#thread pitch gauge

[cherrixpie]

HOW NOT TO DATE A SLYTHERIN

part six of five

↬ being harry potter's sister wouldn't make dating theodore nott any easier - which was why you tried to hide it.

↬ nsfw; mdni; wc: 6.1k (oh god what did i do); tags: oral fem receiving, soft dom! theo, p in v, unprotected sex, theo is a munch, praise, slight virginity/innocence kink

You sat cross-legged on the king sized bed in the room of requirement, fingers picking at the threads of the soft duvet beneath you. Anticipation curled in your insides as you fixed your eyes on the door. The room had answered your subconscious wish and provided a clock, an old grandfather clock, that ticked softly. Apart from your breathing, it was the only sound breaking the silence. Until the door handle clicked.

The door creaked open, and you looked up sharply, your breath catching as Theo slipped inside. His hair was damp from the rain still falling outside, and he shoved his hands into the pockets of his robes, his sharp features softening as his eyes landed on you. He hesitated for a moment, as if gauging the mood, before closing the door behind him with a quiet thud. There was a sort of tension in the room, or maybe you were imagining it because your nerves ran high. When Theo crooked his head, you realized what he was waiting for.

“Oh, Harry apologized,” you reassured him and Theo nodded, approaching the bed slowly. On his way, he shed his cloak and bag and sat down on the bed, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt. “How did your friends take it?” you asked and scooted back to make space for him. Theo's eyes followed your retreating figure and he raised his brows, moving after you. “Are you running from me, tesoro?”

“Are you avoiding my question, Theo?” you countered and scooted back even more to tease him. Theo chuckled darkly and surged forward, trapping you beneath him by seizing your wrists and pushing them gently into the cushion. You couldn't help the high-pitched gasp that left your throat. One of Theo's large hands was enough to bind both your wrists, leaving you utterly helpless under his hungry eyes. The other drew a teasing line down your side.

“Wouldn't dream of it.” Theo dipped down to peck your nose, your cheeks, down to your chin. However, his kisses didn't stay that innocent. When a little sigh left your lips, you felt a sudden, sharp sensation at your neck and gasped. Theo chuckled and caressed the spot he had bitten down on with his lips, worshipping it. The hand that had been running up and down your side planted itself firmly on your hip as his hips moved almost instinctively and you felt something stiff rubbing against your core.

You stiffened, and Theo noticed in an instance. His lips and hands retreated immediately and he pushed himself up to bring some space between the two of you. With furrowed brows, he looked down on your panting figure. “Are you alright? Did I-”

“No!” you said quickly and scrambled to sit like him. “I'm fine, I’m- I was just surprised.” When you noticed the worried look in his cerulean eyes, you tried to explain. “You haven't- It’s just- I’m just-” But the words wouldn't make it past your lips. Instead, Theo got a hold of your gesticulating hands and brought them to his lips. “There is nothing to explain, cara mia,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I went too far.”

“You didn't, I-” you blushed furiously and averted your face, but you couldn't miss his raised eyebrow. “I liked it,” you whispered, staring stubbornly at the blankets of the four poster. Even out of your peripheral vision, you could see the change in his demeanor at your words. His frame visibly relaxed, but at the same time, his fingers locked with yours that had subconsciously been picking on the blanket. When you looked up at him, his gaze was steady but not intimidating. The soft, teasing grin he’d worn earlier had given way to something quieter- more patient.

It was strange. Minutes before, you had been flush against his body and been devoured by his lips, and yet this felt almost more intimate. You were hyper-aware of how close he was, the way his fingertips traced aimless patterns along the back of your hand. It was gentle, intimate, yet every nerve in your body was alive with tension. Your teeth nibbled on your bottom lip as you looked for the fitting words. Theo seemed to sense that you were holding something back, because he waited patiently. “You should know something,” you said.

“I-” you began, only to falter. The words caught in your throat, leaving a lump of unease behind. Theo's brows furrowed slightly, not in annoyance but intrigue. He didn't press, he just waited. In the silence, you could make out the steady rhythm of his breathing and it grounded you somewhat. You weren't about to confess a crime. Though, and you couldn't deny it, you were worried that Theo would be disappointed. You glanced down on your lap, where your hands lay intertwined. Finally, you forced yourself to meet his eyes, heart pounding so hard it almost drowned out your voice. “I've never… I’ve never done anything like this before.” You swallowed and avoided his piercing gaze. “I'm, like, a virgin.”

Theo's eyes widened as he suddenly understood what all your blushing and nervousness around the topic of intimacy meant. Though he had assumed you were less experienced than he was, for one because you didn't have that kind of reputation and secondly because he had to admit that you’d have to work pretty hard to beat him, he didn't think you would be a virgin. That someone as gorgeous and smart as you had never gotten busy with anyone.

You seemed pretty embarrassed, either of the topic or the confession, and your fingers seemed to tighten around his subconsciously. When you sent him a nervous glance, he got his features back under control.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about, dolcezza,” Theo said softly but your shame skyrocketed at once and you bundled up, hiding your burning face in your hands and letting out a long groan. You heard him chuckle and then felt his soft touch pry at your wrist. “Would you look at me, amore mio dolce?” Cheeks a bright pink, hair a mess and lips kiss-bitten, Theo couldn't think of a more endearing sight than when you let him remove your hands from your face and looked up at him. “We don't have to do anything, let's just cuddle some more and-”

“No!” you interrupted him fervently. “I mean… I do want to.” You seemed to grapple with something, and finally, you looked back up at him, your doe eyes glistening in the light of the many fires. “Is it bad?” Bad? Shamefully, Theo had to admit it only made his problem down there worse. At the same time, he started to question himself, and his lack of an immediate answer had you bite your lip nervously.

“It's not … bad,” he said in a great effort to keep his voice steady and composed. But he couldn't help his fingers twitch, burning to hold you, grab you, push you into the covers and make you his. Merlin he needed therapy.

“Then why are you acting so weird?” you said, noting his strained voice, averted eyes and twitching fingers, as ditched wanted to escape from yours. “Why does it make a difference wether I'm a virgin or not?”

That was a really good question, actually. Theo had deflowered plenty of girls in his lifetime and it had never made a difference to him how experienced they were. But when it was you, it did something to him. A dark, greedy part of him stirred at the thought of being you first, ruining you for all other men, teaching you, guiding you, making you his.

Theo groaned in frustration and let his head slump into the crook of your neck, throwing all pretense into the wind. Merlin, how it turned him on that- “You would give your virginity to me?” he asked into your neck and you nodded rapidly. “Yes!” “Are you sure?” You were taken aback by the graveness and severity in his tone, but it couldn't deter you. “Yes, Theo. I trust you.”

“Dio, dannazione,” Theo hissed and lifted his face from your neck to look at you with an intensity that knocked the air right out of your lungs. His fingers slipped out of yours and located themselves on your hip instead, in a tight grip, an attempt to ground himself and drown the monster in him out. “Cazzo, tesoro, it's not bad, quite the contrary, actually.” A humorless chuckle left his lips and you frowned up at him with innocent confusion. “What do you mean?”

When he leaned in, you found yourself pulled to him as if by magnetic force. His cerulean eyes were so dark, like black holes that held an overpowering pull on everything around them. And right now, it was you who was pulled into the abysmal depths. Your breath hitched when your lips were mere inches apart and Theo's voice sounded oh so softly, like a melody whispered into your ears. “I think … I think it's so hot that you want to give your first time to me.” You breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank Merlin, I thought you were going to run away or something.”

“You're ridiculous,” Theo mused but you shrugged, awaiting the touch of his lips readily. “You're the one with the virginity kink.” Biting your lip, you looked up at him with a daring smile and brought your voice to a sensual whisper that seemed completely laughable to you. “Theo, I’d let you take me any time you aske-”

Before you could finish your sentence, his lips clashed with yours in an uncontrolled fervor you had never seen from Theo. Theo’s kisses were slow and sensual, controlled and determined, and though they could also be passionate, he had never kissed you like this. Wild, senseless, barely more than a clash of teeth as he slipped his tongue into your mouth and straight up moaned. It was a kiss that set your whole body alight, electrified it, so that the simplest touch of his hands left you whimpering into his mouth.

Theo swallowed up all sounds as his tongue roamed around your mouth, as if he wanted to explore every inch of you, claim you whole. His usually so careful touches turned into barely restrained grips as his hands cupped your face. You didn't even realize you had given into his relentless push until your back met the mattress and he pulled away, leaving you gasping for air.

A storm was brewing in his eyes when Theo looked down on you in the sheets, but after a few deep breaths, he seemed to get himself back under control. “I don't have an innocence kink,” he insisted and you giggled, but he only smiled and played with a strand of your hair. “I don't. It's just… you. The thought of being your first.” And your last, if he had his way. But he didn't want to overwhelm you. With another long exhale, he kissed your temple softly. “You’re a fucking angel, you know that? I want to do this the right way, make it perfect…”

His lips found yours once more, but it was in a gentle caress. A kiss that felt like an answer to an unspoken question. His nose nuzzled against yours as his large hands glided down your body, mapping and lingering at your waist before one got a hold of your thigh. As his thumb brushed over the skin under your uniform skirt, he parted your legs gingerly and his hips slotted perfectly into the open space.

You felt so impossibly close to him he might just have consumed you whole. It was impossible not to feel safe in his capable hands that seemed to expertly draw all the right reactions out of you. Your bodies melded together as he let his hips rock experimentally and you mewled. Theo’s lips curled into a smirk you could feel against your own as he reveled in the effect he had on you. Smug bastard. In retaliation, you moved your hips against his and his breath hitched. “Cazzo, bella, mi farai dimenticare me stesso.”

His hands travelled further down to lock your hips in place. But instead of continuing to rub his hardened, clothed dick against your crotch, Theo departed from your mouth to trail kisses down your neck. With a swift motion, he moved you further back on the mattress, his hands held your thighs as he was on eye-level with your clothed core. Realizing his intentions, you propped yourself up on your ellbows to look at him. The way he looked at you through his dark lashes had the heat explode in your chest- and your cheeks. When you spoke, your voice came out in a broken stammer. “Y- you don't have to do that.”

“Sorry?” Theo said courteously as he trailed kisses down your thigh. You had to suppress a whimper and attempted to close your thighs out of instinct, but Theo kept them parted with ease. “No need to be embarrassed,” he smiled and you felt like the amount of fireplaces had just doubled.

“I-” you said tentatively as he was still worshiping your thigh, “I've heard many boys see it as a chore.” What you hadn't expected was for Theo to roll his eyes. “Then many boys are sciocchi,” he said as his fingers latched onto your skirt, gently prying at it. “But-” “I want to, cazzo, I want to. Do you know how long I've been yearning to taste your cute little cunt?” Theo interrupted you and brought a hand to your chin to make you unable to avert your hazy gaze. “So fucking long. Please, let me have a taste of you, Tesoro.”

It was almost impossible to meet his fiery gaze, but once you did, you found yourself nodding helplessly. “Good girl,” Theo praised and peeled down your skirt, placing it orderly on the nightstand. His calm manner made you feel as if he was teasing you, and you were about to scold him when you felt his index finger hook around your panties as he placed the softest of kisses on your pubic bone.

For some reason, this was what made your breath hitch and he hummed amusedly against your skin. One of his fingers came down to draw the lightest of circles on your clothed cunt and you squirmed uncontrollably under him. Theo's eyes glinted with amusement as he tutted. “So responsive…”

“S- stop teasing,” you stuttered and felt him shift between your legs. “Your wish is my command,” Theo murmured against your skin and, in one fluid motion, he had rid you of your panties. They joined your skirt as Theo dove down and you chocked on your own spit.

Expertly, Theo's lips closed around your clit and you stifled a sudden moan by slapping your hand over your mouth. You were startled when Theo's hand released your thigh and got a hold of your wrist. His eyes glinted dangerously up at you. “None of that, principessa. I want to hear you.” His index finger flicked against your clit and you mewled. Theo growled against your cunt as he dipped out his tongue into your wetness and started devouring you like his last meal.

You had never felt anything like this. Theo's mouth on your cunt felt so wild and uncontrolled, yet his lips or mouth nudged against your clit in constant, overwhelming stimulation. Your attempts to control your noises were rendered in vain as Theo touched you in all the right places and a loud, high-pitched moan of his name escaped your throat. His ministrations on your pussy came to a sudden halt as Theo stared up at you with an expression that had your insides squeeze in actual fear. “Do that again.”

As he returned to your cunt, you threw your head back into the covers. His tongue dipped into your warmth, messily making out with your pussy and practically worshipping your clit. Your thighs trembled, just as your voice when you let out another pathetic mewl of his name and you felt Theo moan into your cunt, the vibrations having you writhing and squirming.

With a loud groan, one of Theo’s arms shot up to hold down your waist to allow himself the perfect angle to devour you. Your juices covered the better half of his face but Theo couldn't bring himself to care. When he felt his hips rut against the mattress subconsciously, he forced himself to stop. This was about you, this would be all about you, his pleasure would come second to yours. But your cute little moans went straight to his clock as he reveled in the taste of you.

You were like ambrosia, Theo was convinced to be in heaven, and when you buried your trembling fingers in his locks in an adorable attempt to take control, he could not hold back the shudder that rippled through his body.

Theo found his iron discipline wavering when your back arched off the mattress and your desperate whimpers filled his ears. Merlin, you were heavenly, as you began to tremble and squirm in his tight hold. “Theo, I- I’m-” He knew what lay on your tongue and he knew you were too embarrassed to say it out loud, but he wanted to hear you say it so bad. “You’re what?” he murmured teasingly and you groaned, hiding your face in your hands. “I’m close, oh god, I'm close!”

You found yourself squealing when you felt one of Theo’s fingers that had been rubbing circles on your clit travel down and prod at your entrance. A gasp left your lips when he slipped it inside, lubricated by your juices, and curled it upward. Your grip on his locks tightened, whether to stop him or spur him on, you did not know, and he chuckled against your warmth. “Be gentle with me, cara mia.” God, the way he spoke Italian into your cunt had you wetter than you would like to admit. But of course, he noticed, and you knew from the slight smirk he gave you that he had made a mental note.

Theo added another finger and you felt your high approaching with accelerating speed, and somehow, the pleasure got even more intense. You had touched yourself before, but the weak orgasms you could draw out here and there were in no comparison to anything you felt right now. You knew Theo was watching you closely, you could feel his heavy gaze on you, but you couldn't stop your pathetic little “ah”s of pleasure. And when he curled up his fingers to meet a spot you didn't even know you had and his lips closed around your clit once more, you broke.

Releasing a strangled moan, your body spasmed as you were hit by the strongest orgasm you had ever felt, bucking off the bed as you squeezed your eyes shut and fell apart on his tongue. For a moment, you thought you could see the pearly gates of heaven as you grew impossibly light-headed. Wave and wave of pleasure washed over you, with the only thing grounding you being Theo. His mouth and fingers worked you through your high as you slowly returned to him.

Watching your heaving chest and teary eyes, Theo felt tempted to work you into overstimulation, giving in to the mean temptation to have you crying and and trashing in his arms, but he resisted the urge. Today was exclusively about your pleasure. Instead, he released your thighs and departed from your pussy with a last peck to your clit that had you jolt in his hold. Then, he returned to hover over you and revel in your fucked-out expression.

Theo dipped his head down to kiss you and you shuddered, tasting yourself on his lips. In fact, half his face was covered in your juices, and when he pulled away from the short but sweet kiss, you attempted to wipe some of it away with an apologetic expression. “Sorry,” you said sheepishly, feeling hesitant to meet his intense gaze. “I made a bit of a mess, didn't I?”

But one of Theo’s hands came up to seize your wrist and stop your feeble attempts. “Tesoro, why would you deny me my dessert?”

“D- dessert?” you stuttered, blushing furiously, and he laughed. Your weak slap against his abdomen seemed to go unnoticed, but your blushing did not. “cosi carina,” Theo murmured as he pecked both your burning cheeks. His eyes met yours and you shivered at the unmasked adoration in them. “How do you feel? Do you want to continue? We don't have to,” he assured you, but you shook your head with a little more fervor as necessary.

“I want to continue, that was … wow. It never…,” you avoided his eyes but he lifted your chin to make you look at him. “It never what?” “... never felt that good when I… you know…” Your embarrassment, even when he was literally covered in your juices, was so cute that Theo couldn't help the grin growing on his face. “Go on.” With a frustrated groan, you punched his chest. “When I … you know… touched myself,” you forced past your lips and he cooed at your shyness.

His head nestled into the crook of your neck and you heard him mutter close to your ear: “What did you think about when you touched yourself, tesoro?” Your heart pounded so hard in your chest you could barely get your words past it. “You. And me. A- and-” your voice broke off and faded into a soft mewl when you felt his fingers at your entrance once more, drawing tantalizing patterns around your clit.

“Go on,” he murmured again and your breath hitched. “Go on or I'll stop,” Theo threatened and you scrambled to keep talking. “Your hands, ah! I thought about your hands.” His dark chuckle made you shiver and he cooed. “You thought about my hands?” You nodded in shame, fisting his shirt and pulling him closer. “What else?”

You realized he was looking for a specific answer that you were very reluctant to give. The effect he had on you when he spoke in his mother tongue. But you just couldn't say it, so you copped out with “your voice.”

There was a mean flick against your clit and you gasped as Theo growled against your ear. Two of his fingers entered your cunt and stretched it out so deliciously you could feel it in your dry throat. “What else?” Stubbornly, you shook your head and he tutted. “Cos'altro c'è?”

“You’re mean,” you complained, but you could practically feel yourself growing wetter- and he could, too. “Dillo e basta,” he purred against the shell of your ear as his fingers curled and expertly hit the spot that had you seeing stars. “Just say it, tesoro.”

It was too much: his Italian, his fingers, the burning in your cheeks. The confession broke out of you. “It's hot when you speak Italian, okay?” you whined defiantly and Theo rewarded you with another curl upwards that had you shudder in his arms. “Good girl, I knew you could do it.” You didn't know what you hated more: how smug his voice was or how it had you dripping into the sheets. In an attempt to regain your dignity, you mustered all your strength and locked your thighs around his waist, flipping the two of you around.

With a raised brow, Theo watched your panting figure ontop of him. You straddled his waist and, in an attempt to take back some level of control, experimentally rocked your hips over his clothes erection. Theo’s breath hitched slightly and you gave him a triumphant grin, rolling your hips once again, and again, holding back moans. You gasped when he shifted under you and sat up, his hands latching onto your waist. Now it was him who rocked you back and forth on his lap, and you who buried your hands in his shirt and mewled at the pleasure.

“Nice try,” he chuckled into your ear. The satisfaction in his tone brought out your last remnants of defiance as you bit down on his neck so hard it made him hiss. “Cazzo, bella!” While he was distracted, your hand travelled down and you found the outline of his cock through his trousers. When your fingers closed around it, eliciting a deep grunt from Theo, you gasped. Though you had never seen another man in comparison, you were pretty sure Theo was massive, and you began to doubt wether he could even fit.

But before you could do anything else, Theo’s lips clashed onto yours and you were momentarily distracted by the mind-shattering kiss he gave you. His tongue slipped into your mouth easily as if he wanted to devour you whole, body and soul, and you were beginning to think he already had. Between kisses, he whispered unknown phrases in Italian. His lips in combination with his words made you increasingly desperate.

When he pulled away and you gasped for air, Theo gently removed your hands from his clothed erection and placed pecks on your frowning eyebrows. “Not tonight, cara mia, this is about you, and you only.”

“But-,” you protested weakly as he brought your hands to his neck and looped them around it. “I wanted to make you feel good, too.”

“Well, aren't you an angel,” he chuckled softly and kissed the corner of your lips. “The best way to make me feel good right now, tesoro, is to take off that blouse of yours.”

You scrambled to unbutton your school shirt, but it was a bit of a challenge with how hard your hands were trembling. All the while, Theo leaned back against the headboard and watched your attempts with the slightest hint of smugness shimmering within those cerulean eyes. He might as well have lit a cigarette, with how utterly appeased he appeared. A smug smile tugged at his lips as he watched your confused attempts to open your blouse. His nonchalance was maddeningly magnetic, with the casual grace of someone who held all the cards.

When you had finally managed to open your blouse, you were suddenly hit with a new wave of shyness. Your hands trembled slightly when you pried it open and discarded it onto the floor, watching Theo’s reaction closely. His eyes widened slightly and the smile fell from his lips. It was replaced by slightly parted lips that he wet with his tongue as his eyes took you in fully, traveling over your collarbone, clothed breasts and down to your soft belly.

Feeling self-conscious, you crossed your arms over your chest, but Theo sat up in one swift motion and pried them off, eyes locked to your lace bra. “No, no, no, niente di tutto questo,” he told you and you wondered whether he was even aware you had no idea what he had said. Oh, well, you’d gotten the general gist.

When Theo managed to lift his gaze from your boobs,they met yours with a softness you hadn't expected. “You’re so beautiful, Merlin, let me die to this sight.”

“You-,” you whispered, as if you were telling him a secret, “you’re not lying?” God, that lifted eyebrow, those damn eyes. His index finger brushed over your lip gently and you found yourself shuddering at the simple touch. Leaning closer, your cunt brushed over his thigh and you gasped. With a light smirk on his lips, Theo bucked it upwards and watched you suppress a moan and bury your hands in his shirt to stabilize yourself. Your vicinity enabled him to reach around your waist and flip the two around in one fluid motion.

“I'm not,” he said softly, looking down on your bare body splayed out for him in the sheets. Your pretty glistening eyes looking up at him so sweetly, he found himself enraptured by merely looking at you.

A pout tugged at your kiss-bitten lips. “How come I'm naked and you’re not?”

He smiled. “Fair enough.” With one hand, he tugged his shirt over his head, the other loosened his belt. With a shudder, he got lost in the feeling of your soft hands traveling up his torso and locking around his neck to pull him into a kiss. He gave in to your pull and dove down, shedding his trousers and slotting his hips between your soft thighs.

You almost forgot how to breathe in between kisses. Everything was so warm. His hands on your body, your skin against the fire from outside and within. His mouth, caressing yours. One of his hands travelled down your tummy and over the curve of your bare ass, grabbing a hand full of your thigh and lifting it to rock his clothed erection against your bare warmth. A strangled moan left your lips as you threw your head back and his lips latched onto your neck.

Your bodies rocked against and with each other, synchronizing into one fluid motion. Theo's somewhat strained baritone whispered sweet nothings in Italian into your ear. But it wasn't enough. Your hand ran down his back until it reached his boxers and you tugged at their hem, making Theo pant into your mouth. Spurred on by his reaction, you slipped your hand inside them and closed around his cock. For some reason, you shuddered against him and when he moaned against your skin, you took it as a sign to move your hand.

As if on instinct, his hips rocked into your hand and he groaned into your neck. “ragazza sfacciata. Little minx.” But before you could revel in having the upper hand for at least a short while, a much bigger hand closed around both your wrists and pressed them into the mattress over your hand. With a cheeky smile, Theo tutted at you. “Quite eager, aren't we?”

“Well, if you take so damn long,” you retorted and his eyes glinted dangerously before they softened once more. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked seriously, searching for any traces of hesitation or uncertainty.

You nodded. “Positi-” You were cut off by a squeak when Theo discarded his boxers and rutted his cock against your folds. He was massive, and excitement, as well as anxiety curled in your stomach. “Still sure?” he asked cockily and you nodded. Even though you knew it wasn't a smart move, you gave him challenging look. “What, are you scared to f-” Three fingers plunged into your wet cunt and you gasped at the new stretch, eyes burning. “That's what you got to look forward to,” Theo murmured hotly against your neck. “That and more.”

Even though nervousness bloomed in your stomach, you managed to catch his eye and give him a nod of reassurance. “Please, Theo, please, I want it, I-” “Merlin, you’re tempting,” Theo gritted out and gave your cunt a gentle slap that squelched embarrassingly loud. “Bene, spread your legs for me, principessa.”

You did and felt a blush bloom on your cheeks when the tip of his cock kissed your sensitive clit. Theo's hands drew reassuring circles on your belly as he hoisted himself up and pressed his tip into your entrance. He was big, and seemed even bigger now that he was actually in you. The stretch was so unlike his fingers that you forgot to breathe for a second. You felt Theo's worried eyes on you and smiled at him through the sting you felt. “Tell me if anything hurts,” he muttered before he moved in the next inch.

Theo could barely hold himself together as his tip slipped further into your tight warmth. Biting down hard on his lip, so hard he might have actually started bleeding, he summoned all his restraint. The urge to plunge into you and split you open was strong, but even stronger was his concern for you as he saw you well up and breathe steadily through your mouth. “Tesoro?” You nodded at him to keep going and squeezed your eyes shut as he sank in another inch. Theo couldn't hold back the moan that left his throat and your whimpers didn't make the situation any better.

“Are you all the way in yet?” you asked, unable to imagine that you could take much more, but Theo shook his head. “That's just half of it, Bella. Want me to stop?” You shook your head vigorously. “No, keep going.”

Finally, with a lot of patience and self restraint, Theo managed to sink into your tight cunt all the way. With a pant, he sank down onto his free elbow, hovering inches above you. Your eyes were squeezed shut, but you breathed steadily and let out the occasional whimper.

“Are you okay?” you heard Theo mutter and you opened your eyes to see cerulean blue. You took a deep breath and nodded. “‘M fine. Just-” you squirmed and Theo gasped, holding your hips down. “So full…”

Theo chuckled at your ramblings and pulled out before slowly moving back in. His steady movements slowly turned from stinging to pleasurable and small “ah”s escaped you as he established a steady rhythm. His breath was hot against your ear. “Fucking hell, bella.”

An embarrassingly loud moan escaped you when Theo hit that spot and you squirmed against his hand that still held your wrists in place. “T-theo!” Suddenly, you felt his hand slip under your back and unhook your bra, discarding it to somewhere unseen. His lips came down to wrap around your nipple and you arched your back off the mattress as his teeth nibbled at the sensitive skin, travelling up your tit before biting down gently and sucking, surely forming a bruise. Meanwhile, his cock still hit the spot that had you falling apart, chanting his name breathlessly.

The sensations were so overwhelming that tears slipped out of the corners of your eyes. You hiccuped, and Theo chuckled against the tender skin of your boobs. A coil tightened in your lower belly, if possible even more intense than the previous ones, and you squirmed pathetically against Theo’s hold. Finally, he released your wrists and they flew to his hair to bury themselves in it. As you felt your climax approaching, you whimpered something incoherent, but he understood.

His now free hand dove down to draw hurried circles around your clit and you jolted as the added pleasure brought you to the edges of consciousness. A scream of his name left your throat as you crashed into your high with full force, your back arched off the bed. His skillful fingers and gentle rhythm worked you through your high when his movements suddenly stuttered and the rhythm grew uneven. As you came down from your high, Theo rutted his cock into you heavily, three times before he pulled out and came onto the sheets.

Panting hard, Theo collapsed on the bed next to you and pulled your trembling figure into his arms. You buried your face in his chest as he caressed your body with soft touches, drawing patterns on the small of your back. When you looked up from his chest, your eyes met his and in your shared look, you tried to convey all your love, all your adoration and affection. You reached for his hand and locked his fingers, and Theo pressed a gentle kiss onto your temple.

"My friends were surprisingly supportive," Theo spoke into the silence and your eyes widened. Foreseeing your skepticism, Theo chuckled. "It might have been because I told them with a drawn wand. But I think Enzo's got a crush on you."

"You're crazy," you said, rolling your eyes. "I can't have two gorgeous men liking me." Even though you couldn't see it, you heard the frown in his voice. "You think Enzo is gorgeous?" You snorted. "I mean... objectively? But don't worry. I like them broody and Italian and stinking of cigarettes." A satisfied hum left Theo's lips as he pecked your temple.

“Ti amo, tesoro,” he whispered softly as he returned your smile. You leaned your head against his bicep and drowned in his cerulean eyes. “Anch'io ti amo, Theo.”

a/n: thank you so much for 300 followers and have a happy new year's eve! see you all in 2025!

[astralnymphh]

hear me out. vamp!ellie who bends her knee to a kneel at your feet, as you abide a cushiony seat denting in your weight, her icy fingertips running up the curve of your calf until her palm meets the thickest point of it and halts, supporting your leg. laying your foot on her thigh, she tucks fingers of the opposing hands a fingerbreadth beneath the hem of your sock, dragging the cotton a demure trace downwards just enough to expose the knob of your ankle, creaking a content smirk to one corner of her lips, becking her head low and swathing her open gob over the bump. then, a sharp sting in pinpoint areas strikes up your leg, right as her incisors sink and bottom fully in the flesh. you wince, merely a tad, because you are used to this. a tender taking of blood, be it your neck, thigh, waist, or collarbone, you dwell in its painful pleasure, always.

"ah–" the mere wince pitches, lush of breath.

you feel her neck bob against the top of your toes and a tickle fiddles with your staccato heart at that paltry feeling– of her drinking threads of your blood. she made you throb, in vulnerable passions.

the sting dies, and all that's left in the wake of delirious pain is the press of mildly chapped, silken skin buds. a vampiric kiss of wintery haze. sated of your bittersweet taste, she draws her fangs back in, the smoothness of those pearls rubbing inside the fresh wound before prying off– web of saliva tethered to the ruddy tinting.

she reels back only slightly, folding her coral tongue over the plush of her lip to rend any strings of spit broken and swept inside her mouth. a gulp bobs her throat once more, tilting her head to gauge your resulting expression, tugging a dimpled grin at how keen your eyes poured. poured of a dizzying gaze through drooping lids, sedated of her suckling. as usual. tousled fawn auburn bangs, well frizzy and perking up in awkward spires– a bedheaded mullet.

a sweetening rasp of, "fallin' asleep on me already? huh– m'not even done babe~" thrumms ardent to your ankle, breath enveloping the throbbing skin, dripping crimson at the tiny pinholes she left.

"your fault– mhh," words snag in your gullet, hacking nothing but a hum up, "not mine." the burden of your head seated upon your shoulders felt heftier than seconds prior, swaying side to side like a nearly whitecapping boat.

a chuckle she gives, fuck, an irksome chuckle at your expense.

that's ellie for you.

her beady pupils bluster at the sight of red wisping in her peripherals. shame on her, reckless is her lost soul, for allowing such an emblem of her esteemed delicacy to run like a river on your foot. she flattens the biome of her tongue on the wound, craning her head to an angle as she laps up the blood, staining the skin with a more orangey residue. salt to buds, it settles in her mouth, thinning out her pupils in its hellish–ly titillating flavor, the true flavor of you.

a savored swallow is heard.

and then a hark of her husk.

"just once more, baby– need you inside of me~"

blahh i wanna write vamp ellie saur bad!!!

[dr-demi-bee]

Happy Fic Moment from 2024!

There's a cute little trend going around where folks are sharing cute/fluffy/happy moments from their fics written in 2024!

Thanks for the tags @purpleasters-inseptember and @12thhouse-sun! 💖

It took a little but to find a moment that didn't have some thread of angst in it 🙈 Here's a cute little pre-primalweave moment from Service and Worship are not Love!

“I wanted to apologize,” Tav starts hesitantly. Gale quirks a brow, but allows her to continue without comment. “I am sorry for how I ended things last night.” “Ah,” he smiles fully at her, “No need to apologize. I enjoyed sharing a moment of magic with you.” “Enas'i. I as well,” Tav works to muster her usual courage. She could flirt with satyrs, for gods sake, this is one human man. A very handsome man. “I am grateful you shared your knowledge with me.” “You are among a lucky few to have had the pleasure of my instruction.” “Are you always this humble?” Tav is teasing, but Gale takes it quite literally. “Only when the occasion suits,” his grin turns a bit smug, “That's mostly a synonym for 'yes', by the by.” Normally such arrogance would irritate her. Yet in Gale she somehow finds it cute - there is no mean spiritedness behind it. Tav lets out a soft laugh despite herself. “And here I had thought wizards talking in riddles was meant as a joke.” Gale laughs amiably. She looks away again- finding it hard to maintain eye contact when he looks up at her with eyes full of soft adoration. She finds herself picturing what it might be like to climb onto his lap... Tav shakes her head lightly, trying to clear the thought away. She trains her eyes on where Astarion examines a table full of potions across the room, desperate for the distraction. She meant to embrace Gale's kindness and interest, not mount him like she was in heat. Hells. “I was enjoying our moment alone,” she continues, looking to gauge his feelings after resolving the fallout from yesterday. “I confess I have been thinking about it often.” “Have you?” Gale inquires with a pleased smile, and an inquisitive brow. Tav nods, watching the glint in his eye as he looks her over. “As have I,” he muses, his smile confident and a bit smug as he goes on, “You see, I'm not a big believer in fate, but I do believe in serendipity.” “Seren... I do not know this one.” “Serendipity,” he repeats. With a pleased smile, his finger lofts between them, “What we can call accidental discoveries of things which are desirable.” “Desire?” Tav's cheeks feel hotter now. How does this man get under her skin so? “Oh yes,” that infuriating smirk spreads as he tilts his head thoughtfully, “Life is a tempest of events that sometimes we brace against, and sometimes embrace.” His voice pitches lower, and he leans in towards her. “You're one such event that one day soon perhaps, I'd like to embrace.”

[nvfr-bonvoyage]

Q&A thread regarding the Bon Voyage! A Neuvifuri in Asia Zine

================================================

Is this inclusive of all of Asia (West, Central, South, SEA, and EA)?

Bon Voyage! will be inclusive of all of Asia, and we hope to keep it as diverse as possible. We strive for our zine to represent most if not all Asian cultures while still allowing room for our contributors to explore their creativity.

Are only Asians allowed to participate in this zine?

Anyone can apply and participate in the zine regardless of your nationality! Being a contributor will rely on your skill and portfolio, first and foremost. As the zine aims to celebrate Asian cultures, as long as future contributors responsibly do thorough research on the countries they choose to pitch for, everyone is welcome!

Is the zine for charity or for profit?

Bon Voyage! will be a free digital zine. Depending on the future results of the interest check, however, we might open pre-orders for a physical and/or bundle. If so, we are hoping to compensate our contributors with a physical bundle, and the rest of the proceeds will go to charity.

If the digital zine is free, then why is there a question in the IC Form that suggests otherwise?

We planned to make the digital zine free while also opening up to the possibility of giving it monetary value once we've gauged the results from our interest check form. It is so we could have the means to compensate our contributors and donate to charities!

What do you mean by "article" on the IC form? Meta or in-universe, like Steambird publication?

We'll be accepting both in-universe and meta publications as long as they stick to the theme of Neuvifuri in an Asian setting. An example of the in-universe articles is Steambird publication or articles in other settings such as modern AU. Alternatively, contributors are also allowed to write a meta article about Neuvifuri in Asia (e.g., Which Asian foods they would like best and why, how their lives would change if they were born in XXX country etc.).

[catkin-morgs-kookaburralover]

ok this is super half baked idea but it just occurred to me as a fun idea perhaps for next year.

concept: advent calendar. i.e. twenty-five days including the 25th of the month. could possibly be combined or connected to something with the twelve days of Christmas as well if it was wanted to go on for longer. could be modified with more traditional advent concepts (not very familiar with it myself but open to suggestions)

suggestion: a short story for each day of advent, from a combination of different authors (ideally one story per author but could be modified). either all standalone or a possible joint Christmas Day story that pulls multiple different threads together. if we got enough authors/artists together (or one or two very dedicated artists) there could be a story with an accompanying piece of artwork.

could be scheduled ebook release each day and/or posting on a website at a scheduled time each day, with possible purchase of the whole ebook or physical book in one go on the 25th / preorder so that physical media is slated to arrive at the right time.

this is kind of cobbled together but what are people's thoughts? re:word count, brief google suggests 70-90k is common as a total for the average novel, which would mean an average of 3.2k per story, or somewhere between 2000 and 4400 words if we were being a bit more loose with length.

also note that if art was involved prints could be made and shipped for a moderate sum ($27AUD at time of writing to send internationally if using a single prepaid satchel*, $3.75AUD to make 25 6"x4" prints, total cost rounds to $31AUD assuming a single satchel could be used). also possible to look at print on demand services that could cut down on shipping. (this also assumes artists would not be paid)

this is very rough in calculation ofc but what do people think about it? (frankly, it sounds like a fun sort of project for myself if nobody else wants to join me lol)

(re:financial aspect - I know in some things like audiobooks done for him my dad has paid all the costs, and any income above cost level he splits 50/50 with the audiobook reader - has a given flat rate/percentage per sale that's cost, and anything additional is royalties. unless I could pitch this to an established author or publishing house (impossible, though if there were others in on the scheme we could possibly look into the option) it would not be worth making the serial itself only available for upfront paying because I simply don't have an audience at all lol. however the possibility of making an ebook or physical book that could be sold later would have the possibility in the future to recoup costs. )

*large letter format is $15AUD but uncertain if that would be sufficient, would require more research

(trying to gauge even vague interest; if there's interest of basically any kind I can expand on my thoughts. also if anyone's interested and has discord please message me for my discord lol)

please reblog and or offer any thoughts you have!

EDIT: note that 'contributing' encompasseses both contributing and reading whereas reading does not encompass contributing

[nan0-sp1der]

Definitely not following suit again and scheming up HC's for the muse while I wait for thread replies.

> Minor Details About The H.A.S.S. Based off of @acupoffreshlybrewedmemes’ ask meme

How does your muse answer their phone? Do they get nervous or panic if they hear it ring? Do they answer it immediately or let it ring out? How do they greet the person on the other end?

As she spends a majority of her days taking calls from agents or being called in for missions, she always answers calls in a calm manner–even when in the midst of combat, she tries her best. To maintain polite phone etiquette is part of her modus de operandi. 

How do they wake up in the morning? Do they jump out of bed immediately after they hear their alarm go off? Do they turn their alarm off and stay in bed a little longer? How long does it take for them to actually feel awake?

An internal clock lets Bridge know when it’s time to re-activate and recommence operations, and they rarely take long to get their day started once they’re active again. Some days, though, if she fails to recharge properly before going into sleep mode, she may feel groggy and take a bit to get up-to-speed.

If they’re walking and they pass by a stranger who makes eye contact how do they react? Do they nod their head? Smile? Do they quickly avert their gaze?

Even when interacting with perfect strangers she passes by on the street, she tries to maintain placidity in her responses. A quick nod or a wave will do–maybe after she stares for a minute to gauge the person staring back at her.

What’s their posture like when they walk? Are they a slow, fast, or moderate walker?

Bridge is a stiff walker. Shoulders and back constantly straight and her head up, one would think she suffers from back pains because of this. Likewise, she constantly walks at a brisk pace unless being followed or guided, at which point she will walk at the same speed. 

If they hear a song they like what do they do? Do they tap their foot? Quietly dance? Nod their head? Etc.

If she picks up on a song she likes when in the company of others, she hardly conveys her enjoyment. Maybe a rhythmic tapping on the back of her hand while she keeps them folded on her lap–as she does. In private or on her lonesome, though, she may hum to herself as she goes about her business.

If their phone/computer announces that they need to update their software, does your muse get right on it or do they procrastinate the update for as long as possible?

Bridge is constantly undergoing various forms of self-improvement. Be it minor software updates or small tweaks to her hardware, she is always looking for ways to optimize her systems–unless she is out on the field. Data collected during operations will be consolidated and studied by her afterwards.

When they go out for a walk, are they the type of person to look up at the sky to check the clouds or the stars?

When Bridge is on one of her leisurely strolls to lessen the strain of the constant processes running on her hardware, she will more likely than not take a look out into Nueva York’s skies. Measuring the placement of the stars. Calculating how they’ve changed since she last looked. During the day, she clouds gazes. If you happen to join her in her gazing, she might just ramble to you about the weather and how the atmospheric pressure will affect it today.

Is your muse a ‘Hey! Look at the moon!’ type of person?

Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. It is an understatement to declare that Bridge is infatuated with the moon. If you let her, she might just take you there. After strenuous preparations, of course.

Do they know how to whistle? If so, what type of whistle do they make? A loud one? A soft and airy one? Do they inhale or exhale to whistle?

Bridge, while not retaining the lungs to push air out of her mouth to ‘whistle’, she can emulate tones similar to a whistle by manipulating the resonance of air molecules around her. She can change the pitch, tone, and softness as-needed.

If it’s a hot day, how do they keep themselves cool?

When faced with higher-than-average temperatures, or in a state where her hardware integrity is being threatened with overheating, she will more likely than not just open her coat to allow for air flow. When that doesn’t suffice–and even then she would stubbornly refuse to–she will ditch the coat completely. Please don’t point it out, it makes her uncomfortable.

If it’s a cold day, how do they keep themselves warm?

She much prefers the cold. Although, if she gets too cold, the coolant in her hardware will see her getting stuck in place as it would most definitely freeze. A simple solution would be to create a plasma barrier around herself to maintain stable temperatures, should her energy reserves allow for it.

[rhetoricandlogic]

Whale Riders

By Austin Grossman

Nov. 5, 2009

Scott Westerfeld’s “Leviathan” is a tightly paced young adult novel set in an alternate version of the First World War and a welcome addition to the steampunk genre: a neo-retro period adventure. Just as cyberpunk reimagined science fiction with computers, steampunk reinvents it through a fantasy of the technological past. Its signature style is a whimsical Jules Verne-ian, 19th-century take on high technology — gadgets, gauges and goggles take the place of circuits and fusion reactors. Its genteel heroes and heroines display both the pluck of idealized Victorian adven­turers and their understanding of formal dress.

Westerfeld is best known for his sci-fi Uglies series (“Pretties,” “Specials,” “Extras,” etc.), about a future society in which people have a surgical procedure at age 16 that makes their faces beautiful but their minds frivolous and easily controlled. “Leviathan” is different. If it poses a big question, that question would be, Wouldn’t it be cool if the First World War had been fought with genetically engineered mutant animals, against steam-­powered walking machines like the ones from “The Empire Strikes Back”? And the answer is, Yes, it would.

The book begins the night the Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated and his son, Aleksandar, flees his home near Prague to escape being made a target or a tool as the potential heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. (Aleksandar is an invention, but like Ferdinand’s real children, he is not a fully legitimate heir to royal lands or titles, since his mother has “common blood.”) At the other end of Europe, a working-class Scottish girl named Deryn disguises herself as a boy to join the British Air Service. Intrigue and political instability sweep the teenagers out of their normal lives and into a world at war.

It’s not quite our world. In this version of history, Europe is divided between two rival technological cultures, a Mac-versus-PC contest on a geopolitical scale. The British, the “Darwinists,” have mastered the science of bioengineering. The Central European powers are the “Clankers,” and they use airplanes, zeppelins and walking machines that tramp through forests and fields. (We aren’t told what the French do, and I think that’s for the best.)

“Leviathan” shines when it lets us inhabit these cultures. British society is permeated by its signature technology, an inventive living infrastructure of a thousand elements, from lizards that can mimic and record voices to tigerlike beasts of burden to the leviathan of the title, a living dirigible grown on the genetic chassis of a whale. This marvelous creature makes a lovely entrance:

“The Leviathan’s body was made from the life threads of a whale, but a hundred other species were tangled into its design, countless creatures fitting to­gether like the gears of a stopwatch. . . . The motivator engines changed pitch, nudging the creature’s nose up. The airbeast obeyed, cilia along its flanks undulating like a sea of grass in the wind — a host of tiny oars rowing backward, slowing the Leviathan almost to a halt. The huge shape drifted slowly overhead, blotting out the sky.”

Westerfeld’s imagery is enhanced by Keith Thompson’s old-fashioned black-and-white illustrations, which lend an extra dimension of reality to this world. And the Darwinist and Clanker jargon crackles with an authentically techie feel. Who wouldn’t want to go up in a “Huxley ascender” or pilot a “Wotan-class land frigate”? If Westerfeld has a signature foible, however, it’s a weakness for vintage slang that ends up being more distracting than colorful. No amount of repetition made “Barking spiders!” feel like a natural exclamation.

I also wanted to like Deryn and Alek more. There’s something a little mechanical (or bioengineered?) about this pair; they resemble something called a “young adult protagonist” more than they do actual teenagers. It’s not that they’re not pleasant to be around, and each one passes a dramatic series of trials, overseen by a mysterious British lady scientist and a cranky Teutonic fencing master who both possess a charisma that makes you miss them when they’re offstage. Deryn and Alek lack the psychological sloppiness that makes for a living presence rather than an expert piece of craft. Where their feelings are concerned, the prose is a little vacant, as if scrubbed of the messiest and most personal aspects of growing up.

And then there’s the unpleasantness of fighting in World War I. The Great War in “Leviathan” is a little too picturesque, a little too much of a lark. As novels like “The Red Badge of Courage” show, it’s possible to reach young readers without editing out the catastrophe and confusion of wartime.

This isn’t to say that “Leviathan” is a superficial book. As Westerfeld writes in his afterword, the novel is “as much about possible futures as alternate pasts.” Its larger themes are less apparent and more deeply buried than in the Uglies books, and are the more powerful for it. The novel is a study in opposites, of boy versus girl, working class versus aristocracy, British versus German, and its overlying thematic division of Darwinists and Clankers gives all of these a distinctive torque, while avoiding mapping neatly to any specific agenda. The novel’s concluding set piece features a grand, elegant and very satisfying hybridization that suggests that opposites can meet, collapse and mingle, and that this story has natural sequels, which I will undoubtedly read.

LEVIATHAN

By Scott Westerfeld

Illustrated by Keith Thompson

A correction was made on

Nov. 22, 2009

: 

A review on Nov. 8 about Scott Westerfeld’s “Leviathan,” a young adult novel depicting an alternate version of World War I, misstated the nature of some of the language used in the book. It is vintage vernacular appropriate to the period, not “invented teenage slang.”

[darkdemeter]

SCP 3456.2 C also known as Fury is a Thaumiel Class entity known for her hotheaded temper and prideful attitude. Very hostile towards anyone but her family, she often itches for a fight and can be most cooperative when dealing with SCPs…violently. Her most requests tended to be beauty-related products such as makeup. Had quite the record of the number of times she’s threatened Foundation staff until one of her siblings calms her down.

[ AUTHENTICATION REQUESTED ]

∎ LOADING FILE . . .

[ ACCESS GRANTED :) ]

Profiled tag: SCP-3456-2-C "Fury"

Class: Thaumiel (risk of Apollyon level)

SCP description:

Measured to stand at 8'5 in height and weigh medium-light, Fury is considered to not be absorbent of enemy fire, though is still quite resilient. She favours an acrobatic method to her fighting and is quick in her attacks. However, her elegant form of combat is not to be underestimated as she can pose as a deadly opponent and has a venomous attitude when it comes to her ability to handle herself.

Known to be the most temperamental and easy to set off out of her siblings, she is often noted as hotheaded and prideful. A warrior eager to enter the field of combat always, she has the hardest time adjusting to the Foundation's regulations and her confinement. Already she has been responsible for several Ignited cases alone.

It's strictly advised that precaution is taken when interacting with Fury and to promptly leave her general vicinity if a notable and more aggressive course of temper has taken place. Numerous of the staff have already reported that threats have been made against them by the Horsemen, only having to be calmed and restrained by her fellow siblings.

With an athletic and sleek build dressed in a lighter casing of armour and a sturdy, rubbery leather that covers nearly her entire body, portions of her arms and face being the only parts uncovered. A smooth, light tan complexion, her face is painted with a dark symbol that takes presence around the upper portion and around her eyes, along with a darkened tone to her mouth. Like War, her face is uncovered and has a milky white hue to her eyes, sometimes with a powerful and beating glow while other times it appears subdued. Her hair is a reddish maroon, long and mystically able to drift and waft like a rogue flame. When using any of her Hollow abilities, her hair and eyes becomes charged with the corresponding source of energy.

Fury has taken a particular interest in beauty products and members of Foundation staff have provided her with a variety to experiment with. It's unknown what her opinion is on the products, however, she does become in a state of transfixion. A mirror and a box of magazines related to the beauty industry and culture have also been provided, hopefully it can be gauged what her thoughts are about it. Out of all the products, she seems most taken with the lipsticks and eye shadow.

Her weapon is known as Scorn (SCP-2-C-HS). A powerful entity of a whip hilt that latches securely to her hip. Instead of a long and tightly coiled rope of leather, it's lashing thread is made of a red and pulsing force of energy akin to lightning that can range to be twice as long as a normal whip with sharp, metal barbs materilising along it. Scorn has some shapeshifting capabilities so long as Fury has access to powerful relics known as Hollows. Each one grants her abilities befitting to the task she's undertaking, ranging from fire abilities to being able to walk underwater with ease without the threat of drowning.

Rampage (SCP-2-C-E.RAMP), is Fury's equine counterpart. A spirited creature though with a tendency to stalk after members of staff if they turn their back on him as though he does not take well to being ignored. Energetic when in the company of the other steeds of the Horsemen or given free roam. Around the height of the Thoroughbred, his coat is a pitch black with bright blue markings reminiscent of lightning coursing down from his neck and mane towards his hindquarters. His tail and mane also have the same bright, almost electrical pale blue that taper in a disconnected stream like a streamline of exposed gasoline.

[lettersnorth]

The Swift, Sudden Turn

The manacutter announced its arrival with a roar of engines overhead as the clouds parted and the red dirt and sand of Thanalan came into view. Train tracks threaded through the scrublands far below, man-made ribbons of wood and iron. Down there, off the manacutter’s port bow, stood a lone wooden structure worn by sun and sand. The train depot was an abandoned remnant of Ul’dah’s infrastructure, a victim of consolidation and the city’s dwindling need for the trains themselves. Aside from being abandoned, its low, rectangular profile with its pitched roof made it easy to overlook and that, in turn, made it an ideal smuggler’s location. 

Attached to one side of the depot was a platform that ran the length of the tracks for a good fifty fulms or so and as Locke brought the manacutter down into a controlled descent Aislinn could pick out the chaotic struggle occurring on its sun-bleached planks. Several members of Locke’s crew had taken the much quieter and stealthier Windshear ahead of them. From the looks of things they had wasted no time dropping in on Sterling and his men and, having both preparedness and the element of surprise on their side, were now pressing their advantage for every ounce it was worth. 

Aislinn directed Locke towards the opposite side of the depot where a relatively flat piece of land made a good place to set down. 

“The back door here’ll get us right into the depot while they’re all distracted out front.” She explained and no sooner had Locke touched down than she was jumping out of the open cockpit, adrenaline and a sense of urgency coursing through her veins. 

Their arrival, of course, had not gone unnoticed and the depot’s door clattered open before she could reach it. An ominous whisper of a thrown knife had her twisting on instinct, blading her body as it hissed past her and sunk in the dirt. Much of her life depended on quick reflexes. Simply learn to see the danger first or die. As though proving a counterpoint, Sterling’s frame filled the doorway like an idiot asking to be shot. He wasn’t usually so careless. Aislinn gauged by the look on his face that his fury and outrage that pirates had gotten the drop on him was to blame for this uncharacteristic throwing of caution to the wind. 

That icy indignation flickered, replaced by confusion as he laid eyes on her. “Lin?” he called out, making his way down the trio of steps, his hands on the short blades at his hip. “What the hells is this?” 

The gun in her hand should have been enough to stop most anyone in their tracks. Anyone with sense. Sterling had always had the wrong kind of sense. Instead of retreating he took her advantage away and closed the distance. He was close now. Almost too close to shoot and he either knew it or he doubted she ever would. 

And maybe he was right. Maybe she didn’t have it in her but his arrogant disregard struck a match and sent a flare of anger up her spine. In reply she fired several shots in the dirt at his feet that sure enough stopped him where he stood, a black look poisoning his expression. “Stark Oak. We’re taking him and leaving.” 

“Going back on the deal.” 

“Don’t start that. The Kugane job was your mess we had to clean up. Daichi's dead. There is no deal.” 

“That’s how it is, is it?” He replied with a hard stare. In his mind this was akin to betrayal and it went down about as well as shards of glass. 

In the measured silence the promise of violence coiled in the air, tight and untenable. Aislinn subtly shifted her weight, lifting her heels ever so slightly and when he lunged, his blades flashing out at her in the desert sunlight, she leapt backwards, just out of reach. 

Almost immediately, Locke was there. He was brutally efficient. No words, no warnings. He rushed in and filled the space vacated by Aislinn, his twin blades lashing out in a punishing rebuke, one high to the neck and the other low along the thigh. He wasn't aiming to maim and hinder but to kill. Locke never liked the man from the start and that, combined with the threat upon Lin's life, spurred him to act with the fury of a man who refused to let the world wrong him once more.

Sterling was quick, but then again he always had been. He shifted and drew his short swords up to block the larger threat; the sword swinging for his neck. It was a bad call but maybe the only one he could have made in time. It saved him from sudden decapitation but there was no way of stopping the wrathful momentum of Locke’s blade, just slowing it. Its honed edge bit into his skin, leaving a sudden surge of crimson in its wake. Locke’s second blade cut deeply into his thigh, sending him to the earth with a guttural curse.  

It was so swiftly done that Aislinn barely had time to register it. Later she would wonder if Sterling ever saw death coming. If, by drawing his blades, he had unknowingly sealed his fate. There was a vicious, ruthless streak that ran through Locke and there may have been no one alive who knew that quite as well as Aislinn. Losing something once drove a person twice as resolved to act solely in the name of never losing like that again. 

For the span of a breath Sterling stared down at the blood staining the dirt, not quite believing it was his. One hand reached up, pressing against the pulse in his neck in a futile attempt to stem its flow and with it, the inevitable. 

He let go a burbled laugh devoid of any humor. “Can only imagine how she paid for you lot to be here.” He looked past Locke, to Aislinn, with such hatred that once would have cowered her. “I should have killed you back then, you bitch.” 

There was irony to be found with those words. Back then, she’d been the one bleeding on the ground, cursing up at him as he left her used up and useless. Only now, the person who had taken her under his wing and shown her that wasn’t true was somewhere nearby, fractured and needing her help. She would be lying if she said Sterling’s insults, at least the first, hadn’t landed and left her with a burning desire to put a bullet through his chest. She tensed and for a moment it looked like she might. But then she merely turned her gaze to Locke, her touchstone. 

“Let’s find Stark Oak and go.” It was a cutting dismissal of her own as she turned her back on Sterling and strode towards the depot. He was as good as dead and no longer worth her time. He never had been. It would be a waste of a good bullet. 

[omegaphilosophia]

Voices and Pages: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Oral and Written Communication

In the vast tapestry of human communication, two fundamental threads have woven intricate patterns throughout our history: the spoken word and the written script. Both modes of expression, oral and written, bear their unique strengths and weaknesses, shaping the ways we share information, preserve culture, and advance as societies.

Oral Communication: The Power of Spoken Words

Advantages:

1. Immediate Impact: The spoken word carries an immediacy that written language often lacks. In face-to-face interactions, nuances of tone, pitch, and rhythm enrich the message, fostering a deeper connection between speaker and listener.

2. Dynamic Adaptation: Orality allows for real-time adjustments. A speaker can gauge the audience's reactions and tailor their message accordingly, ensuring comprehension and engagement.

3. Cultural Tradition: Many cultures have passed down their histories, myths, and wisdom through oral traditions. Storytelling, poetry, and oral epics are integral to preserving the essence of diverse cultural narratives.

Disadvantages:

1. Ephemeral Nature: Spoken words are transient, existing only in the moment. Once uttered, they often fade into the recesses of memory, unless intentionally recorded or passed down through generations.

2. Limited Reach: Oral communication has geographic limitations. It primarily serves immediate, local audiences, making it challenging to convey complex information across vast distances without distortion.

3. Subject to Interpretation: The absence of a fixed script can lead to misinterpretations. The same oral narrative might be recounted differently by different individuals, introducing variations and potential inaccuracies.

Written Communication: Unveiling the Power of the Written Word

Advantages:

1. Permanent Record: Written language creates a lasting record. From ancient scrolls to digital archives, written communication preserves knowledge, allowing it to transcend time and be shared widely.

2. Precision and Clarity: The written word allows for precise expression. Authors can carefully craft their messages, providing clarity and reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation.

3. Global Reach: With the advent of written languages and translation technologies, written communication can traverse continents, enabling the dissemination of information on a global scale.

Disadvantages:

1. Lack of Immediacy: Unlike oral communication, written messages lack immediacy. Responses are not instantaneous, potentially impeding dynamic, real-time exchanges.

2. Fixed Expression: Once written, a text is static. It remains unchanged unless intentionally edited. This lack of adaptability can be a drawback in situations that demand flexibility.

3. Potential for Misinterpretation: Despite efforts to be precise, written communication is susceptible to misinterpretation. Readers bring their own perspectives and experiences, influencing how they understand written words.

In the ongoing evolution of communication, the interplay between oral and written forms continues to shape our understanding of the world. Whether spoken in the heat of the moment or etched onto pages for posterity, each mode carries its significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of human expression.

[vastayan--vigilante]

💚 SHIPPING INFO 💚

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR MUSES SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPPING WORKS ON YOUR BLOG.

Tagged by: @countlessrealities (thank you 💜)

Tagging: @just--a--jinx @arcanescion @independentzaun @gauntlets-shot @saviourofzaun @bioniczaunites @misstantabismuses @perfect-fourth @crowtongued @saviourofzaun and anyone else who wants to do it!

1. WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER(S)?

To be honest, I don't really have OTPs ¯\ _(ツ)_/¯

I'm very fond of writing Timebomb (Ekko x Jinx) at the moment, and I enjoyed writing ViCait stuff. I'll also allude to Scar x Zihnah on here (Zihnah being the OC I established to be the mother of Scar's daughter that we see he canonically has.)

But I'm more interested in writing style compatibility with rp partners, plot development, and assessing character chemistry on an individual basis, than on pursuing specific ships.

If someone I really vibed the writing style of approached me with an interesting enough idea, even if it was a ship I hadn't considered writing before, I'd give it a go (which is how I ended up with moon/toffee, silco/lachlan and darkling/nikolai rp threads lmao)

2. HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?

That depends on two core factors.

One - how old is the younger character? Are they in their thirties (aka an established, financially independent adult with a good amount of life experience under their belt), or are they eighteen/nineteen (aka barely legal, still learning how to be an adult, likely with not much life experience and likely not financially secure.)

Two - Is it supposed to be written as a wholesome equal partnership, or an exploration of toxic/controlling power dynamics?

I'm not going to be comfortable writing a 19 year old character in a relationship with a 30+ year old character unless my partner agrees that it is supposed to be uncomfortable, and unhealthy, and we are exploring a plot with dark themes. There is an inherent power imbalance for that kind of age difference and that needs to be acknowledged. But I wouldn't bat an eyelid at writing a 35 year old character with a 46 year old character, because both characters have plenty of life experience under their belts and are on more even footing in a general life stage sense.

3. HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NSFW?

Once clothes start coming off and/or things move past second base ¯\ _(ツ)_/¯

4. ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?

If I'm writing it? Yes. I'm quite selective in general, and if the chemistry isn't there or there isn't a compelling narrative reason for two characters to get together, I'm just not gonna be interested.

By default I prefer writing platonic dynamics over romantic ones, simply because it irritates me when people want to jump straight into writing romantic/nsfw stuff with my characters without any build up or pre-established story. I like to establish a dynamic and get a vibe for how well someone's character portrayal meshes with mine - if there's organic chemistry/tension there, and the other person is also interested, then I'll consider exploring shippy stuff.

5. WHO ARE OTHER CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?

Ekko - Powder/Jinx (I'm open to exploring other ships ¯\ _(ツ)_/¯)

Scar - Zihnah (not really looking to ship him with anyone, but for the right AU/if someone pitched a strong enough idea, I'd consider it)

Joel - no one currently

Mylo - no one currently

6. DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?

Yes. Please don't assume I'm going to be down to write shippy stuff with you just because our characters are canonically together/had some tense delicious moments in canon/you personally really ship them. It's polite to ask first, or gauge interest through sending/tagging me in those bold what applies character dynamic memes.

7. ARE YOU SHIP OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?

On a general level, I'm pretty ambivalent ¯\ _(ツ)_/¯

If I have a specific AU I'm writing with someone, whether it features a ship or not, I'll be quite excited to talk about it and do memes for it, and it makes my day when I receive a notification that my writing partner has replied.

Sometimes I hyperfixate on certain dynamics and I'll write/read a lot of content related to that, but those dynamics don't need to be romantic ships for me to obsess over how interesting they are.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?

Arcane: Ekko × Powder/Jinx, Vi x Caitlyn, Viktor x Jayce, Caitlyn x Jinx (I have a thing for enemies with sexual tension what can I say 😂)

9. FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?

One - write with me. I'm significantly more receptive to ship with people who I already like writing with, as that gives me the opportunity to evaluate whether our characters have chemistry in their interactions that could be fun to build upon.

Two - ask me! Slide into my DMs with a scenario/plot idea, or send/tag me in one of those shipping interest/character relationship dynamic memes to see what I'm vibing.

[paycnc]

External thread fine pitch full thread unqualified thread repair

stop gauge can stop and pass gauge can pass.

https://www.paycnc.com/servo-thread-inspection-machine-sf001_p21565.html

#Unqualified thread repair

#Electric thread return machine

#Automatic thread return machine

#New thread return machine

[learnhowtocreatemusic]

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Restringing an Acoustic Guitar for Optimal Sound and Playability

Restringing your acoustic guitar is essential for maintaining its sound quality and playability. Over time, guitar strings lose their brightness, become harder to tune, and can affect your overall performance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly restring your acoustic guitar, ensuring it stays in top shape.

Step 1: **Gather Your Tools**

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:

- A new set of acoustic guitar strings (choose the gauge that best suits your style).

- A string winder (optional but speeds up the process).

- A wire cutter to trim excess string.

- A tuner for accurate tuning after restringing.

- A soft cloth for cleaning your guitar while the strings are off.

Step 2: **Remove the Old Strings**

Start by loosening the tension on each string:

- **Use a string winder** (or manually turn the tuning pegs) to loosen the strings until they’re slack.

- Once they are loose enough, **unwind the strings** from the tuning pegs.

- Carefully remove the bridge pins (the pegs at the bottom of the guitar holding the strings in place). You can use the notch on your string winder or pliers to gently pull them out.

After removing the bridge pins, the strings will slip out of the bridge, and you can remove them from the tuning pegs. Discard the old strings.

Step 3: **Clean Your Guitar**

With the strings removed, it’s the perfect time to clean your guitar:

- Use a **soft, dry cloth** to wipe down the fretboard, body, and bridge of your guitar. This removes dirt and oils that have accumulated during playing.

- For deeper cleaning, you can use a dedicated fretboard cleaner and conditioner, especially if your fretboard is made of rosewood or ebony.

Step 4: **Install the New Strings**

Now that your guitar is clean, it’s time to install your new strings.

1. **Insert the Strings into the Bridge:**

- Start with the **low E string** (the thickest string). Insert the ball end of the string into the hole in the bridge and place the bridge pin back in, pushing down gently while pulling up on the string to lock it in place.

- Repeat this process for the remaining strings, working from the low E string to the high E string.

2. **String the Tuning Pegs:**

- Take the other end of the low E string and thread it through the hole in the tuning peg. Leave about 2–3 inches of slack for winding.

- Turn the tuning peg in a clockwise direction to tighten the string. Ensure that the string wraps neatly around the peg without overlapping, which improves tuning stability.

- Use a string winder for speed and continue turning until the string is snug (but not fully tightened).

3. **Repeat for All Strings:**

- Work your way through all the strings, repeating the same process for each: insert the ball end into the bridge, secure the bridge pin, and wind the string on the corresponding tuning peg.

- Wind the **lower three strings (E, A, D)** in a clockwise direction and the **higher three strings (G, B, high E)** in a counterclockwise direction to match the tuning pegs.

Step 5: **Tune Your Guitar**

Once all the strings are installed, it’s time to tune your guitar:

- Use a guitar tuner to accurately tune each string to the correct pitch: E, A, D, G, B, E (from lowest to highest).

- After initial tuning, **stretch the strings** gently by pulling them upward a few times. This helps settle the strings and prevents them from going out of tune quickly.

- Retune your guitar after stretching, as the strings will loosen slightly.

Step 6: **Trim the Excess String**

Now that your guitar is tuned, use wire cutters to trim the excess string at the tuning pegs. Leave about 1/4 inch of string at the end for a neat finish.

Step 7: **Play and Re-Tune**

After restringing, your new strings may take some time to fully settle. Play your guitar for a few minutes, then re-tune as necessary. New strings tend to stretch during the first few hours of play, so regular tuning adjustments will help keep your guitar sounding its best.

Final Thoughts

Properly restringing your acoustic guitar can dramatically improve its sound and playability. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure that your guitar maintains optimal tone and tuning stability. With clean strings and careful attention to detail, your guitar will feel fresh, sound vibrant, and be ready for your next performance or practice session.

[dladto]

Rebar Coupler Inspection Tool: Thread Ring Gauge

The thread ring gauge is a tool used to measure the accuracy of external thread dimensions. There are two types of thread angle options available for the gauge, which are 75 degrees and 60 degrees, depending on the couplers used at construction. Please make sure to specify the thread angle and pitch you need before purchasing. The thread ring gauge is used to inspect whether the external thread dimensions of the workpiece are qualified. Each specification of the thread ring gauge is divided into two types: Go gauge and No-go gauge, which can be purchased separately or together.

During the inspection process, only when the Go gauge can fully engage with the external thread of the workpiece, and the No-go gauge can only partially engage with the external thread and the engagement does not exceed two pitches, can the external thread be determined as qualified. Otherwise, it can be judged that the external thread dimensions are not qualified.

The thread ring gauge is used to inspect the quality of external threads, and it is only used to confirm whether the external threads can meet the usage requirements. For example, we use an M25*3.0 thread ring gauge to inspect whether the M25 thread with a pitch of 3.0 meets the process requirements (there are two specifications available, one is the Go gauge, and the other is the No-go gauge). Only when the Go gauge goes and the No-go gauge stops can it be proven that the thread processing is qualified.

[tsaifuddinblog]

The Ultimate Guide to Precision Measurement Tools in Bangalore

In the bustling city of Bangalore, the demand for high-quality measuring instruments has never been higher. Whether you are an engineer, a contractor, or simply someone who values precision, finding the right tools is essential. Notably, dealers like Tsaifuddin offer a range of options, including Insize dealers, thread gauge dealers, Mitutoyo measuring instruments, and torque wrench dealers. These tools are critical for ensuring accuracy in various applications, from construction to manufacturing.

Why Precision Matters

Precision is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and engineering. Using the right measurement tools helps ensure that projects are completed accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of errors that can lead to costly rework or safety issues. Therefore, sourcing quality measuring instruments from reputable dealers is of utmost importance.

 

Types of Measuring Instruments Available

Insize Measuring Instruments

Insize is a trusted name in the world of measurement tools, known for its wide range of products. Their instruments include calipers, micrometers, and gauges that are perfect for various applications. The precision offered by Insize tools makes them ideal for both professional and personal use. If you are looking for Insize dealers in Bangalore, you can find several options that provide quality products and excellent customer service.

 

Thread Gauges

Thread gauges are essential for measuring the pitch and diameter of screws and bolts. They come in various forms, including plug gauges and ring gauges. By ensuring that your threads are measured accurately, you can avoid issues related to fit and function in your projects. Several thread gauge dealers in Bangalore offer these specialized tools, helping professionals achieve the accuracy they require.

 

Mitutoyo Measuring Instruments

Mitutoyo is another prominent brand in the measuring instruments market, known for its innovative technology and precision. Their range includes digital calipers, micrometers, and various other tools designed for accurate measurement. When looking for Mitutoyo measuring instruments, choosing a reputable dealer is crucial, as it ensures that you receive genuine products that meet industry standards.

 

Torque Wrenches

Torque wrenches are vital for any project requiring precise torque application, such as automotive and construction tasks. Using the correct torque is essential to ensure that components are securely fastened without the risk of damage. There are numerous torque wrench dealers in Bangalore that can help you find the right tool for your needs.

 

Benefits of Sourcing from Local Dealers

When you source measuring instruments from local dealers in Bangalore, you can enjoy several benefits:

Accessibility: Local dealers are easily accessible, making it convenient for you to visit and evaluate products before purchasing.

Expert Guidance: Many local dealers have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on the best tools for your specific needs.

After-Sales Support: Sourcing from local dealers often means better after-sales support, including servicing and repairs.

Building Relationships: Establishing a relationship with a local dealer can lead to better deals and insider knowledge about new products.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the demand for precision measuring tools is on the rise in Bangalore, and with reputable dealers like Tsaifuddin, you can find the right instruments to suit your needs. From Insize and Mitutoyo measuring instruments to torque wrenches and thread gauges, the options available ensure that you can achieve accuracy in every project. By choosing local dealers, you not only support the community but also gain access to expert advice and reliable products. Make sure to explore the variety of options available to find the best tools for your precision measurement needs.

[ananka-fasteners]

Ananka

Q1) How do you determine the size of a hex bolt?

Ans) Hex bolts, also referred to as hexagon head bolts or cap screws, are fasteners featuring a hexagonal head and a threaded shaft. They are used in conjunction with nuts to secure multiple objects together. The size of a hex bolt is established through its diameter, thread pitch, and length. Here is a breakdown of how to ascertain the dimensions of a hex bolt:

1. Diameter: The diameter measurement of a hex bolt is taken across the widest point of the threaded section, excluding the threads themselves. This precision is essential as it dictates the size of the wrench or socket required for bolt tightening or loosening.

2. Thread Pitch: Thread pitch alludes to the spacing between neighboring threads on the bolt. It's expressed in threads per inch (TPI) for Imperial units or in millimeters (mm) for metric units. To gauge thread pitch, you can tally the threads within a defined span and then compute the pitch.

3. Length: The length of a hex bolt is measured from the base of the head to the tip of the threaded segment. Selecting an appropriate length is vital for the particular application, ensuring that the bolt's engagement with the nut and the fastened materials is sufficient.

For metric hex bolts, the sizing is denoted as "M" followed by the diameter and the thread pitch. For instance, M8 x 1.25 signifies a bolt with an 8mm diameter and a thread pitch of 1.25mm.

In Imperial measurements, hex bolt sizing is presented in fractions or whole numbers of an inch. For instance, 1/4-20 signifies a bolt with a 1/4 inch diameter and 20 threads per inch.

It's noteworthy that hex bolts are available in varying materials and grades, each engineered for distinct levels of strength and intended applications. Common materials encompass stainless steel, carbon steel, and diverse alloy steels. The choice of bolt material and grade should be guided by the specific application and environmental conditions.

When ascertaining the size of a hex bolt, ensure the use of precise measuring instruments and consult sizing references or manuals provided by bolt manufacturers or industry standards. This guarantees the selection of the appropriate bolt that aligns with your requirements. If uncertainty persists, seeking advice from professionals in hardware stores or engineering fields can provide supplementary insights.

Inconel Bolts Price

Q2) How do you determine the size of a hex nut?

Ans) Determining the size of a hex nut involves identifying its diameter, thread pitch (if applicable), and thread type (imperial or metric). Hex nuts are commonly used in conjunction with bolts to secure objects together. Here's how you can determine the size of a hex nut:

1. Diameter: The diameter of the hex nut is measured across the flat sides (opposite flat faces) of the hexagonal shape. This measurement corresponds to the size of the wrench or socket needed to tighten or loosen the nut. Make sure to measure across the widest part of the nut.

2. Thread Pitch (if applicable): For metric nuts, the thread pitch is important as it determines the spacing between threads. The thread pitch is specified as the distance between adjacent threads, typically in millimeters (mm). In some cases, the thread pitch might not be explicitly marked on the nut, especially for coarse-threaded nuts.

3. Thread Type: Determine whether the nut is designed for metric or imperial (inch-based) threads. This is crucial to ensuring compatibility with the corresponding bolt or threaded rod.

For metric hex nuts:

Check for markings such as "M" followed by the diameter and the pitch (e.g., M8 x 1.25).

If no markings are present, you might need to use a thread pitch gauge to measure the thread spacing and compare it with standard metric thread pitches.

For imperial hex nuts:

The sizing is typically indicated in fractions of an inch (e.g., 1/4-20 represents a nut compatible with a 1/4-inch diameter bolt with 20 threads per inch).

Pay attention to the threads per inch (TPI) specification for imperial nuts.

Additionally, consider the material and type of hex nut. They come in various materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and brass, each suited for different applications based on factors like corrosion resistance and strength requirements.

It's important to use accurate measuring tools and consult sizing charts or guides provided by nut manufacturers or industry standards to ensure you select the right nut for your needs. If you're uncertain, consulting with professionals in hardware stores or engineering fields can provide further guidance.

Hastelloy Fasteners

Q3) How do plain washers compare to other types of washers, such as lock washers and spring washers?

Ans) Plain washers, lock washers, and spring washers are distinct washer types utilized in various applications to fulfill functions such as load distribution, spacing provision, loosening prevention, and vibration absorption. Each type serves a specific purpose, characterized by its unique design and functionality. Here's a comparative breakdown of these three washer types:

1. Plain Washers:

 Function: Also known as flat washers, plain washers are simple circular disks featuring a central hole. They're employed to evenly distribute the load of fasteners like bolts or screws, thereby safeguarding the material being fastened from damage.

Purpose: Providing stability, minimizing friction between the fastener head/nut and the surface, and averting the fastener from causing harm or indentations in the material.

Locking Function: Plain washers lack locking mechanisms or anti-loosening attributes. Their primary role is to distribute the load uniformly, rather than to prevent fastener loosening caused by vibrations.

Materials: Available in diverse materials like steel, stainless steel, brass, and nylon.

2. Lock Washers:

Function: Lock washers, often referred to as split washers, exhibit a split configuration generating tension between the washer and the fastener. This tension acts as a deterrent against fastener loosening due to vibrations or rotation.

Purpose: Employed in scenarios where there's a likelihood of fastener loosening over time, particularly in vibration-exposed applications. They introduce a level of resistance against rotational movement.

Types: Varieties include split lock washers and toothed lock washers. Split lock washers possess a split cut and helical shape, while toothed lock washers have serrations for gripping the material and the fastener.

Materials: Typically constructed from steel.

3. Spring Washers:

Function: Spring washers, also known as disc spring washers, Belleville washers, or conical washers, sport a conical shape to impart a spring-like action. They exert a constant force on fasteners, compensating for thermal expansion, differential movement, or vibrations.

Purpose: Utilized to sustain tension and inhibit loosening in dynamic or high-stress contexts where the joint may encounter movement or alterations in load.

Types: Spanning designs like Belleville washers, wave washers, and curved spring washers.

Materials: Often fabricated from materials featuring excellent spring properties, such as hardened steel or stainless steel.

In summary, while plain washers focus on load distribution and damage prevention, lock washers and spring washers are designed to counteract loosening arising from vibrations or motion. Lock washers rely on the tension created by their split structure, while spring washers exert a constant force to uphold tension. The washer choice hinges on the specific application, load prerequisites, and susceptibility to loosening or movement.

Carbon Steel Fasteners

Q4) How do you determine the size and length of a stud bolt?

Ans) Determining the size and length of a stud bolt involves understanding the required dimensions based on the specific application. Stud bolts are threaded rods with threads on both ends, used to fasten two objects together, often with nuts on each end. Here's how you can determine the size and length of a stud bolt:

1. Diameter (Size):

a) Measure the diameter of the threaded portion of the stud bolt. This is usually referred to as the "major diameter" or "thread diameter."

b) For metric stud bolts, the diameter is specified in millimeters (e.g., M12 stud bolt has a 12mm major diameter).

c) For imperial (inch-based) stud bolts, the diameter is specified in fractions of an inch or in decimal inches (e.g., 1/2" or 0.500").

2. Thread Pitch:

a) For metric stud bolts, the thread pitch is specified in threads per millimeter (e.g., M12 x 1.25 has a thread pitch of 1.25mm).

b) For imperial stud bolts, the thread pitch is specified in threads per inch (e.g., 1/2"-13 has a thread pitch of 13 threads per inch).

3. Length:

a) Measure the overall length of the stud bolt from one end to the other. This measurement includes the threaded portions on both ends and any unthreaded portion in the middle.

b) Consider the objects being fastened and the depth of engagement required for the nuts. The unthreaded portion should be long enough to provide sufficient engagement for the nuts without bottoming out.

4. Thread Length on Each End:

a) Determine how much threaded length you need on each end of the stud bolt to accommodate the nuts and any additional components.

b) Generally, the threaded length on each end should be equal to or slightly longer than the height of the nut plus the thickness of the material it's securing.

5. Thread Type (Imperial or Metric):

a) Ensure that you are using the correct stud bolt type based on whether your application requires metric or imperial measurements.

6. Material and Strength:

a) Consider the material and strength requirements for the stud bolt based on the application. Stud bolts are available in various materials, such as steel, stainless steel, and alloys, each with different levels of strength and corrosion resistance.

7. Consultation and Standards:

a) Refer to industry standards and guidelines for stud bolt sizing and lengths, especially in critical or specialized applications.

b) Consult with engineers, fastener experts, or professionals in hardware stores for advice on selecting the appropriate stud bolt size and length for your specific application.

It's crucial to ensure that the selected stud bolt dimensions are suitable for the intended load, the materials being fastened, and any environmental factors. Using accurate measuring tools and consulting with professionals can help ensure you choose the right stud bolt for your needs.

Stainless Steel Fasteners Manufacturers in Mumbai