#is it just me or would you rather be digested by your uber than get to your destination

[shart-factory]

sorry boss i'm gonna be late to work. yeah no my uber digested me. yeah, i know we're short staffed, it's just that i don't have skin anymore. or eyes. yeah sorry about that.

[blissfulparker]

A Work in progress→T.H

Parings: Tom Holland x Actress!reader

Summary: when You and Tom both have each other as a celebrity crush, you two unknowingly take on the role of each other’s lovers in a new movie and are expected to make it real. When the director puts the two of you in a house for the weekend to get to know each other there is little more to rehearsing than just your lines.

Warnings: awkwardness in the first half, smut(oral female), sexual tension

A/n: this is based off of a blurb I did, where it was just from a physical affection prompt list that I went off on! I hope you guys enjoy 💗

Wc: 4k

Tom didn’t know why he was so nervous as he opened the large glass doors to the conference building. His palms were sweaty as he walked alone rather than with his brother and assistant Harry.

He loved working on new projects, new films, meeting new people but the scare of not knowing the new people made him nervous. At this point he normally would be able to get some sort of name, do some research on said person but this time they gave him nothing but a script.

The script was more of a love story. a serious role but one where he could be more seductive and serious, he could let go of the goofy teenager character he seemed to be stuck with.

His character, Jack, who would be the corrupt business man who falls for the one trying to bring down his company, the main female protagonist, Beth.

The meeting started at 10:00. Always being early he seemed to see someone else was too. You stand in front of the coffee machine, trying to get it to work as you waited for the meeting to start—or at least people to come in.

“Oi let me help you with that—“ he offers but a small Yelp comes from your mouth as you quickly turn around and hit your head against the British accented stranger.

“Oh my god I’m so sorry! You scared me half to death—“ you hold your head as you look up, a wave of heat washes over your body and you don’t know if it was just because you hit your head hard enough or if it was because you finally figured out who you were working with.

“I should’ve said something else first, I’m so sorry—“ fuck. He thinks as he looks at you. You who managed to make a way onto the list of celebrities he wants to work with. You who also made it on the list of celebrities he wants to date.

The fans knew quickly he had a tiny crush on you. As he once liked a fan edit of the two of you on the read carpet. He seemed to be one of the firsts to like your Instagram photos and even mentioning your name in an interview saying how pretty you were.

You were the same, with smaller fame of course. You along with half of the other population who enjoyed marvel movies and dorky characters, you fell in love with the curly haired British boy. Finding him extremely talented and a heartthrob of course, you quickly dreamt about working with him but laughed about it never coming true.

Now he was in front of you. His chin red from where your head collided with it and he only stares at you in response.

The awkward silence quickly filled as the two of you tried and laugh off the interaction.

“Tom—“

“(Y/n)—“ you both say your names at the same time. Him going in for a handshake and you going in for an awkward hug. The two of you stop and laugh it off before deciding a simple handshake was the way to go. You had never wanted to quit your entire career more than now.

“Oh! Perfect!” Finally as the tension was cut the director walked into the room. Two people followed behind and you took a deep breath already nervous for the new film and exactly what Toms role was. As far as you read, the main female character, who you were to be playing, had to be in lingerie a few times in front of the main male character. There were also sex scenes, plenty of kiss scenes and sexual tension. You were fit for the character but you were not fit for Tom. All your fantasies about him were just fantasies.

“I see the two of you have already met. But If not, (y/n) meet Tom, Tom meet (y/n) you two will be working together for the next few months as I’m sure you are aware of your roles. (Y/n) will be playing the lover and spy where Tom you will be playing the businessman. I’m sure we already know our positions…” the director starts and you swallow hard.

Tom doesn’t know if you’re looking or not to see the pink shade coming to his cheeks and making him hot. You were just an actress, he thought, an actress who just had to play the role. He was an actor as well, he reminds himself. A very good one for the fact so he didn't want to mess this up all because of one silly crush.

“We want to put you two in a house together.” The director claps his hands together making you nearly spit out the coffee you had in front of you. Tom's head snaps to look at you as you cough a bit trying to digest the words.

“You want us to live together?” Tom speaks for you it seems.

“We only want to see your chemistry! The fans, the academy, loves chemistry! Trust me, people will love the movie but they will not care if they see just two other actors acting to be in love. Not really caring you know? We want to see you guys build a bond, passion, some sort of love even if you lie to us about it to make it believable. Run through your lines, skinny dip with each other for all we care we just want to see passion!” You feel like his words are turning into a dream as he speaks. You feel your heart pounding at his words and try your hardest to keep your calm.

“And where will we be going?” You finally find the strength to speak. If it was anyone else you would not care, reminding yourself you are a good actress and have acted like you wanted to fuck a man you hate. But this was a man you actually wanted to fuck, a man you actually wanted real passion with.

“We rented you two a flat in spain,” he mentions, right, where you’ll be shooting, you think. “It’s only three days and if you want more we will give you more if you don’t we will let you free. Every expense is paid for, go to dinner, have wine, everything will be on the film. This is both of your chances at big awards this year. This is for you and for us.” You could almost feel Toms body heat as he was just as nervous as you, you didn’t know why though. He was the heartthrob, he was the actor that was wanted left and right, this was your big chance at a movie that can skyrocket your career.

The next hour feels torturous as all you could think about was what this house looked like for the two of you. Did it have two rooms? Two bathrooms? Why did your head hit his chin? Is there a bump? What if he hates you? What if he’s secretly seeing someone and just doesn’t want to announce it? All thoughts ran through your head as you had to make this your best acting gig yet. Except the most acting might be pretending not to love Tom the way you do.

-

Three days. That’s all it was. You would spend three days in whatever this house looked like and all you would have to do is pretend to get to know Tom. All while trying not to expose how much you truly like him.

There were rumors he had a crush on you, of course you saw the interview and noticed how he liked your pictures but you also knew his co-stars from Spider-Man so your thoughts were friendly.

Taking an Uber to the destination, you pull up to this beautiful Italian cottage. Gorgeous stone walls and large driveway, If there was one emotion to be real about this entire thing, it would be that you were spoiled with this house.

You were already nervous as people started to catch on through social media, his fans seeming to know his constant move now quickly knowing yours.

‘Stars (y/n) (y/l/n) and Tom Holland possibly take on a new film with one another: here’s what we know’

‘Why is Tom in Italy?’ ‘Is (y/n) in Italy?’ ‘Rumor is they are filming together soon’

Your heart rushed with comments you had read. Maybe this wasn’t for you, maybe you should stay with doing small movies where you were a side character or something simple. Keep the small amount of followers you had compared to Toms 40 million.

As you go up to knock on the door wondering if he’s already beat you to the place, the door opens and reveals the sight of Tom.

Another Yelp escapes your lips as you jump at Tom opening the door so quickly.

“If we’re living together I think you should hold off on scaring me.” You take a deep breath. His hair was wet, he was fresh out of a shower.

“Sorry darling! They told me your flight landed at 2:00 and well...it’s 2:00 so you aren’t supposed to be here until like 3:00.” He claims and you take a deep breath. Three days, you remind yourself, don’t mess it up.

“Oh…” you swallow.

“Not that I didn’t want to see you! It’s nice to see you again, you look really nice!” He says as you wear the sweats and the sweatshirt from the airport. “Let me help you with those.” He grabs your bags for you and you smile letting him take it. He leans in just close enough for you to smell the aftershave he put on, his muscles flex as he grabs your bags making this all the harder for you.

The night was young, fans already knew, this was your shot at making it big, Tom's shot of winning an Oscar, you two needed to work together. Pushing aside the worried one sided emotion and be able to make a movie that blows people away

“Have you ever done anything like this before?” You asked as you walked into the kitchen. It was now late, you were starving, you and Tom already getting to know each other but it was strange.

“No, I mean the most I’ve done for a chemistry read is take the person out to dinner.” He laughs a little and then runs a hand through his hair. “Speaking of dinner...should we grab something or make something. Unless you had plans of your own then that’s totally fine—“ he starts to ramble and you laugh.

“I cannot cook, so unless you can I prefer to pick something up.” You cut him off to make sure he doesn’t go on and on.

“Have you ever pizza from Italy before?” He asks and you lean against the counter.

“I’ve never been in Italy before.” You shrugged and he grew a smirk. He turns on his heels as if he already has an idea.

“Then I know a place.” He walks out of the room to grab his phone.

You feel your heart pounding as you check your phone. You made a mistake by opening your Twitter, 10k new followers, 50k mentions and plenty more all regarding Tom. You only hoped he wasn’t the type to use Twitter as it was flooded with people wanting you guys to be together.

Your mind swarms with the thought of your character again. Soon you’d have to stand in front of your celebrity crush, half naked, trying to seduce him. It was going to be more awkward if you guys were friends.

“Are you coming?” He calls out and you quickly shove your phone in your back pocket before grabbing your purse to go.

Three days and you feel like you’re already going to snap.

-

It was a lovely little place he brought you to. You didn’t know If he’d come to Italy often but he clearly knew a decent way around the city. The two of you sat in the corner of a dimly lit Italian restaurant, sharing pizza and feeling more comfortable with each other as the night went on. He was just another person, you thought, nothing to worry about.

“We didn’t order any wine.” You stop the server as he pours both you and Tom a glass. Tom already drunk off of the beer he had and you only enjoying his presence.

“Ah it’s on the house, such a lovely couple in such a lovely city! You two should have fun!” The server winks. You almost protest to stop him telling him that you and Tom were nearly just coworkers stuck in a house for three days.

But rather Tom thanks the server and takes the glass. Your heart pounding as you pick up the glass as well, the boys eyes already red from how much he’s had already and you can tell you have to take him home.

“You know I was nervous to be working with you.” He took a sip before setting it down. “When I saw you I was like ‘shit this is happening’ and freaked out.” He admitted and you try to hold back the butterflies in your stomach.

“You freaked out for working with me?” You swallowed and he nodded.

“Well look at you, you’re gorgeous! Anyone would be lucky to work with you, as your lover as well.” He falls back into the booth and stares at the décor on the ceiling.

“So you read all the scenes?” You ask and he nodded.

“Of course i did! I only improve when I feel like it.” He shrugs, taking another sip.

“You said you’re method too.” You remember from one interview you watched years ago. Your voice was more of a whisper, more to yourself but he grows a soft smirk as he turns his head to face you.

“So you watched my interviews.” He says feeling cocky. You roll your eyes taking another sip of wine yourself to hopefully drown out the embarrassment you just gave yourself.

“As if I don’t see you being the first to like my posts, Holland.” You avoid eye contact and rather look around the room but Tom only focuses on you.

When you catch his eyes they’re sober, this whole time he was telling stories in a drunken state and now he looks at you with glossy soft eyes as if he wants to hear more.

“So you see me liking your posts?” He teases and you finally look at him.

“I see everyone liking my posts. Why do you follow me?” You challenge and he holds back a smirk.

“You’re friends with Z, why do you follow me?” He asks back and you feel yourself straighten.

“Z is friends with a lot of people, I don’t see you following all of them?” You argue and he falls back into the booth again with a soft chuckle.

“So not only do you follow me but you stalk me?” He teases and you groan.

“Not what I meant.” You see how much wine you have left, not a lot as your nerves filled you and the wine didn’t calm you. “You liked a fan edit of us a year ago. We’ve never met until a few days ago.” You rest your head on your hand that props itself up against the table. That’s what makes him lose his game, he turns a light shade of red before quickly straightening himself up.

“You’re talented, why don’t we see more of you?” He asks about your roles.

“You’re about to see everything in a few days.” You mumble and he chokes on his wine.

Page 281

*Beth removes her robe in front of Jack, slowly stalking towards him wearing the tight black lingerie* *she crawls on top of his sleepy figure and points a gun*

It was embarrassing that such a scene turned him on after finding out who it was with. After finding out it was you, he read over every single sex scene, strip scene, makeout scene to make sure everything was real.

“Oh relax.” You hold back a smile. “You’re the Method actor, remember?” You tease. He leans forward, he’s not sure how he’s gotten so confident but he takes your glass and drinks from it before setting it down.

“Yeah, I am. We should rehearse some things, get more comfortable.” He suggests and you look at him up and down. His lips slightly stained reddish pink from the wine, his skin damp from how hot the room was, and he looked at you as if no one else was in the room.

“And where should we start?” You swallow, you can’t get shy now. You’ve dreamt about this moment and now it’s happening.

“Well, if we’re starting with their meeting, I think it would go something like this.” He leans in and places a soft kiss on your neck. You’re frozen as his lips are soft and warm, he pulls back and realizes what he’s done. His thoughts of you, his crush on you, the warm alcohol that ran through his blood all while being in Italy got the best of him.

“I-I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done—“ he started and you leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to kiss lips. His eyes go wide softly as if he was a school boy getting his first kiss.

“More wine?” The waiter comes back and Tom snaps out of it for a split second.

“We’ll take the check.”

-

Your hands tangled in with his messy hair, his shirt already off as he was warm from the summer heat Italy provided. His lips trail down from your lips to your neck as he plays with the strings of the summer dress you wore.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” His words mumbled into your chest as he lets the shoulders of your dress fall.

“Why? You want to admit you have a crush on me now?” you teased and when he looks up his eyes are darker. The sweet chocolate puppy dog eyes before now darkened as his lips were swollen and his face was hot. His hands rest at your hips with a tight grip as he wants more.

“You admitted to stalking my interviews and who i follow so i should be asking you that question.” he teased and you rolled your eyes. Your Only respond by pushing his head back into your chest where he planted soft kisses trailing down.

“So soft,” he takes off the bra you wore. Hes thought about this moment but would never admit it. Hes thought about how soft your skin is and how you looked under his touch with his head in between your legs—

“Do something tom.” you groan as he is on his knees for you. Your dress bunched at your waist, all exposed for him as he takes off the black lace underwear you wore under the dress.

“All for me?” he asks and your head hits the back of the wall, your hands go to his hair and he kisses gently at your thigh. “Say something, darling.” darling, you think about the way he says that word. The simple nickname that made you melt. Darling, that was going to be the death of you.

“Y-yes!” you find the words. “I-I don’t think this is apart of the script though.” You still try and be playful and just below your eyes you can see he has a playful and cocky smirk.

“This,” his thumb rubs at your clit as he looks up. His lips cherry red and his smirk is full view to you as he sees your eyes flutter shut as your head was thrown back. “This is where I improve.” he replaces his thumb with his tongue as he pumps his middle finger in and out of you. Your hands grip his hair as you moan his name, his name that you thought of so many times before this in your dreams.

Your knees go weak as his one hand pins your hips against the wall and his other fingers thrusted in and out of you while his tongue works at your clit.

“Tommy!” The nickname slipped, you didn’t mean it but you imagined it sometimes long before you met him and just had a crush.

“Huh darling? Like that? Want to cum?” His words horse and his accent thicker. “That’s right...” he almost laughs as he can see how much you’re whimpering. “Cum for me.”

You fall under his touch with soft moans leaving your lips. The wave of euphoria washes over you and you struggle to open back up your eyes and come back to reality.

He comes back up to face you, this time you have a thin layer of sweat over your forehead and your chest rises as you catch your breath. You take Tom's fingers and take them into your mouth. Acting as if it were him in your mouth you work your tongue around his finger before taking them out with a pop.

His eyes stare and he almost winces at how hard he is. How hard you've made him.

“This is going to be the best damn movie i've ever filmed.” he nearly whispers as you bite down on your lip before pulling him back into your lips.

This was going to be the best six months of your life.

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[everywhereallofthetime]

Some Girl ... Part 5

Word Count: 2.23k

Warnings: None.

// * // * //

Charlotte and Shawn came back downstairs together. They really hadn’t been alone upstairs for long, but the smirks and raised eyebrows they received made them blush.

“Win big!” Charlotte called after Shawn, with a little giggle, as he made his way toward the dining room where the rest of the boys were waiting.

Elisa called Charlotte over. “Jack and Will are smoking cigars and playing pool downstairs. Come and sit with me and Didi. Let’s talk.”

Charlotte curled up in the corner of the sectional between her aunts. Diana handed her a glass of pinot noir and pushed a few strands of Charlotte’s hair from her eyes. “I’m sorry about Valerie.”

“You never have to apologize for Valerie. I told Elisa that I’d rather be here with all of you. I meant it. And I don’t know, but today turned out to be kind of amazing.”

Both Elisa and Diana couldn’t help but notice how Charlotte’s gaze kept landing on Shawn in the dining room. There was an unobstructed view between the two rooms. It wasn’t exactly open concept, but it was close enough. Whenever he smiled, she unconsciously smiled. They also noticed that Shawn’s eyes frequently searched for Charlotte, too.

// * // * //

Elisa groaned, bringing Charlotte’s eyes back to her. “I give up! It’s been eating me up all night!”

Charlotte wondered when her aunt would break. She expected it the moment she asked her to sit with them and talk. She was surprised that it had taken almost half an hour.

“I also need to know what’s going on,” Diana added. “Spill.”

“About?”

“Don’t be facetious, Charlotte Erelah Dempsey. Peter. You wouldn’t talk about him. At all. Ever. And suddenly he’s in my house, and Bash is crazy about him, and you seem a little crazy about him, too.”

“Do not,” she argued, halfheartedly.

“Do so,” Elisa countered.

“You even said he was a really great guy,” Diana said.

“He is. Do you like him?” Charlotte wondered.

Diana covered her niece’s hand with her own. “Honey, we adore him.”

Elisa asked, “What happened? And when did everything change?”

It was time to confess. Starting with her aunts, it should be easy.

“I first need you to promise me that you won’t get upset.” She met and held both pairs of their eyes for a moment.

“Why would we get upset?” Diana asked.

“Because I lied to you.”

“About what?” her aunts asked at the same time.

“Peter isn’t Bash’s father.”

Elisa’s eyes widened. “Does he know that?”

“Yes, he knows. We’ve both been lying to you, but I don’t want you to be upset with him. This was all my idea. I just coerced him into going along with it...

“He’s going through some shit right now. He needed to be surrounded by people not in his regular circle. Somewhere he could just forget and let his guard down. He needed tonight.

“He was the one who didn’t want to continue the ruse. He likes you all so much. He was feeling guilty. He’s afraid that telling the truth will ruin the night. I tried to assure him it wouldn’t, but he still might not be able to tell the boys. Please don’t say anything to them until either he or I do.”

“I’m getting the feeling there’s a lot more to this story,” Diana said softly.

“Go on,” Elisa encouraged.

“Well, his name isn’t Peter either. It’s Shawn. Shawn Mendes.”

“Wait. I know that name,” Diana stated. “How do I know that name?”

“Valerie is quite aware of him. And I know you’ve heard him on the radio. He’s Toronto born and raised, but he’s a global popstar. He even has a documentary and concert on Netflix.” Charlotte turned on Netflix but muted the volume. She pulled up In Wonder. “You can watch it tomorrow. Not now while he’s in our house,” she said, turning the television off again.

“Are the two of you dating?” Diana whispered.

“No. We’re just friends.”

“You kissed him outside the house.”

Charlotte narrowed her eyes at them. “You shouldn’t have been spying. He was overthinking things. I only kissed him to distract him.”

“He kissed you back,” Elisa said.

“That was just...a reaction.”

“Some reaction,” she murmured, taking a sip of her wine.

“He doesn’t need, nor does he want, a girlfriend right now. He’s barely four months post-split from his ex. She left him a mess. He really thought she was ‘the one’. Once you watch the documentary, you’ll see. She’s all over it. Today is the first day that I’ve seen him smile or heard him laugh since they broke up. He needed tonight,” she reiterated.

They sat in silence for a bit, Charlotte tired of talking, her aunts digesting everything she told them. Now all three of them kept glancing over at Shawn. He was starting to notice.

“Okay, he’s freaking out a little bit. Stop staring,” Charlotte chuckled. “I’m going to check on him. I’ll grab another bottle of wine on my way back.”

// * // * //

Charlotte paused by Shawn’s side and tangled her fingers in the curls at the nape of his neck. He placed his hand on her lower back, right above the swell of her bottom, and looked up at her. “Everything okay?” he whispered.

She nodded and smiled reassuringly. Fingers further buried in his hair, she kissed the top of his head. She could smell the sun and chlorine and a scent that was just him.

He visibly relaxed.

“I’m grabbing another bottle of wine. You boys need more beer? Or maybe some water?” she asked. “You’re all starting to get a little fuzzy,” she chuckled, gathering the empty bottles and scattered tumblers and shot glasses.

She returned with a bottle of water for each of them and plunked a big bowl of Elisa’s homemade trail mix on the table. “Hydrate! Eat. You’re gonna feel like shit in the morning if you don’t.”

“Wait, wait,” Shawn said, gently catching her wrist before she could walk away. “I need some good luck; I’m getting my ass handed to me.”

He pulled her back toward him. She sat down on his lap and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He tapped his cheek and she leaned in to kiss him. His right hand held his cards; his left arm slid around her waist and he rested his hand where her upper thigh met her hip. It remained there as she helped him play through his next two poker hands.

Shawn brushed his lips across Charlotte’s knuckles before she left the table. He didn’t let go of her hand until he absolutely had to.

// * // * //

Charlotte placed the new bottle of wine on the nearby coffee table and again settled into the corner of the couch.

The first thing out of Elisa’s mouth was, “You looked a little cozy there.”

“You’ve been pretty cozy all night,” Diana added. “Are you sure there isn’t more there, between the two of you?”

“I’m sure,” Charlotte chuckled. “You know how I am.”

“I do. I see you with him and I worry,” Elisa whispered. “I don’t want the next broken heart to be yours.”

Charlotte clasped Elisa hands and met her eyes. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

The gravity of the moment was broken when “Last Call” by Hudson Thames began to play through all the speakers in the house. She believed it was Rob, and it was unmistakably Shawn, who started to sing while Josh, Mason, and Doug, chimed in at the chorus.

“I think they’re all a little drunk,” Charlotte giggled.

When the boys yelled, “ladies”, Charlotte and her aunts yelled, “woo!”, and on “fellas”, her uncles, who had just come up from the basement and entered the living room, yelled “yeah!” And everyone started laughing.

Charlotte called out, still giggling, “Uncle Will, it might be time to take your wife and sons home!”

// * // * //

It was nearly midnight. Will, Diana, Josh, Doug, and Rob had gone home. Elisa and Jack had turned in for the night. Mason had passed out on the couch. That left only Charlotte and Shawn.

Shawn was pleasantly buzzed and loose and soft. They were sharing the part of the sectional that Mason wasn’t occupying, sitting turned toward each other, talking quietly.

“Did you have a good time tonight?” Charlotte asked.

“I had an amazing time tonight,” he smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear, grazing her jawline with his fingertips.

“I’ll take you home, back to your folks’, when you’re ready.” She reached out to touch his necklace.

“I’m not ready, but that’s just me being selfish.” He placed his hand on her leg and drew little circles with his thumb. “I can call an Uber and let you go to bed. Won’t Bash be waking up soon for another bottle?”

“Within the hour, so it wouldn’t make much sense for me to go to bed before then. You might as well stick around for a little while longer.”

Shawn’s phone suddenly started blowing up.

“Is everything okay?” she wondered.

He finished typing his response and said, with a little laugh, “Yeah, it’s just my stupid, way more drunk than me, friends trying to convince me to meet them at the bar.”

“Are you going to?”

“No.” He showed her his phone screen, which read:

Already buzzed. In good company. Call u tomorrow.

A follow up text came through while she was still looking at his phone. She blushed and giggled. “I think your friends think you’re about to get laid.”

He blushed even darker than she had at their vulgarity. “I’m sorry. My friends are assholes,” he laughed, uneasily, muting his phone and placing it face down on the side table.

“My best friends are my cousins,” she said, motioning to Mason. “Also guys our age. They try not to be too crass around me, but sometimes they forget. Believe me,” she reassured him, with a soft laugh, “I’ve heard it all.”

Just then Mason groaned, sat up, and tried to remember where he was.

Shawn chuckled. “I’ll help him upstairs.

“Come on, man,” he said.

// * // * //

Mason drunkenly slapped Shawn’s face without any real force behind it and slurred, “You’re a good guy. I like you.”

“I like you too, man,” Shawn chuckled as he pushed Mason down onto his bed.

“And you’re really good-looking.”

“Thanks?”

“I can see why Charlie likes you. She’s really pretty, too.”

“Yes, she’s beautiful.”

Mason grabbed Shawn’s wrist. “Do you like her?”

“I like her a lot. She’s awesome.”

“But do you care about her?”

For the relatively short amount of time he had known her, he did. “I do.”

He grasped the hem of Shawn’s t-shirt and pulled him closer. Just before he closed his eyes he said, “Don’t do anything to hurt her. Don’t do anything to make me not like you.”

“I promise.”

“You’re a good guy,” Mason murmured, and in the next moment he was asleep again.

Shawn left a large glass of water and a couple of ibuprofens on Mason’s end table.

// * // * //

Shawn held his hand palm up between them.

“You’re good company, Mendes,” Charlotte said, with a soft smile, linking her hand with his.

“Does that mean you’re going to give me your number?” he asked.

“If you’re going to use it.”

He covered his heart with his other hand. “Oh, that hurts,” he teased. “Of course I’ll use it. You will be begging me to stop using it before long.” He offered her his phone.

“Fine,” she teased, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance. She reluctantly unlinked their hands to enter her info and then used his phone to take a selfie. “So you don’t forget me.”

“I won’t forget you,” he said softly and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. When she passed his phone back to him, he took a photo of them together.

“My Uber is approaching,” he sighed. He was in a comfortable, happy little bubble and just wanted to stay there. He eventually stood and pulled Charlotte to her feet.

She walked with him out to the front sidewalk.

He wrapped her in the kind of hug she wished would never end. “Thank you. For everything. You were the angel I needed today.”

She cupped his face in her hands. “If you ever need a safe place to go, call me.” She let her hands slide to his chest. “I’ll feed you and we can binge watch whatever you want, or I’ll listen if you just need to talk.” She let her hands fall away from him. “But If I never speak to you or see you again, I want you to know that I will never forget today.”

He reached out and brushed his fingertips down the outside of her upper arm. “Why do you keep thinking I’m not going to want to see you again?”

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “Because you’re Shawn Mendes?”

“Bullshit,” he said softly. “I know you don’t give a fuck who I am. So why?”

“I’ve been let down too many times in the past,” she breathed. “Sometimes it’s easier to not expect anything.”

Just before Shawn slid into the backseat of the Uber, he looked over his shoulder back at her. “I won’t be someone who lets you down, Charlotte.”

She desperately wanted to believe him.

// * // * //

Part 6

[kerwritesthings]

The Start of Our Love Story

Summary: Before there was a me and you, there was me and there was you

Word Count: just a hair over 7k (buckle up y’all)

Warning: fluff and feels, a little bit of angsty longing, a little bit of messy, a bunch of sweet

Author Notes: So this is another one of those that festered from a tiny germ of an idea after something @fallinallincurls​ said and it kind of became, well this. It’s how it all started for these two. A look at their backstory. I kind of really love this. For me, I always want to make things I write feel real, that it’s not too much of the storybook, easy cliché. I want it to feel like this could actually be a thing that happens. This one feels more like that than anything I think I’ve written. I’m quite proud of it. 

As always, this falls in my yet to be named verse. The rest of my works can be found here at my newly cleaned up and shareable masterlist. This honestly, if you’re just starting to read my pieces now, would be the first to read, then follow the rest as I’ve got them down on the master. However, it can be read as a solitary one shot. Much love to @whenidance​ for listening to me whine constantly at stupid o’clock that I’m writing more fic yet again and to @fallinallincurls​ for being the kickstart to this and for being the best damn cheerleader.

Toronto was never in your plans. Work wise, you were grinding away, working like crazy to make a name for yourself. That’s what mattered. Nothing else outside of work, your tiny apartment on the Upper West Side, brunches at Sarabeth and Jacobs Pickles and abusing Class Pass studios with your best friend Didi made it on your radar. But when the SVP of Charitable Corporate Giving came to you to chat about the expansion of their presence through the other international offices outside the US, more so growing and figuring out new ways  to introduce corporations with their donations and their CSR programs with new charitable efforts; specifically an opportunity that would have you sitting possibly between New York and Toronto for a few months, eventually leading to full time position in Toronto, you sat up to listen. She immediately sets up time for you to head to Toronto along with a dossier of meetings with key folks there.

Didi came with you the first time you went up to Toronto for the exploratory conversations. The both of you came to love your time traipsing through Canada, Toronto and Montreal specifically. Plus, you both have friends scattered between the two. “This also means we can go harass the shit out of Hirashan, who we have not seen nearly enough of,” she trills off gleefully. “Plus, you know he throws killer parties, if we both visit you know he’ll do something fun.”

She was right. As soon as Hirashan found out you were coming into town, aside from the key smash that you may be in town for more than a brief trip if all works out well, a calendar invite for dinner shoots through immediately, then with a quick follow of ‘my friend Tristan is already having a few friends over for drinks that Friday night, we’re crashing’ which had you and Didi rethinking your packing knowing how Hirashan rolls.

After a day full of productive, thought provoking meetings that have you questioning everything back in New York, dinner with Hirashan, his boyfriend Miguel and Didi was exactly what you need to put the heavy thoughts in your head back a bit, at least for now.

“Tristian’s place is like Architecture Digest worthy,” Miguel raves, arm in arm with you as you head into the building. “The views of downtown and the CN are ridic. I’d say splurge if they want to drag you here and give you budget, but I’d much rather have you closer to us.”

“There is no way I’d be able to afford this building, let alone this neighborhood,” you quip, heels clicking on the tiles as you head up past the front desk to the elevators. Tristian’s ‘few friends over’ was tamer than you had expected, a solid number of people are scattering through the condo, but enough room to still feel like you could breathe.

Hirashan introduces you around like a proud parent, it’s sweet and not nearly as embarrassing as you thought he would be. There’s no way that you’ll remember everyone, your brain already feeling at max capacity after the day you had. However, luckily for you after the first full round of the room, you fall into an easy conversation with Tristian. He’s down to earth, a transplant from Georgia, and someone you could easily see becoming friends with if this move becomes an actual thing

“I have to introduce to my friend S,” Tristian says his thick southern twang bleeding through, craning his head around looking for him. “Normally, you can’t miss him he’s so dang tall. Whenever he gets here though, I must make the intro. I think y’all would get along well. He’s my neighbor, well not directly, but he lives in the building too.”

Didi and Miguel pull at you, passing around shots, and passing you around to meet and talk with other people. Your head is spinning, less from the whiskey you’ve been plied with through the night, more with the sheer fact that this night is making you see that Toronto may have to become a thing; and you’re smiling.

“Wait, here she is,” you hear Tristian first, before you feel him tug at your elbow before you go stumbling forward before tipping sideways. Another pair of hands come to steady you at your waist.

“Easy Tris, don’t break the girl before I can meet her,” the voice belonging to the hands at your sides retorts. He helps right you on your feet and you’re met with a pair of the prettiest eyes you’ve seen in awhile.

“As promised my dear,” Tristian grins, throwing his arms around the both of you. “This is Shawn.” 

He looks oddly familiar, but you can’t place it or him. He’s quite stunning though, gorgeous really. And unlike some of the others around the apartment, he’s dressed for the occasion. A well put together man is a weakness for you. Let alone one with eyes like this, a swath of riotous dark curls and a bright smile.

You fall into talking easily, not even noticing when Tristian leaves. This Shawn of his is well spoken, funny and it feels like you’ve known him for much longer the way the two of you chat. You wander into the kitchen at some point to grab another round of drinks, a glass of white for you, a beer for him, continuing the conversation of why you were up in Toronto this week in the first place.

“Sorry man, I need to borrow this one for a few if you don’t mind?” Tristian calls from over the breakfast bar. “Couple more folks I need to introduce her to before they head out.”

“It was really lovely talking to you Shawn,” you say, smiling. “I’ll find you before I leave.”

A few minutes turns into an hour, Tristian and Hirashan passing you around through a new group of people that just arrived. Next thing you know, it’s almost 1:30 am and the boys are starting to fade. You’ve lost track of Tristian, as well as his friend Shawn. You were hoping to see them both before leaving.

“Can I steal you for a minute before you go?” Shawn inquires, as you’re grabbing your coat from Didi’s outstretched hand. Miguel just smiles, elbowing Hirashan and pushing Didi towards to the door.

“We’ll go down and wait for the Uber,” Miguel says, nudging you forward.

You slide into your coat as he walks you around the perimeter of the living room, out the French doors to the balcony.

“I didn’t want to ask in front of everyone, especially your friends,” he gets bashful, a light pink flushes his cheeks. “But I really liked talking with you tonight, getting to know you. Can we stay in touch? Even if Toronto isn’t in the cards for you, I’d still like for us to talk more. Become friends even.”

You nod, smiling softly. “Yeah, I’d like that. Here’s my card. Everything is on there. Cell, email.”

“I’ll text you in the morning, so you have mine,” he replies, squeezing your hand after sliding the card from it. “Let me walk you to the elevator.”

He loops your arm through his, guiding you back through the groups of people in the apartment, down the hallway and to wait for the elevator to pop back up.

“You don’t have to wait with me,” you say softly, hands in your pockets so you don’t do something like reach out to grab a hold of his.

“Yeah I do,” he smiles, and it seems like he shifts closer to you. You get a whiff of his cologne, and you hope in lingers in your nose for the rest of the evening.

The elevator doors slide open. “Thanks for the lovely night, Shawn.”

“We’ll talk soon,” he responses with a smile and a cute little wave before the doors close in front of you.

“Good night?” Didi asks flopping down onto the bed in your hotel room. “I saw that look on your face a few times, this is gonna be a thing now isn’t it? I should warm up the Star Alliance frequent flyer number soon, eh? Figure out the best flights from LaGuardia up here.”

“It’s feeling good, I want to really think on it though once all the big brass talk everything over,” you start, changing quickly, the day finally catching up to you. “And more so what they’re thinking with transition plans and comp package.”

“You do realize though you were all chatty flirting tonight with Shawn Mendes, right?” Didi fights through a yawn once they’re in bed. “Major thing to throw in the plus column for this. He looked all smitten kitten too, especially when he came over before we left. Get it girl.”

You’re suddenly not as sleepy as before. “What the fuck, no way Dee.”

“Mmhmm, why do you think the three of us let you guys be for as long as we did. Tristian mentioned him coming by. Thought right off the bat you two would get along after you and Tristian got to chatting. Tris was right and I’m glad he made that happen,” Didi mutters, face smushing against the pillow. “Plus, he’s so your type. One of us needs to tap that, and I think Tomas would be beyond pissed if I did, so it’s your mission now. And you must share all the details once you get dicked down by that hot piece of man candy.”

You throw the smaller decorative pillow on the bed over at her face. “I didn’t, I mean. We were just talking Dee. He looked familiar, but. Oh god, Didi,” you grab the other pillow and place it over your face to scream.

You try to put it out of your mind, especially with everything else going on around the Toronto whirlwind. Even more so when a few days go by and you don’t hear from him. He flat out asked for your number, you slid him your card which had your cell and your email address. He said he was going to text you, so you had his number, and he wanted to stay in touch. You thought he was being sincere. You try not to let it get you down. Thinking of it now after everything, he’s a massive pop star, what would he want to do with someone like you? He was probably just being polite. You’re about to pop into the meeting with the SVP of Charitable Corporate Giving, when a text pops up from a number you don’t have in your phone.

Hi it’s Tris! Found your card in my guest room, must have slipped out your bag at some point when you were here last week. Let me know when you make your decision. Welcome to crash here until you find a place if the decision is a YES!

The only card you gave out that night was to Shawn. Did he lose it? Did he leave it there? Too many questions, you had an important meeting to get to.

Your apartment is almost completely packed up, the movers coming in a few days to take everything. It was a no brainer to say yes, though it meant less time of a transition and more of an immediacy in Toronto. You decided to spend your last full Sunday in the city at some of your favorite places. Breakfast at BEC, a facial from Facehaus, a wander through Strand Book Shop and an afternoon at Té Company. You manage to snag your favorite table: a half-padded booth in the back corner next to the window. A pot of tea and a book that has nothing to do with work and you’re ready to take a deep breath or three.

“That young man asked me to bring you over a fresh pot of whatever you were having,” the server gestures, swapping the steaming pot in her hands with the cooling one you have on the table. “Shall I bring over another cup?”

You look up from your book, and from her, to see him. Your breath catches for a moment. He’s got a shy smile, looking straight at you. Beat up black boots, dark jeans, cozy grey sweater, a vintage black leather bomber. Curls a windswept mess and eyes bright. He looks like he belongs here, in your perfect Sunday afternoon in New York City. You don’t know how you feel about the fact you’re thinking that way, especially after everything. Damn your subconscious. You’re too polite to ignore him or flip him off, so you nod and wave him over.

“Of all the gin joints, Shawn…” you sigh out softly.

“This is so crazy, that you’re here. Hi. So, I owe you an apology,” he explains carefully, sitting down across from you despite wanting to slide onto the bench next to you. “Because the nervous asshole I am, I totally put your number in my phone wrong. I tried texting you a few times, and nothing. I figured when they weren’t going through as iMessage I got it wrong and then I realized I lost your card, so I had absolutely no way to check or get in touch. I also didn’t want to look desperate or completely pathetic tracking down your friends through Tristian to hound them for your number when I had already asked for it myself, especially the way I did, or stalk you on social that would have been worse.”

He’s adorable when he’s flustered. “Take a breath, Shawn,” you smile softly. “Tris has it. He texted me the following week that he found it in his guest room.”

“I went in there after I walked you out,” he runs his hand through his hair, messing his curls about even more than they are already. “Needed a minute cause the pretty girl I talked with all night actually wanted to keep in touch too. I sat on the bed and put your number, or what I thought was your number, in my phone. I thought I slid it back into my pocket, it must have jostled out.”

“I thought, well, honestly I didn’t know what to think,” you begin. “I didn’t realize you were, well you until after I was back at the hotel with Didi. I thought you looked familiar, but I just couldn’t place it. Then when you didn’t reach out, I was like what would this guy, this Rockstar, want to do with me?”

He shakes his head at first. Then, he slides his phone out of his coat pocket, flipping through a few things before sliding it across the table to you. “Go ‘head,” he nudges it closer to you.

There were four or five green text bubbles in the open message window, an 8 in the place where the 0 should be in your number.

I know I said I would wait until tomorrow, but I just wanted to say how nice it was to talk with you tonight. It’s Shawn btw :)

I know you’re probably crazed with just getting back but wanted to see how decisions were shaking out? I’m bias but I’d be happy to talk up Toronto some more.

Let me know when you’re back in town? Would be great to see you.  

I may be in New York soon, would love to see you in your element. Can we grab a drink if you’re around?

Chat soon?

“He was kind of taken with you right away. Because that night? He got to just be just this guy Shawn talking to the prettiest girl in the room, who also happened to be so easy to talk to and laugh with,” he says honestly.

“It’s happening by the way,” you respond, pouring him a cup of tea despite your shaky hands. “Toronto. Next week. It’s my last full Sunday in New York, I’ve been hitting some of my favorite spots today as a last hurrah, including here. Movers come Tuesday; I fly out Thursday.”

“I found this place on my first solo trip to New York, and have been coming here ever since,” he sips at the mug that looks awfully small in his hands. “How many times do you think we crossed paths here and didn’t even know it?”

“We did on the time it really matters though didn’t we?” you smile over your mug.

You’re there for hours without even realizing it. Talking about whatever comes to mind. Everything from Toronto to New York to music to hockey, life and everything in between. After the second pot of tea, he moves to sit next to you on the banquette. By the third, he’s turning to face you straight on, head resting on his left hand with his knee pressing warmly into your thigh. Not once did anyone come to interrupt or bother the two of you, no wonder he’s gravitated to this place. By your fourth, you’re mirroring him, turning towards him. It’s comfortable, he’s comfortable. It’s easy, too easy actually. There are no awkward silences, no weird blips in conversation. It scares you. You’re already on the precipice of something majorly life-altering. You’re not sure you can take up another major change. And you believe him and his rambling explanation before. You do. But there’s a part of you that’s scared. Maybe you were just meant to have these pockets of time together, these brief beautiful moments. Nothing more. Your head is a swimming mess of emotions.

“I’m sorry to interrupt you two, but we’re getting ready to close,” the older gentleman you’ve come to know as one of the managers explains.  

“Holy shit, it’s almost 8,” you stretch, popping your shoulders. “I didn’t realize it was that late.”

“What time did you get here?” he asks.

“Only 20 minutes before you did,” you say, timidly, resting your hand over his that’s resting on his knee. “But this was a really good way to spend my last Sunday in New York. Honestly.”

He flushes brightly, “I’m really glad I came in here today.”  

“Now, may I please see your phone?” he questions, a sly little grin creeping up one corner of his mouth.

You nod, reaching for it out of your bag and unlocking it.

Shawn takes the most ridiculous selfie, you can’t help but fight giggling, then flipping back to poke at the screen before handing it back to you.

“You’ve got mine and I sent a text to make sure I’ve got your right number this time,” he expresses, his finger tracing over the knuckles on your hand. “I know you’ve got a lot on your plate and it’s all going to be crazy for a good while for you, but I’d like to keep whatever this may be going.”

You duck your head, threading your hair behind your ear, nerves suddenly rearing their ugly head. Your stomach flips at his touch.

“I don’t want to lie to you Shawn, or lead you on,” you exhale, voice shaky. “This is all a lot. The new job, the move, this, you. I’m pretty fucking terrified as it is. But then add this in? Especially cause you’re you and… This isn’t a no, but it’s not a yes. It’s a not right now and I know that’s a lousy answer and the last thing I expect is for you to wait, because why would you. I’d like to text, when I can, at least for now.”

You know that answer wasn’t what he was expecting. Honestly, it wasn’t what you thought you would say to him either. You want but you also know you to listen to what your gut is telling you, despite your head and your heart fighting to have a say in this too. You’re afraid to look up, to meet his eyes, as you fear it could be the last time you see them up close and in person like this.

“Hey,” he replies softly, nudging your chin up with his pointer finger knuckle. “You’re turning your entire life and everything you’ve known upside down. I get it. It also means a hell of lot to me that you’re being honest. It also means you’re not placating me, which I’m appreciative of. It’s actually really refreshing and kind of a turn on. I’ll be here and I’d really like it if you still texted, call if you want even. I promise you I’ll answer, anytime ok?”

You nod, trying to fight back the fog shifting across your eyes, a small sniff breaking through though. “I’m going to just…” you say gesturing to the ladies room.

“I won’t leave,” he states.

You quickly splash water on your face, blow your nose, grateful you had your facial before, so you don’t have a mess of makeup to clean up. Taking a few more deep breaths, you head back out. He’s got your bag in hand, your coat over his arm. He’s making this whole not now thing hard to stick to, but you know truly know that if it’s meant to fall into place, despite everything, it will.

“What about the…” you start, looking around the table for the billfold the owner left.

“Taken care of,” he cuts in before you could finish, holding out your coat to help you into it. You itch to hold his hand as you head out and down the steps, but you don’t want to go back on everything you just said. Instead, you set to order an Uber. You peek over, and it seems that he’s doing the same, looking at you out of the corner of his eye as well.

The nip in the early spring air is out, now that the sun has set, and you snuggle further into your coat. He shifts closer, rubbing his hands lightly over your arms. You’re coming to realize how much touch is a part of his language.

“I won’t let you say goodbye, because it’s not that. I won’t let it be that,” he murmurs. “It’s a see you later, ok? And, I’d like, if you’re comfortable with it, to give you a good luck I’m here for you hug before you go.”

You nod, thankful it’s dark so he can’t see you blushing. He takes you in his arms easily and holds you close. He’s warm and solid, he smells like fresh laundry, boy and springtime wrapped together and it feels like you fit just so. He leans his head down to rest on top of yours, squeezing his arms around you tighter. “I mean it,” he whispers. “I’m here ok? However you need me to be, whenever you need.”

He keeps you in his hold until a car pulls up, and of course it’s yours that comes first; the driver calling your name through the open window.

You pull away slowly, reaching for his hands and squeezing them in yours. “We’ll talk, I can promise you that, Shawn. Just bear with me?”

He nods, squeezing your hands in return, “Travel save and go be awesome.”

Your resolve lasts a whole four days, texting him simply a photo through the plane window of the approach into Toronto.

She’s looking all pretty for your arrival – welcome to your new home! he texts back with a Canadian flag emoji and a red heart.

It’s not easy, you knew it wouldn’t be. Your new apartment is lovely but it’s still not feeling comfortable and like your home yet. You’re thankful that you have friends that have taken time to wait for the cable guy, accept furniture deliveries and your moving truck because you don’t have the time. Not with work. Work is hard, harder than it was in New York. They throw you right into the fire immediately. It’s new office politics, it’s a new role, new everything. Even the fact you don’t have your favorite Starbucks baristas nearby anymore to supply you with your afternoon pick me up the way you like it when things are crazy irks you. You look back through your texts, hovering over the chain you’ve got with Shawn. You haven’t texted him since that flight photo. You want to, but it would just add more to an already full plate.

Bringing you dinner and a surprise! LMK what you’re jonesing for comes through from Tristian late Friday afternoon after your second full week in the new office.

A gigantic bottle of white? you text back with the side eye tongue out emoji. He’ll think you’re kidding. You’re not.

I’m bringing a few bottles and Japanese. I’ll use the spare I need to drop back off. See you in a bit!

The surprise, you come to find, once you’re both on the couch with chopsticks in hand, is even a mystery to Tristian.

“I couldn’t say no,” he fights out around a mouthful of shrimp teriyaki, pointing at the package on your coffee table with his chopsticks. It’s carefully wrapped in butcher paper with a pretty silver ribbon. It’s a box, thin and flat, nothing too large with a white notecard underneath the ribbon. “I’m not going to butt in on what’s going on with y’all, but we had drinks after he got back from New York. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that besotted, but all he’d tell me was that he’s playing off your lead. He’s not pushed or anything. So, when he asked me to help get this to you, I had to. At least I didn’t give him your address, girly.”

“It’s complicated,” is all you can really give to Tristian to explain or encompass it. Because that’s exactly what it is. You slide everything off your lap to exchange it for the box. Carefully, you unwind the ribbon, it’s too pretty and something you’ll want to keep to use in another way. It’s two notecards under it, and they fall out into your lap. They’re handwritten in deep blue scrawl, to match the border of the card. You pull the shorter of the two notes out first.

I’m really hoping this isn’t too much or crossing any lines. I saw this and thought of you immediately. It’s just a little something as you’re conquering the world. – Shawn

The little something is a gorgeous journal, soft deep midnight blue leather covered in silver embossed vintage maps with a silver pen slipped in the loop.

“Damn,” you mumble, fingers tracing carefully over the leather for a moment before snagging the other notecard.

I know you’re probably still figuring everything out and exploring. I’m giving you a list of some of my favorite places in the city, so don’t go spilling my secrets ok? :) If you go to the link at the bottom, it’s a Google Maps planner so you can save it to your phone.

“This boy,” you sigh, leaning your head back on the couch. It’s sweet and thoughtful and just on the right side of tugging at your gut. Damn him.  

“Tell me why y’all aren’t knockin’ boots yet?” Tristian quips, leaning over you to grab a Spider roll.

“Because I still don’t know my head from my ass up here yet and he’s Shawn fucking Mendes, Tris,” you take a large sip of your wine. “And I’m just some girl.”

“By the looks of it, you’re not just some girl. Just saying,” he says, nudging your shoulder.

Well after a few bottles of wine are polished off and Tristian on his way back home, you’re finally in bed. You’re still not used to the sounds of this city and you’re fidgeting, tossing your phone back and forth between your hands. It’s late, too late to call. So, you do something completely out of character, you record a voice memo to send to Shawn.

“I wanted to call, but it’s too late and I’ve had a little bit of wine that would make my resolve even weaker if we actually talked on the phone and I heard your voice. But your delivery boy came by this evening,” you speak quietly and carefully. “Thank you, Shawn. It’s perfect and so beautiful. I’m going to start using it on Monday. Then that list, with that Google link? That’s the absolute sweetest. I know I haven’t reached out and I’m sorry, really, I am. This is a lot harder than I thought. I miss home, this doesn’t feel like home yet. I know it will, but it’s not right now. Work is kicking my ass, and I’m grateful they trust me and for the challenge, but it’s so different than New York. It’ll all come together, but right now it’s just a fucking lot. I think though that this weekend, I’m going to try some of your list and I’ll try to share my adventures along the way. I promise you though Shawn, I am thinking of you and I want to get through this and feel like I’m good to talk more to you, with you. Thank you again, sweet dreams.”

You can’t bear to listen back, so you just save it and quickly shoot it off in a text to him with an old school t9 heart. You wait a solid 20 minutes before setting your phone on do not disturb, plugging it into charge and flipping over to try to get some sleep.

The next morning, your phone is scattered with different alerts: a missed FaceTime call and a handful of text messages, some with attachments, from Shawn. You press play on the memo first.

“So, please forgive me for trying to FaceTime, especially at like 1am, but you sounded so defeated in your message and it just killed me. Then I realized what time it really was and hoped you were already asleep, or your phone was off, and I didn’t wake you. I was in the studio head down working on something when you sent that, I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you right away especially after I told you to reach out at any time,” he rambles before taking a breath. “First off, you’re welcome. I spotted it and knew it belonged with you. Please do let me know what you think of these places, I’d offer to come with you especially since you’re having such a hard time, but I’m going to respect your wishes. Just know, if you do need company, I’m good for it. I’m sending you a couple things to read and to listen to, too. Things that have helped when I’m on the road and just feeling overwhelmed or scrambled. I hope they help some. I’m here, remember that ok?”

You send him a video of your mug of tea next to the journal on your coffee table, steam swirling from the mug with his latest album playing in the background.

Step one – making this journal about me and for me, not about work, with my favorite tea at the ready and I may or may not be listening to something special today to get me started.

You do something you haven’t in a long time, you write. You journal, and you let yourself feel and get everything out. Including about this darling boy who keeps making his way into the forefront of your mind.

I feel honored – need to know what your fav is, you know for reasons ;) I’m hoping it gives you a bit of a breather that you’re needing.

You spend the day concentrating on you, hitting two spots off his list: the tea shop and the record store, purchasing way more than you need at both. Once you make it back home, you feel lighter, more at ease. You spend time setting up the new record player, immediately sliding the first item you searched for onto the turntable and snapping a quick picture.

You sound better on vinyl btw – please don’t make me pick a favorite, I kind of love this whole entire album.

From there, you keep randomly texting, haphazard things, no rhyme or reason. Just talking and photos and whatever comes to mind, and it goes both ways for the both of you and you keep that up for a few weeks. It’s easy, it’s fun, neither of you putting pressure on the other for what’s next or what’s to come.

A touch over a month after you sent him the vinyl photo, he texts you a Dropbox link one afternoon.

A little something since you liked the album so much. Hope you enjoy.

That little something? It’s the whole album, acoustic, just him and his guitar stripped down. It’s soft and intimate and absolutely amazing.

Shawn, are you kidding? This is stunning. How come I haven’t heard any of these before?

It’s only late that night when you’re about to fall asleep that you think you hear your phone chime. You don’t pick up, waiting to look at the message the next morning. There as plain as day is his very simple response.

Because I worked on it for you.

You want to call to really talk to him, hear his voice, you want to see him, something, anything. But you can’t. You’ve got an important meeting at 9 am sharp that you cannot be late for, a jam-packed schedule the whole day and an event that night with one of the new clients, a charity benefit showcase at Horseshoe Tavern they asked you to go with them to. You don’t want this to be a brief tete-a-tete either with him. You quickly send off a string of every heart colored emoji there is because right now that’s what it feels like, your heart is exploding in its feelings.

The club is filled to the brim that night, your clients are overjoyed and your new boss keeps texting how she’s pleased the clients are happy. However, you’re frowning at your phone. Nothing from him, not a peep all day. You normally wouldn’t be concerned, but after yesterday, you’ve got a little bit of worry niggling at your stomach. You can try him after you’re out the doors of the club later, but for now, you need to put on a smile and make sure the rest of the night goes smoothly. The talent wrangler for the evening is dragging you backstage with your clients. A surprise guest is coming to perform and the CEO wants them to all meet before this person heads up to the stage for the last songs of the night, a thank you to your clients for their support of the charity. Backstage is a shit show to say the least, you’re jostled around trying to make your way back to the green room before being slammed by one of the sound guys and his massive rig bag.

“Watch it,” you call out, rubbing at your hip as you try to catch up to the rest of the group ahead of you.

“Damn, are you ok? It was a hell of a hip check if I ever saw one,” you hear from behind you.

You know that voice. “Shawn?” you ask, turning around to face the voice.

His eyes grow wide, his smile even wider.

“Oh, I see you’ve met our special guest,” the wrangler says, nudging Shawn forward. “Shawn, you can head back with this group if you don’t mind? I need to find a few other folks for this meet and greet.”

He agrees easily, shifting closer to you as you head back to the green room. “Fancy seeing you here. An unexpected surprise for sure. The best one really.”

You nod, biting your lip, the corners of your lips quirking up. “It is. Let’s get the business stuff out of the way first. Then maybe, after everything, and the show’s done tonight, we can talk?”

“I’d like that,” he snags your hands, squeezing them in his before he lets you go to you knock on the door.

The green room is small given the venue, but it’s a loud cacophony of sounds and people, and you’re both pulled in opposite directions immediately. You can’t help but catch sight of him here and there, he’s one of the tallest in the room so it’s not difficult. He looks good. His hair’s a little longer, curlier. You can’t help but smile, for a few reasons now, but at this moment you hear his laugh from across the room and it’s bright, infectious. It simmers in within you, but you can deal with that after the event’s over. The rest of the evening flies smoothly. You manage to sneak a drink from the bar in time to catch Shawn taking to the stage. You stay out of sight, tucked in the corner, wanting to observe him in his element.  Him performing is nothing like you’ve seen before, especially in such a small venue. This could easily become something very addictive. Just as the show wraps, you shoot him a quick text.

Need to get my clients out the door then I’m free, maybe take me 10 more min. Somewhere around here good for a drink of some kind? Quiet?

His answer is quick, quicker than you expect, in two rapid texts.

Yes, Suite 114: https://www.suite114.ca/

It’s a 20 min walk from here, about 2km not bad - but I saw your heels so there’s none of that tonight. Uber over? I’ll meet you there as soon as I’m done with packing up and I have to say goodbye to the club owners. Promise I won’t be long.

Once you’re wrapped, an Uber comes quickly, surprising for a Friday night. It’s a quick hop over and the bar is cozy, dimly lit and decadent. A modern-day speakeasy vibe. He’s right though, it’s quiet, not overly full and there’s a couch you can claim towards the back of the room. You order something simple, a champagne cocktail with grapefruit and St. Germain, to sip on as you wait for him. Something light and celebratory. It was a good day all around.

“Am I allowed to say you look beautiful tonight?” you look up to hear him say, your cocktail and a rocks glass in hand with a few fingers of something dark in it.

“Only if I can wax poetic about seeing you perform live tonight,” you reply, fingertips brushing his hand as you slip the glass from his grasp. You may have done it purposely.

He blushes, settling down close to you with his arm stretching across the back of the couch. “I just might have switched songs at the last minute, after seeing you. Wasn’t supposed to do Lost tonight, but it just felt right.”

“Special in a room like that, like that small and intimate yeah? It felt that way at least, from watching it. You’re something else up there, Shawn,” you muse, twirling the flute carefully between your fingers, eyes catching his.

“Had a pretty girl I needed to impress tonight, so,” he drawls, looking down at the drink in his hands. “It was the best thing seeing you there tonight.”

“I wanted to call you this morning,” you begin, sliding your free hand to his forearm on the back of the couch. “But I didn’t want to rush the conversation. I had meetings, this tonight. I just. I had to send something, so I exploded all those hearts in that text. I needed to make sure I had the time I wanted, that, after your text with what you said, and that Dropbox. Shit, Shawn you’re making me all jumbled and to be perfectly honest? After seeing that text when I woke up? All I wanted to do was to hear your voice, talk, laugh, spend time with you, hug you tightly. I didn’t expect any of that. Whatsoever. It’s thrown me for a loop. A good loop, but still a loop.”

He places his glass on the table next to you, slides yours out of your hand to take a hold of it. “The last thing I want to do is scare you or overwhelm you. But. Is it okay if I say I feel the same? After Tris’ thing, then even more so after New York, I knew I needed to have you around, whatever way you’d let me. Your call and your speed. I was drawn to you in a way that I hadn’t been to anyone before, and I didn’t want to give that up. I was so glad to hear from you, after Tris got you that package. Your voice I mean. And then, the last couple weeks, not going to lie here. I’d look forward to your texts, those random little photos you’d share of those looks of how your life was settling in here. When you went to Sonic and it was my album you got and started listening to, it just hit me and I went into my studio at the condo to start laying those tracks down for you. That was, it meant a lot to me, so I wanted to just do something for you just as special.”

You lean your head on your hand, the one that’s still laying on him, now closer to his wrist and take a deep breath. “Honesty continuing? I’m scared. This whole being here is still such a rollercoaster, and then add in what this could be, especially… You’re you, Shawn. Shit, I don’t want to sound like that but it’s there. There’s a lot that goes with it, you get that right? I don’t think…”

“Take a breath,” he murmurs, slipping a piece of hair that’s fallen across your cheek behind your ear and trailing his finger down your cheek ever so lightly before tanging his fingers with yours. “I understand. I do. I’d like to, if you’re game, see where this goes. No pressure, nothing but the two of us. Only the two of us. Can I take you out on a proper date? I’d love to, please?”

This boy, this sweet, kindhearted adorable boy, this ridiculously famous pop star, really wants to take his time and spend it with you. This time, you listen to what both your head and your heart are telling you. Take the jump.

“I’d really like that, Shawn.”

 TAG LIST: @whenidance, @parkerdavis, @sinplisticshawn, @hollandraul, @fallinallincurls, @itrocksmysocks, @rainbowshawn, @lasingphomustra, @illumecherry​

[allie1804-fan]

Please Assist Me (Chapter 3)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

He said

Not long after that conversation with Alex, it was the party for my mom. Karina had insisted that Sophia and the kids come given the work she’d put into planning it and it was an informal affair with other kids coming and some entertainment laid on for them in the hotel gardens. After the meal, I caught up with Sophia as she needed to go through some travel requirements with me. Once that was sorted out, the conversation turned to some books she’d ordered for me and how I was getting on with them.

“So how’s the Dostoevsky?” she asked

“Oh I’m not onto that yet, I’ve read it before but I lost my copy. I thought I’d take it on the trip – something to pass the hours in the lounge and on the plane”

“Would you recommend it? I’ve not read any of his before”

“Oh yeah, it’s amazing, the characters are so real – it’s kind of dense, you know, but worth the effort. What do you like to read?”

“Oh well, I don’t read enough. It’s hard to find time with the kids  - Javier really didn’t like me reading either”

“What! Why?”

“Oh because once I start I can’t stop! You know if we were on holiday and I took a book, I’d just be, poor company I guess and he doesn’t read – not fiction anyway so, I guess it was one of the many things we didn’t agree on!”

“Well that’s his loss! So you never said, what you like I mean”

“Oh, classics I guess like Jane Austen and Hardy. And some new stuff – you know, thrillers like “Gone Girl” and I did just read a new book, the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, “The Testaments”

“Oh right, good?”

“yeah really good – just as disturbing as the first but also a gripping tale, almost an adventure really, you know wondering what will become of each character you follow”

We carried on talking books and screen adaptations. It was really the first time we’d talked about something other than her work tasks and I enjoyed it. It got my thoughts drifting back to what Alex had said.

The trip I was going on was in New York for 4 days -  it was a casting trip where I’d be meeting up with Anja, a casting director to finalise a few roles for a future  project.

We had fun and the casting was successful. I enjoyed Anja’s company and I noticed that she was being a little flirty. There was  no time for more than an informal bite in New York but she grasped the bull by the horns and suggested we go out when we got back to LA.

I agreed – I guess I was trying to shake off Alex’s words and thought that maybe a relationship with her would be more appropriate than starting something with Sophia  -  after-all, I didn’t even know if there was a chance Sophia could like me in that way.

I couldn’t think where to go for our bite so ended up suggesting that we have a low key meal at my place. I texted Sophia, asking for  help again with the prep though I can’t deny feeling a certain awkwardness about doing that after what Alex had said about my possible feelings for her.

After the casting trip, I arrived back home from New York  in the early hours of Friday, earlier than I’d planned and headed straight for bed. I’d hopefully be able to thank Sophia later when she came over with the groceries that I needed for the meal the next day.

 She Said

I remember when things started to get complicated in my heart. We’d had such a nice chat about books at his mum’s party and he’d given me a hug to thank me for my efforts on his behalf with sorting all the arrangements. By now, I definitely felt like he was a friend as well as my boss.

Shortly after the party, Keanu went to New York to do some casting sessions. I got a text from him the day before his planned return asking for some help with another dinner. He didn’t say who was coming which led me to believe it must be a woman. For the other meals I had helped him with he’d always made a point to say who the guests were (how many, their names etc) Maybe it was the casting lady from the trip – he’d said she was also based in LA.

My feelings were unnameable  - at least I didn’t want to name them as they made me ashamed. There was a mix of the protective in there but also jealousy for sure. I scolded myself for my crazy feelings.

It only got worse when I went to the house to make sure everything was fine there, feed the fish etc. There were some clothes on a clothes airer in the kitchen that I’d thrown in the washer for him after he left. I folded them and headed to his room, opening the door without a care only to find the room in semi darkness and Keanu lying asleep on the bed. He was on his back and I was fairly sure he was naked. The sheets barely covered his modesty and I almost dropped the laundry at the sight. I turned on my heal quick as a flash to get away in case I’d disturbed him enough to wake him.

I felt hot  - my thoughts flitting between wondering why he was home already and marvelling at his  lovely body.

I headed back to the kitchen with the laundry pile and distracted myself by making a start on the food prep for his meal tomorrow. About an hour later a sleepy Keanu emerged, surprised to see me standing chopping onions at the island

“Sophia, I thought you were coming later. Everything OK?”

“Yeah, all fine” I reassured him “I just couldn’t get a sitter for the kids after school and I thought it would be better to get this done on my own, without the rug rats causing mayhem”

“Oh sure. I came home earlier ……….” He stated

“Yes I know”  I replied a blush rising in my cheeks” and I couldn’t help but glance in the direction of the laundry pile

“There’s some laundry there for you  - I didn’t want to …… disturb you by bringing it in”

I could see the flush of embarrassment rising up his neck and above his beard

“I took you by surprise didn’t I?”

“Just a bit” I chuckled and the mood relaxed a little

“Sorry” he said rubbing his chin, still blushing.

“No problem. Anyway, I’m all done now so I’ll leave you in peace. Hope your dinner goes well”

“Sure, thanks Sophia, I really appreciate it”

 He Said

My dinner date with Anja went really well. She loved the food and we had a lot in common  - some of our friendship and professional circles overlapped so the conversation never ran dry. There were still parts to cast for the project so I knew we’d continue to see each other, so there was time for things to develop. I actually got the distinct impression that she wouldn’t have minded if I’d made a move on her then but that wasn’t my style anymore on a first date. I’d got more cautious in my old age  - at  least that’s what I told myself. In retrospect, I wonder if something else was holding me back. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to get laid but as she left to get her Uber, I just went for the kiss on the cheek and we said we should arrange something else soon - probably after our next casting session in a week or so.

It was the Autumn of 2019 and things were quieter for me workwise though I started to go to the gym regularly knowing the Matrix 4 was around the corner.  I didn’t need Sophia so much for household tasks but there was still some travel and for once I started to think about Christmas quite early rather than making a last minute dash to Neiman Marcus on Christmas Eve!  

Sophia was once again in her element choosing gifts for my mom and sisters. She’d also built a friendship with Karina after the party for Mom so she was able to check out her ideas for Kim and Mom with her.

Things had moved along with me and Anja too - we’d had 3 or 4 dates and for the next one, I had invited her to mine again for a dinner. Once again I roped in Sophia to help me with shopping, prep and baking a pudding. She was going to bake me her fabulous brownies which I’d tried when she left me one as a little treat one day. It was in a cute little container with a post it on it saying “eat me!”

I’d returned the favour but not with food, leaving her my recently re-read copy of “The Brothers Karamazov” on the kitchen counter with a post-it saying “read me!”

Anyway, after tasting her heavenly brownie I knew it would be perfect for the meal I had planned. and she baked it at my house so it would be super-fresh, leaving the kitchen smelling enticing.

I served a simple steak for our meal with asparagus and baked Portobello mushrooms.  Anja was full of praise for the main and thrilled with the brownie,  closing her eyes and making yummy noises that made my groin contract and my pants tighten.

“For that you have Sophia to thank, not me!” I admitted.  

“Your PA bakes for you?”

I chuckled

“Yes she is quite the multi-tasker! I basically defined the role myself so it covers many of the standard PA things and a few unique extras”

“Like what?” Anja enquired, a quizzical look on her face

As I described the things she did, Anja started laughing

“So basically, you designed the job of a 50s wife without the complication of a relationship?”

I blushed bright red at that, especially as exactly that thought had crossed my mind when I decided I needed a PA”

I held my hand up

“You caught me! Anyway, put it this way, she’s made my daily life a whole lot easier”

“Well thank her from me for the delicious brownie”

“I’ll be sure to - so shall we go through to the living room to digest?”

Anja gladly accepted and I was thrilled to be changing the subject from my 50s wife/ PA! We took our wine through and settled on the sofa, deciding to listen to some music. I invited Anja to look through my vinyl collection and pick something. She was about 10 years my junior so we hadn’t grown up with the same music -  I had to describe various bands to help her pick something. It wasn’t exactly the right atmosphere for the Pixies or Ramones! She picked the Doors which was very chill - we snuggled up and I nestled my face into her hair. Slowly she tilted her neck to the side, an unspoken invitation to nibble her neck which I gladly did and soon we were kissing. We’d kissed before but this time I could feel that it was leading somewhere which was only confirmed when Anja shifted to straddle me. I grasped her ass and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear that maybe we should move things to the bedroom.

Once in the bedroom, Anja and I made short work of removing our clothes and were very soon having sex, I say that very specifically as it wasn’t making love, at least not for me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it and she said she did too but I’ve never felt so disconnected or remote whilst having sex. Anja is beautiful too and a nice person but some level of spark was definitely lacking. I could feel myself looking ahead to my new year schedule and using the excuse of being away to put a lid on things. That made me feel shitty and ashamed.

 She Said

Through November, my role continued as usual as did my regular contact with my boss  as we checked off the Christmas gifts and I supported him in keeping his home running smoothly. By then, he was dating his casting agent Anja which I knew from the gossip rags as well as direct from the horse’s mouth as he’d got me to bake him my brownie for a dinner he’d had at home with her.

I wasn’t sure what to make of it really – I couldn’t put my finger on it but something seemed a bit off Maybe it was the way he talked about her or more how he didn’t. You could always tell when he was passionate about something, whether it was a book, a meal, a project and so I assumed that would carry over to people  - it did with his family. Maybe he was just being guarded but, as I said, we were on very friendly terms by then so I did wonder how into her he really was.

It turned out that Karina suspected the same. We’d met up for a coffee to look at gift ideas for their mother when she brought it up.

“So what do you think’s going on with Ke and this Anja woman?”

“What?!” I spluttered, surprised that she was gossiping with me about her big brother.

“Oh you must know, you know everything” she smirked

“I do not!” I protested.

“I bet you know if she’s slept over”

I blushed as she was right. I did know. I’d seen the tell tale signs after I’d made the brownie for them  - I had spotted a couple of her things left in his bathroom when putting fresh toiletries in his vanity unit in the bathroom.

I swallowed and told her what I knew.

“Let’s just say that I loaned him the book “Normal People” a few weeks back  - and I don’t think he needs a book right now for satisfaction if you know what I mean!”

She nodded, grinning.

“Do you think it’s serious”

“Come on! I can’t say, I know I’ve worked for him for almost a year now but we don’t talk about that kind of stuff and I don’t know him well enough to judge”

“Oh, I think you do, if he was in love, you’d know”

“I don’t know about that!” I blushed secretly knowing she was probably right. I could read him pretty well by now.

“Well I do, I’ve seen you together, you know him now. I mean what was the first personal thing you did for him?”

“Buy Kim that coffee set, I guess”

“Yes, and when he talked about Kim, you knew right away, didn’t you?, how very much he loves her and how important it was because he talked about her with passion. I remember you telling me that and how he briefed you for my tagine and Mom’s party.

“Yeah, yes I guess you have a point”

“And how does he talk about her?”

“Like….” I pondered a few seconds “like a colleague” I admitted.

“Exactly, he’s just getting laid if you ask me and it won’t last come the new year when he’s off to San Fran”

I shrugged. It wasn’t my affair to worry about.

“Well they’re grown-ups aren’t they – hopefully neither of them will get hurt” I said glad to close the topic. I felt like I was talking out of turn even though it was with his sister.

@fortheloveoffanfic @kindainlovewithkeanu @omg-imagine @iworshipkeanureeves @fics-not-tragedies @ficsnroses @keanureevesisbae @penwieldingdreamer @witty-wallflower @paperplanesandwallflowers @bitchyslut99 @ladyreapermc @toomanystoriessolittletime @fanficsrusz @keanuficfiles

[angelfrommynightmare19-blog]

10 questions to ask when hiring a logo designer

Awesome logo designs are unmistakable in a matter of moments. They likewise should establish a long term connection. Target hits the bullseye, Nike goes swoosh, and Apple gets the attention. Every one of the three organization's notorious professional logo designs are exceptional, noteworthy and stand the trial of time. They right away and reliably do what an intense professional logo design should: Identify a brand, influence it to emerge and, in a perfect world, drive client intrigue and deals. We as a whole know incredible professional logo designs, however we don't all realize that extraordinary professional logo designs aren't anything but difficult to make. From idea to shading to rollout, there's much to consider when coming your image down to a solitary symbol. Related: 5 Must-Haves for a Successful professional logo design "We have less time and less space to recount our stories in than at any other time," says Alina Wheeler, a Philadelphia-based marking master and creator of Designing Brand Identity (John Wiley and Sons, Inc., fourth release, 2013). "To transcend the messiness, an image or a professional logo design is the quickest correspondence known to man. It opens relationship with your image immediately, so it's essential to hit the nail on the head the first run through around." Here are 10 fundamental things to ask when outlining your organization's first professional logo design:

1. What sorts of professional logo designs are there?

Wheeler isolates professional logo designs into four classifications: Wordmarks are detached word or multi-letter shortening groupings including a professional logo design, a.k.a. professional logo designtypes. Organizations with wordmark professional logo designs incorporate eBay, IBM, CNN, Google, Kleenex, Saks Fifth Avenue and, truly, the production you're perusing at the present time, Entrepreneur. Letterform professional logo designs are included a solitary letter. Think Honda, Uber, Unilever, Beats and McDonald's. Pictorial professional logo designs are outlined images of unmistakable things. Starbucks, Twitter and Playboy all have pictorial professional logo designs. Theoretical professional logo designs don't speak to anything generally unmistakable, similar to digest workmanship. Maybe the most well known brand to effectively pull off a unique professional logo design is Nike. Related: How to Make Your professional logo design Memorable

2. Which kind of professional logo design would best suit my organization?

Tragically, there is nobody kind of professional logo design that works for everybody, Wheeler says. "Which fits you best depends a ton on your name and what you give or make." For instance, on the off chance that you have a short organization name like eBay, a wordmark professional logo designtype could function admirably. Wordmarks and letterform professional logo designs for the most part enable customers to recollect your name superior to digest professional logo designs. On the off chance that you choose a theoretical image, nonetheless, make sure it's clear and mirrors the identity of your image.

3. What are the key focuses about my business that my professional logo design ought to pass on?

Your professional logo design - from the shading to the shape - ought to give a prompt feeling of what really matters to your organization. "At the point when individuals take a gander at it, they ought to figure out your image identity and your particular perspective," Wheeler says. "They should realize that you're not quite the same as your rivals, you're proficient, a genuine business and you're sure and fruitful in what you do." Amazon's professional logo design, spoken to by the organization's name, with a bolt underneath it pointing from the "a" to the "z," is a case of a professional logo design that exemplifies its namesake's image personality outstandingly well, as per Wheeler. "The bolt serves as a grin that passes on inviting client administration and it interfaces the "a" to the "z" since Amazon offers everything start to finish. It's all there." Related: The Psychology of Color in Marketing and Branding

4. What are the best professional logo design hues?

Shading decision is staggeringly critical. To best separate yourself, Wheeler says it's principal to pick a shading that your greatest rivals don't use in their professional logo designs. Likewise consider that diverse hues pack distinctive mental punches. For instance, the shading red - fittingly utilized as a part of Red Bull's professional logo design - is dynamic, extreme and even a touch of disturbing. Yellow is upbeat, lively and crisp, maybe a savvy decision for an organization concentrated on wellbeing and health. In the mean time, blue - the tint of Ford, Samsung and GE's professional logo designs - brings out certainty, quiet and unwavering quality.

5. What text styles would it be a good idea for me to consider?

Text styles, similar to hues, pass on and rouse different feelings. Diverse text styles work best for various organizations. For instance, a professional logo design for a lawful firm - which ought to pass on goodness, quality and equity - may best be spoken to in a strong, clear textual style free of prosper. Though a confection shop may select an eccentric text style that conveys youth, sweetness and fun. Related: How to Use the Psychology of Color to Increase Website Conversions

6. Would it be advisable for me to outline a professional logo design myself or contract a visual originator to do it?

Regardless of the possibility that you believe you're a fair drawer and regardless of the possibility that you're on a tight spending plan, Wheeler recommends that you leave outlining your professional logo design to a prepared visual creator. "Working with a gifted visual originator is truly basic. They comprehend what a decent professional logo design is and how it needs proportional and capacity crosswise over various media and advertising channels, as on your site, inside an application or on a retail facade sign, every key thing that shouldn't be left to risk or speculated on the fly." So, it's as yet a shrewd move to know which professional logo design hues, shapes and textual styles you like and don't care for in front of meeting with an architect. Impart your inclinations to him or her before any mockups are drafted. Related: 25 Must-Have Free Fonts for Entrepreneurs

7. What amount of will it cost?

Proficient outline firms normally charge anyplace between $4,000 to $15,000 for a professional logo design alone, which won't not be in the financial plan for new businesses and private ventures. For a more moderate alternative, Evenson Design Group originator Stan Evanson proposes getting an independent architect who charges amongst $35 and $150 every hour, contingent upon his or her level of involvement. "Be that as it may, don't employ somebody on account of their deal cost. Discover an architect who knows about your field and your opposition," Evenson says. There are additionally a few online expert professional logo design outline suppliers, as professional logo designworks, that give professional logo design idea, plan and corrections bundles for as low as $299 to $599, contingent upon the quantity of professional logo design plans conveyed. Related: 10 Big Brand professional logo design Transformations

8. Where would it be advisable for me to show my professional logo design?

A superior inquiry would be "The place shouldn't you show it?" since you'll need to indicate it off "basically all over the place," Wheeler says. On the web, mesh your professional logo design into your site, advanced advertisement battles and via web-based networking media locales where you have organization accounts, as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Disconnected, put your professional logo design on your front entryway, business card, item bundling, uniform and on organization stationary and contracts.

9. What are a few missteps to maintain a strategic distance from?

The most noticeably awful slip-up of all, Wheeler says, is settling on a professional logo design before truly considering your key rivals' professional logo designs. On the off chance that your professional logo design winds up like theirs, even in the scarcest, clients won't not have the capacity to reveal to you separated and you could lose business. Wheeler likewise alerts against surveying your professional logo design on a bit of paper just, rather than imagining it over a few differing showcasing spots and spaces, as an application symbol, on a site, a board, or on a T-shirt or the side of a truck. Related: Can You Find the Hidden Images in These 40 Brand professional logo designs ? (Infographic)

10. Is it too early to stress over how my professional logo design will look in 10 years?

Most professional logo designs, Wheeler says, require some touching up following 10 years or so in any case, to abstain from becoming stale. The key is to take care of business from the begin, at that point adjust as required after some time. "Consider it, the Michelin Man has experienced Botox and minor surgery a group of times over the most recent 100 years," she says. "In any case, the center thought is as yet the same as the primary Michelin Man."

[localbizlift]

Facebook finally lets you banish nav bar tabs & red dots

Are those red notification dots on your Facebook home screen driving you crazy? Sick of Facebook Marketplace wasting your screen space? Now you can control what appears in the Facebook app’s navigation bar thanks to a new option called Shortcuts Bar Settings.

Over the weekend TechCrunch spotted the option to remove certain tabs like Marketplace, Watch, Groups, Events, and Dating or just silence their notification dots. In response to our inquiry, Facebook confirms that Shortcut Bar Settings is now rolling out to everyone, with most iOS users already equipped and the rest of Android owners getting it in the next few weeks.

The move could save the sanity and improve the well-being of people who don’t want their Facebook cluttered with distractions. Users already get important alerts that they could actually control via their Notifications tab. Constant red notification counts on the homescreen are an insidious growth hack, trying to pull in people’s attention to random Group feeds, Event wall posts, and Marketplace.

“We are rolling out navigation bar controls to make it easier for people to connect with the things they like and control the notifications they get within the Facebook app” a Facebook spokesperson tells me.

Back in July 2018, Facebook said it would start personalizing the navigation bar based on what utilities you use most. But the navigation bar seemed more intent on promoting features Facebook wanted to be popular like its Craigslist competitor Marketplace, which I rarely use, rather than its long-standing Events feature I access daily.

To use the Shortcuts Bar Settings options, tap and hold on any of the shortcuts in your navigation bar that’s at the bottom of the Facebook homescreen on iOS and the top on Android. You’ll see a menu pop up letting you remove that tab entirely, or leave it but disable the red notification count overlays. That clears space in your nav bar for a more peaceful experience.

You’ll also now find in the three-line More tab -> Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Shortcuts menu the ability to toggle any of the Marketplace, Groups, Events, and Pages tabs on or off. Eagle-eyed reverse engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong spotted in June that Facebook was testing Notification Dots settings menu that’s now available too.

Instagram to test hiding Like counts in US, which could hurt influencers

A Facebook spokesperson admits people should have the ability to take a break from notifications within the app. They tell me Facebook wanted to give users more control so they can have access to what’s relevant to them.

For all of Facebook’s talk about well-being, with it trying out hiding Like counts in its app and Instagram (this week starting in the US), there’s still plenty of low-hanging fruit. Better batching of Facebook notifications would be a great step, allowing users to get a daily digest of Groups or Events posts rather than a constant flurry. Its Time Well Spent dashboard that counts your minutes on Facebook should also say how many notifications you get of each type, how many you actually open, and let you disable the most common but useless ones right from there.

If Facebook wants to survive long-term, it can’t piss off users by trapping them in an anxiety-inducing hellscape of growth hacks that benefit the company. The app has become bloated and cramped with extra features over the last 15 years. Facebook could get away with more aggressive cross-promotion of some of these forgotten features as long as it empowers us to hide what we hate.

My product launch wishlist for Instagram, Twitter, Uber and more

[pmsocialmedia]

Facebook finally lets you banish nav bar tabs & red dots

Are those red notification dots on your Facebook home screen driving you crazy? Sick of Facebook Marketplace wasting your screen space? Now you can control what appears in the Facebook app’s navigation bar thanks to a new option called Shortcuts Bar Settings.

Over the weekend TechCrunch spotted the option to remove certain tabs like Marketplace, Watch, Groups, Events, and Dating or just silence their notification dots. In response to our inquiry, Facebook confirms that Shortcut Bar Settings is now rolling out to everyone, with most iOS users already equipped and the rest of Android owners getting it in the next few weeks.

The move could save the sanity and improve the well-being of people who don’t want their Facebook cluttered with distractions. Users already get important alerts that they could actually control via their Notifications tab. Constant red notification counts on the homescreen are an insidious growth hack, trying to pull in people’s attention to random Group feeds, Event wall posts, and Marketplace.

“We are rolling out navigation bar controls to make it easier for people to connect with the things they like and control the notifications they get within the Facebook app” a Facebook spokesperson tells me.

Back in July 2018, Facebook said it would start personalizing the navigation bar based on what utilities you use most. But the navigation bar seemed more intent on promoting features Facebook wanted to be popular like its Craigslist competitor Marketplace, which I rarely use, rather than its long-standing Events feature I access daily.

To use the Shortcuts Bar Settings options, tap and hold on any of the shortcuts in your navigation bar that’s at the bottom of the Facebook homescreen on iOS and the top on Android. You’ll see a menu pop up letting you remove that tab entirely, or leave it but disable the red notification count overlays. That clears space in your nav bar for a more peaceful experience.

You’ll also now find in the three-line More tab -> Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Shortcuts menu the ability to toggle any of the Marketplace, Groups, Events, and Pages tabs on or off. Eagle-eyed reverse engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong spotted in June that Facebook was testing Notification Dots settings menu that’s now available too.

Instagram to test hiding Like counts in US, which could hurt influencers

A Facebook spokesperson admits people should have the ability to take a break from notifications within the app. They tell me Facebook wanted to give users more control so they can have access to what’s relevant to them.

For all of Facebook’s talk about well-being, with it trying out hiding Like counts in its app and Instagram (this week starting in the US), there’s still plenty of low-hanging fruit. Better batching of Facebook notifications would be a great step, allowing users to get a daily digest of Groups or Events posts rather than a constant flurry. Its Time Well Spent dashboard that counts your minutes on Facebook should also say how many notifications you get of each type, how many you actually open, and let you disable the most common but useless ones right from there.

If Facebook wants to survive long-term, it can’t piss off users by trapping them in an anxiety-inducing hellscape of growth hacks that benefit the company. The app has become bloated and cramped with extra features over the last 15 years. Facebook could get away with more aggressive cross-promotion of some of these forgotten features as long as it empowers us to hide what we hate.

My product launch wishlist for Instagram, Twitter, Uber and more

via Social – TechCrunch https://ift.tt/2K7SVLG

[workfromhom]

Facebook finally lets you banish nav bar tabs & red dots

Are those red notification dots on your Facebook home screen driving you crazy? Sick of Facebook Marketplace wasting your screen space? Now you can control what appears in the Facebook app’s navigation bar thanks to a new option called Shortcuts Bar Settings.

Over the weekend TechCrunch spotted the option to remove certain tabs like Marketplace, Watch, Groups, Events, and Dating or just silence their notification dots. In response to our inquiry, Facebook confirms that Shortcut Bar Settings is now rolling out to everyone, with most iOS users already equipped and the rest of Android owners getting it in the next few weeks.

The move could save the sanity and improve the well-being of people who don’t want their Facebook cluttered with distractions. Users already get important alerts that they could actually control via their Notifications tab. Constant red notification counts on the homescreen are an insidious growth hack, trying to pull in people’s attention to random Group feeds, Event wall posts, and Marketplace.

“We are rolling out navigation bar controls to make it easier for people to connect with the things they like and control the notifications they get within the Facebook app” a Facebook spokesperson tells me.

Back in July 2018, Facebook said it would start personalizing the navigation bar based on what utilities you use most. But the navigation bar seemed more intent on promoting features Facebook wanted to be popular like its Craigslist competitor Marketplace, which I rarely use, rather than its long-standing Events feature I access daily.

To use the Shortcuts Bar Settings options, tap and hold on any of the shortcuts in your navigation bar that’s at the bottom of the Facebook homescreen on iOS and the top on Android. You’ll see a menu pop up letting you remove that tab entirely, or leave it but disable the red notification count overlays. That clears space in your nav bar for a more peaceful experience.

You’ll also now find in the three-line More tab -> Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Shortcuts menu the ability to toggle any of the Marketplace, Groups, Events, and Pages tabs on or off. Eagle-eyed reverse engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong spotted in June that Facebook was testing Notification Dots settings menu that’s now available too.

Instagram to test hiding Like counts in US, which could hurt influencers

A Facebook spokesperson admits people should have the ability to take a break from notifications within the app. They tell me Facebook wanted to give users more control so they can have access to what’s relevant to them.

For all of Facebook’s talk about well-being, with it trying out hiding Like counts in its app and Instagram (this week starting in the US), there’s still plenty of low-hanging fruit. Better batching of Facebook notifications would be a great step, allowing users to get a daily digest of Groups or Events posts rather than a constant flurry. Its Time Well Spent dashboard that counts your minutes on Facebook should also say how many notifications you get of each type, how many you actually open, and let you disable the most common but useless ones right from there.

If Facebook wants to survive long-term, it can’t piss off users by trapping them in an anxiety-inducing hellscape of growth hacks that benefit the company. The app has become bloated and cramped with extra features over the last 15 years. Facebook could get away with more aggressive cross-promotion of some of these forgotten features as long as it empowers us to hide what we hate.

My product launch wishlist for Instagram, Twitter, Uber and more

from Facebook – TechCrunch https://ift.tt/2K7SVLG via IFTTT

[un-enfant-immature]

Facebook finally lets you banish nav bar tabs & red dots

Are those red notification dots on your Facebook home screen driving you crazy? Sick of Facebook Marketplace wasting your screen space? Now you can control what appears in the Facebook app’s navigation bar thanks to a new option called Shortcuts Bar Settings.

Over the weekend TechCrunch spotted the option to remove certain tabs like Marketplace, Watch, Groups, Events, and Dating or just silence their notification dots. In response to our inquiry, Facebook confirms that Shortcut Bar Settings is now rolling out to everyone, with most iOS users already equipped and the rest of Android owners getting it in the next few weeks.

The move could save the sanity and improve the well-being of people who don’t want their Facebook cluttered with distractions. Users already get important alerts that they could actually control via their Notifications tab. Constant red notification counts on the homescreen are an insidious growth hack, trying to pull in people’s attention to random Group feeds, Event wall posts, and Marketplace.

“We are rolling out navigation bar controls to make it easier for people to connect with the things they like and control the notifications they get within the Facebook app” a Facebook spokesperson tells me.

Back in July 2018, Facebook said it would start personalizing the navigation bar based on what utilities you use most. But the navigation bar seemed more intent on promoting features Facebook wanted to be popular like its Craigslist competitor Marketplace, which I rarely use, rather than its long-standing Events feature I access daily.

To use the Shortcuts Bar Settings options, tap and hold on any of the shortcuts in your navigation bar that’s at the bottom of the Facebook homescreen on iOS and the top on Android. You’ll see a menu pop up letting you remove that tab entirely, or leave it but disable the red notification count overlays. That clears space in your nav bar for a more peaceful experience.

You’ll also now find in the three-line More tab -> Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Shortcuts menu the ability to toggle any of the Marketplace, Groups, Events, and Pages tabs on or off. Eagle-eyed reverse engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong spotted in June that Facebook was testing Notification Dots settings menu that’s now available too.

Instagram to test hiding Like counts in US, which could hurt influencers

A Facebook spokesperson admits people should have the ability to take a break from notifications within the app. They tell me Facebook wanted to give users more control so they can have access to what’s relevant to them.

For all of Facebook’s talk about well-being, with it trying out hiding Like counts in its app and Instagram (this week starting in the US), there’s still plenty of low-hanging fruit. Better batching of Facebook notifications would be a great step, allowing users to get a daily digest of Groups or Events posts rather than a constant flurry. Its Time Well Spent dashboard that counts your minutes on Facebook should also say how many notifications you get of each type, how many you actually open, and let you disable the most common but useless ones right from there.

If Facebook wants to survive long-term, it can’t piss off users by trapping them in an anxiety-inducing hellscape of growth hacks that benefit the company. The app has become bloated and cramped with extra features over the last 15 years. Facebook could get away with more aggressive cross-promotion of some of these forgotten features as long as it empowers us to hide what we hate.

My product launch wishlist for Instagram, Twitter, Uber and more

[sudanhelp53-blog]

Fresh Green Salsa Verde

A jar of freshly made green salsa verde sitting on your fridge shelf is a powerhouse for your healthy gut. With chives, dill, parsley and capers driving the health component of this simple condiment through the roof, you will be able to strengthen your digestion, improve your blood circulation, flush out toxins and feel amazing. Add to that a whole heap of garlic, lemon and olive oil and you are sorted for the week. This salsa verde is so incredibly delicious that not a week goes by when I don’t make it. It is basically a chuck in the food processor, 5 minute activity that I perform religiously at the start of my Sunday meal prep.

And I reap the benefits of this uber green salsa verde throughout the week. My most favourite way of using it would be like a pesto but for a quinoa bowl (not pasta!). Because I always have quinoa in my fridge (the second activity of my Sunday meal prep!), lazy work lunches involve heaping quinoa in a bowl, topping with baby spinach, smoked trout or tofu, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, raw or coiled chopped beetroot and a generous dollop of this salsa verde. Once mixed, it is an instant salad of the highest order. My staple work lunch at least once or twice a week and a favourite school lunch for the older boy. I will of course change it up with what I have on hand but the quinoa and salsa verde are constants. It always leaves me feeling happy, satisfied and vibrant.

It is important to pulse and create a chunky texture you see in the pictures rather than process heavily to a green smoosh. Always deseed your cucumbers to avoid getting a runny salsa verde. Same if you use green tomatoes. Depending on the season and what the market has in store, I substitute cucumbers with baby cucumbers (qukes?) or unripe green tomatoes. I always chop these up before adding to the processor in order to get that even texture. If you don’t chop it up but add the cucumbers whole, you will end up processing for longer during which everything else will be smooshed.

Make this today and I’ll share some fun, quick recipes to use this up during the week. And let me know how you like it by leaving me a comment or feedback/rating below. Thanks my lovelies! x

Print

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Description

TESTED – 10+ Times

Ingredients

1/2 bunch (10g) fresh chives

1/2 cup (25g) fresh parsley leaves

1/2 cup (25g) fresh dill

1 small deseeded cucumber or green tomato (35g)

juice of 1/2 lemon

2 tablespoons (35g) capers

1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil

2 small garlic cloves or 1 large garlic clove

1 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Instructions

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a small food processor and process until just smooth with a hint of chunkiness and texture.

Scoop salsa verde in a 250ml capacity glass jar. Top with extra virgin olive oil to cover the surface. Secure the lid tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

More Recipes By Ingredients :

caperschivescucumberdillgarliclemonolive oilparsley

Source: https://www.cookrepublic.com/fresh-green-salsa-verde/

[brettzjacksonblog]

Show Me, Don’t Tell Me Blockchain

Watch the article 3 minute presentation video

Above video feature through clicking this text link 

The names seen on blockchain expos are getting bigger and more mainstream. At least this is the case with the coming London blockchain expo April 18-19th. A while back ‘what the hell is BP and Coca-Cola doing in here?’ would have been a legit question, but now it’s rather obvious to most inside the space.

If you are not in this game the fomo is more than paranoia for big business. Just because the blockchain equivalent of the dot-com bubble is eventually coming, most can’t claim ignorance anymore regarding tech about to evolve an inconceivable amount of global platforms. Just saying: “It’s a bubble” is the equivalent of shouting you need a safe space at a University. If it solves human problems, it has value. Uber does not have cars, Airbnb doesn’t own property, FIAT has not been backed by gold since the 70’s.

The E-future is already here.

Scarcity is a necessity for perceived lasting value

At least for the foreseeable near future. Whatever size your dreams are the blockchain has and will deliver at an increased pace. From John McAfee promising to eat his connection dongle to Trace Mayer, people estimate the value of Bitcoin rising close to a million in the coming years. Some of the wild estimates predict the market cap to be somewhere around 15 trillion in a decade.

Hodling ain’t no joke.

A breath in, a breath out

Hope you feel you have been adequately compensated for the ‘sleepless in crypto’ thus far. With this kind of potential the space is filling up with, let’s say, all walks of life and many are not in it for the long haul nor an agenda bigger than themselves. This is natural so wearing protection at this party is a necessity. I recently had my first real taste of this.

Remember to wear crypto bubble protection kids!

As an independent artist, I’m not saying a nice mould free family house, a cool electric car and a more secure future do not turn me on but the biggest excitement comes from getting the resources necessary to evolve art to a place no one has yet experienced. Thinking about the idea of seeing what I’ve been building for two decades finally be manifest on world stages is a premature mind blown -type situation (see video at the start of the page). Being close to 40, it’s much more exciting than seeing all ’em dancing girls during the coming World Crypto Con.

The keynote space is full of useful tips and ideas but lets face it – many of the concepts being presented are almost incomprehensible to the majority of the audience and dry as licking sandpaper on a hot Dubai afternoon. If as many say, the future of the human ability to trust, lifting people from poverty all over the world and personal millions are at stake, using advertising agencies, making stunning films with humans is essential. Integrating legacy media better will eventually lead to the AI, VR & Quantum revolution many of us are working towards and wanting to see.

Gotta learn how to walk first though.

Having recently flown from Helsinki to London it was again surprising just how many iPads, phone scrollers and screen devices were the ones people eyes were locked on. Certainly, today having a billboard is not as effective as it used to be if everyone is looking at a small device in their hand but what used to be presented with credibility and design still holds the same power despite the digesting format being different.

So now e-what?

In my view, film, art, music, performance and the majority of visual communication means are totally under-utilized by the crypto community. Not a single major player has even made their own TV advert yet. Not to say it has to run on TV but using the format or a more human side of the story seems like a no-brainer.  These kinds of things, coming from a film background to the arts are self-evident to me so I wouldn’t be surprised if we soon see a production company that specializes in crypto visuals. It’s not that the heart and awe of blockchain are absent, it is just not very well presented at the moment.

If you want to hear more about this sort of thing, all of the above is what my presentation will be about at the Blockchain Expo on April the 18th. A few works from the Bollywood star project will grace the stage as well as hopefully a performance. The idea is to start a new era of what a Keynote presentation can be like. The third level up from this, at the very latest, will be seen in at the Aria hotel in Las Vegas on October 31st.

I just can’t nor want to do it alone.

V E S A Visual Artist London / Helsinki Instagram Twitter Art: www.artforcrypto.com Merc: www.artforcrypto.live Artevo: www.artevo.org

  The post Show Me, Don’t Tell Me Blockchain appeared first on NewsBTC.

from CryptoCracken SMFeed https://ift.tt/2q63Vyo via IFTTT

[michaelbennettcrypto]

Show Me, Don’t Tell Me Blockchain

Watch the article 3 minute presentation video

Above video feature through clicking this text link 

The names seen on blockchain expos are getting bigger and more mainstream. At least this is the case with the coming London blockchain expo April 18-19th. A while back ‘what the hell is BP and Coca-Cola doing in here?’ would have been a legit question, but now it’s rather obvious to most inside the space.

If you are not in this game the fomo is more than paranoia for big business. Just because the blockchain equivalent of the dot-com bubble is eventually coming, most can’t claim ignorance anymore regarding tech about to evolve an inconceivable amount of global platforms. Just saying: “It’s a bubble” is the equivalent of shouting you need a safe space at a University. If it solves human problems, it has value. Uber does not have cars, Airbnb doesn’t own property, FIAT has not been backed by gold since the 70’s.

The E-future is already here.

Scarcity is a necessity for perceived lasting value

At least for the foreseeable near future. Whatever size your dreams are the blockchain has and will deliver at an increased pace. From John McAfee promising to eat his connection dongle to Trace Mayer, people estimate the value of Bitcoin rising close to a million in the coming years. Some of the wild estimates predict the market cap to be somewhere around 15 trillion in a decade.

Hodling ain’t no joke.

A breath in, a breath out

Hope you feel you have been adequately compensated for the ‘sleepless in crypto’ thus far. With this kind of potential the space is filling up with, let’s say, all walks of life and many are not in it for the long haul nor an agenda bigger than themselves. This is natural so wearing protection at this party is a necessity. I recently had my first real taste of this.

Remember to wear crypto bubble protection kids!

As an independent artist, I’m not saying a nice mould free family house, a cool electric car and a more secure future do not turn me on but the biggest excitement comes from getting the resources necessary to evolve art to a place no one has yet experienced. Thinking about the idea of seeing what I’ve been building for two decades finally be manifest on world stages is a premature mind blown -type situation (see video at the start of the page). Being close to 40, it’s much more exciting than seeing all ’em dancing girls during the coming World Crypto Con.

The keynote space is full of useful tips and ideas but lets face it – many of the concepts being presented are almost incomprehensible to the majority of the audience and dry as licking sandpaper on a hot Dubai afternoon. If as many say, the future of the human ability to trust, lifting people from poverty all over the world and personal millions are at stake, using advertising agencies, making stunning films with humans is essential. Integrating legacy media better will eventually lead to the AI, VR & Quantum revolution many of us are working towards and wanting to see.

Gotta learn how to walk first though.

Having recently flown from Helsinki to London it was again surprising just how many iPads, phone scrollers and screen devices were the ones people eyes were locked on. Certainly, today having a billboard is not as effective as it used to be if everyone is looking at a small device in their hand but what used to be presented with credibility and design still holds the same power despite the digesting format being different.

So now e-what?

In my view, film, art, music, performance and the majority of visual communication means are totally under-utilized by the crypto community. Not a single major player has even made their own TV advert yet. Not to say it has to run on TV but using the format or a more human side of the story seems like a no-brainer.  These kinds of things, coming from a film background to the arts are self-evident to me so I wouldn’t be surprised if we soon see a production company that specializes in crypto visuals. It’s not that the heart and awe of blockchain are absent, it is just not very well presented at the moment.

If you want to hear more about this sort of thing, all of the above is what my presentation will be about at the Blockchain Expo on April the 18th. A few works from the Bollywood star project will grace the stage as well as hopefully a performance. The idea is to start a new era of what a Keynote presentation can be like. The third level up from this, at the very latest, will be seen in at the Aria hotel in Las Vegas on October 31st.

I just can’t nor want to do it alone.

V E S A Visual Artist London / Helsinki Instagram Twitter Art: www.artforcrypto.com Merc: www.artforcrypto.live Artevo: www.artevo.org

  The post Show Me, Don’t Tell Me Blockchain appeared first on NewsBTC.

from Cryptocracken WP https://ift.tt/2q63Vyo via IFTTT

[kadobeclothing]

Working Remotely? Try These 35 Tools for Better Communication, Collaboration & Organization

Today, you and your team are expected to perform at the same level no matter where you’re working from.  With the help of internet connection, it’s relatively easy for us to get most our daily work done, whether it’s related to publishing a blog post, sending a follow-up email, conducting a video call with a team member of prospect, or setting up a workflow to nurture prospects and customers in your CRM.

But, when it comes to remote work, we all know internet connection doesn’t solve everything . Tasks and obstacles are bound to arise that are challenging to manage remotely — when it comes to these complex tasks and cross-team collaboration, communication and productivity can get messy.

As the need for productive remote work has grown, many companies have discovered and started implementing tools and resources that enable employees to be as productively as possible while working from home. To help determine which tools are ideal for your remote team, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best tools for you to experiment with. 35 Helpful Remote Work Tools and Software The following 35 remote work tools are segmented by use case to help you determine the type of resource you and your team would benefit most from. Let’s get started. Remote Work Tools For General Collaboration 1. Google Suite

Source Google Suite (G Suite) is a budget-friendly Google platform that allows your teams to collaborate on Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slide, among other easy-to-use Google Drive tools. You can also share a team calendar and create work emails through the GSuite. 2. Microsoft Office Teams

Source While GSuite can be used entirely online within one platform, Microsoft Office Teams allows you to download apps like Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint to your computer or mobile device. Like GSuite, you also can use this general suite of tools to manage, share, store, and edit documents in team folders. Aside from the more specific apps, Microsoft Teams also allows you to communicate with your teammates via video calls, email, and through an internal discussion platform where your colleagues can create posts or ask questions. Remote Work Tools For Task and Project Management Software 3. Trello

Trello allows you to create a dashboard that highlights large projects or categories and tasks related to them. Each small task, called a “card” can be labeled with a colored tag and text. For example, if you want to say something is “Urgent” you could create a red card tag that says “Urgent” on it and stick it to the appropriate Trello cards. You can also assign cards and deadlines to members of your team and track each card’s progress through its Activity area. 4. Asana

Asana lets you create and delegate tasks, organize, and check off tasks into shared projects, chat within each task so conversations stay organized, and add attachments from your computer, Dropbox, Box, and Google Drive. It also has calendar features, dashboards for projects, and your very own to-do list. 5. Assembla

Project management for web developers seems to be Assembla’s niche, though it could handle project management for just about any type of freelancing. It tracks tickets and time, produces reports, and simplifies product releases and bug-fixing — plus many say it’s easier to set up than Jira. 6. Basecamp

Basecamp is a simple and easy-to-use project management software that helps you arrange your calendars, set meeting schedules, track assignments, and store documents. All of your project management occurs on one organized dashboard to give you a digestible birds-eye-view of everything that’s happening. 7. RingCentral and Glip

Source Ther’s another great tool by Ring Central and Glip. While RingCentral enables company calls to your business line to be forwarded to a mobile phone when you’re working remotely, Glip helps you manage basic project management and text-based team communication. For task management, shared calendars, file sharing, annotating images, and real-time group chat, Glip is a strong tool. It also helps ensure all those chats are fully searchable. Along with group chats and standard project management features, you can activate video chats on the Glip app which allows you to talk to your teammates about ongoing tasks. 8. Github

Web developers will love GitHub because it’s designed to build software with remote teams. The platform allows teams to virtual participate in code review and the management of both open source and private projects. The GitHub Marketplace offers coders a variety of tools that can help them do their jobs more efficiently, regardless of where they log in. 9. Jira

Source Jira is another project management tool primarily for developers, customer support, and IT reps that allows you to assign and track work as well as issues that need to be solved. It also has a handy mobile and desktop interface for project management on the go. 10. Podio

Source Part project manager, part Facebook for companies, you can use Podio to keep track of what you need to do, and chat while doing it. With the mobile app and website, you can create “workspaces” for different aspects of your work or projects. These workspaces look similar to a Facebook page as colleagues can comment or share information on them similarly to how they would share a Facebook post. You can also use the platform to communicate with teammates or manage client contacts privately since it has a wide range of privacy settings. 11. Taskworld

Source The sweet spot for Taskworld is managing projects and keeping track of tasks and subtasks. Its evaluation feature lets you measure and give feedback on job performance, setting it apart from other similar project management programs. 12. Wunderlist

Source Marketed more as a personal to-do list for your phone, Wunderlist is also used by some of us to keep track of client work. There’s not much to the app except for a handy to-do list that you can manage and check off as you go. 13. Monday.com

Monday.com is a web task management platform specifically for businesses and agencies. It offers similar features to Asana and Trello in that you can watch the progress of tasks on a dashboard and assign projects to team members. But, additionally, it also allows marketing teams to plan tasks with their budget in mind. Remote Work Tools For Scheduling and Hosting Virtual Meetings 14. Zoom

Source Zoom is an easy-to-use desktop platform and app that allows you to schedule, launch, and record virtual meetings with your team. These meetings can be entered remotely from a computer, smartphone, or voice via a dial in phone. During Zoom meetings, you can also share your screen with teammates so they can see your work or presentations. 15. Go ToMeeting

Source GoToMeeting allows you to schedule and launch virtual meetings or webinars where users can log in or call to hear only hosts speak. These meetings can be recorded and sent to participants after they’re completed. 16. Google Hangouts

Source Google Hangouts is a popular option because Google is usually convenient for those who use Google Calendar to manage your schedule and GMail for emails. 17 Join.me

Source Join.me is great for fast and easy screen-share meetings. In addition to being able to schedule and launch quick virtual meetings with screen-share, you can also create a shareable URL to your own personal meeting room that people can log on to when they’d like to meet with you. 18. Skype

Source At this point, many of us have already used Skype. Along with allowing you to host free small virtual meetings, Skype also enables you to create group chats. If you want to use the paid version of Skype, you can also have meetings with groups or make international voice calls. 19. Uber Conference

Source With Uber Conference, there’s no wondering who joined the call, who said what, or what the heck your meeting PIN number is. It also allows screen sharing and has a mobile app. You can create video calls in your own name and when someone signs in, you can easily see them on the video calls dashboard. Then, when someone is talking, their video feed will be highlighted so you can easily see what’s happening and stay focused. 20. Google Calendar

Rather than having a full conversation over an instant messaging platform about when to have a meeting, you can use GSuite’s Google Calendar feature. With the feature, you can share your Google Calendar with your colleagues. Then, when you want to schedule a meeting with them, simply search their names and book a suggested time that works. When you do this, you can also put notes in the description area such as, “I’d like to book this meeting to discuss the marketing newsletter. Let me know if this time doesn’t work for you.” Remote Work Tools For Quick Chats With Colleagues 21. Slack

Slack is great for real-time communication for one-on-one conversations or with everyone on your team. You can also organize chats by subject, and integrate activity from platforms like Github, Trello, and Pingdom. I like the thought expressed here that Slack is as close to a virtual office as you can get. You can even create one channel for every client, and invite only the people on that project to be on that channel. (Want to learn more about Slack? Here’s a guide to all the hacks you didn’t yet know you could do with the platform.) 22. WhatsApp

If you have a remote or globally dispersed team, or communicate regularly with international clients or prospects, WhatsApp is a great communication platform that allows you to create group chats with them, send text messages, host multiple-person video calls, or make voice calls for free on a Wi-Fi network. 23. Flowdock

Source Flowdock is simple and easy-to-use instant messaging app and website similar to Slack. It also integrates with Jira, GitHub, Basecamp, Asana, Assembla, Trello and many other apps. Remote Work Tools For Asset Management 24. Google Drive

Source I love Google Drive, but it does tend to update rather frequently — meaning, just when you’ve figured it out and have all your things organized, things change. With that said, it’s free, stores and organizes all of your content and information, and you can work on the same document with multiple people at the same time. 25. Dropbox

Source Sharing large files doesn’t work so well over email, which is where Dropbox and Dropbox Business come in. This is a great tool for organizing freelancer work. Just have the freelancer upload their documents into monthly folders and message you when their work is in. 26. Adobe Creative Cloud

Source Adobe Creative Cloud programs like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator allow you to create design files or visual assets that can then be edited or updated by your team. 27. Canva Source Similar to Adobe, but easier to use for design novices, Canva allows you to create team accounts where you can share design templates and assets with your colleagues remotely. This ensures you’re able to access and edit any design files or brand imagery you might need while working from home. Remote Work Tools For Announcements and Internal Documentation 28. Confluence

Confluence allows you to create an internal blog or wiki for your team. It’s more of a team manager, keeping documents, notes, best practices, product requirements, and plans all in one easily searchable place. Pro Tip: You can also use the Gliffy integration to do quick wireframes. 29. GitHub Wiki

Source Savvy inbound marketing companies use GitHub Wiki for employee onboarding by organizing helpful resources for new employees. 30. Loom

Realize that speaking out loud is a better way to communicate a team announcement, but don’t have time to book a meeting? With Loom, you can record a presentation or just your voice to give an announcement or play-by-play to your team. Then, you can get a link to share the recording and easily circulate it across channels like instant messengers or email. Remote Work Tools For Tracking Team Progress 31. Time Doctor

Source Need to keep a close eye on how your team is spending their time, for client billing or productivity purposes? Time Doctor can help you do just that. With the tool, you and your team and/ or remote freelancers can create projects and start a clock when starting a new task. Then Time Doctor’s dashboard shows a report of how many hours your colleague has worked throughout the day and which projects they’ve spent the most time on. 32. Harvest

Source For keeping track of time and expenses, this is a simple few-frills tool. With Harvest, you simply create projects or to-do list items and start the clock when you start working on each tasks. Then you can see how much time you’ve spend on different list items, such as writing blog posts, strategizing, or producing marketing emails. 33. iDoneThis Source I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can’t remember what I did yesterday. iDoneThis solves that problem for individuals and teams by sending a “digest” of what everyone did. Remote Work Tools For Team Decision-Making 34. Polly.ai

When your team needs to make a decision that doesn’t require a full meeting, Polly.ai enables you to create a survey that you can then send through platforms like Slack. From there, your colleagues can simply vote on an option. 35. Doodle

Need to plan a group meeting? Doodle is a polling platform that allows you to ask quick questions to your team and see how they vote. You can also create a meeting-time poll which enables your team to vote on a meeting time that works best for them so you’re able to accommodate schedules. Navigate the Remote Work Landscape with Helpful Tools Today, your employees must have the ability to effectively do their jobs remotely — they need access to the right resources to help them be as productive at home as they are in an office space. It’s no secret that everyone works a little differently and has a unique set of challenges. But when our problems have to do organization and productivity, try implement one of the tools mentioned above. To learn more about how to master remote work, check out success tips from HubSpot’s remote workforce. Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in April 2015, but was updated for comprehensiveness and freshness in April 2020.

Source link

source https://www.kadobeclothing.store/working-remotely-try-these-35-tools-for-better-communication-collaboration-organization/

[sheminecrafts]

Facebook finally lets you banish nav bar tabs & red dots

Are those red notification dots on your Facebook home screen driving you crazy? Sick of Facebook Marketplace wasting your screen space? Now you can control what appears in the Facebook app’s navigation bar thanks to a new option called Shortcuts Bar Settings.

Over the weekend TechCrunch spotted the option to remove certain tabs like Marketplace, Watch, Groups, Events, and Dating or just silence their notification dots. In response to our inquiry, Facebook confirms that Shortcut Bar Settings is now rolling out to everyone, with most iOS users already equipped and the rest of Android owners getting it in the next few weeks.

The move could save the sanity and improve the well-being of people who don’t want their Facebook cluttered with distractions. Users already get important alerts that they could actually control via their Notifications tab. Constant red notification counts on the homescreen are an insidious growth hack, trying to pull in people’s attention to random Group feeds, Event wall posts, and Marketplace.

“We are rolling out navigation bar controls to make it easier for people to connect with the things they like and control the notifications they get within the Facebook app” a Facebook spokesperson tells me.

Back in July 2018, Facebook said it would start personalizing the navigation bar based on what utilities you use most. But the navigation bar seemed more intent on promoting features Facebook wanted to be popular like its Craigslist competitor Marketplace, which I rarely use, rather than its long-standing Events feature I access daily.

To use the Shortcuts Bar Settings options, tap and hold on any of the shortcuts in your navigation bar that’s at the bottom of the Facebook homescreen on iOS and the top on Android. You’ll see a menu pop up letting you remove that tab entirely, or leave it but disable the red notification count overlays. That clears space in your nav bar for a more peaceful experience.

You’ll also now find in the three-line More tab -> Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Shortcuts menu the ability to toggle any of the Marketplace, Groups, Events, and Pages tabs on or off. Eagle-eyed reverse engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong spotted in June that Facebook was testing Notification Dots settings menu that’s now available too.

Instagram to test hiding Like counts in US, which could hurt influencers

A Facebook spokesperson admits people should have the ability to take a break from notifications within the app. They tell me Facebook wanted to give users more control so they can have access to what’s relevant to them.

For all of Facebook’s talk about well-being, with it trying out hiding Like counts in its app and Instagram (this week starting in the US), there’s still plenty of low-hanging fruit. Better batching of Facebook notifications would be a great step, allowing users to get a daily digest of Groups or Events posts rather than a constant flurry. Its Time Well Spent dashboard that counts your minutes on Facebook should also say how many notifications you get of each type, how many you actually open, and let you disable the most common but useless ones right from there.

If Facebook wants to survive long-term, it can’t piss off users by trapping them in an anxiety-inducing hellscape of growth hacks that benefit the company. The app has become bloated and cramped with extra features over the last 15 years. Facebook could get away with more aggressive cross-promotion of some of these forgotten features as long as it empowers us to hide what we hate.

My product launch wishlist for Instagram, Twitter, Uber and more

from iraidajzsmmwtv https://ift.tt/2K7SVLG via IFTTT

[technicalsolutions88]

Are those red notification dots on your Facebook home screen driving you crazy? Sick of Facebook Marketplace wasting your screen space? Now you can control what appears in the Facebook app’s navigation bar thanks to a new option called Shortcuts Bar Settings.

Over the weekend TechCrunch spotted the option to remove certain tabs like Marketplace, Watch, Groups, Events, and Dating or just silence their notification dots. In response to our inquiry, Facebook confirms that Shortcut Bar Settings is now rolling out to everyone, with most iOS users already equipped and the rest of Android owners getting it in the next few weeks.

The move could save the sanity and improve the well-being of people who don’t want their Facebook cluttered with distractions. Users already get important alerts that they could actually control via their Notifications tab. Constant red notification counts on the homescreen are an insidious growth hack, trying to pull in people’s attention to random Group feeds, Event wall posts, and Marketplace.

“We are rolling out navigation bar controls to make it easier for people to connect with the things they like and control the notifications they get within the Facebook app” a Facebook spokesperson tells me.

Back in July 2018, Facebook said it would start personalizing the navigation bar based on what utilities you use most. But the navigation bar seemed more intent on promoting features Facebook wanted to be popular like its Craigslist competitor Marketplace, which I rarely use, rather than its long-standing Events feature I access daily.

To use the Shortcuts Bar Settings options, tap and hold on any of the shortcuts in your navigation bar that’s at the bottom of the Facebook homescreen on iOS and the top on Android. You’ll see a menu pop up letting you remove that tab entirely, or leave it but disable the red notification count overlays. That clears space in your nav bar for a more peaceful experience.

You’ll also now find in the three-line More tab -> Settings & Privacy -> Settings -> Shortcuts menu the ability to toggle any of the Marketplace, Groups, Events, and Pages tabs on or off. Eagle-eyed reverse engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong spotted in June that Facebook was testing Notification Dots settings menu that’s now available too.

Instagram to test hiding Like counts in US, which could hurt influencers

A Facebook spokesperson admits people should have the ability to take a break from notifications within the app. They tell me Facebook wanted to give users more control so they can have access to what’s relevant to them.

For all of Facebook’s talk about well-being, with it trying out hiding Like counts in its app and Instagram (this week starting in the US), there’s still plenty of low-hanging fruit. Better batching of Facebook notifications would be a great step, allowing users to get a daily digest of Groups or Events posts rather than a constant flurry. Its Time Well Spent dashboard that counts your minutes on Facebook should also say how many notifications you get of each type, how many you actually open, and let you disable the most common but useless ones right from there.

If Facebook wants to survive long-term, it can’t piss off users by trapping them in an anxiety-inducing hellscape of growth hacks that benefit the company. The app has become bloated and cramped with extra features over the last 15 years. Facebook could get away with more aggressive cross-promotion of some of these forgotten features as long as it empowers us to hide what we hate.

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