#blocking the entrance of the shopping mall parking lot

[coreagroup]

A sign of anger management issues

The people of Incheon, South Korea have been feeling disgruntled for a while now due to a car parked at the front of a shopping center’s car park, hindering the road for some time. It is believed that the car’s owner is absent, and the police have been on the receiving end of criticism for their lack of action. At the start, the police claimed they could not interfere because the automobile was…

[sizzlerseth]

Shopping

Summary: Trying on some clothes! With your favorite ler, what could go wrong?

You stare outside the window with your fist on your chin. The window is slightly warm, but it doesn't burn you.

"How long has it been? Two days?" I said, my hands on the wheel.

I was driving you to the mall. You were angry at me because I had forgotten to do the dishes two days ago.

"But you won't apologize." You glanced to the driver's seat, looking for my reaction. I had only opened my mouth, but closed it again.

"I'm sorry." I said, pretty sincerely, but not sincere enough to get forgiveness just yet.

"Maybe I can help you with something, then would we be even?" I looked over as much as I could without creating a big danger.

You finally turned over to face me, but not making eye contact. "Yeah I guess. I could use it, maybe."

"M-kay, so what should I do?" I made a right turn at a light.

The black exterior of the car was bad for the summer, making it a bit hot. I turned on the air conditioner, and you positioned your fans toward you.

"It's getting hot these days, so I was thinking of getting some cooler shirts." You leaned back in your seat.

"Sure!" The car slowed as we reached our destination.

After parking both of us exited the car, walking the short walk in-between the parking lot and the large shop.

The shop was a beige color, and the bricks were a bit rocky seeming. The super-store expanded the length of the parking lot, and was one story tall. There were 3 different entrances, and we walked toward the center one. The glass was slightly blue, and it reflected the puffy clouds in the sky.

As we entered the large market, there was a small beep. I grabbed your hand and we walked through the long aisles to the clothing section at the back. You had a tiny flinch, but you didn't let go.

I squeezed your hand as we stepped between stands of tank tops and shirts, grabbing one or two every once in a while. We stopped suddenly, nearing the dressing room.

"Ok wait here," You said gesturing towards a bench beside the red curtains of the dressing room.

I sat down, crossing my arms slightly impatiently, but you were quick at changing and came out in a navy blue crop top.

"Wow, niceeee" I walked in circles around you. "You look really good in-"

Your brain blocked out the rest, because something heavenly and hellish at the same time touches your uncovered armpit, and you can't even flinch before you whirl around, grabbing my hand, but it's too late. My other hand has already made its target, and softly falls to your tummy.

The little scribbles as if I'm a kid drawing with Crayola's are forcing your throat to close up as you desperately try to stop the ripples of little giggles and snorts.

"StoP, STOHOJAHAHP RIGHIITAH NOWWOWOW" As you open your mouth to speak, hell breaks out and you can no longer hold it back.

Each of your nerves cry for attention but they also scream in joy and terror as I make contact with your upper thighs. You almost SHRIEK in joy as I roughly dig into your muscles, like a massage, but in no way relaxing.

"Aw, stop trying to grab my hands, I know you love this, so stop trying to take this away from yourself." You had thought you had gotten away from my teases this time, but now you were blushing and flailing all over. You would've thought that people would be staring by now, but the store was surprisingly empty.

"EEK, GUHSHA" You rolled over, protecting your overworked tummy, but suddenly, your legs were completely immobilized as I locked my thighs around yours and rocketed onto your sides.

The tingling was so bad that your eyes were locked closed at this point, and you thought you wouldn't even have enough time to try on the other clothes.

You wriggled, not whatsoever in control of your body.

I had stopped directly tickling you, but the ghost tickles kept you rolling for a whole minute. "STOHHOHOP, STOP STOP-" You gasped for breath, the moment your body finally caught up to the fact that I hadn't touched you in multiple minutes.

You gave me a punch as you ran back into the changing room to avoid any more public embarrassment. Not that anyone had seen you. Actually, no one was even around to hear you... Actually, maybe it wasn't so bad...

You tried a few more shirts on, extremely careful to make sure all your weak points were covered, avoiding any tank tops or crop tops.

You could tell I was a bit disappointed, but what were you to care. He had tickled you. IN PUBLIC TOO! He deserved this. After the on edge dressing, we went to the cashier and started ringing up a few shirts.

Suddenly, I spotted a navy blue crop top. You could tell I had noticed it because I gave you a look of total slyness that you wished you could tear right off of my face.

You ran to the car, avoiding any chance of torture, but in the car, you were forced to sit only a foot away, and you knew what you were gonna get.

"TICKLE, TICKLE, TICKLE" I softly scratch at your specifically covered stomach, lifting your arms, somehow fast enough you can't even wriggle.

You jump backward trying to get away, but the door stops you from moving. Almost as if you have your seat belt, you couldn't move at all, enhancing every little nerve activation. You silently screamed.

"Aw, come on. I knowwwww you love it, why did you get the shirt if not?" I grinned. "Can't you just tell it to me, 'I want you to destroy me with tickles?'"

'OH MY GOSH IF HE DOESN'T SHUT UP RIGHT NOWWOWOW I'LL-HAHAHAHH' You think, completely confused how you were even laughing in your mind?

Suddenly you feel your shoes slide off, and you're allowed a moment of panic before little waves of dots and dashes rush into the sensitive skin on the bottom of your feet. You stop yelling to yelp and you kick as hard as you can, but the hands just fall onto your tummy.

"Maybe I shouldn't have asked you to speak- Now just tell me, look into my eyes and give me a big laugh, and I'll know you lovvveeee it~"

Surely your face is as red as a literal fire, and you're sure it's as hot as one. Every single nerve is burning in desire of tickles and desire that the tickles will stop, relieving you of this torture.

"Aww, your screaming turned into your adorable laughter, just like I asked. You would ask for this everyday if you could get the courage, wouldn't you my tickle bug."

You have NO idea how I can just say tickle, and you feel like the surface of the sun. You are melted and no longer even have the energy to wriggle, just sitting on your seat. You think that it's ended, but little tingles remain, as if your body doesn't accept that it's ended. You suddenly sway, the car starting to move, but you can't even buckle yourself.

You close your eyes, giggling as little ghost tingles take you over.

[crookedkryptonitebeliever]

Best and Worst of Both Worlds (part 41)

Tw: not that i know of

Part 42

Vote below pls i will only consider first 21 votes

Yves effortlessly carried you out of the back seat and placed you onto the wheelchair.

You gaped at everything while Yves closed his car door.

It's a stylish and minimalistic house with two floors. You like its modern architecture with sharp edges and boxy shapes, the walls and roofs are painted with black or various shades of grey.

It's much smaller than his neighbors who boast their colossal mansions and manors. Even if each owned land is similar in size, Yves's vicinity appears larger by tenfold due to how little he built. You saw some lawns even have a helipad, all other houses had a swimming pool of some sort and a garage that was as big as a shopping mall's parking lot.

Yves had none of that. It was just a relatively boring, regular sized luxury house. And with a small garden and a garage that fits a maximum of two cars.

You think he wanted you to look around, that is why he parked outside instead. His home looked... out of place. Not because he appears poor due to his lack of excessiveness, but it almost seems like he's hiding something from his equally wealthy neighbors.

Because how else is he able to secure housing in a neighbourhood that appears to accommodate multi billionaires? Yves has to be rich, but he refuses to show it, going against the norm. Is that not social suicide for the wealthy?

He lifts the brakes off your chair and pushes you towards the entrance. It's just a plain, singular door with no grand carvings. There is a metal gate that he had to unlock before accessing the next barrier, though. But it felt bizarre how there isn't some complex security system. Just a surveillance camera and two keyholes.

"Welcome to the place I call home, my love." Said Yves as he wheeled you inside.

His home is breathtaking. A dramatic, gothic interior design complete with a giant chandelier emitting soft, golden light. Black, greys, burgundy, ecru and browns were all you could see. It is exactly like the ones you would see in high end magazines, the epitome of opulence.

He has a brick fireplace that isn't lit, but upon further inspection, it's more of a glass box- an electronic fireplace that replaced the need for gas, wood or an actual fire. It's obviously not lit at the moment due to the scorching weather.

The lighting is nothing like you imagined, illuminance came from slender, golden lamps that glowed pleasantly. It's never too bright or dim, it felt perfect.

The windows quadruple your height and the blinds block natural outside light so much that you thought they were part of the walls, it's ridiculously spacious for its exterior. It was as if Yves managed to stuff an entire plane hangar into a little room.

It's cool inside, but not freezing. You couldn't find the air conditioner anywhere, you wonder where the cold air is coming from. No visible vents nor openings in the walls.

You picked up a nice, citrusy and vaguely floral smell with a clear note of sandalwood. It's very mild, almost unnoticeable if one were to be absentminded. But the general fragrance of his home fits the theme, sophisticated and seductive, yet enigmatic. You have no idea where the smell is coming from, seeing that there isn't an air freshener nearby.

It's so surreal to exist in such magnificence, you're afraid to touch anything else because whatever your eyes landed on, you knew that it cost way more than your life.

You told Yves that his design is beautiful. He smiled at your compliment.

"I'm happy that you like my sense of style. As you will be living with me for a while."

You asked if the bedrooms are upstairs. To that, he said yes. Scratching the back of your head nervously, you asked if you could stay downstairs until your leg is healed instead. It would be tedious going up and down with a pair of crutches.

Yves pauses for a bit. He had to hold his tongue as he would have told you to rely on him completely for mobility. That wouldn't have sat well with you as someone who values their autonomy to a certain degree. However, he would have gladly carried you wherever and whenever you wanted.

"I do have a guest bedroom downstairs." Yves appeared disappointed. You ignored that and told him you would take that instead.

"Very well then." He uttered, moving you towards your new bedroom.

__

You're surprised to know Yves has already moved all your belongings into his home. So setting up your new bedroom only took an hour. It seems like he was under the assumption that you will be staying upstairs, as he had to bring boxes upon boxes down by himself.

You grinned and leaned back against your comfortable office chair, your wheels resting close by. The room is almost five times as large as your previous one, everything is new and maintained. The aesthetic is similar to that outside, but it's more impersonal and plain. You assume that Yves would want his guests to customize their temporary living space to an extent.

The bed is fluffy and king-sized and there is an ensuite bathroom.

Yves hung up the last of your posters before bringing his attention back to you.

"Use this if you need me." He handed you a key fob with one button. It's safe to assume that you simply press it to alert Yves.

"I have duties to attend to." He bent down and gave you a kiss on the forehead. "I will be in my office, is there anything else you would like me to do, before I leave?"

You shook your head.

"Then, I will meet you later, my dear." He caressed your cheek before giving you privacy.

As soon as the door closes, you open your laptop and turn it on. The sound of your dusty fans whirring filled the space, it was loud and unnerving. But what could you do, you're too stingy to use the $5000 allowance from Yves to buy a new one since it's still working. You're not going to ask Yves to get another laptop for you either.

You clicked a few icons and began typing.

Yves frowned at his screen that's mirroring yours. His emerald eyes watched you type "Room rentals for university students" in the search bar of your browser.

He adjusted his reading glasses as he flitted his eyes between what is shown on his monitor and the conditions in your room. It's slightly colder than what you're comfortable with, so he adjusted the thermostat in your room.

After a few minutes of scrolling through the listings, once the temperature hits a specific figure, down to the decimals, you immediately close the window just to open up your favourite computer game. Seemingly losing interest in putting your life back together and wanting to distract yourself instead.

Meanwhile, you thought about what you wanted to do as you level your character up. There is no doubt that living with others is much cheaper, but you really wanted to try living on your own. Especially when you probably have the means to pay two months of rent in advance already.

Living with Yves is great, but you noted the lack of bus stops around. The rich wouldn't need public transportation, they have their own private vehicles and maybe their own hidden highways. That means you couldn't move around as freely and you would have to rely on Yves to give you a ride.

You didn't feel comfortable with being that needy with your boyfriend yet. Fearing that he might grow tired and annoyed with your constant requests. He has work and other obligations, he couldn't be on your beck and call 24/7.

Unless he hires a chauffeur, which from your past experiences, it wasn't all that nice.

You remember seeing an opening for a studio apartment on that website. The price seems reasonable and it's a 25-minute walk to your university, so you could save on bus fares.

You wouldn't need to ask permission from anybody, well maybe your parents who are funding your education and living expenses. Maybe even Yves to supplement more money. But in the end, you're an adult that has the right to make their own decisions.

Then again... money. Well, you'll burn that bridge when you get there.

You thought about it, pondering what your next step should be.

[mysgprop-cstee]

Hillhaven at Hillview

Hillhaven at Hillview

Open For Viewing 06 Jan 2024 by Appointment Hillhaven Condo comprises of 341 units is a tranquil oasis in Hillview Rise, offering modern living amidst nature's beauty. It's just right opposite the HillV2 Mall and merely 6 minutes walk to Hillview MRT.  ✔ Total 341 Units of 2BR to 4BR ✔ By Renowned Developers - Far East Organization & Sekisui House ✔ Right Opposite to HillV2 Mall and Hillview Community Club ✔ 350m Walk to Hillview MRT ✔ Schools within 1KM: CHIJ Our Lady of Peace & future school right opposite ✔ Easy Access to highways for Hillview Residents via new road.  ✔ Upcoming NS Hub to enhance the vibrancy of Hillview Estate.  ✔ Close to Bukit Timah Nature Trail Walk, Rail Corridor, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park and Hindhede Nature Park PRICED TO SELL 2BR 2Bath 678sf / 700sf from $1,379,096 2BR + Study 721sf from $1,583,690 3BR 947sf from $1,852,612 3BR +Study 958sf / 1012sf from $1,948,158 4BR 1259/ 1378sf from $2,466,910 Book Appointment "Nature's Haven, Urban Convenience" Quick LinksBook Appointment Fact Sheet Unique Selling Points What's Nearby? Unit Mixes/ Diagrammatic Chart Floor Plan & Virtual Tours Download Brochures Price Guide FAQsWhat's the land price for Hillhaven Condo? Where is the showflat of Hillhaven Condo? When is the estimated completion for Hillhaven Condo? Hillhaven Condo, located in the picturesque Hillview Rise area, offers a serene and well-connected living experience in western Singapore. Developed through a joint venture between renowned developers Far East Organization and Sekisui House Limited, this residential development is designed to provide utmost comfort and convenience to its future residents. With just a six-minute walk to Hillview MRT station and easy access to major expressways like PIE and BKE, Hillhaven ensures excellent connectivity to the rest of Singapore. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park, and other green spaces nearby offer residents the chance to immerse themselves in nature and outdoor activities.

Main Entrance For shopping and dining, HillV2 Mall, Junction 10, and The Rail Mall are just moments away, offering a wide range of retail outlets and restaurants. Families will appreciate the proximity to esteemed educational institutions like CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace and Assumption English School. Hillhaven boasts approximately 341 units, ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms, ensuring a variety of options for different lifestyles. Residents will enjoy community amenities at Hillview Community Centre, as well as a plethora of dining options, both within the malls and the surrounding neighborhood.

HillV2 Shopping mall

The Rail Mall The future Hume MRT station on the Downtown line, opening by 2025, will enhance connectivity even further. Hillhaven's location within the Bukit Batok Planning Area aligns with the URA Masterplan, promising new housing estates, quality amenities, and additional green spaces. In summary, Hillhaven Condo offers a tranquil living environment with easy access to transportation, shopping, education, and nature. With experienced developers, numerous amenities, and future development potential, it presents an attractive option for those seeking a serene yet well-connected lifestyle in western Singapore. Fact Sheet TypeDescriptionsProject NameHillhaven at HillviewDeveloper NameSekisui House & Far East OrganizationLocation5, 7 Hillview Rise Singapore (District 23)Tenure of Land99 Years Leasehold from 13 February 2023Expected Date of Completion (T.O.P.)30 Jun 2028 (Actual target Q3 2027)Site areaApprox. 10,395.2 sq m | Approx. 111,893.93 sq ftTotal No. of Units341 Units in 2 blocks of 27-storey and 28-storeyCar Parks341 lots, inclusive of 2 EV Lots (active), and 51 EV Lots (passive) in multi storey carpark Updated Fact Sheet The Developer's Background

Far East Organization is a Christian Enterprise, which develops real estate and operates businesses by serving with grace, love, integrity and honesty. Together with its Hong Kong-based sister company Sino Group, they are one of Asia’s largest real estate groups, with operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, China (Mainland and Hong Kong), Taiwan and USA. Far East Organization is the largest private property developer in Singapore, having developed over 780 developments across all segments of real estate including 55,000 private homes in Singapore since its establishment in 1960. It includes three listed entities: Far East Orchard Limited, Far East Hospitality Trust and Yeo Hiap Seng Limited. Far East Organization is the winner of 14 FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence awards, the highest honour in international real estate. www.fareast.com

Founded in 1960, Sekisui House, Ltd. is one of world’s largest homebuilders and an international diversified developer, with cumulative sales of over 2.6 Million homes. Based in Osaka, Sekisui House has over 300 consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates, over 29,000 employees and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Nagoya Stock Exchange. Sekisui House aims to create homes and communities that improve with time and last for generations. With “Love of Humanity” as its Corporate Philosophy, Sekisui House believes that homes should offer comfort, security and peace of mind for residents, while maintaining harmony with the environment and its surroundings. Sekisui House has sustainability as a core corporate target and is now the global leader in the construction of net-zero-energy houses with more than 70,000 of them built since the product was launched in 2013. In 2009, Sekisui House expanded into several new international markets and now operates in the United States, Australia, China, Singapore and the United Kingdom. www.sekisuihouse-global.com Unique Selling Points - Prime Location: Nestled in the desirable Hillview Rise, Hillhaven enjoys a serene environment while being conveniently close to urban amenities. - Proximity to Hillview MRT: Just a 6-minute walk to Hillview MRT station, offering seamless connectivity to various parts of Singapore. - Nature at Your Doorstep: Surrounded by nature parks like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Dairy Farm Nature Park, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. - Shopping Convenience: HillV2 Mall is within easy reach, offering a wide array of retail outlets, supermarkets, and dining options. - Education Hub: Close proximity to esteemed educational institutions, including CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace and Assumption English School, ensuring quality education for families. - Community Amenities: The Hillview Community Centre is just a short walk away, providing various recreational and community activities for residents. - Experienced Developers: Developed by Far East Organization and Sekisui House Limited, renowned developers with a track record of successful projects. - Transportation Access: Easy access to major expressways like PIE and BKE, making it convenient for residents who drive. - Future Development Potential: The URA Masterplan promises new public and private housing estates and amenities, enhancing the area's livability. - Tranquil Living with City Connections: Hillhaven offers a perfect blend of serene living in a natural environment, complemented by the convenience of nearby urban amenities and transportation options.

Location Map

Hillhaven Condo's location in Hillview Rise offers a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty. Residents enjoy easy access to HillV2 Mall, just a stone's throw away, providing a wide range of shopping and dining options right at their doorstep. The nearby Hillview MRT station, a mere 6-minute walk, connects residents to major city destinations, making daily commuting a breeze. For families, the area is a treasure trove of educational institutions, including CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace, Assumption English School, and more, ensuring quality education options within reach.

Location Map

Immediate Vicinity

Hillhaven Location Map Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the proximity to lush green spaces such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park, and Hindhede Nature Park, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Hillhaven also benefits from its close proximity to healthcare facilities, shopping malls like Junction 10 and Bukit Panjang Plaza, and the Hillview Community Centre, offering a variety of community activities and amenities. What's Nearby?

Nearby Amenities Trains (MRT) - HILLVIEW MRT DT3 410m Groceries/ Shopping - HillV2 90m The Rail Mall 500m Hillion Mall 1.84 km   Schools - Chij Our Lady Queen Of Peace 660m Lianhua Primary 1.37 km Bukit Panjang Primary 1.44 km

Site Plan / Facilities

The site plan of Hillhaven Condo has been thoughtfully designed to make the most of space while preserving a scenic environment that Singaporeans will appreciate. Far East Organization and Sekisui House, known for their dedication to creating high-quality properties with top-notch facilities, has poured their expertise into this development. Among the outstanding amenities are a refreshing swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, a community clubhouse, inviting BBQ pits, a playground for the kids, a tennis court, and a versatile function room.

Site Plan Safety and security are a top priority at Hillhaven Condo, catering to the peace of mind that local residents value. The development is equipped with comprehensive security features, including 24/7 surveillance, CCTV cameras, access control systems, and intercoms. For those who own cars, a spacious and well-lit parking area is readily available. Additionally, the development embraces modern living with a smart home system, allowing residents to conveniently control lighting, temperature, and security from anywhere in their homes, a feature Singaporeans will find both practical and appealing. Unit Mixes/ Diagrammatic Chart

Unit Mixes

DC Chart Floor Plan & Virtual Tours

2BR B1A

2BR B1B

2BR B2A

2BR B2B

2BR B3

2BR+S B4A

2BR+S B4B

2BR+S B4C

3BR C1

3BR C2

3BR+S C3

3BR+S C4

4BR D1A

4BR D1B

4BR D2 Interior/ Exterior Design

North Side

North East View

South Side

Main Entrance

Arrival Court

Pool View

Pool View (Evening)

50m Lap Pool

Function Room

Gyms

BBQ Pavilion

Urban Farm

Bike Corner

4BR Master Bedroom

4BR Master Bathroom

4BR Living Room

4BR Kitchen

4BR Balcony 2

4BR Balcony 1

South View

North View Download Brochures E-brochure & Floor Plan Price Guide PRICED TO SELL  2BR 2Bath 678sf / 700sf from $1,379,096 2BR + Study 721sf from $1,583,690 3BR 947sf from $1,852,612 3BR +Study 958sf / 1012sf from $1,948,158 4BR 1259/ 1378sf from $2,466,910 Please Contact Us at +65.84188689 It is important to only engage the Official Direct Developer Sales Team to assist you to enjoy the best possible direct developer price. There is no commission required to be paid. FAQs What's the land price for Hillhaven Condo?$1024 psf pprWhere is the showflat of Hillhaven Condo?The showflat is located 2A Elizabeth Drive. Showflat appointment can be booked via  Read the full article

[twatkcox]

[The Keihancarl Diaries: February 10, 2024]

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! It’s me, Keihancarl, and today I’m going on yet another mall-hopping trip. To be honest, I’m both excited and nervous at the same time.

xxxxxxxxxx

For my second mall-hopping trip this year, I’m heading to Makati (Ayala Center) and Manila (Binondo), with a last-minute visit to Cubao (Araneta City). I’ve got lots to do, but my main goal is to visit the newly-opened One Ayala Mall (plus Gateway 2), and later, witness the scenes along Ongpin and the dragon dance. Hey, it’s the Year Of The Dragon, right?

I wear mostly black clothing, and I feel like wearing the Naruto shirt I bought at Uniqlo during my previous mall-hopping trip to the North. Actually, most of my outfit consists of the stuff I bought from Uniqlo in the past few months, plus some awesome accessories I bought online.

I left home at exactly 10:00 AM, and managed to get to MRT North Avenue a quarter past 11:00. Traffic is incredibly light along the way. It didn't take me long to get on the train as well.

Arriving at MRT Ayala Station, I noticed a Valentine’s Day set up right in front of the turnstiles. Once I got off the paid area, I loaded up my Beep card first since I'd be taking the LRT-1 going to Carriedo later, as well as the LRT-2 on the way back. After loading my card, I visited One Ayala Mall first.

The mall had a direct connection to the MRT, as well as a passenger terminal on the ground floor. There’s a supermarket and some food stalls at the basement level.

I visited a couple of bookstores, Fully Booked (which I almost missed due to its somewhat hidden location) and Biblio (relocated from Ayala Malls Cloverleaf). The latter had an impressive selection of books, including vintage ones.

Of course, the vintage ones are more pricey, but they’re more aesthetic-looking.

I also checked the MN+LA branch right beside it but couldn't find the drape jacket (the kimono-style jacket) like the one I saw at the SM North EDSA branch.

There's a dragon dance inside the mall, visiting every shop on each floor.

The mall centerpiece, an art installation called “The Course Of The Sun”, looks magnificent. There’s an awesome explanation about it in the railing.

The uppermost level (probably the mall's fifth floor) has not opened yet. Could that be the cinema area?

I then head to my next stop, SM Makati, via the bridgeway from One Ayala. I only checked Uniqlo, Crate And Barrel, and a couple of shops at the Cyberzone.

The entrance to Cyberzone feels kind of similar to the ones at The Block (SM North EDSA) bridgeway going to the City Center, but the LED screen is on the floor instead of the ceiling.

Next stop, Glorietta. I checked a few shops inside the mall, as well as the event at the Activity Center.

I decided to have lunch at MOS Burger. I ordered a Beef Yakiniku Rice Burger and a regular Salted Caramel Sumiyaki (iced). The yakiniku rice burger is great. It’s kind of weird that they also provided utensils considering that the rice burger is meant to be eaten like an actual burger, but I suppose not all people can eat it like that.

There's a standee featuring One Piece characters (the straw hat crew) right by the entrance. They also have some merch inside.

I then checked the Top Of The Glo (rooftop park), with K-Town on the left, and Japan Town on the right. I visited the latter first.

There were Japanese and Korean restaurants in the area. The Japan Town area had some (artificial) sakura (cherry blossom) trees, I think, along with the white lanterns. I wonder how it looked at night, I'll probably need to check it out on my next visit.

I then decided to head to Glorietta 5 and check out Uniqlo's flagship store. There's Uniqlo Cafe on the second level and an area where you can make your customized shirts.

I then proceed to my next stop, Greenbelt. I visited a few shops, including Muji and Fully Booked.

I managed to check Greenbelt 1 before they closed that area down for redevelopment. Unfortunately, Booksale had vacated their space. And so are a handful of shops, including National Book Store (they already closed that branch a long time ago). Most of the shops and restaurants are still open, but they’re expected to move out within a couple of months due to the redevelopment of the area (along with Greenbelt 2). Guess this will be the last time I get to see GB1 in its original form and design.

I stopped by Waltermart Makati on the way to the LRT-1 Libertad station. I only checked the National Book Store branch there.

I took the LRT-1 to Carriedo Station (from Libertad Station) and decided to walk from there to my next stop, Lucky Chinatown Mall.

Getting off the LRT station, I noticed that BPI had already moved out of the Art Deco Don Roman Santos building, hence the lack of signage. Moving on, I took a moment to check some interesting scenes near Ongpin.

Going there, I also noticed some dragon lamp posts along the way, and they looked awesome.

There were a lot of people in the area where a parade was being held. There were some giveaways too, from candies to red envelopes (containing money), bottled water to tikoy (rice cake).

I also get to see Tugue Zombie in one of the floats, and later, Samantha Bernardo in the Mestiza Beauty Soap float.

I was quite exhausted from dehydration and the crowd so I decided to take an alternate route leading to Soler. I reached the mall a few minutes later.

There's a dragon centerpiece at the atrium. And a luxury car (not pictured, unfortunately).

At the annex, I passed by Chapters And Pages. Like the other bookstores I visited earlier, I didn't find anything interesting.

I head to 999 Mall to have an early dinner at Chowking (food court). I was about to order my meal when the sound of the drums and the gong blared from the dragon and lion dance, making it harder for the cashier to understand what I was saying. It took me about 5 minutes before I could finally start choosing my order. I even had to repeat my order to make sure she got it right. I ate my food as soon as I got my order, not wanting to waste any more time.

I also passed by the stall where I used to buy my anime shirts, but it appears that they were closed for the Chinese New Year. I could hardly see any anime shirts on that stall, though, at least the ones that I used to buy.

Come to think of it, 999 Mall isn’t as crowded as before. It was the same situation during my last visit to the mall last year. I’m pretty sure it was the same thing with 168 Mall, but I could be wrong since I didn’t actually visit that mall during this trip. I didn’t bother to check some of the fashion stalls, as I don’t feel like shopping at the moment.

I went back to Lucky Chinatown Mall to take more selfies. The one by the bridgeway to the main mall was crowded with people who were also taking selfies. I tried taking a few selfies using my selfie stick, but it didn't turn out well. I simply gave up and went to the cinema area, but no luck taking selfies there either. The Prosperity Wing could be my last chance, and I somehow came up with a bunch of good selfies plus a 360 view of the area.

I passed by Metro Supermarket to buy a bottle of Pocari Sweat. The supermarket’s space was reduced, with the (former) second level now being occupied by Planet Sports and Abenson.

And it's time to go home. I decided to take the LRT-2 to Araneta Center-Cubao since I hadn't ridden that train for a very long time (still amused at the condom ads, though). Also, I feel like checking the Gateway Mall 2, which is actually a brand new extension to the original Gateway Mall. The extension also had access to the Araneta Coliseum as well.

While there, I passed by the Fully Booked branch and bought the book "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai–both the novel and the manga, which were both published by Tuttle. I’ve been eyeing these books since the MIBF 2023, those could’ve been awesome souvenirs from the event. Anyway, the cashier suggested the one with the other cover from a different publisher (the one with the pink cover), but upon checking the price, I just decided on the one I had in hand instead.

I checked some parts of Gateway Mall 2 for a while and later headed to the terminal and took the minibus to SM Fairview. Traffic was light along the way, not to mention that it was Chinese New Year. The trip only took less than an hour, just like earlier. I got home at exactly 10:00 PM.

xxxxxxxxxx

This is the first time I didn't encounter such an inconvenience on a mall-hopping trip. I managed to enjoy every single place I visited throughout the day, especially in Binondo. Despite getting only four hours of sleep last night, I somehow managed to make it through the entire day. It was pretty exhausting, but I really enjoyed it. And I get to ride all three rail lines on the same day for the first time since the pandemic. Not to mention that I get to visit two new malls, one of them is actually the extension of the original mall.

So, where to next? As always, I’m living in an uncertain time so there’s no telling when will the next mall-hopping trip happen. Hopefully, by April or May, depending on the situation. Will it be BGC next? Who knows?

Well then, time to conclude this one. Again, love, peace, and prosperity for the Year Of The Dragon! Xià cì jiàn! Until next time!

Most of the pics are from my Instagram account, @kcox_105. The selfie pics are exclusively uploaded to my private Instagram account, @kcox105.

[os2warp]

Dream Log 185

This one was disturbingly creepy so I'm just posting it now to rob it of its power so I can get back to sleep. Dictated but barely read via phone text to speech at 4:08 a.m. I will fix all the errors in the morning. also it's a long one lol.

It was fest. For some reason this year one of the venues was in an abandoned shopping mall. also unrelated detail but for some reason at fest this year all the fratbros at the college in gainesville were doing their pledges or whatever so there were lots of hot guys wearing barely any clothes walking around everywhere lol. The venue that was in the old shopping mall had its own entrance so it was really no reason to go to any other part of the mall but it was raining so a lot of people were just kind of hanging out there. I decided to go by the food court and see if I can find something to eat. McDonald's was closed Burger King was closed Taco Bell was closed but I noticed that there was a Chuck e cheese and it did not have a closed sign and the door was open so I thought I'd see if I could find a slice of pizza. the first bad sign was that the Chuck e cheese was at the bottom of a long narrow stairway with different levels coming off of it that you could sit at a table and eat at kind of like the rows of seating at a movie theater but with tables and a much lower ceiling. nobody was there And it was very poorly lit but I thought well its ok it is 2pm on a Friday in a half abandoned Mall it's probably not peak hours. I got near the bottom and looked off to my side and lying on the ground was the Chuck e cheese suit. nobody in it just an empty costume lying on the floor. It began to slowly inflate, and the head turned to stare at me. I thought okay that's creepy and started running up the stairs. At this point I knew horror movie mechanics would kick in and if I looked behind me it would chase me but as long as I never looked behind me or stopped running until I got to a large, well lit, populated area I would be fine but the stairway was a lot longer going back up than it was going down. finally I made it to the top and ran to the other end of the mall and nobody was there and that venue stopped doing shows for the day, I had to keep running all the way to the central part of fest. fortunately it had quit raining, so I kept running to the town square in Gainesville which was only two blocks away (The mall was where the big parking garage behind five star is in real life the town square was bo diddley plaza but it looked different) and there were enough people there that I thought it was safe to finally look behind me and there was nothing there I was safe. for some reason Gainesville had a subway system and as I passed by one of the entrances to the subway I could see that powerful rat slowly, menacingly, climbing the stairs coming toward me. My next thought in the dream was "when you wake up don't open your eyes until you turn the lights on in your room" and then I woke up feeling very unsettled and obviously I didn't open my eyes until I turned the lights on in my room fortunately I can do that for my bed.

Then I reached for my phone to make this post so that I can forget about it and go back to sleep. This was an unfortunate departure from the dreams I've had the last few nights that have involved sex things with friends maybe I'll have one of those now to make up for it lol.

[haveyourhouse]

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[altayebbneon]

What are a Pylon Sign and Why Does My Business Need One from Signboard Companies in Dubai?

Pylon signage is a well-known signage option for gas stations, eateries, shopping centers strip malls, and other businesses situated near major highways. Pylon signs are a hit for these kinds of businesses because they are higher than other options for signage. When visibility and height are crucial for attracting customers and boosting the foot flow of the business, the pylon towers are all over than other signage.

Al Tayyeb Neon is a top signboard companies in Dubai We create striking, double-sided, branded Pylon signs for businesses in various industries.

This article will explain the pylon sign; it will also discuss essential aspects of making use of pylon signs in your company.

What is a pylon sign?

Pylons are outdoor signposts that are freestanding that have one or two poles to provide support. They may have steel or aluminum frames with a message on both sides and one.

The signage solutions can be used to promote advertisements, or as permanent fixtures to notify consumers of locations for shopping centers malls, industrial zones, business parks, or similar facilities.

For outdoor signage, pylons typically have a pylon that is illuminated using light boxes, backlit LEDs as well as fluorescent lights. You can also see them as road signs that are not lit. Pylon signs are often referred to as pole signage, highway signs pole signs with structural strength, or even business signs. But regardless of the name, the pylon sign style is the ideal way to warn motorists about retail shops. It is common to see these tall signs along major highways and busy roads.

The most important factors to consider when choosing the right road sign

In the end, the rules and regulations in place at your place of business will determine whether you can install the pylon sign. If your company falls to these requirements and you are in the right place, a pylon sign could be the best option:

Your company is located away from the road and its passing traffic, making it difficult to be seen by the general public.

There's a parking lot just in front of the building

You'd want to mark the entrance to your home there is something that has blocked the perspective of your business It is difficult to locate

There's a highway nearby and you'd like to attract customers via it

You're in an industrial zone where motorists have a difficult time locating your entry point.

Conclusion

If visibility and height are essential and visibility are important, pylon signs are the ideal option for attracting attention to your company and bringing to the attention of more clients.

Al Tayyeb Neon is the top signage Company in UAE We've been designing and constructing pylon signs for many years, and we have clients from a range of industries.  If you're looking for twin-pole mount signs for pylons or an individual pole mount sign customized pole lights or something completely different As a registered sign maker, we're your one-stop shop.

[essouffle]

[drusb]

You're Not Here (Silent Hill 3) AU

(SPOILERS FOR SILENT HILL 1, 2 AND 3)

Alright, since people seem to enjoy my Silent Hill 2 AU, which I will now rename to the Restless Dreams AU, I'm continuing the story, this time with Silent Hill 3.

Quick recap of the Restless Dreams AU:

Sam, a detective in Maine who's wife recently passed away goes to Silent Hill because apparently his wife, WHO IS DEAD, is there. Sam proceeds to have wacky adventures in the town where he shoves his hand down a dirty toilet to get a safe combination, goes through a building that obviously has violated many building codes, and bashes a bunch of monsters that represent his greatest fears in with a wooden plank. He also meets a 12 year old girl named Geek and a white lagomorph named Max, who wears a wig and is in drag. Max claims to work at the local club, Heaven's Night, but that's all he remembers. The two go together and go through a hospital, prison and hotel. Max goes missing in the hotel, Sam watches a video tape and remembers how abusive his wife really was. Sam and Max reunite and Max is revealed to be Silent Hill's god. The two confess their love, and leave with Geek. They get married, Max becomes Sam's partner, and they adopt Geek.

Alright, now on to the main part.

It's been 5 years since Sam came back from Silent Hill. Life for him has been pretty good. One day, when out grocery shopping, (Max was barred from the store after an incident involving Glazed McGuffins and some Lovecraftian being) Sam is approached by a woman named Claudia. She wants him to find her childhood best friend, a woman named Heather Morris. She promises a good pay, and gives some in advance. After this, Sam heads home, and tells Max about their next job. All they know about Heather is that she's a teenage girl, so they decide to go to the place where a teenage girl in the early 2000's would obviously go, the mall in the afternoon.

When they get to the mall, they decide that the best course of action is to ask every teenage girl in the mall if they know Heather Morris. By pure luck, the first girl they ask just so happens to be Heather. They tell her that they're detectives and that they were looking for her. Heather tells them to go away, and she goes into the women's washroom to get away from them. The two then realize they've overstepped their boundaries and Sam goes to apologize to Heather, but she's already escaped through the back window. They then decide to just head back to the entrance of the mall and tail her back to her place to talk with her parents. When they exit the washroom, they realize that the mall is deserted, and the way to the entrance has been blocked off. Realizing something supernatural has taken over, the two decide to explore the mall. While there they rage over Shakespeare, make cracks about walnuts, realize that something has put the Other World into the mall, and watch as Heather kills a weird snake monster. Eventually they meet Heather again at the entrance. Heather accuses them of working with Claudia. Sam says that she hired them to find her, and nothing else. Heather then tries to ditch them by going into the subway. Max then points out that the doors to the parking lot are all locked, so the only way out is through the subway. Whether Heather likes it or not, they have to stick together.

In the subway, the three almost get run over by a train. As well, Heather starts to warm up to Sam and Max. Their journeys take them though a sewer, where Max electrocutes himself and throws himself into water to kill a monster, and they meet some fairy after Heather accidentally drops her pipe she was using as a weapon in the water. Max proceeds to shoot it because it startled him. They make their way through a construction building, and then into an office building, where they kill a mysterious being by reading a fairy tale. Also they meet some guy named Vincent, who creeps them all out. They then leave and head back to Heather's apartment building only to find out that Heather's father has been murdered. Heather realizes that Claudia was the one who did it, and is up on the roof. She then runs to confront Claudia. Meanwhile back in the apartment, Max realizes who Heather's father is. It's Harry Mason, the man who stopped the cult in Silent Hill and freed Max. Max is not happy about this, as he owes a great deal of gratitude to him. Eventually Heather comes down and reveals they have to go to Silent Hill. After a makeshift funeral where Max and Heather speak, the three head off to Silent Hill for revenge. The DeSoto was in the car parking lot, Max just used some of his power to summon it to where they were.

On the car ride, the three talk about their pasts. Sam and Max learn that Heather is the reincarnation of Alessa, the girl used to corrupt Silent Hill, and that Claudia is a member of the cult, and wants to bring what she thinks is paradise by having a corrupted god be born via Heather. They also realize that the cult is on it's last legs, and this attempt at bringing "paradise" is their final attempt at their goals before they get wiped out. When they reach Silent Hill, Vincent is there to tell Heather that she must gather a seal from the hospital. After this, Heather sets off to the hospital, and Sam and Max decide to go sight-seeing. They check out the historical society and find Lorne's corpse still there, they go hang out at Heaven's Night, and Max does a dance on the pole for Sam, and then they return to find that they have to go to the Lakeside Amusement Park.

When the three get there, they find that the park has been shrouded in the Other World. Heather feels deja vu, and finds a key for the roller coaster. Sam points out how it's odd how the mascot of this place is a rabbit. Max says that due to a subconscious influence, most of the mascots of Silent Hill businesses and attractions were lagomorphs. After jumping off of the roller coaster, they get separated. Although Sam and Max are still together. Eventually, the two manage to confront Claudia, and she attempts to use one of her monsters to kill Sam. Max then proceeds to utterly destroy it, with extreme fury. Claudia then realizes that Max is the god of Silent Hill, and she's pissed him off by trying to kill his husband. So Claudia decides to do the most logical thing, and runs away. Sam and Max try to chase after her, but Sam trips and twists his ankle. Heather then comes along and thinks that they got attacked, but they're actually fine. Max says he'll stay with Sam and that it's Heather's job to stop the cult now.

Eventually the Other World fades, and the Fog World returns to the park. Heather returns with news that the god has been killed. Sam and Max are proud of her. Max then reveals that Heather has some power in her, left over from her past life as Alessa. He then tries to get Heather to use some of that power, and she turns into a white lagomorph. Apparently that's something Silent Hill deities can do. Except for Sam. She then turns back into a human. Afterwards, Sam and Max become Heather's legal guardians until she turns 18. They also become her mentors, and teach her how to use her powers for good. They part on good terms, and Heather becomes an artist when she grows up. She still visits Sam and Max occasionally.

THE END

[stonecoldjerseyfox]

Jersey on my mind (part 34)

“This looks like the place.”

Yeah, sure does, Daryl thinks to himself as he stops next to Mila in the bright sunlight; surely they’re at the right place. A blind couldn’t even avoid seeing this big block of concrete, even if that poor son of a bitch tried his best to. The beige shopping complex at the other side of the vast parking lot looks hauntingly big and abandoned where it stands. Against the blue sky it looks almost grotesque. 

“Ah. The stronghold of capitalism, as my dear papa called it.” Mila exhales and shakes her head, still with her eyes on the mall. “Bless his soul. And yet, my Russian heritage boils with fury at the sight of this… monstrosity.” 

“Thought ye’ weren’t a commie?”

“Doesn’t have to be a commie just because one believes in equality and a society for everyone-” Mila shrugs. “Not only the riches. Maaaybe a socialist.” Mila blinks at him. “Papa preached about that day in and day out. In the end, we are all equal before death, he used to say. Death doesn’t take into account money, nor power.”

An enormous, weathered billboard on the wall proclaims that the concrete box offers them “plus twenty shops, ten restaurants and a playland”, where exhausted parents can check in their obnoxious offspring; and probably, Daryl thinks, as they start to walk towards the futuristic entrance, lots of walkers. He has consciously avoided malls his entire life. His parents could never afford to take ‘em to one, not even dress for such an occasion. The thought of that many people in one spot made his skin crawl, even at that age. Flashy lights, plastic, glossy surfaces and the feeling of being a fish among hundreds of other fishes, in a bowl that’s too big for them to comprehend. A bowl of upper class brats, nuclear suburban families, teens moving in packs like wolves and retirees clinging desperately to their coupons. Nah, he stayed far away. He bets that Mila must have felt the same overwhelming feeling when she set foot in a mall for the first time. Did they have shopping malls in Russia? He doesn’t ask.

“Ya’ ready to rumble, Jersey?” He prepares his crossbow. 

“Calm down, Dixon.” Mila winks and holds out her arms. “It’s not rush hour.”

They steer the steps over the deserted parking lot. There’s rubbish everywhere, shopping carts and bodies. Here and there, nature has burst through tarmac and tufts of long grass peeks out from underneath. 

“Got a plan for this?”

“Get in and get out, alive.” Daryl replies, while searching the area with his eyes. There’s no movements, nothing. It’s completely deserted. Too deserted. Why? He can come up with two possible scenarios; either it is already raided, or it’s a suicide attempt to get in. If so, how many walkers can it be? “Pretty much.”

“Sounds good to me.” Mila says as they pass a shopping cart. She stops, looks at it, before climbing into it. “Escort me to the entrance. Gotta rest these baddies.” She kicks her legs and leans back, eyes closed, in the hard cart.

He can’t help but grin a little. Fine. After all they are completely alone in the large parking lot-

“Hold on then.” Daryl grabs the red rubber handle and starts pushing the wheeled cart in front of him, then starts running.

Mila laughs, squeezes the metal and he increases the speed; they’re like two kids sneaking out on mischief at night. He has done his fair share of monkey business through the years, not specifically racing with shopping carts in a desolated parking lot; rather stole cars, participated in bar fights and occasionally, burglary. Things he ain’t too proud of, but they very much happened nonetheless, not infrequently in the company of Merle. Though he must admit, as he runs over the cracked asphalt with the squeaking shopping cart in front of him, that this is actually fuckin’ funny. He breaks by digging the heels of his boots into the ground and the cart stops. Mila continues to laugh as she gets out of it, but it tips over with a crash, and Mila tumbles over the ground, laughing even harder. She rolls over on her back, her hair flows out like a halo around her. As he steps over to Mila, a thought pops up in his head; he can’t remember the last time he lowered the guard completely, let loose. Only for a moment, but this short moment of letting go, acting childish, was quite- 

“Help me up, will you?” Mila holds out her hand at him. 

Daryl pulls her up from the ground in a handle. She doesn’t let go, instead intertwines her fingers in his and turns to look at the glass entrance door, barricaded with a big pile of carts. It excludes the main entrance as their way in. Maybe for the best, but it doesn’t bode well for what awaits in there. Whoever created the mountain of debris did it to keep something inside.

“Let’s look if there’s a side door.” He states and pulls at her hand. “Come on.” 

They walk alongside the vast entrance side of the mall and around the corner. They pass garbage, a battered mannequin dressed in a sundress that might have been blue or purple, before the blazing sun turned into a pale, washed out mess. Eventually they notice a metal staircase leading up to a single door, painted in the same blant tone as the wall. From the backpack Mila takes a crowbar and hands it to him. He presses it into the small opening between the door and the doorframe, gives it a push, then another one, and the door opens with a metallic crack.

“After ya’.” He offers. 

Mila takes the lead and disappears into the darkness. Daryl follows, pulls the flashlight from his belt and raises it in front of him. The faint light beam is cut by Mila’s silhouette that leads the way through the dark. The air is trapped, dusty and musty. Even though it is dark, Daryl notices on Mila’s posture that she’s holding her handgun out in front of her, ready for anything. She leads them to a door, opens it and enters a darkened, desolate clothing store. In the glow of the flashlight Daryl sees pristine, filled clothing racks, dusty floor mirrors and tables where clothes are in a mess. They start moving through the store. He passes small cubic changing rooms with white revolving doors, a small seating area with funny looking chairs and a small podium with a disproportionate mannequin, dressed in a sequin dress that could fit a five-year-old but not an adult. On the other side of the store, Mila crosses between the racks towards the checkout desk, holding her own flashlight next to her gun. But the store is empty. 

“Nothing.” Mila says and turns, aiming her light in his direction. “Clear.”

“Ya’ good to go?” He crosses the store, steps over a tipped over jewelry rack and a bunch of beads from a broken necklace. 

They walk out of the store, out into the great corridor. It’s completely different than moving out in nature, where he’s familiar with sounds and vegetation. However many times they’ve been ransacking stores, he’s never been fond of the idea of scouting a mall. It’s no easy job and an absolutely foolish one, being only two to pull if off. For every step they take he regrets it even more, taking her with him. Still, he puts a lot of trust in Mila on this one. She moves accustomed over the shiny floor, with the rifle freely hanging on her shoulder, holding the handgun; much easier to use in close combat. Bodies after walkers are scattered everywhere, probably eliminated by previous looters, or by other walkers who have been eaten at each other for lack of other things to feast on. 

The large corridor soon opens up into a circular area, like a square, with an indoor fountain in the middle. Around the square are coffee shops, cafes, a donut bar and a totally destroyed Burger King restaurant. From the square, escalators run up to the upper floor. 

“I’ll check up there.” Daryl says in a low voice, nodding towards the roof.

Mila, who has already set her sights on a store with ‘ZARA’ written over the entrance, gives him a thumbs up over her shoulder, without slowing down or turning. Yeah, she’ll be fine.

Daryl looks at the escalator and begins to move silently towards the square. Silent as a cat, he climbs the broken escalator, crossbow height in front of him, ready for any kind of surprise; walkers or other looters. But no one’s attacking, nothing’s moving. What meets him when he puts his foot on the second floor is a mess; corpses, debris and chaos. As if many people had fled up the escalators and thought they were safe up here. Well, boy they were wrong. Silently, Daryl scouts the second floor corridor, no flashlight this time. His worn boots stand in stark contrast to towards the white, polished floor; it’s not just his boots, his entire essence is the total opposite of everything he’s surrounded with. And yet, the bewildering of this place somehow makes it more bearable, but the cost of it is another matter. 

He decides that it’s safe to turn on the flashlight, lets it dance around the surroundings as he moves past the shops; a shop with outdoor clothing and hunting gear, a shop with only crockery and other knick-knacks, shoe stores, men’s clothing, women’s clothes, women’s lingerie, more women’s clothing- Suddenly, as the light wanders over a window, something bedazzles him, makes him squint and turns the light down. Still squinting, once again getting used to the dark from being totally bedazzled, he looks at the window, tries to catch a glimpse of the cause. Nah, it’s too dark. He looks up at the store front. A fancy-as-fuck jewelry store. The front shutter has only gone down halfway before it stopped, possibly because of power failure. Once again he peers through the dusty glass window, catches sight of a glass box. It’s inside is covered in some shiny soft fabric he doesn’t know the name of, on which three small gemstone rings rests; the stones must’ve glistened in the light from the flashlight. A single one of those glistening bastards has to be worth a smaller fortune. Daryl squints even more, catches sight of a teeny tiny price tag that makes his eyebrows travel upwards in his forehead. Holy fucking shit. 

“I’ll be damn.” He says faintly to himself, but doesn’t take his eyes off the treasures behind the glass. 

A fleeting thought strikes him, only for a short moment and he quickly shakes it off. He makes his way into the store, does a sweep before stating that it’s empty. Just as he’s about to leave, he hears something. He turns, crossbow raised and notices Mila.

“Fuckin’-” He mutters and lowers the crossbow. “Ya’ scared the crap outta me.”

“Sorry.” She grimaces. “Didn’t think you were the fussy type?”

“Well ya’ kinda good at sneakin’ around.” He scoffs. “Found what ya’ looked for?”

“Yup.” She nods. “Be prepared for the big Juri fashion show when we're back home.” She smiles in the dim light from his flashlight. “You done here?”

“Let’s go.” 

They crouch under the shutter and once again find themselves standing in the upper corridor. Mila steers her steps to the right, towards the store with women’s clothes and lingerie.

“Ya’ not done?” Daryl says. 

“I haven’t gotten something for myself in fucking ages.” Mila turns on the spot and gives him a gaze he doesn’t know how to interpret. “Come on, we’re in a dead mall. There’s millions of stuff here for free. Might as well- you know.” 

She turns and walks into the store, gun and flashlight raised in front of her. Reluctantly Daryl follows her, swearing inside his head. Is she going to drag him around this goddamn mall all day or what? Apparently an apocalypse, the goddamn end of the world, ain’t enough to stop her from strolling around in stores. When he catches sight of her, Mila has already grabbed at least ten pieces of clothing, moving between the racks. 

“Great, there you are.” She says and slips out of her backpack, that she throws over the store at him. “Hold on to that for me.”

“Ya’ ain’t goin’ to try all of ‘em, right?” Daryl says admonitory, he doesn’t intend to linger in this place longer than necessarily. Mila on the other hand looks at him as if she cannot believe her ears. “Goddammit’ Jersey!” 

“Jeez, you are really not much fun to hangout with sometimes.” Mila scoffs and waves her hand at him. “Relax, I’ll be quick.” While continuing to mutter, in russian this time, Mila turns and sweeps into a changing room, where she pulls the dusty curtains together. 

The only thing that can be seen are her boots, which she begins to lace up, while humming on some song he’s unfamiliar with. This shit’s going to take forever, Daryl thinks and throws out his arms, as to get support; well, from who? God almighty himself? Nah. In one hand he’s holding his gun and Mila’s backpack, stuffed with what could be Juri’s entire wardrobe, in the other he’s holding the crossbow and his flashlight. Like a pack mule. He looks up, towards the roof, sighs and puts on the backpack. He catches sight of a chair in front of the row of changing rooms that he crashes down into and once again sighs deeply.

“Relax, Dixon.” Mila says from the other side of the curtain, struggling with some kind of garment. 

“Ya’ impossible, ya’ know that?” Daryl points the flashlight’s light beam at the curtain, which appears deep red in the bright light. Once again she’s saying something completely gibberish in russian. “It better be good.”

“Or else?” Mila chuckles.

The next moment she pulls apart the curtains and stands as if in a spotlight, bare feets, wearing a small floral dress in some kind of crumpled fabric or whatever it’s called, he ain’t no fashion expert. But he has fully functioning eyes, and she’s mighty fine.

“This is weird.” Mila grimaces and nods down at the floral fabric. “I used to wear dresses like this all the time before, well, when the weather allowed it. Can you believe it!” 

Yes and no, Daryl thinks, at the same time as the insecurity, the damn insecurity, arises inside of him; he doesn’t know where to look, his mouth gets dry and feels that he’s starting to get a hard-on. She sighs and turns to look at herself in the mirror on the wall. She’s incredibly pretty, but it’s like she’s a completely different person all of a sudden. As if they’re thrown back in time, before the apocalypse. He’d never had a chance on her back then, that’s clearer than ever when she’s standing in front of him like this, in what apparently was her usual spring and summer attire. Still, it arouses him to the point of him almost exploding.

“Yup, I’m gonna keep it.” Mila says, who hasn’t noticed his inner struggle. “I haven’t owned a dress in years and days.” She turns around and walks over at him. “So?”

“So what?” Daryl replies, shaky.

“Do you like it?” She nudges her bare knee at him. “That’s what the chair’s for. Giving advice. So?”

Even though it is dim, no- dark, in the abandoned store, Daryl tears his eyes from her face and looks down at her kneecap, so that she doesn’t see that he’s blushing. Her subtle, yet appealing way of expressing desire; He no longer experiences anger and frustration in combination with this pleasant feeling of gushing heat throughout his entire body, but it still taunts him that it’s not ‘easy’, that he’s still feeling slightly awkward. Her looking all dressed up pretty doesn’t really make it easier. It’s like being back in a bar, eying dressed up girls with lots of makeup and whatnot, without the slightest courage to go over and talk to them. Merle used to say that the only women worth approaching were the ones they could buy, of course referring to prostitutes or the occasional biker hangaround if he was really lucky. Well, Daryl was never one of those lucky ones. What the heck, he thinks to himself and raises his gaze, it’s Mila. Heaven and hell of his life, his alcoholic, kind, funny, stubborn girl, dress or no dress. Right now that dress needs to get off. He wants to rip it from her body with his teeth, like a lion.

Mila lifts her leg and rests her foot up on his thigh. He puts his hands on her calf, leans in and places his lips on the knee that seconds ago nudged on his teasingly. It has a faint bruise on the kneecap that shifts in blue, green, yellow and purple. As he lingers there with his mouth, his hands caress her lean calf, continuing upwards to her thigh. 

“Come ‘ere.” 

Without hesitating she lowers herself onto him, gazing into his eyes and making it practically impossible to tear his eyes from hers. Even though it’s dark Daryl sees them clearly, like gleaming obsidians. Softly he places a strand of hair behind her ear, brings her head closer to his into a kiss. 

“Take it off.” He declares as he briefly breaks the kiss. At Mila’s faint chuckle, he replies, calmer and steadier than he’d expected: “Would be a shame if it was destroyed.”

She’s not difficult to persuade. Mila easily pulls the dress over her head, straddling him only in her underwear, bra and panties.

“Meaning that… you liked it?” She grins, biting her lower lip. 

The atmosphere is already at a boiling point and she wastes no time to wait for an answer. She returns to kiss him passionately, while threading his vest over his shoulders and dropping it to the floor. With accustomed fingers she starts to unbutton his shirt, while pressing herself towards his throbbing hard-on. They’re abruptly interrupted in their frenzy kissing by a noise; a loud, echoing clink, like a fork hitting tile that sounds like a volcanic eruption throughout the empty mall complex.

“What was that?” Mila exclaims, with her hands still clinging to his shirt, hanging halfway over his shoulders. 

No matter how much Daryl wants to pretend he didn’t hear anything, just so they continue what they’ve just started, nah- he won’t be able to. He sighs, grabs a firm hold of her behind and rises from the chair. Reluctantly, Mila puts her feet down on the floor next to the dress and lets go of him.

“Be right back.” Daryl straightens his shirt and turns around, steers his steps towards the entrance while correcting his hard-on through the jeans. “Son of a-”

As he places his hand on the gun in his belt, he moves silently out from the store. It strikes him that the open areas are brighter than the store, not much but enough for it to be noticeable, making him search for a source of light. He walks over to the railing, overlooking the void with the square and fountain underneath. His gut feeling tells him that something is wrong. Very wrong. He turns his head upwards, expecting to see a big window. He does, more specifically a glass dome, but at the sight of it, he finds the reason for his gut feeling. Crawling over the big glass dome, like worms in a jar, more than dozen walkers lie scattered without any chance of getting up. They must have been people who hid on the roof, then somehow turned into walkers that fell down onto the thick glass, where they’ve been trapped for who knows how long? He looks closely at the glass. A large crack -the source of the screeching noise- is visible in the glass, and hundreds of smaller cracks branches out from the larger crack. How he managed to miss that before is a mystery. Then a loud noise, like sending off a wrecking ball into a crystal chandelier, follows; the glass dome collapses. Glass and walkers rain down into the void and land on the floor, in the fountain, on the railing to the second floor and the escalator. Daryl throws himself away just as a walker lands in the spot he just was in. Rubble and bodies, exploding as they hit the floor, continues to rain down from the dome. He turns around and runs back into the clothing store. Mila, now once again dressed in her regular clothes, adjusts the collar of the leather jacket when he returns.

“We gotta go!” He grabs his vest and crossbow from the floor.  

“What the hell happens?”

“Walkers.” Daryl says shortly. “Fell through the roof.” He turns as soon as he hears another, closer familiar noise. Hissing, scraping, thudding. “They’re comin’. Lets go.”

He grabs the backpack while Mila takes the lead, gun’s lifted, ready for combat. She doesn’t have to wait long before firing the first bullet, then the second. Daryl steps up by her side and makes a quick estimate that there were undoubtedly more walkers on the roof than he imagined; probably inside the mall as well, who woke up from their dead slumber somewhere in the shadows, when the glass dome collapsed.  

“Where did all of these come from?” Mila cries over the gunfire.

“Dunno.” Daryl replies and sends off a well aimed arrow into the head of another walker. “We’ll fend ‘em off then get the hell outta here.” 

Mila nods, raises her gun and- it clicks.

“Oh come on.” Mila tries once again, but nothing happens. “For fuck sake!” 

Malfunctioning guns wasn’t part of the escape plan. The break in gunfire is enough for the walkers to round up against them, forcing them back. While Daryl fends off the walkers with arrows, they move backwards towards the railing. In the corner of his eye Daryl sees the escalators, approximately three or four meter away to their right. Suddenly the hoard bolts at them, forces them to back into the glass banister. Mila loses balance as one of the walkers attacks her with force, she’s pushed against the banister while wrestling the walker, preventing it from biting into her flesh. With a grunt of force, she manages to wrestle the walker and tip it over the banister, but it pulls her with it over the railing. As in slow motion Daryl throws himself towards Mila, just in time to reach over the railing and grab her by the arm of the leather jacket. The sudden thug caused by the prevention of Mila falling makes the walker lose its grip around her and it falls down into the walkers in and around the halfway dried up fountain. Mila clings to Daryl’s arm, dangling like a bait over a pack of carnivores. 

“Hold on!” He cries as he lifts his head towards the walkers approaching him, as he fires the crossbow at them.

“I’m trying!”

He must not let go. It’s a fall of several meters if he drops her. While he’s frantically trying to find a way out of the situation, he hears how Mila with her free hand seems to have solved the problem with her handgun and has started shooting walkers below. His arm cramps and his hand begins to slip over the smooth leather. He can’t let go of the crossbow to adjust his grip or pull her up. But it’s inevitable and he screams out loud when he feels how his cramping hand, covered in sweat, slips from the leather and he loses his grip around her. 

“Nooo!”

He turns around at the same time as he sends off the crossbow through the air on his way, and it hits two of the dead bastards. Daryl’s blood freezes and panic rushes over him like a cold shower as he sees how Mila drops down, feet first, into the snake pit of walkers and disappears. Cold sweat runs down his back and it feels like he’s going to vomit, at the same time the blood starts to boil inside his veins.

“Ya fuckin’- bastards-” He yells and starts to punch down walkers, fists and knuckles, while he, as fast as he can, moves towards the escalators, in which walkers from the ground floor have begun to struggle upwards. ”Jersey?” he screams, almost panicking, while shooting, punching and pushing walkers out of his way. ”Mila?”

He can’t see her anywhere in the hoard. Suddenly he hears gunshots somewhere in the crowd, whereupon Mila becomes visible in the rotten mass. Her lip is cracked, her hair is bushy but otherwise she’s visibly unharmed and she begins to ram through the carnivore. Daryl’s heart, which seems to have stopped completely as soon as he lost the grip of her up at the second floor, begins to beat frantically and he makes his way towards her. At the same time a walker appears behind Mila, preoccupied with the ones in front of her, is about to dig its teeth into her shoulder from the back. Before it gets the chance, Daryl raises the crossbow, aims and puts an arrow into its eye socket, and it collapses behind her. 

“Ya’ alright.” He pants in a cracked voice. Talk about having nine lives or what? The anxiety knot in his chest begins to loosen up, but he can’t let it untie fully, not let himself breathe fully just yet. Not until they’re far away from this place.

“Landed softly.” Mila replies, mildly exhausted from wrestling walkers. “Let’s get outta here! I’ve had enough of the mall for today.”

They begin to run towards the big entrance, towards the light, feints newly awakened walkers who have crawled out of their corners on their way. They stop in front of the tall glass doors when they see the pile of carts on the other side. Fuck, they totally forgot about that.

“We don’t have time for this crap!” Mila says and reaches for her rifle, that has been offered a well needed rest since they were out in the woods earlier. She directs it at the entrance doors, pulls the trigger and shoots. The glass shatters into a million pieces and rains down onto the floor. “Come on!”

They start to climb the unstable construction of shopping carts, then get down on the other side, finding themselves standing in the parking lot, next to the cart they raced in before. They look at eachother, then turn to look at the mall entrance. On the other side of the mountain of carts the walkers stomps around, crashing into the rustling pile of metal. 

“That was-” Mila pants, grasping for words. “The dress made it.” 

“What?” Daryl looks at her, what the heck is she talking about? 

“Yeah I put it in the backpack when you went out to check on the noise.” Mila says, corrects the rifle strap on her shoulder and shrugs. “We both seemed to like it.”

[mysgprop-cstee]

AMO at Ang Mo Kio Ave 1

AMO @ AMK Ave 1

AMO at AMK Ave 1 is Selling Out Soon!  ✔ Jointly developed by premier developers: UOL, Singapore Land & Kheng Leong ✔ 1st New Launch in Ang Mo Kio after 8 Years time ✔ Less than 400m walk to Mayflower MRT (Thomson East Coast Line) & Bright Hill MRT ✔ Near to many shopping malls e.g Ang Mo Kio Hub (within 2KM), Djitsun Mall, Junction 8 and Orchard Road.  ✔ Top schools within 1KM i.e CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School & Ai Tong ✔ Millions Dollar Scenic view to 62 hectare Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park & Lower Peirce Reservoir PRICE GUIDE 2BR/ 3BR/ 4BR / 5BR Fully Sold Penthouse 2293 Fr $5.588 Mil - Last 1

AMO Key Highlights https://youtu.be/VrVY_QebhYU "Home Overlooking Panoramic Horizons " Quick LinksFact Sheet Unique Selling Points 360 Degree Views Floor Plan & Virtual Tours: Download Brochures StarBuy AMO at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 condo is a 99 years leasehold, located in Singapore’s District 20. The development comprises of  372 units in two towers of 24 & 25 storey with spectacular views of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. In the mature estate of Ang Mo Kio, this project is one of the few fresh launches in 8 years and would definitely stir interest among savvy investors and home buyers. AMO Condo is just 5 minute walk from the Mayflower MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, which connects residents to the Circle Line and Downtown Line, even extending to Gardens By The Bay (TE22) by 2023 and Bedok South (TE30) by 2024. Residents also enjoy close proximity to shopping malls like AMK Hub, Junction 8 and Thomson Plaza.

AMO grand entrance AMO Condo is surrounded by reputable primary schools, such as CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School & Ai Tong School, are within 1km. Well established Anderson Secondary School & Eunoia Junior College (offers IP program) are in close proximity. For nature lovers, AMO at Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Condo is a short 2-minute walk to nature spots like Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is one of the largest urban parks in central Singapore for families to enjoy an active day out. For the more adventurous, residents can also head down to Windsor Nature Park which links to the relatively new Macritchie Treetop Walk, or head to Lower Peirce Reservoir for more exploring.

Two major Expressways, the SLE and CTE surround the development and ensuring seamless connectivity to other major key destinations in Singapore. Fact Sheet TypeDescriptionsProject NameAMO at Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 Developer NameJV Between UOL, Singapore Land Group & Kheng LeongLocation21 & 23 Ang Mo Kio Rise (District 20)Tenure of Land99 years from 30 Aug 2021Expected Date of Completion (T.O.P.)31st Dec 2026Site area12,679.4 sqmTotal No. of Units372 units in two blocks 24 and 25 storeys Car Parks372 Lots including 4 EV lots (1:1 ratio) Updated Fact Sheet AMO at Ang Mo Kio Ave 1

UOL Group Limited (UOL) is one of Singapore’s leading public-listed property companies with total assets of about $20 billion. The Company has a diversified portfolio of residential, commercial developments and investment properties, hotels and serviced suites in Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. With a track record of over 50 years, UOL strongly believes in delivering product excellence and quality service in all its business ventures. UOL, through its hotel subsidiary Pan Pacific Hotels Group Limited, owns three acclaimed brands namely “Pan Pacific”, PARKROYAL COLLECTION and PARKROYAL. The Company’s Singapore- listed property subsidiary, Singapore Land Group Limited, owns an extensive portfolio of prime commercial assets and hotels in Singapore.

Singapore Land Group Limited (“Singland” or the “Company”), formerly known as United Industrial Corporation Limited, is a leading real estate company listed since 1971. Singland’s diversified portfolio comprises commercial investment properties, residential development properties, hotels and IT services. The company’s portfolio of prime commercial assets includes 2.5 million square feet of office space and 1 million square feet of retail space in Singapore. These include some of Singapore’s best-known commercial and retail landmarks such as UIC Building, Singapore Land Tower, Clifford Centre, SGX Centre, The Gateway, Tampines Plaza 1 and 2, West Mall and Marina Square. With a focus on delivering quality products of the highest standards, each of our developments is also a reflection of innovative and inspirational concepts. From setting benchmarks to building landmarks, our residential and commercial portfolios represent our dedication to creative excellence and sustainable developments.

Incorporated in 1949, Kheng Leong Company began operations as an international commodity with spice trading company. Over the years, the company has kept pace with the changing business landscape and has evolved as an investment group with interest in property development and real estate investment. Today, the Kheng Leong Group has a growing portfolio of development projects and business interests, through direct investment or collaborations with strategic partners, that spans across the Asia Pacific region from Shanghai and Hong Kong to Sydney as well as London and Los Angeles. The Group has chalked up a proven track record in developing refined residences and built up a brand voice that connotes to quality and value. A forerunner in the development of refined cluster houses in Singapore, the Group has built up a portfolio that includes both residential developments and retail projects in choice locations and prime districts. Unique Selling Points Jointly developed by premier developers: UOL, Singapore Land & Kheng Leong 1st New Launch in Ang Mo Kio after 8 Years time Central location is close to amenities in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Thaomson and Yishun. 400m walk to Mayflower MRT (Thomson East Coast Line) Convenient transfer to the Cross-Island Line via the nearby Bright Hill interchange station about 650m away.  Near to mega shopping malls e.g Ang Mo Kio Hub, Djitsun Mall, Junction 8 and Orchard Road.  Top schools within 1KM i.e CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School & Ai Tong Scenic views to unblocked vibrant city views or breathtaking views of lush green landscaping of MacRitchie Reservoir. Exclusive access to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park ~ Providing residents with direct access to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park across the street via an overhead bridge.

Bishan Park

Lower Pierce Reservoir

AMO Smart Home

Location in Details

AMO Location Map AMO Residences is located just 400m from the entrance of Mayflower MRT station and bounded by Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 and Avenue 2. With proximity to Mayflower MRT Station, along the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), residents will enjoy seamless connectivity to other parts of Singapore. When the Thomson-East Coast Line is fully operational, residents may only take less than 20 minutes of travelling time to get to Orchard Road via direct train access. Orchard MRT is just 8 stops away and Thomson Plaza is just 1 stop from Ang Mo Kio Residences. 1 MRT station away is Brighthill MRT Station, slated to be an interchange station connecting with the new upcoming Cross Island Line. This is a prime example of a co-located development in line with the Government’s Master Plan of building towns that are vibrant and self-sufficient with everything that you need being easily accessible without travelling too far. Once completed, the Thomson-East Coast Line will stretch from Woodlands North to Orchard to the Central Business District to East Coast before ending in the Eastern part of Singapore in Bedok.

For parents with young school going children, AMO Residences condominium is located within close proximity of several primary schools. Popular primary schools such as Ai Tong School and CHIJ St Nicholas are within 1km from the condo. Most other secondary schools, tertiary institutes and overseas schools are within minutes drive from the condo. Trains (MRT) • Mayflower MRT TE6 400m • Ang Mo Kio NW16 1.7km Groceries/ Shopping • Sheng Shiong (AMK 233) 416m • Giant Super (AMK 161) 860m  • Thomson Plaza 1.6km • Ang Mo Kio Hub 1.7km   Schools • CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School 466m • Ang Mo Kio Primary 685m • Ai Tong School 978m • Mayflower Primary 1.34km 

Site Plan

Every home in AMO Residence is a safe haven of comfort and respite nestled in a harmonious landscape of water and green. Nature meets modern living with state-of-the-art facilities and smart home technologies integrated within well-planned interiors. Individuals and multi-generational families alike can find a place of their own in this private estate.

AMO Site Plan AMO Residences Site Plan 360 Degree Views

AMO Location Site

AMO The View An array of facilities is introduced on the landscape deck, where all walks of life are invited to peruse and enjoy the space. People can indulge in swimming in the clear waters, and even partake in a leisurely activity like lounging along the pool, with a stupendous view in front of them. Unit Mixes: 

AMO Unit Mixes

AMO DC Chart Ceiling Heights: 2.79m / 2.9m/ 4.3m Maintenance Fee: $414 for 2BR/ 2BR Premium/ 3BR/ 3BR +S $483 for 3BR Premium +S/ 4BR/ 5BR $552/ $621 for Penthouses Floor Plan & Virtual Tours:

2BR Type B1

2BR Type B2

2BR Type B3

2BR Premium Type BP1 (SHOW UNIT)

2BR Premium Type BP2

3BR Type C1

3BR + Study Type CS1

3BR Premium + Study Type CPS1 (SHOW UNIT)

4BR Type D1 (SHOW UNIT)

5BR

Penthouse PH1

Penthouse PH2

AMO View Download Brochures E-brochure & Floor Plan StarBuy 2BR/ 3BR/ 4BR / 5BR Fully Sold Penthouse 2293 Fr $5.588 Mil - Last 1 Special discounts are available now on selected units. Please contact us for details of latest offers. It is important to only engage the Official Direct Developer Sales Team to assist you to enjoy the best possible direct developer price. There is no commission required to be paid.

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[twatkcox]

[The Keihancarl Diaries: January 20, 2024]

Hi everyone, Keihancarl here. Today I'm heading to the North Avenue Malls for the second time since the pandemic, and my first mall-hopping trip for 2024.

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I decided to wear all-black right now since I feel like it. Anyway, traffic is mostly light along Commonwealth Avenue. I even get to see the old Citimall (near UP Diliman campus), ready for demolition.

Reaching SM North EDSA, I checked the hypermarket first at The Block. There's an escalator access to the second level, though there's no direct access to the supermarket area from there.

I checked Uniqlo at the second level where I bought an awesome Naruto shirt (UT). Quite pricey, but I loved the design so much that I didn't hesitate to buy it.

At the bridgeway to the North Towers, people are lining up for the exclusive artist-made collection by Korean boy band SEVENTEEN at the pop-up store right beside the Park Inn entrance. I also passed by MizuSawa (a milk tea/coffee/dessert place), but I only checked the menu at the counter.

At the North Towers, I passed by Decathlon first. I also checked Muji Cafe as well and had a cafe latte (unsweetened) and a shiopan (salted butter bread).

I also checked the shop adjacent to the cafe. I get to see the infamous tabo, which makes rounds on social media for being pricey.

Checking the rest of the North Towers, there's a sitting moose on the ground floor near the escalators.

Heading back to The Block, I visited a few shops, including Fully Booked and Bocu.

The Fully Booked branch there had a storefront renovation, though it's business as usual.

Timezone opened at the fifth level. The rest of former Fitness First's space would probably be the future location of SM Game Park (just a hunch, though).

The Block looked a lot better and more luxurious (sort of) than when it first opened back in 2008. The layout itself is also different from what it was during the pre-pandemic days.

There are interesting art murals on the bridgeway to the North Towers parking, as well as the LED tunnel on the bridgeway to the City Center.

Heading to the City Center, I only checked a couple of shops, which are the Mi store and Book Sale. I bought a couple of second-hand manga books at the latter.

The staircase at the former cinema wing had a biophilic design like most parts of the mall.

The other staircase at the cinema wing looked like something from a resort swimming pool due to the design that looks like DOST's (Department of Science and Technology) logo.

And I'm off to the Annex. The LED billboard is already gone.

Inside, I checked a few more shops, including those in the Cyberzone area. Passing by MN±LA, I saw an interesting robe jacket (a drape, as the tag says) but I didn't feel like buying it at the moment. I loved the design, though. Hoping to get my hands on it one of these days.

The glass staircase at the fourth level still fascinates me to this day. By the window, I can see the entire Sky Garden (including the Sky Dome), the upcoming Unified Grand Central Station, and the City Center + The Block. And of course, Trinoma and the buildings on top of the Vertis North Mall.

Going back to the City Center, I dropped by the National Book Store branch there and saw a light novel I previously bought. I didn't stay long, though.

I decided to check the Interior Zone first before heading to Trinoma. Nothing much to see, except for a showroom. I passed by The Block one more time and exited through the Sky Garden entrance.

The Chinese lanterns are on display. Chinese New Year is only a few weeks away.

Going to my next stop, the footbridge was already dismantled so we had to use the pedestrian crossing instead. Anyway, I did get to see the Unified Central Station from there. Before reaching my next stop, I also managed to see a tarp regarding a possible connection (from Trinoma) to the upcoming Unified Grand Central Station.

Reaching Trinoma, I decided to check Landmark Supermarket first. After that, I immediately headed to the two Fully Booked branches (I visited the old branch at the basement level first before the other, newer branch at the third level). Having visited both the old and the new branches, I think the newer branch on the third level is smaller than the old one below.

Anyway, at least it does carry the usual stuff, especially the novels and manga books. I couldn't find Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human, though (the one published by Tuttle, both novel and manga).

I also had an early dinner at Pepper Lunch at the mall's Food Choices. It's been a decade since I first had my beef pepper rice at the Power Plant Mall branch in Makati (which had closed, unfortunately). This is the second time I've ever had a beef pepper rice, and a jumbo size too.

I checked the garden area as well. Too bad, the water features near the cinema area (including the fountains, I think) are gone (I never checked the rest of the garden area). Some even had potted flowering plants in their place. I wonder if it's just a temporary setup or a permanent one.

I then head on to my final stop, Vertis North. I only checked a few shops there, including The Craft Central and Uniqlo. Oh, and there's an electric vehicle charging station outside the mall area.

I passed by Japan Town, though the large LED display appears to have been removed. Or so I thought. Still loved the wooden elements, as well as the square lamps and the tatami-inspired tiled flooring.

And it's time for me to go home. I decided to take the UV Express at the Trinoma terminal near the MRT-3 North Avenue Station. Travel time took a lot faster than expected too considering that the traffic situation along Commonwealth Avenue is mostly light with moderate traffic in some parts.

xxxxxxxxxx

And so, I get to visit the North Avenue malls for the second time since the pandemic. I was really taking my sweet time visiting the shops in these malls, just like my last visit. Also, I was feeling a little disoriented during some parts of that mall-hopping trip. Later on, I was getting stressed over the Instagram app's greatest defects (I'll cover this in another post very soon).

By the way, did I mention Chinese New Year? Yup, since my next mall-hopping trip will take me to Binondo, but I'll visit the malls at the Ayala Center first, especially the newly-opened One Ayala Mall. It won't be long.

For now, it's back to reality for me. Until next time!

All pics are from my Instagram account, @kcox_105.

[underfell-crystal]

Ok, I've decided to turn this post into an actual coherent 'short' story.

This is a FNAF story inspired by a nightmare I had last night primarily focused around FNAF Security Breach and will be told from a first person perspective. I recommend you go watch the trailer if you haven't already.

TW: Descriptions of gore, death, and blood.

~~FNAF Security Breach: Back to the Past~~

It had been nearly a decade since your brother went missing at a Freddy Fazbear's pizzaria. The details of the incident escaped you, as you'd been fairly young at the time, but you remembered the confusion and fear on your parents' faces when they realized your brother was nowhere to be found. Your parents had recounted all they remembered from that day multiple times, but as the years went by, they began to lose hope in finding him. Honestly, if your friend Petra hadn't suggested looking around the old mall Fazbear Entertainment had owned, you would have given up by now too.

You and Petra didn't want to go into a creepy, abandoned, and possibly haunted mall alone, so you had brought backup: Quin and Zion, two friends who were always down for urban exploring and had actually explored some Fazbear locations in the past. This exploration had been planned over the course of several days, and unfortunately the four of you came to the conclusion that going around midnight would be the best option, since people were less likely to be driving by and notice Petra's rusty car in the abandoned parking lot. You sighed and glanced at your curly-haired friend in the driver's seat.

"Are you ready?"

Petra nodded, glancing in the rear view mirror at the two in the backseat, who looked far too excited for this. "Alright people, let's move."

Zion and Quin jumped out of the car, flashlights and backpacks ready to go, chattering excitedly about what they thought they would find. You and Petra slid out of the car, and you took that moment to look up at the dark mall looming above you. There was a threatening aura about it, something that was usually muted when you drove past it during the day. You felt a shiver crawl down your spine and shook yourself, shoving your hands into your jacket pockets and starting toward the museum with your friends at your heels.

As you got closer to the mall, the sound of Zion and Quin's chattering died down. Using some bolt cutters, Petra made quick work of the padlock keeping you from the secrets stored inside the old Fazbear mall. The four of you stepped inside the mall, breaking the deafening silence that had permeated the building. Once you were out of sight from any potential passing cars, the four of you clicked on your flashlights. Quin and Zion had volunteered to check out the upper levels of the mall beforehand, and they quickly made their way over to the broken escalators, leaving you and Petra to explore the first floor.

The first floor was pretty interesting. There was an arcade with no games, an ice cream shop with mold coming out of the old machines, a gift shop with a lone bear plushie (Petra claimed it was an animatronic called Glamrock Freddy that used to perform in the mall), and an enormous stage. It was the stage that piqued both of your interests for some unknown reason. You both stood below the edge of the stage and shone your flashlights around. You felt... unsettled. Something about this stage specifically made your hairs stand on end. There was something viscerally wrong about this place, and you didn't like it one bit. Petra didn't have the same reluctance you did, and boosted herself up onto the stage. She turned to you and motioned for you to come closer. "C'mon! Maybe there's a trapdoor up here!"

You looked around anxiously. "Petra, I don't know... This place is super freaky. Can't we just meet up with Zion and Quin?"

"Oh, don't be such a weenie! C'mon! Just for a minute! Pleeeeeaaaaassseeee?"

You groaned inwardly. Petra was extremely stubborn, and she almost always got her way. If you refused, she'd probably drag you up there herself. "Fiiiiiine."

She beamed and held out her hand to you, which you grasped and used to pull yourself up onto the stage. Unfortunately, your momentum was too much, and you ended up colliding with Petra, sending you both tumbling onto the rickety stage. The last thing you saw before you blacked out was the dull gray metal of the old stage.

You didn't know how much time had passed when you were awoken by someone roughly shaking you. "Hey. Hey!! Wake up!!"

You groaned and sat up, rubbing your head and looking around. Your three friends were in front of you, fearful looks on their face. Petra grabbed you in a tight hug and let out an anxious breath. "Jeez, you idiot, you scared us!"

You rubbed your nose. "Ow.... wha...?"

That's when it hit you. You weren't in total darkness anymore. You looked around and saw that the mall was now covered in neon signs and looked.... brand new? How?? Your friends noticed your bewilderment. Quin spoke up first. "We have no idea what happened! Me and Zion went into a merch store, and when we came out, the mall was renovated and you and Petra were passed out on the stage! We thought the animatronics got you!"

You gaped at your surroundings. "H...... How? How did this happen?? How is this POSSIBLE?!"

Nobody had an answer to that. Then you paused. "Wait.... animatronics?"

Zion pointed behind you, and you swiveled your head and nearly jumped out of your skin with a muffled shriek. There were four animatronics only a few feet away, blinged out in 80's rock accessories. There was a green alligator with star glasses, a pink mohawk, and a guitar, a wolf with a green streak in its 'hair' and a piano keyboard thing, a pink chicken with a bow at the base of its 'hair' and a guitar, and a bear with a microphone and a blue 'mask'. They looked shiny and polished, like the rest of the mall. It was unnerving to go from a dirty, musty, abandoned mall to whatever the Hell THIS was.

You turned away from the animatronics, suppressing a shudder. "Okay.... we need to leave NOW."

The other three were quick to nod in agreement. You stood up and the four of you jumped off the stage and started booking it for the entrance. Only there was no entrance. You could feel desperation beginning to claw its way up your throat as the others stopped and stared in shock at the place that used to have the doors to the parking lot. Zion spoke up first. "I don't care how new this place feels, I'm getting out of here through a window if I have to."

Zion seized a nearby potted plant and hefted it over their head before throwing it at a window, to which it promptly bounced off and landed on the ground at your feet. All four of you gaped at the perfectly unharmed window for a moment before scrambling to find something heavy to throw at the window. Quin used their flashlight, Petra used the bolt cutters she'd been carrying around, and you and Zion used potted plants. But nothing worked. There wasn't even a scratch on the window. Petra's voice was on octave higher than normal as she spoke after several minutes of fruitless attempts to break the window. "Let's just call our parents! It's better to just get in trouble!"

Quin whipped out their phone, the screen lighting up their face. They tapped a few times and held the phone up to their ear, but their face fell a few seconds later. Zion pressed their ear to the phone and listened in for a moment before looking at you and Petra, horrified. "It's saying the number doesn't exist."

You choked. "Wha-?! But it has to exist!"

You, Zion, and Petra snatched up your phones and tried to text and call your parents, but with the same results. The calls and texts weren't going through. You checked the time. 11:59 already? You sighed and rubbed your face. This was too weird. This shouldn't even be happening!

DONG.

The four of you jumped and looked up, where an enormous clock was hanging in the upper window. It read 12:00.

There was a loud screeching sound, like metal being dragged across metal. The four of you winced and covered your ears. After a few agonizing seconds, the screeching stopped. Petra clicked on her flashlight and slowly began to make her way towards the noise, despite your angry whisper-squawking. She poked her head out from behind the corner before turning to look at you with wide, terrified eyes. "They're gone," she whispers.

You take your own quick glance at the stage and feel an icy shiver race down your spine. Sure enough, the animatronics are gone. You look at your three friends, huddled together in a scared clump. You feel a spark of determination. You're going to get your friends out of this alive. You decide to try the upper level windows to see if they'll break and motion for your friends to follow you. The four of you slowly make your way up the broken escalators, but when you stand up, there's an animatronic in your peripheral vision. You turn your head and stumble back a little with a strangled gasp. It's the wolf. It's jaw is open and unhinged. Petra hisses 'shit!', and takes a step back. The wolf lunges forward faster than you can blink and grabs Petra, gripping her neck with one hand and her waist with the other, then rips. Petra screams for a moment, but then the screaming stops. There's blood everywhere. Petra's head is still in the wolf's claws. There's something warm and wet on your face. You hear someone throw up. You hear someone else scream "SCATTER!!"

You don't think twice. You want to get away from that nightmarish scene. You turn and bolt back down the escalator. But there's something blocking your way. You recognize the mohawk and the star shaped glasses. You see it reaching for you, and you don't waste any time leaping over the side of the escalator. Pain shoots through your legs as you land on the ground, but you barely register it. You're up and sprinting the moment you hit the floor. You can hear loud metal footsteps behind you, and you can tell they're going faster than you. The gator is going to catch up to you. You're going to end up like Petra. You turn into a different section of the mall and spot something odd- the Freddy animatronic. It looks to be deactivated.

You're desperate and out of options. You run towards the animatronic and spy a button on the side of it's chest. You smash it, and the chest cavity swings open. You don't have time to question why this is a thing. You climb into the chest cavity and pull the door shut. You hear the gator's heavy footsteps pass you by, and you sigh in relief. Once you're sure you're safe, you climb out of Freddy's chest cavity and start looking for a way out again. You try whisper-calling to your friends, but nobody answers. You hide behind abandoned carts, in stores, and behind garbage cans whenever the animatronics start to get closer.

Nearly two hours later, you hear singing. It sends chills down your back. The tune is haunting and slow, but loud and clear. Someone singing in this place has to be a serial killer or incredibly stupid. You're willing to bet it's the first option. You poke your head out from behind the trash can and see someone in what looks to be an animal costume skipping down the hall, swinging a knife in one hand. Before you can duck out of sight, the red eyes on the mask lock onto you. You scramble to your feet, intent on running away, but the person in the animal suit is faster. In an instant, they're on top of you- literally. They pin your arms above your head with one hand and raise the knife over your neck, red eyes blank. You scream in terror and kick the person in the chest, throwing them off of you. You leap to your feet as they're standing up and start running. You feel something rip, then something warm and sticky on your arm. You look down as you run and realize it's blood. The person in the animal suit must have slashed you as you ran away.

You can hear the singing behind you, though it's getting quieter as you bolt through the mall. You hide in one of the stores, using a dusty shirt as a makeshift bandage for your injured arm. As the next three and a half hours pass, you jump from hiding place to hiding place, trying to avoid the animatronics and the psychopath on the loose. Finally, you spot an emergency exit- but the wolf is nearby. You can still see blood on its hands. You're unsure whether to risk it or not. You could get out of here if you make it, but who's to say it's not openable like some other doors? The wolf turns away from you, and you decide to take the opportunity. You stand up and begin to quietly sneak towards the exit. Suddenly, the wolf's head snaps towards you, freezing you in your tracks with its hateful red gaze. It starts to move toward you, which snaps you out of your daze. You turn and bolt away from the bloodthirsty animatronic.

It's close. Closer than any other animatronic has been. Too close. You can't outrun it, you can't lose it. You hear the pounding footsteps behind you, matching your racing heart. Suddenly you see it- the Freddy animatronic. It's facing away from you. You pray that this will work and hit the black button on the back of its head, then slide around it as the glow in its eyes dims. You smash your hand into the button that opens the chest cavity and hastily climb in, bumping your injured arm in the process, slamming the door behind you. You hear the footsteps slow, and through the plastic window, you can see two red, glowing dots on the other side, looking directly at you.

You want to cry, but you don't want to make any noise. You cover your mouth, muffling a sob that escapes your lips. Your heart is too loud, your breathing is too loud. The wolf knows you're here, and it's going to kill you just like it did to Petra. Then there's another pair of footsteps- quieter and lighter than the animatronics. You see the vague outline of a human in the distance. The wolf turns its head, then starts running towards the person. The person screams in fear and runs away. You try not to think about which one of your remaining friends that was. You climb out of the chest cavity and start sprinting for the emergency exit. You see the gator near the door, and you know it sees you. But you're closer. As you reach for the push-bar on the door, somewhere, a clock chimes 6 a.m, and you burst through the doors into blinding sunlight. You turn around when you hear nothing has followed you and see that the mall is now ruined. Just like it was over 6 hours ago. You can see Petra's car further away in the parking lot. Your mind is spinning. There's no way that was a dream. You have a stab wound, for God's sake! What happened to your friends?!

You spot a laundromat a short ways away. Something inexplicable draws you to it. You hobble towards the tiny building, and as you get closer, you can see an old man sitting behind the counter, reading a book. In your gut, you instinctively know that man had something to do with what just transpired, and possibly the disappearance of your brother. You feel rage bubbling up inside your stomach, and you slam open the door. The old man looks up, and you realize with a jolt that the old man's wrinkly face is that of your grandfather's. He smiles. "Ah.... grandchild... how nice of you to visit."

You finally find your voice. "Grandpa..."

He sets down his book and gives you a smile. "So you survived, eh? I knew you would. You're my grandchild, after all."

"Wha.... what are you talking about?"

"Which one died first?"

It's like a punch to the gut. You take a step back, your eyes widening in horror. Your grandpa, the silly old man who liked to play chess and feed birds, was asking you which one of your friends had been murdered first. Like he was asking what the weather forecast was. Disgust rose in the back of your throat. ".... You disgust me."

You don't give him time to respond. You storm outside, angry tears blurring your vision. You spot an empty beer can and pick it up, throwing it against the wall with a scream of rage, frustration, and hurt. You drop to your knees and sob, the fear and shock that had been pent up for the last six hours finally being released. You cry for Petra, your best friend who stuck with you til the very end. You cry for Zion and Quin, two friends who had just wanted to have fun and help you find clues about your brother's disappearance. And you cry for your brother, who fell victim to the cursed Fazbear franchise just like you and your three friends.

A shadow looms over you, and before you can react, something grabs your head, yanking you to a standing position. You scream and flail around, trying to rip away from whoever had grabbed you, but the grip was inhumanely strong. You're forced into a familiar feeling space, and the door shuts behind you. You squirm around and realize that you're now looking out of the Freddy's chest cavity window. You realize that he's moving, taking you back to the mall. But now the mall looks brand new, neon signs and all.

Panic coils around your heart, squeezing it until you can barely breathe. Freddy pushes open the doors you had come out of minutes earlier, and you hear the doors shut behind you. You let out a choked sob. Somehow, you know that there's no escape this time. The chest cavity opens, and the Freddy's hand drags you out, tossing you on the floor. You sprawl out at the feet of the wolf, surrounded by the other animatronics and the person in the animal suit. You sob as the wolf picks you up, bringing you face to face with its immaculate sharp teeth. You close your eyes as its mouth opens wider, and the last thing you feel is a sharp pain in your forehead and jaw.

~~Thank you for reading!! Let me know what yall thought in the comments!~~

[as-clear-as-crystal]

If I Couldn’t Find You (Prompt Fill)

Good morning! @theoceanismyinkwell This is to fulfill the prompt you gave me a couple months ago from the whump prompts list: "“I’m not hurt.” “You are actively bleeding.” “Oh, so I am.”

I was so happy to get a prompt; and I'm sorry it took so long to write. But! I had so much fun writing this story. It was longer than I first planned it, but I'm kind of a more is more type of person when it comes to fic. 😅

Anyway, thanks for the prompt, and I hope you enjoy! To read on AO3, click this link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24898108 

Or, click to read more...

If I Couldn’t Find You

Tony was in a great mood. He’d spent the previous evening with Pepper, and his morning with Rhodey over brunch. The two friends were just stepping out of Rhodey’s favorite cafe in Manhattan when Tony got a call. He frowned when he saw the picture that flashed on his phone, swiping his screen immediately and putting it to his ear.

Rhodey raised an eyebrow, “Who’s that?”

Tony glanced at Rhodey, “It’s Peter’s friend... Leeds, you and Pete are supposed to be at a museum; please tell me you haven’t gotten yourselves in trouble.”

“Oh. Uh. Sorry, Mr. Stark, sir, but I think Peter might be… We were outside waiting to be let into the museum this morning, and he heard something bad going down a couple blocks away. Said it sounded like a robbery? He hated just standing there listening, so he snuck off to check it out, but he’s still not back, and that was two hours ago, sir, and I’m really worried. I’ve got a bad feeling; he’s got his phone turned off. I don’t know what to do, I’m so sorry, sir...”

Tony felt like he’d been doused with ice water. Rhodey edged closer to him, eyes narrowing in concern. Tony’s mind was racing with possibilities, but he had a procedure for situations like this.

First, track the kid.

“Friday, track Peter’s suit and phone. Pull up the location when you have it.” Tony said without preamble, praying that the phone and suit and his kid were all in the same actual location. “Leeds, you did the right thing by calling me.”

“Can you… tell him to call me when you find him? Please.” Ned sounded distressed.

“Yep, that’ll be on my list of things to tell him. Catch you later, kid.” Tony hung up as Friday pinged the locations for the suit and phone.

Locations, plural. The suit being in an alley a couple blocks from the museum where Peter’s class was meant to be that day, and the phone being forty miles north of that, in some abandoned packing-house, and Tony felt like he might vomit. Instead, he tapped his chest.

“Honey Bear, I need your help,” Tony’s pleading eyes turned to Rhodey’s, just before his suit formed around him, closing him off.

**********************************************************************************************

Tony was preparing his descent on the packing house when Rhodey called him.

“I’ve got his backpack, and his suit’s here, Tones,” Rhodey reported. “But, it sounds like Pete got himself in trouble. I spoke to a couple shop owners, they said the cops were here earlier responding to an anonymous call.”

“That was Peter,” Tony informed him, “Friday told me he’d made a call, before his phone was turned off.”

“Well, the shop owner said he was being held at gunpoint - and a teenager came in to say the cops were on their way; tried to talk the gunmen into leaving. They did, but they made the kid go with them.”

“Why the hell wasn’t he in his suit?” Tony would be pulling his hair out if he could. Why did his kid insist on doing stupid shit like this? Tony was going to ground him until he was forty. Fifty. He was going to implant a tracker in his -

“The suit notifies you when he wears it. Maybe he didn’t want you to know he’d ditched his class field trip,” Rhodey suggested.

“Well, surprise. I now know. Million dollar suit and he leaves it in his backpack. I swear to God, Rhodes, I’m gonna...” Tony took a deep breath, “Can you just… I’m gonna have Happy pick you up, and meet me at this location? What else did you find out?”

“No problem; I got your back on this,” Rhodey told him. “All I know is the cops are on the lookout for an unmarked white sedan. Surveillance cameras were unable to make out the license plate, and as you can imagine thousands of cars match that description…”

“I think I found it,” Tony told him as he approached a building. A dirty white car was sloppily parked near the side entrance.

“Don’t kill anyone,” Rhodey ordered.

“No promises.”

Tony eschewed all subtlety in favor of blasting his way inside. Friday’s sensors indicated four adult males, and zero teenage idiots, inside. But the kid’s phone was there, and those men were his only lead. They started shooting first, but of course the bullets ricocheted off his suit. He registered a lot of yelling, but that didn’t matter. He blasted two of them before grabbing the nearest asshole by the collar.

“Listen, Dipshit, you have ten seconds to tell me what you did with the kid you kidnapped this morning.”

“Whoa - what kid? - Shit! Hey!” Tony lifted the man up so his feet could barely tap the floor.

“Wanna try that again, Jackass? Because if he’s disappeared, then so do you -”

“No, wait, we didn’t do anything, that kid was crazy!” The man tried fruitlessly to loosen Tony’s grip.

“The hell are you talking about? Where is he?” Tony demanded. He didn’t appreciate man’s use of the word was. “Two seconds, and I’m gonna rip off an arm.”

“You’re insane! Put me down!”

“One,” Tony snarled.

“He jumped out of the car!” The man was practically crying at that point; probably recognizing how close Tony actually was to making very good on his threats. “We were going over a bridge and he- he just jumped out! We- we- you gotta believe me, we didn’t even touch him!”

Tony took a second to breathe. Peter was Spiderman. Peter could feasibly jump out of a moving vehicle and onto a bridge and still be ok. His kid could do that. In fact, maybe it was his best option to escape these assholes. Peter would be fine. Except, if he was fine, then where was he? Why hadn’t he called anyone? He had to know by now that at least Ned would be freaking out. Peter wasn’t the kind of kid to just make his loved ones worry like that. Uncertainty was gripping Tony’s lungs like a vice.

One thing Tony did know for sure was he didn’t feel any sympathy for the man crying in his vice grip. Peter wouldn’t have been jumping out of cars at all if he hadn’t been forced into one at gunpoint.

He pulled the man’s face close to his mask. “Where?”

“Wh-where?”

“Where were you. When the kid. Jumped out. Of the goddamn car?!”

Sobbing, the man finally gave Tony an actual location, and he wasted no time incapacitating the crook, asking Friday to contact local law enforcement as he grabbed Peter’s phone from one of their pockets. Then, he was shooting like a rocket towards the kid’s last known location.

********************************************************************************************

Tony called Rhodey in-flight.

“I’m sure he’s fine, Tones, the kid’s strong.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know he is. Just, get here soon as you can. Please.”

Tony slowed down when he approached the offending bridge. It was short, spanning over a lazy, shallow portion of a river. There was a decent amount of traffic, but it wasn’t too bad. He had Friday scanning the area as he dipped under the bridge.

Nothing. There was nothing.

Considering it had been probably approaching two hours since Peter had escaped the moving car, Tony shouldn’t have expected the kid to still be there. But, then where the hell was he? Tony flew along the bank. There was a golf course on one side and a strip mall on the other. Had Peter fallen in the river? Hit his head and drowned?

No, no, no, no. Come on Parker, I need a clue, here.

He had another minute of freaking-out searching, before a new call was being pushed through. Given Tony’s calls were all filtered by Friday, he accepted it with a guarded hopefulness.

“This is Stark.”

“H-hey, Mr. Stark! Uh, so a crazy thing happened, today. Um, please don’t freak out - ”

Tony sucked in a breath that he hadn’t realized he was holding. He’d been sick over the possibility of never hearing that voice again.

Thank God. Thank God.

“Pete?! Where the hell are you? Are you hurt? Friday, track this call - take me there now. And, please get Rhodes and Happy the new coordinates... Kid? Hey, I need you to answer me, Pete. Are you hurt?”

“Oh. Ok, this is not, uh, not freaking out.”

“Parker, are you hurt?”

“NO! I’m fine, Mr. Stark, I swear, it’s - OH, God, did Ned already tell you what happened?” Peter groaned miserably. “He did, didn't he?”

Tony loved this kid so much, and he was going to kill him.

“Tell me what? That you ditched school to interrupt a robbery, without the suit that I so lovingly crafted for you - to keep you safe - and that you were abducted at gunpoint and taken out of the damn city?”

“Oh, yeah, well that’s a lot more detail than I expected Ned to know about…”

“Rhodey, Happy and I have been searching for you since Ned called me an hour ago, which was apparently two hours after he’d last seen you. I just threatened to rip the arms off of someone, because I couldn’t find you, Peter! What the hell would I do if I couldn’t find you?”

“God, Mr. Stark, I’m so sorry…” Peter sounded like he might be very close to tears, and Tony shut his mouth, clenched his fists, counted to ten… He saw Friday guiding his suit to the call’s location. It looked like some old payphone at a service station on the other side of the golf course.

“I really would’ve called sooner, Mr. Stark,” Peter was saying, “but they had my phone, and everyone I approached acted like I was gonna attack them or something, they yelled at me and some of them threatened to call the police, and I didn’t know if they’d believe me if I told them I’d just been abducted, so I hid and looked for some spare change in the golf course, and then I found this really old fashioned pay phone...”

“Ok, listen Pete, it’s ok, just breathe.” Tony was going to wrap this kid in bubble wrap. He was going to put a tracker in his watch, and in his shoes, and...

“So, can you please maybe send Happy to come get me, sir, because I don’t even have my wallet so I can’t get on the bus, and May will actually murder me if she finds out that I ditched my field trip…”

“I’m gonna get you, kid. Come on, you know I’m gonna help you. I thought we were past this… I’m almost there. So, just stay where you are…”

He heard Peter sniff on the other end. “Wait, are you in the suit?”

“Am I in the suit?” Tony rolled his eyes. “Are you serious, right now, Parker? You were kidnapped. You better damn well believe I’m in the suit.”

******************************************************************************************

Tony descended on the service station, to see his kid - finally, thank God - in the flesh, and felt his throat tighten. He was dismayed, but not particularly surprised, to see just how much Peter had undersold his injuries. He was soaking wet, missing a shoe, and he had a bruise on his chin and across the bridge of his nose. Dried blood crusted under his nose, and a trail of blood still dripped from a cut on his forearm.

But, he was there. He was alive.

Thank God.

Tony disengaged the suit as Peter ran into him. The kid wrapped his arms around him, and Tony just stood there senseless for a few breaths before he returned the embrace.

This kid was gonna be the death of him.

“Pete, what the hell?” He reproached softly. “You look like a damned drowned puppy.”

Peter started to pull back, but Tony held him by the shoulders at arms’ length.

“Mr. Stark, I really am sorry - “

“Hey, no - we can talk about that bit later, Pete, but you said you weren’t hurt…”

“I’m not,” he said, “I’m not hurt, I’m fine…”

“You are actively bleeding right now,” Tony remarked dryly, touching Peter’s sleeve right above the injury.

Peter looked down as if seeing the wound for the first time.

“Oh, so I am,” Peter said quietly. He looked back at Tony. “I must’ve scratched it when I jumped out of the car. I don’t even really feel it.”

Tony gently touched Peter’s nose, the bridge of which was a hazy blue, and swollen. “Do you feel that?”

Peter frowned. “It does not feel great.”

“May be broken... we’ll get it checked,” Tony said. “Did those assholes hit you, or did this happen when you leapt to freedom?”

“No, they didn’t hit me, they just tied my hands when I was in the car, and then… I didn’t know what to do, because I couldn’t break the rope while they were watching, right? Or they’d know I was too strong to be a normal... guy. So, I pulled the car door open and jumped out, but it was kinda hard to land with my hands still tied…”

“That was really dangerous, Pete, even for Spiderman…”

“They would’ve killed me, I think,” Peter looked at him, eyes haunted, and Tony felt a chill run down his spine. “I was really scared; I didn’t know what they wanted with me - to be a hostage or what - but they took their masks off in the car, so I didn’t think they were gonna let me go…”

Tony sometimes hated his mind, and the thousand possibilities that he could see all at once - the ways in which this whole scenario could’ve gone so wrong. The ways he could’ve lost this kid...

But, right then, Tony’s hands were still holding onto Peter. He was safe, and Tony promised himself he would do whatever he needed to do to make sure this scenario never happened again.

Tony cleared his throat. “You’re shivering. Come on, there’s a diner across the road. We can wait for Hap & Rhodey there.”

********************************************************************************************

Tony gave a huge tip to the wide-eyed waitress who greeted them at the diner.

“He’s had a rough day,” Tony whispered to her after he’d sent Peter into the bathroom to at least wash his hands before eating. “We’re just gonna wait here until his dads come pick him up. You don’t happen to have any towels, do you? I’ll pay for them.”

The waitress, bless her, nodded and disappeared into the back. She returned with three fluffy hand towels and a stack of dish towels, just as Peter was exiting the men’s room. She then led them to a booth towards the back; a seat which afforded a good view out the window, so Tony would be able to see his friends when they arrived.

Thankfully, the place was nearly empty, and the patrons that were there didn’t seem to be paying them any attention. Tony ordered four large meals; not knowing when Peter’s last meal was, or if Rhodey or Happy would want anything when they arrived.

As soon as the waitress was gone, Tony picked up the fluffiest towel in the pile and tossed it to Peter.

“Dry your hair, Parker, you’re gonna catch cold.”

Peter caught the towel and eyed Tony warily before obediently rubbing his hair with it.

“Listen, Mr. Stark, I really am sorry…”

“Kid,” Tony sighed, feeling extremely tired, “every time you apologize, a fairy loses its wings.”

“I - I know, I get it, I keep apologizing,” Peter peeked at him from under the towel, and Tony’s heart clenched again with the thought of what could have happened. “But, I want you to know, I wasn’t just… trying to be reckless, or - or trying to ignore your rules. I just… Can’t let bad things happen to people if I’m there to stop it.”

“And what about you?” Tony raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. “Who stops the bad things from happening to Peter?”

Peter frowned, “I was fine.”

“Yeah, we’re gonna work on your definition of ‘fine.’”

“The man was begging for his life.” Peter whispered harshly, flinging the towel down against the seat, not wanting anyone nearby to hear, but clearly needing Tony to understand. Clearly thinking Tony didn’t understand. “I couldn’t just stand there with my class and go on into the museum and listen to him getting murdered. I couldn’t… I - I had to do something!”

“Then wear the suit, Pete,” Tony ground out slowly through clenched teeth, pitching his voice to match the kid’s, even quieter, knowing Peter could hear, leaning forward to add emphasis. “The suit I made for you, so you could go save people when bad things happen to them, and so I would know to go save you when bad things happen to you!”

“I couldn’t wear the suit when I was supposed to be in class!”

“Why the hell not?”

“Because then you’d know I was… out.”

“Yes. Yes! Then I would know! Yes, that’s the whole entire goddamn point!” Tony hit the table - not loud enough to get them kicked out of the diner, but loud enough to drive home the point.

Peter stared at Tony like he’d just grown two heads. He blinked several times, took a deep breath, and exhaled.

“Peter?” Tony reached over and poked at the kid’s arm. “Did I break you?”

“Ok, wait, so would you have been ok with all this if I’d just worn the suit this morning?”

Would he have been ok with all this?

Something Rhodey had said before they’d left on this whole wild goose chase came back to him…

”Maybe he didn’t want you to know he’d ditched his field trip.”

Tony leaned back in his seat; trying to put himself into the mind of a 16-year-old. When Tony was 16, he was a little shit. He was already enrolled at MIT, going to parties and getting into trouble he had no business being part of, and the whole time… He had wondered if his Dad was ever going to give a damn what his son was up to.

He’d wondered if he’d ever get into enough trouble for his father to finally notice him. He’d wondered if he’d ever get into so much trouble that his dad just disowned him.

But, Peter wasn’t getting into trouble to get attention. Peter was cursed with the ability to know when something terrible was about to happen, and unlike most grown-ass adults, the kid actually gave a damn about someone other than himself. So, this morning, he’d been stuck in a catch-22.

Option One: Ignore the genuine terror of a man a block away, when he could’ve potentially helped.

Option Two: Go help the man, but get in trouble for ditching school.

“God, Pete, I’m sorry,” Tony sighed. He grabbed one of the clean towels and dipped it in his glass of water, sliding out of his booth and crossing the table.

“Scootch over, Web-head,” he said softly.

Peter obliged, and Tony sat next to him. He examined the cut that was still sluggishly bleeding, and carefully dabbed at the blood.

“I don’t want you patrolling when you should be at school,” Tony said, finally.

Peter opened his mouth, but Tony held up a hand before the kid could start to argue.

“This wasn’t patrolling, though, Pete. This was… you over-hearing an emergency situation.” Tony applied pressure to the cleansed wound. Happy had a first aid kit in the car, so they could bandage it up once he arrived. “In the event of an emergency like the one that happened today, I’d much prefer you to wear the suit. I can’t promise you won’t ever get detention if you ditch school, although the fact that they didn’t notice you were missing makes me doubt their abilities to keep you safe… I’m just thankful you have a friend like Ned.”

“Oh, shit, Ned!” Peter looked up at Tony, then clapped his hand over his mouth. “Sorry.”

“Another fairy, kid,” Tony laughed. “You can call Ned in a minute. Let me finish my heartfelt speech, please.”

Peter nodded, lips turning up in a slight smile. Tony ruffled Peter’s hair before continuing.

“I can’t honestly promise that I won’t ever get mad, or not lecture you… But, I promise to listen to your side of the story, and no matter what, I’m not gonna ditch you. Even if you have a month of detention. You’ll just have to visit me after you’ve served your time. And, I’m not gonna take the suit. I’m gonna help you. I think we’ve established today that I physically cannot handle losing you. Similar to how you cannot seem to physically handle not helping people out.”

Peter was quiet for a moment, seeming to process what Tony had just said. Then, his eyes grew misty, and he lunged at Tony, wrapping his arms clear around his mentor, so the man couldn’t move. The kid rested the side of his face against Tony’s chest.

“I really love you, Mr. Stark,” the kid whispered, and Tony’s brain short-circuited - fireworks exploding in his mind. He opened and closed his mouth like a fish, just looking down at the kid’s head, before Peter sat up again, blushing.

The waitress came with their food, and Peter stabbed his stack of pancakes with a fork, shoveling them in his mouth with an appetite that only teenagers seem to have. In the meantime, Tony texted the kid’s aunt to tell her Peter was with him, and Ned to tell him Peter was ok. By the time Rhodey and Happy pulled into the parking lot, the kid had eaten all of his meal, and half of Tony’s.

“Look, who’s here,” Tony said quietly, as Rhodey and Happy entered the diner.

Peter put his fork down, frowning at Happy’s scowl. “Am I gonna get another lecture, now?”

“Probably,” Tony said lightly, “But that just means they love you.”

[lesbian-deadpool]

Its Begining To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Natasha Romanoff X reader

Modern AU

Words: 1,980

Warnings: Nothing. Just some family fluff.

Request: Nope.

Summary: To you, there's no better way to spend Christmas, than with your beautiful family.

A/N: Surprize!

(Not My GIF)

***

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go;

Take a look at the five and ten

It's glistening once again

With candy canes and silver lanes aglow

Every corner you turned, all you could see was a gaggle of Christmas festivities. 

Decorations strung up around every entrance, be them wreaths, garlands, bright twinkling lights, or something else entirely. Used to entice people inside, get warm, maybe spend a little.

Who could blame them, really?

You could count at least twenty Christmas trees, in this block alone. Either outside or in the store's windows. It really was that time of year, huh?

With flakes of white slowly drifting to the snow-coated ground, you couldn't disagree, that it was nothing short of breathtaking.

More so to you. Thanks to your red-headed wife walking in front of you. Each of her hands clasped around one of your children’s so that they wouldn't wander too far. Listening intently to what the had to say.

The view looked like a Christmas card. One that mad personally for you.

“Hey!” Natasha called over to you. Smiling because she knew all of the thoughts running through your mind. It was almost scary sometimes, how well she could practically read your mind, “Are you almost done dazing out, over there? Your son wants a piggyback ride.”

Smiling yourself, you jogged over to where your family was waiting for you. Scooping your son, from where he stood, holding his mother's hand. Hoisting him up and onto your shoulders.

“How’s that, instead?” you asked the giggling boy. Your hands moving to hold his legs, so he wouldn't fall.

Luka nodded down at you, his small hands threading into you snow-speckled hair, as you began walking again. With Natasha beside you, your daughter on her hip, still babbling away.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Toys in every store

But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be

On your own front door

You finally arrived at your destination. Placing your son onto the ground, you watched as both he and Ana looked in every direction of the mall. Not straying too far from you and Natasha. Smiling, you knew you taught them well.

This was a sort of tradition for your little family. You would schedule a day where you had to run a few light errands, and take the kids out with you. And as a reward of sorts, you would take them to a few shops they wanted to go to. But in actuality, this was your’s and Natasha’s way of seeing what to get them for Christmas, whilst also having a nice family day out. Then buy the gifts a few days later.

It was quite a good tradition if you did say so yourself.

“I want to go tho the Leggos!”

“I want to go to Build-A-Bear!” They excitedly spoke at the same time, turning to face you.

Laughing, you raised your arms to calm them down slightly, with Natasha giggling beside you.

“Okay, okay. We’ll go to any place you want.”

“But how about we start at the closest place?” Natasha suggested, “That way we’re not walking back and forth?”

They nodded excitedly, and then you were off to the first, of many shops.

A pair of hop-a-long boots and a pistol that shoots

Is the wish of Barney and Ben;

Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk

Is the hope of Janice and Jen;

And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again

“When do they go back to school, again?” you asked Natasha, who was busy washing the dishes, them passing them over for you to dry them.

She laughed. “You really can’t be telling me that you can’t wait until they go back to school.”

“No...” you said honestly. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have a break from ‘em sometimes. But I can’t get enough of them. Of you.” You nudged your shoulder against hers. “Our family. It’s like heaven to me.”

Natasha paused, to stare deeply into your eyes, totally captivated by the honesty and devotion shining in them.

“It’s like heaven to me, too,” she whispered.

That was all you needed before you leaned in to give her a love-filled kiss.

“Eww!” A high pitched whine sounded behind you, pulling you and Natasha apart, “Kissing’s gross.”

You looked over your shoulder to see your son standing in the kitchen doorway. His little face scrunched up in disgust.

“Okay, I take it all back,” you mumbled to your wife. Who scrunched her nose up playfully at you, nudging you back, slightly harder than you did.

Turning to Luka, she playfully backfired a, “You’re gross.”

He laughed and ran from the room, calling out to his sister, “I just saw them kissing!”

“Eww!” Came her far away voice.

You turned back to your chore, Natasha handing you another freshly clean plate for you to dry.

“I hope you know, we just scarred him for life,” you joked.

“Well, parents are supposed to scar their kids. It’s all in the job description.”

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go;

There's a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well

It's the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow

“Mom, look!” your son yelled for Natasha. Pointing at the magnificent tree standing in the hotel you were walking past.

“Yeah, honey,” Natasha spoke, bending over to pick up the fast-growing, six-year-old, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Luka nodded his head, still in awe at the bright tree. Smiling lovingly as the child, Natasha rubbed her nose into his cheek. Causing him to tuck his head into his neck, and away from his mothers loving, but tickling, ministrations. Giggling as he did. Natasha soon joining him, with her own laughter.

God.

You couldn’t believe just how lucky you were to have this in your life. Your wife. Your son. Your daughter.

In your eyes.

You were the luckiest person in the world.

“What about you, Ana?” You asked the girl in your arms. Noticing that she hadn’t said anything. But being too distracted by the image of your wife and son in front of you, to notice her also starring in awe at the tall tree. Watching as the bright lights, slowly twinkled away.

Smiling, you already knew the answer to the question you were about to ask, unable to hide the humour in your voice, you asked, “Do you like the tree?”

The four-year-old nodded her head vigorously. Mouth open and still staring at the tree.

The laughter finally erupted from your chest, Natasha glanced back, smiling at you and your pre-occupied daughter, as you kissed Ana’s hair.

They were gonna love the tree lighting ceremony, you were on your way to right now.

Oh, and were you right.

With Anastasia still in your arm, the other wrapped around Natasha’s waist, as she held your son on her hip. You watched the Mayor of New York City light the tree up.

While the kids watched the grand tree, covered in bright multi-coloured lights, and the just as giant snowflakes, projected onto the surround in buildings, in absolute wonderment. You placed your chin on your wife's shoulder, moving to kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear, “Merry Christmas, my love.”

“Merry Christmas, baby,” Natasha replied, looking at you over her shoulder. Her eyes nothings short of loving, when suddenly her lips were on yours.

The kiss was short and sweet, but no less perfect than the first you ever shared. And all the others after it.

“I love you,” Natasha said.

“I love you, too.”

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas;

Soon the bells will start

And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing

Right within your heart

The carpet rubbed against your jeans from your spot on the floor, as you twirled a giggling Anastasia.

You had just finished dinner when Natasha had dragged your son up to dance to the record playing in the background, you following soon after with your daughter.

Both you and Natasha were kneeled on the ground, as to dance with them better. You had chuckled when you first saw that your wife and Luka were around the same height when she kneeled, while you were still a head above Ana. Natasha threw a playful glare over her shoulder when she heard your laughter, knowing exactly what you were thinking.

The warm glow from the fireplace settled in your bones and all around the room, giving it an almost heavenly glow. Making the colourful lights on your poorly, albeit still perfect in yours and Natashas opinion, decorated tree shine brighter.

Getting to your feet, you picked your daughter up and span her in the air, before placing her down gently. Leaning over to whisper in her ear, you asked, “You wanna go dance with your brother?”

Ana smiled and nodded, before taking off towards her big brother, pulling him from your grinning wife. All the while you walked towards them.

Offering Natasha your hand, once you were by her side. She gratefully accepted it, allowing you to pull her to her feet and into your arms.

And so there you stood. Arms wrapped around one another, heads resting against each other, and swaying side to side, as you watched your kids dance around each other.

“Thank you,” Natasha spoke so only you would hear.

“For what?”

“For giving me this life. Our kids. Thank you for loving me- Us, so much.”

“Baby,” you cooed to the red-head in your arms, placing a delicate kiss on her red hair, “I wouldn’t have my life any other way. Thank you, for giving me this.”

Natasha leaned up, capturing your lips in a long heartfelt kiss. Only being pulled from it when the kids bound into the sides of your legs, grinning up at you.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Toys in every store

But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be

On your own front door

Natasha came into the living room, plopping down beside you on the couch after the kids had finally fallen asleep. Placing a peck on your cheek, brandishing a present onto your lap.

”Merry Christmas, baby.”

You looked up at her, confused. “But you already gave me my gift.”

”Yeah well, this is something a lil’ extra.” She smiled.

”What is it?”

”You’ll have to open it to find out.”

Pursing your lips you tried to hide your smile. Tried.

Natasha watched intently as you reached for the thin black box, with gold ribbon added as decoration.

Lifting the lid up, you peered inside pausing at what you saw.

Slowly, you reached for the contents. Unable to tare your eyes from the little window that held two thin pink lines.

”It worked?” you asked, choked up. Holding the pregnancy test up in your hand.

”It worked.” Natasha nodded, tears springing into her eyes.

The box fell to the floor, and the test landed behind you on the couch, once you gently pounced on Natasha. Kissing her in earnest, as she lay below you. Pushing all of the love you had into that one kiss, feeling her do the same.

Natasha broke away from you with a gasp.

”I love you.”

”I love you, too.”

Pushing against your chest, Natasha stood up, dragging you behind her. And towards your bedroom.

”Come on, “ she ordered gently, her voice turning sultry, “You have one more gift to unwrap.”

You groaned.

“Whatever did I do to deserve you?”

Throwing you a smirk over her shoulder, Natasha span around, giving you one last tug, attaching your lips together once more. And closing the bedroom door behind you.

So it's Christmas once more