#patio cleaning chemicals

[exteriorcleaningproducts]

Driveway Pressure Washer Cleaner: The Best Options for a Pristine Finish

Is your driveway looking more like a mud pit than a welcoming entrance? Grimy stains, tyre marks, and algae can detract from your home's curb appeal. Fortunately, there's an easy solution: a driveway pressure washer cleaner. With the right tools, you can transform that dull surface into a pristine expanse of concrete or brick in no time. Whether preparing for guests or just wanting to maintain your property's appearance, finding the perfect pressure washer is essential. Dive into this guide as we explore the benefits of using these powerful machines and unveil some top-notch options that will rejuvenate your outdoor space effortlessly!

What is a Driveway Pressure Washer Cleaner?

A driveway pressure washer cleaner is a specialised tool for tackling challenging outdoor cleaning tasks. It uses high-pressure water jets to blast away dirt, grime, and stubborn stains from surfaces like concrete and brick.

Unlike traditional garden hoses, these machines pack a punch. They can easily remove oil spills, mould, mildew, and other unsightly blemishes that accumulate over time.

Many models come with adjustable nozzles for different cleaning needs. This versatility allows you to switch between gentle rinsing or heavy-duty scrubbing based on the surface condition.

Some cleaners even feature detergent tanks that enable outdoor cleaning products specificallyformulated for tougher stains. This combination ensures a thorough cleaning while protecting your surfaces from harsh chemicals.

Investing in a quality driveway pressure washer cleaner can make maintaining your property faster and more effective.

Benefits of Using a Pressure Washer for Cleaning Driveways

Using a pressure washer to clean driveways offers numerous advantages beyond mere aesthetics. This powerful tool can eliminate dirt, grime, and stains quickly. With high-pressure water jets, it reaches deep into the porous surface of concrete or brick, lifting away embedded debris effortlessly. Say goodbye to scrubbing for hours with ineffective methods.

Not only does this save time, but it also reduces physical strain. A pressure washer allows you to stand upright while cleaning—no bending over or heavy lifting is required.

Regular driveway maintenance with a pressure washer can prolong the lifespan of your surfaces. Removing mould and mildew regularly prevents potential damage and unsightly growths from taking hold.

The eco-friendly aspect is another benefit worth noting. Most outdoor cleaning products used with these machines are biodegradable and safe for surrounding plants and wildlife.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Driveway Pressure Washer Cleaner

When selecting a driveway pressure washer cleaner, consider the pressure rating. Measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), higher ratings mean more power for tough stains.

Next, look at the flow rate indicated in GPM (gallons per minute). A greater flow rate helps rinse away dirt and grime effectively.

Portability is another critical factor. Choose a model that's easy to manoeuvre around your driveway without hassle.

Pay attention to attachments and nozzles included with the cleaner. Versatile options allow you to tackle various surfaces beyond just concrete.

Evaluate user reviews and warranty options. These insights can guide you toward durable products that meet your needs while ensuring peace of mind with your purchase decision.

Best Options for a Pristine Finish

Several products stand out in the market when looking for the best options to achieve a pristine finish on your driveway. One highly recommended choice is a pressure washer with adjustable nozzles. This allows you to customise the water flow according to different surfaces.

For stubborn stains, consider using specialised outdoor concrete cleaners. These are designed specifically for tough grime and can enhance your cleaning results significantly.

Another option worth exploring is eco-friendly patio cleaning chemicals. They are effective yet gentle on both your driveway and the environment.

Don't forget about utilising brick mortar cleaner if you're dealing with masonry surfaces. It effectively targets dirt without damaging the integrity of bricks or grout lines, ensuring an immaculate appearance throughout your outdoor space.

Tips for Using a Driveway Pressure Washer Cleaner Effectively

A driveway pressure washer cleaner can transform your outdoor space, but technique is critical. Start by clearing the area of any furniture or debris. This will give you an unobstructed surface to work with.

Adjust the pressure setting according to the material of your driveway. A high-pressure setting may be too harsh for some surfaces, while a lower one could leave dirt behind.

Always keep the nozzle moving in a consistent pattern. Avoid staying in one spot for too long; this prevents damage and ensures even cleaning.

Use appropriate outdoor cleaning products tailored for concrete or brick surfaces. Consider patio cleaning chemicals specifically designed to tackle tough stains effectively.

Maintain a safe distance from edges and walls to prevent accidental damage. Protective gear is also advisable during operation, ensuring safety and comfort as you clean.

Maintenance and Safety Precautions for Your Pressure Washer

Regular maintenance is vital in keeping your pressure washer in top shape. Start by checking the oil level and changing it as needed. A well-lubricated engine runs more smoothly and lasts longer.

Inspect the hoses for any cracks or leaks. Damaged hoses can lead to dangerous situations, so replace them immediately if you find any issues.

Always use clean water when filling the tank. Dirty water can cause clogs and damage internal components over time.

Safety gear is essential during operation. Wear goggles and gloves to protect yourself from debris and chemicals that may splatter.

Ensure you're using the proper nozzle for your cleaning task. The wrong setting can damage surfaces or pose safety risks. Pay attention, stay safe, and enjoy a pristine driveway!

Conclusion

When it comes to maintaining the appearance of your driveway, a pressure washer is an invaluable tool. These powerful machines can tackle even the toughest stains and grime, making them essential for any homeowner invested in exterior cleaning. The right choice will depend on several factors, such as your specific needs, budget, and desired results.

With numerous options available on the market today, selecting one that suits your requirements while ensuring a pristine finish is crucial. Various products are designed specifically for effective surface treatment, from outdoor concrete cleaners to versatile patio cleaning chemicals.

Equipping yourself with proper usage techniques will maximise efficiency and enhance safety during operation. Regular maintenance of your pressure washer extends its lifespan and ensures optimal performance every time you use it.

Your driveway deserves the best care possible. Investing in quality outdoor cleaning products is an excellent step towards achieving a spotless entrance to your home. With careful selection and attentive upkeep of both tools and techniques, you'll be well on your way to showcasing a stunningly clean driveway that enhances curb appeal significantly.

[demonvampire180writes]

Right as Rain - A Buck/Tommy Fic

Thank you to @rowsandrowsofnothing for a prompt to help me get my mind off the shitshow that is the US right now. (If you'd like me to not tag you please let me know.)

Prompt: “cat distribution system hits Buck”

It was midafternoon when Buck checked the clock. Tommy had left for work hours ago, and seeing as he had the day off, and had been spending more time here than at his loft, Buck decided to help Tommy out by doing a few of the things on his ever growing laundry list of chores. Being a first responder himself, Buck understood just how hard upkeep could be and he lived in a loft; he couldn’t even imagine having a whole ass house to take care of.

Being just after noon, Buck decided that it was probably time to stop and eat lunch, so he finished polishing the kitchen counter he’d been working on before dumping his cleaning rag aside and setting the cleaning chemicals a safe distance from his food prep area. Going into Tommy’s fridge, he pulled out supplies for one hell of a hoagie, multiple deli meats and cheeses, pickles and black olives and who knew what else. What? He was a big boy with a big appetite and he needed to eat.

Piling the split bun high, he returned everything to the fridge and grabbed a beer, one of Tommy’s fancy craft beers that he loved so much. (And that Buck was coming to appreciate; a Coors was good but he could appreciate the nuance of… better beers.) Snorting, he used the bottle opener under the counter to pop the cap and took a swig as he sashayed his way out of the kitchen towards the back door. On the way, placing his beer in the crook of his arm, he picked up the book he’d been working on. With a grin he pushed out the back patio door and headed straight for the lounge chairs.

Tommy had a few super comfortable lounge chairs long enough to accommodate their huge bodies with a small hand carved wrought iron table between them. Setting his beer and book down, Buck cozied himself up on the chair he was beginning to think of as his, the one on the left facing the lawn, before placing his food in his lap. He tilted the chair up just right, not straight up and down but not laid out on his back either.

Not a few minutes later he had his book held out in front of him with his sandwich alternating with his beer at his mouth. It tasted just as amazing as he thought it would. The sun felt warm, not hot, against his neck, and the air was quiet except for the occasional flutter of bird wings or the chitter of a squirrel. Buck was at maximum relaxation.

That was until he heard a familiar, yet not, kind of sound from the bushes that fenced in his boyfriend's backyard. The first time he heard it, he looked up and shrugged before returning to his book - things were just heating up - when thirty seconds later he heard it again. Being a first responder, his ears had been trained to pick up on the faintest signs of life. Frowning, he snapped his book closed and set his plate down on the patio table. Slinging his legs over the side of the chair, he stood and approached the bushes slowly, straining his ears hard.

There it was again. A pitiful, mewling sound. His heart picked up speed.

“Hello?” He called out as he began pawing through the brush, wishing he’d brought his phone so he could use the flashlight to see into the shadows. There was no response and he began to think he’d misheard when he heard it again, much clearer. A plaintive, pained, mewl of an animal. “Shit.” He breathed, eyes going wide. Frantically he began to push aside the branches, not caring about the way that they scratched up his bare arms. “Here kitty, kitty. I got you.” He tried not to sound panicked. Although he was a bit more of a dog guy, he was an animal guy at heart and he would never leave one to suffer if he could help it. And this baby sounded like he was in pain. “Where are you sweetheart?” He hissed, checking every nook and cranny but coming up empty.

Until he saw them - a gleaming pair of bright green eyes attached to a void that blended in so deeply he’d have missed it if the poor thing hadn’t had them open. His pupils were blown so big that there was only a rim of green visible. When the cat spotted Buck, he howled and scrabbled for him, reaching out a paw that was covered in muck and… Blood. That was definitely blood along its claws. Buck drew in a sharp breath as he felt his heart cracking in two.

“It’s okay, buddy. I’ve got you. Okay? Just hold on. I’ve got you.” Using his broad shoulders he pushed aside the bushes until he had a clear shot before reaching out to wrap his hands around the tiny body. Immediately he knew that the poor thing was likely malnourished, and possibly even dehydrated; Buck could practically count its ribs and every knob along its itty bitty spine. Tears pricked in his eyes but he held them back by sheer force of will. With trained precision, he extracted the creature from its possible tomb, cradling it to his chest. One of his, Buck checked, paws hung at an odd angle and he had been right about the blood. It seemed that the baby had been trying to claw his way out for who knows how long, or had possibly been running from something before getting stuck in the brambles.

Buck’s heart melted when he turned his head and stared up at him, mewing quietly as his one good front paw attempted to make biscuits on his pecs. “Oh aren’t you just the cutest little thing. What the heck happened to you?” Cooing, Buck petted the creature from the tip of its nose, all the way down its spine. “What should I do with you?” He sighed. “I guess we should at least get you cleaned up and take you to the vet. See if you have a chip or anything.” The cat slow blinked at him, and Buck felt when his little engine started to roar, vibrating his entire little body. Grinning, Buck shook his head and made his way back inside, leaving his lunch out on the patio. The local wildlife could have what was left of it.

In one of Tommy’s bathrooms, he made the cat comfortable on a pile of towels as he half filled the sink with lukewarm water and some Dawn dish soap. He kept a watchful eye on his new friend, making sure he didn’t seem to be in too much pain while he waited. The pitiful thing just kept on purring and making tiny little biscuits, occasionally chirruping when he saw Buck watching. Cursing his soft heart, but not really, Buck once more picked up the cat, grabbing gently at his scruff as he lowered him into the water. To his shock, the animal didn’t fight him in the slightest. He even seemed to breathe out his own sign of relief. Buck could only assume the heat felt good on its aching front limb.

For the next forty or so minutes, Buck scrubbed and scrubbed at the cat's fur, refilling the sink innumerable times as the dirt, grime, and blood sloughed off. When the water eventually ran clear, Buck bundled him up into the fluffiest towel he could find, which wasn’t all that fluffy, as Tommy seemed to subscribe to the idea that men used sandpaper, and not clouds, to dry off. He couldn’t help but chuckle at that as he squeezed out the excess water before gently wrapping the little one up into a purrito and setting him on the counter to dry as he made some phone calls to find a vet that would be able to get him in immediately.

Once the cat was mostly dry and had been fed half a can of fresh tuna, and drank down an ocean’s worth of water, they were off to the vet. In the front seat, still bundled in a blanket, the cat fell fast asleep as if it knew it was safe. Taken care of. At every stop sign or light, Buck would reach over and scritch behind its velvety soft ears or run his finger down the bridge of its tiny baby nose. Once at the vet, the little bundle was received as well as a pallet of gold. The techs cooed at him and consoled him over his hurt little paw, lamenting how anyone could do such a thing to such a sweet baby. He lapped it up, head bunting anyone that so much as looked his way.

Once in their room, the vet came to take a look. “Well,” he was an elderly man with graying hair and kind brown eyes - his brown skin leathery and soft with sun exposure and accent think - “this little guy is lucky you found him. On its own, it’s nothing too serious, but if he had continued to struggle for much longer, I’m afraid either the damage would’ve been irreparable or he could’ve gotten an infection from all the micro cuts on, and near, his claws.” He stroked down his back, grinning. “I don’t know why they say black cats are bad luck because I’m pretty sure you’re the luckiest kitty alive.” The cat squinted at him and purred louder. Chuckling, the vet turned and grabbed a small apparatus from the counter behind him. The screen lit up as he explained, “We’ll do a quick check to see if he’s chipped and then I’ll bring him back to get a cast to set that front paw. After that, assuming he has no owner, you’ll be set to go.”

Buck nodded but for some reason his chest squeezed tight as the doctor ran the chip detector over the cat's neck area. They’d only been together for a few hours but Buck wasn’t sure if he could let the small creature go. It was the owners fault, after all, that the cat ended up this way. Not a minute later the little screen blinked red and Buck let out a relieved breath. “So…?” He didn’t want to get his hopes up but…

“No chip. He’s all yours.” The vet gave him a knowing smile as he bundled up the black cat into his arms. “Now, I’ll be borrowing your sweet little friend,” he scratched under his chin, “for a short while so my techs and I can set his arm. Sound good?” Buck nodded and slumped back into his seat.

The rest of the appointment went by in a whirlwind. While Buck waited for the doc to come back, he started doing his due diligence by making lost and found posts on Facebook and Instagram, and all of the local lost animal pages he could think of. He didn’t want to, but considering how he felt right now at just the thought of letting him go, Buck would never do that to someone else who had a pet they loved. (Even though he still thought they were bad owners for letting their cat out in the first place without supervision.)

If no one responds by midnight tonight… He thought, hitting post on the last message board. Just then a tech came back with his new furry friend, bringing a small card reader with her.

“What a sweetheart!” She exclaimed as she readied the machine. “So for the chip exam, all of his vaccines and the cast…” She laid out the cost. Buck winced a bit at the price tag but he happily paid for it anyway knowing that the innocent thing would get better.

While the machine thought Buck asked, “Do you know how old he is?”

She smiled softly at him. “The doc's best guess is about seven or so? Not elderly but definitely not a youngling either.”

He nodded again. Once he’d gotten the receipt, and they’d said their goodbye’s, they were back in his Jeep and headed for the nearest pet store to spend even more money. And Buck spent like he knew that this baby was his for good. Oh. Did he forget to mention he still hadn’t talked to Tommy about him, and that his loft didn’t allow pets? He hadn’t necessarily been ignoring his phone but his mind had been occupied by other things the last four or so hours!

Both of them exhausted, Buck pulled into Tommy’s driveway. Grabbing only the bare necessities - litter, litter box, and a few toys - both boys dragged themselves into the house. Buck set the little guy down and watched for a minute as his natural curiosity took over and he hobbled around, sniffing at everything. Then Buck grabbed up the litter and such and went to find someone unobtrusive to set it up. To his surprise, his little shadow followed along after him, chirping and meowing all the way. Grinning happily, Buck stopped every few feet to let him catch up and to give his head a pat.

When that was all said and done, Buck went to the living room and made himself comfortable, flipping on the TV as he opened a few of the toys - a crinkle ball and a wand toy. The cat went immediately for the crinkle ball and it was hilarious watching him having to bounce to balance on his back legs while using his good paw to bat it to a fro. Settling in, Buck grabbed the throw blanket that rested on the back of the couch and prepared to veg out until his wayward other half came home.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

“Evan, I’m home.” Tommy called as he dropped his keys into the dish at the door. He’d noticed Evan’s car in the driveway and had been a little surprised to find it still here. Sure, the man had been spending a lot of time at his house but he usually went home for a bit on his days off just to grab the mail and do some cursory cleaning. When there was no reply, he frowned. He could hear the TV so Evan was definitely downstairs.

On soft feet he made his way through the kitchen, past the back door where he spotted an empty plate upturned on the patio and a half full beer bottle on the table, and turned to go into the living room. He stopped cold when what he saw finally registered. His boyfriend was sprawled out on the couch, the tiny throw blanket thrown haphazardly over him, one foot dragging on the floor and the opposite arm bent against the back. But that wasn’t what took him by surprise.

No. That was the furry void curled into the tightest little black hole Tommy had ever seen, minus the neon yellow cast on the paw that stretched out in front of it. Even from where he stood Tommy could hear it as it purred, content and cool as a cucumber. “Evan.” His voice cracked. “Evan.”

“Hmm?” Evan mumbled sleepily as his eyes blinked open, confusion written on his expression before remembering where he was. “Tommy?” He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and craned his neck back so Tommy could see his baby blues. “Welcome home, babe.”

“Evan. Why is there a cat?” Looking just as confused as Tommy felt, Evan looked down at the fluffy terror on his chest and then back at Tommy.

“I saved him.” He said as though it should be obvious.

Sighing, Tommy approached and crouched down next to the man, running a hand through his curls. “I can see that but… Why is he still here?” Evan’s lips turned down into a frown and oh how his heart squeezed. The Buckley pout was absolutely no joke and Tommy would fold in seconds if he didn’t hold strong.

“Because he had nowhere else to go.” Ope. And there was the bottom lip, even quivering a little just to dig the nail even deeper. “I couldn’t just let him back into the wild.”

Sighing once more, Tommy’s lips turned into a soft smile as he leaned in to press their foreheads together. “Why not bring him to the loft?”

“Because they have a no animal policy.” Tommy felt Evan shift so he could pet the cats back.

“You realize we’re first responders, right? We don’t have time to take care of an animal. Especially not when it's healing and we’ll both be away most of the time. What if something happens when we’re not here?”

Evan stayed quiet for an exceedingly long time before he muttered, so quiet Tommy wasn’t sure he’d heard right, “What if I just… stay here. Then someone will almost always be around.”

He sucked in a sharp breath and pulled away, caught off guard by Evan’s whimper of protest. “You… want to live here?”

“At least temporarily? Or you know… For longer.”

Tommy didn’t say anything for a long… long… LONG… time before conceding, knowing he would never win. “Did you at least post some pet lost and found posts?”

“Of course!” He pet the cat more aggressively until it lifted its head and nipped at his fingers, overstimulated. “If no one claims him by midnight I’m keeping him.” His tone brokered no argument.

Sighing, Tommy stood and crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve named him already… Haven’t you?”

“Maybe.”

Grinning wryly, he asked, “Okay, let’s hear it. What’s its… his… name?”

Finally deciding to sit up, Evan stood in a less than graceful series of movements, so he could stand face to face with his boyfriend. He looked like a kid on Christmas with how happy he was. The cat clung desperately to his sweatshirt and Tommy couldn’t help himself as he reached out to pet him. His fur was downy soft, but he was most definitely too skinny. Tommy could see lots of treats in the future and a very spoiled animal. To his silent delight the cat purred louder, bumping into his hand for more pets.

“Rain.” He proclaims proudly, puffing out his chest. “Because I found him in your geranium bushes.”

Tommy snorts and throws back his head as he laughs. Evan pouts and steps back so Rain is out of Tommy’s reach, much to his displeasure. “Hey! Don’t punish the cat just because you’re mad at me.”

“No. No more pets until you admit my naming skills are awesome. Isn’t that right, Rain?” He kisses the tiny bit of white on the cat’s head and snuggles him closer.

Rocking on his heels Tommy says, though he’s not sure he totally agrees, “Okay, okay. Rain is a great name. So does this mean we’re cat dad’s now?”

Beaming, Evan says, “As long as I don’t get any messages before midnight.” Kissing his new fur child once more he says, “We’ll be the best cat dad’s ever, isn’t that right, Rain?” The kid chirps and licks the tip of Evan’s nose which sends him into another fit of laughter.

Eventually the two of them settle back onto the couch after Tommy whips something up for dinner; Evan doesn’t want to let Rain out of his sight for long enough to be safe while cooking. Once cozy, and feeding the little black void a piece of meat here and there, they flip to one streaming service or another to watch a movie.

Not one single message pings on Evan’s phone before midnight.

Everything was right as Rain.

[sweetsweetjellybean]

TW: Smut-tacular 3 way smut. Angst. NSFW. 18+

AN: See end of chapter

Beta'd by @superbcoffeedrinkersubparwriter

Series Masterlist Fic Menu

Last night, you dreamt that you were an acrobat wearing a costume made of white silk inlaid with diamonds that reflected the light and made you shine. Step after careful step, your slippered feet moved along a tightrope stretched high above the earth. Somehow you knew as long as you held your breath, you could make it, you wouldn't fall. A crowd gathered below you yelled things you couldn't understand. The rope creaked, and your lungs screamed for you to breathe, but you were only halfway across, and your fate became clear - you would either suffocate or fall. 

Your lungs still ached with that long-held breath as you walked down the stairs that morning in search of Steve. It was time to step off before you fell. The main floor is quiet, and you thought maybe you were home alone until you caught a glimpse of Steve through the kitchen window.  

"Hi," you say, coming out of the sliding glass door onto the back deck. The usual tidy space was in upheaval. Patio furniture that had been uncovered and scrubbed clean was now drying in the warm sun. There are gallon jugs of chemicals and cleaning tools on the cement apron surrounding the in-ground pool. Steve was in board shorts and a tank top using a long net to skim the debris out of the water.

"Hi," he gives you a quick glance before returning to his task. Some drenched whirligigs and bits of leaves get scooped up in his net before he empties it out into a silver trash can he has waiting.

"Going for a swim?" Your tone is light and breezy, a contrast to the butterflies rioting in your belly.

"Well, I thought if I can't give you the ocean, at least I can give you a pool." His thoughtful gesture only makes this harder.

"It's still a little cold, isn't it?" 

"It's heated," he shrugs before moving toward the house and connecting a garden hose to the spigot.

"Steve, I think we should talk," you blurt out, twisting your fingers.

"It's okay. You don't have to say anything," he keeps his back to you as he moves around, dropping the hose into the pool. 

"No. I really think-"

"There's nothing to say. We're friends, right? That's what you came out here to say," he asks as he crouches down to open the cover of the pool filter.

"Yeah, we're friends," you say almost hesitantly. 

"I don't want to hurt you or Eddie. Yesterday, I just got a little carried away. I stopped..we stopped before anything happened. So we can..move on, yeah?" 

When he is met with your silence, he abandons his task and joins you on the deck, where you stand with your eyes lowered, studying the texture of the gray boards. 

"Hey, none of this is your fault," he says, tucking a wayward strand of hair behind your ear, "It's me. I just need to…." He trails off and crosses his arms over his chest, "I want you to be happy while you're here. Hopper said you should hear from Enzo soon, and I'll start volunteering at the shelter again during the day. Let me know when your shifts start, and I'll give you a ride if you need one, okay?"

"Yeah, alright. Thanks, Steve," you say, turning back into the house. He returns to the pool to continue with his project. Everything is as it should be, but the disappointment washing over you confuses you even more. 

Steve was right. The phone rang the following afternoon, the voice of a harried older man letting you know you could start work the next week. It was just three shifts to start, but Enzo would schedule you for more once you were trained. The evening shifts would mean relying on the boys for rides since walking late at night wasn't a sensible option. 

"White tops, black bottoms. The men wear ties, girls wear skirts. Got it?" The older man with the Dallas mustache explained as you followed him around the busy Italian restaurant. Candles sat atop the crisp white table linens that covered every table, casting a soft glow on the brick walls and polished wood. 

"Yes, Mr. Enzo," you replied, trying to commit his whirlwind instructions to memory.

"Just call me Enzo. Forget the mister. Now, this is Leigh." He stops in front of a petite girl with dark hair cut in a sharp bob. She smiles kindly at you as Enzo continues, “She is going to show you the ropes. Stick with her tonight, and you'll be on by yourself for your next shift, learn the menu. Yes?" After you answer with a nod, Enzo departs for the kitchen, leaving you with Leigh. 

"Don't worry, you'll get it," she reassures. "There's a way we're supposed to do things, but I'm going to show you the easy way. You'll be a pro by the end of the night. You graduated last year, right?"

"Yeah, that's right," you say as she hands you a stack of menus and some silverware wrapped up in napkins.

"Lucky. I'm still a junior," She says with a sigh. Leigh takes you through table settings and the wine list, and you spend the rest of your shift shadowing her as she takes care of her tables with efficiency and a warm manner. It turns out Enzo's wasn't that different from any other restaurant you've worked at. Sure the menu and table settings were fancier. But in the kitchen, the wait staff still bitched about their tables while hanging halfway out the backdoor sneaking in a quick smoke between filling glasses and serving plates and the cooks still found a way to turn every request into something raunchy while leering at your boobs. By the night's end, your first-day jitters had disappeared, and you felt confident enough to work on your own.

"You have my number. Let me know if you need a ride or if you ever want to hang out," Leigh calls to you as you wait for Eddie to pick you up at the end of the night. 

"Thanks, I will," you wave as she heads to her car. Most of your friends left for college after graduation, and it's nice to meet someone new. The sound of Eddie's van precedes its arrival. The loud engine and equally loud music halt when he pulls up to the curb. He bursts out of the driver's door and sweeps you up into his arms, lifting you off your feet, and you squeal as he swings you around before kissing you like he hasn't seen you in days instead of hours.

"What's all this?" You ask breathlessly. 

"I've got big news, my love. But first, I want to hear about your first day," he says while opening the door and helping you into the van. 

"It was good, but I want to hear your news," you say, caught up in his excitement. 

"Okay. Hold on." He runs around the side of the van and climbs in his seat, "are you ready?" He asks with a smile like a kid on Christmas morning. 

"Yes. Yes. Tell me already," you say, bouncing in your seat.

"Okay. You are looking at the lead guitarist that will be playing with his band at the,” Eddie drums his fingers on the dashboard before continuing, “Metal Showcase Showdown." He says the name like a wrestling announcer, complete with echo.

"Ohmigod!" Stretching across the center console, you wrap your arms around him. For the last two years, corroded Coffin had been trying to get a spot in the showcase. It's a huge annual event at a club in Shelbyville. The winners walk away with a regular gig, a cash prize, and bragging rights.

"That's so amazing. I'm so proud of you," his cheeks tint apple-red at your praise, "I can't believe I'm going to be the girlfriend of a rockstar. That is unless you decide to trade me in for one of your groupies."

"Hmmm," he closes one eye and sticks out his tongue as he taps his chin with one finger. Narrowing your eyes, you give his arm a playful slap as he holds his hand up. "Just give me a minute. I'm picturing the groupies."

That earns him a few more slaps as your mouth drops open in a huff. He catches your hand mid air and kisses your knuckles. "I'm kidding, baby. You're the only one I think about." He reaches out and runs his hand along your jaw. His big doe eyes turn soft, and you can see yourself in their reflection. "After the earthquake, I crawled through hell, and my only thought was getting back to you." 

His words leave your chest aching, and you crawl across the console into his lap, covering his mouth with yours. The memory of the unbearable pain when you thought you'd lost him is still fresh in your mind. His name was a constant prayer on your lips as you cried yourself to sleep at night. But he's here, flesh and blood, with scars that remain a mystery but are easily forgotten with his soft lips moving over yours and the evidence of his passion growing under your lap. 

"Let's go home," he says, breaking the kiss. With one more sweet press of your lips, you move back into your seat as he starts the van and pulls away from the curb.

"Eddie, will you still want to move if things are going well for the band?" You ask tentatively, not wanting to rain on his parade.

"I don't know," he shakes his head as he keeps his eyes on the road, "I'm just trying to get through the rest of high school. Everything else feels too far away to think about. You don't need to worry. We won't win anyway."

"Hey, don't talk like that. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't believe you could win," you say, placing a hand on his thigh, "I was just thinking we can't stay at Steve's forever. If we're staying in Hawkins, we should think about getting our own place."

"You're not happy at Steve's? It's a hell of a lot nicer than anything we could afford."

"I know, but eventually, we will wear out our welcome."

"Look, baby, he's a friend. You've seen the guy. He was almost catatonic before he got laid, and I need a place to live. Wheeler and Buckley would be having kittens worrying about him if we weren't there. If you don't like living in a mansion with a pool, for free I might add, you could always move home for a little while."

"You don't want to live with me?" You ask quietly, pulling your hand away and looking out the window. Eddie hadn't actually asked you to move in. Steve was the one that extended the offer after you had spent a few nights there.

"That's not what I'm saying," he sighs, "I'm broke. I owe Wayne money. I got Rick breathing down my neck. Sales are slow because the cops are still keeping an eye on me. I'm drowning in schoolwork. Then there's the band and the club and you to keep happy. I can't keep stacking more on top of all this shit."

"Okay, I'm sorry," your face is hot, and unshed tears sting your eyes. 

"I might as well tell you now that the band's going to practice more to get ready for the show. I know that's going to mean less time together for a while. Can you cut me a little slack for the next few weeks?" He asks, taking your hand and bringing it to his lips. Nodding your head, you swipe at your eyes, trying to calm yourself before the dam bursts. 

"Good girl. I love you."

♡♡

Hugging the throw pillow to your chest, you sit in the dark living room with the tv providing the only light. Your hands are sweating, and your muscles tense as you watch Bruce Willis run around trying to get his life back from the doppelganger that has taken over.

The big quiet house feels empty with Eddie and Steve gone during the day as you wander from room to room, straightening up as needed, gathering laundry to wash, and making up the beds. Eventually, you end up in the kitchen, where you pull out a few ingredients from the fridge and begin to prepare a few meals so that the boys can have something that will heat up quickly while you're at work. The tedium of the last few weeks has given way to loneliness. Sadly, the best part of your day has become the short ride to work, where Eddie's attention isn't occupied with school, music, or campaigns. Even though you are proud of him for following through with his commitments, you can't help but feel you are falling further and further down his list of priorities. When you're finished cooking, you seal the food in Tupperware and put it in the fridge. The containers from yesterday's meals sit clean in the drying rack. Despite Steve's protests against being looked after, he eats the dinners you leave for him. He has made himself scarce whenever Eddie isn't around, choosing to spend time in his room or out of the house, and you miss him.

"What are you watching?" Steve asks from where he's standing just behind the couch, causing you to jump out of your skin.

"Jesus. Holy shit," you say with your hand over your heart, trying to calm down, "I think I almost peed my pants."

"Sorry," he says, trying to hide his laughter, "Watching The Twilight Zone in the dark, huh? You're brave."

"Turns out not so much," you toss the throw pillow at him, and he catches it easily.

"No Eddie tonight?" He tosses the pillow back onto the couch. 

"Nope. Band practice. The showcase is coming up." 

"Ah," He shakes his head, understanding. He hovers hesitantly in the entryway before he coming further into the room. "What did you do with your day off?" He asks, taking a seat on the edge of one of the overstuffed armchairs that flank the couch.

"Not much," you answer, pulling your knees up to your chest and crossing your arms over them, "I made some of the chicken and vegetables you like. I can heat it up for you if you want?"

"I already ate…but I'll have it tomorrow for lunch. Thank you for cooking."

"Sure." 

The narrator's monotone voice wraps up the first half of the show. "A man who lost himself...and found himself...on a lonely battlefield, somewhere...in the Twilight Zone."

"There is still the second story left. You could watch it with me? Protect me from all the scary things in the dark?" You ask, hopefully.

"I’m meeting Robin. Just stopped home to change." He says, standing and pointing back towards the door. 

"Oh, okay. Maybe next time. Tell Robin hey for me," you look away from him, turning back towards the tv, trying to hide your disappointment. He stands there for another moment before moving towards the stairs. He's doing the right thing, the commendable thing, but your heart can't help wanting him. His footsteps fade on the stairway as you try to focus on the screen and not the boy upstairs.

As if he times it perfectly, the commercials are just finishing when he plops beside you wearing sweats and an old t-shirt. "I thought you were going out?" You bite your lip to hide the smile threatening to give away how happy you are to have his company.

"I'm tired," he says, keeping his eyes on the tv, "Besides, I don't want to have to clean pee off the couch."  

Laughing, you bump his shoulder with yours. Circling his elbow with your arm, you lay your head against his shoulder as the announcer appears on the screen. 

"Is this okay?" You ask softly.

"Yeah. It's okay."

"Good morning, beautiful," Eddies whispers early the next morning, his lips lightly brushing the shell of your ear.

He hadn’t been home when you had gone to bed last night. After finishing the episode plus one more curled around him, Steve walked you to your room like the end of date. The two of you lingered in the hall thinking of things to say to keep each other there longer. Eventually saying your good nights before falling asleep in your cold, empty bed alone.

But now you're floating in that dreamy place between wake and sleep. Laying almost on your stomach with your left leg hiked up, the t-shirt you put on last night bunched up around your waist, Eddie’s warm chest pressed against back and his deft fingers stroking softly between your legs.

“Hmmm, Eddie,” you moan softly, eyes still closed, already incredibly wet, your body responding before your mind could catch up. “I’m here,” his breath fans over your jaw. Warm pluses of sleepy arousal radiate from your core, traveling through your body, making every brush of his smooth skin against yours feel electric. Clutching the sheets and blankets to your chest, your hips start to move, grinding against the very ready, very hard cock pressed against your ass. 

“Fuck baby, kiss me,” his mouth desperate for a taste of yours. Turning your head, his lips find you. His tongue dips into your mouth, sliding against yours in a slow wet kiss. The tiny cry that bubbles from your throat is muffled by his mouth as two fingers push into your slick channel, him giving you what you need before you can ask for it. His fingers pump in and out of you dragging against your spongy walls before gliding slowly through your folds to circle your clit, lighting you up like a sparkler before sliding back down, spreading your slick to the tight ring of your ass, and then up to repeat the process. 

"Eddie, shit…I need this…need you," you whine, reaching behind you running your hand up and down the velvety skin of his cock earning you an impassioned groan. 

“I know you do,” he helps you out of your shirt and rolls you on to your back. His beautiful face hovering over you and you realize just how long it’s been but now he’s here, sleepy eyes drunk with desire, lips berry red and swollen from kissing you.

“You are so fucking sexy,” you softly murmur while trailing your hand over his tatoos and lower down the expanse of his chest. His cheeks glow cupid-pink only adding to the effect. “Me?” he chuckles, returning your touch, letting his fingers drift over your hard nipples, “Do you know how much I want you? How much I always want you?”  He dips his head, wetly nipping down the column of your neck. 

“Show me you,” you rasp as his mouth closes over your breast, sucking, his tongue swirling over your nipple. Wandering fingers work their way into your heat, one breaching the tight ring of your ass while two others fill your pussy. Your hips roll, working him deeper inside you. He’s everywhere, filling you, tasting you, worshiping at your altar, pleasure flames through you and you lose control wantonly moaning.

“I need to fuck you.” He growls, his voice rough and strained as his mouth returns to yours sucking in your bottom, gently biting to remind you to answer. "I want you.. Eddie…please fuck me,” you helplessly whimper as pulls away leaving you empty and desperate. Knowing what you both want, you roll to your belly and lift your hips. Looking over your shoulder, you watch as he pumps himself, his eyes trained on your glistening pussy. “I can’t go slow. I’m sorry,” he warns as he lines himself up at your slick entrance. The need for each overpowering any rational thought. He drives into you in one smooth stroke, both of you crying out at the way you fit together. He thrust forward as you work your hips back, meeting each other in a frenzy. His hands run up and down your back, the tender touches a contrast to the hard deep thrusts of his dick, setting you ablaze inside and out as he moves in ceaseless rhythm, both of  you flying towards release.”I’m close,” your inner muscles tighten as that exquisite pressure builds deep inside you. 

"I can feel it, baby," his fingers move to circle your clit, sparking the fuse that has your orgasam exploding through you. A few more thrusts, and he's pulling out of you working himself through his release, spilling his thick, rich cum onto your back. You collapse onto your stomach enjoying the aftershocks and he drops down beside you a grin stretching across his face. Laughing, you lean over and press a small kiss to his cheek.

"I love you," he tells you, as he wipes your back with your discarded t-shirt. He's giving you a few more soft kisses when you hear a door slam and footsteps moving down the stairs. "I think we woke up Steve," Eddie says, pressing a kiss to the tip of your nose, "Let's clean up, and after breakfast, I'll make you dirty all over again."

Turning off your blow dryer, you study your hair in the mirror, smoothing down any stray locks. Deciding you're pleased with the results, you leave your room to join Eddie for breakfast. The sound of Eddie and Steve talking and laughing in the kitchen brings a smile to your face as you descend the stairs. Their conversation continues as you enter the room. Reaching into the cabinet, you grab an empty mug and fill it with the coffee that sat waiting for you in the half-full pot. When you join them at the table, Eddie's hand moves to your leg, and Steve doesn't so much as glance in your direction. 

"I'm sorry I didn't wait for you." Eddie gestures to the bowl in front of him containing a small amount of colored milk and a few stray Froot Loops, "I'm gonna go smoke. Do you want me to stick some bread in the toaster for you?"

"Yes, please," you reply as you bring the mug to your lips and blow a little steam off before taking a sip. He drops a kiss on your head and stands to start your toast before heading out the sliding door. 

"Do you have plans today?" You ask Steve, keeping your voice light, trying to make conversation. But he doesn't answer you. He stands, taking his empty plate with him. 

"I'm sorry." 

Your words stop him mid-stride. He pauses for only a moment, keeping his back to you. His head lowers and shakes from side to side. 

"What are you sorry for?" The harsh tone of his voice startles you more than the plate breaking into pieces as he throws it into the sink. 

Your lips part but no sound escapes them. The emotions rampaging inside won't let you settle on a thought. 

"I shouldn't have lost my temper," his voice returns to even and normal as he picks up the shards and moves them to the trash, "I'm going to be late tonight. Don't bother with any dinner for me." Without another word, he leaves you alone. 

The new greens of spring are giving way to the vibrant deep hues of summer. There wasn't a cloud to be found in the clear blue sky, and the weather report on the radio promised a full day of perfection. The golden sun feels like a kiss against your skin, its warmth heating you from head to toe as you recline in your two-piece on one of the loungers Steve had set around the pool. Pushing the mirrored aviators higher on your nose, you look beside you at Leigh, lying on her stomach, flipping through a magazine. Deciding the weather was too good to enjoy alone, you called and asked her if she'd like to come over before her shift started. 

"All I'm saying is that Andrew would have been a much better match for Claire than Bender. I mean, how long do you think that's going to actually last?" Leigh muses.

"Don't be such a cynic. It could work out. Besides, Andrew and Ally are cute together." 

"Hello, ladies," Steve says as he slides the glass door shut behind him. Your eyes take in the sharp cut of his muscled shoulder before following the light trail of hair starting below his belly button and disappearing under the hem of his low-slung swim trunks.

"You're home early," you say, grateful that your sunglasses hide your ogling. No matter how often you see this man shirtless, the sight of his bare chest makes your throat dry. It doesn't help that you know the feeling of the bristly hair that covers his pecs rubbing against your skin. 

"It's too nice of a day to be inside," he walks between the loungers to set his Raybans on the table next to you, and you feel his eyes move over your body before he turns toward Leigh. "Hi. I'm Steve Harrington," he says, extending his hand to her.

"Oh, I know who you are," she says, sitting up to grasp his hand. Her cheeks bloom scarlet, and by the dumbfounded look on her face, one would think it was Emilio Estevez shaking her hand instead of Steve.

"This is Leigh," you tell Steve since the girl is too flustered to give him her name.

"It's nice to meet you, Leigh," he says, giving her a wink.

"Leigh works with me at Enzo's. She's a junior in high school," you say, ignoring the annoyed look that Leigh gives you for pointing that out. 

"Oh yeah? You must be happy that the year is almost over," he says, stepping onto the diving board, "I know Eddie is." He not so subtly reminds you that your boyfriend is also still in high school. With near-perfect form, he dives in and starts swimming laps back and forth across the pool.

"This is his house? You live with Steve Harrington?" Leigh asks you in an excited whisper. 

"Yeah. He's giving us a place to stay for a while," you shrug.

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

'I don't know. Maybe," you try to keep the irritation out of your voice as you watch Steve's long body slicing through the water.

After a few more laps, he pulls himself up the ladder. The water runs off his body, highlighting his fair skin dotted with freckles. He pushes his hair back as he walks over and takes a seat at the end of your lounger, dripping cool water on the heated skin of your legs. 

"If I had known they had such pretty girls working at Enzo's, I'd be eating there more often," he says, flashing Leigh a devastating smile. She giggles in response. 

"I'm going to get something to drink," you say, getting up and slipping on your sandals, not wanting a front-row seat to whatever this is leading to. 

The air in the house feels cool after being in the sun. Your flip-flops slap against the tile of the kitchen floor as you walk to the fridge and take out the pint of strawberries you had washed earlier. Biting into one, you let the sweet juice fill your mouth before taking a glass out of the cabinet and filling it from the tap. Steve comes in a minute later with a towel wrapped around his waist. 

"She's thirsty," he says in the way of explanation as he pulls two glasses from the cabinet. 

"I bet," you mumble, nibbling on another strawberry.

"What was that?" He asks, leaning over to snag one of the berries for himself. You're rendered temporarily speechless as you watch his lips close over the sweet flesh of the berry, leaving the crown between his fingers. 

"Nothing," you say, shaking your head to clear it. He moves to the fridge and pulls out a pitcher of lemonade to fill the glasses. 

"Think I should ask her out?" He takes a butter knife from the drawer and cuts a few strawberries to add to the glasses.

"Do whatever you want," you say, sipping your water, "it might be weird since I have to work with her, though." 

He can see right through your flimsy reasoning and doesn't even try to hide his cocky smile. He's about to say something else when the slider opens, and Leigh comes in from the pool. 

"I didn't realize it was so late. I have to leave for work," she says, grabbing the tote she left on the island earlier. She moves closer to Steve, "Do you want my number?" She asks him, batting her lashes, trying to look coy.

"Sure," he says, pulling out a pen and the pad of paper usually used for grocery lists from the drawer next to the sink. "It was nice meeting you," he says, taking back the pen once she's finished.

"Likewise," she says, walking backward and almost tripping," Thanks for inviting me. I'll see you at work." She waves to you as she leaves the kitchen. Steve waits to say anything else until he hears the click of the front door closing. 

"She's pretty cute, yeah? She certainly seems…eager," he says to you, smiling. 

"Who's eager?" Eddie asks, entering the room. He must have passed Leigh on her way out. 

"Leigh," you say flatly as he gives you a quick peck on the lips. 

"Oh yeah? You gonna ask her out? I say go for it, Harrington. The girl's a fox."

"What?" You raise an eyebrow at him and cross your arms over your chest. 

"Come on, baby. You know you're gorgeous, but I still have eyes," he says, trying to explain.

"She's hot, right?" Steve asks, raising his eyebrows and chuckling.

"Definitely," Eddie says, throwing an arm over your shoulder, "How well do you know this girl, baby? Maybe we can invite her next time we want to...spice it up."

Steve chokes on his lemonade, and you can feel the blood rushing to your face and neck. Fury. That's what you feel about his proposal. 

"I have an idea," you say, knocking Eddie's arm off your shoulder, "how about you two fuck yourselves and leave me out of it."

You can hear both boys giggling as you stomp up the stairs and slam your door.

"He's scorching hot. You are so lucky. You have no idea," Leigh says, practically swooning as she follows you around Enzo's with a stack of menus and hearts in her eyes.

"Yeah. Lucky me," you grumble, collecting the tip and stacking the dirty dishes from your last table onto a tray. It was an oddly quiet Friday night, leaving the staff plenty of time to dish, and apparently, you are on the menu. Twice now, you've approached the swinging kitchen door hearing laughter and excited murmurings from inside, but as soon as you cross the threshold, all conversation comes to a halt. Everyone is suddenly busy and unwilling to meet your eyes. 

"He hasn't mentioned me at all?" Nothing I'm going to tell you about. 

"Nope. Sorry. You know, Steve's just my roommate. I'm trying to focus on my boyfriend," you say in a clipped tone, adding a smile to soften your words. Picking up the tray, you start toward the kitchen.

"Yeah, I guess you would be," she says from behind you.

"What does that mean?" You ask, turning to face her. Her mouth snaps shut, and her eyes go wide. She hugs the menus to her chest while her face turns three shades of red.

"Just tell me, Leigh," you say impatiently, balancing the tray on your hip.

"Well…I don't think this," she stutters, her eyes looking everywhere but at your face. "Everyone is saying…now that everyone knows Eddie didn't kill Chrissy. They're wondering what they were doing together. That's all."

"Is that what everyone's gossiping about?" You ask, rolling your eyes and continuing to the kitchen with Leigh right behind you. The kitchen goes as quiet as a church as soon as you enter. Sighing loudly, you unload your tray. 

"Everyone knows that Eddie sells. That's not news," you say loud enough for the rest of the kitchen to hear, "Obviously, she wanted some weed," not one person in the kitchen looks up, even though they're clearly listening. Grabbing a bottle of cleaner and cloth, you leave the kitchen to finish cleaning your table.

"Hold this," you pass the cleaning supplies to Leigh who is sticking with you like a bad penny. Carefully, you fold the soiled table linens, so the crumbs don't fall to the floor. 

"It's just that..Eddie sells to people in the woods or out of his van, but no one's been to his place before." 

She's not wrong, and it's been on your mind since Eddie's return. At first, you were just happy to have him back, but he refuses to answer any questions about Chrissy or where he had been, or how the heck he wound up being best pals with Steve Harrington, and you don't know what to think.

"I don't know, Leigh," you trade the wrapped linens for the cleaner, "there was an earthquake. Everything was crazy. Why don't you tell me what happened?" Pausing, you wait for her response. 

She steps closer and lowers her voice,"They think Eddie and Chrissy were having an affair, and Jason found out. He caught them at Eddie's trailer, and he killed her. Then he tried to kill Eddie, but he got away, and Jason killed himself."

Bile rises in your throat, as you set down the cloth and cleaner with shaking hands. Your chest and neck heat, and you pause long enough to be sure your voice won't break as you answer. 

"He wouldn't do that. He loves me." 

"Of course, he wouldn't. It's just gossip," Leigh says, placing her hand on your arm. Her assurances sound sticky sweet, but they sour as they reach your ears.

"Can you finish for me? I need the ladies' room."

 Without waiting for an answer, you leave her with the mess. After turning the lock, you slide down the back of the closed door until you're sitting on the tiled floor, ignoring how gross it probably is. A few weeks ago you never would have entertained the idea that Eddie would ever cheat on you, then again you would have never entertained the idea of cheating on him. Despite whatever you feel for Steve, you have no doubt that you love Eddie, and he loves you. But now you understand how quickly feelings can be kindled and how a fire can quickly get out of control. The watch on your wrist tells you the restaurant will be closing in ten minutes, enough time to pull yourself together before Eddie picks you up. The cold water you splash on your face calms your heated cheeks and as you study your reflection in the mirror you wonder if maybe you deserve this. Or maybe he does.

"Are you sure I can't give you a ride?" Leigh asks for the tenth time. 

"I'm sure. Eddie will be here any minute. You don't have to wait," you say, crossing your arms across your chest, standing on the very edge of the curb while looking up and down the deserted street and rechecking your watch. 

"That's what you said forty minutes ago," she points out, "maybe he forgot?"

"He didn't forget. He has Hellfire tonight. He's just running late," the irritation inside you's bubbling like a pot about to boil over. It's clear Leigh's offer is more about her wanting to see Steve than her concern for you. 

"Oh, yeah. That's like a board game, right?"

"Something like that," setting down your purse, you use both hands to run circles on your temples.

"How old is Eddie?"

Before you can say something you may regret, a maroon BMW smoothly pulls up to the curb in front of you. Without another word to Leigh, you round the passenger side and climb into the waiting car. Steve gives her a little wave as he drives off toward home. 

"When did he call you?" You ask Steve after a few minutes of quiet.

"I dunno, about fifteen minutes ago," sinking back into the soft leather seat, you shake your head, "You know how they get when they're playing."

"Don't defend him," the passing lights fade in and out as you study his profile while his eyes stay fixed on the road. 

"Okay, I won't."

♡♡

"Will you come talk with me for a bit?" you ask, tipping your head to the side.

Steve flips the switch, lighting the foyer of the otherwise dark and quiet house. He drops his keys in the small stained glass bowl on the wooden console table just behind the door. A quick, sympathetic smile crosses his face as he lifts the strap of your heavy purse off your shoulder and places it next to his keys. He looks as worn out as you feel. 

"Nah, I'm going to go up," he hitches his thumb toward the stairs before resting his hands on his hips.

"Just for a few minutes," you tell him, grabbing hold of his hand, "Come on, I'll make us some tea," he lets you pull him into the kitchen and makes himself comfortable leaning against the counter as you fill the kettle from the tap. 

"How are things at the shelter?" the blue flame pops and comes to life as you adjust the knob on the cooktop before setting the kettle to boil.

"People are getting what they need. Most of the families have been set up in temporary housing. Soon there won't be much to do but serve meals," he chews thoughtfully on his lip as he watches you move about the kitchen. 

"That's good, right?" 

"Yeah. Definitely. What about you? How was your night?" 

"It was slow," the earthy sweet aroma of the herbal tea hits your nose as you lift the lid of the cardboard box, "Leigh was driving me crazy. She wouldn't stop talking about you," he stays quiet but one side of his mouth lifts into a smirk, "Are you hungry? I can make something to eat?"

The kettle begins to whistle, and you move it to another burner and turn off the flame while you wait for his reply. 

"You don't have to take care of me."

"I like taking care of you," steam rises out of the mugs as you pour the hot water from the kettle over the tea bags. 

"You're good at it. But I shouldn't get used to it," he runs his hands through his hair, "I'm always getting myself into these impossible situations with girls. The ones I take out, they're never right for me. And the ones that I like, I'm never right for them. The first week you were here, and I saw you with Eddie, I thought that's it. That's what I want, someone to give a shit, you know?"

"Steve, plenty of people give a shit. Nancy, Robin, me," you explain, placing your hand on his bicep.

"You have no idea of the irony in that statement," he chuckles and shakes his head.

Moving closer, you slip your arms around his waist, your thumb brushes against his belt loop, and you rest your head against the solid mass of his chest, listening to the thumping of his heart, "I care about you.. so much."

His chest expands as his breathing deepens, and his arms close around you, one big hand tangling in your hair, tipping your head back. His eyes work like a key in a lock, opening your heart so he can climb inside. 

"Not the way I want you to." 

"You're wrong," you shake your head, the truth slipping out so easily.

"It doesn't matter," he says, pulling away. His hands fall to your shoulders to gently loosen your hold. 

"No," panic builds as the word escapes, reminding you of that afternoon you begged him to stay. Knowing now, as you did then, if he leaves, it will be his last goodbye.

"We can't," his grip on your shoulders tightens, and he shakes you, trying to get you to understand.  

"I just want to be close to you. Please," the high pitch of your cracking voice sounds desperate, even to your own ears. 

"It's too hard," pain is visible on his face as he reaches back to unwrap your fingers from where they are digging into the skin of his back. 

Without a second thought, you stretch to your tiptoes and press your lips to his. Tears burn behind your closed eyes, and your heart pauses its beat in the loud silence of the moment, waiting to see if he'll return your kiss. His strong thick fingers smooth over the soft skin of your neck until his thumbs can angle your jaw. A low noise rumbles from his throat, and his decadent mouth opens to you. The kiss begins deep and delves further as he takes control. His plush lips work to taste every curve and dip of your mouth while his tongue slides against yours. Soft hmms and hums float on the air that escapes your hungry mouths as the desperation increases, and you pull him closer. His hands drift down your neck and move lower, lightly grazing your breasts before settling on your waist, where he's tugging the hem of your shirt free from your skirt and inching it up your stomach.

The creak of a heavy door slamming has him pushing you away and turning to face away from where Eddie is entering the room. Picking up your mug of tea, you sip the lukewarm liquid trying to hide your swollen lips. 

"What the fuck? Am I interrupting something?" Eddie asks, his eyes darting around the scene in front of him. 

Placing your mug on the counter, you walk around him without a word heading toward your room with the sound of his heavy footsteps behind you.

"You're mad at me?" Eddie asks incredulously once you shut the door to your room. 

"I'm not mad. I'm disappointed," you say, tucking a leg underneath as you sit on the bed and grab a pillow holding it in your lap like a shield.

"Jesus Christ. Thanks, Wayne," he paces back and forth while he scrubs his face with his hands, "Just because I was a few minutes late?"

"It's not because you were late. It's because I can't rely on you."

"Oh, but you can rely on Steve? Is that why the two of you jump apart and stop talking the minute I come in the fucking kitchen?"

Relief washes through you that he hadn't seen more, "This isn't about Steve. It's about you and me. I'm tired of being the only grown-up in this relationship," you say, keeping your eyes downward. The guilt you haven't even begun to process doesn't wipe away the fact that you and Eddie have problems that have been stacking up.

"The only grown-up…are you fucking kidding me?" he asks with a red face. He's never yelled at you before, and you can't stop the tears from slipping past the rims of your eyes. His voice wavers as he tries to hide his emotion, "I've got responsibilities coming out of my ass here. I don't need this shit from you. You and Steve can play house together. I'll go sleep in my fucking van."

The sound of the door slamming echoes through the house. Slumping forward, you cry into the pillow you've been clutching. Eddie's pillow. Tears soak through the material, and you inhale his scent, tobacco, shampoo, and a hint of old spice. He'd never been perfect, but you loved him anyway, the nervous boy sitting in the diner ordering pie he didn't want-just to be close to you. A short time ago, you thought you'd lost him for good, and now you're giving him up so easily. 

Before you can convince yourself letting him go is the right thing to do, your hand is on the doorknob, and you're running down the stairs. Pausing for only a moment as you reach the front door. Steve stands in the hallway, the air between you full of unspoken words. Turning away from him, you open the door. The pavement is cold and rough under your bare feet as you chase the taillights of Eddie's van down the driveway. But you're too late, or so you think, until brake lights blink on and the van comes to a stop. The driver's door opens, and Eddie steps out to catch you, wrapping you tightly in his arms. 

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," both of you say, speaking over each other. And you are, for so many things. Things you'll never tell him about.

"Where did we go, baby? We don't feel like us anymore. I'm losing you," he confesses, his voice thick and cracking. 

"No. No. I'm here, and I love you," you cry, pressed against his cheek. 

"Don't give up on me," he pleads.

Your hands grasp the sides of his face, moving him back so he can see your eyes, "I won't. I promise I won't," he pulls you tightly against him, and as you stand there while he slightly rocks you, you hope it's a promise you can keep. 

♡♡

Part 6

AN: Thanks for sticking with this story. I hope to wrap this up in maybe 2 more parts. OC Leigh was a tip of the hat to my good friend @loveshotzz. Congrats on your big milestone, kitten! Thanks for all your help. A big thanks to the rest of the squad all the late night ideas and read throughs. @myobmaya @boomhauer

♡♡

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[forasecondtherewedwon]

seven degrees east - chapter six

Fandom: Masters of the Air Pairings: multiple Rating: E Chapter: 6 / ? Word Count: 5048

read on tumblr: one | two | three | four | five

It had started with a shove, John’s flat palm meeting Curt’s chest, warm through his shirt.

No, it had started with one, two, three drinks (and counting?), John aware he was in the wrong mindset to be drinking, but slinging them down his throat anyhow.

Well, no, it had started several days ago, on a night that had engaged all John’s senses. Smell: chemicals, cleaning products, a mopped tile floor. Sound: a cascading splash. Touch: the surprisingly sharp edges of a plastic toilet seat. Taste: bile, sour, coating his tongue. Sight: the one his mind’s eye had insisted on rewinding and replaying, rewinding and replaying, like a VHS tape. Gale and Curt in that classroom. The eagerness of Gale’s body language in particular. The two of them, kissing, kissing, kissing in John’s head as he bent it over the bowl and heaved.

Fast forward and there was John grinning after the shove, smug like he’d already won—ironic, when he felt like the loss of Gale had been the most agonizing of his life. He cocked his head to the side, tough guy, taunting Curt with his body the way he believed he’d been taunted by Curt’s, all tangled up in his best friend’s. People were turning, people were looking. The look on Curt’s face was reluctant, but John didn’t like that. What he liked was how Curt’s body had gone tense. Yes, he thought. He danced forward and tapped Curt’s chest with just his fingertips this time, then danced back.

Curt was still restraining himself, smiling over clenched teeth, so John said, “Hit me.”

“Why?” Curt asked, like John’s demand was exhausting.

John’s eyes glittered with rage and alcohol.

“You fuckin’ know why,” he said, quieter. The coming fight? Sure, he was alright with that being for the assembling audience, but the point of it was for he and Curt alone.

Curt didn’t move, and John wasn’t proud of himself then; he began to berate his erstwhile friend, to insult him. It made him feel like shit to say the things he said, but like the vomit he’d spewed into that toilet, the words just kept coming up. He had a feeling his body might not stop until he got them all out, and he had no idea how many were in there, all jammed up in his esophagus, all packed tight around his heart.

Apparently, they could be halted by an outside force: Curt’s fist connected with his jaw.

There was the zing of pain, then, confusingly, the sound of knuckles making contact seemed to come to John afterwards. He blinked, disoriented, and was slightly humiliated to find himself hunched over, cupping his face. He glanced up at Curt—who looked torn between pale remorse and a pissed-off flush over the dickish things John had just been saying—and grinned through the ache. He groaned loudly as he straightened up.

“Again,” he said. “Bitch.”

Again, time fell out of order. John would’ve sworn he’d felt the crack that stingingly clipped his cheekbone before he watched Curt’s shoulder drop to throw the hit.

The crowd went wooooah as John staggered back. He touched his face for blood, but found none when he examined his fingertips. His skin felt hot though. His eyes met Curt’s once more. Now it was Curt who appeared to be in pain. The anger had flown from his face like a helium balloon from a child’s careless fist. Perversely, John began trying to soothe him.

“It’s ok, Curt, I don’t even feel it,” he promised. What he did feel was rain. It was beginning to come, a faint patter that dotted his face and pinged off the patio table.

Curt didn’t seem to know what to do, but John did. Now, he could fight back. He could take two hits like two shots of tequila, chased with a wince but not the end of the night. He stepped towards Curt. However he was behaving, John was smart enough to know not to take his eyes off his opponent—especially one he’d seen in action in the past, though never against him. That was the reason why he didn’t notice someone shouldering the other spectators aside. Abruptly, there was a warm hand on his chest, and John turned with a little confusion and a lot of annoyance. His emotions spiderwebbed like cracked glass when he saw it was Gale’s hand on him. So possessive all of a sudden. It made John laugh. It wasn’t a nice sound.

“Fuck off,” he said lightly.

But Gale grabbed his shirt and half spun him away from Curt. It worked because John hadn’t been expecting it. Oh, now Gale wanted to touch him? Now Gale wanted somebody else to play rough with? Didn’t he have Curt for that?

“You fucking fuck off,” Gale uttered under his breath, face startlingly close to John’s. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Settling something,” John said shortly. He pushed Gale away, but Gale’s grip was strong, tugging his shirt.

“You’re smarter than this.”

“I said, fuck off.” John wrenched Gale’s hand free and turned away from him. Curt was still standing there, and with his chin, John urged him forward. This time, he raised his fists too.

But Gale got in the way, got in between.

“Christ, John,” he snapped. “Fight the right person if you wanna fight so bad!”

This stalled John. He looked between Curt and Gale a few times before sticking with Gale.

“What?”

“You’re not mad at Curt—”

John released a derisive laugh.

“—you’re mad at me,” Gale finished. “So take it out on me.”

John attempted to sidestep him to get to his target—the rain was falling harder, the grass was getting slick underfoot—but Gale matched him, as if they were dancing. His hand was back on John’s chest. It kept the middle of his t-shirt dry.

“Don’t hit Curt,” Gale said steadily. “Hit me.”

“I don’t want to hit you,” John said, just above a whisper.

Gale matched his volume when he replied, “Yes you do.”

He didn’t though, and felt angry all over again at Gale if Gale didn’t know that. He never wanted to hurt Gale, never Gale. Or maybe he did, but not with his fists. John didn’t think that was cruel enough for what Gale had so thoughtlessly done to him.

“It was once, John. It was once.” Gale’s voice was soft and insistent, his eyes working hard to hold John’s, who tried over and over to glance away and sneer, to signal that this was all bullshit, beneath him. He pretended he’d barely heard so that he wouldn’t have to actually listen and understand.

John turned away from them both. As he walked away, Bubbles appeared at his side, offering to get ice for the side of his face that was probably red, was probably already bruising. John just shook his head and pounded up the back stairs into the house, ignoring Bubbles’ heavy sigh.

—

He’d missed the whole thing. That was what Nash would learn later—not at the party, not on the ride back to campus, but outside the dorms the next day, when he would corner Bubbles and ask what the hell had happened. (Specifically, why did John’s face look like that?) By the time John had started egging Curt on, Nash had been long gone. Gone from the backyard, gone from earshot, gone, frankly, from that plane of reality. Where he’d gone was Helen’s room, and even later, once he’d been filled in, he would be happy with his choice.

After inhabiting the dorm with the boys, Helen’s living space was a revelation to Nash. Granted, as roommates went, Rosie was tidy, and his prized record collection and player weren’t exactly clutter. But Helen’s bedroom was an explosion of femininity. If there were a feminist way to have that thought, then that was the way Nash was having it. Like an eclipse, the serious covers of Helen’s second-wave feminist texts dominated her bookshelves and bedside table, but a more traditionally girly aesthetic played around the edges of Fear of Flying and Our Bodies, Ourselves. He saw a Blondie poster. He saw a jewellery box. He saw a pair of perfume bottles that to his eye resembled magical elixirs, and which almost immediately became unimportant as he gathered Helen in his arms and smelled the scent on her neck.

He didn’t kiss her, not quite, not yet. He thought she probably wanted him to (because of the way he’d spoken to her outside, because of the way she’d slipped her hand into his and given it an urgent tug), and it wasn’t the shrine to the feminist movement that was holding him back. No, Nash thought that was pretty incredible, and that a woman who knew her rights and respected her body (and, equally, respected her rights and knew her body) was to be worshipped, not feared. What held him off was a feeling of connection he didn’t think he could explain in words. Oh, Nash had seen it before. He’d seen it between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. But never in his own life. When Helen spoke, he only wanted to listen. When he leaned towards Helen, she leaned in too. There was something, Nash thought, to how she made him feel confident and bashful at the same time. There was certainly something to his hand on her back, just then, and her hands sliding over his shoulders before she hooked her wrists at the nape of his neck.

“If you want me to kiss you,” he said, smiling because he couldn’t help it, “just say so.”

Helen smiled back knowingly. Her face came closer, nose almost skimming his.

“Maybe I want to be the one to kiss you.”

“I think I could handle that.”

“Oh yeah?”

“I could not feel less threatened by the idea of you taking the lead,” Nash swore.

“And instead you feel…?” Helen’s eyebrows rose with amusement as she awaited his response.

It came quickly (quicker than Nash was hoping to as things progressed): “Turned on.”

Her laugh was sudden, clear, and genuine. It made him beam, his eyes roaming her face to absorb the beauty of how hers squinted shut in delight, how her head fell back. Everything he was feeling wedged in his throat, but it wasn’t painful, and he didn’t mind when Helen trapped it there by pressing her mouth against his.

Heat surged up in Nash, and maybe he could hear voices rising from the backyard now, but they were faint, muffled by Helen’s bedroom window—which was closed, like her door. A house full of people and they were a world away. Characters like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn had to climb over their picket fences and push away from their familiar riverbanks to find adventure. Not Nash. A Twainian impishness guided the quick kisses he gave back to Helen, traded like Magic: The Gathering cards. It was playful, how he moved from kissing her mouth to kissing her face, how her lips found his jaw, then ran lower, making him shiver as she sucked his neck. His shirt came off first, and by the time they had swayed and shuffled their way over to her twin bed, he was brushing the skirt up her thighs as he sat back and she climbed onto his lap.

Helen rubbed him through denim before undoing his jeans. Nash was overwhelmed by how good it was—not just her touch, but the breathy yeses that seemed to vent his pleasure from her mouth.

“You’re unreal,” he said.

Helen smiled.

“What do you mean?”

Her hand was inside his boxers now, tucked away like a secret. She stroked him and he kept his eyes on hers as he moaned. He watched her cheeks turn the colour of the empty raspberry bin he’d seen—to his disappointment—at the grocery store yesterday: a dark pink stain.

“I don’t—I don’t know,” Nash babbled. He couldn’t quit staring at her, astride him. There were freckles on her thighs, just above her knees, that told a story of sitting outside in the sun. “‘We dream in our waking moments, and walk in our sleep,’” he offered in hopeless, lovestruck explanation.

“The Scarlet Letter,” Helen said, and then she kissed him deeply and let him hold her close to roll her onto her back.

She slipped off her underwear, but then he was too impatient to wait for the removal of her skirt, which had buttons. He ate her out with the skirt flipped up like an umbrella inverted in a stiff breeze. Her groans were low and caused the hair on his arms to stand on end. When he lightened his licks to make her chase him, Helen simply grabbed the back of his head to make him, in turn, stop teasing her. Nash smiled between her legs.

An orgasm later, they flipped for who got to provide the condom. Heads (appropriately): Nash. Tails: Helen. This, they decided, would be the most equitable method.

Nash was so excited he fumbled the flip and the coin rolled away under Helen’s bed. They laughed and got on with things. They didn’t really need a coin to tell them they were equals; he never treated her like she was anything less. Naked between her baby-blue sheets, Nash was more than happy to take the condom he was handed.

—

John could hear the sounds coming from behind the closed bedroom door at the end of the hall and hoped one of his friends was lucky enough to be responsible for half of them. He was willing to give his blessing because, whoever was in there, he knew it wasn’t Curt and Gale.

He wasn’t listening on purpose—god no. He’d come to use the upstairs bathroom instead of waiting for the one downstairs. On the way up, John had passed Crosby on the steps. He hadn’t tried to give Crosby any particular look, but Crosby’s face had flushed with something that might have been guilt or shame or just enjoyment. John’s gaze had shifted to Sandra, who was coming down after Crosby, but her face gave absolutely nothing away. Quickly, John had decided he didn’t want to know, he didn’t fucking want to know. He didn’t want to be a guy who knew things—or, especially, saw things—anymore.

“Croz,” he’d said.

“John.”

Seeing Crosby with Sandra, no matter what it meant, had turned John abruptly morose. He was alone at a party. He had shunned Bubbles, lost track of Nash, goaded Curt into hitting him, and Gale… Gale was a hazy, angry fog John wasn’t ready to feel his way into. The night was sunk, as far as he was concerned, so he’d elected to play to his strengths until it was time to leave: he would get very, very drunk.

“Can I get my keys?” John had requested, sticking out his palm.

Crosby had studied him while pretending not to. John had rolled his eyes.

“I’m not going to drive. I just want some fuckin’ peace and quiet.”

He did not look at Sandra. He didn’t know her, but he didn’t need her to know that he planned to lift a bottle of something clear from the kitchen and go drink it alone in his jeep. Thankfully, Crosby had obliged without voicing a guess at John’s likely movements.

John used the bathroom (these girls had nice-smelling soap) and wended his way back downstairs. Alcohol acquired, he went towards the front door. He didn’t remember about Rosie and Liss until he was close enough to see out the door’s window that they were still sitting on the front step, sheltered from the rain and staring into one another’s eyes. John swallowed, feeling a pressure in his sinuses he attributed to the change in weather.

After retreating, he discovered a door from the house into the garage. He went in and shut the door behind him. When he turned, he discovered he was not alone.

She had pale blonde hair, and at first, John thought she was standing in the rain. The garage door was open, the damp seeping across the concrete pad, the stranger, the woman, positioned like a sentinel between indoors and out. Because she had her back to him and the violence of the rainstorm had just increased—seemingly right as John stepped into the garage (would the boys from the backyard go into the house now, would they wonder where he was?)—he realized she mustn’t have known he was there until he was next to her. She flinched, but barely, and then her stare was cool.

“Another social butterfly,” he said sarcastically, smiling to show he meant no harm, and that he included himself in that particular club.

“Maybe that’s it,” she allowed. “Maybe my wings are too wet to fly inside.”

She appraised him then, taking in the vodka. They’d each taken a slug from the mouth of the bottle before they bothered with names.

“Paulina,” she told him.

“Bucky.” He didn’t want to hear this beautiful, guarded woman say “John.”

“A strange name.”

He shrugged, then asked, “Bride or groom?”

Paulina frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Sorry,” John said. “Whose guest are you at this thing? Who do you know inside?”

“Ah. All three of the girls, but Sandra most. Maybe you don’t have as many friends here as I do?” She pointed at the parts of his face that were sore.

He huffed a laugh.

“Nah, a friend did this, believe it or not.” It was the simplest explanation. “How do you know Sandra?”

Paulina watched him warily, but said, “We are both graduate students in the School of Politics, she in International Security, I in International Relations. I came here from Poland to study, as I’m sure you can hear.”

“Well, I don’t know if you noticed, but I don’t exactly sound local either.”

She raised the bottle to toast that, and they both took another swallow. John wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He liked how she watched him.

“So,” he said, “International Relations.” His tone was not flirtation-free.

“That’s right.”

“What about domestic relations? You got a boyfriend?”

“Why, do you want to sleep with me?” Paulina asked bluntly.

John laughed and grinned.

“I’d kinda like the answer to my question before I answer yours,” he said.

“I did,” she replied at last. “But now he’s dead.”

“He’s dead?” Bucky repeated, aghast and uncertain he’d heard her right. He had to wait until Paulina’d had another drink to hear her response.

“To me,” she clarified. “What about you? Someone here? Back in America maybe?”

John smiled tightly and said, “Unattached.”

“Not as dramatic as me,” Paulina noted.

“No.”

“Or lying.”

“Yeah,” John allowed, taking the bottle back. “Possibly lying. To myself.”

“That’s moronic,” she pronounced as he drank. “Now you answer my question: do you want to sleep with me?”

John swallowed.

“Sleep? No. I’d like to fuck you though, if you’d be interested in that.”

Paulina returned the look he then gave her with a level one of her own. Despite his words, John lost his nerve a little in the face of her frankness and lifted the vodka again to his lips for cover, but she caught his wrist and guided his hand back down. Suddenly, they were making out—heated, hungry—and the nearest raindrops shone in the garage light while the rest could only be heard falling in the dark, making it look as though the rain fell only around them. But no one looked, no one saw, and Paulina’s hands were on John’s chest, and John’s hands were on Paulina’s back, his index finger hooked around the mouth of the bottle.

She wore a top the colour of a dove in the shade, an impervious urban grey, with a low, square neckline and cap sleeves. John pulled one of those little sleeves off her shoulder, then kissed the skin he’d revealed. She didn’t smell like anything much, but the scent of rain invaded, turning the air around them earthy and herbaceous.

“You know,” he told the crook where Paulina’s shoulder met her neck. “I was just supposed to be passing through.”

“On your way to…?”

“My jeep. It’s parked right there.” He straightened and pointed it out to her, there at the curb. The Wrangler sat beyond the reach of the porchlight, under the shade of the night and the majestic beech tree that grew on the front lawn. Its windows were dark. Too dark to see inside.

“You know my answer to your question,” John reminded her, spreading his arms. Take me or leave me. Help me or hurt me, I think I can still take it.

“Alright,” Paulina decided. “I’m bored of the party, and you seem sweet.”

“What’d I say to give you that impression?”

She smiled and touched a finger to his lips.

“It’s when you stop talking.”

Her eyes were significantly kinder than her words. John almost wanted to ask about the other guy, the ex-boyfriend, but that would leave him more open than he felt he could currently bear. He handed her the vodka, dug the keys he’d retrieved from Crosby from his pocket, and they made a run for the Wrangler along the side of the driveway farthest from the front door, where other parked cars would shield them from view.

Inside the jeep, Paulina was as eager as John. He leaned forward from the back seat to deposit the bottle on the floor by the pedals, then they set about single-mindedly shedding their own clothes and each other’s. John pulled a condom from his wallet—stowed there with miserable intent—and grunted when Paulina sat in his lap and guided him inside her.

Her style (at least with him) was slow and in-control, rolling her hips in a way that reminded him, second by second, how long it’d been since he’d last gotten laid. He just hadn’t been looking. Rather than recalling a single moment when he might’ve decided to give celibacy a shot, John could only remember Gale. Nights with Gale, days with Gale. Gale’s smile he worked so hard to earn. Gale’s fair hair…

At John’s urging, he and Paulina rearranged so they were no longer face to face with her blonde hair swishing with each rise and fall. She was on her hands and knees. He was behind her, hunched below the ceiling, thrusting harder, the windows fogging because they were both panting. The steady, soothing rhythm of rain beat the jeep’s roof. John could forget; he could let himself. It wasn’t hard, he’d been reminded, to find someone and just feel good for a while. Feel like a whole person. Every time he sunk into Paulina, stomach tightening as he snapped his hips forward, John was looking for him, that scattered self of his, that Peter Pan shadow to sew back onto the soles of his feet.

He was getting close, reaching down to fondle Paulina’s breasts, cursing when it made her clench around his cock. Bent as he was, John tipped his face back, breathing hard. His hips seemed to shuttle all on their own now. And then something harder than rain struck the window of the jeep. John thought it was probably a fallen branch—maybe not so smart to park under the big old beech during a storm. Half-dazed with the impending release that was sure to turn him inside out (maybe that would be where he felt complete), he swung his head around to see if the window behind him had been chipped or cracked. It was all fogged up, and he couldn’t tell, so he wiped the sweat from his forehead and the condensation from the window, swirling his palm on the cool plastic. Gale’s face appeared beyond the hazy smear.

John instinctually doubted that it was real. He was hammered, he was about to come, and the face was surrounded by a green glow. It was just the porchlight refracting off the beech tree’s leaves, but John had read The Great Gatsby half a dozen times, so seeing just refracted light was impossible; he saw longing—dangerous, delusional, and yet lifechanging longing. When Gale shifted, John knew he was real. He knew that he too had been seen as Gale peered through the window he had just wiped clear.

It happened so quickly—that the face appeared, that John stilled in shock—but Paulina was close too, and she moved when he didn’t. She flung her hips back against his. He was staring straight at Gale when his eyebrows drew together and his mouth dropped open and he came with a sound like he’d been punched in the gut. With the streaky window between them, it was Gale who appeared soft-edged and insubstantial while John felt solid and grounded; his arms around Paulina’s waist; his knees, toes, and the balls of his feet on the jeep’s cloth seat; his cock, of course, deep inside the woman his body mostly blocked from Gale’s view. It was an epic disaster, and it was a staggering revelation.

Gale stumbled backwards, out of sight, and John, somehow both buzzing and numb, swivelled back to Paulina and slid his hand down between her legs to rub hard at her clit until she came too.

Afterwards, they put their underwear back on and quietly and companionably shared the back seat. Paulina sat and drank a little more, offhandedly mentioning her ex, idly wondering what he was doing just then, wondering if her friends back home had told him when she’d moved away. John laid on his back with his knees bent up, his head on Paulina’s lap. He smoked. He thought about Gale. He was troubled by the fact that he couldn’t remember what expression Gale had worn at the instant of realization. Had Gale looked uncomfortable, embarrassed, upset, fed-up? The moment had come and it had gone, so selfishly, John thought, and it had left him to examine everything he’d unsuccessfully attempted to repress—with simmering silence in their dorm, with alcohol, with the force of Curt’s fist driving into his face. Right then, he felt none of what he’d been carrying around since the night at the Barracks. He felt only a sense of peace. He exhaled.

—

Gale’s mind was full of rats, and all the rats were running. It was pure Pinky and the Brain up there, only Gale didn’t know the scheme and he couldn’t tell the smart rats from the stupid, the evil rats from the benign. He only felt as though his skull were a housing for constant, nonsensical motion.

Externally, he was sitting next to John in the back of the Wrangler. They coasted smoothly along in the dark. Crosby and Bubbles were up front, the latter behind the wheel. Somewhere on the road ahead of them was Curt, driving Rosie’s car. Nash hadn’t bothered responding from behind Helen’s bedroom door, but Rosie had put in a disheveled appearance after emerging from Liss’s room, grinning and tossing Curt the keys. Rosie and Nash would get a ride back to campus the following day. “Lucky sons a’ bitches,” Curt had proclaimed, smile belying his resentful words.

Gale had chosen the back seat on purpose, because he knew something the boys in the front didn’t, and he had chosen this side on purpose too: he sat where John had kneeled. John had said nothing as they’d opened opposite doors, as they’d climbed into the back, as they’d buckled in. He had only (and quickly) asked the boys to unzip their windows in order to circulate the air, probably hoping, Gale knew, that Bubbles and Crosby wouldn’t smell anything besides the stale scent of cigarettes and warm, wet pavement from the rain that continued to lightly fall. It was misting through the windows, and Gale could feel the fine spray if he leaned towards the door.

Occasionally, a car would pass, headed in the other direction, and Gale would see raindrops caught in their headlights. They appeared from nowhere, from blackness, disappeared into the same, but in between, gave the illusion of being miraculously suspended. Shining like crystals on a chandelier.

He'd seen himself in the window first, before he’d realized John was inside. Gale’s eyes had glanced across his own fuzzy reflection. He’d seen himself and thought, Failure. He’d been mad at first, mad that John had unleased whatever the hell that had been in the backyard, sniping at Curt until he’d thrown a punch, then a second one. But once he’d made sure Curt was alright—and he was; alarmed, annoyed, but alright—all Gale had wanted was to find John. He’d flicked the jeep’s window and, not seeing John emerge immediately, had felt defeated that he’d only managed to discover another John-less location. Just his own blurry portrait staring back at him from the thick plastic window. And then: John.

And Gale had left him because he hadn’t been able to stand it, because he’d understood, because running away was the wiser second impulse that had followed his initial one. Which had been to yank open the door. Gale hadn’t acted on it, but he’d had his hand on the handle. He remembered the rain-slicked metal in his grip. He remembered, just as clearly, the feeling that had flooded him when he’d seen that entirely new expression on John’s face. If it was what John had been feeling since the other night, Gale didn’t know how John had shunned him all this time. He didn’t want to avoid him; it was why he hadn’t ridden in Rosie’s car with Curt.

It was after midnight, the interior of the jeep drowsy and full of the sound of the wet road rushing past under their wheels. In the dark, Gale’s fingers crept across the seat and stopped just shy of touching John’s. It was jealousy he had felt. It was a sudden certainty that John was his.

Gale watched with longing as John pressed his cheek to the plastic window and tilted his face to feel the rain.

[youngestdaughtersyndrome]

really wanna go outside to eat my snack but i was just out there and the chemicals my dad used to clean the patio r too strong for my delicate senses ...... sigh

[proofingwatersg]

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All wall areas internal and external: Epoxy grouting can be used to waterproof both internal and external walls, protecting them from water damage and ensuring that they last longer.

Common Reasons for Regrouting:

Leaking showers

Cracked grout lines

Leaking balcony floors

Missing grout lines

Permanently stained grout lines

Efflorescence deposits

The choice to change the color of the grout

Crumbling grout lines

We provide a range of waterproofing contractor services, from remedial rectifications and repairs to brand-new builds. We are experts in installing waterproofing membrane systems in Singapore and impart technical knowledge throughout your project. 

Our services come with upfront pricing guarantees, 24/7 emergency service, licensed and insured work, no callout fees, customer satisfaction, and on-time service.

To Summarize:

If you're looking for a long-lasting and reliable solution for waterproofing, epoxy grouting and regrouting in Singapore is the answer. It's a more advanced product than traditional grout and requires more effort and skill to use effectively. 

The benefits of using epoxy grout are numerous, and it can be applied to a wide range of areas. If you're looking to get started on your project, don't hesitate to contact us today!

[rochecleaningsolutions]

Keep Your House Looking Great With Professional Pressure Cleaning Doncaster

You have a beautiful house with great surroundings but if you want to keep them clean you need to invest in professional pressure cleaning Doncaster services. The service includes everything from concrete driveways, pathways and patios, to roof moss removal and applying a roof tile sealer. These are some of the most important maintenance jobs you can do to keep your home in good condition.

Moss removal is important for the health of your roof. This is especially true if you have a tree-covered roof. The moss that forms on these roofs can affect the structural integrity of the roof. It can also lead to decay and cousin mold. If you are having a difficult time removing the moss, you may want to consider hiring a professional.

Moss is not an easy thing to remove from your roof. There are a number of methods you can use, including the traditional hose, power washing and chemical solutions. However, the most effective way to remove moss is to hire a professional.

The average cost of roof moss removal is $1,200 for a 1,700-square-foot roof. This includes labor, chemical solution and protective gear. To reduce the risk of injury, use a low-pressure sprayer instead of a high-pressure one. You can also buy readymade cleaners for this purpose.

You can also apply a mixture of bleach and water to kill moss. The best combination is 50% bleach and 50% water. Apply this solution to your roof, and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with a garden hose.

If you don't have a garden hose, you can purchase a pump sprayer. This will allow you to use a hose to spray the bleach and water mix on your roof.

If your driveway, pathway or patio is looking a little shabby, you might be able to restore its appearance by pressure cleaning it. However, you should take caution when using the equipment. In order to avoid damaging the concrete, you should follow these tips.

Start by removing all loose dirt and debris from the surface. Then, start at the highest point of your drive. Next, work your way from side to side. Once you've reached the farthest section of your drive, switch to a high-pressure nozzle.

Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment before you start. You should wear protective gloves, masks and clothing. Also, make sure you cover any plants and windows.

When you begin to spray, hold the nozzle at least one foot from the surface. Make sure that the water flow is directed away from your work area.

For most cleaning tasks, you'll want a power washer with a pressure rating of around 3000 psi. Higher pressure may be needed to remove tough contaminants.

A pressure washer makes concrete cleaning much easier. It also allows you to clean faster. Before you begin, read the user manual for your machine.

Depending on the type of concrete you have, you can use different methods to clean it. There are various ways to remove stains from concrete, including bleach, water, detergent, and muriatic acid.

A roof tile sealer is a very important part of keeping your roof clean. It can help prevent damp penetration and further organic growth. This makes it easier for you to keep your roof looking its best, and can also protect against heat transfer.

A tiled roof is very vulnerable to moss and algae. They're a perfect habitat for these pests. When left untreated, a mossy roof can cause serious damage to the structure. In addition, the presence of moss can detract from the value of your property.

A good roof is crucial to a building's safety. When it is damaged, it can be very expensive to repair. For this reason, it is important to clean it regularly. The last thing you want is for a leak to happen, which could end up causing costly interior repairs.

Roof repairs are not only an affordable way to extend the life of your roof, but they're also much less disruptive to your life than replacing the entire thing. If your roof has been damaged, you can start repairs right away.

Luckily, there are companies that offer professional roof cleaning services. These companies can inspect your roof for damage, and use special equipment to get rid of lichen, moss, and other debris. To know more about Professional Pressure Cleaning, visit the Roche Cleaning Solutions website or call 0415615170.

[alihomerepairservicesau]

Best Materials for Pergola Installation Services: A Complete Guide

A pergola adds structure, beauty, and functionality to outdoor spaces. It provides partial shade while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of gardens, patios, or decks. Selecting the suitable material is essential for durability, ease of maintenance, and a look that complements your landscape. Here’s a complete guide on the best materials used by pergola installation services in Melbourne, each with unique benefits and design appeal.

Wood Pergolas

Wood is a classic, popular choice for pergolas, known for its natural beauty and versatility. It can be crafted into various designs. You can choose from vintage to contemporary, with each offering a warm, inviting look that blends seamlessly with nature.

Types of Wood for Pergolas:

Cedar:

Cedar is a top choice due to its natural resistance to rot, insects, and decay. It has a pleasant aroma and a rich, reddish-brown hue that weathers gracefully to a soft grey. Cedar requires less chemical treatment and is relatively low-maintenance.

Redwood:

Another high-quality option, redwood shares cedar’s durability and resistance to insects and decay. It has a deep, warm, visually appealing colour and weathers well. However, redwood can be more expensive than cedar.

Pressure-Treated Pine:

This budget-friendly wood option is treated with chemicals to resist decay and insects. While less durable than cedar or redwood, pressure-treated pine can be stained or painted to match different aesthetics. Regular staining and sealing is necessary to prevent warping and ensure longevity.

Benefits:

Naturally beautiful,

Versatile

Easy to work with,

Wide variety of options.

Vinyl Pergolas

Vinyl is a low-maintenance alternative to wood. It has gained popularity for its durability and weather resistance. Vinyl pergolas offer a clean, modern look and are ideal for those who want a durable structure without upkeep.

Characteristics of Vinyl:

Vinyl pergolas are typically white, though some manufacturers offer a limited range of colours. This material is lightweight, easy to clean, and resists chipping, cracking, and fading.

Pergola installation services reinforce high-quality these materials with metal or wood inside the posts for stability. Vinyl doesn’t absorb moisture, making it mould-resistant and suitable for humid climates.

Benefits

Minimal maintenance,

Doesn’t require painting or staining,

Resists fading and mould, and

Long-lasting.

Aluminium Pergolas

Aluminium is a sleek, durable material that works well in modern or minimalist landscapes. It’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and can defy various weather conditions. Thus, making it a practical choice for diverse climates and popular among professional pergola installation services.

Characteristics of Aluminum:

Aluminium pergolas come in various powder-coated finishes, allowing for colour customisation. Powder coating provides protection against rust and fading. Thus, it is ideal for coastal or humid environments.

Aluminium is solid yet light, making it easier for pergola installation services to set it up than heavier options like wood. It requires minimal maintenance, with occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

Benefits:

Lightweight,

Highly durable,

corrosion-resistant,

Low maintenance,

Available in different colours.

Steel Pergolas

Steel pergolas are known for their strength and durability. They are ideal for larger or more permanent installations. They offer a modern aesthetic and can support heavier loads, allowing users to customise with pergola installation services and include lighting, fans, or retractable canopies.

Types of Steel:

Galvanised Steel:

Coated in zinc to prevent rusting, galvanised steel is corrosion-resistant and works well outdoors. It’s more affordable than stainless steel but may still require occasional maintenance.

Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel is rust-proof and weather-resistant. Its sleek, polished finish works well in modern designs. However, it tends to be costlier than other choices.

Benefits

Incredibly strong,

Supports heavier loads,

Highly durable and corrosion-resistant

Sleek and modern appearance.

Fibreglass Pergolas

Fibreglass is a premium pergola material that’s becoming more popular. It is due to its versatility, durability, and low maintenance needs. It’s especially suited for custom designs, as it can be painted any colour and doesn’t fade or warp over time.

Characteristics of Fiberglass:

Fibreglass pergolas are lightweight yet solid, allowing pergola installation services to create larger, more intricate designs without structural issues. They’re resistant to extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV rays. Hence, ensuring they remain attractive for years.

Fibreglass can be expensive upfront. However, it needs minimal upkeep and is highly resilient. Therefore, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term installations.

Benefits:

Durable

Lightweight,

Can be painted,

Resists fading, cracking, and warping,

Low maintenance.

Concrete Pergolas

Concrete pergolas are less common but offer a unique, modern look ideal for modern landscapes or urban settings. They’re highly durable and can be crafted into custom shapes and sizes. Thus making them perfect for one-of-a-kind designs.

Characteristics of Concrete:

Concrete pergolas are solid and permanent, able to withstand extreme weather conditions. They’re also versatile in design. You can mold it to match specific aesthetic preferences. However, due to their weight and complexity, you require hiring professional pergola installation services.

Benefits:

Incredibly durable,

Highly customisable,

Unique aesthetic appeal.

Choosing the Best Material for Your Pergola

When selecting a material, consider your climate, budget, and desired maintenance level.

Wood is ideal for a natural, rustic look with moderate upkeep.

Vinyl or aluminium may be the best choice if you want a sleek, low-maintenance option.

Fibreglass offers long-term durability with a high level of customisation.

Steel and concrete are suitable for heavy-duty, modern designs.

Each material offers unique benefits that can enhance your outdoor space, adding both functionality and beauty to your landscape.

With suitable materials, a pergola can be a stunning focal point that provides shade, supports climbing plants, and provides a cosy space for outdoor relaxation. Consider your needs and aesthetic preferences to choose the best material for a pergola that will be enjoyed for years. Trust Ali Home Repair Services for top-notch pergola installation services in Melbourne

[sethistones]

Kota Stone Flooring: Style, Durability, and Affordability

When it comes to choosing the right flooring material, Kota Stone stands out as a timeless option. Known for its unique blend of durability, aesthetics, and affordability, this natural stone has been a preferred choice for homes, offices, and public spaces for decades. Available in various shades, including the earthy Kota Brown Stone, it offers an elegant yet sturdy flooring solution. Let’s dive into the many benefits and applications of Kota Stone Flooring, while also exploring why sourcing it from a reliable Kota Stone Supplier is crucial.

What Makes Kota Stone Special?

Kota Stone is a fine-grained limestone primarily mined in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India. This natural stone is widely admired for its strength, non-porous nature, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. It comes in several hues, with the Kota Brown Stone being one of the most sought-after shades for its warm and earthy appeal.

Unlike other natural stones, Kota Stone Flooring is known for its affordability, making it accessible for both large-scale projects and smaller residential needs. Its ability to resist wear and tear ensures it remains a durable option even under challenging conditions.

Advantages of Kota Stone Flooring

Durability: One of the biggest reasons to opt for Kota Stone Flooring is its unmatched durability. It can last for decades without losing its charm, making it a cost-effective investment for property owners.

Aesthetic Appeal: The natural beauty of Kota Stone adds an elegant touch to any space. The earthy tones of Kota Brown Stone, in particular, complement both traditional and modern interiors, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Low Maintenance: Kota Stone Flooring requires minimal upkeep. A regular cleaning routine is enough to maintain its shine and appearance, making it ideal for busy households and commercial spaces.

Anti-Slip Surface: The slightly rough texture of Kota Stone ensures better grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This makes it a great option for outdoor areas, bathrooms, and staircases.

Affordable Pricing: Despite its premium appearance and features, Kota Stone Flooring is highly economical. Its cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice among architects and homeowners alike.

Popular Applications of Kota Stone Flooring

Residential Spaces: From living rooms to patios, Kota Stone Flooring is versatile enough to enhance the look of any home. Its earthy tones, such as Kota Brown Stone, add warmth and character to interiors.

Commercial Buildings: Shopping complexes, offices, and showrooms often use Kota Stone for its durability and ability to handle heavy foot traffic.

Outdoor Areas: The weather-resistant properties of Kota Stone Flooring make it ideal for gardens, courtyards, and poolside areas.

Public Infrastructure: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings often rely on Kota Stone due to its affordability and long-lasting nature.

Choosing the Right Kota Stone Supplier

Selecting a reliable Kota Stone Supplier is key to ensuring you receive high-quality material for your flooring project. A good supplier will provide stones that are well-polished, evenly cut, and free from cracks or defects.

When looking for a Kota Stone Supplier, consider their reputation, range of options (such as the availability of Kota Brown Stone), and customer service. Many suppliers also offer installation services, ensuring a seamless experience from purchase to completion.

Tips for Maintaining Kota Stone Flooring

While Kota Stone Flooring is low-maintenance, a few simple tips can help keep it looking its best:

Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or mop with a mild detergent to clean the surface regularly. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the stone.

Periodic Polishing: Over time, Kota Stone Flooring may lose its shine. Polishing the surface periodically can restore its natural luster.

Avoid Heavy Impacts: Though durable, Kota Stone can develop cracks if subjected to excessive force. Place protective pads under heavy furniture to prevent damage.

Sealant Application: Applying a sealant can help enhance the stone's resistance to stains and moisture, ensuring its longevity.

Why Kota Brown Stone is a Popular Choice

Among the various shades of Kota Stone, the rich, earthy tone of Kota Brown Stone has become increasingly popular. Its neutral color complements a wide range of decor styles, from minimalist modern to rustic traditional. Additionally, it blends well with natural surroundings, making it a favorite for outdoor applications.

The versatility of stone extends to countertops, wall cladding, and even decorative features, proving it’s more than just a flooring material.

Conclusion

In the world of natural stone flooring, Kota Stone remains an unparalleled choice. Its combination of durability, beauty, and cost-effectiveness makes it a favorite among architects, builders, and homeowners. Whether you opt for the timeless charm of Kota Brown Stone or another shade, Kota Stone Flooring is sure to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of any space.

When planning your next project, ensure you choose a reputable Kota Stone Supplier to guarantee the quality of your materials. With proper care and maintenance, Kota Stone Flooring will continue to impress for years to come, proving why it’s a preferred choice across India and beyond.

[acleanpressurecleaning]

Enhance Curb Appeal With Outdoor Cleaning Services

Outdoor Cleaning Services help property owners achieve a spotless, inviting property. Regular engagement of this service enhances curb appeal, boosts market value, and supports preventative home maintenance.

Essential tools for outdoor cleaning include a pressure washer, scrub brushes of varying sizes and bristle types, and appropriate cleaning solutions for different surfaces. Other important safety items include protective clothing and gloves, and safety goggles to safeguard eyes from debris or chemicals.

Revitalize Your Space

When your outdoor space is Outdoor Cleaning Services, it becomes a relaxing and inviting place to unwind or entertain. It’s also a great motivation to spend more time outdoors.

Regular outdoor cleaning helps prevent damage to surfaces and furniture by removing dirt, grime, and pollutants that cause deterioration. This can help minimize the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Using the right cleaning products is important for ensuring safe and effective cleaning, as different materials require different care. Wood, for example, must be treated with gentle cleaning solutions to avoid damage. When in doubt, consult professionals or reputable sources for recommendations on appropriate cleaners.

Cleaning high windows or roofs can be dangerous without proper equipment and experience. An experienced outdoor cleaning service can safely remove debris and dirt from these hard-to-reach areas, preventing injury and property damage. They can also provide advice on repairing and maintaining surfaces. This ensures longterm performance and beauty. In addition, a clean workspace encourages productivity and promotes health.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Boosting your property’s curb appeal with regular cleaning services can enhance the beauty and allure of your home or business. Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or want to enjoy your home for years to come, a clean exterior is an excellent way to make a good first impression on guests and potential buyers.

Dirty surfaces can build up mold, mildew, dirt, and debris that detract from the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces. Using power washing, professional cleaning services can help eliminate these substances and create a more visually appealing environment for your property.

Maintaining clean outdoor spaces in your commercial building also provides a healthy space for employees, customers, and tenants to occupy. Incorporating power washing into your outdoor maintenance schedule can keep your commercial spaces free from bacteria, germs, and other harmful substances that can cause health issues. This is particularly important for public spaces like sidewalks and stairways. Maintaining a spotless appearance can improve your property’s curb appeal and boost your market value in the long run.

Promote Energy Efficiency

Keeping outdoor spaces clean helps reduce the energy needed to cool buildings. Dirty surfaces absorb the sun's heat, which increases cooling demands and leads to higher electricity bills. Regular power cleaning of outdoor surfaces removes dirt, mildew, and algae accumulation, helping to maintain their reflectivity.

Additionally, cleaning services that use environmentally friendly techniques and products support sustainable supply chains. These include comprehensive waste management programs, energy-efficient equipment and practices, green cleaning products, and fair labour practices.

Over time, outdoor surfaces build up a layer of grime, mildew, and algae that dulls their appearance. This buildup can also cause safety hazards, especially around pools and patios. Power cleaning removes these unsightly elements, revealing the original beauty of the surface and preventing long-term damage. In addition, power washing allows for a faster and more thorough cleaning than traditional methods. This reduces the need for chemicals that may contaminate soil, waterways, and ecosystems. Moreover, it eliminates the need for manual scrubbing, saving both time and effort.

Create a Relaxing Space

Whether it’s a backyard or patio cleaning services, a clean outdoor space is a welcoming invitation to friends and family. A well-maintained yard also enhances your quality of life by encouraging healthy activities like entertaining and relaxing outdoors.

Professional cleaning services have the knowledge and equipment to sanitize surfaces quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses during public gatherings. Regular cleaning and maintenance also protects outdoor surfaces and helps extend their lifespan.

Gathering the right tools and supplies before tackling any cleanup project makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Be sure to wear protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves, especially when using chemicals. Also, be sure to store chemicals in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. This prevents unwanted accidents and ensures proper handling. Also, consider wearing a face mask to avoid inhaling hazardous fumes. This simple step reduces the overall stress of the outdoor cleaning process.

[pestologycombine]

PVC Curtain Manufacturers in Bangalore

When it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of your premises, PVC curtains are one of the best investments. Especially in areas like Bangalore, where the need for robust, efficient, and versatile solutions is ever-growing, PVC curtains stand out for their ability to provide privacy, reduce noise, and protect against contaminants.

Why Choose PVC Curtains for Your Facility?

PVC curtains offer a wide range of benefits that make them suitable for both commercial and industrial settings. The versatility of PVC manufacturers in Bangalore to tailor curtains that match specific needs, such as:

Temperature Control: PVC curtains help maintain a stable temperature in your space by blocking heat or cold air. This feature is particularly useful in warehouses, kitchens, or any space where temperature regulation is crucial.

Noise Reduction: Ideal for noisy environments like factories or hospitals, these curtains can dampen sound, creating a quieter and more productive space.

Dust and Contaminant Protection: PVC curtains act as a barrier against dust, dirt, and insects, which is essential for industries that need to maintain high levels of cleanliness.

Easy to Install and Maintain: With low maintenance requirements, these curtains are easy to clean and replace when needed.

Key Advantages of PVC Curtains in Bangalore

1. Durability

PVC curtains are designed to withstand tough conditions, including high humidity, heat, and direct exposure to chemicals. Whether used in factories, laboratories, or kitchens, they offer long-lasting protection.

2. Cost-Effective

Unlike traditional partitions or walling systems, PVC curtains are much more affordable and easy to install. Their versatility allows them to be used in a variety of settings without the need for expensive custom-built solutions.

3. Enhanced Safety

With their clear visibility, PVC curtains improve safety by providing a barrier while still allowing easy access and visibility between spaces. This is particularly important in high-traffic or hazardous areas.

4. Customizable to Your Needs

PVC curtains come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs. Manufacturers in Bangalore offer tailor-made solutions to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that you get the perfect fit for your space.

PVC Curtains for Various Applications

Industrial Environments: In manufacturing plants, warehouses, and loading docks, PVC curtains are often used to separate different areas, improving workflow and reducing contamination risks.

Commercial Spaces: Restaurants, kitchens, and shopping malls use PVC curtains to separate workspaces or to protect food storage areas.

Residential Use: Homeowners in Bangalore are increasingly turning to PVC curtains for their patios, garages, and balconies for easy access, air circulation, and privacy.

Why Work with Leading PVC Curtain Manufacturers in Bangalore?

The top PVC curtain manufacturers in Bangalore provide high-quality products that are designed for a variety of needs. By partnering with an experienced manufacturer, you ensure that the curtains you receive are made from the best materials, are durable, and are tailored to fit your requirements perfectly. With fast installation services, minimal maintenance needs, and competitive pricing, these manufacturers stand out in the industry.

For businesses in Bangalore looking for customized solutions, working with reputable PVC curtain manufacturers ensures that you get products that not only meet but exceed industry standards.

When looking for reliable and durable PVC curtains, turn to the experienced professionals at Pestology Combines. They offer a range of high-quality, customizable PVC curtains that cater to industrial, commercial, and residential needs. With their years of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, Pestology Combines has become a trusted name in the industry. Whether you need a single curtain or a bulk order for your business, Pestology Combines provides exceptional products and services that meet your exact specifications.

Visit their website today to learn more about their products and services, and discover how their PVC curtains can transform your space.

[hardrockconcretecoatings]

Revitalize Your Concrete with Professional Restoration Services in Salt Lake City

Concrete surfaces are known for their durability and versatility, but over time, wear and tear can take a toll. Cracks, discoloration, and structural damage can detract from the beauty and functionality of your property. Fortunately, professional restoration services from Hardrockconcretecoatings.com in Salt Lake City offer the perfect solution to bring your concrete back to life.

Understanding Concrete Restoration

Concrete restoration is the process of repairing and renewing old or damaged concrete to restore its original appearance and strength. This method is more cost-effective and eco-friendly compared to complete replacement. It is ideal for driveways, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, and commercial flooring that have suffered from weather exposure, heavy use, or aging.

With advancements in technology and techniques, concrete repair salt lake city restoration not only fixes surface imperfections but also provides a protective layer to enhance longevity and aesthetics.

The Importance of Expert Intervention

Attempting to repair concrete on your own can lead to unsatisfactory results or even further damage. Professional services ensure precision, durability, and tailored solutions. Hardrock Concrete Coatings specializes in delivering top-notch concrete restoration, utilizing industry-leading materials and techniques to achieve seamless results.

Their team of experts evaluates each project to determine the best restoration approach, guaranteeing a long-lasting and visually appealing finish.

Benefits of Concrete Restoration

Restoring concrete surfaces offers numerous advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness Restoration is significantly less expensive than replacing concrete entirely. It saves both time and resources while delivering comparable results.

Enhanced Durability Professional restoration strengthens the structural integrity of concrete, protecting it from future damage caused by weather, chemicals, or heavy loads.

Aesthetic Appeal Restoration improves the appearance of concrete surfaces, making them look as good as new. With options for customization, you can choose finishes that suit your style.

Eco-Friendly Solution By preserving existing concrete, restoration minimizes waste and reduces the environmental impact associated with demolition and replacement.

Hardrock Concrete Coatings: A Trusted Name

Hardrockconcretecoatings.com is a trusted provider of concrete restoration services in Salt Lake City. Known for their expertise and commitment to quality, they specialize in transforming worn-out concrete into robust and elegant surfaces.

Their services include:

Crack Repairs: Sealing and reinforcing cracks to prevent further damage.

Resurfacing: Applying a new layer of concrete or coating to revitalize surfaces.

Polishing and Sealing: Enhancing aesthetics while providing protection against stains and moisture.

Decorative Finishes: Offering a range of textures, colors, and patterns to create a unique look.

Steps in the Restoration Process

Hardrock Concrete Coatings follows a meticulous process to ensure outstanding results:

Assessment The team conducts a thorough inspection of the concrete surface to identify issues such as cracks, spalling, or discoloration.

Preparation Surfaces are cleaned and prepped to ensure proper adhesion of repair materials. This step includes removing dirt, debris, and any existing coatings.

Repair Damaged areas are addressed with precision using high-quality materials to restore structural integrity.

Resurfacing or Coating A fresh layer of concrete or protective coating is applied, tailored to the desired finish and functionality.

Final Touches Polishing and sealing complete the process, ensuring a durable and attractive result.

Applications of Concrete Restoration

Concrete restoration is versatile and can be applied to:

Residential Properties: Driveways, patios, walkways, and garage floors.

Commercial Spaces: Warehouses, retail floors, and parking lots.

Outdoor Areas: Pool decks, parks, and public pathways.

Trust Hardrockconcretecoatings.com for Long-Lasting Solutions

When it comes to restoring concrete, trusting seasoned professionals is key to achieving strong and lasting results. Hardrock concrete coatings utah Coatings combines expertise, premium materials, and innovative techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Whether you’re dealing with minor cracks or extensive wear, their team can handle projects of all sizes, ensuring your concrete surfaces look and perform their best for years to come.

 

Don’t let damaged concrete diminish the beauty and functionality of your property. With professional restoration services from Hardrockconcretecoatings.com in Salt Lake City, you can transform worn-out surfaces into durable and visually appealing assets. Trust the experts to deliver a solution that stands the test of time.

[drainserviceandplumbing]

High-Pressure Water Jetting in Wicklow: The Ultimate Solution for Deep Cleaning

Maintaining clean and functional drains, pipes, and surfaces is essential for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. High-pressure water jetting has become one of the most effective methods for tackling stubborn clogs, grime, and debris build-up. For property owners in Wicklow, this service offers a reliable and eco-friendly solution for deep cleaning and maintaining plumbing systems and outdoor spaces.

What is High-Pressure Water Jetting?

High-pressure water jetting involves using powerful jets of water to remove blockages, dirt, and residue from pipes, drains, and surfaces. The water is propelled through a nozzle at high velocity, making it effective for cleaning even the most challenging areas.

Common Applications

Clearing blocked drains and sewers

Removing grease, oil, and limescale buildup

Cleaning patios, driveways, and outdoor surfaces

Unblocking industrial pipelines and machinery

Benefits of High-Pressure Water Jetting

1. Effective Blockage Removal

High-pressure water jetting can dislodge and flush away stubborn blockages that traditional methods like plunging or chemical cleaners might not handle.

2. Eco-Friendly Cleaning

This method uses only water, making it a chemical-free and environmentally friendly cleaning solution. It’s safe for your plumbing system and the environment.

3. Prevents Future Build-Up

The powerful water jets thoroughly clean pipes, preventing future clogs by removing all residue and debris.

4. Cost-Effective Solution

By maintaining clean pipes and preventing major blockages, high-pressure water jetting reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements.

5. Versatile Applications

This method is suitable for residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites, making it a one-stop solution for various cleaning needs.

Why Choose High-Pressure Water Jetting Services in Wicklow?

Local Expertise

Wicklow-based services understand the unique challenges of the area, such as older plumbing systems or weather-related debris buildup.

Advanced Equipment

Professionals in Wicklow use state-of-the-art jetting equipment to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning for any job size.

Quick Response Times

Local providers are just a call away, offering fast and reliable service when you need it most.

When Should You Call for High-Pressure Water Jetting?

Here are a few signs that you may need this service:

Slow-draining sinks, showers, or toilets

Frequent blockages in drains or pipes

Bad odors coming from your plumbing system

Visible dirt or moss buildup on outdoor surfaces

Conclusion

High-pressure water jetting is a powerful, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for cleaning and unblocking drains, pipes, and surfaces. For homeowners and businesses in Wicklow, it’s the ideal choice to keep plumbing systems functional and outdoor areas pristine.

Don’t let blockages or grime disrupt your day—reach out to a trusted high-pressure water jetting service in Wicklow and enjoy clean, efficient results every time!

[epoxyfloorexpertsbrisbane]

The Benefits of Metallic Epoxy Brisbane

Interior design in Brisbane has turned on its head with metallic epoxy flooring, which can be widely found in residential spaces as well as commercial and industrial spaces. These floors speak for themselves in their visual appeal and durability-none other than the best. Not only is it an ornamental delight to the senses, but it also serves as a practical solution to meet diverse needs.

Stylish Brilliance

Metallic epoxy flooring boasts some incredible visual effects, like imitating natural elements of marble, liquid water, or even liquid metal. This unique appearance is made possible by adding metallic pigments to the epoxy mixture, providing a three-dimensional look with depth and movement. For Metallic Epoxy Brisbane property owners who value design and style, this flooring option offers luxurious finishing touches to any space. Be it a sleek and glossy appearance or a subtle and matte finish, the design possibilities are truly endless.

Exceptional Hardiness

Metallic epoxy flooring is known for its durability. It is because its resin-based composition creates a tough protective layer on concrete, keeping it nearly resistant to cracks, abrasions, and impacts. In high-traffic locations, such as the busy commercial spaces of Brisbane or the extensive garages in residential areas, metallic epoxy is resistant to the daily beating it receives. It also has chemical spill-and-stain resistance, making it excellent for industrial facilities and locations where heavy machinery and vehicles are frequently used. This makes your flooring investment last for many years without frequent repairs and replacements.

Low Maintenance

Metallic epoxy flooring is incredibly easy to maintain, which is a major advantage for both homeowners and business owners in Brisbane. Its seamless and non-porous surface prevents dirt, dust, and spills from penetrating, allowing for effortless cleaning. A simple mop and occasional sweep are usually all that’s needed to keep metallic epoxy floors looking pristine. This no-maintenance feature is particularly useful in commercial and industrial applications, where more hours dedicated to cleaning would translate directly to productive hours lost.

Moisture and Stain Resistance

Brisbane has a subtropical climate, and at times even flooding can occur. Metallic epoxy flooring does not allow for moisture penetration, which will not harm or damage it, unlike other flooring options that are vulnerable to warping and cracking due to damp conditions. Also, it is resistant to stains. This is particularly convenient in kitchens, workshops, and garages. Metallic epoxy flooring will stand oil spills and wine stains without permanent damage.

Lighting Enhancement

Since it has good reflective qualities, metallic epoxy flooring is ideal for lighting enhancement in areas that require bright conditions to enhance visibility. Its high gloss finish can brighten up any room by reflecting both natural and artificial light that creates a more inviting ambiance. Such commercial applications as showrooms, retail stores, or offices improve ambiance and make the space attractive to customers. For residential in Brisbane, this feature adds class and elegance while maximizing light efficiency.

Slip-Resistant Options for Safety

Safety is the most significant consideration for any property owner, and metallic epoxy flooring meets this need with slip-resistant coatings. Added grip is generally given to the floors, making them safer to be walked on when wet or in highly trafficked regions. For homes in Brisbane, this is especially valuable in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor patios. For commercial and industrial spaces, it ensures a safer environment for employees and customers alike as risks of accidents are minimized.

Eco-Friendly Flooring Solution

Most people in society seek sustainable solutions when renovating their homes or businesses. Metallic epoxy flooring is an environment-friendly solution since it can extend the lifespan of concrete floors for a longer time without the need for replacement. It also results in many advanced epoxy products having low VOC levels, which ensures better indoor air quality. Therefore, for Brisbane property owners seeking to make more environmentally conscious decisions, metallic epoxy may be the answer.

Cost-Effective Investment

Metallic epoxy flooring has a one-time installation cost that may seem a little higher than the traditional options. However, it proves to be a prudent investment if evaluated over a long term due to its cost-effectiveness. The durability associated with this product means less repair, replacement, and cleaning expenses will have to be borne by the businesses within Brisbane, thus meaning less downtime for repairs, which results in losses. Homeowners will receive value-added aesthetic appeal and durability that requires minimal upkeep.

Fast and Efficient Installation

Professional installation of metallic epoxy flooring is fast and efficient, minimizing disturbance to your daily schedule. In Brisbane, property owners always juggle busy schedules. So, with this fast turnover, a lot of invaluable advantages are guaranteed with its fast turnaround. The floor is instantly ready for use after installation to bring residential and commercial facilities back into full functionality without delay.

Conclusion

Metallic epoxy flooring quickly became a favorite among Brisbane property owners because of its beauty, durability, and practicality. Whether it's for a luxury living room, modern office space, or a heavy industrial facility, metallic epoxy flooring delivers high-performance value with style. This flooring option meets the demands of any space through resistance to Brisbane's climate challenges and low-maintenance features with customized design possibilities. Invest in metallic epoxy flooring to transform your property with long-lasting, visually stunning floors that stand the test of time.

[domocleaning1]

Why Hire a Cleaning Company in Randwick?

Cleaning your home can be a time-consuming and tedious task. Hire a professional cleaner to save yourself time and effort!

Located near Coogee and Centennial Park, Randwick is a beautiful suburb in Sydney. It also houses the famous Wylie’s Baths and the Royal Randwick Race Course.

Get your weekends back with our local house cleaning Sydney! Fully trained, police checked and insured. Book online or call 131 546.

Commercial Cleaning

Commercial cleaning companies offer a range of services that are designed to improve the cleanliness and safety of business and retail facilities. They can handle anything from cleaning spills and food waste to deep scrubbing and vacuuming carpets. Their staff are trained to clean quickly and efficiently and can often work out of hours to avoid interrupting business activities.

They can also provide supplies such as paper towels, liquid soap, bin liners and paper towel dispensers. They can also offer regular or one-off cleaning services for a variety of premises, including offices, restaurants, hotels, and schools.

Some of these businesses are specialised in specific types of cleaning, such as endof-lease cleaning. This is a vital service for tenants who want to ensure that they will get their full bond back and can move into their new home in perfect condition. Alternatively, some cleaning companies are franchised and can provide their clients with standardised cleaning procedures, equipment, and chemicals.

Residential Cleaning

Residential cleaning services help homeowners maintain a clean, healthy, and organized living space. They offer a variety of different services, including vacuuming and mopping floors, dusting furniture and fixtures, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. They also wash windows and appliances. These services are usually performed on a weekly or monthly basis.

In addition to standard residential cleaning services company, many companies offer specialized services such as move-in or move-out cleaning, carpet cleaning, and eco-friendly cleaning options. This allows them to cater to the needs of a wide range of customers.

A good residential cleaning service should be able to provide high-quality cleaning, great customer support, and a reliable bond back guarantee. It should also use the latest equipment and cleaning procedures to ensure that clients’ homes are cleaned thoroughly. Moreover, it should be able to address the specific needs of each client. This will help them build a solid reputation in the industry. This will also allow them to attract more customers and increase revenue.

End of Lease Cleaning

A pristine end of lease cleaning can make all the difference when it comes to receiving your full security deposit refund. Landlords often review the condition of the property in detail, and a meticulous clean will help you maximise your chances of a full return on your bond.

Taking a room-by-room approach is a good way to ensure that crucial areas are thoroughly cleaned. Start with high-traffic zones, such as entrances and corridors, and work your way through the rest of the property. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

End of lease cleaning is a comprehensive process that can involve washing walls and surfaces, removing cobwebs, sanitising bathrooms, and vacuuming carpets. It is usually required by landlords or property managers as part of a lease agreement, and it can be a challenging task to undertake on your own. By hiring professional cleaners, you can save yourself time and effort while ensuring that your property is in pristine condition for the next tenant.

Pressure Cleaning

Pressure cleaning is a great way to clean your house. It removes dirt, cobwebs, mildew, and grime without damaging the surfaces. It can also be used to clean outdoor surfaces. This includes concrete, outdoor stone or tile, Trex decking, brick paths and patios, wood or composite slat fences, and even outdoor AND indoor rugs (but keep the nozzle further away from fabrics to avoid damage).

A professional cleaning company Randwick can help you spruce up your home. They can clean windows, fly screens, and gutters, and they can use long poles to reach higher areas that are usually inaccessible to a ladder. In addition, they can also clean your pool area. This will save you a lot of money in the long run. You can hire a high pressure cleaner from Airtasker for as little as $125.

[keystonegraniteoh]

Simple Ways to Enhance Your Space with Stone

Stone can totally change the look of a room. It brings a unique, elegant vibe to any space. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, stone just works. It’s reliable, durable, and always stylish. Let's dive into how stone can elevate your home in simple yet impactful ways.

Why Stone?

Stone is, of course, a timeless, practical and elegant material. It makes your home to appear more classy without having the feel of overdoing the wonderful look. Plus, it’s easy to maintain. Stone whether granite, marble, or quartz is an investment and will upgrade the value of your room. It lasts forever, which means this is a good investment.

Quartz: The Modern Stone Choice

The quartz is getting extremely popular and that has some very nice reasons. As it is engineered, it does not have stain and scratch issues as are found with other products. Quartz is also versatile. Quartz countertop for sale is now so easy to find in the market since there are so many choices that meet the need of consumer wants. Not only does it come in a huge variety of colours and fabrics, but it suits everyone’s sense of style. Gone is the coarse texture characteristic of natural quartz and in its place is a streamlined look that looks like natural stone but does not demand as much attention. It’s non-porous, and this tells you that you don’t need to bother about spills or stains. A couple of minutes rubbing and it is as good as new.

Quartz in Your Kitchen

Your place is the epicentre of the house. So, why not make it gorgeous? Quartz countertop is elegant and strong. It is very durable for hot pots, sharp knives, and almost everything a typical kitchen would subject the Spoon to. The best part? Quartz holds up over time. It will not fade or scratch as easily as other materials one is likely to use when designing a home. If you desire to have a kitchen that is beautiful and functional then quartz is the best thing that can happen to you.

Quartz in Your Bathroom

Stone in the bathroom is a game changer. A quartz vanity gives your bathroom that luxe spa feel. The non-porous surface means it resists water damage, mold, and stains. Quartz won’t absorb moisture like some other materials. It’s also easy to keep clean with just a wipe down. Whether you want a minimalist look or something bolder, quartz has you covered.

Using Stone in Other Spaces

Stone isn’t just for countertops. You can use it all over your home. For example, consider adding a stone accent wall. It’s a simple way to make a bold statement. Whether you use slate, quartz, or marble, a stone wall adds texture and charm to any room. You could even go for stone flooring. It’s timeless and can handle high traffic areas, like entryways or kitchens.

Taking Care of Stone

Stone is pretty easy to care for, but a little attention goes a long way. Quartz is low maintenance. A simple wipe with mild soap and water is enough. Avoid harsh chemicals—they can damage the surface. For granite or marble, you’ll need to seal it once in a while to protect it. This keeps stains away and ensures it looks fresh for years.

Mixing Stone with Other Materials

Stone pairs really well with other materials. It’s a great way to add contrast and balance to your space. For instance, mix stone with wood. This combo creates a warm, inviting vibe. Or, pair it with metal accents for a more modern, industrial feel. Glass can also soften the look of stone. Mixing materials gives your home that layered, designer feel.

Outdoor Stone

Stone isn’t just for inside. It’s great for outdoor spaces too. Have an outdoor kitchen or bar? Stone works beautifully for countertops and surfaces. It can handle the weather, from heat to rain. If you're looking to redo your patio, consider stone flooring. It’s durable and low maintenance. Plus, it’ll add charm to your yard.

Why Choose Quartz?

If you’re looking to update your space, quartz is a smart choice. You’ll find lots of quartz countertops for sale in a variety of styles. Quartz is stylish, durable, and easy to maintain. It gives you that natural stone look without the hassle. Whether you’re redoing your kitchen or bathroom, quartz is a great way to enhance your space.

Choosing the Right Stone for Your Space

When you decide to incorporate stone into your home, it's essential to consider both aesthetics and functionality. Stone materials like quartz offer a wide variety of styles and finishes, from subtle neutrals to bold designs. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen countertops or adding a new feature to your bathroom, the right stone can bring a sense of luxury and timelessness to your space. With its durability and low-maintenance nature, stone is a great option that adds both beauty and practicality to your home.

Final Thoughts

Stone is one of the best materials you can use in your home. Whether it’s quartz countertops, a stone accent wall, or stone flooring, it adds beauty, durability, and style. Stone has a timeless appeal, making it a smart investment for any space. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your home, consider adding stone to your design. Your home will feel more luxurious, and you’ll love the way it looks for years to come.