#wedge anchors for brick

[fixdex-fastening-technology]

FIXDEX cordially invites you 14th Fastener Expo Shanghai🎉

[hekateinhell]

♡ + Armand/Daniel in Our House

omg I'm excited, I have so much lore for them I haven't written into the fic yet! Our House is my Armand/Daniel human AU in case none of this makes sense 🫣🫣🫣

• Who is the most affectionate?

In public, it's Armand 100%. He does not know the meaning of the term 'boundaries.' From day one he was all up in Daniel's business, the most possessive and territorial body language you've ever seen -- almost like a guard dog with its owner. Arm around his waist or clinging to the crook of his elbow. Armand's always one 'overly flirtatious look from the cute college barista aimed at Daniel' away from baring his teeth and hissing.

In private, Armand doesn't feel the need to put on such a show and his clinginess manifests more as cuddling into Daniel's side and curling into his lap at any given opportunity. He spent most of his early life in an orphanage before The Bad Stuff™️, so he's been touch starved with only a couple exceptions over the years and he's making up for the lost time.

• Who initiates the handholding?

Armand prefers to hang on directly to a limb like it's an anchor, so it's actually Daniel that will attempt to initiate the handholding not only to give himself more freedom of motion (RIP) but also to remind Armand that he's aware of his needs and he's trying (and wants) to meet them.

• Who worries more for the other?

LOL. Daniel, bless him. Being married to Armand right now is fucking stressful. 🤧

• Who is more likely to ask for help?

Neither of them, things have to get pretty bad before they get there. They're both used to being independent and having to survive shitty environments with minimal support, so it's hard to recognize when it's time for 'Hey, I need help.'

That being said, Daniel was the one to enforce the condition that Armand begin therapy if they were going to move forward as a couple and he did do AA -- so I guess Daniel. His American mentality was much more open to it as well, versus Armand's Eastern European mindset. It took Armand a minute and it was essentially a gun-to-his-head type situation; he is rather fond of Dr. Lydia now though.

• Who is the one always losing the keys?

Daniel. He has about 20 different things to worry about on any given day, and keys are just not one of them. Thankfully Armand's OCD comes into effect here and he always has a spare and a spare-spare, as well as a spare-spare-spare that he's wedged under a loose brick by the window near the fire escape.

So best case scenario if Armand's not home, Daniel will ideally scale up five flights of the fire escape, retrieve the keys, then go back down and enter through the doors like a civilized person. In reality, he totally jiggles that window open with his pocket knife like a burglar. It upsets the cats; the neighbors are used to it, happens at least once every 2-3 months.

• Who leaves little love notes for the other?

Armand.

He's old-fashioned like that and slips a Post-It into Daniel's backpack with either some obscure darkly romantic line from a poem that's mildly unsettling, or something superficially innocent like 'I think I'm ovulating today... xxx A'.

Anyone accidentally glimpsing that on Daniel's desk when it tumbles out as he's rummaging between notebooks and his laptop wouldn't be too surprised, unless they knew Daniel was married to a man and if he wasn't presently blushing red like a tomato from his face to his shirt collar.

• Who can't sleep unless the other is there?

Armand, no one's shocked. He's an incredibly deep sleeper but he has the worst time actually falling asleep if Daniel isn't home (i.e., visiting his family). He usually ends up curled underneath a blanket on the couch with the TV on in the background, more passing in and out of consciousness due to exhaustion than really sleeping, with the cats on his chest and his belly.

Daniel noticed early on during their sleepovers that Armand tends to deep sleep in the fetal position with his arms curled against his chest as if he were holding something. Naturally, Daniel sort of awkwardly/very sweetly gifted him a little stuffed animal so Armand had something to hold when he's not around -- Armand has slept with it every night since. Daniel doesn't travel alone unless it's extenuating circumstances.

• Who is more likely to propose to the other?

Technically, Armand looked that man in the eye mid-fuck in the men's room with his back pressed up against the wall, knees to his shoulders, and announced in complete and utter seriousness within an entire month of dating: 'You're going to marry me.'

To which Daniel, twenty-four years old, in a state of perpetual horniess combined with a healthy smidgen of fear, responded: 'Yeah sure, baby... fuck... You close?'

• Who introduced the other to their family first?

Armand doesn't have any living family, so Daniel.

His parents were superficially nice until it became obvious Armand was fucking their son in a decidedly homoerotic fashion. Armand tries not to let on how much it hurts because he understands the fraught relationship Daniel has with his parents, but it cuts deep because he always hoped if he was fortunate enough to fall in love again, his partner's family would become his own.

He is close to Daniel's baby sister, Caroline. She's too young for Armand to really talk to her about much, but they do text often and she always looks forward to spending a week at 'Danny and Army's' in Brooklyn when Daniel flies her up during semester break to get her out of their parent's house.

• Who is more likely to play with the other's hair?

Daniel loves getting his hands tangled up in Armand's hair, especially when he lets it let long and unruly. Daniel's a fidgety guy when he's working through something in his head (a story, a crisis, why none of the movies Armand loves ever seem to make any sense), and twirling Armand's hair and boinging his curls is a fun tactile distraction.

• Who makes sure the other has meals/stays hydrated?

They both do this. Armand tends to neglect himself when he's depressed and Daniel neglects himself when he's stressed. Armand's big thing is making sure Daniel eats 'like a person.' Daniel's big thing is making sure Armand does basic things like get out of bed, drink water, eat something, anything.

When things get bad, bad, but the show has to go on (i.e., Daniel can't quit his job and life to force-fed Armand a cracker and juice), they implement a simple 'you have to do X by 11am and text me you've completed X' system. It might not work for everyone, but it appeals to Armand's desire to please his husband and receive praise, and it's a small measure of accountability.

• Who is more likely to stand up to anyone for the other?

I think they're equally feral and protective when it comes down to it. Because he knows Armand's past, Daniel is already to go to bat at the slightest provocation.

Armand once took a bite out of a guy for calling Daniel a slur when they were out in public. Yes, Armand does have a somewhat impressive rap sheet.

• Who is the most likely to prepare a surprise for the other?

Daniel can't keep a secret to save his life. As soon as Armand even raises an eyebrow at him, he's in stitches -- no poker face, zero composure.

Armand lives to plan surprise parties and the Big Romantic Gestures that take at least a month and a $1, 000 to pull off.

• Who makes the other pinky promise not to do certain things?

Daniel, and he takes it so seriously. Armand thinks it's childishly charmingly and it gives him butterflies when Daniel crushes his much smaller pinkie against his.

• Who puts a blanket over the other when they fall asleep on the couch?

Armand -- he knows Daniel worries a lot between him and his family and all his editorial deadlines so when he passes out on the couch approximately 10 minutes after dinner, Armand carefully removes his glasses, kisses his forehead, and tucks him in with the rainbow afghan Daniel's granny knitted him decades ago and he's been lugging around ever since he left for college.

[jimitjain]

Types of Fasteners: A Comprehensive Guide

Bhansali Fasteners is a well-known Fasteners Manufacturers in India. We manufacture, stock, and provide all types of stainless steel fasteners in various sizes at the greatest prices. Our fastener section is known as We, as a fastener manufacturer, supply a variety of fasteners such as bolts, nuts, screws, washers, and more. 

1. Screws

Screws are one of the most versatile and widely used fasteners. They have a threaded shaft that provides strong holding power and are primarily used to join materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.

Wood Screws: These have a coarse thread and a tapered point designed to penetrate wood easily. They are commonly used in carpentry and woodworking projects.

Machine Screws: These have a uniform thread and are used with nuts or threaded holes in metal and plastic parts. They are prevalent in machinery and electronic assemblies.

Self-Tapping Screws: These create their own threads as they are driven into a material, making them ideal for attaching materials without pre-drilling.

Deck Screws: Designed for outdoor use, these screws are coated to resist corrosion and have a sharp point for penetrating decking materials.

2. Bolts

Bolts are similar to screws but differ in their use. They typically require a nut to secure them and are used in applications where high strength is needed.

Hex Bolts: These are characterized by their hexagonal heads and are used in construction and machinery. They come in various grades, indicating their strength.

Carriage Bolts: These have a rounded head and a square neck that prevents them from turning once installed. They are often used in wood-to-wood or wood-to-metal applications.

Lag Bolts: Also known as lag screws, these are large, heavy-duty fasteners used to secure heavy materials like wood and metal. They are commonly used in construction and landscaping.

3. Nuts

Nuts are paired with bolts to fasten materials together. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications.

Hex Nuts: These are the most common type and are used with hex bolts. They come in various materials and finishes.

Lock Nuts: These have a special design to prevent them from loosening under vibration. They include nylon insert lock nuts, jam nuts, and metal lock nuts.

Wing Nuts: These have two large "wings" that allow for easy hand tightening. They are used where frequent adjustments are needed.

4. Washers

Washers are used with screws and bolts to distribute the load and prevent damage to the surface being fastened.

Flat Washers: These provide a larger bearing surface and distribute the load evenly. They are used in most fastening applications.

Lock Washers: These prevent nuts and bolts from turning, slipping, or coming loose due to vibration and torque. They include split lock washers and toothed lock washers.

Fender Washers: These have a larger outer diameter than standard flat washers, providing extra support and load distribution.

5. Rivets

Rivets are permanent fasteners used to join two or more materials together. They are commonly used in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

Solid Rivets: These are the most common type and are used in high-stress applications where strength is critical.

Blind Rivets: Also known as pop rivets, these can be installed from one side of the workpiece, making them ideal for applications where access is limited.

Drive Rivets: These are hammered into place and are used in light-duty applications.

6. Anchors

Anchors are used to secure fasteners in materials that are brittle or unable to support the weight of the fastener alone, such as drywall or masonry.

Plastic Anchors: These expand as the screw is driven in, providing a secure hold in drywall and plaster.

Masonry Anchors: These are used in concrete, brick, and stone. Examples include wedge anchors and sleeve anchors.

Toggle Bolts: These have a spring-loaded wing that expands behind the wall, providing strong holding power for heavy loads.

  We are also one of the leading Fasteners Supplier in Russia and Fasteners Supplier in Saudi Arabia. We take care of their clients' needs and ensure that all steel bolts, nuts, washers, screws, and fasteners are in order before shipping. Bhansali Fasteners is one of the major Bolt Suppliers in India. Bolts Suppliers in India.low-maintenance, sustainability benefits, and adaptability for fluid transportation in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, food, pharmaceuticals, and construction. They provide reliability and safety. Bolt Suppliers in India is known for its industrial fasteners, which include high-quality bolts, nuts, screws, and washers. 

Website: bhansalibolt.com

Source: Fasteners Manufacturers

[camerontrever]

Elevating Brick Masonry with Advanced Anchoring Solutions

In the realm of construction, brick masonry stands as a timeless testament to durability and aesthetic appeal. Yet, the reliability and longevity of brick structures are intrinsically linked to the effectiveness of their anchoring systems. This is where masonry anchors for brick emerge as indispensable allies, offering unparalleled support and stability.

Unraveling the Role of Masonry Anchors

Masonry anchors represent specialized fasteners meticulously crafted to affix a myriad of materials – be it wood, metal, or concrete – securely onto brick surfaces. These anchors are available in diverse types, each tailored to meet specific application requirements and load capacities.

Exploring the Diverse Array of Masonry Anchors

Sleeve Anchors: Renowned for their versatility, sleeve anchors utilize an expanding sleeve mechanism to grip the interior of pre-drilled holes in brick, ensuring steadfast attachment.

Wedge Anchors: Featuring a threaded stud culminating in a cone-shaped end, wedge anchors expand against the confines of drilled holes upon installation, delivering a tight and secure fit.

Drop-in Anchors: These anchors seamlessly integrate into pre-drilled holes and are secured using a setting tool. Once in place, they provide a flush surface for bolts or threaded rods, facilitating seamless integration.

Toggle Bolts: Ideal for heavy-duty applications, toggle bolts boast a bolt with spring-loaded wings that unfurl behind the brick upon tightening, offering robust support.

Harnessing the Advantages of Masonry Anchors for Brick

Enhanced Stability: By firmly fastening diverse materials to brick masonry, anchors bolster structural stability, minimizing the risk of displacement or structural compromise.

Versatility Redefined: With an extensive range of sizes and configurations available, masonry anchors cater to a myriad of applications, from mounting decorative elements to anchoring heavy machinery.

Simplicity in Installation: Installing masonry anchors requires minimal expertise and specialized tools, rendering the process accessible to a wide spectrum of users.

Long-lasting Performance: Premium masonry anchors are engineered to withstand environmental stressors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, and corrosion, ensuring sustained performance and reliability.

Key Considerations in Masonry Anchor Selection

When selecting masonry anchors for brick applications, several crucial factors merit consideration:

Load Requirements: Assess the anticipated load capacity to select anchors capable of bearing the intended weight effortlessly.

Brick Composition: Consider the composition and condition of the brick masonry to opt for anchors compatible with the material.

Installation Method: Choose anchors that align with the installation method and tools available for the project at hand.

Environmental Resilience: Evaluate the exposure of the brick structure to environmental elements like moisture and chemicals, opting for anchors fortified with corrosion-resistant properties.

Conclusion:

In summary, masonry anchors for brick construction serve as indispensable assets in fortifying the stability, durability, and functionality of brick masonry structures. By securely fastening materials to brick surfaces, these anchors uphold structural integrity, empowering diverse construction endeavors. Whether embarking on residential renovations, commercial constructions, or industrial projects, the strategic deployment of masonry anchors is pivotal in attaining steadfast and enduring outcomes in brick construction.

[ananka-fasteners]

Ananka

Q1) Are there hex bolts specifically designed for masonry applications?

Ans) Certainly, hex bolts designed specifically for masonry applications are commonly referred to as "anchor bolts" or "masonry anchor bolts." These bolts are utilized to affix items to surfaces like concrete, brick, stone, or other masonry materials. The key disparity between regular hex bolts and masonry anchor bolts lies in their structural configuration and how they interact with the masonry substance.

Masonry anchor bolts generally encompass several attributes that render them suitable for masonry use:

1. Thread Design: The threading on masonry anchor bolts is often crafted to enhance grip and engagement with masonry materials. Frequently, they exhibit a coarser thread pattern, which aids in biting into the relatively softer masonry base.

2. Material and Coating: Masonry anchor bolts are frequently forged from materials that provide enhanced corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel. This is pivotal due to the exposure of these bolts to moisture in masonry contexts, which can lead to rust over time. In some cases, coatings like zinc or other forms of corrosion-resistant treatments may also be applied.

3. Head Design: Although the head design of masonry anchor bolts can vary, they often feature a configuration that ensures a flush or slightly countersunk fit with the masonry surface. This design serves to prevent tripping hazards and facilitates a tidy and secure installation.

4. Installation Techniques: The installation of masonry anchor bolts might necessitate distinct methods when compared to regular hex bolts. Depending on their specific design, they could call for pre-drilled holes, specialized anchors, or other hardware to guarantee a steadfast attachment to the masonry.

5. Load-Bearing Capacity: Masonry anchor bolts are meticulously engineered to endure the specific loads and forces inherent to masonry applications. They are frequently rated based on their capacity to carry loads, considering factors like the type of masonry material and the dimensions and design of the bolt.

When deploying masonry anchor bolts, it's imperative to adhere closely to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for installation. Incorrect installation can imperil the integrity of the attachment, potentially leading to safety hazards.

It's noteworthy that a diverse array of masonry anchor bolt types exists in the market, including wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, and concrete screws, each tailored to distinct designs and use cases. To ensure the optimal choice of masonry anchor bolt for your specific application, it's advisable to consult professionals or experts in the field.

Elevator Bolt Manufacturers in Mumbai

Q2) How do you remove a hex nut that has become rusted or frozen?

Ans) Eliminating a rusted or frozen hex nut can present challenges, yet there are various strategies you can employ. Bear in mind that the effectiveness of these approaches may vary depending on the extent of the rust and your access to the nut. Here are some commonly employed techniques:

1. Penetrating Oil: Apply penetrating oil, such as WD-40 or PB Blaster, onto the rusted threads of the hex nut. Allow the oil to seep in for several hours or overnight. The oil aids in corroding the rust and lubricating the threads, facilitating easier nut turning.

2. Heat: Employ a heat source, like a propane torch, to warm the vicinity around the rusted nut. The expansion and contraction resulting from the heat can help break the rust's grip. Be careful not to overheat or damage adjacent components.

3. Vice Grips or Locking Pliers: If there's enough space, employ vice grips or locking pliers to grasp the hex nut's edges. Apply steady, consistent pressure while turning counterclockwise. This technique can dislodge the rust's hold, initiating nut rotation.

4. Impact Wrench: An impact wrench delivers forceful bursts of rotational energy, aiding in dislodging a stubborn hex nut. However, its applicability might be limited by confined spaces or if the nut is situated delicately.

5. Nut Splitter: A nut splitter is a specialized tool engineered to split open recalcitrant nuts. It achieves this by making cuts into the nut, without harming the underlying bolt or stud.

6. Drilling: In extreme cases, you may have to cautiously drill into the center of the rusted nut. This action weakens the nut's structure, facilitating its removal. Nonetheless, drilling poses a risk of damaging the underlying thread or bolt and should be a last resort.

7. Hammer and Chisel: Utilize a chisel and hammer to carefully craft a small notch on the nut's edge. This affords enhanced grip for wrenches or pliers, enabling nut rotation.

Prior to attempting any of these methods, it's imperative to exercise caution to avert additional harm to adjacent components. If you're dealing with a valuable or vital part or feel uncertain about your capabilities, seeking guidance from a seasoned professional mechanic or technician accustomed to such scenarios is prudent.

Hex Nut Suppliers

Q3) What is the impact of using plain washers in reducing friction between surfaces?

Ans) Plain washers are often used in mechanical applications to distribute the load, prevent surface damage, and reduce friction between two surfaces. While their primary function is not to reduce friction, they can have a minor impact on friction due to their ability to provide a smooth interface between the nut, bolt head, or other fastener and the material being fastened. However, this effect is generally limited.

Here's how plain washers can impact friction reduction:

1. Surface Smoothness: Plain washers have a smooth surface that can help reduce the direct contact between the fastener and the material being fastened. This can result in slightly less friction compared to direct contact between rougher surfaces.

2. Pressure Distribution: Washers distribute the load over a larger surface area. When a nut or bolt head is tightened down, the washer spreads the force across a wider region. This can help minimize localized pressure points that might lead to increased friction.

3. Surface Protection: Washers can prevent damage to the material being fastened. If the fastener's contact point is rough or uneven, it could cause wear or damage to the material. A washer provides a protective barrier that can reduce friction caused by abrasion or surface imperfections.

It's important to note that while washers can have a slight impact on reducing friction, the primary purpose of using washers is not friction reduction but rather load distribution and surface protection. If your main concern is reducing friction, you might consider using lubricants or anti-friction coatings specifically designed for that purpose.

Additionally, the impact of using plain washers to reduce friction is relatively minor compared to other methods such as using lubricants, choosing materials with lower coefficients of friction, or ensuring proper surface finish and alignment. If friction reduction is a critical factor in your application, it's advisable to explore other solutions beyond the use of plain washers alone.

High Tensile Fasteners

Q4) How do you remove a stud bolt that has become rusted or frozen?

Ans) Removing a rusted or frozen stud bolt can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try. The approach you choose will depend on the severity of the rust and the access you have to the stud. Here are some common methods:

1. Penetrating Oil: Apply a penetrating oil, such as WD-40 or PB Blaster, to the rusted threads of the stud. Allow the oil to penetrate for several hours or overnight. The oil helps break down the rust and lubricate the threads, making it easier to turn the stud.

2. Heat: Use a propane torch or similar heat source to heat the area around the rusted stud. The expansion and contraction caused by the heat can help break the rust's grip. Be careful not to overheat the surrounding components, and always follow safety precautions.

3. Double Nuts: If there's enough exposed thread, you can use two nuts tightened against each other on the stud. Hold one nut with a wrench and use another wrench to turn the second nut counterclockwise. The pressure between the two nuts can help break the rust's hold on the threads, allowing you to turn the stud.

4. Vice Grips or Locking Pliers: If there's enough exposed length of the stud, you can grip onto it with vice grips or locking pliers. Apply steady and even pressure while turning counterclockwise. This method can help you break the rust's hold and start turning the stud.

5. Impact Tools: Impact tools like impact wrenches or pneumatic hammers can provide bursts of rotational force that can help loosen a stubborn stud. Be cautious when using these tools, as they can sometimes cause damage if not used properly.

6. Cutting: In extreme cases where the stud is beyond saving, you might need to cut it off. You can use a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, or angle grinder with a cutting wheel to carefully cut the stud. This should be done with care to avoid damaging the underlying material.

7. Heat and Cooling: The "heat and cool" method involves heating the stud with a torch and then quickly cooling it with cold water. The rapid contraction caused by the cooling can help break the rust's grip.

8. Nut Splitter: A nut splitter is a specialized tool designed to crack open nuts or studs that are too difficult to remove conventionally. It works by cutting into the stud without damaging the underlying material.

Before attempting any of these methods, it's crucial to exercise caution to avoid damaging surrounding components or causing injury. If you're not comfortable or experienced with these techniques, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or technician.

Carbon Steel Fasteners

[nikofastenersstainlesssteelblog]

Understanding the Structure and Purpose of Anchor Bolts

Anchor Bolts are specialized fasteners used to secure heavy structures to concrete or masonry surfaces. They consist of a threaded rod or bolt that is embedded into the material, with a washer and nut attached on the exposed end. Anchor bolts provide stability and prevent movement or displacement of the attached object, such as columns, equipment, or machinery. They are commonly used in construction, structural engineering, and industrial applications. Proper installation and load calculations are essential for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of anchor bolts.

Types of Anchor Bolts

There are several Types of Anchor Bolts and each is designed for specific purposes. Some of the most common types are wedge anchors, sleeve anchors & concrete anchors. Wedge anchors are designed for heavy-duty use and are commonly used in concrete & masonry. Sleeve anchors are ideal for light to medium loads and can be used in a variety of materials, including concrete, brick & block. Concrete anchors are versatile and can be used in concrete, brick, and stone.

The Anatomy of an Anchor Bolt

Anchor bolts are made up of three parts: the threaded rod, the nut, and the anchor body. The rod is the long, slender component that extends from the anchor's base & is used to connect the bolt to a structural element. The nut is the threaded component that slides over the rod & is used to hold the anchor body against the concrete. The anchor body is the part that expands when the nut is tightened, creating a tight grip between the bolt and the concrete.

Size and Strength of  Anchor Bolt

The size and strength of anchor bolts depend on several factors, including the load they will carry & the type of material they will be used in. For example, a ½ inch diameter anchor bolt can support up to 2000 pounds in concrete, while a ¾ inch diameter anchor bolt can support up to 4000 pounds. The strength of the anchor bolt also depends on the quality of the concrete used in construction.

Importance of Anchor Bolt

Anchor bolts are essential for the safety and stability of a building. Without them, the structure would be at risk of collapse in the event of an earthquake, high winds, or other external factors. Anchor bolts are also important for preventing shear failure, which occurs when a structure's shear strength is exceeded, causing the walls to buckle or overturn. Anchor Bolts play a vital role in keeping buildings sturdy and safe.

Installation of Anchor Bolt

Anchor bolts must be installed correctly to ensure they are effective. The first step is to drill a hole in the concrete where the anchor bolt will be placed. The hole should be slightly smaller in diameter than the anchor bolt to ensure a tight fit. The bolt is then inserted into the hole & tightened until it is secure. After installation, regular maintenance is required to ensure the anchor bolts remain in good condition and continue to provide support.

[worldbroadhardware]

Eye Wedge Anchor

Product name： Tie Wire Anchor

Base Material： 1. Non-cracking concrete

2. Concrete hollow brick

3. Solid lime sand brick

Application and Features： 1. Used for hanging, ceiling, light hanging objects.

2. The anchor bolt is the same size as the drill bit, which can be easily installed.

Surface Treatment： Zinc, Yellow Zinc

Material： Carbon Steel

[orxna]

Orana wobbles on unsteady feet, heaving gulps of air. She barely feels the difference they make to her burning lungs. Her fingers and toes feel numb, her mind dizzy, and her lips like pins and needles. As soon as Solas gives her permission she practically tumbles to the ground. Her back presses hard against the stone wall as if she can wedge herself between the brick and mortar.

Within moments of crashing Celene is crawling into Orana’s lap with her paws pressed firmly into the Heralds hips anchoring her in place. The pressure brings her back somewhat but it is combined with Solas' large hands encircling her own that clears her mind enough to think.

"I-I thought I would--"

I thought I would die there.

She has been so certain, since the moment she beheld the Archon, realized the purpose for which she had been taken. Whether she died of neglect, old age, or of Solas' world sundering she hadn't considered it would be anywhere but within the cage crafted for her. She can barely muffle the sob that tears out of her throat, pushing her face fully into Celene's fur. Quiet, she needs to be quiet.

What if she is the cause of their recapture? She hasn't cried in so long, has convinced herself that crying does little but waste time and precious energy. The sound gurgles in her throat, she can stop the noise but she can't seem to stop the tears. They mingle with the rain when she finally lifts her face from Celly's fur.

Solas' voice is soothing, she hasn't let herself acknowledge how much she has missed it. He had gone with Hawke into the little corner of her mind she refuses to dwell on too long or else she might shatter again. Kirkwall with it's denizens are the safer option. She can think of them and feel longing instead of drowning grief--

But Solas is here.

Solas kneels before her heedless of Celene's whale eye towards him, his hand is warm as her own numb fingers twitch in his grip. He came for her, even though he left he came back. Orana's mind latches onto the safest topic she can grasp and she murmurs,

"C-Celene, her name is Celene, like the empress. I-I forgot to name her at first a-and it was the only one I could think of when he asked."

Solas noticed the dog’s alert as well, and cast it a wary frown before he pressing on. There would be time to rest, but not now. They needed to push through it.

He followed her direction. He felt her lean into his side, and adjusted his grip from her wrist to hold her by the arm instead. It was more stable, with more of her weight carried by him. But he moved relentlessly forward.

He couldn’t help but let his eyes wander to see if there were any servants on this path. Time was pressing, but he’d never been able to simply keep walking if he ran across a slave during a battle or infiltration. He was almost grateful they didn’t spy anyone as he kept his unforgiving pace forward. They truly did not have the time, not unless he did want to mount a full scale offensive against the Archon. And if he did…she would see him.

"Not long now," he said, more gentle but strained by his listening for sounds of the guards. But her directions proved true, and the sounds of pursuit gave way to the sounds of a bustling market, even at this time of night.

At last, he paused. He pulled off his dark cloak. Beneath it he wore simple, dark clothes, appearing almost as haggard during the Inquisition. No one in Tevinter would look twice at an elf dressed like this, except maybe to wonder at his height. But Solas was well practiced at changing his form, and he settled into a stance less proud, less confident. Just another tired elf.

With his hand still supporting her arm, Solas draped the cloak over Orana's shoulders. The heavy black material dwarfed her, and he wrapped the length around until it folded over her twice over. Finally, he pulled the large hood over her hair. "Just for the moment," he promised, and led them directly into the market.

He kept the translucence on them long enough for them to enter the throng of late night revelers throwing coin around for fast food. He at last slowed his pace the deeper into the crowd they went, and slowly let the magic dissipate. He guided them through to a narrow alleyway, and he finally stopped behind a trash bin. Given her height, it all but obscured her.

"Rest," he said, and let go of her to lift the bin slightly. He'd stashed more traditional Tevinter slaves clothes underneath it. A ratty cloak for him, and a simple overcoat and boots for her. He hadn't accounted for the dog. She was no street mutt, and he very much doubted that the hound would let him slather her in the grime of the street. The only benefit was the light rain that had begun to fall, and he wondered if he could get away with a quick spell to drench the poor thing until she looked waterlogged enough to pass as anything but a purebred. 

Solas turned to Orana again, a curt set of instructions ready, and paused. This wasn’t just a lack of breath. It was panic, or shock. Judging by the dog, probably a mix of all three.

He knelt down before Orana, loosely taking her hands in his and ignoring whatever warning the dog might give. "Orana." He rarely used her name. “Listen to my voice," he said, gently turning her palms over to face up to the sky. "Feel the rain. It’s running down the walls now, washing the day from the bricks onto the cobblestone street. Now feel the ground beneath your feet. It is weathered and worn, but sturdy. What do you hear? The rain, laughter in the market, your dog by your side, and my voice. That’s all there is, Orana. Just us and the rain.” And the damn dog.

[bibliocratic]

set during 159-160, jon/martin Martin doesn’t sleep through the night these days

minor cws for nightmares, Martin’s relationship with the Lonely

The blanket that they pulled out of the upstairs airing cupboard is ragged, moth-claimed over many winters, and it’s slipped off again. Martin’s t-shirt has bunched up over his stomach and lower back during his restless quest to settle comfortably, meaning that now, with the blanket having failed its duty and abandoned its post, it’s like having an open fridge against his back, bared to the elements.

Martin thinks monosyllabic swearwords in his head, and they’re no less vehement for their curtness.

Jon, bricked in by the back cushions of the sofa and the front wall of Martin’s body that forms a line of defence against the occupying chill, does not notice. He’s stamped himself into Martin’s space, cheek squashed against breastbone, pulled up knees digging into Martin’s thigh, swaddled in all of the other blankets, steadily leaving Martin with the only one remaining. Martin listens to the bellows of his lungs, the open-fire furnace of his skin making him prickle with sweat.

Jon snores, not loudly but persistently, rattling in his throat like a juddering engine, and Martin cannot bear to wake him.

Martin has never tried acrobatics, but there’s some caricature of it in the level of contortion he goes to, trying to rescue the puddled blanket. A half backwards, spine-creaking lean over the edge of the sofa, paired with blind feeling around with the only arm he could free from Jon’s grasp. His fingertips crackle under-skin with pins and needles.

His temper amps up to huffing and frustrated and freezing, but finally retrieval is achieved. He mutters a murmur-quiet ‘jesus christ finally’. Jon snorts and mutters into Martin’s t-shirt. He’s wedged in so smugly against the back of the sofa that Martin can’t tuck it in to stop it slipping off without waking him up, so he resigns himself to this particular cross to bear, draping it over them both haphazardly, at an odd angle that misses Jon’s double-socked feet.

It’ll have to do.

--

Martin is going to fall off the sofa. He urges himself further in, making a wormish rocking motion with his body. He knew this was going to happen, and it’s one of the reasons that he suggested that Jon take the inside, being the smaller and slighter of the two of them, far more likely to fall off in the night if Martin fidgets too much.

Only now, his chivalry means that he feels like he’s trying to get some sleep while his body is half-way acquainted with threatened gravity, like snoozing on a gangplank. He worries he’s going to whack his head off the coffee table.

Jon makes no sound of complaint when Martin’s worming shuffles him closer, instinctually tugging him in tighter with his slung over arm.

For a moment, he is anchored.

Jon hums, stretches out, and his legs push Martin back to the edge.

That coffee table is really becoming a worry.

--

The room is not smothered by fog. His body is present, and here, sweaty with the crush of bodies sandwiched together, but Martin has always had trouble living in the moment, beyond the overthinking and second-guessing of his own thoughts.

Something in the particular tenor of this quiet has him feeling untethered, smudged. Like someone’s taken a rubber to his limbs and started clearing away the lines.

Jon mumbles and frowns, pulling them closer.  Martin breathes stuttering into the scratchy upshot of Jon’s hair, and keeps his head above water until he drifts off, his arm gone dead and Jon kicking him every ten minutes or so as he fusses in sleep.

--

Jon is dreaming. He straightens out from his jack-in-a-box coil, jolting Martin out of sleep.

His eyes open. Peeled back to stare at nothing, his pupils wide and devouring all light. His mouth moves in a steady and unrelenting stream of silent speech as the Eye sends its Archivist trawling through nightmares.

Martin has learned by now that waking Jon up doesn’t help. He keeps his touch light around Jon’s rigid form, and stays awake throughout, making sure it doesn’t worsen.

Eventually, Jon’s body relaxes. His eyes folding closed. He shivers even though he can only be boiling, and he burrows closer into Martin’s space, gasping and twitching through the aftereffects of whatever horror he has been forced to witness.

Martin grips him closer, and wishes they could both have better dreams.  

--

Martins’ watch, the strap rubbed down to frayed and colourless, stopped working after the Unknowing. It’ll just be the batteries, nothing to changing them and getting the stalwart lines of the second and minute hands back ticking round. But then, Martin’s not exactly been in the right place to be worrying about anything like that.

It’s early, he knows that. The hastily tugged over curtains untouched by dawn. It’s so early, so clearly hours yet from any hint of morning that he’s irrationally worried over making any noise in case he wakes Jon. Rather than simply filling the kettle through the spout, and clicking on the switch like a normal person, he’s caught up in the looping knowledge that it’ll just be too noisy. The bubble and roil of the water, the rushing noise of the filaments rapidly heating.

Martin does not want Jon to wake up. The prospect of conversation, of interaction of any kind to break up the ice sheet of the pre-dawn hour, makes his chest go knotted, his breathing wobbly.

So, making do, he’s turned on the left hob of the electric oven, filled a saucepan with tap water as quietly as he can manage, and he’s now waiting for it to boil silently. Leant back against the plasticky kitchen counter-top, his head too full and too numb with night-time.

He is thinking about how he nearly died, and is second-hand upset that he isn’t more upset about it. He is thinking about how his body had felt as it dissipated like sugar in water, how little was left of him to disperse. How Jon came to get him (had to, needed to, shouldn’t have had to) and gather back the scraps of him into a man, and that boils up a harsher firebrand of shame in him.

He pours the water from the saucepan into his waiting cup, over the teabag that fattens and floats. Only some water spills from the awkward-shaped lip of the pan, and he sorts it out with a tea-towel that bears a hand-stitched thistle in the corner of the fabric. He leaves the tea steep before he takes out the bag with a spoon, and in those two minutes, he thinks about the wizened, crumbling body of Jonah Magnus, sat imperious and blind on a ruined throne. How heavy the knife was in his hand, how easily the will to violence might have come to him.

He thinks, blade-sharp angry and despairing, that he should have stabbed Elias in his smug face instead.

His feet are cold and numb on the kitchen tiles. Martin stands, sips at his tea that burns against his lips. Feelings sweep through him like weather fronts, and he lets them advance for the first time in a long time.

When tears come, he doesn’t wipe them away.

When he’s done, he washes his mug as quietly as possible, and leaves it to drip-dry by the sink before returning to the living room.

The blanket has slipped again.

--

Dozing in this fuggy, clamping heat of the space, a garrison of clotted, layering warmth compared to the night’s temperature, skirting zero for hours now.

“Huh?”

Martin’s roused from this disorientating state of not-sleep by Jon saying something. Both his lips and throat scraping dry.

A measured pause. Around him, and Jon, well and truly bundled in place, coiled up in blankets like a badly wrapped Christmas present, there are house-sounds, creakings, snappings and gruntings, the outside low-timbred threat of the wind.

Jon’s breathing. Low and slow.

“Jon?” Martin whispers.

Nothing.

The house continues its evening orchestra, and Jon sleeps on.

Martin’s convinced himself that whatever it was, he imagined it, when, on an exhale, Jon sighs out a muttering babble of sincerely put noises that still, in no way resemble words.

“Jon?”

“I….  busuhvenerismuh. Uh. Cravs.”

It’s so – just so random and mundane and meaningless. Nothing else, nothing malign. Only Jon, clearly sleep-talking gibberish at him.

Martin finds himself trying to stifle his disbelieving laughter.

“Going er. Ships. It’s market wild.”

“Good point, Jon.”

“Muzzuhin raids,” Jon seems to agree.

--

Jon’s lack of snoring lets Martin know he’s awake.

“You sleep ok?”

“Not bad, considering,” Jon says. He stretches his arms up and rolls his shoulders, his neck, and things go pop like kindling inside him. “What about you?”

“Alright,” Martin says. Better than some nights, worse than others. Jon glances at him with an assessing, hawkish gaze but says nothing other than adjusting the pillow under his head that’s gotten all squashed and misshapen during the night. “What time is it?”

“Too early to be even thinking about getting up.”

Jon burrows back down, his arm a band over Martin’s chest, his eyes already closing.

Martin lets himself be lulled back into sleep.  

[omgthatdress]

How to make Cats a good movie.

I watched Cats, and once I got over the initial horror, I was actually pretty entertained and found myself enjoying the shit out of it. Like god bless it, for as nightmare-inducing as much as it was, Tom Hooper was clearly *committed* to his vision and you gotta give him credit for that. The scenery was actually really beautiful and the cinematography was frequently breathtaking. Like it really did have a lot of elements that really worked for it. But for every bit of genius, there was something terrible that the movie just couldn’t overcome. So let’s dive in.

First of all, you kind of have to understand Cats: the musical. It’s an adaptation of poems that T.S. Elliott of nihilistic lost generation fame wrote for his godchildren about cats. And the poetry is charming af and totally captures the nature of cats and why they’re so lovable. In the in the 1970s, Andrew Lloyd Webber did a shit ton of cocaine and decided to make a musical out of these poems. As a result, Cats has no plot. It’s a bunch of cats singing their songs about who they are and doing a lot of dancing. The thinnest of narrative devices is created with the “jellicle” ball and the deciding of which cat gets to ascend to heaven or some shit. So yeah. Cats is actually pretty controversial among theater nerds, it’s very much a you either love it or hate it thing. Is it stupid? Yes.  Is it going to make everyone happy? No. Does it lend itself well to film adaptation? fuck no. I get the feeling that Tom Hooper was really going for deep, meaningful poetic cinema here and trying to make another Les Mis (which was way overly long and ultimately sank under its own sheer weight as a movie and probably is better viewed as a play). I’m operating under the assumption that Hooper was going for ground-breaking cinema that would have made millions and swept up during awards season and cemented him as a legendary director and gone down in movie history, because every little detail of Cats is clearly meant for maximum impact. You kind of need to drop all expectations going into Cats, so once you’re there, you can have fun with it. So how do you make it a good film?

1. The HORRIBLE hyper-realistic cgi human-cat hybrids. YES, it’s a technical marvel, and the CGI artists who made it all deserve a ton of credit for the work they did. And I understand why the actors were kept in their human shapes: live dance is a huge part of what makes Cats work. One of the smart decisions made was hiring theater veterans for the filler roles in the cat chorus, so when you have the choreographed numbers, it’s really spectacular. It’s just the end result was way too uncanny valley and bizarre for any of the film’s good parts to ever rise above it. I think a minimalist approach would have actually worked best. Cat ears and simple costumes with clean lines that show off the dancer’s bodies. Go for the suggestion of cats, and kind of let the viewer’s imagination take over, and showcase the cat’s personality. A huge part of what I enjoyed was hearing the poetry and imagining these cats and how they all relate to cats I’ve known. The dance and the music helped heighten this experience, but hybrids kept reminding me of the joke: what do you get when you cross a human and a cat? An immediate cessation of funding and a stern rebuke from the ethics committee.

2. The schlocky, honestly amateurish attempts at slapstick humor. I’m gonna come out and say it and say that Hooper is pretty deeply entrenched in *dRaMa* and has no sense of how comedy works. There was a lot of added in comedic bits from Rebel Wilson and James Corden, and it was honestly terrible. I mean really, a crotch hit? That kind of lowbrow comedy is so crude and base that it’s actually really hard to pull it off well. Slapstick comedy actually lends itself to the whimsical tone, and slapstick done well can be utterly sublime, but Cats seemed satisfied that fat people falling over is the height of comedy and should be left at that. And a second note on the comedy? Weirdly fat-shame-y. A saw a post about how odd it is to see James Corden, who has been very frank about how he’s struggled with dieting and come to accept that his body is fat and can’t be made not fat, playing this role where fat is added to his body, his CGI vest strains at the buttons, and he’s literally stuffing his face with garbage. The theme of fat people as lazy, stupid, and slovenly carried over from Rebel Wilson’s role, in which she also plays a fat lazy cat who is leaned on heavily for comic relief. I know the role is about a fat cat, and gently laughing at a fat lazy cat who loves to eat is fine, but, speaking as a fat person myself, this felt like a gleeful exploitation of a nasty and cruel stereotype. James Corden and Rebel Wilson are both extraordinarily funny people who happen to be fat, and their comedic gifts were tremendously mis-used here, reducing them to simply two fat bodies to be laughed at.

3. Jennifer Hudson. She’s a talented actress who can sing and emote like a motherfucker. And emote she did. She was clearly GOING for that second Oscar. I really don’t want to call her performance bad. The same level of emotion, tears running and snot flowing, in another movie, would have been devastating (Hello, Viola Davis in Fences). But this isn’t Fences, it’s fucking Cats. You need a level of character depth and development that Cats doesn’t afford to make those tears hit. All the crying and misery was an odd maudlin and over-dramatic break in the fun and whimsy. With a subtler performance and a hint of self-awareness, it could have actually brought in an emotional anchor for this light-as-air film, but Cats doesn’t make any attempt at nuance, and as a result the scenes just hit you out of nowhere like a load of bricks. 

4. Francesca Hayward. Okay, before we go anywhere, I want to say that this girl is not un-talented. She’s the principal ballerina of the Royal Ballet, and has a very long list of ballets that she’s lead in. So it makes sense that she’d be hired for a role that’s primarily ballet. This girl is a really really great DANCER. But Cats was clearly trying to make an A-list actress out of her. They tried to make her into Florence Pugh, who has been acting for a while and is blowing up right now because she’s very talented. Like everything about Francesca’s role in the film said “This is a star-making role.” A new song was written just for her to sing as an addendum to Cats’s show-stopping signature song. But the song was just okay, it didn’t carry nearly the emotional weight or all-around beauty of “Memories,” and all in all felt wedged-in and totally unnecessary and really just felt like a grab at that “best original song” Oscar. Francesca’s voice is high, thin, and child-like. It’s not unpleasant, but next to the richness and depth of Jennifer Hudson’s voice, it crumbles, and it’s not the sort of voice that I want to seek out to listen to over and over again. As for her overall performance, she largely keeps the same look of wide-eyed wonder throughout her numerous close-ups, so much so that I found myself thinking of the the MST3K “dull surprise” sketch. But I don’t know if that’s really entirely her fault. There was an attempted romantic storyline with the magic cat, but again, because of the nature of Cats and its lack of real character development or depth, the chemistry fell flat. There really isn’t much of a chance to show off a lot of dramatic range, so to keep going back to her character, it kept reinforcing the one-notedness of her performance. Really, I just kept wanting to see Francesca dance. Ironically, I think they really blew an opportunity trying to make an A-list actress out of her. All she really need to make people want to see more of her is one spectacular dance number, but for some reason, she never really gets that show-stopping moment. 

5. Dignity? I guess this goes back to the whole CGI cat thing, but there were a lot of moments when I felt this tremendous wave of second-hand embarrassment hit me on behalf of the talented actors in this film. Watching Gandalf lap up milk from a saucer was a wholly uncomfortable experience, like come on, grant the great Ian McKellan some fucking DIGNITY here. Which goes back to whatI said earlier that a suggestion and interpretation of cats would have worked better than all-out just being a cat. Or it could again just be how much Cats just fails its attempts at comedy. But then again there was no fucking reason at all for Idris Elba to be that fucking NAKED. I guess they were trying to make him sexy? But his sexy smolder and just being Idris Elba wasn’t enough they had to make sure that we all saw his chiseled pecs and thick thighs. And then at the end when he’s dangling off of the rope of a hot air balloon and what’s supposed to be a funny scene, I think, I kept thinking “I’m so sorry this is happening to you, Idris.” 

There’s a bunch of other small, nit-picky things that I could go into. Those cockroaches would have worked so much better if they weren’t humans with an extra set of arms. Watching them get eaten was some horror movie shit. Taylor Swift’s Macavity song would have worked a lot better if the cat chorus full of cats we’ve gotten to know had sung it, but instead Taylor Swift is brought in as a new cat we don’t know whose only purpose is to sing the Macavity song? but of course a big oscar-bait movie needs to have that pop star that draws in the people who wouldn’t otherwise see it and making her a part of the cat chorus would have had her performing throughout the whole movie and she would have floundered the way pop stars tend to do when performing musical theater around a bunch of musical theater actors. So I guess I get why she was thrown in.

So.... yeah? Is there anyone else who found themselves enjoying it in spite of everything? I’m glad I have dogs and didn’t have to watch this mess with actual cats around me.

[fixdex-fastening-technology]

FIXDEX product 👉 M16x140 eta wedge anchor

[thebookoflcve]

           his own words twisted like a snake with venom spat back out, alluding to a particular expression unintended, stung like a warm burn under the first layer of skin had this not been a tactic madeline had a penchant for. she was just like her mother in some ways. in others, a stark contrast. “ no. you should have, but you didn’t have to. ” rising in tandem, benjamin shed the worn leather layer, draping it over her rounded shoulders when the unspoken signal of a cold chill broached her melancholy antics. “ can’t blame you, ” the buildings back door illuminated by a flickering neon exit sign snagged his attention, pulled back to her once he’d shrugged off the onset of a temperature shift and pocketed his hands. “ you don’t want to waste your time in there anyway. ” a temporary silence blanketed the conversation, a rare occurrence he’d found with any kennedy, but it had been said that being able to sit ( or stand in this case ) in silence with someone was an indication of easement. “ come on then, before someone tries to pull you back inside. ” the kick of an empty glass beer bottle against the bricked back building was finite to their last few steps and back into the echo chamber of street lights, giggling gossip in the form of passerbyers and the motorbike parked just shy of the alley. “ to your left ” benjmain momentarily trailed behind her. to the left was dimming. a cleanse of the hollywood extravagance madeline hid from that evening. the buildings less and less uniformed to the elitist eye and then he stopped. standing before one that would be classified as a ’ hole in the wall ’ on any yelp review with a warm yellow toned light shining past the worn chipped paint, just behind the ’ we’re closed ’ sign. “ what do you think? ” benjamin asked plainly.

Yet another ill intended warning warmed on her tongue. All of her emotions charged like overly exposed live wire. Benjamin’s care akin to the ever tempting shallow of water. If she dared to reach out and grasp for it, her irrational sense of pride would surely be fired. Two glossy azure irises hung hopelessly off his words.   

no, you should have, but you didn’t have to.

All it took were nine words to extinguish the flame. Madeline, no longer filled with such anger, felt the fatigue. Her fingers curled along the zipper of his jacket to anchor it; she couldn’t be so forthright in settling into the warmth. Her ego would only forgive such a tiny surrender to her fragility. Madeline cast one last wayward glance to the metaphorical slam of the door to whatever success outside of the Kennedy legacy. She would commiserate her failures when it all settled to the bottom. “Why would I want to be around people who clearly don’t take me seriously,” she offered. “I don’t need them anyway.” Madeline tried to hold onto that hollow statement. She fell comfortably into line, following his even gait closer, her shoulder just barely brushing against his arm. Even her shadow seemed to bleed into his beneath the waxy yellow haze.  

Slowly, they had emerged from the alley to the slowly streaming springs of life. The low rumbling of engines amongst the constant flow of traffic, a few lost conversations to the window, and her own erratic heartbeat finally coming back to stasis. Madeline shook off the haze as she cut the corner at his direction. Unlike the cluttered aesthetic, she was met by the ghosting oddities of another untouched piece of history. Madeline slotted her hands through the sleeves of his jacket to better explore the space. She took his cue stopping just before the tightly squeezed building that hugged the corner. Her hands fell onto her hips as she studied it. A vision of imaginary people smiling where the sun would wedge through the gapping hedge of mismatched buildings on the opposite side. 

“It looks like shit,” she muttered with a light giggle. Madeline turned her gaze from Benjamin back to the building that stood so charmingly on the street. “...but it has potential.” Madeline dared to pull away from her lifeline for the evening. “Will this be another fine dining experience or a place for the wayward to find?” She held for a beat. “..I’d much prefer the second. Outside seating and maybe some greenery here,” Madeline gestured. “It’d be a rose growing through the concrete..or whatever.” 

[regrettablewritings]

Can I ask for some DOMESTIC headcanons with Jaskier, please?

Ask and you shall receive~

If they get married, who proposes?: Jaskier never really saw himself as the type to settle down, having spent plenty of his life living freely and unbound to any woman (or man). He was perfectly content with the idea of roaming the land for the rest of his days: Loving, laying, and leaving as warranted, and with as many lovers as he could bear. Until he realized that he wasn’t content with that. And he would never be content with that kind of lifestyle — or at all, really — if it didn’t include you in it in come way. Preferably as his and his alone. Though the bard would be tempted to ask for your hand in some extravagant and showy way, reality ensues in several different ways: For one, the two of you are often traveling. This makes the act of doing anything showy a bit difficult, never mind a proposal. For another, the most showy places where he could possibly cause a big splash tend to be banquets he gets invited to as entertainment. Specifically, banquets in celebration of some higher-ranking nobility, usually their engagements or birth announcements of some kind. Needless to say, very taboo to suddenly take the attention off them. And thirdly, as much as he wants the whole continent to learn of his love for you, Jaskier knows you’d hate that sort of thing. He may be a peacock, demanding attention, but you’re not: You like to keep things simple and flowing naturally. It’s easy for many to forget it, but Jaskier isn’t as selfish or oblivious to the needs of others as he tends to come off as. He would never dream of doing anything that might humiliate you regardless of it having anything to do with whether or not you wanted to marry him. It isn’t the majestic or lavish proposal he would’ve ever wanted to give anyone, much less you, but he makes do with the opportunity he’s offered: In a field in the countryside, his legs and feet aching after walking for hours, with the closest witnesses being a giddy child trying to keep her silence at a distance, and her only somewhat amused paternal figure who’s mostly just surprised you even said yes.

What’s the wedding like? Who attends?: In spite of his noble lineage, the guest list for a notoriously horny viscount-turned-bard is rather small, with an equally minor affair. There is no grand cathedral or high quality fabrics or even a feast worthy of the nobility. And as disappointed as he is that he cannot provide you a lavish affair as you so deserve, he is at least able to find relief that there is at least still a you. What there is is a small, quaint little chapel, the dress you already had with the additional accessory of a flower crown Ciri made you, and a guest list that initially was only meant to include Geralt but at some point also included Yennefer, much to Jaskier’s absolute dread. As stated before, there isn’t a feast, and Jaskier could think of a far better post-wedding meal than whatever fare even the nicest pub in town would provide. A tiny part of him regrets the actions that caused him to leave his title behind because it’s robbed you of experiencing the fineries he knows you are owed. But then again, if he hadn’t become a bard, then he wouldn’t have met you. And if he hadn’t met you, he wouldn’t be here, sitting in a loud, messy tavern, with you holding his hand beside him as you sheepishly giggle at the barmaid dispense upon you “her wisdom” from years of marriage. It’s not ideal, in the most superficial or materialistic sense, no. But in the end, he’s satisfied: There couldn’t be a more memorable way for the two of you to start your lives together, not even if he were still a high-standing viscount.

How many kids do they have, if any? What are they like?: I can’t see Jaskier being especially eager to have children. Though, given his track record, he probably already has a few kids scurrying around. It’s unlikely that the overeager lover would have remembered to utilize whatever counted as a contraceptive for the period, though, so there are still chances you’ll wind up pregnant. In which case, you have a boy: Charming and artful like his father, but grounded enough like you to not get his head caught in the clouds enough to fall off a cliff. Aside from his good looks and cheery disposition, his skills in music and field studies make him a golden child in the eyes of many, causing Geralt and Yennefer to wonder how anyone so smart and likable could possibly be of Jaskier’s blood.

Do they have any pets?: Jaskier doesn’t really care to have a pet but if you ask or even bring home a smallish pet or two like a cat or a lap dog, he won’t be against it.

Who’s the stricter parent?: You are, to the shock of absolutely nobody. Though, you wouldn’t call it being strict: You prefer to call it “setting boundaries to assure your kid survives into adulthood”, which Jaskier finds pretty rich considering the two of you spent a good few years boundless as, well, technical vagabonds. He’s more the sort to encourage your child’s indulgences and also more likely to get the both of them into some minor form of trouble. Or, at the very least, sneak him sweets before dinner or bedtime.

Who kills the bugs in the house?: It starts off with you: In spite of all that time living on the road and occasionally spending the night at less than favorable or sanitary inns, Jaskier never became accustomed to the presence of insects. “Besides,” he tries to reason, “you were always the one penning things about bugs.” “Yes,” you agreed. “Drawing. That’s not the same!” And if the fool had even read your field guides more thoroughly, he might’ve noticed that the amount of bugs you took note of paled in comparison to your notes on birds and even fantastical creatures. Mainly because you despised looking at and being near bugs. They frightened you! His guess is maybe you would try to capture them and release them outdoors -- but that’s only true to a point. You can do that with a lady bug, certainly. Maybe even, on occasion, a cricket. But once the bug hits a certain size and can fly? The household is filled with the sounds of you two screaming and yelling at one another, with Jaskier being about as helpful as a twig for a paddle. Sure, he talks a big game about being there for “morale support”. But the reality is that he’s hiding behind a wall that happens to be behind your quivering form as you attempt to approach the nightmare insect that had crawled into your home. In the end, sad as it is to say, the one who kills the bugs is actually Geralt whenever he happens to be in the area. Because as dominant in the relationship as you are, it’s still a relationship with Jaskier: That means that not only are you only dominant by so much, but also that Geralt is the one wearing the trousers in a relationship he’s not even involved in.

How do they celebrate holidays?: It doesn’t matter if the home you’ve settled down in is as large as an estate fit for a viscount, or as small as a little cottage by the seaside: Jaskier will try to make your home a central partying point for local events and holidays. He’ll spare no expense trying to piece together a grand meal (or at least the materials that might make one) or finding whatever materials may be necessary for a god’s feast day. But what he mostly looks forward to is the performing: No matter what the holiday or feast day is in celebration of, Jaskier will find a way to wedge a song or two in. And no matter how awful the lyrics may actually be, all attendees will listen to it if they want to keep eating.

Who’s more likely to convince the other to come back to sleep in the morning?: Jaskier. The man loves the feeling of you and always has a hand on you during the day. This doesn’t change just because he’s asleep: No matter what position the two of you fall asleep in, you will inevitably wake up with him cuddled up next to you, arms wrapped about you as though you were anchoring him to this world. You’re not exactly an early riser yourself, but when you do finally give in and recognize you need to get up at some point, your poor husband whines and you can feel his hold on you tighten. Not nearly enough to hurt, of course, but enough for you to recognize that he really and truly doesn’t want you to go. And you can try and argue that he can get up now all you want, it’s not going to change the fact that you yourself are quite warm in this position . . . Or that the way he stares at you with those blue puppy eyes is unfortunately quite endearing . . . . . . Ah, Hell. What’s a few more minutes? You can practically feel him smirking as you climb back into bed and resume your cuddling position. Normally you’d be annoyed by this brand of satisfaction, given that Jaskier can be a bit of a brat. But when it comes to moments like this, you don’t mind too terribly. It’s technically a win-win situation anyway.

Who’s the better cook?: You are. Given his previous life as a viscount, Jaskier has experience with finer qualities of food -- well, eating it, that is. He never had to actually learn how to prep food or fend for himself until he took to the road as a bard. And it’s arguable if he ever even properly learned to even after the fact. For the most part, he’d gotten by on the kindness of strangers, or by whatever he could scrounge up at whatever pub he managed to step a foot in. Or at the household of whoever’s mother he managed to bed. You, on the other hand, have more experience learning to cook for yourself, even if it’s by using the bare minimum. But settling down in an actual brick-and-mortar home means better chances of acquiring spices and seasonings! Really, though, Jaskier just loves that it was made with love. Because that’s the best ingredient of them all!

Thank you for your patience!

[jimitjain]

Strength in Fastening: The Anchor Bolts

Bhansali Fasteners is one of the leading Anchor Bolts Manufacturers in India.In the realm of construction and infrastructure, where stability and safety are paramount, anchor bolts play a crucial role that often goes unnoticed. These seemingly small components are the unsung heroes that secure structures to their foundations, providing the necessary strength and reliability to withstand various forces over time.

What are Anchor Bolts?

Anchor bolts are specialized fasteners designed to connect structural and non-structural elements to concrete. They are commonly used in construction projects to secure columns, beams, walls, equipment, and machinery to concrete foundations. These bolts are typically embedded in concrete during its pouring, ensuring a solid and immovable connection once the concrete sets.

Types and Applications

There are several types of anchor bolts, each designed for specific applications based on load requirements and structural needs:

Cast-in-Place Anchor Bolts: These bolts are set into concrete while it is still wet, providing a strong and durable connection. Anchor Bolts Manufacturers They are commonly used in building foundations and structural steel applications.

Expansion Anchor Bolts: These bolts expand against the walls of the hole they are placed in, providing a secure grip. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of base materials including concrete, brick, and stone.

Threaded Anchor Bolts: These bolts feature threads on one end and are used with nuts and washers to secure objects to concrete surfaces. They are often used in applications requiring a removable or adjustable connection.

Wedge Anchor Bolts: These bolts are designed to wedge securely into concrete when tightened. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications where high strength and reliability are required.

Key Characteristics of Anchor Bolts

Anchor bolts are engineered with specific characteristics to ensure their effectiveness and reliability:

Strength and Durability: Anchor bolts are made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel, chosen for their strength and corrosion resistance.

Corrosion Resistance: Especially important in outdoor or harsh environments, anchor bolts are often galvanized or coated to resist corrosion and maintain their structural integrity over time.

Load Capacity: Anchor bolts are rated for different load capacities, ensuring they can safely support the weight and forces applied to the structure.

Installation Method: Proper installation is crucial for anchor bolts to perform effectively. Installation methods vary based on the type of anchor bolt and the specific application requirements.

Importance in Construction

Anchor Bolts Suppliers in India. The role of anchor bolts in construction cannot be overstated. They provide essential stability and security by firmly anchoring structures to their foundations. This anchorage prevents movement due to wind, seismic activity, or other forces, thereby ensuring the safety of occupants and the longevity of the structure itself.

In seismic regions, Anchor Bolts Suppliers play a critical role in preventing structural damage during earthquakes. Properly installed anchor bolts help buildings withstand the lateral forces exerted during seismic events, reducing the risk of collapse and protecting lives.

Quality Assurance and Standards 

To ensure the reliability and performance of anchor bolts, manufacturers adhere to stringent quality standards and specifications. These standards dictate material composition, manufacturing processes, and testing procedures to guarantee that anchor bolts meet or exceed industry requirements for strength, durability, and safety.

Anchor bolts may be small in size, but their impact on construction projects is monumental. From securing skyscrapers to anchoring machinery in industrial settings, these fasteners provide the essential strength and stability needed to uphold the built environment. As technology advances and construction techniques evolve, anchor bolts continue to evolve as well, adapting to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of modern infrastructure projects. Next time you admire a towering skyscraper or visit a sturdy industrial facility, remember that behind every strong foundation lies the reliability of anchor bolts, silently ensuring the structural integrity that defines our built world. Also Hex Bolts, Allen Cap Bolts, High Tensile Hex Bolts, L Bolts have a reputation for being the biggest suppliers.

[flamingo-queen-writes]

Snippet tag

So @glittercake, you tagged me in this and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because the last thing I was working on was... well, it didn’t go anywhere and would not really appear for ages, and now I get to share it! Have some pain, and some salad.

This is early days recovery Bucky eating lunch with Tony. Warnings include problems with food and the effects of copious gaslighting. 

~*~

What the fuck is up with this salad. He puts a bite in his mouth, chews it up, swallows it, repeats, and this should make some of the salad go away—he’s taking some of it away every time. But the amount of salad in the bowl doesn’t visibly decrease. It’s all still there, looking back at him defiantly.

Is he...forgetting? Is he not actually eating the salad but only thinks he is, only thinks he has been, is only imagining that he’s eating the salad? Is he hallucinating the salad, seeing salad there in the bowl when he’s already eaten that salad and the bowl is finally empty and he can stop? Are the stupid crunchy vegetables figments of his imagination?

But every stab of his fork pulls up more frilly lettuce in purples and greens, more bell pepper, more mushroom, more carrot, another mushy kidney bean or bit of egg. Every time, every stab, he’s removing salad from the bowl. He is. He knows he is, he sees himself doing it, the fork in his hand between his fingers, the movement of fork into and out of endless fucking salad. It’s going in empty and coming back with salad that he has to eat.

Salad doesn’t replicate itself. He can’t eat this thing slowly enough that it will sprout new ingredients and repopulate the empty parts of the bowl. But every time he looks away and lets it all settle so it won’t come right back up—so he can eat it only once and not as many times as it takes—when he looks back again, he hasn’t made so much as a dent.

Who was the guy with the rock and the mountain? There was a guy, and he had a rock that needed to go up a mountain. And every time he took a break, the rock came rolling back down because the guy was too stupid to put a wedge or two under it to anchor it in place.

This wretched, unending garbage salad is like the guy with the rock, but he doesn’t know what he can use as a wedge, or where to jam the damn thing into this fucking, fucking salad to make it just go away and stay away.

“How you holding up, Bucky bear?”

The Technician is already done eating his salad, but his salad was smaller and didn’t have as many vegetables. His salad fit on a little plate. His salad had tiny bricks of desiccated bread on it, and cubes of orange cheese, and a river of white slop called “dressing,” like the salad was naked without it. 

His salad was joined by a pile of flat noodles and more white slop. Fettuccine. Alfredo. Whatever. It’s half gone now, and it didn’t involve him in the first place, so it doesn’t matter. Very, very little matters.

But the Technician is looking for an answer. He should give one. It doesn’t matter, but it might make the “meal” be over faster. What was the question. He sorts through the random junk in his mind. Oh. Right.

He looks up and glares across the table. What kind of stupid question is that when it’s obvious he’s lost the battle against the salad and is being flanked, routed, overrun, outmaneuvered by its superior numbers and self-replicating vegetables. How is he holding up, indeed.

“That good, huh?”

It is outside of protocol to reach across a table and strike a technician, to apply a metal fist to a brittle jaw. So he gives the fucking salad another vicious poke and shoves the results into his mouth like it’ll do any good in his efforts to empty the bowl like he’s been instructed.

Go on and eat your salad, Terminator, he had said. Greens are good for you. Instructions, not orders. Not exactly. Not said in an ordering tone of voice. They like to suggest things, request things, say things that should be orders in ways that make them just a little bit not orders after all.

See, he had said, I have a salad, too. Salads are what real people eat, when Pepper puts her foot down. They like to cajole, to nudge, to make it a “shared experience” so that by doing the thing the people are doing, he is implicated as being a person alongside them. They want to break him, maybe, by doing this. Tear holes in his conditioning, undo the— undo all of— 

Destroy the work that was put into creating him. Undo all that work.

The other ones did, too. They did it with the halo and the chair, wiping and wiping. Before a mission, after a mission, before the cold, after the cold. Any excuse, and under the halo he goes. Wipe him real clean, take out the Soldier and put the Asset in his place. Sometimes out of the cold just to be wiped and put back.

Some missions are holes, but they can’t all be holes. All those times he remembers only cold, halo, cold again. They can’t all be things he’s forgetting. Not that many of them. Not when the cold, halo, mission, halo, cold times are so clearly there on the edges of his memory, even if the missions themselves are a blur at best. Gaps and blurs are not the same thing.

It worked, for S.H.I.E.L.D. For a while. Until the helicarrier. Until Steve Rogers—the Captain—no, Steve Rogers said… what he said and sounded right enough to chase out the static. Without the static, he could start to gather his pieces around himself, could start to reassemble his parts and arrange his jagged holes and gaping chasms of nothing into a pattern that at least is familiar.

It won’t work for these handlers. He won’t let it. He is tired of being remade. He rejects their disassembly, their unmaking, their tearing down, their picking at the edges, their little feelers trying to make holes in him and worm their way inside.

It won’t work.

He is not a person, and no amount of sitting at a table and pushing fork after fork full of bitter lettuce and noisy vegetables into his mouth will make him a person. There is not a person’s worth of pieces, anyway, even if he did release his grip on the pieces and let the Captain and the others play with alternate arrangements.

He likes this arrangement. It’s not right, it’s still missing a lot, and there are people who should be here, who were going to take him back someday, who were only waiting for the right time to bring him home. But it’s an okay holding pattern, a place to rest for a while until someone who has the right to rearrange him comes along.

“...that much is clear. Oh, Rasputin. Welcome back. Hope the daydream was pleasant. Was it? You can tell me, you know. I’d love to hear all about it. Hit me.” The Technician leans back in a hurry, even though he’s made no movement to comply. “Figure of speech, comes from Blackjack, don’t actually go around hitting people.”

He blinks. The Technician is as exhausting as this garbage salad that will not end.

He can ignore the technicians and the medics. They are never really talking to him anyway. If they have something interesting to say, he’ll collect a garbage fact or two. Otherwise... 

He tunes the Technician out again. If it’s important, the Technician knows full well how to get his attention. 

Order comes through pain.

~*~

Not everyone is a fan of salad, at least when first starting out with the eating thing, huh? I mean, in his defense, it can be hard to digest when you’re not used to eating anything at all. But still. Poor garbage salad. It’s just living its best life and here he is, disrespecting it. 🥗😓

I’ll tag... well, anyone who has a snippet they’ve been working on and are up for sharing with the class, haha!

[pi-cat000]

Whumptober No. 14: Tear-stained

Fandom: Mystery Skulls Animated

Characters: Vivi, Arthur, Lewis, Mystery

Summary: A year after Lewis returns the gang investigate a strange house. (PART 3) 

(PART 1), (PART 2) (PART 4)

Whumptober2019 Prompt List,

.

The explosion catches Mystery off guard. It rips through the building in a ball of intense heat and force. Mystery has but a split second to transform and save himself. His dog body, while great at blending in among humans, is physically weak and no match for the wave of fire and death enveloping the narrow hallway.

The shift between forms is a violent one, occurring in an explosion of supernatural power. His body is flooded with mystic strength, growing, all his senses sharping a hundred-fold. There is a snap of displaced air. The world unfolds around him, awash with coloured spiritual energy as various planes of reality overlap and converge. Unfortunately, there is no time to properly appreciate his renewed connection to the mystical and divine forms of existence because he is slowly being crushed under a collapsing building.

Unable to account for his environment during such a hasty transformation, Mystery finds himself wedged between falling walls, tails and torso constricted. Dust obscures his vision, raining down around him, clogging up nose.

Vivi, Lewis, Arthur! He must find his humans.

The basement! If they had followed along with their plan than they should have gone down to check the basement. Mystery had been tasked with entering in the back door to prevent their target from escaping. Mentally, he curses. He should have never agreed to this. He should have stayed with them.

Something long and heavy comes crashing down onto his back and he staggers, legs buckling. The dust is making it hard to orient himself. It is a good thing he does not require oxygen because he would have surely choked by now. Growling, he struggles under the weight, drawing on his connection to ancient powers for strength. He can’t say here. Sure, he’s strong, but he doesn’t want to test it against the weight of an entire building.

/Vivi! Where are you!/

He throws his mental yell out in all directions, not caring that any human in range would hear him. Chest tight, he awaits a response. As much as would love to smash his way through the building, he doesn’t want to do so recklessly. Not with it being so structurally unsound.

In desperation, he calls again, /Vivi!/  

“Mystery.”

The response is weak, but with his enhanced hearing, he knows it is coming from beyond the building. Outside. She’s outside! They’d made it out!

Mystery crashes through the nearest wall in Vivi’s direction and is partly buried when the roof above him completely collapses. Wood and brick box him in on all sides. He collects himself, gathering his strength, pushing against the heavy beams and wiggling free. In an explosion of supernatural energy, Mystery forces his way through to the external wall, bursting out in a shower of debris and ash.

Free from the building, Mystery scans the backyard. The sky is filled with ash, blotting out the afternoon sun, creating an ominous red haze. Vivi is kneeling in the long, unkempt grass, facing away. All around her are small patches of fire and burning rubble. She is bent over like she is in pain, holding something to her chest. There is no sign of Arthur or Lewis.

In one elongated jump, Mystery is at her side, tails curling around the two of them.

/Vivi. I am here. / He shoves his nose into her face sniffing urgently, scanning for injuries. There are scrapes, some blood, and a few burns. Like himself, Vivi is covered in dust so her tears have left long tracts down her cheeks.

/Where are you hurt?/

Vivi stares at him and her eyes water.

/Tell me where it hurts. Where are Arthur and Lewis?/

She sniffs loudly, her hands are trembling, and Mystery notes how the skin is reddened with blisters. Slowly, she opens her cupped hands so Mystery can see what she’s holding. First, he sees Lewis’s ghostly anchor, it pulses, weak but steady. It is not Lewis’s anchor that catches his attention. Next to it, is a second anchor, familiar but not.

“You can fix this? Right? Please fix this.”

He has no time to wonder why Vivi whispering because he is frozen. Carefully, he bends his neck, bushing his nose against the foreign, star-shaped object.

/Oh no./

The new anchor pulses, mirroring Lewis, automatically drawing in energy. Mystery can feel it tugging at his own aura. When he concentrates, he can feel Arthur’s echo rippling in the air, creating tiny waves. Both ghosts are weak, Lewis from energy depletion and Arthur because his anchor isn’t even a minute old.

/I’m sorry Vivi./ He says, curling tighter, blocking her view of the house and the plumes of smoke drifting into the sky. There is no way for him to fix this. Vivi brings both anchors up to her chest, hugging them close. At a loss, Mystery rests his head on her shoulder, pulling her to his side.

.

If you want to know more about this challenge I have an intro here

Completed Prompts: Shaky Hands, Explosion, Delirium, Human Shield, Gunpoint & Dragged away, Isolation, Stab Wound, Unconscious & Shackled, Stitches, ‘Don’t Move,’ Adrenaline