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hatterstan-shameblog · 4 years

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The Best Quiche in Tokyo

Rating: ‼️18+ Minors Do Not Interact ‼️

Warnings: explicit sexuality (it literally takes place at an orgy so like.......Y’know)

Characters: Hatter (Takeru), Aguni, and Female Reader (You)

Summary: When one of your customers invites you to a potluck-slash-orgy, you assume the “orgy” part is a joke—because nobody really hosts a potluck and an orgy at the same time, right?

Notes: One time, @nessinborderland (happy belated birthday btw) gave me the brilliant idea of Hatter hosting an orgy and serving really good food and I just......ran with it. This ended up being part comedy, part character study—and mostly features Aguni, if you can believe it! I don’t know, I just let the story take me where it wanted to go! (Also, this is definitely the longest thing I’ve written on here, so get ready to dig in!)

It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon in March, and you’re standing in front of a hat shop. Well, technically, you’re slightly to the left of a hat shop, peering down a skinny alleyway in search of a door or a set of stairs—something to indicate that there is, in fact, an apartment up there and this is not just an elaborate prank.

There is a very good chance this is a prank—after all, the eccentric man who walked into your stationary store two weeks ago seemed...off. Not in a bad way, just. One-of-a-kind. Unique. Entirely himself, in a way that people usually aren’t.

Was he flirting or was he just overly friendly when he leaned in just a bit too close to see the various fonts available for his choosing? It’s difficult to say. He did seem genuinely interested to know the difference between serif and sans serif, which doesn’t much thrill your customers on the regular. Does asking for an extra business card ‘for his personal records’ count as a pick-up line? It’s hard to say. Not that it matters much, of course—you are a professional, he is a customer, and there’s nothing more to it.

And you really are a professional, because when he told you that he wanted—in metallic gold, 30-point, center aligned—to say, quote, “The Third Annual Springtime Potluck and Orgy: Presented by Danma Takeru,” you didn’t so much as bat an eye. Partially because he was very insistent that you spell his name correctly, and partially because. Well. How does a person respond to that?

In truth, he ended up being one of your better customers—he showed a genuine interest in the process while still deferring to your expertise—and when one of the printed invitations arrived in your mailbox, you figured you might as well go see what the fuss is about. It could be an opportunity to meet some new friends, maybe drum up a little business if you’re lucky.

And besides—a potluck-slash-orgy? Who would even do that?

The merry little jingle of bell catches your attention, and you turn your head to see a solemn-looking man peeking his head around the hat shop’s glass door. He looks at you. He looks at the plastic-wrapped pie in your hands. He looks back at you.

He frowns.

“Hi,” you say, putting on your most charming smile in the hopes that he’ll stop looking at you like you just slapped him across the face, “I’m, uh, I’m here for the party!”

You shuffle over to him, careful not to scuff the white of your sensible-yet-pretty patent leather heels on the sidewalk. Maybe you’re dressed too formally—he’s wearing a plain white t-shirt and a pair of jeans while you’re sporting a calf-length chiffon dress dyed in a lovely array of watercolor blues and violets.

Oh dear, what a faux-pas! There was no dress code listed on the invite, but maybe you should’ve dressed in a more casual fashion. You don’t live far, you could probably run home quickly and change...

“Do you...have an invitation,” the man asks, crossing his arms across his chest and furrowing his brow. Is he annoyed? No, no. He seems. Confused? Wary? How very strange.

“Oh, of course,” you answer, reaching a fumbling hand into your purse to search for the little pink envelope, “I almost forgot it walking out the door, but I remembered at the last second! I can be a bit scatterbrained sometimes!”

The man doesn’t say anything, but leans forward to inspect the invitation once you manage to produce it from the cluttered mess that is your handbag.

“I know the time said it started at three, but the pie took a little longer than expected. It takes time for the chocolate to set, and—“ you gasp, covering your mouth with your invite-laden hand, “I haven’t kept you waiting, have I? I’m so sorry, Mister...?”

“Call me Aguni,” he says, and his eyes narrow slightly when you give him your most chipper ‘thank you’ and apologize for not being able to shake his hand at the moment. What a strange man.

“You,” he asks slowly, “you read the invitation, right?”

“Of course I did! I’m the one who made them,” you explain, puffing your chest up with pride, “and our host was kind enough to send one to me! He must have really liked my work!”

“...Yeah,” the man called Aguni says, “I’m sure that’s it.”

But, to your pleasure, he steps aside and holds the door open for you to enter. Such a strange man, but at least he’s gentlemanly enough to hold the door for you as you step inside.

“Oh, wow,” you say, “this place is amazing!”

And maybe it sounds silly, but you’re being entirely honest. There are hats in shelves, hats hanging on the wall, hats on faceless plastic heads on the counter and placed atop a long wooden table to the left—all of them in different shapes and colors, embellished and feathered and ribboned to the nines. There’s a certain magic to a little place like this, a kind of whimsical charm you want to bottle and keep on the kitchen windowsill.

“Walls could use some paint. Floor needs polished, too,” Aguni says, “but...yeah, I guess it’s nice enough.”

You follow him as he leads you towards the back, your eyes drinking in all the details of this fascinating little shop.

“No, no, the walls and the floor are perfect,” you assert with a wide-mouthed smile, “it gives it character. Makes it feel...like home, I think.”

“Takeru says the same thing,” Aguni answers with a chuckle, “although I also think he just doesn’t want to put in the work. He’s...not very handy.”

There is a second door at the very back of the shop, and once again, Aguni holds it open for you. Perhaps his original air of discontent was a simple case of shyness—maybe he just takes a bit to warm up to people. Well, just wait until he tries your homemade triple-chocolate silk pie; you’ll be best friends in no time!

He leads you into a tiny courtyard, which is just barely big enough to hold a steep set of metal stairs and a handful of plant pots, which remain empty due to the early spring cold. But, oh, it must be so lovely back here when the plants are in full bloom! You say as much to your companion, who actually manages to smile a bit in your direction as he leads you up the stairs.

“Those are mine, actually,” he tells you, his boot-covered feet thunking up the stairs at a leisurely pace, “He lets me garden back here.”

You picture it—this tall, stoic man, kneeling on the ground, his gloved hands tending little green sprouts as the morning sun shines gold and warm on the cold stone ground. The thought of it warms you. Does he know anything about succulents? You’ve always thought they would look so cute in the shop...

“Look,” Aguni says when the two of you reach a very drab-looking door, “I’m not trying to be a jerk, but...you sure you’re ready for this?”

What an odd thing to say! Maybe you’re acting more nervous than you originally thought? It is rather daunting, walking into a party of strangers; but, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

“You’re sweet for worrying about me,” you respond, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, “but if everyone is half as lovely as you, I’m sure I’ll do just fine. I will probably stick with you for a while—if that’s okay, of course!”

“Alright, then.” Aguni says—and is that a hint of a blush you see creeping up his neck? All this time, you thought he was just being strange, but he’s just a little shy! You give his arm a knowing pat before withdrawing your touch, and he quickly turns around to unlock the door.

Are all of Takeru’s friends this adorable? You hope so. You follow your bashful escort inside—the genkan is already full of shoes, but you manage to squeeze yours in between a pair of snakeskin wedge heels and the wall. Aguni also removes his boots, and you’re happy he isn’t going to stay down in the hat shop the whole time. He can introduce you to everyone, and maybe—

You hear something. Was that...? No, no, you must be imagining things. You definitely did not just hear a woman moan on the other side of the wall. You stop and angle your head towards the door slightly to get a better listen. It’s all rather muffled (it must be well-insulated!) but there’s definitely some kind of music playing. Maybe it’s part of a song?

It happens again. This time, it’s deeper, and more of a prolonged “ah” sound. And then laughter. Aguni is looking at you in that concerned way of his again.

Instead of waiting for him to open the door for you a third time, you decide to take initiative and open it yourself—a show of confidence, to put his mind at ease. For a moment, it looks like he’s going to try and stop you, but he instead just crosses his arms and watches as you open the door to the rest of the house.

The first thing you see is candles. Little flickering spots of yellow-orange flame, winking inside clear glass votives. A trio of them on the kitchen table to the left, surrounded by a mismatched variety of trays and plates and bowls, each holding a different delicacy.

There’s a candle on the kitchen counter, next to the refrigerator. One on a bookshelf, which is filled to bowing with vinyl LP’s. Two on either side of the television, and a cluster of them on a coffee table next to a fishbowl of shiny gold squares and—

Oh.

Oh, dear.

There are limbs. Moving, writing, reaching. Hands grabbing. Mouths kissing. Mouths...doing things other than kissing. Oh, God, there’s boobs. And somebody’s butt. Aw, geez, there goes another one. How many naked people are there in here, anyways?

“Oh, hey!”

A familiar voice calls out from the fleshy throng, and your stomach drops. Like Venus emerging from the surf, you see Danma Takeru rise up from the crowd, hair mussed and smiling mouth smudged with at least two different colors of lipstick. While he does appear to be wearing some kind of brightly-patterned robe, the more he stands, the less confident you are that it’s actually covering anything.

You spin on your heel, unwilling as of the moment to become visually acquainted with your host’s penis, and you’re met once more with Aguni’s concerned stare. This time, though, you understand why he’s looking at you like that, and it makes the burn of embarrassment creeping up your neck that much hotter.

“Do you want to leave?”

This is. Oh, boy. This is a lot. Aguni must be able to sense your discomfort, although you imagine it’s rather palpable at the moment.

“I,” you say, “I don’t...know.”

And you say you don’t know because you truly don’t know what to do. Was it really so naïve of you to think that the ‘orgy’ part of the invitation was some kind of weird inside joke? Is there some kind of social protocol for these things?

You feel two hands descend upon each of your shoulders, and you try to convince yourself that they are slightly damp with sweat as opposed to any other kind of aqueous material.

“You made it,” Takeru exclaims with genuine excitement as he gives your person a gentle shake, “I’m so glad you decided to come!”

“He’s covered, don’t worry,” Aguni says to you before directing his attention over your shoulder, “I take it you didn’t tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

The hand on your right shoulder stays while the left slips away, leaving room for Takeru to stand at your side and squeeze you against him in a weird little half-hug. In another situation, you might enjoy the way the silk of his robe whispers against the skin of your arms, perhaps smile at the warm comfort of a lazy arm thrown about your shoulders like a heavy scarf, but. Well. Right now, it’s just a little...awkward.

Aguni rolls his eyes.

“About that,” he says, gesturing impatiently at the debauchery behind your back, “I mean, just look at her face.”

“Mori-chan, how could you be so rude to our lovely guest? Darling,” Takeru says, turning your face towards him with two fingers under your chin, “don’t listen to him, you’re...ah, I see what you mean.”

Is your expression really that bad? It must be, because Takeru very slowly and very carefully withdrawing his arm from around your shoulder and taking a generous step to the side. His mouth is twisted into a rather comical gaping frown, his eyes nervously darting side-to-side.

“In my defense,” he says, putting his hands up like some kind of fucked-out traffic cop at a four-way intersection, “the, uh, the orgy part was very prominent. Big letters, right at the top.”

“I,” you reply, “I thought it was...a joke?”

“This is why we don’t just hand out invitations,” Aguni grits through his teeth, “for fuck’s sake, Takeru, we’ve talked about this!”

“I know, I know. I am humble enough to admit when I’ve fucked up, and this time, I have fucked up in a truly spectacular fashion,” Takeru’s gaze shifts from horrified to quizzical as he scrutinized you for a moment, “Unless...you’d like to stay?”

You look at the pie. The slowly-warming chocolate is beginning to sweat beneath the thin film of plastic wrap you so lovingly secured with lilac ribbon.

“Or you could slap him on the way out,” Aguni offers, “he’s very slap-able.”

“It’s true! And when you slap me,” he whips his head to the side suddenly, “my hair does that and it looks really cool!”

Yeah, okay—it did look pretty cool. But, does he deserve to be slapped? Probably for something else, but not for this. It’s a simple misunderstanding, and honest mistake on both your parts.

“I want...” you start, and the way they’re looking at you, wide-eyed and breath-bated, reminds you of the final rose ceremony on The Bachelorette.

It’s kind of hilarious, actually.

“I, uh,” you continue, “I want to...to put this in the refrigerator, if that’s okay? It’s, uh, starting to melt...”

To say that Takeru’s face lights up is an understatement. With a mega-watt smile and a sparkle in his eye, he swoops his arm back around your shoulder and begins leading you towards the kitchen.

Although you have (almost) gotten used to the sea of strangers fucking and moaning in the background, you still choose to politely avert your gaze as you pass them by. You instead focus on Takeru, who has taken this opportunity to explain the inner-workings of...whatever this is.

“...And I personally see to it that these events remain exclusive,” he says, “Although I do occasionally invite outsiders, such as yourself. You were just so sweet and helpful, I couldn’t resist trying my luck and sending you an invite.”

“Thank you,” you say, “although, I, uh...”

He opens the refrigerator door and motions for you to place the pie inside. Luckily, it’s mostly empty, save for a collection of bottled water and a tin of what looks to be cat food. You’re grateful to not have to carry it around anymore, and thank him for his assistance.

It’s finally time for you to acknowledge the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’—except, you’re not exactly sure how to begin.

“I,” you start, stopping to bite your lip, “I, uh. Is it okay if I...don’t, y’know, do the whole...uh...sex thing?”

“Oh, do you prefer to watch?”

“No! I mean, no, uh,” you laugh nervously, “I’m just...”

Takeru chuckles.

“I’m only teasing. You’re more than welcome to skip the sex and go straight to the food. As long as you’re on the kitchen side, nobody will touch you. It’s one of our rules.”

He motions for Aguni to come over with a wave of his arm, smiling when the tall man comes to lean against the kitchen counter.

“Mori-chan also prefers to abstain from the more salacious aspects of our little gathering, so the two of you can keep each other company.”

“I’m usually in charge of the food,” Aguni adds, “and I try to make sure the candles stay lit.”

“I, uh, I noticed those on the way in. They’re nice.”

Takeru leans towards you as if he’s about to share a secret.

“I don’t mean to be indelicate,” he says in a low tone, “but there is a certain stench that comes with these events. Sweat, musk, various secretions...it all really adds up in the end.”

“It’s awful,” Aguni concludes, “but candles help dissipate the worst of it.”

“Oh, and the ambiance,” Takeru exclaims, “there’s just nothing like candlelight to really get people in the mood for—“

A sharp ding! makes you jump. From what you can gather, it came from the small oven to Aguni’s left.

“Hold it right there,” Takeru growls towards Aguni, who had been in the middle of donning a pair of floral-printed oven mitts, “she needs thirty more seconds.”

Aguni looks at you and rolls his eyes. You stifle a giggle behind your hand, hoping your host doesn’t notice.

“I saw that,” Takeru snips towards Aguni, “honestly, Mori-chan, you get one new friend...”

And even though he’s mid-scold, there remains a joviality to Takeru’s tone—a testament, you believe, to what can only be a long-standing friendship between him and Aguni. It’s hard not to feel jealous of their easy back-and-forth, their banter like a well-matched game of tennis.

“Now you can take her out,” Takeru says, “but, so help me God, if you don’t let her rest for seven minutes–“

“–They’ll never find my body, I know, I know,” Aguni finishes, gingerly placing a metal pan on the stove, “Look, we’ve got it handled. You can go back to your side of the party and I’ll call you when it’s plated.”

“Fine,” Takeru answers with a false pout, “but only because I know she’ll keep you honest.”

And just like that, it’s just you and Aguni once more—but, this time, he seems much more at ease to have you around. Happy, almost. It must be kind of boring, sitting alone in a kitchen while everyone else is...well, busy.

“So,” you say, moving to Aguni’s side to peer into the baking pan, “looks kind of like...a quiche?”

“Not just any quiche,” Aguni answers, opening the drawer to his right and digging a hand inside, “the best quiche in Tokyo.”

He pulls out a shiny silver chef’s knife and places it on the counter. Next comes a pair of dainty forks, delicate little things one might use for tea cakes at a French-inspired bistro. Knowing what you know about Takeru—which, granted, isn’t very much at all—it doesn’t surprise you in the least.

“You’re in front of the plates,” he says, tapping the cabinet directly in front of your face, “grab us some?”

“But we’re supposed to wait seven minutes,” you protest, all while following his instructions, “it’s only been...like, three.”

Aguni’s eyes take on a glint of mischief.

“Only a problem if we get caught.”

Honestly, it looks divine. Pillowy-soft and the perfect pale-yellow hue, delicate tendrils of steam billowing out as he drags the knife through. You hadn’t ever seen a non-rectangular quiche before, but you suppose it makes sense; there are a fair few people in attendance, and the standard circular composition wouldn’t quite feed everyone.

He serves you first. A corner piece (which he insists are the best), speckled with herbs and studded with little pieces of what you assume to be some kind of ham. Little strings of cheese stick to the blade of the knife, and Aguni scrapes them off with the side of a fork, which he then hands to you.

“Takeru doesn’t cook much,” Aguni explains, playing his own small square, “but when he does...”

The sound that comes from your mouth as you take your first bite of quiche could rival any of those happening in the orgy across the room. Oh, that is so good! Buttery crust, the salt of cheese and ham, the subtle bite of onion—and there’s something else there, something you can’t quite place, but you know it tastes absolutely heavenly. Immediately, you take another bite.

“Grew the herbs de Provence myself,” Aguni mentions, “He refuses to use store-bought.”

“Makes all the difference,” you respond, “I could eat the whole pan by myself.”

“I did that for my last birthday, actually,” Aguni chuckles around a forkful of quiche, “Takeru insisted on putting all thirty-eight candles in before carrying it to the table—you know, like a dumbass. Part of his hair caught fire, and I had to give him a haircut at two in the morning because he was so distraught.”

The two of you laugh—Aguni at the memory, and you at the idea of a tearful Takeru sulking as Aguni snipping the fried locks with a pair of kitchen shears.

“He forgave me, even though I took a whole two inches off,” Aguni sets his empty plate in the sink and looks out of the small window above it, “He’s not a bad guy, you know. Doesn’t always make the best choices, sure, but he’s got a good heart in him.”

There is a sadness here, something in Aguni that speaks to a troubled past you haven’t quite unearthed yet—and you know better than to press him, especially here, especially now.

“Well, I can’t say I’m an expert,” you say, handing him your plate, “but you two seem like decent people. Orgies aside, of course.”

“Of course,” Aguni nods, “though I don’t suppose you’ll come to the next one, will you?”

For the first time since your arrival, you allow yourself to watch the festivities happening across the room. It isn’t that bad, you suppose—it’s just a group of people having a fun time together, laughing and gasping and enjoying each others’ bodies in a safe and comfortable place. It’s not something you necessarily want to do yourself, but...well, the ‘weird’ factor of the whole thing has gone down exponentially over the past hour or so.

“And miss out on the best quiche in Tokyo,” you say, nudging against Aguni’s arm with your shoulder, “not a chance!”

#alice in borderland #hatter #danma takeru #alice in borderland netflix #spicy boy #morizono aguni #writings and such #THIS TOOK ME OVER A MONTH TO WRITE OH MY GOD #alice in borderland fanfic #obvi this takes place before borderland #so I guess this is an au?#also I hinted at Ziggy the cat because I am self-indulgent and evil #can’t believe I actually wrote it lads

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nekojitachan · 4 years

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I’ve forgotten what part this is now. Six? Seven? Anyway, more of the Raven!Andrew soulmate AU.

Last part can be found here.

Ah, mention of someone going through drug withdrawals...

*******

“So, with all the games in, it’s pretty easy to figure out which teams are in the top four of each district,” Nathaniel proclaimed as he peeled his clementine. “Well, if you’re good at math.”

“You’re a freak of nature,” Jean grumbled, much as he did every time Nathaniel brought up his talent for mathematics.

“Oh, so you don’t want me to help you study for that Trig final?” Neil grinned when his partner tossed his own clementine at the smart-ass. “As I was saying, it’s pretty easy to figure out who’s in the top four. Naturally, we’re in the lead for the northeastern district and overall in the division.”

“What a surprise,” Andrew drawled as he pushed his empty plate aside and tried not to stare when his soulmate licked a drop of juice from his right thumb.

Tried not to.

“Hmm, yes, I’m sure no one will be shocked when Tetsuji announces that fact this Saturday at the banquet. Nor will anyone be surprised when they find out that the Trojans are in first place for the southwestern district.” He seemed to be staring straight at Jean as he said that, while his partner was intently focused on aligning his chopstick a certain way on his food tray.

Jean cleared his throat before he spoke. “They are the second-best team in the division.”

“Yes, and their new captain is very talented.”

“He’s… not too bad.”

Andrew suspected that he was missing something – at least until he caught the way Jean’s right hand rubbed over the soulmate mark hidden beneath the sleeve of his shirt; he remembered the backliner telling him that his soulmate played Exy, too. Andrew clicked his tongue as he reached over to steal a slice of Nathaniel’s fruit, which prompted a pout from his own soulmate that wasn’t adorable at all. “Is he as much an asshole as ours?” he asked in French.

“Ple-ah, come on.” A slight flush colored Nathaniel’s cheekbones as he caught himself in time; he’d noticed that Andrew didn’t care for the word ‘please’ and so avoided it in any language he spoke. “He’s a Trojan. He probably doesn’t even know how to spell the word, he’s so good.” He wrinkled his upturned nose at the end as if saying something foul.

“Which is why you’ll never be a Trojan, you little demon,” Jean told his partner.

“I never wanted to be,” Nathaniel declared as he threw a piece of clementine peel across the table.

Andrew propped his chin up on his left palm as he watched the partners squabble, partially distracted as he recalled the Trojan’s captain and starting striker: Jeremy Knox. Hmm, not too bad, though much too smiley for his tastes.

The bickering only stopped when it was time for the team to report for afternoon practice; even with the semester all but over, Tetsuji wasn’t easing up on the Ravens, oh no. Andrew had already been warned that the next semester would be brutal as the Ravens defended their title yet again. He’d deal with the stupidity of the whole ‘must win’ mentality after winter break; first he had to suffer through a little thing like withdrawal, considering that he was headed to some rehab clinic on Wednesday, after his last final.

(On one hand, he got out of the winter banquet. On the other hand, he’d probably be puking his guts out Saturday night. He still preferred skipping the stupid banquet.)

They’d just finished a scrimmage when Riko and Kevin returned from Baltimore, Riko appearing tired and his dark eyes red-rimmed, while Kevin was nervous and wouldn’t look Tetsuji in the eye. Tetsuji said something harsh to them in Japanese that made Nathaniel shift on the bench and Jean mutter in French, then ordered them onto the court for the final scrimmage – against each other.

Andrew didn’t need to be psychic to know it wasn’t going to end well.

“Another bad game last night?” he asked in German.

“They nearly lost,” Nathaniel answered as he watched the disaster unfold. “Kev… was unusually unfocused.”

Kevin Day, Kayleigh Day’s son, raised on Exy and in the Nest, who was one of the best strikers ever (all right, Andrew agreed with his soulmate that the arrogant, tall bastard was the best, not that he’d ever tell Nat that) was ‘unfocused’? Hmm, somehow Andrew suspected that it had to do with the growing rumors that Kevin was holding back because of Riko (was held back because of Riko). Someone took their #2 status a bit too much to heart.

Or they knew how vicious someone could be if they believed their precious status as #1 was threatened….

Not that Andrew gave a shit (he didn’t give a shit about much in general), but a certain soulmate watched on with a stiffening back and clenched fists as Riko, Federov and Johnson slammed Kevin around, as they tripped him up and knocked him down, jabbed the butt of their racquets into his padded ribs while Tetsuji turned a blind eye to it all.

The scrimmage finally ended with Riko’s ‘team’ winning by six points and Kevin on his knees gasping for air; Tetsuji nodded in approval at his smug prick of a nephew. Right away, Nathaniel was on his feet, his blue eyes bright with righteous indignation and cheeks flushed with anger, and actually got a couple steps away from the bench before Andrew realized that the idiot was about to cause a world of trouble.

He managed a word or two of Japanese before Andrew charged forward, grabbed his fool of a soulmate by the waist and heaved him over his shoulder (thankful that Nathaniel was on the lean side). “What the- put me down!”

“Ah, ah, sweetpea, practice is over and now you’re mine.” He nodded to Tetsuji, who gave him that ‘you’re a bug unworthy of my attention’ gaze and smacked Nathaniel’s ass to make him stop squirming. “I told you that you have to listen to what I say, time to reinforce the lessons.” That seemed to prevent Riko from going all ‘king’ on them for disrupting what was technically the last two minutes of practice; the prick laughed and called out suggestions for how Andrew could punish Nathaniel, while Kevin appeared grateful to have the attention turned away from him.

Jean gave Andrew an intent look as he headed for the Nest, but a slight nod from Andrew made him relax; he had to have worried about the trouble Nathaniel was about to drag him into, yet he still wanted to make sure that his partner wasn’t going to be harmed. Andrew would call him a fool, too, but he knew that Jean also considered Kevin a friend.

Scratch that, Jean was indeed a fool.

He smacked Nathaniel’s pert ass again (no, don’t think that) and got a fresh spate of insults for his troubles (in Japanese, of course, since he didn’t know the language – Nathaniel wasn’t a total idiot). Andrew bypassed the locker room and kept on until he found an unlocked door to a suitably uncluttered storage closet (just a few ladders and boxes of lightbulbs); he dumped a squirming Nathaniel onto his feet (more or less) and locked the door behind them.

Nathaniel (as always) was quick to regain his footing; he pulled his disheveled jersey down to cover the bare slip of abdomen then pushed back the damp auburn curls falling onto his flushed face as he glared at Andrew. “What the hell are you thinking?”

Andrew leaned against the locked door as he gazed at his furious soulmate (dammit, did Nathaniel have to look even more gorgeous when he was angry?) “I don’t know,” he drawled as he folded his arms across his chest. “That I was preventing you from doing something stupid enough to earn both you and Jean a bad enough beating that you wouldn’t be able to get out of bed tomorrow? Hmm?”

Mention of his partner made Nathaniel jerk back and then duck his head, the fire in him slowly sputtering out; Andrew would feel bad about that except that he didn’t believe in guilt and that everything he’d said was the truth. “I… dammit, I was trying to protect Kevin,” he said in a quieter voice, the heat of anger all but gone.

“Kevin is a big boy,” Andrew repeated for the fifty-eighth time. “Worry about yourself and Jean.” And him, because he wouldn’t allow Nathaniel to be such a suicidal fool.

Especially when he’d soon be gone for a couple weeks.

Nathaniel was quiet for a moment as he nibbled on his full bottom lip before he shrugged. “But… never mind.” His expression became closed off as he edged toward the other side of the closet, as far away from Andrew as possible.

Over the course of the semester, they had… well, they had grown comfortable in each other’s presence, had let down their guards somewhat. They were able to be close to each other, to spend the night in the same room and actually rest, to have their little jokes, to tease each other… but they still had their secrets, didn’t they? Andrew got most of his knowledge about his soulmate from Jean and others, while Nathaniel… well, he hadn’t told Nathaniel too much, had he?

He clicked his tongue as he dropped his arms to his sides. “Look, why don’t we try something new? You tell me something true, something you’re willing to give up, and I’ll tell you a truth in return.” He gazed at his soulmate steadily, as if he hadn’t offered something so ridiculous, something so… so intimate and… and… and ridiculous.

Yet after a few seconds, Nathaniel smiled and nodded. “Okay. So, uhm, who goes first?”

Andrew slumped against the wall for some reason and let out a slow breath. “You can ask first.”

“Okay.” Nathaniel did more of the lip nibbling thing (which did not help considering that they were enclosed in a small space and Andrew wanted to reach out to pull his soulmate close and- not helping) before he spoke. “Why did you agree to go off to rehab over winter break?”

Oh. Okay, that wasn’t bad. “Because I was put on the drugs against my will, they don’t do shit for me except jerk my emotions around, so I’ll jump at a chance to get off them early.” His grin widened even more as he flashed his hands in the air in a ‘ta-da’ manner. “I know I’m so much fun this way, but hyper Andrew is going bye-bye.”

“I… like you better without them. The drugs. Uhm.” Nathaniel ducked his head again, but not before Andrew caught a hint of blush on his cheeks. “So, your turn?”

Andrew shoved his hands behind his back before he did something stupid (like stroke his fingers over those warm cheeks). “Why are willing to get into so much trouble for Kevin?” Why did he try to step in for someone he barely talked to- was it because they shared the same ugly tattoo?

“Ah.” Nathaniel looked at him again, his expression thoughtful. “You… you’ve only been here a few months,” he said as he toyed with the hem of his Ravens’ jersey. “When I first came here, Riko wasn’t so bad and Kev helped me out a lot, showed me what to do and not to do.”

“Did he get you to keep your mouth shut?”

The slight, amused smile which always made something warm spark inside of Andrew’s chest curled on Nathaniel’s lips at the improbable question. “He tried, but….” Nathaniel gave a one shoulder shrug. “It was the three of us for a while, and then Jean showed up. Even then, all of us were young enough that Riko didn’t pull away entirely, not for another year or two.” His smile faded as he recalled the past. “Then he became determined to make us know our place, to show us the difference between heirs and belongings.” He gave an unconscious rub along his abdomen, which was littered with knife scars.

“Kev still talked to us and tried to help, but the partner bond with Riko gradually grew tighter and he didn’t have much free time to spare. That would have been fine, but the last year or two… well, you’ve seen it,” Nathaniel said as he gazed at Andrew. “Riko treats Kev more like a threat than a partner and brother.”

“So you think you owe it to him to try to defend him?”

Nathaniel shrugged again. “He stepped in for me in the past.”

Andrew slowly reached out to tug on his soulmate’s jersey. “Does Riko take a knife to him if he fights back? Give him to Federov as a treat?” He hated to bring that up, but he’d learned that Nathaniel was so damn stubborn and willing to martyr himself for those he considered friends.

(That wasn’t familiar at all.)

There was a flash of hurt in those pretty blue eyes for a moment, but Nathaniel didn’t bat his hand away. “No, nothing so permanent for Kevin, unless you count the emotional damage.”

Count on Riko to cover all his options when it came to abuse; Kevin could appear arrogant and confident as hell in front of a camera or out in public, but Andrew had to admit that anymore, he was a quiet presence around his partner when at the Nest.

“Then don’t rush to his defense and give Riko an excuse to hurt another person,” Andrew said as he tugged on his soulmate’s jersey again. “You’re supposed to have some brains, use them for once.” He clicked his tongue then let go.

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes as he straightened his jersey. “And did you think things through when you hauled me into here?”

Andrew was the one to shrug that time. “We’re soulmates and everyone thinks we’re screwing around, sweetpea. I’m sure they’ve ‘figured out’ what we’re up to, and it’s not talking.”

“Well then, we better leave now because I’m sure they expect you to be done by now, hasenfürzchen,” Nathaniel purred as he mussed his hair. “Even with a round two.”

That… Andrew didn’t know what surprised him more, his new nickname (what the hell) or that his soulmate was going along with his little joke. “Don’t forget to limp,” he advised as he unlocked the door. “You know, since I’m so big.”

“Something of yours is certainly huge and needs cut down to size,” Nathaniel muttered as he stomped out into the hall; Andrew noticed that Jean was waiting for his partner, along with a few sniggering Ravens. He ignored them as he went to change out of his Exy gear and shower, only pausing when he spotted Aaron in the red-painted hallway along the way to the locker room.

His twin should be almost done with his shift as Tetsuji’s work study assistant, running errands and doing a bunch of menial office tasks on the weekend. As surly as he’d been when it had started, he soon settled into the job, probably aware of how the experience would reflect well on him when he applied for medical school.

(That and Nicky most likely had given him an earful when he found out about him almost being kicked out of Edgar Allan.)

Aaron had, no big surprise, ignored Andrew at first, but gradually got over his latest fit of temper – especially when he learned that Andrew would spend the winter break coming off his court-ordered medication.

At first, Aaron had yelled at him for leaving him stuck with visiting Nicky and Erik in Germany by himself, in having to put up with the ‘disgusting, love-sick idiots’ all the time. Then he got on Andrew about finding a ‘cheap’ excuse to get out of giving any presents that year. Finally, he sneered and called him a wimp for going the ‘posh clinic route’ for rehab.

Andrew gave him the finger each time and walked away.

That day, Aaron nodded at him, a slight frown on his face. “Didn’t practice end a bit ago?”

“Had to talk to someone about some stuff,” Andrew said as he tugged on his jersey, eager to get out of his sweat-soaked gear.

“Oh.” Aaron glanced at the stack of envelopes in his arms as if considering something before he huffed. “Everything set for your pampered rock star rehab?”

Andrew rolled his eyes as he gave his brother the finger. “Yes.”

Aaron looked as if he was struggling not to smile (or drop some of the envelopes). “Let’s hope they don’t mix you up with one of the patients in there for a psych evaluation. We’ll never see you again, then.”

“Fuck off,” Andrew told him without any heat. “And bring back the good chocolates with the alcohol in them.”

“Sure I will, they’ll just all be for me,” Aaron taunted as he walked away.

Why couldn’t Andrew be an only child?

Why couldn’t he have a ‘get out of mass homicide’ card; when he joined Nathaniel and Jean in the dining hall, Federov, Johnson and several other assholes let out loud catcalls over their ‘quickie’. Andrew took one look at the too-blank look on his soulmate’s face then the barely suppressed delight on Jean’s and inwardly sighed. “I’m not a big fish.” Nor was he a rabbit.

Nathaniel eyed him up and down as if mentally deciding how best to fillet him. “Not gonna stop me from removing your spine in one piece while you’re still breathing.”

“Guess you didn’t do a good job, did you?” Jean taunted before he sipped his green tea. “Need to work on your stamina, yes?”

“Fuck you,” Andrew said with a wide grin as he eyed his yet again healthy (meaning bland and disgusting) dinner.

“I thought you got it all out of your system for the day.”

“Enough,” Nathaniel called out as he snatched the green apple from Andrew’s tray (he was more than welcome to have it, especially if it got him to stop threatening bodily harm). “Or I’ll gut you both.”

Andrew and Jean snorted at the threat, but focused on eating (choking down their food) regardless. As soon as they were done, they went to the backliners’ room to study for their upcoming finals; Andrew’s were crammed into the next three days, while Jean and Nathaniel had the rest of the week. Normally, Andrew wasn’t concerned about his grades, but the Ravens had to maintain a certain GPA as part of their ‘perfect’ image. Even Nathaniel, who was still in high school and taking online classes (and was expected to pursue a pro career, just like Jean), couldn’t let his grades slip past a certain point.

The next couple days were a busy blur for Andrew, were rushing from one final to the next amidst practices and study sessions. Despite the hectic schedule, he did make the time to reinforce an important fact with a few Ravens such as Federov: he would only be gone for a short while, and at no point during his absence should they dare assume that Nathaniel was fair game. There were some dented lockers, broken noses and black eyes by the time he was done reminding the bastards of that fact, but everyone could still play Exy so Riko and Tetsuji couldn’t bitch (too much).

“I don’t know why they let you get away with it and not me,” Nathaniel grumbled while he watched Andrew pack a duffel bag with a few personal items; he’d finished his last final that morning and would be driven to the rehab clinic in another ten minutes by Akagi.

“Because I’m universally adored.” Andrew narrowed his eyes and batted aside the pair of socks he’d just dropped into the bag which his soulmate had picked up and thrown at him. “Not nice. See, that’s why they don’t let you get away with shit.”

“I think you’re being checked in for your lying problem.” Nathaniel sat perched on the edge of Andrew’s bed, his expression guarded.

“What lying problem?” When Nathaniel didn’t say anything, Andrew zipped the bag closed and dared to reach out to lift his soulmate’s chin to make their eyes meet. “I don’t lie to you.” Not about anything important.

Nathaniel was quiet for a few seconds, then he nibbled on his bottom lip as doubt clouded his pale eyes. “You are coming back, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Andrew breathed out as he stroked his thumb along his soulmate’s tattooed cheek (he wanted to stroke it along that abused full lip, to pull Nathaniel toward him and- no, not yet). “How could I possibly live without the wonderful tofu dinners here?”

That made Nathaniel smile. “See, there you go, lying again.”

Andrew grinned as he (reluctantly) let go then grabbed his bag. “Don’t do anything too stupid while I’m gone, sweetpea.”

“Hey! What makes you think I’m going to do anything stupid at all?”

Andrew merely hummed as he left his room, which made Nathaniel growl in such an adorable manner.

His soulmate caught up and walked beside him as he went to find Akagi. “So, uhm, are you going to tell me what really A/B/O means before you go?” Nathaniel asked, his expression hopeful.

“Absolutely badass optometrists,” Andrew ‘lied’, and inwardly delighted over the insults his soulmate hurled at him; he savored the image of Nathaniel with flushed cheeks and bright eyes, certain it would make the next couple weeks bearable.

While the Mountain Springs Restorative Clinic (‘restorative’, what a joke) looked very nice with its (now dormant) gardens, water fountains, ponds and other features which probably appealed to a more select clientele, Andrew (as expected) spent most of his visit miserable as hell as he went through a sped-up detox program, withdrawing from a drug in a fraction of the time as normally recommended.

He didn’t care if it felt as if he’d thrown up his entire digestive system at least four times, that his bones had turned into molten glass, that acid ate through his nerves and insects had set up a colony inside his head… he just wanted the damn drug gone. The first day he woke up and didn’t feel a need to take a new dose made all the suffering worthwhile (even if he felt like utter shit otherwise).

Upon his release after the new year, he was weak as hell, clean, minus ten pounds and instructed not to participate in practice for a week. Akagi didn’t say anything to him as he climbed into the black SUV, just gave him a polite nod in acknowledgement, and off they went on the almost thirty-minute drive back to Edgar Allan. He found himself anxious to return to campus, which he told himself had more to do with leaving the clinic behind and not because he was worried about a certain smart-mouthed soulmate.

Andrew powered back on his phone to check his messages, which were mostly from Aaron and Nicky, wishing him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (and a couple ‘you still alive?’ texts). Toward the end, there was one from Aaron asking ‘wtf is going on with ur team?’, which didn’t make any sense.

Then Andrew got to the text from Ben, which basically said that Nathaniel was all right. Something cold jolted through him as he pulled up the search browser and typed in ‘EA Ravens’: among the top returned results were several articles about Kevin Day being injured in a skiing accident while on vacation with Riko Moriyama.

(There was no use in pretending that he wasn’t concerned as hell about Nathaniel anymore.)

*******

No, I wouldn’t subject Andrew to Proust (I think a couple people were worried about that) - this Andrew is basically on Riko’s ‘good side’ right now so there wasn’t a need. Also, not quite emotionless Andrew off the drugs (he’s not entirely unaffected) since he gets off them a bit earlier, has less trauma while on them (no Drake or Proust) and there’s Nathaniel/his soulmate there.

I think that’s it? There’s probably just a few more parts left to this.

#the real thing fic #aftg #andreil soulmate au

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blankdblank · 4 years

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Next Caller Pt 50

Pt 1 - Pt 2 - Pt 3 – Pt 4 - Pt 5 - Pt 6 - Pt 7 - Pt 8 - Pt 9 - Pt 10 - Pt 11 - Pt 12 - Pt 13 - Pt 14 - Pt 15 - Pt 16 - Pt 17 - Pt 18 - Pt 19 - Pt 20 - Pt 21 - Pt 22 - Pt 23 - Pt 24 - Pt 25 - Pt 26 - Pt 27 - Pt 28 - Pt 29 - Pt 30 - Pt 31 - Pt 32 - Pt 33 - Pt 34 - Pt 35 - Pt 36 - Pt 37 - Pt 38 - Pt 39 - Pt 40 - Pt 41 - Pt 42 - Pt 43 - Pt 44 - Pt 45 - Pt 46 - Pt 47 - Pt 48 - Pt 49 -

To the sound of the broadcast of the news you started on the next batch of dough. On top of a heat resistant set of wood blocks you laid over your counters you left the hot trays of bread to cool while you started to mix the next bowls worth. Gritty the mixture slowly turned to the supple dough you needed to the opening monologue breaking to, ‘And on our top story for the day the opening of Clustered Anchors in Erebor came with the weight of another stunning opening, that of the official claiming of Thorin Durin.’

Frerin came into the kitchen while Thorin changed Billi, smirking as you muttered, “Claiming,”

‘The eldest son of Thrain son of Thror attended the opening of the show as an official announcement of their status as a couple. From the cast to the few people they did come into contact with all said they were incredibly affectionate and spoke of plans afterwards. This morning we have received notice of the official statement the Durins have printed on their family website and no doubt official portraits will surely follow for the stunningly betrothed couple, yes betrothed, their portraits no doubt will be taken or available soon. Although the news of the status was far from surprising if you had taken notice of a certain piece of jewelry the young Durin was sporting.’

You rolled your eyes leaving the dough to rise in taking out one roll to cook another leaving the hot one to cool. “By the size alone they will be commenting on their suspicions of an engagement due to a proposal worthy stone from you.”

Softly you sighed out, “Technically we are engaged. Just shredding hairs.”

Frerin chuckled at Thorin’s entrance asking, “Who is shredding hairs? Sounds painful.” Letting out a gasping smile at Billi’s reach up to grab his braid in his beard to admire the bead securing the end of it before awkward tries to grab his mustache shifting his upper lip through his adoring stare at his niece.

Frerin chuckled out, “Your Mafioso here was commenting that your betrothal already constitutes engagement based on the news’ comments on your ring.”

Thorin hummed out, “Better to give them more announcements to wait on.”

The sound of brakes squeaking had Frerin checking the door and calling back, “Expecting a delivery?”

Thorin hurried to the door joining him, “Ooh, that would be the beds.” Easing Billi into the playpen on the way. Huffs and puffs sounded through your mixing up some muffin and brownie mix while chatting to the girl, the mix was added to your second oven with timer set to bring out after another loaf was ready to be finished off.

“And in related news, Wolsey is here!!” An excited squeal cane from the news anchors who delved more into the arrival of the second bout of stickers related to the Bunny Show. “The dynamic lovers are now a duo, our Countess can now be displayed with her cumbersome Prince Charming. Last month the Countess stickers were the first glimpse into the world of his addictive show and everyone was boots over beard for the impossible stunner selling out in a matter of hours, creating a backlist of orders that is still holding and gradually shipping copies to loves of our Grand Lady of Mischief. And now we get to see the fella who had her begrudgingly offered attentions focused on him for so long until the stars aligned and courtship ensued. I am not alone in shrieking once we got a good glimpse of the golden haired Dwarf.”

Frerin with a grin came back into view eyeing Billi now nodding off in her pop up crib you were keeping an eye on as you bustled around prepping your treats and odd bowl of lemons you had gathered from the greenhouse the day before. “Making brownies now? And muffins?”

“Nice to get it all done at once.”

Two trays of muffins were eased into the one to the sound of the door again turning Thorin with a curious furrow of his brows. “Jaqi, they need you to sign.”

Out you came and smiled accepting the pad and stylus from the Elf who said, “Three packages for you today Miss Pear.”

“Three,” You muttered to yourself glancing at the duo in the back of the shipping van who unloaded a wooden carrier for a painting followed by a trunk they carefully moved into the front hall with a medium sized box on top. The trio nodded heir heads wishing you all a good day and turned back to their van as Frerin closed the door to Thorin returning with a box cutter he passed to you.

Starting with the box you gasped at the beyond fluffy fake panda fur blanket you giggled folding back up to our back into the box for later as you eyed the envelope that was on top of it in Frerin’s hand. At your approval he opened it and showed you the simple note reading simply ‘Welcome Home’ signed clearly by Thranduil, Amrod and Amras. With the note was the key to the painting case and the trunk locks the brothers unlocked to find a stunning decorative vase you agreed to move to the living room and a medium sized painting of a scenic landscape with playing sheep you smiled and took to lean against the wall of the living room bare of decorations where the image could be hung high enough the be viewed properly. Most the other rooms curved on the walls bare enough for the painting that size and with a smirk at your pleased expression of the gift Thorin hummed, “I’ll break out the stud finder to hang it tomorrow for you.”

“Thank you,” You said and turned to hurry back to answer another timer for one of your treats in the kitchen as trunk and case were taken to the garage and the blanket to your room to be draped over your bed later. Back he went to your side to hear with Frerin more about the brothers who had gifted you the decorations and their significance. Though their hand made declaration had them all the more grateful and understanding of their importance to you. Priceless gifts from equally as talented friends who always hoped to help you decorate your well deserved home one day. The doorbell however at the timer for the brownies pulled him away again with a scowl and grumbled argument against being pulled away at his try to inch closer to steal a kiss on your cheek.

“Twelve pounds a piece! Dam and Dwarrow!” Dwalin exclaimed loud enough past Thorin’s shoulder letting you know while you stored the last of your bread, muffins and brownies. Into the entrance hall he came pausing at the large box left by the door asking as Bilbo and Frodo hurried in towards the incredible smells coming from the kitchen. “What’s with the box cousin?”

Thorin said, “Ah, that’s one of the bed kits for the orange and white room.”

Dwalin asked, “Here?”

Thorin nodded, “We’d need room to build in there. Not much give if we packed them all in. Two are stacked as the other is off by itself.”

Dwalin looked from his cousin to the box making Thorin grin knowing he was feeling the same urge to build it as he and Frerin had upon passing the kit that just drew the eye in the mostly assembled home.

Bilbo grinned seeing the bread tucked into the tiered bread boxes then shifted his eyes to the lemon slices coated in honey and sugar lying in a clear pan. “Are those lemons?”

“Yes, do you need lemons, my tree is just exploding with them.”

“Don’t use them often, however, what are you making with this?”

“I have some lime left too that I’m letting cool in the fridge freshly crushed that I will layer with cherry drizzle and peach peels.” His eyes narrowed and you grinned saying, “You add them to little cucumber crackers, have to freeze it first, it’s like an ice cream brittle.”

Frerin’s eyes narrowed asking, “Who taught you that?”

“I assume it’s an Elf thing if you haven’t heard of it. Cirdan’s Naneth taught me.”

Thorin entered the room with a grin coming to bring out the lime he helped you to layer with the peach peels in the other bowl you then added to the freezer. His relative’s curious glances had him saying, “It will be lovely, now, Mafioso, since we are greater in number and require distraction how about we crack open one of those bed kits? Hmm?”

Kili walked in grinning as Fili asked, “What are we building?” Gladly making room for Mal between them who grinned at you.

“Alright, since you outnumber me.” That was your reply and leading the way you found the toolbox beside the first kit Thorin grinned brightly at you having been caught at his obvious wish to sneak time to break this kit open anyways with or without you. “Oh,” the kit was unpacked with all supplies organized by lettered sticker and size, certain to leave brackets and the screws and nails in their lettered bags inside the ring of wood for easier access.

“Oh?” The others parroted back and you glanced up, “It’s in Avari...” looking up at the doorway you asked Roac from his dangle in the doorway arch asking, “Could you ask Kuu here? He knows Avari better than I do.” Sighing as you recounted the countless nature shows he absorbed in the language you had been trying to learn to share that time with him.

The Dwarves couldn’t help but grin at the thought of being led in this project by a great owl but smiled openly at his eager perch off to the side grinning at the booklet propped up so you could see the pictures and he could read the words. Tangled in holds to keep the halfway assembled platform frame backs began to clench and limbs tremble as he read, “Firmly lodge squirrel into each corner faucet.”

Heads turned to the bird as you said, “I am fairly certain that rune is not squirrel. I promise you it’s not.”

“No, it says clearly, squirrel and faucet, the latter however I am doubting. Hmm.” With feathers fluffing up his body turned with head straightening up from its sideways bend in a trot to the door. “I will fetch my translation guide.”

Once clear of the door the others chuckled at your mutter of, “It’s not squirrel...” Resting your forehead on the wood plank you were holding up. On Fili’s right as he kept his corner steady for Kili to add whatever the non squirrel part into the non faucet part to latch all four panels together to form a sturdy base the middle panels would be screwed into separating the cubbies for storage underneath the bed to go with the smaller ones around the edges of the cushioned headboards.

“It is not squirrel,” he replied once open translation dictionary was laid out beside the booklet and you rolled your eyes to yourself out of his view hearing him flip the page to double check faucet as well before the project could carry on. “Secure the screw into the locked brackets.”

Glancing at the bird you heard Kili ask, “Which screw? There’s twelve types.”

Kuu grinned with head tilted over the booklet and read the letters off for which end of the bed they were going in. Chuckles were muffled from those around you and the project continued. Until with a deep sigh all heads turned to the next kit as Kuu excitedly moved his things on top of the completed bed to be out of the way for the next tricky kit. Having ended the first where more than a few of you had been pinched or bitten by one piece or another with more than enough bruises to spare and Thorin with two fingers taped together in what would begin to be a trend among the group.

Home and ready to greet their clan the twins to Balin and his wife’s the whole clan was gathered. Your group being last after having finished off the final fourth bed now marked off your list just waiting for the mattresses and to be made. Not far away the walk didn’t take long and with presents in hand Thorin led the way proud to have your braid, his ring and the first couple gift from the pair of you to go with the treats you had brought. All eagerly claimed at the door with Thorin first to be lured over to his cousins’ youngest their elder sister smiled and waved to. You however smiled speaking to Gorgo in her elated sharing of news on a cousin of theirs, “All us expecting have gotten extra testing and one of her cousins has the same condition they found and she is having a precautionary c-section as well in a week, very near to the end of her term as well.”

“Oh-,”

Her hand claimed yours through her smile, “Now we know, it’s a genetic condition that in a few months a small procedure can correct to prevent this again, they have a blood test for it and without pregnancy it is easier to treat for those who do have it from her line. Doctors don’t normally test for it that is how it was missed all this time in their clan. Please don’t worry, a big fuss won’t be made, but when you are ready for pebbles of your own we will all hope to be as supportive as you have been to us, one Amad to another.”

Dis by her side smiled seeing Thorin halfway pouting after his turn in greeting the non giggling duo and moved to speak with their parents stealing a glance back to you sharing the details on the ring the couple had spotted. Nodding her head she said, “Your turn, if they don’t giggle the couple chooses by default.”

Across the room you went to the bassinet holding the contently grunting twins whose eyes came to focus on you as you came to stand over them, “Well look at you two. Clever little Lark and a coy little Fox.” Fast and shrill the pair shrieked out in unison for the start of a trio of giggles at your hand lowering to tap the soles of their raised feet with toes wiggling. Both boy and girl fully expecting the attention to them as everyone else had given the customary swipe of fingers along the bottom of their feet in the Hobbitish welcome.

All around you however smiles spread at the highly acceptable choice of their godmother with a slightly confused Frerin behind you who was chosen as godfather at the next set of silence splitting giggles while you moved to Thorin’s side. The elder brother however chuckled easing his arm around your back leaning in to press a gentle kiss to your forehead and grin at his younger brother saying, “Bout time you gained a giggle.”

Balin chuckled as his wife said to you, “The pair of you will suit out twins nicely. How did you guess their animal guides?”

“Feeling, bit like a dream,”

That made her grin spread, “Your Hobbit is showing,” making you grin to yourself.

Balin however said, “Fine gift you made my cousin.”

“Thank you, call me selfish but I’d have hated for Thorin to lose himself, me and his bond with all of you.”

That had Balin and his wife looking to Thorin who flashed a grin saying, “Ones betrothed to Vanyar trade gifts or the Blue Moon makes them lose themselves, their Ones and to their kin. Like our Donkey Days.”

That had you grin sheepishly, “Though ours tend to be more foreboding.”

Thorin, “It’s to honor Varda sparing a pair of lovers set apart by distance who risk meeting under the Blue Moon sleeping in the forest holding hands under a sheet of woven clover, it’s a beautiful story.” He said peering at you sweetly a moment then to his smiling cousins again.

Balin, “Very beautiful. Though Gran nearly had a heart palpitation seeing that ring.”

“I know it’s big, it has to be a size proportionate to my wealth. And I had the emerald and galvorn and ithildin in my trunks.”

Balin’s wife chuckled, “They are lovely choices.”

“Well if you need any gems I got some.” Making her chuckle again with Balin.

At least until she opened the gifts and let out soft gasps at the blankets decorated with foxes and larks with a fox and lark stuffie to go with each perfect for each of them she hugged you both in thanks. Gifts they were tucked in with at their naptime, which came fairly soon at their yawn that rippled through the household ushering everyone out with respectful nods nice and quiet to not disturb the duo with Frerin gladly taking up Billi accepting another night in charge of his niece to let the babies still get adjusted to being home. Mal and the boys under Dwalin and Bilbo’s watch were off to a film on an impromptu date night under supervision to a cgi kid friendly film they and Frodo had been waiting to see easing its approval by all.

Beside you however Gorgo stole a chance to sneak a few pictures of the carrier you had made for your first draft having already taken pictures of the leather bindings you had done for the movements as a set. “We just want to be sure to honor the full setup you have to be true to the series. Are your other drafts bound similarly?”

“Second and third, yes. Haven’t gotten to the etchings yet, I usually wait until then to bind them. But I had an idea for the spines especially that they would form a picture after the first novel.”

Gorgo, “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

“Though there are a few symbols pertaining to Durin I’d need clearance on first to be certain they are fine.”

Thorin beside you said, “Of course we would love to approve them. There aren’t many that would be restricted from use pertaining to Durin for the public.”

“Not truly for restricted reasons, more like a spell check of sorts on his runes I used for one of his titles.” Making Thorin chuckle, “There’s one title I keep inversing and I can’t seem to keep it straight in my head when writing it as you read it out of order.”

Gorgo grumbled, “That one-,”

And Thorin chuckled out, “Each Dwarf Father has their own jumbled title, others get those mixed all the time.”

“Well I know I got it right in the book, just, on it.”

Gorgo grinned, “We will gladly check any of those issues for you that you might feel timid on.”

“There is one when I was writing it none of the Dwarves got on Ruun, it’s a pun but obviously it went over their heads.”

Thorin, “In Khuzdul?” You nodded and he said, “Yes, Khuzdul has rules on puns.”

“Well I’m not taking it out,” making him chuckle again, “Part of the point it’s in there, Bunny tells it to Durin and it flies over his head and he gets into this huge argument over the logic of it until the Countess gestures it was a pun then he stops laughs then silence.”

Gorgo giggled out, “Oh that is painful, please tell me that is close to the courting.”

“It’s actually closer to the fifth try for him to propose.”

Thorin whispered, “Fifth-,” smoothing his fingers over his mouth.

Gorgo however asked, “Does he succeed?”

“No, there’s an emergency he gets called away.” Making them both groan until you said, “But I can say he doesn’t see her apparent proposal coming.”

Thorin, “Ok, I’ll bite, how so?”

“She tackles him from off the top of a cupboard.” Caught in his throat his chuckles began to Gorgo’s loud laugh just imagining how relieved the First Woken Dwarf would feel after a proposal of that caliber after so much struggle. “Though she doesn’t really understand what she did.”

Thorin chuckled out, “Oh I don’t question that a moment.”

His fingers wiping around his eye made you smirk and say, “I think you guys will like it regardless of the struggle.”

Gorgo nodded then asked in a moment of stoic resolve, “If this is, Bunny, meant to be his final wife in his last two lives, how will that come into the story?”

“That, um, that you might not like. Bunny has her fea stolen and he has to travel to the Halls of Mandos to find her.” Dropping their grins, “It gets, a bit dark, but there’s some meaning behind it.”

Thorin, “How did you think of that?” He asked making your eyes narrow as if you had found some semblance of truth to that fact.

Shrugging your shoulders you said, “There was a Kurdu fable with a sort of similar notion to it. Should I change it?”

The both of them said, “No!”

And Thorin cleared his throat to say, “One of Durin’s journeys, that fable, it talks about his child, though the notion is similar, a test of faith and bonds. That one fable has never been touched on in any adaptation of his lifetimes,”

“Oh,” you said softly.

Gorgo said, “This tale, from what you’ve shared of Durin so far he needs this test. This is one of the truest versions to his being that we’ve come across, that is why people love it. We have to see him at his highest in this imagined flying shark craft of yours to the lowest when he is scouring for the lost soul of the one he cherishes most.”

“No pressure there then,” you murmured and he took your hands.

“No one else has the words, has ever been able to grasp who he was to the core and show that to those who don’t understand our culture and traditions and still get the point across. It doesn’t need to be accurate but the very essence of the Father of the Longbeard Clan is that he would sacrifice all to scour the Halls of Mandos to retrieve his cherished one. He needs that struggle or he is hollow, that drive and urge that we all feel for our Ones. That message is so hard to convey to non-Dwarves so it is often skipped over for more lighthearted topics. We are steadfast, hewn from the living stone, we never falter, he never did. And he prevailed and Mahal sent them back home once his fight was through.”

“Well Mahal’s not in it, it does involve him throwing his crown at a kraken though.” Making Thorin’s grin split wider in his try not to laugh at how you would drag the devastated King to that possible try to uplift the depressing slump to the tale. “There’s a lot of symbolism, and a lot to sort of let your mind interpret on its own. And there’s sort of an unspoken uncertainty how they get back, but they are.”

Gorgo, “Which would be accurate, because Mandos has to protect the paths back from his halls.” She smirked asking, “Mandos doesn’t send them back?”

You shook your head, “They hatch out of fake giant eggs giant eagles fly off with from a fire.” Making Thorin turn to rub his face with shoulders shaking to keep from laughing, “I don’t try to make it a comedy or funny at all but my friends have read it and they always laugh because, I guess it’s just a release?”

Thorin, “It will be more than worth it.”

“Oh, how does your clan see using a beard as a weapon?” That had their brows inch up, “See when he finds her his beard has grown like two feet and he braids it in two and ends them with metal balls and he sort of spins them around and uses them as weapons of sorts to hit people in the face.”

“Oh that is brilliant,” Thorin muttered under his breath.

Gorgo, “Where were you growing up? That would have been awesome to have on one of our programs! Every pebble would want to dress up as them on our mask day.”

“So not offensive?”

“No!” they both said.

Thorin chuckled out, “We’ve even had clans hide little compartments in their beards for snacks or notes or even spare trinkets and gold. It all depends on the Dwarf. And that sounds so bad ass for Durin.”

“Okay, then in the future be prepared to have me ask about a legal pad worth of questions on this stuff.”

Gorgo, “We will answer anything you need.” She said finishing her task to photograph the carrier with and without the three movements inside then at the chiming of her phone she was off to head home with Gloin at his having finished helping to settle Billi in at Frerin’s for the evening. Leaving just you and Thorin who helped you delve into more fables that were also centered or based on Durin in hopes of granting you more to draw from if need be.

Soup and grilled cheese was your send off for an early dinner that once settled on the table Thorin hummed out, “My family loved the ring, and seeing my braid in your hair.” He paused a moment then said, “I forgot to put my sheets in the dryer.”

That had you giggle and teased, “You know, the barrel method is fool proof against that.”

He smirked and excused himself to shift the sheets then return, lingering at your side as you peered up at him to cup your cheek and lean in to plant his lips on yours in a warm lingering kiss. Softly his thumb trailed against your cheek as his eyes met yours again, only for a moment though before his theft of a second brief press of his lips to yours. Almost regrettably he lowered his hand to sit back in his former place keeping his eyes on yours making you ask, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m thinking of how to ask if I could sleep in yours tonight.” That made you smirk and he rumbled lowly, “And I am conceding I would not have missed this step with a barrel method. It has its plusses.”

That had you giggling softly, “There’s always a spot in mine for cuddling if you need it, tons of blankets too.”

“Thank you, for conceding on the mattresses and bed frames. How is Kuu handling the busy day?”

“Good, really glad to have helped. Rarely gets to practice Avari. He loved it, being part of a team actually. Do you think mint would be okay for the portrait?”

“To wear? You would look lovely in mint for it.”

“I figured it would either be that or my yellow dress, but I was going to wear my hair down and it might clash.”

“Wear whatever color you choose.”

The ladies mentioned I might not wear the navy.”

“No, they would suggest against that, did not go well for Amad choosing against her clan colors, at least until they heard her Gran made the dress for her before she passed. Choose what color you wish.”

“Well I would wear the silver one I got but I think it might be a bit too, flashy. Or should I go flashy?”

“Choose the mint. I have a mint tie, to go with my navy suit.” He hummed out making you grin again, “The bright colors will pop against our flock, what do you think about in the greenhouse for that picture? So Darling won’t have to leave her nest?”

“If you like, I’m not very good at all this. I think Naneth would like one of us in the greenhouse, Cirdan mentioned maybe the fireplace in the living room. Some of the portraits in the atrium are personal so not there.”

“I understand that, I noticed her signature on a few of them, and that piano alone, can’t photograph that.” Your eyes hovered over his and he said, “Bad omens to photograph singing stone instruments in the house outside of family photo albums, and never when not played. If there’s anything you have rules like that on let me know. Amad most likely will want the typical armchair or couch pictures everyone does with one of our flock for a more personal one to share of our little household.” Making you giggle at his own chuckle, “Respectfully excluding the back yard of course.”

“Yes, Hector is not fond of pictures, and his mate might eat one of the strangers,” making him chuckle again. “They are warming up to us though, and babies, they liked having Frodo and Billi here.”

“Twins will be over soon enough for them to fawn over, we are on the sitting list as you remember, top of it thanks to those giggles.”

“So soft,” he heard you sigh through the hall while readying for bed. His smile cemented in place from the time he entered the room eyeing you nestling under the new fake panda fur blanket lying across the bed claiming your spot right in the middle of the monster of a bed leaving plenty for him to join you in. Though right where he wanted was cuddled up to you and adamantly secured his own soft spot in a clear relent to being your pillow as well only pleasing him all the more knowing he’d wake with you across his chest again.

Pt 51

All –

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @sweeticedtea, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore, @mariannetora, @shes-a-killer-kween, @ggbbhehe4455, @xxbyimm (Hobbit x oc)

Hobbit/LotR – @abiwim, @jotink78, @pastelhexmaniac

x Thorin – @evyiione, @deepestfirefun, @queenoferebor

#Giggle Party #Building Beds #Owl's in Charge #Twins #Family get togethers #Bonding #Thorin x Reader OC #Modern AU

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icheloncontentmarketing · 5 years

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Teeth Alignment: Braces, Aligners & Invisalign: Comparison, Cost, The right age and results-Know from the best orthodontist in Delhi

Leave a Comment / Dental implant / By admin

“With the introduction of Invisalign, more adults in 26 to 55 years age bracket are opting for teeth alignment.” – Dr. Aval Luthra

A smile can win millions of hearts. Having a perfect smile is a blessing in many ways. Whether you want a perfect selfie with a friend, win over your colleagues and boss, be the heart of a party or impress your sweetheart, half the work is already done with a perfect smile.

However, not everyone is blessed with perfectly aligned teeth which constitute an ideal smile. Many people have crooked teeth or misaligned bites that take away that charm form you. These misalignments not only affect the way you look but are also potential contributors to dental health issues.

Teeth that are not properly aligned are often difficult to clean and can cause decay and bad breath. The improper arrangement can also lead to repulsion from socialization and take a toll on your self-esteem. Children, particularly in their teens are quite sensitive about the way they look and how people perceive them. Even the elders may feel hesitant to laugh openly because of their disarranged teeth.

Dental problems are extremely common and the number of cases registered every year is increasing exponentially. Nearly half of the world’s population is impacted by tooth decay and 30 percent of senior adults lose their natural teeth. Apart from decay, irregular teeth alignment is also one of the most common dental problems across the world.

Ideally, your teeth should fit in your mouth properly with no spacing issues. When you close your mouth the upper jaws should slightly overlap the lower ones with your upper and lower molars locking into each other. Teeth should not be twisted or rotated. However, if there is a deviation from these normal arrangements, your teeth are called misaligned. Dental aligners are the most popular in treating misaligned teeth.

This blog is an attempt to discuss in detail, ways to rectify the malocclusions and regain your perfect smile. Various options you have and their comparison in terms of cost and benefits would help you make the best choice for yourself.

So let us dive into this pool of information and find the best way to rearrange our teeth and sparkle that million-dollar smile.

So, let’s know more Teeth Alignment-Cost, The Right Age, Results and Much More! Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye

Let’s start from the basics: Why do teeth become Crooked or misaligned

What Type of alignment do you have?: Diagnosis and types of dental misalignment.

What is the solution?: Treatment Options to Straighten Teeth or Malocclusions.

Let’s know more: Braces-Types, cost benefits and much more

Let’s know about the latest in dental alignment: Invisalign-cost benefits and much more

The part you would want to know the most: Which is better among all: a comparative study of the available option, Braces vs Invisalign

The best results are always in the hands of the practitioner: Choose the best orthodontist for you

Let’s know about it from the most trusted orthodontist in Delhi – Dr. Aval Luthra

Let’s start from the basics: why do teeth become crooked or misaligned?

“There can be numerous reasons leading to these irregular dental alignments. Some people have the problem ever since they get their permanent teeth while others get these issues due to some accident or injury. In either case, you can reinstate the arrangement of your teeth in your mouth and get your smile back that would make you the ultimate charmer.”~Dr.Aval Luthra

The alignment of teeth is technically called occlusion and misalignment is called malocclusion. Malocclusion can exist right from the eruption of teeth or can happen at a later age. Several factors can contribute to the malocclusion of teeth. One of the most common reasons is heredity. In your parents or anyone in the near relation has disarranged teeth, you are also likely to get those. Children born with birth defects like cleft palate often have issues with the arrangement of teeth. Several other factors like frequent use of the pacifier, prolonged bottle feeding, and thumb sucking cause twisted and turned teeth eruption. The problem can also hit adults due to impacted teeth, injuries, and improper fitting of dental implants like crowns and bridges. Sometimes due to allergies and enlarged tonsils, people mouth breathe which can also lead to teeth occlusion.

The good news is that these irregular arrangements can be rectified easily. There are several

types of teeth aligners that can amazingly reset your teeth in perfect alignment and position. We will explore more about these aligners in the following sections.

What type of alignment do you have?: Diagnosis and types of dental misalignments

Wondering whether you have an occlusion or not! Dental misalignment or occlusion is a very generic term that refers to several different teeth arrangement conditions. The best way to know about their existence is to understand various types of occlusions one can have. Here is a description of each type that will help you identify your issue and take proper resort.

The first type is the overcrowding. It is the most common reason for adults to seek orthodontic treatment. The overcrowding is a condition where your teeth get crooked or overlap due to a lack of space in your mouth to accommodate all the teeth.

Overjet means your upper teeth extend ahead of your bottom teeth when you close your mouth. This can lead to speech difficulties, eating problems, and make your teeth prone to injuries

Deep bite is another popular misalignment problem in adults. Sometimes when you close your mouth, your upper teeth completely overlap the lower ones and reach the gums. This condition is called a deep bite.

Crossbite is another type of occlusion in which your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth. This can affect your teeth on one or both sides and front and/or back teeth.

Spacing is again a problem that affects numerous people. When there is extra spacing in your front two teeth it is called diastema. This is visible as soon as you open your mouth and can make your smile look awkward.

Sometimes you find that your teeth are not developing properly. In some cases, a tooth may not erupt at all or erupt incompletely causing the conditions known as missing tooth or impacted tooth respectively. Injury or trauma can also be a reason for these conditions. And lastly the open bite. It is a condition in which your upper teeth do not overlap the lower teeth at all obstructing a complete proper bite.

What is the solution?: Treatment options to straighten teeth or malocclusion Now you know that the problem you were facing like eating difficulties, speech issues, or just irregularly appearing teeth, all were due to malocclusion of your teeth. Let us now find ways to solve these problems. There are plenty of options to choose from.

The two most popular methods are Braces and Invisalign. Braces are being used for several years for both children and adults. These are metallic fixtures that can treat many malocclusions like overbite, spacing, and others. Preferably the braces treatment begins at an early age when the teeth are still in the developing stage so that the adjustment can be made more efficiently.

The Invisalign method is more popular in adults as these are not apparently visible. These are one of those revolutionary developments in dentistry which has remarkably simplified people’s lives. These are custom-made plastic aligners that can be easily worn and removed according to your wish and push your teeth in the right position.

Several other methods can also be used based on the type of occlusion you have. If your teeth are overcrowding or appear to overbite in your mouth, your dentist may use the tooth removal method and create a space in your mouth. Missing or impacted teeth can be treated by replacing them with implants. Several other methods like veneers and jaw expanders are also used to restore the shape and structure of your mouth.

Let’s know more: Braces – Types, cost benefits, and much more With constant evolution in the field, there are different types of braces available which you can choose based on your requirements. Some of the popular types of braces used these days are:

Conventional braces and lingual braces These are the most noticeable braces in which there is a metallic bracket in the front of the tooth and a few bands behind that anchors a wire that pulls the teeth in the right place. In some cases, the brackets are cemented on the inner surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue. Such braces are called lingual braces.

TYPES OF DENTAL BRACES -> COST OF DENTAL BRACES Metal Braces -> INR 35,000 – INR 50,000 Ceramic Braces -> INR 60,000 – INR 70,000 Lingual / Incognito Braces -> INR 1.00,000 – INR 150,000

Clear Aligners These are tray-like structures custom-made for your teeth. These have to stay on your teeth for 2 to 22 hours a day and can be taken off for eating and brushing. The cost of clear aligners can be INR 60,000 onwards

Self-ligating braces These use a metal wire that passes through metal clips on the brackets and does not require bands to move the teeth in the right position. The cost of clear aligners can be INR 80,000- INR 1, 00,000.

The process of inserting braces is time-consuming but straightforward. Your dentist first place instruments in your mouth to keep it dry and hold your tongue.

Your teeth are then cleaned and an etchant is applied to prepare them for bonding. Braces are then placed on your teeth with the help of an adhesive which is firmed by curing light.

Finally, your dentist runs an archwire through the braces which would move your teeth.

The procedure is cost-effective. The pricing often depends on the present condition of teeth, overall health, and devices used. Once the braces are placed, you should brush and floss regularly to maintain hygiene. You can use a toothpick to take out the stuck food. Follow the visit schedule to your dentist and discuss any conditions like low bone density and related medication prior to the treatment.

Let’s know about the latest in dental alignment: Invisalign – Cost benefits and much more We all realize that we are living in an era of technological advancement. The same is reflected in the field of dentistry as well. Invisalign is a perfect example of this revolutionary advancement. These are a series of colorless braces that are tailored for your individual teeth. They push your teeth gently in the correct position and precisely bring them in perfect alignment.

To get Invisalign for your occlusion, your dentist will first take x-rays and imaging to determine the occlusion you have. A 3D model of your teeth is taken and sent to the lab to craft Invisalign for you. Once created your dentist will make necessary adjustments if needed and push them over your teeth. Invisalign generally takes half the time than regular braces to bring your teeth in the right position. You wear them for over 20 hours a day for at least two weeks. During this period your teeth will be pushed slightly. Now you should wear the other set which would further push your teeth. This process may take a year before you can see the final result. During this period you can easily take them off and clean to maintain hygiene. The cost of the procedure is subjective and depends on your present condition. The procedure is cost-effective but the result is priceless.

Invisalign is a popular option owing to several benefits it offers. These are clear and not visible. The positioning of the teeth is precise and more comfortable. These are easy to maintain and saves a lot of time. The cost of Invisalign starts from INR 2,00,000

The part you would want to know the most. Which is better among all: Comparative study of the available option, Braces vs Invisalign.

“The right choice between the option depends on the person’s needs both Braces and Invisalign have there own pros and cons”~Dr.Aval Luthra

Braces and Invisalign are great options to straighten your teeth. However, each has individual characteristics that make it more suitable in a particular case. Let us take a look at the comparative study which would help you find a better option for yourself.

Appearance Unlike regular braces, Invisalign is clear in appearance that makes it invisible on your teeth. For that reason, people who used to be reluctant for braces are giving Invisalign a try.

Treatment time and cost The time that both the procedure would take depends on your individual condition In general, you need to keep braces 24/7 for a period of 12 to 18 months to achieve the desired results. On the contrary, Invisalign delivers results in six to eighteen months and you can take them off while eating and brushing. Both options would cost you similar but you can find cheaper options in braces.

Follow up and Maintenance You can brush the braces and wire usually but may need to use picks to clean the stuck food particles. You would also have to visit your dentist monthly. Invisalign, on the other hand, needs to be replaced every two weeks and the dentist’s visit is needed every 4 or 6 weeks. You can clean the Invisalign easily by taking them off.

Pros and cons Braces can be used to treat more diverse and complex occlusions. But they are a bit discomforting and difficult to clean. Conversely, Invisalign is easy to clean and maintain and does not interfere with your look at all. But you need to remove them before eating and drinking.

Suitability Braces are suitable for all kinds of patients except the ones who are involved in high impact sports. But Invisalign is not fitting for people requiring bridgework, back tooth bite issues, vertical movement of teeth, or rotation of premolars.

Best results are always in the hands of the practitioner: Choose the best orthodontist for you

No matter how well you know your problem and the solution needed, the results are always determined by the skills and proficiency of your dentist.

To get your teeth perfectly aligned the most important step is to find a clinic that is well-equipped and a dentist who is certified and well trained. Ask your acquaintances for reference or check the clinic personally. You can also talk to the present patients to seek their experience with the clinic.

Dr. Aval Luthra is one of the prominent dentists with nearly eleven years of experience. He specializes in orthodontics and has successfully changed the lives of many patients. His association with several elite organizations and researches helps him stay updated with the latest developments in the field.

The Dental Arch clinic functioning under his leadership provides a comprehensive solution to all dental problems. The clinic is powered with the state of the art equipment to ensure accuracy in the procedures and excellent results. High-quality treatment, hygiene, and extremely polite staff make your relationship with us pleasant and joyful.

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#best orthodontist in delhi #ALIGNERS #BRACES #TEETH-ALIGNMENT #INVISALIGN

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smiledentalcliniclondon · 5 years

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Fixing Crooked Teeth with Modern Cosmetic Dentistry

Hardly 20 to 30 years back, the society was not so self-conscious like today and thus, both children and their parents worried less about issues like crooked teeth and gap in smiles. But the scenario is changed now and people readily book appointments with cosmetic dentists to get those issues fixed. A renowned cosmetic dentistry expert based at Harley Street in London says if these issues are left untreated and unsolved, people’s self-esteem is affected.

Thanks to the unbelievable evolution of cosmetic dentistry in recent times a wide variety of effective treatments is available, to cure crooked teeth. These procedures work faster than conventional solutions says a cosmetic dentist in London. Let us discuss some of those options in the following paragraphs.

Invisalign

Technically Invisalign belongs to the orthodontic branch of dentistry, which solely deals with teeth straightening. If you have teeth misalignment issues, clear plastic Invisalign aligners can fix the problem within 6 months to a year. You have to replace the invisible trays every two weeks with a new one. As a result your teeth gradually move to their desired positions. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is removable and you can remove the trays while eating or teeth cleaning to wear them back again. Visit your dentist to assess whether you are suitable for Invisalign treatment.

Contouring and bonding

Minor issues of crooked teeth like mild gaps, teeth with uneven edges or overlap are best dealt with contouring and bonding. The treatment is also called composite bonding and composite veneers. An X-ray is taken to assess your teeth condition. It is followed by drilling away a part of the enamel from the teeth with a dental drill. Then a bonding material is glued to the teeth to make them appear straight and aligned.

Veneers

Invisalign or contouring and bonding techniques are only applicable to cases with mild misalignment issues. If your teeth are severely crooked the procedures won’t help. But still, if you want to avoid conventional metal braces then porcelain veneers is your next port of call. Teeth enamel is scaled down using a dental drill and then a porcelain overlay is fixed to the front surface of the teeth to give you a straight and perfect smile. Our friendly cosmetic dentist in London says dental cement is used as a bonding material between the teeth and the porcelain overlay. Veneers easily last up to decade and more. After that, you need to replace them with a new one.

Fixing the problem of crooked teeth is no hassle these days. Just feel free to book your appointment with us.

#teeth whitening #veneers #invisalign

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northeasternbraces-blog · 2 years

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How Long Do You Have to Have Braces on For in ?

The first question most people ask when exploring Invisalign or Braces is, “What’s the Difference?” While the end goal of both treatment types is the same — a perfectly aligned smile — the way they accomplish that is different. As you research different treatment methods, you will find a lot of technical descriptions. We will attempt to cut through that techno-babble to give you a complete understanding of both Invisalign and Braces.

A Look at Traditional Braces

Understanding how traditional braces work may be the last thing people think about. The biggest concern is normally the cost or that they are so visible. Modern braces are changing, though, so bear with us here in Orthodontist in Newburgh. Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are placed on your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening every 4-6 weeks so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw. While metal braces brackets are still the most common orthodontic option, there are various other treatment options available. Read below to learn more about traditional braces and how you can customize them to fit your lifestyle.

Braces work using tension. An orthodontist will bond brackets to the patient’s teeth. The wire is placed in the brackets and is held in place by elastics (tiny rubber bands). The tension created when the wire is tightened is what works to shift teeth into proper alignment. Adjustments continue moving teeth as your smile becomes straighter. This principle has been in use since 300 to 400 BC, but improvements and changes are changing the way braces look.

The brackets are now much smaller than they were. That means that even though they are still quite visible, they aren’t so “jump out and grab you” huge that they monopolize your whole face. Many people find the new brackets more comfortable, too. Someone decided that braces should be fun, so they began using colored elastics to secure the wires. Another great advancement is the introduction of Clear Braces in Bronx.

Patients can now opt for clear, ceramic brackets with traditional braces. These work just like regular stainless steel braces, but the brackets are clear to blend with your natural tooth coloring. They aren’t “invisible” but are much less conspicuous. Using white wires helps them blend in better also. Of course, if you opt for brightly colored elastics to round out the ensemble, that’s on you!

Braces have changed and are definitely worth considering. Talk to the staff at Northeastern Braces to find out more about this tried-and-true treatment method. Your options may surprise you.

A Look at Invisalign

Unlike braces, Invisalign uses almost invisible tray aligners that slide over a patient’s teeth. The SmartTrack material used to create the trays is the result of more than eight years of advanced research and development. The trays use constant pressure to create change. Patients wear a tray set for about two weeks before switching to the next set in sequence.

Trays are designed using computer software that makes adjustments based on a 3D image (or map) of the inside of the patient’s mouth. This allows the trays to gently shift tooth positioning over the duration of treatment. The constant pressure created by the trays acts in a similar manner to the tensioning created by the wire in traditional braces for Invisalign Teen In Newburgh.

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eternalstereksecretsanta · 7 years

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Jealousy and Broom Closets

@colethewolf | AO3 | Cole, I hope you enjoy some AU-ified sexy times with a (teeny tiny) but of cute at the end!

Explicit

When an unknown Alpha starts flirting with Stiles at Derek’s office holiday party, his instincts flare. Before he knows it, he has Stiles in a broom closet so that he can stake his claim.

Derek has always hated work parties. He especially hates work holiday parties; the tacky decorations seem to make everyone just that much more obnoxious. Luckily, he has Stiles, who loves the ridiculous banners and lights, the themed drinks and hors d’oeuvres, the “networking”–which is what he calls making friends with the gossipiest attendees and swapping stories that should really cost some people their jobs. Or at least their marriages.

It’s also nice that having Stiles with him at these awful events means that he has someone to do the talking when he can’t be bothered to be dragged into another inane exchanges of pleasantries. And it’s good to have a familiar heartbeat to tune into when the noise of a hundred-some-odd people all talking and laughing and eating gets overwhelming. Having someone to talk to about real things, and to dance with, and to make him smile… all benefits of bringing his boyfriend to an overly opulent ballroom to eat overpriced steak and pretend that Barnes from accounting isn’t an asshole.

Right now though, it is not a comfort to have Stiles here. Right now, Derek is trying his level best to keep from shifting and leaping across the room to slash the throat of the man–the Alpha–that is currently leaning into Stiles’ ear to say something that makes him laugh. Derek’s trying to focus on what Edith, the HR woman who must be at least a year or two past retirement age, is saying about her granddaughter, but he’s a little worried that there’s an “I think you’d like her” coming up any minute now. Mostly though, the way Stiles throws his head back when he laughs is distracting. When the other Alpha obviously traces the line of Stiles’ throat with a hungry leer, Derek’s control snaps.

He manages to excuse himself from Edith’s company semi-politely, but when he gets to Stiles he can’t quite keep his hand from gripping tightly at his hip when he wraps his arm around Stiles’ waist in a move that is unquestionably possessive. The aroused spike in Stiles’ scent is extremely gratifying, and the way the other Alpha’s nostrils flare just before his own scent sours with jealousy is even better. Derek hadn’t needed the assurance that Stiles’ interest wasn’t piqued by the other were, but it makes him preen nonetheless.

“Hey, babe. Having fun?” Derek asks, letting a growl into his voice as he runs his nose against Stiles’ temple, marking him as much for his own pleasure as for the sake of sending the other man a clear message.

Stiles hums, his amusement as clear as his desire. “And who is this?” Derek asks, letting his eyes flash ever so briefly at the other as he gives him his attention for the first time. He smirks when the insult registers on the Alpha’s face.

With an aborted snort, Stiles makes introductions. “Der, this is Lance. He’s visiting his aunt… Maura, wasn’t it? She’s in the advertising department.” Stiles nudges Derek with his elbow and an eye-roll, so he offers his hand to Lance.

“Nice to meet you, Lance. Derek Hale.” He knows he probably couldn’t have sounded less sincere if he’d tried, but he makes sure to let his last name hang heavily between them for a beat. Lance blanches slightly before straightening his stance and nodding at Derek, deferring to his status with a tilt of his head that bares his throat; technically, he should have declared his presence in Derek’s territory beforehand, and he knows Derek could cause problems if he were so inclined.

As it stands, the only thing Derek is really interested in just then is Stiles. More specifically, in getting Stiles naked and writhing on his dick as soon as possible.

“I’m afraid I must steal my mate away now. Enjoy the rest of the party, Lance,” Derek says dismissively, making the man’s name sound mildly insulting as he drags a willing Stiles toward the nearest exit. As soon as they’re out of the ballroom and in the hallway of the hotel, Derek pushes an amused Stiles against a wall and presses a heated kiss against his lips, reveling in the wet drag and pull of Stiles’ eager mouth against his own, and the sweep of his tongue as Stiles claims him right back.

A waiter bustling out of a nearby Employees Only door carrying a tray loaded with bite-sized fruit makes Stiles break the kiss with a startled laugh. Derek barely surpresses a growl at the interruption, and promptly ushers Stiles down a hall and immediately into a supply closet.

Stiles gasps deliciously as Derek hoists him off the ground and begins mouthing at his neck. He winds his legs around Derek’s waist and threads his fingers through Derek’s hair as he angles his neck to allow Derek better access to all the places that make him squirm. “Did you just–mmnf–break the doorknob so we could have s–oh, fuck–please tell me we’re going to have sex, Der.” The last syllable is little more than a broken off moan, as Derek shifts so that their erections are aligned and begins to roll his hips, building friction that borders on torturous.

In answer, Derek licks a long stripe up Stiles neck to nibble at his earlobe, earning him a moan that makes his hard length pulse where it’s pressed against Stiles’, separated by what Derek thinks is far too many layers. “Not if you don’t take off your pants, we aren’t,” Derek rumbles into Stiles’ ear, spurring him into action. Only it isn’t his own pants that Stiles removes; his long fingers fumble at Derek’s belt, then deftly open the button and zipper, mindful of Derek’s arousal even through the fog of his own.

Stiles moans again as he reveals Derek’s cock, untangling himself from Derek and sinking to his knees in one fluid motion, his body dragging along Derek’s, leaving pleasant sparks behind even through their clothes. Stiles barely gets out a mumbled, “Wanna taste you,” before he takes the head of Derek’s dick into his mouth. Derek bites his own fist to keep from howling as the slick warmth of Stiles’ mouth moves along his shaft with each shallow bob of Stiles’ head. He rests his free hand on Stiles’ cheek, his thumb near Stiles’ lips so he can feel where they stretch around him, the rest of his fingers curling around the side of his neck.

Stiles’ tongue dances along Derek’s frenulum, flicking maddeningly and pushing Derek’s desire ever higher, even as he takes more and more of Derek’s length into his mouth, his clever tongue still rolling against all the right places. Derek is bracing himself against the wall with one arm now, and Stiles’ hands are moving, exploring as his cheeks hollow and release, creating a glorious push and pull that has Derek close to coming in what should probably be an embarrassingly short amount of time but isn’t.

One expert hand teases at the junction where Derek’s thigh meets his groin, trailing down to cup his balls. Stiles rolls them slowly in his palm, and when he rubs his thumb and forefinger on either side of Derek’s seam, it draws a whimper from the back of Derek’s throat. Stiles makes a similar noise around him, and the vibration is a pleasant addition to the sensations that are sweeping through Derek’s body. He’s trying to maintain eye contact with Stiles, trying to keep watching the way his eyelashes flutter, and the way his lips are red and swollen, the obscene tent in his still unopened pants, but it’s too much. He wants to come inside Stiles, wants to mark him, claim him, leave no doubt in the minds of men like Lance that Stiles isn’t available (he knows there would be a lecture in it for him if these particular intentions were known, but sometimes instinct doesn’t bend to correctness), and watching the bob of Stiles’ head and the flex of his throat as he works over Derek’s cock is quickly pushing him toward climax.

The sides of Derek’s shirt fall away where Stiles has apparently unbuttoned them while Derek was distracted, and when Stiles’ other hand finds its way up to Derek’s nipple, scraping lightly over the sensitive peak, he reaches his limit, pulling Stiles up with a growl and taking his mouth in a desperate kiss, demanding an equal response from Stiles with carefully aimed thrusts of his tongue and his hips, and hands that know Stiles’ body as well as his own.

It’s short work to divest Stiles of his belt and have his pants and briefs around his knees. Derek slips a packet of lube from his pocket and uses a claw to slice it open, unwilling to tear his mouth away from Stiles, or remove his other hand from where it is kneading at Stiles’ ass, holding him flush against his chest. Stiles gasps into Derek’s mouth when he presses one lube-slicked finger against Stiles’ entrance, tapping and rubbing gently, teasing more than preparing, waiting for Stiles to ask for it. To beg.

He shouldn’t be surprised when Stiles teases him first instead. “Lube in your pocket?” Stiles asks on a huff of laughter, his voice gratifyingly breathy. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you–nngh–planned to fuck me in a maintenance closet.” Derek hides a pleased grin in Stiles’ shoulder, maintaining a steady rhythm with the finger circling Stiles’ rim. Waiting for– “Oh, fuck. Please, Der. Please, I need you.”

Hearing how wrecked Stiles sounds sets Derek’s desire ablaze, and it’s only a matter of moments until Derek is working three fingers into Stiles’ slicked hole and Stiles is working himself back and forth in short thrusts, clutching at Derek’s shoulders and practically whining against his neck. Finally, he pants a needy “Der, want you in me,” into Derek’s ear, and Derek releases him, slipping his fingers carefully out of Stiles and kissing him again, all rough and wet and filthy, before spinning him to face the wall and pulling Stiles’ hips toward himself to angle him just right.

Once he checks that Stiles is braced properly against the wall, Derek anchors one hand on Stiles’ shoulder and pushes his cock into Stiles in one slow thrust, gripping his hip before starting to move in earnest, the time for teasing long gone.

The small space fills with the sound of heavy breathing, muttered curses, and pleasured moans. The steady pounding of Derek’s hips meeting Stiles’ ass is a near perfect match for the pulse beating in Derek’s chest. Derek lets his hand glide over Stiles’ hip to reach around and wrap around his leaking cock. Stiles swears and moans loudly, a broken-sounding “Please” falling from his panting mouth. Derek speeds his thrusts, but keeps them deep and hard, angling so he hits Stiles’ prostate everytime his hand strokes up his length. When Stiles comes with a shout of Derek’s name, his spend coating Derek’s fingers as his walls clench around Derek’s cock, Derek lets his control slip and comes into Stiles with a roar that he muffles by biting Stiles’ neck with his human teeth.

He collapses against Stiles’ back, nuzzling into the space between his shoulder blades and trailing kisses over the sweat dappled shirt that clings to him, his hands trailing up and down respectively to wrap around Stiles’ chest. They catch their breath together slowly. Stiles drops one arm from the wall to tangle his fingers with Derek’s, and the world slowly comes back into focus.

When they straighten up, Stiles turns in the circle of Derek’s arm and moves in for a languid kiss. He pulls away with a smile, and it’s particular tilt tells Derek that there’s a smart-ass remark coming. “Sooo,” he begins, and Derek groans in anticipation of what’s coming next. Stiles raises an eyebrow, and Derek knows he’s in trouble. “Mate, huh?”

#eternalstereksecretsanta17 #esss17 #fic #sterek #submission

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ssmirandadental · 5 years

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How To Fix Crooked Teeth – Ways To Restore Your Smile

For many people, crooked teeth can be a detriment to their full smile. It’s hard to show your warm and engaging personality when you are self-conscious about your crooked teeth. If you are wondering how to fix crooked teeth, there are several modern and discreet options to restore your smile and your confidence.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth, technically known as malocclusions, usually appear when a child reaches the age of seven. This condition occurs when the natural transition of baby teeth to adult teeth is interrupted due to decay, or early removal of baby teeth. The extra room in the mouth causes the adult teeth to come in unaligned and undirected. These teeth need to be straightened.

Other factors that cause crooked teeth are extended thumb- or pacifier-sucking, which can lead to an overbite or changes in the development of the jaw. In some cases, the jaw shape won’t support adult teeth which impacts their alignment.

How to Fix Crooked Teeth

The good news is that if you have crooked teeth, and your teeth are healthy, there is an excellent chance that your teeth can be straightened. A trip to your dentist can provide you with the answers you need.

There are generally three techniques that dentists use to assist in the straightening of your teeth. Traditional metal braces, modified ceramic braces, and clear aligners all work to achieve the same results.

Metal Braces

The most traditional method of fixing crooked teeth is to use the standard metal braces that employ metal wires and rubber bands to push and pull your teeth into place. This approach is the least expensive of the three options.

Dentists still use this cost-saving method because it allows them to maintain a higher degree of control over the straightening process.

Adults who want to straighten their teeth may find that metal braces are not the right option for their needs.

In fact, 50% of people who want to straighten their teeth are adults, so ceramic braces or clear aligners may be a more preferable choice.

Ceramic Braces

Dentists use ceramic braces to provide a more discrete alternative to traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are a modified version of metal braces, but they are tooth-coloured, so they are less apparent when you smile. However, ceramic braces and their tooth-coloured or clear wires can also discolour over time due to coffee, wine, or poor teeth maintenance, and this could be a downside although the final effect is still achievable.

Clear Aligners

Southern Smiles provides clear aligners services in our practice. At Southern Smiles, our dentists have the training that is necessary to provide this treatment. Aligning your teeth with clear aligners usually involves a series of clear plastic trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth, and as each tray is changed, the teeth gradually straighten.

The other important factor for the adult who has a busy work schedule or professional obligations is that the aligners can be removed for short periods during the treatment. You can remove your clear aligners for important business meetings, social events that require pictures, and even for the times you want to enjoy those special foods that would not be permitted if you had metal or ceramic braces on. The appearance and flexibility of clear aligners make this treatment very easy and adaptable.

We offer Invisalign™ and Clearcorrect™ clear aligner systems to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Time to Treat

The time needed to complete the treatment to straighten your teeth using clear aligners or the more traditional methods can vary from six months to three years. Since all treatment approaches do not work for everyone, your dentist will work with you to design a treatment plan that is right for you. The success of the teeth straightening process depends on following the dentist’s direction and making sure that all steps are completed.

At Southern Smiles, we offer a variety of treatment plans and pricing for teeth straightening services. If cost is a concern, let us help you find a way to pay that works best for you and your budget. Don’t let cost keep you from getting your perfect smile.

Final Thoughts

Straightened teeth will naturally give you a better smile, and this factor alone can help you feel better about yourself and remove the fear of those first meetings. Straighter teeth will be easier to clean when you brush and floss so that you can maintain a perfect smile.

If you have any questions about how clear aligners, metal, or ceramic braces can help you straighten your teeth, call us at Southern Smiles on (02) 8503 9902. Our staff is ready to help you achieve your dream smile.

The post How To Fix Crooked Teeth – Ways To Restore Your Smile appeared first on Southern Smiles.

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#IFTTT #Southern Smiles

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capsensislagamoprh · 5 years

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I was tumbl-bumbling when I saw a post asking for Jason Todd to be brought back, and why hadn't they yet. 'Well,' said my OC to (pretty sure it was Tim), 'the thing is, it can be done, but it's very expensive. Financially you have to send Superman to Jupiter for some of the components , but aside from that, there's still the factors of exchange, energy conversion, and will. He'd have to want to come back. You'd, and by you I mean I, would have to find enough cosmic force willing to inhabit a form that has already existed, reverse any damage, clear some space, insert what amounts to a soul, reanimate it, resurrect it, align it to good - which free will can override - and then after all that it's still going to be missing at least some emotional capability. He's been dead too long, Tim. You would have to watch him 24/7 for as long as he was alive plus the time he was gone and three days to insure what comes back doesn't jumpstart a necromantic plague. And that's the less costly way.'

'But it can be done?' Tim asked.

'Well, yes. Technically.'

'Then why haven't you done this before?' asked Batman because now we were firmly in imagination land, the OC tinkering with viles while Bats put everything carefully back and Alfrid brought a tray of cocos.

'Not many are willing or capable of getting the materials, so they have to opt for the more expensive aporoch.'

'Yeah, right,' mocked Damian. 'Why not just use the Lazarus Pit?'

'That thing? Just an alchemical mess of primordial ingredients. It can regenerate from a single cell, but it damages the brain.'

'What do you m-' but Damian was interrupted by Batman who already knew the dangers.

'Sounds like your way is no better.' Tim morned.

'The second way?' qued Batman.

'Transference.'

The Bat narrowed his eyes. 'No.'

The OC shrugged.

'Wait, what do you mean no?' Tim said sharply.

'It's too costly,' because Bats never explains unless he has to.

Damian rose a brow. 'More costly than sending Superman to Jupiter and several years of babysitter bills?'

The OC sipped coco, trying to decide if it was good or not. Setting down the cup, OC shrugged. 'It takes years off one beings life and puts it into another. The longer they are dead, the more it takes. Are you willing to give up your life, the life of others to bring him back? Would he want you to?'

#Batman #DC Comics #OC #then Damian accused OC of being evil #told DW to go play with Jon #Tim Drake #Damian Wayne #Alfrid #Convos in the Batcave #Magic always has a price

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archergwenwrites · 8 years

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Turn the Page

(A/N: For this post. Also, blame this on three glasses of wine, and then the two the second night of writing as to why it’s so long.)

Kane goes into the woods because he has to. He’s a self-sacrificing bastard - at least that’s what Abby says when he leaves with goods to sell should he find another bastion of civilization through the forest. Supposedly they have a lord, a protector, but no one has seen him - just those who tend to a flawless administration - and wolves run rampant.

He finds safety in a castle’s gardens, and as his cart horse bends its neck to graze, he reaches out to an overgrown rose bush.

My mother would love these, he thinks.

There’s a roar, rage he does not understand, and then Kane is staring at the walls of a dungeon, unsure of what he saw.

He stops questioning the animate objects after the first five visits. They are wary, at first, but he tells stories of life in the village until the teapot - who should be dressed in silks and every inch his lady - shares the horror that took them all from happy and carefree to imprisioned, her and her brother the lord orphaned that same night.

“Our mother loved the roses best,” she explains weakly.

“As does mine,” he replies.

Somehow he is moved into a wing of the castle with actual rooms, still without having met the lord. He starts to make himself useful.

“Excuse you,” says the time piece. “I’m the chamberlain.”

“’cept you don’t have real thumbs, do you?” retorts the candelabra, and they fight while Lady Octavia approves the timetable Kane had drawn up.

He’s arranging an airing out of the East Wing, his wing, when a presence looms behind him.

Kane says nothing, keeps himself to a very careful non-reaction as he pencils in carefully scheduled time blocks with the various animate featherdusters and mops. There are a few lively lamps who have figure out how to fluff pillows and blankets, so Kane has them on every room but his. He can do his own laundry, being the only one capable after all.

The presence finally speaks in a gruff, but almost shy voice. “Finn can’t sweep your room.”

Kane paused, then quietly switches the duster with another. “May I ask why, my lord?”

The voice hesitated, “Trysts between staff is technically allowed but discouraged, particularly when one party is trapped in a room and unable to see for herself that the other party was briefly involved with a mop.”

“Ah. Shouldn’t be a problem to keep him away from Raven, then.”

“Do you have any plans for the West Wing?”

Kane does start when his lord quickly speaks. “I- no, no I don’t. I didn’t even think to make one yet-”

“Good. That wing is mine, and mine alone. No one else steps foot in there.”

“Surely to keep it in order-”

“No one.”

Kane inclines his head. “Of course, my lord.” A careful pause as feet start to shuffle away. “When would you like dinner served?”

He hears the smallest sound of surprise and grins. This time his lord is startled. The young man recovers quickly. “My sister usually brings my dinner to the study off the library at half-past seven. Since you have proper limbs, I imagine you can manage to bring it at seven.”

“Did the magic include never-ending food stores?” he asks the teapot, balancing the tray while holding the library door open for her.

“No, but there was a vegetable garden used to supplement the servants’ dinners, so my brother tends to that now that no one else needs to eat but you two. He hunts for himself, but I’ll be sure to have Lincoln set aside some meat for you at least once a week. We obviously can’t go to the market, and you can’t without bringing inquiries we can’t answer. It’s honestly a miracle the king hasn’t come searching for the errant Lord Blake.”

He doesn’t know how to respond to that frustrated confession, so he just adds, “My thanks.”

Kane doesn’t see the young lord anywhere as he sets the tray down. The Lady Octavia motions for him. “Well come on. He’s not going to eat with you. Bellamy’s self-concious about his fine-motor skills now.”

“What are you doing?”

Kane looks up from the vegetable bed and manages not to laugh.

It’s the first time he’s seeing Lord Blake, and he is outfitted in gardening gear. There’s a wide brimmed hat pulled over his horns and something of a mane. Claws poke out of gloves just a hair too big for him, and he has a trowel in one hand, a bucket in the other. An apron is haphazardly tied over his clothes, but at least the rubber boots seem alright. His awkward gait as he steps closer to Kane suggests that his toes aren’t quite what they used to be.

Lord Blake should look terrifying, and had he revealed himself that first night Kane would be afraid. But now, a smile curls around his lips as he opens his slightly dirty hands. “I’m tending to the garden, my lord.”

“I am perfectly capable.”

“Of that I had no doubt. Since I need them, too, I thought I might help. And if you don’t mind me saying so, my lord, some of these plants need to be re-arranged.”

“What do you mean?”

Kane carefully turns back to the vegetable bed next to him. “Beans don’t like to be near practically anything, but carrots can be a good buffer. I’m clearing out this bed to move the berries over since they should move well. Tomatoes and brocolli are also not friends, so I want to open up a third bed, but that can wait since the tomato plants are still small.”

The bucket and trowel roughly drop to the ground. “I have claws and am doing my best. What more do you want from me?”

There is hurt and pain radiating in the statement, and Kane’s fingers curl around the dirt. He wants to scream that he didn’t ask for this, didn’t ask to be hunted and lost, imprisoned and then hired. He didn’t ask for an animate wardobe who watches him while he sleeps because she can’t do anything else, though they’ve agreed to Not Talk about all he’s screamed into his pillow. He didn’t ask to discover that his lord got orphaned and turned into a bear-wolf-lion on the same night.

But he is Marcus Kane, and he’s made enough mistakes before ignoring other’s emotions. He is old - or feels it in this house of youths. His pain will keep.

Carefully, he straightens out the strawberries as if they are all he’s thinking of, that the words rolling off his tongue weren’t carefully aligned as he tries to steer this young man through his storm.

“Well, you are an older brother, and some would say that makes Octavia your responsibility, especially with your parents gone. Despite the fact that she’s a teapot, she is hale and healthy. She’s got a brilliant mind - we’ve debated The Art of War against your more recent military textbooks. Perhaps her education in dancing and needlework have suffered, but she can run a household. She is a perfectly accomplished young lady.

“You are also lord of these lands, steward of the villages. The wolf population is a bit overgrown - you could see to that - yet the your people have not suffered these past ten years. You’ve kept the machine running, somehow.”

Kane shifts, moving to the new garden bed. As he continues, he untangles weeds and pulls them from the dirt, laying their roots and leaves in one sad pile. “I cannot judge you as a man - I barely know you and even then only as my lord. I can assure you that practiced habits become easier, but that does not make life easier. If you were to interact in a community you would find that the more good you do, the more good is expected of you. Your peers will always want for more, and if you do not give it they will find you lacking.”

Here, Kane brushes the dirt from his hands and meets Lord Blake’s eyes. “If you falter, it does not mean you are lacking. Humans make mistakes. And when you do, you have two choices. You can be consumed by it - let it take over your every thought as you drown in guilt. Do not do this.”

If Lord Blake is offended by his steel tone, he does not show it.

“You turn the page. You don’t look back. You do better today than you did yesterday. Only then do you become a better man.”

He lets the silence sit for a moment; he turns back to weeding and waits. Slowly, Lord Blake kneels down, trowl in hand, and begins to wrestle with another garden bed overcome with weeds. Kane waits for the silence to grow companionable, for Lord Blake to be at ease, and then-

“Your gardening needs work though.”

Several of the servants come flying out the doors, certain the two are being attacked only to find them both collapsed in fits of laughter. Worries assagued and sides calmed, Lord Blake looks at his only human servant with a deep smile. “Thank you, ah- um-”

“Kane, my lord. Marcus Kane.”

“Thank you, Kane.”

“I don’t care what your tutor thought! Satan gnawing on Brutus and Cassius as well as Judas is elevating Julius Caesar next to Christ! Even though Judas does have it slightly worse with his head in Satan’s mouth, these are two killers of a mortal man punished as severely as the killer of Christ.”

“Think for a precious second, if you will, chamberlain, but Satan - the biggest Traitor of a Benefactor that ever was - is gnawing on the three most well-known examples of his ilk! There have been other such sinners, of course; they’re immobile in the ice. Yet Caesar’s traitors are also traitors to man and society, disrupting secular government instead of divine. Caesar was not as great as God, no. But have not we been told to offer hospitality to all for what we do the least we do to Christ?”

Kane squeaks.

Outside the library, Octavia smiles.

“Kane, are you married?”

The new copy of Lettres persanes snaps shut as the man in question jumps in his chair. He thinks of a sharp-eyed widow with an even sharper mind before shaking his head. “No, never have been. Why do you ask?”

Lord Blake sets aside De l'esprit des lois and clearly tries not to look nervous. “I was just wondering how you make someone fall in love with you.”

“Seeking to run off with Montesquieu?”

He wishes that fur would show a blush. “But in all honestly, Lord Blake, you can’t. You can’t make someone give you their love. Sure, you can play the role they want, but they won’t be loving the real you, will they?” Kane sighs. “It’s not easy to accept, I know. Some people never manage it.

“I haven’t read Montesquieu’s new musings. What word are you translating as love? Agape? Eros? Philio?”

“It wasn’t a question on the reading, just one I’ve had for a while. Thank you. I’d also forgotten there was more than just romantic love.”

Kane nods knowingly as Lord Blake reaches for his cup. “Well if the time comes I’d be more than happy to arrange a marriage for you. Come now! A proper lord does not spit out his tea!”

The garden is their refuge. There are no sisters or talking clocks, just the quiet business of nature and soil under their fingers.

Kane is turning over the dirt in another garden bed, prepping it to take the tomato plants, when Lord Blake suddenly leaps forward. “Wait!” Deftly, as his fine-motor skills with claws are much improved, he plucks from the earth a four-leaf clover - along with several of its three-leaf brethren.

He tries to flatten out the crinkled leaves, which is when Kane speaks. “I don’t know if they’re supposed to lie flat. After all, you shouldn’t iron them.”

Lord Blake looks at him in disbelief when Kane adds, “Shouldn’t press your luck.”

He rolls his eyes and groans, “really, Dad?”

They freeze: Lord Blake locking his eyes on the clover, Kane staring at the hoe until he offers, “I’m sorry-” a pause “-was that joke too corny?”

“I give up,” the younger man says, tucking the clover in his apron pocket and standing. He brushes his hands off then throws them in the air. “Puns are the lowest form of humor. I’m out.”

“Don’t you carrot all?”

The garden door slams shut as Kane laughs.

All good things end.

The garden flourishes, Octavia joins their dissection of literature and philosophy, everything but the West Wing is brought back to the pre-curse standards, and Lord Blake offers Kane a look in a magic mirror.

He packs a small bag - “I am coming back, my lord, once she’s well.” - and rides back to the village, haunted by his mother’s sick face and the lost look on Lord Blake’s.

He tries to say nothing about where he’s been - he has a moderate sum of funds to bolster the village and help his mother. He should have known Abby would not be content to let things lie like the others.

Kane did not expect anyone to be eavesdropping, much less spread rumors of a monster.

He did not expect a mob to form, led by Jaha, immune to reason.

That Abby is the one to lock him in his home should have been a little more surpising.

That Clarke breaks him out, that is a surprise and a most welcome one. He doesn’t know what he’s doing, what his plan is, only that his horse can’t move fast enough, can’t outrun a mob.

He darts through the mess - snatching up teacups before they smash and even catching Finn before he lands in the fireplace - trying to give them an edge when he realizes the absolute worst place they could be.

Kane steps onto the library balcony as Jaha almost topples off it.

“Bellamy.”

There’s blood on his claws, and Kane briefly wonders if its his lord’s or his old friend’s. Or maybe it’s Pike’s, who has his sword drawn, not that it’s doing him any good as he lies motionless on the ground.

“That’s enough,” he says, fearlessly meeting those brown eyes.

“Kane, he’s a beast,” his former friend begins. “Grab the-”

“Stop it. You began this mad war, and I’m finishing it.” Kane looks again at the one erroneously called ‘beast.’ “Turn the page.”

Slowly, the claws unfurl from their grip on Jaha’s shirt and the man can stand on his own. Bellamy takes one step back, then another, then he turns away from the villager and starts for Kane.

He roars suddenly, spinning wildly, and Kane ducks under first his arm then the sword in his back.

Jaha is not so lucky.

The blow sends him stumbling back until he tumbles over the edge of the parapet and falls.

He falls unnoticed, for Kane is easing Bellamy to the ground, onto his side.

“I’m sorry-”

“Quiet, no need.” Kane tears at his flimsy coat, hoping the strips will be long enough to wind around a midsection.

“No, no. I’m sorry. They’re my people- he was your friend. I didn’t want to ki- I didn’t want-” He cuts off with a roar as Kane pulls the blade free. “You must hate me.”

Kane gets one piece to stay, but blood is pooling quicker than he can tear so he just starts pressing, kneeling there desperate, hoping Abby will have another one of her moments of impeccable timing.

“You must hate me.”

His voice is so broken.

“I am sad that they are dead,” Kane begins. “A life snuffed out cannot be returned. I am angry they rushed in without thinking, without listening. No one would have been hurt had they asked me about the rumors instead of taking those to be truth. I feel guilty, for I couldn’t resist the pleas for truth from the one person I trusted and now look where we are. I am so, so worried about you. But I do not feel hatred, do you hear me?”

Bellamy slowly nods.

“Son, I could never hate you.”

Bellamy releases a shuddering, wet breath and goes still.

Kane sinks back onto his heels. “I could never hate you. Argue illogically, let weeds overtake the tomatoes, iron your luck, I don’t care.” His breath shakes as it leaves him. “I don’t care,” he repeats softly, eyes falling closed-

Eyes closed, against pain, don’t see a wind stirring, stars descending to stick to Bellamy’s still form like fireflies to a lantern.

Eyes open at a gasp.

A young man is standing, leaning against a parapet with one arm while the other presses to his back, reddened strips of coat hanging between his fingers. His human fingers are bloody; his dark hair is a curled mop on his head. There is a smattering of freckles across his nose. He looks at Kane with familiar brown eyes and breathes, wincing a bit as he does.

“If it was that easy I should’ve had O say she loved me years ago.”

He tries to take a step forward and falls, but Kane is there to catch him, to pick him up and carrying him through the library and out into the hall. He stands beneath a painting of the late Lord Blake and looks over the chaos of newly humanized servants throughly celebrating while bound villagers watch confused.

“Ahem,” he begins, voice cutting through the chatter. The servants instantly snap to attention, Octavia pressing through once she recongizes what’s wrong. “Is there a Griffin available?”

Kane always liked Clarke, so when she appears, a shock of blonde hair and her mother’s medical bag under one arm, he decides to give her a job whether or not Lord Blake agrees.

From the way Bellamy watches her as she bandages him up, Kane doesn’t think there will be an argument.

“You wanted to see me, Lord Blake?”

The young man looks much better after a week of bedrest with Clarke paid to fuss over him. (He did quickly learn that she would broker no arguments over his care, and expected to be obeyed - the lord in the sickroom.) (Octavia immediately began taking notes.)

“I did.” He hauls himself to a sitting position and pulls some papers closer. “First of all, enough will all this ‘Lord Blake’ business. You’ve cared for me like a father, and saved my life as well as the existences of all those directly under my care in this castle. Bellamy will suffice.

“Second of all, while I cannot elevate you to a position above mine, I can petition the king to recognize you for efforts above the call of duty, and at least grant you a cottage near the gardens for your use, as you please, no strings attached.”

“Bellamy-”

He raises a hand to cut him off. “I will tolerate no argument. You treated and loved me like a son when to the rest of the world I was a monster, a fantastical creature from magical nightmares. Let me honor you as a son should.”

Kane bows, heart swelling. “As you wish.”

“Of course, I hope you will still oversee the management of the household and argue with me about Montesquieu?”

The tone of his voice creeps upwards at the end, and Kane relaxes, smiling. “I thought we might next read some Virgil, build more foundations of thought and art before we tackle another contemporary.”

“But we’ll order anything new Montesquieu writes?”

“Bellamy, I’m not actually your father; you don’t have to ask permission just because I broke your curse with agape love.”

“Agape? Reaching a bit much are you? If it’s familial love wouldn’t it be storge?”

Kane pulls up a chair. “I would’ve gone with philia as the alternative to agape. Someone needs to re-read their Aristotles. Nicomachean Ethics clearly uses the former to refer to-”

Fin.

#The 100 #bellamy #kane #beauty and the beast au #holy shit did this get out of hand #I googled too much for a one-shot #Kane is too educated for a 1745 French peasant but IDGAF #using roomie discussions on Dante as dialogue #I almost re-read Montesquieu for this #promise I'm going back to my multi-chapter works now #fanfiction

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archeyesmagazine · 4 years

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Completed in 1966 by Clorindo Testa and SEPRA Studio, the new headquarters for the Bank of London in Buenos Aires radically changed the traditional image of a bank. The building is an example of how to make strong gestures and architectural forms coexist in a friendly and respectful way with the pre-existing city.

Bank of London Technical Information

Architects: Clorindo Testa & SEPRA (Sánchez Elía, Santiago; Peralta Ramos, Federico; Agostini, Alfredo)

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Topics: Concrete, Brutalism, Modernism

Type: Bank, office building

Project Year: 1959 – 1966

It is not about making windows but about drilling walls.

– Clorindo Testa

London Bank Headquarters in Buenos Aires Photographs

In 1959 the young Clorindo Testa was invited by the experienced SEPRA studio to participate in a private competition for the design of the new Bank of London Headquarters in the heart of Buenos Aires, one hundred meters away from the historic Plaza de Mayo.

The building is considered to be one of the best works of architecture in Argentina of the 20th century and a turning point in the quest for local modernity. The combination between the professional solvency and constructive rigor of SEPRA studio, together with the avant-garde creativity of Clorindo Testa, produced a particular result of exceptional beauty, where the dramatic and bold structure plays a determining role.

An innovative proposal for modernity positively influenced by the brutalism of the last Le Corbusier, but at the same time endowed with remarkable quality and contextual respect within the dense fabric of the city’s old quarter. The narrow corner is treated as a square, interrupting the plot of the vast concrete porticos, thus forming a monumental entrance.

The project subverts many of the assumptions that were supposed to be immovable for a bank. The project responded to the need to renew the image of the institution that launched the competition. The usual massive and opaque walls are now very transparent for the parameters of the time, with the glass forming a second skin that runs behind the concrete screens.

The interior space, product of a daring structural operation, is multiple, complex, open-plan, with an urban will. It allows cross gazes from inside out, from one level to another, from top to bottom and from bottom to top. The public and employees circulate through generous, vibrant spaces. Light enters through the perforated screens and spills onto the exquisitely treated exposed concrete surfaces that materialize the entire building.

A large concrete column organizes the central space of the building, both spatially and structurally. A staircase is sculpturally coiled on one of its sides, but this item is also an elevator box. The four upper slabs (for internal use of the bank) hang using steel tensioners from the roof slab, the two lower levels (for public use) are trays that are supported by fungiform columns, clearing the central space in multiple heights. Neither the upper slabs nor the trays touch the large central column, the facades, or the party walls. Through these operations, Testa frees the plans and makes the space more flexible.

Testa breaks with the traditional image of a bank and radically updates it. Still, at the same time, it produces a sophisticated and intelligent lesson on how to make strong gestures and architectural forms coexist in a friendly and respectful way with the pre-existing city.

In 1999 the building was declared a National Historic Monument.

London Bank Plans

London Bank Headquarters in Buenos Aires Image Gallery

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About Clorindo Testa

Clorindo Manuel José Testa was an Italian architect who achieved great recognition in the second half of the 20th century. Among his most famous works in the history of Argentine architecture are the former Bank of London and the National Library. Other works from Clorindo Testa

About SEPRA Studio

SEPRA was a prolific studio of Argentine architects, formed in 1936 by Santiago Sánchez Elía, Federico Peralta Ramos, and Alfredo Agostini. During the five decades of existence, they made over a thousand projects and built more than two million square meters. The studio is responsible for some of the most essential and well-known buildings in Buenos Aires.

[cite]

Bank of London in Buenos Aires / Clorindo Testa & SEPRA Studio #architecture #buenosaires #clorindotesta Completed in 1966 by Clorindo Testa and SEPRA Studio, the new headquarters for the Bank of London in Buenos Aires radically changed the traditional image of a bank.

#1960s Architecture #Architecture of Argentina #bank #Brutalism #Buenos Aires #Clorindo Testa #Concrete in Architecture #Modernism #Office #SEPRA

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ladystylestores · 4 years

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Doom Eternal reverses course, will remove kernel-level Denuvo anti-cheat [Updated]

Update, May 20: After receiving a deluge of complaints, the makers of Doom Eternal have announced plans to reverse course on its kernel-level anti-cheat system.

In a Wednesday post at Reddit’s Doom community, Doom Eternal executive producer Marty Stratton confirmed that the game’s next patch will strip Denuvo Anti-Cheat from the game in its entirety. “Despite our best intentions, feedback from players has made it clear that we must re-evaluate our approach to anti-cheat integration,” Stratton wrote. “As we examine any future of anti-cheat in Doom Eternal, at a minimum we must consider giving campaign-only players the ability to play without anti-cheat software installed, as well as ensure the overall timing of any anti-cheat integration better aligns with player expectations around clear initiatives—like ranked or competitive play—where demand for anti-cheat is far greater.”

Stratton also claimed that the latest patch’s issues with “performance and frame rate drops” were in no way due to the new Denuvo system but rather issues with “customizable skins” and “a code change we made around VRAM allocation.” id Software has yet to date this upcoming patch.

Original report:

*Insert Tarzan scream*

Just a glance at this image has me planning my next movement and weapon choice in my head.

If you feel like that open mouth is just asking for a grenade to be inserted, you would be right.

Blasting grunts with a flamethrower results in armor drops in a process that doesn’t even make “video game” sense.

The balance between aerial and ground-based enemies really forces you to be situationally aware in three dimensions.

Playing Doom Eternal, you’ll see gory eviscerations like this so often they’ll cease to have any real impact.

Yes, that’s a sword, not a gun. Yes, it’s still a Doom game.

These guys aren’t as bad as they look, but only if you can aim correctly.

The armor on this Cyber Mancubus requires a charged-up Blood Punch to remove. After that, he’s a cupcake.

Each of these enemies requires a different weapon and a different strategy to take out effectively.

I love the look of surprise on the Mancubus’ face in this shot.

One of the most relentless enemies in the game.

Doom Eternal has become the latest game to use a kernel-level driver to aid in detecting cheaters in multiplayer matches.

The game’s new driver and anti-cheat tool come courtesy of Denuvo parent Irdeto, a company once known for nearly unbeatable piracy protection and now known for somewhat effective but often cracked piracy protection. But the new Denuvo Anti-Cheat protection is completely separate from the company’s Denuvo Anti-Tamper technology, which uses code obfuscation to hinder crackers (and which was already mooted for Doom Eternal anyway shortly after launch).

The new Denuvo Anti-Cheat tool rolls out to Doom Eternal players after “countless hours and millions of gameplay sessions” during a two-year early access program, Irdeto said in a blog post announcing its introduction. But unlike Valorant‘s similar Vanguard system, the Denuvo Anti-Cheat driver “doesn’t have annoying tray icons or splash screens” letting players monitor its use on their system.

“This invisibility could raise some eyebrows,” Irdeto concedes.

No running outside the game

To assuage any potential fears, Irdeto writes that Denuvo Anti-Cheat only runs when the game is active, and Bethesda’s patch notes similarly say that “use of the kernel-mode driver starts when the game launches and stops when the game stops for any reason.” That’s a major difference from Valorant‘s Vanguard system, which requires the driver to be loaded from system startup in order to “monitor system state for integrity.”

“No monitoring or data collection happens outside of multiplayer matches,” Denuvo Anti-Cheat Product Owner Michail Greshishchev told Ars via email. “Denuvo does not attempt to maintain the integrity of the system. It does not block cheats, game mods, or developer tools. Denuvo Anti-Cheat only detects cheats.”

Enlarge / Denuvo announced a partnership with the Esports Integrity Coalition when first announcing its anti-cheat technology in 2018.

Greshishchev added that the company’s driver has received “certification from renown[ed] kernel security researchers, completed regular whitebox and blackbox audits, and was penetration-tested by independent cheat developers.” He said Irdeto is also setting up a bug bounty program to discover any flaws they might have missed.

And because of Denuvo Anti-Cheat’s design, Greshishchev says the driver is more secure than others that might have more exposure to the Internet. “Unlike existing anti-cheats, Denuvo Anti-Cheat does not stream shell code from the Web,” Greshishchev told Ars. “This means that, if compromised, attackers can’t send down arbitrary malware to gamers’ machines.

“These same gaming machines already have a sea of subpar (security-wise) administrative services with active Internet connections,” he continued. “Drivers from mouse and keyboard vendors, lighting and overclocking services, etc. If attackers really wanted to compromise gamers’ machines, they would go through them—not through the world’s strongest anti-tamper software.”

If a driver exploit is discovered in the wild, Greshishchev told Ars that revocable certificates and self-expiring network keys can be used as “kill switches” to cut them off. “No security expert can claim their solution is infallible, but our penetration testing, certification, and security auditing is significantly higher than any reasonable standard,” he said.

Time to kernel panic?

The use of kernel-mode drivers is actually pretty common in multiplayer game anti-cheat tools, helping to ensure that lower-privileged “user-mode” tools that try to modify the game code can be detected and stopped. While cheaters can still get around this by using code-signing exploits to install their own kernel-level cheat tools, the process is more difficult.

Loading a kernel-mode anti-cheat driver only when a game is running, as Denuvo does, is also very different from running a rootkit-style anti-cheat driver from startup, from a security perspective. The latter introduces much more exposure for system-level exploits that can run without the user’s knowledge, creating “a large attack surface for little benefit,” as independent security researcher Saleem Rashid told Ars regarding Valorant‘s Vanguard security driver.

Still, some members of the Doom Eternal community are not happy about the way the Denuvo Anti-Cheat tool was rolled out, or with the security risks they feel it creates on their systems.

“No piece of software, especially an anti-cheat, should have kernel-level access to your system and if it is we should have been informed before purchasing it,” Reddit user extant_dinero wrote in a popular thread on the Doom subreddit urging people to delete the game. “I would not have purchased it had I known it would be added. Just because other pieces of software do it doesn’t make it right.”

But Greshishchev tells Ars such fear is misplaced. Denuvo Anti-Cheat is “designed to be no different than Nvidia’s graphic drivers or Steam’s Client Service,” he said. “Unlike anti-cheats of the past, there are no filesystem hooks, no requirement to start with the OS, no annoying tray icons or splash screens.”

“It’s human nature to have a fear of the unknown, and no amount of technical claims by us could address that. Trust is built up over time, and we think that when Denuvo Anti-Cheat bans a player in your favorite game, we will gain your trust.”

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