#Large wall art hanging leaf tree

[prettypractical]

Top Tips for Choosing the Right Homewares for Your Space

Selecting the perfect homewares can transform your space. Consider your color scheme, room size, and overall style to ensure harmony. Opt for functional yet stylish pieces that reflect your personality. Don't forget to balance aesthetics with practicality for a comfortable, beautiful home. Visit Pretty and Practical for more tips!

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This 2009 Mediterranean style estate in Wellington, Florida has over-the-top decor. 9bds, 8ba, $15.9M.

Can you believe the chandelier hanging in the porte cochere? It looks like it could hit the car. Plus, there are two ornate carved planters on the walls.

The entrance foyer. The home is listed on every real estate site, including for-sale-by-owner.

Straight ahead is the sitting room. Look at how high the pictures go up. I wonder why all the chairs are lined up around the perimeter of the room.

The kitchen cabinetry is nice. I like the darker wood and counters.

The kitchen faces the family room.

I think it's the family room. What a ceiling.

The table and chairs must be the daily dining area.

And, this is the formal dining room. Note the organ, I guess for serenading the guests.

A guest powder room. I'm disappointed in the art- a lot of it is just framed prints.

The primary bedroom is huge. It has a beautiful ceiling, there's a piano in here, and doors to the garden.

The en-suite is also huge. The tub is so high, though. It looks like the round shower is gold-leafed.

It's unusual that the other bedrooms all seen to have a bed, sofa, and dining table.

Bath #2 is just as big as the primary bath.

Look at this room- it has a bed, table & chairs, large desk, and a full kitchen. The bedrooms are like studio apartments.

This bedroom also has everything, plus a balcony. All the bedrooms have this setup. I've never seen anything like it.

What a huge chandelier on this covered patio.

Love gazebos and this home has more than just this one.

18' deep pond stocked with koi, catfish and other exotic fish and its own dock. Isn't it beautiful at night?

This home is on 5 acres, surrounded by tropical trees, including fruit trees.

The property is so big, there are roads to drive around it.

The property is certainly large enough for a pool, but I think that this is for swimming.

[heritagebrowser]

One of the buildings to which Paleizenplein ("palaces square") in Brussels owes its name is the Palace of the Academies, which currently houses most of Belgium's academies.

From 1828 to 1830 it was the home of Crown Prince William of Orange-Nassau and his consort Anna Paulowna, daughter of Tsar Paul and Grand Duchess of Russia whrn Belgium (or Southern Netherlands) were part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands which was created after the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Later It was also temporarily the home of Crown Prince (of Belgium which was established in 1830) Leopold, at that time titled Duke of Brabant, to which Hertogsstraat (" Duke's street") refers. The palace is a late but pure example of neoclassicism, the palace style of the Enlightenment. This architectural gem was drawn according to pure geometric proportions, Renaissance symmetry and axiality.

The neoclassical building was built between 1823 and 1828 on the site of the Park Abbey refuge house. The state architects Charles Vander Straeten and Tieleman Franciscus Suys also carried out one of the renovations of the adjacent Royal Palace of Brussels in the same period. It was financed to the amount of 1,215,000 guilders with resources from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and on behalf of William I. The palace was furnished for his son, Crown Prince Willem and his Russian wife Anna Pavlovna. On the night of September 25 to 26, 1829, the palace was broken into. The thieves stole Anna Pavlovna's jewelry from her bedroom and escaped with it.

After the Belgian Revolution, the palace came under sequestration. An army regiment were given shelter there. It would take until 1842 before a compromise was found. The building was transferred to the Belgian state and the sumptuous contents went to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The contents were transferred to the Kneuterdijk Palace and after the death of William II to the Noordeinde Palace, where many pieces can still be admired.

From 1848 to 1852, the palace was the location of the first regiment of Jagers-Carabiniers. King Leopold II refused to move into the building that was offered to him in 1853. It was decided to use it for ceremonies and celebrations. The interior was renovated under the supervision of architect Gustave De Man. However, in 1862 the Museum of Modern Art was housed in the palace, pending the completion and furnishing of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. It would still house works of art until the Royal Academies of Belgium were allowed to settle there (royal decree of April 30, 1876).

Interior:

In the monumental stairwell hangs a portrait of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, in honor of the original founder of the Académie Impériale et Royale des Sciences et Belles-lettres de Bruxelles in 1772. The Throne Room (not to be confused with the Belgian Throne Room in the adjacent Royal Palace of Brussels) is the original banquet room of the palace. Adjacent were the private rooms of William II, of which, among other things, the toilet with enormous wall mirror of his wife Anna Pavlovna of Russia has been preserved. The large Marble Hall on the second floor is covered with Belgian brown marble and white marble from Carrara. The parquet, constructed with oak and tropical wood (rosewood and amaranth wood), has a motif of small tree leaves. The vault is covered with gold leaf and tympanums. The hall has excellent acoustics and is regularly used for concerts. In addition, there are a number of smaller rooms, including the Maria Theresa Hall when the Academy classes meet separately, and the Leopold Hall and Albert Hall for smaller committee meetings. The old permanent secretary's office also radiates grandeur. The building also contains about sixty smaller and larger office spaces.

[kerplunkmedia]

Ideas for Artificial Plant Decoration at Home

Adding plants to your home decor is a classic way to make any space feel alive. While real plants have a special charm, they might not work for everyone’s lifestyle or home. That’s where artificial plants come in—they’re flexible, easy to care for, and look more real than ever. With some creativity, these fake plants can turn your home into a green, welcoming retreat without the need for sunlight, watering, or worrying about the seasons. Whether you want a modern look, a cozy feel, or just a pop of color, this guide will show you creative ways to use artificial plants to improve your home’s atmosphere.

Why Choose Artificial Plant Decoration?

Artificial plants are a great way to add some green to your home without needing to take care of them. They don’t need water, trimming, or sunlight to stay looking good which makes them ideal for people with busy lives or homes that don’t get much natural light. Plus, they come in many shapes, sizes, and styles to fit any kind of decor. Whether you want to make a simple space look better or add a natural feel to a cozy corner, artificial plants give you lots of options.

In this blog post, we’ll look at different ways to use artificial plants in your home decor. From colorful table centerpieces to creative wall arrangements, you’ll find easy ideas to make your living space look more stylish.

1. Create a Statement with Large Artificial Plants

Tall Faux Trees for a Grand Entrance

One of the most impactful ways to use artificial plant decoration is with large, statement-making faux trees. Consider a tall artificial fiddle leaf fig, palm tree, or even an olive tree. Placing these plants near entrances or in living rooms can create a welcoming atmosphere. Choose trees with realistic foliage for a more authentic look.

Tip: Pair tall artificial trees with decorative planters or woven baskets to add texture and elevate the overall aesthetic.

Grouping Large Artificial Plants

If you want to make a bold statement, group several large artificial plants together. Mix and match different types, such as a monstera, snake plant, or rubber tree. By clustering plants of various heights and shapes, you'll create a dynamic focal point in your room.

2. Bring Greenery to Your Shelves

Artificial Plants as Shelf Accents

Tip: Use stylish planters, such as ceramic pots or minimalist concrete containers, to enhance the look of your artificial plants.

Layering with Books and Art

For a well-curated shelf display, layer artificial plants alongside books, artwork, and other personal items. You can create visual interest by placing taller plants at the back and smaller ones in the front. This setup will give your shelves a balanced and stylish look.

3. Hanging Artificial Plants for Vertical Interest

Macramé Plant Hangers

Add a boho-chic vibe to your home with hanging artificial plants in macramé plant hangers. This idea works well in kitchens, living rooms, or even bathrooms. Choose trailing plants like ivy, pothos, or string of pearls to create a cascading effect.

Tip: If you have limited space, hanging plants can be a great alternative to traditional table-top arrangements. Plus, they add an interesting vertical dimension to your space.

Artificial Hanging Baskets

Consider hanging artificial plants in baskets from the ceiling or wall-mounted brackets. The lush, cascading effect of artificial ferns or flowering vines will instantly liven up your room. This is especially effective in spaces like entryways or over kitchen islands.

4. Artificial Plant Wall Art

Faux Green Walls for a Bold Look

If you're looking to make a dramatic statement, why not transform an entire wall with an artificial plant display? Faux green walls have become a popular trend in home decor, offering a lush, vibrant backdrop for any room. You can create your own green wall by attaching artificial ivy, moss, or succulent panels to a wooden frame or directly to the wall.

Tip: A plant wall works wonders in modern or industrial-style spaces. You can also use it as a backdrop for your living or dining area.

Framed Artificial Plants for Wall Art

If a full green wall seems too overwhelming for your space, you can go for smaller framed artificial plant art. Choose from varieties like succulents, air plants, or ferns. These plant frames are a great way to incorporate greenery into your décor without taking up valuable floor space.

5. Artificial Plant Centerpieces for Tables

Faux Plants as Dining Table Centerpieces

Artificial plants make excellent table centerpieces, adding a touch of nature without requiring upkeep. Opt for a sleek, modern design with a faux succulent arrangement or a lush floral centerpiece in a decorative vase. These arrangements can be customized to fit the theme of your table setting, whether it's for a casual breakfast or an elegant dinner party.

Tip: To make your centerpiece even more striking, pair your artificial plants with candles or other decorative elements.

Seasonal Centerpieces with Faux Plants

Artificial plants allow you to change up your decor seasonally with ease. For example, during spring, you could use bright flowers or leafy greens for a fresh, vibrant centerpiece. In autumn, artificial pumpkins, autumn leaves, and warm-toned flowers can help create a cozy, seasonal ambiance.

6. Artificial Plant Décor for Bedrooms

Adding Greenery to Nightstands

Artificial plants make great additions to nightstands, bringing life and freshness to your bedroom. Place a small faux succulent or potted fern next to your lamp or on the corner of your bedside table. This will help create a tranquil, restful environment.

Tip: Pair your artificial plants with soft linens, neutral tones, and natural textures like wood and linen to create a cozy, serene atmosphere.

Statement Plant Corner for Bedrooms

If you have a larger space, consider creating a dedicated plant corner with an assortment of artificial plants in different sizes and containers. You can mix tall plants like artificial palms with smaller desk plants or trailing vines, making it the perfect corner to unwind and relax.

Buy Artificial Plants for Home Decoration

At Kusal Flora, we offer an extensive collection of premium artificial plants and flowers that are perfect for any living room style. From lush green trees to vibrant flower arrangements, our designs are crafted to elevate your interiors with long-lasting beauty and zero maintenance. Explore our artificial plants in Chennai and find the perfect piece to complement your living space.

Branches in Chennai

Egmore : 142,Ground Floor, Fountain Plaza, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600008, Tamil Nadu, India.

Thoraipakkam : No: 2, 200 Feet Radial Rd, Thoraipakkam, Tamil Nadu 600097,India.

ECR : 2/28, ECR Road, Injambakkam, Chennai – 600 115, Tamil Nadu,India.

Choolaimedu : 6, 3rd st Kamaraj Nagar, Choolaimedu (near PNB ATM), Chennai 600094, Tamil Nadu, India.

Phone : 044-28193372

Mobile : 7358707524

Conclusion: Embrace the Beauty of Artificial Plant Decoration

Artificial plant decoration is an easy and versatile way to bring nature into your home without the upkeep. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a bold statement, artificial plants can help you create a welcoming, stylish environment in any room. With endless design possibilities, you can experiment with different arrangements, plant types, and decorative containers to transform your home into a green oasis.

So, the next time you're looking to spruce up your space, consider the beauty and convenience of artificial plants. The possibilities are endless!

[dbeautify2017]

How to Decorate with MDF Wall Art and Sculptures

Decorating your home is one of the most exciting aspects of making your living space truly feel like your own. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating an environment that reflects your personality, style, and creativity. When it comes to home interior decor, one of the easiest ways to transform any room is by incorporating MDF wall art and sculptures. These decorative pieces offer a unique way to bring life to your walls, and today, we’ll discuss how you can use them to enhance the beautiful room decor in your home.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of selecting and using MDF wall art and sculptures to elevate your home decor. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right designs to placing them in your home for maximum impact. Whether you're designing your living room, bedroom, or even a hallway, these stylish pieces will breathe new life into your space.

What Is MDF, and Why Is It Perfect for Wall Art and Sculptures?

Before diving into decoration ideas, let’s first understand what MDF is and why it’s becoming such a popular material in the world of home interior decor.

MDF stands for Medium-Density Fiberboard, which is a composite wood product made from wood fibers, wax, and resin. The material is dense, smooth, and versatile, making it perfect for a wide range of homedecor applications, particularly wall art and sculptures. Unlike traditional wooden frames, MDF is less prone to warping, which means your handmade beautiful hanging art pieces will stand the test of time. It’s also more affordable than solid wood, which makes it an attractive option for those looking to add a touch of style without breaking the bank.

The smooth surface of MDF allows for detailed designs, giving home decor a polished and sophisticated look. From abstract patterns to intricate cut-out sculptures, you can find or create pieces in virtually any style. Let’s take a look at some ways to incorporate MDF wall art and sculptures into your home interior decor.

Choosing the Right MDF Wall Art for Your Space

When you’re selecting MDF wall art for your home, it’s important to think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Are you aiming for a modern look, a rustic feel, or something more traditional? The beauty of MDF art is that it can easily be customized to match any style.

Abstract Designs: If you want something modern and eye-catching, consider choosing abstract MDF wall art. These designs can add a pop of color and drama to any room, and their minimalist aesthetic can perfectly complement contemporary beautiful room decor. Whether it's geometric shapes, fluid lines, or bold colors, abstract MDF art can serve as the statement piece of your space.

Nature-Inspired Designs: For those who prefer a more organic feel, nature-inspired MDF wall art is a great choice. Think botanical prints, leaf shapes, or even animal silhouettes. These pieces can bring a calming, peaceful vibe to your home. Imagine a large MDF tree sculpture hanging in your living room, giving your space a touch of tranquility and grounding.

Vintage or Retro Art: MDF wall art is also an excellent material for recreating vintage or retro styles. Whether you want to replicate the look of a bygone era or add a nostalgic touch to your home, MDF can be crafted into intricate designs that evoke memories of the past. Look for MDF wall art featuring classic typography, retro patterns, or even old-school advertisements.

Custom Artwork: One of the greatest advantages of MDF wall art is that it can be easily customized. You can work with a local artist or choose from online platforms where you can submit your own designs. This allows you to create something truly unique that will speak to your style and preferences.

Sculptures as Part of Your Home Interior Decor

While wall art is an obvious choice for decorating, sculptures are another excellent way to add depth and dimension to your home interior decor. Sculptures can be used to create focal points in rooms or to complement other decorative elements.

1. Statement Sculptures for the Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home, so it’s important to invest in decor pieces that reflect your personality. MDF sculptures are a great option for this space. For example, you might opt for a large MDF abstract sculpture to stand beside your sofa or near a corner. This can act as the centerpiece, drawing attention to the area and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your living space.

2. Sculptures in the Bedroom

If you want to create a serene and artistic atmosphere in your bedroom, consider using MDF sculptures as decorative elements. A subtle, calming piece like a floral sculpture or something nature-inspired can add a sense of peace and tranquility to your personal space. Place them on a bedside table or on a shelf, paired with soft lighting for a cozy effect.

3. Sculptures in Hallways

Don’t overlook the potential of your hallway. Hallways are often underutilized when it comes to home decor, but with the right MDF sculpture, you can add character and style. Consider hanging a collection of smaller sculptures or a single large piece on the wall to make the space feel more inviting and polished.

Incorporating Handmade Beautiful Hanging Pieces

Another wonderful way to decorate your home with MDF is by choosing handmade beautiful hanging art pieces. These can be particularly striking when suspended from the ceiling, creating a floating effect that adds an ethereal and unique touch to any room.

Hanging Wall Art: You can select or commission MDF wall art that’s specifically designed to hang. Whether you go for a sleek geometric design or a more intricate piece with layers and textures, hanging art can bring an added dimension to your walls. The three-dimensional aspect of hanging art makes it appear more dynamic, as the light plays off the surfaces in a way that a traditional wall hanging might not.

Sculptural Mobiles: Some designers take MDF sculptures to the next level by creating sculptural mobiles. These pieces move gently with the air, creating a sense of motion and fluidity in your space. Hanging one in your living room or bedroom can bring a whimsical element to your home interior decor, making it feel more open and airy.

Layered Sculptural Pieces: Another trend in home decor is creating hanging pieces that combine wall art with sculptures. These can be layered in a way that gives the piece depth and dimension. Consider a series of hanging MDF art pieces in varying sizes to create a visual narrative.

Where to Place MDF Art and Sculptures in Your Home

Knowing where to place your MDF wall art and sculptures is key to making them work within your home interior decor. Here are some tips to ensure your pieces stand out:

Above the Sofa: A classic spot for MDF wall art is above your sofa. This is a central area where art can serve as a focal point, setting the tone for the entire room.

In the Dining Room: A large MDF sculpture or handmade beautiful hanging piece can add elegance and style to a dining room. Consider placing a large piece of art on the wall behind the dining table or a sculptural centerpiece on the table itself.

In the Entryway: The entryway is the first impression guests have of your home, so make it count with a beautiful MDF sculpture or wall art. A welcoming, stylish piece can create an inviting atmosphere from the moment someone steps inside.

In the Office or Study: Don’t forget your workspace. Incorporating MDF art into your home office can help create a motivating, inspiring environment. A modern, abstract piece or a motivational quote can keep you focused and energized throughout the day.

Why You Should Choose MDF Wall Art and Sculptures for Your Home

There are many reasons why MDF wall art and sculptures are an excellent choice for your home interior decor. They are affordable, versatile, and easy to customize. Plus, they can suit virtually any style, from minimalist to eclectic.

If you’re looking for quality homedecor with unique designs, websites like dbeautify.com offer a wide variety of MDF art and sculptures to choose from. Whether you’re decorating a single room or transforming your entire home, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next decorating project.

Final Thoughts

Decorating with MDF wall art and sculptures is a fantastic way to personalize your home and give it a unique flair. By selecting the right pieces and placing them thoughtfully, you can create a space that reflects your personality and enhances your everyday living. Whether you prefer minimalist designs, nature-inspired artwork, or intricate sculptures, there’s something for every style and taste.

So go ahead, experiment with home interior decor, and transform your space with stunning MDF wall art and sculptures. The possibilities are endless, and the results will be truly breathtaking!

Know More About DIY Home Makeover

[ooblehomesblog]

Nature Indoors: Decorating with Plants to Add Life and Energy to Your Space

There’s something undeniably soothing about stepping into a home filled with greenery. Plants have a magical way of transforming a house into a haven, adding vibrancy and serenity to your living space. Beyond their beauty, they come with a host of benefits: improving air quality, reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, decorating with plants offers endless possibilities to express your personal style while bringing nature indoors.

Why Plants Matter in Home Design

Plants aren’t just for gardens. They’re an integral part of modern interior design. Their versatility makes them perfect for any aesthetic, from sleek and minimalist to warm and rustic.

On a visual level, plants bring texture and movement, adding life to otherwise static spaces. A cascading pothos or a structured monstera leaf can be as impactful as a piece of art. But plants aren’t just about looks - they play an active role in enhancing your health. Studies have shown that having indoor plants can improve air quality by filtering out toxins, boost concentration and even reduce anxiety.

Beyond the science, plants connect us to nature. Biophilic design - a growing trend in interiors - emphasises the harmony between humans and the natural world. Incorporating plants into your home is an easy way to embrace this philosophy, fostering an environment that feels grounded, calming, and alive.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Space

When it comes to decorating with plants, the first step is finding the right greenery to suit your home. Start by assessing your environment. Do you have bright, sunlit rooms or cozy, shaded corners? Light levels play a huge role in determining which plants will thrive. For low-light areas, consider hardy options like pothos or snake plants. If you’re blessed with sunlight, succulents, fiddle-leaf figs or jade plants can flourish.

Space constraints are another important factor. Large, statement-making plants like rubber trees or palms can anchor a living room, while smaller varieties such as succulents or ferns are perfect for shelves and countertops. Think about maintenance, too. Beginners might prefer low-maintenance options like ZZ plants or peace lilies, while more experienced enthusiasts could take on high-maintenance beauties like orchids or bonsai trees.

Finally, let the purpose guide your choices. Want to improve air quality in your bedroom? Try a peace lily or a spider plant. Hoping to add decorative flair to your living room? A monstera deliciosa or a calathea could be the perfect fit. By matching the right plant to your space, you’ll set the stage for success.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Plants into Your Decor

Plants are more than just greenery - they’re versatile design elements. One of the simplest ways to elevate your home is by layering plants of varying heights and sizes. For example, place a tall fiddle-leaf fig in a corner, a medium-sized snake plant on a side table and a trailing pothos on a high shelf. This creates depth and visual interest, making your space feel vibrant and dynamic.

Hanging displays are another stylish option, especially for smaller spaces. Try macramé plant hangers, wall-mounted planters or even floating shelves filled with greenery. Terrariums are perfect for tabletops or desks, offering miniature, low-maintenance gardens encased in glass.

For those who want a statement piece, consider large floor plants. A tall rubber tree or bird of paradise can serve as a focal point in your living room or dining area. Pairing these bold plants with soft, flowing curtains in complementary shades can enhance the overall look by creating a cohesive, tranquil space. Similarly, small potted plants on bedside tables can work beautifully with crisp, natural-toned bedding, tying together the serenity of your room.

Styling Tips for Seamless Integration

Bringing plants into your home is only the beginning; styling them thoughtfully can make all the difference. Start by choosing pots and planters that match your interior aesthetic. Sleek ceramic pots complement modern spaces, while woven baskets or terracotta planters add warmth to boho or rustic interiors. Mix and match textures and colours for a curated, collected look.

Placement is key to ensuring your plants feel like part of the room. For example, pair a vibrant monstera with a neutral-toned sofa to let the greenery take centre stage. Add a trailing plant, such as a pothos, to a bookcase for a natural, cascading effect. Seasonal adjustments can also enhance your plant decor - wrap planters with twinkling fairy lights during the holidays or swap in a new pot design for a fresh look.

Think beyond the obvious when incorporating plants into furniture arrangements. Position a cluster of small pots on a coffee table tray for a layered, elegant touch or use a tall plant as a natural divider between living spaces. The goal is to blend plants seamlessly with your decor while letting their natural beauty shine.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Decorating with plants can come with its challenges, but they’re easy to overcome with a little planning. If your home lacks natural light, invest in grow lights or choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as peace lilies or ZZ plants. For small spaces, vertical solutions like wall-mounted planters or multi-tiered plant stands can maximise greenery without taking up valuable floor space.

Caring for your plants is another common concern. Stick to a simple care routine. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, dust leaves regularly to keep them looking their best and fertilise occasionally to encourage healthy growth. For those with a busy schedule, low-maintenance options like succulents, snake plants or cacti are great choices.

Remember, even if a plant doesn’t thrive, it’s an opportunity to learn. Adjust placement, light or watering habits and don’t be afraid to try again. With a little patience, you’ll discover which plants best suit your home and lifestyle.

Growing Your Green Haven

Decorating with plants is more than a design trend - it’s a way to infuse your home with life, energy and a personal connection to nature. By thoughtfully selecting plants and styling them to complement your space, you can create a home that feels vibrant and welcoming. Start small, experiment with different arrangements, and watch as your green haven grows into a beautiful, harmonious retreat.

“A home filled with plants is a home filled with life.” Let your journey with indoor greenery begin today.

[leaves-and-inks]

✨Gold Collection✨

Introducing my first reel! I felt my original photos of my artober pieces didn’t quite show how pretty the gold ink was in the sun, so here’s all four of them! What’s your favorite piece? The algorithm has been a little funny with my posts recently- fingers crossed that y’all have no problems seeing this!

[Video Description: Shot of fall leaves on the ground, the camera panning left to a leather bound sketchbook sitting in a mossy clearing. The sketchbook has a metal clasp on the front, and a wingless dragon in a circle with intricate patterns around it pressed into the cover. Text in the top of the frame reads: “check out my art in the sun with me.”

A cut shows a hand with a grey long sleeved jacket holding the now opened sketchbook, oriented horizontally. The text is gone, and the background of the shot is made up of ground covered in fallen leaves, and the beginning of deciduous woods. The remains of a stone wall are obscured by the underbrush. The hand tilts the sketchbook back and forth, a gold ink circle that sits behind an illustration of a crow shimmers in the light. The crow’s head is in side view and faces left, its body cropped roughly at the shoulder, showing the beginning on its folded wing, and fades out at the crop in a gradient with some small ink splatters. The crow is in greyscale, but the dime sized berry in its beak is bright red. The crow’s tongue tip touches the berry. The crow and gold circle are on a white background.

The video cuts to a similarly laid out shot; the background is more of the ground now, only the edge of the woods visible. The hand tilts the sketchbook, a gold circle still catching the time with a dragon illustration above it. The dragon bust facing right in landscape orientation, red smoke billowing out of its nostril. It has a slight underbite, sporadic, raised scales, square spines that go down to the nose, small horns on the brow bone, and large, ram-like horns. the horns have some flare to them, continuing back behind the head in some branches. The scales are lighter than the rest of the skin, and has some shine to them. Its neck is pale, and has long, thin scales. Behind its head is an iridescent, gold circle on a white background.

Another cut has sketchbook being held in portrait orientation this time, the background showing more of the stone wall and woods, along with the leaf covered ground. The sketchbook is still tilted to show the light catching on the gold circle. An Ink illustration of a stag with mushrooms and moss on its horns, sits on top of it. The deer is a bust that faces forward, the page taller than wide. It’s fuzzy, and has vacant, light eyes. Everything is in black and white except the gold circle and the red growth on the horns. There are four clumps of small mushrooms with long stems, and two long clumps of moss hanging from either antler. The antlers themselves have the same number of branches, but are slightly asymmetrical. The neck of the deer fades out onto the page. The deer and gold circle are on a blank white page.

The video cuts once more to a new page with an ink illustration of a calico cat bust with red four pointed stars and an iridescent gold circle behind it. The sketchbook is tilted back and forth, and the background of the shot has more of the ground than the trees. The cat has a white stripe going down its nose to the top of its neck, with lighter grey spots on its eyes, part of its cheek, and lower jaw. It had vacant eyes, and Its neck fades out into a cloud on the bottom of the page. Five red, four pointed stars surround the cat, four framing its head in a diagonal rhombus, and one in the top left corner. The gold circle sits behind its head and shoulders, and all sit on a white background. /end Video Description]

[puzzlesprintcom]

10 Creative Ways to Incorporate Wooden Wall Art into Your Home Decor

Wooden wall art is a great way to add character and warmth to any room in your home. It is a unique and versatile home decor item that can be incorporated in various creative ways to enhance your living space.

Here are ten creative ways to incorporate wooden wall art into your home decor:

- Create a Focal Point: Adding a large wooden wall art piece to a room can create a stunning focal point. Hang it in a prominent spot in the room, like above a fireplace, a sofa, or a bed. - Use as a Headboard: If you're looking to switch things up in your bedroom, consider using a wooden wall art piece as a headboard. It adds texture and visual interest to the space, while also making a statement. - Mix and Match Styles: Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles of wooden wall art. Combining pieces with different colors, textures, and patterns can add depth and personality to your decor. - Use as a Room Divider: Large wooden wall art pieces can also be used as room dividers. This works particularly well in open-concept living spaces or studio apartments, where you want to create separate zones. - Add Contrast: If you have a neutral color palette in your home, wooden wall art can be used to add contrast and depth. A bold, colorful piece can be a striking addition to a room with neutral walls and furniture. - Create a Gallery Wall: Instead of hanging just one wooden wall art piece, why not create a gallery wall? Mix and match different sizes and shapes to create a unique and eye-catching display. - Mix with Other Materials: Wooden wall art doesn't have to be used on its own. It can be paired with other materials, like metal or glass, to create a unique look that combines textures. - Use in Unexpected Spaces: Wooden wall art doesn't have to be limited to living spaces or bedrooms. Consider using it in unexpected spaces, like the bathroom or kitchen, to add a touch of warmth and character. - Create a Nature-Inspired Theme: Wooden wall art can also be used to create a nature-inspired theme in your home. Consider adding pieces with tree or leaf designs to create a cozy and natural ambiance. "The beach" wooden wall art is perfect for this! - Use for Seasonal Decor: Finally, don't forget that wooden wall art can also be used for seasonal decor. Switch out your pieces for different seasons or holidays to keep your decor fresh and interesting. Elevate Your Living or Working Space with Wooden Wall Art Mosaics Wooden wall art is a versatile and unique home decor item that can be incorporated in various creative ways. Whether you're using it as a focal point, a headboard, or a room divider, it can add warmth and personality to any space. At our website, we offer a wide selection of wooden wall art mosaics that are handcrafted from pine wood blocks. Our wooden wall art pieces are unique and can be customized according to your preferences in terms of size, color, and design. Each piece is carefully prepared, cut at angles, hand sanded, and painted before being glued to a back panel to create the wooden artwork. Our wooden wall art is not only visually stunning but also serves a functional purpose as a sound diffuser. Whether you're looking to enhance your living or working space interior, our wooden wall art mosaics are perfect to do so, and we guarantee that each piece is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Read the full article

[buyerfriendlynz]

Large Metal Wall Art Hanging Leaf Tree Of Life Home Decor Sculpture Garden Pair

DESCRIPTION

Give your space an artistic look with our Metal Wall Art. A fine example of creative craftsmanship that is simply stunning to look at.

They say art is an expression that portrays freedom signifies class that sets it apart from the rest. With this product you are not only buying a piece of art but also that expression it represents.

A hanging beauty: set it up on your wall and it will stay firm and stable all day long. A special leaf-like design that will blend in with any interior décor.

To withhold the delicacy we have made our product with high-strength metal. Whether indoors or outdoors this wall art suits it all.

A timeless nuance for your abode. Order your wall art today!

Key Features: 

Exquisite crafted

Screw fixation

Firm and steady

Easy installation

Elegant and stylish

Leaf like design

Perfect for decorating indoors and outdoors

SPECIFICATION

Material: Metal

Dimension:31cm x 3cm x 85cm/each

Colour: Refer to galleryPACKAGE CONTENTS

1Set x Metal Wall Art Decoration

1Set x Installation Accessories 

[prettypractical]

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Home Decoration Items Online

Welcome to Pretty and Practical! Your go-to source for stunning and functional home decor items. Our online store offers a vast selection of decorative pieces that can transform any space into a cozy and stylish haven. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of online home decor shopping, ensuring you find the perfect items to match your taste and budget.

Why Buy Home Decoration Items Online?

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How to Choose the Best Home Decoration Items

1. Know Your Style: Understand your personal style—be it modern, rustic, minimalist, or eclectic.

2. Measure Your Space: Always measure the space where you plan to place the decor to ensure it fits perfectly.

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4. Read Reviews: Check customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality and durability of the items.

5. Consider Functionality: Opt for items that are not only beautiful but also practical and functional.

Popular Home Decoration Items

1. Wall Art: Paintings, prints, and wall hangings to add character to your walls.

2. Throw Pillows and Blankets: Enhance comfort and style on your sofas and beds.

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4. Rugs: Area rugs and runners to define spaces and add warmth.

5. Mirrors: Decorative mirrors that also make rooms appear larger and brighter.

Tips for a Smooth Online Shopping Experience

1. Check Return Policies: Ensure the store has a flexible return policy in case the items don’t meet your expectations.

2. Look for Discounts: Sign up for newsletters or follow social media pages to stay updated on promotions and discounts.

3. Secure Payment Options: Make sure the website offers secure payment methods to protect your personal information.

4. Track Your Order: Opt for tracking options to keep an eye on your purchase until it arrives.

FAQ

Q: How do I choose the right size for home decor items?

A: Measure the space where you plan to place the item and compare it with the product dimensions listed on the website. This ensures a perfect fit.

Q: What should I consider when buying wall art?

A: Consider the size, color scheme, and style of your room. Wall art should complement the existing decor and not overwhelm the space.

Q: Can I return home decoration items if they don’t match my expectations?

A: Yes, Pretty and Practical offers a hassle-free return policy. Please check our return policy page for more details.

Q: How do I know if an online store is reliable?

A: Look for customer reviews, ratings, and secure payment options. Reliable stores also have clear contact information and return policies.

Q: Are there any shipping fees for online purchases?

A: Shipping fees vary depending on the item and location. Pretty and Practical often offers free shipping on orders above a certain amount. Check our shipping policy for more information.

At Pretty and Practical, we strive to offer the best in home decor with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. Explore our collection today and find the perfect pieces to make your home truly yours.

[ginkgomoon]

Gavin’s Mini House In Detail 🏡

During the Mini House special events, I obtained all the furnishing items and had already unlocked all the furniture in the home so I thought for Gavin’s Birthday Week, I would share all of the little secrets it contains! 

Gavin has four sections of the house including-

Living Room

Loft 

Courtyard

Basement

This post also includes MC’s commentary and quotes from special happenings associated with Gavin. Special furnishes will have the coziness points indicated next to its name.

Please enjoy! 

Living Room

Soft Stool 

The white soft stool next to the tea table.

This stool is a must when Gavin watches soccer games.

The leather surface is very soft, and its height is just right for watching TV on.

Want to know the trend of the soccer lottery recently? How about asking about it? 

It seemed to have won all the recent games, and is both happy and lonely.

If his favourite team loses, Gavin will sit here alone. (#sad) 

White Sofa 

With so many pillows, you don’t have to worry about having no support behind you.

Is the white sofa difficult to clean? 

The bolsters are very comfortable.

Curled up on the sofa with soft ginkgo aroma.

“Gavin, do you remember what you told me?”

“I just want to be with you, just like this...”

“You still remembered!” 

“I won’t forget what I’ve told you.” 

“Then... Do you have anything you want to tell me this time?” 

Gavin kissed MC’s forehead gently.

- This special happening (Starry Sky) refers to the Furniture City Date!

White Table 

“Gavin’s Pad is placed here too.”

(It has a photo of MC and she says she will change it into the both of them next time.)

“I can add a snack box, but Gavin doesn’t really eat snacks.”

Hallway Cabinet

“Gavin waters the plants regularly.”

“These are often loose change on the cabinet which we can take before going out.”

“The silver ornament is a souvenir I bought when we went to Disneyland.”

The “Wavy Thing”

“I noticed a little “go for it” written on the most recently scrawled page of the notebook.” 

“I found a magazine that puts people to sleep in a second, which was necessary for insomniacs.”

Zoombot 

The black Zoombot.

Today I’m again busy all over the place saving Zoombot.

It’s a bit stupid and often gets stuck after hitting the furniture.

Makes a buzzing sound when working.

You threaten it: If you hang again, I’ll replace you!  

Music Stand

The music stand bought by Gavin.

On it are sheets of music scores printed by Gavin.

It will sometimes think that the small black table next to it is a bit short.

Sometimes Gavin uses in in the hanging chair to record melodies.

Gavin will print the music scores and put them on it to practice.

Flowers on the Wall 

Each flower is carefully selected by Gavin.

The front wall stores a variety of flowers.

The flowers on the entire flower wall are all preserved fresh flowers. 

Black Table and Seat 

Looking at it closely, it is the song that Gavin played last time. (Music score sheet on table.) 

It is also very comfortable with the little black seat cushion next to it.

The soft black cushion stuffed with cotton.

My exclusive seat for Gavin’s recital.

I bought it with Gavin when we were shopping at the furniture market.

Hanging Chair/Rose Hanging Chair (Coziness 88)

A great napping spot.

Here in the Leisure Time special happening, MC and Gavin talk about the swing they had in high school. MC is surprised that Gavin knew about the view of the sunset when being on it. He says he “passed by” sometimes. MC notes how the ginkgo leaves danced in the wind. He says, “they were gifts from another person”.

Heart-Shaped Chair (Coziness 28)

A cute small stool and a convenient storage box.

Gavin’s expression was a bit subtle while he sat on it first.

Alternating blue and pink hearts, as it’s a Valentine’s Day limited edition.

Surfboard Cabinet (Coziness 42)

It’s a new surfboard. Bring it next time we travel.

There are also other surfboards. Guess where they are? 

It says fly on the surfboard, like I can leap through waves with it.

(THEIR CUTE SHOES ARE NEXT TO IT AHHH)

Blue Lamp

A lamp that always blows bubbles from the bottom to top.

It’s beautiful and dreamlike when switched on at night.

Black Table on the Left 

“This looks like the score that Gavin played on the beach last time. I suddenly feel a bit nostalgic.”  - This refers to the Slightly Drunken Date!

“I found a picture of an asleep Gavin. He was sleeping soundly.”

Claw Machine and Carpet 

A dream-like claw machine. Gavin will add new dolls in it.

The inserted game coins can be taken out from the back of the machine and then reused.

A small black carpet in front of the claw machine.

I bought it together with the large carpet.

Red Bunny, White Bunny, Pink Bunny, Red Bunny, Grey Bunny.

Motorcycles 

The blue motorcycle sometimes want to compete with the opposite motorcycle.

The colour of the motorcycle displayed is sky blue. 

Maybe its name will be “Azure”? (because Gavin uses colours to individually name items.) 

Spring Landscape Display 

The landscape has been embedded into the window, like beautiful paintings.

Maybe there is a new world inside.

I can't help stopping to enjoy the view each time I pass.

Is designed for a wider view, improving your mood even when you're tired.

Winter Landscape Display (Coziness 61)

A corresponding landscape should be changed into winter.

Such heavy snow! Frozen river! Unfortunately, they are all fake. 

You can enjoy the red maple leaves and snow even at home, isn’t it wonderful?

Loft 

Painting

This is a word map that covers the entire wall.

Looking at it, Gavin and I have already been to so many places.

If you want to travel, you can find the destination on it in advance.

I'm willing to create memories with him in many more places.

Chandelier

The current iron style design is really cool.

Shines warm yellow when turned on, warming our hearts.

Display Cabinet  

It should have been a wine cabinet, but Gavin doesn’t drink, so it became a display cabinet.

The ‘little things’ between me and Gavin are displayed inside.

It looks empty now, but it will slowly be filled up in the future.

Black Tea Table

A black low table in front of the sofa.

I occasionally work here.

The star and moon deco piece is very beautiful, I picked it with Gavin.

You can put fruits and snacks on it while reading.

The wood texture had a matted quality with the black coat of paint.

Art 

Looks cold but is artistic.

Seems useless, but also seems cool.

Greenery

A corner with blooming flowers all seasons, is warm and restful to the eye.

Outside the window is a huge ginkgo tree, and the fallen leaves are like brocade.

I feel like it’s always spring with all these flowers around.

It compliments the scenery outside the window. (They have a ginkgo tree right outside their home!) 

Cabinet 

Photo framed have karmas from the Starry Date and the Romantic Date!

Decorative Cabinet/Snowman Closet (Coziness 49)

The two little snowmen stared at each other throughout the winter. (Cute little reference to the CN Recovery ASMR.)

It looks like a window at first glance, but it’s actually a cabinet if you look carefully.

And you could open it. Didn’t see that coming right? 

Starry Sky Wall (Coziness 52)

Today’s wish… I hope that Gavin…

I will accompany you to see the meteor rain which falls on this Earth.

Every moment a wish is realised, there will be a meteor streaking across the sky.

Dandelion Lamp (Coziness 43)

The lamp looks exactly like the grapefruit during Mid-Autumn Festival.

Like a burning sparkler, shining brightly.

Six light sources, not too dazzling nor too dark.

Festive Decoration Table (Coziness 57)

Although there are two cups of drinks, we can still drink from the same cup.

The sofa in the corner always makes people feel safe. 

Although we are only two people, I still chose two long couches.

The letter under the ginkgo biloba leaf, writes a love poem.

All the shopping bags represent his most flawless love.

The wide view allows you to see the scenery in the yard.

The soft white mat was added afterwards.

But it’s always hot under the sunlight, so the curtain is often pulled down.

Basement

Security Camera 

You are in a monitored area, please mind your actions.

Bulletproof Glass 

It’s not a normal screen, it’s bulletproof.

It's not often that one gets to see such a cool and HARD-CORE transparent screen.

Anyways, curious what’s in this wall.

Sci-fi glass wall in the movies.

The engraved badge is Gavin’s silent pride.

1-2-3... still shorter than it!

Gingko Tree

Seasons slip by soundlessly.

No matter how small their wishes are, they will become seeds and eventually bloom in gold.

All life’s little joys turned into gold.

It guards the serene life here quietly over in the corner.

(Gavin makes ginkgo bookmarks with them for MC. CRIES.)

Corner Resting Area 

These action figures are actually pretty fun!

The puzzle is all grown up. It should be able to piece itself back together. (LOL)

(Puzzle) Maybe finish it while Gavin’s gone? 

(Table) It sometimes thinks the table is a bit short.

(Chair) It looks hard but it’s actually comfortable to sit on.

Very spacious, but looks a bit empty.

Some decorations should be displayed here.

Sitting on a blanket is also very comfortable. You can also lean on the small pillow. 

(Carpet) This is a carpet. You can’t tell, right? 

The advanced smart carpet that is warm in winter and cool in summer is awesome.

(The book on the table is called ‘Kritik Der Urteilskraft’- The Critique of Judgement by famous German philosopher Immanuel Kant. It follows after the Critique of Pure Reason and the Critique of Practical Reason- the First and Second Critiques, respectively. The Critique of Judgment constitutes a discussion of the place of Judgment itself, which must overlap both the “understanding” and “reason”.)

“You need to take better care of your health.”

“Who was the one working overnight over the proposal the other day?”

“Alright, we’re birds of a feather, so... so both of us should look after ourselves for each other!” 

“Rest assured, I will. After all, it’s different now. I have you by my side.”  -Harmonous Compa Special Happening

Gavin’s Workspace

Accompany Gavin though every sleepless night.

This seems… No, I’m seeing things.

All folders are neatly organised and arranged.

A spacious table, with files and reports spread all over when busy.

I no need to worry about waking up from naps due to cold late at night.

I was reminded of some criminal investigation shows I have watched. Come on, Officer Gavin!

If this complicated case is made into a movie, it will be an exhilarating one. 

(Computer) A customised large-screen UHD model customised for work purpose.

(Computer) Work exclusive computer, only connected to intranet.

(Computer) The three auxiliary monitors can help keep the data safe.

(Chair) If you want to protect your waist, you should first have a comfortable cushion.

(Chair) if you work long hours, be sure to work in a comfortable chair.

(Board Area) What does it say? Ermm… Cats have nine lives? 

“Found a girl crookedly drawn next to a work record when he reached a bottleneck.” 

Airplane

This airplane model was assembled by Gavin himself.

The computer says-  Agent B-7

Team Operator S.T.R.I.K.E

Location Tracker 

S.P.Y Camera 

U4V Commando

Gunship Operation 

Motorcycle Repair Area 

Every vehicle is so cool in its own way! 

Hello, you are... Little… Erm… Let me think… 

With the strength to lift mountains and the spirit to take on the world! Ha! 

The robot arm is actually a simple robot.

For your safety, please don’t linger below it

(Motorcycle) I would like to greet my seniors.

Electronic Control Pad

Responsible for controlling the rising, descending and switches of the entire area.

On Spring Festival, it will say: Happy New Year, Sir!”

Sooner or later, fully automated smart management will be achieved.

Radio Office 

It’s an important communication device, and the only disadvantage is that it’s a bit heavy.

It’s actually a satellite phone, and it can receive signals everywhere.

Looks like the palm phone in the 90s. Oh no, I’ve exposed myself.

It looks like an electrocardiogram.

Don’t know how to use this weird device.

A thick laptop that it’s properly shut when not in use.

A cool eagle logo is printed on it.

Gavin used it only for special tasks and it will not be brought out.

LMAO MC DOESN’T HAVE ACCESS-

Courtyard 

Corner Seating Area 

A courtyard in sunny or snowy days are interested in their own ways.

Sometimes the unfrequented bolsters will envy the knee pillow.

It's’ wonderful when two people are sitting here reading, even if they don’t talk.

Standing barefoot on the soft lawn is very comfortable.

There's nothing nicer than basking ourselves when its sunny.

Binoculars

The white binoculars which you can see things several miles away.

You can use it to watch the stars when it’s not too cloudy.

But star-watching is clearer mid-air.

Seems to be the same binoculars as those in the scenic area.

The binoculars in the scenic area require coins, but this one doesn't.

Outdoor Lounge Chairs 

The new furniture I asked Gavin to buy.

Can enjoy the sunlight spa comfortably when relaxing. 

Closing my eyes, I feel like I’m lying on a beach.

The soft breeze and warm sunshine. This is life. 

Lying on it and looking at the blue sky and white clouds, your mind goes blank easily.

The blue and white clouds-

Leisure Table/Romantic Table (Coziness 52)

Lace tablecloth… I can’t imagine that it was chosen by Gavin.

The elaborately prepared dinner and roses, just for today.

A large sunshade on the balcony. (Black large umbrella.)

Bird Nest (Coziness 37) 

Once it was a pair of binoculars, now it’s a bird’s nest.

I bought it just because it was cute, but I’ll consider having pets in the future.

Birds flying by can also have a free meal here.

[puppyluver256]

[Image Description: A digital illustration of Mirphy Fotoparat and Dallas Smuth from Smile For Me. Mirphy is a woman with light skin, long light brown hair, and a missing tooth. She is wearing a red sweater with blue trim, the rest of her obscured by the table she is sitting at. Dallas is a man with red hair in a bun and golden skin. He is wearing a teal and green headband, pink glasses barely visible through his hair, and a teal and green tunic. His back is to the viewer as he's sitting at the table across from Mirphy. He is holding a photo and two more are on the table itself. The one he's holding features a scene of two pine trees, while the others feature a pink water lily and a red beetle on a large leaf. The background is a dull yellow wall, a wall-hanging cabinet on the left, and an uncurtained window on the right. End ID.]

-----

“Ohhh wow, these are amazing,” Dallas gasped. He smiled as he looked over all the images presented to him, then came to one in particular and paused. “Wow, this tree is gorgeous,” he said. “But it’s like...coooovered in green. I thought you didn’t like green?”

Mirphy shrugged. “I guess I kinda go through color phases or something,” she said. “Green’s starting to grow on me, maybe, on occasion.”

+++

More 101 Smiles, have some art buds :3

Don’t tag as ship or I’ll come to your house and raid your fridge~♪

💖🐶 Check out my pinned post for ways to support my artwork, among other things! 🐶💖

~If you like, please reblog to show your friends! Likes are appreciated, but reblogs let more people see my content! If you have something to say, feel free to give feedback in tags/comments/replies as well!~

Mirphy Fotoparat and Dallas Smuth © LimboLane Artwork © PuppyLuver Studios

[emphoenixcat]

An Unconventional Fam (Pt. 10)

Part 9

Ao3

Buy me a kofi<3

A/N: This chapter takes place after chapter 7 for V and Dax, and chapter 9 for Roman and Remy. Enjoy! 

Summary: V and Dax make their way to the only place where they truly feel safe, a secret hideout in the forest. They have a surprising encounter with a particular werewolf.

Warnings: implied past child abuse (not detailed), slight blood mention, traps, demons, possession, food mention, lightning/thunder, wolves.

The demon and his human, or perhaps the human and his demon, were finally calming down after they were almost caught stealing from a cookie jar earlier that morning.

It was now mid-afternoon and they had managed to get a free bus ride at Dax’s insistence. 

V grumbled, “We shouldn’t be out in public like this.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, we can’t possibly walk all the way to the forest and make it there by nightfall. You said you wanted to get to your secret stash and listen to some music to calm down a bit, that is precisely what we’re doing.”

“We should’ve just headed back to our current hideout. This is too much traveling,” V anxiously peered around the bus at the strangers surrounding them.

The demon sighed, “You drew a picture of the demon witch on the walls. It seemed like bad luck to stay. Besides, we would be like sitting ducks if we remained there.”

He decided not to argue with the demon’s judgement, even if it had been primarily motivated by a craving for chocolate, it had solid rationale behind it.

They passed many busy stores and restaurants, now open and very much alive with customers. The leaf strewn sidewalks were teeming with people in a hurry to be somewhere. Dax and V stared longingly out the bus window, watching fragments of another life pass them by. Families walked together outside, children splashing in puddles and jumping in piles of fiery-hued leaves. V wanted to turn away from them and, instead, think like a brave and well-put-together adult, but he couldn’t. He was nothing more than a now twelve-year-old boy, not even close to fully grown. Dax, on the otherhand, was bewildered by such dreadfully heartwarming scenes; they simply didn’t understand such things. They were curious about what constituted as normal in human families, neither of them ever having much experience with such a concept.

It must have been hours before they were outside of town, but they were too busy daydreaming to be worried about the passing of time. The bus’s final stop was at an old gas station that was about an hour’s walk away from their special hiding place. V made sure to sit next to a large group of people despite his nagging uneasiness. They needed to remain as inconspicuous as possible after all.

As soon as the bus came to a stop at its final destination, they made their way to the doors, following closely behind the few people that were left.

“Hey, V. I’m feeling snackish. Do you feel like going for them chocolate chip cookies?”

Dax could feel V rolling his eyes at him, “Considering you ate one before I was awake and that I didn’t get to fully enjoy it the first time….yes.”

The demon sheepishly smiled, “I had to taste test them first to make sure they were suitable for the birthday boy.”

“Please don’t call me that.”

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, chewing on the delectable chocolate chip cookies and enjoying the crisp autumn air. They were breathing easier now that they were far away from prying eyes and now that the threat of the demon witch was temporarily pushed out of their minds. Something about the flavorful treats made V optimistic in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time, he vaguely wondered if they were getting a sugar high from said sweets. His heart sank slightly at the thought of never being able to go back to the diner for more cookies, not after being seen.

Pushing the image of the concerned man from earlier out of their minds, they continued forward through the undergrowth of the forest. It had been a month or two since they had come back to their little wooded hideaway; they tried not to go back and forth too often because it was easier to remain in town where they could go to various stores for the everyday essentials.

Getting to the hideout from here was not a problem, they had made sure of it by creating a magical path that only they could see. 

When Dax had agreed to help V run away from the demon witch, Stella, they had managed to snag a few potions and elixirs on their way out. Even though V struggled with the writing on the bottles, most of them were accompanied by symbols that he had been around all his life so he had some idea what they were used for. Mendacius, on the other hand, was more certain of the properties of each bottle since he was rather fluent in reading Latin and old runes. Together, they used a bright blue potion labelled Ignis Fatuus, which Dax knew would light a path leading to their desired destination. Only those who had unbottled the potion under a full moon and watched each drop of liquid seep into the earth were able to see Ignis Fatuus (which the demon had informed V was better known as Will-o’-the-wisp, a type of faerie magic that could only be used in this way when captured).

The shade of the trees provided enough low light to better see the magic bright blue flames that lined the forest floor. It wasn’t long before they came upon a tree with a hidden hollowed out inside. They pressed down on a large tree knot as if it were a button, a stairway within the trunk revealing itself step by step. 

Cautiously looking over his shoulder, V ascended the stairway until they were safely inside their secret treehouse.

The house was, of course, only the size of a small room, but inside it contained all of V and Dax’s most treasured belongings. Among art and photographs, a string of purple and yellow star-shaped fairy lights were strung along the wall, lighting up now that they were fully inside the room. Strewn about the walls were many of V’s paintings and sketches; he had tried to hang only those that reminded him of something good and comforting. Most of them were a likeness of the forest, some were depictions of Dax, and there were a few that V had let Dax help him draw….those ones were usually pictures of chocolate bars and cookies. V shook his head at the thought and smirked, what a weirdo. 

“Hey,” Dax protested, “I heard that.”

V just grinned and carried on admiring the contents of their hideaway treehouse. Of course the demon had other interests besides chocolate, such interests were depicted in photographs they had taken of shops and nature and unaware passersby. Mendacius had taken a strong liking to photography because of the way he could capture special moments on earth. He often hoped that the photos would withstand the tests of time so that he could always remember the best of everything long after this life and the next.

Among little dark wooden shelves, were stacks upon stacks of CDs, batteries, and music boxes of all kinds. Right beside the dark oakwood shelving, there rested a sturdy wooden trunk with silver runic symbols etched all along the sides; this was where all the potions were safely kept under lock and key. Not in any need of magical concoctions at this point in time, they glanced at the neatly-made and soft-looking bed that sat in the lefthand corner of the room, its soft purple blankets and an ebony plush bunny by the name of Mrs. Fluffybottom were a welcome sight for sore eyes. 

Without a second thought, they jumped on the mattress, wrapping the soft blanket around themselves and letting out a sigh of relief. Nothing felt safer than their treehouse retreat. For about the millionth time, V and Dax thanked whatever forces were in their favor for the Arbor Domus potion or, put more simply, the Grow a Home potion. All they had needed was a drop of the green liquid and an oak tree seed. After that, everything else was provided by Mendacius and his cunning thievery, something that V wasn’t exactly proud of.

Pushing those thoughts from his mind, V chanced a glance out of a small circular window near the bed, noticing the rays of sunlight fading through the trees. His birthday would be over soon enough, all they had to do was lay low here and let the rest of the day pass.

“Sleep now, V. You didn’t get enough rest earlier,” Dax urged him to lay back down and get comfortable.

V chewed at his nails, “I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea.”

“Nobody can find us here. And I’m not moving us anywhere, I promise,” Dax reassured him. “We’re safe.”

Nodding slightly, V relented and let their head softly hit the pillow as he tucked themselves snuggly within the blanket covers. After grabbing the plush bunny for extra security, it only took a moment for the normally anxious boy to feel safe enough to snooze.

Dax meant to stay awake to watch over V, but the demon felt his own spirit getting drowsy. In what seemed like no time at all, both souls were comfortably curled up and sleeping soundly, the soft glow of fairy lights providing them with dreams unburdened by darkness or evil witches of any kind.

They were abruptly awoken by the sound of a wild animal deeply howling. V bolted up so quick that they nearly got whiplash.

Crankily, Dax rubbed at their eyes, “Calm down, V. It’s probably just the wind.”

“That is most definitely not the wind. That was a wolf.”

The demon sighed, “So what? The creature can’t get us from here, this place is cloaked by magic.”

“Oh,” V clutched their rabbit plushie a little closer to himself, comforted by its presence. “I suppose you’re right. It just startled me is all; it sounds awfully close.”

They were silent for a moment, straining their ears to listen. There was the unmistakable pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the roof. Minutes passed before they heard the howl again, this time it was much closer. 

Trying not to feel nervous, they peered out the window and into the forest down below. The eerie glow of the full moon was shadowed by a great deal of cloud cover, yet it cast just enough light for them to see the russet-hued wolf that stood at the base of their tree. It was simply staring into the sky, seemingly entranced. It let loose another hauntingly drawn-out howl.

Not wanting to alert the wolf to their presence, even if they were hidden by magic, V opted for speaking to Dax telepathically rather than out loud. “What kind of wolf is that? It’s kinda orange, almost tri-colored like a timber wolf.”

“That’s not a normal wolf. It’s much too big and definitely not native to these parts.”

“A werewolf?” V’s eyes widened, “Is it--? No, it can’t be.”

 Dax only nodded, he could see the glow of a human-like aura intertwined with that of a wolf-like one. The demon sent the image over to V’s mind as they watched the wolf below them dash away into the darkness and out of sight.

“Well, he’s gone now. Not much to worry abo--”

A piercing cry echoed across the expanse of trees followed by a series of yelps and whimpers.

V and Dax stood stock still in stunned silence, they were both wondering what in the world had just happened to elicit such a spine-chilling sound from their wolfy acquaintance. The shrill whimpering continued and V finally found the will to speak, “M--maybe we should go see what’s wrong. I mean, it sounds like he’s hurt.”

“Oh really now, the big bad wolf should be able to take care of himself,” Dax rolled their eyes, “Besides, I thought that you wanted to stay in tonight and avoid any and all trouble.”

A long and heart-wrenching whine could be heard throughout their area of the woods.

“C’mon. You know we can’t just stay here and do nothing while he’s hurting out there.”

Dax threw their arms up in the air in exasperation, “Fine, we’ll go out and help! But only because I can’t stand his incessant whining. Don’t blame me when your fear of dogs is worsened because wolfy over there decides that we’d make a good chew toy.”

Well aware that they were planning on helping an unpredictable wild animal, which was stronger and bigger due to its magical qualities, they decided they should equip themselves with a little magic of their own.

V took off the collar that his bunny, Mrs Fluffybottom, wore around its neck. Hooked onto the neckband, like a bell, was a silver and black key. 

Determined, V took the key over to the chest and fit it into the heavy padlock. Something clicked and they carefully lifted the heavy lid until it rested against the wall. Dax and V stared at the various vials of liquid enchantments set before them. The demon retrieved a tiny bottle of what looked almost blood-like in color. As he touched the glass, ancient runes briefly revealed themselves and Dax nodded with certainty. 

“This is the one we need,” their eyes skimmed the rest of the pile, “Unfortunately, there are not any cloaking potions in here. Looks like we’re on our own.”

V shrugged their shoulders, “We usually are.”

Before they could lose that sliver of bravery pulsing inside of them, they pocketed the healing potion and shut the chest, locking it up once more and returning the key back to its rightful place. Smiling softly, V patted the dark bunny’s head and thanked it for guarding the key. Mrs. Fluffybottom could only stare back at them with mismatched purple button eyes of course, but that didn’t matter much to V. 

V pulled their hood up over their ears, mindful of the wind and drizzle that was going on outside. Then they hurried down the staircase and out the entrance of the hollowed out tree, the steps vanishing from sight behind them. 

Once outside, they made sure to creep silently, moving deftly through twigs, crunchy leaves, and undergrowth. The rainfall made it a lot simpler to walk undetected towards the high-pitched yowling, which seemed to be getting even louder. Dax and V rounded a tree and abruptly stopped, tiptoeing backwards in order to remain out of sight.

Lying on the forest floor in a small pool of blood was the wolf, his hind leg caught in the heavy metallic jaws of a beartrap. 

“Great, what’s the plan now? We can’t heal him without freeing him first.”

V eyed the wolf warily, “I dunno, I was hoping it was a simple injury. Why does it always have to be beartraps?”

“I guess werewolves don’t have many other weaknesses.”

“Well,” V bit his lip in thought, “if we’re gonna do this, I’m gonna need your help as much as possible.”

“We could wait until he turns human again, couldn’t we?” Dax suggested.

“No, he’s bleeding out. It’s too long of a wait until sunrise….”

Without a second thought, they stepped out from behind the tree.

The wolf’s head turned and the whimpering turned into low guttural growls as the creature finally realized he was no longer alone.

V hesitated, slowly edging closer to the wolf. He extended a hand toward the creature in what he hoped was a placating gesture.

“H--hey, buddy. Remember us? I know we got off to a bad start, but we returned the book and even left a note. We’re cool, right? You wouldn't dream of tackling us a second time, right?” V lightly chuckled, his voice shaky and whispery.

The tawny wolf tilted his head in confusion and the growls softened for a moment, however, his ears remained as alert as ever. He fixed his eyes on the other and V stilled in their tracks, mesmerized as the wolf’s irises flashed from gold to brown for a fleeting moment; it had happened so fast that they weren’t even sure they had seen it correctly.

Because it was what seemed like the logical response at the time, they let their eyes flash a deep ebony before letting the color settle back into V’s usual hazel.

The wolf cautiously bowed his head to them, his tail lowered.

They took this as a sign that it was okay to approach. Dax and V attentively knelt down next to the silver trap, the light of the moon glinting off of it ever so slightly. V let the demon take control as they worked to pull the metallic jaws apart, careful not to touch the sharp teeth of the contraption. Sweat was beginning to form on their brow as they pried at the trap for several long minutes, the metal was slick from the rain and their hands kept slipping. Grunting from the extended exertion, the demon used as much strength as he could muster and V helped as much as he possibly could. The beartrap finally began to budge ever so slightly. With what sounded a lot like a battle cry, the hinges were creaked back just enough for the werewolf to free his paw. As soon as they noticed he was free, they let go of the trap and it snapped shut, just narrowly missing their fingers as they fell backward onto the damp forest floor.

Sighing with relief, they tiredly retrieved the healing elixir from their pocket and managed a faint smile at the wolf next to them. They uncorked the bottle and let the tiniest drop of red liquid fall upon the creature’s injured paw. Within seconds, the potion started to work its magic repairing the wound until the paw looked as good as new. No scars remained.

The wolf stared at his paw and twirled around in circles as if disbelieving, then he peered up at them, his irises as golden as ever.

V felt a shiver run up his spine and he turned to look over his right shoulder. Mendacius was taking form beside him. It appeared to be the devil’s hour once again.

There was a sudden flash in the sky and a resounding clap of thunder. The werewolf snarled.

They were still on the ground and out of breath. Both of them knew that if they were to run, the creature would catch up.

The wolf crept forward, sniffing the air.

“M--maybe if we don’t make any sudden movements, he won’t attack?” Dax said hopefully, he was suddenly very aware that his physical form was now solidified enough to be maimed.

V managed to nod once, his wide eyes still glued to the threat before them.

Nose still twitching, the werewolf backed away from them a few steps. Then the creature lunged, knocking them both backward with his huge paws.

V’s eyes were shut tightly, his breathing erratic and strained. He was absolutely certain that this was the end, but then he felt something wet and slobbery tickle his nose and his eyelids fluttered open only to be greeted by the view of the dog's tongue darting out to lick his cheek. The wolf turned to Dax to do the same.

“Ugh, gross! This is the last time I help a werewolf!” the demon complained.

They were licked excitedly by the wolf about three or four more times before he happily bounded away further into the woods, his tail wagging behind him. The duo remained on the now muddy ground, they were absolutely rain-soaked, but the utter exhaustion from all that they had gone through kept them rooted to the spot for a little while longer. It was quite a lot to process.

UF Taglist: @virgilanxiety @monikastec @nyxwordsmith @prplzorua @thestoryofme13 @llamaly @dark-strange-mess @socialfailure @justanotherpurplebutterfly @internallyexplodingrainbows @devoted-to-boyking-samshine @groverpal @potatogirl309 @sockopath @ocotopushugs @callboxkat @violetmcl @ravenclawunicorn1 @isaysolanumlycopersicum @the-straight-as-a-circle-girl @that-one-invisible-chick @nye275 @confinesofpersonalknowledge @jojosenpai @audricusthebold @noodlesforlife13 @spazzz32 @axyzel @6tick6tock6 @ijustreallylovesanderssides @virgilisaneternalmood @jade-dragon226-fan @britbrodcast @crankthatyee @awesomelissawho @couch-potato-1890 @temmiecupcake @lucifer-in-my-head @tahiti-island-dream @crownswriter123 @harry-niclach @kikiofthevast @amazinglissawho @vibe-with-vinnie @notspookymonth  @a-pastel-pan @captain-otis-dante @enby-in-fandom @magridalthewitch @monixmoony 

General Taglist: @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms @anxious-but-whatever @tellmehowtoexist @maizieandbirds @theresneverenoughfandoms @grumpymoonbird @lizaelsparrow

A/N: How cool would it have been if I had actually gotten this werewolf chapter out on not only a full moon, but the blue moon that we had on Halloween night? That would’ve been spectacular. *sighs*

[n1ghtt1me-stars]

Part 10 (1)

Warlock saunters vaguely through life (Warlock saunters vaguely into their lives part 10) - this work is around 20,000 words so will be uploaded in eight parts every week

work on ao3, part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine  

The five years after the non-apocalypse passed quickly and peacefully.

And Warlock really didn't want anything to change.

In school, he had very few friends - really they were more acquaintances than friends - other quiet people he sat with in the library and the computer suite because everyone knew that they wouldn't disturb each other. Warlock wasn't even a hundred per cent certain on all their names.

After his last GCSE exam, he went straight home. It was physics and Warlock was pretty sure he lost all the marks except on the parts about Space, as Crowley had helped him revise that topic. There was talk about a party that all his year was invited to, but it felt presumptive to assume he was a part of that group.

The tube had become part of his everyday routine: headphones in, head down and praying that it wasn't crammed (though it usually was).

There was a well-done-on-your-exams cake waiting when he arrived home. Crowley and Aziraphale stood proudly behind the table with the cake on it. Smiling, Warlock walked over and gave them a hug. Neither of them really understood human school though they celebrated each achievement and somehow cake became a part of it.

Aziraphale began to plate some slices of cake while Crowley turned to him and asked, "How was school, dear?"

"S'alright," Warlock replied. "Hated the test but my physics teacher gave us sweets afterwards. I think she pitied us."

Crowley laughed and Warlock continued with descriptions of his classmates' looks of despair. Aziraphale chimed in with "Oh those poor dears. Were exams one of mine or yours?"

Leaning back in his chair as he thought, Crowley eventually said, "I can't remember. I think I did it but it could have been a favour."

"I swear," Warlock said, "if you didn't give me cake, I would be really annoyed right now."

**

Later that evening, Warlock laid on his bed on his phone. Somehow, he had become friends with Adam and his lot. Not so much Wensleydale and Brian (Warlock did get Wensleydale's help with physics as well though it didn't pay off). He spoke a bit with Adam who really liked plants, and Warlock had grown up in Crowley's garden so they had some common ground.

Mostly, Warlock messaged Pepper. They both did ICT as a hobby and as a GCSE (Brian also did the exam but only because he thought it would be easy). Pepper was also into social justice and Warlock knew the best way to be heard in both Britain and America through his father’s complaints.

(They also both liked romantic comedies and were too ashamed to admit it to anyone else)

Is Adam still prepping for the party? Warlock sent Pepper after their rants about exams died off.

Of course. Been planning this since his fifteenth. Warlock can feel Pepper rolling her eyes. He's even made a truce with Johnson because he can get drinks for the after-party.

 That's dedication. How's he hiding it from his parents?

 Convinced Anathema it’s a rite of passage. She's going to distract all the adults including your parents after the barbecue so we can go to the treehouse.

Sounds fun. And it really did. Since his eleventh birthday, it had become a tradition to throw a joint party with Adam. His parents were usually abroad so they travelled to Tadfield for roughly a week.

 To you maybe. Adam’s been setting up rubbish bags and threatening to fight anyone who litters in his woods.

 Haha so glad I don't help plan these things

Wish you did, Pepper quickly replied before sending another message, it's annoying that you can't come during Christmas or Easter

 I know. Two more years and then I don't have to go back to my parents’ house.

Only two years. Can't believe we're all growing up. Pepper sent.

Yeah, neither could he. Growing up was a surreal thing. Changes happened without you noticing; he doesn't know when the last time he called Crowley Nanny was. He remembered being teased for having servants and stopped referring to Nanny in school. And then, it bled into his home life. Warlock wasn't sure if Crowley noticed because he never said anything, but it made Warlock a little sad thinking about it.

 I know. Think Adam will mature once we turn 16?

 Nope. Still be thinking he's the centre of the universe till someone knocks him down a couple of pegs

Warlock laughed aloud at that. Adam was regularly self-centred, but he meant well most of the time. Once, when they were thirteen, he didn't talk to Warlock for weeks after he couldn't come over for Christmas despite him explaining why. It took Pepper hitting him for Adam to apologise.

The year after, Adam posted a book about coding to the Dowling house. Warlock still wasn't sure how he got that address.

Before he could reply to Pepper, she messaged again that her mum needed her so she'd talk tomorrow. It was only ten so Warlock doodled in his notebook a bit; he could do rough sketches of a variety of plants and flowers without thinking. For his art GCSE, most of his coursework had been based around plants because he could use Crowley's garden as a source. A few years ago, Crowley had expanded to a greenhouse on the roof (which Warlock was pretty sure was closed off to tenants) and it was so beautiful and full of lush plants in there.

It was definitely one of Warlock's favourite places.

A couple of weeks later (most of it was spent catching up on sleep), Warlock packed for their trip to Tadfield. Technically, he wasn't a military kid like the others he grew up with who moved every few years. But, on the other hand, as a diplomat's son, he went on more short-haul trips so packing was a breeze.

Going through his mental list, he packed his clothes effectively so he could take his tablet and laptop. He knew Aziraphale would be taking enough books for the week so he didn't have to worry about that.

Suitcase ready and his phone on charge for the car journey, he went up to the roof. He passed Aziraphale prepping packed lunches in the kitchen: most likely simple sandwiches if he was trying to make something without magic.

It was a rare clear day and Warlock could see miles of the city all around from the rooftop however he couldn't hear the busy streets. Apparently, plants needed a calm, clean atmosphere (even though they were already in a greenhouse) so the roof was quiet and smelled of clean air and not the usual scent of exhaust fumes.

Pushing open the door to the greenhouse, Warlock was met with a warm wall of humidity. Crowley stood over some vibrant green ferns with his water sprayer, inspecting for any damage and threatening them.

"You all better grow well when I'm away," he said as the leaves trembled. "or you'll know what'll happen. I don't think any of you can survive a fall from a roof."

Warlock gently stroked a shaking leaf and it stopped trembling. As if communicating with the others, all the plants went still and Crowley turned to glare at him. "You and Aziraphale are way too nice to them."

"Yeah," Warlock said, "We're the ones who are too nice."

Crowley waved the spray bottle at him before giving the plants one last glare. Walking out of the greenhouse, Crowley asked, "Are you ready to go?"

To be honest, his stomach was turning. Each year, it was terrifying to be celebrating his birthday with people he only saw once a year and only knew because he was standing in the background when the world nearly ended.

"Yep, can't wait," Warlock said. He must have sounded convincing because Crowley told him to put his stuff in the car before going to find Aziraphale.

**

They stayed in the same rented cottage every year that was always empty despite it being the height of summer. Like the flat, it was a lot smaller than the house he grew up in, but Warlock preferred it. Every floorboard creaked and the chairs felt like they would collapse whenever someone sat on them but it was never empty.

Unsurprisingly, they arrived before lunchtime because of Crowley's driving, so they had the sandwiches at the cottage. Warlock had several messages from Pepper demanding he come into the woods as soon as possible because Adam is getting stressy about the party and someone needs to distract him.

Leaving Aziraphale and Crowley to sort out the cottage, Warlock jumped the fence in the garden as it was the quickest route into the woods. He only came once a year, but he could walk this path with his eyes closed. It was cool beneath the shade of the trees, yet the light that filtered through made the whole area a nice golden hue. The air had a similar feel to the greenhouse: clean, fresh and the furthest thing from the city air.

The first thing he heard was Adam's voice. "Hang the paper chains evenly in the branches," he shouted. Warlock walked into the slight clearing in time to see Pepper glare at Adam. "Please," he added reluctantly at her look.

No one was really sure if Adam still had his powers, but Adam swung round to lock eyes with Warlock as if he just knew he was there.

"Warlock!" He shouted and smiled widely. However, Warlock's response was cut off when a weight slammed into the back of his knees. Stumbling forwards, Warlock stopped himself from falling as Dog continued to jump and bark at him. For some reason, Dog was always overly enthusiastic around him and no one else.

"Hey," Warlock said as Dog ran over and sat down at Adam's ankles. "How are you?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Adam said. "It's good you're here actually, you can help Wensleydale with the paper chains. He has no idea how to spread the colours evenly."

Looking over at the tree, Warlock could see what Adam meant. There was a large patch of red on one side of the tree, a couple of stands if blue next to it (where Wensleydale was precariously sitting) and other colours in a pile on the floor. If left to his own devices, all the colours would end up in distinct blocks which would just look weird. "Sure," Warlock said, "I'll save the tree."

"Thank you," Adam said earnestly. Suddenly, he shouted "Brian, no!" before running off to deal with another impending disaster.

On his way over, Warlock said hi to Pepper who was setting up some solar-powered garden lights. "We'll have to take some of that red down," he said to Wensleydale who was clambering down from the tree.

"Yeah," Wensleydale said sadly. He cleaned his glasses on his shirt and put them back on to stare at the paper chains. "I guess it would look better if they were mixed together."

"Yeah..." Warlock said as he studied the colours. "If you get back up in the tree, I'll pass them up and we can spread them out?"

"Sounds good," Wensleydale replied and he climbed the tree again. As they worked, they chatted mostly about the recent exams because that was the only common ground they had.

"How did your RE go?" Wensleydale asked. Warlock was grateful that they had quickly moved on from the physics paper.

"Alright I think," he said as he passed up a green chain. "But it didn't help that Aziraphale kept telling me about misprinted bible quotes. They were all I could remember in the exam."

"Oh, I read about some of those. I think my favourite was 'Thou shalt commit Adultery'."

Laughing, Warlock said, "Nah, 'the unrighteous shall inherit the Kingdom of God' is definitely the best one. It's amazing how these were so wrong with just little mistakes."

Finally finished with the tree (which now looked like an explosion of colour instead of a paint-by-number), Warlock realised that his stomach was growling. Brian and Pepper disappeared a while ago once they had finished their jobs and Wensleydale quickly left as well, claiming he was tired from scrambling around the tree. That just left him and Adam, who was trying to get Dog to stop playing with a scrap piece of paper that he was intent on tearing to bits.

"Dog, drop it!" Adam said. Warlock laughed as Dog ignored him. "Drop it," Adam continued sternly, "or no treats for dinner."

Dog dropped it and Adam looked at Warlock smugly. "I'm pretty sure he only stopped because you mentioned treats," Warlock said and Adam's expression faltered slightly.

No," he said stubbornly. "Dog understood the threat."

"Sure he did," Warlock said, filling his voice with sarcasm. "Well," he added, "I'm hungry so I'm going to ..."

"Come to mine," Adam interrupted. "My mum will be preparing dinner soon."

"Uh..." Warlock couldn't see a valid reason to refuse, except that being around the adult Youngs was weird, but he couldn't admit that to their son. "Sure," he said, "let me just message Crowley."

"Awesome," Adam said, and, as soon as Warlock put his phone back in his pocket, grabbed his arm and started dragging Warlock to his house.

*

Excluding all the supernatural elements, Warlock wondered if there was anyone else in a similar situation where the child was the one to know that they were adopted and not the adult.

He couldn't help thinking about it as Mrs Young pulled him into a hug and Mr Young gave him a firm handshake. Really, he looked nothing like Mrs Young who shared the same light hair and soft face with Adam, and the only similarity he had with Mr Young was the dark hair colour that his mum also had. Adam, though, did actually look like their son despite not being related.

The situation was strange and Warlock usually tried to ignore it, especially around his family because his father could not find out he wasn't biologically his.

It would be the straw that broke the camel's back; it would be all the excuse his father needed to disown him.

"Sit down," Mrs Young said, ushering Warlock and Adam to the dining table. "I'm making bangers and mash so I hope you're hungry."

"They're vegetarian by the way," Adam said to him.

"Yeah, that's fine," Warlock said. He knew that Adam went vegetarian a while back and that his parents followed his example. Anyway, you could never go wrong with sausages and potatoes.

Warlock could hear the sound of ceramic plates being set out and the kettle whistling in the kitchen. Despite his reservations, Warlock did love being in Adam's house. It was loud and full of life and reminded him of the times when he, Aziraphale and Crowley tried to make a new dish together (with varying degrees of success). It was also the furthest thing from the empty estate that he used to live in.

Once everyone was sat down and eating, Mr Young turned to him and asked, "So, what exams did you do Warlock?"

"Uh, ICT, RE and art," Warlock said, "plus English, maths and combined science of course."

"A good range," Mr Young said, meeting Warlock’s eyes as if he was genuinely interested, "Your parents must be proud."

"Yep," Warlock said, quickly shoving a forkful of mash into his mouth so he didn't have to say anymore. He was pretty sure his father's lecture on why he should do more useful subjects like politics or business lasted an hour when Warlock told him his chosen options.

Thankfully, Adam started talking about the party. He omitted the part about the truce and Johnson bringing alcohol but he waved his cutlery around as he spoke about all the decorations and the games they' were going to play in the woods.

"I'm thinking that we play games that we used to play as kids," Adam said, as though he never stopped playing those games. "Forty forty in is good in the dark..."

"How do you play?" Warlock asked.

Adam turned to look at him with wide eyes, "You've never played?" Adam said. Warlock looked away slightly from his shocked look. As a child, the only game he could remember playing was soccer (well football here, that was probably the only American thing about Warlock) when some of his mother's friends brought their children round. Names of games like 'bulldog' and '123 home' were suggested if he remembered correctly but soccer was the only thing they all knew so they didn't have to waste time explaining it. He never had regular friends to develop these kinds of games with.

"No..." Warlock eventually said, focused on the food in front of him as he cut the sausages into tiny, regular pieces. "I've never heard of it."

"That's fine," Adam said, his cheerful mood not at all affected. "You can be on my team and we’ll destroy the others."

"We never played in teams," Mrs Young added. "If you was IT, you had to do it alone."

"Well, in my version there’s teams and it's more fun when you have someone to work with."

"Okay dear, finish your food," Mrs Young said, gesturing to Adam's half full plate which he had been ignoring whenever he spoke.

They finished in relative silence and Warlock helped Mrs Young carry the plates into the kitchen as Adam took Dog out into the garden. "You're such a polite boy," she said, "not like the chaotic demon I raised." Warlock laughed though it was more at the fact that she didn't know how right she was. "Are you excited for the barbeque tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yeah," Warlock said. "Thank you for hosting it again. They're always brilliant. This will be the fifth one-- won't it?"

"Oh its no trouble," Mrs Young said, dismissing his praise with a wave of her hand. "I can't believe you're all growing up so fast. Soon, you'll be at university and then adults. First, it was Adam's sister and now Adam. Oh God," she paused and wiped her eyes, "I better stop before I start weeping."

Warlock scuffed his feet against the floor. "It's alright," he said, feeling like an intruder. Adam had told him late one night in a rare honest conversation that his older sister visited less and less and that it made his mother upset. In return, Warlock told him how his parents had been distant growing up and he disliked people like his sister, who selfishly took their parents' love for granted.

Adam didn't argue with him. He only said that he was glad Warlock was with Aziraphale and Crowley now.

"Go hang out with Adam," Mrs Young said as she shooed him out of the kitchen. "I'll get Arthur to help me."

Leaving her shouting for her husband, Warlock went into the garden where he found Adam laying on the recently-mowed grass with Dog. The sun was just setting, turning the sky red (Warlock hoped that meant the weather would be good tomorrow for their birthday). Sitting down next to him, Warlock saw that Adam's eyes were closed but he knew that Adam was aware that he was there. He waited in silence until Adam opened his eyes.

From his position sitting up, Warlock had to lean over slightly so he could make eye contact with Adam. "Are you going to stay there all night?" he asked.

"Maybe," Adam said with a smirk. Honestly, Warlock wouldn't be surprised if Adam actually did as he always seemed to belong more outside.

"In that case," Warlock said as he stood up, "I'll be heading back to sleep in a proper bed."

Adam groaned but scrambled quickly to his feet. "I'll walk you back," he said. There were grass stains all down his back and loose stands in his hair. Warlock tried to help by picking some of the pieces out but stopped quickly when he felt Adam still beneath his hand.

"You don't have to," Warlock said, feeling slightly guilty for disturbing him.

Adam waved him off. "I want to," he said, smiling brightly.

Adam took them along the main road instead of the through the woods even though it was longer. Surprisingly, Adam kept quiet (only interrupting occasionally to ask questions) when Warlock spent most of the walk talking about some new plants Crowley had gotten recently and how they were so pretty Warlock had already drawn them many times trying to capture them right.

Finally, they reached the cottage. Pausing at the gate to say goodbye, Warlock was shocked when Adam pulled him into a quick hug. Adam pulled away too soon for Warlock to hug him back and said, "You're so going to love your present tomorrow."

"I bet my present for you is better," Warlock said almost automatically as his brain was still processing the hug.

Adam laughed and said, "Doubt it," before running off.

When Warlock woke up the next morning, his memory of his conversation with Adam was crystal clear while the rest of the evening after that was a complete blur in his mind.

Next part