#Touch Screen Electric Fireplace

[ojcommerce-blog]

Finding the Right Fit: How to Size Your Electric Fireplace for Any Room

Electric fireplaces have grown in popularity, adding warmth, ambiance, and style to any room. But selecting the right size for your space is key to making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This guide will walk you through the steps of choosing the ideal electric fireplace size for various room types, taking into account factors like room dimensions, heating capacity, and design considerations.

Why Size Matters in Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for specific room dimensions. Choosing the right size helps ensure efficient heating and prevents a mismatch between the fireplace’s appearance and the room’s aesthetic.

Step 1: Measure Your Room

To get started, measure the length, width, and height of your room. Room size influences the heating capacity needed from your fireplace. For instance, electric fireplaces with 1,500-watt heating can typically heat up to 400 square feet, making them suitable for medium-sized rooms.

For accurate placement, measure the wall area where you plan to install or place your fireplace. Consider adding a few extra inches around the unit for an unobstructed view and ease of use.

Step 2: Understand Heat Output and Room Coverage

Electric fireplaces are rated by British Thermal Units (BTUs), which measure heating output. Here’s a basic guide to matching BTU output to room size:

Small Rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.): A unit with approximately 2,500 BTUs works well.

Medium Rooms (150–400 sq. ft.): Look for models with about 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs, which is ideal for bedrooms and smaller living rooms.

Large Rooms (over 400 sq. ft.): Select a fireplace with 5,000 BTUs or more to ensure sufficient warmth.

It’s important to keep in mind that electric fireplaces function as supplementary heaters, so if you have a large space or live in a particularly cold climate, you may need additional heating support.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size by Room Type

Different rooms require different fireplace sizes, both in terms of heat output and design. Here’s a breakdown of ideal sizing by room type.

Living Room

The living room is often the largest space in the home and a central gathering place, so consider a statement fireplace that complements the room’s dimensions and layout. Wall-mounted or built-in electric fireplaces work well here, as they can be large and become the focal point of the room.

For a standard living room:

Recommended Size: 50 to 60 inches wide

BTU Output: Around 4,000–5,000 BTUs

[moonlightwritingf1]

The Invitation That Changed Everything | LN4

❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ summary ━━━━━━━ When Y/N spends Christmas at Lando’s family home, a quiet night on the couch takes an unexpected turn. Playful teasing gives way to lingering touches and a kiss that blurs the line between friendship and something deeper.

❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ pairing ━━━━━━━ Lando Norris x she!reader

❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ word count ━━━━━━━ 4.5k

❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ warnings ━━━━━━━ +18, sexual content

The house was quiet, except for the soft flicker of the TV casting shadows across the living room. The hum of the fire in the fireplace added a gentle warmth to the air, but it did little to drown out the tension that stretched between Y/N and Lando as they sat on the couch. They were cocooned under a fluffy blanket, a classic Christmas movie playing in the background—a movie neither of them had paid much attention to since the opening credits.

Lando’s arm draped casually around Y/N’s shoulders at first, but as the minutes ticked by, his thumb began to trace slow, deliberate circles against her arm. Each touch sent a shiver down her spine, though she tried her best to ignore it. He noticed, of course. He always did this—teased without saying a word. His silent pursuit was relentless, and tonight was no different.

“You cold?” he asked, his voice low and teasing. The smirk tugging at the corner of his lips made it clear he already knew the answer.

Y/N shook her head, swallowing hard. “No,” she replied, though her voice betrayed her as it came out softer than she intended. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, and she cursed herself for being so transparent. Why does he have this effect on me? she wondered, avoiding his gaze.

Lando chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest where it pressed against her shoulder. His hand slid down to her waist, tugging her closer until their bodies were pressed together under the blanket. “You’re not very convincing,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

She bit her lip, trying to steady her breathing. Every part of her wanted to lean into him, to let herself fall into the moment, but she fought it. “I’m fine,” she said stubbornly, though her voice wavered.

Lando didn’t respond with words. Instead, his fingers traced lazy patterns along her side, sending tiny jolts of electricity through her skin. He was too close, too present, and she couldn’t think straight. When she turned her head to retort, her words caught in her throat when she realized how close he was. His eyes locked onto hers, a mix of amusement and something deeper. Something hungry.

The tension between them, always lingering just beneath the surface, crackled in the quiet room. She could feel it now, hot and heavy, like a storm brewing just out of sight. Her pulse quickened as she waited, unsure of what would happen next.

Lando hesitated for only a moment before leaning in, capturing her lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. It was soft at first, testing the waters, but when Y/N didn’t pull away, his hand tightened around her waist, deepening the kiss. His lips moved against hers with practiced ease, coaxing a response she hadn’t realized she was capable of giving.

Oh.

Her breath hitched as his tongue teased the seam of her lips, and she parted them instinctively, letting him in. The sensation was overwhelming, electric, and she couldn’t help but cling to him, her hands finding their way into the hair at the nape of his neck.

The movie on the screen faded into the background, forgotten as Lando’s hands began to wander. Beneath the blanket, his fingers brushed against her thigh, tracing the edge of her shorts with maddening precision. Each touch was unhurried, teasing, and intimate, as if testing just how far the barrier between them could crumble. Y/N’s breath hitched, and she leaned into him, her own hands finding their way to his chest.

“Lando…” she whispered against his lips, her voice barely audible over the sound of her racing heart.

He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes searching hers. “Too much?” he asked, though there was no real question in his tone. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“No,” she admitted quietly, her cheeks burning. “Not enough.”

His smirk returned, wicked and knowing, and he kissed her again, harder this time. His hand slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, grazing the soft skin of her stomach before sliding upward. His fingertips danced over the curve of her breast, barely touching, yet it was enough to make her gasp into his mouth.

The cozy warmth of the moment, the glow of the TV, and the intimacy of being alone together made every kiss, every touch, feel heightened, thrilling. The lines between friendship and something much more blurred with each passing second, leaving no room for anything but them.

Lando shifted slightly, angling himself so that he could kiss down her neck, pausing to nip lightly at the sensitive spot just below her ear. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured against her skin, his voice rough with desire.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat as his words washed over her. Beautiful. She wasn’t sure she’d ever heard him say that before, not like this, and it sent a flush of warmth through her entire body.

“Lando…” she breathed, unsure of what to say or do.

He looked up at her, his gaze intense. “What do you want, Y/N?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly.

She swallowed hard, her mind racing. “You,” she whispered finally, her voice trembling.

His expression softened, and he kissed her again, gentle this time, as if memorizing the shape of her lips. Then, slowly, deliberately, he reached down and gripped the hem of her shirt, lifting it over her head and tossing it aside.

Y/N froze for a moment, then forced herself to relax, trusting him completely. His eyes devoured her as he took in the sight of her, bare except for the delicate lace of her bra.

“Perfect,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her again, his hands cupping her breasts through the fabric of her bra. His thumbs brushed over her nipples, making her arch into his touch with a soft moan.

“Tell me,” he said between kisses, his voice commanding. “Tell me what you want.”

“Touch me,” she begged, her voice breaking. “Please, Lando.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. His hands moved with purpose, unsnapping her bra with effortless skill. When the cups fell away, revealing her fully, his breath hitched.

“Look at you,” he whispered, his voice raw with admiration.

Y/N blushed furiously, lowering her gaze. But Lando wouldn’t let her shy away. Gently, he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“Don’t look away,” he commanded softly. “I want to see you. All of you.”

Her heart pounded in her chest as she nodded, unable to form words. Lando’s lips descended on hers once more, his kisses growing more insistent, more desperate. His hands roamed freely now, exploring every inch of her exposed skin.

When his mouth left hers to trail kisses down her neck and collarbone, Y/N’s hands clenched tightly in the material of his shirt, pulling him closer. She needed more of him, every part of him.

“Lando,” she whimpered, her voice trembling with need.

He responded by dropping to his knees in front of her, his hands slipping beneath the waistband of her shorts. With one swift motion, he tugged them down, exposing her to his heated gaze.

Y/N gasped, blushing fiercely. “Lando, what are you—”

But he silenced her with a single finger over her lips, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

“Shh,” he murmured. “Let me show you.”

Her breath hitched as his fingers trailed lower, brushing against the delicate skin of her inner thighs. The sensation sent a jolt of electricity through her, making her shiver uncontrollably. His touch was deliberate, almost reverent, as if he were exploring something precious.

Oh god, he’s really going to do this, she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the heat pooling between her legs, and she couldn’t deny how much she wanted him to continue.

Lando’s eyes met hers for a brief moment, a flicker of raw desire burning deep within their brown depths. Then, without a word, he leaned in, his warm breath fanning over her sensitive folds. She let out a soft moan, unable to contain the noise as his tongue flicked out, tasting her for the first time.

The shock of the sensation made her gasp, her hips instinctively bucking toward him. But Lando held her firmly in place, his grip gentle yet unyielding. He took his time, savoring every sound that escaped her lips, every twitch of her body as he pleasured her.

His tongue worked in slow, rhythmic strokes, pressing against her clit with expert precision. Each flick sent waves of pleasure crashing through her, building higher and higher until she felt like she was teetering on the edge of oblivion.

“Lando…” she whimpered, her voice trembling. “Please, don’t stop…”

He rewarded her plea with a deeper, more intense lick, his fingers parting her folds to grant himself better access. Y/N cried out, clutching at the blanket beneath her, her nails digging into the fabric as her orgasm began to build.

Lando seemed to sense it too; his movements grew more frantic, more desperate, as if he were determined to bring her to the brink. His lips pressed tightly against her, sucking gently as his tongue danced around her clit, driving her closer and closer to the edge.

“I’m… I’m gonna—” she gasped, her words barely coherent as her body tensed, her toes curling against the floor.

With one final, powerful sweep of his tongue, Lando pushed her over the edge. Y/N screamed his name, her body convulsing as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over her. It felt like everything inside her was exploding, her entire world narrowing down to the pulsing warmth between her legs and the man who had brought her to such heights.

When the tremors finally subsided, she lay there, panting and soaked with sweat, her mind still reeling from the intensity of her release. Lando didn’t move, either; instead, he gently kissed her thigh, his breathing just as ragged as hers.

“You okay?” he asked softly, his voice rough with arousal.

She nodded, though her voice still failed her. Her eyes drifted downward, taking in the sight of him kneeling before her. And then she noticed it—the unmistakable bulge in his pants, straining against the fabric as if begging for release.

A wicked smile spread across her lips. He wants this just as much as I do.

Without thinking, she reached out, her fingers brushing against the zipper of his jeans. Lando hissed at the contact, his entire body tensing as she slowly pulled it down. His cock sprang free, thick and throbbing, already slick with pre-cum.

“Fuck, Y/N…” he groaned, his hand gripping the back of her thigh as she wrapped her fingers around him.

He pushed himself up from his position between her legs and eased himself down onto the couch. She didn’t hesitate for a moment, slowly sinking to her knees in front of him. Her movement was deliberate, her hands brushing lightly against the floor as she settled there, her eyes rising to meet his with a mix of vulnerability, determination, and hunger.

She stroked him once, twice, marveling at how smooth and hard he felt in her hand. His hips jerked slightly, clearly eager for more, but she wasn’t ready to give it to him just yet. Not until she was sure he understood exactly how good he’d made her feel.

“Fair play is only fair,” she murmured, leaning in closer. Her lips brushed against the tip of his cock, sending another low groan rumbling from his chest.

And then, very slowly, she opened her mouth and took him in.

Lando’s body tensed as her lips closed around him, his breath hitching in his throat. Her mouth was warm, wet, and impossibly soft, a contrast to the firm grip of her hand that still held him steady. He groaned deeply, his fingers digging into the couch cushion as he tried to stay grounded. The sound vibrated through her, stirring something primal inside her. She liked the way he reacted, the way he surrendered to her.

“Fuck…” he muttered again, more breath than voice, his head falling back against the cushions. “You’re… you’re killing me.”

Y/N smirked against him, her eyes flickering up to meet his. She loved seeing him like this—vulnerable, desperate, completely under her control. It was a side of Lando she rarely got to see, and she wasn’t about to waste it.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to tease the tip with her tongue, swirling around the sensitive ridge before taking him deep again. His hips twitched, involuntarily pushing toward her, but she resisted, keeping him at the mercy of her pace. She wanted this to last. She wanted to draw out every moment, savor every moan, every shiver.

Her hand moved in tandem with her mouth, stroking him firmly as she focused on the head, teasing the slit with her thumb. The combination of sensations made his legs tense, his toes curling into the plush rug beneath the couch.

“Jesus, Y/N…” he gasped, his voice raw. “You don’t play fair.”

She hummed in response, the vibrations traveling down his length. His fingers clenched tighter, as if he were trying to hold himself back, but it was useless. She could feel his restraint unraveling with every pass of her tongue, every flick against the underside of his shaft.

One of his hands slid to the back of her head, gently gripping her hair. Not forcing, not controlling—just holding onto her as if she were the only thing keeping him tethered. The gesture sent a thrill through her, knowing she had this kind of power over him.

“That’s it…” he murmured, his voice thick with arousal. “God, you’re so good at this…”

His praise fueled her, making her even more determined to blow his mind. She shifted her angle, focusing on the base of his shaft with her hand while her mouth worked the upper half. The dual stimulation was driving him wild, his body trembling under the intensity.

“Y/N…” he said her name like a plea, his hips lifting slightly off the couch, seeking more. “I’m not gonna last much longer…”

She pulled back, blowing a soft puff of air across the tip. His entire body jerked at the sensation, a low growl escaping his throat. “Then don’t,” she whispered, her voice dripping with mischief. “Let go for me, Lando. I want to feel you come apart.”

His eyes locked onto hers, dark and stormy with desire. “You’re fucking ruthless,” he muttered, though there was no real venom in his tone. If anything, it was pure admiration.

She smiled up at him, her lips curving into a sly grin. “And you love it.”

Before he could respond, she took him fully into her mouth once more, this time picking up the pace. Her hand stroked in sync with her mouth, moving faster as she felt his pulse quicken. His thighs trembled, muscles straining as he fought to stay still. But Y/N wasn’t having it. She reached down, her free hand brushing against his inner thigh, urging him to move with her.

Lando let out a strangled groan, his hips snapping forward as he pushed into her mouth. She welcomed him, swallowing around him as he thrust into her warmth. Her lips formed a tight seal, her tongue working relentlessly against the underside of his cock. Each push brought him deeper, until he was hitting the back of her throat with every glide.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck…” he cursed under his breath, his hands fisting in her hair as he fucked her mouth with abandon. The sound of his grunts and the slickness of their movements filled the room, drowning out the faint hum of the Christmas movie still playing in the background.

Y/N relished the feeling of being used like this, the way his body rewarded hers with every movement. She could feel him nearing his limit, his thrusts becoming more erratic, his breathing ragged and uneven. She tightened her grip, her fingertips pressing into his skin as she urged him closer to the edge.

“Y/N…” he panted, his voice breaking. “I’m gonna… I’m gonna…”

She didn’t let up, sucking harder, stroking faster. She wanted to take him over, wanted to be the one who drove him past the point of no return. And just as she felt his release building, she pulled back slightly, letting her lips trail along his length as she teased the tip with her tongue.

“Don’t stop…” he begged, his voice barely audible. “Please, baby, don’t stop…”

She gave him one last stroke of her hand before taking him back into her mouth, her throat tightening around him as she swallowed him down. The sensation was too much. With a roar of release, Lando spilled into her mouth, his body convulsing as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him.

Y/N stayed with him, milking every last drop until he collapsed back against the couch, utterly spent. She pulled away slowly, her lips glistening as she looked up at him, a satisfied smile tugging at her mouth.

Lando stared down at her, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. “Holy shit…” he managed, his voice hoarse. “That was… I can’t even…”

She chuckled softly, leaning back on her heels. “You looked like you needed that,” she teased, her tone light but her eyes still shimmering with heat.

He shook his head, still unable to form a coherent sentence. “You’re unbelievable,” he finally said, his voice filled with awe. “I don’t think anyone’s ever done that to me before.”

Y/N grinned, her confidence shining through. “Well, someone had to show you how it’s done,” she replied, her voice dripping with self-assuredness.

He laughed weakly, still reeling from the experience. “You’re right,” he admitted, reaching for her. “But now it’s my turn.”

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what exactly are you planning?”

Lando’s lips curled into a sly grin as he pulled her closer, his hands settling on her hips. “Something tells me you’re not going to complain,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear.

Before she could respond, his lips found hers, kissing her deeply as his hands began to explore her body once more.

Lando’s lips lingered on hers, the taste of him still fresh in her mouth as his hands tightened around her hips. His kiss was slow and deliberate, a gentle reminder of how much control he could wield with just his touch. Y/N felt herself melting into him, her body betraying her resolve with every passing second.

“Come with me,” Lando murmured against her lips, his voice low and husky. He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes locking onto hers, searching for an answer she hadn’t even realized she was giving.

She hesitated for only a moment. The warmth of his hand on her lower back, guiding her off the couch, was enough to shatter any lingering doubts. “Where are we going?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, though her tone was playful.

“Somewhere more private,” he teased, his grin widening as he led her down the hallway toward his bedroom. The soft glow from the living room lights cast long shadows behind them, adding an air of secrecy to their movements. Y/N couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the thought of what was to come.

Lando’s room was dimly lit, the moonlight streaming through the curtains adding a silvery hue to the space. The bed was perfectly made, a stark contrast to the chaos they were about to create. He closed the door behind them, turning to face her with that same smirk pulling at his lips.

“Now, where were we?” he asked, his voice low and teasing as his fingers trailed down her arm with deliberate slowness. The warmth of his touch sent another shiver through her, but this time it wasn’t from cold. It was the kind of shiver that came from anticipation, from the undeniable heat building between them.

Y/N didn’t answer. She didn’t need to. Instead, she let out a soft, almost breathless laugh as Lando’s hand reached her waist. He tugged her closer, pressing her body flush against his. The sensation of his hard chest against her bare skin made her breath hitch, her nipples tightening in response. His lips found hers again, and this kiss was different—deeper, more possessive. It felt like he was staking a claim, like he needed to remind her just who was in control here.

She moaned softly into his mouth, the sound vibrating against his tongue as she surrendered to the overwhelming desire coursing through her veins. Her hands threaded through his dark hair, pulling him closer as if she couldn’t get enough. The feeling of his strong hands on her naked body, the way he held her like she was something precious, was intoxicating.

Lando’s hands moved lower, skimming over the curve of her ass with a firmness that made her gasp. He lifted her effortlessly, guiding her onto his lap. Y/N instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, her hips shifting against him as she settled herself over his hardness. His jeans were unbuttoned, the denim rough against her sensitive skin, but it wasn’t enough to distract her from the throbbing ache between her thighs.

She could feel him there, pressing against her slick folds, his dick still a bit sensitive from his first orgasm but undeniably present. The thought of him inside her, filling her completely, sent a wave of heat pooling low in her belly.

“You feel so good,” Lando murmured, his voice rough with desire as he adjusted her position. His hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements as he rubbed her pussy against his dick. The friction was maddening, each slow grind sending sparks of pleasure radiating through her core.

Y/N gasped, her head falling back as she arched into him. The feeling of his length sliding against her wetness was electric, the added pressure making her clit throb with need. “Lando…” she whispered his name, her voice trembling with urgency.

He kissed her neck, nibbling at the sensitive skin just below her ear before trailing his lips back up to capture her moan. “That’s it,” he said, his voice thick with lust. “Ride me, sweetheart. Make me hard for you.”

Her hips moved in response, the rhythm becoming more desperate as she ground herself against him. Each thrust of her hips brought her closer to the edge, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. Lando’s hands tightened on her waist, his thumb brushing against the swell of her breast as he watched her with hooded eyes.

“You’re doing so well,” he praised, his tone dripping with admiration. “Just like that…”

The praise only fueled her arousal, her movements growing more frantic as she sought release. The friction between her aching clit and his hardness was driving her wild, the pleasure building with every passing second.

Lando groaned, his hips bucking slightly as he pressed himself harder against her. “Fuck, Y/N,” he muttered, his voice strained. “You’re killing me here.”

She could feel him growing harder beneath her, the sensitivity from earlier fading as his need for her intensified. The evidence of his arousal pressing against her was impossible to ignore, and it only made her want him more.

“Please,” Y/N begged, her voice breaking as she clutched at his shoulders. “I need… I need you inside me.”

Lando’s eyes darkened, his gaze locked on hers as he positioned himself at her entrance. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “Because once I start, I’m not sure if I'll be able to stop.”

She nodded, her body trembling with anticipation. “Yes,” she said firmly. “I’m sure.”

With a groan, Lando slid into her in one smooth motion. The sensation was overwhelming, the stretch of him filling her completely sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core. Y/N cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders as she adjusted to the feeling of him inside her.

Lando held still for a moment, giving her time to grow accustomed to his size. But when she began moving her hips again, he knew she was ready. “God, you’re so tight,” he muttered, his voice ragged as he began thrusting into her.

The rhythm was slow at first, deliberate, as if he was savoring every inch of her. But it quickly grew faster, more urgent, as they both gave in to their primal desires. Y/N’s hands gripped his arms, her nails leaving faint marks as she rode the waves of pleasure crashing over her.

“Harder,” she demanded, her voice barely audible over the sound of their labored breathing.

Lando complied without hesitation, his thrusts growing deeper, rougher as he claimed her with every powerful stroke. The slap of flesh against flesh filled the room, mingling with their moans and cries of pleasure.

“Yes,” Y/N screamed, her body arching as the orgasm tore through her. Her inner walls clenched tightly around him, milking him as she came undone.

Lando followed soon after, his own climax hitting him with the force of a freight train. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his teeth grazing her skin as he spilled inside her.

For a moment, they stayed like that, tangled together in the aftermath of their shared ecstasy. Lando’s heart pounded against her chest, the sound echoing in her ears as she struggled to catch her breath.

“Lando…” she whispered, her voice soft and shaky.

“Hmm?” he replied, his voice lazy and content as he nuzzled into her neck.

“What happens now?” she asked, her tone uncertain as she looked down at him.

Lando pulled back slightly, his blue eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. “Now,” he said, his voice low and serious, “we figure out what comes next. Together.”

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear she hadn’t even realized she’d shed. “Okay?” he asked, his tone gentle despite the weight of his words.

Y/N nodded, her breath hitching as she smiled down at him. “Okay,” she agreed, her voice soft but resolute.

Lando kissed her then, a slow, tender kiss that spoke volumes about the depth of his feelings for her. It was a promise, a declaration that whatever happened next, they would face it together.

As their lips parted, Lando’s hands traveled down her body, tracing the curves of her hips and thighs with a reverence that made her feel cherished. “You know,” he said, his voice playful once more, “I might be too tired to go another round right now, but I think we can find other ways to keep things interesting.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “Oh? And what did you have in mind?” she asked, her tone teasing as she traced a finger along the edge of his jawline.

Lando’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he captured her finger in his mouth, sucking gently before releasing it with a pop. “Well,” he said, his voice dripping with suggestion, “there’s always the kitchen…”

[keeryhours]

baby, it’s cold outside - steve harrington

Steve Harrington x Best friend! female reader

Masterlist

Steve Harrington Masterlist

2024 Promptmas Masterlist

Summary:

A planned movie night with your best friend turns into more when you get trapped in a snow storm.

Warnings:

Smut (18+), unprotected p in v, oral (m and f receiving), fingering, accidental creampie

Word Count: 3.4k

A/N:

This is my first fic for the Twelve Days of Promptmas event by @littlexdeaths ! Prompt: “snowed in”

—

The Hawkins forecast was calling for snow. A lot of it, in fact. You weren’t worried about it. In fact, you had planned a fun night in with your best friend in the world.

You had everything all ready. The house to yourselves while your parents were visiting family for the weekend, plenty of hot chocolate, and the fireplace roaring comfortingly. It was perfect.

You were dressed in your coziest PJs - you and Steve had picked out matching pairs. What can you say, you loved making an event out of things.

The snow was falling heavily outside and you were just pulling the cookies you had baked out of the oven when the front door opened and you heard footsteps heading into the kitchen.

“Hey hey,” Steve greeted, still dressed in his uniform from Family Video and holding a bag in his hand. “Smells good.”

“Hey Stevie,” you greeted with a smile. You sat the hot tray on top of the stove and turned the oven off. “Whatcha got for us?”

Steve pulled three VHS tapes from the plastic bag. “I got A Christmas Story, Gremlins, and Die Hard.”

You raised an eyebrow at him. “Die Hard?”

“What? It’s a Christmas movie!”

You rolled your eyes with a smile. “Wanna go get changed?”

“God yes, I’m so ready to get out of these clothes.” Steve sat the movies down on the counter and headed down the familiar path to your bedroom.

You examined the movie choices as you waited. When Steve returned, he was dressed in pajamas that mirrored yours, cozy red flannel bottoms and a black sweater-like top with a reindeer on it.

“It’s really coming down out there,” he pointed out as he glanced out the window. “I had to drive like 20 under the speed limit to get here.”

“I don’t think it’s supposed to be too crazy,” you said, grabbing A Christmas Story. “It should calm down by the time we’re done with our movie night. I wouldn’t stress about it. Wanna watch this one first?”

“Sure.” Steve grabbed it from your hand along with the other two movies as you plated the cookies and poured two mugs of hot chocolate. When you entered the living room, Steve was putting the movie in the VCR, then falling back on the couch.

You sat the treats on the table and gathered the bundle of cozy blankets before sitting next to your best friend. The blankets spread over both of your laps, you dug into the treats as the familiar movie played on the TV screen.

Despite the house’s heating, the warm drinks, and the blankets shared between you, it was cold. You found yourself shivering, pulling the blanket tighter around you.

“Are you cold?” Steve asked quietly, noticing your shaking against his arm.

“Freezing,” you admitted. Your hands were ice cold, as if the snow from outside was invading the warm safety of the house.

“C’mere.” Steve wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you tightly against his side. You froze for a moment - this was more intimate than you and Steve usually got. Sure he was your best friend, and he was also gorgeous, but there was nothing more between you. But god, he was so warm and cozy, like a heater. He warmed your body immediately.

As the movies played, you found yourself cuddling closer and relaxing into Steve’s side. At some point he began rubbing gentle circles on your shoulder with his thumb. The electricity his touch was sending through your skin was unfamiliar - you’d touched Steve plenty of times, but it never felt like this. You’d never thought about what it might feel like to hold his hand, or what his lips might feel like on yours. But now you were. Now it’s all you could think about, to the point that you weren’t even paying attention to the movies anymore.

When your last movie of the night, Gremlins, ended, Steve removed his arm from around you, much to your dismay. He stretched, letting out a wide yawn.

“I guess I’d better get going home before it gets too bad out there,” he said, although neither of you really wanted him to.

“Yeah, I guess so. I had fun,” you smiled, even though you wanted nothing more than to ask him to stay, to hold you longer.

What was up with you?

Steve gathered his stuff, his clothes from work in the bag he had brought with him. You followed him to the front door.

He pulled it open, and you were both greeted with a rush of freezing cold air and snow. The forecast had not been lying - the storm was intense. It covered the yard, the unplowed road, even Steve’s car was buried in the glittering white snow.

You and Steve both gaped at the spectacle. Steve shut the door and turned to you.

“Uh…I’m not sure I can leave.”

“You can stay,” you said, maybe a little too quickly. “Just spend the night. It’s fine.”

“Thanks,” Steve breathed out in relief. “Damn. I really wasn’t expecting it to actually get that bad.”

You followed Steve back into the living room, where he sat his bag down again. “You can pull out the couch,” you told him. “It’s pretty comfy. I have an extra new toothbrush you can use.”

“Sounds good.” He smiled at you gently. Tenderly.

As the two of you got ready for bed, your mind was racing. Why couldn’t you stop thinking about how it felt to lay against Steve? How good he had smelled, like honey and his fancy cologne. How warm his body was against yours. How it had felt like you fit right in beneath his arm. How kissable his plush lips looked, how expressive his brown eyes were when he looked at you.

You were panicking.

Steve didn’t feel that way about you, you were sure of it. And you didn’t want to change your friendship by catching feelings. This was dangerous territory. You could only hope the thoughts would fade by morning.

You walked back to the living room to find Steve attempting to figure out the sofa.

“Here, let me help,” you said, moving over and grabbing the other side. Together you pulled the bed out. It was pretty comfy, as far as pull out couches go. You had spent many a night camped out on it during sleepovers with Carol Perkins growing up, before she grew up and decided to turn into a bitch. Now it was mostly unused.

You gathered some blankets and sheets from the hall closet, taking some pillows from your own bed for him. You helped Steve make the bed up, and when you were done, it looked perfectly comfortable. The fireplace still burned in the room, filling it with a comfortable warmth, although you still felt the chill.

“Thanks for helping me get all this set up,” Steve said, gesturing to his home for the night. “I had a great time with you tonight.”

You felt yourself blush, and looked down to hide it from him. “Of course. You’re always welcome here.”

Steve smiled again - how did you never notice how charming his smile was? “Well, goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” you smiled back, and then turned to walk into your own bedroom for the night.

A firm hand on your arm stopped you, pulling you to spin around and crash into something hard. Before you could process it, soft lips were pressing onto yours.

You wrapped your arms around Steve’s neck, kissing him back just as passionately as he kissed you. Your lips worked together in perfect harmony, they were just as soft as they looked. His tongue slipped into your mouth and you let him in freely, your own pressing against his as he explored your mouth with an urgency, like he’d been waiting to do this for years.

You melted into his kiss, Steve’s hands caressing over your hips and sides. They trailed up beneath your pajama top, feeling the smooth skin beneath. He led you backwards towards the pull out bed, and you fell back onto it with Steve crawling on top of you.

“Is this okay?” he asked breathlessly when he finally broke the kiss.

“More than okay,” you answered, equally breathless and just wanting him to kiss you over and over again for the rest of the night. He smiled before he leaned in, trailing kisses along your jaw. You giggled as he moved to your neck, placing gentle kisses all over the skin.

“Good,” he said between kisses, “because I’ve wanted to do this for so long, you have no idea.”

His words made your breath hitch in your throat - or maybe it’s the way he started sucking on the spot between your neck and shoulder. “Steve…”

“Yeah?” He started pushing the sweater top up your body. He moved down to kiss over the exposed skin of your stomach, which made you gasp, his lips sending chills across your skin.

“I love you.”

Steve looked up at you from where he had been exploring your body, smiling that same familiar smile. “I love you, too.”

He pushed your top up the rest of the way, and you leaned up to help him remove it. You shivered as your body was exposed to the air, no bra so your nipples peaked in the chill. Steve drank in your bare chest before him, before moving back up to your eyes.

“Are you still cold?” he asked, concern in his eyes.

“Yeah,” you admitted, but you didn’t want this to stop, either.

“I can warm you up…” he offered, “…from the inside.” He waggled his eyebrows at you.

You laughed, your head thrown back. “Oh my god. You’re so lame.”

He was smiling as he stood up next to the bed, pulling his own pajama top over his head. His bare chest was exposed to you and you sat up and reached forward, rubbing your hands over the taut skin of his stomach, up and over the thick hair on his firm chest. He hummed as you did, his eyes falling closed.

He was gorgeous. You always knew he was, but seeing him like this for the first time, it was something else entirely. He was ethereal.

Your eyes drifted down to the large bulge pushing against the front of his flannel pants, straining against the material. You rubbed over it, feeling how hard he was already, and causing Steve to hiss as it twitched beneath your hand.

“Can I…?” You asked hesitantly, fingers grasping the waistband of his pants.

“Oh, fuck yeah,” he said, a breathless laugh coming from his lips. “You can do whatever you want to me.”

Pleased with his confirmation, you pulled his pants and boxers down in one go, his length surprising you as it sprung up, already incredibly hard. You gasped, which made Steve chuckle.

“I did not expect you to be hiding all that,” you commented, eyes wide as you took in the sight of him.

“Yeah? You like it?”

You looked up at his eyes. “You really don’t need your ego stroked.”

“I’ve got something you can stroke-“

“Oh my god, shut up.”

Steve looked like he was about to say something else but you shut him up yourself by wrapping your hand around the base of his cock, licking a long stripe along the underside to the tip. Steve let out a strangled groan, hand grasping at the back of your hair.

“Shit, babe-“

You wrapped your lips around the head of his cock, your tongue running over his slit and circling around his tip. You began to take more of him, relaxing your throat as you took his girth. He was bigger than any guy you’d been with before, and you were a little intimidated, but you were going to try your best. You gagged as you neared the entirety of him, and Steve’s hand tightened in your hair, although he didn’t force you.

“Feels so good baby, please don’t stop,” he rasped, encouraging you to take more. Your eyes were watering, your jaw aching as you took more and more of him.

He hit the back of your throat and your nose pressed against the soft curls at his base. His eyes widened as he looked down at you, his hand shaking. “Shit, no one’s ever taken it all before,” he remarked, as if he were in awe. “You’re incredible.”

You began to bob your head along his length, taking him as deep as possible every time. Steve groaned loudly above you, his eyes never leaving the way your lips fit around his cock.

When you felt his thighs start to tremble you lifted off of him, a string of saliva connecting your lips to his dick. He muttered a low “Fuuuuck.”

Steve gently pushed you back to lay on the bed, then crawled back over you again, placing a kiss above the waistband of your pajama pants before he was pulling them and your panties down your legs.

When you were bare before him, he spread your legs, taking in the sight of you. Before you knew what he was thinking, he ducked down between your legs, licking along your glistening folds. You gasped, hands tangling in his long locks.

“Oh, Steve-“ you gasped out, and you could feel him smile against your core.

“Taste so good,” he said, licking over your sensitive clit. You resisted the urge to close your legs around his head, the pleasure overwhelming as he focused on pleasing you with his mouth. He slipped a long finger inside of you, causing you to pull on his hair, which made him groan against you.

He pumped his finger in and out of you slowly a few times before adding another, stretching you in preparation to take his cock - although his fingers were nothing in comparison.

As Steve continued to work his tongue and lips expertly against your core, you felt your high building rapidly. It’s like he knew exactly what to do to drive you crazy, to bring you straight to your peak.

“Steve…’m gonna cum…” you whined, body writhing beneath his mouth, thighs trembling around his head. Every thrust of his fingers was so deep, the curl of them hitting that perfect spot inside.

“Cum on my tongue, angel,” he murmured between sucking on your clit, running his tongue around it. “Wanna taste it, wanna make you feel so good.” He added a third finger, pumping into you slow yet deep.

“You are,” you said breathlessly, “God, Stevie, feels so good.”

Your high hit you intensely, your back arching up off the bed and grinding against his mouth for more. You could feel his smirk against you as he lapped up every bit of your slick, as if he couldn’t get enough.

Your chest was heaving with heavy breaths as he pulled away, trailing kisses up your body until he reached your lips. He kissed you far too sweetly for what he had just done to you, but you found yourself melting into it once again as you tangled your hands in the soft hair at the base of his neck. You could taste yourself on his tongue as he kissed you deeply.

“Do you have a condom?” you asked as he pulled away to look down at you, something like love and adoration in his eyes.

“Uh…shit, no,” he admitted, looking sheepish. “I didn’t really expect anything like this to happen.”

You giggled. “Me, either.”

“Do you want to stop?” he asked you seriously. “We can stop. We don’t have to do this.”

You shook your head immediately. “No…I want to keep going.”

He raised his eyebrows at you. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, Stevie,” you assured him, pulling him closer once again. “Now fuck me, please?”

He groaned at your words. “Of course, baby.” He kissed along your cheek, down your jaw, to your neck. “Let me take care of you. Let me show you how much you mean to me.”

He reached between your bodies, rubbing the head of his cock through your soaked folds, gathering it on his length. He lined himself up at your entrance, and looked you in the eyes as he pushed inside.

Your mouth fell open at the intrusion - way bigger than his fingers - it was a delicious mix of pain and pleasure as he filled you. He groaned loudly as he filled you completely, your hands trembling on his strong shoulders.

“You’re my favorite person,” he said, looking you in the eyes like he’d never meant anything more in his life.

“And you’re mine,” you promised him back, which made him smile and place a gentle kiss on your lips.

He slowly pulled out before pushing back into you, the hottest moan you’d ever heard spilling from his lips. “God, you feel amazing. So tight and perfect. Better than I imagined.”

Even through the intense pleasure of Steve fucking you, his words broke through the haze in your brain. “You’ve imagined?”

“Well yeah, of course,” he laughed. He buried his face in your neck, biting and sucking the spot that drove you crazy earlier. “So many times.”

“Me too,” you admitted, feeling the blush on your skin.

“You’re so beautiful like this,” Steve said, as he leaned up to look down at you again. “You blush with your whole body, you know that?”

That only made your skin heat further.

Steve sped up his pace, thrusting into your tight heat faster as he chased his own pleasure. “Do you like it like this? Or should I go slower?”

“That’s perfect,” you moaned, wrapping your legs around his waist and gripping onto his back for support. “Oh fuck, Stevie, feels so so good.”

He dropped his face back into the crook of your neck, moaning unashamedly as the sounds of your skin meeting filled the quiet living room. The only other sound was the crackling of the fireplace, and you could see the snow still falling hard outside the sliding back door. But just as he promised, Steve was keeping you nice and warm.

In a moment of unexpected boldness, you had an idea.

Grabbing onto Steve’s shoulders, you pushed him over so you were on top. His eyes went wide. “Woah.”

You giggled as you started grinding on him, the angle rubbing against your clit as you did, building your second orgasm of the night. “God, Stevie, you’re so big.”

“Yeah?” he gasped out, hands gripping tightly to your hips as you began to bounce on him. “Oh fuck honey, you feel incredible. So perfect for me.”

You threw your head back as you rode him with everything you had, his eyes glued on your bouncing tits as he felt his own release approaching. “So fucking sexy,” he muttered to himself, hands sliding up your sides to grab your breasts, kneading them in his hands before moving back to hold your hips with a bruising grip.

“Baby, I’m getting close,” he warned, his fingers digging tightly into your skin.

“Me too,” you moaned, and you reached down to rub circles on your clit, watching the way his eyes widened again as he watched you pleasure yourself.

“God- cum on my cock, baby, wanna feel your pussy clench around me.”

His words pushed you over the edge. Your cunt spasmed around his cock as you came even harder than before, crying out and calling his name over and over. “Steve, Steve, Steve…!”

“Oh, shit-“ The muscles in his neck went taut as his orgasm hit him unexpectedly, groaning and shooting his load deep inside you as he bucked his hips up wildly beneath you, pulling you down against him.

Once you had both come down to earth, the reality of what had just happened hit you both. “Oh, fuck, angel, I’m sorry-“

“It’s okay, Stevie,” you assured him, leaning forward to place a kiss on his lips. “I’m on the pill.”

He let out a relieved breath. “Thank god.”

You laughed as you lifted off of him and laid down on the mattress next to him. Steve wrapped an arm around you, pulling you to cuddle against his chest. “That was incredible,” you finally said.

“Hell yeah it was,” Steve agreed wholeheartedly. “Why didn’t we do this forever ago?”

“Because we’re idiots?” you giggled. “I love you.”

“I love you too, angel,” Steve said, his hand caressing your cheek before he placed a kiss to the top of your head.

“Sleep in my bed with me?” you asked sheepishly, feeling nervous of his rejection despite what you’d just done together. “To keep me warm, of course.”

“Of course, baby. Where else would I be?”

[bremser]

Berenice Abbott at 18 rue Servandoni

The portrait on the cover of Julia Van Haaften's 2018 biography "Berenice Abbott: A Life in Photography" and at the top of Abbott's wiki page is by an unknown photographer. It was taken for the small newspaper Paris-Midi, published June 14, 1928. Keystone France agency, and now Getty owns the rights and incorrectly dates it as 1927, while Wikipedia dates it as "1930s."

At the time, her studio was at 18 rue Servandoni in Paris, we see the fireplace and door in the background in other portraits, such as the portrait of James Joyce's daughter, Lucia. There's a classic Atget at 15 rue Servandoni, but it's from 1903-4. Atget died in 1927 and Abbott, along with Julien Levy, saved his archive. By 1930 she was in New York City, where Walker Evans made his great portrait of her.

Van Haaften writes that in search of lower rent, Abbott moved to the rue Servandoni studio in early 1928. Abbott kept a clipping of the newspaper, but there's no further detail about the portrait session in the biography.

I was curious about the photographer of the portrait and found Getty has a handful of other frames from the same session that I'd never seen.

Most interesting of those frames is this contemplative shot showing the windows of her studio, maybe some photo chemicals on the table. A puff of smoke emanates from Abbott's cigarette in the same place where someone has left their fingerprint on the negative or print. There's a strong reflection or light leak in the top left corner of the frame. Van Haaften describes the rue Servandoni studio offering "beautiful north light."

Looking at the building on Google Earth, there is one north-facing spot that has the large windows similar to the 1928 portrait, seen in the center of the screen grab below.

Another detail Van Haaften mentions is that it took Abbott months to install electricity. An electric spotlight is on a tripod behind Abbott in the standing portrait. In the alternate angle you can see a not-to-code wire dangling.

So, who made these portraits? The Keystone France agency was an off-shoot of a popular stereoview company based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, hence "keystone." If you've ever flipped through old stereoviews at a vintage shop, you recognize this brand. The French agency was founded by Alexandre Garai in 1927 (whose brother Bertram started a related Keystone in London in 1914). The Met has one photograph by Alexandre Garai, taken in 1927. The jpeg is tiny, but indicates a modern perspective. While it's possible Garai is the photographer, his brother's ethos seems to have been to be the boss ... and never touch a camera.

The identity could be buried deep in Getty's London warehouse, which stores 80 million photographs and negatives. When these frames were scanned and metadata added to Getty in 2010-2016, if there was a name on the back of the prints, it probably would have been added then.

From the photos themselves, it's difficult to say if Abbott had a rapport or was familiar with the photographer: her default intensity is remarkably consistent her entire life, up until the last portrait of her in 1991.

(left, rue Servandoni 1929, right: Hank O'Neal, Berenice Abbott, Last Portrait, Monson, Maine July 17, 1991)

From the resolution, the depth of field on the lens, these are probably shot with a 4x5 or larger camera. It looks like the photographer shot the lens wide open, the camera in the standing portraits looks very much in focus, while Abbott's face looks slightly out of focus.

Two of the four frames have similar damage, could be a development problem, but could be mold later while in storage. Abbott's Paris portraits of the period were shot on glass (as much of Atget's body of work was), though by the late 1920s glass plates had mostly been replaced by film. Annoyingly, Getty is one of the best places online to see her Paris portraits, but the Steidl book is highly recommended. Seen together, you realize why Man Ray felt threatened, or at least annoyed, by his former assistant.

The photographer was either challenged or in a challenging environment. Abbott was often a withering critic, one can imagine a green photographer shows up to make portraits and encounters a prickly subject. With the seated portrait above, at first glance, I thought maybe the print has a piece torn out of the left side? Or is it a modern lamp intruding on the composition?

It's difficult to tell with the window portrait how much of it is a metering mistake or the potential development issue, but it looks several stops overexposed to be of use in publication of that time. Today, with our phone cameras taking three frames and digitally merging exposure, we can romanticize the top half of her body dissolving into the light is as the "magic of film."

I'm calling this the "last" frame of the session, based only on the fact that her pose and facial expression has shifted from intensity to a mix of boredom and exasperation. The photographer told her to sit on the day bed with tea and a book, "look relaxed," but she wants nothing to do with it.

[quietwingsinthesky]

In spirit of all your posting about Cain today, I request Lucifer/Cain content please 👀 my evil disaster duo

Yeah sure I’m insane enough about them. Although, note, but I’m not sure how well this reads as shippy? It’s definitely. There’s something here. There is something between them. Ah well. You’ll see, you’ll get it.

~1700 words

The devil is on Cain’s doorstep.

He’s imagined this meeting happening a thousand different times in a thousand years. None of which looked like this. The screen door is a sheer barrier between the angel that unmade him and his last refuge. Lucifer doesn’t open it and let himself in. He lingers on the threshold like a vampire, not one from the real world, the kind Cain has met and had meals with and killed, but one from a romantic myth, gentle-voiced and waiting for an invitation. He looks Cain over, one slow sweep up and down, like he’s surprised this is the body Cain remains in.

He never tried to take another. It was a fitting casket for a damned soul. The curse he carried could not be tricked into being left behind.

“Can I come in?” Lucifer asks. He looks tired.

That may just be what immortality does.

Cain stays silent, one hand on the door handle. He has a stew coming to a boil in the kitchen. He has a fire to feed in the living room. The wind outside rattles the screen door but doesn’t dislodge it. Lucifer has melting snow in his hair and collar, like he walked all the way here.

“How did you find me?” Cain questions, needlessly. In answer, Lucifer lifts his own arm and touches exactly where the Mark scars Cain. He leaves his fingers there, his eyes not dropping from Cain’s face.

They are not Lucifer’s eyes. It is not Lucifer’s face. In Abel’s voice, Lucifer told him that his brother was screaming for Cain to put the jawbone down, and that he would spare him hearing that but only if he struck quickly. It had never seemed like mercy, only a way to keep Cain from saying goodbye. He left Cain alone with a body already going cold and Hell to pay.

Cain’s fingers tighten on the doorknob. He has never tried to kill an archangel.

Lucifer tilts his head. “Something’s burning,” he says. His eyes leave Cain’s for only a moment to look at the home behind him, and then they’re fixed on his again. Neither of them need to blink. Cain can smell the acrid warning coming from the kitchen as well as Lucifer can. With one movement, he shoves the screen door open an inch and turns his back on Lucifer to go back to his pot. He sees the tips of Lucifer’s fingers curl around the side of the door, and that’s all.

He grew up eating pomegranates and apples and lamb. It seems too recent that he learned to cook with corn and potatoes. He reserves no chopping board for meat in his kitchen.

The stew is piping hot. He flavors it to the dulled pleasures of a demon, too strong for most humans to handle. Colette used to-

He ladles the stew into a bowl for himself. All of her is his alone to know.

He doesn’t bring Lucifer a bowl.

The devil sits on his sofa comfortably, watching the snow fall outside. His shoulders are damp with it. He hasn’t bothered to dry them with whatever power he has. He looks up at Cain’s approach, down at the bowl, and then frowns, as though he expected to be treated like a guest. Cain ignores him. He sets his bowl down to poke at the logs in the fireplace, crackling with heat, laced through with veins of burning wood. The flame-light dances across the living room, more wild than the electric lights but just as well contained.

“Are you going to tell me why you’re here?” he asks Lucifer. He takes his time the same as the devil does, waiting, but someone has to make the first move and Lucifer seems content to watch him eat.

“Atonement,” Lucifer answers. Cain sets down his bowl and wipes his mouth.

“No.” Lucifer frowns.

“Not forgiveness.” He repeats, “Atonement.”

“And I said no.”

“You don’t know what I’m offering to do.” Cain drinks. The stew burns the roof of his mouth, and it heals, and it burns, and it heals.

“We’ve made one deal. That was enough for me. I will never escape it.” For the first time, Lucifer can’t look him in the eye. His gaze drops to Cain’s arm and remains there. It feels like having his skin peeled off to reveal what’s beneath. Cain bears it with a clenched jaw. The Mark growls against his bones like a hibernating bear, glutted, but at any moment, ready to wake hungry for more blood.

“I can’t give you your brother back,” Lucifer says, apologetic, like he understands the loss. He never sounded anything like that the first time they met. Absently, his hand rises to his chest, fingers sweeping across his heart and then falling to a tight fist in his lap.

The devil is good at appearing like a broken man.

“I don’t want my brother back,” Cain tells him. There’s another thing that surprises Lucifer; Cain can see it in his eyes. All angels are poor liars. They don’t have a demon’s intuition when it comes to handling meat. Cain doesn’t owe him an explanation, but he has no one else to tell. No one who would understand what he means. If nothing else, they share the same curse. “I’m not the man I was when I picked up the blade. I’m the monster I became when I chose to wield it after. I wouldn’t want my brother to see me now, and I wouldn’t want to know what I made him when I cut my love out of him.” Souls in Hell are torn apart. Souls on Earth linger and decay. Cain never thinks about souls in Heaven because he’s not sure they have it any better.

“What about her?” Lucifer asks. He tips his head towards Colette’s picture. Cain sets his bowl down loudly enough for the sound to echo. A few drops spill. There are no cracks in it. He doesn’t let that happen.

“If you talk about her again, I-“ Lucifer nods. Cain falls silent before he finishes the threat. That feels like mercy. He’s not sure whose. “What are you here for if all you do is tell me what’s impossible to have?” A half-empty bowl lies on the table between them. The wind howls. The fire draws shadows in the folds of Lucifer’s clothing like wounds.

“I came to take it back.”

Cain stares at him a minute, then bows his head and finishes his stew.

“The cost?”

“None,” Lucifer answers, then frowns, “that I know of. I can’t guarantee you would survive the exchange, if I uproot every tendril of it from your veins.” Cain’s expression asks plainly if Lucifer thinks this is something that would matter to him. Lucifer’s answers with understanding. “It was meant to be my curse.”

“And if you take it, it will devour you the same way it did me.” It’s not a question. It’s a fact. Cain has lived with the Mark longer than a hundred repeats of his life without put together. He knows it. He has heard the scratching behind the door that only death silences, for heartbeats of time.

“That isn’t your problem.”

“You made it my problem.” A rise to his voice he hasn’t allowed in a century or more. Lucifer is unfazed. Anyone else who knew what he was would be begging by now.

“I’m sorry.” The bowl is empty. Cain breathes out heavily through his nose.

“It isn’t enough.”

“I know,” Lucifer says. He looks towards the fire. It doesn’t reflect in his eyes. They are too bright from within. “I know,” he repeats, softer.

“Why now?” Cain asks. He doesn’t wait for an answer before going back into the kitchen and leaving his bowl in the sink. Lucifer stands to follow him. He inches too close to the unwashed dishes, staring at them like their presence irritates him. Cain is off-put for the first time by his behavior, by the devil standing over his sink like his hands are itching to reach in and scrape the crud off the silverware and douse the ceramics in dish soap. Lucifer finally looks at him again.

“Because I’m here."

“You have something good, and you want to ruin it.” He makes an archangel flinch.

“No,” he lies, “I want to fix what I broke.” He leans against Cain’s counter.

“If you love them, you’ll leave,” Cain says. Colette is watching them from the other room, forever frozen in a memory. “Let me be. The damage is done.”

He doesn’t want Lucifer to be happy. It’s not something he deserves.

He steps out of the way of the kitchen door. Lucifer doesn’t move. He won’t leave.

Cain knew he wouldn’t.

Bearers of the same curse and all.

“Give me the Mark, Cain,” Lucifer says. Cain rolls up his sleeve. He does it slowly, dragged inch by dragged inch of fabric, until the sharp slice of the scar shows itself. Lucifer looks at it like an old friend with a gun to his head. Cain extends his arm.

Lucifer’s palm is cold where he wraps it over Cain’s arm. He covers the whole of the Mark with one hand. It wakes up suddenly, furious as it is cut out like a cancer. Cain can feel it fight Lucifer as he brings it back into himself. Lucifer makes a pained noise in the back of his throat, his grip on Cain’s arm tightening. He shakes. Cain feels nothing, no pain, no relief. There’s an empty hollow in his being that once soaked the ground with poison. Nothing will ever grow there, but the ring of dead grass won’t grow wider. Lucifer lets go of Cain.

The Mark is gone, scar and whispering and urges and all.

The Mark of Cain no longer belongs to Cain.

Lucifer bears it on his own body’s arm now, and deeper, where it will begin to rot him from the inside. It’s an angry, throbbing red now like an infection. Cain spent all that time lulling it to sleep and now… Now, it’s not his problem.

Lucifer breathes heavily.

Cain crosses him, their shoulders barely brushing. The stew is still warm as he ladles another bowl and brings it to Lucifer. Lucifer cups his hands around it like it will bring him any comfort. Cain stares at him.

“I hope you never know peace,” Cain tells him. Lucifer shuts his eyes in acceptance.

[burnbrite-fireplaces]

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[rj-drive-in]

Bounds Of Credulity Department:

If I have to tell you which famous author this story homages, then I just don't know what I'm going to do with you.

PHOTO FINISH © 2025 by Rick Hutchins

On the best of days, the dome of the Beta Telescope at Hammil_U, Farside, was very much the textbook definition of unkempt, as one might expect of a lab used primarily by three grad students in astronomy and their professor. But on one particular day in December (it will surprise no one to learn that it was the sixteenth), it bore all the signs of a hovel that had not been attended by any efforts at housekeeping for at least a lunar month; which, in fact, it hadn’t.

The sole occupant of the dome, Arthur Minehead, was as unconscious of the empty pizza boxes and old candy wrappers as he was of the rather spectacular view of the towering crater walls several miles distant outside the dome’s portholes. His attention was solely focused on the screen of his portable computer, which was currently connected to the telescope’s memory core.

So preoccupied was he that he did not realize that he had company until his visitor cleared his throat and tapped lightly on the bulkhead with his knuckles.

“Hey, Arthur,” said the visitor, rather apologetically. “Sorry to interrupt. Er… the door was open.”

Arthur looked up from his laptop, blinking rapidly, his attention returning from a distance of quite a few light years. “Charles,” he said. “No, that’s all right. Come in. I guess I haven’t seen you in a few weeks.”

“Yeah, I’ve been pretty busy.” Charles Colombo was, like Arthur, a graduate student in astronomy; but his stomping ground was the nearly identical dome of the Alpha Telescope, almost a kilometer to the other side of the observatory quad. “We’ve been making some… uh… good observations over at Alpha.”

“Same here,” said Arthur. His eyes flickered to his portable comp and he quickly dimmed the screen– which Charles did not fail to notice. “So what can I do for you?”

Charles shifted uncomfortably and scratched his head. “Doctor Gernsback mentioned that you guys have called a press conference for this afternoon.”

“That’s right. Sorry, but I can’t give anything away ahead of time. It’s very hush-hush.”

“No, that’s not why I’m here.” Charles trailed off into silence and succumbed to another bout of foot shuffling and head scratching.

“Well..?” prompted Arthur.

“The thing is,” said Charles slowly, “we’ve called a press conference also.”

Arthur was slightly taken aback. “Really? You’ve got a big announcement?”

“Yeah,” said Charles flatly. “It’s pretty major.”

“That is bad timing,” said Arthur. “Look, I can’t really tell you anything, but you probably want to reschedule. I can safely say– and no offense– that you’ll be completely overshadowed.”

“I don’t think so. Like I said, we’ve got something pretty major. Trust me on this: Whatever you’ve got, this is bigger.”

Arthur chuckled. “I seriously doubt it.”

The two men stared at each other for several moments.

“How about,” said Charles finally, “if we grab a bite to eat?”

*******

The central arboretum was only ten minutes down the tunnel by electric cart. Arthur and Charles spent the trip making small talk– mostly about sports as the Moon has no weather to discuss– and then parked at the food court. They picked up a bucket of crispy wings and two side orders of fries at Plato’s Man, grabbed a couple of cans of JJ from a vending machine, and then rented a small alcove at Somerset’s– Victorian style, with red bricks and a holographic fireplace.

Charles closed the privacy curtain as Arthur spread lunch out on the dark wood table between the luxurious armchairs.

“So,” said Arthur, touching an unobtrusive switch on the mantel, which caused the holographic fire to spring to life, “what have you got?”

Charles sipped his beverage and said, “You first.”

Arthur laughed good naturedly as he took a bite out of a crispy wing. “Nice try. But you came to me, so it’s on you.”

“All right. I’ll tell you. But Professor Campbell will go supernova on me if he finds out.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”

Charles leaned forward and dropped his voice to a whisper. “We’ve been photographing an extraterrestrial space probe within the solar system.”

Arthur’s jaw literally dropped, nearly into his fries.

“What?! I mean… what?!”

“It’s true. We first spotted it about a month ago, while we were collecting data on the new Green Spot on Neptune.”

“Do you mean to sit there and tell me that aliens have sent a space probe to study the Earth?!”

Charles sighed and shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. It’s an artifact. A relic. We postulate that it’s the alien equivalent of a Voyager or Pioneer, something that just passed on into interstellar space when its mission was over.”

“Well, go on!”

“As you can imagine, we know very little as yet. It’s crossing through the solar system at about 28 kilometers per second and its closest approach will bring it just inside the orbit of Mars. It’s about the size of a bus and pockmarked down to our best resolution. If there were ever any markings, they’re long gone, although we have hopes that an electron microscope will be able to read something.”

“Well, it must have been out there for… for…”

“Hundreds of thousands of years,” nodded Charles. “The most interesting thing is that Catherine thinks she can see the terminus of eleven tiny struts– evidence of a solar sail long since worn down by atomic hydrogen and dust. We’ll have to wait to confirm that, of course. What we can see are seven perfectly recognizable radio dishes. These people seem to have liked odd numbers.”

“Where did it come from?”

“Very probably Tau Sagittarii. If not, then from somewhere very far away indeed.”

“Have you… er… listened..?”

“As a matter of fact, Tau Sagittarii has been checked a couple of hundred times over the years. It was the closest possible source of the Wow Signal back in 1977. It’s always been completely silent.”

Arthur shook his head. “Then the civilization that launched it is probably extinct.”

“Possibly. Hundreds of thousands of years is a long time and we have no way of guessing the typical lifespan of a technological civilization. But they may have just moved on to some other form of communication. Or they may simply have no interest in communicating with us. Or it may just not be possible for us to detect signs of civilization at that distance.”

“Oh, I think it’s possible,” said Arthur quietly. “Will we be able to recover the probe?”

“Certainly! We’ve calculated its path to the hundredth decimal place for the next several millennia. But there’s no reason to think we can’t customize a robo-probe and have it out there within a year.”

“This is uncanny!”

“So you see what I mean then?”

“About what?”

“The press conference. Obviously, you’ll want to cancel yours. Otherwise, whatever your announcement is will be lost in the rocket wash of the greatest discovery in history.”

Arthur stared at him a moment and took a deep breath. “Actually, Charles, I think we’ll go ahead with it.”

“You’re not serious.”

“I am.” This time it was Arthur’s turn to lean forward and lower his voice to a dramatic whisper. “You see, we’ve also been observing an alien artifact.”

“What?!”

“We spotted it last month during the Deep Sky Halo Object Survey.”

“But… but…” stammered Charles. “That’s just… just….”

“Uncanny. I know.”

“But this is too much. We can’t both have found extraterrestrial probes inside the solar system at the same time!”

Arthur shook his head. “No. No, this isn’t a probe. And it’s nowhere near the solar system.”

“Then what in heaven’s name is it?”

“It’s… it’s architecture.” He spread his hands as if at a loss for words. “I guess you could call it a work of celestial engineering.” He swallowed hard and when he spoke again his voice quivered with awe. “It’s a Klemperer Rosette, Charles. A Klemperer Rosette of six main sequence G-Type stars.”

A wave of dizziness hit Charles and he had to grip the arm of his chair to keep from falling over– it was several moments before he was sure that he wasn’t going to faint, and several more before he could speak.

“We’ve always theorized about the possibility of… but to actually know that it… you’re very sure?”

“Oh, there’s no doubt. No doubt at all. Each star is of precisely the same size, within two percent of the sun. Their spectra are identical. They’re spaced equidistantly at thirty-eight AU. There’s no way such a thing could happen in nature.”

“What’s holding it together? A black hole?”

“Presumably. But if there is, it’s a perfect naked singularity. There’s no sign of an accretion disk. No radiation at all. And we’ve calculated that each one of those stars has stable orbits in its habitable zone. And you can bet there are planets there– you can bet on that!”

Charles sat back in his chair and put his hand over his trembling stomach; he was sorry now that he had eaten. “So we’ve discovered one civilization that seems to have expired in its youth and another that has gone on to rearrange the very stars in the sky.”

“What a day, huh?”

“I think,” said Charles, “that we need to hold that press conference together.”

“Agreed,” Arthur replied. He reached out and the two men shook hands, with sweaty palms. “We’re going to go down in history, you know.”

“Gernsback and Campbell will go down in history. We’re grad students. We’ll be footnotes.”

“True,” shrugged Arthur.

*******

They gathered up the remains of the food and other trash and dumped it in the waste slot beside the fireplace. Exiting the alcove, they walked back to the electric cart and drove down the tunnel back to the observatory in silence, each preoccupied with his own thoughts, until Arthur finally spoke.

“Mine is the more impressive discovery, of course.”

“But mine can actually be retrieved and studied,” countered Charles without hesitation.

And so it went until the joint press conference late that afternoon, when they and their colleagues, in a most gracious and collegial manner, announced to the world that the question which had most vexed humanity for centuries had finally been answered– twice in one day.

[meldevelopment]

The Best Covered Patios: Stylish and Functional Outdoor Living Spaces

A covered patio is the perfect way to enhance your outdoor living experience, providing a comfortable and stylish space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors year-round. Whether you're looking for a cozy retreat or a space to host gatherings, here are some of the best covered patio ideas to inspire your next project.

1. Pergola-Style Patios

Pergolas strike the perfect balance between open-air charm and shaded comfort. With options to add retractable canopies or climbing plants, they create a picturesque, natural aesthetic. Materials like cedar wood or powder-coated aluminum offer durability and timeless appeal.

Design Tip: Incorporate string lights or hanging lanterns for a magical evening ambiance.

2. Modern Retractable Awnings

For flexibility and convenience, retractable awnings are an excellent choice. These allow you to enjoy the sun when you want it and provide shade or protection from rain when needed. Many models come with motorized controls for ease of use.

Bonus: Choose UV-resistant fabrics to protect your furniture and skin from harmful rays.

3. Glass Roof Patios

A glass roof provides protection while maintaining a bright and airy atmosphere. Perfect for stargazing or enjoying the rain without getting wet, this option works especially well in areas with mild climates.

Design Tip: Install tinted or frosted glass for added privacy and reduced glare.

4. Rustic Wooden Covers

Wooden patio covers bring warmth and character to your outdoor space. They pair beautifully with natural stone flooring and lush greenery, making them ideal for creating a rustic or farmhouse-style retreat.

Maintenance Tip: Treat the wood with weather-resistant sealant to protect against moisture and pests.

5. Aluminum Patio Covers

For a sleek, modern look, aluminum patio covers are a low-maintenance and durable option. They are resistant to rust and can be customized with various finishes to match your home’s exterior.

Pro Tip: Add built-in LED lighting or ceiling fans for extra functionality.

6. Fully Enclosed Patios

A fully enclosed patio with sliding glass doors or screened walls offers the ultimate weather protection while maintaining an outdoor feel. These spaces can double as a sunroom or a cozy winter retreat with the addition of a portable heater or fireplace.

Bonus: Install insulated roofs for energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

7. Canvas Shade Sails

For a budget-friendly and contemporary option, consider shade sails. These versatile covers can be arranged in various shapes and configurations to suit your space.

Design Idea: Use bold or neutral colors to complement your outdoor furniture and decor.

8. Thatched Roof Patios

For a tropical vibe, nothing beats a thatched roof patio. Ideal for poolside spaces, these covers add a touch of exotic charm and create a relaxing, vacation-like atmosphere.

Care Tip: Ensure proper maintenance to keep the material durable and pest-free.

9. Solar Panel Covers

Combine sustainability with functionality by using solar panels as your patio cover. These provide shade while helping you save on electricity by harnessing renewable energy.

Eco-Friendly Bonus: Pair with energy-efficient outdoor lighting for a greener patio.

10. Customizable Polycarbonate Roofing

Polycarbonate roofing offers a lightweight yet durable solution for covered patios. It provides excellent protection from UV rays while allowing natural light to filter through, making it ideal for gardens or shaded seating areas.

Pro Tip: Choose multiwall sheets for better insulation and noise reduction.

Final Thoughts

The best covered patios blend functionality, style, and comfort, tailored to fit your space and needs. Whether you're designing a space for relaxation, dining, or entertainment, there’s a perfect solution for every home.

Need help bringing your dream patio to life? Consult a professional for design ideas and installation to ensure your patio becomes the ultimate outdoor haven!

[superpolishyeti]

Why Custom Media Walls Are the Ultimate Home Upgrade?

Custom media walls have become a popular choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their living spaces. These walls offer a perfect blend of functionality and style, turning a simple room into a sophisticated entertainment hub. Unlike mass-produced entertainment centers, custom media walls are tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that every component fits perfectly. One of the standout features of custom media walls is their ability to streamline your entertainment setup. No more cluttered cables or mismatched furniture—everything is designed to fit seamlessly. Your television, sound system, and other electronics are integrated into a sleek, cohesive design, giving your room a clean, polished look. Another advantage is the flexibility in design. Whether you prefer a minimalist look with clean lines or a more elaborate design with decorative elements, a custom media wall can be crafted to match your vision. You can incorporate built-in shelving, display areas for art or collectibles, and even ambient lighting to enhance the mood of the space.

Custom Media Walls with Fireplace Integration

For a cozy, inviting atmosphere, consider incorporating a fireplace into your custom media walls. Electric or gas fireplaces can be seamlessly integrated into the design, providing warmth and ambiance while maintaining a sleek, modern look. This combination creates a perfect gathering spot for family and friends.

Designing Custom Media Walls for Open Concept Spaces

In open-concept homes, custom media walls can serve as a divider between different areas while providing a functional entertainment center. The wall can be designed to be visible from multiple angles, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite shows or music from any part of the space.

Custom Media Walls for Home Theaters

If you have a dedicated home theater, custom media walls are a must-have. These walls can be designed to house large-screen TVs, surround sound systems, and other audiovisual equipment, creating a cinematic experience right in your home. Additionally, soundproofing materials can be incorporated to enhance audio quality.

Custom Media Walls for Minimalist Interiors

For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, custom media walls can be designed with clean lines, neutral colors, and hidden storage. This approach creates a clutter-free, modern look that blends seamlessly with minimalist interiors. Less is more when it comes to achieving a sleek, sophisticated space.

Custom Media Walls with Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a popular addition to custom media walls, providing a modern, airy look. These shelves can be used to display decorative items, books, or plants, adding a personal touch to your media wall. The floating design also helps maintain a clean, open feel in your living space.

Choosing the Right Color Scheme for Custom Media Walls

The color scheme of your custom media wall plays a significant role in its overall appearance. For a cohesive look, choose colors that complement your existing decor. Neutral tones like white, gray, and beige create a timeless look, while bold colors like navy or black can make a dramatic statement.

Custom Media Walls for Multi-Functional Spaces

In multi-functional spaces like studio apartments or open-plan homes, custom media walls can serve multiple purposes. They can function as an entertainment center, a storage unit, and even a room divider. This versatility makes them an excellent solution for maximizing space and functionality.

Conclusion

Custom media walls are more than just an aesthetic addition—they are a practical solution that elevates the functionality of your living space. These walls allow you to hide cables, create ample storage, and accommodate all your entertainment equipment in a tidy and organized manner. From modern apartments to spacious family rooms, custom media walls can be adapted to fit any environment, offering a streamlined and sophisticated design. By choosing a custom-built media wall, you are investing in a piece that will enhance both the form and function of your home, making it an ideal choice for any homeowner.

[ojcommerce-blog]

Finding the Right Fit: How to Size Your Electric Fireplace for Any Room

Here’s what you need to know to find the perfect fit for your electric fireplace.

Why Size Matters in Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces come in many shapes and sizes, each suited for specific room dimensions. Choosing the right size helps ensure efficient heating and prevents a mismatch between the fireplace’s appearance and the room’s aesthetic.

Step 1: Measure Your Room

To get started, measure the length, width, and height of your room. Room size influences the heating capacity needed from your fireplace. For instance, electric fireplaces with 1,500-watt heating can typically heat up to 400 square feet, making them suitable for medium-sized rooms.

For accurate placement, measure the wall area where you plan to install or place your fireplace. Consider adding a few extra inches around the unit for an unobstructed view and ease of use.

Step 2: Understand Heat Output and Room Coverage

Electric fireplaces are rated by British Thermal Units (BTUs), which measure heating output. Here’s a basic guide to matching BTU output to room size:

Small Rooms (up to 150 sq. ft.): A unit with approximately 2,500 BTUs works well.

Medium Rooms (150-400 sq. ft.): Look for models with about 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs, which is ideal for bedrooms and smaller living rooms.

Large Rooms (over 400 sq. ft.): Select a fireplace with 5,000 BTUs or more to ensure sufficient warmth.

It’s important to keep in mind that electric fireplaces function as supplementary heaters, so if you have a large space or live in a particularly cold climate, you may need additional heating support.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size by Room Type

Different rooms require different fireplace sizes, both in terms of heat output and design. Here’s a breakdown of ideal sizing by room type.

Living Room

The living room is often the largest space in the home and a central gathering place, so consider a statement fireplace that complements the room’s dimensions and layout. Wall-mounted or built-in electric fireplaces work well here, as they can be large and become the focal point of the room.

For a standard living room:

Recommended Size: 50 to 60 inches wide

BTU Output: Around 4,000-5,000 BTUs

Finding the Right Fit: How to Size Your Electric Fireplace for Any Room

[icofriendly]

The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist: Keeping Your House in Prime Condition

A comprehensive guide to maintaining your home's exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems.

Just like regular health check-ups are essential for our well-being, a home maintenance checklist and schedule are crucial for the upkeep of our houses. By consistently checking on various aspects of our homes, such as the exterior, appliances, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, security, and electrical systems, we can prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep our homes looking their best.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with a monthly, seasonal, and annual home maintenance checklist to help you schedule necessary updates, repairs, cleaning, and other tasks. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your home remains in prime working condition, and if any repairs or maintenance go beyond your skill level, we recommend hiring a professional to assist you.

Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist

Inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects will keep your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to help save time and money:

- Air Quality and Vents

- Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups, regulate temperature, and decrease energy bills. - Vacuum heat registers and vents. - Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.

- Plumbing and Water

- Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary. - Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda. - Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary. - Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.

- Home Safety

- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters. - Inspect electrical cords for wear.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

In many regions, fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects. The weather is usually dry, and temperatures are moderate. Before starting your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine your home's interior and exterior.

Most of these tasks can be accomplished without professional help, but always call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities. Here are our recommendations for fall:

- Landscaping and Yard Prep

- Rake leaves and aerate the lawn. - Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. - Practice pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing woodwork. - Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and sprinkler systems.

- Home Exterior Repairs and Updates

- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway. - Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint. - Power-wash windows and siding. - Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. - Repair or replace siding. - Clean window and door screens. - Replace old, drafty windows with energy-efficient models. - Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. - Inspect exterior door hardware and fix any issues. - Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.

- Interior Cleaning and Inspection

- Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. - Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and have it professionally inspected. - Tune up major home appliances. - Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. - Clean carpets. - Vacuum lint from the dryer vent. - Check the water heater for leaks.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter weather can be harsh on your home, causing various problems such as frozen pipes and roof damage. To prevent winter harm and avoid calling a professional in the middle of a blizzard, be sure to check these items off your home maintenance checklist:

- Exterior Repairs and Updates

- Cover your air-conditioning unit. - Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms. - Stock up on sidewalk salt and ice melt.

- Interior Cleaning and Inspection

- Check the basement for leaks during thaws. - Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill. - Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays. - Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers. - Set up mouse traps as needed.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Once the ground has thawed and the trees begin to bud, it's time to prepare your home for spring. Use our spring home maintenance checklist to make sure everything in your home, from the basement to the roof, is in tip-top shape:

- Landscaping and Yard Prep

- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. - Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank. - Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. - Inspect the chimney for damage. - Wash windows. - Power-wash siding. - Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping. - Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.

- Interior Cleaning and Inspection

- Clean faucet aerators and showerheads. - Change the air-conditioner filter. - Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures. - Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. - Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking. - Vacuum lint from the dryer vent. - Have the air-conditioning system serviced. - Drain or flush the water heater.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

When the sun is out and warm weather is finally here to stay, use our quick summer home maintenance guide to get the hard work out of the way at the beginning of the season:

- Interior Cleaning and Inspection

- Remove lint from your dryer vent. - Clean kitchen exhaust fan filter. - Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays. - Check the dishwasher for leaks. - Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks. - Replace faucet and showerhead washers if needed. - Seal tile grout.

Regular home maintenance is vital for the longevity and functionality of your house. By following this comprehensive home maintenance checklist, you can stay on top of necessary repairs, cleaning, and updates throughout the year. Remember, if any tasks are beyond your skill level, it's always best to hire a professional to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home.

By investing time and effort into maintaining your home, you can save money, prevent breakdowns, and keep your house in prime condition for years to come.

[quietwings-fics]

Such Soft Decay

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Fandom: Supernatural Ship: Gen (Cain & Lucifer) Additional Tags: Mark of Cain (Supernatural), Angst, domestic angst, Past Cain/Colette Mullen, Regret, Alternate Universe Wordcount: 1749 Summary:

The devil is on Cain’s doorstep.

Prompt:

"In spirit of all your posting about Cain today, I request Lucifer/Cain content please 👀 my evil disaster duo"

The devil is on Cain’s doorstep.

He’s imagined this meeting happening a thousand different times in a thousand years. None of which looked like this. The screen door is a sheer barrier between the angel that unmade him and his last refuge. Lucifer doesn’t open it and let himself in. He lingers on the threshold like a vampire, not one from the real world, the kind Cain has met and had meals with and killed, but one from a romantic myth, gentle-voiced and waiting for an invitation. He looks Cain over, one slow sweep up and down, like he’s surprised this is the body Cain remains in.

He never tried to take another. It was a fitting casket for a damned soul. The curse he carried could not be tricked into being left behind.

“Can I come in?” Lucifer asks. He looks tired.

That may just be what immortality does.

Cain stays silent, one hand on the door handle. He has a stew coming to a boil in the kitchen. He has a fire to feed in the living room. The wind outside rattles the screen door but doesn’t dislodge it. Lucifer has melting snow in his hair and collar, like he walked all the way here.

“How did you find me?” Cain questions, needlessly. In answer, Lucifer lifts his own arm and touches exactly where the Mark scars Cain. He leaves his fingers there, his eyes not dropping from Cain’s face.

They are not Lucifer’s eyes. It is not Lucifer’s face. In Abel’s voice, Lucifer told him that his brother was screaming for Cain to put the jawbone down, and that he would spare him hearing that but only if he struck quickly. It had never seemed like mercy, only a way to keep Cain from saying goodbye. He left Cain alone with a body already going cold and Hell to pay.

Cain’s fingers tighten on the doorknob. He has never tried to kill an archangel.

Lucifer tilts his head. “Something’s burning,” he says. His eyes leave Cain’s for only a moment to look at the home behind him, and then they’re fixed on his again. Neither of them need to blink. Cain can smell the acrid warning coming from the kitchen as well as Lucifer can. With one movement, he shoves the screen door open an inch and turns his back on Lucifer to go back to his pot. He sees the tips of Lucifer’s fingers curl around the side of the door, and that’s all.

He grew up eating pomegranates and apples and lamb. It seems too recent that he learned to cook with corn and potatoes. He reserves no chopping board for meat in his kitchen.

The stew is piping hot. He flavors it to the dulled pleasures of a demon, too strong for most humans to handle. Colette used to-

He ladles the stew into a bowl for himself. All of her is his alone to know.

He doesn’t bring Lucifer a bowl.

The devil sits on his sofa comfortably, watching the snow fall outside. His shoulders are damp with it. He hasn’t bothered to dry them with whatever power he has. He looks up at Cain’s approach, down at the bowl, and then frowns, as though he expected to be treated like a guest. Cain ignores him. He sets his bowl down to poke at the logs in the fireplace, crackling with heat, laced through with veins of burning wood. The flame-light dances across the living room, more wild than the electric lights but just as well contained.

“Are you going to tell me why you’re here?” he asks Lucifer. He takes his time the same as the devil does, waiting, but someone has to make the first move and Lucifer seems content to watch him eat.

“Atonement,” Lucifer answers. Cain sets down his bowl and wipes his mouth.

“No.” Lucifer frowns.

“Not forgiveness.” He repeats, “Atonement.”

“And I said no.”

“You don’t know what I’m offering to do.” Cain drinks. The stew burns the roof of his mouth, and it heals, and it burns, and it heals.

“We’ve made one deal. That was enough for me. I will never escape it.” For the first time, Lucifer can’t look him in the eye. His gaze drops to Cain’s arm and remains there. It feels like having his skin peeled off to reveal what’s beneath. Cain bears it with a clenched jaw. The Mark growls against his bones like a hibernating bear, glutted, but at any moment, ready to wake hungry for more blood.

“I can’t give you your brother back,” Lucifer says, apologetic, like he understands the loss. He never sounded anything like that the first time they met. Absently, his hand rises to his chest, fingers sweeping across his heart and then falling to a tight fist in his lap.

The devil is good at appearing like a broken man.

“I don’t want my brother back,” Cain tells him. There’s another thing that surprises Lucifer; Cain can see it in his eyes. All angels are poor liars. They don’t have a demon’s intuition when it comes to handling meat. Cain doesn’t owe him an explanation, but he has no one else to tell. No one who would understand what he means. If nothing else, they share the same curse. “I’m not the man I was when I picked up the blade. I’m the monster I became when I chose to wield it after. I wouldn’t want my brother to see me now, and I wouldn’t want to know what I made him when I cut my love out of him.” Souls in Hell are torn apart. Souls on Earth linger and decay. Cain never thinks about souls in Heaven because he’s not sure they have it any better.

“What about her?” Lucifer asks. He tips his head towards Colette’s picture. Cain sets his bowl down loudly enough for the sound to echo. A few drops spill. There are no cracks in it. He doesn’t let that happen.

“If you talk about her again, I-“ Lucifer nods. Cain falls silent before he finishes the threat. That feels like mercy. He’s not sure whose. “What are you here for if all you do is tell me what’s impossible to have?” A half-empty bowl lies on the table between them. The wind howls. The fire draws shadows in the folds of Lucifer’s clothing like wounds.

“I came to take it back.”

Cain stares at him a minute, then bows his head and finishes his stew.

“The cost?”

“None,” Lucifer answers, then frowns, “that I know of. I can’t guarantee you would survive the exchange, if I uproot every tendril of it from your veins.” Cain’s expression asks plainly if Lucifer thinks this is something that would matter to him. Lucifer’s answers with understanding. “It was meant to be my curse.”

“And if you take it, it will devour you the same way it did me.” It’s not a question. It’s a fact. Cain has lived with the Mark longer than a hundred repeats of his life without put together. He knows it. He has heard the scratching behind the door that only death silences, for heartbeats of time.

“That isn’t your problem.”

“You made it my problem.” A rise to his voice he hasn’t allowed in a century or more. Lucifer is unfazed. Anyone else who knew what he was would be begging by now.

“I’m sorry.” The bowl is empty. Cain breathes out heavily through his nose.

“It isn’t enough.”

“I know,” Lucifer says. He looks towards the fire. It doesn’t reflect in his eyes. They are too bright from within. “I know,” he repeats, softer.

“Why now?” Cain asks. He doesn’t wait for an answer before going back into the kitchen and leaving his bowl in the sink. Lucifer stands to follow him. He inches too close to the unwashed dishes, staring at them like their presence irritates him. Cain is off-put for the first time by his behavior, by the devil standing over his sink like his hands are itching to reach in and scrape the crud off the silverware and douse the ceramics in dish soap. Lucifer finally looks at him again.

“Because I’m here."

“You have something good, and you want to ruin it.” He makes an archangel flinch.

“No,” he lies, “I want to fix what I broke.” He leans against Cain’s counter.

“If you love them, you’ll leave,” Cain says. Colette is watching them from the other room, forever frozen in a memory. “Let me be. The damage is done.”

He doesn’t want Lucifer to be happy. It’s not something he deserves.

He steps out of the way of the kitchen door. Lucifer doesn’t move. He won’t leave.

Cain knew he wouldn’t.

Bearers of the same curse and all.

“Give me the Mark, Cain,” Lucifer says. Cain rolls up his sleeve. He does it slowly, dragged inch by dragged inch of fabric, until the sharp slice of the scar shows itself. Lucifer looks at it like an old friend with a gun to his head. Cain extends his arm.

Lucifer’s palm is cold where he wraps it over Cain’s arm. He covers the whole of the Mark with one hand. It wakes up suddenly, furious as it is cut out like a cancer. Cain can feel it fight Lucifer as he brings it back into himself. Lucifer makes a pained noise in the back of his throat, his grip on Cain’s arm tightening. He shakes. Cain feels nothing, no pain, no relief. There’s an empty hollow in his being that once soaked the ground with poison. Nothing will ever grow there, but the ring of dead grass won’t grow wider. Lucifer lets go of Cain.

The Mark is gone, scar and whispering and urges and all.

The Mark of Cain no longer belongs to Cain.

Lucifer bears it on his own body’s arm now, and deeper, where it will begin to rot him from the inside. It’s an angry, throbbing red now like an infection. Cain spent all that time lulling it to sleep and now… Now, it’s not his problem.

Lucifer breathes heavily.

Cain crosses him, their shoulders barely brushing. The stew is still warm as he ladles another bowl and brings it to Lucifer. Lucifer cups his hands around it like it will bring him any comfort. Cain stares at him.

“I hope you never know peace,” Cain tells him. Lucifer shuts his eyes in acceptance.

(Enjoyed it? Any interaction is welcomed. You can even support me on Ko-Fi <3)

[becoration]

How to create a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace in your home

Post has been published on becoration

How to create a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace in your home

Fireplaces always bring a warm and cozy atmosphere to your home, and if you like this idea, then you’re going to like what we’re going to explain next. A fireplace not only provides heat, but also adds a touch of charm and elegance to any space. Get ready to enjoy unforgettable moments by the fire!

Choose the right type of fireplace

The first thing you should do is choose the type of fireplace that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Fireplaces can be wood-burning, gas, or electric, each with its own advantages and unique characteristics. Wood-burning fireplaces offer a more traditional and rustic ambiance, while gas and electric fireplaces are easier to use and maintain.

If you opt for a wood-burning fireplace, make sure you have a good supply of dry and quality wood. If you prefer the convenience of a gas or electric fireplace, make sure to choose a model that fits the size and style of your home. In addition, consider the possibility of installing a built-in fireplace or a freestanding one according to your design preferences and available space.

Design the space around the fireplace

Once you have chosen your fireplace, it’s time to design the space around it to create a cozy and appealing atmosphere. Place comfortable and inviting furniture, such as sofas and armchairs, around the fireplace to create a comfortable seating area. Add a soft and warm rug under the furniture to provide warmth and comfort to your feet.

In addition to furniture, consider adding decorative elements such as paintings, mirrors, and plants to add personality and style to the space. Place a side table near the fireplace to support books, drinks, and snacks while you relax by the fire. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a space around the fireplace that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Maintain a warm and safe environment

Once your fireplace is installed and the space around it is designed, it’s important to maintain a warm and safe environment in your home. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s safety instructions when lighting and extinguishing the fireplace, and never leave the fireplace unattended while it’s on. Keep a protective screen around the fireplace to prevent sparks from escaping and causing damage.

Additionally, it’s important to keep the fireplace and chimney clean and well-maintained to ensure safe and efficient operation. Regularly clean the fireplace and flue to remove soot and ashes. Also be sure to regularly check and maintain all components of the fireplace, such as the glass, burners, and pilots, to ensure optimal performance.

Enjoy unforgettable moments by the fire

Once everything is ready and the fireplace is lit, it’s time to enjoy unforgettable moments by the fire. Relax in your comfortable furniture, wrap yourself in a soft blanket, and enjoy the warm glow of the flames. Listen to the crackle of the fire and let your worries fade away as you immerse yourself in the tranquility and calm of the moment.

Invite your friends and loved ones to join you by the fire to share laughter, stories, and special moments. Host a movie or game night by the fireplace to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

With a fireplace in your home, every day can become a special occasion to enjoy warmth and camaraderie by the fire. Enjoy your special moment by the fireplace.

Referrer: MiMub in Spanish

[burnbrite-fireplaces]

Touchstone Steel Screen Front Non Reflective Electric Fireplaces

Want an electric fireplace with a more traditional look? The Touchstone® Steel electric fireplace collection offers a steel screen front without the reflection of glass for that more traditional fireplace look. And with a cool to the touch front display, the Touchstone® Steel electric fireplaces offer an easier and more energy efficient alternative to a wood burning or gas fireplace.

Shop the collection at https://bit.ly/3Q8cSmM

[touchstonehomeproducts]

Want an electric fireplace with a more traditional look? The Touchstone® Steel electric fireplace collection offers a steel screen front without the reflection of glass for that more traditional fireplace look. And with a cool to the touch front display, the Touchstone® Steel electric fireplaces offer an easier and more energy efficient alternative to a wood burning or gas fireplace.

Shop the collection at https://bit.ly/3Q8cSmM

[evolutionfires]

How to Create a Perfect Media Wall with a Fireplace

Creating a perfect media wall with a fireplace can add a charming, comfortable and modern touch to your living space. With Evolution Fire's prebuilt media walls with electric wall-mounted fires, this project becomes much more manageable. This guide will walk you through the steps to create an engaging, functional, and cosy media wall in your home.

1. Plan your space.

Start by determining where you want to place your media wall. Consider the viewing angles, distance, natural light sources, and how the arrangement will affect overall room traffic. 

The media wall should be installed on a sturdy, flat wall. The TV should be at a comfortable viewing height. Typically, the middle of the screen should be at eye level when seated. The electric fire component should be placed where it's visible but not in a high-traffic area. This will give the illusion of a real fire and contribute to the overall ambiance.

2. Select the appropriate Evolution Fire media wall.

The company offers a wide range of prebuilt media walls with electric wall-mounted fires. Choose one that suits the size of your room and matches your style preferences. 

You can browse through the extensive range of colour choices or share a sample with the Evolution Fires team for a perfect match. Alternatively, if you'd like a more personalised touch, choose a ready-to-paint option that you can paint yourself. Don't forget to provide them with the dimensions of your TV and soundbar, too.

3. Evolution Fires designs and builds your media wall.

The design team creates detailed 3D CAD drawings of the media wall with a size chart and recommended socket positions. Hire an electrician to install these sockets before your media wall arrives. 

Your media wall is then meticulously crafted to perfection by Evolution Fires' skilled craftsmen at their UK production facility, ensuring the highest quality possible. Upon completion, it’s handed over to their 2-man delivery team. You will be notified via email with a tracking link, allowing you to easily keep tabs on the delivery. 

4. Evolution Fires delivers and installs your media wall. 

Evolution Fires’ prebuilt media walls with electric wall-mounted fires come with a complete fitting kit (including an 8mm drill bit, wall plugs, screws, and construction adhesive) to make the media wall installation a breeze. Installation should take an hour or less, provided that all recommended electrical sockets are ready.

Order the perfect media wall with a fireplace today!

Evolution Fire UK's prebuilt media walls with electric wall-mounted fires allow you to create a stunning and safe focal point in your room where you can enjoy your relaxing time comfortably. Explore the selection on the Evolution Fire UK website and start the planning process.