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bakugohoex · 3 years

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𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐇

𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

In which Erwin chooses to take you on on an aquarium date, the closeness he feels as you both submerge yourself, hand in hand looking at all the different types of sea life.

𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒

pairings: erwin smith x reader

word count: 1900+

a/n: damn all the dates are complete, also I don’t actually advocate for like aquariums and sea life centers but it was used for the purpose of this date.

𝐆𝐎 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐔 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

He truly believed he had nothing to worry about as he left your apartment a week ago. He never thought that the stupid kids would actually think of date ideas that would make your head sway. But here he was scrolling through the group chat where all of the boys had talked about the highlight of their dates. He was the only one left, tie loose against his neck as he laid against the balcony, early morning wind rushing through his blonde locks. He had everything planned out, he’d made your date special, but you had seemed to enjoy every single one of their dates from the smallest to the biggest.

Could he ever compare to that? He pulled at his hair before sending you a time and location, the stupid photo he had of you lighting up the top of his screen. He took a heavy breath as he still had a career and life, maybe you’d found that attractive. He didn’t know but as he stressed over what suit to wear tonight you were going through your own mental breakdown.

You had been in your bed for most of the day, Erwin’s text this morning not helping to settle your nerves. One more date, one more night and then the big decision would occur, you began to stare at the unopened letters. Wanting to read them all, read the confessions that they had given to you but as you looked at the arrays of pink, your gut was aching at the stress of it all. The fear of losing them all came too sudden as your eyes watered in your empty apartment.

Through the tears you saw the framed pictures around your bedroom, having one with every single one of them in it. Eren, Jean and Armin when you guys went out for Sasha’s birthday, Reiner and Porco when the three of you went to a music festival. Levi and you after one of your late-night coffee runs having forced him to take a photo with you and the sunset and Erwin and you at a black tie event he had invited you to a couple months back. Tears disappearing as you stared at the fond memories, you’d have your memories at least.

You found yourself wearing more formal clothes, knowing that Erwin would most likely come in a suit, you wanted to match in some sense. The address had been something you knew of, a new aquarium that had just opened up. You knew that with all the hype online about how it was a hot spot for taking the family out or going on dates it was always packed. Both you and Historia having tried to get in but being pushed back out by a family, you stepped outside of the uber, thanking the man as you saw Erwin walking from the other side.

“Hey.” You waved as you opened your arms to hug him, he happily took the hug, eloping you tightly as he couldn’t help but stare at how perfect you looked.

He let go, hand lingering near your own as you moved closer to his side, “you look beautiful,” he complimented before feeling your hand wrap around his own.

“Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself.” Your other hand moving to his suit jacket lapels, pushing them back onto his broad chest. “So what we got planned for tonight?”

“I know the owner of this place.” He paused looking up at the large building, he didn’t realise the true extent of how big the exhibit was. “He said we could have the place to ourselves.”

Your eyes widened at how he swung the keys in his other hand, “all to us.”

He nodded as he unlocked the door, putting the alarm code into the side before beckoning you in, “they’re in glass they won’t bite you.” He moved his arm on your back keeping you close beside him.

“Which way should we go first.” You ask seeing a map at different ways to go and see the sea life.

He put his hand around your eyes as he stood behind you, spinning you on your heels a couple times before making you stop. “Pick a direction.” The three options were right in front of you as you picked the option closest to the door. He let go of your eyes as you stared at the direction, still feeling dizzy as he kept you a hold.

“Don’t faint on me.” He chuckled as you swat his chest with your hand.

You give a soft giggle back, “next time you’re picking the direction.”

“Of course.” He put his hand out for you to take as you both began walking towards the entrance, walking past the doors, you both saw the glass ceiling and walls, small sharks and different types of fish and other sea life cascading around you both. Your eyes widened as Erwin had the pamphlet in his hand of different sea life, the only light coming from the ones inside the glass, blues sheltering you both. It was something so beautiful so close to home, you both moved closer towards the wall, the intricate details of the fish who swam aimlessly.

“It’s…It’s so pretty.” Your hand had moved to the glass, touching it softly as if one hard push would crack the delicate material. Erwin hadn’t realised your words had to be to the scene, all he had seen was you and you were the prettiest thing in the room.

He stepped closer to you, hand against your back as you both stared at the different types of sharks. The way the sharks moved from your side to the arched bridge on top of your heads as your eyes fixated on the shark moving from one to another. “Looks like I’ll have to compete with another thing for your affection.”

“Aww, Erwin.” You had known Erwin long enough to realise how much he hated not getting his way. He had barely known your friends, but here he was competing against them, your hand moved to grip his face, his cheek nuzzling into it as you looked up at him. “Whatever happens, we’ll always be in one another’s lives.”

“Who else could take the job of sending me messages of the definition of commonly used words?” He joked as he touched your cheek back, the urge to kiss you was prevalent, but you stepped back, putting your hand out to continue on with the rest of the scenery.

“Come on, there’s more to see.” He gladly grasps your hand, warmth engulphing him as you drag him to the next part, different types of fish in tanks as you both looked around. “…there are more than three trillion five hundred billion fish Y/n, even if they could breath on land we could win.”

“Piranha’s Erwin, they have a bloodlust for us, we’d be dead.” You chuckled as you walked past another area, you both talking about the different facts that were in the pamphlets. It was always comforting with Erwin, having met him in your first yeah when he had recently graduated himself. He had grown as a career man, ready for the future he had, he was always so smart, so perceptive but being around him, seeing a version where he had let loose around you made you smile.

“What’s got you all happy?” He asks arm around your waist as he grips you closer to his body.

You shake your head, “nothing, it’s just you, all of you this week have shown me a different side.”

“Is that a good thing?” He questions waiting to hear your reply as he takes you to a different section of the place.

“Yeah it is.” You rest your head against his arm as you both continue to walk through the exhibits. Erwin didn’t know how he felt, the closeness making him fall even more in love with you, the beauty you had capturing him in a matter of seconds. Who could resist you, who couldn’t love every part of you with those soft eyes, that smile that could melt a man and most of all that voice you had. That beautiful voice that captured him, you had to be an angel sent to him because he truly didn’t know how he had got so lucky to have met you.

“Erwin.” You softly say poke at his side, he nods getting out of his trance as you continue, “if…if you were in my position what would you do?”

He felt like the right person to ask, he may be biased but he was older with more life experiences than you ever had. “Selfishly I’d tell you to pick me, but I will always want the best for you Y/n, pick who you truly like.”

You nod as you nuzzle closer into his arm, “I really enjoyed tonight.”

“You did.”

“Yeah I liked just being around you, watching the animals and fighting over who would die first in a fish invasion.” You chuckle the last part as you both round the corner to what looked like the final area that you could both be in.

“What do you think is past those doors?” You question as both of you stand to the bleak hallway, that was in front of you.

He gives a smirk before opening it, “ladies first.”

“Pussy.” You mock as you step forward, Erwin’s hand meeting your back as he guided you through the darkness. “I can’t see anything, get your phone light out.”

He nods as you hear shuffling behind you, he puts his flashlight on as you both see glass surrounding you both, it had been exactly what it looked like from the first section. But scarier, you grabbed Erwin’s hand out of dear before he flashed the light to the side of you both, both screaming at what you saw.

A much larger shark having looked directly at the light, teeth open as if it was ready to eat you both. Erwin had seen how your breathing had been heavier, clinging onto his jacket as he grabbed your hand dragging you to the end of the corridor. His light flashing to the side as you both saw more and more scarier sharks. “Whe…When was that part of the exhibition?” You squeal as you get pushed through the doors.

Finally seeing the entrance you almost felt grateful, heavy breathing as your face felt flushed, “you screamed at sharks.”

“You screamed as well, idiot.” You controlled your breathing looking at Erwin before laughing with him, it was unexpected and a horrid thing to see at night.

He saw how you came closer to him again, hand latching in his own as you smiled at the man. “The area's lights probably got shut off.”

“Tell your friend he needs to tell people about that part.” You chuckle again lightly as Erwin looks down at your hand.

“I will.” He knew tomorrow was an important date for the two of you, looking at that twitch of your mouth to suppress another gleam. You met his eyes as you moved closer to his body, “I hope whoever you pick realises just how amazing you are.”

You didn’t meet his eyes at his unexpected words, the date had come to an end. With another perfect date occurring, the choice had still not been decided as he helped you back outside into the cold. Every one of the boys had something that you loved about them, and with a choice as hard as yours. The threat of losing them all was significant as you thought back on every single one of the dates you had and how each one of them had made you feel special.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄

#erwin smith x reader #erwin smith #attack on titan #attack on titan x reader #aot #aot x reader #snk #snk x reader #shingeki no kyoujin #shingeki no kyoujin x reader #fluff #attack on titan fluff #aot fluff #erwin smith fluff #choose your path #bakugohoex's choose your path #erwin smith x y/n

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aphrodite-would-be-proud · 3 years

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I just read the Erwin date scenarios and it’s so hood AGH could you please do one for armin? Plz 😚

You read my mind👀 ngl I think about Armin each time I write something for Erwin, despite them being alike i like to compare the differences and think they have different tastes and love languages.

Erwin strikes me a more act of services and gift giving guy while Armin would definitely go for words of affirmation and quality time.

Type of dates with Armin PT.1 {pt.2 in masterlist}

{ Armin x reader | tw: none | fluff, romance | modern }

{ "in bloom" by Abbott Fuller Graves 1859–1936 }

Ideal dates : these are dates he plans up ahead, makes sure they go smoothly and you're both are having fun. He really looks forward to these dates, they're like an event for him. He saves them up for important occasions like your anniversary, valentine's day, birthday, etc.

1. Spending a full day on the beach: when i say a full day I mean it, he's driving you there really early in the morning while you're struggling to stay awake in the passenger seat. He doesn't even need coffee he's running on 100% pure determination and will.

You'd arrive before anyone there, to get the best spot of course. It's close enough to the sea that you can feel the humidity of the water in the air, yet far enough from the rest of the beach that other people won't bother you.

He'd understand if you were too sleepy to help him set things up, he'd just kiss your forehead before letting you go back to sleep, promising he'll get you something to drink when the stores open.

You wake up to the smell of your favourite hot drink, just around 8am. The sun is up and the air is refreshing, you can hear the quiet chatter of people far away just arriving here. You sip your drink as Armin guides you to the small comfortable space he made, proudly showing off his work.

Please praise him and give him a kiss on the cheek, he will melt.

The rest of the day is spent with you two swimming lazily in the water, feeling the warm sunlight on your skin. Collecting whatever pretty seashell you see, using some to decorate the sandcastle Armin built with you. He takes a pictures of you at seemingly random moments, he promises to show you when he devolps them later.

You help him dry his hair afterwards, he take you to get ice cream. Despite getting you one too, he still ends up sharing his own with you, and if you're up for seconds he'd happily oblige.

When night falls and the people began leaving, the waves of the ocean get a little higher, wind turning colder. Don't worry, Armin thought about that, that's why he brought blankets.

He'd wrap you both in the same one, even holding you close to him, it's for warmth he says and yet he seems like he was looking forward for this. You help him in making a small bonfire, he brought marshmallows.

The rest of the night is spent with you laying against him while huddled in a blanket, looking at the heavens above and the constellation of the stars.

He takes your hand in his, guiding your finger to where polaris is. "It never changes" he says "no matter what" and from that star, he guides you through the formation of the little dipper.

Just right under it, directly under the polaris, begins the big dipper, a close replica to its little sister.

You spend hours like this, looking at the stars as new formations come and go with the time. You were early enough to catch Aries as it was leaving, pleiades, the seven sisters shining brightly next to it.

And just after midnight it was Sirius turn to say goodbye. That's when both of you decided to call it a night, he hugged you close to him, you could feel his heartbeat slowing down, he was oh so warm and tasted just like chocolate and marshmallows when you kissed goodnight.

2. Going on an adventure and trying new things: Armin has the need to try new things and gain new experiences, despite being someone who prefers small groups of friends and getting lost in a book than socialising. It's something that's been a part of him since he was a child, he wants to experience what the world has to offer and won't say no despite how utterly terrifying it can be to him.

And he wants to have those experiences with you, to share his love for the unknown with you, to see your reactions and share his own thoughts. The only thing that's better than going on adventures to him is going on adventures with you.

An adventure could be anything really, it could be going diving underwater or going to that creepy looking supermarket that never closes, you never know. An adventure is an adventure after all. The possibilities are endless.

So don't be surprised when he asks for you to go with him sky diving for his birthday despite knowing how terrfied he is of heights and how even a carnaval ride can make him sick.

Good or bad he doesn't care, he just wants to try and learn everything. He's full of curiosity and surprises that you'd never get bored, although a good thing about him is that he never is unprepared.

Yes he will take you on seemingly dangerous adventures but know that he really deeply thought about this before hand and is prepared for all the different scenarios that could happen, he likes the unknown but he's smart and cautious on how to approche it.

Not to mention that a single adventure can leave him satisfied for a long time before craving a new rush, probably once or twice a year. Just frequent enough to be something to look forward to but not too frequent that it becomes boring or too repetitive, he manages to keep that balance and walk on that thin line.

3. Hot air ballon ride: just imagine, it's early autumn, the weather is just right to wear those cozy yet good looking clothes, the earth seems like it's turning slower than usual as the trees change colours.

Around sunrise or sunset, both of you are high up in the air, the sun clearly in view with the golden clouds surrounding it. The world managing to look so small yet so vast at the same time.

Armin is wearing his favourite sweater and scarf combo, he's holding your hand in his pocket to keep it warm. It's just you and him isolated from the rest of the world like other people dont exist anymore, and strangely he's okay with that, at peace even.

He brings a camera and captures how the sun reflects in your eyes, how the chilly air makes you rub your hands together for warmth and how utterly breathtaking you look.

Beautiful, gorgeous even, these are the only thoughts in his mind at that moment.

And so Armin made a promise to himself that in the far future, when he wants to be even closer to you, to vow his life to yours, he'd propose on a hot air balloon.

But as much as he likes staying up in the air with you being his angel, the process of booking a ride is much more complicated and time consuming than he originally thought. Meaning he doesn't get to enjoy these rare heavenly moments as he wants to.

He needs to make reservations in advance, not to mention how important it is to choose a trustworthy company. Lastly how rides depend on the weather conditions, needing to reschedule if the weather takes a turn to the worse.

4. Visiting the aquarium or planetarium: he's just a boy with oceans for eyes and stars in his smile, can you really blame him for gravitating towards these places? Or for diving too deep in knowledge about the sky above and sea below?

Whenever the weather is too harsh for a beach trip or the sky is too cloudy for a stargazing night, these two places are his to go backups.

He's memorised the place like the back of his hand, no need for a map. Want to see the shark tanks and how they're doing? He'll take you there and introduce to them and the silly nicknames he gave them. Or how about saying hello to the dolphins who'll show off some moves just for your attention, or maybe you miss seeing the adorable penguins wobble around?

He knows endless facts about each fish kind, he makes it seem so fascinating and the way he phrases the information and coats them in milk and honey makes it impossible for you not to engage.

You both could have a slow with few words spoken walk and it still be as interesting, he'd even make special playlists to listen to while walking around and sharing his earphones.

Meanwhile at the planetarium, sometimes in the early mornings you'd run into kids just arriving for their school trip. Racing each other to the solar system panel and looking in amazement when the stars show begins. You and Armin have a nostalgic feeling when watching them, yet when you look at each other you remember how good it feels like to be grown and have someone special.

You never could get bored of seeing the stars, especially not with Armin.

5. Trying a new kind of art: one time you asked him what does he think the meaning of art is, what even is art?

"Art is communication" he said.

Armin has a deep love and appreciation for all kind of art, from classic oil canvas paintings to old greek sculptures. He doesn't pick a side, he likes both the modren and classic.

Music is art, writing is art and even making pottery is a form of art too. He wants to experience it, not for a need to acolmplish something or to rival Shakespeare, but for a need to communicate his emotions in a more subtle and personal way.

Like a secret language only he can decipher the meaning of, after all he was the one to create it.

Whenever he tries a new form of art, his usual fear of failure and absurdly high expectations actually go out the window. There isn't good and bad art, there's just different levels of communication and different styles.

So to him, the act of bringing you both some watercolours and cotton papers to paint on for a date is incredibly intimate, that's his true feelings and emotions he's showing you. But don't worry, he isn't here to take the whole thing seriously, he's actually playful and mellow most of the time.

Or maybe he'd like to make pottery with you, an excuse to put his hands around yours while sitting intimately close, maybe even give your shoulder a couple kisses while you shape the vase you agreed on making.

The next day, you find the finished vase near the window with a sunflower arrangements inside.

It also could be you two sitting next to each other, working together on a page of an adult colouring book or maybe to each one his own book. He'd hog the color blue most of the time so watch out, and don't lend him yours because he will hog it too.

Or maybe as a fun past time, you'd both attempt to make poetry, expect you're getting more and more drunk on the fruit flavoured beer he brought with him. You had fun laughing while reading what you came up with the next morning.

6. Going fruit picking in summer: it's his favourite way to celebrate the arrival of his favourite season, wear something light, pack some lemonade and go enjoy what mother nature has to offer.

You two would walk around in the fields, he's wearing a straw hat to block the sun, he thinks it looks better on you. Both of you looking at the fruits waiting to be picked, choosing the really unique shaped ones, the colourful ones and the especially delicious looking ones.

You might meet some small friends along the way, like a couple ladybugs that were crawling up Armin's arm. Two butterflies dancing in the air and even a frog that's taking a walk from its lake home nearby.

Going home that day with baskets full of different fruits waiting for your use, Armin and you discuss all the different ways you could use them for, like making delicious smoothies, or maybe saving them for baking a pie or cake. Maybe cutting them in small bites and covering them with different kinds of chocolate, maybe just making a fruits salad to enjoy while Armin reads you a book

Or maybe, maybe just washing them and eating them raw. Yeah that option sounds the most appealing after a day of walking through fields in the sun.

He'd feed you some, push them against your lips and smile when your eyes subtly light up at the sweet taste....maybe a kiss after so he could taste it too?

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metamorphosesrp · 3 years

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THE ROTH FAMILY

Based on the series Succession, this is a request for THE ROTHS, the family behind the shadowy MORPHOS CORP. If the Impact of 1999 is the blood in the water, then the Roth family are the sharks that followed. Arriving from Washington D.C. for the feast, they established the Genesis research facility in 2000 and have been using it for the last 21 years to explore the depths of the Novum Stretch as well as to conduct top secret experiments on how the Stretch affects plants, animals, and people.

Their company, Morphos Corp, was originally established in 1971 by family patriarch Charles Roth. Since its inception, Morphos has had a diverse portfolio dealing in government contracting (military, weapons, security) and pharmaceuticals. Their research on the Stretch is their latest power grab, as they secretly seek to monetize/weaponize their findings. Click here for more on the Morphos subplot.

The TL;DR of them is this: they’re rich, they’re ruthless, and they won’t leave until they get what they’ve come for. Even as the Backburns’ and town hall’s disdain for them grows, Arkney and Bellmore have become severely dependent on the money, jobs, and prestige Morphos and the Roths have brought to the area, and the Roths know and leverage this. The patriarch has dictated that each of his children fan out and insinuate themselves in different parts of Arkney and Bellmore society to increase the family’s presence and hold on the area.

If you’re interested in playing any of the available roles in this request, please reach out to any of the admins on Discord, once our server is open! Note that it is not necessary to have seen the show to participate, though it’s highly recommended for the vibes! See the group pin board for even more vibes.

Full blurbs for the roles can be found below!

THE LOGAN Charles Roth, 80 Written by Mady

THE LOGAN is no other than the founder and CEO of Morphos, Charles Roth. Charles may have come from some relative privilege but he has taken whatever wealth he was born with and tripped it, then did it again and again. After joining the military, he started his own business, Morphos.. The Morphos corporation has grown and with it his own, and the Roths at large, prominence. He is a ruthless man, cruel when necessary, manipulative, clever and driven above all else. He puts his business and family name above all else and is willing to kill for what he wants. Not the forgiving type, he's a formidable father, boss and possessive leader of the Roth family.

FC: Donald Sutherland

THE MARCIA 50-70 Reserved for Hobie

Third wife of Charles Roth, THE MARCIA is not to be underestimated. Having gained her own wealth in pharmaceuticals, she and Charles met through business and they were attracted to one another's power, wealth, and intelligence. MARCIA is unsympathetic, and at times antagonist, with Charles' children. Appreciating a man that has worked for what he has, she thinks of his adult children as spoiled, ungrateful, leeches on their father's hard earned legacy. The two have been married for ten years and she's fiercely loyal but more than capable of looking out for herself in this nest of vipers.

FC: Charlotte Rampling

THE CONNOR 42-50 Open

While the oldest of the four Roth siblings, THE CONNER doesn’t exactly act like it. He’s prone to frequent flights of fancy and, though he thinks himself highly effective, he mostly is anything but. He has the least influence on family and company dealings and occasionally has to be asked to cease and desist for the sake of preserving the Roth’s and Morphos’ reputation. THE CONNER is also Charles’ son from his first marriage and, as such, does not share a mother with his younger brothers and sister. What he’s doing now (read: his next big likely-to-be-doomed venture) is up to the player.

Suggested FCs: Alexander Skarsgård (pictured), Michael Shannon, Jon Hamm, Hugh Dancy, Bill Hader, Matt Bomer

THE KENDALL Jasper Roth, 40 Written by Vive

As THE KENDALL, Jasper is the hapless, over-achieving, by-the-books second son who once had Big Dreams™ of taking over as Morphos’ CEO upon his father’s retirement. However, that all went out the window five months ago when he found his then-lover was using him to get kompromat on the company and Jasper went to his dad for “help” (read: because of this, his then-lover was killed). His guilt, shame, heartbreak, and captivity to Charles’ whims has turned him into an increasingly run-down version of his former golden boy self, and he has been coping with a return to drug use.

FC: Daniel Brühl

THE ROMAN Remy Roth, 35 Written by Grim

As THE ROMAN, Remy has had a nice life coasting off of his family's name and their overall success. Spending a lot of his time partying, schmoozing, and generally just testing people's nerves with his sass, the time has come for him to pull his weight for once. Remy's easy-going nature is nothing when compared to his work ethic, a hidden gem that has driven him to impressive social heights. So now he's learning he's much more than just the family name and is working on 'coolifying' the town, in his eldest brother's words. A entrepreneur and restaurateur, he's already established a local brunch eatery and is working on starting a nightclub to breathe some real fun into an otherwise dismal town.

FC: Daniel Radcliffe

THE SHIV Anthea Roth, 33 Written by Lina

The youngest of the four siblings but, arguably, the most put-together and capable one. THE SHIV has always had a hand grasping her father's sleeve, seeking his approval and admiration at the cost of her own independence. She's swallowed down dreams of travel and creative exploration in favor of being the Good Girl, and she's chiseled down her softness to a sharp point; twisting her empathy into a tool for finding weak spots in her opposition. Engaged to THE TOM but she chose him with her family in mind rather than her own heart. Commitment is hard without real attachment and she's seeing someone else, someone local, on the side.

She once worked for Morphos but has recently carved out a piece of the Town Hall, working as a Communications Advisor for the Mayor's Office. She handles their optics and engagements with the towns – all behind-the-scenes, of course. THE LOGAN expects her to report back and keep him apprised of the inner workings of local politics, and she's happy to do so.

FC: Elizabeth Debicki

THE TOM 30-35 Open

Appearances have always mattered to THE TOM — how he feels about himself is refracted in how others perceive him. He's caught up in the heights of wealth and status, believing that it's the secret to a good life. He comes from an upper class background, not anywhere close to Roth-level affluence but enough to be disconnected from the “real world”. Engaged to THE SHIV and while he loves her, that love is compounded with greed, insecurity and desperation. Often lashes out at those “under” him, like COUSIN GREG, to assert himself and take back control. He has secured a position on the Morphos PR & Legal team, some would say through special treatment and they certainly aren’t wrong. Up to you if he’s fit for the job, or if he’s coasting by on his fiancées name.

Suggested FCs: Trevante Rhodes (pictured), Jon Kortajarena, Alfonso Herrera, Ben Barnes, Aldis Hodge, Manny Montana

THE COUSIN GREG 21-27 Open

The COUSIN GREG is the son of Charles Roth’s estranged sister. Very much green in all regards, they have (clumsily) insinuated themselves in the family’s business to secure a job and have been #trying to do what they must to keep that job. At first glance, COUSIN GREG isn’t much—they are naive, overly optimistic, and do not share the family’s ruthless instincts. However, they are not to be underestimated, as they are in fact listening, learning, and biding their time to make their own moves. Is basically the glorified assistant to THE TOM.

Gender is open and character can be biracial.

Suggested FCs: Charles Melton (pictured), Zazie Beetz, Jordan Fisher, Sasha Lane, Sean Teale, Laura Harrier, Xavier Dolan, Noami Scott, Gavin Leatherwood, Ashley Moore

THE GERRI 55-65 Open

THE GERRI has been working for the Roths for several decades and is currently serving as Morphos’ Director of PR & Legal. They are very much loyal to Charles Roth and the company, and work as his general counsel on all matters of decision-making. Loyalty aside, however, THE GERRI has been around the block and knows how the game works. They are not above making their own allegiances with those that suit their purposes and are astute in hedging their bets to ensure they land on the winning side no matter what. Vaguely a warped parent-ish figure to the Roth children, with some wine aunt vibes.

Suggested FCs: Viola Davis (pictured), Carla Gugino, Angela Bassett, Salma Hayek, Marisa Tomei, Monica Bellucci, Demi Moore

THE RAVA 34-40 Open

THE RAVA is married to THE KENDALL and has been around the family for several years. Though she loves and cares about Jasper and vice versa, their marriage has largely become one of convenience. Beyond this, the details of her life are open and discussable with Jasper’s player (vive). They could be separated or approaching divorce, she could be cool with his affair or not or not know, they could have kids that she mostly raises or not, etc.

Suggested FCs: Oona Chaplin (pictured), Sofia Boutella, Hannah John-Kamen, Alexa Davalos

#morphosrp #dev

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daddyzarc · 5 years

Text

Hot take: The Barians are the only innocent creatures in all of yugioh

You’re probably wondering what I mean by this, but I have a perfectly sound explanation.

Look at these comparisons.

Notice anything peculiar? Let’s look a little closer.

That's better.

For those unaware, you may notice that the Barians lack a “mouth”. A mouth is “the opening in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and from which speech and other sounds are emitted.”

Why is this important? Well, because a mouth is an essential piece of the body part to engage in the act of Vore. Since Barians lack the ability to vore due to their own anatomy, they are unable to vore ever. In fanart or in the show, these angels are incapable of being involved in any of that stuff. They’re completely in the safe zone, they’re untouchable as far as the show puts them because you can’t do anything with these guys in THAT specific situation.

BUT WAIT, i hear yall typin away with a rebuttal

With the the introduction of Vrains, there exist another species of creatures without mouths—the Ignises.

Examining the images above, this other unique species also lack these crucial mouths, so you could argue that there are 2 Yu-Gi-Oh groups that are entirely sinless. And this is a fair argument without the context of what the Ignises could do.

But could that could they do exactly?

These images say it all. They could absolutely do that within the canon of yugioh.

So without a doubt, Ignises have the wholly ability to vore other creatures with ease. And this isn’t a one-off thing either, like they did it once and that was it. Ai is shown to have done this on multiple occasions within LINK VRAINS, his homeworld, presumably in a natural form. It is safe to assume that the Ignises absorb data and dismantle prey like this.

Knowing this, Barians ARE the only creatures incapable of voring.

But I hear you screaming. “But Dyzarc, you cranky dragon you, whadda bout anal vore? Cock vore? Absorption! Plus they have HUMAN forms, too. WITH MOUTHS which means the Barians are fully capable of eating! Theyre no different than any other ygo char!”

You could make those arguments, but I also have several points to refute this.

First, the human forms.

You could say that their human forms exist so that they can vore in that sense. That’s a very reasonable assumption.

And yes.

Yes, they could do that.

Yet, human form isn’t really Barian. It’s kind of off-canon, in a sense. They only took that form because Earth is hazardous to their bodies and they cannot maintain their true forms in that unnatural state. Within the closed system of their own environment (or Barian World), which is what I care about, the Barian species does not naturally have a mouth or a human body and therefore cannot partake in that act, canon or otherwise.

Furthermore, if a person wants to draw or write vore involving a Barian as the predator, they simply cannot do it. They must turn the Barian into a human or face the simple fact that Barians cannot vore (or a third option*).

*Theoretically, you could slap a mouth onto them or imply that a mouth exists underneath their muzzle, which only reveals itself when the Barian needs it. However, this is no different than giving a snake tiddies or putting legs on a shark just to fulfill a kink.

Secondly, I’ll focus on the other vore methods by showing pictures of some raw Barian crotches.

Now I may be blind as an olm, but they are clearly naked around the groin area. They lack any visible extremities that could be considered an anus or a cock too. Unless their anatomy works similarly to reptiles as in these organs are hidden behind a thin layer of rock around their crotch and only protrude when it is needed, they lack any organs that can perform cock or anal vore.

Excluding their physical appearance, Barians are canonically born from a circumstance other than, say, laying eggs or live birth or asexual reproduction. Meaning if they DO have those body parts, it’ll be a vestigial structure with no other purpose than to sit there and look stalactitey, probably kinda gross-looking considering what they are.

Of course a “cock” could function like the giant claw of a fiddler crab, where it’s mainly just for show to prove who has the biggest one (and so deserving of their territory, which is why Nasch is the leader. I’ll get into this later on why this could be the case) as well as to help them fight, find a mate, or exert their dominance.

Also, although I do not believe this image represent the entirety of Barian physiology

It is most likely that their insides consist mainly of veins and a... heart?? A star fragment, ball of spike? Whatever the case, I don’t see a stomach pouch nor do the Barians have a reason to have such a thing. The lack of a mouth and stomch makes sense in the “overarching picture” of how a Barian functions. Think about it from a human perspective. Why do we eat? Humans require food in order to produce energy to survive, grow, and reproduce, plain and simple.

Barians, on the other hand, live in a toxic environment void of life other than themselves. They do not need to eat for there is nothing to eat.

My personal theory is that they don’t require energy through consumption of food items like humans do. They either get it from photosynthesizing since their sun appears to be very close to their planet

Or maybe the "heart” is some sort of radioactive material that supplies them with an ample amount of energy. This powerful energy surges through the body through the help of the “roots” and essentially fuels them with life without the need for the consumption of food. My assumption is that the Barian itself is the roots and hearts, while everything else is just a rocky mass separate from the actual thing (im not gonna go super in-depth into the mind-body dualism thing btw. Just think about as a hermit crab with a shell with the “shell” being made of minerals)

And if we bounce off the idea that the shell is composed of minerals, or a rock, thus being very susceptible to erosion and damage as seen in how Vector broke pieces of his body during one of the duels

They most likely naturally regenerate their body parts by burying themselves deep into the ground so that the Rock Cycle

can repair and grow their forms. See, this process does not require food (which fits into their biology very well) and instead mandates that the Barian digs deep enough to begin the process of melting down its old, damaged body. The heart and roots will remain above the metling point of course; in fact, they play a crucial role in getting the Barian back into its proper shape. After reforming a new shell, the Barian emerges from the ground like a bunch of baby sea turtles, completely healed as long as the “molt” wasn’t disturbed.

Furthermore, this molting cycle could explain the presence of any “cocks” found within the Barian. Molting is extremely energy-consuming and time-consuming; rushing a molt will result in an imperfect shell or other impurities, or death if the impurity is life-threatening. The hardness, body structure, addition of any extra parts, and safe resurfacing, or preventing their new bodies from being damaged as they emerge from the ground, also depends on how well the Barian could alter the temperature and pressure of its surroundings magma (molten rock) to result in the best possible shell. This means that the Barians with poor molts are young and inexperienced while Barians with the best molt are old and experienced.

(hey can u find a better pic, this one isnt a good example)

This also works with how a big “cock” (in an abstract sense) could show their dominance over the other Barians. Or, in this case, the cock is actually extra formations to show off what they are capable of. Regular and large racks, for example, showcase a Barian’s skill at creating a new shell, with the larger and more angular the rack, the more powerful or experienced they are. This is especially difficult to do at a consistence rate, so the Barians capable of carrying it off tend to be on top of the pecking area. Nasch’s abilities to create so many horns means he’s deserving of his spot as the leader.

The Barian pecking order probably goes down the list on how complex—in that they managed to form a perfect, angular rack—their composition is.

Obviously, the chart simplifies what makes a great Barian. The Barian pecking order is much more complex than this.

For example, Mizael, despite the complexity in parts of the body like the face “mask”, is lower in the hierarchy than expected. Why? There is a lot to dissect about Barian physiology, but a peculiar detail is their carapaces. Unlike the rest of the body, which consist of a rocky formation, Mizael’s mask is a carapace. This could be easily seen when Nasch was briefly seen without these carapaces in this scene.

As seen on bodies of these Barians, they appear to have many carapaces which are separate from their main bodies, such as:

These carapace could be involved in the pecking order. The fineness and sharpness of the carapaces gives the illusion of strength (notice that Nasch is covered in carapaces while Durbe practically has none) as well as adding to their maximum size.

But they could also play another vital role... Defense Mechanism

It may sound strange, but I believe that Barians are built solely for defense....

Let’s take a look at a creature whose behavior and structural patterns mimics the Barians, the noble Hermit Crab.

I like to compare these two species due to their essentially parallelism in terms of “form follows function” such as:

(Marine Hermit Crab adding extra defenses to its shell using a venomous sea anemone; similar to a Barian adding sharp carapaces to its already tough, rocky exterior)

Comparing the likeness of the two, it could be assumed that the carapaces provide extra protection over the Barians’ main defense (rocky shell). The carapaces aren’t involved in the molting cycle, of course, due to their complicated build. It’ll be a massive waste to destroy them. Since a Barian could remove them at will, they most likely store the pieces above ground (or above melting point) and molt without them. After they finish molting, they retreive the carapaces. Again, very similar to the molting process of a hermit crab.

It may feel like I am going on a tangent of Barian anatomy rather than focus on their ability, or thereby lack of, to vore, but these details can be used to explain why Barians cannot vore from a historical standpoint.

They cannot vore because they are built like a prey.

Like hermit crabs, they are “bottom-feeders” with no prey of their own—mostly in part due to the absence of food on their home planet. Instead of being designed like a predator with the capability to vore, a mouth, they are the exact opposite in that they have only the defensive capabilities to defend themselves against a predator.

So following this, if there is a strong need for defensive pressure, who is the offensive pressure? A creature cannot be so defensively driven (thick shell, regeneration, armor, etc.) without the presence of a harmful force.

If it isn’t obvious, their predator are the aqueous Astral Beings.

Astral Beings are the perfect Barian predator (perhaps co-evolution played a part in this, or y’kno eliphas just said fuck those guys, lets kill em).

Moving along, not only are they armed with mouths, water is one of the natural forces that could heavily erode rocks, as seen along beaches, rivers, and cliff-sides, into a pile of sand and mud. Barians, with their outermost covering consisting of rock, are especially vulnerable to being broken down by the Astral Beings, exposing their sensitive cores to a likely death.

Their main defense against this is either:

(1) Regeneration, they can drop limbs and endure damage to their shell without fear of death, then repair any injuries during their molt

(2) Armor, the sharp carapaces (made of metals that can withstand water) can ward off potential attackers

A third defense that follows the how Astral Beings vore Barians in a predator/prey relationship could also be seen in the habitat of the Barians, or the presence of the Sea of Ill Intent.

Instead of being made of water, the sea is made of a very strong acid. Why is this important? For any of you that took a chemistry course, the proper technique of mixing acid and water (i.e the Astral Being), you must add acid into the water in that order. The flow of acid into water mixes the two better, preventing a reaction to occur. Adding water into acid, on the other hand, causes the water to react with the acid due to poor initial mixing, causing it to boil and potentially explode.

For this case, the rocky exterior of the Barian allows them to be submerged into the acid without risk of immediate death. Unless the Astral Being wants to harm itself by going into the acid to pursue its prey, they most likely will abandon the prey. If the acid starts to dissolve Barian’s shell (say, the Astral Being attempting to stakeout the Barian) they could regenerate the broken pieces during their next molt.

So not only Barians cannot vore, but they are hapless prey at that!

They are far from helpless prey—in the same way a Rhinoceros is considered a prey animal—but there is plenty of evidence that lead up to the fact they are indeed a prey species.

And the fact that they are the bottom of the barrel scavenger, harmless, unable to be a fearsome predator, only a potential prey at best...

They’re just innocent.

Now you say “Kay Dyzarc, ya made me read a longass analysis on the biology of a bunch of space rocks to prove some sickass vore fantasy of yours. Now what. What was the point.”

Welcome to Zarc n’ Pals, installment 1 baby, strap in for a wild ride

#dyzarc ramblings #zexal #barian biology #uh #barian tag #ignis tag #i dont wanna list all those names #idk when part 2 will be ready #or if yall are ready...

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izzy-b-hands · 5 years

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Summer Song

It is officially summer, and getting stupid warm and humid where I am, so time for some summer fic! Knocked this out as I finish up the last of the requests in my inbox, those will be out in the next day or so, I promise!

Of course, rights for the book quoted in this one, The Pearl by John Steinbeck go to...well, Steinbeck. A favorite of mine (I will reread Cannery Row at least once a year until the day I die probably) so I couldn’t resist putting a quote in, especially since The Pearl was on a list of Most Read for the late 40′s/early 50′s.

My love to all who read/like/reblog!!

The ride to the beach wasn’t long, only a bit over an hour, but everything felt languishing and elongated in the heat.

Snafu had agreed to drive, his shirt unbuttoned and hanging open already, an extra pair of Eugene’s sunglasses on his face. “We’re gonna melt before we get there. Can you still get burnt if you’re already melted?”

Eugene shrugged. “We’ll find out. It’ll be worth it though; I can already feel the water.”

“That’s sweat, darlin’,” Snafu replied, wiping at his own forehead with a free hand.

“No, you gotta envision it right. Think about it: hot sand underneath those ugly ass sandals of yours,” Eugene started, leaning back against the seat and closing his eyes.

“These sandals made it through a fuckin’ war, to get rid of them would be a crime,” Snafu interrupted. “Besides, they’re comfy.”

“And barely held together by anything except hope,” Eugene laughed. “But I digress. Back to the beach. All that hot sand, until we get to the edge of the water. Can you hear it, lapping at our feet? And we’re the only ones out there, so that’s all there is to hear. The water, movin’ slow. The sand shiftin’ underneath us as we walk. Sound of the birds flyin’ overhead. Sweatin’ under the sun, but paying it no mind once we’re in the water.”

Snafu was watching the road, but was moving his jaw in the way that Eugene knew meant he was listening, creating exactly what he was saying in his head.

“And we float out there together, not a care in the world. Once we get sick of that, we’ll come back onto the sand and lay out the blanket and the umbrella. I can read to you while we sit and dry off, and play with your hair the way I know you like. Let you fall asleep on me, ‘cause I know you’re gonna,” Eugene smiled.

“What book did you bring?” Snafu asked.

“The Pearl. Didn’t want to drag anything too heavy with us. We got enough to carry,” Eugene replied.

Snafu nodded, his jaw still moving away, Eugene knew unconsciously. He wondered what else Snafu might be picturing them doing on the beach together.

It was mercifully slow at the beach, somehow. He figured the others, bigger and with more amenities, were probably swamped. That worked perfectly for them now.

There was a slight breeze, and the fabric of Snafu’s shirt hanging loose shifted as he stood near their chosen spot while Eugene set up. It was a small thing, but it made Eugene want to pull him down onto the blanket and hold him tight. Something about the sight of the baby blue material against his skin made his breath stick in his chest, and his hands yearn to touch that skin.

“You gonna go in right now?” Snafu asked, still facing the gulf’s crashing water as he kicked off his sandals.

Truth be told, he was content to just stare at Snafu, frozen in the scene of the sun beating down, the white sand, and the blue sky contrasting against the sight of Snafu standing there, perfect.

But the call of the water was enticing.

“Yeah. May as well before we melt,” he replied, yanking off the T-shirt he wore and leaving his sandals near the blanket. It was the only part of his uniform that he’d put into the rest of his wardrobe, if only because it was damn comfortable.

More comfortable was bare skin against Snafu’s, his shirt abandoned by Eugene’s on their blanket along with their sunglasses.

He hadn’t gotten into the water intending on immediately pulling Snafu close to him. It had hit him hard, the need to suddenly have Snafu near as possible, a different kind of heat layered on top of the heat from the sun.

He let himself lean lightly, ever so carefully, against Snafu’s back as they floated in the water, the sensation of touching Snafu the only thing on his mind.

Snafu turned around, pulling him against him without a word. It was something that didn’t need to be spoken, the identical need to just touch and be touched, but only by each other, with no particular reason behind it except that they were together, on a day where no obligation could reach them, with love just sitting in the wings, waiting for all of this free time so it could be properly expressed.

“Think there are sharks out here?” Snafu asked, and Eugene snorted.

“We’re havin’ a nice romantic moment here, and...Snaf,” Eugene sighed. “And yeah, probably. Not near us, in theory. But somewhere out here, yeah.”

“Just wonderin’,” Snafu murmured. “Gotta know if I need to protect you, y’know.”

“You’d fight off a shark for me?”

“Fight off a whole...whatever a group of ‘em is called. Clusterfuck? Whatever, point is they’d never touch you,” Snafu replied.

“A clusterfuck?” Eugene giggled. “Well, you know I’d do the same for you.”

“Hm,” Snafu muttered. “Speak and they do appear.”

“Sorry?” Eugene turned in time to see a fin in the water. “Snaf, were you gonna tell me about that?”

“Was gonna just drag you out with me, to be honest,” Snafu replied, a hand on his arm pulling him along as he moved them back towards shore. “Could be a dolphin.”

“Could be, sure,” Eugene agreed, grateful for the feeling of the sand under their feet as they got out of the water. At least they hadn’t been too far out. “Better not to disturb whatever it is though. Can always go back out later.”

Snafu nodded, and grabbed his hand as they stood there, watching the fin move in the water.

“S’weird. I know that if that thing really is a shark, had bumped into us and taken a bite out of either of us...I know that’s dangerous,” Snafu sighed. “But it doesn’t...register. Know what I mean? Like I know the danger is there but I don’t...feel it right. I mean, that’s nothing compared to Peleliu, Okinawa...but I should be scared of it, right?”

“I mean...sharks don’t know any better, really. They’re just tryin’ to figure out if whatever they bumped into is food or an enemy or whatever. But yeah, still dangerous in a way, since we’re pretty much alone out here and all. But I get it. There’s so much random shit that scares me when it probably shouldn’t. Then there’s stuff like this, and it feels like nothin’ in comparison to what you already been through, so it’s like,” Eugene shrugged. “I can watch something that I know could potentially cause my death swim on by and have no issue, but tomorrow night I might have a nightmare so bad I won’t sleep well for a week.”

“...we’re a little fucked up, huh?” Snafu asked, his hand squeezing Eugene’s.

Eugene squeezed back as he led them back to the blanket. “Yeah. Think if you made it back, then you are. Just the nature of it.”

He moved their clothes and put on his sunglasses, handing Snafu’s over to him as he lay down and patted the blanket, warm from the sand. “Let me read to you.”

Snafu lay down beside him, curled up against him. “We started it last night, but I don’t remember where we were...fell asleep on you. Sorry ‘bout that.”

“I marked it before I fell asleep. We barely got it started, honestly. You can fall asleep on me now too, if you want,” Eugene smiled.

“You just like watchin’ me sleep,” Snafu smirked, and pressed a kiss to Eugene’s chest.

“Yeah,” Eugene replied. “Not my fault you’re so damn cute when you sleep.”

Snafu giggled and wrapped an arm around him, his breath warm on Eugene’s neck, and Eugene melted.

He pulled the book out from the small bag they’d brought with, sitting just outside of the shade of the umbrella.

“You already sleepin’?” he teased as he watched Snafu’s chest rise and fall, slow and relaxed.

“Nah. Just comfy. You gonna read or just admire me all day?”

“I can do both,” Eugene chuckled as he opened the book with his free hand, the other wrapped around Snafu, keeping him close.

They were only five paragraphs in, meeting Kino and his family for what had to be the fifth time now, more if they counted all the times they’d read the book individually, not just together.

“In Kino's head there was a song now, clear and soft, and if he had been able to speak of it, he would have called it the Song of the Family,” Eugene read.

“What would ours sound like?” Snafu asked.

“What?”

“Our Song of the Family. You, me, all the kids back at home. If we put it in a song, what do you think it’d sound like?” Snafu asked.

“Not sure. Feel like it could sound like a lot, all at once. Almost discordant. Especially if we let the kids sing on it, I mean...” Eugene laughed.

Snafu snorted. “Could you imagine? With what backin’ them?”

“Piano, and I’m not sure all what else,” Eugene replied. “What do you think?”

“Piano’d be nice. Can do a lot with it, since it’d be a long song,” Snafu said.

“Oh yeah?”

“’Course. It’s gonna play for the rest of our lives, so we gotta have an instrument that can go the distance, y’know? Convey a bunch of different moods and feelings,” Snafu answered.

Eugene nodded, and set the book down. His eyelids were heavy, and he knew Snafu was probably just as sleepy. It was hard not to be, in the heat, sitting comfortable in each other’s arms.

“Think I can hear it now,” Eugene said, moving to intertwine his legs with Snafu’s.

Snafu leaned in close to him, and sighed happily. “Me too. I like it. The best song I’ve ever heard.”

“It is,” Eugene whispered as he let his eyes start to close. In a few hours, they’d start the drive back home. But for now there was the crash of the water, the warmth of Snafu in his arms, and their Song of the Family playing in his head.

#text post #LeeH writes #Sledgefu #I legit intended this to get smutty but instead it went cute and sweet #still loved writing this though

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stephaniemleod-blog · 5 years

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chandler67langballe · 2 years

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Online Poker - How Can You Win Money?

Poker Forums ? These are the largest online poker forums with thousands of active members. These range from new players yet to play a single hand of poker to well-known pros and every type of player in between that dissect poker hands and argue all things poker. The discussions will help you improve your game. You can also add your thoughts to the threads if you feel brave. But beware you will be flamed (internet speak for shouted at) if you do not quite answer correctly. This is a great spot to get raw feedback about how to play winning Poker. Take a deep inhale and dive into the shark water. You'll be cut down but ultimately help. While this is a wonderful game and you can have a few drinks to help your mind, the truth is that you might find yourself playing looser than usual and less sharp. You can often see how players become sloppy and throw away their whole stack of chips. If you're not going to fold a hand always, then you have to give a reason. And you need to be able devise a strategy that will allow you to play that hand in around 15 different situations. You can also convince yourself that you will fold it every month for the next couple of months, while you are becoming a winning player. You can then add it back to your starting hands with purposeful action and a plan for the hand. While Dan Harrington was busy winning The Main Event 1995, many people gave their hats to Barbara Enright, who was the first woman to reach The Big One's final table. winning poker game Enright's run to the bracelet was stopped after her pocket eights were outdrawn 6-3s. She eliminated the Hall of Famer in 5th place.Men are such fish. Pai Gow derives its name from the Chinese domino game. The game is played with cards, and not dominoes, as the Chinese do. If you still have trouble picturing how the game works, let's compare it to the more popular card game Blackjack. Pai Gow plays a slower game than Blackjack. You can increase your chances of winning by investing more time. Railbirding: Make sure you check out these higher stakes cash gaming online. You can view the top pros playing cash games. You will see the showdowns when players are called down and you can write down some of the hands that you see played out. If you'd like, you can record the screen and go back to watch the hands again. bandar qq poker online online is a chance to see the best players at their best and it's a great opportunity to learn. Make sure to tune into the Pokerstars replay every week of the Sunday Million Final Table. These guys have beat thousands of other players in the biggest weekly tournaments for big money. There are many great tips and tricks you can learn from them about tournament play. Mike Matusow is a Main Event player who has been consistent for 10 years. 2004 saw a fierce rivalry between 'The Mouth' and eventual winner Greg Raymer but it was the A-Q of Ed Foster which outdrew Matusow's A-K to send the pro blubbing to the rail. Although bad beats are part and parcel of the game, Mike almost wishes he could be lucky once in a while.

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fatalezr · 3 years

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Secret State - Part 7

"Is it date night?"

Kate winked back at her colleague. "Bec, when I go out, it's always date night?". She saw Rebecca's intrigue as she leaned closer to her. She loved teasing Rebecca - they had been firm friends even before the summer when Rebecca had helped her in taking down the mobster Kieran Mulvaney. There was now a bond between them that could never be severed, or so she thought. She liked that Rebecca could spot when she was on a date - maybe it was the extra cleavage from the push-up bra but from what she could tell Rebecca was wearing something similar.

"So who's the lucky guy?" Rebecca inquired.

"Who said it was a guy?" Kate replied. She chuckled to herself - it was fun to mess around and keep Rebecca guessing. "someone new, I'll let you know how it goes". Kate didn't want to reveal the full details about the date just yet or the motivations that were driving it. In reality, it was a man she was meeting and he wasn't exactly someone new, but she couldn't reveal that to Rebecca just yet.

Rebecca sighed and shook her head. She and Kate joked as they ate lunch together and Kate pressed for more details on Marcus. She watched Rebecca's eyes closely as they talked. She could tell she was agitated, that something was not right. Things had been that way for a couple of weeks now. It was a subtle change, yet a change all the same that she had seen in her. Kate had learned over the years to trust her intuition. If she had a hunch, she would analyse it alongside the evidence to try to build a better picture of what was going on. It worked with suspects and it worked with her friends too. The way Rebecca shifted in her seat and gave short answers told her that all was not well between her and her boyfriend. She decided to test the waters with something else.

"I found another unexplained body" she asked, finishing her drink nonchalantly as she did so. "Another national security thing, outside that Passion nightclub in Vauxhall". She noticed a very subtle twitch from Rebecca's mouth - this news wasn't a surprise for her. "I asked the Superintendent if we can look into them but I think he's got a new case coming up for us".

"What's it going to be?" Rebecca asked and Kate noted how she had quickly moved the conversation away from the bodies.

"From what I've heard, maybe something to do with corruption" Kate answered honestly, "could be an interesting one. I reckon we're finding out about it later" she added, referring to a meeting already scheduled with the team for that afternoon".

"They're not turning us into AC-12?" Rebecca joked.

"I doubt it will be that exciting - we leave all the intrigue and shooting to our personal investigations" Kate replied in a nonchalant manner, winking at Rebecca as she did. Her colleague didn't react to that last remark. "Come on, we'd best head back" she told her, and the two picked up their coats and headed off. She let Rebecca head out of the door first and observed her legs - she was definitely wearing new stockings or tights. 'If this isn't for Marcus, then who is it for?' she asked herself silently.

------

"What are you thinking Kate?"

She was staring at the whiteboard in front of her, upon which DI Tim Warren had written the names of the cabinet ministers and some basic biographical details. It was just the two of them left in the conference room, Rebecca & Oli going back to the main office to start pulling files and making notes. Kate had been silent through a lot of the discussion so far. Her brow was furrowed and she was biting her knuckle as she thought.

"I think we're going to need to examine every piece of evidence twice here Tim" she finally said. "Go through it all with a fine toothcomb, question everything. This just....it just doesn't make sense to me". She leaned forward. "Does it make sense to you?" she asked him. She trusted Tim. He had helped mentor her and depsite their differences in style, demeanour and appearance, they each harboured a large amount of respect for the other and their methods.

"I agree with you" he said, nodding his head. "And yet I see the point our Detective Superintendent made earlier, that we can be that neutral team. We can use our naivety of the situation to our advantage perchance". He paused. "But you are right, there is no way to tell if we're being played at any moment. We should proceed with caution".

"Absolutely" Kate said, "we'll do this one by the books".

"And yet...." Warren seemed nervous about bringing something up, "and yet..."

"What is it Tim?" she asked.

"And yet if memory serves me well, you have some contacts in the security services. Do you think they could be useful to us?" Kate knew he was referring to George Digby-Wright, her old friend. Kate had mentioned him to Tim over the summer when recapping some of their efforts to take out the Mulvaney gang. They had come a long way from the Monday night in August where she had her gun raised, ready to shoot Tim.

"Funny you should mention him" Kate said, "he hasn't returned my texts in a little while". She paused. "Probably just some internal politics". Tim nodded. "How about we sleep on this strategy, eh? Look at it again tomorrow".

"I agree" he said, "have you got somewhere to be?"

"You know me Tim" she said, grinning at him, "people to do, things to see".

"Isn't it normally the other way round?" he asked.

"Not for me mate. I'll see you tomorrow" she said, giving him a quick wink and heading out of the conference room to grab her jacket.

------

"We're going back to yours already?"

"Yeah" Kate said, "much warmer at mine than out here. Fair fewer people too" she said softly glancing around her at the large amount of commuters heading to and from Waterloo station.

Ravi was biting his lip. Kate knew that was a sign he was considering and thinking hard about her proposal. He was in his late-20s like her but dressed formally with a long coat, a black shirt and striped red and white tie. She put her arms around his waist. "Come on," she said, looking him in the eye, "indulge me".

"It's just..." Ravi sounded hesitant. He screwed up his face but found the right words. "It's just I'm worried this is one of those...you know...I do a favour for you, you...do...a favour for me...type...things and..." his voice trailed off.

Kate stepped closer into him. "You're worried I'm going to use you?". He looked unsure but nodded. Kate was empathetic in response. "That's a perfectly fair assumption" she told him, "so let me level with you. I was thinking we go to mine, have a good old-fashioned shag, I ask you to do a little bit of hacking work for me, we have some dinner, we have a drink, we watch a film and see what else we fancy at that point". She brought her face closer to him so he would smell her perfume. Her brazen honesty had caught him off guard.

"So this is a sex for hack type deal?" he asked her.

"No" she told him straight, "this is a 'thanks Kate for helping me out in the past, let me now return the favour for you' deal. The sex part is just because I like you". She smiled at him and he smiled back.

"You like me?" Ravi asked, almost surprised.

"Course I do!" Kate told him, "you think I help every poor lad who's got issues with loan sharks?"

Ravi chuckled and Kate felt him relax. "OK" he said, "I can work with that". They walked down to the tube station together and headed towards Greenwich. Kate knew she hadn't lied. She liked Ravi. They had met a few years ago through her sister but it was only recently that she found out that he had issues with a small criminal gang. He had sought money to pay for hospital treatment for his grandmother in India and unfortunately found himself owing money to the wrong people. Ravi was technically gifted and brilliant, a self-professed "ethical hacker" who worked for a security consultancy. The gang had forced him to hack into prison databases to help with some of their operations until Kate had found out through her sister. A few well-timed payments from some of the money she'd taken from the Mulvaney gang and a well-placed beating to one of the men who still extorted Ravi had won her his trust.

They had been on a couple of dates previously. Kate had originally thought he might be a useful contact with his IT skills but actually found herself liking him more and more as they had spent time together. He was easy-going, self-deprecating and caring. After a few drinks on their first date they had gone home to his flat and she had found him to be an attentive and energetic lover. Part of her felt guilty about asking him for this favour but at least she hadn't lied.

Kate started kissing Ravi the moment they walked through the door. She knew her senses were seemingly always heightened compared to others. Her mind spun fast and she loved the sensations of pleasure that came with a good lover. He was also energetic and before long both of their clothes were strewn across the living room and she had pushed him onto the lounge floor. She climbed on top of him, revelling in ecstasy as she rode him and they made love, finishing at the same time together and sharing a tender kiss afterwards.

"You've got a cute butt" she told Ravi as he stood to throw his used condom in the bin. He wasn't particularly athletic and muscular but she did like the way his rear moved when he walked. He chuckled and returned to cuddle her on the floor.

"Now what do you need doing?" he asked as he put his arms around her. Kate sighed. The sex had been useful for not just providing pleasure, but also distraction from the other things on her mind and now they were back on it, she needed to find out.

"Well, there's three files in the Met database I need unlocked" she said, "national security stuff".

Ravi laughed. "You want me to break into the Met?"

"Yeah. Sorry, is that too difficult?"

"Oh Kate, that's too easy!" he said, smiling. "You should've told me, I could've done that from my phone in a couple of minutes on the tube". Kate expected he was slightly exaggerating but beamed at him and kissed him. She put her bra and knickers back on as he switched on his laptop and they both sat at Kate's kitchen table together. She directed him towards the files in question and within seconds he was able to gain access. "I wrote a program a year or so ago" he admitted, "thought it might be useful in case..."

"...in case a gorgeous Detective Inspector needed your help?" Kate offered to finish his sentence.

"Something like that" he said bashfully. Kate laughed. She studied the first file on the screen. Timo Grizhnev. He had blonde hair and blue eyes but his file was sketchy on personal details. It looked like he was only on his first day in the UK judging by immigration records but there was a curious detail - 'diplomatic passport' it read. Who was he travelling with? Photos of the body showed he had died from multiple handgun wounds whilst outside the Passion nightclub in Vauxhall. She scanned for CCTV around the incident but it had all been wiped clean. She managed to find footage before the attack, as Grizhnev and what looked to be another man entered the club but there was nothing from the inside. She pushed the footage to one side of the screen.

She moved on to file 2 - Janine Palfrey. All evidence relating to her death had been sealed by National Security but she now had access to the file. She read up on the victim first and was astonished to learn she had been part of the leak from the Justice Minister's office in recent weeks that led to his resignation. In fact, the story broke on the same day she had been killed. No, not killed, murdered, Kate realised. The cause of death was multiple short-range handgun wounds, just like the first file. There were CCTV files that had been stored and she looked at the first. It showed a cab heading away from Heathrow airport. The driver was a woman - that was strange. The images were blurry and she could not tell more. She watched for a few more minutes, skipping through empty bits of tape until finally she saw a black Mercedes. She paused the tape. Was it...?

"Hey, wait up, that's the owner, that is" Ravi's voice perked up from beside her. Kate frowned. He directed her gaze to the CCTV on the side of the page outside the Passion nightclub. "Mr Romanov" he told her, pointing at a man in a suit entering, "he owns Arsenal".

Kate was intrigued by that - was he meeting these individuals who travelled on a diplomatic passport? A quick google search showed her that it was around the start of a UK-Russia energy summit. Things started to fall into place in her head but one key piece remained - Rebecca. What had she got herself mixed up in? What did all of this mean? 'One task at a time' she told herself and returned to the other CCTV she had paused. The black Mercedes was familiar and she recognised the driver as Fraser McGowan, who normally drove for George Digby-Wright. She started pulling up other traffic cameras, trying to get a glimpse inside the car. She had no luck until it stopped in Vauxhall.

"Motherfucker" she said out loud as the CCTV showed someone in the back seat getting out. She recognised the face, hair and outfit as being Rebecca's. "Oh Bec, what the fuck is going on?" she said out loud as the realisation hit that Rebecca wasn't just helping to cover up the odd MI5 murder here or there - she was the assassin itself.

"You OK?" Ravi asked her. Kate shook her head - had she helped create a monster? What had happened to the sweet girl she had worked with for the past two years? And what the bloody hell was going on with all these Russians? She pondered her next move. She considered calling George Digby-Wright but something told her that it would lead to just dead ends. There was someone else she could call though but she hesitated. What if he didn't know?

"I just need to make a quick call" she told Ravi. She gave him a quick kiss and left him at the table. "Help yourself to a drink" she called as she went into her room and dialled a number. It rang a few times before it answered.

"Alright Kate?"

"Alright Marcus?" she retorted, "how's my old friend doing today?"

"Always better when you're calling mate" he said, but Kate sensed something mournful in his voice, "hey, sorry I haven't been in touch, lot of work going on".

"Yeah" Kate empathised. She knew Marcus had been involved in stopping the attacks at London Bridge. "Yeah, I know there's a lot but just....I wanted to talk with you about something"

"What?"

"Bec"

There was a pause as neither said anything. "Sure, what's up?" Marcus eventually said.

"Well, if she was involved in something potentially dangerous, you'd want to know, right?"

There was another long pause that Kate considered strange. "I think she's big enough to make her own choices there" Marcus finally responded. Kate frowned. Surely he didn't mean that?

"Marcus, do we need to have a conversation?"

"Probably" he said slowly.

Kate sighed. "Get your arse round here then". She ended the call and went into the living room where she started picking up her clothes. She tossed a shirt to a confused looking Ravi. "Sorry babes, I think we're going to have company" she said. Dinner was going to have to wait.

TBC tomorrow.

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howtobuyahousebeforesellingyours · 3 years

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Top Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent

When it comes to selling homes buyers and sellers often are in opposing camps on the fence. The motives of both sides tend to be different. One would like the property to be seized and the other side wants the highest possible price. They have the same goals. Both sides want to sell. Each party can reap the benefits of a professional home agent but they may have different motives.

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Your agent will know more about the contents of the paperwork than you. If you're thinking about saving the money: A few mistakes or errors in these documents could result in the loss of the commission you're trying to avoid paying, or significantly more.

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A majority of buyers have a clear picture of what they are looking for in a home. This includes the number of bedrooms, garages with attached garages as well as other crucial aspects. It's likely that you'll feel quite comfortable when looking at houses with that list tucked firmly in the back of your mind.

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Agents are skilled in negotiation

You might not be a negotiation shark in the event that you do not happen to be an lawyer or mediator or union rep...or a real estate agent. Your agent is responsible for the fiduciary obligations you have to fulfill. Your agent has the responsibility to negotiate the most favorable price for your home or to negotiate the best price possible on the property.

Agents are trained to negotiate well even if they have only had experiences. They are familiar with what works and what isn't. Many have developed their own tried and tested methods. Most importantly they don't have an personal stake in the result which could cloud their judgment.

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animeniacss · 3 years

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A Palette of Emotions - Artist!Taehyung x Teacher!Reader - Chapter 15 - The First Date

Synopsis: Taehyung dreams of being a professional and famous artist one day, but finds that the sea of creativity can be lurking with blood hungry sharks, as well as bland, motionless starfish. Swimming through the sea of opportunities somehow washed him up onto the shore of Bright Star Preschool, as an art teacher. This wasn’t where he expected to be 4 years into his career, but anything to get his big break though, right?

Feat. BTS, TXT, ITZY, Jisoo (BlackPink), Taeyong (NCT)

Genre: Romance, Slow Burn, Love Triangle, Drama, School Setting, Working!AU

Length: approx. 5.5k words

Chapter 15 - The First Date

“So, you managed to score a date with her, hm?” Jisoo hummed, resting her chin in her hand. Jimin, in celebration of his newest work victory of getting the highest number of new clients last month, invited his friends over for dinner and drinks in the middle of the week.

“Yeah,” Taehyung said as he leaned back on the couch and took a sip of his first and only beer of the night. Taehyung remembered what happened the last time he drank on a weeknight, so he made sure to be careful. He had come too far to screw it all up now. “She said that this upcoming Sunday afternoon works best for her.”

“Ooooo, lucky.” Taeyong grinned. He ran a hand through his hair as he rested back in Jimin’s love seat, a beer in his hand as well. “Kim Taehyung, finally moving up in the world.” Taehyung could only chuckle at his friends’ silly comments. “So where do you plan to take the lady?”

“There’s a nice hilly area about 45 minutes out of Seoul, so I plan to take her there to paint and eat,” Taehyung said. “Anyway, can we please stop talking about it? Isn’t this Jimin’s celebratory party?”

Jimin’s eyes flickered towards his friend at the sound of his name, and he set down his bottle on the table. “Yes, and we can celebrate by hearing all about your date plans.” He teased, grinning when his best friend simply rolled his eyes.

“I bet you Hoseok-Hyung isn’t bothering her about the date right now,” Taehyung said simply, leaning back. “Why can’t I have a friend like that?”

“Okay, maybe you’re right,” Jimin said simply. “Maybe he isn’t bothering her about the date. But I know for a fact someone else is.” Taehyung pursed his lips together, thinking about what Jimin could mean by his slightly vague comment.

-------------------------------

“Aaaah, my little girl is all grown up, getting dates left and right!” Seokjin cheered his hands on your shoulders. The older gentleman had been sure to stop by your apartment with supplies he offered to pick up for upcoming activities at work, bringing them to you so you had ample time to work on them at home. Well, at least, that’s what he said brought him out of his way to your house. His real reason, however, was much more sinister.

“You aren’t my father, Mr. Kim.” You scoffed, rolling your eyes as you entered your kitchen, Seokjin trotting behind. “How the hell did you even find out, anyway?”

Seokjin didn’t even waste a moment to think about his answer. “Hoseok.” He said quickly, grinning when you turned to look at him. “While you were talking to Taehyung, Hoseok came flying into my office shouting that he had finally asked you out.”

“…You said that like you knew something I didn’t.”

“I’m your Boss. That’s my job.” Seokjin teased, and finally, a chuckle escaped your lips. Seokjin took the next few minutes to prod you about details, while you were stuck in front of the sink doing your dishes that were beginning to pile up. You only shared what you knew, which wasn’t much and motioned to the painting that was sitting on your coffee table. Seokjin hurried over to it and lifted it. “Wooooow, it’s nice.” He grinned. “What a talent we have working for us, huh? Man, and to think the parents only get to see his finger painting and clay models, when really, he can do stuff like this.”

“I guess…” You said, glancing over at him.

“You don’t sound too excited for this date.”

“It’s not that.” You said simply. “I just didn’t think you would be happy. You have been pushing me to pursue Namjoon for like a year and now all of a sudden you’re switching gears?”

“No,” Seokjin said simply. “I just want to help you find someone, that’s all. Doesn’t matter to me who it is.” When his only response from you was a strained grunt, he looked back towards the kitchen. “You work yourself too hard, you deserve to take time for yourself and date and be a young adult.”

“Why, because soon I’ll be old like you?” You grinned.

“Oi!” Seokjin gasped. “I’m your boss, you know.”

“Yeah, but I’m not clocked in. Now, unless you plan to help me make 20 baggies of supplies for the next month, I suggest your head out and let me get to work.” Seokjin pouted as he walked you enter the living room, patting his shoulder. “Thank you for bringing all of the supplies.”

“Yeah, you’re welcome.” Seokjin hummed, a pout on his face as you showed him to the door. “I meant what I said though.” He added. “About you deserving to take time for yourself.” A smile graced your lips as you rested against the doorframe.

“Thank you.” You said simply. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Seokjin nodded, waving his goodbyes as he exited the apartment and finally allowed you to close and lock the door. When you were alone in your apartment, you turned to the materials that were laid out on your coffee table and sighed, walking over to them to get to work. “Alright then, let’s get a move on.”

--------------------------------------

Sunday couldn’t arrive any faster for Taehyung. That morning, he woke up and made sure everything was prepared for the afternoon. The picnic was packed and ready, his supplies were stuffed into his traveler’s pack, and he felt good. A bit nervous, but good. Taehyung found himself standing at the meeting spot he had texted you, a train station that acted as a meeting point between both of your homes. He arrived early, not wanting to make you the one that had to wait for him to arrive. He had never really dated in the past, but his mother was sure to constantly drill basic manners into his skull every time the duo would talk.

Taehyung paced the platform of the train station, anxiously eating a bagel he had grabbed on the walk over here. As minutes ticked away, he kept wondering different things. “What will she be wearing? Would it be cute? It has to be cute, especially if it’s anything like what she wore to the Art Festival. I wonder what she’s going to think of the lunch I made. Geez, I hope she doesn’t-.”

Taehyung’s thoughts were interrupted by his name being called. When he looked up, he saw you approaching him, descending the steps of the platform. You were wearing a cream-colored, long pants romper, with a white tee shirt underneath. Your hair was tugged up into a curly ponytail, and across your chest laid that same cream bag you had at the art festival. Taehyung couldn’t help but stare as he watched you hurry up to him. “Hey! Sorry, I was worried I would be late.”

“The train isn’t supposed to arrive for another like 15 minutes or so.” Taehyung smiled. “So, don’t worry.” He watched as a sigh of relief escaped your lips, and you fixed your bag. “You look nice.”

“Thank you.” You smiled. “My sister and I went shopping yesterday and I fell in love with the outfit. I’m glad I got to try it out today.”

“Heh, me too.” Taehyung blinked. You tilted your head, eyes scanning the bag on his back.

“What’s that for?” you asked curiously. “I thought we were just going on a picnic.”

“Oh, you’ll see.” Taehyung grinned a playfully devilish grin, and you frown.

“You’re gonna kill me, aren’t you? Is that why we have to go all the way out of Seoul instead of to a local park?” Taehyung laughed a bit, shaking his head. “I can’t fight back, but I can scream pretty loud.”

“I know, I hear you down the hall every day,” Taehyung admitted, fixing his hair. When he heard you laugh, his eyes had to drop to his shoes. Maybe it was because the context of the meet up was different today, but Taehyung was finding it incredibly difficult to look you in the eyes once you were standing so close to him.

The train arrived, and Taehyung helped you on, before quickly finding you a seat by one of the windows. As the train began to pull from the station, neither one of you said anything. Taehyung glanced over at you, watching as you turned your head to look out the window, similar to a little child who was watching the world pass by in a blur. It made Taehyung chuckle a bit, leaning back in his seat. “It shouldn’t take us too long to get there.” He said.

“I’m kind of excited to match this place to the picture you created. I’m expecting total accuracy.” Taehyung smiled as he watched you turn your eyes back towards the window. “It’s been a while since I’ve been out of Seoul, you know?” Taehyung nodded, a nervous hand finding a home in his curly locks as he stared at her. “I’m excited.”

“I hope you enjoy it. I know it’s not a 5 five restaurant or A-list event, so-.” You immediately shoved him.

“If you’re’ going to spend the entire time comparing yourself to Namjoon then you might as well take me on the next train home. I would not have accepted your date if all I wanted was a fancy dinner or big parties. I thought I told you that.”

“You did. I’m sorry.” He said. “I just want you to have a good time.” Just as he said that Taehyung noticed you scoot a bit closer to him, fixing the curly ponytail resting on your head.

“Then why don’t you tell me what’s in your backpack?” You asked curiously. Taehyung blinked curiously, looking down at the bag he had placed carefully on his lap. “I’m curious.”

“The picnic food is in here.” He said quickly. Your lips puckered together in an unamused pout, and Taehyung couldn’t help but grin. “What? It’s true!”

“I don’t believe you but…okay.” You turned your head back to the window and decided that the conversation could simply end there for now.

The train pulled up to the train station 45 minutes later, and Taehyung immediately hopped up, looking over at you. “Are you ready?” He asked curiously. Nodding, you stood up and followed Taehyung onto the platform. Almost immediately, the bright air of the countryside hit you. It was cool, fresh, crisp air that contrasted with the heavy, sometimes suffocating air that awaited you every time you walked out into the city streets. It was almost as if you were looking into the painting that Taehyung had given you once again, though you knew that you weren’t. This was the real deal. When was the last time you had been somewhere so lovely? You couldn’t remember. Taehyung must have noticed you were scanning the area right around the outdoor platform, and he quickly took hold of your hand. You immediately looked in his direction, eyes slightly wide in shock of his actions. “You look like you’ve never seen the countryside before. If you’re so shocked, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Oooh, okay.” You chuckled a bit, following as Taehyung led you out of the platform and onto the nearby street. “It’s only a short walk from here, so it’ll build your appetite.” A chuckle escaped your lips as Taehyung led you off. The trip down the dirt track was silent for a while, both of you taking the time to enjoy the bright scenery around you. It was only a matter of time before you noticed Taehyung’s step begin to slow, and you quickly followed to keep his pace. “Are we here?” You asked curiously. Taehyung looked at you, nodding happily as he motioned ahead of him. As you followed his gaze, you noticed a grassy hill with a small trail. There were hints of flowers that were peaking up out of the grass, various colors adding pops of life to the grassy base they were given to start with. There wasn’t much on the hill other than these flowers, but the green grass in contrast with the bright, blue sky made it feel like something out of a story.

Or something out of a painting.

“Okay, the accuracy is pretty much there.” You said, and Taehyung laughed. “This is pretty, wow…” Taehyung gently tugged your hand, nonverbally leading you up the trail to the top of the hill. It was a bit of a trek, but the view was worth it, providing both of you with a beautiful view of the local countryside. You slowly sank onto the grass, the gentle strands brushing against the palms of your hands and tickling your ankles that peeked out from under your pants. When you looked over, you saw Taehyung set his bag down, and kneel to open it. First, he pulled out the picnic blanket and picnic basket, setting it all down. Quickly, you scurried onto the checkered pattern to prevent it from blowing away, before opening the picnic basket of food. Inside, you saw tons of Tupperware that contained tons of different things inside, from rice to meats, to veggies, to snacks, and not to mention every single drink that your local convenient store could provide. It was like a bento box but separated into different boxes. It was cute, in a way. A smile formed on your face. “Wow, this is pretty impressive.” Taehyung sat beside you, watching as you lifted out a few different Tupperware and set them around. He lifted out a bottle of flavored water, handing it to you. “Thanks.” You smiled happily. “Did you cook all of this?” you asked curiously. Taehyung couldn’t help but turn a bit pink, scratching his cheek as shyness overcame him.

“Well, I cooked it…but Yoongi-Hyung was a big help in teaching me the cooking basics.” A small grin formed on your face as you crossed your legs, arms folding over your chest as you turned directly towards Taehyung, who was opening his bottle of water.

“Okay, well I need to hear this one.” You said simply.

----Yesterday-----

“HYUNG I NEED YOUR HELP!” Frantic screams rang through the tiny apartment. Taehyung was standing in his kitchen, his face and hands messy with several failed mixing attempts around him.

“I can’t help you if I’m deaf, Taehyung!” Yoongi shouted from the other line. “What do you need help with?”

“I have to start planning for this picnic tomorrow and I have no idea how to cook anything other than sandwiches and cereal.” Taehyung looked down at the mess that covered his countertop, trying to see if he could spot anything salvageable, anything he could use to make something edible for you tomorrow. His frantic panicking was disrupted by a muffled sigh on the other end of the phone.

“Taehyung, why don’t you just make some sandwiches then?” He asked.

“Well, I don’t want her to think I can’t cook!” Taehyung said.

“So, you want to lie?” Yoongi asked, and Taehyung heard how amused he was. It made Taehyung groan a bit.

“Hyung please.” He begged. “I want this to be memorable. I already have everything planned. Everything other than the food. Sandwiches just…I don’t know, it seems too simple.”

“Why don’t you just make some rice, make some steamed veggies, and maybe grill some pork or chicken?” Yoongi asked simply. “It’s not that hard, and if you pay attention to the food as it cooks, nothing is going to burn down.” Taehyung sighed softly. “And it’ll all be good for the next day, so don’t worry.” Taehyung pursed his lips, looking down at the messes that were waiting to be cleaned up as soon as Yoongi got off the phone with him. He needed to do this; sandwiches just wouldn’t do. No way.

“Okay, Hyung. I think I can do it. Thank you!” He said. Yoongi smiled.

“No problem. Call me if you need anything, okay?” He said. When Taehyung agreed, Yoongi nodded. “Alright, good luck. Fighting.” A chuckle escaped the older boy’s lips as he hung up, setting his phone down and resting against his desk, looking through the plans for the upcoming week of lessons at his high school. He stared at them for a moment, but his mind was falling back to Taehyung. He hoped Taehyung would get a grip of what he was doing, and be able to do it well. However, as soon as the image of Taehyung’s kitchen oven sparking on hit his mind, he stood up. “You know, maybe my good deed of the day will be preventing a death, who knows…”

----Present Day----

“No way.” You laughed. “He came to your house?” Taehyung scoffed.

“I did all the cooking,” Taehyung stated again. “Yoongi-Hyung just helped me not burn anything, you know? He did all the timing and stuff.” You smiled, looking down at the various foods as you began to open some of them up. For some reason, that story made you even more excited to try some of this food. “Anyway, I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will.” You assured. “But next time, sandwiches will be just as delicious as this will be.” Taehyung smiled a bit.

“Next time? You haven’t even finished this date, and you’re already planning our next one?” He asked. He watched as you lifted chopsticks into your hands, before quickly digging into some of the meat and veggies. Taehyung quickly followed behind you, and both of you simply picked out of the Tupperware the food that you wanted. Your eyes sparkled as you popped some of the meat in your mouth.

“This is good!” You gasped. Taehyung looked up at you, his mouth stuffed like a chipmunk with food. “Even leftover, it’s tender and juicy. You outdid yourself.” Taehyung blushed a bit, nodding as he tried his hardest to swallow without choking on his food.

“Thank you.” He said softly. As you continued to eat, Taehyung rested back on his hands as he watched you continue to eat. The smile on your face as you popped rice and veggies in your mouth was enough to make him feel more comfortable about how this was going.

After time was spent simply eating, light conversation helping to prevent any awkward moments, Taehyung wanted to show you the thing that he was most excited to show you. “Do you want to see what I have in my bag now?” he asked. You glanced up, nodding quickly as you set your chopsticks down.

“Yes, finally.” You gasped. You watched as Taehyung turned to his bag, opening it up and digging around. After moments of his silent rummaging, he pulled out two medium-sized easels, followed up a tiny bag of paint. You blinked as Taehyung set everything onto the table.

“Easels and paint, hm?” You asked. You watched as Taehyung began to put away the leftover food, most likely to save for later.

“Yeah. I thought it would be fun to paint the scenery.” He said. “It’s a pretty nice view.” You couldn’t help but scoot closer to Taehyung as he began to set the paintings upon these two retractable stands, and spread out the paints in the middle of the two of you.

“I don’t know if you know, but the reason you got this job is that I’m not the most creatively inclined person in the world.” Taehyung smiled, looking at you as he lifted a paintbrush into his hand, passing it to you.

“Well yeah, but the crafts there are meant to shape the minds of little kids creatively. That’s a bit different than this. Your painting is going to be creative no matter what you do, because it comes to form your mind, and is done only for you.” Your eyes cast down to the paintbrush in your hand. “You’re pretty creative in different ways that aren’t just arts and crafts on construction paper.” When he saw you turn towards one of the blank easels, he smiled. “I see how you are with those kids. It doesn’t take just anyone to teach children colors or the alphabet.” Taehyung took a moment to tilt his easel just slightly so that you couldn’t see it from your current sitting position.

“What should I paint?” you asked curiously. Taehyung simply began to open and squeeze various colors of paint onto one palette, as well as fill two plastic cups with some extra water. Just seeing the colors spread out on the palette got you a bit excited. I can see why the children get so excited whenever we paint. You thought to yourself. Taehyung wasted almost no time. As soon as the paints and water were ready, he immediately began dipping his brush inside a puddle of light blue paint. He tilted his head, silently examining the easel before him, before you saw him begin to press it to the canvas, spreading its color beautifully across it.

“Paint whatever you want. The scenery is always a good start.” You decided to look ahead, at the bright blue sky staring back at you, and the fluffy white clouds hanging above your head. It took a moment, a silent moment of staring, feeling the wind against your face, a moment of simply listening to the faint sound of Taehyung’s paintbrush rubbing against his canvas, for you to finally start doing it yourself. You dipped the paint into a small puddle of green, and pressed it to the bottom of your canvas, quickly getting to work.

Time passed in a blur, both you and Taehyung communicating through silent glances at one another from behind your canvas. When he looked up at you for the fourteenth time, you couldn’t help but smile.

“Why do you keep looking at me?” You asked curiously. Taehyung watched your hands lift and tug your hair into a ponytail before the palms rested against the soft grass.

“You’re looking at me too.” He said quickly. You glanced over, laughing a bit.

“Only because you’re looking at me!” That comment made Taehyung chuckle. “Will you tell me what you’re painting at least?” Taehyung’s eyes immediately looked at his painting, which was bursting to life with colors. The painting was of a beautiful set of scenery, a stunningly clear sky connecting with beautiful green grass. Flowers decorated the grass, only adding to the splashes of color around the sea of green. The middle of the picture depicted a girl, sitting cross-legged in front of a canvas that was only in half view. Though it was not complete, the expression on the muse’s face was that of focus, of determination to finish up whatever creative thought was flowing through her mind.

After taking a moment to examine it, he looked back up at you. A smug grin formed on his face. “No~.” He cooed, only to see you groan.

“That’s not fair! I’ll even show you mine first!” Taehyung tilted his head, his smug grin never leaving his face.

“Okay, let me see.” He stated. You huffed, taking hold of the canvas and spinning it around. Taehyung blinked, staring ahead at the painting before him. It wasn’t anything magical, just a picture of whatever it was you had been looking at for the past hour or so. Colors were smudged together in a weird spot, signaling you hadn’t planned where colors would stop to let others begin. The sun sat in the top corner, a half-done circle with rays of yellow and orange peaking out of it. Taehyung had to admit, the smile you added to it was very cute. The flowers lifted from the grass on twig-like green steam, big and oddly shaped leaves poking out of them. “Huh…” Taehyung muttered. His paintbrush lifted, pointing to the black check marks he noticed in the sky. “What are those?”

“…Birds.” You said simply. “Why?” Taehyung shrugged. “I just painted what I saw.”

“I know you did. And you can tell that you’re a preschool teacher with art like that.” Taehyung noticed a pout form on your lips, and he immediately regretted the words he said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You asked, turning the canvas back around to face you.

“Nothing,” Taehyung said quickly. “I mean it as a compliment. I’m sorry….” That didn’t seem to work, and with a breathy ‘mmm’, you turned back to your work.

And this is why you’re single, Kim Taehyung. Taehyung thought to himself, resting his hands in his hair as he watched you. He took a moment, trying to process his next sequence of actions to make sure that nothing landed him with a punch in the face or a kick in the nuts. Slowly, Taehyung tugged his painting towards you, the sound of the effort making your aware of his arriving presence. However, you kept your eyes on your canvas. When Taehyung was close enough, you felt his press his shoulder against yours. When you glanced up, you saw Taehyung lift his paintbrush.

“This is good.” He said simply. “I can show you a few techniques though if you want.” You blinked, looking once again at the painting that would impress any five-year-old, but seemingly not a well-seasoned painter.

“Is it salvageable, Oh Wise One?” The tone in your voice offered sarcasm, but Taehyung laughed at the comment.

“Absolutely.” He pointed to the few smudges connecting the blue sky and the green grass. “We can easily blend those out.” You watched as Taehyung dipped his brush into the palette of paint, quickly leaning forward. With a few dabs of light color, and a few seemingly easy pushes around of wet paint, the smudge was still there, but much less noticeable than it was before. You could only hum in amazement at how easily he fixed the problem.

“Okay, okay. I get you’re the professional.” You said simply. Taehyung smiled down at you as you dipped your brush back into the purple paint. He watched as you pressed it on an untouched part of the canvas, swirling it around to create a purple flower. “How does that look?” You asked curiously. Taehyung smiled, lifting his hand to wrap around your own. Almost immediately, you looked up at him, but he didn’t seem to faze about his actions.

“You’re on the right track. I’ve noticed the best way to get a good flower without tracing is to create a spiral effect.” Taehyung gently guided your hand along with the open spot on the canvas, turning the purple blob into a cute and spiraled flowered before you. “Then, you put some yellow in the middle, and you’ll have an adorable flower.”

“I see.” You said softly. Taehyung smiled, glancing down at you as you looked at the painting. “Let me try.” You shuffled past Taehyung just slightly, your hand slightly shaking as you dipped the brush into the water. When you noticed the shaking, you immediately glanced at Taehyung. Did he notice too? Before you could even allow him to notice, you turned back to the canvas, yellow on your brush as you pressed it into the middle of the purple flower. It made it look incredibly cute and provided a lovely contrast to the dark green grass.

“It looks cute,” Taehyung said. “Now you try with the next one.” When you went to dip your brush back into the water and choose another color, you noticed Taehyung didn’t shuffle away, instead of keeping himself near you.

“Are you going to finish your painting?” You asked curiously. Taehyung, realizing that he was simply sitting beside you, not doing anything after showing you a little technique, only chuckled in awkward realization.

“Well yeah, but I want to watch you paint. It’s kind of relaxing. Besides, I’m almost done with mine. It needs to dry before I go back and fix some stuff.” Taehyung reached into the picnic basket, pulling out a snack and opening it, popping it into his mouth. “Does that bother you?”

“No…I guess not.” You said, turning back to the painting. Once again, silence overtook you both as you continue painting. The only sound was of Taehyung, popping a salty snack into his mouth and eating it. Occasionally, he would point something out in your painting as you painted it. It couldn’t help but make you smile at every silly comment that came out of Taehyung’s mouth. Before you both knew it, Taehyung checked his watch and sighed.

“Our train is going to be at the station soon. We should probably pack up and head out.”

Nodding your head, you took one final look at your painting. It was done, a bit smudged and messy, however, it was cute, and you ended up being incredibly proud of it. “Yeah, that sounds good.” Both of you stood up, Taehyung gathering the painting materials, while you packed up the food into the basket, and folded up the blanket, slinging it over your arm. Both of you quickly headed down the path, side by side and back into the direction of the train station.

As you hopped onto the train, plopping down into one of the seats, you felt a sigh escape your body. It took a few moments for other people to shuffle on and off, finding their seats and settling down, before the train started up and made its way down the track. Taehyung rested his head against the back of the seat, closing his eyes. “That was a lot of fun.” You said, averting his attention and causing him to open his eyes and divert them in your direction. “We should do that again, don’t you think?”

“You liked it?” Taehyung asked. You nodded in response, and Taehyung laughed shyly. “I’m glad you did. I was worried at first that it wouldn’t be that enjoyable. It was just painting and food.”

Your shoulders shrugged, and you ran your hand along with the now dried paint on your canvas. “Sometimes paint and food is all you need. I’m going to hang this up in the classroom, I like it.” Taehyung leaned slightly closer to you, getting a glimpse at the finished product.

“I think it’ll look perfect there.” He said, and when a smile graced your lips, he felt his heart swell just slightly. “But yeah, I’d love to take you out again, if you want to.”

“That sounds fun. Let’s plan it soon, okay?” Taehyung nodded, running a hand through his hair. “But only if you’ll show me what you painted. Deal?” Taehyung couldn’t help but laugh at your snarky comment.

“Good try, but nope!” He said quickly, shifting his painting over so that it was just slightly out of your reach. You pouted a bit.

“Not fair.” You huffed, and Taehyung grinned devilishly in response. The two of you began to bicker among the quiet of the train, continuing to pester one another about if you were going to get the see the painting before the end of the journey. Taehyung still denied your request, all the way up until the train returned to the station and the both of you exited. Hoping not to lose each other in the crowds of people, you made sure to grab hold of Taehyung’s hand as you exited, your other hand grasping his arm gently. He was sure not to complain, keeping himself close to you to assure that you wouldn’t be separated.

“…I’ll see you at work Monday?” You asked, fixing the strap of your bag. Taehyung nodded.

“Definitely. Do you need any help getting home?” Taehyung asked curiously. You shook your head.

“I’ll be okay. Thanks again for today~.” Taehyung nodded, waving to you as you checked yourself one final time, making sure everything was in its place. Once it was, you headed towards the stairs of the train station. Taehyung watched you for a moment, but the next thing he knew, his feet were guiding his body right behind you. He didn’t want to see you leave just yet, he didn’t want this day to end, and he knew the minute you were out of his view, it would be. He found himself stopping at the bottom of the steps, however, shuffling past a few people heading onto the train platform. Then, as he watched you continue making your way up, Taehyung bit his lip.

“Get home safe.” He called, waving to you. As you ascended the steps, you turned back over your shoulder to look at Taehyung, who was still standing at the bottom of the steps. “Just let me know when you get home, okay?” Though it was pretty crowded by the steps, Taehyung saw a smile peek out from over your shoulder, lips pointed up in a playful grin, waving at him one final time before disappearing behind the crowd of people forming at the top of the steps to make their way down. Taehyung stood there for a moment, hands in his pockets as the bustling noise of life moving on around him continued. It took a moment, but he finally forced himself to continue moving on, heading towards another flight of stairs on the other end of the platform, leading him in the direction of his house.

As he ascended the flight of stairs, all he could think about was one thing you had said to him on the trip back. One thing that plastered a smile permanently on his face.

We should do that again sometime.

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dailynewswebsite · 4 years

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Shopping online to stay safe during the pandemic? Here are 10 tips for avoiding scams

Slightly digging will help you keep away from these too-good-to-be-true traps when procuring on-line. martin-dm/E+ by way of Getty Photographs

The vacation season is already a booming time for on-line procuring. The COVID-19 pandemic solely will increase the chance that when individuals store this vacation season, they are going to select on-line procuring over brick-and-mortar shops. Nevertheless, this additionally means there may be more likely to be a increase in on-line scams.

Already, a number of corporations from outdoors the U.S. are promoting comparatively unchecked on the web, promoting – and even simply pretending to promote – all method of merchandise. The gadgets are sometimes marketed utilizing designs stolen from professional companies and artists, usually ripped off from Etsy, particularly if these designs have been featured on standard websites like Bored Panda.

When individuals purchase these rip-off merchandise, what arrives is usually of low high quality. That’s if something ever arrives. Usually the corporate simply shutters and renames itself with out sending something. In worst-case eventualities, in addition they steal clients’ bank card info.

So store good and spot scams? Listed below are some clues to look at for.

1. Is it too good to be true?

Does the product pictured match the value? Know the market. A tremendous product for a low value is trigger for suspicion. For instance, Instagram was that includes images of a “Halloween Creation Calendar.” The advert listed a value of US$59.99, however out there for a restricted time for $29.80. At first look you would possibly suppose you’re getting an ideal deal, however take a second to suppose it by means of. That value would barely cowl the price of transport and dealing with for a product of that measurement. The unique product, offered on Etsy, retails for over US$1,800, and the creator has a backlog of orders.

Two on-line adverts, left and prime proper, that use a product picture taken from an Etsy vendor after the seller’s ‘Halloween Creation’ product, backside proper, was featured on Higher Properties and Gardens, Pinterest and OddityMall websites. Screenshots by H. Colleen Sinclair, CC BY-NC-ND

2. When unsure: Google it

Maybe you’re not acquainted sufficient with Etsy workmanship to acknowledge a probable ripoff. When unsure, search the product title or obtain the picture and run a Google picture search. You might be more likely to discover the unique supply. If the product actually exists – not like this CG child shark that one firm used as an advert for its alleged child shark robotic toy – you possibly can select to pay the unique artist for his or her arduous work or take the chance and attempt to get the knockoff. The search will even reveal whether or not there are a number of alleged companies promoting the identical “distinctive” and “unique” gadgets utilizing the identical actual footage. When you begin seeing double or extra, that’s a warning signal.

3. Verify the enterprise repute

Looking for the enterprise title will doubtless simply take you to the enterprise’s web site. As a substitute, search the enterprise title with the phrase “rip-off.” It is possible for you to to inform fairly shortly if there’s a worrisome historical past related to the enterprise. You may as well attempt Scamvoid, which is devoted to figuring out the trustworthiness of on-line hyperlinks. There could also be a Higher Enterprise Bureau itemizing for the corporate, however watch out about counting on these. You may as well discover Fb teams, like this one for fashion-related scams, that observe untrustworthy websites.

4. Too new to belief

In some circumstances the enterprise is so new that you simply received’t have the ability to discover a observe document. It is a crimson flag. They’re doubtless a kind of corporations that shut up as soon as they’ve gotten sufficient orders then arrange a brand new title and new area and do it another time. There’s a likelihood that it’s a professional new companies attempting to open store throughout a pandemic. To inform the distinction between a professional new enterprise and a fly-by-night operation, apply a number of the following steps to guage them.

5. Evaluation the opinions

Take a detailed take a look at the opinions. If there aren’t any, again away. If there are, verify for the next warning indicators. The opinions are few and unanimously 5 stars with no feedback. If there are feedback, they’re loaded with damaged English or obscure reward that would have been copied and pasted from any product. Not one of the opinions contains footage of the particular acquired product. There aren’t any damaging opinions, which is a crimson flag as a result of even the most effective professional companies can’t please everybody on a regular basis. As a facet be aware, if you’re a professional product providing, watch out to not learn an excessive amount of into the damaging opinions.

6. Is it a ‘good’ web site?

Does the enterprise have a web site, and never only a Fb web page? If not, that’s a giant no. In the event that they do, is it an entire web site, or is it barely there? Verify that the enterprise has a cellphone quantity that works, and if you search the quantity it doesn’t have 12 different “companies” related to it. Verify that it lists a mailing tackle, ideally one which isn’t only a submit workplace field.

Verify the location’s “about us” web page. Doesn’t have one? That’s one other no. Does the “about us” embody a yr the enterprise began? Does it embody details about the merchandise’ creators? If the web page has a photograph purporting to be of the proprietor or artist, you are able to do a Google picture search to see if it’s a photograph copied from one other webpage, a inventory photograph or a faux created by an AI system. Do their claims about themselves maintain as much as scrutiny? For instance, does the location declare to be an American Black-owned enterprise however their WHOIS area info lists an organization in China?

7. Social media presence: Have they got one?

Equally, have they got a social media presence outdoors of the advert that pops up in your newsfeed? If not, steer clear. If that’s the case, you possibly can click on on the poster’s title to see the place the particular person or enterprise is positioned and when the web page was began. You may as well see how far again their posts go, in addition to verify the standard of these posts and chatter concerning the firm.

8. Beware the ‘going out of enterprise’ story

In the course of the pandemic, professional companies are, in actual fact, closing. Illegitimate companies have been latching onto this as a software to tug at individuals’s heartstrings to trick buyers. It’s unlawful for American companies to do that, however companies outdoors of the U.S. will not be topic to the identical legal guidelines. One strategy to inform the professional companies from the frauds is to verify the beginning date on web site area registrations and social media websites. If the enterprise popped up throughout the pandemic simply in time to exit of enterprise, steer clear.

Suspicious commercials on Instagram, left, and Fb, proper, with pandemic going-out-of-business tales that use a product picture taken from a professional enterprise, Lalabug Designs. Screenshots by H. Colleen Sinclair, CC BY-NC-ND

9. Fad advert clickbait

Be careful for fad gadgets. Knockoffs and ripoffs abound on any scorching or stylish merchandise. These days entrepreneurs are additionally choosing up on political traits. Companies crop up with names like “WeLuvTrump,” “FemPower” and “BlackGoodness.” The identical is occurring with political information. For instance, RBG gadgets are all the trend within the wake of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s dying. Once more, following the steps above will provide help to type out which merchandise are professional.

10. Social affect methods

Additionally be careful for the widespread advertising methods initially uncovered by social psychologist Robert Cialdini which are utilized by professional and illegitimate companies alike. The commonest you might be more likely to see in rip-off websites are claims of unique entry, which attraction to your want for uniqueness, claims of restricted provide or time working out on a “sale,” which play on the psychological worth individuals place on scarce gadgets, and claims like “Karen S. from Indianola simply bought this merchandise,” that are “social proof” {that a} conduct is secure or acceptable as a result of others have executed it.

Finally, if these 10 ideas seem to be an excessive amount of to undergo simply to get that distinctive toy to your grandkid, purchase as an alternative from a trusted supply you could have counted on previously. It’s additionally a good suggestion to make use of bank cards or fee companies like PayPal that shield customers from fraudulent fees.

Store properly. Your checking account is relying on you.

[Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.]

H. Colleen Sinclair doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or group that may profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their educational appointment.

from Growth News https://growthnews.in/shopping-online-to-stay-safe-during-the-pandemic-here-are-10-tips-for-avoiding-scams/ via https://growthnews.in

#Growth News

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heightkeener · 4 years

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Your Personal Guide to Hawaii and Things to Do

HAWAII VACATION IN JANUARY

The Hula Bowl maybe your faculty Allstar football match. This can be the opportunity to observe the greatest players play with their final playoff match. The NFL Pro Bowl brings with all of the top-rated expert football gamers to get head to head contests. Held in the well-known Banzai Pipeline around Ehukai Beach Park, body-board surfers from across the globe have come to flaunt their own talents. It is interesting to its loving followers and anybody who loves good external contest.

Annually close to, January 2-1 you may delight in this yearlong party of early Aztec sports contests. It has traditional music, games, hula dance, arts & crafts, and crafts.

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii in January, listed below are a couple annual regional events for you to think about contributing to your own itinerary.

For More than Five Decades, Honolulu has repeatedly held that the Narcissus Festival. From mid-January, its own aim is always to conserve and encourage culture and customs. Honolulu's China Town jumps with parties like conventional lion dances dance at the roads. There's that the Narcissus Queen Pageant, Coronation Ball, China Town Open-house, Folks dances plus a Style Show.

Late January is the beginning of Honolulu's Cherry Blossom Festival, among the longest-running cultural parties Within the Country of Hawaii. Lasting via March there is certainly far to watch. Some high lights would be japan tea service, Heritage honest in the Western Center of Hawaiiblossom arranging demonstrations.

BEST THINGS FOR FAMILIES TO DO IN HAWAII

On every one of those islands, you'll find lots of pursuits and experiences for you and your family members to have.

Kauai is just among the better islands to see in the event that you're planning a trip into Hawaii together with kiddies. However, the island of Kauai, kiddies are recognized and welcomed since the culture and tradition of Kauai facilities round ohana or loved ones.

Some matters you and your Family Members can perform collectively around the island of Kauai are:

Crafts and ethnic tasks usually sold in the hotels of Kauai.

FISH-ing

Beach Front matches

Naturel walks

Browsing Classes

Sand sculpture competitions

Coco-Nut frond weaving

Tide-pool researching

Excursions

The island of Kauai additionally includes two amazing museums for kiddies. Even the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum at Kapaa includes lots of interactive displays which individuals may relish as well as also the Starlight Planetarium that informs the way Egyptian voyagers utilized the celebrities, winds, and sea to browse their own canoes across the Pacific. This system occurs on Saturdays.

Oahu additionally includes a few amazing family experiences out there.

Submarine rides that take one by underwater boats, airliners and reef constructions.

House to Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park

sea-life Park at which you are able to match swimmers, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and moray eels.

The island of Molokai has a special picture to provide family members. Molokai is ideal for your household who likes to learn more about the spacious jungle, explore tide pools and cruising across fauna shores. You may also rope cows in the actual island ranch which makes the own home on Molokai.

Molokai can also be ideal for budding astrologers because its cloudless evenings make it possible for one to observe the constellations absolutely!

Lanai could be your least crowded of each of the Hawaiian islands helping to make it popular with families such as basic safety. There continue to be a lot of matters for households to perform the island of Lanai.

Investigate the whole 141-square shuttle in the world by 4X4.

View the dolphins and humpback whales which play with

Create a lei

Discover how to hula dancing.

Though Maui has turned into really the hottest island for honeymooners you'll find lots of matters for family members to accomplish.

Research a bamboo woods and search for infrequent tropical

Hiking

Volcano researching

Glass-bottom vessel rides

The Maui Ocean Center features a 750,000-gallon open-ocean tank along with walkthrough glass tubing

The hotels of Maui additionally offer you lots of tasks to his or her younger company.

That really is actually the biggest of Hawaii's islands also it has got the most significant spouse and children. Family adopts family members and you can find a number of intriguing matters for people to perform with all the Big Island of Hawaii.

Research the Kona shore which boasts jungle such as lava plains

House towards the rainiest town in the USA -- hi-lo

Investigate the planet's greatest mountain, Mauna Kea that will be 13,796 ft. above sea level.

See the volcano

View black lava stone

The huge island now offers camping for many families who appreciate the outside so that they wish to maneuver too!

No matter your loved one loves undertaking, you are going to have the ability to detect it using 1, or even some, of those Hawaiian Islands.

HAWAII GUIDE

Honolulu is currently among the absolute most well-known locations in Hawaii and it is just a big town, is found in the front end of Waikiki. The most important tourist destination popular places in Honolulu would be the Caribbean area - that the Pacific location's chief economic and company center, also Waikiki, one's core of Honolulu. Waikiki is popularly famous because of the narrow coastal shore region, that has turned into one among earth's most prominent shores, lined with lots of exceptional stores, lodging, and restaurants.

Dominated by the imposing Diamond Head volcano, and it's currently extinct, Honolulu is popularly famous because of the tropical scenery, palm-trees, refuge, neighboring islands and also the Mamala Bay, by which a selection of watersports will be available in the offer you.

Honolulu journey:

Having huge people and most dispersing metropolitan locations, site visitors in Honolulu could come to be busy, especially because of this bunch of oneway roads. Additionally, there really are a lot of vehicle parts and also on-street parking spots within fundamental Honolulu, and automobile leasing is extensively offered. Leasing a vehicle in Honolulu is still perhaps one of the handiest tactics to learn more about the island of Oahu, but some other favorite techniques of transportation comprise buses, coaches, taxis and possibly even bikes.

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) stands approximately 4 kilometers / 6 kilometers in the middle of this metropolis and has been a significant transport hub. Most travelers arrive every day in Honolulu airport terminal from southern America, London along with different neighboring Islands. Together with 3 terminals and also a wide selection of amenities, the airport is no more than a brief excursion from fundamental Honolulu, using numerous hotels near.

Hotel premiums at Honolulu in many cases are substantial, even though an assortment of price range options usually exists, specifically bed and breakfast lodging, and that is typically well offered. The Youth Hostel at Honolulu presents exceptionally cheap rooms also has been consistently popular with funding travelers going to the town.

On the other end of this climb, Honolulu houses a wealth of luxurious motels, frequently using only magnificent coastal perspectives along with suitable destinations. A number of Honolulu's initial motels are one of the very best on earth.

Honolulu Tourism:

attractions in Honolulu are all excellent and besides your countless stretches of golden sands, you will find lots of what to visit, which makes Honolulu that the perfect getaway location. Facilities comprise monuments and landmarks, historic monuments, modern galleries, cinema sights, and also a wide assortment of leisure pursuits.

Honolulu eateries:

there's an unbelievable array of pubs and eateries through the duration of Honolulu, representing the cultural communities along with sailors. Start looking for your restaurants at which individuals in Honolulu opt to try to eat, like those throughout the college of Hawaii in Manoa, in which you may locate various cheap food and cafes retailers. In addition, the food court at the Ala Moana Center is specially properly stocked.

Honolulu weather conditions:

the current weather Honolulu may differ just marginally throughout the calendar year, together with continual temperatures hitting 70s and 80s. Honolulu includes two chief seasons - April into November, and it is marginally warmer compared to the span December to March. The neighboring ocean stays warm over summer and winter and can be just one of Honolulu's primary points of interest.

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foxwood-drive · 7 years

Text

Lost Angel, Found

I live in LA because I don't lie to myself You read that and think What is she talking about? I live in LA because it forces humility Anywhere you move from Is nothing Compared to this city In size, in sprawl It draws In droves People from all over For different reasons Although the trope Is someone with false hopes Of "making it big" The disillusionment The pursuit of "the dream" Affords Makes you able to feel your way through the world Because you know In a sea of people You're totally alone

LA is a hard city New York might seem harder, But they always think they supersede us Regardless of the category

LA is not Soft And the soft that come Compress under pressure And harden Into diamonds: Physically stunning Cold Indestructible You become able to cut through Bullshit Relying only on your intuition Because everyone will say The same things to you They'll tell you They can make you famous They'll tell you anything To get their way Or to have their way with you They'll talk to you about how they once knew Kerouac At a club on Sunset Once you tell them you're A writer And assume you'll go home with them And be flabbergasted When you leave before midnight, shaking their hand This was me at Hyde With Johnny Depp Last December-- Swear on my life, Ask Danielle

In LA, you can trust no one But that forces you to trust yourself To trust your gut You'll learn spot a liar From a freeway's width away And you'll learn To lie right back to them Strategically Keeping conflict at bay Like a seamless Lane change In a blink You float away Not signaling

To have an ego in LA Is to fail to learn The special lessons it can give you To think you're special Is one thing To speak it Is the failure

You are one of very many people Who think they're very special And so bumbling through a party In the Hollywood Hills Feels like acid tripping through a funhouse You see a girl with a face like yours But with some distortion Her "tits" are bigger and her waist is smaller But you wonder if she's real Or if she's you, through a warped mirror You hear an artist say "I've been taking a break To focus on me" "The creative process takes time, you dig?" Justifying their lazy In a cycle of OCD Snorting like a pig Cocaine, greedily Laughing, commiserating But you wonder if that voice that speaks Is truly emanating From your own brain Because, boy Do they sound the same

I live in LA Because it's humanizing Because there is no reference point for self-comparison There is no community So there is no number one There is no queen bee Or hierarchy Maybe the Kardashians Or the Hadids Would seem to be Who everyone tries to be But LA is too big for that to be True Or universally agreed

It's too big To define It's too spread out To draw lines around There is no "belonging" There is no "in crowd" No consensus Only freedom But for most This kind of freedom isn't liberating It's disorienting

Most people Would choose to be the Big fish in the little pond Because everything is clearer when you know everyone These people are afraid To swim with the sharks Because they know the blood That seeps out of their veins Clouds the clear water Discombobulates And puts them at risk But not them, truly Their concept of identity When you rid yourself of the reference point You're swimming in a school of fish Adjacent to you Who you resemble And share with But have never met This is the 10 Or the 405, better yet

Next time you're in traffic Count the number of people Who sit alone in their Priuses Like the opening sequence Of the film that lost best picture But thought it won These are the souls Who you float through this place with This fucking weird place That you can't make a home out of Other than Within yourself Nomadic You become

LA is change and rapidity It's Instagram and Snapchat It's hyper-connectivity Within a fragmented Inherently disconnected system The metro they're building Is something you have to smirk at: An innocent attempt To unite something disparate As if people would share When they could sit in their own car In the hot air They complain about traffic But they don't really care Cause they know they'll be late And they're not really Going anywhere Anyway

Everyone wakes up at noon on weekends And it's not weird to Everyone feels the same gloom But won't speak about it And it's not a true sadness It's a pseudo-loneliness That comes from resisting The reality that this place gives

You have to embrace it Or you'll get eaten You have to keep swimming Or you'll stay in your reef Watching everyone Race away in the tide The mustang whirring down the street

You don't know where you're going And you don't really care Because at lease you're moving And you're going somewhere

It might be fake But at least it's not Vegas It might be too big But at least it's not tiny

Anonymity is freeing And here is the irony: Here is a city full of people Who just want to be Seen Who want to feel Like their life has meaning In the eyes of other people But in the process of attempting To get what they want They choose to let go of The very thing that allows them Mobility: Anonymity Here are all these fame-seeking Dream-chasing Lotus-eating People Who don't realize That there is no end To this feeling of loneliness That seems to plague their experience Angelenos run marathons Chasing the things that they want Even if it's the love They could never have The run, The marathon Is what keeps you From wanting to off yourself

Los Angeles is a microcosmic representation of the human experience on the planet The existential angst you can experience here is unparalleled The futility and relative insignificance of your existence Is reminded to you By the words people speak The billboards and the hyper-mediation Of people Who were once just like you You realize that the “important people” Aren't any more important Than you You're racing toward nothing But what else can you do?

When you move to the City of Angels, You wake up And for the first time You forget who you are Are you the hot girl at the bar? There are twelve of you. Are you the genius at your school? It's full of the best and brightest youth Whether you're a Trojan a Bruin Or you go to CalTech Who you sit next to Worked just as hard As you did

Sweet baby Angelenos, now Don't let the Santa Ana’s get you down There's no way that you'll woo the whole crowd But the ones you do Cherish them Don't let yourself be deluded By the illusion Don't lose yourself in the labyrinth that is The funhouse I promise it doesn't get better than this Because if you can live in Los Angeles You will understand Firsthand That this is how life is

--Foxwood

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