#top rated home remodeling

[urbanbuildandremodel]

Urban Builders & Remodeling | Redefining Your Home with Quality Craftsmanship

At Urban Builders & Remodeling, we’re passionate about creating spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and durability. Our expert team offers a wide range of services, including home remodeling, concrete work, and foundation services, designed to enhance the heart of your home. Whether you’re looking to add a stylish ADU, convert your garage, or expand with a room addition, we’ve got you covered. We also specialize in hard landscaping, pavers installation, and exterior remodeling, ensuring every corner of your property is transformed to perfection. For commercial clients, our remodeling services bring a professional touch to your business spaces. Trust Urban Builders & Remodeling to turn your vision into reality!

Urban Builders & Remodeling

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[craftdesignbuild]

Top-rated Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Essex

If you're planning to remodel your house, whether it's a small section or the entire space, it's crucial to ensure that the project runs smoothly. Craft Design + Build are here to help! We offer top-notch Kitchen Remodeling Contractors in Essex, and our team is dedicated to making your dream kitchen a reality. Whether you are looking to update your cabinets, countertops, flooring, or appliances, they have the expertise and experience to make your dreams a reality. Contact us now for more details!

[coastalconstructionfl]

Home remodeling isn’t just about updating your space—it’s about creating a home that reflects your style, meets your needs, and feels like a dream come true. From cozy kitchens to luxurious living rooms, every upgrade brings new possibilities! Ready to turn your house into your dream home? Check out our latest projects on our website!

[scarlet-heels]

The office refurbishment was taking longer than expected and entirely longer than was at all acceptable by Miranda’s standards. She could not understand how people enjoyed this…’working from home’ business. Call her old fashioned but the work day is for the office, not for the luxury of accessing ones own pantry or artisan Brazilian coffee beans on a mere whim.

The truth is…the truth is. Miranda priestly hated working from home. Granted, working from home on an evening, reviewing the Book, was one thing. Working from home during the DAY was something else entirely. Oh she knows she could have requisitioned an empty office somewhere in the Elias Clark building…a discreet corner away from the chaos … but Miranda Priestly was not someone to be shoved away in to a temporary storage room-turned-office while her luxurious office was being remodelled and so, alas, working from her home office was the most pragmatic arrangement.

Something she did not bargain for was the effect her brunette assistant would have on her when literally by her side hour by hour, day by day. The gentle tapping of the keys on keyboard, the intermittent and somewhat irritated clicks of the tongue while tying to arrange and rearrange Miranda’s schedule, the soft exhalations of breath before and after each phone call….It was only day 3 of the townhouse-as-office arrangement and already Miranda was ready to send her plucky assistant home on a completely unauthorised leave of absence.

“Of course, Mr Hirsch. Miranda will be more than happy to meet with you to discuss the finer details. She IS fully booked for the next two months, however we do have an unexpected slot of availability of the 5th august at 3:40 if this is acceptable?”

Miranda hid her smirk behind a well manicured finger to the lips. This was Andrea’s MO…a politely apologetic stance in rebuffing unwanted and unnecessary appointments and a diffusion of any ill after effects by dangling a faux last minute exclusive opportunity only to cancel closer to the time with equal aplomb and heartfelt apology. A sure fire method whereby no one felt uninvited to the table yet, if they did not get the opportunity to feast, it was completely out of their, and Miranda’s control. Her assistant, it has become clear, is a master of diplomacy and PR.

Watching her assistant over the top of her glasses, Miranda can’t prevent the small smile playing across her lips, pride swelling in her chest. She held her gaze, finger tip running over her lower lip, as Andrea’s eyes lifted to her own with a smile, utterly pleased with herself.

What happened next makes Miranda’s stomach turn inside out and her heart rate speed up suddenly. There, in her very own home, in the middle of the WORK day, her assistant threw her a cheeky wink.

A WINK.

Miranda could barely prevent the strangled gasp that left her mouth, before quickly averting her eyes to stare once more at the mood board spread out on the desk before her. She barely saw the muted earthy tones, far too aware of the bright crimson blush that she felt creeping up her chest and neck to settle in her cheeks.

She shifted in her chair, thighs squeezing together, as she cleared her throat and reached for the chilled Pellegrino in front of her. She was suddenly parched.

Andreas gentle tapping of the keyboard resumed and Miranda dared to lift her eyes again to observe her fully concentrated on her laptop screen. Shaking her head slightly and tilting her head to the right to stretch her neck muscles, Miranda closed her eyes briefly before taking a silent breath and forcing herself to focus on the task at hand.

It was going to be a long two weeks.

[fixnestle]

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[digitaldetoxworld]

Crafting the Perfect Home Theater Experience

 Imagine this: dimmed lights, plush seating,  home theater ideas for small living spaces a charming film on a big screen, and surround sound that transports you proper into the heart of the action. This isn't always just a trip to the cinema; it is your very personal domestic theater, a haven for film nights, carrying occasions, and immersive gaming periods.

Building a domestic theater can be as easy or tricky as you preference. This guide will equip you with the understanding to create an unforgettable enjoyment experience, catering to each price range and ambition.

Setting the Stage: The Room

The best home theater space have to be committed and mild-managed. A basement or spare bed room works properly, supplying a dark environment for premier picture first-rate. Block out external mild with blackout curtains or blinds. Consider soundproofing the room, particularly if it stocks partitions with different dwelling regions.

The Centerpiece: The Screen

The display screen is your window into every other international. Projector displays provide the maximum cinematic enjoy, specifically for large rooms. Projectors require a dedicated area with a smooth, flat floor and managed lights. For a greater user-friendly and space-saving option, do not forget a huge flat-display screen TV.

Sizing Up Your Screen:

The best display screen size depends on viewing distance and room length. A top rule of thumb is to hold a distance of one. Five to 2 instances the screen's diagonal width from the primary viewing vicinity.

Projector Screens: Bigger isn't always better. Measure the space among your primary seating and choose a display size that fills your field of vision with out causing eye strain.

Flat-Screen TVs : Surround sound structures remodel your living room right into a multi-dimensional soundscape. Here's a breakdown of commonplace speaker setups:

Surround Sound Symphony: The Speakers A primary setup with audio system, perfect for smaller rooms or casual viewing.

2.0 Channel : This famous setup includes five surround sound audio system (left, right, center, rear surround) and a subwoofer for bass.

5.1 Channel : These object-based surround sound codecs allow for unique placement of sound effects, developing a simply enveloping soundscape. They require well matched speakers and supply cloth.

7.1 Channel: : Invest in appropriate best speakers, particularly the center channel responsible for dialogue clarity.

Dolby Atmos/DTS:X: This acts as the mind of your sound machine, processing audio alerts and powering the audio system. Choose a receiver like minded with your selected speaker setup and surround sound format.

Finding the Perfect Sound:

Speaker Quality : Seating comfort is vital for lengthy movie marathons. Consider reclining theater seats or cushty sofas with true back guide. Tiered seating guarantees anybody has an unobstructed view of the display. Leave sufficient space among rows for clean movement.

Receiver :  Lighting manipulate goes beyond just blocking out ambient mild. Consider including dimmable recessed lights or LED strips for a greater cinematic revel in. Strategically placed accessory lighting fixtures can spotlight art work or create a heat, inviting atmosphere.

Seating in Comfort:

The Perfect Perch : Here are some additional elements to raise your private home theater experience

Setting the Mood: Lighting and Ambiance : Control lighting, temperature, and even your streaming services with voice instructions or a telephone app.

Beyond the Basics:

Extra Touches : Indulge in the crucial film snack with a committed popcorn system.

Smart Home Integration : These panels help take in sound waves, decreasing echoes and creating a cleaner listening enjoy.

Popcorn Machine : A well-designed media console presents storage on your media gadgets and continues your area organized.

Acoustic Panels: Add a hint of luxury and warmth with plush throws and comfy blankets.

Media Console : Home theater prices can range significantly depending in your favored stage of sophistication. Here's a breakdown of some key value considerations:

Comfy Blankets and Throws : This can be the most widespread rate. Projectors and large TVs evidently value more.

Building Your Budget : Invest in a quality setup that fits your price range and room size.

Screen/TV: Comfortable seating is important, but charges can range relying on fashion and functions.

Speakers and Receiver : Consider the fee of extras like lighting manage,

best home theater screenspopcorn machines, and acoustic panels.

[mechanicalowls]

At the Hip

a terrornoss one-shot

ao3 link

rating: t

warnings: two 30 year old men navigating catching feelings for each other at their friends' wedding, a bit ooc but all fanfics are ooc

fic below the cut:

The scene was sweet. Really sweet. The first dance between Tyler and Kelly warmed his heart in just the right way. The quiet murmurs of the guests were just audible enough to catch glimpses of conversations, but not loud enough to disturb the calm music that hung in the air around them like the mist after a harsh summer rain. 

Evan was never one for big crowds, especially ones full of people he didn't know, but he barely acknowledged that as he leaned back in his seat and watched his newly wedded friends sway together on the dance floor. There was just something so saccharinely sweet about sitting together with his second family as one of their own turned the page on this chapter of his life.

He was seated at a table near the front, normally reserved for family members, but Tyler had made it a priority that they have their own table among his actual blood relatives. Just that small gesture of brotherhood really made his night even better than it already was. The table was packed, but it didn't feel suffocating in the slightest. To his left sat Nogla and Aliyah, Anthony, Brock, and his wife. To his right sat Brian, Marcel and girlfriend, and Scotty and his wife. 

As the first dance came to a close, and the DJ announced that the dance floor was open for business, Evan looked around at his table. Nogla and Aliyah stood up to dance after a couple of others filed onto the dance floor, followed by Brock and his wife, and shortly thereafter by Scotty and his wife, Marcel and his girlfriend. That left only Anthony, Brian, and Evan at the table. Anthony politely excused himself towards another table with more of their friends, leaving only Evan and Brian in their seats. Brian stood up.

“‘m goin’ to the bar, y'want anythin’?” Brian asked him, rolling the ice around his empty glass. Evan hummed, glancing up at the taller man.

“I'll take some more whiskey, thanks.” Evan smiled, handing the irishman his own empty glass. Brian hummed his own acknowledgment before making his way through the maze of people towards the bar. Evan sighed at the temporary loss of closeness.

Both men had arrived in Nashville at almost the same time and had been essentially attached at the hip since then. Evan, being the loner he was, was without a plus one, and Brian's usual plus one, ie Lanai, had remained at home with the dogs and to manage the remodeling their yard was undergoing. Evan was almost glad Brian was alone, too. Despite Brian's mood being a bit soured at the lack of his lady in waiting at the venue, the two men found solace in each other's company.

Although, Evan couldn't help but notice the awkwardness between him and his friend in the days leading to this moment. Tyler and Kelly had opened their home to anyone who wanted to spend the days there as opposed to a hotel room, and he and Brian both took the offer with no hesitation. To save space, both men shared an air mattress on the floor of Tyler's man cave. During the morning and evening hours, the room was treated as if it were a guest bedroom, leaving Brian and Evan alone for a good portion of their trip.

More than once Evan had awoken in the morning to find himself either on top of or being spooned by Brian; and more than once he felt Brian's arm snake around his side and pull him close to his chest when the other man thought he had fallen asleep. Were it anyone other than Brian doing this, he'd be sleeping elsewhere, but Evan couldn't help but feel contentment at their bizarre sleeping arrangements; maybe he was touch starved, maybe he just liked the feeling of their shared body heat in the frigid man cave. He couldn't say for certain.

He was sure Brian was only this way due to the absence of Lanai, but a little yet very vocal part of him begged to differ.

Especially after the morning they each showed off their nice outfits for the big day. Brian had a simple white button-up shirt with red and black trim that just so happened to compliment Evan's polo very nicely. Seeing as they were both in their 30s, neither really felt uncomfortable changing in front of the other; Evan had taken his time raking his eyes up Brian's back as the irishman pulled his pants into place, quietly mourning the loss of the sight of his bare skin as the shirt was pulled on and buttoned.

(He'd later lie awake wondering why his gaze had lingered for so long.)

While Evan was changing, he could feel Brian's eyes burning into his back, staring at the old scars from years long since passed. Brian was very open with the fact that he thought Evan looked good. He openly appreciated the shape of his friend. He was nowhere near his prime, as he had the smallest bit of pudge at his gut, but he was still in the best shape out of everyone in the group. And although Brian publicly stated his admiration for Evan's appearance in the past with a mocking tone, he'd gotten even more genuine compliments from the man when they were one on one.

That morning was no different, with Brian unable to take his eyes off Evan's lower sleeve tattoo. Despite living in LA, Evan wore many more sweatshirts than T-shirts, so it was only natural that Brian would stare at something even he saw usually only once in a blue moon.

Said man finally tore his gaze away from the inked flesh and took in the whole of his friend.

“Y'look great, man. Y'really clean up nicely.” Brian said with a snicker and an evident flush upon his cheeks. Evan had smiled and rolled his eyes at that before they would launch into their usual banter as Evan changed back into his usual attire.

Things had only become mildly awkward the morning of the wedding. As he had the last couple of days, Evan awoke with his face pressed against Brian’s chest, said man's cheek nuzzled into the crown of the canadian's head. Their legs were tangled together as usual, one of Evan's arms had breached the confines of Brian's sturdy yet gentle grip to grasp at the collar of his t-shirt. When he pulled back to escape the hold, he found Brian’s arms tightening around his back.

“Jus’ a few more minutes, Ev. Please.” The older man mumbled into his scalp. Still bleary-eyed from his slumber, Evan only sighed and relaxed in Brian's arms. He felt his friend exhale and shift his head so his chin rested upon Evan's bed head. He wasn't sure how long the two of them remained that way, but by the time Brian let him get up, he was wide awake.

The shorter of the two stood up at last and popped his back. Evan scratched his ass as he unplugged his phone and peered through his notifications. Nothing that required his attention, so he slipped the device into his pocket and stretched as far up as he could reach. When Evan finally looked back over at Brian, the irishman was crouched over his suitcase, retrieving his nice button down and accompanying pants with a very evident flush on his cheeks.

Evan raised a brow as his friend brushed past him without sparing him a glance, only barely mumbling “bathroom” as he went. He wasn't sure what exactly had gotten Brian so flustered until he was combing the mop upon his head, already dressed for the day.

Despite being awkwardly quiet around each other for the majority of the day, they finally lightened up when they sat down for the ceremony; both whooping wildly when Tyler and Kelly shared their kiss after saying their I Do's. Now, sitting here in the reception hall, awaiting Brian's return with their alcohol, Evan finally had a chance to really collect his thoughts. His heart fluttered annoyingly when he looked back upon the couple days he had spent joint at the hip with Brian.

And his heart fluttered even more annoyingly when he looked back at the memories he shared with Brian dating back years.

And his heart all but leaped into his throat when his friend cleared his throat and returned to his side, setting the now full glass of whiskey in front of him.

Brian smiled at him, Evan smiled back. They raised their glasses wordlessly and clicked them together before they sipped their preferred poisons. Brian was flushed again, Evan was too. As they watched their friends bobbing around the dancefloor, Evan gently pushed Brian sideways with his shoulder. Brian smirked and did the same. They went back and forth for a while before the two men resigned to just leaning against each other.

They were comfortably buzzed. Brian's hand inched downwards, hesitantly resting atop Evan's knee. Without looking (or really thinking, for that matter), Evan interlocked their fingers beneath the table. He felt Brian physically relax and lean a bit further onto his shoulder.

His brain told him Brian was only lonely and missing Lanai.

His heart told him a much nicer alternative.

The irishman and canadian remained that way for god knows how long, soaking in the comradery of their friends, and the not so new feelings radiating off of each other.

A slower song came on eventually. Of course one would. All sorts of couples paired up, including Tyler and Kelly. Brian stiffened a bit, finally looking over to his companion. He saw a sparkle of something uncharacteristically hopeful in the shorter man's eyes.

Fuck it.

“Y'wanna dance?” Brian mumbled, not nearly full of enough liquid courage for this. 

“Wha?” Evan mumbled back, turning his gaze to his friend. He wasn't sure if he had heard the older man right. It was kinda loud in there.

“Do you want to dance?” Brian spoke clearly, blushing deep crimson as annunciated each syllable. Evan too went red in the face, his eyes all but glazing over for a moment. Before Brian could mentally scold himself, Evan smiled.

“Sure.” was all he said before slowly standing up, never unlinking their joined hands. Brian somehow blushed an even darker red, looking pink in the venue lighting. He, too, stood up and led the way to the dancefloor. Knowing his reclusive and introverted friend well, Brian took them to a less populated area of the dancefloor.

One hand awkwardly placed on a hip, another almost hovered atop a shoulder. Two hands still joined and outstretched ever so slightly. Neither man really knew how to dance, even less how to slow dance, but it didn't matter. They gently stepped and swayed together to the beat, all the while snickering at each other's blush and clumsiness.

The song faded into an equally slow and loving tune. The two men fell silent, merely absorbing each other's presence and feelings they would have to talk about sometime. With a content sigh and an owlish blink, Evan let his head gently fall forward onto Brian's chest. Brian blushed impossibly darker and rested his chin on the crown of Evan's head, where it seemed to fit so perfectly.

They had alot of feelings they needed to discuss, and Brian needed to take a step back and look at his relationship with Lanai. Neither were certain if they wanted to pursue a true relationship with the other, but that didn't matter right now.

All that mattered was Evan lifting his head up. He looked Brian in the eye, his own blush dying his cheeks crimson. Brian did the same, his heart rate skyrocketing when he flicked his gaze down to the canadian's lips. They smiled at him. Brian smiled back.

And at long last, they connected. Lost in their own little world, and all but invisible to the rest of the planet.

It felt right. It felt good.

~~~

The lanky irishman and broad shouldered american standing a little ways away thought so too. So much so that the taller of the two snapped a picture.

“You can't post that, you know.” Brock relayed to his friend as he adjusted the lighting of the photo. Nogla chortled, gulping down another swig of milk.

“Wasn't goin’ to. Just sendin’ to them.” Nogla chuckled in a rare heartfelt moment. Brock sighed in suspicion but smiled anyway. It was a nice occasion. Maybe Nogla was just a sentimental guy after all.

“And fer future blackmail.” The irishman revealed with an evil grin. Brock rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Oh Nogla.

[darkspine10]

GF Fanfic - Ego-Death

Tangled Roots (27,062 words) by darkspine10

Chapters: 5/7

Fandom: Gravity Falls

Rating: Mature

Note: The music which inspired this chapter was a sitar piece composed by Jim Sullivan for the Space 1999 episode, The Troubled Spirit (aired 1976). I found it quite memorable, and recommend checking it out to add to the mood.

“And through here… tada!”

Pacifica entered into a cramped room with octagonal wood-panelled walls. “Oh wow. A tiny cupboard.” It was cramped enough with the two of them, let alone if Zera had been present. She had bowed out for the night, probably impatient for Pacifica to leave so she and her wife could get back to their private evening.

After drying off from her second soak of the evening Pacifica had re-dressed, making sure that the old fur hat hadn’t suffered any permanent water damage. She continued to clutch Wendy’s hat in one hand, strangely unwilling to leave it lying around to get lost in Mabel’s home. Her jacket was still soaked through, despite its promised waterproof material. In any case the right sleeve was little more than ragged shreds. She’d been very grateful to get out of the bikini top, and since she didn’t care about appearances around Mabel, hadn’t bothered to put her bra back on.

The t-shirt above was now pleasantly dry. It was white with green around the neck and sleeves. Several varieties of trees were illustrated on the front, with their scientific nomenclature listed out beside them. It was the only good purchase from the souvenir shop of a tourist trap she’d visited with Mason as part of a circuit around all of the local attractions of Oregon beyond the Falls. The trip had been described by Mason semi-seriously as ‘checking out the competition’. He’d bought the shirt for her as a gift. ‘So he’d always be close to her heart’, he’d added with a wink. Amidst the old growth redwoods, oaks, and maples on the shirt was, obviously, Pinus Ponderosa.

For her part, Mabel hadn’t bothered to change out of her bikini, other than wrapping her towel around her shoulders as a makeshift cape. She shook her head, sending water droplets flying into Pacifica’s face. With her best attempt at a performer’s voice, Mabel wagged her finger and said, “Ah ah ah, surely by now, Paz, you realise that appearances can be deceiving. Voila!”

Tugging on on a velvet rope, Mabel caused a set of curtains arranged in a triptych to slide open. Pacifica stared aghast at a trio of tapestries depicting a familiar yellow triangle floating above scenes of unending deprivation and horror. “So you decided when decorating your new house that a critical feature, before painting the bathroom walls even, would be to erect a shrine to Bill Cipher? Have you gone completely round the bend?”

“It’s not a shrine worshipping Bill, dummy. These tapestries are just sick as hell.” Arranged on shelves beneath each of the three tapestries were an array of arcane objects. Mabel cradled a pyramidal prism in her hand but there were also scrolls and spell books, quill pens, and even a brass orrery. Mason would probably have concocted a study like this, if Pacifica had been willing to let him remodel their house, though she doubted he would have endorsed this subject matter. Mabel being the architect behind its design seemed to stretch credulity.

Pacifica knelt down to examine one of the tapestries, noticing a discolouration around the base. Some of the patterned fabric was obscured by black splotches. “Was this burned?”

Mabel guiltily returned the prism to its place in the tableau. “I kinda pulled it out of a fire. A lot of this stuff comes from Grunkle Ford’s old relic collection. Back from when he was being tricked by Bill into building the portal. After Weirdmageddon we made a big bonfire to get rid of all that nasty junk.”

“But you had your eyes on a fetching demon tapestry? Nothing you do is normal, is it?”

“That’s the way I like it.”

The other two tapestries featured illustrations that less obviously matched the dream demon, rendered in more abstract tones of red and black. One on the far right caught Pacifica’s eye. There was no top hat or arms attached to this grey triangle, and the serpent-like slitted eye was blood crimson. Beneath the ominous symbol were prostrated figures, cowering under the branches of a burnt tree and surrounded by piles of bones. “I swear I’ve seen some of these designs before.”

“That’s cause you probably have,” Mabel said, a light crimson colour rising in her cheeks. “I cribbed these two tapestries off of McGucket.”

Pacifica snapped her fingers. “Of course, they used to hang in the Northwest mansion. The southwest corridor to the drawing room if I’m not mistaken.”

“You have a good memory, probably.” Mabel shrugged. “All I know is your parents used to own them.”

Pacifica failed to stifle an involuntary shudder. The thought that her parents would willingly collaborate with such an evil presence briefly passed through her mind, before she dismissed it equally swiftly. “I wouldn’t put too much stock in it. You know what this town is like with triangles.” Over all the centuries of his involvement in mortal affairs Bill’s presence had seeped into the wider culture. Even as a kid she’d seen yellow triangles graffitied on bridges or etched into countertops. It was endemic. “I reckon this is old Modoc Indian weave-work. I’ve seen some similar patterns before. If my dad ever had anything to do with Cipher he renounced it all after what that monster did to him. I still get nightmares about that gruesome face.”

“Well that’s why we’re here. To get rid of all those pesky nightmares, anxieties, and postpartum depressive episodes!” Mabel put a hand on her friend’s shoulder, then leant in to whisper in her ear. “Between us sisters, he still freaks me out too. The worst nightmares are the ones he appears in, because-“

“You can’t tell if it's the real him or not!” Pacifica excitedly finished in shared sympathy.

Mabel looked left and right as if afraid of being eavesdropped. “Do you think the thing you’re hunting tonight is anything as bad as Mr Top Hat and Bowtie?”

Pacifica listed with her fingers. “Terrifying? Yes. Nightmare-inducing, you’d better believe it. Traumatising for life? Jury’s still out.”

“Well, it’ll be a real adventure finding out!” Pacifica couldn’t tell if Mabel was being genuinely optimistic or simply teasing. “Mind out the way.” Mabel crouched down and rolled up a woollen rug that covered almost all the floor. Pacifica only had a second to glimpse swirling calligraphy patterns. “Got this rug from Grand Bazaar in Istanbul one time I was visiting,” Mabel explained, shrugging. “What can I say, a gal likes her souvenirs.”

That much was true. Pacifica had seen the boxes Mabel filled with sentimental old junk lying around the house. Her previously transient lifestyle meant she’d made use of a lot of long term storage lockers, or otherwise hauling heaps of her stuff everywhere. At least now she had a permanent residence she’d have somewhere to leave it all while out campaigning.

Pacifica tapped a finger on the sharp point of one of the glass prisms, watching the miniature rainbow it cast. “So what’s all this in aid of? A private little side room for when you’re feeling particularly occultish on a Friday night?” She suppressed a small chuckle. “Were you on drugs when you made this?”

Mabel rolled her eyes. “Oh ha ha, go for the cheap jokes. I did something called ‘using my imagination’.”

The way her friend had snapped back at her made Pacifica wince. “Sorry, that was rude of me.”

Mabel made an easy smile and placed a palm on the menagerie of trees above Pacifica’s heart. “All is forgiven.”

Pacifica didn’t feel like she deserved to be let off the hook so easily. She’d have to work better on not being so insensitive. “I meant it Mabel. I apologise for being so crass with you and Zera tonight. I lashed out and you didn’t deserve that. I’ve just been so tensed up today. No, not just today. All month. This might be the kind of room you’d find in a serial killer cultist mansion, but there’s a consistent aesthetic to design. It has atmosphere.”

“Not bad for a college dropout,” Mabel said, winking up at her. “I am a master craftsman at anything I put my mind to.”

Pacifica smirked. “Like that ‘super secret craft project’ you’ve been working on but haven’t told anyone yet?”

Mabel whirled around in shock, her smugness immediately punctured. “Wait what, how’d you know about that?”

“All those furtive phone calls and texts over Christmas? It was hard to miss when we were all under your parents’ roof. Plus you were hardly being subtle. So what’s this one about? Art piece? Your own line of hot tubs?”

Mabel bent down beneath the triptych where sets of drawers were inset in the wall and mumbled to herself. “Great, another secret I failed to keep. You’ll find out when I’m good and ready this time, Paz.” Pacifica graciously accepted this crushing loss and watched Mabel as her outstretched finger hovered over the drawers “Let’s see, left side we got smokables, right side is the painkillers, centre bottom is… aha! The acid drawer!”

“So when I mentioned drugs I wasn’t far off?” Pacifica offered.

Mabel, oblivious, scrambled around on all fours, using a stick of chalk to draw five straight lines directly onto the wooden floorboards. The lines formed a pentagon about 25 inches across. Mabel pointed at the blank space within the lines. “Now, sit.”

“Do I have to?”

“It’s part of the ritual. You don’t just take a hit of the drug, you’ve gotta get your brain in the right state. That’s what the whole room is for, the eight sides reflect and refract mental energy. I can get you a cushion if it’s easier?”

“No, I’ll accept your cruel and unusual method of helping me.” Pacifica sat cross-legged in the pentagon, internally reflecting on Mabel’s particular spiritual leanings. When it came to religions Mabel treated them like a buffet, picking and choosing traditions and beliefs from all over the place. She thought back to Mason’s earlier words about gullibility, wondering if he’d been too harsh. When the world they lived in already contained such multitudes, what was the harm in embracing a little madness?

Mabel hurried about to pore over one of the shelves, making a great clattering when she tripped over some keepsake or another. Pacifica grinned to herself. She studied her friend’s movements. Mabel had all the grace and elegance of a controlled demolition. Somehow she’d learnt how to counteract her innate clumsiness by predicting every stumble and fall milliseconds before the fact and shifting the balance so she stayed perfectly upright. She would dance about gently on tiptoes, seeming always one instant away from collapsing to the floor but never tipping over that critical threshold. It was quite an impressive achievement, though Pacifica would baulk at describing it as balletic.

Mabel rummaged around in one of the drawers, tossing items out of the way, before producing a plastic bag full of colourful sweets. “Have some gummy koalas. You’re gonna need the energy.”

Pacifica took a handful and swallowed them down gratefully. Today had taken a lot out of her. It wasn’t just the exertion; her mind was worn out and frenzied. She hoped the rest of the night would lend her clarity, if nothing else.

Awkwardly shoving mementoes aside to make room, Mabel slapped down a round CD player of a type Pacifica hadn’t seen in nearly 25 years. Clasping a disc in one hand, her friend clumsily dropped it into the player and pressed a button with a loud click. The sound of smooth saxophone and lounge piano quietly filled the chamber. Mabel snapped her fingers at Pacifica. “Close your eyes.” Pacifica begrudgingly did as instructed. “That’s it, good. Calm your breathing, open your mind, and appreciate the contours of the chamber. I’ll be your guide for your journey on the cosmic express!”

Pacifica cracked an eye open, unable to resist a minor snort of laughter. Her sliver of view showed Mabel retrieving a hefty leather bound tome, covered in strange symbols. She craned her neck, trying to get a better look. “Is that one of the journals?”

Mabel blew on the book, sending dust swirling around in the tight confines of the room and causing Pacifica to sneeze. “No peeking. This is the Bardo Thodol: The Tibetan Book of the Dead,” Mabel said matter-of-factly. “Found it in a flea market.” It was official: Mabel Pines was the world’s biggest hoarder. “It’s the 1975 translation.”

“Wow, I can’t believe I’m putting my life into the hands of someone who can’t even read Tibetan. Lame.” She only half covered up her trepidation with a grin. “Why exactly is this book relevant?”

“It’s one of the major arcana when it comes to recreational tripping. It features Buddhist teachings on how to reach intermediate dream states, like the brink of death, sensations of rebirth, that kind of thing. Once the hippies got their hands on it they opened all new avenues of consciousness. With my help you’ll be able to ascend into a drug induced mania, where you’ll hopefully find the ape ghoul thingy.”

Pacifica took a moment to digest Mabel’s words, then gave a long breath out. “Not to cast shade, but that doesn’t sound like it will work. Getting high to catch a demon? Really, Mabel?”

Ignoring her friend’s pessimism, Mabel continued her frenzied dance around the tight space. At each of the five corners of the pentagon she set down a candle and lit each one. Pacifica felt confined, unwilling to move a muscle out of position lest she knock one of them over.

“Ritual can be a tricky thing,” Mabel said as she waved a match to put out the flame, “but believe me, it works. I’ve experienced it. If you think Gravity Falls is strange normally then you ain’t seen nothing. There’s a whole other side to this town.” She picked up the chalk and started linking the corners of the pentagon with straight, criss-crossing lines. Pretty soon Pacifica was enclosed in an even smaller floor space at the centre of a pentagram. “I’m not talking about the sub-realms like the Unicorn glade or the Crawlspace. This perception of the Falls can only be accessed by guided meditation, aided by a little boost from my good friend Lucy.”

“Who’s-”

Mabel triumphantly set a small vial down on the floor by Pacifica’s feet, inviting her to take a look. The vial was filled with a clear liquid that congealed slightly when Pacifica shook the glass container. “Trust you to have a supply handy,” she muttered.

“That’s some genuine lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD for short. Perfect for inducing otherworldly vision states and dissolution of the self. I bet that skull you’re wearing is probably infused with a trace element of something similar. Maybe something like magic mushrooms, though in a quantity that’s barely detectable. So, you ready to take your first trip?”

Pacifica swilled the chemical around experimentally. “What if I have a bad reaction? God knows my body is still flooded with hormones.”

Mabel screwed up her face. “After six months? Nah. I’ll be here in hand if you have any bad reactions, and I’ll keep the dosage nice and low for your first time, don’t worry. A couple of micrograms should do it.” Inserting a pipette she extracted a handful of drops. “It’s easy really, mixing and diluting to create my own brews.”

“Alright, calm down Walter White. Mabel Juice and Smile Dip addled your brain and you need ever stronger doses to hit the same high, huh?”

Mabel shrugged and flashed a wicked smile. She swung the pipette towards Pacifica. “Now, open wide. A drop or two on the tongue should do it.” Pacifica recoiled, keeping her mouth clammed up like when Leah refused to eat her baby food.

“I’m… not sure about this. Maybe in the morning we can search for the Unshriven again, with clearer heads.”

Mabel frowned. “It might not still be lurking around by tomorrow. You’ve gotta face it down on its home turf. The astral plane.” She made an arc with her hand. Pacifica found it silly how childish her friend could make this sound. The Unshriven was a matter of life and death. “The mindscape can be accessed by certain spells, but a raw approach can be more rewarding. It’s kinda like knitting a sweater. The warp and weft of time and space can be tamed with a little expansion of consciousness. You won’t even need to leave this room.”

“Are you sure you're not just hallucinating during these ‘spirit journeys’? That would be the more obvious explanation. You’re really trying to tell me you’ve stumbled onto a mystical sub-realm all on your own? Mason’s never mentioned anything like this. Nor your uncle Ford in all his journals.”

“They don’t know everything.” Mabel winked.

Her irreverent dismissal rankled. Corduroy had expressed similar sentiments. Pacifica could accept the locals might have some innate cultural knowledge the journals were lacking, but this was on a grander scale. An entirely new way of seeing the Falls, just a few drops of a chemical away. When she put it like that there was a certain tantalising allure to the prospect.

The journals had always been a means of cataloguing the oddities of the Falls, making sense of the insanity, boxing the phenomena into neat categories. Here was Mabel casually coming along and blowing up the entire paradigm. Pacifica refused to believe it had been an entirely futile effort. Whatever happened tonight she would venture forth and bring back a report to add to her journal, and colonise some small corner of the extremities of the strange.

“Alright. I’ll do it.” Pacifica didn’t second-judge the statement. It would be her last, definitive word. What came next would be her own choice to confront.

“Great!” Mabel said, beaming with joy, before taking on a more serious conviction. “Oh, and by the way, before we start I wanted to say sorry for another reminder about you know who.” Mabel gestured at the purloined Northwest tapestries. “If it's not too much to ask, when was the last time you spoke to them?”

Pacifica folded her arms and leant back as far as she dared without bumping into the candles. “We email from time to time. Strictly on the short end, mainly life updates. They tell me about some successful trade deal, I share baby photos of Leah. That’s about it. I haven’t spoken to them face to face since the wedding.”

Mabel blew air out from her cheeks. “Wow, eight years. Impressive streak. Puts into perspective the five years we went without seeing each other.”

“I hope I’ve been able to make up for lost time in the last three.” Making a quick judgement, Pacifica reached up and put a hand on Mabel’s arm. “Hey, before I do this… thanks for helping out tonight. I’ve been in a rough place and you didn’t hesitate to try and make it better. You know I’m being serious when I say this because I hate the word, but: we’re besties. Spouses not included.”

“Aw, Paz, that’s so sweet of you!” She leant in for a hug. Though she was still dripping wet and her skin was clammy, Pacifica accepted the warm embrace from the brunette. Setting her hands on each of Pacifica’s shoulders, Mabel guided her back into the seating position within the pentagram. “Ok, last chance to back out. I know I’ve made it my lifestyle, but I don’t want to sugarcoat it too much. This process isn’t always pleasant. It has to break you down before it can build you back up. Remember, you don’t have to do this.”

“I don’t have to do anything. There are no monsters rampaging around a city, no rare cryptids to protect. The only stakes are whether I can mend some turmoil between two families… and maybe find some peace of mind.”

Mabel softly grinned. “Those sound like big enough stakes to me, honey.”

Steeling herself, Pacifica put on the fur hat as a totem of good luck. “Look after my journal for me,” she said. “When I get it back I don’t want to see any illicit crayon scribbles.”

While Mabel avoided eye contact and checked her concoction one last time, Pacifica snuck a glance at her phone. She was mildly surprised to see it was only 2am - she felt like it should be much later. Her home screen, the background of which was a photo of Merrise holding Leah as they jointly rested on the couch at home, displayed a single notification. It was a message from Mason from an hour ago telling her was heading to bed. Pacifica once again felt the bond of trust, that Mason didn’t stay up on her account, having faith she’d overcome any challenge she set herself. She also guessed that he was probably a little anxious about where she was, even if he wasn’t admitting it. She fired across a short text saying she was alright and would be back in the morning. The instant after getting confirmation that it had been sent she received a thumbs up in return. He was watching out for her. Pacifica put the phone away, safe in the knowledge that Mason would sleep well knowing she was in no danger. No immediate danger at least.

Mabel cleared her throat and spread her arms out above her head, beginning a proclamation. “It’s time. The osprey skull will be your anchoring thread, tying you to the Unshriven so you can combat him on the astral plane. You’re all ready to go, prepared to take the plunge, embrace the strange, taste of the forbidden fruit.”

Pacifica shooed her fussy friend away. “Relax, it’s not my first cosmic dream vision.” She stuck out her tongue and waited patiently. Mabel squeezed out two tiny drops of acid. Pacifica detected a bitter taste, but otherwise couldn’t sense any stronger flavour.

“It should take a few minutes to kick in.” Mabel moved subtly over to the shrines and the CD player. She turned the volume on the muzak down. “Oh, and if you see any geometric forms don’t buy what they’re selling.”

“I won’t,” Pacifica said with a sly smile. Mabel sounded less like an anarchist and more like a kids show host.

“Now, close your eyes, relax, and expand your horizons.”

With a click, Mabel moved onto the next music track and turned the volume to max. This was nothing like the passive ambiance of the jazz. A solo sitar chord echoed off the octagonal wood panelling. Already Pacifica was unsettled. The sitar reverberated off the walls and through her bones. It wasn’t a pleasant sound, the rhythms discordant and overlapping with one another. The sitar had an artificial twang, electronically synthesised. A low hiss, the artefact of the old player, only heightened the sense of eeriness.

Very soon Pacifica was no longer aware of Mabel’s presence, fussing about around her, nor of the surrounding room. As the sitar increased in tempo she felt adrift from the normality of the simple room in the simple house. She tried in vain to focus on the feeling of the wood panels beneath her rear, but this too dissipated away like a half-remembered dream.

Now what was she supposed to do? “Mabel?” Nothing. No sound. Only the barest hint of flickering candles. Even the haunting sitar echoed as if distant. Maybe more time was needed to let the effects of the drug become noticeable. She kept her eyes resolutely sealed shut and tried to picture in her mind an image of the Unshriven. The bared tusks glinted a dull eggshell white over black fur, as dark as driving on the interstate out of the valley at night. The image quickly faded. A memory, that was all. She couldn’t actually find her target by wishing hard enough.

A blur danced at the edge of her vision, in the black space behind her eyelids. Her blood ran cold. The Unshriven was there, lingering like a bad penny in the corner of her eye. But that was ridiculous. It couldn’t be as simple as this. It was all psychedelic hokum. A drawing on the floor, some candles and low lighting, a few words of guidance. Surely she wasn’t that suggestible?

She peeked her eyelids open and gasped in rapidly surmounting horror. The walls of the room were melting away like paint dribbling off a canvas, like wax on a candle. Of Mabel there was no sign. Pressure built behind her eyes and she was unable to prevent herself falling backwards into the newly formed expanse of emptiness.

In a free fall, air rushed past her. Fragments of Mabel’s shrine went flying by, shattered glass fragments, torn threads, and broken planks of wood spinning into the abyss. Pacifica flailed out for any kind of support. She only succeeded in sending herself spinning.

Abruptly she came to a halt, suspended horizontally. She blinked and tried to understand what she was seeing. No matter how disorientated she told herself it was her own brain that was the cause, random synapses firing under the delirious effects of a potent chemical. Unless she’d already entered the so-called ‘other side’ of Gravity Falls.

Gradually the darkness resolved beneath her. She began to glide downwards, no longer in deleterious descent. Stretched out in front of her eyes was a round, grey basin. The scale put her off at first. Everything was rendered in miniature, as if viewed through a microscope. Recognition sparked in her mind when she saw a pair of dramatically split rocky outcroppings. The view was in fact her home - the valley of Gravity Falls, lit in a harsh contrasting monochrome.

She strained to make out details. The mountains around the town and the dome-shaped hill of Crash Site Omega were visible, as vast defining parts of the landscape, but the rest was a bleached blur that made her eyes water. It was like peering through the static fuzz of a television, trying to comprehend the image of a low resolution black & white video. No, not quite monochrome, she realised. The landscape below was lit up in contrast to the endless galaxy-filled sky above. She was seeing through a form of night vision.

Propelled downwards at high speed, her body swept over the treetops. She moved in graceful arcs, her motion that of a bird of prey. She stared down at the osprey amulet but saw only a pair of feathery wings on either side of her body. Part of herself accepted the transformation. If becoming an osprey was a requirement to traverse the spirit realm then who was she to argue?

Swooping past the outskirts where Mabel and Zera’s abode was found, she traced an invisible ley line through the woods. In this perception there were no modern structures, merely half-formed echoes. The town high-street was an assemblage of foundations etched in swirling purple contours. Singular eye-bats drifted in flocks, observing all that transpired.

Pacifica landed on an outcrop of bare granite, her body seamlessly returning to her basic human form, flaws and all. She tried to take a closer look around but her vision was swamped with distracting shimmers. A spotlight trained on her face would be less blinding. Stumbling forwards she left the site of the town behind almost too swiftly. Space was compressed as she was shuttled along a conveyor belt across the divots and hillocks of the valley bottom.

Dizzy, she fell against the trunk of a tree. The wood snapped and collapsed. The pallid grey bark made Pacifica throw up her palms. It was diseased, near dead. The bark oozed sickly globs of congealed fluid. Pacifica watched in stunned bewilderment as the putrescent sap drifted up into the air. The texture was akin to blood, but paler, a mix of scarlet and pink. The globules vanished up into the spiral of stars suspended in the firmament.

Pacifica’s urge to flee became overwhelming again. That was when she really became frightened. The Unshriven was right in front of her, breath hot in her face. It was even more pungent than when she’d come close to the ape in the flesh. The odour was that of repression, of paper and leather left so long that it rotted into mulch, of sticky sweat clinging to skin during every vulnerable moment, and everything that signalled death. The creature reared up on its stubby legs and roared. The skin below its neck started melting away, rolling off the torso like cooking meat, exposing bone and sinew. It had found a way to become even more abhorrent.

Pacifica’s grasp on the situation deteriorated to the point she felt faint. Her legs gave out from beneath her and she tumbled to the cold and sterile earth. Her back impacted on a soft bed of grass. She blinked twice. Bemused and pleasantly surprised to see no sign of the Unshriven, she rose unsteadily. A meadow of gently swaying tall grass, lit golden by a half-set sun, surrounded her. In one direction were vast cliffs towering over an ocean of raging tides. In the other, a castle delicately perched atop a conical mountain peak. Pacifica was at peace here in the warm breeze. She screwed her eyes shut and remembered.

This was Dimension 52. A realm so distant from her own that it hardly felt real at all, even when she’d visited in-person. That trip hadn’t been long after her body had been irrevocably altered, purged of all scars and skin marks. It was where she’d had her first realisation that life would never go back to the way it had been before. This was the world on which Leah had been conceived.

For the first time a frenzied panic overcame Pacifica. Leah was conceived in another dimension. The simple fact now terrified her. She’d never even thought about it, about what it meant for a child to develop inside her across multiple universes, where the laws of physics were malleable. There was every chance that she’d suffered acute radiation poisoning from all their hops between dimensions. What could that do to a growing embryo? For all she knew it had caused irreversible birth defects for her child.

That didn’t make sense. Leah was perfect. Her new reproductive system was freshly minted after all, and six months had shown her no indications of illness or disorder from her baby. Unless it was a fragile window of normality before the horrors came crashing down.

The light of Dimension 52’s sun winked out. Gusts of wind blew against Pacifica’s exposed arms and grass tickled her ankles, though these sensations soon disappeared as well. She shielded her eyes when a single harsh light burst into existence above her. The intensity made her stumble. She knew this place too. Not here. Anywhere but here.

Crumpling against asphalt, a great weight held her down. Spitting rain and tears obscured her sight but she couldn’t mistake the light pouring from the open window. The house she’d shared with Mason in Jersey had never been inviting. Now she dreaded the very sight of it. This was her lowest moment, when she’d convinced herself that even the ones she loved most didn’t want to be around her. When her infertility had finally become impossible to ignore and utter despair felt like the only path available.

“No, please,” she whimpered, her throat ragged. Through the haze in her mind she tried to focus on her happiest memories. Surely that would work to keep herself anchored. She pictured squid whales dancing through an ocean in the sky. Her first kiss, music thudding through her entire body, her heart beating even stronger. The gift of a yellow sweater, specially re-knitted just for her. She tried hardest to imagine her daughters wrapped in her arms. Her two baby girls were like smoke, intangible and gone from her embrace.

Her stomach gurgled uncontrollably. A yawning dread opened up before Pacifca. She knew it was about to get worse. Contractions wracked her lower body, sending spasms through her legs. Her hand gripped against her shirt and failed to stem the awful churning inside. She could feel movement below the skin of her belly as it flexed and gurgled. Fleshy lumps pressed out from within. Pacifica laid back, screaming through the unimaginable pain.

A gaping hole tore asunder between her legs. Muscles painfully forced a living creature out of her womb. It slopped on the ground, coated in internal fluids and blood, tied to her by a pale umbilical cord. Pacifica’s daughter stared up at her with bloodshot, unblinking eyes. Her daughter had no skin. Pacifica decided that screaming again was besides the point. She curled up in the foetal position, as helpless as her child.

She was paralysed in the rain, pathetic and helpless. The light in the house was switched off. Not even Mason would come from her this time. She was an infertile wreck, unfit for motherhood, let alone heroics. Everything her parents had said about her was right.

A light pierced the edge of her vision. Above her Corduroy’s judging face leered. Which Corduroy it was, the father she’d pledged to help or the daughter she’d failed to save, didn’t matter. The gaze penetrated her useless body all the same.

“Get up.” Pacifica raised her head at the voice, barely daring to believe it. “Get. Up. Pacifica.” She groped in the air for a supportive hand, dropping it down again as she was overcome with fatigue.

“I can’t… why do you think I can do this?”

“Because, whether Northwest, or Pines, or something else, you are a warrior. You struck out from your parents, your wealth, your legacy. The only person who can define who you are is staring at you in the mirror.” Corduroy offered a helping hand. “So. Get up.”

Surging with a burst of energy, Pacifica accepted the outstretched hand and climbed out of the puddle of despair. She shuddered, finding herself alone again. No helping hand, no nightmarish homunculus of her daughter. Her surroundings had been replaced by the lifeless woods once more.

She wasn’t infertile. Quite the opposite. Pacifica wasn’t sure which alternative made her more uncomfortable at the moment. She didn’t want to be reduced to this, to sinew and bone and organic processes deep inside. But then, what was this drug trip if not another physical process?

Striving for something inside herself she didn’t fully understand, Pacifica took the first step forwards, stumbling towards salvation.

[destielficsread]

Chapters: 10/10 Fandom: Supernatural Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester Characters: Castiel, Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Eileen Leahy, Bela Talbot, Meg Masters, Kevin Tran, Linda Tran, Ruby (Supernatural), Gabriel (Supernatural), Gadreel (Supernatural), Hannah (Supernatural), Background & Cameo Characters Additional Tags: Minor Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester, Mutual Pining, Professor Dean Winchester, Contractor Castiel, Miscommunication, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fluff and Humor, Mild Angst, Self-Worth Issues, Home Improvement, Coming Out, Bad Puns, Smart Dean Winchester, Academia, Sassy Meg Masters, Oblivious Dean Winchester, Grumpy Castiel (Supernatural), Counselor Sam Winchester, Protective Castiel (Supernatural), POV Dean Winchester, Minor Injuries, OSHA violations, Innuendo, Oral Sex, Sex Jokes, Safer Sex, Rimming, Intercrural Sex, Top Castiel/Bottom Dean Winchester, Laughter During Sex, Happy Ending Summary:

Dr. Dean Winchester, professor of Mechanical Engineering, was full of confidence in his own abilities when he decided to purchase a fixer-upper house to rehab and remodel on his own. Now, standing in the middle of his new house and praying the floors won’t cave in, he’s realizing that determination and academic brilliance might only take him so far this time. The bigger problem: his overconfidence in the face of other people’s doubts (ahem, Sam) means that asking for help now will mean swallowing a whole lot of pride…and he’d rather not.

Hiring a secret contractor to do the work without telling anyone seems like the perfect solution.

Accidentally hiring an amazingly hot secret contractor wasn’t part of the plan.

And when Sam overhears a conversation and starts connecting dots, a snap decision and another lie on top the first leads to a ridiculous balancing act of fake stories, pretend relationships, and one hell of a renovation tale.

[drpg-global-archive]

DRPG - Character Episode - Mao

He's the current Dean of Evil Academy.He has an EQ of 1.8 million and loves conducting evil research.He's also a remodeling maniac who loves to drizzle soy sauce on omelets.

Mao

Level 1/New Summon

I am Mao, the Dean of the Evil Academy and the No.1 Freshman Leader. I have been recognized as the fiercest and brightest student who has ever attended the academy.

You are [Player], right? Are you also a top student? Are you a Delinquent?

Do you wash your hands after using the toilet? Do you like to steal other students' lunches? Do you never return any games you borrow from your friends? Every top student does these things. You should never go to bed or get up early, have a perfect attendance record, or be nice to others. [Player]. You'll definitely make a good top student.

Level 100

[Player]. When you have the time, would you mind accompanying me? It's nothing major. It'll take no time at all. It's just a little experiment.

I just want to make some modifications to allow you to fly freely in the sky. How does that sound? Why are you so nervous? Don't worry! It'll just hurt a little. If you undergo this experiment, I'll reward you with a year's supply of sweet potatoes! Doesn't that sound nice?

Level 200

It's not easy to run a school. Last night, I broke into the home of students who were late in paying their tuition fees and demanded they hand over the money they owe, including interest (The annual interest rate is 100%).... Just the other day, I beat up a Delinquent Teacher who was asking for a raise. I then asked him to hand over tuition fees. There are little things like this happening every day. I don't have any time to rest.

If I had my way, I'd give up being the dean and just focus on my research.

Perhaps, [Player]. Maybe you'd make a good dean. Calm yourself. With my EQ of 1.8 million, I'll easily be able to transform you into an excellent dean. Don't move, [Player]. Hahahahah....

Level 500

[Player]. Today is the anniversary of my father's death.... My father was a great Overlord. Since we're on good terms, I can tell you the truth. When I was a kid, I always idolized my dad....

But, because of me, he… I needed to surpass my father and become the Evil Academy's dean. This is all I can do for him now.

My power will never stop increasing...... Although, even I have my limits, of course. [Player]. I would be very grateful if you could remain by my side.To assist me in future.

Level 1000

[Player]. I've become much stronger because of you. When I first heard that there were humans coming to the Netherworld to train Demons, I laughed out loud.... You definitely know your stuff, and you should not take those words lightly coming from me, the Dean of the Evil Academy. I believe that you're talented enough to train someone to become the strongest Overlord in history.

There's one more thing. To me, although I treat Raspberyl as an enemy, we are actually in some ways friends… But with you, it's safe to say we are even more than friends. Perhaps even best friends.

[Player]. My friend. From this day forward, we will battle side by side!

[gotoprated]

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2023 Cost vs. Value Report: 5 Best and 5 Worst Home Renovations ROI in the Los Angeles area

When it comes to home renovations, it's important to consider not only the immediate benefits of the project but also its potential resale value. The annual Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine analyzes the average cost of various renovation projects and estimates their potential return on investment (ROI) in the current housing market. In the Pacific region of the US, Los Angeles is a particularly popular area for home renovations. Let's take a look at the top 5 home renovation projects with the highest recuperation rate and the bottom 5 with the lowest recoup rate in the Los Angeles, CA area according to the 2023 Report. Some of these projects may be confirmation of what you know and some may shock you. If you have questions about a Huntington Beach home renovation call me.

Top 5 renovation projects with the highest recoup rate:

Manufactured stone veneer: The project involves replacing the existing vinyl siding on the bottom third of the street-facing facade of the house with manufactured stone veneer. The average cost of the project is $12,989, and it has an estimated ROI of 109.8%.

garage door replacement: This project involves replacing an existing garage door with a new four-section garage door with heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks. The average cost of the project is $3,776, and it has an estimated ROI of 107.3%.

Entry door replacement (steel): this project involves replacing an existing entry door with a new 20-gauge steel entry door with clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs, and an aluminum threshold with composite stop. The average cost of the project is $1,981, and it has an estimated ROI of 94.5%.

Minor kitchen remodel: This project involves replacing cabinet fronts with shaker-style wood panels and drawer fronts, installing new hardware, replacing laminate countertops with new ones, and installing a new stainless steel sink and faucet. The average cost of the project is $27,772, and it has an estimated ROI of 88.4%.

Siding replacement (vinyl): this project involves replacing the existing siding with new foam-backed insulated vinyl siding, including all trim. The average cost of the project is $18,929, and it has an estimated ROI of 84.9%.

Bottom 5 renovation projects with the lowest recoup rate:

Backup Power Generator: This project involves installing a new standby generator to provide backup power during outages. The average cost of the project is $17,500, and it has an estimated ROI of 41.6%.

Home office remodel: This project involves converting a spare bedroom into a home office with custom cabinets, a laminate desktop, and recessed overhead lighting. The average cost of the project is $38,582, and it has an estimated ROI of 43.5%.

Sunroom Addition: This project involves adding a 200-square-foot sunroom with a new foundation and footings, vinyl windows with insulated glass, and a sliding door. The average cost of the project is $113,238, and it has an estimated ROI of 47.4%.

Major kitchen remodel: This project involves gutting the kitchen and replacing everything, including cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and lighting. The average cost of the project is $81,700, and it has an estimated ROI of 47.5%.

Bathroom Addition: This project involves adding a new 6-by-8-foot bathroom to an existing space, including a fiberglass shower with a glass enclosure, a toilet, and a vanity with a solid-surface countertop. The average cost of the project is $49,782, and it has an estimated ROI of 52.4%.

When planning a home renovation project in the Los Angeles, CA area, it's important to consider not only your personal preferences and needs but also the potential resale value of the project. As seen in the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, certain projects tend to recoup a higher percentage of their cost than others. This doesn't mean that you should always choose the highest recoup rate projects, as personal preference, location, and other factors may also come into play.

However, it's always a good idea to weigh the potential return on investment against the upfront cost when deciding on a renovation project. It's also important to keep in mind that the cost and ROI estimates provided in the report are just averages, and your actual cost and ROI may vary depending on factors such as the size of your home, the quality of materials used, and the contractor you hire.

Therefore, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes from licensed and experienced contractors and to do your research before making a decision. With careful planning and execution, a home renovation project can not only improve your living space but also add value to your home.

Also don't forget to call me for what your Huntington Beach home value is to see if it makes sense to sell now with these upgrades and remodels.

Mr. Huntington Beach Real Estate

315 7th St D Huntington Beach, CA 92648

949-310-4110

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The Benefits of Residence Improvement: Enhancing Your Living Space

Home renovation is a term that encompasses a wide variety of activities targeted at enhancing the functionality, visual appeals, and convenience of a house. Whether you're aiming to remodel your cooking area, include a brand-new room, or simply repaint your walls, house enhancement jobs can give countless benefits for homeowners. In this post, we'll discover some of the crucial benefits of residence enhancement as well as just how it can transform your living space.One of one of the most considerable benefits of residence improvement is that it can boost the value of your residential property. By updating your residence's attributes and services, you can bring in possible customers and command greater rates in the property market. In addition, home renovation can also aid you conserve money in the future by reducing your power costs, enhancing your home's insulation, and increasing its sustainability. Various other advantages of house enhancement consist of enhancing your space's performance, developing a much more comfy and also welcoming setting, as well as enhancing your house's visual appeal. Overall, residence renovation is a beneficial financial investment that can substantially boost your top quality of life as well as boost your residential property's overall value.

Read more here Water Damage Palm Coast

[craftdesignbuild]

Top-Rated Home Additions Contractor in Essex, CT

Are you in search of a reliable and experienced contractor for your home additions project? Contact Craft Design Build. With years of experience in the construction and design industries, our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-quality services that exceed your expectations. We offer kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home additions, and more. We use only the highest quality materials and the latest construction techniques to ensure that your project is completed to the highest standard. Contact us today to learn more about Home Additions Contractor in Essex, CT!

[lightningbayelectric]

Need an Electrician in Tampa? Trusted Experts for All Your Electrical Needs

When it comes to electrical services, hiring a skilled and certified electrician is crucial to ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-lasting results. Whether you need a minor repair, a major upgrade, or emergency assistance, Lightning Bay Electric is your trusted partner in Tampa, Florida.

Why Choose Professional Electricians in Tampa?

Electrical work is not something to take lightly. Hiring a certified electrician in Tampa ensures compliance with safety codes, preventing hazards such as electrical fires, shocks, and short circuits. Professionals have the expertise and tools to handle complex electrical issues safely and effectively.

Emergency Electrician Services in Tampa

Electrical emergencies can happen anytime, and when they do, you need a 24-hour electrical service in Florida to restore power and safety to your home or business. Whether it’s a power outage, faulty wiring, or an electrical panel failure, our team is ready to respond quickly and efficiently.

Our Comprehensive Electrical Services

At Lightning Bay Electric, we offer a wide range of services to meet all your electrical needs:

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We specialize in residential electrical services, from installations to repairs. Our team ensures that your home’s electrical system operates safely and efficiently.

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An outdated electrical panel can lead to frequent power outages and safety risks. Our electrical panel upgrade services in Tampa ensure your home is equipped to handle modern energy demands.

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Power outages can be inconvenient and costly. A home generator installation in Tampa ensures you have backup power when you need it most.

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Whether you're remodeling your home or constructing a new property, our electrical installation services in Tampa cover everything from lighting to complete wiring solutions.

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Protect your appliances and electronics from power surges with our surge protection installation services in Tampa. This prevents costly damage and extends the lifespan of your devices.

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Old or faulty wiring can be a fire hazard. Our home rewiring services in Tampa, Florida ensure your home’s electrical system is up to date and safe.

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From commercial projects to residential needs, our licensed electrical contractors in Tampa provide expert services for any electrical requirement.

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Contact Us Today!

If you need a reliable electrician in Tampa, look no further than Lightning Bay Electric. Whether it's an emergency, installation, or routine maintenance, we have the expertise to get the job done right.

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[srisuryaconstructions]

Sri Surya Constructions - Construction companies in coimbatore

Sri Surya Constructions: A Trusted Name Among Construction Companies in Coimbatore

Introduction

When it comes to choosing reliable construction companies in Coimbatore, Sri Surya Constructions is the name you can trust. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional residential, commercial, and industrial projects, we are committed to building structures that last. Our experience and dedication ensure that every project we undertake is handled with the highest level of professionalism, quality, and attention to detail.

Why Choose Sri Surya Constructions — Leading Construction Companies in Coimbatore?

• Comprehensive Construction Solutions: As one of the leading construction companies in Coimbatore, Sri Surya Constructions offers a broad range of construction services. Whether it’s a custom home, office building, or industrial project, we ensure each service is tailored to meet your unique needs.

• Skilled & Experienced Team: Our team is made up of highly skilled professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and workers, who ensure that your project is executed to perfection. Their experience and expertise are key to our success as one of the top construction companies in Coimbatore.

• High-Quality Materials: At Sri Surya Constructions, we never compromise on quality. We use only the finest materials to ensure that your building is durable, safe, and built to last. This commitment to quality sets us apart from other construction companies in Coimbatore.

• Timely Completion: We understand the importance of deadlines, which is why we complete all projects on time. With our efficient processes and experienced project managers, Sri Surya Constructions guarantees that your project will be delivered as promised, without delays.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Your vision is at the heart of everything we do. We listen to your needs and work closely with you throughout the construction process to ensure that the final result matches your expectations.

• Competitive & Transparent Pricing: As one of the top construction companies in Coimbatore, we offer competitive rates and transparent pricing. You’ll receive an honest, detailed estimate with no hidden costs, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment.

Our Services

• Residential Construction: Whether you want to build your dream home or renovate an existing property, Sri Surya Constructions specializes in creating custom homes that reflect your personality and needs.

• Commercial Construction: From office buildings to retail stores, we provide comprehensive commercial construction services. We focus on creating functional and aesthetically appealing spaces for your business.

• Renovations & Remodeling: If you’re looking to refresh your existing space, we offer professional renovation and remodeling services, transforming old spaces into modern, efficient, and stylish areas.

• Architectural Design: Our architects work closely with you to design functional and visually striking spaces, ensuring that your building not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.

• Project Management: We provide end-to-end project management, ensuring that every phase of the project, from permits to inspections, runs smoothly. Our project managers handle everything, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

Additional Services We Offer

• Interior Design Services: Beyond construction, we offer expert interior design services to help create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, tailored to your style and preferences.

• Building Maintenance & Repairs: To keep your building in top condition, Sri Surya Constructions offers comprehensive maintenance and repair services, from regular upkeep to emergency repairs.

Conclusion

As one of the top construction companies in Coimbatore, Sri Surya Constructions is dedicated to providing high-quality construction services across a variety of sectors. Whether you need residential, commercial, or industrial construction, we have the expertise and experience to bring your vision to life. With a focus on quality, timeliness, and customer satisfaction, we are the ideal partner for your next project.

Contact Us

Ready to work with one of the most trusted construction companies in Coimbatore? Contact Sri Surya Constructions today for a consultation and take the first step towards making your dream project a reality. • Phone: +91 98422 21345 • Email: suryaconstructionscbe@gmail.com • Website: www.srisuryaconstructions.com • Address: Siva Tower, 302, Sathy Rd, Amman Kovil Bus Stop, Poompogar Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035

Partner with Sri Surya Constructions and build your future with confidence. Let’s create something extraordinary together!