#so i just need to use a brush to spiff them up.

[table-top-romulan-playing-games]

yes hello and welcome to cotie, my name is jackass

[chispas-and-broken-bindings]

A Preview...

Someone requested a fix for their birthday...I don’t have the next chapter for I Just Think I’ll Scream quite ready for prime time, but here’s a sneak peak: 

Ch 20 Sansa

Robb and Ned were up and away before Sansa emerged from her shower in the morning. The house is chaos as Catelyn tries to wrangle the remaining Starks out the door. "Sansa, stop feeding Shaggydog scraps from the table and get dressed! Bran, there are two boxes of gourds by the back door that need to be brought to the store for the window display. Be a dear and put them in the car. And where are Arya and Rickon?" 

 Sansa skips up the stairs before she's pulled into the hunt, almost knocking into her younger sister as she slides down the bannister. "One of these days that's going to break."

 "Whatever, killjoy."

 "Mom is looking for you, but you better change. We are supposed to wear floral for the Women's Club Bake Sale. It's themed and Cersei Lannister is going to be there, so we have to be on our best behavior." Her little sister is wearing their dad's old Falcon's sweatshirt and ripped up jeans, looking for all the world like she's about to spend the day painting a house or cleaning out a garage, and not hobnobbing with their mother's friends and clients. 

 "I'm not working the bake sale. I'm selling tickets to the haunted fun house with Mycah." 

 "Says who?" 

Before Arya can respond, Catelyn is at the bottom of the stairs. "Me. You know that it'll be better for everyone if Arya isn't cooped up all day in a tent with the Women's Club ladies. Help me get through the midday rush, Sansa, and you can slip away and spend the afternoon with Harry if you'd like." 

 "Gods, Mom! They broke up weeks ago! Catch up!" Arya yells as the back door slams behind her and Sansa is alone, staring down the steps at her mother whose face has fallen into a look of concern. 

 "Oh, Sansa, dear. Why didn't you tell me?" 

 She sighs, "It's fine, Mom. Like Arya said, it happened weeks ago, and it was just a high school fling. They aren't meant to last." She turns back up the stairs, not waiting to see if her brush off was convincing. She dresses in the dark maxi dress waiting on her hook, with its long flowy sleeves and pattern of intricate woodland flowers. Usually, she feels like Florence Welch in it. Today though, as she inspects herself before the mirror, it's coming off less stylishly bohemian and more dowdy Victorian with the small ruffles along the high collar and shoulders. Ygritte would never wear something like this, a small ugly voice whispers. 

 Just as she's about to dive back into her closet, Bran yells up the stairs, "We're going to leave without you, Sansa," and it makes her choice for her. It's fine. She'll just hide in a corner of the tent with Old Nan and sneak lemon cakes all day. No one has to see her. So what if the band is playing this afternoon? It's not like any of them care if she watches their show, and she's basically heard the whole set already in rehearsals. It's not like Robb told everybody at school about it. It's not like she promised to get there early and save a spot up front with Marge and Jeyne. 

Ygritte will probably be there to watch Jon. Best to skip...at least until she gets over her absurd crush. 

 "Sansa! Mom is literally starting the engine!" Bran yells again. 

 "Coming!" The best she can do is throw on sunglasses and a wide-brimmed fedora and hope no one recognizes her. Outside, Arya is still arguing with Rickon about buckling his car seat and Cat is on her phone, pacing up the driveway while Bran sits on the back step, whistling the march from Bridge Over the River Kwai. "Liar," Sansa flicks off his baseball cap. "We're nowhere near about to leave."

 "She was starting the engine before her phone rang."

 When they finally find a parking spot, it's apparent to everyone that they would have been better off leaving the car at home and walking. Though the festival hasn't officially started yet, the main street is closed off, and the big parking lot has been covered in carnival rides overnight. Arya peels off from their group when Mycah gives her a holler from on top of the Ferris wheel, leaving Bran and Sansa to lug the several boxes filled with decorative gourds to the hardware store, while their mom takes Rickon and their contributions to the bake sale in the opposite direction.  

 Outside the store entrance, Benjen is struggling with his pop-up tent, which keeps leaning to one side in the wind, while Meera watches him from the front step. "This is your fault, Sansa! Making me set up a stand, like I'm some lady selling doilies at a craft fair," He curses when the whole thing folds up on top of him.

 "Good morning to you too, Uncle Ben," she rolls her eyes. "Where is Robb? He can get you bags of sand to anchor the tent. And don't knock doilies. There are entire rooms at the Met devoted to Myrish Lace alone. You can poke fun at craft fairs once even one of your pieces is on display at a similarly storied institution. Until then, you better get comfortable setting up this tent because I have three holiday craft markets lined up for you this season."

 "You're just supposed to be sprucing up my website, not taking over the business! And don't get me started on your brother. I haven't had my morning caffeine fix yet because he disappeared on a coffee run ages ago. How long does it take to pour a bloody cup of coffee? If Jon Snow is holding up my joe with some pumpkin spice, whipped cream nonsense-"

On cue, Mr. paparazzo himself, appears in the doorway and before Sansa can land on an emotion, he's lifting the box from her arms with a gruff "G'morning Sansa," and then he's back in the shop, leaving her empty-handed and a bit empty-headed. 

 "He looks like he needs caffeine more than you," she remarks at last, meeting eyes with her uncle.

 Meera sniggers. "You think? He looks like he spent the night sleeping under a car." Sansa wouldn't go that far, but it was hard to miss the circles under his eyes or how pale and papery his skin looked in the cold morning light. 

 "Give the kid a break. They played their first show last night, didn't they? If he's a bit wrung out this morning, that just means he's doing it right." Benjen jumps to Jon's defense. 

 "Well then, he's been doing it right every weekend. He's looked like this every morning since he started at the store," Meera says, heading back inside to supervise since Robb is still M.I.A. Sansa thinks about Ygritte's Instagram feed with its late night cigarettes and coffee at the diner and regular parties in what looks like someone's grungy basement. So, Jon works hard and plays hard. It's not entirely shocking. It niggles at her though; how tired he looks and how he doesn't talk about partying when he's at Winterfell. Her other friends are always eager to share their weekend escapades, but when Sansa asked how his party went when his Mom was out of town, Jon just gave her a noncommittal shrug and told her it was fine. 

 That's because you aren't really friends. She turns, more than ready to join her mom at the bake sale, when Robb comes skipping across the street with a drink carrier in hand. "Sansa! Just the girl I'm looking for." Her brother is as chipper as ever, seemingly inured to whatever effects from last night's show have taken the wind from Jon Snow's sails. "Can you help with the window display? Mom told me to spiff it up for the festival, but you've got a better eye for that kind of thing."

 "Oh, sure. Skip out of work for an hour to flirt with some barista and then come back at the last minute to coerce your sister into doing your job?" Benjen barks and Robb's face turns scarlet. 

 "I… uh, what? No… I wasn't flirting…" 

 "Aren't you doing the same thing to me, Uncle Ben?" Sansa retorts, saving her brother from his bumbling. She makes a note to stop by the coffee shop and find out who this barista is. Uncle Benjen may be onto something. "Come on Robb, give Uncle Benji his coffee and I'll spare a few minutes for a consultation." 

 Inside, Bran and Meera are balancing tiny pumpkins on their heads as they wind through the aisles, trying to trip each other up. Jon Snow is leaning against the paint counter, looking ragged. She fights the urge to ask him if he's okay, opting instead to tip over Bran's pumpkin and herd him over to the window display. "Here, help me before Mom walks by and turns Robb into the headless horseman." They distribute the gourds in artfully artless piles throughout the window, as Jon and Robb hang a paint chip mobile over their heads; the autumnal pièce de résistance that Sansa spent hours making last year.

"Sans, I wish you could have been there last night. It was amazing," Robb excitedly recounts the band's show, "Jon was on fire, and apparently some promoters from White Harbor were there and Satin thinks he can book us some shows at North State! Isn't that great?"

 "Yeah, though, won't that be hard with swimming?" She doesn't want to rain on Robb's parade, but maybe Arya is right. She is a killjoy.

 "I have a meet in White Harbor next month. Maybe we can book a few gigs around it. What do you think, Jon? You up for a weekend road trip?"

 "Uh.." Jon scratches at his neck, blearily. "I mean, that's a long drive to do late at night."

 "Don't worry, we'll get a hotel for the weekend!"

 "I don't know-"

 The bell jingles at the door, and before Meera can scramble off the counter where she's been reading a comic, Catelyn is inside, gazing around the space, looking deeply unimpressed. 

 "Mom, uh, we were just finishing up with the decorations." Robb wobbles on the ladder in terror, unable to hook the last end of the mobile in place, and Bran ducks behind a pile of pumpkins, trying to hide his glee.

 "Robb, you should have opened the store fifteen minutes ago. How are you just now finishing the decorations?"

“Well, the gourds only just arrived-” Robb starts, lamely. 

“Never mind,” their mom sweeps through the space, picking up the boxes still out from stocking, tidying the candy by the register, before turning one last critical eye on her teenage employees. Jon cups his neck as he holds the ladder with his other hand. Robb scrambles down, having finally managed to hang the mobile correctly, rushing forward to grab the empty boxes from his mother. “Cersei Lannister is going to be here any minute. Get this garbage to the back. Meera, flip the sign and Jon, take the ladder back and...splash some water on your face or something. You look like death, warmed over. Jory is coming around ten, if you need to take the afternoon off.” 

Jon’s ears turn pink as he folds up the ladder beside Sansa, and she looks out the window, mortified. “Sorry Mrs. Stark, but that’s not necessary” he begins, but Catelyn is already walking back to the office with a tired wave. 

“I said it was a lot of hours you were taking on between school, the lumberyard and this. Just make sure you are fitting sleep in or you’ll make yourself sick, dear.” 

[halothenthehorns]

All in the Family

Chapter 94: The Parting of the Ways

The cold smack of hardwood floor across their faces was not the way to instill motivation for them to keep going with all of this. Lily wasn't even sure of where they were as she got to looking around. They were in a very large, long hall, three dozen fireplaces on each side right up until the proportional middle, where a great golden statue stood. From this far away, she could only make out the largest was a wizard with his wand aloft. Beyond that she saw golden gates.

Frank had found himself landing on a desk and not looking particularly comfortable for it, but he'd also found the book resting precariously on a tiny little needle that had a bunch of papers jammed on it. Clearly eager to keep going with the revelations far more than any of them, who would have liked a year's break from learning any news at this point, he saw Alice coming over to sit by him and began to read The Parting of the Ways.

Lily wasn't entirely sure what that meant, was Harry going to get into a fight with someone else now permanently?, and didn't entirely care right now as she stayed where she was and let out a long, exhausted sigh.

Remus was sitting on the edge of the fountain he'd just pulled himself out of, and still dripping wet, was dumping gallons of water out of his shoe along with a few galleons. Why did he keep getting involuntarily wet? His three friends were slowly meandering towards him, and he wasn't sure if they were looking to pick up on their newest little spiff or just a distraction.

He had no more idea than James or Sirius what Peter meant by it, trying to get them to go check on Regulus. Thankfully Alice had intervened regardless and Sirius had broken off the argument for now, but he was not looking forward to it coming up again. They'd never given a care for Sirius's little brother before this, and nothing of what they'd heard really felt they needed to be letting Peter indulge in this particular friend he seemed to be trying to make.

Admittedly the fact that their group had two really bad fights back to back was putting them all on edge, but Remus didn't at all like the fact Peter was still trying to shake things up. Were they not good enough for him anymore? What did he mean by it, trying to invite Regulus over?

Sirius made it to him first and hopped up on the ledge next to him, dipping his hand back into the water and fishing out a sickle. "Think if you take the coin back the wish goes away?"

Well at least he was still trying to be in a good mood.

"That's implying the wish works at all," he chuckled.

"I know what I'd be wishing for," Sirius told him grandly, giving the coin a little flick with his thumb, and catching it just as fast in his palm. "Heads or tails?" He asked with a grin that didn't at all seem to pertain to the coin anymore.

Remus laughed rather than answer as James and Peter were now in hearing distance. There were still a few beats of silence as they all stood in a loose circle, and Remus's laugh echoed in the Ministry's atrium into the burning silence of Frank retelling everything that they just went through, through Harry. He knew what he'd wish for right now, the banishment of awkwardness.

Peter cleared his throat, and at the last minute Remus thought with relief he was about to lose his nerve and not say it. Then he forced out in almost one breath, "look I'm sorry it bothered you guys, I just wanted-"

"Forget about it," James waved off, not looking at him. "Just let it go. Instead, why don't we see if those elevators work, I want to try and get another go at Bagman's office!"

Nobody responded, James made no move towards them anyways. Instead he kept casting his eyes around, and caught sight of Evans sitting in the middle of the atrium by herself, and without further ado waved and took off towards her anyways.

Peter had a strange look on his face as he watched him leave, before looking back at the two of them with an expectant look on their face.

Neither could honestly think of anything to say, and so weren't surprised, but a bit hurt when he went off and found Regulus standing by himself near a telephone box in the middle of the atrium.

"He really does do that a lot, doesn't he?" He asked Sirius absently, still watching James.

"Go have a chat with that effing brat instead of us lately, yeah," Sirius said in mild disgust, watching the two. He had half a mind to go over there and drag Peter back over here, even though he still couldn't think of anything to say. Five years with him as one of his best friends, and he was drawing an utter blank!

"Huh?" Remus looked at him in surprise. "No, I meant James interrupts Peter a lot."

Sirius looked at him like he'd lost his mind.

"Alright Evans?" James asked in honest concern as he sat himself down cross-legged several feet away from her. He was honestly worried, he'd never seen her so vulnerable for so long, it wasn't natural of her usual stoicness towards him.

"No," she surprised him by answering in an even voice, eyes on Frank and Alice.

"Anything I can do to help?" He offered instantly, though winced a bit as he couldn't even help his friends lately get back on even ground. He was starting to forget what that had even felt like.

She looked at him then, her large green eyes still red rimmed. It was utterly heartbreaking, he found his hand trying to come up and brush at her cheek despite the fact he was too far away to do such a thing and she'd curse his hand off if he dared. It was the face he kept seeing in his mind as Harry watched Sirius relive his death-advice.

"Sure Potter," her voice was still too even, unnatural. He wished for the ire back, the scorn tone was something he knew how to react to. "Stop fooling yourself."

He couldn't have stopped a smile lighting his face if he wanted to. "Sorry Evans, no stopping that. Anything else though? Back massage? Little life-saving perile? I've gotten out of a few scraps in my time, it's nice to know we team up and get Harry out of one-"

She hiccuped, her facade melted back into tears, but she still didn't turn away as she watched him.

His chest was starting to hurt, he really didn't know what to do now. He'd never been given the chance to comfort her, though he'd imagined it a million different times when she finally admitted she'd never be friends with Snape again and ran to his arms. This, he didn't know what this was. He found himself scooting closer on his butt, he probably looked ridiculous, but he didn't want to actually get up and run to her, like a startled animal who would dart off. "Lily," he so rarely used her given name, much preferring to keep her attention in a way nobody else did.

He was close enough to touch her now, and she wasn't telling him to go away. She wasn't leaning towards him either. She just seemed in stasis, unsure what to do with herself, and that wasn't the Lily Evans he knew at all. It clicked then, an understanding he'd merely brushed off. "Are you listening to the same thing I am?" He laughed at the absurdity of it all. She didn't feel useful?!

"It's your blood that all this was set around, not mine," he reminded, ignoring the rumble of unease that built up in him as he'd never forgotten who was involved in this plan, but he kept his focus on her. "It's your protection that's been keeping Harry safe all these years, apparently I just gave you a chance to run and that didn't even pan out." He did have to force a smile then, that revelation hurt worse than anything so far, equal to Peter's future betrayal. "I'm the one Snape hates, not Harry, your old arse of a friend just needs glasses," he pushed his up his nose and held his head up. "You're the strongest person I know," he concluded naturally.

When finally the worst was done, and it was Sirius as Padfoot escorting Harry down to the hospital wing, her eyes went from Frank to him in here. James saw something strange on her face as he carefully tended to Harry, a boy she hadn't even wanted to admit was hers not long ago. It was his friend, he reflected, that was there for Harry when he still needed someone, and not Snape, an apparently reformed Death Eater with a Dark Mark. "Snape wasn't mentioned in the graveyard at least," he offered quietly, the only consolation he could think to give her for that. "I don't know what happened to him Evans, but I can't imagine it was your fault."

As far as James was concerned, she was literally the only good thing to associate with Snape, and it seemed with her gone, he turned his vicious behaviour she refused to see on anyone and everyone in sight. He wanted to punch his hooked nose off she was now seeing what he had for years now, his desire all these years in light now made him want to curse his past self wanting such a thing.

She sniffled then, and finally brushed a few tears away, then bundled up her sleeve and wiped at her running nose. He leaned forward on instinct to brush her hair away, but she did lean back from him then, and he did as well. He didn't move back farther though.

They didn't say another word to each other as they listened in quiet reflection of this future, of Molly Weasley giving Harry his first hug, of this fourteen-year-old having to take a potion for a dreamless sleep just to escape a few moments of his life.

Alice watched anxiously as Potter stayed by Evans. She forced herself to wait though, not wanting to get in the middle if she actually did hex Potter, but to her surprise he sat a polite distance away and just talked to her. He didn't even seem to be doing anything wrong, and though she didn't show much in the way of comfort, she still wasn't sure of herself about stepping in. Her and Lily were friends now, but that didn't mean she was going to try and stop, whatever this was, from developing. She almost smiled to herself instead, thinking it was more than likely bound to happen eventually.

Instead she laid her head against Frank's hip and listened with displeasure as the Minister of Magic bumbled his way in and ruined the moments. Frank was still sitting on the desk right where he'd landed and had a tart look on his face for it all, the person in charge of their community first trying to skate around every problem, and then flat unwilling to see it. He'd caused a dementor to suck the soul out of the only witness to the events! Frank didn't react much to her being there, he was clearly too involved and frustrated with all these happenings, and she didn't blame him, she was more than upset by the end of it as well.

Her mind drifted to Neville once more, to Frank's mother having to be the one to care for her child all these years. She watched Lily and Potter, but in her mind's eye they were spectral ghosts still, being there in the only way they could for their child in this future. Crouch Junior had his soul taken away as punishment for what he'd done to them in the end, but it didn't really feel like justice, it gave nothing back to this future of misery.

[paradisobound]

Sail Away With Me: Part 6

Summary: It was a fluke. Dan shouldn’t have ever gone with Sam to a party on a yacht. He shouldn’t have trusted her to go. But in a chance encounter, he ends up in bed with Phil Lester, a billionaire CEO of a luxury clothing company. When he thinks he’s screwed up enough, he realizes he’s in way too deep. Because Phil Lester has fallen in love with him. The catch: Dan gave Phil a fake name and all Phil has to remember Dan by is the tattoo on his hip and the necklace he left behind.

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 2.2k

Warnings: Mild Sexual Content 

Pairing: Instagraminfluencer!dan and CEO!Phil

This is a chaptered work. Updates every Saturday around 1pm EST

**MASTERLIST | ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN | WATTPAD**

PHIL POV

“I’m close.”

“Me too.”

Phil thrust in one final time into the male and then fell forward, hiding his face in the males neck. He told himself he wouldn’t do this again. But he fell into bed with the first male he saw at his party tonight and now he’s here in an awkward situation. The male hasn’t finished and he’s feverishly working his hand over himself to do so and Phil is already pulling out and ready to get cleaned up.

The male finishes and they both stand up and separate as Phil takes his clothing and walks to his en-suite bathroom. He doesn’t even remember what the males name is. He just can’t help but notice the resemblance to another certain male that he, hopefully gets to meet tomorrow.

He washes up and cleans up in his bathroom and walks out to see the male is gone and his clothes are gone too.  He goes to his bed and runs his hands over his hair and face as he struggles to come to terms with what he’s doing.

He’s just hoping that by tomorrow night, he’ll have the actual male he wants in his bed. Not just some random male to fill the hole in his heart. He reaches into his bedside drawer and pulls out the necklace that he can’t wait to give back to Ethan. He holds it in his hand and looks it over one more time before throwing it into its safe place and laying down into his bed, hoping sleep will come a bit easier.

He tosses and turns most of the night and by the dawn, he’s almost fully awake with nerves. He gets up from bed and walks to his living room to be pleasantly happy that all of the guests are gone and minimal needs to be done to adjust his place.

Phil gets out his laptop and opens it up as he takes a seat on his couch and looks through his emails and then decides he need to just stop doing that. He goes onto Instagram, something he doesn’t do very often, he finds himself looking through random things on his explore page.

But suddenly he comes across a profile from daniel_howell and he clicks on it because the male looks just like Ethan. But the photo can’t be right because this guy is named Daniel and...his head is playing tricks on him. It has to be. He can’t let it do this or else he’ll never find his Ethan.

He gives up on staying up and decides to go back to sleep, hoping his delirious thoughts of this person go away by the time he wakes up for real.

***

“I had the weirdest experience on Instagram last night.” Phil says to Jeanna as he gets to his office a few hours earlier to prepare for meeting his Ethan.

“What happened?” She asked in between bites of her lunch from Costa. She had even brought Phil a sandwich and he thanked her immensely for that since he hadn’t thought to even eat today.

“I went on Instagram and this guy showed up on my explore page and I could have sworn it was Ethan.”

Jeanna’s eyes widened and she looked at him with her hands in the air. “Phil, that’s fantastic!”

“But there is no way that it could be.” Phil says, immediately shutting Jeanna down. “Because the guys profile said his name was Daniel.”

Jeanna furrows her brows. “Oh that’s unfortunate.” She says. “It must be just someone who looks like Ethan.”

Phil shrugged and took another bite of food. He swallowed it down between answering. “But I’m almost sure it’s him.”

Jeanna just looked at him. “But if his name is Daniel, I doubt it would be, right?”

Phil shrugged again and then went back to eating.

“Can you find his profile for me?”

Phil looks back at Jeanna and fishes his phone out front his pocket, ignoring the way his fingers brushed against the necklace that he was still holding just in case he was able to give it back to Ethan today.

He opens his phone and goes to Instagram. He goes to the explore page and goes to the search bar and searches the name of the profile that had came up last night. He remembers it so vividly. He clicks on the profile and he feels his eyes widen a bit in his head because that was Ethan. This guy looked so much like him.

“So this is Daniel?” Jeanna asks, holding the phone in her hand. “He’s handsome.”

Phil felt his cheeks heat up. “Ethan looks just like him.”

Jeanna bites her lip and nods as she hands Phil his phone back. She doesn’t say anything more and Phil doesn’t either. They finish their lunch in peace.

They only had a few hours to pull this event off and if they didn’t get started, they would probably fall behind.

***

“I’m sorry, Phil.”

Phil doesn’t say anything. He just sits back in his chair and looks down at all of the photographs of the thousands of Ethan’s that showed up and feels his heart break a bit more. He shakes his head and tries to ignore the pang in his chest.

“I knew it wasn’t going to work.” He says. “Ethan’s gone.”

Jeanna puts her hand out and puts it on top of Phil’s. He was shaking a bit, both at the nerves that hadn’t quite went out of him and from the fact that he’d literally just spent three hours of his life meeting men that claimed to be his Ethan but no one even came close.

“We’ll find him.” Jeanna says, her voice soft. “I promise.”

***

DAN POV

“I couldn’t go.”

Sam just shook her head as she took a final drag from the spiff between her lips. She took the end and rubbed it out in the ashtray in her flat and blew the smoke out past her lips. He knew she would be disappointed.

“Why?” She asks.

“I didn’t want to confront him.” Dan says simply. “I didn’t want to go there and confront him after everything that has happened.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Get it all out now.” Dan says, rolling his eyes.

Sam sits up in the metal chair and looks shakes her head. “You’re really going to shoot your shot with Phil Lester because you don’t want to confront him?”

“What else am I supposed to do, Sam?”

“Go and see him!” Sam says. She picks up her phone and looks at the time and then sighs. “Fuck, actually. I bet he’s not even holding the meetings anymore. It’s well past five.”

Dan just shakes his head and pulls his legs tighter to his chest as he wraps his arms around himself. “I shouldn’t have gave him a fake name.”

“No, you shouldn’t have.”

Sam isn’t holding anything back and Dan lets out a sad sigh. He could really use the comfort of his best friend right now but he knows she’s not going to give him that. Not when she thinks he’s being an idiot about something.

“You should have gone.” She says, adding onto what she said before. “You should have gone anyway and just spoken to him. I’ve told you before that Phil is a nice guy. If you were to just tell him I’m sure he’d understand. If he’s this keen on finding you, he obviously thinks you’re worth it. Do you know how long its been since I’ve ever heard of Phil Lester dating someone?”

Dan shakes his head.

Sam lets out a sigh. “My family has known Phil Lester since he began his company. He got invited to all of my dad’s special meetings and they’ve always been two people who associated with each other. But since Lukas died, I haven’t seen Phil date anyone.”

Dan furrows his brows and opens his mouth. “Who is Lukas?”

Sam looks rigid and she tenses suddenly. Her mouth open and closes and then she finally answers. “You’ve never heard about Lukas Laurent?”

Dan feels like that name sounds familiar but he can’t really place how he would know so he shakes his head and rests his cheek on his knee as he looks over at Sam. “No I don’t think I have.”

“Lukas Laurent was the founder of Le Grand Amour, you know, Phil’s company. He and Phil technically founded it together but Lukas’s name was always the one getting recognized.” Sam swallows and pauses for a moment. “He was killed a few years in a hate crime in Paris. He was there for business and he went out to a bar one night for a few drinks and on the way back, he was ambushed. His body was found the next morning in a back alley.”

Dan’s mouth fell open and Sam nodded. She pulled her lips in a tight line and then let them go. “That’s horrible.”

“Phil took it really hard. He and Lukas had been together for over ten years and they literally built their lives together and...well, it was all ruined in just one night.” She sits up and adjusts her legs as she sits on her foot and swings the other. “So to know that Phil is looking for someone to love again is such a big deal, Dan. That’s why I’m saying that you should have went to that meeting. You should have went and told Phil who you are.”

Dan felt his eyes cloud up as he struggled to hold back the tears of guilt that were flushing his waterline. He felt like an idiot now. He felt guilty that he didn’t go and try and speak to Phil. And as he picks up his phone and looks at the empty calendar reminder, mocking him on his home screen, he shakes his head and looks out at the foggy London evening.

***

Dan sits the next few days alone in his London flat. He doesn’t bother to speak to Sam and he also doesn’t bother to make an effort to do anything. He does a few more sponsored Instagram posts and he answers a few more emails, but he mostly sits alone and thinks about the what if’s.

What if he had gone to meet Phil at his office? What if he had given Phil his actual name? What if he had made an effort to actually speak to Phil and not just run away with his tail between his legs?

He’s sitting in his flat on a Friday evening with a glass of red wine sitting on the coffee table. His toes are on the edge of the wooden table and he’s hoisted his laptop on his knees to his face.

He goes through a few more of his Instagram dm’s and he answers a few of them and then he notices how his follower count is growing a bit and he’s reached his next milestone, effectively having 500,000 followers now. Which is a lot, he reckons. And he doesn’t quite know what to think if he’s being honest.

Just as Dan is reaching for his glass of wine, his phone buzzes and he picks it up in his head. He reads over the notification saying it’s a dm on Instagram and he cocks his head because he just checked them and surely he can’t have another already?

He opens the message and he sees it is from someone named Jeanna Dupoint and he furrows his brows as he reads it over.

Hello Dan! My name is Jeanna and I’m Phil Lester’s assistant here at Le Grand Amour. Phil noticed your profile the other day and mentioned that you were very reminiscent of a man he met in Italy by the name of Ethan. In fact, he’s saying you both are identical. He doesn’t know I’ve messaged you but given his reaction at seeing your profile, I’m wondering...are you the Ethan Phil is speaking about?

Dan feels all breath leave his body and he begins to hyperventilate as he reads over the message over and over again. Should he answer it honestly? He should, shouldn’t he? He’d be stupid if he didn’t.

He begins to type out a message but then he deletes it and backtracks. Fuck, he doesn’t know what to do but the waiting isn’t going to help anything or anyone. He needs to answer her. He has to. He can’t let this get away. But before his thoughts fully can’t comprehend the situation, another message comes through.

I’d like to arrange a time for you and Phil to meet, if you’re okay with that? I know Phil says he has a necklace for you and if I remember correctly, I had a few conversations with someone over a missing necklace for Dan. Would that happen to be yours?

Dan sits back on his couch and curls up staring at his phone. He shuts his eyes and squeezes them tight as he struggles to gather his breath.

This wasn’t real. He had to be dreaming.

He picked up the wine glass and finished it all in one gulp.

[iiintoxiiicated]

Robstar Week 2018 - Day Three

hey yall im back and i am THRIVING so here is the next prompt!

DAY THREE: DANCE

“I know little of Earthly customs,” Starfire admitted as she pulled the gloves of her dress up, “though it is the parties where I contain the least amount of knowledge. You will remain by my side, yes?” She batted her lashes up at Robin once she felt as though the gloves were on tight enough.

Robin nodded as he fiddled with his red tie, eventually managing to tuck it in appeasingly. He raised his head to meet Starfire, eyes caught in a trance from her beauty.

He was glad he insisted upon wearing the mask.

Starfire’s tongue clicked distastefully as she approached her acclaimed date, sighing as she set her emerald eyes upon his domino-colored mask. “You have insisted on keeping the mask on most strongly, and I do respect your wishes, but…”

Robin quirked a brow as he linked their arms together. “But?”

“Is there nothing I may say to get you to remove it?” The frown was evident on her face as her eyes traced over the fabric that coated the sight of his eyes. “It makes you appear most handsome, of course, though I recall this event to be the formal.”

“The mask is formal!” insisted the Teen Wonder as he pouted, running a hand through his gelled hair. Even removing his gloves was difficult for him, being so pro-secret identity, but Starfire had coaxed him out of it. After all, the green looked obnoxious against the red of his tie and the black of his suit. “It adds an air of mystery. Plus, everybody knows you, Star. I don’t need anyone to know what I look like without my mask. It completely defeats the purpose of having a secret identity.”

Starfire looked unconvinced as she hummed. “Beast Boy removed his mask upon your initial meeting. I do not know why you cannot remove yours for only a night while he has removed his for the last few years.”

“Raven made a good point,” Robin sighed as he unlinked their arms to grab the corsage he bought for her. He plucked the plastic container up and removed the floral arrangement carefully, wrapping it around her silver-gloved hand. “Beast Boy is green, has fangs, and pointed ears. His secret identity wouldn’t have lasted long, anyway.”

The Tamaranean princess huffed as she held out her hand for the corsage to be placed. Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous gleam as she continued to tease her date on about it. “I suppose… though I will mention again that I would most enjoy the sight of your eyes beneath the fabric.”

He smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to her hand, internally screaming as his smooth guy instincts overtook him. He linked their fingers together and grinned, “Someday, Star. Just not tonight, but another day. I promise.”

They walked out of the room and down toward the garage where Starfire frowned. “Will we be taking your motorcycle to arrive to the party? I fear that it will dirty my dress as well as your suit, and Bumblebee emphasized that it was to be formal.”

Robin rolled his eyes. “I was hoping we could, but if you’re so worried then we can just drive there.”

Starfire squealed in delight. “We are going to drive in the vehicle you have recently purchased?”

The Teen Wonder nodded with a smile as they entered the garage. The T-Car sat in all its glory with Robin’s motorcycle resting beside it. They glistened with the desire to be driven, though a third option sat farther back in the garage.

Robin plucked the keys from where they hung by the door, pressing a button as the car let out a beep! to signify it was unlocked. He opened Starfire’s door and ushered her in, careful not to close the door on the fabric of her dress. He then hurried to the other side and hopped in, shoving the key into the car and waiting until the engine roared to life.

“This party… we will be doing the dancing, I assume?”

Robin nodded again as he backed out of the garage, eyes resting on his rearview mirrors. “Yup. The Titans East rented a penthouse to celebrate their two-year anniversary of forming. Of course, we’ve been here far longer and never held a party, but…” A smirk appeared on his lips as he turned the wheel to begin driving on the main road.

Starfire’s fingers drummed against her legs as the stereo gently sung some kind of modern-pop sound. Robin’s fingers wrapped tightly around the wheel as he wanted to change the station, though he instead just let it be.

“You will be my partner again, yes?”

Robin blinked and spared a glance over at Starfire. “U-uh, yeah, but, um…” the Titan stammered as his cheeks turned rosy. “Again? When was the last time we danced, Star? I don’t remember it to be anytime recent.”

Starfire shook her head and turned her gaze from admiring the stars to her date. “No, it was a while ago. Do you recall when you had to attend the Prom with the Kitten? So you would save the city from the terrible creatures of Killer Moth? We did the slow-paced dancing after they were defeated.”

“Oh,” breathed Robin as he set his eyes back on the road, once again relieved he had kept the mask on. He wouldn’t forget that day—especially since he still had dreams about it—because it was the day he realized his feelings for Starfire were growing. “I remember.”

“...Was I a decent partner?”

“E-excuse me?” Robin frowned as he spared another glance. “What do you mean by that?”

Starfire shrugged her shoulders and smiled down at Robin. Her green eyes were glittering with the memory fresh in her head, though she affixed them onto him. “During the dance, of course. Did I make the experience enjoyable? Or were my skills in the art of dance subpar?”

He tugged at the collar of his undershirt with a free hand, other one gripping the wheel to steer the car on the road. “You were a fine dancer,” Robin assured with a weak smile. He wanted to glance over at her and stare into her emerald eyes as he spoke, though the action of driving took that option away. “I’m no performer either, so I think you did just fine. I’ll be looking forward to uh, sharing another dance with you tonight.”

The Tamaranean blushed as her eyes lit up. “As will I. But… if I am to be honest, I have been doing the practice for this event.”

“Practicing what?”

“The manners of party,” answered the princess, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. She fidgeted anxiously with her silver gloves, wringing her hands together. “Though more specifically the manners of dance. Beast Boy and Cyborg have introduced me to a website that will supply a previously-recorded video of whatever I search. I have been using it to sharpen my skills in said art.”

Robin grinned to himself. The thought of Starfire staying up late all night in her room while dancing to videos recorded on the web amused him. It was sweet, of course, if not adorable.

Not that Robin would say that out loud.

But he sure could think it.

Upon noticing his amused grin, Starfire’s demeanor shifted. She drooped slightly and looked over at her fellow Titan, a brow raised. “I-is it not normal of me to do so? I had assumed that, since there were previously-recorded videos of such, it was not an oddity to-”

“No, Star, it’s not weird in any way,” Robin smiled. He reached over to entwine one of her hands with his own while the other continued to grip the wheel. “It’s actually pretty, uh, sweet. Y’know, it’s pretty… pretty sweet of you to learn how to dance. For, um, the party. Sorry, but I didn’t have time to spiff up on my dancing skills. I didn’t think you would.”

“The internet has informed me that learning how to dance adequately is essential for many of the parties,” recited the Tamaranean as she racked her brain for knowledge of the article she read. “It looks nice if you arrive at a party knowing how to properly dance.”

“Then I suppose you can teach me a move or two?” Robin cocked a brow teasingly at the Tamaranean, watching as her face coated with a blush.

Starfire reached out and shoved his shoulder lightly. “Be serious, Robin!” she chided lightly, a wide smile plastered on her face. “It took me many nights to perfect the art of the dance. So this time, I will be leading.”

“All right, all right,” chuckled the Teen Wonder as he held up his hands in surrender. He had just parked outside the penthouse where the searchlights zigzagged the sky in brilliant patterns. Robin withdrew the keys and tucked them into his pocket, running around the side of the car to open the door for Starfire.

He took her hand and linked their arms together, guiding the Tamaranean to the door. Robin took notice of the shakiness in her stride and the slight drooping of her stature. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, he raised a brow.

“Are you okay?” The sound of his voice questioning her seemed to draw Starfire out of her trance. She flinched and turned her heard to meet his masked stare. Robin’s frown deepened at the sight, though he continued his inquiry. “You seem out of it. I thought you were excited?”

“I am indeed excited!” Starfire insisted, her tone sudden as it startled the black-haired teen. He blinked at her, making the princess sigh only deeper. “...Yes, the party will be most glorious, though I worry. What if I embarrass us both once we partake in the dance? We will be mocked by the other Titans!”

“Don’t think of it like that,” soothed Robin as he temporarily took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He smiled and she did in return. “They’re our friends. Sure, if we mess up there’ll be a bit of friendly teasing, but they won’t say anything to hurt our feelings. Now hold your chin high, Star, we’re here.”

The Tamaranean princess felt Robin’s thumb and forefinger lift her head and she beamed. “Thank you, Robin. I look forward to our shared dance greatly.”

Robin squeezed her hand once more. “So do I.”

Hours had passed since they arrived and about all of the Titans—Honorary included—had arrived to the party. As per request, many of them were clad in suits and tuxedos and dresses. Only a few came dressed in semi-casual wear, though once Bumblebee came around, they were sure to keep away.

Starfire had eaten her fill at the table and even accompanied a few of her fellow girl friends to the dance floor while Robin watched.

He wanted to be subtle and not scare her if she noticed his curious eyes. Robin knew she was somewhat self-conscious about how she danced, though with the way her hair moved back and forth and her hips shook, Robin could’ve sworn she was a natural.

His elbow rested on the table, the palm of his hand supporting his chin as he watched the Tamaranean girl spin and twirl with the likes of her fellow Titans. Robin stifled a laugh as he took notice of how she nearly stumbled in her heels though regained her footing by hovering.

It was obvious the others she danced with noticed as well, giggling along with her.

“Hey, take a picture. It’ll last longer.” Robin blinked at a familiar voice and turned his head to see Speedy, clad in a gray blazer with a white undershirt. A striking black tie adorned his neck and when Robin met his eyes, he was surprised to see two green ones staring back at him.

“Speedy,” remarked the Teen Wonder with a couple of blinks. It was odd seeing his eyes. He typically wore a mask that resembled his own (though Robin continuously argued that he wore the mask first), but for tonight his eyes were exposed. “It’s nice seeing you here. Almost didn’t recognize you without the mask.”

Speedy scoffed, pulling out a seat to join Robin as he rolled his eyes. “Ah, don’t even talk about it,” he groaned with a wave of his hand, “it’s the talk of the party! Whenever I pop up to just strike up some small talk, it’s always, ‘Wow, Speedy! Your eyes are green?’ or even ‘You’re Speedy?! Did your mask fall off?’ It’s awful.”

Robin laughed, leaning back into the chair as he crossed his arms. “I guess you can see why I kept mine on then?”

“I’m surprised, to be honest,” admitted the archer as he laid his green eyes on Robin. “A little green bird told me that you were going with Starfire. I figured she’d talk you out of wearing the mask with the way Bumblebee emphasized that it was strictly formal.”

Robin laughed again, smiling to himself. “Yeah, Starfire tried to talk me out of it, but it’s all about the secret identity.” He tapped at the edge of the black fabric with a finger. “I know this party is Titans only, but you never know when we’ll need to hop into action.”

Speedy shrugged, “I doubt any baddie is gonna be out with all the talk of the party. That’s the only reason I decided I wouldn’t need it. Plus, I hid my bow in the kitchen in case something like that does happen. My mask’s there, too.”

“Clever as always, Speedy.” Robin withdrew a birdarang from the inside of his blazer. He smirked, watching as the wings of said device opened with a shing! “Great minds think alike. I didn’t feel safe leaving Tower without a few of these and a grappling hook or two.”

Speedy opened his mouth to talk though his eyes widened once he took notice of Bumblebee trudging their way with a very displeased look on her face. Robin gave a small wave and she forced a smile before glaring at Speedy again.

“What’s up?” called the archer with a groan, signaling to Robin. “I’m trying to enjoy the festivities of the party here!”

Bumblebee rolled her eyes and stomped over. “Don’t you play dumb with me, Speedy!” she snapped, crossing her arms over her golden dress. “I just found your bow and a stash of your arrows in the kitchen! Mind explaining to me what they were doing here, at the formal party, where we don’t bring weapons?!”

Speedy tugged at his tie anxiously before he took off in a hurry. Robin laughed as he heard Bumblebee mutter something along the lines of, “You’re not getting away again!” before she took off with her wings spread behind her.

Robin watched the pursuit for a few moments before a flash of hot pink and silver flew at him, tackling the teen in a hug. He flinched though relaxed upon taking notice of who it was.

“Robin! Please, you must join me in the slow-paced dancing,” urged Starfire as she tugged at his arm. “You have promised to remain by my side, and while I—regrettably!—went to celebrate with my fellow Titans, I wish to partake in the dance!” Starfire tugged at his arm again.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming,” Robin chuckled as he stood up and linked arms with Starfire. “You’ve been dancing all night. Aren’t you exhausted? And in those shoes, too!” He nodded down at her heels.

Starfire smiled widely as she lifted her dress enough to reveal that she was hovering over the ground just a few centimeters. Lifting her stare, she managed a sly wink at Robin. “My feet do not ache in the slightest. Now, may I have the dance with you?”

Robin nodded and walked her to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her hips and waited before she positioned herself accordingly, her arms linked behind his neck. They swayed back and forth slowly to the beat, staring into each other’s eyes.

The black-haired teen almost flinched when Starfire nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck. He felt her warm breath tickle his chin and he almost let out a laugh, though Robin instead exhaled deeply, his cheeks flooded with color.

He leaned forward a bit so Starfire didn’t have to bury her face into him so deeply, adjusting so that they both swayed comfortably. Robin felt the stares of fellow Titans as they eyed them, a few of them gossipping to one another.

Robin felt his eyes slowly shut as he secured his grip around her.

It was soothing to be there with Starfire. The music was slow albeit satisfying as they rocked back and forth across the dance floor, buried in each other’s arms. There were other couples on the floor, of course, though to Robin, they felt invisible.

It was just them.

Dancing.

He peeked an eye open when his fingertips felt feverishly warm, glancing down at where his hand was placed. Robin blinked in surprise and frowned, murmuring to Starfire.

“Uh… Star? Your hair is on fire.”

Astonishingly, Starfire didn’t bolt into action. She hummed in delight and continued to sway, giggling when she peeked open an eye to see Robin’s brows furrowed as he studied the flames that hung at the tips of her ruby locks.

“It is all right,” assured Starfire with a fond smile. “This is no oddity for the people of my planet. While it is uncommon in males, the tips of many Tamaraneans’ hair often becomes alight with flame. The fire is harmless, but it is fueled from the deep passion found within our hearts.”

Starfire hugged him tighter. “And I believe you are the fuel for my passion, Robin.”

The Teen Wonder blinked once, then twice before registering her words. His ears felt oddly warm as she nuzzled herself back into the crook of his neck, unphased. Robin felt his lips curl into a wide smile as he buried his nose into her hair, feeling the flames warm his fingertips.

Nothing. Nothing could ruin this moment for him in the midst of their dance.

[jk28147]

Spring Cleaning Tips And Spring Decoration Ideas

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is a time of renewal. It is the time of year when people across the country begin shaking off the final dregs of winter, opening their windows, and hanging clothes on the lines to dry. It is the time of year that many people associate with spring cleaning, but only few, associate it with spring decoration ideas Perhaps we are too tired from all of our cleaning efforts to seek the inspiration to decorate. If this is the case with you, then my hope is that some ideas mentioned below will help bring some serious decoration inspiration your way. Either way, it's that time again! The yearly spring ritual is upon us. And with Easter only a few more weeks down the road you probably wonder if wasting a whole Saturday or even the whole weekend is worth it.

Found on Etsy We want everything done instantly, that's the fast paced world we are living in today. Therefore, you might want to turn to the Professionals. Professional home cleaners come prepared and they're not going to waste any time. If you can afford it, hire them! If you can't hire the professionals here's how to get it done just like they do. We've got some spring cleaning tips and advice from the pros that will help you get done in record time. Spring Cleaning Tips - How to do it the Right Way? Have a Plan: - Spring-cleaning can seem like such a chore. Often you spend all day, or even a few days to get the entire house sparkly clean. And as s a busy mom, you will appreciate some of these cleaning tips that will make the job a little easier and much faster. A few days Prior Cleaning Day: - Start out by taking a quick look through your cleaning supplies a few days before the big spring-clean. Make sure you have plenty of paper towels and cleaning rags. If your mop or broom is really worn out, this is a great time to invest in a new one. Check all bottles and containers of cleaning supplies that you like to use and see if you have plenty of them. There’s nothing worse than having to clean yourself up during your big spring cleaning to run to the store for a new bottle of Windex. The Day before Spring Cleaning: - Get everyone in the family to spend some time with you the day before the big spring cleaning to pick up around the house. You don’t want to spend time picking up toys or washing dishes the next day. Because you don't want to slide your junk from side to side or just clean under and around it. Therefore, removing your clutter first, will make your whole job easier.

 On your Cleaning Day: - Get up early and put on some comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Dress all the way down to your shoes and put your hair up and drink a cup of coffee. Take the following few minutes to gather all your cleaning supplies and get going.  Tackle one room at a time. This works much better than trying to do 10 things at once. It will also give you a great sense of accomplishment to see each clean room.  Start at the top and work your way down. Use a broom or a mop with a soft cloth wrapped around it to get any spider webs and dust out of the ceiling corners. Dust the light fixtures. Keep working your way down cleaning counters, windows and windowsills, furniture. Finish by dusting the baseboards and giving the carpets a good vacuuming. Take the time to vacuum under the bed and move furniture to clean the floor under it whenever possible. Or use one of our recommended Robotic Vacuum Cleaner.

Spring Cleaning Safety Tips Make sure you dress for the job. You want to be comfortable but functional. The clothes you wear should be loose but not so loose as to catch on corners, doorknobs, or anything that could spill. If you're going to be on your knees a lot, look at investing in some knee pads. The professionals use them, and for good reason. You'll lose steam and motivation quickly if you start feeling uncomfortable. Don't forget the gloves! These can keep the germs and chemicals off your skin. The regular yellow cleaning gloves you see at any grocery store will work fine. Spring Cleaning Tips - For Your Kitchen As a notorious family gathering place, kitchens often become cluttered with everything from bills and report cards to shopping lists and fridge magnets. With spring just around the corner, it's time to say good-bye to all that clutter and Tupperware has some simple solutions to help you do it! Compress the Mess: - If there is just not enough space in your kitchen, then it's time to toss all unnecessary items. Remove objects from kitchen counters that are not essential for everyday cooking (blenders, mixers, juicers, etc.). This will make the room look more spacious and clean and will give you extra room to prepare daily meals.

Fully decorated Kitchen Shelf Fridge Feng Shui: - If items in the fridge are preventing the door from closing easily, it's time to take notice. A bonus to cleaning out the fridge is that when racks are sparkling and items are organized, it's much easier to find everything. Are you constantly throwing away spoiled food or leftovers? Avoid letting things get out of control in the future by placing food in Tupperware's FridgeSmart® or Fresh 'N Cool® containers, which maximize shelf life and minimize space. Kitchen Crackdown: - If you are prone to experiencing pangs of distress at the thought of uncluttering your kitchen, stick to one simple rule: Clean as you go. Spending 15 minutes a day clearing countertops and discarding leftovers will create a stress-free environment and allow you to keep your kitchen running smoothly. Tupperware has many useful products to help reorganize your kitchen. Pantry Antics: - Before you take a trip to the grocery store, take a good look inside your food pantry-if in doubt, throw it out! It's safe to assume that the expensive jar of Spanish olives sitting on the shelf for the last five years will never be used and the cans in the back are only useful for gathering dust. If food is stored for too long and in the wrong conditions, the freshness, quality and taste will suffer. Tupperware's Modular Mates® containers are ideal for organizing cabinets and offer the perfect solution for storing dry foods such as pasta, cereal, beans, rice and sugar. Fruit - Bowels Have bowls of fruit placed throughout your home. Not only does it add a layer of fresh fruit fragrance to your home, but it is also visually appealing and edible home decor.

Spring Cleaning Your Bathrooms When you get to the bathrooms, start by spraying some all purpose or bathroom cleaner on all the appliances, especially anything that may have some build up on it, like the soap dish in the shower. Next, pour some Clorox / Bleach in each toilet. Allow the cleaner spray to soak in while you get started on the ceiling, windows and counters. By the time you get around to the sink, shower and toilet, all you need to do is wiping them down and give the inside of the toilet a quick scrub with the brush. Towels Yes, I said towels. In your kitchen and your bathrooms you need bright, bold colors that signify spring, birth, and renewal. These little touches can make a huge difference in not only your attitude about cleaning and decorating but also your attitude about cooking. Shower-Curtain If you use those in your bathroom, switch it to a spring motive for a nice color pop.

Feng-Shui Shower Curtain Spring Cleaning & Freshen up Walls Washing the dirty walls around your house can be a huge chore. Not only is it a time consuming project, it’s physically exhausting. If you want to spiff up every nook and cranny, washing walls requires an enormous amount of reaching, stretching, contorting, and bending to clean off the layers of dust, dirt, grime, cobwebs, finger smudges, and/or greasy soot that have accumulated. Luckily, there are a few tricks that can make it easier. Cleaning Solutions Your choice of cleaners is very important and should be based on the type of wall that you are cleaning. To avoid ruining the paint job on your walls, stay away from abrasive cleaners and steel wool. Use a toothbrush for small stains that need gentle, but abrasive action. A solution of clear ammonia and water works very well. However, Ammonia has a terrible odor. Either way it is cheap and has superlative cleaning capabilities. Nevertheless, if you can’t get past the smell, there are other options. Most painted walls can be cleaned with warm water and a gentle, non-sudsy detergent. Still, you should always test the cleaning solution that you will be using on an inconspicuous area of the wall. Make sure that the solution is removing just the dirt, not the paint. Cleaning Strategy

Download Here When washing walls, dripping and streaking is inevitable. To avoid rewashing something that you have already cleaned, you should always start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Don’t forget to catch corners, trim, and baseboards as you go. To get to those hard to reach places, use a sturdy stepladder or a small portable ladder. Make sure that you choose a ladder that is both stable and appropriately sized. If you will be working in a stairwell, use a ladder that is made for uneven surfaces. Try to center the ladder directly in front of the wall that you will be washing. Over reaching or leaning too far to one side could cause you to lose your balance. These final tips can make the job of washing walls a little easier. Rid the walls and baseboards of cobwebs and dust bunnies before you begin washing.If you are using ammonia or another strong-smelling cleaning solution, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Change your cleaning solution often. When you are washing walls, the water gets dirty very quickly. To avoid streaking, wipe the walls with a dry towel after they have been cleaned. Fragrance   While most people do not realize that the fragrances we use in our homes is a type of decoration. It makes our noses happy to some degree but also the potpourri and candles are often decorations in and of themselves. Put out bowls filled with brightly colored and lightly scented fragrance balls, dried fruit, and other delights. Gourmet potpourri can be found in all kinds of gift and fragrance shops and is a rather inexpensive way to add a fragrant touch to your home decorating as well as the fragrance to cover up the cleaner smell in your home. Cleaning Down Bedding

Spring Cleaning Tip: Never wash your Down Bedding! Because washing it will leave you with a flat pillow and feather-bed-covers. Most times washing those will result in clustering of down and the down feathers to break. They will lose their fluffiness and with it the ability to trap body heat. Appropriately drying a down bed set can be problematic, due to the size of comforters and feather beds. If down is not dried properly, mildew will set in, leaving you with a bad odor and a problem for allergy sufferers. So if your bed set really needs to be cleaned I advise you to find a dry cleaner that can do this task for you. Not all Dry-cleaners have equipment large enough for feather beds. Down bedding purchased within the last 3 or 4 years should be hung over a line on a warm, sunny, breezy day. Let nature refresh and rejuvenate them. Back home in Europe we would every weekend, (if the weather was nice) hang them across the window sill to air them out. After that you shake them good up to make the covers and pillows fluffy again. If this is not possible hang them over a couple of chairs near an open window. Placing comforters and pillows in a dryer will fluff up, There are also dry-cleaner Kits for your dryer available. If your down comforters, pillows and feather-beds are over 4 or 5 years old, take them to a dry cleaner. Or get one of the previously mentioned kits. That should clean and reconditioned using an all natural method which will fluff up the filling and deodorize it If you purchased a high quality down comforter, you could use it all year around. However, if you like I rather store your comforter during the hot summer nights. You better store the comforter in a cotton bag, and not a plastic bag. Take care of your down bedding by having it cleaned by a professional. Luxury quality down comforters, pillows and feather beds deserve the proper care to protect your investment so you can enjoy your down luxuries for life. Candles

While briefly mentioned above they deserve their own spot among the top five to say the least. Candles can be depending on their fragrance soothing, relaxing, and invigorating. For your décor they can also be inspiring, beautiful, and elegant. Candles are great no matter what time of the year it is however, if you select candles in bright spring colors and fragrances you might be amazed at exactly how uplifting these candles can be. Cleaning a Sofa & Sofa Cushions Don't forget sofa cushions and throw pillows. These too can be cleaned/reconditioned, Some cane have extra filling added. However most of them would require opening a seam and stitching it back. I would recommend using a steam cleaner or a small wet-carpet-cleaner to clean the sofa cushions. And strip the covers of your throw pillows and wash those with your drapes and curtain. You can also try to plump up a sagging chair or sofa cushions by adding and new fill foam.  Flowers Spring is the time of flowers. They are all around us. Use fresh cut flowers and candles to create beautiful arrangement and centerpieces throughout your home.

A few blossoming twigs bring the spring indoor

Conclusion

Spring Cleaning is a tough job Make sure you take some breaks, and drink plenty of water. When you are done, enjoy a long hot shower or a soak in the tub. Next put on some clean clothes and put up your feet. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done and get some rest. You deserve it. And for those of you, that are in need of springtime home decorating ideas. I hope that my suggestions helped to nudge you into the right direction. And if you hoped for some outstanding suggestions, I suggest that you visit our blog or follow us on Instagram where you will find inspiring ideas for your own spring decorating. Have any tips or questions to share??? Please leave it in the box below Read the full article

[skullapertures-blog]

The chief port

Basement: Morning shift starts. Someone is cooking an ear of corn over a butane lighter. The boss, an old man, sneaks a cigarette, then extinguishes it in a mop bucket, shouts, “Hey girlies, let’s fucking do this thing!” There’s laughter that rattles the clothing lockers. The boss shushes everyone, then shows his flask and gestures them near.

First floor kitchen: An almost girl in sandals and socks fills her teacup with an expression on her face indicating that all the muscles surrounding her skull have been pilfered.

Main hallway, floor 1: Two men sit in the middle of the hallway. Both resemble that character from Office Space who has invested his whole life in a stapler. Both resemble each other. Exactly. They match their clothes and move in syncopation. You imagine their dreams playing out as butterfly wings, perfectly timed, coursing along a landscape. But you’ve never seen them exchange a word. Each keeps a single document on his monitor for days and days, as if an atomic bomb has gone off and paralyzed time.

Floor 2, east wing: Sales and marketing and advertising. This floor recedes like a tide but presents itself as a wave.

Floor 3: There’s that spot in the middle of the ocean, large as a continent, that’s nothing more than a spiral of plastic. This is basically that and is where the lifers live. They accumulate paperwork and envelopes and merit awards and dinosaur technology and corporate tchotkes like they can be traded on retirement day for an expedited death.

Floor 4: Everyone’s pecking at spreadsheets. They keep their passwords on post-it notes under the keyboards. Their identities are complex codes involving their dates of birth and first pets. Their minds are macros. They’ve all read the thing about perfect postures. A cat hangs from a tree in a picture. A woman stands up to stretch. Another clears her throat. A low radio. A daughter calls, troubled again. The dad can’t talk quiet enough to calm her. Everyone’s knows the story, back and front. Silence is its own world but it’s somewhere other than here.

Floor 5: A man eats popcorn out of a box in his cubicle, propped against the back of his chair, legs crossed, positioned like a statue erected to memorialize exactly what it’s like to work here. Not leisure exactly, but not work. At least in the way you know it.

Floor 6, men’s bathroom: Even though his arm is in a cast, the short man uses both hands to wash out his tupperware. The tall man brushes his teeth and grunts. The skinny man takes a call on his phone. Two men fart. Another stifles a laugh and ends up farting himself. The echoes could swallow you.

Floor 7: A hall of mirrors.

Floor 8: The telephone rings but it’s the wrong number. I take the call anyway. It’s a woman named Lisa who once worked here but has moved on and is looking for Lance who was first her mentor then her employee who she had to fire it’s a long story but was recently re-hired by Jeana and Lisa is wondering if Lance has a certain file one with no confidential information she swears it but a file she needs to repurpose to spiff up a little to draw inspiration from to recontextualize for where she is now five states away or maybe six working the east region she says for a competitor but a minor one not major but which minor she cannot say because she says to me you know how it is. I know how it is. She asked to be transferred to Lance but I don’t know how to transfer a person especially a stranger to a stranger I can’t even transfer myself even though I would if I could but I can’t and I can’t and I can’t so I just hum into the phone a song I once heard about an early bird and a hawk and I’m grateful to be both and I say Lisa! Lisa! and let the line go. I’m nobody’s secretary. This is not my job. And this is not my job. Nor this. I’ve peeled back my responsibilities, pared them. I’ve thrown off gravity. I could float away. I’m famous here. They know me. My name. My face. I excite people with fear. I have no idea what I’m doing.

On the roof: If the weather poses a question, how will we answer?

[j3ffsterling-blog]

Meeting you || Julian & Jeff

Who: Jeff & @juledauphin​

Where: Julian’s place

When: Thursday, 6/6

What: Jeff and Julian meet, a talk and a kiss

Julian was expecting Jeff, but he hadn’t really done much to spiff up the place for company. That wasn’t really who he was anyway. Jeff could handle some stuff out of place. Julian was a little nervous about having a guy over that had called him cute and kept making him blush; he had never been with a guy, even a little. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about it. The knock sounded on the door and he pulled it open. “Jeff,” he said, his accent smearing the J. “Come in, do you want something to drink?” He ushered the blond inside with a little smile.

Jeff grinned. "Like the accent." Stepping into the place. "I'm good, thanks though." Looking around, it looked like a normal bachelor pad. Just things here and there, which he didn't really mind. His hands shoved in his pockets, Jeff rocked a bit where he stood. "its nice to see you in person. I was right, you are perfect, especially your smile."

Julian closed the door behind the other as he came in and glanced around. He could not help the way his smile seemed to turn into a wide, uncontrollable grin as he looked down in reaction to the compliment. The blush spread up out of the collar of his shirt and he laughed the tiniest bit. “I’m not sure how I feel about you doing this to me,” he said, motioning to his blush.

Jeff looked down and around to see his blush. Smirking, he smiled as well. "I'm guessing a guy hitting on you isn't new but liking it is?" His brow raised. "I'll stop but you know, you should know you're cute and I was so excited to come here and meet you finally. If I'm honest, I'm heart is racing."

Julian raised his eyebrows. Jeff had hit the nail on the head. He was unused to being called this kind of stuff- these endearing terms- by men. Sure, women did often, but something about Jeff made him like it coming from a guy. “Don’t stop forever,” he said. “Because my heart is racing too.” His eyes lingered on Jeff’s during a long pause before darting toward the window. “Did you want to hit the beach now or later?”

"So you like that I'm telling you these things?" Jeff asked once more. When he turned to look to the water, Jeff looked as well. "Sure, let hit the waves. I just gotta get my bag and I'll meet you down there?" He asked, walking towards the door. "Or you can wait for me. Its your place after all." Jeff now blushing a bit as well.

Julian smiled. “Maybe I do,” he said, honesty in his voice. He watched the other look away and paid particular attention to his smooth his skin looked. This was such a weird thing for him, paying attention to a guy like that. “I’ll wait. I wouldn’t start without you. And you might get lost getting to the water.” He smirked a bit at his own joke.

Jeff rolled his eyes to him. "Well then I will hurry." He took off and came back a moment later with his bag. Setting it on the floor, Jeff pulled out what he'd need. "Bathroom?" Asking so he could change into his trunks and wet suit. Once he was changed, Jeff stood there with the wetsuit hanging low on his hips. "Well I'm ready oh fearless leader."

Julian motioned toward a door near the living room and watched as Jeff took his things inside to change. While the other was in the bathroom, Jule took the opportunity to change into his surfing gear as well. He smirked when Jeff reappeared, only because he liked what he saw. “Fearless leader is correct,” he said, picking up his board. “Do you need one?”

Jeff didn't mind what he saw when he came out either. Rolling his eyes again, he jested and poked Julian in the side. "Yeah, I couldn't bring it on the plane. Do you have a long board? Stupid question right?" Laughing as he was handed a board, following Julian down the water now. His wax in hand, he made sure the board was good and ready for him. "Alright, let see how you rip, Jules." He winked, starting to head for the water.

Julian followed suit and it only seemed like a few minutes had gone by before the sun started to get a little lower in the sky. He stood his board up in the sand and sat down, pulling a bottle of water from his balled up shirt and taking a sip before offering it to Jeff and sitting in the shade of his surf board. “You’re a professional, aren’t you?” he asked, smiling a little and winking the tiniest bit.

Jeff had enjoyed the day. The surf the company, he was truly loving it. Setting his board up as well, he took the bottle with a thank you. Having a drink, Jeff handed it back to him and sat down as he striped off his wet suit, leaving him in his low hanging swim trunks "I wish. Only thing I do professional is dance. But you, you have to be one. The way you took that monster wave..dude!" Jeff chuckled, nudging him playfully.

Julian shrugged away the compliment about the big wave. “That was just luck. I was positive I was going to end up under it. I’ve gotta say though, you definitely look the part. All of that blond hair,” he said, not missing a beat, “and that perfect surfer body.” Was it too much? Julian wasn’t sure. He hadn’t ever flirted with a guy.

Jeff was smiling a bit more, sucking his lip a bit. "Well thank you, Jules. Not that I try but I guess I kind of do." Shrugging his he pulled his knees up to his chest. "Might be growing up in California more then anything though. Doesn't take away from you though." Smirking. "I'm not the only one with an amazing body. But you see, you got those killer green eyes too." Winking to him.

Julian smiled in an instant response. He was really starting to like those little flirtatious comments, and the nervous feeling over them was starting to fade. He blushed still, down at the sand in front of him, and then looked out at the ocean for a minute. “What is California like?” he asked, suddenly wanting to know more about Jeff and his background.

"Warmer then New York." he chuckled, "And New jersey. Its...well it depends where you're at in the state but for me. I lived right at the start of the LA. So I was always on the edge of everything that is exciting....just got to have like a normal life but still see the hustle and bustle of it all. Its really pretty though, the beaches go on and on and the water is warm." Jeff closing his eyes as he thought about it and just seemed to absorb the rays of the setting sun.

Julian watched Jeff as he described his hometown. He seemed to very much love it. “It sounds very cool. The water here gets warm in August and stays warm through September and early October.” He noticed the way the sun just seemed to soak into the other. “I grew up in Montréal though. Winters are cold and the people are colder. We used to vacation down here when I was small. It just held warm memories, so I moved here when I graduated.”

Jeff opened his eyes, looking to Julian as he spoke. He seemed to carry the same passion as Jeff did for his home. "I'd love to see it one day, your home." His words were soft in the setting sun as he pulled his knees up and rested his head there on them. "Thats really cool. You fell in love with a place so you felt the need to come back, I get it." Turning back to the water, Jeff sighed happily. "it is really pretty."

“I think you’re in my home now,” Julian said thoughtfully. “People way home is where your heart is, right? Right now that’s here. I couldn’t go back and live there after living here. Unless they take away my visa...” His hand reached down and played a little in the soft sand between them.

Jeff didn't think about it as he put his hand over Julian's. " You're right, this is your home and I dont think they'll take back your visa so i wouldnt worry about it too much." Looking down, he pulled his hand back fast, his face very flush. "So what do you got to eat? please don't say poutine." he groaned, hoping to earn a smile.

Julian’s eyes fixed on Jeff’s hand over his. He didn’t hear a word that the other said, something about his visa, maybe. All he could that about was the fact that he was practically holding hands with another guy right now. He was nervous, but his heart wasn’t slamming in his chest or anything, and before he could realize he was holding his breath, Jeff pulled his hand away. “I um.” He blinked up, trying to pull himself together. “Poutine is delicious.” He sounded like an idiot.

Jeff licked his lips, shaking his head. "Its gross." he teased, leaning over and daring to kiss Julian's cheek as he stood. "Come on, Jules." offering him his hand. "I'm hungry and I think you should make me food." he smiled, pulling Julian to his feet and still holding his hand as he did it.

“It is not,” Julian started, about to explain how Jeff had likely never had authentic poutine, when the other leaned over and kissed his cheek. He blinked and used the offered hand to help himself up. Their fingers stayed together and Julian was a little light headed as he looked from them to Jeff’s eyes before daring himself to lean in and just brush a itty bitty kiss on the other’s lips. He didn’t know what he would have expected from it, because he barely registered doing it in the first place, but it made his heart quicken. He pulled back a little and dropped Jeff’s hand, feeling nervous. “Je regret,” he reverted, quickly correcting himself as he glanced up at the other. “—Sorry...”

Jeff was about to explain why he didn't like poutine when he saw the way Julian was looking at their hands. He blushed as well, smiling. Suddenly the space between them was no more and he felt the gentle press of their lips together. When the kiss had ended, Jeff shook his head at Julian's words and pulled him back in. His hand still in julian's, the other cupped his cheek and kissed him once more. This kiss lasting a bit longer.

Julian inhaled though his nose as his and Jeff’s lips pressed together again. Why was this so intense? He knew how to kiss. Kissing a guy was just like kissing a girl, except Jeff was taller. It was over before he really wanted it to be, even if it lasted longer than the first. He stepped back and smiled, laughing a little in his nervousness as the blush crept up to his ears.

Jeff giggled, licking over his lips. "So food?" Using his free hand to rub the back of his neck. He hadn't done that before,  he had kissed boys but not this quick and it never felt as good as this kiss just did. "Or you know we could just keep doing that." Chuckling nervously.

Julian kept smiling, even though his nerves were sky high. What happened now? Was there some kind of etiquette? He had no idea. “Oh sure, now I have to feed you,” he joked, pulling on Jeff’s hand as he pulled his board from the sand. “Come on, I have taquitos at my place.”

Jeff grabber his board as well, following julian back to his place. With the board set down, walking in, Jeff pulled julian back in and cupped his cheek. "After food, do you want to talk some? Or you know during?" Feeling they couldn't just not talk about it.

Julian turned to face Jeff as he was tugged back in. Jeff’s hand on his cheek was warm. “During is fine,” he said, then leading the other to the kitchen area. He got out the frozen taquitos and set the toaster oven to preheat and turned to the other. “So. We kissed,” he said, bravely.

Jeff followed in and sat on the counter for them to speak. "Well you kissed me and I couldn't help but to kiss you back." He winked, trying to lighten it some. "yeah, we kissed so...what does it mean to you? I know how I'm feeling but I'm asking how are you feeling about it?" Reaching out to offer Julian his hand if he wanted to hold it.

Julian thought about it for a second, absently reaching to connect his hand with Jeff’s. “I’m not sure what it means. I’m confused maybe. I’ve never wanted to kiss a guy before. Even a little. But you are different,” he admitted, looking up and squeezing his hand a little.

Jeff squeezed his hand back. "Well I like kissing boys and I've kissed some before." he chuckled. "but it wasn't the same, it wasn't like kissing you. Kissing you, I just, it sent buzzes through my skin." Blushing then. "I didn't want to stop but I don't know how you feel and I don't want to pressure you but you ever feel like your heart knows something the rest of you is still figuring out?" Jeff looking to him. "Thats kind of how I feel right now."

Julian smiled the tiniest bit when Jeff explained the sensation he’d felt when they kissed. It made him feel good. “I don’t even know how I feel, but I do understand what you mean. Maybe we should see what happens. Just.... play it by ear,” he suggested, confused because it felt like only a few days prior that Eleanor has been there too.

Jeff tilted his head some. "What do you mean?" He asked, not sure what he meant by play it by ear. "Julian, I don't...I won't...I won't be just some guy you kiss or a friends with benefits. So if you're not sure then we'll be just friends. I'm just as nervous as you are but I can't...I won't be that person. YOu deserve better and so do i. I'm not saying we need to be in some relationship, just that....nevermind, doesn't matter. " Sucking his lip, his eyes cast down. Jeff was sure he had fucked this up now.

Julian dropped his hand, feeling guilty. His eyebrows furrowed together and he frowned. “Jeff, I.... I don’t know if I’m ready to be in a relationship. I don’t know if I’m ready. I was hoping we could hang out for a few days before making any decisions... I just... can’t decide right now...” He withdrew a little and put his hands in his pockets.

"Fuck, fuck okay." jeff jumped down. "I am an idiot and really, you should like never listen to me. I completely missed what you meant. Just fuck, ignore me okay?" Slapping his own face. "bad jeffy." He reached out this time to take his hand. "I'd like that, to spend these days knowing you...you don't have to decide anything today. I'm sorry, very sorry for making you feel like you did. Seriously, you can tell me to shut up."

Julian was so nervous he could barely breathe. He glanced up to see Jeff slapping his own face and calling himself bad. “I don’t want to hold you back,” he said, watching the other try to fix his misunderstanding. It was a shame that the thought was already in Julian’s head. “I would feel like such a jerk if I did.”

Jeff shook his head. "Julian, you're not holding me back." Licking his lips. "I umm, I have a confession." Stepping back. He hadn't really told anyone this before. "I didn't have an audition lined up when I came to New York...I was just looking for a reason to come and to meet you and see you. When we first spoke about surfing, I just, well I knew I had to meet you. I don't know how to make you understand that I want to be here, I want to figure this out with you."

Julian bit his bottom lip. He was a little taken aback when Jeff admitted to only coming to New York to try and be on his side of the country just to meet him and possibly try to move with him. Julian was flattered. “You really came across the whole country just to meet me?” he asked, interested in that fact. He’d gotten on well with Jeff from the first moment they spoke, especially about surfing. But could he be with a guy? That was the question. “I just want to get to know you. Get to know this side of myself.”

Jeff nodded. "yeah, i did. I just lucked out that they were having auditions for a show I knew I could try out for and got the role. So I'll be living over here for a while." Smiling to him Julian. "Well then, I can do that with you. I can let you get to know me and know that part of you." Swinging their hands, Jeff smirked in a flirty way. "You wanna know the best way to shut me up?"

Julian was a little relieved that he didn't have to jump into anything just because he was being rushed. He was allowed to take his time and figure out if liking a guy was even his thing. He smiled when Jeff asked if Julian knew how to shut him up. He'd flirted with enough people over the years to know what that meant. Carefully, he touched his fingertips against Jeff's cheek and leaned in to kiss him. That would shut him up.

[optimisticfuninternet-blog]

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