#Auto layout

[lacefairies]

𖣁 ✚ Life is just money, cars and drugs. ͜͡꒱ இ ♪ ೕ  ི*:·.

︵. ‿࿓ Grand Theft Auto ˚ 🌴🕶️🌃💰 𓏸 ྀ། ⠀⡨ ˈ͙⠀⁀ ⠀˖̇

[rrozeta]

.　　. 　 ˚　. ⌗ MISC LAYOUTS

ᥫ✦. 37 and nikki layouts

໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ interact and credit to use

⚝ ── ❛ day 3 of @theleverethiding : least expected characters together

[celestialorgies]

OLANDER EARTHWORKS Experience yourself in a new way; re-centering and connecting with your inner world through physical touch and movement.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

Founded in 2008, we are a family-owned studio of artists who are dedicated to bringing creativity to our community with our interactive, customizable multisensory art. We are lovingly based in Portland, Oregon. Guided by our backgrounds in sculpture and painting, we make objects inspired by nature, math, science and wellness. Our sculptures and Wonderscapes are designed with the intention of bringing delightful newness to people’s lives; each encounter with our art should inspire a new creative journey.

[alyimoss]

grabs tumblr by the throat who let you update... who did it

[famewolf]

dear gods ... managed to get an exclusive merch item that Percy and I wanted from our favorite creators. my heart is pounding

it was completely worth waking up early for

[canadianlucifer]

god i love browser extensions

[greenleaf4stuff]

What fresh hell(site) is this? * frantically waves at everything *

[mybrainproblems]

homeownership 🙃

[seaerchyourdeals]

Kutchina Chimney Reviwes

Kutchina Chimney: Transforming Kitchen Spaces with Innovation and Efficiency

In the modern kitchen, where culinary creations come to life and family gatherings find warmth, the importance of an efficient kitchen chimney cannot be overstated. Among the leading names in kitchen appliances, Kutchina stands tall, known for its innovative and technologically advanced chimneys designed to revolutionize cooking spaces.

1. Kutchina: A Trusted Household Name

    A brief introduction to Kutchina as a reputable and established brand in the kitchen appliance industry.

    Highlight the brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

2. Understanding the Need for Kitchen Ventilation

    Explanation of the challenges faced in the kitchen environment, such as smoke, odors, and grease, and their impact on indoor air quality.

    Importance of proper ventilation in ensuring a clean, healthy, and comfortable kitchen atmosphere.

3. Kutchina Chimneys: Pioneering Technology and Design

    Overview of the diverse Kutchina chimney models available, catering to various kitchen layouts and styles.

    Introduction to cutting-edge features, such as powerful suction capabilities, multiple filter options (baffle filters, cassette filters, charcoal filters), energy-efficient motors, and intuitive control panels.

4. Advantages of Choosing Kutchina Chimneys

    Improved indoor air quality: Highlight how Kutchina chimneys eliminate smoke, odors, and harmful gases, ensuring a fresh and breathable kitchen environment.

    Easy maintenance and cleaning: Emphasize the user-friendly design of Kutchina chimneys, making them easy to clean and maintain for optimal performance.

    Enhanced kitchen aesthetics: Discuss how Kutchina chimneys add a touch of elegance to kitchens, complementing various interior styles.

5. Customer Satisfaction and Testimonials

    Showcase positive testimonials and feedback from satisfied Kutchina customers, highlighting their experiences with the brand's chimneys.

    Discuss any awards or accolades received by Kutchina for its innovative and reliable chimney solutions.

6. Conclusion: Elevating Kitchen Experiences with Kutchina

    Summarize the key points about Kutchina chimneys, emphasizing their role in transforming ordinary kitchens into efficient, clean, and inviting spaces.

    Kutchina chimney options to enhance their kitchen experiences.

Kutchina chimneys are renowned for their innovation among homeowners. Here are some of the key features of Kutchina chimneys:

1. Powerful Suction Capacity:

    Kutchina chimneys come with powerful motors that offer high suction capacity, effectively removing smoke, odors, and grease from the kitchen.

2. Advanced Filter Options:

    Kutchina chimneys are equipped with various types of filters, including baffle filters, cassette filters, and charcoal filters. These filters efficiently trap grease, oil particles, and odors, ensuring clean and fresh air circulation in the kitchen.

3. Energy-Efficient Operation:

    Kutchina chimneys are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming minimal electricity while delivering optimal performance. This feature not only saves energy but also reduces electricity bills.

4. Low Noise Levels:

    Kutchina chimneys operate quietly, minimizing noise pollution in the kitchen. Ensures a peaceful cooking environment without disturbances from the chimney's operation.

5. Touch Control Panel:

    Many Kutchina chimneys feature touch control panels that offer ease of operation. These intuitive panels allow users to control various functions, such as fan speed, lighting, and timer settings, with a simple touch.

6. LED Lighting:

    Kutchina chimneys are equipped with bright and energy-efficient LED lights that illuminate the cooking area. These lights enhance visibility, making cooking easier while adding a stylish element to the kitchen.

7. Auto-Clean Technology:

    Some Kutchina chimneys come with auto-clean technology, which automatically cleans the filters and removes accumulated grease. This feature ensures hassle-free maintenance and prolongs the chimney's lifespan.

8. Heat Auto-Clean Function:

    Kutchina chimneys with heat auto-clean function use heat to dissolve sticky and oily particles, keeping the filters clean and enhancing the chimney's efficiency.

9. Ductless Operation:

    Certain Kutchina chimneys can operate ductless, using recirculation technology to purify the air. This flexibility allows installation in kitchens where ductwork is not possible.

10. Sleek and Stylish Design:

    Kutchina Chimneys are known for their kitchen decor. The stylish appearance enhances the overall aesthetics of the cooking space.

11. Timer Function:

    Some Kutchina chimneys have a timer function, allowing users to set the operating time. This feature is useful for automatic shutdown after a specific duration, ensuring energy efficiency and convenience.

These features collectively make Kutchina chimneys a popular choice for homeowners, providing efficient and convenient solutions for kitchen ventilation.

Using Kutchina chimneys in your kitchen can offer many benefits, creating a healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable cooking environment. Here are the key advantages of using Kutchina chimneys:

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality:

    Kutchina chimneys effectively remove smoke, grease particles, and cooking odors from the air. Helps maintain high indoor air quality, ensuring a healthier atmosphere for you and your family.

2. Removal of Harmful Gases:

    Cooking processes can release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. Kutchina chimneys help eliminate these gases, safeguarding the health of your family members.

3. Prevention of Grease Buildup:

    Chimneys prevent grease particles from settling on kitchen surfaces, including walls, cabinets, and appliances. Reduces the effort needed for cleaning and maintenance in the kitchen.

4. Enhanced Kitchen Hygiene:

    By capturing grease and other pollutants, Kutchina chimneys maintain a hygienic kitchen environment. A cleaner kitchen promotes better food preparation practices and overall hygiene.

5. Odor Control:

    Cooking odors can be overwhelming and can spread throughout your home. Kutchina chimneys efficiently remove odors, ensuring your kitchen and home remain fresh and pleasant-smelling.

6. Protects Kitchen Decor:

    Grease and smoke can tarnish kitchen interiors over time. Kutchina chimneys protect your kitchen decor and prevent discoloration, helping to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space.

7. Energy Efficiency:

    Kutchina chimneys are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming minimal electricity while providing optimal performance. This energy efficiency contributes to reduced electricity bills.

8. Peaceful Cooking Environment:

    Kutchina chimneys operate quietly, minimizing noise in the kitchen. Creates a peaceful cooking environment, allowing you to focus on your culinary creations without disturbances.

9. Extended Appliance Lifespan:

    By preventing the buildup of grease and grime on kitchen appliances, Kutchina chimneys contribute to the extended lifespan and improved performance of your cooking appliances.

10. Adds Elegance to Your Kitchen:

    Kutchina chimneys come in stylish designs. They not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the visual appeal of your cooking space.

In summary, Kutchina chimneys offer a range of benefits, from ensuring clean air and hygiene to enhancing the overall cooking experience and aesthetics of your kitchen. Investing in a Kutchina chimney can significantly improve your kitchen environment and overall quality of life.

Installation of Kutchina Chimneys

    A professional technician installed your Kutchina chimney, including correct positioning, secure mounting, and appropriate ductwork if required.

    Choosing the Right Location: Select a suitable location for the chimney, preferably above the cooktop or stove. Ensure no obstructions and enough space for the chimney to capture smoke and odors effectively.

    Ductwork Installation: If your Kutchina chimney requires ductwork, ensure it is installed properly. The ducts should be straight and short with minimal bends to allow efficient airflow.

    Electrical Connection: Ensure the chimney is correctly connected to the power supply. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions while connecting the electrical components.

Maintenance of Kutchina Chimneys:

    Regular Cleaning: Clean the chimney filters and surface debris. Follow the user manual for specific cleaning instructions. Some Kutchina chimneys come with auto-clean features that make maintenance easier.

    Filter Replacement: If your chimney uses filters (such as baffle filters or charcoal filters), replace them as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean filters ensure optimal performance.

    Check for Damages

Inspect the chimney for any damages or signs of wear and tear.

Pay attention to the motor, fan, and lights.

    Grease Tray Maintenance: If your chimney has a grease collection tray, clean it regularly to prevent overflow and ensure efficient functioning.

    Maintaining Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation ducts are clear and free from blockages. Regularly inspect the external vent to prevent birds or debris from clogging the opening.

    Professional Servicing: Consider scheduling professional servicing of your Kutchina chimney at least once a year. Experienced technicians can conduct a thorough inspection, clean internal components, and make necessary adjustments for optimal performance.

    Avoiding DIY Repairs: If you encounter issues with your chimney, avoid attempting major repairs yourself. Contact the manufacturer's customer service or a certified technician to assess and fix the problem safely.

By following these installation and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your Kutchina chimney operates efficiently, providing clean and fresh air in your kitchen for years.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Performance and satisfaction levels of Kutchina Chimneys. Here are some potential testimonials and reviews based on customers' experiences

1. Satisfied Customer Experience

    "I am extremely satisfied with my Kutchina chimney! The powerful suction, quiet operation, and easy maintenance have made my cooking experience so much better. The installation was smooth, and the chimney looks great in my kitchen!" - Sarah M.

2. Impressed with Efficiency

    "I purchased a Kutchina chimney a few months ago, and I am impressed with its efficiency. It quickly removes all the smoke and odors from my kitchen, leaving the air clean and fresh. The auto-clean feature is a game-changer – hassle-free maintenance at its best!" - David P.

3. Clean and Stylish Addition

    "Not only does my Kutchina chimney keep my kitchen clean and odor-free, but it also adds a touch of elegance to the space. The LED lights are bright, and the touch control panel is very user-friendly. I highly recommend Kutchina Chimneys!" - Emily L.

4. Excellent Customer Service

    "I had a fantastic experience with Kutchina's customer service team. They were responsive knowledgeable, and resolved my query promptly. It's not just the excellent product, but also the outstanding customer support that makes Kutchina stand out!" - Michael H.

5. Lifesaver for Open Kitchen Layouts

    "We have an open kitchen layout, and our Kutchina chimney has been a lifesaver! It effectively removes all the cooking fumes and keeps our living area smoke-free. I can cook without worrying about the entire house smelling like food. Truly a great investment!" - Lisa C.

6. Value for Money

    "I was initially hesitant about spending on a chimney, but Kutchina proved worth every penny. The quality, performance, and durability are exceptional. It's a long-term investment in my kitchen's cleanliness and my family's health." - Jason R.

7. Easy to Clean and Maintain

    "I love how easy it is to clean my Kutchina chimney. The filters are simple to remove and wash. The auto-clean function works like a charm. It saves me time and effort, allowing me to focus on what I love – cooking!" - Amanda S.

These testimonials reflect the positive experiences of customers who have chosen Kutchina chimneys for their kitchens. Reading such reviews can help potential buyers make informed decisions, highlighting the satisfaction and benefits real users have gained from their Kutchina chimney purchases.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Kitchen Experience with Kutchina Chimneys

In the heart of every home, where culinary creations come to life and cherished moments are shared, a Kutchina chimney is a testament to innovation, efficiency, and elegance. As we conclude our exploration of Kutchina chimneys, it becomes evident that these appliances are more than just kitchen fixtures – they are transformative elements that elevate your cooking experience.

A Clean and Healthy Kitchen

    Kutchina chimneys ensure your kitchen remains clean and free from smoke, grease, and odors. By eliminating harmful pollutants, these chimneys create a healthier environment for you and your family, safeguarding your well-being.

Efficiency in Action:

    With powerful suction capabilities and advanced filtration systems, Kutchina chimneys remove impurities, leaving your kitchen air fresh and pure. The ease of use, quiet operation, and intuitive controls make cooking delightful and hassle-free.

Aesthetics and Elegance:

    Beyond functionality, Kutchina chimneys add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen space. Their sleek designs, coupled with energy-efficient LED lighting, not only enhance visibility but also augment the overall aesthetics of your culinary haven.

Innovative Solutions, Lasting Satisfaction:

    Whether it's the convenience of auto-clean technology, the variety of filter options, or the outstanding customer support, Kutchina Chimneys offers innovative solutions tailored to your needs. The longevity and durability of these appliances ensure lasting satisfaction, making them a valuable addition to your home.

In choosing a Kutchina chimney, you're not just investing in a kitchen appliance; you're investing in the comfort, health, and joy of your home. Embrace the future of cooking with Kutchina, and let your kitchen breathe with freshness, cleanliness, and style. Welcome to a new era of culinary excellence – the world of Kutchina chimneys.

[therandomartmaker]

Reasons Discord's New Mobile Layout Update is Bad

The reply function is redundant, as most people are used to just holding down and tapping the reply option at the top. If they're going to change it, they shouldn't have gotten rid of the member list for this functionally bad option. It also doesnt line up with any other platform in terms of swipe direction.

The member list is gone from easy viewing

It doesnt auto open your last group chat/DM making multiple simultaneous conversations far more difficult and longer

It's already broken my app once (Locked all channels including other servers' to one channel. I could not access anything except that and my DMs.)

You can not see images that have been pinned in the pins tab.

The search function was fine before. Where did your before, during and after date search go??

All of Discord's individuality is disappearing.

Getting used to a mobile format actually impedes usage of the desktop format and likely discourages people from multiplatforming discord because theyre so used to the "intuitiveness" of the new "tailored for mobile" experience

There is no way to CHANGE IT BACK. This is like Tumblr rolling out Tumblr Live without any Disable button At All.

Why are they marketing midnight mode as Something fucking ENTIRELY new??? It has always been a feature on Android as the AMOLED theme???????

DARK MODE IS NO LONGER LOW CONTRAST AND DISCORD IS DEVOLVING INTO AN ACCESSIBILITY NIGHTMARE

Disable swipe-to-reply by activating full-screen Launchpad in Advanced Settings

Discord’s new layout is apparently permanent. Keep sending feedback and rating it one star on all appstores; if you get redirected to the advice article, double tap gove feedback.

If you, too, dislike the theme, head to settings (you can double tap your account picture) and go to Appearance, scroll to New Layout and Send Feedback.

Overall, what they've done is disorientate every single current user on discord, and you cannot avoid it unless you've not updated to the latest discord because this is not an update. It is a feature that has already been on the latest update and is being slowly rolled out, like Tumblr Polls.

Good Luck, and may we send as much feedback as possible and have them make it optional or at the least, revert it. I've already sent in at least seven complaints to discord, commented on their instagram post about the layout and I'm about one star review it on google play and app store.

This isnt just the appearance and vibes being off like the new (ish) app icon, this is a matter of functionality.

[thespnreferencedesk]

How to Use the Reference Desk

The SPN Reference Desk is here for all of your nichest, most seemingly insignificant questions about Supernatural canon as well as comprehensive guides covering the basics in one single space. Unlike a fandom wiki, these guides are aimed specifically at the needs of creators and fan-fiction authors who want to dive deeper into certain topics like Baby’s specs, Bobby’s house layout, or how the hell the boys’ different guns work.

Types of Guides - SPN Reference Desk written guides - SPN Reference Desk screenshots - Art references - How-to guides - Other people’s guides

Reference Desk guides will be broken down into categories. Within those categories, each guide will be grouped by topic and tagged for easy access.

Due to the “work in progress” nature of this blog, categories and topics that are listed below but don’t have a link are guides planned for the future.

Locations - Bobby’s House - Singer Auto Salvage - Men of Letter’s Bunker - etc. Car Talk - Baby (1967 Impala) - Castiel’s Pimpmobile (1978 Continental) - John’s truck (1986 GMC) - etc. Weaponry - Handguns           - Dean’s M1911           - Sam’s PT92           - “The Colt” - Shotguns           - Ithaca 37           - Remington 870 - Ammunition - Blades - Magical weapons - etc. Lifestyle - Personal belongings - Travel - In-universe brands - etc.

Have a suggestion for a guide? Got a specific question you need help answering? Drop an ask and leave a question for your librarian!

[sculkapologist]

I finally finished a NEW CUSTOM MAP ART!!! "Visitor," a portrait of an enderman, is extra exciting because it's my first full-palette map painting, meaning I used block height to access all the highlight and shadow colours available!! More on the full process under the cut, but the short version of what this means is:

ITS A VERY COMPLICATED CONSTRUCTION. I created the art, then planned and built this manually, without any mods or schematics for construction. Huge props again to everyone else in the server for helping me gather all the materials to make this absurd thing possible!!!

This was the original art I made for it! I'm a huge fan of the "compressed" look of the vanilla paintings, so I've been starting with a large image and shrinking it down, though there were a lot of pixel tweaks to get it to read well. After shrinking it to 16x32 (for an art made of two maps), I convert it to a limited palette that I've set up to match the colours minecraft actually has available:

The map palette is actually tremendously limited, so figuring out a painting that will still look good with that constraint is a challenge in and of itself!

Anyway, the way minecraft maps work, a block that is Taller than the block to the north of it shows up with a slightly lighter colour, and a block that is Lower than the block north of it shows up on the map with a slightly darker colour. So when making a key for this one, I marked all the squares with a little arrow if it's the lighter or darker version:

Each "pixel" here is a full stack of blocks on the mapped area: 64 blocks, 8 rows of 8. In order to achieve the affect of every block in a given pixel being taller or shorter than the block to the north of it, dark and light shades need to staircase either up or down. Because staircasing downwards in survival sounds even worse than this madness, I did some planning to make sure each of the "downwards" staircases would touch the ground, so I could simply staircase up from south to north instead. This involved figuring out how many up and down movements were in each individual column and planning out 32 little layouts:

It's worth noting that if you look up minecraft map art on Youtube, most of what you'll find is either, the simple realisation that placing blocks allows you to make custom map art, or an explanation of how to use a generator that will let you plug in any picture and then produce a schematic for you. It's very cool that these exist, but I wanted to do full palette art myself, without an auto-generated schematic, and at the time THERE JUST WEREN'T ANY TUTORIALS FOR HOW TO DO ALL THIS?? Now, having the experience of finagling all this, i think perhaps the reason is that this is a mad undertaking.

ANYWAY: PROGRESS SHOTS!!

I actually love how the staircases look..... its like some kind of modern sculpture

Fewer shots of the second half since I did it on call with friends; the last screenshot is one Thren took of me activating the new locked map to use for the gallery.

Once these paintings are done, I lock the finished maps, make copies, and stock them in the art gallery so other friends on our server can also put these paintings in their homes! It's a lot of work, but really rewarding to see my art decorating various buildings around the server. ;u;

I have one more custom full-palette painting I've done the art for and gathered all materials for; I still need to do the full key and plan staircasing for it before I can start, but HOPEFULLY if my resolve doesn't waver there'll be at least one more of these!!

[wholemeallbread]

such a showoff | GAMER!NAGI SEISHIRO X GN!READER

grand heart auto iv m.list

warnings | fluff, hcs format, nagi is a streamer, i think he loves you... idk tho, chat idk what else to say

streamer!nagi swears he doesn't like to show you off, but he really does.

streamer!nagi basically forces you to be in the background when he has his facecam on. he purposely streams around the times when you clean up, enjoying how the viewers try to catch your attention and say hi to you. sometimes he even has silent streams, with you in clear view tucked in bed and sleeping, occasionally tossing and turning.

streamer!nagi tends to keep his layouts simple, or just default. but one day your ship name with him was trending on twitter. why? he changed his youtube banner; it was just a white background with the name slapped in the middle of it. no colour, no shapes, nothing else. minimum effort, but he went out of his way to make it himself. impressive, huh?

streamer!nagi always has a random accessory or clip in his hair. no, it's not a gift from a fan, it's from you. or maybe his hair is slightly tussled, and when he gets questioned about it he makes no effort to fix it, because you're the one who messed it up.

streamer!nagi is always matching with you in all of his games. matching skins, matching usernames, matching anything. his weak attempts to convince everyone that it's only him on his minecraft world are just funny at this point, because: two different colour beds together, the buildings that he would've never built for himself, always making two of an item when he only needs one... yeah.

streamer!nagi is always saying he needs a certain agent with him when he plays valorant. he fakes a frown, mumbling something about "needing his reyna here" or "not winning because his usual duo isn't here". he literally plays pro and has carried his team on his own multiple times. does he really need you there, or is he just missing you?

streamer!nagi tends to ignore donations. but when specific messages tick him off, like trying to flirt with him, he calls them out by name, responding with how he'll wisely use the money to spend on his partner.

taglist — @lizbix @s6rine @ayatakanosstuff @inojinieeee @pookalicious-hq @vellichorira @rwbie @y-sabell-a @sugurumybeloved @1-800reki @hannimissesherbackbone @diorzs @anqelkoz @thenightsflower

@adoresia a little birdie told me u read nagi fics..........

[sapphicandgraphic]

The Girl Next Door

Synopsis: A new neighbor turns Melissa’s world upside down.

Chapter: 2/10 (The Peace Offering)

Series Warnings: Slow burn, angst, drama, hurt/comfort, eventual smut, protective Melissa, fem reader, age difference, WLW

Chapter Warnings: Parental death mentioned, casual sex mentioned, more adorable banter

_______________________________________________________

Chapter 2

You woke up well after midday with a dull headache and a very dry mouth. You blinked a few times, trying to figure out why you weren’t in bed. Then you remembered you didn’t have a bed yet. Which explained why you were still sprawled on the sofa, an open pizza box on the floor beside you. You looked down at the sad graveyard of stale crusts and grease stains, contemplating your options.

Boone had pinned a sticky-note to your chest: Shift starts at 7:00, don’t be late!

You crumpled the paper up and dragged yourself into a sitting position. First order of business was to chug some water, hop in a steaming shower, and put some clean clothes on. By the time you were dressed and out the door, it was almost 3:30.

Crossing the street, you set out for Angelo’s on Arch. Half an hour later, you had a massive Italian sub in one hand and a bag full of salty snacks in the other. You were climbing the stairs to your place when you ran into the redhead on the landing.

“Hey,” she said dryly. “She lives.”

“Barely,” you yawned.

Looking at the pinched expression on your face, Melissa felt a mild pang of sympathy. “What’s a matter, sweetheart? Somebody didn’t get their beauty sleep?”

Privately, Melissa thought it oughta be criminal to look as good as you did, considering the night you’d had. Your hair was windswept, your cheeks pinked softly by the chill outside. You might have just stepped out of a photoshoot.

“Nothing Angelo can’t fix,” you said bravely, holding the massive sandwich aloft. Then on a whim, you added, “Any interest in going halfsies with me? Consider it a peace offering for last night.”

“You know Angelo’s?” Her eyes narrowed. “What’s your order?”

“Chicken cutlet, fresh mozz, parm, basil—“

“You Italian?” she interrupted, suspicion clear in her face.

“No,” you grinned. “Just dated my fair share.”

Melissa tilted her head to the side, considering. She didn’t usually let her guard down with strangers, but there was something a little irresistible about your sleepy smile, your slouchy confidence. Plus, you weren’t technically a stranger anymore. And if you were going to be neighbors, she figured forming an alliance might be smart.

“Come on in, then.”

Her apartment had a layout like yours, but that was where the similarities ended. You felt a ripple of shame, remembering the absolute disaster zone waiting for you across the hall. Her home was cozy and warm, with soft lighting and comfy furniture. You found yourself being drawn in, tension easing out of your sore neck and shoulders.

“I never got your name,” you said, watching as she moved through the room on auto-pilot. She tossed her keys on the coffee table and disappeared around a corner, depositing her bags in the closet.

“Melissa,” she called, voice slightly muffled as she peeled her sweater off and tossed it on the bed.

You snuck a peek at the framed photos on her wall, looking for signs of a husband or boyfriend, lingering on a picture of her outside a red brick building with a mural. Her smile was radiant and she was surrounded by little kids.

“Oh, you’re a teacher,” you laughed. “That explains my desire to misbehave whenever you’re around.”

She came back in the room wearing a low-cut tee. Your eyes flickered down to the swell of her tits, the perfect valley of her cleavage where several gold necklaces caught the light and glimmered like bait on a fishing line. She quirked an eyebrow at you.

“Ya got a problem with authority, hon?’

“Among other things,” you said, trying to ignore the butterflies that flooded your stomach as she stalked toward you.

“So it’s my fault you’re a brat?”

She snatched the bags from you and headed into the kitchen, enjoying the flustered look on your face.

“What grade do you teach?” you asked, hoping the slight tremor in your voice wasn’t noticeable. Despite your drunken opener last night, it had been a while since you really flirted with anyone as hot as Melissa. Your game was extremely rusty.

“Second.”

You perched on a barstool at the counter, watching her work. Grabbing a knife, she sliced cleanly through the paper and set each sandwich half on a plate.

“Do you —“

“Uh-uh,” she said, holding up the knife to interrupt you. “My turn.”

She opened the fridge, retrieved a jar of pickles, and slid two spears onto the plates. “Why do your friends call you Hotshot?”

The blush returned to your face. That stupid nickname.

“I’m a paramedic,” you said. “When I was still a rookie, I revived a guy who OD’d on a hotshot—meth laced with fentanyl.”

“Jesus,” Melissa muttered.

“This was before Narcan, everyone thought he was a goner,” you explained. “I did CPR for 9 straight minutes, brought him back to life.”

You took the first bite of your sandwich and moaned. The sound was obscene and Melissa closed her eyes briefly, horrified to find a flush working its way up her neck.

“You always this loud?” she demanded, hoping to distract herself from the sight of your lips, slick with oil, and the purr of pleasure dancing around your soft pallete. Unfortunately, the way she phrased the question did nothing to cut the tension.

“Never had any complaints,” you said, batting your eyelashes.

“You know what I mean.” The edges of her mouth quirked up in a reluctant smile. “Are you always so loud when you eat?”

You waggled your finger at her playfully. “Not so fast,” you said. “According to your rules, it’s my turn to ask a question now.”

“Fine,” Melissa growled. “Just take smaller bites, I don’t wanna have to give you the Heimlich. Marone!”

You wasted no time. “You single?”

The redhead faltered, a disquieted look muting the smile that had been working its way across her face. “Yeah,” she said. “You?”

“Very,” you said.

“What about that guy who answered your door last night?”

“Who, Boone?” You took a bite of pickle, waving the spear in a dismissive gesture. “He’s just a friend.”

Melissa looked skeptical. “Pretty cute friend.”

You wrinkled your nose. “Not really my type.”

She watched as you shoveled more food into your mouth, fighting a smile. Despite what she said, Melissa liked a girl who could eat. And you clearly relished the flavors, eyes closed in satisfaction as you chewed each bite.

“Why’d ya go AWOL?”

You licked some sauce off your finger. “Hmm?”

“Last night, you said you went AWOL.” She opened two sodas and slid one across the counter toward you.

“Oh, that,” you said, debating how to respond. “My dad died right after I graduated college.”

The words even took you by surprise. You didn’t usually talk about him, much less with perfect strangers. The air seemed to calcify, the way it always did when grief entered the room. Melissa waited patiently, not rushing to fill the silence.

“It was…sudden. One second he was walking around complaining about the lawnmower, the next we were picking out a casket.”

Melissa made a small hum of sympathy.

“And then my family kind of imploded,” you continued, seemingly unable to stop spilling your guts to this woman. “He was the one that kept us all…” you trailed off, taking a shaky breath.

Melissa reached toward you gently, brushing away a tear that you didn’t realize had fallen.

“You don’t gotta explain,” she said softly.

You nodded, taking another bite of your sandwich. “Anyway, I stuck around for the funeral, then I ran off and joined the Peace Corps. Haven’t been back in a few years.”

“Peace Corps?” Melissa asked, genuinely curious. “What kind of work did you do?”

“Community health projects mostly. Administered vaccines to kids, worked on a water sanitation project.” You crumpled up the parchment paper from your demolished sammie and tossed it in the trash can across the room.

“Wow,” Melissa said, feeling a little ashamed that she had initially written you off. “I’m impressed.”

“It wasn’t all halos and angel wings,” you said with a naughty smile. “In my spare time I traveled and partied and had lots of casual sex.”

Melissa snorted, and you realized how much you liked making her laugh. She popped a potato chip into her mouth, and you realized how much you liked being the one to bring her food. She licked her lips, and you realized how much you wanted to taste them. Uh-oh.

The redhead looked up to find you watching her, and her eyes narrowed. “What?” she asked gruffly.

“Sorry,” you said, praying your thoughts weren’t written plain as day on your face. “Just zoned out for a second.”

She regarded you with her usual suspicion, but then nodded. “Food coma.”

You laughed. “Yeah, but it was worth it.”

You chatted for a little while longer, Melissa giving you the skinny on the neighbors down the hall, the building management, the super. When you checked your watch and realized what time it was, you stood up.

“I guess I should get going,” you said, stretching. Yep, sleeping on the sofa had been a mistake. “Gotta try and clean up the mess before my shift starts.”

Melissa’s eyes darted down to the slip of skin that appeared as you reached overhead, your shirt hiking up far enough to expose the delicate jut of your hip bones.

“Oh,” the redhead said, wiping her mouth on a napkin. “You workin’ nights?”

“For now,” you nodded. “My old boss agreed to give me my job back, but I still gotta eat shit for a little while.”

Melissa followed you to the door.

“Be careful out there,” she said suddenly. You turned around on the threshold, smirking.

“Graveyard shift in downtown Philly,” you said, clapping your hands and rubbing them together. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“I’m serious, kid. City’s changed a lot in the last few years. Watch your six.”

Your roguish smile transformed into something soft, almost tender.

“What?” Melissa grumbled.

“Nothing,” you said. “It’s just, I knew you liked me.”

With a little mischievous wave, you disappeared into the hallway. Melissa frowned, closing the door with a vague sense of unease.

“Don’t get attached, Schemmenti,” she muttered, wandering back into the kitchen to clean up. Unfortunately, whether she wanted to admit it or not, that particular ship had already sailed.

Chapter 3

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

American Motors AMX/2, 1969. A concept presented at the Chicago Auto Show designed under Richard "Dick" Teague by Bob Nixon and Fred Hudson. The AMX/2 design was for a mid-engine layout though the concept lacked any engine at all