#pre-cut granite

[headspace-hotel]

College is good for several things. In the USA, it's good for learning facts about history and the rest of the world that high school either didn't tell you or flat-out lied about. Without college, most people would never encounter the academic resources necessary to unlearn lies and biases instilled by the overwhelmingly USA-centric, whitewashed viewpoint taught in most school systems, or the vocabulary needed to ask after those resources.

If (and only if) you are already extroverted and gregarious, college is good for making friends. It's probably good for some other things too.

But college is not very good for many of the things it supposedly does for people. College appears to be good for personal growth, but any environment with unfamiliar people, new experiences, and a large library would do. In fact, the academic rigors of college are probably mostly incidental to personal growth that occurs there. You learn about yourself in college in spite of, not because of, the rigid and demanding academic expectations, which serve to cement you further in what you think you already know about yourself because that is safer than discovering you might be something totally different.

It also doesn't prepare you very well for any other environment, because it is so different from any other environment you might encounter. At least in the USA, there are hardly any communities that are similar to college. College has an environment of communal living among mostly same-aged people, numerous public spaces, an endless hemorrhage of community-run events, and constant mother-henning by the institution as they encourage you to take advantage of all the services they fail to do a good job at providing. Authority figures are clearly delineated from peers and you have a clear hierarchical relationship with people that are not also students. It is an opportunity to practice adulthood, but one that supports you in the wrong ways and fails to support you in the right ones, both stifling and neglectful.

Colleges are brutally insistent on this peculiar style of community structure that you probably won't ever encounter again in your life, all the while being incredibly unforgiving if you fail to adapt to it. There are lots of rules, some of which are plain-attired descriptions of consequences as real as a granite wall, most of which reflect nothing except the fact that someone in authority would like to prevent a specific type of bad-faith exploitation of a more forgiving policy. The pure-hearted student is supposed to be able to ignore these rules and be judged according to the unspoken, more forgiving policy that is invoked when an authority likes your vibes.

This means part of surviving college is cultivating the right vibes, and part of cultivating the right vibes is being abled and not experiencing any extenuating circumstances ever. If you are having a mental health crisis that is stopping you from succeeding, the truth is as good as a lie; of course everyone struggles with mental health in college in these specific pre-cut ways, have you tried breathing exercises? If you are stressed and terrified all the time and whenever you sit still it feels like the universe is screaming through you, you will be abandoned because crisis is rare and interrupts otherwise normal life, and everyone claims to be having a crisis right now. "This system works!" and if we just repeat it hard enough the system will start to work.

If the truth is as good as a lie, then a lie is as good as the truth, and the ability to receive help when you need it is determined not by actually needing help but by being a better liar.

What if people lie to get accommodations they don't really need? I don't know the answer to this, because I find a different question more compelling: What if people lie to get accommodations they do really need?

Institutions are terrified of the possibility of a person that pretends to be disabled, and often they impress that terror into disabled people, who become terrified that THEY are pretending to be disabled, when probably almost all disabled people must pretend to be disabled because the raw Reality of what they experience as a person would be a brain-melting arcane and eldritch encounter for an Institution. Institutions don't see us. They see broad human tropes, masks worn by any number of actors. Some people are diligent students and some are lazy; some hone their potential and talent and others refuse, for whatever reason, to unlock it. This belief is so fundamental to our entire philosophy of shaping and educating students that if it directly encountered the Truth (whatever that may be), the truth would not survive.

If you want to be a good student (and I wanted to be and I was) the mask will become welded to your face and you will forget it's a mask partly because you will like how much better you were treated with the mask on. I sit in a therapy session, thinking, "Why am I framing my pain in a way that makes it seem less complicated and more solvable but doesn't cut to the truth of the matter? Which one of us benefits from that?"

The world is slowly, woundedly crawling into being a performance where everyone competes to pretend that they aren't dying. I have a version of me that struggles with school because I am autistic, but secretly I suspect successful, well-adjusted college students that manage their mental health and friendships and work do not exist in the way we think they must. After all, what of the numerous college students that cheat, that plagiarize, that make ChatGPT write their essays? My professors can all give examples of students that did, and their poor and shoddy attempts, but all this suggests is that the clever and cunning ones seldom get caught. In dealing with institutions, anything an honest person can do through their honesty, a good enough liar can do better with their lies.

[fruit-salad-ship]

Ranger AU, girls still hating on each other, probably first year, like, mid to end of it. Theyre still fighting, still rivals, both live to irritate each other on the daily. this is PRE-kiss, theyve not had any interactions that have yet to be volatile or challenging. Out on a hike, navigation training, Plum suggests a path up into the mountains to cut down on time, Peach says its a bad time of year to go that way, too much rain makes footing unstable. Plum bickers back that the mountains are mostly made up of granite, theyre solid, it'll be fine. So. fine. They cut time, and go the mountain way. Peach sets up camp to dodge the rain in a cliff side alcove, and plum scouts ahead a little. she's caught off guard by the path beneath her sliding out, and she topples towards the sheer face, barely grabbing for a hold, dangling off the edge. Missy is not even half strong enough to get her trainer up away from the fall, and plum is shouting to try to get peach to hear her through the distance and rain, grip failing, trying to get footing but the rocks beneath are slipping out with her movement. Its terrifying, the rain coming down so hard, half blinding her, making everything slick. Plum realises she could very well fall and die here, this is not a place rangers were suppose to go this time of year. She misjudged, underestimated the weather, the terrain. worst part is, she hates to think it, but also cant handle hate right now, so overcome with fear: Peach was right. they shouldn't have come this way.

With a failing hold, Plum slips, and slips more, and realises she cannot hold on forever. A second more than she expected to keep this up for, something grabs her wrist, and then the other. Val was made aware of the noise, so keen of hearing, she alerted Peach and they came running. The hauling of her up was not easy, and the two fall back against the paths wall, watching more of the edge crumble away where Plum had been hanging. The topple puts Peach sat on her ass, muddy, soaked through, shes not strong at this point, just a teenager with a need, and almost not enough muscle mass. Defo pulled something saving her partner, and now, Plum is in her lap, shaking, looking back at where she'd been not more than a few seconds prior, the shock settling in as the sound of rock and mud clattering down is present past them both breathing heavy. Theres no thought. Theres no logical words to say. Plum just cries, wraps herself up around her partner and realises shes dodged death.

Peach however has never experienced genuine emotion like this, she just acted, didnt think, and suddenly has her rival in her lap crying, shaking, realising shes just sat there, very very tentative about what to do with this. What do people even do? She would cry as a kid and get scolded, or hit, or treated like it was weakness. but...that never helped? Her instinct can only let her slowly figure out if a hand on plums back is ok, flinching away once first, before letting the hand sit. The light touch doesnt bother her, and suddenly she realises contact can be nice. the situation was scary, but theyre ok. Peach has to mutter that, that its ok, she's there, she's got them, Plum wont stop crying, but the one hand on her back turns to two, then to a tight hold, and the two sit there, wrapped up, in the rain, handling the complex fear going on there.

They get back to the camp, dry off as best they can, sleeping bags and a mutual closeness that neither wants to address. Plum scoots closer, Peach doesnt mock her for it. The next day they go back and go the right way. No arguments, no snide comments, and neither brings up what happened until way later in second year

peach quietly not knowing why, but in the back of her mind, shes got to get stronger. the gym behaviour becomes more of an option from then on. Shes got to be able to protect her team, not just dodge and evade like a champ. she struggled to haul plum up. She will not struggle again.

During the daring save, Peach tears a rotary cuff hauling plum from the fall, doesnt clock it at the time, she was processing a lot, but that tear goes overlooked, and she ends up healing poorly, not resting it, and it becomes a long term injury. Eventually Plum notices shes rolling her shoulder and managing an ache thats gotten worse, and prys. Peach doesnt say where she got it from at te start until it causes problems later, her shoulder fails her, she wasnt able to use it right due to the old injury and got even more hurt, on top of tearing it again. Plum chews her out over it after the chaos dies down. peach sits, and takes plums shouting while she patches up her injuries, and for once she isnt snapping back. only once plum stops giving her shit does she answer the question, what happened? The old injury that shes carried around for a year or so gave out, the injury she got saving her stupid ass. and suddenly plum feels a little bad.

plum goes from scolding and harsh, to suddenly rather quiet, back to bandaging something peach cant reach right, classic patching up and she's got the whole shoulder/back area uncovered while its being tended. theyve had a couple moments by this point, a kiss or two based purely on a power play, a few cuddly nights where one fell asleep and the other was there to lean on and didnt want to wake them, late nights studying or training. of course your classic 'dodge danger' and end up in a heap on top of each other in a ditch, safe, but suddenly very close, maybe a hand somewhere it shouldnt be, that hesitation after realising their position, figuring out why this feels right. scrambling apart embarrased and back to work. Defo not letting that keep them up late at night. So plum feeling bad, places one tentative peck on peachs shoulder, where that original injury is. scampers off fast after calling her an idiot. peach just sat there wondering what the fuck just happened.

[captainjamster]

A Surprise Exception

Pairing(s): Kate Laswell x F!Reader Warnings: pre-established strained relationship with sibling, non-sexual intimacy, post-sex cuddling and talks Wordcount: 3.2k Summary: Kate really does not like children, and there’s not a chance in hell she’s having any. No one is changing her mind – but someone else might convince her they’re not all terrible. AO3 Link: Right here! <3

A/N: A few notes for this one! This was written all in one go, so I will probably come back to edit it at some point. While I normally write neutral SFW inserts, reader identifies as a woman because I won't write Kate that isn't a lesbian <3 Pre-established strained relationship w/ sibling is an important tag. This is not a generalised portrayal of single parents; this is an insert specifically with family difficulties, and a couple trying to navigate that with understanding but not permissive boundaries. Also, I hate reading baby talk too, I'm sorry! But I can't make a four year old talk like an adult, so her speech pattern just follows the overgeneralisation of grammatical rules most children engage in developmentally. Lastly, child-free individuals have every right to be child-free, this specifically isn't a "MC changes their mind suddenly" fic. Laswell just realises that not every single child makes her want to remove her ovaries

Full fic under the cut <3

“No.” Her voice is firm, lips tight in that frown that you know means business. It doesn’t deter your dramatics, eyes pleading, hands clasped in front of you. “Please!”

“I told you, no kids.” She turns back to the countertop, sipping at the black coffee you’d just placed in front of her. The room basks in the pale sunrise, orange tinting the walls as light shines from the document Kate is already pouring herself over.

“Kate, it’s just one kid –“

“No! We talked about this at the very beginning. No kids, you agreed.”

You inhale deeply, squashing down a frustrated sigh as the pressure of your palms turns your vision fuzzy for a second. “Yes, I know I agreed – but come on!”

There’s a pause as your words linger in the air, and Kate’s shoulders drop. “Come on?”

You reel back, groaning. “No, I’m sorry – I’m sorry, not like that, fuck. I’m sorry. I’m frustrated and I just feel misunderstood, like you’re not… getting it.”

“Because there’s nothing to get; because we both made a very clear agreement when we started this relationship.” Her tone is final, but you don’t back down.

“Kate!”

She exclaims your name in exasperation, swinging back around on the barstool as she white-knuckles the tablet in her hands.

“Okay, okay – just, okay, just hear me out. Please.” You try not to wilt under her disapproving look, but she doesn’t stop you, and you take the opportunity at full speed. “It’s not even for the whole day, just six hours! I’ll take her out to the park for a bit, I promise we won’t track mud in, and we’ll take a bath, I’ll dry her in the bathroom right after.”

Her nose wrinkles in disgust with the shake of her head. “That’s good and all, but our rug? The couch? My office?”

Your head is shaking adamantly before her sentence ends. “She won’t step foot in your office, I won’t even let her go up the stairs, and I’m going to watch her the whole time.”

Disbelief is etched into her frown. “It’s a kid, babe. You’re fantastic, but you’re not magic. She’s gonna make a mess no matter how hard you try.”

Your mouth opens and closes, every retort coming up futile, and defeat quickly sinks in. Your shoulders slouch, a pout pulling at your lips as you take up the stool next to her, slumping over the cool granite top. The sigh Kate breathes is long, putting down the tablet. “Your sister’s asked us for this last-moment shit plenty before.”

“I know, but it’s different this time,” you mumble into your arms.

“And why is this ‘emergency’ any different?”

“Because she said the whole place still smells like insecticide, and she doesn’t trust the babysitter to know what to do if it makes Lottie sick, he’s barely seventeen. I don’t think she’s lying; I dropped off a grocery pickup on my way home from the store yesterday, and it really did stink.”

Kate bites at the inside of her lip, contemplating. “Can we not just give her money for a proper one?”

You look up incredulously, and Kate’s expression immediately crumples. “Sorry, yeah. That was stupid, I know we said no more giving her money.”

You return back to your forlorn position, tracing mindless shapes that leave a quickly evaporating trail of body heat.

“Honey, if we say yes, she’s going to keep asking us. I don’t want to set a precedent.” Her expression is sympathetic as you peer over the ruffled humps of your sleeve, a hand settling on your thigh. “She had time to get a better replacement, it’s not like the house started stinking yesterday. I’m not letting you play unpaid full-time caregiver again.”

You slide your own hand over hers, grip curling around the ring nestled against the base of her finger. “I know Kate, it won’t go that far. She can ask, but I swear, this will be the only time she ever stays at our house until she’s older. If she ever pulls this again, I’ll pack an overnight bag and go over there – I’ll go to our parents, if I really have to.”

“And she’s really going to work this time?” Kate probes, arms crossed. “This isn’t another “oh, I was definitely at ‘work’, but then I went on this date with a cute guy I just happened to meet on my ‘lunch break’ and forgot to block you from seeing the photos on my story?””

“I made triple sure – she sent me her schedule for the whole month, and a confirmation text that she’d be late this morning with a response from her boss. She already sent the interview confirmation when she got it, and she showed me the congratulatory email when we went out for drinks too.”

Before Kate can speak, you hold up your hand. “And I know, those can be easily faked. So, she’s going to share her location with me when – if we say yes – she gets there, and I’ll call her work line at some random point so Lottie can talk to her, to make sure. She’d be putting in more effort to fabricate this than she would actually getting the job.”

The air feels thick as Kate stays quiet – just looks over your face, searching for something.

“I’m not helping.” She concedes after a long pause, and you bolt up straight, slapping a hand over your mouth to keep back a loud cheer.

“I mean it, I’m going to be in my office. I’ll come out for lunch and say hello, I’m not going to ignore the kid. But no begging to play games, no help cleaning up messes or disasters, no picking you up halfway if her legs get tired.” She tilts her head, an eyebrow raised expectantly, amusement in those pretty blue eyes as she gazes at you.

“Nothing, I swear to god, baby. I’ll have lunch ready at around 12, I’ll just text you and you can come down.” You bring her hand to your lips, peppering kisses across her knuckles, making sure to be generous over her ring with a cheeky smile that Kate fondly rolls her eyes at.

==

Charlotte warbles a rhyme she learnt in day-care as you pull into your street, kicking her feet in time with the ticking of the indicator as you stop in the driveway. She makes a loud squawk as you reach for the door handle, a small glare peering up at you through the window to warn your hand away from it. You watch as she tugs at it until the latch clicks, using her legs to swing it open. “I did it all by myself!”

You give her a bemused smile, holding out a hand that she accepts as her little legs stretch to meet the pavement. “Yeah sweetie, you did it all by yourself, good job opening it. You wanna grab your bag, or should Auntie do it?”

Charlotte gives you the most withering look a four year old can muster, sighing loudly as she grabs the straps of her backpack from the floor. “Don’t you know I’m a big girl now? I gotta carry my own bag, Mama said.”

The pressure in your chest hurts as your throat constricts, desperately holding your breath to avoid laughing at the very serious mistake you’ve just made. “I’m – ah, sorry, I’m so sorry Lottie. You are a big girl now, yes.”

All is forgiven as you extend your hand again, and Charlotte skips up the short driveway by your side, backpack clunking with each step. “Was my singing good Auntie?”

You hum approvingly, swinging your arm gently. “It was great, honey. You know so much about bugs!”

She gives you a pleased, toothy grin, her face scrunched up in exaggeration. Before you open the to the door, you halt, crouching down to your niece’s level. She frowns at you inquisitively, gaze moving between your face and the door. “Alright, sweetheart. You remember what I said?”

Her expression dissolves into a sassy squint, nose scrunched up in distaste of your obviously silly adult ways. “Auntie, you told me like – like a million times!”

“I know, I know. Can you say it back to me, just one more time?”

With a roll of her eyes, she takes a deep breath, holding up a finger for each instruction you’ve given her. “Auntie Kate is really really busy, so we gotta be quiet, not be yelling, and I can’t be going up the stairs and being distracting.”

You nod in encouragement, giving her a smile. “And?”

Charlotte frowns, thinking for a moment, before her eyes light up. “And no making messes!”

She throws her arms up as you cheer, her chubby cheeks squished between them. “Yay! Inside now?”

You clap your hands to your thighs, standing up to reach for the handle. “Yep, inside now.”

Charlotte barrels through the door before it’s even fully open, almost pulled back as her bag is caught in the opening, and you catch her hand to stop her from running off. “Hold up, cowgirl! Those shoes need to come off first.”

You shuck off your own, watching as Charlotte tugs at hers, before helping her line them neatly against the wall. Coming out the hallway, to your surprise, Kate is sitting on the couch. You shoot her a confused frown as you walk closer, but she just comes over to meet you halfway, crouching down to Charlotte’s level. “Hey, sweetheart, I wanted to say hi again. Remember me?”

Charlotte lingers near your leg, her hand scrunched up in your pants as she looks your wife up and down. “You’re Auntie Kate.”

She gives a small smile, nodding slowly. “Yep. That’s right.”

Charlotte doesn’t respond, fingers in her mouth nervously. The room is quiet for a second as Kate looks equally unsure, twisting her hands together as she speaks again. “What… have you been up to lately?”

Your niece looks at her owlishly, round eyes slowly blinking.

“I punched a boy.”

Kate’s eyes widen, taken aback with an expression you mirror. “You punched a boy?”

Your niece nods solemnly, looking down at her scrunched up fist with a dramatic reminiscence. “He told my friend – he said, he was really mean, and he said girls can’t ride bikes, and he uhm – he did this,” she explains, making a sharp pushing motion into the air, “and she falled off and got hurted and she was really sad. And then I was sad, and then I did my fist like this and punched him!”

She raises her fist to Kate, a proud look on her small face, and you watch Kate struggle to keep the corners of her lips from peeking up. “Wow, I see. Did you get in trouble?”

Charlotte’s pigtails bounce as she shakes her head confidently, bringing a leg up to point at it as she balances on the other. “Nuh-uh, ‘cos my friend had all the blood on her knee and she was crying.”

Kate nods, clasping her hands together, already out of her depth with the look she gives you. “Right. Okay. Well, no punching anyone or falling off things while you’re here, alright?”

“Alright!” Charlotte chirps, giving Kate the same toothy grin. She gives a smile back before shooting you an impressed but shocked look that you just shrug at, grinning. Kate shakes her head, and you catch and squeeze her hand, pressing your lips to hers appreciatively before she scampers off. “Thank you, I love you.”

The wink she directs your way sends butterflies through your stomach, and they erupt as she calls out, retreating up the stairs. “Don’t worry! You’ll make it up to me.”

==

Charlotte peers down at the puzzle, hands on her hips as she balances the towel on her head. Impossibly happy voices sing from the TV as a show she begged for plays, and you catch a blue dog playing a xylophone with her orange sister when you peak around the corner to check on your niece. “Everything going okay, pumpkin?”

The puzzle is very uncomplete, but she’s been following your advice of finding all the border pieces, given the little pile she’s accumulating concentratedly. “We can get an easier one, honey. 50 pieces is a lot.”

Charlotte looks up at that, unimpressed. “I already did 10 pieces of jigsaw!”

With a shrug, you disappear back into the kitchen, cutting up the last toppings on your board as you call out again. “Alright, that’s fine. But lunch will be ready in 10 minutes, so we’ll take a break then, okay?”

A small grumble of acknowledgement comes from the floor, and you get back to it. Before long, the sandwiches are plated up, and Kate’s salad is in a bowl with her plate. Charlotte makes less fuss than you’d thought as she drags her feet over to the table, clambering up the chair to sit down. Grabbing your phone, you send off a text, shoving it back in your pocket before bringing the plates over. Charlotte eyes the sandwiches, peeking through the layers of bread. “Is it good?”

You laugh, picking up your own slice. “I hope so. Your mama said it’s your favourite.”

“No way!” She perks up excitedly, grabbing a quarter and taking a big bite. Kate descends from her office a few minutes later, cup in hand and making a beeline for the kitchen. She comes out with a fresh cup a moment later, taking a seat across from you. “Thanks for brewing a pot, honey,” she murmurs, scooping up a spoonful of salad. “Have you girls been having fun?”

Charlotte hums through a mouthful, wiggling in her chair. “Shaw ducksh at th’prk!”

Kate tries to hold back a grimace, cringing at the food around her mouth, and you send her an apologetic look as you speak up. “Swallow your food first, Lottie.”

Between chews, she narrows her eyes at you, but swallows before speaking again. “There was a mama and her babies.”

The meal is spent in a very one-sided conversation about your trip to the park as Charlotte earnestly recounts every detail, informing Kate about all the kinds of bugs she found under the rocks. The girl is on a long rattle about the spots on ladybug shells when Kate clears her throat, stacking her dishes together, and Charlotte cuts herself off. “No more food already?”

“I have work to finish,” Kate explains as she stands up, “and I’m sure you’re excited to play with Auntie for the last hour you’re here, right?”

A misty expression crosses Charlotte’s dirty face at the realisation, her bottom lip puckering out. “But what if I goed home and comed back after I sleep?”

Kate gives you a pointed look as she disappears around the corner, and you close your eyes for a moment as dishes clink against the metal sink, silently cursing. “Remember we talked about that, babes? You got day-care tomorrow, and I’ll come see you on the weekend.”

Charlotte brightens up temporarily at the mention of day-care, but you can see the moment she realises it’s ‘stopping’ her from coming over as her expression dampens again. “Can we go see ducks on the weekend?”

“Yeah honey, we can see the ducks again.” You nod, leaning back in your chair as Charlotte shoves the last of her sandwich into her mouth. Closing your eyes, your head falls back until it meets the wooden frame, taking a moment to sink down and relax. But tension suddenly springs back into them as fingers slide under your chin, your eyes opening to meet an upside down Kate.

“Hey beautiful,” she murmurs, and you giggle in her grasp, humming as she presses her lips to yours. “Thanks for lunch. You’re so sweet, keeping me fed.” She gives your cheek an affectionate pat, pulling away and heading to the stairs as you sit up and give her a scandalised look at her teasing praise. Footsteps against the floor patter behind you, and Charlotte darts past Kate to the door before you can question her.

“Auntie Kate!”

Your wife pauses, and you can see her breathe in before she turns. “What’s up, kiddo?”

Charlotte drags her bag over, crouching down and rummaging through its depths to pull something out. It takes you a moment to recognise the scraggly stems and squashed petals, but Charlotte shoves them out in offering with the confidence of someone holding a thousand dollar bouquet. “Auntie said you like flowers, and I thoughted maybe you got no flowers inside, so I got the best ones for you!”

Kate’s face pinches into something you’ve never seen before, and you debate stepping in before she crouches down, extending her hand to take the ragged bundle. “That was really thoughtful of you, Charlotte.” She takes a moment to smell them – more for Charlotte’s sake, you think –, and gives the kid a soft smile. “Thank you for getting me flowers. I’ll be happy to have them in my office now, hey?”

You can see Charlotte’s fingers twist and intertwine as they meet behind her back, shoulders up high as she sways happily, and you can only imagine the grin she’s giving Kate. “You’re welcome!” She chimes, grabbing her bag and hauling it back to the door. You watch Kate take in the flowers as they droop over her hand, standing up as she casts a look over at Charlotte, running back to the table. Your gazes connect as she flickers to you, a grin filling her face as she gestures the flowers at you, to which you flap your hand towards the stairs cheekily.

Your phone buzzes as you turn on the tap for Charlotte, and you pull it out as she dries her hands, tapping in on the photo of the flowers in a tall glass next to her computer.

<< Can’t wait to see yours. ;)

==

“I still hate kids.”

“I know,” you sigh happily into her collarbones, pressing a kiss against a mole there. Her skin is still soured by sweat, and you hum appreciatively at the taste, basking in the post-orgasmic daze washing through your limbs. Everything feels warm, exertion mingling with fatigue to settle across you in a sleepy blanket, and you can’t stifle a yawn that bubbles up.

“She was sweet, though. Thought she’d be more of a menace.”

A hum is all you get out, listening to the patter of her heart.

“We’re never having them.”

Kate squirms at the way you huff in amusement against her skin at the remark, tilting up to give her a look. “I know, honey. Wasn’t planning on changing my mind.”

She grins, running her nails across your scalp, bringing you back against her bare chest. “Thought I fucked that sass out.”

You snort, dipping out your tongue to run against her jugular, kissing the damp trail. “The only thing that recovers faster than your libido is my attitude.”

Kate laughs at that, nudging her leg further up between your thighs to make you squeak. “Now you’re trying to wind me up, close your damn eyes.”

“Uh-huh. I remember them being closed before you reminded me you hate kids.”

You whimper as her fingers tug in reprimand at your hair before resuming their strokes, rustling accompanying the sound of breathing in the moonlight room. There are lights swirling in barely visible colours as you fall further into a world between here and unconsciousness, and you feel weightless, floating in nothingness with the only person you’ve ever wanted by your side.

“… She wasn’t that bad, though.”

“Kate, go to sleep.”

dividers by cafekitsune

[eri-pl]

Silmarils, grief and hope.

We all know grief is a big theme and all that, and related to Tolkien's life. But. The Silmarils.

Long chaotic post about "wanting the Silmarils is related to having unprocessed grief" and "the Silmarils are hope, but Not Like That".

(I'm not sure how many there are for whom it makes a difference, but I assume it's a non-zero amount: sort of Morgoth-pov at the very end which may be emotionally intense. For convenience, it's separated with a picture. The rest is much more calm, I think. Just chaotic and may have autocorrect errors.)

Why do so many people (allegedly) want them more than it would make sense, even if they aren't cursed?

So many events on the story of those jewels are related to grief. Feanor makes them after his mother does and he cannot process his feelings properly (which is not his fault; where would he learn to process them? But it is a thing.)

Then he loses them when his father dies and really wants them back, swears the oath. Then he does and his sons swear the oath again, and of course they don't process their grief properly either.

Oh and I forgot, before that, the Valar. They lose the Trees and want them back. Interestingly, it's not Manwe (the king) who is most focused on getting the Silmarils for that, nor Varda (most associated with them), but Yavanna (sure, it was her trees, but also she's the most loss-avoiding Vala, she misses each tree that is being cut) and Tulkas (lowest emotional intelligence of all proper Valar). Again, the perceived need to get the Silmarils is where there's some unprocessed grief, and most intense in those Valar who would have the hardest time processing it.

(and Aule! He actively advocates for granite keeping it. But I'm sure the "my best Maia joined Morgoth, I'm constantly bullied, my wife doesn't like me, and I am never a jerk despite it all" guy is pretty good at processing his negative feelings.)

(Also, how the sun and moon are made? The fruit grow when Nienna cries, and it is Nienna, she is processing the grief in a proper, healthy way. And it... It solves the problem (lack of light) for which the Silmarils were "necessary". Sure, the moon and sun are lesser, not as beautiful... But there's a theme there. Namely, the third of them. 🙂 Things change. You can't fix anything important by going Ctrl+Z on it. You have to go forward, not backwards.)

The Silmarils are the feeling of hope (see: reactions to Gil-Estel, and it's very name) they are a promise that it all will be good. They are a good thing, but to an untrained eye the promise seems much more immediate, much more like something that can be done here and now.

If I only had them, all would be fine.

And they are not this, Nienna would know, I'm pretty sure Varda knew too when she blessed them (she may have not realized how others see it). They are just a reminder of something unsaid. Estel, not amdir. (It's a little funny to me how this means "looking up" but it's not for this post)

Anyway, the Silmarils. Thingol who realizes he'll lose his daughter (doesn't know how much he would lose her, but a sad marriage to a diet Man is enough, also a kid growing up can be a grief in itself. Or maybe it is because she will be mortal, maybe he suffers from what @dfwbwfbbwfbwf called "pre-traumatic stress disorder"). And a Silmaril is the only thing that could let him through the pain of losing his daughter.

And then he carries it, of course he does, if he let it go he would have to face his pain. He dies and Luthien wears the jewel, then after her death - Dior. A chain of deaths and losses and a beautiful gem.

It is too much for their half-mortal eyes, too much hope to be able to let go of it even if they had a reason.

And Maedhros starts demanding it after Unnumbered Tears (unnumbered, unprocessed, unhealed), which sure, has also a more political/reasonable explanation (he's out of other options), but also, it's a lot of grief.

And it goes into a chain of deaths.

Melian never cared about the Silmaril (she cared about it as a problem, but not about having it). Beren gave it up easily. Earendil have it to the Valar (they have it back later).

The dwarves... There are two things here. One is generational trauma of "the sindar hunted our ancestors for sport"+general racism. The other is that dwarves generally have more need of hope I think... Elves are reborn, Men are said to go somewhere beautiful and mysterious, and the Dwarves??? It's very uncertain.

And at the end it is Makalaure "singing apology songs which doesn't make me less of a murderer, just a hypocrite, but at least helps me process my traumas" Kanafinwe who throws the hope away because someone else would make a better use of it probably, and goes on to live through his darkness.

It's so hard to face your pain and start looking not only at hope for you, but at hope for the others. And sometimes what the world needs to have more hope, is you facing your pain.

I can't find a clear name for what the Silmarils are/mean in this... Something close to hope, but also something you must let go of to process your grief... It's inherently good, but can be overused... I'm sure there's something fitting, I just can't find it.

And the "Feanor will break the Silmarils" thing? For the trees? Seriously? No. He will break then because he will learn to live without them, to live with his pain. He breaks then because they aren't relevant anymore. (Who said that about fulfilled hope not being called hope anymore? My favorite "I can write more weird and more enigmatic stuff that you, but it makes waaay more actual sense than your posts anyway" guy?) He breaks them, but it's not necessary, it's just natural.

(but also tbh they do look a little like seeds so idk why not have new trees, they are kinda cool... well my perception of them looking like seeds is based mostly on "need to break" anyway... My thinking goes in atypical ways)

And there's Morgoth. Oh of course there's Morgoth. The dark Vala who couldn't (wouldn't) process his feelings even if they came with a manual. (He's an Ainu. They very likely initially came with a manual. But he thought he knew better)

He wants to steal hope and blacken it, and destroy it, right?

So... He feeds the Silmarils to Ungoliant? Tries to break them? Hides them far away?

No.

He wears them on his face, even if it hurts terribly. It hurts like dying. This is how clinging to your ego defences feels like. "the pain demands to be felt", to quote my favorite psychology YouTuber writing someone else. If you don't face it, it will still burn. If you run away from it, it will still be there. If you cling to the "I am not sad, everything is fine, it's great", it will burn your face.

But anything else would mean admitting there's a problem. Admitting that they burn would mean admitting that he was wrong. That his pain is there, and also it's not purely (not mostly tbh) others' fault, that he's not the victim in here.

What pain?

Well if you want my opinion, it's funny that it was Finwe who guarded the Silmarils. Finwë who favored his older, more temperamental, more brilliant son and made him the crown prince. Finwë who never told Feanor to sit down and cut his BS. Finwë who everyone says it's such a great father. So if everyone says that, it is rational to expect such behavior, right? It's valid to be angry about being treated in a different way? It must be. Anything else would mean that he was wrong.

It's better to burn.

[astaldis]

Issue no 32- Kneeling: Trapped

Fandom: Harry Potter

Whumpee: Severus Snape

Whumper: Draco, Voldemort

Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy, Remus Lupin & Severus Snape

Characters: Severus Snape, Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Dolores Umbridge, Peter Pettigrew, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Neville Longbottom, Poppy Pomfrey, Sybill Trelawney, Ginny Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid, Crookshanks (Harry Potter), Albus Dumbledore

Additional Tags: Torture, Aftermath of Torture, crucio | cruciatus curse, Snakes, Mutilation, Coma, Hogwarts Hospital Wing, Imperio | Imperius Curse, Werewolf, Good Severus Snape, Snape whump, Hurt/Comfort, Good Draco Malfoy, Pureblood Severus Snape, Written Pre-Half Blood Prince

Words: 25,351; Chapters: 15/15

Excerpt from Chapter 1: Of Sneaks and Snakes

"Crucio," shouted Draco, his wand still pointing at his teacher's temple.

Not too bad for a 6th year, Severus thought as pain bored through his head like a spear and then spread into his entire body. A tide of white-hot lava setting every single fiber on fire. He bit his lip convulsively to prevent himself from screaming as he fell to his knees. Luckily, Draco wasn't powerful enough to sustain the Unforgivable for more than a few seconds, yet. However, he had achieved his goal. Severus was on his knees. The Dark Lord seemed extremely pleased with the young wizard's performance.

"You did well, my child," he praised. "A true Slytherin, one your father can be proud of. You will do great deeds once you have received my Mark, and you will be honored among your fellow Death Eaters as the one who brought down - the traitor." The last words he spat out with venom, pointing at Severus who was still on his knees, panting and twitching in the aftermath of the Cruciatus.

Severus spat some blood that had accumulated in his mouth from the deep cut in his lip, and looked up. No, he would not crawl to his master and cry for mercy. He would never sink that low, whatever they were going to do to him. He stared back into the snake-like eyes that were glowing red in the flickering light of the Death Eaters' torches.

Excerpt from Chapter 2: Behold the Traitor

"Stubborn to the end. No less than I expected. I guess that leaves me no choice but to irrevocably severe the bond that has been connecting us for so many years. A pity. - Wormtail!" He motioned for Pettigrew who was lurking about in the gloomy rear part of the hall-like room. The rat approached, almost stooping to the floor in reverence to his Master. Finally, Wormtail straightened and whirled his wand. A strange stone device appeared out of thin air, resembling a hybrid between a slab and a scaffold. This accomplished, the balding wizard put forth his exposed left arm for Voldemort to touch the Dark Mark.

Soft 'plops' announced the arrival of apparating Death Eaters. They formed their usual circle. On the Dark Lord's sign, Crabbe and Goyle dragged Severus towards the stone construction, made him kneel before it, ripped off his cloak and shirt and pressed his upper body onto the smooth granite surface, face down. Immediately, iron bonds appeared and wound itself tightly around his chest and outstretched arms, slicing painfully into his flesh.

A door opened, and a hooded figure entered the room. His hood and mask were scarlet instead of black, and he wielded an ax in his heavily gloved hands. McNair, the executioner. He slowly approached the prisoner.

[sonic-obscurity-opposition]

underneath the cut is the roster for the now-defunct sonic obscurity opposition. it contains 120 characters, along with a maybe and a probably not list taken directly from my notes when sorting through submissions. it is my hope that anyone who would have been invested in this poll reads them, and perhaps finds some appreciation for them.

PARTICIPANTS:

Saffron Bee (Archie)

Society Max (Fleetway)

Shortfuse the Cybernick (Fleetway)

Blockhead Bill (Fleetway)

Speedy (Tails Adventure)

1999 (Fleetway)

Da Bears (AoStH)

Zonic the Zone Cop (Archie)

Prefect Charyb & Prefect Scylla (Chronicles)

Humpty (AoStH)

Ifyoucan (Underground)

Grimer (Fleetway)

D-Fekt (Boom)

Ari (SatAM)

Hawk (Sonic X)

Johnny (Rush Adventure)

Mello Bee (Archie)

Has Bean (Mean Bean Machine)

Princess Alucion (Sirène)

Eric the Echidna (StH in the Fourth Dimension)

Relic the Pika (Archie)

Captain Oe (Archie)

Demo Duck (Dark Mobius Bean) (Archie)

Melody Prower (Archie)

Teri-Lu (Archie)

Iago the Echidna (Archie)

Brock the Echidna (Archie)

Dr. Quack (Archie)

Bartleby MontClair (Underground)

Pseudo Sonic (Archie)

Amadeus Prower (Archie)

Gae-Na (Archie)

Komi-Ko (Archie)

X Robot (Archie Sonic X)

Meringue the Rabbit (IDW)

Cyrus (Underground)

VerticAL and HorizontAL (Archie)

Mari-Su (Archie)

Wynmacher (Archie)

Rosie Woodchuck (Archie)

Vermin the Rat (Fleetway)

Bog Beasty (Underground)

Chomps (Underground)

Farrell (Underground)

Penelope the Hedgehog (AoStH)

Lucas (AoStH)

Filch (Fleetway)

Harpio (Fleetway)

Leaf (Fleetway)

Mello (Fleetway)

Simpson the Cat (Fleetway)

Old Sonic Clone (Fleetway)

Tufftee (Fleetway)

Lightmare (Fleetway)

Knuckles the Echidna

Cat (SatAM)

Aerial & Athena (Archie)

E-100 Lambda (Archie)

Ichneumon the White Mouse (StH and the Silicon Warriors)

Gaz and Del (Fleetway)

Mom with a Gambling Addiction NPC (Adventure 1)

Lumina Flowlight (Shuffle)

Princess Bee (Archie)

Hershey St. John (Archie)

Echo the Shark (Archie)

Cinos the Anti-Sonic (StH and in Fourth Dimension)

Rob o' the Hedge (Archie)

Juanita the Chameleon (Archie)

Marta the Echidna (Archie)

Liza the Chameleon

Bivalve Clam (Archie)

Duck "Bill" Platypus (Archie)

Griff (SatAM)

Barney the Chameleon (Archie)

Katella (Aosth) - Special request to use this specific image: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/c/c8/Katellaheart.png/revision/latest?cb=20160407210139

King Peter - (StH in Robotnik's Laboratory)

Colonel Percy Granite (Fleetway)

Hobidon (Sonic X)

Rhygenta (Archie)

Molly (Sonic X)

Ron (IDW)

Arctur the Dragonkin (StH and in Fourth Dimension)

Practice Robot (Fleetway)

Ash Mongoose (Archie)

Walt Wallaby (Archie)

Ebony (Fleetway)

Bimmy the Echidna (Archie)

The Narrator (LEGO Commercial)

Emperor Sleetus (Underground)

Luke Periwinkle (Underground)

Bellok (Underground)

Captain Squeegee (Underground)

Duke of Velcronia (Underground)

Mindy LaTour (Underground)

Lucinda (AoStH)

William Le Duck (AoStH)

Baby T (SatAM)

Dove (SatAM)

Nicholas O'Tyme (SatAM/Archie)

Heavy and Bomb (Knuckles' Chaotix)

Nerbs (Archie)

Lah the Ghost (Unleashed - Night of the Werehog)

Akhlut the Orca (Archie)

Karen (Stone's Ex Boss) (Sonic 2 Pre-quill)

Rava the Destroyer (Sonic 2 Pre-quill)

Nestor the Wise (Chronicles)

Radar the Echidna (Archie)

Kanewisher the Echidna (Archie)

Catweazle (Archie)

Snailbot (Sonic 2)

A.D.A.M. (Archie)

Alexis Acorn (Archie)

Megan Acorn (Archie)

Arthur Mongoose (Archie)

Avery the Bear (Archie)

Aypex (Archie)

Bagbar Beeblebrox (Archie)

Barney (Archie)

Bertha Kintobor (Archie)

Friday the Parrot (StH Adventure Gamebook 5: Theme Park Panic)

MAYBE:

Sonic the Human (Sega Hard Girls)

Thunder the Pasha (Archie) - It's not really a character is it?

The Freedom Team (Beta SatAM) - They're a whole team and also unreleased

Mecha Sonic Model No. 29 (Sonic the Fighters) - I think there was a popular youtube video about this character. Maybe Chaomix.

Galaxina (Sonic X) - May be obscure, haven't finished sonic x, but seems like she wouldn't be

Jimmy and Jilly (Fleetway) - two in one and also i'm very tired

Mr. Yuji Naka (ShtH05) - Not a character, only referenced in one voice line.

Evil Duck (SatAM) - Not real

Skull That Says "SEGA" (S3&K EU Ads) - Not really a character? We'll see.

Masado and Miwasco (Up on the Green Hill (Masado and Miwasco version)) - While they have done official work, I can't tell if this song is licensed.

Segata Sanshiro (Sonic R Ad) - Isn't a part of the world, just beats up some kids and holds up a SEGA Saturn

PROBABLY NOT:

Dave the Intern (Boom) - Popular

Tikal the Echidna (Adventure) - Extremely popular and prominent within the source material

Ian Jr. - Popular

Manic the Hedgehog (Underground) - Manic

Elias Acorn (Archie) - I haven't gotten that far in Archie but this guy is literally a king and Sally's brother

Orca - Iconic? Also an animal with no unique characteristics.

The Cow in the Triple Trouble Ad - An animal with no unique characteristics.

Dodon Pa (Team Sonic Racing) - Important Character in TSR

Santa Claus (AoStH) - That's Santa Claus

[rarepears]

Thanks for getting back to me! I think he certainly had a little pre-teen crush on Kakashi, he and Shisui had this 'us against the world lean on each other' mutual pining thing and Kisame was his most consistent and persistent one on one male influence in his life.

Now picture he's now a young Lan. Going about his days, he's half living his life like a vacation with his cute baby brother and half running his sect and building a pseudo spy ring/information market. (Nothing too impressive, just a few dozen informants in the other sects and spread evenly in all the red light districts between Cloud Recesses and the Nightless City)

And then he's introduced to Nie Mingjue

And Nie Mingjue is the rockin' hard bod and unshakable honesty of Kisame. The overwhelming skill and might of Kakashi and Shisui's unflinching loyalty not so much to a cause but to his loved ones.

And also the muscles. Those chiseled, glistening muscles and those cut from granite eyes and those deceptively gentle but calloused hands.

And how he treats his brother and his duties as a sect leader?

Que little Lan Zhan worriedly asking his brother if he is sick because Itachi has gone glassy eyed, flushed in the face, and breathing rapidly.

This startles Itachi who realizes he had been staring at Nie Mingjue training for the past half hour lol

Another reason as to why Itachi falls for Nie Mingjue is because Nie Mingjue is blunt, direct, honest. There's no self-guessing what Nie Mingjue really meant, no need to look for the underneath of the underneath. Nie Mingjue is predictable with how rigidly he adheres to his personal moral code and yet Itachi is still struck by just how unfiltered and honest Nie Mingjue is, even while playing sect politics. (Kisame was honest, but not that honest.)

Itachi is tired of political backstabbing and manipulation.

Also, I imagine Itachi... kind of sucks at politics. His solution to everything is murder: murder his clan to protect his brother, solve his brother's trauma by letting his brother murder him, etc. Nie Mingjue's reaction to the Wen Clan is thus *chef kiss*. Yup, just murder the whole clan - that fits right in with Itachi's personal solution to... pretty much everything. (Also, what else do you expect when this barely teenager gets through into ANBU which is an assassination squad? And then Itachi gets thrown into the Akatsuki which does a lot of killing too...)

Like yeah, sure, Itachi is a pacifist, but pacifist means something very very different in ninja terms than, well, what we have.

-o-o-o-o-

(It would be really fucking hilarious and sad if Itachi's little PTSD episode gets mistaken as him being lovestruck. Nah, it's just that Nie Mingjue sometimes does something that causes one of Itachi's old memories to pop up and Itachi gets up... not really dissociating but rather living in his memories again. For better or for worse.)

[Read more in the #imagine if itachi uchiha was reborn as lan xichen au]

[dollsonmain]

@dollsahoy​ confirming for me that the cottage house is just 90′s style led me to look at 90′s cottage decor (as though I didn’t live through that...) and I went “Oh, that looks like almost my entire scrapbook paper stash...”

So here’s some wallpaper musings from the fireplace sitting room when I was supposed to be focusing on the kitchen but nope I’m sidetracked, now.

(first, though, look at all the different ways my phone interpreted the colors of things as I went)

I have this warm faux granite contact paper that I could cut shapes out of to stick to the fireplace. I don’t know if I want to do that, but I could.

I did not find any leftover brick pattern paper. I think all of that went into the urban apartment I built.

The first three seem a little too juvenile? for a family cottage? They read more kids’ room to me. I don’t care for gold, either, so the gold hearts are kind of eh even though that paper is ivory and better matches the rest of the yellowed plastic. The grey paper is textured but I don’t think it adds anything to the look of the “room”.

Time period appropriate and even has a pre-installed border XD I’m kind of avoiding papers with white backgrounds, though. The rest of the white parts of the house have turned ivory, and I’m rolling with the color changes to the plastics instead of fighting them. This would work, though.

Too dark. Don’t like it. That wood paper might make good fireplace logs, though. I don’t think I will make any, but I have the option.

All the wrong shade of blue.

I do like the shade of green on the stripes paper when paired with other segments of the house. The pink is sort of close to the color of the electronics, but I kind of like that this house isn’t very pink (though I rather like pink). The other two greens that I’d considered for the fridge I don’t like too much as wallpaper, either.

Even though the big flowers paper is pre-grunged and I have a problem with that (will get to later), I don’t hate it. I think it would look pretty nice, really. The smaller flowers paper I do not like for a wall. Too busy for me.

I do really like all of these as wallpapers (even the reds) and they look good with the other colors of the house, but they’re all too detailed (the pre-applied grunge) and I think that looks very out of place with how simple and cartoony the rest of the house is. If I were going to do a hardcore full customization and make the doll house as realistic as possible, these would be ideal wallpapers and/or floor tiles.

These are my favorites out of the papers I have on hand. Some of these are pretty juvenile, too, but don’t strike me as much like “this is a child’s bedroom” as the others.

[aheathen-conceivably]

Hi! Amazing blog, I sometimes go back and read it all over again, that's how good it is! But, what would you say are the best packs to have when playing historical gameplay in the sims?

….oh my goodness, do you really? 🥹

That may be the nicest thing anyone has ever said omg thank you! 😭

But then of course you gotta follow it up with a difficult question! Lol and you know me, that means you ain’t getting a quick answer, so under the cut we go!

Expansion Packs:

Cottage Living: My top pick for expansion packs is probably my top pick of all the DLC. I wish that we had more mod-free gameplay for historical simming, but frankly farming is often our only option (especially pre-WWI). Plus being able to have animals, cross stitching, the grocery stall, and the world just make this a staple for me.

Runners-up: This is probably a three way tie between Seasons, Cats and Dogs, and Get Together. Seasons is just a staple for gameplay overall, and the addition of cold and hot weather will make any type of game better. Then I would say Cats and Dogs because people really underestimate how much historical peoples loved their pets; plus the world is useful for most eras and the BB can be very versatile too. Third is Get Together, almost exclusively for the world; although with some creativity the club system is always useful. For instance, it’s how I made Virginia “part” of the suffragettes.

Game packs:

Since almost every one of these packs is going to be useful just for BB and the world, I wanted to pick my top one as something that I think is marginally useful for historical gameplay. This may not be most people’s top choice but:

Outdoor Retreat: In addition to some BB objects that can be useful if you’re playing a more rustic, logging historical save, you also get a pretty decent world and what, in my opinion, is nice historical gameplay. This game pack comes with more woodworking designs, stargazing, campfire recipes, and telling stories around the fire, all things that I’ve used regularly. You also get the herbalism skill, which is (in my opinion) is too tied to the collectibles in Granite Falls, but with a mod is much more usable and fits into history gameplay wonderfully.

Runner-ups: Top choice is My Wedding Stories, which doesn’t always run smoothly but adds some variety and possible historical accuracy to your weddings. I also use some of the CAS for men and love the world, which can make an excellent starting point for a different type of gameplay or a vacation world (like with Rosella). Then I would chose Strangerville, Realm of Magic, and Vampires, mostly for the BB (RoM is the basis for Antoine and Zelda’s apartment) but also because you can make great use of those worlds too.

Stuff Packs:

Laundry Day & Nifty Knitting: These are just some of the best value for your money stuff packs, and they actually have gameplay that I use consistently. Laundry Day in particular, because I love the added challenge of off the grid laundry. Nifty Knitting a bit less so, because the objects created are so modern, but I still love having the knitting skill alongside cross-stitching.

Runners-up: Top choice here is probably Paranormal, because I have also used the BB quite a lot and will probably use the CAS going forward too. But more than that, so many people have brought up the seance tables as great for 1900s gameplay. I myself didn’t do it, but I love the idea. Second is Vintage Glamour because both the BB and CAS is useful, plus the added gameplay of butler can come in handy.

Kits:

I will pick one kit and one alone, and that is Bust the Dust. The sole reason that I’m including it is because of this mod, which I absolutely love. As I said I like having chores to do to make the game harder and feel more mundane so together with Laundry Day I do use this one constantly.

Thanks for sitting through the whole spiel. Hope it could help a little! 😄

[poisonhemloc]

just gonna put some (not taco truck au surprisingly) oc rambles under the cut

I have... six Hearthian ocs that aren't Granite and four of them only show up in one fic (and a wip)

Silica and Nickel are identical twin hatchlings from the everyone lives!au- Silica is/is going to be more adventurous, more into exploring, louder, more excitable. Nickel is going to be calmer, and a little quieter. They're mirror twins, so, freckles are mirrored (...I. don't know if Hearthians are left or right handed? I'm gonna assume they're ambidextrous though, but, if they aren't, probably Silica is left handed and Nickel is right handed)(Mirror twins- the fast version, if the twins looked at each other and both raised their dominant hand to touch their head, they would see the other doing that like they were looking in a mirror)

Silica is going to find something exciting to do on Timber Hearth, but, Nickel is the one who'll want to go into space... a couple years after Tephra.

Older Hearthians are Quartz, Jasper, Anatase, and Old Nickel.

Old Nickel is the oldest of the group/oldest living Hearthian in the pre-game fics right now. They're the former brewmaster/person who did Porphy's job in game. They're calm and friendly and they're fond of a hatchling that'll come help them out periodically.

Anatase was the mayor before Rutile- they're fair, but there's a point where they stop being lenient to hatchlings or adults who're supposed to know better and they tend towards harsher consequences than necessary.

Jasper was the medical person/hatchling caretaker that trained Gneiss and got phased out of the hatchling caretaking... pretty much around the time the wip im doing rn is taking place, mostly because they're not as good at it as Gneiss and for spilling 'you two are related' info several years earlier than they should have (My Feldspar and Gossan are half-siblings, but also, you're not supposed to know til you're old enough not to ignore everyone else in favor of sticking with your sibling). They're only allowed to help in specific circumstances- like, Chert was too little when hatched and Gneiss needed extra hands.

Quartz... I like a lot. They're mean, rude to the hatchlings, don't like change and will fight it, and they're not even good at their job. They're the former mechanic who started training Slate, and house fires have gone down despite. How Slate is. because Slate doesn't care about safety but they do want things working so they don't cut corners as much as Quartz who just wants things working enough and doesn't care if they break again tomorrow. They're single-handedly responsible for holding back Hearthian tech for multiple years because they think the space program is gonna end in total failure and it's not worth continuing to try

[regalokitchens95]

Semi-Modular Kitchen Design For Your Home

Source of info: https://www.modularkitchendesign.co.in/blog/semi-modular-kitchen-design-for-your-home

What is a Semi-Modular Kitchen?

A semi-modular kitchen design is an ideal balance of flexibility and functionality, customized to modern life. Unlike fully modular installations, it strikes a compromise between prebuilt pieces and configurable features, allowing homeowners to personalize their cooking area without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. This design technique smoothly mixes standardized cabinets, countertops, and storage solutions with bespoke touches, ensuring installation efficiency as well as a unique appeal. A semi-modular kitchen adapts seamlessly to your demands, providing a harmonic blend of practicality and design that transforms cooking into a joyful experience within your home, whether you're looking to optimize a small kitchen or enhance a large layout. 

A semi-custom kitchen design offers the advantages of both personalization and pre-fabrication. Semi-modular kitchen design offers a combination of pre-made and custom-built pieces, as opposed to fully modular kitchen design, which has every component prepared and installed on-site. This enables homeowners to get a customized design without incurring the expensive expense and stiff structure of a fully modular arrangement.

Advantages of Semi-Modular Kitchens

Cost-Effective Customization: Semi-modular kitchen is more cost-effective than completely modular kitchens because they combine essential pre-assembled modules with customized parts. This makes them more accessible to a broader spectrum of homeowners wishing to improve their kitchen without exceeding their budget.

Flexible Design Options: With semi-modular kitchen design, you have the flexibility to choose certain components like cabinets, countertops, and storage solutions Some are premade, while others can be customized to meet your individual demands and design preferences.

Ease of Installation: Because a portion of the kitchen is manufactured, installation is typically faster and easier than with entirely custom kitchens. This can save time and effort during the renovation process.

Adaptability: Semi-modular kitchen design is adaptable to different kitchen layouts and sizes. Whether you have a small kitchen space or a larger one, you can mix and match modular and custom elements to maximize efficiency and aesthetics.

Key Elements of a Semi-Modular Kitchen

Modular Cabinets: Cabinets are usually the foundation of any kitchen design. In a semi-modular kitchen, you can select ready-made modular cabinets in conventional sizes and styles. These cabinets are adaptable and available in a variety of finishes to match your kitchen theme.

Customizable Countertops: Countertops play an important role in both practicality and style. In a semi-modular kitchen design, you can choose pre-cut countertops made of granite, quartz, or laminate. These can be tailored to your kitchen design and preferences.

Tailored Storage Solutions: Storage is a common concern in kitchens of all sizes. Semi-modular kitchens allow you to choose between premade storage pieces such as pull-out drawers, shelves, and racks, as well as custom-built storage solutions to meet your individual requirements.

Appliances Integration: Integrating appliances easily into your kitchen design is essential for creating a unified effect. Semi-modular kitchen design allow you to choose standard-sized equipment that fit seamlessly into pre-designed spaces, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Design Tips for Your Semi-Modular Kitchen

Plan Your Layout: Before you start designing, consider how you use your kitchen. Plan the layout to optimize workflow and ensure easy access to essential areas like the sink, stove, and refrigerator.

Mix and Match: To create a one-of-a-kind style, combine modular pieces and custom-built features. For example, pair basic cabinets with a custom island or pantry shelves.

Focus on Quality: Invest in high-quality materials for both prefabricated and custom components. This promotes endurance and longevity, decreasing the need for regular repairs or replacements.

Lighting and Ventilation: Pay attention to the lighting and ventilation. Proper lighting may improve the atmosphere and functionality of your kitchen, whereas adequate ventilation is required to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment.

Personal Touches: Incorporate personal touches such as decorative accents, artwork, or plants to make your semi-modular kitchen design feel warm and inviting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a semi-modular kitchen design offers a practical and stylish solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchen space. By combining premade simplicity with customizable alternatives, you can design a kitchen that not only satisfies your functional requirements but also reflects your own preferences and lifestyle. Consider the benefits of a semi-modular approach to achieving an efficient and visually beautiful kitchen, whether you're renovating an existing one or designing one from scratch.

[raghavdandonauk]

Enhance Your Outdoor Space with Stunning Circular Paving Slabs and Patio Circles

Transform your garden or outdoor area into a visually captivating and functional space with circular paving slabs and patio circles. Whether you’re looking for natural stone paving circles or need a complete patio circles kit, a wide range of options are available to suit your style and budget. This guide'll explore the various types of circular paving slabs, their benefits, and why they're a perfect choice for any outdoor project.

 What Are Circular Paving Slabs?

Circular paving slabs are specially designed to create visually appealing circular patterns in your outdoor space. Unlike traditional rectangular or square paving slabs, these slabs come in round shapes that can be used to create a variety of circular designs on your patio, driveway, or garden.

 Types of Circular Paving Slabs

1. Natural Stone Paving Circles

   Natural stone paving circles are crafted from high-quality stone such as sandstone, limestone, or granite. These slabs offer a timeless and elegant look, adding a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space. Sandstone circles, in particular, are popular for their warm tones and durability.

2. Concrete Circular Paving Slabs

   For a more cost-effective solution, concrete circular paving slabs are an excellent choice. They can be manufactured to mimic the appearance of natural stone while providing the durability and ease of maintenance that concrete offers.

3. Porcelain Paving Circles

   Porcelain circular paving slabs are known for their sleek and modern appearance. They are highly resistant to stains and scratches, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

 Why Choose Circular Paving Slabs?

- Aesthetic Appeal: Circular designs create a focal point in your garden or patio, adding a unique and stylish element to your outdoor space.

- Versatility: Circular paving slabs can be used in a variety of settings, from creating a round dining area on your patio to designing a decorative feature in your garden.

- Ease of Installation: Many circular paving slabs come in pre-cut kits, simplifying the installation process and ensuring a perfect fit.

 Patio Circles Kits

Patio circles kits are comprehensive packages that include all the components needed to create a stunning circular paving design. These kits often come with detailed instructions and pre-cut slabs, making the installation process straightforward even for DIY enthusiasts. They are available in various materials, including natural stone and concrete, to match your aesthetic preferences.

 Finding the Right Supplier

When searching for patio circles in UK, it's crucial to find reputable suppliers who offer high-quality products and excellent customer service. Look for suppliers who provide a wide range of options, including sandstone circles and other natural stone paving circles. Checking customer reviews and asking for recommendations can also help ensure you choose a reliable supplier.

 Benefits of Sandstone Circles

Sandstone circles are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their natural beauty and durability. Here are some benefits of choosing sandstone:

- Natural Beauty: The unique textures and colors of sandstone add a natural and rustic charm to any outdoor area.

- Durability: Sandstone is known for its strength and longevity, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

- Low Maintenance: Sandstone requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy homeowners.

 Conclusion

Incorporating circular paving slabs and patio circles into your outdoor design can significantly enhance the visual appeal and functionality of your space. Whether you opt for natural stone paving circles, concrete circular paving slabs, or a complete patio circles kit, you'll find that these elements offer both beauty and practicality. For those in the UK, choosing a reputable supplier will ensure you receive high-quality products that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Embrace the elegance and charm of circular paving slabs and transform your outdoor area into a stunning retreat.

[actonmahomerepair]

Elevate Your Home: Kitchen Remodeling Services in Acton

A kitchen remodel is more than just a home improvement project—it’s an opportunity to create a space that’s both functional and inviting. For homeowners in Acton, a kitchen remodel can be a transformative experience, blending modern efficiency with the town’s classic charm. Whether you're aiming to update an outdated space or completely redesign your kitchen, finding the right remodeling services in Acton is crucial to achieving your vision. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions.

1. Assess Your Needs and Goals

Before embarking on a kitchen remodel, take time to assess your needs and goals. Consider what aspects of your current kitchen are lacking and what improvements would make your cooking and dining experiences more enjoyable. Common goals include:

Improving Functionality: Enhance workflow with a better layout, add more storage, or upgrade appliances.

Updating Aesthetics: Refresh the look with new cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.

Increasing Home Value: Invest in high-quality materials and modern design to boost your home’s resale value.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Budgeting is a critical step in the remodeling process. A clear budget will guide your choices and help you avoid overspending. Consider including:

Materials: Costs for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and backsplashes.

Labor: Professional fees for design, construction, plumbing, and electrical work.

Unexpected Costs: Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected issues that may arise during the remodel.

3. Choose Your Design Style

The design style of your kitchen should reflect both your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your home. Popular styles in Acton include:

Modern: Clean lines, minimalist designs, and cutting-edge technology.

Traditional: Classic cabinetry, detailed moldings, and warm colors.

Transitional: A blend of traditional and contemporary elements for a balanced look.

Farmhouse: Rustic charm with elements like shiplap walls, apron sinks, and vintage-inspired fixtures.

4. Select Quality Materials and Finishes

The materials you choose will significantly impact the functionality and look of your kitchen. Key considerations include:

Cabinetry: Select cabinets that offer both style and durability. Options range from custom-built to pre-fabricated.

Countertops: Popular choices include granite, quartz, marble, and butcher block. Each material has its own benefits and maintenance requirements.

Backsplash: A backsplash can add visual interest and protect your walls from splashes. Consider options like subway tile, mosaic, or natural stone.

Flooring: Choose flooring that complements your design and stands up to kitchen traffic. Options include hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl.

5. Find a Reliable Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right contractor is crucial for a successful remodel. Look for a remodeling service in Acton with:

Experience: A proven track record in kitchen remodeling projects.

References: Positive reviews and references from previous clients.

Licensing and Insurance: Proper licensing and insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Clear Communication: A contractor who listens to your ideas and communicates effectively throughout the process.

6. Plan the Remodeling Process

Planning ensures a smooth remodeling experience. Key steps include:

Timeline: Work with your contractor to establish a realistic timeline for the project.

Design Approval: Review and approve design plans before work begins to avoid changes mid-project.

Temporary Arrangements: Plan for a temporary kitchen setup if your remodel will disrupt your daily routine.

7. Enjoy Your New Kitchen

Once your remodel is complete, take time to enjoy the results. Evaluate the functionality, check that all elements are working properly, and savor your new kitchen space. A well-executed remodel not only enhances your daily life but also adds value to your home.

Final Thoughts

A kitchen remodel in Acton is a significant investment that can greatly enhance your home’s functionality, style, and value. By carefully planning your project, selecting high-quality materials, and working with experienced professionals, you can create a kitchen that perfectly fits your needs and tastes. Whether you’re envisioning a sleek modern space or a cozy traditional kitchen, the right remodeling services in Acton will help bring your dream kitchen to life.

[agni-steels-1989]

Exploring the Top 10 Building Materials Used in Modern Construction

The choice of building materials is crucial to ensuring the structure's strength, durability, and longevity when embarking on a construction project. The materials used in construction are broadly classified into natural and manmade categories, each offering unique properties suited to different aspects of the building. This guide provides an overview of the most commonly used materials in construction, shedding light on their properties, uses, and benefits.

1. Steel: The Backbone of Modern Construction

Steel is a cornerstone in the construction world, known for its strength, durability, and versatility. Composed primarily of iron and carbon, steel can be further enhanced with materials like chromium to produce stainless steel, which resists corrosion and oxidation. Despite its weight, steel remains a top choice for constructing skyscrapers, bridges, and large industrial facilities due to its unmatched strength and ability to withstand various environmental conditions.

2. Cement: The Binding Agent

Cement is a fundamental building material that acts as a binding agent, holding other materials together. It is rarely used alone; instead, it is mixed with sand and gravel to form concrete or with fine sand to create mortar for bricklaying. The ability of cement to solidify and bond materials makes it a crucial component in ensuring the structural integrity and durability of buildings.

3. Concrete: The Versatile Building Block

Concrete is a composite material formed by mixing aggregates (like gravel and crushed stone) with cement and water. This mixture hardens over time, creating a solid and durable material used in various construction projects, from foundations and walls to bridges and highways. The most common type of cement used in concrete is Portland cement, known for its strength and versatility.

4. Ready Mix Concrete: Convenience in Construction

Ready mix concrete offers a convenient solution for construction projects by arriving pre-mixed and ready to use. Produced in a plant, this blend of cement, aggregates, and water ensures consistent quality and saves time on site. Ready-mix concrete can be easily poured into molds or formwork, making it a practical choice for large-scale projects that require precision and efficiency.

5. Binding Wire: The Unsung Hero of Reinforcement

Binding wire plays a crucial role in securing reinforcing bars (rebars) at connection points, ensuring the stability of concrete structures. Made from mild steel, the binding wire comes in various forms, including galvanized, annealed, and stainless steel, each offering specific benefits like corrosion resistance and durability. It is an essential component in reinforcing the structural integrity of buildings.

6. Wood: A Timeless and Renewable Resource

Wood has been a trusted building material for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Sourced from trees, wood is used in construction when it is cut or pressed into various forms like lumber, timber, and planks. Its renewable nature makes it an environmentally friendly option, especially when sourced from responsibly managed forests. Wood is widely used in framing, flooring, and furniture, adding warmth and character to any building.

7. Stone: Nature’s Enduring Building Material

Stone is a natural building material formed over centuries through geological processes. Known for its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, stone is commonly used in foundations, walls, flooring, and decorative elements. Different types of stones, such as granite, limestone, and marble, offer unique colors and textures, making stone a popular choice for adding both structural integrity and aesthetic value to buildings.

8. Bricks: The Classic Building Block

Bricks are one of the oldest and most fundamental building materials, typically made from clay and fired in a kiln. Known for their durability and insulating properties, bricks are used in constructing walls, buildings, and various masonry structures. Available in different shapes, sizes, and colors, bricks provide versatility in design, offering a traditional and timeless look to architectural projects.

9. Blocks: Modular Units for Modern Construction

Blocks are modular construction units made from materials like concrete, clay, or aerated concrete. They are essential for creating walls, partitions, and structural elements in both residential and commercial buildings. Blocks are known for their strength, stability, and ease of installation, making them a practical and efficient choice for various construction projects.

10. Aggregates: The Foundation of Strong Structures

Aggregates, such as gravel, crushed stone, and sand, are granular materials used in construction to provide structural support. These materials are essential in the production of concrete and asphalt, distributing weight and enhancing the strength of the mixture. Aggregates are available in various sizes and types, allowing them to be tailored to specific construction needs.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right building materials is essential for the success of any construction project. Whether it's the strength of steel, the binding power of cement, or the versatility of wood and stone, each material plays a crucial role in ensuring that buildings are durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. By understanding the properties and applications of these materials, builders, and architects can make informed decisions that enhance the quality and longevity of their structures.

[modularkitchen34]

Enrich Your Lifestyle With Unique Modular Kitchen Design

 Originally posted on: https://www.regalokitchens.com/enrich-your-lifestyle-with-unique-modular-kitchen-design.php

Introduction To Modular Kitchen Design An exceptional modular kitchen design can transform your house and improve your cooking experience. These kitchens blend modern design with practical practicality, allowing you to tailor each piece to your specific taste and demands. A modular kitchen is more than simply a cooking place; it's a statement of sophistication and efficiency, complete with inventive storage options and cutting-edge appliances. With the evolving dynamics of modern living, having a kitchen design can significantly enhance your lifestyle.

A modular kitchen design is a modern and adaptable approach to kitchen layout that uses pre-fabricated cabinets and fittings. These modules are available in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing homeowners to mix and match parts to best suit their space and needs. Unlike traditional kitchens, modular kitchens provide adaptability, efficient space utilization, and a sleek, modern appearance.

Benefits of a Modular Kitchen Design

Customization and Flexibility One of the standout features of a kitchen design is its customization capability. You may customize your kitchen with a variety of materials, colors, and finishes. Whether you want a simple look with clean lines and neutral tones or a lively kitchen with strong colors and textures, a modular kitchen design can meet your needs.

Maximized Space Utilization In a world where space is often limited, a modular kitchen design stands out for its ability to make the most of every square inch of your kitchen. These designs include smart storage solutions such as pull-out drawers, corner units, and vertical shelves, making even the tiniest kitchen feel roomy and orderly. With everything nicely organized, you may enjoy a clutter-free environment that improves your culinary experience.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance Modern kitchen design is popular for their ease of installation. The prefabricated modules are built on-site, resulting in much less time and disruption than standard kitchen renovations. Furthermore, maintenance is straightforward. Because the kitchen is made up of distinct parts, fixing a damaged cabinet or upgrading its appearance is simple and inexpensive.

Key Components of a Modular Kitchen Design

Cabinets Cabinets form the foundation of every modular kitchen design. They come in many shapes and sizes, such as base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tall units. You can choose open shelving to showcase your lovely dishware or closed cabinets for a more streamlined look.

Countertops Countertops are more than simply practical surfaces; they also provide visual appeal to your kitchen. Granite, marble, quartz, and laminate are popular materials, with each providing distinct advantages in terms of durability, upkeep, and look. Your countertop selection can have a big impact on the overall appearance and feel of your kitchen.

Appliances Modern appliances are vital components of any modular kitchen design. From sleek, energy-efficient refrigerators to modern cooking ranges and silent dishwashers, adding the appropriate appliances can improve your kitchen's efficiency and functionality. Built-in appliances, in particular, create a cohesive and polished appearance.

Choosing the Right Modular Kitchen Design

Assess Your Space The first step in deciding on a kitchen design is to examine your available space. Consider the size and configuration of your kitchen. Small kitchens may benefit from a single-wall or L-shaped layout, but bigger kitchens might use U-shaped or island designs. Understanding your space will help you choose the appropriate modules and layout.

Define Your Style Your kitchen should represent your unique preferences. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist design or a more traditional, warm feel? Defining your style will help you choose colors, materials, and finishes.

Set a Budget Modular kitchen design can vary greatly in price, so determine a budget before you begin. Consider how much you are willing to pay for cabinets, countertops, appliances, and installation. A detailed budget will allow you to make informed judgments while avoiding overpaying.

Seek Professional Help While DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to design and install a modular kitchen themselves, hiring a professional can help ensure a faultless finish. Professional designers know how to make the most of your space and create a beautiful and practical kitchen. They may also assist you to avoid frequent mistakes and guarantee that your kitchen satisfies all of your requirements.

Trends in Modular Kitchen Design

Sustainable Materials As environmental consciousness rises, more homeowners are choosing sustainable materials for their modular kitchen design. Recycled wood, bamboo, and eco-friendly composites are becoming popular choices because they provide durability and style while minimizing environmental effect.

Smart Kitchens The addition of smart technology is a major trend in modular kitchen design. From voice-controlled appliances to smart lighting and temperature control, these technologies improve convenience and efficiency, transforming your kitchen into a futuristic hub of the home.

Open Shelving Open shelving is a popular style that gives kitchens a modern and open feel. It lets you display your lovely dishware while also keeping regularly used things within easy reach. To keep a tidy appearance, careful organization is required.

Conclusion A modular kitchen design is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle upgrade. A modular kitchen, with its customizable design, effective use of space, and modern look, may transform your cooking area into a functional and beautiful environment that improves your everyday life. Consider your area, define your style, set a budget, and seek professional assistance to create a kitchen that genuinely expresses your personality and satisfies your needs.

Embrace the future of kitchen design and enhance your living with a one-of-a-kind kitchen design. Whether you're remodeling an existing kitchen or building a new one, modular kitchens' versatility and benefits make them a fantastic choice for modern living.

[affordablekitchensink]

A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide for Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Sink

When it comes to designing or renovating a kitchen, the sink is an essential feature that can make a big difference in both functionality and appearance. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect kitchen sink? We will guide you through all the information required to make a well-informed choice. Whether you're looking for an affordable kitchen sink or a high-end model, this guide has got you covered.

Types of Kitchen Sinks

Top-Mount Sinks

Drop-in sinks, often referred to as top-mount sinks, are mounted from above the countertop. They have a visible rim that rests on the countertop for easy installation. This type is usually more affordable and straightforward to install but may be harder to clean around the edges.

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks are installed beneath the countertop, providing a seamless look. They are easier to clean since there’s no rim to catch crumbs and dirt. They may, however, cost more and need to be installed by a specialist.

Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks, or apron-front sinks, feature a deep basin and an exposed front. They offer a rustic, traditional look and are perfect for large families due to their spacious design. Keep in mind that they can be pricier and may require custom cabinetry.

Double-Bowl Sinks

Double-bowl sinks come with two separate basins, making multitasking like washing dishes and prepping food easier. They are available in both top-mount and undermount varieties. While functional, they may take up more counter space.

Material Matters

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for kitchen sinks due to its durability and sleek appearance. It's resistant to rust and stains and is typically more affordable. However, it can be sensitive to scratching and may show water spots.

Porcelain

Porcelain sinks offer a classic, elegant look and come in a variety of colors. They are durable but can chip or stain over time. They are generally more affordable but may require more maintenance.

Granite Composite

Granite composite sinks are made from a blend of granite stone dust and acrylic resins. They are incredibly durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and offer a luxurious look. These sinks can be more expensive but are worth the investment for their longevity.

Cast Iron

Cast iron sinks are coated with a layer of enamel, offering a glossy finish. They can tolerate being used extensively and are fairly strong. But because of their weight, they could need more assistance when being installed.

Key Features to Consider

Size and Depth

When choosing a kitchen sink, consider the size and depth that will best serve your needs. A deeper sink can accommodate larger pots and pans, while a smaller sink may save counter space.

Faucet Compatibility

Ensure that the sink you choose is compatible with your existing faucet or the one you plan to install. Some sinks come with pre-drilled holes for faucets, soap dispensers, and sprayers.

Soundproofing

Look for sinks that come with soundproofing features like rubber pads or spray coatings to reduce noise from running water and clattering dishes.

Accessories

Many modern sinks come with useful accessories such as cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks that fit perfectly into the sink, enhancing its functionality.

Budget Considerations

While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's important to consider the long-term benefits of investing in a quality sink. An affordable kitchen sink doesn't have to compromise on quality. Look for reputable brands that offer warranties and read customer reviews to ensure you're getting a good deal.

Start exploring your options today and find the perfect kitchen sink that combines style, functionality, and affordability.