needed to pay. Which wasn’t difficult considering a pair of pants cost fifty cents. All they had to do was pick a few pockets, swipe a few purses, and they could afford a pretty nice wardrobe.

It was getting cold, so today’s agenda was to find coats, hats, and gloves. Yet Emma found herself drawn to another part of the store.

She glanced over her shoulder, making sure Killian was preoccupied trying on jackets. Then her hand reached out to touch the red satin, her finger and thumb running along the lacy trim. She shuddered thinking of slipping into bed next to Killian, wearing nothing but this tiny negligee. They had found a place to stay at a run-down motel around the corner, another result of Killian’s charms. The manager there had lost a son who had run away from home, a son who Killian apparently reminded her of. If someone had shown him kindness, she said, maybe he wouldn’t have ended up dead in a gutter. She asked no questions, simply slipped a key behind the ice machine to whatever room was vacant that night. All she asked was that they leave the room tidy when they left each morning. Sometimes she’d leave food for them in the room, too.

Sometimes the room had one queen size bed, sometimes two double beds. Either way, they usually ended up sleeping next to each other. And each night, things between them escalated more and more physically. They still hadn’t gone all the way, but that morning they had woken up half naked, wrapped up in each other’s arms. Emma slid the negligee off the hanger, her mind wandering.

“Emma?”

She jumped and whirled around to face Killian, balling the tiny bit of thin fabric up in her hand so Killian couldn’t see it.

“Uh, yeah?” she muttered, brushing hair out of her face.

Killian arched a brow at her. “What are you doing? You’re supposed to be getting a coat.”

“I will,” she said, swallowing hard. Her face was burning.

Killian swiped at his lower lip with his tongue. “What are you hiding?”

“Nothing.”

He grinned wickedly, grabbing at her clenched fist. She spun away from him “Show me, Swan!”

“No,” Emma giggled as he grabbed her around the waist, trying to pry her fingers open, but she yanked them just out of his reach.

“Come on, please?” he gave her his best pout, which usually worked. On everyone, including Emma, but this time she shook her head.

“A girl’s got to have some secrets.”

His eyes sparkled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. “Is the surprise for me? Because I like surprises.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, the lingerie still hidden in her tight grip. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

He kissed her in the middle of Goodwill, tugging on her ponytail. She decided right then and there; she was definitely buying that red negligee. She’d go without gloves all winter if she had to. He was worth it.

*****************************************************

When she came out of the bathroom that night in the red lingerie, the look on Killian’s face was priceless. Like he was in awe of her or something. She grinned nervously as she slipped under the sheets next to him. When he gathered her in his arms, she trembled all over in anticipation, his kisses making her core heat with want.

“Don’t stop,” she gasped when he seemed to hesitate.

“Are you sure?”

“I need you, Killian. Please.”

“I’ve . . . I’ve never done this before,” he admitted.

She cupped his face, searching his intense gaze. “Neither have I.”

He smiled tenderly at her then, kissing her with something akin to reverence. It was honestly a little awkward, mostly because Killian was so worried about hurting her, but it was wonderful, too. Afterwards, Killian fell deeply asleep, his arm wrapped around her waist, just like that early morning on the bridge.

“Thank you for saving me,” she whispered, brushing a kiss to his cheek. Then she curled up against his chest and fell into a contented slumber.

Stealing condoms wasn’t easy, but Emma knew they couldn’t keep falling into bed every night like this without protection. It had been foolish from the start, but Emma had been too turned on by that stupid negligee in Goodwill. Okay, not stupid. She and Killian were going on day four of this new phase of their relationship, and Emma couldn’t seem to get enough. So no, not stupid. Irresponsible, maybe, but not stupid. The problem was, every drug store had condoms under lock and key for some strange reason. Emma finally found a broken condom dispenser in the bathroom at the gas station, and she breathed easier knowing they were taking precautions.

Little did she know it was already too late.

*****************************************************

It was raining and the windshield wipers on the Chevy made a squeaking sound as they slid across the glass. Emma was slumped down in her seat, the belt across her lap pinching. She fiddled with the ends of her hair. Killian kneaded the steering wheel with his hands, his jaw clenching. He was brooding, and Emma wondered if it was because he had picked up on her own mood. He glanced her way, and his eyes widened when he found her staring. She dropped her hair.

“We need to talk,” they said simultaneously.

They chuckled nervously.

“Emma, I need to tell you something.”

“Please,” she stopped him, sitting up fully, “let me go first.”

He licked at his dry lips. “Okay.”

She swallowed around the lump in her throat, then just blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”

His jaw dropped, and he blinked rapidly, and stammered, “Wh-what?” It was pretty much the reaction she had been expecting. They were only seventeen, after all. She would be eighteen by the time the baby came, but still.

She told him as much, fingers going to fiddle with her hair again. “I don’t know how old you’ll be. You’ve never told me your birthday. Because if you’re wondering, I’m not getting rid of it. I mean, I’m not saying I’ll keep it and be a mom, I haven’t figured that part out yet, but I’m having it. And I can’t make you stick around, I know that -”

“What?”

His eyes flashed, and Emma gulped. Was he mad? She should have considered that he would be mad.

“I’m pregnant.”

“No, I heard that. I’m talking about the last thing you said.”

Emma choked out a tiny nervous laugh. “I was sort of rambling, so I’m not sure.”

His voice was low. “You said I didn’t have to stick around. Do you really think I would just leave you like that?”

Tears pricked at her eyes at the intense look on his face. She scooted up in her seat. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, to be honest. This is a lot to take in.”

HIs face softened, and her heart stopped its ping pong motion in her chest. He reached out and took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Expect me to always, always be by your side. I love you, Emma.”

She let out a small gasp, and now her heart was fluttering like a thousand butterflies had invaded her chest. “I love you too.”

Emma was never quite sure what happened next. A bright light blinded them. Glass shattered, tires squealed, and someone was screaming. Maybe it was her? There was pain, and blood, and . . . where was Killian? She tried to reach for him, but she couldn’t move. Then she was spinning and falling, and then there was nothing.

She woke up to a beeping sound, and a sterile smell, and the fuzzy outline of someone next to the bed. When her vision cleared, she was surprised at the smiling face bending over her.

“Sarah?”

The woman reached out and laid a cool hand to Emma’s forehead, brushing tendrils of hair back. Though part of her wanted to hold onto the reasons that she had run away from her foster mother three years ago, another part of her relished her motherly touch.

“You had no identification, sweetheart, but they found a slip of paper in your pocket with my number on it. So they called me.”

Emma managed a nod, realizing suddenly how much she hurt all over. She always felt silly for keeping that phone number, but she had never been able to bring herself to throw it out. If she were completely honest, she was relieved that Sarah was here.

“Can I see Killian?”

“The boy driving the car?”

Emma frowned. Sarah’s hand had stilled, and her voice had a strange edge to it.

“Yes, he’s my boyfriend. Can I see him? Is he okay?”

“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. He . . . he didn’t make it.”

“No!” Emma cried, struggling to sit up. She had stitches in several places that pulled, a cast on her leg and an IV in her arm, but the pain of moving was nothing compared to the knife in her heart. “That can’t be right! I . . . I don’t believe it! I won’t believe it until you let me see him!”

“Sweetheart, please calm down,” Sarah soothed, pressing gently on her shoulders.

Emma shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Take me to see him. I want to . . . “ she choked out the next words, “say goodbye.” And prove to herself that he was really gone, because it just didn’t make sense. He couldn’t be, not after they had saved each other on the bridge. It wouldn’t be fair.

“I’m so, so sorry, Emma. You can’t -”

‘What do you mean I can’t?” she was getting frantic now.

Sarah’s face was tortured. “He was pinned behind the steering wheel, and they were having a hard time getting him out . . . there was an explosion. There . . . there’s nothing left. I’m sorry.”

The sob that tore out of Emma then threatened to break her heart in two.

Well he’s on the table and he’s gone to code and I do not think anyone knows what they’re doing here. And your friends have left you, you’ve been dismissed. I never thought it would come to this, and I, I want you to know, everyone’s got to face down the demons. Maybe you could put the past away.

Sarah approached the bed on soft steps, but Emma stayed curled up on the bed, her back to her foster mother. The woman eased onto the bed, then reached out with a gentle hand to Emma’s shoulder blade.

“Sweetheart, you need to try and eat something.”

Emma wiped at the ever-present tears of grief leaking from her eyes. “I’m not hungry. I told you, I’m sick.”

“I know you aren’t sick, Emma,” Sarah told her gently.

Emma bit her lower lip. Sarah couldn’t possibly know. Emma had aged out of the system by now; Sarah had taken her in out of the goodness of her heart, but she wasn’t her legal guardian. The hospital had taken a pregnancy test, but they couldn’t give those results to anyone but Emma.

“Sick, depressed, whatever,” Emma mumbled, “just go away and leave me alone.”

Sarah stroked her hair. “I can make an appointment with a clinic, honey, if you want me to.”

Emma rolled over then, anger rising to the surface. “I’m keeping it!” she snapped.

Sarah nodded calmly. “Okay. Well, when the time comes, I can help you call some agencies -”

“I mean,” Emma clarified through clenched teeth, “I’m keeping it. As in, forever.”

Sarah cupped her cheek. “Are you sure?”

Emma laid a protective hand over her womb. “He’s all I have of him. No one’s taking that away from me.”

She knew the baby was a boy from the very beginning, and she prayed he would look just like his father. When she looked into those familiar blue eyes and ran a hand over his jet-black baby fuzz, she wept with joy. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she named him Henry. It just felt right.

********************************************************

Emma toed her heels off the minute she came through the door. She couldn’t wait to get this honey-trap dress off. Especially since the asshole had spilled wine all over the front of it. She frowned at the quiet and darkness that greeted her in the apartment. She was just about to call out, when -

“Surprise!”

Emma shook her head and laughed as Henry and Sarah popped out from behind the kitchen island. Sarah had a plate with a cupcake on it, a birthday candle flickering in the middle of the pink icing.

“Did we surprise you, Mom?” Henry asked with a toothy grin.

“You sure did,” she assured him, tousling his messy dark hair. Killian’s eyes stared back at her in a face that was a perfect mixture of each of Henry’s parents. It still made her heart constrict to see the resemblance, though the pain had eased over the years. But no matter how many years passed, she knew no one would ever love her the way Killian had.

“Make a wish, sweetie,” Sarah said.

Emma made a big show of resting her chin on the kitchen island and quirking her brow as she thought of a good wish. Then she closed her eyes and blew out the candle. Sarah and Henry cheered. Little did they know she hadn’t wished for anything. The only thing she needed was right here in this room, and the only thing she wanted was gone and could never come home again.

They settled down at the table with their cupcakes, and Emma realized that Sarah seemed nervous for some reason. She fiddled with her cupcake, not even taking a bite, even though double chocolate fudge was her favorite.

“Emma,” she finally said slowly, “this is a very special birthday.”

Emma licked icing off her finger. “Oh no, don’t start in on the whole pushing thirty thing.”

“No,” Sarah said with a slightly awkward laugh, “it’s . . . meaningful, and well, there’s something I need to tell you. And I guess the best way to start is, Once Upon a Time . . . “

*******************************************************

The tale that Sarah wove was a difficult one to believe, to say the least, and it was only the dedication and support her foster mother had given her all those years of raising Henry that made her get in the car and head for a little quirky town called Storybrooke, Maine. That and Henry’s enthusiasm and whole hearted belief. She hadn’t been to Maine since the accident, and going back wasn’t easy.

It wasn’t easy accepting these people - David and Mary Margaret? Prince Charming and Snow White? - as her parents, either. Neither was it easy wrapping her mind around a town filled with fairy tale characters. And how in the world was she supposed to break a curse? True love’s kiss? Her whole world was wrapped up in her son, and . . .

Oh.

Her son was in a hospital room, coding, and then the next minute a rainbow was rippling across town. “I knew you could do it, Mom!” he beamed, like he hadn’t just died on her.

Then there was a purple cloud of freakin’ magic, and wraiths of all things, then she was falling through a damn portal. This woman, a woman her own age, was trying to mother her, and she was camping out with Mulan and Sleeping Beauty, and what even had become of her life? She didn’t think things could get any weirder.

Then there were piles of corpses with holes in their chests, and a hand reaching out, and Aurora yelling about someone being alive in there. And the man squinted, and looked up, and his eyes were blue like forget-me-nots and of a profound melancholy.

“Killian?” she breathed.

The color seemed to drain from his face, a face that was so much older, and full of so much more pain. Much like hers, she imagined.

She’d know that face anywhere, regardless of time.

“Emma?” he exclaimed, the tiniest of smiles lifting the corner of his mouth.

“You know this man?” her mother asked.

“Yes. He’s Henry’s father.”

The angry boy a bit too insane icing over a secret pain. You know you don’t belong. You’re the first to fight. You’re way too loud. You’re the flash of light on a burial shroud. I know something’s wrong. Well everyone I know has got a reason to say “put the past away.”

[ultinath]

Collaborative Writing: the Grant

This piece of erotica was written together with @Minddiver in one session. Collaborative smut writing can be a great way of having a scene with a long distance partner. I heartily recommend it.

The office is much larger than most others in the building. The tall, L-shaped desk is clean, save for the pile of books next to the computer's keyboard, and the stack of files in the tray on the corner of the desk. Ms Swan leans back in her desk chair, warming her hands on a cup of coffee she poured from her own little machine on top of the filing cabinet in the corner. The jacket of her pinstripe suit is hanging open and the top button of her blouse is undone. She seems to be lost in a private moment of relaxation, when there's a knock on the door. With one click of the mouse, she calls up her schedule on the computer screen, and she smiles.

"Come in, Mr Cera." She puts down the coffee to get up and shake his hand. With a piercing look, she takes in his frame, a blue shirt and dark green tie, hiding behind a gray sweater vest.

Mr Cera takes her hand and gives it a nervous shake. His brown eyes alternate between trying to maintain contact with hers and flitting about the office. He keeps his eyes above her shoulder-level, though, studiously avoiding anywhere below her neck line. “Y-you wanted to see me, Ms Swan?” He stumbles a bit over the sentence and his hand retreats to clasp the other behind his back.

"Take a seat." She gestures to one of the straight-backed chairs facing her desk. "I believe you have a project you wanted to tell me about? I briefly read the file you sent, but talk me through it."

Mr Cera takes a seat. The back of the chair seems to come up just past the top of his head, and he tries to adjust his posture to sit a bit straighter. He eyes the coffee urn, but does not ask for a cup. “Ah! Yes! The grant application. Well, let me see…” He wrings his hands as he gathers his thoughts.

Ms Swan leans on the edge of her desk, her high heels almost touching Mr Cera's ankles. She stares intently at him, with a hint of a smile at the edge of her lips. His lips gently mirror her smile, even as his back presses into the chair a bit more firmly. He could swear he smells a floral scent.

“...I mean, I’ve been doing some looking over our instrument inventory and I’m realizing that some of our percussion instruments are getting to be in need of repair or replacement. I’d… er… I’d like to be able to use our normal repair… sorry, our capital budget, but a few of the mallet instrument frames would need an overhaul that would be more than what we have left.” He stops for a minute, then remembers something. “I was actually hoping to use the capital budget to get a new English horn, anyway…”

Ms Swan nods and raises an eyebrow. "An English horn?" She leans in until her face is level with his. "What instruments do you play, Mr Cera?"

“I-I mean, I have to be able to at least play a scale or two on anything I teach in band class…” His breath has quickens, and he pauses for a second. “...but if you mean my primary...I originally played clarinet and some saxophone…”

Ms Swan is staring at his hands now. There is a soft chuckle as she catches herself, and then she rises to walk to the coffee machine. "Can I pour you a cup? The machine down the hall is dreadful, so I always bring my own."

“Oh! That would be lovely, thank you! I generally just bring some teabags with me to microwave the mug with…” He stops, brow furrowed, as if trying parse what he just said. “I mean, yes, thank you.”

"Microwaved tea?" Her eyebrow raises again.

Mr Cera makes a sheepish attempt at a grin. “It’s not great, but it keeps my throat open… makes it easier to play, and to speak to the class…”

With a steaming cup in hand, Ms Swan returns. There is that smile again as she hands the cup to him. Their fingers touch ever so briefly as he reaches up to take it.

"I know it's cliché, but I can't get anything done before I've had a real cup of coffee." She sighs, and her blouse seems a little tight for just a moment. "But then, no one is waiting to hear me speak or play." She picks up her own cup and downs it in the awkward silence.

Mr Cera blows carefully on the coffee and takes a sip. It's espresso strength and bitter. He almost jumps at the heavy aroma, but then his shoulders relax as the warmth passes over his tongue. “I’m sure people like to hear you speak…” His eyes widen and and he quickly takes another sip. “This is really good, by the way!”

She chuckles again. "It's true. Some people seem to enjoy it when I speak." Her voice drops to a lower, softer sound than her previous business tone. "Sometimes, when I speak, people find it easy to relax and listen. And it's such a pleasure to talk to people who truly listen, I find. I do enjoy watching others relax when I speak. So relax, Mr Cera. There is no reason for us to rush. This is a quiet place where you can relax." She leans on the desk, watching him closely.

Mr Cera blushes. He wants to blurt out that he has a hard time relaxing around people in authority. On one hand, Ms Swan seems friendly and open, like she would understand. And yet, that would mean he wasn’t relaxing. He takes another sip of coffee and considers this while breathing its aroma in a little more slowly. It would make a good impression if he relaxed, spoke a bit more slowly, after all…

"Sometimes…" Her voice sounds dreamy as she continues. "I just sit here, staring at the coffee in my cup. The way it swirls when I've stirred in some sugar. The way the light in the room is reflected on the black surface. The tiny bubbles on the surface. I can just get lost in little moments like that, and it's ok to let your mind wander for a bit. Just relax."

“...you must really like coffee…” Mr Cera hears his own voice murmur. Did he really just say that? Normally he would feel horrified to have blurted out such a response. But before he could think any harder about it, his attention was back on the smell of the coffee. He looked into the mug. Was it swirling? It had been still when he last looked at it...

"It's just a bit of mindfulness, really." Ms Swan smiles warmly now. She stretches and leans back, her jacket opening further and the buttons of her blouse stressing under the pressure of her bosom. "We live in such a rushed world, it feels good to take a moment for yourself, doesn't it?"

Mr Cera’s cheeks grow warmer. The caffeine must be getting to him, he thinks… This is noticeably stronger than what he usually drinks. He catches his eyes on her blouse, and he could swear he saw a nipple pointing through the fabric… His eyes dart back to the remaining liquid in the mug.

"What do you think your chances are of getting the grant you want?" She folds her hands in her lap and makes piercing eye-contact.

Mr Cera jerks back into an upright position and blinks a few times. After a slightly prolonged pull from the coffee mug, he meets her eyes. “I would say there’s a pretty good shot. I have photographs of the frames I would like to see repaired, estimates of how much it would cost, and I haven’t applied for this particular grant in a while. The...er ...last time…”

Ms Swan rises to her feet and stands right in front of Mr Cera. She stares down at him and asks: "Why do you need me?"

Mr Cera buries his eyes back into his mug. “I suppose I just wanted to make sure you were in the loop…” He tries not to think about her severe features in profile from across the hall, and the surprising warmth that shone through when she greeted him and his colleagues at the beginning of each new year...

Her hand reaches out to touch his chin and guide it up until he's facing her again. "Oh, Mr Cera…" She sighs and smiles. "Are you afraid of me?"

“Just a bit shy…” His voice cracks. He had wanted to deny it, to make up some excuse, but her eyes seem to be looking past his and reading the very center of his mind. To tell anything other than the truth would be pointless.

Her hand on his chin inches down to his throat as she moves closer, their legs touching now. She can hear a slight gasp as she grazes his adam’s apple. "Wise man…" She smiles and licks her lips. "It seems like you could use a little mindfulness right now…"

He can only nod in assent.

She releases him from her grip and takes the coffee mug from him. She turns to place it on the desk and stands still with her back turned to him.

He sits, frozen to the chair. His eyes are wide and longing, locked to where hers had been. He gasps a faint: “...please?”

"Do you know why I wanted to talk to you?" She slowly turns and holds out her hand to him. "What's your first name?"

His eyes flit between her hand and her gaze for a second, unsure. He meekly reaches up and places his hand in hers. “...Bill…”

Her fingers curl around his hand, soft and smooth, just like her eyes and her smile. "Do you know why I wanted to talk to you, Bill?" She licks her lips again.

“...not really sure…” His eyes are half on her lips, now, still filled with longing.

She caresses his hand in slow swirling motions, as she stares at his face. Her lips are parted, but she shows no indication that she'll speak again. Just the soft caresses over his hand, in languid swishing motions. As she stares, she can see his shoulders once again beginning to droop. His eyes begin to seem more far away, still pointed towards her, but out of focus. His breathing begins to slow until each shallow breath matches the speed of her hand over his.

When she finally speaks, her voice is but a whisper. "You want this grant, don't you?"

Want this what? His thoughts blur for a moment, but he knows the answer he should give. “....yes…”

"And you need my help?" She sways a little, in time with her stroking of his hand.

“...please…”

"You… need… me?" She blinks and sways and waits for his answer.

His eyes blink with hers. “I need you...Ms Swan…” His entire frame seems to sigh with relief as the words whisper through his lips.

Suddenly, she steps up close to him and lets go of his hand, watching it drop down against her leg. He slumps over towards her. With a sharp intake of breath, she puts her arms around him. "Relax for me, Bill. Just take a little moment of mindlessness for yourself."

There had been doubt. There had been uncertainty. There had been disbelief. Now there is only warmth, softness, the feeling of safety, and the scent of flowers...and coffee…

She caresses his hair, trying to contain her excitement at having finally caught him. Carefully continuing that languid rhythm with her stroking and swaying, her mind races to find the words she wants to say. "You need me. You have always known this, Bill. I have seen you watch me. I have watched you work long hours here, and we both know…" She sighs…

"We both want…" Her hands stop to lift his head up to look at her, but his eyes are closed. She lifts him up towards her out of the chair so he can feel her breath on his eyelids. "What do you want?"

She sees his mouth try to move, but no words come out. Instead, he gently leans toward her and places his lips to hers. What starts as a tentative motion melts into a deep, long kiss, and then his head is on her shoulder, eyes still closed. She feels a tear touch her neck.

Unable to contain herself much longer, her hands start to grope under his sweater, as she pulls him up into a tight embrace. She moans: "I want you. I have wanted you for so long."

@ellaenchanting

[bestmechanicaustin]

Best Bike Light Assembly Service and Cost in Austin TX |Mobile Auto Truck Repair Austin

more information is at : https://mobileautotruckrepairaustintx.com/bike-light-assembly-near-me/

Bike Light Assembly Service near Austin TX: Are you looking for the Best Bike Light Assembly Service near Austin TX ? Mobile Auto Truck Repair Austin, it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement. Cost? Free estimates! Send us a message or call us today. Best Bike Light Assembly  Service around Austin TX. We serve Austin TX and other areas. Get a Free Quote Now!

BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN AUSTIN TX AUSTIN BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Bike Light Assembly Bike Light Assembly Service near Austin TX: Bicycling is a convenient, healthy, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around Mobile Auto Truck Repair Austin. Whether you're a lifelong cycling commuter, a weekend recreational rider, or have never been on a bike in your life but are excited to get out there, there are important tips to be aware before you ride. These web pages provide information on how to get a bike, how to ride safely, how to prevent bike theft and more!

How to Install a Assemble Bike Light If you plan to use your bicycle at night, a good bike light is an absolute necessity. There are many locations in which bike lights are required by the law. Nonetheless, you may be unsure of how exactly to install a new bike light when you purchase one. If this is the case, what follows should give you everything you need to know. Step 1 - Deciding on Placement First, you should decide where you are going to put your new bike light. Ideally, you should have a bike light for both the front and back of your bicycle to maximize your visibility while driving at night. If you have a bike light installed in only one of these locations, opt to add another light. In addition to deciding whether to attach your new bike light to the front or back of your bicycle, you will have to decide the exact location to attach your bike light to. Part of this will depend on the exact model of bike light you buy. Some will be designed to clip to a particular location, while others will be more generic. However, if you are attaching your bike light to the front of your bicycle, the center of the handlebars is a great place to do it. There are many reasons to opt to place it lower. For example, the space may already be taken up by a reflector. On the rear of the bicycle your options are more limited; you have almost no choices but to attach it directly below the seat. Step 2 - Installing Batteries More likely than not, your new bike light will come with a button cell type battery already installed and ready to go. However, this may not be the case. If so, get out your screwdriver and remove the screws holding the battery case shut. Chances are, you will see a space for a button cell battery, which you should insert. Nonetheless, other types are also possible. Use your screwdriver to replace the cover and continue. Step 3 - Attaching Exactly how you attach your bike light will vary, based on your individual model. Most will involve tightening a clip until it fits snugly. Clip the bike light onto its new location and snap the clip shut. Next, tighten whatever mechanism controls the clip. Step 4 - Adjusting Most bike lights will allow you to adjust them up and down to make them more visible and useful in lighting your path. You should take a minute to turn on your light and adjust the direction it points. Otherwise, you may find that your bike light does not actually illuminate anything for you the next time you use your bike at night.

A Guide to Lights on Your Bike - How to See and Be Seen Bike Light Assembly Service near Austin TX: Statistically speaking, between 40-60 percent of injuries and fatalities from bicycle/vehicle collisions occur during the hours of darkness. This is due to two factors. First, during the evening and overnight hours, a significantly greater portion of both cyclists and drivers are intoxicated than you'd find during the day. The second factor (and the one that we're going to address with this article) is the difficulty that motorists have in seeing cyclists. I suppose you could promise yourself that you'll only ride during daylight hours. But the fact is, for many bike commuters, riding in darkness is a fact of life, particularly during the winter when the daylight hours are so much shorter. Plus, you'd also miss out on a lot of fun riding opportunities, including a number of crazy and fun bike events. So, we're going to look at how you can light yourself up effectively -- in a way that is both effective in terms of increasing your visibility to motorists and at the same time going fairly easy on your pocketbook. Front Light on Your Handlebar A basic item that you really need to have if you are riding in darkness. is a handlebar-mounted headlight. In most cases, these are intended simply to make you more visible to others, as opposed to illuminating your path. Having a strobe option (like many lights do) is always a nice idea since I'm convinced that a flashing light is more noticeable to drivers than a solid beam. Plus it's easier on batteries and doesn't get lost in the glare of other headlights. Additionally, for simplicity in your life, consider getting a headlight paired with a dynamo that provides it with juice. With one of those, you never have to worry about batteries since the light is powered solely by your bike's motion. Things to consider in assessing headlights: ● What type of battery does it use? ● Are the batteries rechargeable? ● How many hours of run time does the light have before draining the batteries? Halogen and LED bulbs are both good choices for delivering strong, bright light. Expect to pay $25 and up for lights that allow you to be seen by drivers; more ($100+) for stronger lights to help you see, i.e., strong illumination for your path as you go down the road. The NiteRider MiNewt Pro 750 is a good example of this type of light. Front Light on Your Helmet For additional visibility, a real plus is to wear a helmet-mounted light. These are good since on your head they sit up higher, lifted up above much of the automobile traffic, making it less likely to get lost in the stream of car headlights. Plus, since a helmet-mounted light points in the direction that you look, it's effective at grabbing drivers' attention with the bright beam pointing directly at them as you approach. Rear Light on Your Bike By law, riding after dark not only do you need a white light on the front, but you also need a rear red light on your bike as well. Though most lights have a solid red setting, I prefer a blinking red light as a more effective way to make yourself visible as people approach from behind. Depending on how your bike is set up, you can mount the red light on a fender, on your seat post or on your rack or trunk bag. Most tail lights run on either one or two AA batteries, and last for several hundred hours. Like a front white light mounted on your helmet, attaching a red blinking light to the back is another good idea. It's an easy way to keep you safer, and the lights generally clip on to the helmet pretty easily. The light is lifted up higher, again making you more visible to motorists. If you can't find a way to clip the light on your helmet, attaching it to the collar of your jacket or on a backpack or messenger bag will achieve the same result. Reflective Vest or Jacket As a bonus tip, beyond just lights, if you really want to be seen, you want to get yourself the brightest colored reflective vest or jacket you can find. Though it may feel just a touch dorky the first time you wear it, your goal is to be as visible to motorists as possible. A bonus is that when you're not riding, you can also wear these vests to direct traffic, go deer hunting or just pick up trash alongside the road. When you combine that with a reflective strap worn around your ankle or calf, you're really jamming. The strap is designed to pick up lights from headlights, and the fact that it's moving up and down when you pedal makes it that much more visible to others.

TIPS Batteries Bike Light Assembly Service near Austin TX:The days of disposable battery bike lights are now nearly gone….there are a few cheap versions still available but they’re really not worth it. The one exception to this is the tiny blinky lights that can be used as a back-up to your main system. These lights run on watch-type batteries (CR2032 are the most common size), and they can run for many hundreds of hours with acceptable levels of light for such tiny units. Front lights Front lights need to be chosen carefully and take into account the sort of night time riding you're going to be doing. If you're only going to ride in urban areas, your main consideration is to 'be seen' by other road users. If you're going to be riding on unlit roads and paths then you will want a light that will help you to 'see'  you'll want a unit that is bright enough to show the potholes on the roads before your wheel disappears into one. You'll also want to see corners before you reach them! Rear bicycle lights However, there have been a few technological developments starting to arrive which are interesting. ● Some dynamo rear lights can sense when you're braking and increase the brightness of the light accordingly. This, like a lot of 'improvements' is more likely to make the rider 'feel' safer than actually make much difference to the actions of the car behind. But ultimately, anything that draws the eye of another road user should be seen as a positive. Dynamo and dynamo-derived rear lamps invariably conform with German regulations, so they tick the legal approval box and incorporate the retro-reflector you also need by law. But German regulations don’t allow flashing, so they won’t do that. ● Cateye and Exposure have a similar sensing function available in a USB rechargeable rear-light. Theirs too will get brighter when you slow down for a junction. ● Garmin has developed a rear light which includes a radar to warn the rider by way of a handlebar mounted display of a vehicle approaching from the rear. The light itself, when paired with a Garmin computer also adjusts its brightness depending on the available light. It is worth bearing in mind that only bicycles are allowed to show a flashing red light to the rear, so it is a great differentiator for drivers eyes in difficult conditions; they won't mistake you for something faster. So it makes sense always to show a flashing rear light even if you have one with a solid beam as well. The combination also makes it easier for the driver to pinpoint your position.

COST Cost of bicycle lights Assembly Bike Light Assembly Service near Austin TX: Bike lights in our test range from $25 to $150. It’s surprisingly easy and really cheap. I did mine for around $60. If you ride at night, this will make your bicycle more safe and better looking. If you are into photography like us here at Stimulight the Night. Your bike will become the ultimate light painting tool. What to look for when buying bike lights When it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement are also important. Here are a few other things to consider: ● USB rechargeable batteries eliminate the need to charge or replace removable batteries. They generally have a shorter battery life, but lights are easier to remove and charge regularly. ● Bike lights with multiple LEDs are usually brightest, but a single LED can still be very bright if it has a good reflector. ● Check the light is clearly visible from the side or at an angle. ● Ensure that the light mounting brackets fit your bike. ● If batteries are required they should be easily obtainable ones See and be seen The more visible you are, the safer you'll be on the road. As a general rule: ● check your lights regularly. If they're looking dim, it's time to replace or recharge ● carry a backup set of lights ● wear light-colored or reflective clothing (or a reflective strip or vest) ● mount your lights at handlebar height, so you're more visible. Lights too bright High-powered LED lights are great if you're riding on an unlit path, however, their bright beam can blind other riders and drivers. If you want to use a high-powered light for riding on lit roads, ensure it's pointed at the ground a few metres in front of the front wheel. Another option is to mount a second light that's less bright to switch to when riding on a lit road or track. Bike lights and the law When you ride your bicycle at night or in low-visibility conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, the Austin TX Road Rules (the basis for state and territory laws) require that you have: ● a white light at the front ● a red light at rear ● a red rear reflector. The lights, whether steady or flashing, must be visible for at least 200m. Ideally, they should also be visible 50m from the side. The red rear reflector should be able to be seen 50m from the rear when light is projected onto it by a vehicle's headlight at low beam. Don't worry, you won't need to test these things yourself; pretty much all bike lights on the market have this level of visibility.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where should I put my bike lights? With the more technical consideration out of the way, it is time to look at the practical matter of where the lights should actually go to have a maximum impact. Of course, this will depend on your unique bike but, in general, you’ll want a rear-facing light on your bike’s seat post and a front light situated in the middle of your handlebars. In addition, many saddlebags, backpacks, pannier bags and pannier racks have loops for attaching rear lights, take advantage of this feature and attach another flasher for maximum visibility.

How many lights do I need? Regulations vary from place to place but you’ll be off to a good start if you have at least the following: ● A prominent front handlebar light, emitting white light. ● A rear light that emits red light, positioned between 35 cm and 150 cm from the ground. ● A red, rear reflector positioned between 23 cm and 90 cm from the ground. ● An amber reflector on each pedal, positioned so that one is visible to the front and rear of the bike. Keep in mind this is the really the minimum you need to meet regulations and you’d do well to add in a few extras to maximize your safety.

Do I need to use lights during the day? Glad you asked! The answer is yes. Despite the misguided belief that most accidents occur at night; it has actually been reported that eight out of ten cycling accidents occur while the sun is high in the sky. A recent study from Denmark concluded that the number one thing cyclists can do to keep themselves safe is be sure always to use lights during the day.

Is there such a thing as too much light? According to regulations in most places – no. But there is a fine line between making yourself highly visible and creating a hazard by blinding other road users with your dazzling light display. In the same way that you wouldn’t cruise around town with your car lights going full beam, you don’t need to illuminate the night sky with your bike lights. The majority of lights have a variety of modes, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the setting and select something appropriate to the lighting condition you’re riding in.

Should I buy rechargeable lights? Most of the bike lights you’ll find on the market today are conveniently outfitted with a USB interface for recharging. This is super handy and means that you can charge up your bike lights on your computer while you work or plug them into the wall the night before a ride. Rechargeable lights are handy and better for the environment, so there’s really no reason to opt for anything else.

How are the lights attached to the bicycles? The mini LED bike lights are attached using a small elastic band that wraps around the handle bars or the frame or the carrier.

What is the delivery time for the bicycle lights? The default delivery time is 30 days. If requested, it may be possible to shorten this time to one to two weeks. To request a shorter delivery time,

Call For Us: ● Bike Light Assembly Service Near Austin TX ● Bike Brake Light Flasher ● Bike Back Light Modified ● Tail Light For Cycle ● Bike Back Light Price ● Bike Brake Light Price ● Led Tail Lights For Bikes ● Motorcycle Tail Light ● Bike Tail Light With Indicator Near Austin TX ● Cycle Light ● Bike Led Lights Price ● Bike Led Light Fitting ● Led Tail Lights For Bikes ● Bike Brake Light Price ● Bike Back Light Modified ● Bike Back Light Price ● Led Fog Light For Bike Near Austin TX

BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN AUSTIN TX MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR AUSTIN REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. CONTACT US NOW! Contact Details Mobile Auto Truck Repair Austin Best Mobile Mechanic & Mobile Auto Truck Repair in Austin Texas Call US: (512) 649-5322 Location: Texas, Austin

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Zip Codes in Austin, Texas: 76527 (Florence) 76530 (Granger) 76537 (Jarrell) 76573 (Schwertner) 76574 (Taylor) 76578 (Thrall) 78602 (Bastrop) 78610 (Buda) 78612 (Cedar Creek) 78613 (Cedar Park) 78615 (Coupland) 78616 (Dale) 78617 (Del Valle) 78619 (Driftwood) 78620 (Dripping Springs) 78621 (Elgin) 78622 (Fentress) 78626 (Georgetown) 78628 (Georgetown) 78633 (Georgetown) 78634 (Hutto) 78640 (Kyle) 78641 (Leander) 78642 (Liberty Hill) 78644 (Lockhart) 78645 (Lago Vista) 78648 (Luling) 78650 (Mc Dade) 78652 (Manchaca) 78653 (Manor) 78655 (Martindale) 78656 (Maxwell) 78659 (Paige) 78660 (Pflugerville) 78661 (Prairie Lea) 78662 (Red Rock) 78664 (Round Rock) 78665 (Round Rock) 78666 (San Marcos) 78669 (Spicewood) 78676 (Wimberley) 78681 (Round Rock) 78701 | 78702 | 78703 | 78704 | 78705 | 78712 | 78717 | 78719 | 78721 | 78722 | 78723 | 78724 | 78725 (Hornsby Bend) 78726 | 78727 | 78728 (Wells Branch) 78729 (Jollyville) 78730 | 78731 | 78732 | 78733 | 78734 (Lakeway) 78735 | 78736 | 78737 | 78738 (Bee Cave) 78739 | 78741 | 78742 | 78744 | 78745 | 78746 | 78747 | 78748 | 78749 | 78750 | 78751 | 78752 | 78753 | 78754 | 78756 | 78757 | 78758 | 78759 | 78953 (Rosanky) 78957 (Smithville)

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[mechanicswichita]

Best Bike Light Assembly Service and Cost in Wichita KS |A1 Mobile Mechanics Of Wichita

More Information is at: http://mobilemechanicwichitakansas.org/bike-light-assembly-near-me/

 Bike Light Assembly Service near Wichita KS: Are you looking for the BestBike Light Assembly Service near Wichita KS ? A1 Mobile Mechanics Of Wichita, it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement. Cost? Free estimates! Send us a message or call us today. Best Bike Light Assembly  Service around Wichita KS. We serve Wichita KSand other areas. Get a Free Quote Now!

 BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN WICHITA KS

WICHITABIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY

 Bike Light Assembly

Bike Light Assembly Service near Wichita KS: Bicycling is a convenient, healthy, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around A1 Mobile Mechanics Of Wichita. Whether you're a lifelong cycling commuter, a weekend recreational rider, or have never been on a bike in your life but are excited to get out there, there are important tips to be aware before you ride. These web pages provide information on how to get a bike, how to ride safely, how to prevent bike theft and more!

 How to Install a Assemble Bike Light

If you plan to use your bicycle at night, a good bike light is an absolute necessity. There are many locations in which bike lights are required by the law. Nonetheless, you may be unsure of how exactly to install a new bike light when you purchase one. If this is the case, what follows should give you everything you need to know.

Step 1 - Deciding on Placement

First, you should decide where you are going to put your new bike light. Ideally, you should have a bike light for both the front and back of your bicycle to maximize your visibility while driving at night. If you have a bike light installed in only one of these locations, opt to add another light.

In addition to deciding whether to attach your new bike light to the front or back of your bicycle, you will have to decide the exact location to attach your bike light to. Part of this will depend on the exact model of bike light you buy. Some will be designed to clip to a particular location, while others will be more generic. However, if you are attaching your bike light to the front of your bicycle, the center of the handlebars is a great place to do it. There are many reasons to opt to place it lower. For example, the space may already be taken up by a reflector. On the rear of the bicycle your options are more limited; you have almost no choices but to attach it directly below the seat.

Step 2 - Installing Batteries

More likely than not, your new bike light will come with a button cell type battery already installed and ready to go. However, this may not be the case. If so, get out your screwdriver and remove the screws holding the battery case shut. Chances are, you will see a space for a button cell battery, which you should insert. Nonetheless, other types are also possible. Use your screwdriver to replace the cover and continue.

Step 3 - Attaching

Exactly how you attach your bike light will vary, based on your individual model. Most will involve tightening a clip until it fits snugly. Clip the bike light onto its new location and snap the clip shut. Next, tighten whatever mechanism controls the clip.

Step 4 - Adjusting

Most bike lights will allow you to adjust them up and down to make them more visible and useful in lighting your path. You should take a minute to turn on your light and adjust the direction it points. Otherwise, you may find that your bike light does not actually illuminate anything for you the next time you use your bike at night.

 A Guide to Lights on Your Bike - How to See and Be Seen

Bike Light Assembly Service near Wichita KS: Statistically speaking, between 40-60 percent of injuries and fatalities from bicycle/vehicle collisions occur during the hours of darkness.

This is due to two factors. First, during the evening and overnight hours, a significantly greater portion of both cyclists and drivers are intoxicated than you'd find during the day. The second factor (and the one that we're going to address with this article) is the difficulty that motorists have in seeing cyclists.

I suppose you could promise yourself that you'll only ride during daylight hours. But the fact is, for many bike commuters, riding in darkness is a fact of life, particularly during the winter when the daylight hours are so much shorter. Plus, you'd also miss out on a lot of fun riding opportunities, including a number of crazy and fun bike events. So, we're going to look at how you can light yourself up effectively -- in a way that is both effective in terms of increasing your visibility to motorists and at the same time going fairly easy on your pocketbook.

Front Light on Your Handlebar

A basic item that you really need to have if you are riding in darkness. is a handlebar-mounted headlight. In most cases, these are intended simply to make you more visible to others, as opposed to illuminating your path. Having a strobe option (like many lights do) is always a nice idea since I'm convinced that a flashing light is more noticeable to drivers than a solid beam. Plus it's easier on batteries and doesn't get lost in the glare of other headlights. Additionally, for simplicity in your life, consider getting a headlight paired with a dynamo that provides it with juice. With one of those, you never have to worry about batteries since the light is powered solely by your bike's motion.

Things to consider in assessing headlights:

●      What type of battery does it use?

●      Are the batteries rechargeable?

●      How many hours of run time does the light have before draining the batteries?

Halogen and LED bulbs are both good choices for delivering strong, bright light. Expect to pay $25 and up for lights that allow you to be seen by drivers; more ($100+) for stronger lights to help you see, i.e., strong illumination for your path as you go down the road. The NiteRider MiNewt Pro 750 is a good example of this type of light.

Front Light on Your Helmet

For additional visibility, a real plus is to wear a helmet-mounted light. These are good since on your head they sit up higher, lifted up above much of the automobile traffic, making it less likely to get lost in the stream of car headlights. Plus, since a helmet-mounted light points in the direction that you look, it's effective at grabbing drivers' attention with the bright beam pointing directly at them as you approach.

Rear Light on Your Bike

By law, riding after dark not only do you need a white light on the front, but you also need a rear red light on your bike as well. Though most lights have a solid red setting, I prefer a blinking red light as a more effective way to make yourself visible as people approach from behind. Depending on how your bike is set up, you can mount the red light on a fender, on your seat post or on your rack or trunk bag. Most tail lights run on either one or two AA batteries, and last for several hundred hours.

Like a front white light mounted on your helmet, attaching a red blinking light to the back is another good idea. It's an easy way to keep you safer, and the lights generally clip on to the helmet pretty easily. The light is lifted up higher, again making you more visible to motorists. If you can't find a way to clip the light on your helmet, attaching it to the collar of your jacket or on a backpack or messenger bag will achieve the same result.

Reflective Vest or Jacket

As a bonus tip, beyond just lights, if you really want to be seen, you want to get yourself the brightest colored reflective vest or jacket you can find. Though it may feel just a touch dorky the first time you wear it, your goal is to be as visible to motorists as possible. A bonus is that when you're not riding, you can also wear these vests to direct traffic, go deer hunting or just pick up trash alongside the road.

When you combine that with a reflective strap worn around your ankle or calf, you're really jamming. The strap is designed to pick up lights from headlights, and the fact that it's moving up and down when you pedal makes it that much more visible to others.

 TIPS

Batteries

Bike Light Assembly Service near Wichita KS:The days of disposable battery bike lights are now nearly gone….there are a few cheap versions still available but they’re really not worth it. The one exception to this is the tiny blinky lights that can be used as a back-up to your main system. These lights run on watch-type batteries (CR2032 are the most common size), and they can run for many hundreds of hours with acceptable levels of light for such tiny units.

Front lights

Front lights need to be chosen carefully and take into account the sort of night time riding you're going to be doing. If you're only going to ride in urban areas, your main consideration is to 'be seen' by other road users. If you're going to be riding on unlit roads and paths then you will want a light that will help you to 'see'  you'll want a unit that is bright enough to show the potholes on the roads before your wheel disappears into one. You'll also want to see corners before you reach them!

Rear bicycle lights

However, there have been a few technological developments starting to arrive which are interesting.

●      Some dynamo rear lights can sense when you're braking and increase the brightness of the light accordingly. This, like a lot of 'improvements' is more likely to make the rider 'feel' safer than actually make much difference to the actions of the car behind. But ultimately, anything that draws the eye of another road user should be seen as a positive. Dynamo and dynamo-derived rear lamps invariably conform with German regulations, so they tick the legal approval box and incorporate the retro-reflector you also need by law. But German regulations don’t allow flashing, so they won’t do that.

●      Cateye and Exposure have a similar sensing function available in a USB rechargeable rear-light. Theirs too will get brighter when you slow down for a junction.

●      Garmin has developed a rear light which includes a radar to warn the rider by way of a handlebar mounted display of a vehicle approaching from the rear. The light itself, when paired with a Garmin computer also adjusts its brightness depending on the available light.

It is worth bearing in mind that only bicycles are allowed to show a flashing red light to the rear, so it is a great differentiator for drivers eyes in difficult conditions; they won't mistake you for something faster. So it makes sense always to show a flashing rear light even if you have one with a solid beam as well. The combination also makes it easier for the driver to pinpoint your position.

 COST

Cost of bicycle lights Assembly

Bike Light Assembly Service near Wichita KS: Bike lights in our test range from $25 to $150.

It’s surprisingly easy and really cheap. I did mine for around $60. If you ride at night, this will make your bicycle more safe and better looking. If you are into photography like us here at Stimulight the Night. Your bike will become the ultimate light painting tool.

What to look for when buying bike lights

When it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement are also important.

Here are a few other things to consider:

●      USB rechargeable batteries eliminate the need to charge or replace removable batteries. They generally have a shorter battery life, but lights are easier to remove and charge regularly.

●      Bike lights with multiple LEDs are usually brightest, but a single LED can still be very bright if it has a good reflector.

●      Check the light is clearly visible from the side or at an angle.

●      Ensure that the light mounting brackets fit your bike.

●      If batteries are required they should be easily obtainable ones

See and be seen

The more visible you are, the safer you'll be on the road. As a general rule:

●      check your lights regularly. If they're looking dim, it's time to replace or recharge

●      carry a backup set of lights

●      wear light-colored or reflective clothing (or a reflective strip or vest)

●      mount your lights at handlebar height, so you're more visible.

Lights too bright

High-powered LED lights are great if you're riding on an unlit path, however, their bright beam can blind other riders and drivers. If you want to use a high-powered light for riding on lit roads, ensure it's pointed at the ground a few metres in front of the front wheel. Another option is to mount a second light that's less bright to switch to when riding on a lit road or track.

Bike lights and the law

When you ride your bicycle at night or in low-visibility conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, the Wichita KS Road Rules (the basis for state and territory laws) require that you have:

●      a white light at the front

●      a red light at rear

●      a red rear reflector.

The lights, whether steady or flashing, must be visible for at least 200m. Ideally, they should also be visible 50m from the side. The red rear reflector should be able to be seen 50m from the rear when light is projected onto it by a vehicle's headlight at low beam.

Don't worry, you won't need to test these things yourself; pretty much all bike lights on the market have this level of visibility.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where should I put my bike lights?

With the more technical consideration out of the way, it is time to look at the practical matter of where the lights should actually go to have a maximum impact. Of course, this will depend on your unique bike but, in general, you’ll want a rear-facing light on your bike’s seat post and a front light situated in the middle of your handlebars. In addition, many saddlebags, backpacks, pannier bags and pannier racks have loops for attaching rear lights, take advantage of this feature and attach another flasher for maximum visibility.

 How many lights do I need?

Regulations vary from place to place but you’ll be off to a good start if you have at least the following:

●      A prominent front handlebar light, emitting white light.

●      A rear light that emits red light, positioned between 35 cm and 150 cm from the ground.

●      A red, rear reflector positioned between 23 cm and 90 cm from the ground.

●      An amber reflector on each pedal, positioned so that one is visible to the front and rear of the bike.

Keep in mind this is the really the minimum you need to meet regulations and you’d do well to add in a few extras to maximize your safety.

 Do I need to use lights during the day?

Glad you asked! The answer is yes. Despite the misguided belief that most accidents occur at night; it has actually been reported that eight out of ten cycling accidents occur while the sun is high in the sky. A recent study from Denmark concluded that the number one thing cyclists can do to keep themselves safe is be sure always to use lights during the day.

 Is there such a thing as too much light?

According to regulations in most places – no. But there is a fine line between making yourself highly visible and creating a hazard by blinding other road users with your dazzling light display. In the same way that you wouldn’t cruise around town with your car lights going full beam, you don’t need to illuminate the night sky with your bike lights. The majority of lights have a variety of modes, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the setting and select something appropriate to the lighting condition you’re riding in.

 Should I buy rechargeable lights?

Most of the bike lights you’ll find on the market today are conveniently outfitted with a USB interface for recharging. This is super handy and means that you can charge up your bike lights on your computer while you work or plug them into the wall the night before a ride. Rechargeable lights are handy and better for the environment, so there’s really no reason to opt for anything else.

 How are the lights attached to the bicycles?

The mini LED bike lights are attached using a small elastic band that wraps around the handle bars or the frame or the carrier.

 What is the delivery time for the bicycle lights?

The default delivery time is 30 days. If requested, it may be possible to shorten this time to one to two weeks. To request a shorter delivery time,

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 BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN WICHITA KS

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55 Cities within 30 miles of Wichita, KS:

Andale, KS | Andover, KS | Argonia, KS | Augusta, KS | Belle Plaine, KS | Bentley, KS | Benton, KS | Buhler, KS | Burns, KS | Burrton, KS | Cheney, KS | Clearwater, KS |Colwich, KS | Conway Springs, KS | Danville, KS | Derby, KS | Douglass, KS | Elbing, KS | Garden Plain, KS | Goddard, KS | Greenwich, KS | Halstead, KS | Harper, KS | Haven, KS | Haysville, KS | Hesston, KS | Hutchinson, KS | Kechi, KS | Maize, KS | Mayfield, KS | Mcconnell AFB, KS | Milan, KS | Milton, KS | Mount Hope, KS | Mulvane, KS | Murdock, KS | Newton, KS | North Newton, KS | Norwich, KS | Peck, KS | Potwin, KS | Pretty Prairie, KS | Rock, KS | Rose Hill, KS | Sedgwick, KS | South Hutchinson, KS | Towanda, KS | Udall, KS | Valley Center, KS | Viola, KS | Walton, KS | Wellington, KS | Whitewater, KS | Winfield, KS | Yoder, KS

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67001 – Andale | 67016 – Bentley | 67017 – Benton | 67020 – Burrton | 67025 – Cheney | 67026 – Clearwater | 67030 – Colwich | 67031 – Conway Springs | 67037 – Derby | 67039 – Douglass | 67050 – Garden Plain | 67052 – Goddard | 67055 – Greenwich | 67060 – Haysville | 67067 – Kechi | 67101 – Maize | 67106 – Milton | 67108 – Mt Hope | 67110 – Mulvane | 67118 – Norwich | 67120 – Peck | 67133 – Rose Hill | 67135 – Sedgwick | 67147 – Valley Center | 67149 – Viola | 672xx – Wichita | 67204 – Park City or Wichita | 67219 – Park City or Wichita | 67220 – Bel Aire or Wichita | 67221 – McConnell AFB | 67226 – Bel Aire or Wichita | 67543 – Haven

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[natasha-cole]

It’s Complicated

Pairing: Rob Benedict x Reader

Summary: It’s New Years; and you are reflecting on how much you really just can’t stand Rob Benedict.

Word Count: 1736

Warnings: excessive use of the words: hate and annoying. There might be some fluff here.

Note: A little oneshot for New Years.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how much I hate Rob.

You couldn’t stand him. No matter how often you had to be around him, no matter how much everyone else loved him; friends, fans, co-workers… you couldn’t bring yourself to get on their level. Your friends often asked why you disliked Rob so much. You never meant to make it obvious, but they saw it and you were certain Rob noticed as well.

“It’s complicated,” you’d say, not really able to offer a real explanation for your feelings toward him. You were never quite sure exactly what it was about him that had you on edge every time he was around, but you just figured he was one of the few people who actually managed to irritate you somehow.

It was New Year’s Eve; you were at Briana’s house, along with many of your friends for the annual New Year’s party. You were grateful that so many people were here, mostly because Rob was here, and you wanted to do all you could to avoid him. It was easy to do since there were so many other people to talk to who weren’t annoying.

You stood in a corner, chatting with Ruth and Matt. It was already getting close to midnight, and for some reason, your eyes kept wandering in Rob’s direction; who at this point was talking and laughing with another group of people. ‘God, he is so annoying,’ you thought to yourself. You frowned as you watched him smile, laughing hard at whatever little joke the group was engaged in. He really did look stupid tonight. You gave him a once-over, noting that he was wearing a pair of tight jeans, a white button up, and one of his stupid vests. It was nothing unusual for him, but he actually looked extra handsome tonight and the fact that you thought so disgusted you.

“Rob, Y/N,” Briana called out from the kitchen, “do you think the two of you can get along for a minute and go get more drinks from the garage?”

You rolled your eyes, irritated that she happened to lump you and Rob together in the drink retrieval party. If anyone knew how much you couldn’t stand Rob, it was her, and she was always managing to make sure that you were around him as much as possible for some reason.

You saw Rob glance over to you, seemingly terrified that he’d have to spend a few minutes with someone who hated his guts, but he obliged anyway; following you as you made your way down the hallway. You had to hand it to the man, even if he knew that you didn’t like him, he tried his hardest to get on your good side. He was always paying you compliments and helping you out when he could.

“Watch out for the mistletoe,” Briana shouted down the hallway with a laugh. You and Rob had made it about halfway when you both stopped and looked up. Sure enough, there hung the mistletoe, right above you and Rob.

“Who leaves mistletoe up after Christmas?” You mumbled, “That’s stupid, it’s New Year’s Eve, all of this is over now.”

“What? You don’t engage in the holiday traditions?” Rob asked. You took your eyes away from the ceiling, looking right at him as he stood a few inches from you; both of you caught directly under the mistletoe.

“Sure, I do…” you replied, suddenly feeling nervous, “but technically, the holidays are over.”

“New Year’s is a holiday,” he argued.

“Hardly.”

“I mean, I’m big on tradition. It’s kind of a big deal to me.”

“Mistletoe is a big deal to you?”

“Well, the tradition of it is anyway,” his eyes met yours again and he gave you a soft smile. You felt your heart race just then, unsure as to why just being this close to this man had you on edge. You assumed it was because you hated him so much.

“You do know that mistletoe is a parasitic plant, right? It’s also poisonous,” you explained, “Not exactly romantic.”

“Yeah, but it also represents love and friendship.”

“Thanks for the history lesson,” you mumbled.

“Why do you hate me so much?” He asked bluntly. You looked at him again, sort of thrown off by the almost sad look in those stupid blue eyes as he waited for your answer.

“Hate is a strong word,” you replied softly.

“Well, then why don’t like me?”

You stood there, dumbfounded. Despite the fact that you had spent so much time telling everyone that you found Rob be annoying and unbearable; you never thought that he’d confront you about it. The man was really shy and awkward, he seemed to avoid confrontation at any cost, yet here he was, calling you out on the fact that maybe you weren’t so nice to him.

“It’s not that I don’t like you…” you started, trying to find the right words, “You’re just really annoying.”

“How am I annoying?” He laughed.

You bit your lip, not sure if you should even say anything. You could easily tell him how you hated his stupid smile that made your stomach hurt every time you had to see it, or that you hated the way he laughed at stupid things. You could tell him that you thought he looked stupid when he wore that stupid brown leather jacket and that his jeans were almost too tight and in turn, sometimes made you stare at his ass when you really didn’t want to. You thought about telling him that you hated his music and you couldn’t stand to listen to his voice when he sang, especially when it was a love song because hearing his voice sing those songs in particular made your chest ache and you only assumed it was because he was so terrible at singing. And then there were those blue eyes, the one thing that you probably hated most about him. You could tell him that you couldn’t stand his eyes, especially the way they shined when he gave one of his annoying smiles; those adorable crinkles forming in the corners when something really made him happy. Wait, did you say adorable? You meant to say annoying.

“There’s just something about you,” was all you could manage to say.

“Well, I think I’m going to kiss you right now, even if you can’t stand me,” he said. “Because of tradition and all.” You waited, sort of shocked at his words as he moved closer to you.

“I’m going to hate it,” you breathed out.

“You’re not going to stop me?” He replied, raising his brow at you in a way that made your heart race. His stupid face always made your body react in weird ways, and you definitely hated him for it.

“Maybe if you’re kissing me then I won’t have to listen to you talk anymore, which might make me hate you less.”

He grinned at you, that stupid sly grin that he gave when he was about to do something adorable. Before you could protest, he had his lips on yours and you froze. Since you disliked him so much, you were slightly thrown off since kissing him wasn’t supposed to feel so… nice. Your heart began to race, your head dizzy, and your hands trembled as you inadvertently brought them up to his face. You let your fingers brush against his beard, maybe stopping to focus on that stupid gray patch that you absolutely hated before you snaked your arms around his neck, letting your hands card themselves through his hair, which you also found to be annoying given how adorably curly it was.

Before anything else could even register, you realized that the two of you were definitely making out. His tongue, that you definitely never thought about before, ever; was tasting yours as his hands gripped your waist. You could feel him pulling you as close to him as possible and all you could think about was the way his beard scratched your face, which was annoying; and how soft his lips felt against yours, also annoying.

You had all but forgotten that it was so close to midnight; until you could hear the background blur of the end of the countdown in the other room. 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… then the roar of cheering and shouts of Happy New Year ringing through the house. Yet, here you were, still entangled in Rob’s arms, his lips still working feverishly against yours.

You had ended one year kissing him, and started the next still kissing him. This wasn’t the way you had pictured your new year.

When the kiss ended; for some reason, Rob placed his forehead against yours, staring into your eyes with a grin on his face. You felt breathless, legs weak as you continued to keep your arms wrapped around his neck for support. You figured that you had had too much to drink and that was why you suddenly felt so woozy. The way you were feeling wasn’t because of Rob at all.

“You still hate me?” He asked.

“Definitely,” you replied, voice barely a whisper.

“We could sneak off to one of these rooms,” he said as he gripped your hips tightly. “You could hate me some more there if you want.”

“I would love that,” you replied with a loopy grin.

You let him take your hand and lead you into one of the vacant rooms where you made sure to lock the door behind you. You went right back to kissing him; something that was now beginning to feel amazingly annoying.

You didn’t object as his hands worked at removing your shirt; because your hands went immediately for his belt, undoing it so that you could get to undoing his jeans. Rob broke his lips from yours for a moment as things began to get heated.

“You have a weird way of showing how much you dislike me,” he said.

You considered this, sort of annoyed that he was even talking during all of this. Maybe you did have a strange way of expressing your dislike for him right now. It’s not that you necessarily hated him, it was more along the lines that you hated the way that he made you feel sometimes. You couldn’t tell him that though.

“It’s complicated,” you replied, pulling his face back to yours to shut him up with a kiss.

Tags: @destielschild @sorenmarie87 @smoothdogsgirl @kocswain @culturebay @itsfunnierin-enochian @typicalweirdbookworm @angelsandhuntersgalore @riversong-sam @emoryhemsworth @hunterpuff @camelotandastronauts @laffytaffyhumor @cyrilconnelly @jpadjackles @waywardswain @sirraxa @thewordsmithofhell @atc74 @shanghai88

[mobilemechanicsabq]

Best Bike Light Assembly Service and Cost in Albuquerque NM |Mobile Mechanics of Albuquerque

More information is at: http://mobilemechanicalbuquerque.org/bike-light-assembly-near-me/

Bike Light Assembly Service near Albuquerque NM: Are you looking for the Best Bike Light Assembly Service near Albuquerque NM ? Mobile Mechanics of Albuquerque, it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement. Cost? Free estimates! Send us a message or call us today. Best Bike Light Assembly  Service around Albuquerque NM. We serve Albuquerque NM and other areas. Get a Free Quote Now!

BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN ALBUQUERQUE NM ALBUQUERQUE BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Bike Light Assembly Bike Light Assembly Service near Albuquerque NM: Bicycling is a convenient, healthy, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around Mobile Mechanics of Albuquerque. Whether you're a lifelong cycling commuter, a weekend recreational rider, or have never been on a bike in your life but are excited to get out there, there are important tips to be aware before you ride. These web pages provide information on how to get a bike, how to ride safely, how to prevent bike theft and more!

How to Install a Assemble Bike Light If you plan to use your bicycle at night, a good bike light is an absolute necessity. There are many locations in which bike lights are required by the law. Nonetheless, you may be unsure of how exactly to install a new bike light when you purchase one. If this is the case, what follows should give you everything you need to know. Step 1 - Deciding on Placement First, you should decide where you are going to put your new bike light. Ideally, you should have a bike light for both the front and back of your bicycle to maximize your visibility while driving at night. If you have a bike light installed in only one of these locations, opt to add another light. In addition to deciding whether to attach your new bike light to the front or back of your bicycle, you will have to decide the exact location to attach your bike light to. Part of this will depend on the exact model of bike light you buy. Some will be designed to clip to a particular location, while others will be more generic. However, if you are attaching your bike light to the front of your bicycle, the center of the handlebars is a great place to do it. There are many reasons to opt to place it lower. For example, the space may already be taken up by a reflector. On the rear of the bicycle your options are more limited; you have almost no choices but to attach it directly below the seat. Step 2 - Installing Batteries More likely than not, your new bike light will come with a button cell type battery already installed and ready to go. However, this may not be the case. If so, get out your screwdriver and remove the screws holding the battery case shut. Chances are, you will see a space for a button cell battery, which you should insert. Nonetheless, other types are also possible. Use your screwdriver to replace the cover and continue. Step 3 - Attaching Exactly how you attach your bike light will vary, based on your individual model. Most will involve tightening a clip until it fits snugly. Clip the bike light onto its new location and snap the clip shut. Next, tighten whatever mechanism controls the clip. Step 4 - Adjusting Most bike lights will allow you to adjust them up and down to make them more visible and useful in lighting your path. You should take a minute to turn on your light and adjust the direction it points. Otherwise, you may find that your bike light does not actually illuminate anything for you the next time you use your bike at night.

A Guide to Lights on Your Bike - How to See and Be Seen Bike Light Assembly Service near Albuquerque NM: Statistically speaking, between 40-60 percent of injuries and fatalities from bicycle/vehicle collisions occur during the hours of darkness. This is due to two factors. First, during the evening and overnight hours, a significantly greater portion of both cyclists and drivers are intoxicated than you'd find during the day. The second factor (and the one that we're going to address with this article) is the difficulty that motorists have in seeing cyclists. I suppose you could promise yourself that you'll only ride during daylight hours. But the fact is, for many bike commuters, riding in darkness is a fact of life, particularly during the winter when the daylight hours are so much shorter. Plus, you'd also miss out on a lot of fun riding opportunities, including a number of crazy and fun bike events. So, we're going to look at how you can light yourself up effectively -- in a way that is both effective in terms of increasing your visibility to motorists and at the same time going fairly easy on your pocketbook. Front Light on Your Handlebar A basic item that you really need to have if you are riding in darkness. is a handlebar-mounted headlight. In most cases, these are intended simply to make you more visible to others, as opposed to illuminating your path. Having a strobe option (like many lights do) is always a nice idea since I'm convinced that a flashing light is more noticeable to drivers than a solid beam. Plus it's easier on batteries and doesn't get lost in the glare of other headlights. Additionally, for simplicity in your life, consider getting a headlight paired with a dynamo that provides it with juice. With one of those, you never have to worry about batteries since the light is powered solely by your bike's motion. Things to consider in assessing headlights: ● What type of battery does it use? ● Are the batteries rechargeable? ● How many hours of run time does the light have before draining the batteries? Halogen and LED bulbs are both good choices for delivering strong, bright light. Expect to pay $25 and up for lights that allow you to be seen by drivers; more ($100+) for stronger lights to help you see, i.e., strong illumination for your path as you go down the road. The NiteRider MiNewt Pro 750 is a good example of this type of light. Front Light on Your Helmet For additional visibility, a real plus is to wear a helmet-mounted light. These are good since on your head they sit up higher, lifted up above much of the automobile traffic, making it less likely to get lost in the stream of car headlights. Plus, since a helmet-mounted light points in the direction that you look, it's effective at grabbing drivers' attention with the bright beam pointing directly at them as you approach. Rear Light on Your Bike By law, riding after dark not only do you need a white light on the front, but you also need a rear red light on your bike as well. Though most lights have a solid red setting, I prefer a blinking red light as a more effective way to make yourself visible as people approach from behind. Depending on how your bike is set up, you can mount the red light on a fender, on your seat post or on your rack or trunk bag. Most tail lights run on either one or two AA batteries, and last for several hundred hours. Like a front white light mounted on your helmet, attaching a red blinking light to the back is another good idea. It's an easy way to keep you safer, and the lights generally clip on to the helmet pretty easily. The light is lifted up higher, again making you more visible to motorists. If you can't find a way to clip the light on your helmet, attaching it to the collar of your jacket or on a backpack or messenger bag will achieve the same result. Reflective Vest or Jacket As a bonus tip, beyond just lights, if you really want to be seen, you want to get yourself the brightest colored reflective vest or jacket you can find. Though it may feel just a touch dorky the first time you wear it, your goal is to be as visible to motorists as possible. A bonus is that when you're not riding, you can also wear these vests to direct traffic, go deer hunting or just pick up trash alongside the road. When you combine that with a reflective strap worn around your ankle or calf, you're really jamming. The strap is designed to pick up lights from headlights, and the fact that it's moving up and down when you pedal makes it that much more visible to others.

TIPS Batteries Bike Light Assembly Service near Albuquerque NM:The days of disposable battery bike lights are now nearly gone….there are a few cheap versions still available but they’re really not worth it. The one exception to this is the tiny blinky lights that can be used as a back-up to your main system. These lights run on watch-type batteries (CR2032 are the most common size), and they can run for many hundreds of hours with acceptable levels of light for such tiny units. Front lights Front lights need to be chosen carefully and take into account the sort of night time riding you're going to be doing. If you're only going to ride in urban areas, your main consideration is to 'be seen' by other road users. If you're going to be riding on unlit roads and paths then you will want a light that will help you to 'see'  you'll want a unit that is bright enough to show the potholes on the roads before your wheel disappears into one. You'll also want to see corners before you reach them! Rear bicycle lights However, there have been a few technological developments starting to arrive which are interesting. ● Some dynamo rear lights can sense when you're braking and increase the brightness of the light accordingly. This, like a lot of 'improvements' is more likely to make the rider 'feel' safer than actually make much difference to the actions of the car behind. But ultimately, anything that draws the eye of another road user should be seen as a positive. Dynamo and dynamo-derived rear lamps invariably conform with German regulations, so they tick the legal approval box and incorporate the retro-reflector you also need by law. But German regulations don’t allow flashing, so they won’t do that. ● Cateye and Exposure have a similar sensing function available in a USB rechargeable rear-light. Theirs too will get brighter when you slow down for a junction. ● Garmin has developed a rear light which includes a radar to warn the rider by way of a handlebar mounted display of a vehicle approaching from the rear. The light itself, when paired with a Garmin computer also adjusts its brightness depending on the available light. It is worth bearing in mind that only bicycles are allowed to show a flashing red light to the rear, so it is a great differentiator for drivers eyes in difficult conditions; they won't mistake you for something faster. So it makes sense always to show a flashing rear light even if you have one with a solid beam as well. The combination also makes it easier for the driver to pinpoint your position.

COST Cost of bicycle lights Assembly Bike Light Assembly Service near Albuquerque NM: Bike lights in our test range from $25 to $150. It’s surprisingly easy and really cheap. I did mine for around $60. If you ride at night, this will make your bicycle more safe and better looking. If you are into photography like us here at Stimulight the Night. Your bike will become the ultimate light painting tool. What to look for when buying bike lights When it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement are also important. Here are a few other things to consider: ● USB rechargeable batteries eliminate the need to charge or replace removable batteries. They generally have a shorter battery life, but lights are easier to remove and charge regularly. ● Bike lights with multiple LEDs are usually brightest, but a single LED can still be very bright if it has a good reflector. ● Check the light is clearly visible from the side or at an angle. ● Ensure that the light mounting brackets fit your bike. ● If batteries are required they should be easily obtainable ones See and be seen The more visible you are, the safer you'll be on the road. As a general rule: ● check your lights regularly. If they're looking dim, it's time to replace or recharge ● carry a backup set of lights ● wear light-colored or reflective clothing (or a reflective strip or vest) ● mount your lights at handlebar height, so you're more visible. Lights too bright High-powered LED lights are great if you're riding on an unlit path, however, their bright beam can blind other riders and drivers. If you want to use a high-powered light for riding on lit roads, ensure it's pointed at the ground a few metres in front of the front wheel. Another option is to mount a second light that's less bright to switch to when riding on a lit road or track. Bike lights and the law When you ride your bicycle at night or in low-visibility conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, the Albuquerque NM Road Rules (the basis for state and territory laws) require that you have: ● a white light at the front ● a red light at rear ● a red rear reflector. The lights, whether steady or flashing, must be visible for at least 200m. Ideally, they should also be visible 50m from the side. The red rear reflector should be able to be seen 50m from the rear when light is projected onto it by a vehicle's headlight at low beam. Don't worry, you won't need to test these things yourself; pretty much all bike lights on the market have this level of visibility.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where should I put my bike lights? With the more technical consideration out of the way, it is time to look at the practical matter of where the lights should actually go to have a maximum impact. Of course, this will depend on your unique bike but, in general, you’ll want a rear-facing light on your bike’s seat post and a front light situated in the middle of your handlebars. In addition, many saddlebags, backpacks, pannier bags and pannier racks have loops for attaching rear lights, take advantage of this feature and attach another flasher for maximum visibility.

How many lights do I need? Regulations vary from place to place but you’ll be off to a good start if you have at least the following: ● A prominent front handlebar light, emitting white light. ● A rear light that emits red light, positioned between 35 cm and 150 cm from the ground. ● A red, rear reflector positioned between 23 cm and 90 cm from the ground. ● An amber reflector on each pedal, positioned so that one is visible to the front and rear of the bike. Keep in mind this is the really the minimum you need to meet regulations and you’d do well to add in a few extras to maximize your safety.

Do I need to use lights during the day? Glad you asked! The answer is yes. Despite the misguided belief that most accidents occur at night; it has actually been reported that eight out of ten cycling accidents occur while the sun is high in the sky. A recent study from Denmark concluded that the number one thing cyclists can do to keep themselves safe is be sure always to use lights during the day.

Is there such a thing as too much light? According to regulations in most places – no. But there is a fine line between making yourself highly visible and creating a hazard by blinding other road users with your dazzling light display. In the same way that you wouldn’t cruise around town with your car lights going full beam, you don’t need to illuminate the night sky with your bike lights. The majority of lights have a variety of modes, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the setting and select something appropriate to the lighting condition you’re riding in.

Should I buy rechargeable lights? Most of the bike lights you’ll find on the market today are conveniently outfitted with a USB interface for recharging. This is super handy and means that you can charge up your bike lights on your computer while you work or plug them into the wall the night before a ride. Rechargeable lights are handy and better for the environment, so there’s really no reason to opt for anything else.

How are the lights attached to the bicycles? The mini LED bike lights are attached using a small elastic band that wraps around the handle bars or the frame or the carrier.

What is the delivery time for the bicycle lights? The default delivery time is 30 days. If requested, it may be possible to shorten this time to one to two weeks. To request a shorter delivery time,

Call For Us: ● Bike Light Assembly Service Near Albuquerque NM ● Bike Brake Light Flasher ● Bike Back Light Modified ● Tail Light For Cycle ● Bike Back Light Price ● Bike Brake Light Price ● Led Tail Lights For Bikes ● Motorcycle Tail Light ● Bike Tail Light With Indicator Near Albuquerque NM ● Cycle Light ● Bike Led Lights Price ● Bike Led Light Fitting ● Led Tail Lights For Bikes ● Bike Brake Light Price ● Bike Back Light Modified ● Bike Back Light Price ● Led Fog Light For Bike Near Albuquerque NM

BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN ALBUQUERQUE NM MOBILE MECHANICS OF ALBUQUERQUE REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. CONTACT US NOW!

CONTACT US: 24-hour Mobile Mechanic Roadside Assistance Services in Albuquerque, NM! CALL (505) 485-1736 MOBILE MECHANICS OF ALBUQUERQUE CALL (505) 485-1618 MOBILE AUTO TRUCK REPAIR ALBUQUERQUE CALL (505) (505) 346-2463 ALBUQUERQUE TOWING & ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL (505) 346-2463 TOWING SERVICES OF ALBUQUERQUE WEBSITE: www.mobilemechanicalbuquerque.org mobileautotruckrepairalbuquerque.com roadsideassistancealbuquerque.org towingalbuquerque.org SERVICE AREA: 18 Cities within 30 miles of Albuquerque, NM Algodones, NM | Belen, NM | Bernalillo, NM | Bosque Farms, NM | Casa Blanca, NM | Cedar Crest, NM | Corrales, NM | Isleta, NM | Jarales, NM | Kirtland AFB, NM | Los Lunas, NM | Peralta, NM | Placitas, NM | Rio Rancho, NM | Sandia Park, NM | Tijeras, NM | Tome, NM | Torreon, NM | Alameda, NM | Five Points, NM | Los Padillas, NM | Los Ranchos, NM | Los Ranchos De Abq, NM | Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, NM | Los Rnchs Abq, NM | Manzano Base, NM | Metropolitan Detention Ctr, NM | Public Service Co, NM | Sandia Base, NM | Univ Of New Mexico, NM | Univ Of Nm, NM | UNM, NM | Village Of Los Ranchos, NM Albuquerque, NM - Standard ZIP Codes 87101 87102 87104 87105 87106 87107 87108 87109 87110 87111 87112 87113 87114 87115 87116 87120 87121 87122 87123 87124 #towing #mechanic #Albuquerque #roadsideAssistance #vehicalwinching #CarTowing

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Best Bike Light Assembly Service and Cost in Omaha NE |Mobile Mechanics of Omaha

 More information is at: http://24hourautotruckrepairomaha.org/bike-light-assembly-near-me/

  Bike Light Assembly Service near Omaha NE: Are you looking for the Best Bike Light Assembly Service near Omaha NE ? Mobile Mechanics of Omaha, it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement. Cost? Free estimates! Send us a message or call us today. Best Bike Light Assembly  Service around Omaha NE. We serve Omaha NE and other areas. Get a Free Quote Now!

 BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN OMAHA NE

OMAHA BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY

 Bike Light Assembly

Bike Light Assembly Service near Omaha NE: Bicycling is a convenient, healthy, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around Mobile Mechanics of Omaha. Whether you're a lifelong cycling commuter, a weekend recreational rider, or have never been on a bike in your life but are excited to get out there, there are important tips to be aware before you ride. These web pages provide information on how to get a bike, how to ride safely, how to prevent bike theft and more!

 How to Install a Assemble Bike Light

If you plan to use your bicycle at night, a good bike light is an absolute necessity. There are many locations in which bike lights are required by the law. Nonetheless, you may be unsure of how exactly to install a new bike light when you purchase one. If this is the case, what follows should give you everything you need to know.

Step 1 - Deciding on Placement

First, you should decide where you are going to put your new bike light. Ideally, you should have a bike light for both the front and back of your bicycle to maximize your visibility while driving at night. If you have a bike light installed in only one of these locations, opt to add another light.

In addition to deciding whether to attach your new bike light to the front or back of your bicycle, you will have to decide the exact location to attach your bike light to. Part of this will depend on the exact model of bike light you buy. Some will be designed to clip to a particular location, while others will be more generic. However, if you are attaching your bike light to the front of your bicycle, the center of the handlebars is a great place to do it. There are many reasons to opt to place it lower. For example, the space may already be taken up by a reflector. On the rear of the bicycle your options are more limited; you have almost no choices but to attach it directly below the seat.

Step 2 - Installing Batteries

More likely than not, your new bike light will come with a button cell type battery already installed and ready to go. However, this may not be the case. If so, get out your screwdriver and remove the screws holding the battery case shut. Chances are, you will see a space for a button cell battery, which you should insert. Nonetheless, other types are also possible. Use your screwdriver to replace the cover and continue.

Step 3 - Attaching

Exactly how you attach your bike light will vary, based on your individual model. Most will involve tightening a clip until it fits snugly. Clip the bike light onto its new location and snap the clip shut. Next, tighten whatever mechanism controls the clip.

Step 4 - Adjusting

Most bike lights will allow you to adjust them up and down to make them more visible and useful in lighting your path. You should take a minute to turn on your light and adjust the direction it points. Otherwise, you may find that your bike light does not actually illuminate anything for you the next time you use your bike at night.

 A Guide to Lights on Your Bike - How to See and Be Seen

Bike Light Assembly Service near Omaha NE: Statistically speaking, between 40-60 percent of injuries and fatalities from bicycle/vehicle collisions occur during the hours of darkness.

This is due to two factors. First, during the evening and overnight hours, a significantly greater portion of both cyclists and drivers are intoxicated than you'd find during the day. The second factor (and the one that we're going to address with this article) is the difficulty that motorists have in seeing cyclists.

I suppose you could promise yourself that you'll only ride during daylight hours. But the fact is, for many bike commuters, riding in darkness is a fact of life, particularly during the winter when the daylight hours are so much shorter. Plus, you'd also miss out on a lot of fun riding opportunities, including a number of crazy and fun bike events. So, we're going to look at how you can light yourself up effectively -- in a way that is both effective in terms of increasing your visibility to motorists and at the same time going fairly easy on your pocketbook.

Front Light on Your Handlebar

A basic item that you really need to have if you are riding in darkness. is a handlebar-mounted headlight. In most cases, these are intended simply to make you more visible to others, as opposed to illuminating your path. Having a strobe option (like many lights do) is always a nice idea since I'm convinced that a flashing light is more noticeable to drivers than a solid beam. Plus it's easier on batteries and doesn't get lost in the glare of other headlights. Additionally, for simplicity in your life, consider getting a headlight paired with a dynamo that provides it with juice. With one of those, you never have to worry about batteries since the light is powered solely by your bike's motion.

Things to consider in assessing headlights:

●      What type of battery does it use?

●      Are the batteries rechargeable?

●      How many hours of run time does the light have before draining the batteries?

Halogen and LED bulbs are both good choices for delivering strong, bright light. Expect to pay $25 and up for lights that allow you to be seen by drivers; more ($100+) for stronger lights to help you see, i.e., strong illumination for your path as you go down the road. The NiteRider MiNewt Pro 750 is a good example of this type of light.

Front Light on Your Helmet

For additional visibility, a real plus is to wear a helmet-mounted light. These are good since on your head they sit up higher, lifted up above much of the automobile traffic, making it less likely to get lost in the stream of car headlights. Plus, since a helmet-mounted light points in the direction that you look, it's effective at grabbing drivers' attention with the bright beam pointing directly at them as you approach.

Rear Light on Your Bike

By law, riding after dark not only do you need a white light on the front, but you also need a rear red light on your bike as well. Though most lights have a solid red setting, I prefer a blinking red light as a more effective way to make yourself visible as people approach from behind. Depending on how your bike is set up, you can mount the red light on a fender, on your seat post or on your rack or trunk bag. Most tail lights run on either one or two AA batteries, and last for several hundred hours.

Like a front white light mounted on your helmet, attaching a red blinking light to the back is another good idea. It's an easy way to keep you safer, and the lights generally clip on to the helmet pretty easily. The light is lifted up higher, again making you more visible to motorists. If you can't find a way to clip the light on your helmet, attaching it to the collar of your jacket or on a backpack or messenger bag will achieve the same result.

Reflective Vest or Jacket

As a bonus tip, beyond just lights, if you really want to be seen, you want to get yourself the brightest colored reflective vest or jacket you can find. Though it may feel just a touch dorky the first time you wear it, your goal is to be as visible to motorists as possible. A bonus is that when you're not riding, you can also wear these vests to direct traffic, go deer hunting or just pick up trash alongside the road.

When you combine that with a reflective strap worn around your ankle or calf, you're really jamming. The strap is designed to pick up lights from headlights, and the fact that it's moving up and down when you pedal makes it that much more visible to others.

 TIPS

Batteries

Bike Light Assembly Service near Omaha NE:The days of disposable battery bike lights are now nearly gone….there are a few cheap versions still available but they’re really not worth it. The one exception to this is the tiny blinky lights that can be used as a back-up to your main system. These lights run on watch-type batteries (CR2032 are the most common size), and they can run for many hundreds of hours with acceptable levels of light for such tiny units.

Front lights

Front lights need to be chosen carefully and take into account the sort of night time riding you're going to be doing. If you're only going to ride in urban areas, your main consideration is to 'be seen' by other road users. If you're going to be riding on unlit roads and paths then you will want a light that will help you to 'see'  you'll want a unit that is bright enough to show the potholes on the roads before your wheel disappears into one. You'll also want to see corners before you reach them!

Rear bicycle lights

However, there have been a few technological developments starting to arrive which are interesting.

●      Some dynamo rear lights can sense when you're braking and increase the brightness of the light accordingly. This, like a lot of 'improvements' is more likely to make the rider 'feel' safer than actually make much difference to the actions of the car behind. But ultimately, anything that draws the eye of another road user should be seen as a positive. Dynamo and dynamo-derived rear lamps invariably conform with German regulations, so they tick the legal approval box and incorporate the retro-reflector you also need by law. But German regulations don’t allow flashing, so they won’t do that.

●      Cateye and Exposure have a similar sensing function available in a USB rechargeable rear-light. Theirs too will get brighter when you slow down for a junction.

●      Garmin has developed a rear light which includes a radar to warn the rider by way of a handlebar mounted display of a vehicle approaching from the rear. The light itself, when paired with a Garmin computer also adjusts its brightness depending on the available light.

It is worth bearing in mind that only bicycles are allowed to show a flashing red light to the rear, so it is a great differentiator for drivers eyes in difficult conditions; they won't mistake you for something faster. So it makes sense always to show a flashing rear light even if you have one with a solid beam as well. The combination also makes it easier for the driver to pinpoint your position.

 COST

Cost of bicycle lights Assembly

Bike Light Assembly Service near Omaha NE: Bike lights in our test range from $25 to $150.

It’s surprisingly easy and really cheap. I did mine for around $60. If you ride at night, this will make your bicycle more safe and better looking. If you are into photography like us here at Stimulight the Night. Your bike will become the ultimate light painting tool.

What to look for when buying bike lights

When it comes to choosing the right bike lights, your visibility on the road is essential, but durability, size, ease of fitting and removing, and battery replacement are also important.

Here are a few other things to consider:

●      USB rechargeable batteries eliminate the need to charge or replace removable batteries. They generally have a shorter battery life, but lights are easier to remove and charge regularly.

●      Bike lights with multiple LEDs are usually brightest, but a single LED can still be very bright if it has a good reflector.

●      Check the light is clearly visible from the side or at an angle.

●      Ensure that the light mounting brackets fit your bike.

●      If batteries are required they should be easily obtainable ones

See and be seen

The more visible you are, the safer you'll be on the road. As a general rule:

●      check your lights regularly. If they're looking dim, it's time to replace or recharge

●      carry a backup set of lights

●      wear light-colored or reflective clothing (or a reflective strip or vest)

●      mount your lights at handlebar height, so you're more visible.

Lights too bright

High-powered LED lights are great if you're riding on an unlit path, however, their bright beam can blind other riders and drivers. If you want to use a high-powered light for riding on lit roads, ensure it's pointed at the ground a few metres in front of the front wheel. Another option is to mount a second light that's less bright to switch to when riding on a lit road or track.

Bike lights and the law

When you ride your bicycle at night or in low-visibility conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, the Omaha NE Road Rules (the basis for state and territory laws) require that you have:

●      a white light at the front

●      a red light at rear

●      a red rear reflector.

The lights, whether steady or flashing, must be visible for at least 200m. Ideally, they should also be visible 50m from the side. The red rear reflector should be able to be seen 50m from the rear when light is projected onto it by a vehicle's headlight at low beam.

Don't worry, you won't need to test these things yourself; pretty much all bike lights on the market have this level of visibility.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where should I put my bike lights?

With the more technical consideration out of the way, it is time to look at the practical matter of where the lights should actually go to have a maximum impact. Of course, this will depend on your unique bike but, in general, you’ll want a rear-facing light on your bike’s seat post and a front light situated in the middle of your handlebars. In addition, many saddlebags, backpacks, pannier bags and pannier racks have loops for attaching rear lights, take advantage of this feature and attach another flasher for maximum visibility.

 How many lights do I need?

Regulations vary from place to place but you’ll be off to a good start if you have at least the following:

●      A prominent front handlebar light, emitting white light.

●      A rear light that emits red light, positioned between 35 cm and 150 cm from the ground.

●      A red, rear reflector positioned between 23 cm and 90 cm from the ground.

●      An amber reflector on each pedal, positioned so that one is visible to the front and rear of the bike.

Keep in mind this is the really the minimum you need to meet regulations and you’d do well to add in a few extras to maximize your safety.

 Do I need to use lights during the day?

Glad you asked! The answer is yes. Despite the misguided belief that most accidents occur at night; it has actually been reported that eight out of ten cycling accidents occur while the sun is high in the sky. A recent study from Denmark concluded that the number one thing cyclists can do to keep themselves safe is be sure always to use lights during the day.

 Is there such a thing as too much light?

According to regulations in most places – no. But there is a fine line between making yourself highly visible and creating a hazard by blinding other road users with your dazzling light display. In the same way that you wouldn’t cruise around town with your car lights going full beam, you don’t need to illuminate the night sky with your bike lights. The majority of lights have a variety of modes, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the setting and select something appropriate to the lighting condition you’re riding in.

 Should I buy rechargeable lights?

Most of the bike lights you’ll find on the market today are conveniently outfitted with a USB interface for recharging. This is super handy and means that you can charge up your bike lights on your computer while you work or plug them into the wall the night before a ride. Rechargeable lights are handy and better for the environment, so there’s really no reason to opt for anything else.

 How are the lights attached to the bicycles?

The mini LED bike lights are attached using a small elastic band that wraps around the handle bars or the frame or the carrier.

 What is the delivery time for the bicycle lights?

The default delivery time is 30 days. If requested, it may be possible to shorten this time to one to two weeks. To request a shorter delivery time,

 Call For Us:

●      Bike Light Assembly Service Near Omaha NE

●      Bike Brake Light Flasher

●      Bike Back Light Modified

●      Tail Light For Cycle

●      Bike Back Light Price

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●      Led Tail Lights For Bikes

●      Motorcycle Tail Light

●      Bike Tail Light With Indicator Near Omaha NE

●      Cycle Light

●      Bike Led Lights Price

●      Bike Led Light Fitting

●      Led Tail Lights For Bikes

●      Bike Brake Light Price

●      Bike Back Light Modified

●      Bike Back Light Price

●      Led Fog Light For Bike Near Omaha NE

 BEST BIKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY SERVICE IN OMAHA NE

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[ultinath]

Collaborative writing: the grant

This piece of erotica was written together with @Minddiver in one session. Collaborative smut writing can be a great way of having a scene with a long distance partner. I heartily recommend it.

The office is much larger than most others in the building. The tall, L-shaped desk is clean, save for the pile of books next to the computer's keyboard, and the stack of files in the tray on the corner of the desk. Ms Swan leans back in her desk chair, warming her hands on a cup of coffee she poured from her own little machine on top of the filing cabinet in the corner. The jacket of her pinstripe suit is hanging open and the top button of her blouse is undone. She seems to be lost in a private moment of relaxation, when there's a knock on the door. With one click of the mouse, she calls up her schedule on the computer screen, and she smiles.

"Come in, Mr Cera." She puts down the coffee to get up and shake his hand. With a piercing look, she takes in his frame, a blue shirt and dark green tie, hiding behind a gray sweater vest.

Mr Cera takes her hand and gives it a nervous shake. His brown eyes alternate between trying to maintain contact with hers and flitting about the office. He keeps his eyes above her shoulder-level, though, studiously avoiding anywhere below her neck line. “Y-you wanted to see me, Ms Swan?” He stumbles a bit over the sentence and his hand retreats to clasp the other behind his back.

"Take a seat." She gestures to one of the straight-backed chairs facing her desk. "I believe you have a project you wanted to tell me about? I briefly read the file you sent, but talk me through it."

Mr Cera takes a seat. The back of the chair seems to come up just past the top of his head, and he tries to adjust his posture to sit a bit straighter. He eyes the coffee urn, but does not ask for a cup. “Ah! Yes! The grant application. Well, let me see…” He wrings his hands as he gathers his thoughts.

Ms Swan leans on the edge of her desk, her high heels almost touching Mr Cera's ankles. She stares intently at him, with a hint of a smile at the edge of her lips. His lips gently mirror her smile, even as his back presses into the chair a bit more firmly. He could swear he smells a floral scent.

“...I mean, I’ve been doing some looking over our instrument inventory and I’m realizing that some of our percussion instruments are getting to be in need of repair or replacement. I’d… er… I’d like to be able to use our normal repair… sorry, our capital budget, but a few of the mallet instrument frames would need an overhaul that would be more than what we have left.” He stops for a minute, then remembers something. “I was actually hoping to use the capital budget to get a new English horn, anyway…”

Ms Swan nods and raises an eyebrow. "An English horn?" She leans in until her face is level with his. "What instruments do you play, Mr Cera?"

“I-I mean, I have to be able to at least play a scale or two on anything I teach in band class…” His breath has quickens, and he pauses for a second. “...but if you mean my primary...I originally played clarinet and some saxophone…”

Ms Swan is staring at his hands now. There is a soft chuckle as she catches herself, and then she rises to walk to the coffee machine. "Can I pour you a cup? The machine down the hall is dreadful, so I always bring my own."

“Oh! That would be lovely, thank you! I generally just bring some teabags with me to microwave the mug with…” He stops, brow furrowed, as if trying parse what he just said. “I mean, yes, thank you.”

"Microwaved tea?" Her eyebrow raises again.

Mr Cera makes a sheepish attempt at a grin. “It’s not great, but it keeps my throat open… makes it easier to play, and to speak to the class…”

With a steaming cup in hand, Ms Swan returns. There is that smile again as she hands the cup to him. Their fingers touch ever so briefly as he reaches up to take it.

"I know it's cliché, but I can't get anything done before I've had a real cup of coffee." She sighs, and her blouse seems a little tight for just a moment. "But then, no one is waiting to hear me speak or play." She picks up her own cup and downs it in the awkward silence.

Mr Cera blows carefully on the coffee and takes a sip. It's espresso strength and bitter. He almost jumps at the heavy aroma, but then his shoulders relax as the warmth passes over his tongue. “I’m sure people like to hear you speak…” His eyes widen and and he quickly takes another sip. “This is really good, by the way!”

She chuckles again. "It's true. Some people seem to enjoy it when I speak." Her voice drops to a lower, softer sound than her previous business tone. "Sometimes, when I speak, people find it easy to relax and listen. And it's such a pleasure to talk to people who truly listen, I find. I do enjoy watching others relax when I speak. So relax, Mr Cera. There is no reason for us to rush. This is a quiet place where you can relax." She leans on the desk, watching him closely.

Mr Cera blushes. He wants to blurt out that he has a hard time relaxing around people in authority. On one hand, Ms Swan seems friendly and open, like she would understand. And yet, that would mean he wasn’t relaxing. He takes another sip of coffee and considers this while breathing its aroma in a little more slowly. It would make a good impression if he relaxed, spoke a bit more slowly, after all…

"Sometimes…" Her voice sounds dreamy as she continues. "I just sit here, staring at the coffee in my cup. The way it swirls when I've stirred in some sugar. The way the light in the room is reflected on the black surface. The tiny bubbles on the surface. I can just get lost in little moments like that, and it's ok to let your mind wander for a bit. Just relax."

“...you must really like coffee…” Mr Cera hears his own voice murmur. Did he really just say that? Normally he would feel horrified to have blurted out such a response. But before he could think any harder about it, his attention was back on the smell of the coffee. He looked into the mug. Was it swirling? It had been still when he last looked at it...

"It's just a bit of mindfulness, really." Ms Swan smiles warmly now. She stretches and leans back, her jacket opening further and the buttons of her blouse stressing under the pressure of her bosom. "We live in such a rushed world, it feels good to take a moment for yourself, doesn't it?"

Mr Cera’s cheeks grow warmer. The caffeine must be getting to him, he thinks… This is noticeably stronger than what he usually drinks. He catches his eyes on her blouse, and he could swear he saw a nipple pointing through the fabric… His eyes dart back to the remaining liquid in the mug.

"What do you think your chances are of getting the grant you want?" She folds her hands in her lap and makes piercing eye-contact.

Mr Cera jerks back into an upright position and blinks a few times. After a slightly prolonged pull from the coffee mug, he meets her eyes. “I would say there’s a pretty good shot. I have photographs of the frames I would like to see repaired, estimates of how much it would cost, and I haven’t applied for this particular grant in a while. The...er ...last time…”

Ms Swan rises to her feet and stands right in front of Mr Cera. She stares down at him and asks: "Why do you need me?"

Mr Cera buries his eyes back into his mug. “I suppose I just wanted to make sure you were in the loop…” He tries not to think about her severe features in profile from across the hall, and the surprising warmth that shone through when she greeted him and his colleagues at the beginning of each new year...

Her hand reaches out to touch his chin and guide it up until he's facing her again. "Oh, Mr Cera…" She sighs and smiles. "Are you afraid of me?"

“Just a bit shy…” His voice cracks. He had wanted to deny it, to make up some excuse, but her eyes seem to be looking past his and reading the very center of his mind. To tell anything other than the truth would be pointless.

Her hand on his chin inches down to his throat as she moves closer, their legs touching now. She can hear a slight gasp as she grazes his adam’s apple. "Wise man…" She smiles and licks her lips. "It seems like you could use a little mindfulness right now…"

He can only nod in assent.

She releases him from her grip and takes the coffee mug from him. She turns to place it on the desk and stands still with her back turned to him.

He sits, frozen to the chair. His eyes are wide and longing, locked to where hers had been. He gasps a faint: “...please?”

"Do you know why I wanted to talk to you?" She slowly turns and holds out her hand to him. "What's your first name?"

His eyes flit between her hand and her gaze for a second, unsure. He meekly reaches up and places his hand in hers. “...Bill…”

Her fingers curl around his hand, soft and smooth, just like her eyes and her smile. "Do you know why I wanted to talk to you, Bill?" She licks her lips again.

“...not really sure…” His eyes are half on her lips, now, still filled with longing.

She caresses his hand in slow swirling motions, as she stares at his face. Her lips are parted, but she shows no indication that she'll speak again. Just the soft caresses over his hand, in languid swishing motions. As she stares, she can see his shoulders once again beginning to droop. His eyes begin to seem more far away, still pointed towards her, but out of focus. His breathing begins to slow until each shallow breath matches the speed of her hand over his.

When she finally speaks, her voice is but a whisper. "You want this grant, don't you?"

Want this what? His thoughts blur for a moment, but he knows the answer he should give. “....yes…”

"And you need my help?" She sways a little, in time with her stroking of his hand.

“...please…”

"You… need… me?" She blinks and sways and waits for his answer.

His eyes blink with hers. “I need you...Ms Swan…” His entire frame seems to sigh with relief as the words whisper through his lips.

Suddenly, she steps up close to him and lets go of his hand, watching it drop down against her leg. He slumps over towards her. With a sharp intake of breath, she puts her arms around him. "Relax for me, Bill. Just take a little moment of mindlessness for yourself."

There had been doubt. There had been uncertainty. There had been disbelief. Now there is only warmth, softness, the feeling of safety, and the scent of flowers...and coffee…

She caresses his hair, trying to contain her excitement at having finally caught him. Carefully continuing that languid rhythm with her stroking and swaying, her mind races to find the words she wants to say. "You need me. You have always known this, Bill. I have seen you watch me. I have watched you work long hours here, and we both know…" She sighs…

"We both want…" Her hands stop to lift his head up to look at her, but his eyes are closed. She lifts him up towards her out of the chair so he can feel her breath on his eyelids. "What do you want?"

She sees his mouth try to move, but no words come out. Instead, he gently leans toward her and places his lips to hers. What starts as a tentative motion melts into a deep, long kiss, and then his head is on her shoulder, eyes still closed. She feels a tear touch her neck.

Unable to contain herself much longer, her hands start to grope under his sweater, as she pulls him up into a tight embrace. She moans: "I want you. I have wanted you for so long."

He has no words to respond, but his hands match hers, unencumbered by thoughts or fears. The inside of her jacket is made of satin, brushing his hands ever so softly. The caress of the fabric becomes as the caress of her hand from earlier, taking him deeper into the thoughtless, mindless state of being where he only has to feel, to act on what they have both been hungering for.

[smilepuma80-blog]

6 Style Tribes That Will Change The Way You Dress Next Year

Blame Instagram, blame the dizzying fashion cycle, but it seems our subcultures never seem to hang around that long any more. So as we bid bye-bye to the post-Soviets, in-and-out in less time than it took to dismantle the Berlin Wall, we welcome six new looks to bite right now.

Elbowing their way into the zeitgeist, these style tribes aren’t just overpowering your Instagram feed, they’re turning the heads of designers. Their looks are filtering into luxury and high street collections alike. They’re all over pop culture, and soon they’re likely to find their way into your wardrobe in one way or another.

Ametora

What is it? As detailed in W David Marx’s excellent book of the same name, ‘Ametora’ is the Japanese contraction of ‘American Traditional’. Initially, it meant the Ivy League style that Japanese teenagers co-opted in the 1960s, but now includes all the classic Americana that was first copied in Japan, then improved, then perfected. With Hawaiian shirts trending last summer, this is an evolution of that mid-century aesthetic, being referenced in spring next year by high street labels.

How To Wear It

Ametora is the way that Japanese designers recreate American style in their own way, from cowboys to bikers and even hip-hop. But the most obvious way into the look is artisanal reworkings of things like denim, workwear, unstructured blazers and knits. “Stick to a classic colour palette of neutral tan, deep brown and navy, with the introduction of colour through printed shirts, ties and scarves,” says stylist Toby Standing, from personalised menswear shop Thread.”Mix up your textures and definitely invest in some wide, selvedge jeans.”

Key Brands

Japan’s select stores were the first to bring the American look over, and Beams is still a stronghold for Ametora. As far as denim goes, perhaps no brand cares more – or costs more – than Visvim, which somehow makes Western-inspired jeans that feel more authentic than the real thing. If you’re more into the Ivy League look, then Osaka’s Ring Jacket has been there since the beginning.

Grown-up Skater

The guys that championed skatewear in the mid-’90s are now approaching 40. At least. Time to grow up, then, without trading in your identity. Perhaps as a reaction to all those hype-fuelled streetwear brands, the new generation (which is actually the previous generation) is creating prep-influenced clothes that you could wear for a quick mini-ramp session on the way to dinner at your in-laws.

How To Wear It

Not head-to-toe logos. “Fit is the key component here,” says Standing. In this more mature world, there’s no reason the timeless skater uniform of baggy Dickies and a hoodie can’t be finished with a soft-shouldered blazer, or a chunky knit.

Key Brands

Doing skate right isn’t about being first outside Palace any more. For one, all those logos are starting to feel a bit inauthentic. Instead, look to older heads, like Brendon Babenzien, who left his gig as creative director of Supreme to found Noah, which features loose tailoring alongside its logo hoodies and Aprix, which does smart-ish skate shoes. Fellow New York brand Aimé Leon Dore also does a neat spin on grown-up streetwear – think rugby shirts and cable-knit cardigans – while Awake NY has you covered for legal-drinking-age takes on graphic prints.

War Core

Depending on your level of cynicism, this man-the-barricades-inspired trend is either designers reflecting a collapsing society back at us, or the worst kind of exploitation. Think tactical vests, belts with buckles borrowed from helicopter gunships, and in one instance, an actual riot shield. Well, it’ll help on drop day.

How To Wear It

Going all-in on your war core look can quickly start to feel a touch prepper. So apply the military touches lightly. “It’s all about technical and tactical items finding their way into everyday outfits,” says Standing. Cross-body bags and mesh vests are the more obvious ways in, but anything ripstop or covered in pockets, poppers and heavy buckles taps the trend, too. “It’s function and form, which also means it’s not adventurous in colour.” Think dark greys and khakis, with the odd bit of black and beige.

Key Brands

As a look inspired by the streets, it’s appropriate that streetwear brands would lead the charge. The key one is Alyx, whose rollercoaster belts have become something of a sensation – Kim Jones even tapped its founder Matthew Williams to craft a special version for his debut show at Dior. Williams is a former Kanye acolyte, around whom you’ll find this trend concentrated (he’s been doing the combat kit thing with Yeezus for a few years now, after all). At Heron Preston, that means flak jackets, whereas for Off-White and now Louis Vuitton boss Virgil Abloh, it gets more literal with berets and paratrooper trousers.

British Heritage

This look has been around for a while. As in, a century and some, based as it is on Industrial-era workwear, chunky knits and boots you can drop bits of tractor on without coming a cropper. Not so long ago, British heritage fashion was about tweed jackets, brogues and countryside aesthetics. Now, perhaps taking a cue from the popularity of American workwear, this very rugged approach to utility fashion.

How To Wear It

The heritage look’s been big for close to a decade now in one form or another, originally as a reaction to how soft modern life had got. Freed from suits, creative types began dressing like old factory workers in an effort to grasp hold of something that felt authentic. Which translated as time-tested materials designed to protect you from elements and machinery, but which as a bonus all look quite sharp in a Shoreditch content agency. “A dark waxed outer layer, like a Barbour field jacket, with some dark denim, leather work boots and textured knitwear can be your go-to for a great British look,” says Standing.

Key Brands

Ideally, you want to pick up pieces from labels who’ve got some history under the belt. Barbour’s been making its waxed jackets in South Shields for a century, fellow motorcycle specialist Belstaff still makes some of the best leathers anywhere, while for footwear you can take your pick of any Northampton brand. We’d go Grenson for something with a modern twist, or Loake if you like to keep things classic.

Modern Rocker

Guitar music might be struggling in the charts, but its look is about as easy to kill as Keith Richards. Look to Michigan rockers Greta Van Fleet, with their musty-looking mix of leather and denim, or Atlantans the Black Lips, for something a touch muckier. Or keep an eye on Hedi Slimane (the guy who made skinny jeans a thing), back making rock n roll menswear at Celine after leaving Saint Laurent in 2016.

How To Wear It

Skin, attitude, a flagrant disregard for what parents think looks good. In other words, everything that’s always made rock ‘n’ roll unique. “It’s a kind of modern evolution of what Steven Tyler was wearing in Aerosmith,” says Standing. “Loose, printed shirts, unbuttoned perhaps too far, with skin-tight black jeans and a pair of worn-in Chelsea boots. Swap the shirt for a faded band tee if you’re not feeling particularly pirate-y.”

Key Brands

It can be expensive to look this trashy – Saint Laurent still has that Slimane DNA, and his first collection at Celine will drop soon. Then you have brands that never quit the rockstar aesthetic like The Kooples or AllSaints on the high street. But really, vintage is best. You want everything you wear to look like it’s been on the road a few times, so try to find leather jackets and skinny jeans that actually have.

K-Pop

The mashed-up, anything goes aesthetic favoured by Korea’s zeitgeist-y pop stars, who espouse a similarly genre-agnostic approach to music, is less a look and more a mindset. More is more, trends are fleeting but to be embraced wholesale, individuality is all, although ideally in a way that shows you get groupthink. In the mix here there’s preppy fashion, unstructured tailoring, big-brand streetwear and some ’80s denim for good measure.

How To Wear It

Do you avoid the limelight? Does having your photo taken make you uncomfortable? Do you think three belts is too many belts? Then K-pop fashion may not be for you. “It’s a real mix of high-end brands and trends,” says Standing. “You want to be adorned in the latest silhouettes, with the latest sneakers and extraordinary hair.”

Key Brands

K-pop is as much about Balenciaga as it is Palace, but if you’re hitting a nice high-low contrast in one look, you should be good. For authenticity, look to mix in some actual Korean brands: Ader Error has been labelled as Seoul’s Vetements, for its collective approach to design and ugly-is-beautiful spin on streetwear; 87mm specialises in slouchy, off-duty staples like puffers and fleeces; and Thisisneverthat is basically a homegrown spin on Supreme, ideal for where’d-you-get-that? accessories.

Source: https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/style-tribes-men/

[docholligay]

A Charming Chip in the Cup

My entry for the Same Prompt Party!  I hope you enjoy it, and I hope more of you will join us! 

You don’t belong here, and everyone can see it.

Haruka nervously touched the edge of her collar as she looked in the gallery of mirrors in front of her, and ran her fingers down the edge of her grey vest. Michiru hd said the grey vest with the navy jacket looked handsome, and smart, but staring at therself in the mirror, Haruka wasn’t too sure she thought so. The rich coral and peach tones of the bathroom swayed around her, the perfume of women whose purses might have cost half a year’s salary curling and twisting about the room in soft floral breezes.

She nervously smoothed her hair to the side, and felt Michiru’s arms encircling her waist.

“You look absolutely lovely,” Michiru smiled into the mirror, “I feel quite fortunate to be on your arm.”

Haruka scoffed. “I don’t know.”

“Now, none of that,” She turned Haruka to her and patted her lapels, adjusting the small pocket square that matched her tie,  “All will be well,” she touched Haruka’s cheek, “I love you, and you have an ebullient and delightful personality, and whatever my parents might think, I know their partners will find you charming, and they cannot bear to offend them.”

“‘They have to be nice to you’ isn’t very comforting.”

“I do not mean it to be comforting,” she adjusted a curl in the mirror, “I mean it to be truthful,” she turned back to Haruka, and touched her back reassuringly, “The comfort is that I love you, and I will love you regardless of what they might have to say about it. And,” she smiled, “as requested, I have football tickets for later this week, just the two of us. The ones you like, as well, in the crowd, not any sort of box.”

Haruka looked over at her and gave a grin. “Really?”

“And truly.”

Haruka offered her arm. “Madame?”

___

Nervous as Haruka might be, she had to admit there was a certain excitement in the majesty of the place. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, the glints of light off the cut glass chandeliers scattering the light like diamonds against the intricate molded ceilings, glowing pink in the light. Union Jack curtains parted at a majestic archway, and the sound of a piano drifted through the room and up the marble stairs.

Michiru curled her arm inside Haruka’s and guided her to where her parents gathered near the tea room, waiters in tuxedos pouring fine teas and serving small, perfectly neat sandwiches and pastries. Haruka found herself, wondering in that gutter-rat way that would never leave her, what they did with the imperfect food, what they did with the crusts, and she felt a false hunger like a memory in her gut.

Michiru greeted the maitre’d, offering their name as her parents shook hands courteously, with their perfectly manicured faux warmth. They seemed nice enough, in the way that everyone seemed nice enough to Haruka from a distance, neat and precise in suits and dresses.

Seated at their table, staring into a mirror where she saw her reflection against the the finery of the place, as the table around her began to talk about business--the seemed to be going into a joint watch venture, and while Haruka wanted to contribute that she liked watches and owned several, she realized that was the extent of her contribution, and stopped herself--staring into that mirror, she felt something very keenly.

Haruka had seen the movie Titanic more times than the average person who looked at her might assume, and she identified with it multiple times in her life, though it had never seemed quite so on the nose as the moment now, where gilt and fine china, accented by bespoke silver pieces decorated with tiny roaring lions, covered the table and mocked her with their unknowable fineness.

The strings began, swelling in a majestic crest over the tea room, and Haruka began to feel ill. This room was filled with too much money and finery for her, and she felt that sinking feeling she felt so often in Michiru’s circles, that she was a fraud, and not even a particularly good one, a cheap print laid next to Van Goghs and Degas.

The waiter poured her tea, the chocolate mint rooibos that had seemed so sweet and so tempting. Haruka waited for everyone to be served, relieved when cups began to be lifted. She reached over to the sugar, charmed by the shaped cubes and the tongs, dropping two into her small cup and pouring a hearty serving of milk from the silver pitcher at hand, smiling at the whirl of the white into the brown.

Michiru’s mother smiled. “I half wonder if we shouldn’t have asked if they might bring you chocolate milk. “

Michiru interrupted, leaning forward as if she was telling a very charming secret to the collected table.. “Oh yes, Haruka is very fond of sweet things, which truly makes you wonder why she tolerates our presence at all.” She gave her small fanged laugh and smiled at her mother.

“Well, you know,” The woman who had been introduced as Vivian leaned across the table and patted Haruka’s hand, “I’m very fond of sugar in my tea, also, so we can just let them tease us.”

Haruka grinned and grabbed the tea cup into her hand, wrapping her fingers around the delicate porcelain. Michiru did not break eye contact from the conversation, but gently slipped her hand around Haruka’s and guided her fingers back to rest around simply the tiny handle. Haruka blushed, but Michiru’s gift for small conversation seemed to have distracted the table entirely, save for Michiru’s mother, who shook her head disapprovingly.

Had she not been mired in a pit of alligators, Haruka might have thought the food was delicious, the chicken salad mingling perfectly with whatever spices happened to be in there and the mayonnaise. As it was, she simply tried to draw as little attention as possible, though it was hard not to notice Michiru’s mother’s stare as she took another sandwich and pastry, as if they were supposed to have entire trays of food in front of them and simply leave it to waste, in the name of propriety.

She was ignoring that, and enjoying the rhubarb, when her ears pricked at the phrase. “Vintage Triumph Spitfire.”

Haruka’s eyebrows flicked up and she wiped her mouth in what she hoped was a ladylike way. “Really? What year?”

“Oh, he is a terrible bore on this subject.” She laughed. “He found it in some scrapyard and has been playing with it like a boy with a model.”

“No. I think English cars have some of the greatest styling of anything on the market, yesterday or today. But,” she leaned toward him, remembering that she thought he was called Warren, “You know you need to put it Japanese engine in it to get any reliability. Which I guess is,” she indicated to the table, “like this, kinda.”

He laughed appreciatively. “The cheek! But you aren’t wrong my dear, what a lovely metaphor, Ken, you did not tell us your daughter in law was so clever! You’ve always made me deal with Ryuji and you have such a lovely daughter, and you must drag her to England more often.”

Ken gave a terse smile. “Michiru certainly does have a particular taste in women.”

Warren was too delighted with Haruka to pay attention to the words behind Ken’s words, and continued on. “A 1977. Just sitting out like a rustbucket! I know Viv would appreciate if I didn’t put so much into it, but,” he nudged at Haruka, “they do tolerate us, you know.”

Haruka’s mother looked as if she might throw up, all over the table, and nothing would have pleased Haruka more than to see that particular breach of etiquette.

VIvian looked over at the Kaiohs. “Well, this is going just splendidly.”

Michiru lifted her cup to her lips. “I don’t believe I have had a more pleasant time ever in my life.”

_____

Contracts are signed in board rooms, but deals are made over dinner tables, and in that way, the tea had been a rousing success, Michiru’s parents poised to enter yet new markets of unfathomable wealth, and the best of it all was that they had Haruka to thank for the quick friendship that had been struck up between companies and families.

“We’ll have you out to the house for dinner, of course.” It was not a question, in the way people from those circles rarely asked them, “you mustn’t leave England without seeing the country estate.”

“Oh Haruka, we do hope you’ll come along!” Vivian turned to the Kaiohs. “She will, won’t she? I just love her sense of personality, a lovely bit of earth I so rarely come across, like a truffle.”

Haruka wasn’t sure if she was supposed to be pleased, but she was. It was not terribly often that Michiru’s circles spoke kindly of her, and she intended to bask in the attention.

“Why,” Michiru took her arm, practically explosive with the smug joy of Haruka’s triumph. “OF course she will, my parents invited her along because they, too, enjoy her company so well,” she smiled at them, “and how can one not?”

“Very good!” He clapped Haruka on the shoulder. “I promise to show you that Triumph I was prattling on about.”

“The Ghost too, I hope.”

“Oh of course the Ghost, dear girl, I’ll let you drive anything you like.” He shook Ken’s hand and bowed slightly. “What a productive and lovely evening, Mr. Kaioh, and I hope all of you will consider this only the beginning.”

“We have many ideas for the product line, and I hope--”

Haruka looked over at Warren, “You know, I really like watches! Own a bunch of them.”

“Really, now?” He lit up, “We could always use someone with a young point of view, a new generation, as it were, what a brilliant idea. This must have been you plan all along, Ken, get you designer in the door without telling me. They said you were clever, I just had no idea how true it was. Of course I must hear your ideas, dear girl.”

It was hard to tell who was more pleased, Michiru or Haruka.

__

Goodbyes were said, and Michiru’s parents drifted off to the bar, where they would doubtless drink away their disappointment that the girl they had never given the chance to grow into the family was suddenly spearheading an entirely new revenue stream, and that she had utterly failed to completely embarrass herself. Michiru reflected on this, and how it would become another link in the chain, that Michiru’s parents were coming to the realization, after several years, that they were quite stuck with Haruka.

Haruka grinned over at Michiru. “You’re pretty pleased with yourself.”

Michiru fanned her eyelashes playfully. “I certain I don’t have the slightest idea what you could possibly be talking about.” They swayed in perfect concerat as they walked down the plush carpet of the hotel.

Haruka laughed. “So I did good?”

“I am not certain how you could be anything but positively enchanting. I’ve an idea.” She turned to Harka, stopping in the hallway, “ You have indulged me plenty tonight.What would you think of we got on a bus, and headed out of the center? Find some terrible pub with horse betting machines and sticky carpet, and drink there all night?”

“You mean, actually see London?”

“Quite a bit of sassiness from you, Miss Tenoh.” But her smile did not indicate even the slightest displeasure. “I do know how to ride a bus, you know.”

Haruka grinned and gave her a sidelong glance, her eyebrows jutting up in teasing. “Sure.”

Michiru playfully smacked her arm, her face in a forced pout.  

She drew it around Michiru. “Babe, I’d love that.”

They walked into the chill of the night, under the dimly glowing fireflies of London’s streetlamps, the impenetrable bubble of their mismatched love protection against the dark.