#affordable light fixtures

[affordablelightingusa]

Need Affordable Light Fixtures? Discover Budget-Friendly Options That Shine!

Lighting is a key element in home design. It can transform a space, enhance mood, and even improve functionality. However, finding affordable light fixtures that suit your style and budget can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we'll explore various options, answer common questions, and provide valuable insights into selecting the best fixtures for your home.

Understanding Affordable Light Fixtures

When we talk about affordable light fixtures, we refer to options that are both budget-friendly and stylish. These fixtures can range from elegant chandeliers to practical ceiling lights. The right choice can elevate your home without breaking the bank.

Why Choose Affordable Light Fixtures?

Cost-Effective: You can achieve a stunning look without spending a fortune.

Variety: There are countless styles available to match any decor.

Accessibility: Many retailers offer sales and discounts, making it easier to find budget-friendly options.

Trendy Designs: Affordable doesn’t mean boring. Many brands keep up with current trends, so you can find fixtures that look modern and chic.

FAQs About Affordable Light Fixtures

1. Where Can I Find Affordable Light Fixtures?

Many home improvement stores, online marketplaces, and specialty lighting retailers offer affordable light fixtures. Some popular options include:

IKEA: Known for stylish and budget-friendly designs.

Wayfair: A wide range of styles at competitive prices.

Home Depot and Lowe's: Seasonal sales and discounts are common.

Amazon: A vast selection with customer reviews to help guide your choices.

2. How Do I Choose the Right Fixture for My Space?

Choosing the right fixture involves several factors:

Room Size: Larger rooms may require bigger fixtures for adequate lighting, while smaller spaces can benefit from compact designs.

Style: Match the fixture to your decor. For example, a sleek pendant might suit a modern kitchen, while a vintage chandelier could enhance a dining room's charm.

Functionality: Consider the purpose of the lighting. Task lighting is essential for workspaces, while ambient lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere.

3. Are There Any Tips for Installing Light Fixtures?

Installing affordable light fixtures can be a DIY project or done by a professional. Here are a few tips if you choose to tackle it yourself:

Turn off the power before starting any electrical work.

Follow the instructions provided with the fixture carefully.

Use a stud finder to ensure proper mounting, especially for heavier fixtures.

Consider hiring an electrician if you feel unsure about the installation process.

4. How Can I Save on Lighting Costs?

To save on lighting costs, consider the following:

Shop during sales: Look for seasonal discounts and holiday sales.

Choose energy-efficient bulbs: LED bulbs consume less energy and last longer, reducing long-term costs.

Mix and match: Combine high-end fixtures with more affordable options to create a cohesive look without overspending.

The Benefits of Choosing Affordable Light Fixtures

Investing in affordable light fixtures offers numerous advantages. For instance, it allows you to experiment with different styles without committing too much financially. If you decide to redecorate, you can easily switch out fixtures to refresh your space.

Additionally, affordable fixtures often come with a variety of features, such as adjustable brightness and smart capabilities, making them suitable for modern living.

Top 5 Affordable Light Fixture Styles

Pendant Lights: Perfect for kitchen islands or dining areas, these fixtures come in various designs, from minimalist to industrial.

Flush Mounts: Ideal for low ceilings, flush mounts provide ample light without overwhelming the space.

Wall Sconces: Great for hallways or accent lighting, sconces can add a decorative touch to your walls.

Chandeliers: A statement piece that can enhance any room, chandeliers are available in many styles, ensuring you find one that fits your decor.

String Lights: An affordable and trendy option for outdoor spaces or cozy indoor corners, string lights add charm and warmth.

Shopping for Affordable Light Fixtures

When shopping for affordable light fixtures, keep a few strategies in mind:

Research before you buy: Use online resources and reviews to compare prices and styles.

Visit local stores: Check out clearance sections for unique finds at lower prices.

Look for coupon codes: Many online retailers offer discount codes to help you save.

Trending Affordable Light Fixture Ideas

The world of lighting is ever-evolving, with new trends emerging regularly. Here are some current trends in affordable light fixtures:

Industrial Style: Exposed bulbs and metal finishes add a rustic charm to modern homes.

Vintage Reproductions: Retro designs bring character and nostalgia to any space.

Eco-Friendly Materials: Fixtures made from recycled or sustainable materials are gaining popularity.

Key Insight

Key insights from the blog article on affordable light fixtures:

Importance of Lighting: Lighting significantly impacts home aesthetics and functionality, making it essential to choose the right fixtures.

Affordable Options: Affordable light fixtures can be stylish and budget-friendly, providing various choices from chandeliers to flush mounts.

Shopping Tips: Key tips for finding affordable light fixtures include researching prices, checking local stores for clearance items, and looking for online discounts.

Versatile Styles: Popular styles include pendant lights, wall sconces, and industrial designs, ensuring options for different home decor.

DIY Installation: Homeowners can install many fixtures themselves, but safety should always come first—turn off the power and follow instructions carefully.

Energy Efficiency: Choosing energy-efficient bulbs can lower long-term costs, making them a smart choice when selecting lighting.

Trends to Watch: Current trends include eco-friendly materials and vintage designs, allowing homeowners to stay stylish while being cost-effective.

Choosing affordable light fixtures doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding your needs and exploring different options, you can enhance your home’s ambiance and style without overspending. Remember to consider factors like room size, style, and functionality when selecting your fixtures.

With the right lighting, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects your personality. So why wait? Start your search for the perfect affordable light fixtures today!

[naomiknight-17]

Testing the new pens I got at Staples yesterday (left) and the Faber-Castell ones Jon grabbed for me at a downtown art store today (right)

Most of the ones I got yesterday were not what I was looking for. I'll still make use of the Sharpie paint pens and the Tombow 01, 03 and 05, but what I really needed was replacements for my Faber-Castell black brush pen and 1.5. I gave the Tombow hard/soft points to Jon, I think they'll be better for his writing than for my drawing.

There weren't a lot of Faber-Castell pen sets that included the brush and 1.5 without also including a bunch of fine tips, which I am well-stocked on, so we got a set that had some gray brush pens so I can experiment with shading and stuff

I uh. Might be reopening donation doodles soon. Being an artist is expensive

[vaguely-annoyed]

"reduce stress levels," is just like. the preamble for smth to sucker punch u in the gut isn't it

[bathroomforless]

Discover an extensive range of premium bathroom collections at Bathroom4Less. Explore affordable luxury bathroom fittings, fixtures, and bathroom accessories to transform your bathroom. Shop now for quality products at unbeatable prices from toilets to baths, basins to showers, enclosures to taps, bathroom furniture to mirrors, and, alot more. Shop Bathroom4Less for all your bathroom needs. Explore our range of bathroom fixtures, accessories, vanities, sinks, shower enclosures, and bathtubs. Upgrade with stylish faucets, lighting, cabinets, toilet seats, and mirrors. Discover modern design ideas and luxury products at affordable prices. Perfect your space with tiles, furniture, eco-friendly items, and decor. Affordable bathroom renovation solutions await!

[vexalia]

government has to fix this housing crisis before i personally start committing violent crimes

[lampify]

Discover a world of exquisite lamps in Pakistan at our online store! From stunning table lamps to elegant floor lamps, enchanting candle stands to captivating vases, we offer a diverse range of lighting and decor options to elevate your space. Illuminate your home with our carefully curated collection, crafted with precision and designed to add a touch of elegance to any room. Browse our selection of lamps in Pakistan and let the warm glow transform your living spaces into havens of beauty and style.

[hoshifighting]

Can you pleaseeee also write staff mingyu x idol reader🥹🥹

staff!mingyu

WARNINGS: angst, fluff, jealousy, suggestive. may be triggering because of; extreme diets, blackout, getting scolded by the choreographer, fingering, a bit of possessive talk, hair pulling, cock riding, devoted mingyu too.

staff!mingyu who you're in one of those tiny-ass dressing rooms with, the ones where you can barely move without smacking into a light fixture or tripping over cables, andhe's , towering over you, big frame almost making the room look even smaller. he’s your stylist-slash-PA-slash-damage-control-for-whatever-stupid-thing-you-say-in-interviews guy, which means he’s there to check every last detail on you, no matter how close he’s gotta get.

it’s day four of this overseas tour—barely halfway in, and you’re already feeling like you’re running on fumes. you’re dodging local food left and right, not ’cause it doesn’t look good, but ‘cause it’s either not on this wild diet they’ve shoved you on or it just doesn’t sit right with your stomach. for real, you didn’t think there’d be a point in your career where you'd be skipping meals, just ‘cause the food doesn’t fit some "ideal look" they cooked up for you.

and staff!mingyu... always there, at the exact moment when your stomach’s about to start an opera of complaints, hands full of grocery bags and this half-smile on his face, like he’s in on some inside joke only the two of you share.

“alright, sit down,” he says, like you’re gonna argue, and starts unloading enough ingredients to feed a small village. he moves around the hotel kitchenette—pots, pans, seasonings, a whole rotation of stuff he’s pulled outta his endless stash. he even managed to drag around a few of those little plastic spice bottles from home, ‘cause apparently, foreign supermarkets don’t stock paprika exactly how he wants it.

“didn’t know your resume included chef duties,” you joke, propping your chin on your hand as you watch him chop veggies with the same focus you’ve seen when he’s backstage, touching up your makeup or fixing your outfits.

he laughs easy. ��oh, it doesn’t,” he says, glancing over his shoulder with a grin. “but you looked like you were about to faint this morning, so i figured i’d make an exception.”

“what, you gonna make a whole buffet?” you tease, but the moment he sets that first plate down, you’re quiet. it’s nothing fancy, but it smells like heaven—garlic, spices, veggies mixed with something hearty, real food for the first time in days.

“look, you eat this, or i swear i’m shoving it down your throat myself,” he says, crossing his arms, and even though he’s joking, there’s this serious fringe in his eyes. like, he won’t let you get away with just picking at the food.

“alright, alright.” you dig in, taking that first bite, and it’s somehow exactly what you needed—warm, filling, like someone wrapped you in a blanket from the inside out. you’re not even halfway done, and he’s already cleaning up, telling you about how he once had to do this for himself, back when he was training and could barely afford takeout, let alone proper meals.

“so, yeah, i’ve been cooking for years,” he says, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. and it hits you then, this guy, who’s supposed to be here to make sure your eyeliner doesn’t smudge, is actually going out of his way to make sure you’re not just a shell of yourself on stage.

“you know, if this whole career thing falls through, you’d make a damn good chef,” you say, and he just shakes his head, laughing.

“nah,” he says, “i think i like this job better. get to keep an eye on you, make sure you don’t faint halfway through a song.”

staff!mingyu who notices everything, who noticed how you walked into the practice room that day looking like... hell, honestly. there were bags under your eyes so dark they could’ve been bruises, and your skin was that shade of pale that came from days of no sleep, maybe a crazy diet, who knows what else. mingyu was hanging out with a bunch of the other staff in the corner, narrowly paying attention at first, but then he caught sight of you—really looked at you—and yeah, it wasn’t just fatigue. he knew what he was seeing; it was that same look he’d seen too many times in trainees and idols back in the day. the look that meant you’d been pushing way too far for way too long.

by the time you got through the first set of counts, your choreographer was already on your case, his tone sharp as knives. “again,” he snapped, crossing his arms, and you could practically hear his frustration from across the room. “you’re not even hitting the moves properly. what is this?” he scoffed, giving you that disappointed stare that always made you feel about two inches tall. “do you even want to be here right now?”

mingyu’s fists clenched a little. he’d seen you pull off that choreography a hundred times before, and he knew damn well it wasn’t that you didn’t care. it was that you literally didn’t have anything left in the tank, and this guy was still going in on you like you were some slacker.

but you didn’t argue back, didn’t defend yourself, nothing. just bowed your head, muttering, “i’m sorry,” in this tiny, defeated voice. mingyu could see the exhaustion written all over you, the way your shoulders slumped, how you couldn’t even lift your head all the way back up after bowing. you just stayed there, bent over in that apologetic pose, like maybe that was the last bit of strength you could pull together.

but then, as he watched, you didn’t straighten up at all. in fact, you didn’t move for a solid couple of seconds. and then, like you were a puppet whose strings had just been cut, you dropped. one second, you were still standing, and the next, your knees buckled, and you collapsed right there on the damn floor.

for a split second, no one reacted; it was like the room had frozen.

but then mingyu snapped out of it, his heart racing as he lunged forward. the rest of the staff started moving too, voices rising in panic, but mingyu was already at your side, leaning down and calling your name, voice barely hiding the worry.

“hey! hey, can you hear me?” he said, reaching out to gently shake your shoulder. you were breathing, but it was shallow, and your face had gone even paler than before, if that was possible. mingyu felt this pang in his chest seeing you like that. you’d been pushing so hard that your own body just gave up on you.

someone behind him was calling for water, another person was getting the choreographer to back the hell off.

jobs in general weren’t easy, he knew that. but for mingyu, there was nothing worse than watching idols, the people he was supposed to support and protect, get wrecked like this—shoving themselves into diets, swallowing the criticism like it was part of the gig, sacrificing sleep and health just to fit into a pair of jeans or to mold into some industry standard that kept shifting.

he’d been in this job for years, and he’d seen it all before. too many nights spent watching trainees lose more weight than was healthy, idols pushing themselves until they’d practically faded away. sometimes, in the back of his mind, he wondered if it’d be worth leaving, finding a path where he didn’t have to witness it all so up close. he’d think about it on those long nights when he was running on four hours of sleep and too much coffee, wondering what the hell he was doing here when he could be somewhere else, not dealing with the cycle of pushing and breaking and then pushing even harder.

but then there was you. you, with your stubborn smile and that relentless drive he couldn’t help but admire. maybe it was that same drive that had you here, running yourself down like you’d forgotten how to stop. but mingyu had felt that pang deep in his chest at the thought of not being around you—of not being there to see you through the highs and lows, to make sure you had someone who cared about more than just your stage presence.

it was that thought, that tiny, persistent ache, that kept him rooted here every damn day. even if he had to watch you crash sometimes, even if it drained him dry just trying to keep up, he’d stay. he’d be right there, whether you knew it or not, making sure that someone in your corner would be looking out for you, whether you wanted it or needed it, or not.

staff!mingyu who’d quietly made it his side mission to keep you fed, like he’d added it to his job description without anyone even asking. it started small, maybe just a little sandwich he’d stash in his bag for you after seeing you collapse that one time. but then it became routine, almost sacred, the way he’d show up like clockwork with that lunch pack in hand, looking half like your bodyguard in his all-black staff gear, half like your own personal chef with a menu that he swore changed every time he showed up.

“mingyu, what’d you make me today?” you’d ask, bouncing into the dressing room after each performance, all amped up and practically beaming because, let’s face it, you’d come to love his little surprise meals more than you’d admit.

and mingyu, with that smug but bashful little smile, would act all nonchalant. “oh, nothing much… just a little chicken and veggie stir-fry,” he’d say, but it was always something next level—some five-star recipe he’d learned just for you. and the best part? he’d make it seem like it was nothing, just a side gig he’d taken up on the fly, when really he’d been researching recipes, planning, and even practicing to make sure it came out perfect.

he’d hand you the lunch pack like he was passing off something top secret, keeping a close eye as you took that first bite, watching for any sign you didn’t like it. but, of course, you always loved it. because mingyu wasn’t just making food—he was making damn art. you’d take a bite, eyes lighting up as you hummed in appreciation, and he’d try to hold back that grin but always failed, shoulders relaxing like he’d just won something.

“you don’t get it, mingyu,” you’d say, mouth full but smiling like a kid on christmas. “i think you’re the reason my performance’s getting better. you’re, like, my actual secret weapon.”

and he’d laugh, pretending to brush it off, but inside? he was proud. because knowing you were hitting the stage with a full belly, with energy to burn and that spark back in your eyes—that meant everything. it was his way of giving back to you, even if you never asked for it, even if you didn’t realize how much he cared.

staff!mingyu who somehow became the world’s best photographer without ever meaning to, taking these casual, almost-too-good photos of you that drove your fans insane. you’d be walking through some cobblestone street in italy or leaning out of a coffee shop in tokyo, and he’d be there, catching that perfect shot with his phone. no fancy equipment, no staged poses—just mingyu, with his natural eye for what made you shine, snapping photos that were somehow intimate and made you look like everyone’s dream. fans called them “girlfriend pics,” and if only they knew the man behind the lens.

you had to admit it—he was stealing your heart a little more with every click. at first, you brushed it off as some harmless crush, a side effect of him being so damn good at his job. but then he’d do something small, like bring you soup when you were sick, or drape his coat over your shoulders when you got cold during a late-night rehearsal, and it’d hit you all over again. mingyu, with that goofy smile, the biggest heart, and hands that somehow felt gentle and grounding as he adjusted your hair or let you lean on him during those endless backstage waiting times.

it was easy to fall for him. too easy, really. and the way he cared? the way he was there for you, always? how could you not? he had this way of making you feel seen, like no matter how chaotic things got, he was your solid ground, always steady, always there to keep you safe and keep you going.

but, of course, staff!mingyu was a catch to more than just you. you’d see the way the other staff members watched him, the way some of them giggled and whispered, eyes lingering a little too long. and mingyu, ever the nice guy, didn’t even seem to notice—or maybe he did, but he didn’t really care. he’d give his number when they asked, smile back when they flirted, just being his usual, friendly self. you’d tell yourself it didn’t bother you, but the truth was, it was like a little ache in your chest every time.

after a show one night, you and the whole team went out to celebrate, and mingyu was right there, laughing, clinking glasses with everyone, in his element. when it got late, exhaustion finally started to settle in, and you decided to call it a night. you told everyone you were heading back to the hotel, hoping he’d maybe do the same.

but mingyu didn’t. he stayed behind, still chatting and laughing with a few of the girls from the staff, and you could feel it—that twinge of jealousy, the frustration, knowing they’d probably spend the rest of the night with him, hanging on his every word, maybe more.

as you looked back one last time, watching him, it hit you like a punch in the gut. maybe to him, all this was just work—a job. you were part of that, someone he cared about, but just someone in his care. and the pang of that realization stung. maybe you weren’t so special after all.

what you were about to do wasn’t right. hell, it felt downright selfish. you sat in the bathtub, hot water swirling around you, trying to drown out the nagging voice in your head that told you to just let it go, that this was a bad idea. but you couldn’t shake it off—every thought twisted into a knot in your stomach. you felt almost sick, like you had this strange, heavy weight pressing down on your chest, something that felt more like heartbreak than anything else.

“god, what am i doing?” you muttered to yourself, scrubbing at your skin like it might wash away the confusion. you knew mingyu was just doing his job, that he was sweet and caring and everything you admired. but watching him flirt with those girls, knowing they’d likely take him away for the night, made you feel like you were going to hurl.

“ugh, this is so dumb,” you groaned, splashing water around, the sound echoing off the bathroom tiles. “why can’t i just be normal about this? it’s not like i’m his girlfriend or anything.”

but then the truth hit you again, a sharp stab of clarity amidst the chaos. you wanted to be.

after a few more minutes of spiraling, you said “fuck it,” feeling a rush of determination surge through you. you fished your phone out of your towel, thumb hovering over his name. your heart raced as you typed out the message.

“hey, mingyu. i know you’re probably busy, but i just wanted to say... i’m not feeling great. kind of sick, actually. do you think you could come by?”

you hit send, the knot in your stomach twisting tighter as you leaned back against the tub. was this too much? but then again, maybe it was time to stop hiding how you felt, to admit you needed him without a million excuses holding you back. it was either that or let him slip away for good, and you weren’t ready for that.

mingyu came in a rush, as if he’d been waiting for your text the entire time. you barely had time to wrap yourself in a towel before he was at your door, knocking frantically. “y/n! are you okay? open up!”

you opened the door, and the sight of him—hair a little messy, eyes wide with worry—made your heart race. “yeah, um, just feeling a bit under the weather,” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady, but it wavered slightly. you didn’t want to come off as dramatic or needy.

he touched your forehead and you leaned into his touch without even realizing it, closing your eyes for a brief second “you don’t have a fever at all,” he said, confsed.

you pulled back abruptly, the warmth fading as reality crashed back in. clutching your towel tight around your body, you walked over to the window, pretending to be fascinated by the view outside. the city lights twinkled in the distance.

“y/n?” mingyu called, confusion clear in his voice. “what’s going on?”

you couldn’t believe you took one of his rare moments of lounge because of being selfish. mingyu leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his brow furrowed in confusion. “y/n, you were perfectly fine just a few hours ago. what’s really going on?” he asked, the suspicion creeping into his voice.

“i told you, it’s just a little... off,” you replied, avoiding his gaze. the guilt gnawed at your insides, knowing you were lying, but the way he was looking at you made it hard to come clean.

“off?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow. “that’s the best you can come up with? you don’t just go from fine to ‘i need my staff member to check on me’ for no reason.” he took a step closer, eyes narrowing. “you’re not actually sick, are you? what’s up?”

you shifted uncomfortably, the towel clinging to you. “seriously, mingyu, it’s nothing. maybe just a little headache or something,” you said, hoping the casual tone would brush off his concern.

he let out a huff of disbelief. “a headache? so bad that you needed me to rush in here? that doesn’t add up.” he studied you, like he was piecing together a puzzle. “just tell me the truth. are you really feeling sick, or is there something else bothering you?”

“i just thought maybe you could... keep me um... company, you know? just for a bit.”

“keep you company?” he repeated, tone incredulous. “so you fake being sick just to get me in here? you could’ve just asked! you know i’m always down to hang out.”

“mingyu—” you started.

but he cut you off, his voice firm, the playful light fading from his eyes.

“why would you do that? this isn’t some joke, y/n. my job isn’t a game. it’s serious.”

you pressed your lips together at his louder tone, the shock of it stinging more than you expected. you hadn’t meant for things to escalate this badly, and as you felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes, it hit you like a ton of bricks: you never thought mingyu would raise his voice at you. it felt so out of place, so foreign, and your heart sank.

“hey, hey, i’m sorry,” he said, the anger melting away as he noticed your expression. he stepped closer, the care flooding back into his eyes.

you quickly wiped your eyes before the tears could fall, you could feel the heat rising in your cheeks. “you know what? i hate it,! you blurted out, unable to hold back any longer. “i hate when they’re all over you, mingyu! it makes me sick to my stomach!”

his brows furrowed, clearly caught off guard. “wait, what? you hate it when who’s all over me?”

“those girls! the staff!” you said, your voice rising with every word. “the way they throw themselves at you like you’re some kind of trophy. and you smile back at them, like it’s all just a joke or something. it drives me insane!”

mingyu looked stunned, blinking at you as if he were trying to process what you were saying. “y/n, are you—are you... jealous?”

“i — well— hell yeah, i’m jealous!” you shot back, frustration spilling over. “you’re so kind and caring, and they see that. they want you, and it feels like they think they can just waltz in and take you away from me. it’s infuriating!”

“but it’s just… it’s just me being friendly,” he stammered, “i’m not trying to lead anyone on. you know that, right?”

“i know, but it doesn’t change how it makes me feel,” you replied. “it’s like you’re this perfect guy, and they all want a piece of you. and here i am, just trying to keep my head above water, feeling like i have to compete for your attention.”

mingyu shook his head, a soft smile creeping onto his face despite the tension. “you don’t have to compete for anything. you’re… you’re the one who has my heart. all those girls? they’re just… coworkers.”

you pause, processing his words, and mingyu scoffs lightly, a teasing grin on his face.

“oh please, it’s true. you think i’m not bothered when i see those idols shoving their numbers on your sandwiches?”

you blink at him, completely taken aback. “wait, sandwiches? what are you talking about? i only eat the ones that you make for me.”

he interrupts you with that signature smile of his, one that always makes your heart race a little faster. “yeah, exactly. that’s ‘cause i always give those sandwiches to someone else.”

“mingyu, what the hell?”

“y/n, what the hell?” mingyu mocks, raising an eyebrow at you, a playful smirk creeping onto his face. “you seriously thought you could pull this off? lying about being sick? that’s low, even for you.”

you roll your eyes, trying to maintain some semblance of defiance. “i wasn’t lying, i just—”

“sure, sure,” he cuts you off. “and is wearing just a towel part of your grand scheme too? because if it is, you’re gonna need to step it up a bit.”

“and what if i just want you to come over… in a towel?”

“then i’ll take that as a personal invite,” he grins, his gaze flickering to your towel before meeting your eyes again. “just know, if you’re gonna pull this kind of stunt, you better be prepared for me to take advantage of the situation.”

staff!mingyu who wastes no time, pressing forward until you’re caught between his solid frame and the cold glass, as his body pins you in place.

“you really went all out for this hm?” his fingers trailing down to the knot of your towel.

staff!mingyu who tugs the fabric free, letting it drop to the floor, leaving you fully naked. his hands spreading wide over your back, fingers firm as he turns you around to face the glass. your chest presses against the cool surface making you gasp as mingyu’s hand trails up your spine, steadying you.

staff!mingyu who grips your hips, pressing you forward, and then trails his hands up over your sides, his fingers brushing along your curves until he reaches your shoulders, leaving no part of you untouched, as though he’s marking every inch of your skin as his.

staff!mingyu who leans down, one hand sneaking around to splay across your stomach, pulling you closer to him, making you feel his hard erection on you.

staff!mingyu who lets his hand slip lower, teasing over the sensitive skin of your thigh before slipping higher, his fingers skillfully finding your pussy as he watches you through the reflection, face contorting in pleasure, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“don’t look away.” he instructs, his tone a command softened by that grin of his.

staff!mingyu who keeps one hand firm on your hip, controlling your every move as he slips his fingers inside you, “all this just because you couldn’t stand seeing me with someone else, huh?” he curls the fingers, trying to pull a response form you. “admit it,” he coaxes as he presses you harder against the glass, his fingers never relenting. “tell me you wanted this—wanted me.”

staff!mingyu who doesn’t stop until he feels you melt against him, a soft, teasing chuckle escaping as he takes in your breathless state. “next time,” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair away from your face, “just say the word. i’ll come running.”

staff!mingyu who yanks your hair, tipping your head back to meet his lips as you twist in his grip. it’s a little clumsy, the angle throwing you off, but he holds you steady, his mouth hot and insistent on yours. you’re all melting into him, trusting the way his hands keep you secure, letting him take control as his grip on you tightens.

staff!mingyu who, somehow, maneuvers you both towards the bedd, he scoops you up with ease, laying you back as he hovers over you, he presses his hands into the mattress on either side of your head, caging you in as he dips down, pressing soft, lingering kisses along your collarbone, down to your shoulder, and back up to your jaw.

staff!mingyu who takes his time, exploring every part of you with slow touches, like he’s determined to map out every reaction, to memorize every place that makes you moan.

staff!mingyu who, even in bed, is all about making sure you’re comfortable, arranging the pillows just so, adjusting the blankets if they’re too rough, whispering “is this okay?” and “tell me what you need” like he’s got all the time in the world. his hands are warm, grounding you, and he never rushes, taking the time to check in, to make sure you’re exactly where you want to be, that he’s giving you what you want, down to the smallest detail.

staff!mingyu who lets you wrap yourself around him however you want, all limbs and tangled sheets, whispering soft reassurances in your ear as his hands trace your back, making sure you feel safe. he’s patient, careful, coaxing you with soft, murmured words, taking his time until you’re both lost in it, every sensation heightened.

staff!mingyu who surprises you by pulling back, catching his breath, and suddenly flipping the roles—guiding your hands to explore him, encouraging you to take control. “i’m yours too, you know,” he murmurs, watching you with that familiar smile, the one that’s equal parts playful and sincere, as he lets you explore, giving you the chance to take the lead.

staff!mingyu who’s all breathless and desperate under you from the moment you take the lead FORREAL and ride him, his hands gripping your hips, trying to guide you even when he’s struggling to keep up. soft, wet sounds filling the room as you roll your hips in slow circles, making him whine. his head tips back, eyes fluttering shut, but you bring a hand to his cheek, making him look up at you.

“tell me,” you murmur, lips brushing just against his ear, “tell me you’re mine, mingyu. that none of these hoes matter.” he looks up, his eyes hazy but still so focused on you, like he’s trying to pour everything into that gaze.

“i’m yours—yours, only yours,” he chokes out, his voice rough and pleading, like he needs you to believe it. he’s babbling now, his grip tightening on you, thumbs pressing into your skin, anchoring himself as you move, each drag pulling another whimper from his lips. “none of them—none of them mean anything,” he gasps, desperate, brows knitted together. “just you. only want you.”

staff!mingyu who’s practically begging at this point, his hands sliding up to your waist, trying to pull you down, closer, as if he could somehow get more of you. “please.” he whispers, his eyes filled with so much want it makes your heart pound.

“you’re mine, mingyu. no one else. got it?” and the way he shudders, that choked, relieved sound he lets out, is everything. he nods frantically, hands gripping you tighter as he starts to lose control, bucking up into you.

staff!mingyu who’s wholly ruined beneath you, lost in every kiss, every whispered word, clutching onto you as if he’s scared you might sneak off, even when you’re right there, telling him over and over again—“all mine.”

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Thanks to h0tb0x for finding this surreal 2018 estate at an undisclosed location in Oklahoma City, OK. I wonder why they built this incredible home only to sell it 5 yrs. later. It has 8 bds, 16ba, $17.25M.

Immediately, I'm blown away by the entrance hall chandeliers. That blue one has to be a Dale Chihuly worth millions. I always hoped I could afford a little one, but nooooo. In fact, I can't even afford a fake one.

The living room is gigantic. It has large windows for an amazing view, a stone fireplace that soars right up to the black wood ceiling, and a built-in entertainment center with a balcony above.

At least 2 more balconies overlook the space, and there are stone walls with openings to the other areas.

The dining room has wainscoting, an incredible ceiling, and you'll notice the blue lights are a theme throughout the home.

In the kitchen there are silver tray ceilings, stone walls, gray cabinetry, and 2 dark gray islands with black granite counters. The blue lights give the islands gradient tones.

A pantry that's larger than my kitchen has dark gray cabinetry and note the shimmery backsplash with red accents.

Now, this is a professional bar.

And, check out the incredible fantasy-like wine cave. The home is ultra modern but has some medieval elements in the light fixtures, stone, dark wood, etc.

The rec room is set up like a club with a pool table, bar and table, as long as the wall, w/stools.

On the other side is a lounge with a fireplace and sculpted ceiling with blue lights.

Now this actually looks like a hall with abstract art on display.

The dogs have their own room, also. I like the wide tile wainscoting- if they rub against it, it's washable.

Here's another lounge with a balcony that overlooks the living room. It has a lovely turquoise built-in game table and a kitchenette, plus a blue tray ceiling.

Next, there's a 2 lane bowling alley.

On the other side there's a lounge for the bowlers. Love the carpeting.

The primary bedroom is probably bigger than most of our apts. It has a beautiful blue ceiling feature and glass doors to patio areas. There's also a living room off to the side.

Of course the en-suite can't be anything less than spectacular. Love the silvery tiles.

Now, this is beautiful- a pink closet/dressing room.

Got shoes? And, this one is blue.

The laundry room has beautiful blue cabinetry. Love the backsplash, floor and contrasting island.

Yet another lounge with a kitchenette.

Check out the garage.

How many bars and party areas does one need?

Huge restaurant-like space with a large stage.

And, over here, there's a sitting area with a snack bar.

This is some home. Look at this.

The big barn has the garage and entertainment area with the basketball court outside.

36 acres of fun.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/Oklahoma-City-OK-73150/133368865_zpid/

[corruptedcaps]

Bathtub Bitch

Miriam had worked for the Nox family for over a year, enduring the icy glares and sharp words of Chelsea Nox. The beautiful, affluent couple resided in a sprawling mansion, filled with opulence that poor Miriam could only dream of. Chelsea’s cruelty toward her staff was notorious, but she reserved a special disdain for Miriam, her personal maid.

Miriam had wanted to quit for so long but couldn’t afford it. Apart from that though, Chelsea seemed to have an almost supernatural grip on the staff. When it seemed like one of them was about to crack and brake she would take them into a private room and minutes later they would return hopelessly devoted to their mistress.

William, Chelsea’s husband on the other hand, wasn’t as bad as his wife with the staff but he definitely didn’t respect them either. His sex life was strained with his wife and he loved to mess with her by using the staff to get under her skin. She in turn would berate, punish or fire the staff, which would inevitable turn her on allowing the two of them to finally be intimate. Luckily Miriam had been able to avoid being used as a pawn in their sick games but that was about to change….

One afternoon, while Chelsea was out shopping, her husband William called Miriam into the drawing room. He sat behind his large oak desk, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Miriam, I have a task for you." He drawled.

"Yes, sir?" Miriam replied, her voice trembling slightly.

"I want you to clean Chelsea's bathtub." He said his eyebrow raised.

Miriam's eyes widened in shock. "But sir, Mrs. Nox strictly forbade me—"

William waved a dismissive hand. "Chelsea forbade you because she's a control freak. I want you to clean it. Do a good job, and I'll make sure she doesn't know."

Miriam hesitated, the fear of Chelsea's wrath warring with her desire to please Mr. Nox. "If you're sure, sir..."

"Absolutely. Go on, now. I want it spotless." He said, a wicked smile curling his lips.

With a nervous nod, Miriam gathered her cleaning supplies, bracing herself for whatever consequences might come.

Miriam entered the private bathroom, her heart pounding. The room was a sanctuary of luxury, with marble floors, gold fixtures, and an enormous clawfoot tub that gleamed under the soft lighting. As she approached, she realized the tub was already immaculate, looking as if it had been freshly polished.

“It doesn’t look like it needs cleaning at all.” She murmured to herself, but William’s instructions echoed in her mind. She couldn’t afford to disobey him. She was already drowning in her student loans WITH this job.

Determined, she gathered her courage and stepped into the tub. She began scrubbing the pristine surface, her movements careful and precise. The scent of lavender cleaner filled the air as she worked, the repetitive motions slowly calming her nerves.

Suddenly, a loud hiss broke the silence. Miriam froze as the taps turned on by themselves, water gushing out in a torrent. Panic surged through her. She twisted and turned, trying to shut off them off, but they seemed stuck.

“What on earth?” She gasped, her hands shaking as she struggled with the faucets. As the water quickly rose, Miriam’s clothes clung to her, heavy and wet. Only a few inches deep, it was already up to her knees, soaking through her skirt and making her movements clumsy. But then she noticed something strange. The water made her skin tingle wherever it touched. It felt good.

A peculiar sensation spread over her legs and up her body, making it increasingly difficult to concentrate on turning off the taps. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog that seemed to be settling in her mind, but the tingling was growing more intense.

“Ohhh mmmmm what is happening to me?” She moaned, her voice barely audible over the rush of water.

The water rose steadily, now reaching her waist, washing over her panties. The tingling turned into a pleasurable wave as the water soaked her pussy. It spread through her body, making her muscles relax involuntarily. Her fingers slipped off the taps as her strength waned, her thoughts becoming hazy. She couldn’t resist it any longer as her body went limp she slipped under the water.

Beneath the water’s surface, Miriam felt an unusual pressure enveloping her body. Uncomfortable at first but then morphing into a warm hug. It was a hug that seemed to be molding her, reshaping her form.

Her waist began to shrink, becoming slimmer and more defined. She could feel her muscles tightening, her body becoming more toned and athletic. The strange sensation moved upward, and she felt her breasts swell, becoming fuller and perfectly round.

Every inch of her skin tingled as body hair melted away, leaving her skin smooth and flawless. Her fingers, previously calloused from hard work, transformed as her nails grew longer, becoming perfectly manicured.

Her mind drifted in a haze of pleasure and confusion. She was aware of the changes, but they felt distant, almost dreamlike. She touched her new form with trembling hands, the sensations heightened by her newfound sensitivity. She couldn't help but slip her hands into her panties to touch her new hairless pussy.

Were she not underwater, the sounds of her moans would have echoed through the halls of the mansion. Her only annoyance was her uniform which was heavy on her. As if to accommodate her desire, the maid uniform started to dissolve, the fabric melting away like mist. In its place, delicate lace and silk materialized, wrapping around her body to form a set of elegant lingerie. Tall high heels strapped to her sleek feet.

As Miriam floated in the water, fingering herself vigorously the transformation continued. Her hair began to change, each strand thickening and lightening until it became a luxurious mane of blonde. The tingling spread to her face, and she felt her lips plump up, becoming fuller and more inviting.

As her orgasm came to it's climax the water finally started to dissipate down the drain. She watched as remnants of her brown hair colour, her dirty maids uniform and her sensible shoes flowed down with the water. She felt as though it took her identity with it.

She felt new emotions bubbling up inside of her, ones of vanity and superiority. Why should a beauty such as herself be stuck at the lowly station of maid? The water had given her a rebirth and she was not about to squander it. She grinned a wicked grin as she ran her fingers over her remarkable dry body, as if the water had simply pulled off an exterior shell.

She slowly sat up, her movements graceful and fluid. She examined her reflection in the mirrored wall, barely recognizing the stunning woman staring back at her. Her hair was now a cascading waterfall of blonde, her lips full and inviting, and her body perfectly sculpted and adorned in delicate lingerie. She was perfect.

She was so lost in her reflection that she didn't even hear the door creak open and William enter. When he stepped into the bathroom, his face alight with a triumphant grin. However, the expression quickly faltered as he took in Miriam’s new appearance.

“My God, Miriam, I knew the waters would change you, I was banking on it to annoy my wife, but Jesus, you are stunning.” He said his mouth agape.

Miriam turned to him and posed, her confidence radiating. “Aren’t I just?”

William’s awe turned to concern. “But we have to change you back. Chelsea will be furious seeing you like this. In all her years of using the magical tub she has never looked so... so... captivating.” He said, almost lost for words staring at the beauty before him.

A sudden fear ran through Miriam. She didn’t want to lose what she had just gained. She felt better than she had ever felt in her life, powerful and beautiful. Moreover she felt she deserved it, more than that cow Chelsea. She just needed to convince William how superior she was.

Miriam approached him slowly, her movements seductive. “Oh, so it’s you I have to thank for my goddess-like new body,” she said sultrily. “Such a gift deserves a reward.”

Each clop of her heels send a pleasurable shiver down William's back. He gulped as she came up to him, her body emitting a sweet perfume. She smirked at him as she undid his belt buckle, his pants sliding to his knees.

She wrapped her elegant fingers around his erect cock and began to stroke it while maintaining eye contact with him.

"Now William I think that it would be best if we didn't reverse the water's effects on me, don't you agree?" She said with a wicked smile as she worked his dick like a pro.

"Mmmmhmmmm." Was all William could muster.

"After all, think of all the fun it could be to have me as your mistress. That wife of yours has been blue balling you for years hasn't she?" Miriam said stroking his face with her free hand.

"Y-y-yesss she h-h-has. That bitch." He groaned.

"You deserve a woman who can satisfy your needs, who can fulfil every desire." She said in a whisper, leaning into his ear.

"Yes oh god yes!" He said nearly vibrating.

"It's a shame I will only be able to please you when she is not around." She purred feigning sadness as she stopping stroking his cock and turned away.

"N-no wait, there must be something we can do! Please I need you!" He said begging. Miriam loved the sound of his lust for her. She could get used to it.

"Well there is one idea I have." Miriam said turning back around to face him.

"Tell me! I'll do whatever it is!" William pleaded. Miriam grinned and sunk to her knees in front of him.

"Make me your wife and all of this can be yours." She smiled as she ran her tongue up the shaft of his cock making him shiver.

"I-I don't know. That's a lo....otttt ohhhh fuck me!" He moaned as Miriam took his full member in her mouth and began to pump.

"Oh god! Oh fuck yessssss, whatever you say! I'll do it!" He said finally succumbing to her wants. Her lips turned into a smile despite being wrapped fully around his cock.

Miriam had been holding back until now but with his devotion to her locked in she sucked so perfectly that he came within seconds. She swallowed every last bit of his cum down her throat, making him fall to his knees out of pleasure. Miriam stood tall above him, physically representing a shift in their dynamic now.

“Now dear it’s my turn, and I warn you I’m not as easy as a cum as you are.” Miriam said with a smirk as William wrapped his hands around her soft legs.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make you gushing in no time Miriam.” He grinned and was about to dive in but Miriam pushed his head back out.

“Ugh I don’t like that name. Miriam. Sounds so common, so poor. From now on call me… Mercedes.” She said her grin widening. William grinned back and dove straight in.

Mercedes moaned softly as William played her pussy like an instrument. For the second time today she was so engrossed that she didn’t hear the door open.

“William! Who the hell is this slut!” Said a voice they both recognized but when they looked to see the source they were shocked to see the person.

Chelsea was shorter, fatter, and older than either them had ever seen. Mercedes couldn’t believe it, the waters must limit the amount of people it could change at once. With Chelsea changed back to normal it was going to be even easier to take over but no less fun. Mercedes rose to her feet and clopped over to Chelsea who seemed to shrink the closer she got.

“Hello Chelsea, you’re looking positively dreadful. I’m Mercedes and ‘this slut’ as you so elegantly put it is William’s new wife and your new boss.” Mercedes said with a cold smile.

“Excuse me? Wife? Boss? Who do you think you are bitch? Hang on a minute… you’re Miriam aren’t you? You are so fired-” Chelsea said before Mercedes cut her off short as she wrapped her hand around Chelsea’s throat and lifted her off the ground with ease. Mercedes had expected the super strength but she wasn’t going to complain.

“How dare you! You insolent little worm! You shall only address me as Mistress or Mistress Mercedes, understand?” Mercedes said, fire burning intensely in her eyes. Then a strange thing happened, Mercedes watched as all of Chelsea’s resistance began to fade. She lowered her back down and let go of her.

“Of course Mistress, anything you say.” Chelsea said with a small bow. Mercedes felt her pussy tingle with the power of control she had now. She would enjoy making all the staff into devoted slaves. Chelsea’s biggest mistake was never doing it to Miriam.

“Good. Now get out of my sight and get back into uniform. This isn’t your day off you pathetic loser!” Mercedes says with disdain for her new employer.

Chelsea quickly made herself scarce and Mercedes smiled to herself triumphantly. Turning on her heel she approached William with a new plan in mind.

“William dear, I think it’s time we talk about the hierarchy of this relationship.” She grinned evilly as she closed in on him.

---

“Billy! Shelly! Over here at once!” Mercedes yelled into her cavernous home from her deck. Her Valet and Maid arrived within seconds. No matter how many time Mercedes laid her eyes on her old employers it always gave her immense joy to see them so devoted to her. However in this moment she was furious.

“What the hell do you call this?” She angrily said kneeling next to the deck’s glass rail guards.

“I’m sorry Mistress, I don’t understand the question.” Shelly replied fearfully. Mercedes rolled her eyes and grabbed Shelly by the hair and pulled her over to the glass.

“See this spot? It’s unacceptable. What did I say I wanted?” Mercedes growled as she dropped Shelly who scurried back to Billy.

“You wanted it spotless Mistress.” Billy answered quickly.

“Then why the fuck isn’t it?” Mercedes yelled, her voice making the two of them tremble.

“We’re sorry Mistress, we’ll clean it right away!” Shelly said jumping to action with a bucket and sponge.

“See that you do! I have a party tonight and everything has to be perfect! Now I’m going to have a bath and wipe the stink off disappointment off of me. Do not disturb me.” Mercedes said clopping away towards her private bathroom.

Slipping into the waters she felt her bitchy powers rise once again. She was up to nearly 3 baths a day and each time she would emerge feeling even more powerful and bad. She would need it for the party tonight. She had invited all of high society’s biggest players and if everything went as planned tonight she would control the city by morning. She was lucky to be in the bath as the mere thoughts of complete and total control made her pussy gush generously.

[affordablelightingusa]

Transform Your Home with Elegant and Affordable Light Fixtures

Lighting boosts the ambiance and functionality of any home. It also lifts mood, underscores décor, and creates a welcoming atmosphere. However, upgrading your home with grand lighting fixtures doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Plenty of affordable light fixtures blend style and functionality. Thus, allowing you to transform your living space without overspending. Here's how you can achieve the perfect balance of elegance and affordability when selecting light fixtures for various areas of your home.

1. Living Room Lighting

Family and guests gather in the living room, so lighting should create a cozy yet stylish environment. Floor lamps and chandeliers are popular choices for living room lighting.

You don't need a high-end designer piece to make a decor statement. A well-chosen, affordable chandelier or a sleek modern floor lamp can provide the same level of grace. Look for fixtures that offer dimmable options to set the mood depending on the time of day or occasion.

Try a multi-arm chandelier with vintage bulbs or an LED floor lamp with adaptable brightness for chic and affordable light fixtures. These provide fervor and focus to the room without costing a fortune.

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, and proper lighting can enhance its functionality and aesthetic. Pendant or under-cabinet lights above the kitchen island can bring elegance and utility to the room.

Affordable pendant lights from brushed metal or clear glass can add a modern and upscale feel to your kitchen. Under-cabinet LED lights are also a great, energy-efficient option that can highlight your countertops while providing practical task lighting.

Don't underestimate the impact of lighting in your kitchen. Opt for affordable light fixtures that blend well with your overall theme, whether a farmhouse look or a sleek, modern design.

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The dining room is perfect for showcasing an elegant chandelier or statement light fixture. A stylish yet affordable chandelier can serve as the room's centerpiece, drawing attention to the dining table.

For budget-conscious shoppers, drum-style chandeliers or linear pendant lights offer elegance and affordability. These affordable light fixtures come in various materials and designs that match your dining room theme.

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LED bulbs and fixtures are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. These fixtures can last significantly longer than traditional bulbs and reduce electricity bills.

For an elegant and affordable option, look for LED ceiling lights or affordable light fixtures with energy-saving bulbs. They come in sleek modern pieces to classic styles, ensuring you don't compromise on aesthetics while staying within budget.

Conclusion

Budget-friendly lighting fixtures provide an easy way to elevate the elegance and functionality of your home. Whether you're updating your living room, bedroom, or outdoor space, countless affordable options offer style and practicality. From sophisticated chandeliers in the dining room to cozy bedside lamps in the bedroom, lighting can transform any room in your home. The key to achieving an elegant look on a budget is to focus on timeless designs, energy-efficient options, and versatile lighting that can adapt to various moods and settings. Complete Lighting Source is the ultimate online store to purchase high-quality and affordable lighting fixtures. Explore and shop now to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home while keeping your wallet happy.

[dokries]

forever

pairing: kwon soonyoung (hoshi) x gender neutral reader

genre: fluff, established relationship

word count: 851

warnings: pet names, talks of marriage (in the future!), they go to ikea and hoshi acts like a house husband

author note: OMG i actually love this hoshi so much i’m not even joking thank you eishi for requesting this!! lots of love <33

masterlist

“would you like a cup of tea, perhaps?” soonyoung holds out the teapot that was previously on display with an exaggerated bow, his eyes betraying his humour.

you sigh before giggling, taking the pot and placing it back on the counter for safe measure—you’re only at ikea to window-shop, and the two of you definitely can’t afford to pay for any accidents. “maybe we shouldn’t pick that up, okay sweetie?”

when your boyfriend pouts, you guide him to sit the bar stool by the kitchen island set up beside you. “anyway, isn’t the goal of us being here pretending to have our own house? maybe we should go somewhere else, and not just stay in the kitchen showroom.”

soonyoung immediately shakes his head, pulling you down onto the stool beside him. “no way. you said you liked this one, so we’re staying here.”

“well, i do like the light fixtures…” you sigh contently, leaning into his arm—he giggles and puts his head on top of yours—instead of trying to convince him to move to another space.

besides, you had walked around the entire ikea at this point, and it’s probably a good idea to take a small break before leaving to go home and finally rest after your boyfriend dragging you everywhere he could.

after a few minutes of peace, your boyfriend decides to get up unexpectedly, and he grabs a towel to hang over his shoulder before he walks over to the sink, pretending to turn it on by imitating the sound of water falling.

he whistles before looking over his shoulder at you, as if he didn’t notice you’re at the counter. “oh, hey! how was work, sweetie?”

you raise an eyebrow, putting your elbows on the counter in front of you to stare at him. “it was alright…? kwon soonyoung, what are you doing right now?”

“what do you mean? i’m just being a good husband!” he grins, happily pretending to rinse dishes, and you blush slightly before smiling at his sound effects.

you look around to see if anyone might be judging the two of you for pretending to be married but surprisingly, there’s no people strolling around this specific part of the store. the lack of crowd actually makes this feel as if you actually have just gotten home from a busy day at work, and your boyfriend—well, husband in this case, is washing up after cooking dinner or something.

in the meantime, soonyoung slows down, realizing the same thing as you. it’s like you have your own home, and he thinks that maybe…it’s not so bad.

you move towards him, making your way around the island and wrap your arms around his waist from behind, placing your chin on his shoulder before he can even comprehend what’s happening. once he does though, he almost melts in your embrace, putting his hands on top of yours on his stomach.

“so, soonie…” you start, and he can feel your grin with the way your head tilts to look at his cheek. “is it time for dessert yet?”

he giggles, sliding his hands up and down your arms before sighing happily. he turns to look at your face and freezes, realizing that this scene…could be real. he knows you’re only playing along with this act of being married but now the gears are turning in his head, and his eyebrows scrunch up in concentration.

though he doesn’t know it, your mind wanders to the same topic you two have talked about fondly: eventually settling down, if the both of you agree on it in the future.

it’s not like your relationship is completely new anyway, and marriage has been in the back of his mind for a while now. besides, soonyoung’s made it very clear that he’s serious about you…at least, he hopes he has because it’s true; he would go on a million ikea weekend dates if you were by his side.

“soonyoung, you alright?” he blinks when you call his name, and shakes his head.

“i’m fine!” your boyfriend smiles at you but you can tell he’s thinking about something, and you shrug. he’ll tell you eventually if he wants to, so there’s no need to be concerned—he can’t keep a secret for the life of him.

you move away from him to make sure that all the showroom pieces are in the right place, and he stands there to watch you, realizing this fantasy will be…well, just that when the two of you leave.

soonyoung pouts, crossing his arms. “babe, can’t we stay here forever?”

you turn back to look at your boyfriend and smile softly, walking over to grab his hand and almost push him towards the exit when he won’t move.

“well…we can’t stay here forever but…” you pause to place a kiss on his cheek. “maybe we could stay together forever, if you’d like?”

and as soonyoung nods excitedly and kisses you on the nose gently with a giggle, he knows that he’ll make sure that the forever he’s now thinking about comes as soon as possible—even with the horrible housing rates.

home. (follow up fic!)

[fuck-customers]

I had a customer come in with the innards of a light switch that'd broken and while chatting with her to find out what type she needed she said the horrifying words 'oh no, I didn't turn the breaker off, the laundry machine was still running :)'

Girl, WHAT?

She'd taken out the light switch in the bathroom while the power was still on. Because the laundry was running. This switch had been broken for over a week, so clearly she could afford to wait an hour or two more until she didn't risk electrocuting herself?

I sold her a new switch and a voltage tester for the installation and hopefully managed to press the necessity of Turning The Breaker Off into her mind.

I've never had someone so callous about electricity before. Plenty of people who were overly cautious (scared to change a light fixture themselves), but never someone that reckless

-Rodney

[inexplicifics]

Geraskier 7 or 11 for cozy prompts?

Geralt opens the door to the unfortunately familiar sound of his boyfriend squawking at the fire alarm.

For a long moment, he genuinely considers closing the door again and going for a long walk. It’s been a miserable day, cold and wet and full of cranky customers and even crankier animals, and the sound of the fire alarm goes through his head like a knife.

But then there’s a final triumphant yelp and the noise cuts off. “Got you, you miserable traitorous creature,” Jaskier proclaims, gleeful in his victory. Geralt rubs his temples, smiling despite himself, and steps inside, closing the door quietly and sitting down on the bench to pull his boots off. He tosses his socks down the basement stairs - landing them directly in the hamper, which makes him smile again - and pads barefoot to the kitchen, pausing to lean against the doorway and survey the disaster zone.

There is flour everywhere. It genuinely looks like Jaskier attempted to sprinkle some over every surface in the kitchen, up to and including the light fixture. The trash can is open, and Geralt can see the remains of an entire eighteen-pack of eggs in it; given that it was new this morning, that’s not auspicious. The counter gleams everywhere it isn’t dusted with flour, a suspiciously oily gleam that Geralt suspects is melted butter. The windows are open to let out the smell of burnt cake.

Jaskier is standing at the sink, scrubbing at a baking pan and singing along to the radio.

Geralt waits for a commercial break before clearing his throat. “So.”

“Geralt!” Jaskier jumps a foot and whirls around, splashing soapy water everywhere as he clutches a hand to his chest. “Must you move like a cat? I swear I’m going to put a bell on you! When did you get home?”

Geralt shrugs. “Ten minutes ago.”

“Dreadful sneaky man,” Jaskier complains, mincing across the filthy, damp floor to plant soapy hands on Geralt’s chest and kiss him. Geralt kisses back, of course. Jaskier tastes mostly like himself, and a little like butter.

“What happened?” Geralt asks once they’ve greeted each other properly.

Jaskier sighs. “I found a recipe for pound cake,” he says, drooping like an unwatered flower. “It looked really easy.”

Geralt looks the room over with deep skepticism. Jaskier scowls and shakes a finger at him. “Don’t you make that face, mister! It could have happened to anyone! It just - the flour bag wasn’t open, so I had to pull it open, and then I melted the butter in the microwave but there was some on the outside of the bowl so it was slippery, and then I was trying to do that cool one-handed egg-breaking thing you see all the chefs doing on TV, and -”

Geralt puts a hand over his eyes. This is why leaving Jaskier alone in the house is dangerous, but it’s winter break, so Jaskier doesn’t have any classes to teach, and Geralt can’t afford to take a two-week break from his job, so…here they are.

“I’ll get the shopvac,” he sighs.

“You will go and lie down until your head stops hurting,” Jaskier retorts. “I will get the shopvac. And then I will come get you in half an hour when dinner arrives.”

“I don’t have a headache,” Geralt lies.

Jaskier taps his forehead. “That little crease between your eyebrows says otherwise. Go turn on the white noise machine and change into something less damp and rest your eyes a bit, and I’ll have this whole kitchen spick and span again before you know it!”

Geralt raises a skeptical eyebrow. He’s going to be finding specks of flour in unexpected places for weeks, and they both know it. Jaskier huffs. “I will have it habitable again,” he corrects himself. “Now shoo!”

Geralt curls a hand around the back of Jaskier’s neck and pulls him in for a gentle kiss, then obediently shoos. Warm dry clothes and a half hour’s lie-down sound really nice, actually.

He dozes off to the sound of the shopvac and Jaskier’s singing, and wakes to the smell of takeout from the amazing Zerrikanian place downtown, and somehow, despite everything, it’s a really good day after all.

(Or HERE on AO3!)

[suguwu]

umemiya x reader apocalypse au drabble that will likely become part of a larger fic, i just got possessed for a minute. sorry.

minors and ageless blogs dni.

the hand crank whines.

it's a low, incessant buzz, a mechanical mosquito. it whirs and whirs, louder with each turn, until finally—the flashlight flickers on.

the beam cuts through the settling night, a knife blade of light. it dances over the edge of the still-young crops before steadying.

"there we go!"

you glance back to umemiya; he's still cranking the handle of the flashlight. with each turn, the light grows stronger. his delighted smile glows just as bright.

"it still works," he calls, as if you can't see that for yourself.

"i noticed," you say. it comes out unbearably fond.

umemiya doesn't seem to notice. "c'mere," he says, his voice cutting through the flashlight's whine. "let's see if we can find any more."

you push to your feet. he aims the flashlight towards you, giving you an easy path back to him. you tread carefully anyway; you can't afford an injury.

you settle beside him. he's warm; you can feel the heat bleeding from him, a small sun. you bite your lip and lean forward, peering through the cracked, dusty window of the shed. you try the warped door; it doesn't budge.

a big hand lands on your shoulder. umemiya coaxes you back and hands you the flashlight. he glances at you over his shoulder. "cover your face," he tells you.

you do, peeking out between your arms.

"properly," he says.

with a grumble, you cover your face entirely. you feel him move more than you hear him; it's in the sudden displacement of the air around you, a kiss of wind. the solid thud of his kick against the door settles into your bones.

the wood groans, long and low, and then it gives way. when you peek between your arms, the door is hanging by its hinges, shattered where his foot connected, the wood in splinters. he nudges it open with his foot and sticks his head inside, peering around before he glances back over his shoulder at you.

umemiya gives you a wide, boyish smile.

"you comin'?"

you shake yourself into movement. "yeah," you say, holding out the flashlight for him. "i am."

"great!"

inside, the shed isn't much better. there's dust everywhere, and the light from the flashlight sends the largest spider you've ever seen scuttling back further into its moonbeam web.

umemiya coughs lightly, waving his hand in front of his face as his movement sends a puff of dust into the air. "look!" he says. "there's seeds!"

"really?"

"uh-huh."

"what kind?"

he squints. shifts. squints again.

"...you can't read it without your glasses, can you?"

"nope!"

you sigh and shimmy past him, trying to ignore how solid he is, how firm his chest is when you brush by him. "let me see," you say, and he obligingly holds the flashlight steady for you, curling over you to do so.

"mostly flower seeds," you tell him after a minute. "but there are some potatoes. those will be good if we can germinate them."

"grab 'em! anything else useful?"

"not over here," you say, turning around. it leaves you pressed close against him, but it's not the first time you've been in close quarters. "let's try the other side."

he nods, starting to straighten up.

"umemi—"

it's too late; he stands up and smacks his head into the hanging light fixture.

"you okay?" you ask.

"yup," he says, wincing slightly as he bends back down. "happens more often than you'd think."

you can't help the laugh. "you can't dodge a light?"

he just grins. the mishap has knocked some of his hair loose; a little strand of it falls into his eyes, as white as snow. you reach out.

he catches your hand by the wrist before you can touch him.

the flashlight goes out.

for a moment, the both of you stand there. your eyes adjust slowly, and by the time you can blink him into clear focus, he's already watching you. his fingers are pressing indents into the delicate flesh of your inner wrist.

"umemiya," you breathe.

he shakes his head.

"umemiya—"

"we can't," he says. quiet. firm.

"...i know."

he smiles, then, and an ache cracks through you, a snapping rib. he lets go of you without a word. your eyes sting; he steps back and turns away.

neither of you bothers to power the flashlight back up again.