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digital121 · 2 years

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How long does it take to have my home photographed?

The time taken to shoot a home will always depend on the number of photographs being taken and how presentable the house is. An untidy, messy, cluttered home is always going to take longer to photograph. To give you a rough idea of the time, it would be fair to say that 5 photographs should take around 30 minutes. This can be achieved faster if everything is in its place and the rooms shape up well.

Can the photographer move my furniture?

Most properties being photographed will have to be analysed by a professional photographer when we visit your home. Not all rooms to be photographed are going to be balanced well with regards to furniture placement. Real estate photographers will often shift furniture allowing the scene to look much better.

Bright coloured furniture can be somewhat distracting therefore requiring it to be removed altogether. A real estate photographer may shift these items to space within the room that is less offensive to the eye. It is also not uncommon to move items within a kitchen and bathroom areas to help minimise clutter and to give the impression of open space.

How do you know a good property photographer?

You know when someone offers good real estate photography when they take the time to check every detail before taking the photograph. They also adjust curtains, blinds and shutters to make sure nothing is out of place. The theory should always be that as long as the photographer’s eye can aerial photography sydney see more detail than the online viewer, the photograph should always be a saleable one. A good photographer will always explain themselves to vendors and tenants. They should always ask before moving anything. And their photos will WOW, every time.

Where do you find a real estate photographer?

Finding the right property photographer can be a challenge. Many larger companies employ untrained staff purely to save money on more skilled photographers. Looking at online advertisements and real estate websites will give you a fair idea of the quality of images used in Property Marketing.

You could simply call these real estate agents and ask to refer their photographer, do an online search and check ratings and reviews. Most photography companies are going to display their best photographs on their website so it's a bit of an unfair display.

The best thing to do is to ask the photographic company to send you images from the last 5 jobs. This at least will give you an up-to-date current view of their photographic style and quality.

Why is the photographer use a flash to photograph my home?

Flash photography within the real estate industry can help the editing process. Flash is generally a bluish light while incandescent lighting within your home can be yellow and orange. By flashing, the photographer allows the editor to see the true real colours of things like your carpet, your wall colour, furniture colour etc. The Flash also balances inside of the home with the same brightness as outside of the home making the editing process a little more precise just that better quality

Where do I locate the best photographer for my home?

The biggest and highest-selling real estate agents generally will use the best photographers. Cheap real estate agents will always end up with very low-quality photographs and low-quality printing making a very poor marketing campaign. By following successful real estate agents they will lead you to the best photographers and the best property marketing in Sydney

Can you trust real estate photographers to find the right angles?

The problem these days is that bigger companies tend towards profits and not the quality of work. They employ anyone willing and give them a couple of weeks of training and send them out to earn money. They usually butcher the marketing of an unknowing realtor. In my experience as a Sydney real estate photographer over the past 15 years, commercial and real estate photos can take some time to master. When I train a junior photographer I tell them the same information each time.

It takes 50 properties photographed before your eye is reasonably well trained but it will take 200 properties photographed before you begin to feel the right angles. Real estate photographers and architectural photography require a different approach depending on what is trying to be achieved. After years of property photography, they become very good at capturing the correct angles every time.

Can you trust real estate photographers to find the right angles?

Most tenants are fairly easygoing and allow a photographer into their home for marketing purposes, however, on occasion there can be an angry tenant. Angry tenants feel like someone is making them leave their home. They may have lived here for a number of years or even worse just a few months, therefore, having to leave and pack your belongings isn't necessarily very nice.

Although it is not the fault of the real estate agent or the property photographer, some tenants just want to take it out on someone, anyone. Being very polite and patient and trying to explain the situation can help most of the time. Ultimately the tenant knows that it isn't really your fault that the landlord has decided to sell.

What do you do if your real estate agent does not show up for a photoshoot?

We would take it upon ourselves to greet the owner of the property and represent the agent in the way we know they would like. We would assure the property owner that we have photographed many many homes in the past and we do understand some agents can get very busy.

We also advise them that we understand what the agent is trying to achieve in the marketing of their home. Sometimes real estate agents get caught up with other appointments and so find it difficult to make every scheduled meeting on time. Other photography companies that you may choose should not only know how to take great photos but also know how to handle homeowners tenants and all customers when faced with this situation.

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smithmartin · 3 years

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cheapcleaning2255 · 3 years

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seriouslyhooked · 4 years

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When We Collide (Part 1)

Emma Swan has always known one thing: trust no one but yourself. Unfortunately she forgot her one rule and now she’s paying for it. One bad decision led her to the monstrous ‘Crocodile’ a mobster in New York who goes by the name Gold. Hope seems lost until she meets another person in this underworld, Killian Jones. Despite the place they find each other, a true love blossoms, and they manage to get away. But what will happen when Emma discovers who Killian really is? Will love prevail? Um, yeah, I’m writing this, so duh – it’s all love all the time. Fic features motorcycles, hot guys in leather cuts, and a bit of action/drama. Will end happily, and despite the first chapter, will be light on angst. Available on FanFiction Here and AO3 Here.

A/N: Hey everyone! Surprise! There’s a new fic I’m here to share with you all, and full disclosure, it is very different than my usual fare. You will be able to tell that from this first chapter, and for some of my readers it might be a bit too much. Not to worry, this is just a prologue of sorts, and next chapter will start in a brighter, more hopeful place (we will flash forward in time). Be advised that there is no graphic violence or anything like that, but the premise of this story involves Emma owing a debt to Gold (a mob boss in New York) that she has to pay. She’s working it off in a bar, but she’s not exactly free to go as she does. That’s a lot angstier of a situation than I ever like to deal with, so it’s temporary, but want to give you all the heads up just so you know. I suspect a lot of you will read this and think it’s not that bad, but I figure it’s best to give everyone the heads up. Anyway, I promise that this story will eventually be just as fluffy and feels-filled as my other stories, and I hope you’ll give it a try, even if you decide to skip this chapter and just join for the next. Also, just to shout out the excellent song that partially inspired this fic, you should all listen to the song ‘Collide’ by Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG. It’s a really beautiful song, and I hope the fic can embody the feel of it as it continues to unfold. Thanks so much for reading, and hope you enjoy!

Maybe I’ll get lucky and everyone will forget I’m back here, Emma thought to herself as she counted up the bottles on the shelves, taking a quick inventory of what they had for the bar out front.

She also needed to keep this count to protect herself. She’d learned a few days into this gig that Gold’s men loved their liquor and they had a tendency to come back here and take it. Instead of letting them do that and then allowing her and her coworkers to take the blame, Emma came up with a system including locks on the door and an electronic documentation of what they had and when. There was no wifi hook up, obviously, as Gold made sure to keep a strict lock on their surroundings, but it did provide an timestamped trail that proved she was taking nothing from this place. Every night she cashed in her tips with Sydney, the bar’s ‘owner’ but really just Gold’s front man and lap dog, and she watched as the debt she owed grew smaller and smaller. In six more months she’d be free of this and she was doing anything and everything she could to shorten that time.

Thinking about her debt made a flare of anger rise in her belly. Truth was this wasn’t even her fucking debt, it was Lily’s, a woman Emma believed to be her friend. They’d met when they were still kids, both of them runaways, and though time had driven them apart, they reconnected when they realized they were both living in New York. Emma had managed to get steady, honest work and was doing her best to claw up from the nothing that she’d started with in life, and she thought Lily was doing the same. Boy had she been wrong.

It turned out that Lily didn’t pay her part of the rent with anything resembling clean money. She’d worked for Gold, and then she fucked him over and ran, leaving Emma none the wiser and thrust into the fallout of a crime she’d never committed. When that moment came Gold gave her two choices: pay off the money he was owed, or suffer a bit before accepting and still paying, but in a less desirable way. Emma chose the former, and she gave everything she had to the man, but it still wasn’t enough. Lily had managed to get off with almost 50k, and while that was chump change to Gold, it was more than double Emma’s savings. Still she’d promised to get him the money, to give him every paycheck she could, save for her rent and food expenses. But it didn’t satisfy the Crocodile, as people were prone to calling him. Gold decreed that she’d work in the bar and that was that. She’d also been ‘moved’ to one of the apartments above the place. But none of her actual belongings ever arrived. All she had was work uniforms and bare essentials. There was no TV, no phone, no nothing. She’d been graced with tattered linens, the most basic of household essentials (as in one plate, one fork, one of everything) and a bunch of dusty books on ranging topics left from tenants past. She also had a chip on her shoulder, created from the unjustness of this whole situation, pushing her to get out of this shit as fast as she could.

“Yo, Emma, you coming back at some point?” A voice asked from the doorway. It was one of her coworkers, a guy named August who she’d never had much to do with. He seemed pretty okay, but then again, he was here working for Gold and he didn’t even seem to have the whole debt-pay off factor going. That was a huge red flag, and one of the reasons Emma never trusted him much. “We got customers.”

“One minute,” she said, and waited until the door swung closed again. Knowing she was along she closed her eyes and took some steadying breaths, gearing up for what would no doubt be a terrible night.

It’s temporary. You just have a few more months. You’ve survived worse. You can survive this too.

When she felt strong enough to put her mask in place and face the raucous debauchery that awaited her outside, Emma squared her shoulders and headed out. Her eyes had to adjust quickly to the dimness of the lighting, and she took in the stronger scents of stale cigar smoke and piss that always clung to this place. No matter how much they cleaned after hours, there was no getting rid of the odor or the grime. This bar was better off burned to the ground and completely built over, but to the men who frequented it, this place was the closest thing they had to home. The Lair, as the neon sign outside advertised, was a total dive, and it was filled to the brim with low-rate mobsters and criminals.

This was one of those places that Hollywood constantly tried ripping off to no avail. In some ways it was completely corny and predictable, and so blatant in its criminal ties that it felt like a joke that everyone was in on. But the embellishments and adornments here were over the top and gaudy, too tacky even for a Las Vegas casino. Gold’s namesake was splashed everywhere, from the countertops to the barstools to the curtains on the back walls. When the finishing got gross and dirty, they’d be replaced, but the style was dated and straight out of the 70s. It was a mobster hideaway with no pretensions, and Emma always thought to herself that the cops should be busting in every night. This was an obvious den of misconduct, but no cops ever came. The reality was that Gold had half the police force in his pocket, and the other half were too scared to cross him for fear of what he’d bring down on them. Gold might be ridiculous and over the top, but he was powerful, and more than that he was smart, so smart Emma knew better than to ever try to run and think she could get away with it.

“Well, well, well. Ain’t you lookin good tonight, sweetheart?”

Emma fought the instinct to roll her eyes at the slurred and shouted words that crossed the bar top over to where she was standing. Two months into her captivity here, and Emma knew better than to let her baser instincts win out. Despite how gross this man was, and how underwhelming he was on any metric of attractiveness, Emma couldn’t cave to her want to blow him off. Doing so was a risk, and if she had any chance of surviving this hell hole, she could not afford to take those.

“What can I get you, Mr. Black?” Emma asked, ignoring the stench of sweat and booze that mingled with the man’s cheap aftershave. She looked at him for only a second before looking down again, knowing her best bet was to try and blend into the background and let these men set their sights on the women who actually wanted to be here.

“I’ll take a night in bed with you, darlin’.” Emma chocked down a gag but flashed an insincere smile as she shook her head.

“You know the rules, Black. I work for Gold in a strictly drink-serving capacity.”

“Damn waste if you ask me, putting talent like you up in the bar.”

A waste? Emma considered it a small miracle. Since the day that Gold’s men had swarmed her apartment with guns drawn, looking for Lily, Emma had been completely at the will of a monster. She knew from the second they apprehended her and brought her back here that she could be destined for anything. People talked about Gold in this city and there was no crime he was too good to partake in. He had brothels all over the place and a stake in the skin trade. He ran drugs and guns, made people disappear and black mailed anyone he could. He had no moral restrictions, and no love greater than the one had for money and control. He owned this city in almost every single way, and if he chose to, he could make her life even worse than it was now. So much worse. It sent a shiver up her spine to even contemplate some of the things she’d heard whispered about. But Gold, as dark and twisted as he was, did have a code, and he’d briefly explained it to her the night she was brought in.

“I’m a man who collects his debts, Miss Swan, but I am also a man who sees a whole story. You had nothing to do with Lily’s betrayal, I know this. You’re collateral damage, a source of collection through no fault of your own. The debt must be payed, but since you yourself have never wronged me, I’ll be good to you. You even think of crossing me, however, and you’ll live to regret it.”

Emma knew the truth when she heard it. Her gut was never wrong. Even with Lily, the problem wasn’t that Emma had missed her true colors, she’d just chosen to ignore the telltale signs of a problem person because she really had no other friends. She hoped that Lily may come around, that she’d get better and really try and make a go of things in an above board way, but with Gold there was no doubt as to the veracity of his threat. If he felt Emma was disloyal, he’d punish her, and if at the end of this there was any doubt that she’d turn on him, she would never be free. She had to be picture perfect in her actions. A pretty, polite prisoner who served their time and then kept silent. She was ready to do that, she just had to stick to her plan and keep her head up in the meantime.

As she made Mr. Black’s drink and got caught into the flow of the bar, serving men their beer and liquor until they all got drunk as hell, Emma counted down the seconds until the night would be over. She gathered her measly tips, and kept them guarded close, and she knew that tonight would be like every other. She was trapped here, in this darkness, destined to be unhappy but determined to survive. When she was free of this she’d go as far away from Gold’s hold as she could. She’d find a cabin somewhere, live a quiet kind of life, and she’d never put herself in this kind of position again. Her lesson had been learned – she could trust no one but herself, and though that was a totally lonely sensation, she had to try and accept it or risk hurting herself all over again down the line.

Suddenly, in the midst of the normal night’s activities, the front door blew open and Emma felt a tingling of anticipation when it did. She hadn’t looked in that direction all night long, never liking the people who would dare to enter here, but her instincts were screaming at her to turn around and look. She had no idea why, but when she obeyed the internal command, she was shocked into stillness, caught up in the sight of the man who’d just walked in.

Tall, dark, and fiercely handsome, this man was sin personified and so much better looking than the other thugs that came here every night. He didn’t look out of place though, aside from his attractiveness. The clothes he wore were made of leather and spoke to some dangerous intent. He made no show to hide the side arms he was carrying, one on his hip and one strapped across his chest, and the scowl on his face made him seem hard and unapproachable. For a moment, Emma had the chance to take him in, and despite the fierceness of his expression, she felt a flutter low in her stomach.

His chiseled jaw with the well-trimmed beard he had was hot, as was the symmetry of his features and the way his broad body clenched and she could see his muscles. But if someone were to ask her what stood out most about this mystery man it was his eyes. They were blue, like the ocean in places she’d only read about. They weren’t icy or cold, but warm somehow and so thoroughly enticing. She felt herself lost in them, and then he looked at her, their gazes connecting, and that sensation grew so much stronger. She felt a kind of pang echo through her ribcage the moment he took her in, and she watched as the hardness of his face shifted ever so slightly. It was a small tell, most people wouldn’t have noticed, but Emma did, and she knew that he felt this too. Whatever the hell this was – the man who’d just arrived was just as captive to it as she was.

“Ah, Captain, you’re here!” One of the regulars said, laughing and flailing about as only truly drunk men did. “Didn’t think we’d ever get you to The Lair. Thought you was too good for us.”

The man they called ‘Captain’ tore his gaze from Emma and moved over to the man who’d called him over. His stride was measured and almost graceful, and Emma couldn’t help but follow him with her eyes. This was so unlike her. She made it her business not to watch anyone too closely. The less she knew about what everyone was really up to the better, but she was intrigued by this newcomer in a way she’d never been before.

“Boss wants to see you, Alvin. Something about the McManus shipment.” Alvin blanched at the comment and swallowed harshly and Emma knew for certain that this man was in trouble with Gold. She didn’t have much sympathy for Alvin, and in fact most of her intention was focused on this stranger, who had the touch of an accent she couldn’t quite place. His voice was silky and low, tantalizing in a way, and she wanted to hear more of it. “Perhaps you’d like a drink for the road. Not sure when you’ll have the chance for another.”

“Bring them this,” Sydney said, materializing from nowhere next to Emma. She jumped at the unexpected intrusion into her thoughts, and looked at the two glasses.

“Is this rum?” she asked dumbly and Sydney nodded.

“The best. Captain likes the good stuff.”

“Right,” Emma said, moving over with the tray to the table where both men sat. When she got there, she was struck speechless again. Being so close to this man only added to the allure. He was even more interesting close up, and she lost her head a little bit at the sight of him, but tried to pull herself together as best he could. “Your drinks, gentlemen.”

Alvin took the drink and downed in, but the stranger took his time, glancing at her over the glass and nodding. He didn’t smile, but his eyes conveyed a warmth he’d shared with no one else here. “Thank you, love.”

Knowing she couldn’t linger, Emma moved back to the other tables, continuing her work, but when she noticed Alvin and the mysterious man standing up to go a few minutes later, she felt a dash of disappointment. He was leaving, and she didn’t even know his name.

Okay, seriously? What the hell Emma? He’s one of them. He works for Gold. You don’t care about him. You can’t care.

The voice in her head scolded her for her fanciful thinking and this completely mistimed attraction. It was so foolish to think of him as anything but a threat, but her heart lurched at the thought. She was overcome with these weird feelings. Being so drawn to a man so quickly had never been her style. Certainly not now when she was in survival mode. But as she turned around to fill a tray with empty glasses on one of the far tables, she felt a presence behind her. She whipped around too quickly, only to run into him, and if it hadn’t been for his steadying hands, one on her arm and the other on her tray, the glasses would have shattered.

“You all right, love?”

“Um,” she licked her lips as her eyes darted up to and she nodded once. “Yes. I’m fine.”

“Good. Just wanted to give you this,” he said, handing her a tip. It was generous. Like a couple hundred-dollar bills generous. It was way more than their drinks had been and way way more than she could ever accept. It felt wrong, but there was a part of her that was desperate to keep it. This would put her that much closer to freedom. It was almost a week she wouldn’t have to work. Still she pushed it back at him.

“I can’t. It’s too much.”

“It’s hardly enough,” he replied ardently and her brow furrowed as she looked at his face, the earnestness on it clear as day to her. “I know these men, love. There’s no way they give you what you’ve earned. Not tonight, not ever. So please, take it.”

“Okay,” she agreed after a moment’s hesitation, feeling gratified by the fact that she had earned this, even if he wasn’t the one who should have to pay. “Thanks…”

“Killian,” he filled in before she could decide to use the nickname that Alvin had called him by.

“Killian,” she repeated, tasting the name on her tongue and loving the way it felt as it passed through her lips. “I’m Emma, by the way.”

“Emma,” he replied with a grin that was there and gone so quickly she would have missed it as she blinked. As it was, she knew she saw it, and that look was even more breathtaking than the rest of him. No one had a right to be that sexy. No one. “Well, until next time, Emma.”

With that, he turned and walked away, cold and composed once more as he led Alvin out of the bar and headed off into the night. And though Emma knew very little about him, she had a feeling she’d just met someone very important. Through the mist of all the new emotions and excitement, she sensed, deep down, that this man – Killian – mattered, and that somehow, someway, their fates were intertwined, destined to lead them back to each other in one way or another.

Post-Note: So there we have it! This is a short glimpse into the fic, kind of like a prologue if you will. Next chapter will flash forward a bit, because this honestly was angsty enough for me to write. I do not want to dwell in the bad circumstances Emma finds herself in, and instead want to get us to a fluffier, if still a bit wilder place than I am used to. As the description says this will be an MC (motorcycle club) romance, and we’ll reveal how that will come to pass in the next few chapters. In the meantime, I would love to hear what you all think! This is a break away from my usual fare, and pretty much the opposite of the other fic I am currently writing, but I have wanted to write a story like this for a really long time. I’m eager to share the rest of this fic with you all, and hope you will join me on this fun new journey. Anyway, thanks for reading and hope you have a great rest of your day!

#captain swan #captain swan fic #captain swan au #cs fic #cs ff #cs fluff #cs angst #cs au #cs mc au #cs motorcycle club au #emma swan #killian jones #gold is a bad guy #the whole storybrooke gang #ouat au #when we collide #when we collide au

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rhinoswriting · 4 years

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A Life On The Road - Part 1 (A Luke Hemmings FanFic)

Overview: Elizabeth and Calum have been best friends since they were 15/14 respectively. Elizabeth is from and lives in the UK, but her family lived in Sydney for a brief 2 year period which is how the two met.

With Calum’s band, 5SOS, embarking on their biggest and most ambitious world tour to date, he has invited Elizabeth along to work as a photographer/content creator for their social media. This is in the hopes that travelling with them and getting to explore so many new cities will help Elizabeth achieve her dream of becoming a full-time travel writer.

Elizabeth is acquainted with the rest of 5SOS but doesn’t know them tremendously well. Obviously that changes as they are all forced to be in one another’s company for the duration of the tour. As the tour progresses and new friendships blossom, Elizabeth feels the connection between her and Luke grow more and more.

A/N: This chapter is a lot of story set-up and introduces you to the protagonist.

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

I lent my upper back against one of the work kitchen walls and peered out of the window beside me. Any other day, the grey curtain of drizzle would have perfectly matched my work mood. But today was not a normal work day for me. Today was my last day in this hell hole. I was finally getting out of here to pursue my dream of becoming a travel writer. I hugged my mug of coffee closer, content in the knowledge that nothing was going to step on my good mood today.

“I cannot believe you are leaving me with these people.” Drew complained as he walked over and lent some of his weight onto my shoulder while cradling his own steaming mug.

“I am sorry that I’ll be leaving you here. I truly am.” I told him, and I meant it, “But you know as well as I do how much this place can drag a person’s mental health down. So when a best friend offers to let you piggyback off their career to help launch you own, you take it and make the sacrifice of abandoning your work husband.”

“I hate that you have a famous best friend.”

“Don’t be a bitter bitch,” I laughed nudging him in the side with my elbow.

Drew and I chatted for a minute or two more before making our way back to our desks at opposite ends of the office. When I got to mine I noticed that someone (probably my manager or Josie, the company busy body) had taken my second coffee break of the morning as an opportunity to place an envelope and small gift bag by my keyboard. As I placed my coffee down I noticed that the people on my bank of desks had swivelled their chairs, and thus their attention, in my direction. I also heard the tell-tale sound of high heels on cheap carpet tiles that indicated Josie was making her way over.

“Elizabeth,” Josie cooed in her usual fake friendliness, “I can’t believe it’s your last day here already! We did a small collection for you in order to say goodbye and give you something to remember us by. It’s been such a great three years and eight months working with you. We’re all sad to see you go.”

“Thanks, Josie. I certainly will miss how precise you are with details.” I said trying not to make my sarcasm too obvious.

I rummaged in the tissue paper hoping to bring this moment in the spotlight to an end as soon as possible. First I pulled out a small, sleek rectangle. Through the plastic window of the box I spied a matte black fountain pen -it was a genuinely lovely pen which surprised me. Next I pulled out a small bottle of Kraken rum -my go to with Coke on work nights out- which was followed by a second, identical bottle. The fourth and final leaving gift was a new 10 shot pack of film for my Instax Mini camera.

“Thanks guys...” I awkwardly addressed the room, “These are all really thoughtful and nice. I love the pen. Uhh, yeah, thanks again. Stay cool and all that cliche stuff.”

I promptly sat down and unlocked my PC to indicate that the show was over and I should now be left the fuck alone.

The company’s internal IM program was flashing at me in orange, indicating I had an unread message.

[Drew Clarke - 10:47 am] I am so sorry they are putting you through this. You look so awkward. I can see you blushing from here. It is hilarious though :’D I made such a big deal about the stupid pen they wanted to get you having to be matte black Also my leaving gift to you is that I have done everything in my power to ensure Josie knows nothing about your leaving drinks tonight

I responded with a simple gif of some character I didn’t know mouthing ‘thank you’ to acknowledge his last message and then went back to work trying to complete as much of my remaining work as possible.

The rest of the day dragged on as it would any other day of the week. The only difference was that I had the occasional desk visit from a colleague to wish me luck or let me know they’d be at the leaving drinks Drew had arranged for me that evening.

And then Drew was at my desk before the clock had even hit 5 pm,

“Start packing your shit up then. We’ve got a bar to get to.”

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

My leaving drinks were actually surprisingly fun. Which was as much of a good thing as it was a bad thing.

It was good because who doesn’t love people buying them either shots or rum and cokes? Plus Drew and I had had a beautiful drunken moment where we gushed over how much we treasured each other’s friendship and would definitely, definitely stay in touch always, and who doesn’t love those moments?

It was bad because I got in at 3:30 am, set an alarm for 6 am and left my house for the train station at 7 am with a hangover headache already brewing.

My morning then got worse when I remembered I had to change trains at Sheffield. Non-direct train journeys are enough of a pain without a hangover, rucksack, camera bag and 2-wheeled large carry-on suitcase to slow you down.

When I finally, and ungracefully, settled myself on the platform at Sheffield I glanced around to locate where I could get myself a coffee and some form of breakfast. I had a 50 minute wait until my next train so there was plenty of time to try and nurse my hangover with coffee and carbs before getting crammed into another train and eventually reuniting with Cal in Edinburgh.

I spotted a place on the next platform over with indoor seating and made my way to it. Once inside the warmth of the glass rectangle I grabbed a twin pack of almond biscuits from the counter display and ordered a large cappuccino as well as a breakfast bagel. I then went and dumped all my luggage (promptly followed by myself) down at the nearest table and waited for my name to be called over the mellow jazz music.

Once I had returned to my table with my breakfast order, I opened my phone to check my messages and view the photographic damage from the night before. As I sipped my coffee I opened my photos app and was pleased when nothing embarrassing immediately jumped out at me from the 50+ square icons of photos and boomerangs that I had very little memory of taking. Most of the photos were blurry and every single boomerang was a fail, so I deleted them to save storage space on my phone. There was a super cute selfie of Drew and I, with his fiance, Adam, photo-bombing us in the background. It made me smile so much that I set it as the lock screen on my phone.

Next I moved on to my messages. There we unread messages awaiting me from Drew, Cal, my mum and weirdly my now ex-manager.

Manager Si: Didd u mange t geet home ok?/?. Gd luk w everythin

Work Hubby: I miss you already. Hope you got home safe! Text me by midday so I know you’re still alive x

Mum: Good luck on this big new adventure of yours! Do not forget to call us when time zones allow. Your Dad and I will always b here to support you and cannot wait to see you succeed. Say hi to Calum for us. Mum & Dad Xx

Cal: Hey, hey! So stoked to see you later and have you come oN FREAKING TOUR WITH ME!!! See ya in Edinburgh! X

I responded first to my mum, because I was raised right. I flat out ignored my old manager’s drunk text. I assured Drew that I was still alive because if I was dead it wouldn’t feel like there was a gremlin hammering away inside my skull. I followed that up with a screenshot of my new lock screen. Finally, I replied to Calum:

Morning :) Feeling rough after my leaving drinks last night. Have I already begun my new rock n’ roll lifestyle?! So fucking excited to see you again!! You are not prepared for the hug you’re gonna get! X

With everyone replied to (or ignored in Si’s case) I put my phone face down on the table and tucked into my breakfast bagel. Then as I still had 20 minutes to kill I thought what better place to slap some make-up on than the middle of a train station coffee shop?

Looking and feeling more human, I made my way from the coffee shop to platform 4 as they announced my train was about to arrive.

I hopped on carriage L, placed my luggage in the overhead rack and settled into my seat for the next 3+ hours. I quickly shot a text to my parents and Cal, letting them know I was on my last train. Then I pulled my noise cancelling headphones on, opened up a relaxing Spotify playlist and promptly fell asleep.

#luke hemmings fanfiction #luke hemmings fanfic #5sos fanfic #5sos fanfiction #luke hemmings

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ahycom · 4 years

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4 Essential Things You Need To Know Before Buying Roller Blinds

When revamping a house, one among the main things which individuals often forget to get is proper window treatments. Does one know why they create this mistake? It's because they feel window treatments don't play any vital role. But, that's completely their misconception. It makes sure that your home's interior look ravishing, it helps you maintain privacy and block unwanted light from entering the space. Plus, a number of the blinds even assist you to maintain the temperature of the rooms. So, you'll pretty much understand they're quite functional and appealing, and you want to purchase it as soon as possible or a minimum of before you shift.

Now, the subsequent thing that's getting to strike you is that, which sort of window treatments to get. Well generally, there are four basic sorts of window covers or treatments that you simply will find within the market. Thinking what are they? Here's an inventory.

·Curtains

·Blinds

·Shutter

·Draperies

Among these four sorts of window treatments, the foremost commonly used are curtains and draperies. But, if you inquire from me, I might always suggest you to get blinds, especially the Roller Blinds Diamond Creek, as they're any day better than another casement cover because they allow you to control the sunshine penetration better, they're easy to take care of and clean, durable and are available during a sort of materials, colors, patterns and etc.

But, before buy roller blinds in sydney, there are cert roller blind in belongings you need to do. Haven’t any idea about what to do? Don't worry; here's an inventory of belongings you got to do prior purchasing blinds.

·Choose an honest store: Since you're getting to purchase blinds for your new home, it's essential for you to settle on a reputed home decor store. The way to find such a store? It's simple; either take referrals from your close ones or just browse the web in search of blind shops in your city/suburb.

·Take the measurement: Before you visit a store to get casement screens, confirm you're taking the measurement of the windows. Generally, it isn't really difficult to seek out window blinds consistent with window size. However, if your home's windows are exceptional, or don't fall into standard window size, confirm you ask them to customize it. Lately, there are many companies that make customize blinds, so you'll easily find one.

·Ask about durability: one among the main things that you simply got to ask the cheap roller blinds inner west Sydney seller is that, whether it's durable or not. Asking about the sturdiness is important, in order that you do not need to replace them within a month or two.

·Check the installation kit: Another essential thing that you simply must check before buying these sorts of blinds is that the entire kit that comes with it. A roller blind's kit usually contains a sequence control, a female and male bracket, some springs, screws, and a pulley. However, the contents of the kit may vary. So, best undergo the things written above the box and check accordingly.

This is all you would like to try to prior purchasing roller blinds. So now, you'll easily purchase the right blinds for your new apartment.

For more info:- blinds factory inner west sydney

window blinds quotes sydney

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sheercurtainsau · 2 years

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Ready Made Curtains and Blinds

If you're looking to buy ready made curtains Sydney, there are many factors that you need to consider. For example, you'll need to decide on the type of header you want for your curtains. Each style of header requires a different type of curtain rod. You'll also need to take into account the amount of sunlight you want to block.

Spotlight

Ready Made Curtains and Blinds can transform the look of any home. At Spotlight, you can shop for quality ready made curtains and blinds at a low price. Spotlight is an Australian owned, independent retailer. They carry thousands of quality products from well-known brands. They offer many services including online ordering.

The curtains at Spotlight come in many styles and designs. They can be made from sheer or blockout fabrics, allowing for varying degrees of light filtering. They are also available in a variety of colours and patterns.

Marlow and Finch

Marlow and Finch is a company that provides premium curtains for Sydney homes. It is a family-run business that specializes in innovative window furnishings. The company's range of fabrics and designs is sure to satisfy any taste. The company also offers custom-made blinds and shutters.

Choosing ready-made curtains is an excellent choice for those with a limited time to select the perfect curtains. You can have them ready within a few hours. In addition, ready-made curtains are a good option for last-minute curtains or if you have guests visiting your home.

Piega

When buying window furnishings for your home, it's not always easy to choose the best option. Not only do you need to find a product that suits your aesthetic requirements, you also need to make sure that you don't cut corners on quality. That's why it's crucial to take your time in choosing the right product.

There are many reasons to choose curtains over other window coverings, including practicality. For instance, they can save you money on energy bills. During the winter, curtains can be made from thicker material, keeping heat in and softer sunlight out. This can dramatically reduce your energy bills.

Piega Offers Indoor/Outdoor Curtains

Piega offers a variety of indoor/outdoor curtains in Sydney. These fabrics are made to reduce the heat and glare from the sun while still looking stylish and elegant. They also come with grommets for easy hanging and can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Quickfit

QuickFit Ready Made Curtains are easy to hang and come in a huge range of colours and patterns. They are available in blockout and sheer fabrics. You can choose between different head designs and different types of pleats. They can also be hung with hooks from a curtain rod.

You can also choose from a huge selection of decorator panels. These add an attractive touch to any room. Decorator curtains are also available in different colours, which can complement your design theme. They are also available in blockout fabrics to keep out the sun and encourage regular sleep.

Sheer Curtains provides quality home improvement solutions for your indoor living areas. We provide exceptional customer service and unbeatable prices on all our products. Call now, and let us help you transform your home or business into a stylish living area.

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focusplantationshuttersandblinds · 2 years

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Blinds and Screens Reviews

Is it possible to find a trustworthy, reliable and 5 star Blinds and Screens company in Sydney? Well, yes, and this article is going to help you do just that. We'll cover quality, price, and service in this review. Keep reading to learn more. Here are some of the most important points to remember when selecting a Blinds and Screens company in Sydney. Read on to find out why.

Review

If you are looking for the best blinds and screens for your windows, you can find the right company here. Sydney blinds and screens are rated as 5 stars by various customers. They have a wide range of options and can adapt to any interior. To find them, visit their showroom at 26 Stoddart Rd, Prospect, NSW 2148, or use their driving directions. You can also visit the Oneflare cost guide centre.

Price

Sydney Blinds & Screens is one of Australia's largest suppliers and manufacturers of window treatments. They manufacture a wide range of blinds, screens, awnings, security products, and other home furnishing items. The products and services offered by the company are unmatched in quality and range. Customers are assured of the fastest and most efficient service and best price. Customers are also assured of prompt delivery and free measuring services.

In addition to custom-made window furnishings, Sculli Blinds & Screens is also a major distributor of high-quality window treatments and accessories. From traditional blinds to ultra-modern and stylish curtains, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for. Their comprehensive range of window treatments and security products is designed to suit every style and budget. Customers can choose from a variety of fabrics, colours, and designs to complement their interior decor and furniture.

Quality

If you are looking for quality blinds and screens in Sydney, then you've come to the right place. With Graham's blinds and screens, you can choose from a variety of styles and materials to match your home's style and taste. From blockout shades to light-filtering blinds, this Sydney-based company offers a variety of options to meet your needs and budget. Here, you can find everything you need for your windows, including quality blinds and screens.

Service

The Service of Sydney Blinds and Screens is one of the leading retailers and manufacturers of blinds, screens, awnings, and security products. They have an extensive selection of materials and styles, allowing you to find the perfect blind or screen for your home. These products are both decorative and functional, and offer great privacy. You can also choose the style and material that best matches the style of your room or house.

Sydney blinds and screens have many different designs and styles to fit any decor. You can choose from vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, or cellular blinds. Whatever style you choose, you'll find the right one for your home. From classic to modern, blinds and screens are an excellent choice for any room. They provide protection from sunrays while still adding style to your room. Whether you're buying blinds for privacy for energy efficiency, the Service of Sydney Blinds and Screens is here to help.

Focus Plantation Shutters & Blinds, your number one source for your window treatment solutions. We’re dedicated to providing you the very best available, with an emphasis on quality, service & price. We are a family run business, the buck starts & stops here.

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cheapcleaningsydney · 1 year

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Hire Curtain Cleaning Services in Sydney to Ensure Their Longevity

Curtains hanging in doorways and windows capture all kinds of dirt and dust particles over the years. Each time you leave your door or window open for sunlight or breeze and partially slide the curtain, the fabric collects all kinds of contaminants that are suspended inside your house or entering from outside. If you want your curtains to retain their lustre for years to come, hire Cheap Cleaning Sydney for curtain cleaning services. For more information, visit our website: https://www.cheapcleaningsydney.com.au/curtain-cleaning-sydney/.

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artificialqueens · 5 years

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Undone, Chapter 13 (Bitney/Courtney x Fame) - Stephanie/Veronica

A/N: Welcome to Chapter 13 of UNDONE, our slow burn Bitney lesbian AU. Here’s a link to the previous chapters.

Summary: Bianca makes Courtney an epic gown for Halloween, then finally joins her for Sunday Funday at The Abbey, where things get a little too real…(And Miss Fame has a bonus cameo.)

Thank you so much to our lovely beta readers: @kitschypixel , @sheofthethrone , @jillybean2314 <3

TW: This story deals with themes of emotional abuse, and since that can be subtle, we’re going to keep a general TW on all of the chapters, even when it seems like it doesn’t apply.

***

It’s probably not the best idea for Bianca to make Courtney’s Halloween costume - not with the mountains of work she has on her plate for the show. Because of course, she can’t bring herself to slap together something cheap and passable. She has to obsess over the design, worry about every detail, agonize over the fit, torture herself to make sure the finishing touches are all perfect.

The direction had been both very vague and very detailed, in typical Courtney fashion. ‘Sasha came up with the theme this year, and all she said was “inspired by your hometown.” And like, Brisbane is not inspiring so I was thinking something Sydney-ish? Maybe use the Opera House design? It doesn’t have to be literal though. Have fun with it! My other plan was just gonna be to dress as a koala so honestly, whatever you do...’

And when she pulls the gown out of the garment bag, seeing the delighted look on Courtney’s face makes it all worth it. She helps her try it on, relieved to see that it fits like a glove. She’d used the Opera House architecture as a structural element on the black corset top and headpiece.

“Well? What do you think?” Bianca steps back, turning Courtney towards the mirror so that she can see the full costume.

Courtney looks in the mirror, mouth agape, and Bianca feels a surge of pride.

“This is like...I can’t believe I’m gonna waste it on Halloween. I want to wear it to the Met Ball.”

“Are you going to the Met Ball?!” Bianca gasps, and Courtney giggles, shaking her head.

“No, of course not.”

Bianca lets out a disappointed sigh.

“In what world am I famous enough to attend the Met Ball?” Courtney laughs.

“I dunno...you know people.”

“Yeah, maybe in another life,” Courtney says. “But a Halloween party at Rasputin will have to do for now.”

Bianca places the headpiece carefully into a box and then walks over to help her out of the gown.

“You sure you don’t wanna come?” Courtney asks.

“It’s not that I don’t want to. I just can’t do a party in the middle of the week right now,” Bianca says.

“Alright, well, everyone will be bummed. They keep asking when you’re gonna hang out again.”

“Next time,” Bianca says.

“You always say that,” Courtney replies with a slight chuckle.

Bianca zips the dress into the garment bag as Courtney pulls on her shirt. She takes a deep breath, her to do list weighing heavily on her mind.

“And I always mean it...cunt,” she deadpans.

Her snarkiness is met with a gleeful giggle, Courtney lunging forward and capturing her into a hug. She smiles, gazing up at Bianca with an expression that makes her want to claw the curtains down. Bianca clears her throat and steps away.

“So...yeah, I hope the dress is what you wanted.”

“Are you kidding? I’m gonna blow everyone away. Adore is going as a pregnant chola and Shea’s planning to wear a hot dog on her head or something. I think Pearl’s just planning to wear her sluttiest bathing suit? There’s no prize, but I’m gonna win anyway.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Courtney stands for a moment, wanting to linger but knowing better.

“I guess I should get out of your hair now, huh?” Courtney asks, cradling the garment bag like a baby

“Yeah, I have a ton of sewing to do. For like, my actual job.” A guilty look flashes across Courtney’s face, and Bianca quickly adds. “Not that I minded taking a break from all that. It was, uh, fun to have creative license.” She follows Courtney to the door, trying to stop the dogs from jumping all over her.

“Okay, well...thank you, again. It’s so beautiful. You’re the best.”

“Yeah, I fucking know that,” Bianca retorts with a smirk, leaning against the door frame. “Now get outta here.”

Courtney giggles and tosses an air kiss over her shoulder, and Bianca’s cheeks hurt from smiling as she closes the door, when a moment of mild panic flashes through her. “A ton of sewing” had perhaps been an understatement. She heads back inside, realizing that she’s about to have a hell-ride of a weekend playing catch-up.

She works for the rest of the day, only getting up from her work table to brew more coffee, ignoring the ache in her back, the way her vision occasionally starts to blur. She barely even notices the sun going down as she hunches over the sewing machine, having finished almost a full rack of alterations for next week’s shoot. She glances longingly at a bolt of velvet meant for one of the finale costumes she’s designing, promising herself for a break to start draping as soon as she’s done with Linda’s pants.

Jared pushes open the door, saying, “Hey stranger…”

“Hi, when did you get home?” Bianca barely looks up, not wanting to fuck up the seam.

Jared rolls his eyes. “Like three hours ago?”

“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”

“Yeah, I see that. It’s almost nine, aren’t you hungry?” Jared asks.

“God, yes,” Bianca sighs.

“So, then maybe you should take a break…”

Bianca takes her foot off the pedal and looks up gratefully.

“...and make us some dinner?” Jared smirks.

Bianca scoffs and goes back to her seam, muttering, “Ha ha, fuck you.”

Jared’s smug expression goes sour as he spits out, “That was a joke!” and slams the door behind him.

Bianca sighs, looking up at the ceiling for a moment before getting up to chase after him.

“Jared, wait…”

She finds him in the kitchen, opening drawers and then slamming them shut, looking for something he can’t seem to find.

“I’m sorry.”

“Where the fuck is the corkscrew?” he demands.

Bianca walks forward to retrieve it and hands it to him, trying to get him to look at her.

“I’m sorry, please. I know you were kidding but I’m just...I’m just stressed.”

“Whatever.” He opens a bottle of wine and starts to pour a glass, now looking more wounded than angry.

Bianca leans against the counter, asking softly, “You gonna pour some for me, too?”

He takes out a second glass and pours, looking at her with those hurt puppy eyes. When she reaches for the glass, he grabs her wrist and pulls her forward, burying his face in her hair.

“I just...I don’t understand,” he says. “You took all that time to make the costume for your friend, and now you’re mad at me because you’re stressed, and it’s not fucking fair.”

“You’re right.”

“I fucking miss you when it gets like this, and you know that, and so-”

“I know, I know,” Bianca wraps her arms around him. “I’m sorry. Let’s order some dinner.” She feels his body start to relax against hers and closes her eyes in relief.

***

With less than a week left in the season, Bianca has never felt more exhausted in her life. She’s been working over 18 hours a day to finish the costumes for the finale episode, and keep up with her normal workload. More, if she counts all the hours she’s put in at home.

She thought that today, at least, would bring a tiny bit of relief, and end to this seemingly endless election, one less thing to stress about. Instead, she’s in some kind of surreal dystopia - how the fuck could that man be president? It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so fucking awful. She goes through her usual morning tasks, trying to gain some tiny semblance of normalcy. Hoping that the mundane, familiar checklist will soothe her frayed nerves.

The door bangs open, startling her out of her thoughts. Courtney stands at the top of the stairs, hair in a messy bun, eyes red. She looks like she’s been crying all night.

“Hey,” Bianca says, wishing there was something she could say to make it better.

Courtney nods, dropping her bag on the ground and walking towards Bianca, looking so small and lost that Bianca can’t help but wrap her into a hug. Courtney holds on tight and begins to cry, face buried in Bianca’s neck.

“I know,” Bianca whispers, her own eyes feeling misty.

“How did this happen?” Courtney sobs.

“I don’t know…” Bianca rocks her, trying not to think about how soft her hair feels against her cheek. How warm her breath is. Using a national tragedy as an excuse for affection...that’s a new low for her. She feels gross, and begins to loosen her grip.

Courtney pulls away, sniffling.

“Fuck.”

“Yep.”

She rubs her eyes, taking a shaky breath.

“I have to go to hair.”

“Right.” Bianca touches her cheek softly, brushing away a tear, unable to stop from letting her fingers linger just a split second too long. “See you in a bit.”

“Yeah. Okay...Alright, I’m going.”

***

The wrap party was a welcome, much needed night for everyone to blow off some steam. But it’s possible that the combination of exhaustion and alcohol was not the best idea, because Bianca awakens on Saturday to one of the worst hangovers of her life, head pounding, stomach in turmoil.

She rolls over, wondering if she has the strength to get up and walk to the bathroom or if she should just vomit into the trash can by her bed. She notices that Jared’s left her some water and Alka-seltzer and feels a wave of gratitude along with her nausea.

It’s two hours later when she manages to sit up all the way, checking her phone, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth when she sees the messages from Courtney.

COURTNEY: Happyyyyy Hiaaaaatus…

COURTNEY: (You’re alive, right?)

COURTNEY: (Please be alive)

BIANCA: Ughhhhhhh

BIANCA: What the fuck happened last night?

COURTNEY: Um, I think you were like, a TINY little bit blackout :)

BIANCA: You don’t say

BIANCA: Omg I’m never drinking again.

COURTNEY: Bummer. Cause I was gonna invite you to Sunday Funday at the Abbey tomorrow.

BIANCA: Sure

COURTNEY: REALLY??????

BIANCA: I promised you I’d come next time!

COURTNEY: I thought you were lying!!!

BIANCA: No, I was just slammed during the season. We’re on hiatus. Bring on the mimosas

COURTNEY: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

***

“B!” Courtney jumps up from her seat, racing over to the entrance to greet Bianca. Her eyes sweep over Bianca’s body, clad in a form-fitting sweater dress and tall boots, and she bites her lip, pulling her in for a tight hug.

“Hey,” Bianca says, a shiver running through her as Courtney takes her hand, leading her to their table.

“I honestly can’t believe you’re here,” she says, squeezing her fingers.

“I keep my promises,” Bianca replies, stomach doing a little somersault when Courtney tosses her a little smile.

When they’re almost at the table, Courtney leans in and murmurs, “I invited this cute couple I know so that you wouldn’t be the only straight person.”

“I’ve been to a gay bar before, Court,” says Bianca, rolling her eyes slightly.

“Ben! Jinkx! This is Bianca!”

“So now that your friend is here, are you gonna stop trying to steal my girlfriend?” Ben asks.

“Maybe,” Courtney says coyly, with a flutter of lashes.

“Hi, Bianca, nice to see you again.” Shea leans over to give her a hug.

“Yeah, you too. So what are we drinking?”

“Rum and fruit!” Sasha offers a sip of her mango mojito.

As they settle into their seats, Courtney fills Bianca in on their previous conversation, which was a dramatic retelling of the night that Ben and Jinkx met for the first time.

Courtney claims that she orchestrated the whole thing, “Giving Ben the benefit of my stellar game.”

Jinkx scoffs, chuckling. “Uh, sorry to break it to you, hon, but your game is as bad as his.”

“What?!” Courtney gasps.

“I could see them plotting from 3 tables away,” Jinkx explains.

“So, wait, why did you take me home?” Ben asks.

Jinkx casts a sideways look at him, head tilted, and shrugs. “You have a cute butt.”

“Hey, I’ll have you know that I have major game, okay? I was totally just fucking around,” Courtney insists.

“You have no game,” says Jinkx.

“I do so!”

“No. You don’t. You just have...all that.” Jinkx waves her hand around Courtney’s general vicinity.

“Charisma?” Courtney guesses with a flutter of lashes.

“No, sweetie. You’re hot. That’s your game. Being hot.”

“I am somehow...both deeply offend and totally flattered...” Courtney says, then looks over at Bianca, laughing into her drink. “Excuse me, what are you laughing at, ma’am?”

“I mean...she’s not wrong,” Bianca giggles.

“Oh, what do you know. I have game, alright? Maybe it just only works on lesbians.”

“Uh huh. That must be it,” Bianca deadpans.

“Hey losers,” pipes up a low voice, and Shea laughs.

“Hey Pearlie! Come sit. Thanks for joining...over an hour late.”

“It’s fucking Sunday, calm down,” Pearl says, settling into the booth. She nods hello to Jinkx and Ben, then does a double-take at Bianca. “Heyyy.”

“Back off, Pearl. She’s married,” Courtney says.

“When’s that ever stopped me?” Pearl asks, still leering at Bianca.

“And straight!”

“I repeat, when has that ever...Hiii, I’m Pearl, by the way.”

“Bianca.” Bianca lets Pearl take her hand, pretending not to notice Courtney’s clear irritation beside her. A tiny thrill ripples through her and she tosses her hair, flashing her dimples at the sleepy-eyed blonde. She doesn’t actually care about Pearl, but after months of seething silently while Courtney flirts with everyone around them, it’s a little fun to give her a taste of her own medicine.

The server appears just then with a tray of drinks, and Courtney sighs, immediately ordering another round before taking a sip.

“I thought you were a lightweight,” Bianca says.

“Yeah, well...Sunday Funday,” Courtney answers, toasting her with a flutter of lashes.

The drinks take effect quickly. By the time they finish their food, Courtney’s flirting even more impetuously than usual. Bianca can’t help but encourage her, dimples deepening at every teasing comment, biting her lip at every light touch.

Eventually, they all head to the dance floor, and though dancing is not high on Bianca’s list of preferred activities, she’s not prepared to turn down more opportunities to brush against Courtney in the crowd. Courtney barely breaks eye contact with her, even while being constantly interrupted by people who seem to know her - a bombshell redhead with gorgeous tattoos, a beautiful girl with legs for days that Bianca thinks she recognizes from the Rockwell, a go-go dancer on a pole trying valiantly to get her attention.

As they head up the steps for their next round, Courtney waves back to a woman on the opposite side of the bar, and Bianca shakes her head.

“How do you know everyone here?” Bianca wonders.

“‘Cause she’s a slut,” Shea offers, earning a light punch on the shoulder from her girlfriend.

“That is not how I would put it,” Sasha says, but Courtney shrugs.

“Eh, it’s fine. If the shoe fits…”

“Attagirl!” Shea laughs, sliding shots over to both of them.

Courtney raises her glass and Bianca follows.

“What are we toasting?”

“Ummm…” Courtney holds her gaze, head tilted, lips parted. “To keeping our promises.”

“Cheers,” Bianca answers simply, allowing Courtney to pull her back down the steps.

The dance floor slowly becomes more crowded, space between them shrinking to make room for more bodies. Temperature creeping up. Bianca’s cheeks burn as someone passes behind her, pressing her against Courtney, who gives her a slow, sexy grin.

Bianca swallows, the fluttery feeling in her belly being overtaken by a burning ache as Courtney’s hands brush against her hips. For a moment, it’s like she’s having an out of body experience, watching herself, alcohol buzzing through her veins, balance slightly off, leaning forward. She imagines what it would be like to close the short distance between them, to feel Courtney’s lips on hers, to press her against the DJ booth and tangle her hands in that soft blonde hair.

Courtney’s teasing smile fades for a second, looking at Bianca with so much intensity, so much expectation, that it causes Bianca’s heart to pound. Bianca inches closer still, feeling compelled by forces beyond her control.

And then it’s all over. Bianca’s eyes widen in alarm, realizing what she was about to do, booze-addled mind getting crystal clear for a second as she takes a step backwards.

“B…” Courtney begins, guilt rushing in, engulfing her like a tsunami.

Bianca merely shakes her head, stammering out a rushed apology, and bolts from the dance floor, swallowed up by the crowd so quickly that Courtney can’t possibly follow. Once outside, she leans against a concrete pillar, breathing heavily in the chilly evening air, self-loathing pushing all other thoughts out of the way - including the awful nagging feeling that makes her wish that she’d acted upon her desires.

Back on the dance floor, Courtney gulps, that hollow ache in her chest making her wince. Why does she always push things too far? Why can’t she just accept reality as it is, instead of trying to bend it to her selfish will?

She slinks onto the patio, spotting Fame at a cocktail table. Courtney grabs two half-empty glasses from a table beside her and sucks them down quickly.

“Classy,” Fame comments, chuckling.

“Don’t judge me,” Courtney snaps, finding anger easier to express than the turmoil and guilt swirling in her chest.

“I’m not.” Fame holds up her hands.

“I’m sorry,” Courtney sighs, deflating as fast as a popped balloon, head on her arms. “It’s been...a weird day.”

“Hmm. Where’s your friend?”

“What friend?” Courtney tries to feign innocence, eyes wide.

Smirking now, Fame takes a sip of her own cocktail and signals to the waiter.

“Hi,” she coos. “Two more double tequilas, please.”

“I don’t know if that’s-” Courtney begins to protest, but stops talking as Fame slides her own drink across the table.

“Come on, baby. Let’s turn the night around.”

Forty minutes later, Courtney finds herself so drunk that she can barely stand, cheeks stained with tears from weepy self-pity, crammed into a stall in the ladies’ room as Fame’s fingers slide into her panties.

All she wants is to feel something, something other than this endless cycle of hope and rejection and guilt. She wants, she needs, to feel something good, even if it’s bullshit - even just for a second.

“Ugh, I can’t believe we’re doing this in here. It’s so trashy,” she moans, arching into Fame’s fingers, digging her nails into her shoulder.

“I know, we’re the worst,” Fame says, biting her neck. One hand braces her hip against the wall as she fucks her, sucking a row of angry marks along her collarbone.

Courtney comes hard and quick, so much tension leaving her body that she nearly slides to the floor. Fame catches her, laughing.

“Feel better?”

“Um...” Courtney pants, leaning on her shoulder for support, ignoring the ‘no’ echoing in her head, the self-loathing that never left, that may actually be worse now that it was before, and says, “Yeah. Thanks.”

***

Avoiding Courtney has been easier than Bianca thought it would be.

First of all, there were the holidays. Thanksgiving with her family in New Orleans, where things got fairly dicey when she got hammered on red wine and spent hours stalking Courtney on social media. Jared was clueless as usual, but her sisters? Not so much. Vanessa goaded her into spilling way too much, and in the morning, that sick, sick feeling was back. So she did what she always did. Pushed her feelings down and denied everything.

And then in December, Courtney was in Toronto shooting a Lifetime movie, and by the time she got back to town, Bianca was already in St. Barts, coping as best she could with Jared’s family. Every time his mother interrogated her about her fertility (or lack thereof), she dealt with it by posting another generic Caribbean beach photo or close-up of a flower. To the point where Courtney posted a teasing comment, asking her if she was working for a stock footage company. Bianca hadn’t been able to help herself, replying quickly. No chill whatsoever.

Bianca Del Rio: Shady

Courtney Hamilton: I miss your face. Post your FACE!

Her next photo was a selfie, face catching the orange glow of the setting sun. With the caption, ‘There. Happy?’

Courtney’s reply, a row of heart eyes, was nearly immediate. Bianca still remembers the mild elation of getting into a public exchange with her. It felt dangerously good, but reinforced the reason Bianca was trying so hard to hard to limit their interactions.

Once she was back in town, she spent a few weeks coming up with excuses to turn down every invite, and by the end of January, her resolve was gone.

The Women’s March seemed like a benign occasion for catching up. In broad daylight, with a big group of Courtney’s friends and hundreds of thousands of other people...that would be safe, right? So Bianca had agreed to come, making it clear that she would not be wearing one of those hideous pink hats.

She paces around in front of the coffee shop where they’re going to meet, taking a moment to gather her thoughts.

She is, of course, excited to see Courtney again. That ever-pervading fluttery feeling she gets whenever they‘re together. The joy she feels making her laugh, the way her smile seems to shine just a little bit brighter for Bianca than for anyone else. But then, on the other hand, there’s also the unresolved tension from the last time - Bianca fleeing in the middle of a song, knowing that if she stayed, it would have turned into something she was altogether unprepared for.

Maybe it’s selfish. Trying to hold onto the parts of their relationship that make her feel good while ignoring the parts that fill her with guilt. She knows, deep down, that the smart thing to do would be to stop socializing, keep things light and professional and force herself to move on from this perverted little fantasy.

And it’s been so long. She optimistically wonders if maybe, perhaps, her confusing feelings will have dissipated. Maybe this time, she’ll see her and feel only friendship. Camaraderie. After all, today is supposed to be about empowerment, right? She takes a deep breath and goes inside.

But the second Courtney looks up at her, Bianca’s chest fills with both excitement and dread. Courtney races toward her, wrapping her into a hug that’s too tight, too long, too deliciously warm, but Bianca doesn’t resist.

All things considered, it’s an inspiring day, and Bianca loves seeing Courtney so enthusiastic. She finds herself glancing over at her more and more frequently during the speeches, enamored by her passion, her exuberance, her cheeks flushed pink in the chilly air.

Later that night, when Bianca is back home, when the excitement has faded, she leans against her kitchen counter and drains glass after glass of pinot noir. As the TV drones in the next room, she clutches her glass, wishing that she could be satisfied with what she has, instead of aching for something impossibly out of reach. The memory of Courtney’s dazzling smile, which filled her with joy mere hours earlier, now feels like a knife in her gut.

“B! Get in here! You’re missing the best part!”

“Coming!” Bianca calls to Jared, downing the last gulp of wine in her glass. She finds Jared sprawled on the couch, oblivious, and sits down beside him.

“There you are.” Jared pulls her closer, kissing her neck, and Bianca squirms away. Her thoughts right now are too confusing, too overwhelming, to let him touch her. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, I just…” Bianca trails off, unable to explain.

“Come on, B, you’ve been gone all day. Didn’t you miss me?”

Bianca swallows, guilt blooming in her chest, making it hard to breathe.

“Yeah, of course.” Bianca leans against him, no longer resisting.

“It’s almost Game Day, isn’t it?”

Bianca rubs her eyes, letting out a dry chuckle.

“Um, maybe, I’m not…”

Jared laughs, pushing her onto her back.

“You’re wasted,” he says, a glint in his eye.

“No, I’m just, uh...it was a long day. I had a little wine.” Bianca sighs, eyes falling closed.

“Well, don’t worry, baby, I’ll do all the work...”

She considers resisting for a moment, shoulders tense as he pulls off her PJ bottoms, but then imagines the fight that would inevitably follow, the explanations she doesn’t have, the words she can’t say out loud. She sighs slightly, trying to relax.

“You like it when I take charge, huh?” Jared murmurs against her neck, sinking his teeth into her skin, laughing a little at her whimper in response. “See? Sometimes you can let me be the boss.”

“Jared-”

“What?” His voice is sharp, challenging. His eyes bore into hers, making her heart pound with fear.

She forces a laugh, shaking her head.

“Nothing. Keep...keep going.”

A smile spreads slowly across his face as he grips her hips tightly.

“Thought so.”

***

Courtney takes Bianca’s face in her hands, a thumb brushing softly over her lips. She’s in no rush, wants simply to savor the moment, the feel of her skin, the weight of her body pressing down.

She moves closer, feeling warm breath on her face, lips millimeters apart. She can tell when Bianca smiles just from the feeling of dimples against her fingers, and opens her eyes, pulling back a little to look into her eyes.

Seeing her smile, she feels lit up from within. She gazes at her beautiful face for as long as possible, as long as she can stand being this close without kissing her properly.

When their lips meet, it’s gentle at first, teasing. She relishes the taste of Bianca’s lips, arching up against her as the kiss deepens, hands tightening in her hair. It isn’t long before they are both breathless, panting. As Bianca grinds down against Courtney on the bed, she layers kisses down her jaw, nibbling at her neck. Courtney lets out a sound halfway between a whimper and a moan, making Bianca suck harder on her tender skin.

Courtney inhales sharply as Bianca’s hand drifts down, stroking her slowly, toying with her until she’s dripping wet and begging for mercy.

And then Bianca lifts her head for a second, gazing down at Courtney, blue eyes dreamy with lust. Her fingers are moving faster now, firm and insistent. Courtney continues to arch up against her, moaning softly as she comes.

She pulls Bianca’s face down again, lips grazing her ear as she whispers, “I love you...”

Courtney’s eyes flutter open, and she groans slightly to herself, shutting off the vibrator and placing it on the edge of the bathtub. Detailed sexual fantasies are not new for her, but gooey romantic feelings certainly are.

She sinks down deeper into the water, filled with shame.

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