#this also works with Your Friendly Neighborhood (Blank)

[hobie-enthusiast]

ALEX I JUST HAD AN IDEA...

so you know how spidey sense like, lets the spider know that there's a danger nearby before it gets to them? what if there was a spidey sense but for like, not danger. yk. like. LIKE...

i imagined hobie sitting by himself somewhere, not really paying attention? and then he gets this feeling that envelopes him whole and gives him the warm fuzzies and makes him smile, and he doesn't get what it is until his s/o comes up behind him and hugs him from behind, or like slaps his shoulders trying to scare him and he just wuvs them so much

im so soft you made me soft for hobie look what you've done!!!!

- your friendly neighborhood 🕷️ anon [ idc if emoji anons are so last year im spider anon now >:) ]

THAT FUNNY FEELING !

— hobie brown x gn!reader

— fluff, just straight fluff, hobie being so in love its crazy, petnames and lots more fluff

— hobie's spider-senses were giving him a new sensation, but he couldn't really put his finger on what it was

— ANON THIS IS SO ADORABLE MUWAH! ALSO EMOJI ANONS ON TOP I LOVE IT

Hobie had been getting a new warm feeling that he didn't understand.

It happened whenever he was at peace. There was never any danger near him or around him. He could be sitting there, minding his business, only for this warm feeling to engulf his entire body. His mind draws blank as it’s engulfed with that damn fuzzy feeling.

He could never say he hates it though. It reminds him of you.

It comes at him whenever he’s somewhere with you. Whether the two of you are just hanging out, winning a battle, or walking around, he’s randomly hit with a wave of a good-feeling. One that stays with him for a small while, that feels like happiness spreading through his body.

That's how he mentally connected it to you. Of course, he didn't think for a while you truly were the cause. Not until recently.

You practically begged him to come over, to take the day off from being Spider-man and hang out with you. Hobie always had a hard time saying no to you, so he agreed.

You were out at the local shoppe by this point, so he let himself in (with the spare key you gave him of course). He looked to find ways to entertain himself, settling on strumming his guitar. He kicked his feet onto your bed as he lied back in your desk chair.

After a small while, he started getting that feeling again. That fuzzy one that engulfs him entirely, making him feel good. He glances up to look around, but sees nothing. He found it odd, but maybe it meant you were back home?

Nah, he was kidding himself. The connection was probably just in his head.

—

You place your groceries on the counter, ears picking up the sound of a guitar playing. You smile to yourself. Of course you know who the culprit was. He had a key because of you anyways.

Slowly, you creep up to your bedroom, carefully cracking the door. You keep quiet as you admire your boyfriend from afar. He seemed so relaxed, which wasn't usual for him.

Hobie deserved some peace and relaxation after saving so many people. You seemed to be the only one who truly thought that. Miguel didn't see it that way. The criminals among New York didn't understand that. And even Hobie himself didn't think he deserved a break for doing what he's supposed to.

So watching him so.. unaware for once truly was a sight.

You enter the room as quietly as possible, creeping up behind him to wrap your arms around his shoulders.

When you crept up, Hobie was engulfed by that feeling again. A warm smile crosses his face when he feels you lean against him, laughing in his shoulder.

"There ya are." He said with a small laugh. "I had a feelin' you were home."

You raise an eyebrow, smile never faltering. "What? No you didn't! You were so unaware when I snuck up behind you!"

Hobie raises his eyebrows, the feeling slowly fading from his body. So he was right! That warm and euphoric feeling did come from you, his lover. No one else could make him feel that way, not even close.

"Oooh, does the tingle work even for me?" You ask in an excited tone.

"The.. tingle?"

You nod happily, moving so you sit on the bed by his legs. "Yeah! You know, the thing you use to sense danger."

God Hobie found you so.. mesmorizing. Your truly somewhat childish nature that wasn't that but close, he loved it.

"Nah, only works for danger, love." He responds, looking down and strumming his guitar.

"Then you can't sense me! I'm like a ninja. This is perfect." You say, standing and grabbing Hobie's arm. "C'mon, I have some groceries for dinner."

He nodded and stood, guitar on the bed as he followed you to the kitchen. Of course he was going to keep the sensation a secret. He wanted to keep that for himself, a way you make him feel. And besides, what's the harming in letting you think that you could sneak up on him?

It could bring more heartfelt moments like that.

—

Ever since then, Hobie pretended to be blissfully unaware.

He pretended like he couldn't feel you sneaking up on him to scare him. He pretended he never knew you were right behind him, waiting for him to see you. He pretended like he didn't expect your "unexpected" or "surprise" hugs.

Because honestly, he loved you. Hobie loved these little things, even if it sounded weird in itself. He loved having a partner who was always catching him off-guard with affection, even if he was sensing it.

There are random times when the two of you are just sitting together, each one doing a separate activity. He would be on his guitar and you would be catching up on your latest game or book.

Then, that feeling would hit Hobie. He would feel the fuzies he felt from before, and a smile graces his face. It prompts him to move to hug you from behind, nuzzling his head into your shoulder or neck.

When you question him, "What are you doing, love?"

He just sighs, smile never leaving his face. "Just love ya, so damn much sweetheart."

Certainly enough to make your heart melt and cheeks go red. You always found these moments slightly odd, however. He initiated those moments whenever you planned to try and scare him or give him your own surprise hug.

He always beat you to it. Not that you could complain, oh no. If anything, you welcome this with open arms.

You had a slight feeling that Hobie wasn't being entirely honest when he said he truly never knew when you were behind him. Hobie was always aware of his surroundings. But that didn't make you think for too long. You chalked it up to Hobie just letting his guard down around you, and that made you feel nice.

This new sense of Hobie's was his personal favourite, one that he's glad comes from you, the very person he loves and appreciates so so dearly.

[ashleyisartsy]

It's probably this websites fault but one of my favorite little jokes is calling someone "your local (thing that I cannot imagine as being classified as a normal thing everyone would have locally)"

Examples I can come up with off the top of my head include: your local cursed wizard, dollhouse architect, miniature book enthusiast, etc.

It's just so funny to me. The sprinkle of absurdity and yet normalcy. Magnifique.🤌✨️

[blackcatwriter]

Late Night Studying (tasm! Peter Parker x f!reader)

a/n: I love fictional men what can I say. I personally imagine this as andrew garfield's peter parker but feel free to imagine him however you want! Also Gwen doesn't die in this universe so no need to worry about that :]

Shout out to @scumscumpooties47 for your editing. Your comments on my google docs always make me cackle.

warnings: just fluff here, set to be in college but no specific age/grade, Peter is set to be taller than you (sorry if you like them shorter)

wc: 936

summary: You decide to study in your dorm lounge and unexpectedly make a new friend.

line divider by @plum98

It has been a long and grueling day for you. Syllabus week was over and now your professors began assigning real work, which, for you, meant endless studying and staring at your computer screen. 

You had been sitting at your desk for what might’ve been four hours now with a blank page pulled up on your google docs. Not only had your professor assigned a five chapter reading, but a reflective ten page paper due by the end of next week. Groaning, you shut your laptop closed. 

Not noticing your surroundings, you hadn’t seen that your roommate was already in bed fast asleep. The only light in the room came from the lamp on your desk. Rubbing your eyes, you looked at your clock and checked the time. 

12:25AM

With a tired sigh, you stood from your desk with your laptop in hand and left the room. You clearly weren’t getting any sleep tonight so no use in bothering your roommate from their sleep. Walking out as quietly as you could, you left to go work in your dorm lounge. Maybe a change of scenery would help with the writer’s block. 

“Damn professor…” You muttered under your breath as you opened the door to the lounge. Catching you off guard, the door came to a halt halfway. “What professor has you up this late already?” A voice sounded from the other side of the door.

Towering over you, a lankish guy stood in front of you. He wore a cheesy mathematics shirt with gray sweats and dripping wet brunette hair. “Just my English class–I’m sorry, are you alright?” You looked him up and down.

“What? Oh! This?” He looked down to the towel in his hand and shrugged. “I took a shower and forgot the keys to my room. My roommate is coming back from a party so I’m just waiting it out here.” He said sheepishly as he sat back down on the sofa.

“You might have bad luck, but great fashion taste.” You grinned, fighting your laughter. After spending most of the day by yourself with just a computer for company, it couldn’t be blamed if you felt a little delirious. Or at least delirious enough to not care if you’re making a fool of yourself to some guy you’ve never talked to.

“You know how to make a guy feel real good about himself.” He narrowed his eyes yet responded in a playful tone. “I’ve seen you passing in the hall before, but I don’t think we’ve ever talked before. I’m Peter.” 

You introduced yourself and continued your lighthearted bantering. Peter, whose full name was Peter Parker, revealed himself to be from Queens and having only an aunt as his family back home. He was majoring in biophysics with a low-level job at the renowned scientific lab, Oscorp.

He did happen to leave out the part where he happened to be New York's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, but you didn't need to know that.

In return, you told him about yourself and what you were hoping to do with your studies after finishing university. “I mean, I’m not sure if I’ll ever do something as impressive as you with your research, but as long as I make some kind of difference in the world, right?” You spoke wearily, yawning as you rubbed your eyes.

“Are you kidding me? You’re gonna change the world with a mind like yours and how hard you work.” He smiled boyishly. Had you been less sleepy, you might’ve seen the slight pink in his cheeks from where he sat. “It’s getting pretty late, you need sleep. I can walk you to your dorm–” He rambled before you cut him off.

“It’s not late. We’ve only been talking for like ten minutes.” You scoffed and checked the time.

1:13AM

“Oh shit, no, no, no! I didn’t even get to do what I came here for!” You groaned, pulling at your hair. “You distracted me, Peter!” Although you tried blaming him you couldn’t fight the smile from spreading on your face.

A door opened from afar causing both of you to turn towards the sound. “That must be my roommate. M’sorry I distracted you.” Peter’s growing smirk contradicted his words. “Let me make it up to you.” He stood to open the door for you as you trudged past him.

“And just how are you going to do that?” Truthfully, you were only walking so slow to keep the conversation going for as long as you could. You’d definitely regret staying up so late especially because you have an early class the next morning, but something about Peter kept you pulled in.

“We can study together in the library tomorrow. I’ll even get us some ice cream afterward. You know, as an apology.” You stopped in front of your door and laughed. “Okay, Peter but I’m serious this time. I need to study.” You eyed him, but to Peter he only found it funny due to your height difference. You weren't intimidating to him at all.

Mostly because you weren't actively trying to kill him like most of the people he encounters during this time of night, but that's besides the point.

“Hey, I’m serious too! You’re not the only one with work to do.” He rolled his eyes. You exchanged numbers with him, bidding him goodnight and going into your dorm. 

You weren’t one for most college boys, especially because most of them held an arrogant attitude to themselves, but Peter felt different. He seemed genuine and you couldn’t help but look forward to "studying" with him.

a/n: may or may not do a part 2 for this, depends on how much motivation i have

[ginger-snap-talkin-nonsense]

🔥 Danny Phantom?

Danny Phantom is charmless.

Butch Hartman is a fan of superhero comics, I think that’s something most animation fans are aware of seeing as he wouldn’t ever let you forget while he was working on cartoons. So getting to do a your friendly neighborhood ghost teen seems like a slam dunk…until you remember what most comic fans are like. And then you remember what Butch Hartman is like.

People have really good memories of what Danny Phantom was, but most of those people either haven’t watched it since they were a kid or don’t want to watch it critically now. Because watching it critically you quickly realize that there’s nothing worth your time that another series wasn’t already doing better at the time.

What is it about Danny Phantom that appeals to people?

Is it the superhero in high school shenanigans?

Kim Possible, Spider-Man, and X-Men: Evolution we’re right there, and they did every schtick Danny Phantom did better in spades.

Was it the characters?

Which ones? The parents fans try to rewrite as abusive, malicious nutcases, the blank slate who occasionally says the word ‘NASA’ to convince you he has a shred of personality, the Jewish goth girl who the shows beats mercilessly into the ground and is the only character with certified bad parents, the black tech kid who’s a walking punchline and also plays into the ‘predatory black man’ trope, or one of the many side characters who are all about as deep and refreshing as a dirt patch in a desert.

Oh but what about the villains? Those were always great!

Always? Danny Phantom had a handful of fun reoccurring villains but most outstayed their welcome really early. And far too many were way darker than a show like this needed. Like, why the fuck is Spectra’s plan to kill Danny’s sister in front of him and then psychologically abuse him until he believes it’s his fault? This is some Cruel Summer shit, not exactly yuck yuck the ghost spider-man hilarity you want out of your Nick show.

At the end of the day you liked:

-The voice of Technus and Walker

-The aesthetics of Ember and Skulker

-The idea of the ghost kid

-The idea of Danny getting a dog

-Vlad

-The Box Ghost who was a joke character

-Feeling like you were cool for liking a dark character Spectra or Control Freak (who you might’ve also like for aesthetic alone it depended)

I’d love to add Valerie on here but the show deeply regretted having a black woman be a potential love interest for a white boy so she got the mega shaft in universe and I don’t feel like piling on.

Butch Hartman came up with an idea that boiled down to “cheap Spider-Man clone” with a ghost aesthetic. And couldn’t be bothered to make any of the characters for it compelling or endearing because he was already too busy creaming his pants over all the second rate quips he could write and new powers he could blast the bad guys with.

[estaie]

Apartment Rental: 12Top Factors for Furnished vs Unfurnished

Choosing between an unfurnished and a furnished apartment rental can greatly impact your living experience, especially in a diverse and rapidly growing region like the UAE. Whether you're relocating for work, seeking a new home for your family, or simply moving within the country, understanding the differences between these two types of apartment rentals is essential.

Furnished Apartments: These come fully equipped with furniture, appliances, and essential household items, offering convenience and immediate comfort. Furnished rentals are ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free move, with everything ready upon arrival. They’re also a great choice for short-term stays, such as business assignments or temporary relocations. Popular areas like Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi's Al Reem Island offer a variety of furnished apartments catering to both luxury and budget-conscious renters.

Unfurnished Apartments: On the other hand, unfurnished rentals provide a blank canvas, allowing you to personalize your space to suit your style. These are generally more cost-effective in the long run, as they typically have lower rent. Unfurnished apartments are ideal for those planning a longer stay or who already own furniture. Areas like Dubai's Jumeirah Village Circle and Sharjah's Al Khan neighborhood offer a range of unfurnished options.

Ultimately, the decision between furnished and unfurnished apartments depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how long you plan to stay. Whether you’re looking for flexibility or long-term savings, the UAE offers diverse options to meet your needs.

 1. Introduction

Apartment rentals in the UAE are in high demand, driven by the country’s rapid growth and its vibrant expatriate community. Whether you're considering an unfurnished or a furnished apartment rental, each option offers unique advantages and considerations that cater to different lifestyles and needs.

Furnished Apartments: Furnished rentals come ready with all the essential furniture and appliances, making them an ideal choice for those who value convenience and a quick move-in experience. They are particularly suitable for expatriates or short-term residents who may not want to invest in furnishing a home. The downside, however, can be the higher rental cost, as you're paying for the convenience of a fully equipped living space. Areas like Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island are popular for their wide range of furnished apartment options, from luxurious to more budget-friendly.

Unfurnished Apartments: In contrast, unfurnished apartments offer more flexibility and personalization. These spaces allow you to create a home that reflects your style and preferences, often at a lower rental cost compared to furnished options. Unfurnished apartments are ideal for long-term residents or families who prefer to bring their own furniture and make a more permanent home in the UAE. Neighborhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai and Al Khan in Sharjah are known for their availability of unfurnished rentals.

Ultimately, the choice between furnished and unfurnished apartments in the UAE depends on your personal needs, budget, and how long you plan to stay. This blog will guide you through these considerations, helping you make an informed decision for your next move.

 2. What is an Unfurnished Apartment Rental?

An unfurnished apartment rental typically includes basic fixtures such as lighting, plumbing, and essential built-in kitchen appliances like a stove or oven. However, it does not come with furniture, meaning you'll need to bring or purchase your own. This type of rental offers a blank canvas, allowing you to fully customize your living space to match your personal style and preferences.

For many, the appeal of an unfurnished apartment lies in the freedom to create a home that feels uniquely theirs. If you already own furniture or have a specific vision for your interior design, an unfurnished space allows you to bring that vision to life without the constraints of existing decor. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for long-term residents or those who have accumulated their own belongings over time.

Moreover, unfurnished apartments often come at a lower rental cost compared to furnished ones, making them a more budget-friendly option in the long run. While the initial investment in furniture might seem daunting, it can be more economical over an extended period, especially for those planning to stay in one place for a while.

In the UAE, areas like Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa City offer a variety of unfurnished apartments, catering to individuals and families who seek to create a personalized living environment. Whether you're looking for a modern apartment or a more traditional space, opting for an unfurnished rental allows you to make your house truly feel like home.

In the UAE, unfurnished apartment rentals are widely available in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. For instance, in Dubai’s popular Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) areas, many high-rise buildings offer unfurnished apartments, giving tenants the freedom to design their home as they see fit.

 3. What is a Furnished Apartment Rental?

A furnished apartment rental comes fully equipped with furniture and essential household items, making it a convenient option for those seeking a move-in ready home. These apartments typically include beds, sofas, dining tables, and often smaller appliances like microwaves, toasters, and sometimes even kitchenware. This setup is ideal for individuals who prioritize convenience, such as expatriates, business travelers, or anyone needing temporary housing.

One of the main advantages of a furnished apartment is the ease and speed of moving in. With everything already in place, you can avoid the hassle of purchasing and transporting furniture, making it a stress-free option for those with busy schedules or those new to the area. This type of rental is also beneficial for those who may only need a place to stay for a short period, as it eliminates the need to invest in furnishings that might not be necessary in the long term.

Furnished apartments are often found in popular urban areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, where there is high demand for temporary and luxury accommodations. While the rent for a furnished apartment may be higher than an unfurnished one, the added convenience and reduced upfront costs often justify the price, especially for those who value a seamless transition into their new home.

Overall, furnished apartment rentals offer a practical solution for those who want to settle in quickly and comfortably, making them a preferred choice for many renters in the UAE.

In the UAE, furnished apartment rentals are especially popular in areas like Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. These areas are known for their luxury offerings, with apartments that cater to the needs of business professionals, expatriates, and tourists.

 4. Cost Comparison: Unfurnished vs. Furnished Apartment Rentals

When considering an apartment rental in the UAE, cost is a major factor that influences the decision between furnished and unfurnished options. Unfurnished apartment rentals typically offer lower monthly rents compared to furnished ones, making them a more budget-friendly choice in the long run. However, it's important to account for the initial cost of purchasing furniture and household items, which can add up quickly, especially if you're starting from scratch.

The lower rent of an unfurnished apartment often appeals to those planning to stay in the UAE for an extended period. Over time, the savings on rent can outweigh the upfront investment in furnishings, making unfurnished apartments a cost-effective option for long-term residents. Additionally, these apartments frequently come with longer lease terms, which can provide stability and peace of mind if you're looking to settle down in one place.

On the other hand, while furnished apartments come with higher monthly rents, they save you the expense and effort of furnishing your home. The convenience of moving into a fully equipped space can be worth the additional cost, especially for short-term stays or those who prefer not to deal with the logistics of buying and moving furniture.

Ultimately, the choice between unfurnished and furnished rentals in the UAE depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay. Weighing these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial and living needs.

Furnished apartment rentals, while often more expensive on a monthly basis, eliminate the need for a large upfront investment in furniture. They also offer greater flexibility, often with shorter lease terms, making them ideal for short-term stays or frequent movers.

For example, a furnished apartment rental in Dubai’s Business Bay might cost significantly more than an unfurnished one in the same area. However, the furnished option could be more cost-effective if you’re only staying for a few months, as it saves you from buying and moving furniture.

 5. Flexibility in Lease Terms

One of the primary differences between unfurnished and furnished apartment rentals is the flexibility in lease terms. Unfurnished apartment rentals typically come with longer lease agreements, often spanning one year or more. This longer commitment can provide a sense of stability and security, making it an attractive option for those planning to stay in one place for an extended period.

For individuals or families who are looking to settle down in the UAE, the longer lease terms associated with unfurnished apartments offer the reassurance of a stable living situation without the frequent need to renew or renegotiate the lease. This is particularly beneficial in a fast-paced and ever-evolving market like the UAE, where securing a long-term rental can provide peace of mind.

In contrast, furnished apartments often cater to those seeking more flexibility, with shorter lease terms available to accommodate temporary stays, such as business trips, relocations, or short-term assignments. While this flexibility is advantageous for those needing temporary accommodation, it might not be ideal for someone looking for a permanent residence.

The choice between an unfurnished and a furnished apartment rental often depends on your long-term plans and the level of stability you desire. If you're planning to make the UAE your home for a significant period, an unfurnished apartment with a longer lease might be the best fit, offering both financial benefits and the security of a long-term living arrangement.

Conversely, furnished apartment rentals often offer more flexible lease terms, with options for monthly or six-month leases. This flexibility is particularly appealing to expatriates, business travelers, or those in transitional phases of their life.

In cities like Abu Dhabi, areas like Al Reem Island offer both unfurnished and furnished apartment rentals with varying lease terms, catering to a wide range of needs and lifestyles.

 6. Personalization and Design Control

An unfurnished apartment rental allows you complete control over the interior design and personalization of your living space. You can choose your own furniture, decor, and layout to create a home that reflects your personal style and preferences.

On the other hand, a furnished apartment rental limits your ability to personalize the space, as the furniture and decor are already in place. However, this can also be seen as a benefit for those who prefer a hassle-free living arrangement without the need to purchase or move furniture.

In the UAE, areas like Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Saadiyat Island offer a variety of both unfurnished and furnished apartment rentals, allowing residents to choose the level of personalization they desire.

 7. Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintenance is another key factor to consider when choosing between an unfurnished and a furnished apartment rental. In an unfurnished apartment, you are responsible for the upkeep of your own furniture and appliances, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

In contrast, furnished apartment rentals often include maintenance services as part of the lease agreement, meaning any repairs or replacements needed for the provided furniture and appliances are handled by the landlord or property management. This can be a significant advantage for busy professionals or those who prefer a more hands-off approach to home maintenance.

For example, serviced apartment rentals in Dubai Marina often come fully furnished and include comprehensive maintenance services, making them a popular choice for expatriates and business travelers.

 8. Ideal Locations in the UAE for Furnished and Unfurnished Rentals

The UAE offers a wide range of options for both unfurnished and furnished apartment rentals, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Here are some of the top locations:

- Dubai: Areas like Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Palm Jumeirah are known for their high-end furnished apartment rentals, offering luxury living with all the conveniences of a serviced apartment. Unfurnished options are plentiful in Dubai Marina, JLT, and Al Barsha, where residents can enjoy more affordable rents and the freedom to personalize their homes.

- Abu Dhabi: Yas Island and Al Reem Island offer a mix of furnished and unfurnished apartment rentals, catering to both long-term residents and short-term visitors. These areas are ideal for families, professionals, and expatriates seeking a comfortable and convenient living environment.

- Sharjah: For those looking for more affordable apartment rentals, Sharjah offers a variety of unfurnished options in areas like Al Nahda and Al Majaz. Furnished apartment rentals are also available, particularly in newer developments that cater to the growing expatriate community.

 9. Convenience for Expats and Short-Term Renters

Furnished apartment rentals are particularly advantageous for expatriates and short-term renters. These apartments come equipped with everything you need, allowing you to move in with just your suitcase. This level of convenience is ideal for those who are new to the UAE or who are not planning to stay long-term.

Unfurnished apartment rentals, while offering more freedom and potentially lower costs, may not be as convenient for short-term renters who would need to purchase or rent furniture. This makes furnished options in areas like Dubai Silicon Oasis and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa City a popular choice among expatriates.

 10. The Future of Apartment Rentals in the UAE

The apartment rental market in the UAE continues to evolve, with both unfurnished and furnished options remaining in high demand. As more people move to the UAE for work and leisure, the need for flexible, convenient living arrangements will likely grow.

Developments like Dubai Creek Harbour and Saadiyat Island are leading the way with a mix of unfurnished and furnished apartment rentals, designed to meet the diverse needs of residents. Whether you prefer the freedom of an unfurnished space or the convenience of a furnished one, the UAE offers plenty of options to suit your lifestyle.

11. Conclusion

Deciding between an unfurnished and a furnished apartment rental depends on your personal needs, lifestyle, and the length of your stay in the UAE. Unfurnished apartments offer the freedom to create a space that reflects your style, while furnished apartments provide convenience and flexibility, especially for short-term stays.

Whether you're moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, the UAE's diverse real estate market offers a wide range of apartment rental options to suit every need. By considering factors such as cost, flexibility, and maintenance, you can find the perfect apartment rental that provides the comfort and convenience you desire. Book now with estaie.

[weepingbarbarianphilosopher]

Experience the Benefits of Recurring Cleaning Services in Allentown PA

Introduction

Keeping your house easy and tidy will also be a not at House cleaning services near me all-finishing assignment. With busy schedules and various different everyday jobs, or not it's convenient for cleaning to fall by means of the wayside. That's the place habitual cleansing services are available. By hiring pro cleaners on a traditional groundwork, residential cleaning near me you might adventure a wide differ of blessings for you to decorate your nice of life and offer you peace of mind.

In Allentown PA, there are various cleaning provider providers that provide recurring cleansing solutions adapted on your particular necessities. Whether you might be on the lookout for a one-time deep clean or ongoing repairs, these amenities can aid store your home spotless and equipped.

Top Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services in Allentown PA

Time-Saving: One of the critical reward of hiring respectable cleansing features is the time it saves you. Instead of spending hours each and every week cleaning, that you would be able to free up a while to point of interest on greater priceless things like work, kinfolk, or activities.

Expertise and Experience: Professional cleaners have the skills and enjoy to tackle even the hardest cleansing obligations. They are skilled inside the most up-to-date cleansing procedures and have get entry to to really expert methods and gear that guarantee a thorough and valuable easy.

Consistent Results: When you appoint recurring cleaning products and services, you could predict constant outcomes each time. The cleaners follow a close guidelines and cling to excessive ideas, leaving your private home continuously easy and tidy.

Customized Cleaning Plans: Cleaning service providers in Allentown PA supply customized cleansing plans that cater on your explicit wants and preferences. Whether you choose a pale touch-up or a deep sparkling, they can tailor their features to fulfill your necessities.

Reliability: With ordinary cleansing features, you have got the peace of thoughts figuring out that your house should be cleaned on a commonly used schedule. You can place confidence in the cleaners to show up on time and total the process on your pride.

Health Benefits: A blank and tidy dwelling isn't always most effective aesthetically alluring however also promotes a more fit living ecosystem. Professional cleaners use eco-friendly cleansing merchandise and concepts that put off filth, allergens, and micro organism, reducing the hazard of respiratory considerations and allergy symptoms.

Why Choose Local Cleaning Services in Allentown PA?

Supporting the Local Economy: By making a choice on local cleaning functions in Allentown PA, you are helping the nearby financial system and helping small corporations thrive. These groups most of the time hire local citizens and give a contribution to the neighborhood's development.

Personalized Attention: Local cleansing provider vendors prioritize personalised realization and targeted visitor pleasure. They try to construct lengthy-time period relationships with their clients and are more likely to go the greater mile to meet your detailed necessities.

Quick Response Time: When you judge n

[upgradeyourkitchen]

A Comprehensive Guide to Hire a Kitchen Company for Kitchen Restorations and Upgrades in Kent

Meals are prepared in your kitchen, which serves as the gathering place for family memories. Renovations not only make a space more efficient but also provide you a blank canvas on which to show your individuality and creativity. Are you considering a kitchen makeover? If so, it would be advantageous to have a professional in Kitchen Restorations Kent oversee your remodeling process.

Getting the assistance of a kitchen design specialist from your neighborhood showroom can elevate your project above a do-it-yourself kitchen makeover. Our kitchen design specialists at Upgrade Your Kitchens are knowledgeable about the finest remodeling options to raise the value of your house. They assist you in selecting the greatest features and improvements that match your needs and make your home more attractive to future buyers.

Why Hire an Expert for Kitchens Upgrades in Kent?

The experience and quality of work completed by Kitchen Restorations Kent experts is one of the most compelling arguments for selecting them. They have years of training and design expertise in kitchen remodeling. So they provide you with all the little details you need to improve your house.

They assist you in choosing eco-friendly products, such as energy-efficient appliances and sustainable materials, if you are concerned about the environment. They can also create a design that fits your needs and vision while being both visually pleasing and functional. The following are some important justifications for working with a Kitchen Upgrades Kent expert:

ü Time-saving Techniques

Your everyday routine may be disrupted by the weeks or even months it takes to do DIY kitchen remodeling. Experts in kitchen renovation work quickly and under tight time constraints. Because of their experience, they can complete the project in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself.

ü Superior Craftsmanship

Experts in Kitchen Upgrades Kent take pleasure in their job and make sure that every little detail is carried out exactly as intended. They provide the best quality and accuracy in their job, from installing cabinets to polishing countertops.

ü Availability of High-Quality Materials

Experts in kitchen renovations can choose from a large assortment of premium materials and finishes. They can provide you advice on the finest options based on your preferences and financial situation. Furthermore, they may get these supplies at a discount, guaranteeing that your kitchen renovation does not break the bank.

Key Advantages of Hiring Kitchen Companies in Ashford

There are several advantages to hiring Kitchen Companies in Ashford that go beyond simply making your culinary paradise seem better. A contractor holds the key to enabling a smooth and prosperous kitchen renovation, thanks to their expertise in current design trends, network of dependable suppliers, and ability to work with talented artisans.

With minimal stress and maximum delight, they will make sure that your idea becomes a reality — from conception and planning to flawless execution and timely completion. As a result, your project may go more swiftly because the contractor won’t have to waste time looking for trustworthy subcontractors.

Because of their continuous working connection with the contractor, these subcontractors frequently provide competitive prices. The following are some main advantages of using expert kitchen companies:

ü Design and functionality expertise

Kitchen Companies in Ashford collaborates with designers who can maximize space, enhance productivity, and develop a kitchen that fits your demands and style. They can assist you in avoiding typical layout errors and guarantee an ergonomic and practical design.

ü High-quality Products and Materials

Kitchen businesses may provide you with access to high-quality countertops, appliances, cabinets, and other materials at possibly lower costs than you’d discover on your own because they often have established ties with suppliers.

ü Project Management and Coordination

From design and planning to installation and making sure everything conforms with local building requirements, they manage the whole project. By doing this, you save the headache of managing several subcontractors on your own.

[rahulp678]

Discover the Ultimate Luxury Living Experience at Somani Dream Home in Punawale, Pune

Are you searching for your dream home in Pune? Look no further than Somani Dream Home, nestled in the vibrant locale of Punawale. This luxurious residential project by Somani Builders Pune offers an unparalleled living experience, redefining the concept of modern living in Pune.

A Haven of Luxury:

At Somani Dream Home, luxury isn't just a word; it's a way of life. Step into a world where every corner exudes elegance and sophistication. From the moment you enter the premises, you'll be greeted by meticulously landscaped gardens, inviting you to unwind and relax amidst nature's embrace.

Thoughtfully Designed Residences:

Choose from a range of meticulously crafted 2BHK and 3BHK apartments, each designed to perfection to meet the needs of modern-day living. Spacious layouts, premium finishes, and thoughtful design elements ensure that every residence at somani is a sanctuary of comfort and style.

Unmatched Amenities:

At Somani, every amenity has been carefully curated to enhance your lifestyle. Whether you're looking to stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center, unwind by the sparkling swimming pool, or socialize with neighbors at the community clubhouse, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Prime Location:

Conveniently located in Punawale, the project offers easy access to a plethora of lifestyle amenities, including schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and entertainment hubs. With excellent connectivity to major roadways and public transportation, commuting to any part of Pune is a breeze.

Secure Gated Community:

Your safety and security are our top priorities at Dream Home. Rest assured knowing that your home is nestled within a secure gated community with round-the-clock security surveillance, providing you with peace of mind and a sense of comfort.

Your Dream Home Awaits:

It's time to turn your dream of owning a luxurious home into a reality at Somani Dream Home. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree seeking tranquility, there's a perfect home waiting for you here.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the ultimate luxury living experience in Punawale, Pune. Visit this project  today and embark on a journey towards a life of comfort, style, and sophistication. Your dream home awaits!

Seamless Connectivity

One of the standout features of Dream Home is its seamless connectivity to key areas in Pune. Situated just minutes away from major transportation hubs, including highways and metro stations, residents enjoy easy commutes to work, school, and leisure destinations.

Sustainable Living

Somani Dream Home is not just about luxury; it's also committed to sustainable living. With eco-friendly initiatives like rainwater harvesting, solar panels for energy efficiency, and green spaces for recreation, residents can embrace a lifestyle that's both luxurious and environmentally conscious.

Community Living

At Somani Dream Home, you're not just buying a house; you're becoming part of a vibrant community. From festive celebrations to community events and sports tournaments, there's always something exciting happening within the neighborhood. Forge lasting friendships and create cherished memories with your neighbors at Somani Dream Home.

Personalized Interiors

Each apartment at Somani Dream Home is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist style or a cozy traditional ambiance, the customizable interiors allow you to express your unique personality and create a home that reflects your taste and preferences.

Unmatched Value

Investing in estate  isn't just about buying a property; it's about securing your future. With property values on the rise in Punawale and Pune's booming real estate market, owning a home at Somani Dream Home is not only a lifestyle choice but also a smart financial investment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Somani Dream Home offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury living at its finest. With its luxurious living spaces, modern amenities, convenient location, and commitment to sustainability, it's more than just a place to live—it's a lifestyle. Don't miss out on the chance to make your new address and embark on a journey of luxury, comfort, and community.

Schedule a visit today and discover why Somani Dream Home is the perfect place to call home in Punawale, Pune.

VISIT: https://somanidreamhome.com/

[reshmi-sakthivel]

Tech Checks: Harnessing the Power of Software for Effortless Printing

Effective money management is essential for individuals and businesses in the modern digital era. One area where technology has advanced significantly is the writing and printing of checks. Software for printing checks simplifies this process, offering a hassle-free solution for generating professional-looking checks.

Simplify Check Writing And Printing

The days of writing checks by hand and requiring costly pre-printed checks are long gone. Online check writing and printing have been made simpler with the check printing software. Users only require a printer and blank stock papers, which are easily obtained at their neighborhood office supply store. The software optimizes the check creation process, saving you important time and money whether you run a small business, work as a freelancer, or manage your accounts.

Centralized Financial Management Made Easy

Keeping track of money across several bank accounts can take time and effort. Because it allows customers to integrate various bank accounts from over 22,000 banks and financial organizations, the check printing software provides a comprehensive solution. Financial administration is made easier with this consolidated method, which offers a single platform for tracking transactions, account reconciliation, and suspicious activity detection. Users get a clear picture of their financial transactions using the bank reconciliation statement, which improves security and peace of mind.

Cost-Effective Check Printing Solutions

Ordering checks using traditional methods can be expensive and time-consuming. This procedure is revolutionized by this platform, which provides premium check printing software for free. Users can avoid waiting on pre-printed checks and save up to 80% on check printing expenses by using the software. Checks can be printed in your office on demand in minutes, saving you from having to wait days for delivery. Businesses may easily and affordably print high-quality checks using a printer and blank stock paper.

Enhanced Security Measures

With software for printing checks, security is a top priority. Strong security measures are in place on this platform to protect your transactions and financial data. Sensitive data is safeguarded by encryption measures, which lower the possibility of fraud or illegal access. The software also has capabilities that add an additional degree of security and responsibility, like audit trails and digital signatures. With the help of these advanced safety precautions, consumers can rest easy knowing that their financial transactions are protected.

Experience Convenience and Efficiency

In conclusion, software for printing checks offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency for businesses and individuals alike. The cloud-based platform offers a user-friendly interface and strong capabilities to optimize financial management, making the process of writing and printing checks simpler. Users can lower expenses, increase productivity, and protect themselves against fraud by adopting technology. Bid farewell to outdated techniques of ordering checks and embrace the capabilities of software to achieve effortless printing.

Time is money in today's hectic world, and check printing software can help save both. Use the all-in-one platform's capabilities to personally witness the ease and effectiveness. Simplify your financial management and take control of the check printing needs with ease.

[lachlanbancks]

Making a Memory Cookbook: 10 Tips That Ensure Success

I've created a number of memory books. My mother-in-law's dishes from a memory cookbook were the first one. I combed through Nana's recipe boxes with assistance from a family member, selecting the greatest dishes. I created ten memory books in total, which I handed to family members as Christmas presents. They became popular right away.

I'm now creating a memory cookbook for a friend who is relocating. She has been a long-time contributor to our group, and the other members will miss her dearly. We've put together a cookbook of dishes that are served during club meetings, and the selection is coming together beautifully. You may make an appealing cookbook with the help of these suggestions.

Choose a theme. Food provided at meetings is the theme of the novel I'm now writing. But once everyone had contributed a dish for food that will be served, I let members submit their other favorite meals since they wanted to share more.

Estimate the number of recipes you'll need. I'm trying to get 25 or so, and I'm almost there. Keep in mind that you want the participants in this endeavor to have fun rather than labor.

Choose the presentation method for the recipes. Since a three-ring binder is the same size as paper, it works well. You can purchase blank notebooks with decorated pages from specialised shops.

Select a stylish font. I made the decision to stand out by using the font Berlin. I like how the letters have an Art Deco feel to them. You might like a different font.

Select the format you want. I'm printing titles in 18 point, for instance, and recipe instructions in 14. Reading is made simpler by these sizes. Make a note of your formatting choices to guarantee consistency.

Add some character. People who have contributed to the memory cookbook I'm now creating are providing me other details, such when they make the food and whether it has been handed down through the generations. Each submission becomes unique as a result.

Cite the writers. You must cite the title and author of the cookbook the submission is from. In addition to being moral, this avoids potential legal issues. Being accused of stealing is one thing you do not need in your life.

Keep the pages safe. I tuck each page into a plastic sleeve to prevent spills and drips from destroying the paper. The plastic sleeves also do away with the tedious and perhaps painful task of repeatedly punching holes in paper.

Separate the collection into groups. There are only two sections in this short book: Sweet and Savory. Browse the books in your neighborhood bookshop or on Amazon for category ideas.

Include a cover image. I've drawn inspiration from a picture of club members posing in front of the recipient's home. Even though not every member is visible in the picture, it's still a fantastic image that should be significant.

It's so much fun creating a memory cookbook that I'm sure I'll do it again. A memory cookbook is not an expensive gift; rather, it is a kind and friendly gift. My buddy will remember the club members and all the enjoyable meetings we shared as she prepares these meals.

Read More: Are You In The Know?

[jannelbabblessims]

The Poppy Diaries: Part 1- The Proud Parent Journey

(TW: Mild language/swearing)

“When the dream is worth fighting for, are you ready for the cost?”

–POPPY—

This is not your normal story… There was no “love conquers all” or “love at first sight” moment to bring me to this time of need. I just woke up to it.

Let me stress this, I didn’t know who I was. I can’t even seem to remember my life before all this. Everything just seemed so blank till this. I just woke up with this whole life beginning and a plan. To be a parent. And a proud one at that.

This insatiable need to make this purpose unfold was just as immediate as my eyes opened from what felt like a long slumber.

There was just one problem…It couldn’t happen without another, and well… There wasn’t anyone else in my life at this moment.

So I had a plan.. I needed to find a man. He didn’t need to be anything special, Hell I didn’t even care for his name. He was part of a plan and he didn’t even need to know about it later…

Was that terrible of me to do? Maybe… but again, I had one goal and it didn’t say there needed to be two people to continue this, just to start it.

I looked over job opportunities on my phone and everything just didn’t seem to fit my needs. Having this baby required a lot of objectives I needed to fulfill and I WAS going to do this alone.. So I needed to make sure I could spend as much time with my child as possible. They needed to be perfect, after all.

I was lucky enough to find some plants and random things buried in the ground in my neighborhood. Thankfully I was able to plant some of the plants and start my little garden outside. I just hope I can figure out a year-round solution.

With everything planted there really wasn’t much else to do, so in other words, Time to look for a man!

So I knew I didn’t want to find him near me… For one, every guy in willow creek was either married or…..weirdly out of style.. It just was not going to work and I especially didn’t want to relive any regrets when I looked out my window and saw them strolling down the street with some tiny shorts and an eyeball ring… Oh God no…

I thought why not something a little more mysterious…. And most of all, FAR FAR away.

Ok let me tell you, this place was mysterious enough and also came with a lot of warning signs that matched up with a “BEWARE OF DOG” vibe. Guessing this town was much like Brindleton and Dog friendly, which I was not..

Thankfully I didn’t seem to spot any but I did see a rather sketchy-looking group of people hanging over by a trailer in the middle of this town. The area didn’t have much else but garbage everywhere and a fire pit that they were all huddled around. There was someone who oozed power and intimidation. They must’ve heard me nearby because “The leader” looked my way, narrowed their eyes, and made their way over to this beat-up workout machine and proceeded to pump some iron furiously….Like almost an animalistic rage-inducing manner. That was not meeting my objective at all. Too terrifying to me.

But the other person there, He was something pretty cute. A bit scruffy of a dude but he offered a friendly smile my way and this just set my wheels turning in my head. He wasn’t too much but at least he was attractive enough for my potential child. Again I know I am terrible but like, I didn’t have time for a slow burn romance or anything.

Guy kept smiling. He was definitely checking me out (which my coldwear was not really appreciative enough for this interaction but I will take it) and just continued to smile. He had a messy beanie on his long wild hair and was wearing a torn up shirt to go with his torn up pants.

He looked like he could potentially be a super slob or homeless but dang, that smile..

It didn’t take long for him to decide to approach me. Which thank God for that because I didn’t have a plan otherwise.

He sauntered over in with a slight muscly swagger, at first I thought his physic was rather slim but as he got closer in this darkness It was very clear that this man had some definition for sure.

“Hey,” he called out, still fucking smiling with that cute smile (What’s wrong with me?!), “You lost?”

“Uhhhhh” I stuttered out in my OH SO CLUMSY WAY. Apparently, words were hard.

“Do you need any help getting home girlie?” He smirked, clearly loving my lack of vocabulary at this moment, “I’m sure I can help ya out if you need.”

Oh boy, I suddenly needed it.

“Oh, could you?” I countered, this time a bit more flirty in tone and with actual words, “Because that would do me SO much good right now.”

I really don’t think he expected me to say that at all, the look of shock on his face brought so much triumph within me. Literally, 5 minutes with this guy and I already felt some need to best him.

A soft growl was heard nearby, I peeked back over to the ragey shadow that was pumping iron a few seconds ago and found no one there.. Weird, that was so sudden.

Mr. Beanie stepped closer, “They left, girlie.”

I have no Idea what is up with this guy, if he is trying to be sexy or what but at this moment I didn’t care. I literally put myself into the most vulnerable place, in some weirdly dark abandoned town with some rough-looking dude. I just needed to woman up and get this over with.

“Perfect,” My own devious smile peeked out, “Means the two of us can find somewhere fun to be in this old town?”

I was a little disappointed when he didn’t seem the least bit surprised, I was hoping this would be a moment of “This girl is freaking wild” but no….Just more smiling…

He grabbed my hand and started pulling me towards a dirt road, Lots and lots of dark followed and I am not gonna lie, I am a bit worried about this but at this time I feel I am in too deep now…

“Here, Let’s go grab a drink nearby and get to know eachother better,”

—–The Next day—–

Ok so…. We definitely rolled around in a bush… Yes, a literal bush outside this “bar” which was actually an old double-decker bus?

I have no freaking idea what I was thinking…My mind was so set on this whole baby thing I really was not thinking like a smart human being AT ALL. I could’ve been killed by the looks of this guy! I don’t even remember his name.

He was gentlemanly enough I guess..IF that’s what you can even call it. He got us some drinks and we sat around by a nearby fire and chatted, maybe got our names exchanged at most and some flirts out here and there. Soon enough though he was dragging me into this bush! which at that point sounded like the most approving move to make because the heat was ON.

I can’t believe it, I got sloppy drunk and I woohoo’ed in a bush with a stranger…

Nausea seems to be consuming me today and I can’t tell at the moment what that could be from…Regrets? No not really, Embarrassment? Well, I wasn’t really being smart…But let’s be real my whole plan wasn’t the smartest.

I wonder If I will ever see that man again? Do I even want to?

TO BE CONTINUED……

[just-here-for-the-moment]

For the DIFFERENT POV GAME:

I want Javi’s POV on this whole adorable scene.

Okay, my Queen @quica-quica-quica, I want you to know that I suuuuucked in a huge breath when I saw this Ask, because I was entirely unsure if I could do this. It seemed like a really hard challenge, but FOR YOU I’ll try anything.

I dug in to see what I could do, and of course because I can’t just write succinctly I had to start waaaaaay back in the beginning of the story to get Javier where I needed him for the phone number scene… hope that’s okay!!

Thank you for challenging me this way! This went from scary to amazing in just a few days! I love you so much, my friend!!!

---

Coffee Shop Girl (a companion piece to “For Now” told from Javier’s point of view)

Word count: 3000+

Rating: mature, 18+ only

Outline: Javier Peña x “You” (Austin coffee shop barista; cis/het female reader; “blank canvas”/no physical description/no name/no use of “Y/N”)

Warnings: slow-burn; references to previous hiring of sex workers; cigarette smoking; Javier masturbating

Javier Peña felt like he was at loose ends. Not for the first time in his life, but it’s different feeling ‘lost’ as a young man than feeling ‘lost’ when you’re on the wrong side of 40. At least a teenager can still expect their whole life ahead of them. Since leaving the DEA and the fight in Colombia behind, he had been feeling directionless.

Spending some time at his dad’s ranch in Laredo had helped, the way that hard labor and sweat always does. It left him too tired to ruminate, to sink into the blues and feel sorry for himself. He had lined up a teaching job at a university in D.C. but it didn’t start until the fall semester, and Javier wasn’t looking forward to an entire blazing-hot summer on the ranch. So when his friend Bill called from Austin and offered a short contract job doing consulting for one of the state agencies, he jumped at the chance.

Javier landed at Mueller Airport at 2:00 in the afternoon on the second Saturday in June. He made his way out of luggage pickup to the Hertz desk and signed for a rental car. It didn’t take him long to find the apartment complex where Bill had arranged for him to stay. Bill’s coworker’s son had graduated from UT Austin in May, and the lease wasn’t up until August, so everything worked out perfectly. Javi could sublet for the remainder of the summer, and the apartment complex was close enough to the office that he could take the bus, meaning he wouldn’t have to put too many miles on the rental car or pay for parking downtown. A small, blandly furnished one-bedroom apartment near work was perfect. He could make it work for two months, and he had certainly lived in much worse places during his years traveling.

On Monday Javier was introduced around the office and given his portfolio of cases to consult on. He also found out that the coffee in the office was total shit. He had spent too many years drinking government-grade slop at the DEA and other agencies to put up with it now. He wasn’t one to complain, or to order any of the frilly new designer coffee drinks that seemed to be making the rounds among the ladies in the secretarial pool, but he had noticed a coffee shop between here and the bus stop. Some local place, one of those Austin things where they boasted about fair trade and locally roasted beans. If they made a decent cup of black coffee he could splurge, buy a cup on his way into the office each day.

The bus dropped him off at the corner at 7:45, so he could grab a coffee and still be on time to work at 8:00. Punctuality wasn’t always his strong suit, but Javier wanted to at least make a good impression while he was consulting. You never knew who might be a network contact to something good, and he didn’t want to screw Bill over after he had recommended him for the contract.

Tuesday Javier tried the coffee shop and found out that their coffee was not only decent for the price, it was actually good. Wednesday he went back again, this time brushing fingers with the pretty barista by accident. He offered her a “thanks” and then went on his way. Thursday he walked in and stood patiently in line behind two stoner kids trying to make up their minds between breakfast tacos and blueberry muffins. The pretty barista was there again, and she waved him over with a smile, indicating he could skip to the counter and leave the hippie kids in line.

“Black coffee, right?” Her smile actually reached her eyes, and for a moment Javier was very glad for all of the body language and psychology classes he had ever had to sit through. It was nice having a pretty lady smile at you to start your morning, and even better that this one already knew his order. She was quick, he figured, and good at her job if she had his order memorized after only two days as a customer. Not that ‘black coffee, to go’ was a difficult order, but he hadn’t expected to become a regular so quickly.

He smiled and nodded, “That’s right. Thank you.” He looked for a wedding ring and then for a nametag on her black apron, but didn’t see either one. He slid a rumpled $5 bill across the counter, larger than the singles he had paid with the previous two days, but she was nice. “Keep the change.”

He thought he saw her bite her lip as she turned away, and while she was fixing his cup he took a moment to check her out. He wasn’t some kind of pervert who would goose her from over the counter, but from what he could see she was attractive. Hell, most women were attractive to Javier. He suddenly realized it had been a while since he’d gotten laid. His last relationship was years past, and he no longer visited prostitutes regularly. Javier wasn’t a ‘reformed man’ by any means, it was just that that habit had been limited to a specific time and place in his life where he wasn’t stable enough to have a long-term relationship, and it had the added bonus of gathering intelligence.

The barista turned back to him with the cup and when she handed it off their eyes locked and their fingers touched again. He saw her pupils dilate and recognized the little spark that turned over in his own gut. Damn, she really was attractive. But Javier didn’t want to be the kind of lecherous guy who hit on a woman while she was working. Too many men mistook the minimum of customer service friendliness for a sexual invitation. Or worse, like the men who hit on waitresses on purpose since they couldn’t be outright rude to stop them. Javier suppressed a smile and took the cup from her, nodding his thanks.

On Friday when he breezed into the coffee shop he saw the pretty barista smile from behind the counter, and she immediately turned and started pouring his to-go cup. She turned back and gave him the ‘what’s up’ chin nod while holding his cup up. Javier walked up and he slid a few singles across the counter to her.

Javier gave her a warm, “Thanks,” and winked at her. That was at least a harmless bit of flirting, in line with her bright smiles and her friendliness so far. If she liked it, great; and if not, then at least he hadn’t made her uncomfortable by asking for her number or hitting on her directly. When he said, “See you next week,” she smiled that bright smile back. Javier noticed that it again reached her eyes, lighting them up just a bit more than last time. A good sign.

The weekend dragged but Javier filled it up with errands: a run to HEB for groceries and to Highland Mall for a new shirt. If there was the possibility of a date sometime in the next few weeks he at least wanted to wear something other than his work clothes. Saturday night he ordered pizza and watched a movie on TV, some lame action movie with giant muscled guys shooting way too many bullets, and of course all the curse words and a sex scene edited out for network TV. Can’t let the kiddies hear the word ‘shit’ while they’re flipping channels, but watching Stallone blow a guy’s head off is good for their growing brains. He finished his pizza and a cigarette and then felt that tug, the loose ends, a little bored.

Javier took a shower and his mind went to the pretty barista, that smile, the sparkly eyes. He thought about those eyes looking up at him through her lashes, or down at him from on top. He wondered what her skin felt like, imagining the rest of her naked, spread out, touching him all over. He felt a little bit creepy touching himself to the thought of her, hoping it didn’t make him a bad person, hoping he would see her again on Monday. But fuck it, he needed the release. Javier came, spurting hot in the steamy shower as he leaned his head on his forearm and groaned into the cold tile wall. He wished he at least knew her name.

Sunday Javier slept in and then did laundry, tidied up the apartment, and took a jog around the neighborhood. He tried to talk himself out of a repeat of Saturday’s shower. It didn’t work.

On Monday Javier lit up as soon as he stepped off the bus. The first week of the consulting gig had gone well, but today was a big meeting and he knew the agency was not going to like his recommendations. He was constantly trying to quit, but at least he had cut back recently. He was down to a pack a day and only one cup of coffee. That had to count for something, right? Maybe his doctor would finally get off his back about that.

He smoked as rapidly as he could on his way to the coffee shop, and stubbed the cigarette out as soon as he reached the big window that overlooked the street corner. He tucked his sunglasses into the top pocket of his blazer and opened the door to the coffee shop.

The pretty barista was smiling, looking right at him and already holding up his cup of coffee like a game show model holding a prize. Javier felt his heart give a little squeeze, and he smiled and winked at her again as he approached the counter.

“You psychic or something? Or am I just that predictable?”

“Both, maybe.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him and gave him a toothy grin.

Javier opened his wallet and saw that his smallest bill was a $10, but he decided not to ask for change back. She was attentive to her customers, she had surprised him by having coffee ready, and she was cute. “Great service, keep the change.”

Her face lit up and she turned to put the money in the register. Javier turned and exited the front door, and then decided to look back through the big plate glass window. She was looking at him, and Javier realized that meant that she had watched him leave. He hoped he wouldn’t have to tip $10 every time to get that look. He lifted his cup, nodded at her, and then made his way to the office.

Tuesday she had his coffee ready again, so he gave her another wink with his smile, and he thought that she purposely put her fingers in a spot to touch his as she handed the cup over. He paid with a $5 bill again, and then thought about her smile and her touch all the way to the office a few blocks north. He didn’t want her to think that the overtipping was him trying to come on to her; it really was nice to have his order ready to go every day.

On Wednesday she had his coffee ready again as soon as he walked in, but Javier supposed that was a testament to the bus schedule more than his own punctuality. This time he paid with singles. But he didn’t want her to think the smaller tip was because of anything wrong with her customer service, so he smiled a little more warmly, turning the charm up as much as he dared without just outright hitting on her. He noticed she was looking again through the glass as he left. But of course the only reason he knew that was because he had looked, too.

On Thursday Javier decided that it wouldn’t hurt to flirt a little more obviously, but to give her an out in case she wasn’t interested. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable or fuck up his supply of good coffee, so he decided to take it a little slow. When he got to the corner he glanced into the window of the coffee shop and saw the pretty barista looking right at him. He took that as a good sign that she might be receptive to his flirting. He opened the door and let someone exit, then walked up to the counter. She pointed at his cup sitting on the counter in front of her, smiling that bright smile.

He arched an eyebrow up. “You trying to get rid of me? In and out so quickly?”

She grinned at him. “Depends on how long you were planning to stay. We close at 1:00 a.m. after open mic tonight. After that you gotta go somewhere else.” That was the most that she’d spoken to him yet. Javier decided to take his chance.

“And what time do you get off, after the morning shift?”

“Depends on who’s asking.” She winked and then bit the inside of her lips, like she had said something she shouldn’t have.

Javier decided to be direct. At least that would give her the chance to say ‘no’ if she wasn’t interested. He locked eyes with her and said, “I am.”

He was relieved to see her flash that big smile, all pretty soft lips and sparkly eyes. “I finish at 1:00, after the lunch rush.”

“Good to know.” He stuck his hand out to shake. “I’m Javier, by the way.” She continued to smile as she gave him her name. When she took his hand she gave a good firm shake, not like one of those women who went limp as soon as they shook a man’s hand. Javier liked her even more.

He fished a few bills out of his wallet. “Can I maybe stop by after your shift, take you to lunch sometime?”

“You can do me one better than that.” She reached down to grip the lid and spun the cup. He saw her name and seven digits scribbled in Sharpie. “My phone number’s on the cup.”

Javier gave her the eyebrows, very much enjoying how direct she was. It was nice to get a clear signal from a pretty lady, instead of having to play guessing games and worry about overstepping. He pursed his lips and nodded in approval.

“You do that for all your customers?”

“Just the best tippers.” And there was her pretty smile and her wink again, so soon after the first one.

Javier decided to give her both barrels. He put his hand out again, palm up instead of a handshake. When she put her hand in his he lifted her knuckles to his lips and pressed a soft kiss, giving her a look from under his eyelashes before he let go.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Javier picked up the cup and left, and gave her a warm smile through the glass as he walked away. As soon as he got to the office he jotted her name and the number on a scrap of paper and tucked it into his wallet. He felt hopeful in a way that he hadn’t for a long time, and he rolled the cup endlessly between his palms while he considered his options. Options. Something he sometimes had taken for granted in life, until those moments where they suddenly ran out.

Javier drained the last of the coffee and then scribbled over her number with a Sharpie before tossing the cup in the trash. No sense in letting her number out into the world where some creep might find it. He smoked his third cigarette of the day out on the plaza and thought about her smile, the brush of her fingers on his, the way she approached him directly. He could use a friend in town, one who wasn’t a guy at the agency or an old college buddy. One who was soft and sweet and might be open to a date… or more. He checked his watch and calculated the hours until 1:00 p.m.

Normally he wouldn’t go back to the coffee shop until tomorrow morning, but it wouldn’t hurt to pop back over there today at the end of her shift, see if she wanted to grab lunch, right? He hoped it wouldn’t scare her off, going back so quickly. He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray by the lobby door and jogged back up to his office, taking the stairs two at a time. He wanted to finish up, get this meeting over with, see if he could get over to the coffee shop before she left. He sat in the meeting, watching the clock hands spin slowly, listening to someone drone on about a budget issue that didn’t impact his work, and which could have been a memo in the first place. He felt his irritation creep up the longer the meeting went on.

Finally the meeting closed and Javier hopped to his feet. He told Bill he was headed to lunch and then jogged back down the stairwell instead of waiting for the elevator. He walked the few blocks to the coffee shop, keeping an eye on his watch. He hoped he wouldn’t miss her.

When he got to the coffee shop he opened the door and let his eyes adjust to the dim light for a moment. And then he saw her, slinging her bag over one shoulder and coming out from behind the counter. Javier smiled.

She stopped a foot away and smiled softly, “Hey.”

Javier realized he was still wearing his sunglasses, no wonder it was so dark. He took them off and slipped them into his blazer pocket. He really hoped she wouldn’t think it was weird, him coming back so soon.

“Hey, I’m glad I caught you. Are you busy, or can I take you to lunch today?”

Her face lit up. Good sign. “No, I’m not busy. I’d love to go.”

She gestured out the big window, “There’s a sandwich place around the corner, and a park we can go sit in.”

Javier felt his face split into a wide grin. “That’s perfect.”

---

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[banditthewriter]

A lot of new followers recently so lemme introduce myself!

I'm your friendly neighborhood bandit (she/they)! Sometimes I write, sometimes I gif, sometimes I stare aimlessly at blank walls for days on end.

Happily married to my love Chaotic Neutral. Also happily dating The Twin.

I work full time at a newspaper and mostly I'm remote so I can spend my day with my husband and our pets; Nola (dog), Meeko (cat/raccoon), and Ysabeau (dog).

Open door policy here so if you have questions or wanna talk to me about anything, cmon in!

[imgoingtocrash]

my teen angst bullshit has a body count

by @imgoingtocrash for @hailxhydra

Rating: T

Relationships: Peter Parker & Tony Stark, Ned Leeds & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Avengers Team

Characters: Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Ned Leeds, Flash Thompson, Jim Morita, Hydra Agents

Summary:

“Correcting people all the time, sucking up attention with the whole goody two-shoes act. I’m saying you’re a teacher’s pet, loser. And one day, everyone’s going to see it for the act that it is, and when they do—”

Peter’s hearing blanks out.

Pet.

It echoes.

Two years ago, Peter Parker escaped Hydra's control and was taken in by the Avengers. Traumatized from the experience but healing, Peter's starting to get a hang of this whole normal teenager thing. However, when Flash brings up a happily forgotten trigger from his past, Tony comes to give comfort and remind Peter that he's worth more to his loved ones than Hydra could have ever dreamed of.

Read on AO3

My fic for @friendly-neighborhood-exchange! Hopefully you enjoy it @hailxhydra!!!

Full fic under the cut as requested by the exchange:

“—But I’m asking if it’s a good movie.”

“I’m telling you, it was either picking Selena for the third time or Rio, which is a stupid animated movie about birds.” Ned shakes his head dramatically. “Everybody else will fall asleep, and if everybody falls asleep, then Misses Rodriguez will give us a pop quiz instead of letting us have a movie day.”

“But I like animated movies. We like them. We watched A Bug’s Life like last week!”

“Because you hadn’t seen it before! Your film under-education is criminal, and if I don’t help you fix it, who will?!”

Ned has a point. Being kidnapped and raised by Hydra after the age of six really limits a person’s entertainment consumption, as he’s learned more than ever now that he’s surrounded by other teenagers who grew up with movies and tv shows to watch at their fingertips.

“I mean, Steve does have a list…” Peter points out weakly.

Steve keeps it in his little notebook along with other things he doesn’t understand the references to yet. He tried to encourage Peter to start something like that in the beginning, but Peter’s never really considered himself a list person. He just sort of soaks up the world now, like a curious sponge. Sometimes it means he has to Google things he doesn’t really understand the meaning of, but it also means a lot of movie nights with both the other Avengers and Ned, which is actually sort of a bonus.

Ned stops them in the hall. “Yeah, but are they cool movies or are they movies for old people and war veterans who haven’t been alive for the last 100 years?”

“...You know that I don’t really know the difference.”

Ned gives a sad shake of his head. “You’re lucky you liked Star Wars, bro. Otherwise we’d be in a very different place right now, like, friendship-wise.”

“You still didn’t answer the question.”

Peter got to pick the movie for their classes’ Cinco de Mayo party. Peter’s not sure what either movie has to do with the Mexican Army’s historical defeat of the French, but he only picked Selena because Ned suggested it. Maybe he should be regretting that choice, if the other option was harmless little Spanish birds.

“You know, Parker, I have a question,” comes a very annoyingly musical voice from behind them.

Peter just barely resists to roll his eyes. Every time with this kid. Not that Peter is any less of a kid than Flash Thompson, technically, but he definitely feels more mature.

Ned, also more mature than some of their other classmates, completely ignores Flash.

“You’ll be humming the disco medleys for weeks, I promise.”

“Wait, wait, disco? I thought you said this was supposed to take place in the 80s and 90s?”

“Music endures, dude.”

“Hey, el idiots, I’m talking to you!” Flash interrupts again.

“That’s not even how you—” Peter starts to correct, only to realize he’s stepped directly in it when Ned groans.

Flash laughs obnoxiously to himself. “Just can’t help yourself, can you, Penis?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Peter grumbles. It doesn’t really matter what he says now. Flash has the attention that he wanted, which means he won’t bug off until the bell rings and until he has the last laugh. And that always happens, because he’s really the only one entertained by all of the poking and prodding at Peter.

Peter breathes in, steeling himself. He’s survived worse. So much worse. Bullies with electric prongs and steel cages and control over every other aspect of his life. This is just high school. Normal kids survive it all the time, even when there are bullies and bad test grades and cliquey subcultures. This is just one privileged asshole who thinks Peter’s an easy target.

In some way, Peter’s actually proud of that. No one has ever seen him as un-intimidating before. Even his Hydra captors knew that if they lost control of him as an asset, he could easily turn on them.

(Part of him always asks why he never did. If he wasn’t evil, if he wasn’t like them, then why didn’t he just fight back? But Sam says that’s just his mind trying to deal with trauma, and Peter is trying really, really hard to get better at ignoring those kinds of intrusive thoughts.)

Speaking of talking to himself, Flash snaps his fingers in Peter’s face to get his attention back.

“You’d think for such a genius, you’d be a lot quicker on the uptake.” Flash shakes his head like he’s disappointed.

“Please just get to the point already,” Ned begs, throwing his head back.

“Correcting people all the time, sucking up attention with the whole goody two-shoes act. I’m saying you’re a teacher’s pet, loser. And one day, everyone’s going to see it for the act that it is, and when they do—”

Peter’s hearing blanks out.

Pet.

It echoes.

C’mere, Pet.

Stay down, Pet!

He was property, he was an animal, he was a weapon, their weapon, he was a mutant and he deserved it, needed it, he was the Spider, a mongrel, nothing, he was nothing and no one and Hydra was the only home a no-good runt like the Spider would ever have and he should be grateful—Kneel, Pet, be a good boy and kneel for your masters—but he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t—

Foolish Pet, you wouldn’t survive out there.

You need us, Pet. You’ll always need us.

“Peter?”

He returns to the moment with one heaving breath, only to realize he can’t take in another.

His collar is too tight, they always put it on too tight and if he complains they hit him and if they hit him he bleeds and it gets on his clothes and he won’t get any more until his bath and he hates bath time because they water is cold and stings his skin and the soap is so harsh it burns his nostrils and they’re watching him he knows they’re watching because they never leave him alone because if they did he would try to escape, he would—

“Peter, what’s wrong, are you—?”

He did. He escaped and ran away but now they have him again and he can’t live like this, not when he knows about best friends and pizza and friendly ribbing and how warm he feels when Tony pulls Peter close on the couch and presses a kiss to his head and tells Peter that he’s proud. He can’t be here anymore, he has to go, he has to run.

“Peter, wait!”

Tony is, to say the least, nervous when he gets a call from Midtown Tech’s front office.

He trusts Peter by now. The kid has come a long, long way since he snuck onto the Avengers helicarrier during the chaos of a Hydra raid. Skinny as a rail, scared, brainwashed...abused.

The Spider.

Peter didn’t like being with Hydra since they were the ones that made him enhanced, but he sure as hell didn’t want to be locked in an enclosed space with a bunch of Avengers at the time either.

As was evident by the fight he put up until Steve knocked him out. Steve still feels bad about cold-clocking a kid when Peter jokingly brings it up now, but Tony’s never shamed Steve for the decision. It was that or some kind of drug injection with the way Peter fought back tooth and nail, confused and defensive. Practically feral, from the well-fitting clothing to his lack of speech.

It was all for the better, though, once they got him back to the compound.

Peter was a talkative kid once he let himself be. Funny, too. Almost normal, if you forgot the mutant spider genetics and years of torture from a bunch of descendant assholes that seemed to hate and resent the very thing they created.

That’s why Tony agreed to let Peter start school. Real, normal, human school just like every other teenager in America attended until they finished all twelve years of it.

Because he needed to be normal, sometimes. He needed movie nights, [other things], and most importantly, friends that were his own age rather than a bunch of adult superheroes that often acted like children.

But also because Peter wanted to go, and Tony had a really, really hard time denying anything that the kid wanted when he could so easily provide.

Peter had such a hard time wanting anything, in the beginning. What did Peter want to wear instead of the plain, grey, dirty sweatpants from Hydra? What did Peter want to eat now that he could have an adequate amount of calories for his enhanced, still growing body? What did he want to watch? Listen to?

All of these choices were suddenly available to Peter, but shaking years of being denied any kind of want, any kind of choice took a toll on him that took a lot of work to get through.

Peter had put in the work. Unsurprisingly well. He was smart—tactically from years of being trained for missions, academically from whatever education Hydra must have thrust upon him. Not so much socially, but they were doing better as Peter spent more time around people that actually cared about him and lobbed insults around to tease rather than to actually cause emotional harm.

But was that enough...training, of sorts, to be around a bunch of teenagers? Sure, Peter was technically also a teenager, but they’d found him at 14. Tony still looked at Peter and saw the wide-eyed little kid sitting in the corner of a containment cell, flinching every time Tony moved.

Two years later and a lot of growth physically and emotionally, but was it enough?

Tony was hesitant about it, wish-washing the entire summer with maybes and I’ll think about its until the deadline arrived and Tony had to actually make the call.

Peter had pleaded, citing an extensive, cheesy list of films that made him want the high school experience himself for some reason. He very genuinely enjoyed shopping for school supplies. He passed Midtown’s entrance exam with results that faked years progressing in homeschooling that Tony knew would have been true, if Peter had gotten the chance to grow up like he was supposed to.

So, Tony eventually said yes, knowing that one day this call might come and Tony would have to be prepared for whatever was on the other end of the line.

An “incident” of some kind. Whatever that meant. The secretary was entirely unclear, only insistent that Peter’s family should get down to the premises immediately to handle things.

That was Tony.

Part of Tony couldn’t fathom why Peter chose him out of everyone on the team to latch onto. Another part wasn’t exactly shocked. Trauma recognized trauma, after all, even if the context was entirely different.

Tony knew what it was like to be belittled. To be seen as something you weren’t. To be abused by someone you never really trusted in the first place.

He and Peter talked a lot in that little containment cell. Hours of Tony blabbering like he always did when he was uncomfortable and Peter just sitting and waiting, waiting, waiting for the strikes to start coming.

When he said his first words.

When he told Tony his name—not Spider, but Peter Parker, a little boy from Queens who lost his parents and his whole normal life in the same night, according to FRIDAY’s records.

When he touched Tony’s arm for the first time and got a smile instead of a reprimand.

He waited and Tony was patient and it was a rough road, but...Tony was kind of a parent, now. A parental figure, at least, among others of varying degrees of quality and influence on a scarred teenager.

He was Peter’s family, whether either of them was any good at it in a traditional way or not.

And also, you know. His money was paying Peter’s tuition. His time went into helping Peter study for the entrance exam. His name was technically on Peter’s manufactured birth certificate because he was the one forging it and it wasn’t like anyone else was offering when the subject came up.

And maybe, a little, because he cared about Peter. Loved him. Wanted to be what Peter needed, what he deserved, and what better way to do that than to write his name on a piece of paper that signified the job he sort of kind of wanted?

Tony slams the car door behind himself after pulling into Midtown’s parking lot, putting on his sunglasses for the brief trip into the early afternoon sun. He’s checking security cameras, exits, and also preparing a hefty sum of cash to go into Principal Jim Morita’s bank account as well as a handful of government officials, if that’s what it takes.

Again, not that Tony doesn’t trust Peter, it’s just...when you get this kind of call and your kid is a highly trained former assassin, you prepare exit strategies on multiple fronts.

It’s been two months and Peter has only made one friend at this place. The kids can’t all be angels like Peter proclaims Ned Leeds to be. If one of them touched Peter out of nowhere or said the wrong thing, maybe Peter lashed out. Maybe Peter forgot to hold his strength back like he’s been training to do. Maybe something was broken.

Maybe it’s something far worse.

Tony has to be ready for that. He has to be ready for whatever it takes to protect Peter.

At the very least, the police aren’t on site. That’s probably a good sign that they’re willing to leave this as an internal matter for now.

The unhelpful secretary of before leads Tony out of the office by the arm at a quick pace, not explaining the situation at all before they arrive at the scene. Whatever it is. Tony was definitely expecting more blood or yelling or...anything, really.

A small crowd stands outside of a door, marked by a golden plaque to be the janitor’s closet.

Leaning on the door itself with his arms resolutely crossed is a kid about Peter’s age. Short black hair, light brown skin, dressed so similarly to Peter that Tony’s starting to wonder if that’s where Peter’s new obsession with those geeky little t-shirts has come from.

“Mister Leeds—” An older Asian man pleads, dressed in a suit and standing up straight with all of the authority he can seem to muster against the stone wall that is the teen in front of him.

The kid shakes his head in response. So this is Ned, then.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not moving. If he wants to stay in there to calm down, he should be allowed to stay in there.”

“I’m sure his parents—”

“He doesn’t even have—you don’t even know what he’s gone through!”

“And you do?”

“Well...kinda? No. But—but he’s obviously freaking out and everyone crowding around him is only going to make it worse!”

The adult rubs a hand across his forehead, stressing at a fold of wrinkles that settles there from the stress.

“Ned, I recognize you’re just trying to be a good friend, but this is a problem for—”

Tony clears his throat, catching the attention of both parties.

The older man sighs. “Oh, good. Thank you, Theresa, you can go on back to the office. We’ll take it from here.”

The secretary nods, brusquely turning around and heading off, leaving Tony there to be examined by both Ned and what must be the principal.

“Mister Stark, I’m glad you could come down, though I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances. I’m Principal Morita.”

“Obviously you know who I am,” Tony replies, shaking the man’s hand. “What did happen, exactly? Theresa was sparse on the details.”

“I told you, it’s Flash’s fault! He was being a dick and—” Ned shouts.

“Mister Leeds.” The principal interrupts, stern. “Another student apparently said something...unkind to Peter. He didn’t take it well and locked himself in the closet. I haven’t even been able to assess the situation properly yet. Normally I would start with asking Peter’s side of the story, but...”

He looks to the closet, where Ned still stands, defensive.

“The bouncer is a real stickler, got it,” Tony jokes, aiming a small smile at Ned. “Peter does seem to attract the protective type.”

“Oh,” Ned says, suddenly meeting Tony’s eyes and gaping like a fish. He seems to have finally realized exactly who he’s talking to. “Oh, wow. Mister Stark, it’s an honor. I’m a huge fan, like, so huge. Peter tells me to shut up about you at least three times a day. When he showed me a picture of you guys I was like, ‘Oh my god, your dad is Tony Stark!’ and he was like ‘Oh. Yeah, I guess you’d know who he is, huh?’ like he totally didn’t get how awesome it is that you’re Iron Man. And I know you’re only kind of his dad, but still—”

“It’s suddenly become very clear to me why you two are friends,” Tony responds, keeping his smile on.

It’s actually kind of sweet to see that Peter’s found someone to confide in, even if he’s seemingly left out the more traumatic elements. But he also knows that Peter can hear them through the door, and he wants to get to the kid as fast as possible instead of dawdling for time.

If Peter wants to see him, that is.

He does, doesn’t he? Tony has been there for everything, so far. Every breakdown when the choices became too much, when the world outside of Peter’s little cell and all of the things he did that he wishes he could forget attack him at night. He hasn’t gotten old enough to not want Tony around when he’s upset, right?

“Sorry, Mister Stark. Sorry,” Ned apologizes. “I’m just nervous and worried about Peter and—”

“I get it, kid. You’re good.” He gives a reassuring grasp to Ned’s shoulder. “But if you wouldn’t mind, I really need to see Peter now. You can ask him yourself, but I’m usually the exception to any rule about Peter wanting to be alone.”

“Right, yeah. I’ll just—”

Ned turns to open the door, but gives Morita a shifty look, like he doesn’t trust the man not to dive bomb in if given the chance.

“Peter—”

“Let him in,” replies Peter’s strained voice. He’s definitely been crying. Poor kid.

Ned pulls back and nods at Tony, stepping aside to let him through.

“You did a good job protecting him, Leeds. Thank you,” he says to the teen before stepping into the dimly lit closet and shutting the door behind him.

The room smells musty and over-powerful at the same time thanks to the potent combination of cleaners and the mop cart sitting so close together. Out of anywhere Peter could have picked, this probably isn’t the kindest to his sense of smell if it’s making Tony already scrunch his nose.

It’s lit by a single pull-chain light bulb, and in the shadows of it sits Peter, curled into himself and leaning against a rusty metal shelf filled with paper towels, cleaning equipment, and a few bottles of product that have to be expired.

“Hey, Pete.” Tony frowns at the cracked floor tile, but settles himself next to Peter anyway. His back catches some kind of spray bottle sitting on the shelf that digs uncomfortably into his back.

Peter sniffs, not looking up from the cradle of his arms. “Hey.”

Tony heaves a sigh, for the drama. “So, I hear you got your first bully.”

Peter shrugs. “Guess so.”

“That Ted kid is pretty nice. He’s a good friend.”

“Yeah. And his name is Ned.”

Tony stops beating around the bush. “What happened, Peter?”

“It was fine. It was good, you know? I got an A+ on my Spanish test, and Misses Rodriguez offered to let me choose the movie we were gonna watch for the Cinco de Mayo party as a reward. I didn’t even know any of the movies, but Ned said Selena was good because Jennifer Lopez is hot, so that’s what I picked. It was a good day, Tony!”

“...But?”

“But then Flash—”

“I meant to ask, is that his actual name? Like, legally?”

“No.”

“Oh thank god.”

“Flash said…he said I was a…” Peter’s hesitant to let it out.

“Pete, a lot of kids at this age are testing boundaries. They’re going to say a lot of stupid, insensitive, offensive—”

“He said I was a teacher’s pet.”

There’s a long minute of silence. Tony blinks curiously a few times. He doesn’t want to belittle what Peter’s feeling, but he also doesn’t understand why it’s caused him so much stress.

“I know, I know it’s—but they used to—” Peter swallows hard, probably only delaying another wave of tears. “Sometimes, before, they would call me…”

“Pet.”

Peter nods, starting to shake next to him on the floor, their arms lightly touching at just Tony saying the nickname.

“They liked it. I think it made them feel better about themselves if they acted like I wanted it. Like—like being locked in the cages or collared or—or being muzzled was good for me.”

“You need to learn a lesson, little pet. Be a good pet and eat your dinner. Stop your crying, pet. No more of your barking, pet.” Peter quotes with venom flinging from every syllable. “But I didn’t want that, Mister Stark! I promise! They gave me these powers and I didn’t want to be their pet and they made me—”

“Peter, I know. It’s not your fault. None of it is your fault, I know.”

Tony curls Peter into his side, rubbing his back consolingly.

“When Flash called me that I just—I felt the collar around my neck again and I couldn’t breathe though the muzzle and they kept kicking the cage even though it hurt my ears and I could never sleep in there because it was so small and—”

“Peter—” Peter’s hyperventilating. He’s panicking, Tony realizes. Probably just like he did initially. A flashback that triggered him into having a panic attack.

“And I know that’s not what Flash meant but I was back there and I can’t—I can’t stop—”

Peter breaks into sobs, burying his face into Tony’s shirt and clutching on tight.

“Oh, Pete. It’s okay. You’re okay,” Tony soothes.

He presses a kiss to Peter’s hair, unsure when he became this tender. Probably the moment he realized this was the way he wanted someone to treat him in the midst of his worst, most vulnerable moments.

“Sometimes the bad memories come back unexpectedly, it’s alright.”

“But don’t wanna think about it anymore!” Peter cries childishly.

If it wouldn’t break Tony’s ribs, Peter would probably start banging at his chest in frustration.

“What if it gets bad and I don’t talk anymore and I can’t go to school like a normal kid and I lose everything and then you won’t want me anymore because I can’t get over this and stop being a stupid animal who needs its owners to—”

“Peter Parker, no. Absolutely not.”

Tony pushes Peter away so he can hold the boy’s face in his hands. So that he can fucking imbue into this kid how much he is loved and cherished and human.

“You’re not property, and you’re not an animal. What they did to you was wrong, and you know that now. I know that you do.”

Not just because Peter’s been to therapy since integrating with the Avengers, but also because he’s talked to all of him during his recovery from the horrors of his earlier childhood. About how his life felt before and how it feels better now. How he wouldn’t have left in the first place if he really wanted to be a part of Hydra like they raised him to want.

He’s not the child soldier they raised anymore. He’s so much more than they ever allowed him to be in that awful place.

He loosens his grip on Peter’s face only to bring him back again with an arm around his shoulder. Maybe if Peter feels him, touches him, the kid will remember all of the growth he’s made, the family he’s gained.

“Buddy, you are getting better. I know it. I’ve seen it. You know we’re all so proud of you and the progress you’ve made.”

Tony sighs. Part of him wants to sugarcoat it. That Peter has seen the worst of the world and now he’ll just be able to move on from it scott-free. It’s what he deserves, but Tony knows from experience that nothing in life is that sort of kind.

“That doesn’t mean you won’t have setbacks. I have had setbacks. Healing from the bad stuff is really, really hard, but it doesn’t make you anything that they said you were. You’re a wonderful, good kid who deserves everything he’s worked so hard for. And you’re going to get it because you have me and the team and your new best friend behind your back. You’re not alone, you’re not in a cage, you’re—you’re home, Pete. You understand?”

Peter sniffs, a sign that he’s worked himself up again, but his weak nod into Tony’s chest tells him that some of them at least might be happier tears.

“Listen to me, Pete. And I mean really, truly listen.” He looks down at the snot-covered, tear-stained teenager practically in his lap. He does love Peter. He wouldn’t have gone this far for any other kid in the world.

“It doesn’t matter what happens—hitches, mishaps, a dumb teenage mistake. You’re our kid now, Peter. You’re never going back to Hydra. Never. Not with me around.”

He knows it means something to say it out loud rather than leaving it to be assumed. He doesn’t have as much of a problem admitting it as he thought he might.

“I’m never giving you up, or letting you go, or treating you like anything other than a person. Do you understand me? That is something you never, ever have to worry about. Not from me.”

Peter sobs against him. This time it feels a lot more like relief. A release in the safety of Tony’s arms that Peter hasn’t really allowed himself, even after two years of being free of Hydra.

Peter didn’t tell the team everything. He may never even tell Tony everything. But this is one more thing Peter doesn’t have to carry alone, and Tony is happy to help their kid navigate the horrors it's brought back into his improving life.

They sit there for another minute, Peter’s whimpers muffled in Tony’s dress shirt. He’s sure the principal and Peter’s friend are getting antsy. But all the same it gives Peter another chance to calm down, and this time he seems a lot lighter when he picks his head up to look at Tony.

“Feel better?”

Peter gives a sniffle, but accompanies it with a nod and bright, attentive eyes.

“Look, I think school’s a bust for the day. Let’s go home. Whatever you wanna do, just you and me. Nobody else needs to hear about this unless you want to tell them, okay?”

“And if you wanted, I guess…”

Peter tilts his head, expectant.

“We could...nah, it’s probably offensive, right?”

“What?” Peter insists. Tony tried to warn him, but Tony also can’t resist an idea once it pops into his head.

“I just thought, you know, if you wanted—if you thought it would help, we could get you a—“ He almost ruins it, but catches himself.  “An animal. Like a dog or something.”

Peter is silent. He bites at his lip, contemplative. Looks in the direction of a mop bucket in the corner.

“Is that bad? You don’t have to, I just thought it might make you associate that word with good things, but if not—“

Peter finally meets his eyes with a tentative grin on his face.

“What kind of dog?”

[fandomficsnstuff]

Guardian Angel - Part 6

Daryl Dixon x Reader

(Warnings: time skips as usual, don’t worry at some point they'll stop being so frequent, also the reader is a disney princess XD)

You groaned as you did everything you could to climb up the tree, it was getting dark and that meant more walkers, so, as soon as you got up you sat on a thick branch, taking off your shoelaces and tying them together, straightening your legs on the wood and tying your legs around them to the best of your ability. You had been running for only God knows how long, you were tired, weak, hungry, thirsty, and your ankle hurt like a bitch, everything was hell right now, and you would’ve cried if it wasn’t because you heard groaning and shuffling under you, forcing you to be quiet, taking deep breaths and you leaned your head against the tree, closing your eyes to try and calm down, and it worked, or at least it seemed to, but in honesty it was probably the exhaustion taking over, pulling you towards sleep as you felt yourself drift away, giving a silent prayer that you didn’t fall in your sleep.

The next morning you woke up as you felt something on your legs, and as you opened your eyes you stiffened, a small red creature was sitting on your legs, sniffing you and examining you. You felt a smile break out across your face as you watched the squirrel, you did everything you could to not move a muscle, you didn’t want to scare it off, but you had to glance down, seeing no walkers around you sighed relieved, looking back at the squirrel “sorry buddy, but I have to keep moving” you moved and the squirrel immediately ran up a couple branches, you had probably slept under it’s home or something, maybe it was welcoming someone it thought was it’s new neighbor, which was a cute thought.

You groaned and stretched, feeling your sore muscles stretch, hearing your joints pop. You sighed and untied the makeshift rope you had made, untying them from each other and putting them back in their right places in your shoes, looking down you carefully climbed down, your ankle still hurt like hell still, but maybe you could take it easy on your way back to camp, rest is the best medicine so if you could just-

You looked around, breaking off your own train of thought, first now realizing a number of things, one; you were lost, like really lost. Two; you were injured and lost. Three; you didn’t have your things with you, except a knife, and four; you were injured, lost, and without supplies. You sighed and tried to look to the ground, you only had one tracking lesson, rather unsuccessful too, but even if you could retrace your steps, there’s no way you’d be able to with all the walkers that had shuffled through in the night, making you realize another thing; you were alone. The thought left a sinking feeling in your stomach, you felt cold but not because of the environment, like you’d lost all blood from your body, you were utterly alone. You felt your eyes fill to the brim with tears, obstructing your view, but when you heard a few small sounds you looked to none other than your friendly neighborhood squirrel, seeing it on the ground in front of you. You wiped away your tears and sighed, you couldn’t let yourself get stuck here, you could find your way back, of course, it wasn’t that hard, you just thought too much about it, doubted yourself too much, you began walking in one direction, which definitely felt like the right direction, and you prepared yourself, if you were going to walk, to spare your ankle, then this would take longer than running, but you should be able to make it back before dark, and if you didn’t then you’d just do the same as you did this night and then continue in the morning, right?

After an hour or so of limping you couldn’t take it anymore, your ankle burned and you were tired. You sat down on a stone, lifting up your pant leg and taking off your shoe carefully, pulling off your sock and what you saw shocked you. You gasped as you studied your ankle, it was a mix of red and blue, giving it a purple-ish color, it was swollen and sore, and whenever you tried to touch it the skin felt like it was on fire. You sighed as you carefully slid your sock back on, then your shoe, then rolled your pant leg down. You looked around and found a broken branch about your height, it looked sturdy enough and when you picked it up it was heavy. You used the stick to help you get up, holding the stick on the opposite side of your injured ankle, helping take off the pressure on that side as you leaned on the stick, continuing to make your way towards - what you thought was the highway - to try and get back to the others.

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You sighed heavily as you exited the woods into what seemed like a field of tall grass, reaching your waist, making it harder for you to make your way through, but you did so anyway. You could see a small house in the distance, a wire fence around it, and you swore, on your life, that you saw people. Real people, not walkers. Looking up to the sky you saw that it was painted a mix of red and orange, and you sighed as realization kicked in, you had no choice but to go to these people, you couldn’t stay out in an open field all night, and you sure as hell wasn’t turning back now, maybe these folk knew the way to the highway. Thinking over your choices you finally moved towards the farm house, groaning as you made your way through the thick grass field, getting closer you saw tents litter a small area outside the farm house, as well as people walking around, giving you slight hope that they wouldn’t shoot you on sight, probably, hopefully.

When you finally got close enough to the house to go through a metal gate, it was almost completely dark outside, you winced as you limped closer, and just as you were about to call out, announcing yourself, you saw none other than Glenn speeding towards you. Your mind went blank as you just stared at him, you barely even moved, not until he slammed into you, and it wasn’t exactly your body moving itself. You winced again as you balanced and lost your stick, hearing it land on the ground as Glenn hugged you tighter than anything you had ever felt, you were so shocked that you barely hugged back, you just stood there with your arms halfway in the air, staring at nothingness as tears filled your eyes, and finally, finally, your arms wrapped around him, hugging him back, listening to him panting, you guessed it was from running so fast to you and of relief. You closed your eyes as you parted from him, opening them and smiling at him “hey” was all you said and he laughed low, looking down as he did but it quickly stopped as he saw you leaning on your other foot, your ankle swollen and from the small bit he could see it was red too. You followed his gaze and shook your head “I’m alright” he still frowned at you but picked up your stick and helped you back to camp, you smiled widely as Carol ran up to you, joined by Andrea and Dale, all of them hugging you at once, Glenn instantly removing them from you “hey, hey watch it she’s hurt!” you giggled low, shaking your head at his protectiveness.

Your eyes scanned the small group and instantly you frowned “where’s Sophia and Carl? And Lori and… Rick and Shane and Daryl?” you looked between the small greeting group and saw Carol’s eyes fill with tears as she turned away, Andrea following her back to the tent, leaving Dale and Glenn to explain.

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You scoffed as Glenn continued protesting, but it fell on deaf ears. You glared at Glenn as he stopped you from walking out of the camper, gun in hand and knife tucked safely in it’s holder around your healthy ankle. You tried stepping around him but he moved with you, making you sighed frustrated “Glenn, move, you know how much I love you but I will seriously shoot you” you warned, but he stayed in place, knowing you didn’t actually mean it “Glenn, Sophia is out there all alone and I’m gonna help find her” you tried, again, to go around him but the same thing just happened again, he blocked your path “at least let Hershel take a look at you! If he says it’s okay then I won’t stop you, but if he says that you can’t, please, don’t go, you don’t know where to even begin looking and you’re injured” you tried to look away from Glenn’s pleading gaze, but eventually you gave him a brief, annoyed nod, to which he responded with a grin as you left the gun on the table, letting Glenn help you over to the farm house.

You limped inside, standing awkwardly while Glenn fetched Hershel, and that’s when you saw her, Lori, sitting besides Carl on a bed, God, he looked so pale. You slowly limped inside, about to knock on the door frame when her eyes met yours, she had been crying, and she looked hollow, like a part of her was barely there. “I-I’m sorry I can lea-” you were cut off as she hugged you tightly, sobbing into your shoulder and you instantly hugged her back, letting her cry on your shoulder, leading her back to the bed so she could sit down. You held Lori as you watched Carl, that sweet, sweet boy who looked so fragile now, so pale and weak, it made you sick to look at, he was so young and so small. You looked towards the doorway, seeing Glenn with Hershel, and you parted from Lori “I’ll be back, I promise” you whispered, and she nodded, still crying as she moved to hold Carl’s hand. You limped over to Glenn and Hershel, shaking Hershel’s hand “hello, you must be (Y/N)?” you nodded in confirmation “yes that’s me sir, and I’m guessing you’re Hershel?” he nodded back “that I am, why don’t you sit down and let me have a look at that ankle of yours” you nodded and sat down on a kitchen chair, taking off your shoe and wincing as you pulled off your sock, revealing your ankle to Hershel who frowned a bit at the sight.

Glenn stood by you as Hershel examined your foot carefully, not because it was anything fetal but more for support than anything, and probably to hold you back if you got the go-ahead to go out and look for Sophia. Hershel sighed as he finished examining it, looking back up at you “well, it’s just a sprained ankle, but i’d prefer it if you stayed put, it needs to heal and form the looks of it, it ain’t exactly had the chance these last few days. I’ll give you somethin’ for the pain, but you gotta take it slow and let it heal, it’ll be fine in a few days if you just rest” you nodded, slumping a bit back in your chair out of disappointment, but at least now you could be there for Lori.

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You winced as you pumped fresh water into a bucket, your ankle still hurting but it had gotten a tiny bit better. You exhaled heavily as you finished pumping, bending back down to pick up the bucket to take back to the camp when you heard your name being called, turning and looking at the archer who had been gone for so long, looking for Sophia. You stared at him as he walked closer, eventually being close enough to pull you into a tight hug, holding you close to him, like he was afraid, or perhaps had been afraid, of losing you, or finding you like a walker or just hurt or dead. You hugged him back, feeling his tense body relax as you gently stroked his back reassuringly “it’s okay, I’m here” you whispered and finally he released you from his bear hug, but he didn’t move away, his hand holding your cheek as she stared down at you, his other hand resting on your hip “the fuck were you thinkin’?” he sounded… hurt? Scared? Horrified? But it just made you smile, knowing he cared that deeply, and it would’ve made you laugh, but for now you’d settle on just being in his arms again “I was thinking that I wouldn’t make a good walker meal” he scoffed at your response, shaking his head as he leaned down and kissed you feverently, like his life depended on it, and you were more than happy to kiss him back with the same passion. You couldn’t help but moan a bit as the kiss got slightly rougher, your hands resting on his chest, clinging to his vest as he continued to kiss you, eventually you found yourself backed up against a wall, his mouth still on yours as his hands moved under your shirt, gripping your sides right above your hips with a need you’d be more than willing to give him, that is, if you weren’t interrupted.

“Ay! Can’t ya’ll bring the water and THEN fuck?” you glanced at a slightly annoyed T-Dog, making your face grow bright red as Daryl just glared at him “get your own damn water” he snapped, making you chuckle slightly “no, no he’s right I offered to bring them some water” you, very much so against your own will, parted from Daryl, going to pick up the bucket of water but he beat you to it, looking you over before walking back to camp “like hell you’re carryin’ that with that damn ankle of yours” he mumbled, making you smile as you bit your lip, trying to prevent your smile from splitting your face in two, pennywise style.

You followed as quickly as you could after him, walking by his side back to camp, and as soon as he dropped off the water he pulled you by the hand to his tent, helping you inside before going in himself, and you both ended up just laying down on his sleeping bag, the two of you falling asleep.

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You yawned and stretched, finding yourself awake in the middle of the night, in Daryl’s tent no less, the thought making a tired smile break out over your face, turning to see him lying on his back, one of his arms outstretched, where you had been before you woke up, and the other resting on his stomach. You studied him in the darkness before leaning down and kissing his lips gently, only for a brief moment, you didn't think he would be awake, but apparently he was, his own lips pursing as he kissed you back, a hand lazily making it’s way through your hair to keep you in place. You hummed as he broke off the kiss, his eyes opening to look up at you in the darkness “what?” he grumbled, making you smile even more “nothin’, just wanted to” you shrugged, making him scoff as you laid your head back down on his chest, getting comfortable as his arm wrapped around you. The two of you just enjoyed the comfortable silence as you both tried to fall back asleep, and you’d never felt safer than you did right now, in his tent, with his arm around you and his heart beating a steady rhythm under your cheek.

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You yawned as you woke up, you had stayed in Daryl’s tent the last few nights, and it felt amazing, falling asleep with him and waking up in his tent, he wasn’t always there, and today he wasn’t, he was probably already out looking for Sophia. You put on your shoes, still being careful with your ankle,and walked outside, the sun blinding you for a moment, but only for a moment, and you smiled seeing Lori, but when she didn’t return your smile your own dropped as well, and you moved over to her, seeing her hold something in her hands “Lori?” she spun around to face you, hiding whatever she held in her hands behind her back, baking you even more suspicious “what’s wrong? What’re you hiding?” you studied her as she dabbled between telling you it was nothing or telling you the truth, instead she settled on bringing you into the tent she shared with Rick and Carl, making you just worry even more. You watched her pace slightly, looking like a nervous wreck, which just worried you even more “Lori, what is it?” she turned to you, pretty much on the brink of tears and showed you what she had been hiding, your eyes widening “y-you think you’re-?” she nodded and you exhaled as you tried to compose yourself, even though you and Lori were pretty much the same age, only a few years between you, she was like a mother figure to you, and a good friend, and right now she needed you to be calm and collected when she couldn’t be.

“Alright, go find somewhere and take the test, then come back here and we’ll wait and see, okay? No matter what everything’ll be okay” she nodded and left the tent, leaving you to sit on a small chair as you waited, and after about two minutes she barged back in, tears in her eyes as she practically threw the test on the table in front of you. You picked up the test, looking it over, your eyes widening as you saw the result, your eyes moving to Lori who sat with her face in her hands, no doubt haring herself, so you moved to sit besides her on the sleeping bag “hey, it’s alright” you whispered, hugging her and gently rocking the both of you back and forth, Lori trying to hold back her sobbing.

After a long while of this, she finally calmed down, at least enough to stare hatefully at the pregnancy test, the two of you sitting in silence. “I think it’s a girl, you know” you said, making her look at you confuse, waiting for you to explain “I don’t know, it’s just a feeling, I always pictured you like this soccer mom who hold her daughter while watching her son play sports, turning up at every game and just screaming at the top of her lungs, cheering” you managed to pull a laugh from Lori at the thought, making a warm smile spread on your lips “but hey, maybe it’s another boy, you can call him Rick Junior”

“Oh my god no” the two of you laughed as Lori just denied the idea completely.

[greatcheesecakepersona]

Clean UI Update 1.4

It took some time, but the final update for Clean UI is now live! Check out the changes:

- Compatibility with TS3 style mood backgrounds - Made earned skill/hobby/personality points more visible

- Price options in business panel are now easily clickable thanks to a new layout

- Removed pink background from the ‘learned couples counseling life skill’ memory - Fixed misaligned bar in the reputation hover - Removed blue background row color in the ‘Sims available as roommates’ window

Additionally, there’s one fix that was already included in a previous version, but I didn’t mention it in the changelist as I couldn’t verify if it works until now:

- Fixed blank buy outfit window if you’re using the widescreen buy/plan outfit package 

If you use a widescreen CAS option and it has no effect, it’s probably not related to Clean UI. With the help of friendly simmers, it seems that it’s rather due to your graphics card, because CAS always resets to the two column mode that was created for low resolutions. Please try to use Graphic Rules Maker so your game can detect your graphics card or increase the resolution if possible.

► DOWNLOAD v1.4

Thank you for reported feedback in the past! Due to the amount of anonymous messages which are hard to reply to, I had to close my ask inbox. But that made it much easier to interact with you via DM! If you have any problems that are not listed in any of my posts, feel free to contact me. But please keep that I won’t add any new features and only fix bugs.

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I also want to remind you of the changes of past versions. Always be sure to have the newest version installed! You can also find it in the original download post.

- Graphical issues in the hobby/business milestones are gone - Fixed missing Sim portrait in date panel - Included optional horizontal & vertical cursor for the neighborhood camera (if you use a camera mod that also lets you move the camera vertically)  - True compatibility with the widescreen family tree - No more crash when selecting a custom skin with the cas-min-width-1524-additional-200px.package - ‘Try on’ clothing window no longer has the old blue background - Picture in picture is clickable again - Optional hidden delete family button - Summer icon in change seasons panel has a thicker outline - Fixed a small graphical issue in the senior age panel - ‘Where would you like to go’ is now in Clean UI style, eg. the taxi cursor - Included background image for the main menu if you don’t use a Clean UI loading screen (resolves black background issue)