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sidus-noctifer · 24 days ago

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Together (we fall)

Repost, Fluff, Pining

Xiao gazed the estuary below him, his watchful gaze overseeing the golden plains of Liyue. His molten eyes contemplated the picturesque scenery from atop the Inn, with eyes clouded by wonder. When did he start being like this? His gaze fled, looking at the amber tiles of the roof and staring at them with shame, as if seeking refuge from the eyes of the gods.

A warm breeze from the south blew, as gingko leaves fell from the ancient tree. He couldn't help but ponder. Would your touch feel as warm and delicate? When did he start feeling so weak, almost human?

At these questions, Xiao could not find an answer. Instead he could only pray his master, Rex Lapis, and ask to keep away from him you, the bane of his existence.

It started with an unfamiliar feeling, imperceptible and evasive: akin to the flutter of a butterfly's wings.

And before he knew it, that innocent was solicitude something he never knew before: a tender affection like no other, one that kept plaguing him. Did you even knew the effect you had on him? Were you aware about the way his mind kept running back to you, wondering about your wellbeing and whereabouts? Did you know how much he loathed you for the curse you laid upon him?

That was your sin, afterall: to make him, an illuminated adeptus,human.

A soft voice, akin to a whisper, spoke his name. One, two, three minutes passed, yet the adeptus did not know if he should've fuel with your presence the curse you bestowed upon him.

You really were cruel.

Then, he acknowledged your call.

You smiled and- archons, Xiao could swear that your smile was so resplendent like none. "You're here" you whispered, as if making sure that the one before you was the Adeptus of Wangshu Inn himself and not a naive reverie.

"Why did you call me? Is something the matter?" he spoke, blaming once again your curse for making him utter those words more softly than he had intended. However, you didn't notice it, he comforted himself. Or maybe you pretended to not have heard.

You bit your cheek, trying to suppress a mischievous grin. "Well... I wanted to ask you a favour" the way you spoke those words did not foretell anything good.

Ages could've changed yet human's foolishness would never know boundaries. Xiao let out something between a sigh and a groan, uncaring about your hurted gaze. And after all, it wasn't worth it for an adeptus to deal with their stupidity. Few Qingxins laid forgotten on the balcony's wooden floor while others had been haphazardly placed inside a porcelain vase.

"What is that long face? It suits you well, you know" your pout did not take long to morph into one of those adorable smiles of yours.

The adeptus did not reply as he gazed at the faraway mountains, hidden by the veil of mist while begging the gods to not let you see the burning flush of his cheecks. You fell silent, observing the flowers you oh-so painstakingly intertwined in a flower crown. "Seriously, it suits you" you gazed away, eyes seeking a refuge from him "It makes you look... cute" you muttered that word softly as if trying to not be heard.

He blinked- once, twice, thrice- at you features still immersed in your own thoughts not cognizant of the feeling wholly taking over Xiao. "Stop spitting out nonsense" his words sounded more like a pitiful groan than the growl he intended.

Your angelic smile was now turned into a devilish grin. This side of you was rather... pleasing, he found himself shamelessly thinking much to his own dismay and chagrin. "But alas, I'm afraid that no flower could ever compare with your beauty"

Those candid guise of yours truly hid an imp. The words he spoke next were unforeseeable even to himself "....are you trying to woo me?"

Astonishment painted over your features and he eftsoons found himself enjoying the sight in front of him. Then, you reminded Xiao how obnoxious you could be. "Who knows" a lopsided grin adorned your features.

A sigh left his lips. "You truly are reckless". Archons above, please, do not let them hear this fondness in his voice. A giggle escaped from you as the mellifluous sound resonated through the air. He felt his heart flutter and, for the first time after aeons, Xiao cursed his human vassal.

He stared at you as he felt your eyes linger on his figure. "What's wrong?"

"You have a petal in your hair" you spoke, eyes still not leaving his features.

"You're the one that made me wear it" he huffed.

"You look adorable with it, however" you grinned teasingly. He abruptly turned his head, directing his gaze elsewhere "... Just how many times are you going to repeat that?"

You didn't reply as you grinned triumphantly at the Adeptus' reaction. A chortle left your lips "There, there, let me remove it"

"Do not give it much relevance" despise his words, your hand did not cease its path.

You gently took the minute petal, which hid itself in a teal lock of his hair. You were close- oh, so close that he almost melted under your touch. You didn't make any sense, how could you treat a creature that only knew the blood of the battlefield with such carefreeness? How could you touch him so delicately as if he could've break like glass?

You withdrawed your hand violently, feeling a sharp pain as if you've been hit by an electric shock. You groaned in pain, feeling your arm becoming numb. It hurts. If this anguish continued you were sure that you would've exhale your last breath.

"... Xiao?" you weakly called his name, your voice was now hoarse.

Your words were met by thin air.

You didn't know how much time passed before you managed to see him once again. No matter how many times you tried to approach him, every time you attempted to talk to him, he always disappeared right before your eyes. It hurted, for some reason.

"What are you trying to do?" you tried to ask one day. You didn't need to say anything else.

"I'm harmful to mortals, even my presence alone is enough to hurt you" his Gaza moved on you, his eyes finally indulging on you instead on the Liyue's landscape illuminated by the golden rays of eventide. "You should be well aware of it"

"Stop avoiding me, please" you begged, on the verge of falling into despair. The look in your eyes was enough to make his heart ache.

His mind was filled with sorrow. "It's for your own good" speaking those words felt like being stabbed. "I'm sorry" he murmured to the wind. It hurted, too much. Ages of endless slaughter made him used to endure sufferings unknown to this world. But he was defenseless like a newborn in front of regret.

"I'll endure it, we'll find a way but please..." You letted only the voices from afar of the other travellers fill that silence. You smiled melancholically, his heart fluttered both for the pain and something else. "Unfortunately for you I like being with you

You were a paradox to him, something that he couldn't understand even in ages-no, millenia. He loathed you completely for your nativity even if you were the only one that taught him the meaning of human emotions, even if you could put at ease for an ephemeral time his tormented soul.

He hated you for your curse, even if he knew that it wasn't by no means a fruit of witchcraft. "I am bound to protect this land by a contract that has been forgotten by many if not immortals. My duty is simply to protect Liyue from evil, yet... yet I would hate to see you hurt because of me" he paused, his Amber eyes gazing at you. You swore you saw the ghost of a smile on his lips "Besides, you are deserving of all the happiness of this world"

#genshin #genshin impact #xiao #x reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #xiao x reader

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jeridoesntdourls · 4 months ago

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Heres something about the mc having to leave Tua after the diplomatic mission and all that follows between them and Borea. (not too sure if I'll do one for Attis and Medea but if I have the time then we'll see :D) Vesuvia banner is totally inspired by @/arcanarubinaito and lower divider by @/cafekitsune

It’s not rare for the streets of Tua to become frigid without warning. During the winter the weather begins to shift in mood, beginning at the southern beaches and climbing higher and higher, up the steep cliffs until it lays a blanket of fog over the cluster of colorful houses. You peer at the district bellow on the porcelain veranda, the tiles under your fingers are uneven, several bits having to be replaced after being shot off during the revolution. The mist lays over the water, dark as tar in the night.

The syndicate meeting is just about closing up, you can see the lights from the floor above, deep orange-yellow illuminating the blue and white ceramic tower. The windows are closed to keep the chill out but the shivers coursing through you aren’t malevolent, you look at the city and you can feel yourself situated at it’s lungs, breathing alongside it. You spot two representatives from the agriculture house. They smile and give you an odd look, the younger boy – no older than 20 – steps halfway to you before his teeth begin chattering. “Ha, sorry, aren’t you cold? Do you need a jacket?” His voice is laced with concern.

The other boy pipes up “We were just about to head out, we walked out of the meeting early to have some dinner but we haven’t had any coffee yet, do you wanna join us?” He doesn’t seem much older than the other but he’s old enough to have lived through the tail end of the revolts, he steps through the meeting hall with a weariness you can only have if you’ve seen it as wreckage.

At first you found it a funny habit, the people of Tua will always have a small cup of coffee after a meal, especially in formal establishments. It’s a key export and what used to be drunken only by the foreign farm masters and native traitors is now enjoyed by everyone and their mothers. A hand slips around your waist and you can almost hear her voice recounting that factoid to you.

“Maybe another time Paulo,” Borea sends a smile towards the delegate. It’s not forced out of dislike, more so out of tiredness. The boy takes no offense though, he knows the chairman well enough that her brisk attitude is of no surprise. He puts on his jacket, not very worn by the looks of it, and gestures towards the door. His brother follows suit, waving a goodbye and trilling a ‘see you in the morning’.

You can tell the increase in meetings has been getting to her. The circles under her eyes are beginning to sink deeper into her rich skin and your afraid they might stay there if this continues any longer. “It’s almost over.” You whisper to her and gently cradle her face. She buries it into your palm, closing her hand around yours and letting out a sigh.

“Yes, but then you’ll be off too.” You notice she has a dark coat in her hands, lined with fur, difficult to obtain in such a normally warm climate. “Chairman Lu was delighted to learn you’d be staying with us a couple weeks more, told me I had to keep you warm enough so that you’d want to come back.” She puts the coat around your shoulders, slowly pulling on both arms until you can feel the delightful cold begin to ebb away. She doesn’t let go as you situate yourself, only lets her hand glide to the buttons, pulling you towards her with both parts shyness and intensity, she’s truly trying to remember your face as much as she can. Commit it all to memory for the time in which you won’t be here and she’ll be on this balcony, alone.

“I-I’ll be back.” You don’t know if you will. Vesuvia awaits you and while walking the concrete roads of Tua might make you feel right, you can’t leave your home behind. The place where you died, the place where you lived for so long before this. She knows, she can smell your lies and all she can do is close her eyes and smile.

“I’ll wait for you.” She will. She’ll let the feeling of you dry out on the beaches, she’ll let it ease to the back of her mind, the picture of you in this practical black coat is a grave marker. You’re not likely to return to a place you know takes this much pain to leave but she’ll wait either way. Years will pass and the chances of seeing you again are so, so low. You’re effectively dead. Away from her once more. She trails her fingertip up the side of your neck, her face moonlit. You came back once, you could do it again. She kisses your cheek, just beside your mouth, achingly slow and calculated in everything she does. She knows the risks, for you she’s willing to take them.

#the arcana #the arcana oc #vesuvia weekly #midnight adventures #borea norte

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velocitic · 3 months ago

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im actually really happy w this lil bit of writing so im posting it here too ok bye

tw // graphic details of eye injury/loss, explicit emeto, abuse implied, victim blaming, gore, needles-mentioned, medical

It's after dark when Chris manages to peel himself off of the bathroom floor, sticky with sweat and drying blood. The back of his shirt protests its removal from the yellowed tiles on the floor with all the strength it has, but Chris' mechanical motions of musculature overpowers the fabric in the simple and rehearsed motion of slowly sitting up. An exhale leaves him as he accomplishes this, a heaving in his back of exertion well-made. The lightbulbs in the room burn in cold-tones, a faint hum of electricity merrying away in static order on the wiring. The dark is kept on the other side of the port-shaped window at the end of the room over Chris' shoulder. In front of him, then, is the door. The entrance, the exit. It goes out to the larger portion of the suite, a walk in closet, vanity room, hot-tub-having stylings of wealth, and the large bedroom and its balcony over the ocean. Not that the doors out to the balcony have ever been unlocked in Chris' entire tenure of being here. No, only the sunshine and thunderstorms get to be privvy to the oak boards comprising the floor, and they both knock with their own fiercenesses at the glass windows and doors that make up the birdcage of a room Chris is kept in.

As his vision steadies and rights itself, stops dipping at either side of his freshly shortened peripheral into a sharp darkness, into a tunnel, into a telescope's curve and dizzying specks politely excuse themselves from his field of view, Chris takes a slow inhale and begins the work of standing. It's disorienting, and a hand instinctively goes to cup gently the side of his face wet with tears, with blood and plasma. As if that would do anything to defend the torn skin now, a delayed defensive posture.

It's not that he thought he was immune to harm, Chris reasons. It's not that he thought Jezebel was above this, he chastises. It's just that he thought he'd have better reflexes, when it came down to it. That he could trust his body to know the ways to hold his bones such that harm was minimized, the way to flex his tongue into a shape that produced a sound convincing enough to ward off the knife, the hands and all the wicked ways one body can clash into the next, the way two people can become a car crash as much as any vehicle.

Somehow, he's standing. Little miracles keep the devil on the back porch, Chris thinks bitterly. No word yet on what miracles are needed to get the devil out of the home he owns.

His free hand steadies his body by clutching desperately at the marble counter of the sink. Chris breathes in, and out, and in, when his vision starkly reduces down to a warm and fuzzy black for a brief moment before conscience rushes back in from his stomach and leaves his mouth a form of bile and foam that spills without grace into the porcelain bowl conveniently embedded in front of him. He hacks a few pathetic coughs, feeling his hand turn clammy with sweat and shake coldly against the counter, his eyelids trying to reactively screw shut with the automatic force, which in turn makes the right side of his face spasm in pain.

When the sick is satisfied, and his throat feels coated only with the normal amount of saliva, Chris slowly, unsteadily, straightens his back out and chances a glance in the mirror now in front of him, looking up at himself through his lashes, a hand again covering his right eye, a dark purple and yellow bruise forming under the other, and freshly popped blood vessels pooling a light pink in the glistening wet of tears threatening to spill salt into any wound it can find. Chris' lip warbles, less in sorrow and more in unbridled disgust, and his hand abandons his face as he quickly turns the faucet on until ice cold water flows frantically down, and he washes the sides of the sink down with both hands until it's all clear and wet and slick again with the banal neutrality of tap water. Lifting his hands to his chest, Chris looks around weakly and then limply drops both hands into a towel hung from the wall, clumsily balling and unballing his fists to manipulate the fabric into a drying motion. As he does, the patheticness of his motions overcome him, and the tears win their battle with his eyelashes, carving out sizzling rivulets down both cheeks, charting paths through the blood stains and founding new colonies in the crease of his nostrils, the wrinkles of his frown and tickling along his jaw and chin in frustrating marches.

Finally, Chris gets the courage to unmoor from the bathroom counter and open the door with all the dignity of a wet fish at market, leaning heavily on the doorknob before moving slowly out into the wider room. Through the larger space, the tiled floor and gilded molding of the small suite lounge or large walk-in closet, depending on how you looked at it. Whatever the room was, the hot tub in the corner was too gaudy for it regardless, and yet it persisted to be there as a fixture, almost as a testament even to the will of the owner; there not to do anything, there simply because it can be. Simply because you cannot stop it. Chris moves on and into the main bedroom. All plush carpet and heavy curtains, crisp white sheets and down-feather comforters. Cold to the touch, and cold just to look at. A crystalline electric chandelier adorns the center of an indented ceiling, casting warped light around the room in an array dizzying on merit alone, never mind when viewed through injury and gore. It's all Chris can do to avoid an unfortunate sick fit into the aggravatingly white carpet. It's the kind of room that feels desperate to tattle on you to any witnesses. Any mistake, any stain, any tear, painfully made obvious in the same way a martyr is singled out in religious reliefs. A massive dinner plate of divinity erected behind the source of holiness.

Blood drips off of Chris' cheek alongside some of his tears, and burns an incriminating red drop into the carpet, and it's already too late. But why should he be so keen to hide his injury, Chris wonders, being as the benefactor of the home is the harbinger of the open wound? There's no decency in hiding the crop from the horse. He sighs and sways on his feet in a dangerous warning of lost steam to remain standing, and he makes the executive decision to all but collapse to the floor where he is, considering it far enough to at least not be considered languishing in his own blood. And then it's all dark and spinning light as he stares at the ceiling until he faints.

Chris wakes up slowly, and then all at once as he registers hands near his face, as he feels breath on his face, measured and steady, and he attempts to lunge upward into sitting but is fouled by it, immediately in pain, immediately too dizzy to commit, and instead only succeeds in a weak, slight thrashing in protest, which is easily quelled by cold hands resting insistently on his bicep, anchoring it still to the bed. Chris twists his head aside, and his movements calm, his muscles loosen. Not Jezebel.

It's the only other resident of this sprawling Hell of a mansion; a young girl, with frazzled hair and knobbly hands and lips bit to perpetually bloodied pieces. Light freckles spatter her face, which Chris hasn't had the chance to notice before. Her eyes are dark, and wide, like a deer evaluating a spotted threat. Chris thinks he hasn't realized how young she was, before. But now, in his own blood-loss induced fugue, it seems the largest revelation in the room. She couldn't be older than sixteen.

Without a word, of assurance or otherwise, she sets back to Chris once he stops struggling, her hands deftly making work of a stinging sensation along his cheek- stitches, Chris realizes must be the case. No wonder she wanted him still; even then, he barely contains a shudder at the unwelcome intrusion of a vision of a needle entering his already-damaged eye, popping like a jelly-filled water balloon. He looks at the ceiling again, and realizes he's now on the bed in the grand room, the chandelier still weaving its fractured light, and the sun just coming up in the grayscale light of a bleary morning through the windows.

"Jackie," Chris says quietly, hoarse; more a statement to himself, of remembering her name, than having any plan to say anything after.

All the same, Jackie pauses in her motion, confirming Chris' memory of what she was called. He can feel her silently staring him down with all the care of a starved cat. Realizing she's waiting for his next words, for his statement, for his question, Chris finds his chest filling with the sludge of awkward anxiety, and it leaves his mouth in a slew of half-phrases.

"Oh- no- no, I- I just meant, no, I don't- there's nothing. Nothing after that. Wanted to- couldn't remember your name."

She's quiet still, but soon resumes her even stitching, and Chris does his best to abide as best a patient he can play at. "It's Jackie." She says after a moment, curt and stilted.

A half-sigh, half-laugh bubbles out of the corner of Chris' mouth like rabid foam from the snout of a wild fox, and he feels it churn seawater inside the cavity of his throat. The shock of laughing at all, realizing for some odd reason, only now, that he's lost an eye- that he'll never see fully again, that always the world is a half-filled thing to him, and here he is, laughing- laughing at the absurdity of awkward conversation with a stranger at the precipice of his newfound-loss.

"No, yeah, I know- you're Jackie. I know." Chris hears his mouth say, a separate entity from the reeling of his gray matter into terror, held off only on the cusp of shock. "You're Jackie, I'm Chris, and we're both in Hell-"

Chris' sentence is cut-off by an abrupt giggle that spills against his chest and pools like ice in his clavicle, moving through his throat like a blood clot, violent and unrelenting, turning from laugh to cough with the stumbling affection of a foal. It peters off into an almost-whimper, as he resists the urge to curl on his side into a ball, grasping his own shoulders in a bid to see if the human form could become a tortoise if it fought hard enough against biology.

Jackie says nothing in turn to him, and a quiet snipping of scissors, uncomfortably close to the minute hairs on Chris' chin, is all that fills the cavern of oxygen in the large room that suddenly feels only all too small for all the hands inside of it.

In the uncomfortable buzz of silence as Jackie switches to wiping blood from Chris' face, using alcohol pads to cut through the grime with efficiency, a new stinging not any more welcome to his senses, Chris feels his mind turn aimlessly over. In the fog of memory, Chris sees a lecture hall from his first semester; an English class he found endlessly boring, in the way the teacher could never seen to hear enough of his own voice, the way he read with such force you'd think he was the secret identity of an immortal Shakespeare come to torment first year university students with literary analysis. In thinking on the class, in the scraps of words written before any of the students were born, before any of their parents had teeth, and even before their grandparents knew about the devil in their left hands, Chris remembers the only exchange in a work examined that left any impression on him. Euripedes, translations done by Anne Carson, and the way she'd interpreted out a simple way of interaction: I'll take care of you, says one. And the response, which always felt humorous in its devastation to Chris;

"It's rotten work." Chris finds his tongue mumbling, as if made of cotton or half-asleep at the wheel of recitation. The words are pushed in a slurry out of the middle of his teeth, whistling like dying geese.

The hand pushing a damp, synthetic cloth into Chris' skin pauses at that. There's the unmistakable feeling in the air that Jackie is stunned at the words, either from recognition or bewilderment at what he's saying, depending on if she's even familiar with what he's quoting. She begins a word, which tumbles into a low and shaken hum, somewhere between uncertain and rattled with indignity. For the moment, Jackie seems to decide against response, only focusing on cleaning Chris' face, his held together skin, pressing gauze over his ruined eye and finishing her diligent work, too informed for her age on all the ways to ward infection out of the fenceposts of a body. She even turns out the huddled away tears caught those hours ago in the crevices of Chris' face, bidding them to dry up and prevent undue moisture gathering and rotting there.

The silence is absolute and tersely held by both parties until at last, Jackie sits back on her ankles, hands folding delicately in her lap as she looks down at Chris' tended-to form with an apathy that strikes Chris as probably not dissimilar of the seasoned mortician sending a body down to the pits of the earth once more. A trained, somber expression, distantly assailed in grief. Chris looks at her with his remaining eye, and the sun rises behind her back in the way the dark was held at bay behind his own, only hours ago.

"Yeah." She says in a weak voice, her chin dropping down to her chest as though a string were cut from her puppeted body, too upset or too shy to see Chris directly in such a way.

"Yeah, it is."

#heartsplit #writing #chris #jackie #eye trauma #medical #velwriting

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tu-es-gegg · 1 year ago

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footsteps on the tile for the fic titles ask game

Cold tiles. Porcelain. It's freezing out tonight and RIcharlyson is hungry.

He knows not to be out of his room so late, heaven knows his pai worries enough when he's a moment uncovered in overpowered armour. But Richas is a brave little egg, he thinks at least. That's why he's taking his crutches and ambling his way to the kitchen, toes barely touching the tiled floor.

A shiver crawls up his back as soon as he presses more of the sole onto the floor. He forgets how cold it gets in the castle sometimes at night, no matter how many extravagant torches and lanterns his pai puts up. The place is big and tall, the walls would swallow Richarlyson whole if they could. They'd trap him in an endless abyss of warmthless brick and metal railings, drawing out all the innocent warmth left in him like vampires. If he so much as breathes, it will be nothing but frosted exhales.

...Anyways, the food.

Richas slips the crutches on his wrists to set himself in front of the counter just below the shelves. With his crutches, he lifts himself even higher just enough to sit on the counter. Truly a talent, Richas is, as he indulges himself in the forbidden cookie jar. While he crunches down on the dessert with devilish desire, he looks outside. Nighttime. No sudden changes in the sky. He's safe.

The castle is very safe, there are turrets to shoot bad guys and pai's bedroom is just an elevator away. He's not worried. Just lonely. Richas used to stay up at night, so late past his bedtime because he couldn't close his eyes. It wasn't impossible, he can blink as slow until they were so slow it was practically a nap. But he couldn't, or more of wouldn't. It was just a month ago. The first time in that while he slept was when he was sat facing the window, waiting for the sunrise.

Richarlyson turns to the open balcony of the kitchen. He's older than the sunrise now, yet somehow the younger is still so late to start. Silly him. Richas swallows the cookie and the strange heart caught in his throat. It's weird now, not eerie but weird. That the world is so silent. It's no fault of his that piercing ambience is all that permeates his world now. It's no fault of anyone but the ones keeping them here. Even as he bites into a cookie with a snap, it's quiet. Cold. Hungry

Up until there are clicks of feet across the porcelain.

[or Richas is about to get caught with hands in the cookie jar in the kitchen]

askgame

#ask game #qsmp #writing #qsmp richarlyson #HES FINE DONT WORRY ITS JUST CELLBIT THAT WALKS IN

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mintskiez · 2 years ago

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Please Don't Leave

Hi, here's a bittersweet little fanfic based on the aftermath the latest episode. All of them are traumatized but it's going to be okay. This is for all my homies who just need a hug.

CW: Swearing, brief mention of blood, child abuse, and guns (nothing more dramatic than the canon show)

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Some days are better than others. Some days you wake up at 9AM to the sound of a painfully off-key four year old singing to an NHK kids program, the distant clatter of cutlery, and the smell of pancakes. Some days the sunlight spills over the peony scented sheets like gold and you let the calm swallow you whole.

Today is not one of those days.Today is one of those days where you wake up in a cold sweat, heaving on the bathroom floor. The tiles had drained all warmth from your body. The prickly gash in your arm has bled through the tensor bandage and is now staining the sterile white porcelain of the bathtub. You forgot to turn off those sickly greenish lights again. Serves you right for staying up three nights buzzed off of energy drinks with a loaded glock at your side. You wish you had saved more on your energy bill so you wouldn’t have to see your gaunt feverish reflection in the mirror.

‘Clean it up—“ you hear in your father’s voice. It sounds dangerously close. The tension in those words is so tight it feels like it’s inches from making contact with your skin. Shakily you erase any trace of your stay in this room.

‘Miri.'

You silently pace down the hall. Gentle on the heel and breathe through your mouth slowly so you don’t make a sound. You’ve memorized where the floorboards creek and where they hold your weight without complaint. Gently you push the pads of your fingers into the sticker and crayon covered door before slipping your head in. The cat clock is ticking away methodically. It’s 2:08 AM. You watch the lump of pink pyjamas and messy brown hair with bated breath. Your shoulders ease an inch when your confirm the rise and fall of her chest. She groans and mumbles something before rolling over to face you.

'She’s safe.' You scold yourself mentally. 'Go back to your post.’

That’s when she opens her big brown eyes and screams. You jolt and step backwards. Your footing is lost on a discarded heap of laundry resting on the hardwood floor. Your head makes contact with the threshold. Stars. Suddenly the whimpers hidden behind a quilted shield becomes uncontrollable wailing.

Within moments you hear sheets being thrown down the hall and the slam of a bedroom door. Kazuki sprints down the hall within seconds with a baseball bat over his shoulder, hair as wild as his bleary stare. You lock eyes. He slowly lowers his weapon, tosses it to the side, and starts hissing exasperated remarks before bursting into Miri’s bedroom and flipping on the light switch. “Papa, there’s a monster—“ Miri chokes.Kazuki sighs and meets her embrace with a firm bear hug. “Miri, there is no monster—"

‘Monster.' You only catch the tail end of what Kazuki says because you’re already halfway down the hall.

He finds you an hour later on the balcony. He’s likely lulled her back to sleep and replaced himself with several plushies to get here. The cool air and calming scent of tobacco has reduced rigors to a fine tremor. It’s peaceful for a moment as you watch the flickering lights over the bridge and the faraway sound of the river flowing. Another drag of a cigarette steadies your uneven breathing. Kazuki knows better than to rest a hand on your shoulder right now and you are grateful for it. Instead he joins you at the railing.

“Kyu-chan called.” Kazuki said softly. “Is this why you gave us these?” He slipped a couple plane tickets, forged passports, and an envelope of cash out from his dressing gown and waved it listlessly over the three story drop.

“You two don’t deserve this.” You murmur. You don’t deserve to get hurt because of me.

Kazuki gave a bitter laugh. “Is this why you’ve been so eager on chores and taking Miri to school lately? You’re playing hero?” You turn to him a little shocked. “Miri didn’t deserve the parents she was given. I didn’t deserve to lose my wife and unborn child. You didn’t deserve to be abused and turned into a child soldier.”

“I—“

"Do you know what we do deserve, Rei?” He barks. “We deserve this stupid little family. I don’t care how much I suck at our job or how much you suck at being a civilian, I would die to keep it. You are fucking insane if you think I’m going to leave you!”

You stare, something sadder than a scream trying to escape your paralyzed tongue. A raw, beaten, and longing part of you lamely lifts a hand to reach for him. Within seconds you’re holding onto each other for dear life. Kazuki’s shaky breathing is muffled into your shoulder. You can feel the steadying beat of his heart against your ribs. One hand is woven through your hair and another drawing circles into your back. All you can do is squeeze him tighter.

Somehow you both make it to the living room. Kazuki pulls two chairs between the sofa and coffee table before reinforcing them with couch cushions. Everything is moving in slow motion, slipping between your fingers like water. It’s only when he returns from the hall with a blanket that you start to question the scene unfolding in front of you.

“What are you doing?”

“Making a pillow fort,” he huffs.

“Why?”

Kazuki looks at his work with a solemn smile. “When Miri does it she always seems happier.”

Before you can comment he’s already dragging you by the shirt collar and crawling inside. It’s cramped, dangerously soft, and the little lamp between covers the fleece ceiling with a maple syrup hue. You sink into the cushions a bit before someone draws up your sleeve and starts working on the shoddy dressing. You’re too exhausted to protest.

“You were bleeding on the floor, dumbass.” He scolds. “How long were you planning to hide this?”

You shrug halfheartedly. He pours saline over the gash. You clench your jaw. By the time the blood has been dabbed away with gauze, the edges taped together, and a thick pad of cotton is slapped overtop, you’re nodding off. You wonder if there is another reality where you two met as children and sat in a pillow fort together.

You don’t realize that he left until you hear the ticking on the gas burner and the clunk of the kettle. A needy insecure part of you wants to call him back. Instead of pushing it down as usual, you think of what he said on the balcony and feel a little more at ease. It’s not long before you are both sitting shoulder to shoulder with warm herbal tea in your hands. It’s raspberry, lavender, and camomile, with honey, of course.

That’s when you hear footsteps.

The floorboards groan.

The hair stands on the back of your neck.

A shadow looms over the fleece roof of the pillow fort.

That’s when a drowsy Miri appears with a strawberry print blanket trailing behind her. She whines about Kazuki-papa leaving before crawling into your lap. Kazuki appears relieved but a little offended.

“Rei-papa,” she yawns. “You’re not a monster. I’m sorry.” You gently brush her bangs out of her eyes. “When mama gets sad, she leaves. Please don’t leave.”

There is that creeping feeling in your throat again. She nuzzles her porcelain cheek into your chest and grips balls up the grey fabric in her tiny hands. Neither you or Kazuki say it aloud but raising Miri has become a kind of healing. For Kazuki, it's moving on. It's becoming the father he was so excited about becoming before it was all taken away. For you it's learning the patience and kindness that you were never entitled to. Suddenly the numbness of blue screens and cigarette smoke falls away with a sober realization: you could lose what you thought were never worthy of.

You curl into her little fragile body and feel your bones start to shake. You don’t realize how hard you're biting back tears until you taste metal. Kazuki envelopes both of you like the giant space heater he is. Maybe it’s the weight on your mind or Kazuki’s stupid pec crushing your aching arm but years of self loathing, guilt, and anger start to spill out in tears racing down your cheeks. It’s so overwhelming your stomach collapses into itself and all you can do is gasp for air. Startled, Miri starts bawling too. It takes twenty minutes of gentle rocking, whispered words of reassurance, and wiping away tears but the tide of your breath turns slow and littered with hiccups. You forget the feeling that catharsis forced out of you and float in that cotton headspace a bit while smoothing out the cowlicks on your daughter’s head.

“I’m sorry I made Rei-papa cry…” Miri sobs.

“No!” You blurt out. The thought of letting her carry that guilt makes you queasy.

Kazuki sighs and cups her face with one hand. “Miri, sometimes people need to cry but they don’t feel safe enough to do it.” He explains. “Then all that sad and angry makes you sick and you forget how to smile.”

Miri sniffs and lets out a meek but thoughtful “oh".

“That’s why we need family,” he announces. Oh god, not another inspirational rant. “So we don’t get emotionally constipated!”

Miri knocks her head to the side. “What’s a con-stah-pated?"

Kazuki cackles. You elbow him in the side. He pulls both of you down with a dramatic roar into the cushions in retaliation. Miri squeaks and giggles. She looks up at you with equally red and puffy eyes, slaps her grubby fingers on your cheek, and smiles. It’s incredibly effective.

“I’m not leaving.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

The next day you wake up from a dreamless sleep. Hazy shadows slowly come into focus. You hear the noisy little inhales and exhales of a child pressed into your shoulder. Your forehead is warm against a man’s stubbly jaw. The refrigerator hums and somewhere far away there are sparrows singing. Shards of rose and orange morning light dance across the blanket canvas protecting all of you. All of the tension wound up in your back has come undone. The pain in your arm is dull and distant. Your eyes start to grow heavy again. Next time you wake up it's 9AM, there’s a painfully off-key four year old singing to an NHK kids program, the table is being set, and you smell pancakes.

#buddy daddies #kazuki kurusu #rei suwa #miri unasaka #fluff #comfort #angst #spy x family #buddy daddies fanfic #buddy daddy spoilers #hurt/comfort

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longsightmyth · 2 years ago

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It was huge. The paneling was dark, some wood I wasn’t familiar with lining the whole space. On the far wall, a wide fireplace stood, waiting to be used. The whole thing must have been for show since it never seemed to get cold enough here to justify a fire.

His bathroom door was cracked open, and I could see a porcelain tub on the elaborately tiled floor. He had his own collection of books and a table near the fireplace that looked like it was intended for dining rather than work. I wondered how many lonely meals he’d had here. Near the doors that opened to his private balcony, a glass case full of guns sat, perfectly lined up. I’d forgotten his love of hunting.

His bed, also made from a dark wood, was massive. I wanted to go and touch it, to see if it felt as good as it looked.

“Maxon, you could fit a football team in there,” I teased.

“Tried it once. Not as comfortable as you’d think.”

...fellas?

It was then, looking past his smiling face, that I saw the pictures. I inhaled sharply, taking in the beautiful display behind him.

On the wall by Maxon’s door was a vast collage, wide enough to be wallpaper for my room back home. There didn’t appear to be any sort of order to it, just image upon image piled up for him to enjoy.

I could see photos that surely had to have been taken by him, because they were of the palace, which was where he was almost all the time. Close-ups of tapestries, shots of the ceiling he must have lain flat on the carpet to get, and so many pictures of the gardens. There were others, maybe of places he hoped to see or had at least visited. I saw an ocean so blue it didn’t seem possible. There were a few bridges, and one of a wall-like structure that looked like it went on for miles.

But above all this, I saw my face a dozen times over. There was the picture of me that was taken for my Selection application, and the one of Maxon and me taken for the magazine when I wore that sash. We seemed happy there, as if it was all a game. I’d never seen that photo, or the one from the article on Halloween. I remembered Maxon standing behind me while we looked at designs for my costume. While I’m staring at the sketch, Maxon’s eyes are slightly turned toward me.

Then there were the photos he took. One of me shocked when the king and queen of Swendway visited and he’d quickly yelled out “Smile.” One of me sitting on the set for the Report, laughing at Marlee. He must have been hiding behind the blinding lights, stealing little images of us when we were all just being ourselves. And there was another one of me in the night, standing on my balcony and looking at the moon.

The other girls were in them, too, the remaining ones more than the others; but every once in a while I’d see Anna’s eyes peek out from under a landscape or Marlee’s smile hiding in a corner. And though they were just taken, pictures of Kriss and Celeste posing in the Women’s Room were up there, too, next to Elise pretending to faint on a couch and me with my arms wrapped around his mother.

Maxon has gone up SEVERAL creeper levels and that he has a giant bedroom, giant bathroom, and a creeper collage are supposed to make him more attractive to us-the-reader is ASTONISHING. He has pictures of Marlee, a girl he had beaten bloody with intent to maim in front of a live audience and broadcasted live for kissing another boy.

Sometimes defenestration really is the only option.

#myth rags on the one #myth rags on the selection

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somanytileghaziabad · 13 hours ago

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When it comes to redefining your interiors or exteriors, tiles play a significant role in setting the tone of your space. Among the leading tile brands in India, Somany Tile has consistently stood out with its wide range of high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing tiles. Whether you're planning to revamp your living room, kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor areas, understanding the Somany tiles price list can help you make an informed decision.

In this blog, we'll delve into the affordability, variety, and unmatched quality of Somany Tile products, ensuring you discover the perfect tile that fits both your style and budget.

Why Choose Somany Tile for Your Space?

1. Diverse Collection: Somany Tile offers an extensive range of tiles, including ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, and digital tiles. Each category caters to specific needs, whether it's a modern glossy finish for a kitchen backsplash or a rustic matte texture for outdoor patios.

2. Durability and Quality: The durability of Somany tiles is unparalleled. These tiles are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, extreme weather conditions, and daily wear and tear. Their commitment to quality ensures long-lasting beauty for years to come.

3. Design Versatility: From classic marble-look tiles to contemporary geometric patterns, Somany Tile has designs that suit every aesthetic preference. You can find tiles for minimalist interiors, bold accent walls, or luxurious floors—all under one roof.

4. Affordable Pricing: One of the key reasons behind the brand’s popularity is its competitive pricing. The Somany tiles price list is designed to cater to all budgets without compromising on quality or style.

Exploring the Somany Tiles Price List

The price of Somany tiles depends on various factors, including material, size, finish, and design complexity. Here’s a breakdown to give you an idea:

1. Ceramic Tiles

Ideal for walls and low-traffic areas.

Prices start from ₹30 per square foot, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners.

2. Vitrified Tiles

Perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms and offices due to their superior strength.

Prices range from ₹50 to ₹150 per square foot, depending on the finish and design.

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Best suited for adding a decorative touch to your walls.

Starting at ₹40 per square foot, they are available in a variety of vibrant prints and textures.

4. Full-Body Vitrified Tiles

Designed for durability and a uniform look, these tiles are a popular choice for commercial spaces.

Prices generally start from ₹100 per square foot.

5. Outdoor and Anti-Skid Tiles

Ideal for balconies, terraces, and wet areas like bathrooms.

Prices range from ₹40 to ₹120 per square foot, depending on the texture and slip resistance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Somany Tiles

Define Your Purpose: Consider the area where the tiles will be installed. For example, use anti-skid tiles in bathrooms and durable vitrified tiles in high-traffic areas.

Set a Budget: Review the Somany tiles price list to shortlist options within your budget.

Play with Colors and Patterns: Experiment with different shades and textures to create visual interest. Somany Tile offers tiles in neutral tones, bold hues, and intricate designs.

Consult a Professional: Seek advice from tile experts or interior designers to choose the best tile type for your space.

Where to Buy Somany Tile Products?

Somany Tile products are widely available across India through authorized dealers, showrooms, and online platforms. Visiting a local showroom can give you a closer look at the designs, while online stores provide convenience and easy access to the latest Somany tiles price list.

Conclusion

Somany Tile is the go-to brand for homeowners and designers looking for a combination of style, durability, and affordability. By exploring the comprehensive Somany tiles price list, you can easily find tiles that align with your design vision and budget.

#somany tiles price list

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kerplunkmedia · 6 days ago

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Tile Flooring For Homes and It Advantages

When it comes to choosing the ideal flooring for your home, tile flooring stands out as a versatile and durable option. Known for its aesthetic appeal and practicality, tile flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners who value elegance and functionality. At The Tile Boutique, we specialize in offering high-quality tiles that transform homes into beautiful, comfortable, and low-maintenance spaces.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the benefits of tile flooring and why it’s the perfect choice for your home.

Tile Flooring for Home Advantages

When selecting the perfect flooring for your home, few options match the durability, versatility, and elegance of tile flooring. Whether you’re renovating your space or building from scratch, tiles offer a host of advantages that make them a top choice for homeowners. At The Tile Boutique, we provide an extensive collection of high-quality tiles that enhance the beauty and functionality of your home. Let’s dive deeper into the numerous benefits of tile flooring.

Advantages are:

1. Durability That Lasts Decades

Tile flooring is one of the most durable options on the market. Tiles, especially ceramic and porcelain, are built to endure heavy foot traffic, making them perfect for high-use areas such as kitchens, hallways, and living rooms.

Resistant to Cracks and Chips: Quality tiles, like those from our Nexion tiles showroom in Chennai, are designed to withstand wear and tear without showing signs of damage.

Long-Term Investment: With proper care, tile floors can last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Check our other blogs Which is the Best Floor Tile for Quality? Right Tile for Your Apartment

2. Low Maintenance and Easy Cleaning

Tiles are incredibly easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a practical choice for busy households.

Hygienic Surface: Tiles resist dirt, dust, and allergens, making them ideal for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Quick Cleanup: Spills, stains, or grime can be wiped off effortlessly with minimal cleaning supplies. For households with kids and pets, tiles from The Tile Boutique, the best tiles showroom in Chennai, ensure a hassle-free experience.

3. Water and Stain Resistance

Tiles are naturally water-resistant, which makes them an excellent choice for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor patios.

Porcelain and Ceramic Superiority: These types of tiles have a dense surface that resists moisture and prevents staining.

Outdoor Use: Tiles can also handle humidity and changing weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor spaces like balconies and gardens. Visit our tile showroom in Mount Road to explore tiles that are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

4. Stunning Variety in Design

Tile flooring offers unmatched versatility in terms of design, color, and texture. Whether you want a modern, minimalist look or a warm, rustic ambiance, tiles can bring your vision to life.

Nexion Tiles for Modern Homes: Our Nexion tiles showroom in Chennai offers cutting-edge designs that blend style with functionality.

Endless Patterns: From wood-look tiles to marble-inspired designs, there’s a tile for every aesthetic.

Custom Layouts: Experiment with unique layouts like herringbone or checkerboard to add a personalized touch to your space.

Check our other blogs Top Tile Dealers in Chennai High-quality Tiles for Your Home or Office

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choice

Tiles are an environmentally conscious choice for flooring.

Recyclable Materials: Many tiles are made from natural materials and can be recycled, reducing their environmental footprint.

Energy Efficiency: Tiles retain cool temperatures, making them an energy-efficient option for warmer climates. Pair them with underfloor heating for colder months to maximize comfort.

6. Hypoallergenic and Safe

Unlike carpets, tiles do not trap dust, pollen, or other allergens, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.

Non-Toxic Option: Tiles don’t release harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer environment for your family.

Slip-Resistant Options: We offer slip-resistant tiles that are perfect for homes with children or elderly residents.

7. Enhances Home Value

Investing in premium tiles from The Tile Boutique can boost your home’s resale value.

Aesthetic Appeal: Stylish and timeless tile designs leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Functional Advantages: Durable and easy-to-maintain flooring is a key selling point for any home.

8. Perfect for All Climates

Tiles are an all-season flooring solution:

Cooling Effect: In warm climates, tiles remain cool underfoot, providing a refreshing feel during hot summers.

Heating Compatibility: Tiles work well with underfloor heating systems, making them suitable for colder regions too.

At The Tile Boutique, we pride ourselves on being the best tiles showroom in Chennai. Our curated collection includes world-class designs from top brands like Nexion tiles, offering a wide range of options to match every taste and budget.

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Expert Guidance: Our team helps you choose tiles that best suit your home’s style and functionality needs.

Exclusive Collections: From premium Nexion tiles to versatile ceramic and porcelain options, we have it all.

Convenient Location: Visit our tile showroom in Mount Road to explore a wide array of designs.

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Conclusion

Tile flooring is a timeless choice that combines beauty, functionality, and practicality. Whether you’re looking for a sleek modern finish or a rustic vibe, tiles can transform your home into a stunning masterpiece.

Visit The Tile Boutique today and discover why we’re the go-to destination for tile enthusiasts in Chennai. Let us help you find the perfect tiles to create a space you’ll love for years to come!

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tile-topia · 19 days ago

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Affordable Tile Solutions for Every Space: Cheap Tiles for Walls, Floors, and Outdoors

Renovating your home or garden doesn’t have to break the bank—cheap tiles offer a cost-effective way to transform any space with style and durability. Whether you're updating your wall tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, refreshing your floor tiles, or adding some charm to your outdoor areas, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. From indoor floor tiles that are easy to maintain to outdoor tiles designed to withstand the elements, you can find affordable solutions that don’t sacrifice quality or aesthetics. In this blog, we’ll explore how cheap tiles can enhance your interiors and exteriors, helping you create a beautiful, functional space without overspending.

Affordable Options for Every Space

Cheap tiles are available in a variety of materials and styles, making it easy to find something that suits your design preferences. For wall tiles, you might opt for classic ceramics or modern subway tiles, both of which are easy to install and maintain. When it comes to floor tiles, options like vinyl or porcelain tiles provide durability and style at a fraction of the price of high-end flooring materials.

For outdoor areas, outdoor tiles are specially designed to handle weather exposure and foot traffic. Whether you’re tiling a patio, balcony, or garden path, cheap outdoor tiles made from materials like ceramic or stone can add a stylish, practical element to your outdoor living spaces without the steep price tag.

Why Choose Cheap Tiles?

Affordability: As the name suggests, cheap tiles are an affordable alternative to more expensive materials like natural stone or hardwood, making them perfect for budget-conscious renovators.

Variety: Whether you're looking for wall tiles with a contemporary finish, durable floor tiles for high-traffic areas, or weather-resistant outdoor tiles, there's a wide selection of budget-friendly options to choose from.

Durability: Many cheap tiles are just as durable as their pricier counterparts, offering excellent wear resistance, moisture resistance, and long-lasting beauty.

Easy to Maintain: Cheap tiles are often easy to clean and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy households or outdoor areas exposed to the elements.

Conclusion

With cheap tiles, you can easily upgrade your walls, floors, and outdoor spaces without spending a fortune. From stylish wall tiles for your kitchen or bathroom to durable floor tiles and weather-resistant outdoor tiles, there are plenty of options that offer both affordability and style. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can transform your home or garden into a beautiful and functional space without compromising on quality.

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ultraheydudemestuff · 23 days ago

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Stockbridge Apartment Building

3328 Euclid Ave.

Cleveland, OH

The Stockbridge Apartment Building is a dark-brick balconied building located at 3328 Euclid Avenue across the street from the gleaming glass headquarters of Applied Industrial Technologies near East 30th Street in Cleveland, Ohio. Built in 1911 and formerly the Stockbridge Hotel, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 1911 edifice was designed as far more than a typical apartment house or hostelry. It opened with only 10 suites of 16 rooms each. Those 4,000-square-foot units were created for the industrial barons whose palatial estates surrounded it, and a number of them moved in for the winter season.

But the Stockbridge also became a mirror of Cleveland's transformation through the 20th century. When the Stockbridge opened, it seemed at the time that Cleveland's Millionaires' Row was still thriving in its sixth decade. At least it looked that way to those who drove their carriages -- horseless or not -- down Euclid Avenue to view the wrought-iron gates, vast lawns and turreted mansions of those estates. Oilman George Canfield had picked up on something, likely while talking to his moneyed friends at the private clubs and lodges they belonged to, over drinks and cigars.

The Gilded Age was developing a hint of tarnish, and even the barons who never worried about money were beginning to worry, just a little, about money. While they once didn't have to consider property taxes, by the end of the first decade of the 20th century, they were facing considerable tax bills. And heating a mansion -- if that's the right word for something that ranged from 10,000 to 40,000 square feet -- during a Cleveland winter was costly. So was maintaining a year-round staff of perhaps 100 people to make these palaces function as smoothly as they should. A home that would give these men proximity to their businesses and, perhaps, their social lives (including opera and the theater district) and let them be near downtown during the winter seemed like it would appeal.

And it did. Several closed up their mansions for the season and moved into the Stockbridge. Among the first residents in Canfield's Stockbridge were Henry Sherwin, co-founder of the Sherwin-Williams Co., and bank owner Harry Wick. The son of President James Garfield, also named James, moved in with his wife. But the Stockbridge Hotel, designed for the comfort of millionaires, heralded the beginning of the end of a certain level of opulence, especially near downtown.

Canfield -- the oil baron who had once worked for John D. Rockefeller and would go on to build Cleveland's first gas station -- hired George Steffens as his architect. Steffens was experienced at designing private homes and apartment buildings, and in the Stockbridge, he created a building that combined the Georgian Revival style with Tudoresque touches -- including the shape of the rooftop gables and a coat of arms painted on the top tier of balconies.

A multitude of luxurious details was apparent inside, from the lined-in-marble entryway to the substantial and intricately carved banisters and brass fixtures in the elevators. Beamed ceilings and massive fireplaces and mantels lorded over enormous living rooms. Bathrooms were lined in white porcelain tile, with deep tubs and pedestal sinks. None of the suites contained a kitchen, though, because these wealthy men didn't need them. They would either do their fine dining at the restaurant in the basement or eat at their clubs; the Tavern Club is just a block away at East 36th Street. Or they could order a meal that would come to their suite via the dumbwaiter. The hotel provided maids, housekeeping and linen services, though with 16 rooms for each suite, it was easy enough to house the few servants necessary for personal services. The sixth floor even had a ballroom, should a resident want to throw a formal gala.

Soon, millionaire residents were replaced by people who were merely wealthy. So over the years, time and bad taste took its toll. A rectangular awning eventually obscured the building front, and a garish neon sign announcing the "hotel" went up. Even into the early 1930s, some of the tenants -- including Miss Lotta Brewbaker, a music teacher at The Arcade -- were listed in the city's social register, the Blue Book. Then, as the huge suites got carved up to create more rooms, some visitors were vaudevillians, including Bob Hope and Jack Benny, who appeared at the nearby Hippodrome. The headliners would stay in the front; roadies and the rest of the entourage would stay in the more utilitarian Stockbridge Annex, built in 1923, in the back.

Over the years, longtime Stockbridge residents included doctors, lawyers, secretaries, chefs and waiters. Temporary residents included the cartoonist Herblock and performers from the Metropolitan Opera, which would tour Cleveland each spring. Some of the itinerant entertainers were not as lofty but fascinating in their own right -- Ice Follies and roller-derby girls, circus performers or wrestlers appearing at the nearby Arena (at East 38th Street and Euclid), and sometimes burlesque dancers from the Roxy or the New Era.

Still, the Stockbridge's spirit held fast. In the mid- '70s, a young man who worked as a clerk for a union bought the place. Jim Stack was only in his 20s, and he was looking for an investment. When he learned some Stockbridge history, he was hooked and moved in himself. His dad loaned him the money for the down payment, and he paid it back in six months. The rent he collected -- by then, 40 units had been created from the original 10 suites -- left just enough for him to make repairs here and there. Then he got a federal loan in the mid- '80s for about $700,000, all of which he put into rehabbing the building. He hired architect Bob Gaede to bring back as much splendor as he could. Stack applied for and won the Stockbridge a spot with the National Register of Historic Places on August 8, 1985.

Quieter, longtime residents leavened the tone of more frolicsome, temporary guests -- and were entertained by them. Magician Doug Henning and his troupe stayed there in the '70s and '80s, and would sometimes put on a show for residents in the lobby. Even into the early '90s, on some afternoons the desk clerk, Pat Riddle, played the piano in the lobby parlor for fellow residents sitting in wingback chairs. Riddle was known for wearing white gloves while performing Gershwin and Porter and other standards, to protect her vermilion manicure.

By the late '80s, Stack was married with two children and moved to a suburb. It was getting too complicated to manage a building downtown, so he sold it. In 1989, Cleveland writer Mary Mihaly wrote a story for Cleveland magazine on the still-reinvigorated Stockbridge that Stack had created. Today, the Stockbridge is not quite as cozy. The lobby parlor is gone, because a wall was added to create a mailroom. There are no celebrity photographs hanging. The building is, in fact, in receivership. Tanya Sams is managing the building for the receiver, a job she considers special, for personal reasons and her love of history.

Information taken from https://www.cleveland.com/arts/2011/04/the_stockbridge_in_cleveland_h.html

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somanytilesghaziabad · 25 days ago

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When it comes to home interiors and commercial spaces, flooring and tiling choices can elevate the aesthetic, durability, and functionality of any area. For residents and businesses in Noida, the choice for exceptional quality and variety in tiles often points towards Somany Tile. Known for its premium selection and reliable service, Somany Tile in Noida offers tiles that blend innovation with timeless design, ideal for transforming any space into a statement of style.

Why Choose Somany Tiles in Noida?

Superior Quality Somany Tiles is synonymous with quality and longevity. Made from top-grade materials and manufactured under stringent quality control, each tile undergoes meticulous testing to ensure it withstands wear and tear, resists stains, and remains fade-resistant. Whether you need durable options for high-traffic areas like living rooms or non-slip surfaces for bathrooms and kitchens, Somany Tiles’ range meets every requirement.

Wide Range of Styles and Finishes Somany Tiles in Noida offers a broad selection of styles, textures, and finishes, perfect for both traditional and modern aesthetics. With choices spanning from ceramic, vitrified, and porcelain tiles to eco-friendly options, you can find tiles that complement your vision. The brand’s collections range from elegant marble looks to intricate patterns, allowing customers to customize any space to match their style.

Technologically Advanced Options Technology-driven features have become a hallmark of Somany Tiles, with options like anti-skid, high abrasion resistance, and stain-proof varieties. For instance, the glazed vitrified tiles combine durability with a smooth, glossy finish, while double-charged tiles are ideal for heavy-duty areas. With each product crafted using cutting-edge technology, Somany Tiles ensures not only visual appeal but also increased functionality.

Eco-Friendly Choices Environmentally-conscious customers will find Somany Tiles’ eco-friendly collections a great fit. Produced with sustainable practices, these tiles contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, making them a responsible choice for homeowners and businesses. The range includes tiles manufactured from recycled materials, aligning with modern green building standards and environmentally friendly construction.

Versatile Applications of Somany Tiles

From cozy residential spaces to bustling commercial establishments, Somany Tiles in Noida provides tiles that meet various functional needs and design aspirations.

Residential Spaces: Homeowners often turn to Somany Tiles for their living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. With slip-resistant options for wet areas and stylish, easy-to-maintain tiles for living rooms and bedrooms, Somany Tiles can elevate every corner of a home.

Commercial Spaces: For businesses in Noida, Somany Tiles offers heavy-duty, high-performance tiles that are designed to withstand extensive use. Hotels, offices, restaurants, and retail spaces benefit from the brand’s durability and stain-resistant features.

Outdoor Areas: Somany Tiles’ range includes specialized outdoor tiles that resist moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. For patios, balconies, or garden pathways, these tiles combine functionality with style, making outdoor spaces as visually appealing as indoor ones.

The Benefits of Buying Somany Tiles in Noida

Reliable Customer Service Somany Tile in Noida is committed to delivering an excellent customer experience. With expert guidance in choosing the right tile, helpful after-sales support, and on-time delivery, the brand ensures a seamless experience from purchase to installation.

Affordable Prices Known for its competitive pricing, Somany Tiles offers a variety of options for all budget ranges without compromising on quality. Whether you're investing in premium tiles for a luxury finish or economical yet stylish tiles for a quick refresh, the Noida outlet provides solutions that offer value for money.

Hassle-Free Installation Services Somany Tile understands the importance of precise installation for tile longevity. The brand’s team includes skilled professionals who assist in flawless installation, ensuring the tiles remain intact and aligned over the years.

Trending Collections at Somany Tile Noida

Some of the current bestsellers include:

Wood Look Tiles: A popular choice for those seeking the warmth of wood without the maintenance, wood-look tiles bring a rustic yet contemporary feel to homes.

Marble Finish Tiles: Perfect for adding elegance and sophistication, marble-finish tiles are ideal for living rooms, bathrooms, and lobby areas.

Geometric and Patterned Tiles: These tiles are great for adding unique designs to walls, accent areas, or backsplashes, bringing creativity and modern flair to any space.

How to Get the Best of Somany Tiles in Noida

If you’re ready to transform your space, Somany Tile in Noida makes it easy with a wide range of options, dedicated customer service, and a showroom where you can explore each collection. Visit the Somany Tile showroom in Noida today to browse, seek expert advice, and take the first step in bringing your vision to life with tiles that are built to last. You can also explore their online offerings to view collections, compare prices, and make an informed decision from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion Choosing Somany Tile in Noida not only enhances the aesthetics of your space but also provides long-lasting quality, ensuring that every investment is worthwhile. With an array of designs, eco-friendly options, and robust customer support, Somany Tiles sets the benchmark for style and durability. Transform your space today with Somany Tiles in Noida and experience the perfect blend of quality, innovation, and design.

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alshams1 · 1 month ago

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Long-Lasting Beauty with Porcelain Floor Tiles

It might be difficult to choose flooring material that combines low maintenance, style, and durability. But porcelain tiles are now a popular option for both designers and homeowners. Their capacity to enhance the visual appeal of a space while offering enduring functionality renders them an ideal option for both residential and commercial settings. These kinds of floor tiles are really helpful when remodeling your living room, bathroom, or outdoor patio.

Why Opt for Ceramic Tiles?

Compared to other flooring options, porcelain tiles have a number of benefits. These tiles are far tougher and more resilient than ceramic tiles because they are constructed of a denser, more refined clay and are burnt at greater temperatures. They are therefore perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms because they are resistant to chips, cracks, and even wetness.

Additionally, porcelain tiles are available in a variety of patterns and sheens, so you can discover the ideal choice to complement your taste, whether you're trying for a sleek, modern appearance or a more rustic one. These adaptable tiles may replicate the appearance of more expensive materials at a fraction of the cost, with options ranging from polished and matte surfaces to stone and wood-look patterns.

The adaptability of floor tiles is one of its main benefits. You may utilize porcelain tiles in almost any room in your house. They easily withstand spills and stains in kitchens, which makes cleanups quick and stress-free. Their water resistance is essential in bathrooms to keep mildew and mold at bay. Additionally, porcelain tiles offer a polished appearance that is both elegant and useful if you're wanting to add a little extra class to your living room or hallway.

These tiles are also an excellent option for outdoor spaces. They are ideal for patios, balconies, and garden walkways due to their strength and capacity to withstand the elements. They are an enduring choice all year round because they don't fade or wear readily, even in very hot or cold temperatures.

In contrast to wood or actual stone, porcelain tiles require very little upkeep. They don't need to be sealed or given any particular care; all you need to do to keep them looking great is give them a quick wash with water and a little detergent. For busy homes and companies where keeping up with high foot traffic can be a daily effort, this low-maintenance feature is a big benefit.

Floor Tiles: An Eco-Friendly Option

Customers are becoming more concerned about sustainability, and porcelain floor tiles are a more environmentally friendly choice than other materials. Natural ingredients are used to make porcelain, and the method of creating ceramic tiles is effective and waste-free. They also last a lot longer than a lot of other flooring options, which lessens the need for regular replacements and your environmental impact.

Boost the Value of Your House

Purchasing premium porcelain tiles will raise the value of your home. Having long-lasting, fashionable flooring can significantly impact your home's resale value, regardless of whether you intend to live there for many years or sell it someday. Prospective purchasers frequently seek out characteristics that offer both beauty and durability, and porcelain tiles deliver both.

Collaborate with Alshams' Experts

Selecting the appropriate floor tiles for your residence or place of business is crucial to designing an area that is both aesthetically pleasing and well-functioning. Our specialty at Alshams is providing a large selection of porcelain tiles to suit every taste in décor and price range. Our team of professionals is here to assist you in choosing the ideal tiles for your project, guaranteeing that you will get the desired style and quality.

Don't put off updating your flooring. Get in touch with Alshams right now to browse our enormous tile collection and select the ideal choice for your area. Our porcelain tiles will assist you in creating a classic and long-lasting finish, whether you're remodeling a room completely or just updating it.

Are Your Floors Ready for a Makeover?

Because of porcelain tiles' adaptability and sturdiness, you may design an area that will be both fashionable and useful for many years to come. Start now to find out how Alshams may assist in realizing your flooring idea. You won't be let down by the elegance and quality that floor tiles can add to any location, whether it's for your house or a business.

Visit Alshams to begin your journey toward gorgeous flooring, or contact our staff for individualized guidance.

#Porcelain Floor Tiles

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