#Large transitional entryway idea with a black front door

[wearetatal]

Transitional Entry - Mudroom

[mqslow]

Los Angeles Front Door

[epicatan]

Foyer Mudroom New Orleans

Entryway - large transitional vaulted ceiling entryway idea with beige walls and a black front door

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Foyer Mudroom New Orleans

Entryway - large transitional vaulted ceiling entryway idea with beige walls and a black front door

[toiletchants]

Transitional Entry - Front Door Ideas for a large, transitional entryway remodel with a light wood floor, white walls, and a black front door

[instapride]

Atlanta Front Door Mudroom Entryway - large transitional entryway idea with a black front door

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Foyer Mudroom New Orleans

Entryway - large transitional vaulted ceiling entryway idea with beige walls and a black front door

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Foyer Mudroom New Orleans

Entryway - large transitional vaulted ceiling entryway idea with beige walls and a black front door

[ghostsinmyramen]

Foyer Mudroom New Orleans

Entryway - large transitional vaulted ceiling entryway idea with beige walls and a black front door

[lipfordstreet391]

Mudroom - Mudroom Large idea for a transitional entryway with a gray floor, white walls, and a black front door

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Foyer Mudroom New Orleans

Entryway - large transitional vaulted ceiling entryway idea with beige walls and a black front door

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Mudroom - Mudroom Entryway - large transitional ceramic tile and gray floor entryway idea with white walls and a black front door

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Transitional Entry - Mudroom Entryway - large transitional dark wood floor entryway idea with white walls and a black front door

[hot-tea-gardenparty]

Title: Moving On 

Author: coffeeforcastiel

Rating: Mature

Length: 1,564 words

Pairings: Dean x Castiel, Destiel, Dean/Cas, Sam/Eileen

Warnings: Mild sexual content

Summary: Dean and Castiel decide to move out of the bunker, but it is harder for Dean to go through with than he had first assumed it would be.

Note: I am trying to hold out hope that Season 15 will treat Castiel right and give him the ending he deserves...but that’s never been SPN’s strong point has it? To deal with the emotions I’ve been having, I decided to write down a silly little future fic that lays out a bit more of a positive path for our beloved Dean and Castiel to tread down. It’s just how I envision my dream Destiel scenario that I wrote in around 2 hours...I hope you all enjoy it.

Dean walked down the hallway of the bunker, his hands carrying the last of the large dusty boxes full of occult books from storage to eventually be plunked into the waiting U-haul in the garage.  It was weird to know that him and Cas were leaving, moving to be closer to Sam and Eileen and newborn nephew…that they bought a house…that they���ll be ‘normal’. Well…normal enough. They would still be hunters, albeit on call and semi-retired, and their ‘new’ house was actually an old, run-down, reportedly haunted 1890’s fixer-upper at the end of an old gravel road and on over an acre of untended land an hour away from Sam’s home in the suburbs of Topeka.

So they were getting closer to normal but not fully there. And that sat just fine with Dean. Who needed normal? Normal is boring. Normal is giving up. And dammit he wasn’t giving up. He was just moving on….or at least, that’s what Cas keeps telling him.

“We still own the bunker and no one else besides Jodi will have access to it.” Sam said on the phone that morning, “You’ll only be a couple hours drive from it.” Dean had stayed silent at that, so Sam kept going, “You’ll be able to wake up to sunlight, have a yard….we can’t be hunters forever Dean.”

Dean had wanted to retort but couldn’t think of the right words to say to make any kind of reasonable or respectable point. Deep down he knew Sam was right…but admitting it was hard and made his heart ache.  

Setting the box down gently on the map table, Dean took a deep breath and let his eyes rove around the bunker for what he knew would be the last time in a long time.

So many memories. So much emotion. So much history locked in these underground walls.

After Chuck had been trapped away years ago, Dean and Castiel had finally admitted their true feelings for each other and shared their first kiss between the stacks of books in the library. Dean smiled as he thought back to how nervous he had been to kiss Castiel, how much he shook as he ran his fingers through Cas’ hair and pulled him close. Castiel had, immediately following the fight between them and Chuck, chose to become human by giving up his grace to Jack.  The next few weeks, Dean aided in Castiel’s transition to his new human emotional spectrum, taught him how to cook a slamming grilled cheese in the kitchen and forced him to binge watch his DVD’s of Doctor Sexy in the Dean Cave.

Sam and Eileen got married outside in the forest clearing above the back end of the bunker’s roof. Cas had officiated and, to Dean’s selfish delight, looked incredibly handsome in his new dark grey suit and ice blue tie. It was that evening, after shooing away the drunk reception party, Dean pushed Cas down onto their bed with hungry kisses, and they made love for the first time. Once that door had opened, there was no way to close it. No way to take the years of pent up emotion, tension and strife and swallow it all back down.

Dean could feel his cheeks start to color as he realized that he and Cas had kissed, touched and���well…bumped the nasty, all over the bunker. On the map table, in the library, up against the hallway walls, in the shower (so many times), against the stairwell railing, covered in flour in the kitchen, in the chairs in the library, on the mats in the gym, in the backseat of the Impala and embarrassingly, once down in the dungeon during a rather steamy roleplay scenario.

A hand suddenly came down on Dean’s shoulder, shaking him out of his thoughts, “What are you thinking about?” Castiel asked softly.

Dean shook his head, smiling awkwardly and moving his palm to sit on top of Castiel’s on his shoulder, “Uhm nothing all that important…just, uh, I’m gonna miss this place.”

Castiel nodded as Dean kissed the top of his hand, “We all will.” They pulled apart and Castiel walked over to the box forgotten on the map table and glanced inside at the pile of books. “Are you going to give these to Sam?”

“That was the idea.” Dean replied as he turned towards the winding iron stairs that lead out to the garage, only to pause and turn back to mention, “We need to flip the breaker. Can’t have the lights on when no one’s home.”

Castiel quickly palmed over the books and looked at Dean quizzically, “These books are on occult witchcraft…are you sure it’s safe for him to have these books with the kids around?”

Dean was already halfway up the front stairs, “You know he probably has a locked bookshelf hidden away from the kids, Cas. It’ll be fine.”  

“Right.” Castiel grunted as he hefted the box into his arms and followed Dean up the stairs and into the entry hallway, the large steel door of the bunker slamming shut behind him and echoing down the tube-shaped cylinder cutting through the dirt to the surface above. The half-moon, ribbed steel and tin walls of the entry corridor reverberated Dean’s footfalls as he and Cas neared the breaker panel near the far end.

With a deep breath, Dean slowly tapped the switches off, one by one, room by room. Each click deafening in the looming damp until they stood in only the clean, white light from Dean’s cell phone flashlight.

Muscle memory led Dean and Cas back through the tunnel to the heavy, dark metal door and out to the open garage, sunlight beaming in and glittering over the multiple old cars lined up in rows, dusty from years of little use. Castiel quickly placed the final box of books into the rented U-Haul and slammed the doors shut, leaning up against the trailer back to look towards Dean, his face knowing and soft.

Dean smiled sadly, “Is it that obvious?”

Castiel shoved his hands into the pockets of his belted black jeans, his tight black t-shirt pulled across his shoulders as he shrugged, “It’s understandable to want to hold off the inevitable.” His voice echoed slightly in the wide-open space, “The emotions you are feeling are valid, Dean.”

“I guess I didn’t think it’d be this hard.” Dean chuckled and shook his head, trying to clear his mind of the fog of loss. “I should be able to just get into that truck and drive away without a shit to give.”

“Maybe.” Castiel acknowledged with a tip of his head, dark brown hair catching the tips of sunlight as he walked up to Dean’s front, “But we aren’t in any hurry.” He tipped his face, blue eyes catching onto emerald green, “And you know this isn’t really the end.”

“Yeah yeah…” Dean stated with a roll of his eyes and a wave of his hand, “It’s a see you later, not a goodbye, we’ll still be hunters…blah blah yadda yadda.” He sighed and rubbed his face with his palms, “I know all that but it still seems like…” Dean looked down at Castiel, at his partner’s few days old stubble that was greying at the temples and the lines of age softly cutting through the skin near his eyes and mouth, “It’s just hard to accept that this part of my life is over.” Dean trailed his fingers down the sharp line of Castiel’s jaw, his thumb resting and pressing against his bottom lip. “That this part of our life is over.”

Castiel blinked slowly as he continued to look into Dean’s face, his eyes glimmering and clear and holding just as much of the restrained power and intelligence behind them as Dean remembered seeing the first time they met in the broken-down barn all those years ago. Dean felt Castiel’s hands settle on his waist, their warmth radiating through his old flannel button up, “Every human life goes through phases…chapters….” Castiel’s close-lipped smile pushed Dean’s thumb, still on his lower lip, up towards his cheek bones, “It’s time to start a new chapter. The next phase. Just like we have many times before.” He cleared his throat, “But it doesn’t mean we will completely forget everything that happened prior. How could we?”

Dean nodded and breathed in the cool, early morning air, “When did we get so sappy?”

They shared a quiet chuckle and Dean brought his lips down to meet Castiel’s for a chaste kiss. “Not sappy.” Castiel mused, “But totally pathetic….yes.”

Dean rolled his eyes and grabbed the trailer’s keys out of his back pocket. Leaving a palm on the small of Cas’ back, he took one last long look at the bunker garage. It was time. “Dammit, let’s get out of here before I change my mind.” He sighed, turning quickly and jumping into the driver’s side of the trailer cabin, the jolt of the engine echoing through the cavernous garage.

Through the rearview mirror, Dean watched as Castiel closed both sides of the garage and bolted them shut with warded padlocks, heavy chains and double checked the incantations scrawled in the rocks surrounding the bunker’s entryway.

“Everything okay?” Dean asked as Castiel climbed into the passenger’s seat.

Castiel nodded, “Seems so.”

Dean took a deep breath, “Then how about we get out of here?”

[samuelmmarcus]

New Construction Home Inspiration

  Recently built by Spaces Renewed, this new construction home is here to show us that challenges might arrive during the process of building a home but things always end up well if you’re choosing the right group of professionals. Here, the builder and designer, shares some insights:

  “As a company, this was our first new construction build, and we chose a doozy! The lot had significant soil, slip plane, and engineering challenges. We moved 22,000 tons of dirt, dug out the whole mountain, and rebuilt it, this time with proper compaction. It had sat vacant for 15 years after the first home built on it slipped down the mountain, but we wanted to prove it could be done! So, as a business venture, this build was an invaluable experience. Personally, we built it for us! My husband and I own this business, and took on the challenge of new construction, with ourselves as the clients! There are countless stories of what it felt like to be both business owner, designer, builder and client (all while doing it with my business partner/husband!).” – Beth Booth.

  I hope you guys feel encouraged and inspired by this house tour!

  New Construction Home Inspiration

“Our goal for this house was to create a modern coastal vibe, but add to it a warm, inviting and elegant feel. Each element of the house was meant to be interesting and beautiful, without the busy, overdone feel that can easily crowd out the clean line aesthetic. We wanted each element to be unique and highly stylized, without being obnoxious! This house really does have something for everyone; touches of modern Spanish, traditional coastal, farmhouse.”

Front Door & Windows

What a curb-appeal! I am loving the vertical fence with the metal gates. Front Door is JeldWen IWP Contemporary Custom Design Shaker Moulding Entry Door.

Windows: Anderson 100 series black on black fiberglass.

Kitchen

This spacious kitchen features a great layout and a very practical island with Quartzite countertop.

Perimeter Cabinet: Paint Grade MDF, beaded inset Cascade style painted “Melted Brie” by San Diego Custom Cabinets.

Lighting: Park Harbor – Other Great Pendants: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Kitchen Island Dimensions: 123” x 72”

Counterstools: here & here – similar.

Kitchen Island

The kitchen island cabinetry is Alder, beaded inset Cascade style stained “Rockport Gray” with light wire brush by San Diego Custom Cabinets.

Countertop: Tahitian Cream Quartzite.

Kitchen Faucet: Brizo Litze Pull Out Spray Kitchen Faucet, Brilliance Polished Nickel.

Flooring

Kitchen flooring is Daltile Invoke, Sheer Glow ID01 18 x 36 tile.

Backsplash

Backsplash is Daltile Illuminary Accordion Mosaic Illustrious Blend. Other Beautiful Tiles: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Hardware: Top Knobs Transcend Collection, Ascendra Pull.

Dining Room

This home features an open layout and plenty of beautiful views!

Dining Room Chandelier: here – Other Beautiful Chandeliers: here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

The builder (and the designer’s husband) made the gorgeous table and bench – similar here.

Dining chairs are from Living Spaces – Other Beautiful Chairs: here, here, here, here & here.

Get Ready for the Holidays:

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Paint Color

I am loving this Great room. Notice the floating shelves flanking the fireplace. Wall paint color is Dunn Edwards “Foggy Day”.

Rug: Gray Faded Gothic Medallion Chroma Area Rug – Similar: here & here.

Couch: custom design/built by local company. Other Great Sofa Sectionals: here, here, here, here & here.

Living Room Cabinetry

Cabinetry is paint grade MDF, Cascade style painted “Melted Brie” by San Diego Custom Cabinets. Color behind floating shelves Dunn Edwards “Pebble Walk”.

Hardware: Top Knobs Marion Knob.

Patio

Rear sliders by La Cantina Multi Slide, open to a large patio.

Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor kitchen features an integrated pub table. What a great idea!

Outdoor Kitchen Countertop

The countertop is White Macaubas quartzite.

Stucco

This home is beautiful inside and out. The exterior is white acrylic stucco.

Exterior Ceiling

The exterior ceiling is clear Cedar Tongue and Groove.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Furniture: Jerome’s Maldives collection – similar here & here.

Cali Lifestyle

The patio also features a cozy fireplit and fountain.

Similar Firepit: here.

Hardwood Flooring

A beautiful staircase with custom metal railings leads to the second floor.

Hardwood Flooring: Galleher, Rewards Flooring, Costa Collection, Euro Oak Anzio 5/8” x 7 ½” – Similar here & here.

Girl’s Bath

Wall Paint Color: “Dunn Edwards Air of Mint.”

Cabinetry is Alder, Cascade style stained to match beach wood mirror.

Countertop: Cabrini Grey Quartz Daltile.

Faucet: Delta Tesla 8” Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet, Chrome.

Lighting: Minka Lighting Cashelmara 3 light.

Hardware: Top Knobs Cobblestone Round Knob.

Shower Wall Tile: Daltile Fabrique, Blanc Linen P685 12×24.

Accent Tile: Silhouette XI0270 tile – similar here.

Shower Floor Tile: Pebble Stone Tile – similar here.

Flooring: Daltile Chord Canon Gray CH22 12×24.

Kids’ Bathroom

Bathroom Cabinet: Paint Grade MDF, Cascade style painted “Toadstool” by Dunn Edwards. I am loving this color!

Wall Paint Color: “Dunn Edwards Foggy Day”.

Countertop: Carrera Veil Quartz from Daltile.

Splash: Cepac Gemstone ¾” Penny Round, Aquamarine – similar here.

Hardware: Top Knobs Oculus Oval Pull, Top Knobs Oculus Knob.

Faucets: Delta Trinsic 8” Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet, Matte Black.

Lighting: Sea Gull Lighting Belton.

Shower Wall Tile:  Daltile Fabrique, Blanc Linen P685 12×24.

Accent Tile: Cepac Gemstone ¾” Pennyround Aquamarine – similar here.

Flooring is Daltile Emerson Wood, 3D cube, EP06 Ash White.

Master Bathroom

This master bedroom features incredible views and a timeless, neutral design.

Cabinetry: Alder, Cascade style stained “Rockport Gray” stain by San Diego Custom Cabinets.

Bathroom countertop is Tahitian Cream Quartzite.

Hardware: Top Knobs Channing Pull.

Faucet: Brizo Levoir 8” Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet, Brilliance Polished Nickel.

Sconces: Kalco Lighting Loveland Sconce.

Floor Tile

Flooring: Daltile Marble Collection M190 First Snow (custom honed treatment) 18×18.

Tub Faucet: Brizo Levoir.

Shower Tile

Walls: Daltile Delegate Off White DL25 12×24.

Accent Tile: Trend Liberty Line, Opal – similar here, here & here.

Pan: Daltile Vintage Hex Wisdom White VH06.

Paint Color

The bathroom paint color is “Dunn Edwards Water Mist”. Keep this neutral color in mind!

Laundry room

This laundry room is a dream and it’s one of my favorite spaces in this home! Cabinets are Beach Glass by Dunn Edwards and cabinetry is by San Diego Custom Cabinets.

Walls: “Foggy Day by Dunn Edwards.”

Countertop: Carrara Veil Quartz.

Splash: Daltile Artigiano Italian Alps Tile.

Hardware: Top Knobs Oculus Oval Pull, Top Knobs Oculus Knob.

Faucet: Delta Trinsic Pull Out Spray Kitchen Faucet, Matte Black.

Flooring is Bedrosians 8×8 Remy, Damsel.

Roof

Roof is a charcoal composite roof with metal roof accent at entryway.

  Many thanks to the builder for sharing the details above!

Builder: Spaces Renewed (Instagram – Facebook)

Photography: David Hebble Photography.

  Click on items to shop:

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Best Sales of the Month:

Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!

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Serena & Lily: Amazing Rug Sale!

Wayfair: Up to 70% OFF on Furniture and Decor!!!

Joss & Main: Up to 70% off “Don’t Think Twice Sale”!

Pottery Barn: 40% OFF plus free shipping. Use code: FREESHIP.

One Kings Lane: Outdoor Sale Up to 60% Off.

West Elm: Up to 40% Off on Sofas, Sectionals & Chairs!

Anthropologie: New Fall Arrivals!

Nordstrom: Sale – Incredible Prices!!!

Posts of the Week:

Transitional Lake House Interior Design Ideas.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Charlotte, NC

Beach House Tour.

Florida Beach Cottage.

New-Construction Home Ideas.

Craftsman Beach House.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Modern Farmhouse.

2019 New Year Home Tour.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s Home – Full House Tour.

Dark Cedar Shaker Exterior.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Coastal Farmhouse Design.

Lake House Interior Design Ideas.

Neutral Home.

Before and After Bathroom Renovation.

White Kitchen Renovation.

Kitchen with Blue Island.

Coastal-inspired Home Renovation.

Southern-inspired Modern Farmhouse.

Coastal Farmhouse Home Decor.

Small Lot Modern Farmhouse.

Reinvented Classic Kitchen Design.

Florida Beach House Interior Design.

New England Home.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Urban Farmhouse.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Fixer Upper.Beach House Interior Design Ideas.

Tailored Interiors.

Modern Farmhouse with Front Porch.

Classic Colonial Home Design.Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.

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See more Inspiring Interior Design Ideas in my Archives.

“Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

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[graceofaphoenix]

The Hatching of a Plan

Rhon: ::Snarling at my image in the mirror as I adjusted the fancy suit I wore, feeling it tight around my large body. I hate this part of my life and I felt like nights like this were a waste of time, a waste of a night that could be spent hunting the scum. Tonight was yet another Glymera party and while I would normally just sneak out and not show up, my mahmen had been keeping a rather close eye on me ever since the other night so it was best if I at least made my existence known at this party. Looking away from the mirror long enough to send a text to my partner, letting him know I wouldn’t be there tonight even though the Scribe knew I wanted to be. My partner was a good man, a civilian who wanted to fight the Lessers and although he was an amazing fighter, it didn’t hurt to have some back up once in awhile. Once the message was sent, I looked back up at my reflection staring at the stupid suit I had managed to squeeze into and once again sneered at how I looked. I wanted nothing to do with the Glymera and these suits I was forced to wear during these parties made me feel like a prisoner in my own body, I much rather be wearing my leathers. “Rhon, hurry up! The Doggen will be here any minute with the car.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at my mothers impatience and want to take a car two blocks from the house. It was needless to have a Doggen take us such short distance when we could dematerialize or even just walk it. Taking one last look in the mirror and sneering once again, I leave the room and head to the front door where my family was waiting, tonight was going to be a long night. (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: Black was definitely my color but, red was a close second, and at events like tonight, red was my favorite option. I pulled out a sleek, scarlet, strapless gown from my closet and hung it up on the corner of my floor-length mirror. This one would be perfect. I would wear my hair up, with a few soft, curly tendrils of hair falling loosely against my shoulders, diamond dangles from my ears and my diamond rosary necklace that matches, laying perfectly atop my decolletage. For makeup, Dolce & Gabbana’s “Candy Apple” lipstick would be the perfect shade for this gown. Add in a little smokey eye and some blush, and the look would be complete.

I loved these Glymera events. It was like going to a grand ball; everyone was dressed to the nines, there was expensive champagne flowing until the early hours of the next day, and there was dancing. Of course, I hadn’t done much dancing in the past few years, seeing as my male was never even a thought on the guest list. He wasn’t Glymera, not even close. He was a civilian, and a fighter. Neither station fit for a Glymera female. Hence, all the secrets. I really did hate lying to my parents all the time but, there was no way they would ever consider him as a “viable candidate” (their words, not mine) for their one and only daughter. It hadn’t been until recently that they began to push me towards finding a mate. My mahmen had started “The Hunt” as I called it. She had actually brought males into our home for dinners, to try and match me up. The more I pushed against her attempts, the harder she seemed to fight back. I definitely got my stubbornness from my mahmen. No question there!

It took me about an hour and a half of fussing but, I was finally happy with my look for the night. Grabbing a clutch and tossing a few necessities into it, I made my way to the foyer. “Are you sure there’s nothing you missed up there, sis? Maybe, one hair you forgot to pluck in your left eyebrow, or something?” my brother’s comment dripped of sarcasm.

“At least I actually bathed myself, fully. How is it you can cover your whole body in a three minute shower?” I retorted. It was all in good fun. We liked to taunt each other but, when push came to shove, my twin and I were thick as thieves.

“Enough.” My mahmen said as she tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I swear, you act like you’re both still twelve sometimes.” Waving a hand towards the door. “Now, get in the car. Your sire will meet us there.”

The three of us piled into the back of our stretch limo and headed downtown to the gala. (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::The ride to the party was a quiet one, my youngest brother still a bit afraid of me after the knife throwing incident and my other brother wasn’t much of a talker to begin with. Once we pulled up in front of the house, my mahmen seemed to look at all of us and her gaze fell upon me. “For once Rhon, please don’t cause a scene and actually make us proud to call you our son.” I knew my mother at times hated claiming me and it wouldn’t of surprised me if both my parents had discussed disowning me a time or two and although I loved fighting, it didn’t mean I loved the disapproval of my parents.:: Yes, Mahmen. ::It was a simple reply and I knew I would do my best to do what was asked of me, no matter how much I despised these social gatherings. My mother seemed to stare at me for a moment or two longer as if she was trying to decide to believe me or not before she finally offered me a rare smile and spoke again. “Maybe with any luck you will find a nice female at this party and maybe give up that thought of being a fighter.” I had to bite my tongue in order to not get snippy with my mother but in my head all I could think was that not even the Scribe Virgin could provide my mother with that miracle. Quietly I exited the car and made my way into the gala, scanning the room for a certain person whom tended to make these damn parties a bit bearable at the very least. (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: Excitement buzzed through me like a live wire as we pulled up to the venue and the driver got out, walked around the car and opened up the car door for us. I may not agree with the politics of my station but, that didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the perks that came from growing up with old money, and these galas were one of my favorites.

The driver offered his hand to me, in assistance. I reached out and took it and he helped me out of the car. I immediately moved out of the way to let my mahmen and brother out, all the while taking in the enormity of the place. There was carpeting laid out on the walkway and stairs, leading up to the massive entryway, lined with ancient, greek-looking pillars. The lighting was soft, yet still enough to light the entire passage.

Once everyone was out of the car, I just about bolted up the stairs, silk shawl blowing in the wind behind me.

“Larimar!” I heard my mahmen speak under her breath. Custom was, the families would enter together, /calmly/ and orderly. Proper. It was embarrassing enough to her that my sire was meeting us there. There was no way in hell the three of us were walking in separately.

I inhaled a deep breath. “Okay. Okay.” I replied, as I turned around on the top step and waited for my mahmen and brother to catch up. Once they had, I linked arms with my brother, Killian, and shot off a bright smile to my mahmen. “Ready?”

She just shook her head and walked one step ahead of us.

Killian elbowed me in my ribs, “Could you just settle down for five minutes to get us through the doors?”

With a sly grin on my face, I shifted my body to hold my head up just a little higher, rounded my shoulders back, and demurely adjusted my stance. The deviation in my body was slight but, the impact of the adjustments were great. I now looked like the perfect, proper princess my mahmen was expecting me to be as I entered the great hall behind her. (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::One by one the other aristocrat families began to arrive and slowly people would drift off to their own cliques within the bigger clique. I never really fit in anywhere among any of the cliques, of course everyone was polite and kind with me as I approached them with our family status being what it was, but that didn’t mean they actually /wanted/ to socialize with me. I stick by my family, keeping a half smile upon my lips as I was introduced to several families that I wouldn’t even bother to remember as it was rare I even came to these events.

After introductions, I was allowed to drift off on my own, my mahmen not far from me though as she kept her eye on me, making sure I didn’t sneak off in some shape or form and just disappear. Every once in awhile I would sneak up on a small group of people and throw myself into the conversation, only half paying attention just to make it seem like I was interacting and make my family happy, that alone was a chore in itself. My eyes kept drifting to the door, knowing that soon enough the one person I was hoping to be here would be here soon, and sure enough just as I peeked over, in walked @Larimar_BDBRW with her family.

I turned to the current group I was talking with and politely excused myself before making my way over towards @Larimar_BDBRW keeping to the edge of the room so she wouldn’t see me, or at least that is what I was hoping for. Managing to make my way behind Larimar, I waited as her family went through the same greetings every other family would go through before stepping up almost right behind her as stealthy as I possible could and whispered right next to her ear.:: Well fancy meeting you here, @Larimar_BDBRW.

Larimar: The entire idea of what I liked to call “the receiving line” at these things drove me crazy! I just wanted in! I didn’t want to have to go around and say hello to every single person my family knew, and some we didn’t, just to be able to find our table, settle in with some champagne and head off to do some people watching. Rhon would most undoubtedly be here, too. We always found some fun to be had. Rhon had become a pretty good friend. He had been my parent’s choice for my transition, and as much as I hated the idea of going through that with someone other than my male, I simply had no other choice. Rhon had turned out to be the perfect male for the job, though. Thankfully, there had been no interest on his end and it ended up being a purely businesslike exchange. Over the years, he had been my go-to for feedings, as well. Being as high up in the Glymera as I was, feedings were done with an audience. So, once again, I was going to have to go with someone other than my male. I’m not quite sure what Rhon got out of the deal. But, he always seemed happy to oblige. My parents were probably paying him, or something. Either that or, he was just doing it out of the goodness of his heart, for a friend. We never really talked about it much. It wasn’t a favorite topic of mine.

Anyway, my family was finally coming to the end of our “receiving line” and just about on our way to drop our purses, coats and other essential at our table when out of nowhere, there was a soft breath tickling my ear. My hand went up without thought and I slapped Rhon right in the face. As I turned around, both gloved hands went to my mouth, covering the beginnings of a laugh. “Rhon! I’m so sorry! But, you should know better than to sneak up on me like that.”

My mahmen whipped around sharply and gave both Rhon and I a glare that said, “If you two embarrass me tonight, there’s going to be trouble.” Then without a second thought, she plastered a beauty queen smile on her face, turned back around, and faced the crowd, gallantly walking to our table.

My gaze shot to Rhon as I gave him a look saying, “Uh, oh! We’re definitely in trouble now.” and a small giggle escaped from my lips. (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::The second @Larimar_BDBRW turned around I could see the slap coming and I actually had to fight back my reflex to stop it, not everyone here knew about my side job as a fighter and I didn’t want my mahmen having to explain it. I had to admit, Larimar had some really good strength to her but the look of utter surprise upon her face was worth the sting to my cheeks as I chuckled and rubbed at my cheek. For a moment I felt like a child again, getting yelled at for my shenanigans when Larimar’s mother turned on us and the look from Larimar afterwards made me stifle a snort as my eyes rolled just a bit.

My eyes glanced over @Larimar_BDBRW and a soft smile came to my lips as I took in the beauty of the dress and make up she was wearing before finally speaking again.:: You know for someone who’s as radiant as you, you pack one hell of a punch. ::I laughed as I shook my head and nodded towards an empty table, granted it wasn’t with our families but I was okay with that. “Shall we go catch up and see what other kind of trouble the night could bring us?” (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: At Rhon’s compliment, I politely stepped back with one foot and curtsied, bowing my head like a proper young female of the Glymera race. However, I couldn’t hold in the chuckle long. As I stood back up, I leaned into him and whispered, “I’ll take you on, any day of the week.” Knowing, that with his little side hobby, there was no way I could take him. Pulling back, “I should probably go at least drop my purse at my family’s table. Give me a couple minutes and meet me at the champagne fountain?”

I didn’t give Rhon much of a chance to do more than nod before I headed off to my family’s table. I had certain responsibilities to my family and Rhon understood that. My sire was at the table waiting for us. I went around the table, dropped my clutch and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. “Good evening, sire.”

“Larimar. Killian. I hope you’re behaving for your mahmen.” It was more of a statement than a question and Killian and I just nodded as my father leaned in, took my mahmen around the waist and pulled her towards him. “Leelan.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss. “I’m sorry I couldn’t arrive with you tonight. I had matters of intense import at the office.”

“Not at all, my love. It was nice to get a chance to have Larimar and Killian all to myself.” She shot us both a knowing glance. “Okay, you two. Go. But, /behave/. Understood? Remember who you are.”

“Yes, mahmen.” Killian and I replied in unison, and I was off for the champagne fountain, to see what kind of trouble Rhon and I could find.

Grabbing a champagne flute off the table, I slid up next to Rhon and leaned back against the table. “So, are we hiding from your mahmen tonight, or should I take a minute to make an appearance and say, ‘Hello.’”? (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon:

::I knew I was imagining things but it seemed everyone my mahmen or father was talking to, ended up staring at me as I waited for @Larimar_BDBRW by the champagne fountain and it made me want to tell them all to take a picture. I welcomed the sight of Larimar walking towards the champagne fountain a few minutes later, knowing that at least things will get interesting soon enough. My eyes roll as my mahmen is mentioned and I take the champagne flute from @Larimar_BDBRW and take a sip of it before I shake my head just slightly.:: There’s not going to be much avoiding my mahmen tonight, she won’t be far away. There was an incident yesterday and now she’s making sure I’m not too far out of sight.

::Nudging @Larimar_BDBRW with my shoulder as I look around the gala and shake my head a bit.:: You know, I never did get how you could possibly enjoy all of this. ::The words came out in a hiss almost as my hand waves to encompass the entire gala before me, my head shaking.:: The more I try to make my mahmen happy and participate the more ashamed I become of being apart of this bloodline. ::I didn’t know why I felt like I could tell Larimar pretty much everything, including my thoughts about the Glymera, but it almost came as second nature now a days. My head turns slightly so I can look over @Larimar_BDBRW for a moment.:: There’s too many rules for my liking.

Larimar: Once Rhon relieved me of the drink in my hand, I reached back and grabbed one for myself. Arching a slender brow in his direction, “An incident, huh?” I could only imagine what he had done to get himself into trouble with his mahmen this time. Truth was, trouble seemed to follow Rhon around wherever he went. It was the details of the stories I enjoyed, though.

Following the gesture of his hand with my gaze as he waved around the room, I couldn’t keep the smile from radiating off my features. “Are you kidding, Rhon? Look at all the pretty dresses, and shoes! Can’t forget the shoes!” I winked in his direction. “And the champagne, the dancing, the brilliant lighting that’s incredibly soft, yet bright enough to light up the entire room. It’s like watching the ball Cinderella went to where she lost her shoe, only in real life.” I let out a small sigh. “You know I don’t agree with the politics of our station but,” and now it was my turn to wave my hand around the room, “Just look at this ballroom, in all its glory. It’s majestic.” I took a small, dainty sip of my champagne before turning to Rhon and adjusting his coat. “You know, maybe if you just looked a little harder, you might find a female to go home to, instead of your parents.” I teased. (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon:

::If my head snapped in Larimar’s direction any quicker, I would of gotten whiplash and if looks could kill, she would of been dead a million times over. The thought of even bothering to look for anyone to go home to was at the bottom of my to-do list, especially since the only type of person that would be acceptable is someone of the same status as myself and those of that status didn’t chase after fighters. Yes I was an aristocrat by blood but I was a fighter by calling and I couldn’t help but feel at times that fighting was in my blood more than the Glymera was.:: You know good and well I could care less about dating, I’m a fighter not a lover.

Larimar and I could sit here arguing back and forth about what was majestic and what wasn’t, but I really didn’t see the point in it to be honest. Instead I scan the room looking for my youngest brother before pointing him out to Larimar, a little smirk crossing my lips as I notice the scrape on the tip of his nose.:: Notice my brother’s new beauty mark on his nose. That may of been caused by one of my daggers after he threatened to wake up my mahmen one night when I came home late. That is where true beauty is at Larimar. Defending our race from the scum that would see us dead. The Brothers, the trainees, the King, all of the civilians who defends us, that’s what’s beautiful. (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: I didn’t even bother to turn and acknowledge Rhon’s look. I could only imagine the daggers I was getting. Yet, I did a pretty good job at holding back the chuckle. I knew he wasn’t looking to make one of these Glymera Stepford Wives his mate but, I never thought I would find a mate in a civilian, either. I had always hoped to find someone in the Glymera that felt the same way I did about the politics. But, life didn’t work out that way. The male of my dreams ended up being someone so far from that, it was scary sometimes. Finally, turning to face Rhon, I spoke somewhat quietly, “You know. You never know what you might find if you just step back and take a look. One of these females might surprise you.” I had a faraway look on my face, as I once again adjusted his coat, in some ways wishing it was the coat of my male, and he was here with me, sharing in this piece of my world that I loved. I had never told Rhon about him. Truth was, I was afraid to tell anyone about him. You never knew who was listening. Plus, once you tell one person, it’s like breaking a crack in a dam. You can’t put that genie back in the bottle.

As Rhon changed the subject, one corner of my lips quirked up and I quickly shot back at him, “And exactly how many lessers were perched on your brother’s nose at the time?”

As a photographer, I had a different outlook on what exactly beauty was from the rest of the world. Rhon and I had been through this discussion before. I had once tried to explain to him the beauty of a banana rhine that we found next to a dumpster. He didn’t get it. A small glimmer of a smile flashed across my lips as the memory danced through my thoughts. I did get what he was saying, though. I understood the beauty of the fight against evil. The story, and the art to go along with it, was as old as time.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah… “ I rolled my eyes and quickly changed the subject, as I looked back out across the dancefloor, “So, are you going to allow me to get one dance in tonight, before you poof out into the wind?” (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon:

::I noticed the distant look in Larimar’s eyes as she adjusted my coat yet again and I even recognized the look. It was the kind of look I got often when stuck at Glymera events and I found my mind wandering to someplace else but for Larimar, she loved these events so I couldn’t help but wonder where her mind was. Even after Larimar took the time to adjust my coat, I adjusted it back the way it was so it was a bit sloppy, it’s how I was comfortable.::

I’m not going anywhere as long as my mahmen is here, I’ll never be able to sneak out without her noticing so you have me all night to dance with.

::Reaching out I grab ahold of Larimar’s hand and pull her out onto the dance floor as a slow song comes on, a little smirk crossing my lips as my hands grip her hips lightly and I began to dance to the music.:: However that means I have all night to drag out of you where your mind just was a moment ago as you were adjusting my coat. (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: I huffed out a small sigh and shook my head as Rhon readjusted his coat. “Really?” I knew he hated these events but, he actually looked good when he got all dressed up and it annoyed me to no end when he wouldn’t let me make those small adjustments that made all the difference in his outfit.

It didn’t take much to light up my features with a smile, though, and dancing was one of those ways. So, when Rhon reached out and pulled me out to the dancefloor, the frustrated frown on my face disappeared in seconds. Placing one hand in his and the other on his shoulder, we drifted much more gracefully than he would ever admit around the floor. The only thing that could make this better would be if it were my male out on this floor with me.

I always thought I could hide my thoughts and feelings pretty well. I had managed to hide my male from my whole family and all my friends for three years. Even the closest of my friends didn’t know about him. That was due to the whole genie in a bottle thing. It had always been safer that way. But, as our relationship grew stronger and stronger, those feelings got harder and harder to disguise, and apparently, Rhon had been paying attention. I debated whether or not it was time to confide in someone, just one person. It would be so nice to be able to talk to someone, and who better than Rhon to know. He was the one that was feeding me, from time to time. Out of all my friends, I don’t think I had a more intimate relationship with anyone else, aside from my male. Plus, he trusted me with his secret. I should be able to allow myself to trust him with mine. Then again, would he even understand? When he said earlier that he could care less about dating, he truly meant it. Never had I heard him express an interest in any female. Plus, it’s not like I could talk to him here, in the middle of this gala. There were too many people to overhear.

I looked up at Rhon, flashed him a gentle smile and quietly shook my head. “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just off in my own world, as usual. You know me.” (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::I knew how much Larimar loved to dance and the smile that came over her face, made me smile. I was glad that I could make Larimar smile simply because how much our lives were intertwined with each other. I was there to help her through her transition and even now I was there when she needed to feed. Larimar was not only my best friend, but probably my only friend so any chance I got to make her smile, I enjoyed it. As we danced around the ballroom, I watched not only her but everyone around and I notice my mahmen looking on with a satisfied smile upon her lips, score one for me.

My eyes narrowed as Larimar told me that she was just in her own world and I shook my head just slightly before twirling her and then pulling her back in and dipping her as I leaned over her, a smirk playing across my lips.:: I do know you Larimar, that’s how I know you’re full of shit right now. ::Chuckling a bit as I stand Larimar up and continue to dance with her, my eyes looking on her for a moment before I continue to talk.:: You know you can tell me anything. (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: I loved the Rhon knew how to dance, and was willing to come out on the dancefloor with me during these events. The way he twirled me around and dipped me was straight out of a fairy tale, minus the charming prince… not that he wasn’t an amazing male. He just wasn’t my prince.

I grinned as Rhon told me how full of shit I was, and as he pulled me back up and commented on how I could tell him anything, I let out another soft sigh. He was so right, on both counts. I was totally full of shit, which wasn’t uncommon for me, as of late. I had been lying to everyone, constantly. And yes, I could tell him anything. I knew I could. So, what had been holding me back? Oh yeah, that damn genie. It all seemed so stupid now. If I could trust anyone, it was Rhon.

Before I could even stop myself, I grabbed a hold of the back of his neck, pulled him down so his ear was less than an inch from my lips, and I whispered, “I met a male.” I let go for a split second before grabbing his neck again and tugging him back, “I mean, I’ve fallen in love with a male… a civilian.” This time I let him go and allowed him to withdraw, all the while searching his eyes for surprise, confusion, astonishment, disapproval, but hopefully, acceptance, anything to tell me what he was thinking. (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon:

::For a split second as Larimar pulled me down, I thought she was going to kiss me, but instead I felt her warm breath on my ear which sent a shiver up and down my spine, my eyes growing wide as I heard her words. She had met a male, a civilian one at that. As I pulled back from Larimar, my feet stopped moving and luckily so had the music so it didn’t seem all that awkward. Quickly I forced my face into a passive look, keeping my shock to myself as I grabbed Larimar’s hand and pulled her not only off the dance floor but out of the gala all together. This was definitely not a conversation to have in front of the entire Glymera.

Once outside, I turn on Larimar and look at her, my eyes shining with confusion but also joy for my friend, my voice soft and quiet in case anyone was in earshot of us and I just shook my head.:: Your mahmen is going to kill you if your sire doesn’t disown you first. ::I kept my voice calm and non-judgemental, after all I never did agree with the rules and politics that came along with our status, that much was obvious with my want to fight.:: How did you manage to meet a civilian? Does he treat you right? :: I had a million questions for Larimar, but none of them were anything for blame or anything along those lines, I just wanted to make sure Larimar was being treated like she should be, she was my only friend after all.:: (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: The moment Rhon’s feet stopped on the floor, my eyes shifted around the room. Thankfully, the song had ended and no one was really paying any attention. But, terrifying thoughts ran through my mind. Had I spoken too loud? Had anyone else heard me? Could they tell by the look on my face how I felt, that I was in love? My gaze shot back to Rhon as he suddenly tore me away from the dancefloor.

Once outside, I saw a hundred emotions flicker across Rhon’s face. I was having a hard time deciphering what he was thinking. For a moment, I thought I saw happiness but, when he spoke, I wasn’t sure. The tone of his voice was gentle, yet still had a slight firmness to it. I wasn’t quite sure if he was reprimanding me, or just afraid for me. The thought of being disowned by my family brought tears to my eyes.

“Rhon, I know! I know exactly what they would say and do. I’ve been going over that in my mind for a long time…” I tried to catch my breath. “Do you remember that summer when I went to see my cousin upstate? I met him there. He was visiting friends too, and it turned out, he was from Caldwell. That got us talking, and it was instantaneous between us. And yes, he treats me like the world, and the moon, revolve around me.” There was a brightness to my voice as I spoke about him, yet there were still tears in my eyes. The amount of emotions I was feeling right now was astounding. Fear, love, confusion, joy, exhaustion, and relief all had a place, at the moment. (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::I watched the way Larimar’s body spoke along with listening to her words, I had gotten rather good at deciphering body language as it was a damn good use for fighting. I didn’t need to hear her words to see how much in love she was and instantly my lips curled up into a grin from ear to ear. My hands reached up and gently wiped the tears from Larimar’s eyes as I cupped her cheek in my hand and gently caressed it to try and calm her.:: Shhh! It’s okay Larimar, you have nothing to fear. You’ve kept my secret and I will keep yours and do everything I can to make sure nothing happens. You deserve love no matter who it’s with.

::My arms wrap around Larimar and I bring her in for a big hug, my hands rubbing calmly over her back. I knew what it was like to have to hold a secret so deep that if it was ever uncovered it would destroy not only my life, but the life of my family as well. It was something I never would of wished for upon my worst enemy let alone Larimar.

As I sat there holding Larimar and doing everything I could to comfort her, an idea came to me, one that made my heart began to pound. An idea that could help both of us.:: Wait, what if we were to date? (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: The second Rhon’s lips spread into a grin and he reached his hand out to wipe away my tears, I knew I had done the right thing. He would keep my secret. Although, that was never in question. What had been, was whether or not he would understand, and he did. It didn’t matter to him who this male was, what he did, or where he came from. All that mattered to Rhon was I be treated the way he expected me to be.

I thought I would be okay, for about a split second. But, then Rhon embraced me with his huge arms and gave me the biggest bear hug. I couldn’t stop it from happening. It was as if all my emotions compiled together and burst that fucking dam. The floodgates opened and the tears just flowed freely. Damn it! I didn’t want this to happen. How was I going to go back inside and face everyone with red eyes and mascara down to my chin?

That’s when he said it, the dating thing, and I couldn’t help by pull away and laugh. It was a reflex. I wasn’t even quite sure what I was laughing at. “Rhon, I just told you I was in love with someone?” (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::For a moment I was offended by Larimar laughing at the idea and then it clicked that I didn’t fully explain myself, my own laughter joining in on Larimar’s.:: I don’t mean actually date, just pretend. ::My mind was running a million miles a minute as the idea ran through my mind. Larimar and I both had a secret that we needed to be kept from our families and we could use each other as an excuse as to our whereabouts if we were ever questioned.:: We tell our families we’ve decided to mate and then when we want to do what we want, we just tell our families we’re going out with each other. My family would assume that maybe I’ve given up on my want to fight, and your family would get to think that you have chosen a male of worth. ::My eyes nearly rolled out of my head as I had to say the words ‘male of worth’ but I got it out.

Sure Larimar and I would have to pretend to be a couple in front of the entire Glymera but it would also get us both what we wanted. I would get to fight without having to worry about my parents and Larimar would get to spend more time with her male. (@Larimar_BDBRW)

Larimar: As I wiped away at the tears that were still streaming intermittently down my cheeks, I listened to Rhon go on about his idea. It was simple and brilliant but, could it actually work? Would people buy into it? We would have to do it carefully. I still wouldn’t be able to go out into public with my male, and Rhon would have to be take even more care not to get caught out, while fighting the lessers. One mistake and the whole thing could blow up in our faces. But… it could actually work. My mahmen had been telling me for years that Rhon was perfect for me. She always had had a soft spot for him. Could I do that too her, though. Give her that hope? It would be so easy. She would never second guess where I was, if she thought I was with Rhon. But, the lies… Then again, what other choice did I have? This was my way out. I was in love with a male that my family would never allow me to be with. If we did this, if we put on this ruse, I could have it all, my love and my family. I wouldn’t have to choose. Who better to trust with sharing in these lies than Rhon?

“That could possibly work. We’d still have to be super careful. But, we already spend a lot of time together. My mahmen is going to be thrilled! She’s always wanted the two of us to get together. I’m surprised she hasn’t pushed that idea on your mahmen, yet.” (@SonInCamo_BDBRW)

Rhon: ::Sitting there and watching Larimar’s expression for a moment or two, being able to see the wheels turn in her head as she thought about the idea. I could tell the exact moment that everything clicked in her head as it did for me and I couldn’t help but chuckle a little bit as I pulled Larimar into a hug, and just held her for a moment before pulling back, a grin covering my lips.:: To be honest with you, my mahmen brought you up on the way over here, I’m not too sure your mahmen didn’t put her up to it. ::The laugh that escaped my lips was a booming laugh that came from deep within my chest. Slowly I was starting to feel like shackles were be removed from and I was going to be free. I would have my chance to fight, I would have my chance to defend my race, and no more would I have to worry about my mahmen or sire being disgraced. I was going to have my cake and eat it too.

Stepping back from Larimar, I smiled and took her hand in mine, my thumb caressing the back of her hand as I laced our fingers with mine.:: Shall we go tell our family the good news?

#TheHatchingOfAPlan #BDBRW