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missvelvetsstuff · 7 months ago

Text

The Situation Room

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: After a mission almost gone wrong, Tony brings back Bucky's former assistant, who is also Bucky's ex. Can they work together without hurting each other? Will the whole truth about their break up finally come out?

Avengers AU where Thanos never happened.

Chapter 5

Warnings: angst, swearing

Notes: I really got caught up in my own head between this story not working out how I wanted and the political BS going on in my country (US). I'm still a mess but pushed through to write this chapter. Idk if I'll ever finish or post the alternate to this story but am going on with what I started.

I hope it doesn't suck.

Vision sat with Wanda while she waited for Bucky to return, stewing in her anger, he knew she could make a real mess if she let her anger out so rubbed her back and whispered sweet words to help diffuse her wrath.

Friday announced that a quinjet was incoming and Wanda stood to walk to the hangar, Vision held her hand and felt her squeeze when Bucky came into sight.

Bucky saw Wanda and Vision in the hangar, presumably waiting for him, and shook his head, speaking before Wanda could "I'm not sure you can punish me any worse than I am." he ran his flesh hand down his face "I let my temper and insecurity take over and didn't even give her the chance to say anything."

He looked at Wanda sadly "I don't deserve anything but please let me just talk to her, I need to apologize. Even if she never forgives me, I have to tell her."

Wanda looked at him skeptically for a moment before giving a curt nod "Fine but she's sleeping right now. Listening to you and John set off her PTSD and I had to calm her down to bring her out and the whole thing exhausted her."

Bucky nodded "Yeah, that's fine. I'll ugh, I'll go take a shower and just let me know when she's available."

Bucky took a long shower, initially hoping to occupy himself while he waited for Radar to wake but his mind wouldn't let him stop going over John's words. Which triggered the memory of that day 2 years ago when Sharon greeted him with pictures of Radar, seemingly naked and intimate with Walker. The look on Radars face when she hurried to their room and saw Sharon with him. The way he yelled at her, uninterested in her attempt to explain.

He thought back to the last 2 years that he had spent cursing Y/N for breaking his heart, trying to bury his heartbreak in countless, random women none of whom could hold a candle to the one he believed had betrayed him.

He knew there was nothing he could do to make up for what he did, couldn't imagine any words or actions that could repair the damage that he had caused. The hurt he had inflicted on the woman who had meant more to him than he had words to explain.

The ache in his chest was worse than that awful day because he knew he was responsible for destroying his own happiness. He couldn't blame Hydra for this one, couldn't blame the Soldat. This atrocity was 100% on his own shoulders and there was nothing he could do but get on his knees before her and beg for forgiveness. Forget about reconciliation, absolution was the best he could hope for and more than he deserved.

Bucky was spooked out of his pity party by Friday's soft Irish lilt "Sargent Barnes? Miss Maximoff wants you to know Miss Radar is awake in her own room if you wish to speak to her."

He felt his knees buckle, a fear more intense and debilitating than he could recall ever feeling consumed him as he sat heavily in his shower.

"Sargent Barnes? Are you alright? You appear to be having a panic attack. I've contacted Captain Rogers to come help you."

Bucky tried to protest but couldn't get the words out and had given up by the time Steve arrived at his room. "Buck? You alright in here?"

When he didn't hear a response over the running water, Steve headed to the bathroom grabbing a towel. He saw Bucky sitting on the shower floor, mumbling and shaking his head. Steve turned the water off, causing Bucky to look up at him.

"C'mon pal, let's get you out of here."

Bucky stood, still shaking his head before looking at his friend "Stevie? When did you get here?" He grabbed the towel "I need to get dressed. I have talk to Y/N."

Steve nodded "Yeah, I know Buck but Fury wants to talk to you. Walker has a broken nose, jaw, eye socket, dislocated left shoulder and broken wrist plus multiple broken ribs. Fury isn't going to let us sweep this under the rug."

Bucky smirked for a moment "What? He's got some serum, he'll be fine in a day or two. I'll just avoid Fury for a few days and it'll blow over."

Steve shook his head "He's already on the warpath, you'd better talk to him before you go to see Radar. Don't want him busting in when you two are talking."

Bucky sighed before something occurred to him "Hey Steve, do you know if my conversation with Walker might have been recorded? If it was we could play it for Fury and prove what he did to Radar. Maybe get rid of him?"

Steve nodded "I don't know if it was recorded but I'll talk to Sophia and see if she can find anything."

He sighed "I'll try to keep Fury occupied but don't know how long I can hold him off. You better go talk to her."

Bucky dried off and quickly dressed "Thanks jerk. I'll let you know how it goes."

He looked in the hallway to make sure it was clear and headed for Radars room, avoiding all the main halls and gathering areas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Radar woke up slowly, feeling groggy with sore eyes. It took her a few minutes to wake fully and figure out what happened. The last thing she remembered was the mission being finished and getting ready to log out of her laptop and back to her room before Bucky returned.

Her heart stopped when the memory returned, John telling Bucky about that day, the memories had come back faster than she could handle. She felt like she couldn't breathe and then peace. It all went quiet and then she woke up here.

Radar groaned and shook her head, fucking John couldn't keep his mouth shut. She didn't want to deal with this mess and get into the past. She just wanted to find a new Angel for Bucky and go back to Madripoor or anywhere that wasn't here. She wasn't in the right frame of mind to deal with Bucky's guilt or whatever from the past.

Radar felt like she was drowning in her memories when someone knocked on the door. "Fuck!" She swore as she walked to the door and opened it only to be happily surprised to see Wanda and Vision.

Wanda smiled "How are you feeling?"

Radar just stared blankly for a moment before speaking "Really, Wands? I feel like I just relived the worst day of my life and it's not fun."

She started hyperventilating "Now Bucky knows what happened that day and is gonna want the whole story and I know he'll to want to talk about it. I don't know if I can do that." She started looking around her room, calculating how difficult it would be to pack the meager possessions she brought here and get out of the compound.

Wanda reached out and grabbed her hand "You can't just run away. You need to deal with this so you can have some closure and move on. You've been running for 2 years."

Radar shook her head "I'm pretty sure Bucky gave me closure when he told me to get my stuff and get out. He wasn't interested in my side of the story then but now since John fucking Walker told him he was wrong, I'm supposed to give him the time of day? Why do I owe him any more than what he gave me? Why should I care if he's sorry when he didn't care about anything I had to say?"

She grabbed her backpack "I need to get out of here."

Wanda squeezed Radar's hand and spoke softly, like she was trying to calm a spooked horse "Y/N, please. You've been running from this, from him since that day. You'll never be able to move on and be happy, or fall in love again if you don't face him. Even if it's just to tie a bow on it and be over him."

Radar pulled away "I can't do this Wanda, please don't make me. I-"

She was interrupted by knocking on her door and paled, then looked at Wanda "I'm gonna be sick."

Wanda hugged her "You can do this, Sestra. I'll be right outside if you need me."

Wanda opened the door to see Bucky's anxious face, telling him "You better not fuck this up, Barnes." Before she walked out with Vision.

Radar looked up, feeling shaky and nauseous, seeing the blue eyes she had loved so much.

Bucky tried to give her a reassuring smile but in his state it looked more like a grimace. "Y/N" was all he could get out.

"James."

@unaxv @calwitch @buckitostan @cjand10. @vicmc624 @sandrab02

Chapter 6

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #james bucky barnes x reader #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes x you #angst with a happy ending #james bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x female reader #the situation room

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thewildomega · 3 months ago

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Faded Name (Zeff x reader) Ch.2

Following him up the stairs to the top floor you held tight to his coat that was still wrapped securely around you. Feeling your feet ache and shooting with pain you bit your lip to hold back any sound. Going down the dark hallway to the last door at the end of the hall you noticed the name plate reading 'Chef’' and licked your lips. "I.. I can just sleep out on the deck or i..in the hhall."

"You will not." he told her with no room for sway in his voice. What kind of man would he be to make his woman sleep outside while he slept in a bed. Opening the door he stood to the side to allow her entrance first. Seeing her bow her head before stepping inside, he followed. Quickly moving to light the oil lamp he saw her still standing there looking very unsure. "Make yourself at home." he told her as he moved to the dresser to find her something to wear. He probably should have thought about this before, could have picked her up something while on the island. Oh well, he'd get her something later. Right now he is more focused on getting her clean, warmed up and a proper rest. Grabbing the only pair of lounge pants he had as well as a plain white shirt. Glancing back and down to her toes he also grabbed her two socks.

Staring out of the window in the room you saw the moon glowing out over the water, the sea a bit choppy tonight. Sensing his presence beside you, you looked back to see him standing in front of you, looking down at you.

"Come on, let's get you a hot shower." He told her, looking down into her tired eyes. Taking the clothing to his attached bathroom he set them on the counter for her as well as hanging up a fresh towel for her. Rubbing the back of his head he looked down to her. "I don't have much as far as products go but I'll pick you up some when I go back ashore. I'll get you some clothes too, for now though this is the best I can offer. They will be too big but they are clean and hole free."

"Thank you." you told him graciously. Removing his coat from your shoulders you glanced down to it before holding it out for him. Already you missed the comforting weight of it around your shoulders.

Seeing those soft eyes looking up at him he gave a bow of his head as he took the old coat. "Of course darling. If you need anything just call out, take as long as you need." Leaving her to it he closed the door behind him so she would know he would not impose on her privacy. Glancing to his room he sighed as he moved over to turn down the bed for her. Taking one of the pillows and grabbing a spare blanket from the wardrobe he tossed them to the couch. It wasn't exactly a full sized couch but he would make due.

Rubbing your arm you looked over the smallish bathroom, while it was not the massive on suit you were used to it was functional and surprisingly clean. Easily removing the now too large dress you dropped it to the floor along with your panties. Glancing down to the scrapes, cuts and bruises that littered your body you swallowed hard. Lifting your eyes to the mirror above the sink and you felt fresh tears fill your eyes as you stared at the stranger standing in front of you. She was bone thin, her skin spotted in injuries. Dull, watery eyes were sunken in and encased in dark shadows. Dry, cracked lips that had thinned out considerably. Hollowed out cheekbones that were covered in skin that looked like it had never been moisturized. As for your hair, well you would be lucky if you would ever get all the knots out, not to mention it looked as dry as straw. It may even be damaged beyond repair, the only solution being a sharp pair of shears. Taking in your appearance you felt the tears finally fall, hideous, you were hideous. Poor Zeff, how unlucky he was to be stuck with you as a soulmate.

..........................................

Hearing the door to the bathroom open he snapped his head up from the book he had been reading. Seeing her standing there, holding his too large clothes on her frail frame with her now clean hair hanging down her back and around her shoulders, even shielding her face, he took in a deep breath and stood. Her eyes were cast down like they seemed to always be, a habit one day he hoped to break her out of. Slowly walking over to her he looked her over more and noticed that his shirt was barely staying on her shoulders while she was holding up his pants to keep them on her with one hand while the other held the socks he had given her. With the sleeves ending around her elbows he was able to see the skin of her arms along with the bruises and small cuts that spotted them. The outline of two male sized handprints on either arms making his teeth clench.

Forcing himself to remain calm he took a deep breath. Sensing her uneasiness he glanced down to her feet and tilted his head. "Socks are for you to wear as well darling, help warm those toes of yours back up.”

Licking your lips you kept your eyes down and took a small breath. “Thank you but I.. I can not wear them.”

Rubbing the back of his head he glanced at the two long gray socks and then to her smaller feet. “I know they are big my dear but I promise they’re clean and..”

Shaking your head you looked up at him, worried now you had offended him. “No that is not it. I’m sorry. I do not mean to seem ungrateful, I just… well I do not want to mess them up if they stick during the night.”

“Stick?’ he questioned, not following now.

“Y..yes, tto the.. To the sores that is.” you told him before dropping your eyes again when his own stayed on you, feeling embarrassed. “I recall it happening when I was little with a deep scrape I got on my knee, my nightgown stuck and had to be ripped off, I remember my mother complaining that the stain would never come out.” It was painful but you wouldn’t bring that up.

Knitting his brows at the information he blinked and looked down to her feet once more, They had been dirty earlier and close to being frostbitten. Now they were clean and her toes were still reddish but he could also see her favoring one side of her feet versus the other. Without a word he moved forward to lift her up once more making a small gasp leave her lips as well as causing her body to flinch. Scooping her up into his arms he furrowed his brows when he saw her flinch, her small body tensing up. Did she think he was going to hurt her? Carrying her over to the bed he sat her in it and quickly lifted one of her feet to look over the bottom. Seeing many cuts and a few nasty blisters littering her soles he grit his teeth once more before setting her foot down and moving to the bathroom.

Sitting on the bed, his bed you swallowed hard and tried to make sure you didn’t touch anything you shouldn’t. That you didn’t seem in his way. You heard the shutting of a cabinet before he was walking back out with a white box in his hand. When he moved over to sit on the bed, placing the box down between you both you looked to it to see it was in fact a first aid kit.

Patting his knee he waited for her to place her foot in his lap but she only sat there, making herself as small as possible as she tried to quickly brush the injury off, telling him there was no need to waste his supplies. Leaning down to lift her leg up and lay it in his lap he ignored her as he opened the case and began taking out what he would need.

Sitting there as he worked on one foot and then the other you stared down at the floor before closing your eyes as you thought about everything he had done for you tonight. “I’m sorry for being so much trouble.”

"My dear you really must stop apologizing so much." He told her when he heard her soft voice apologizing to him once again. Glancing up from working on her feet he saw her still keep her eyes closed and her head bowed. Tying the bandage around her foot he took the socks from her hands and gently eased them on, making sure the wrappings did not come undone. Wanting to lighten the mood a bit he huffed out a chuckle. “Good to see a full pair of them getting used." Seeing her snap her eyes up to him, a wide and unbelieving look to them at his joke, his smirk widened with a tilt of his head. "I think I'm allowed to make a joke about it now and again, was my decision to cut the blasted thing off after all."

Giving a small grin you turned your head and moved one of your arms to cover a yawn. "I'm sor…” Stopping when he raised a brow you felt him rub your ankle reassuringly, or so you took it anyway.

"I think you are in desperate need of a good night's sleep my dear.”

Glancing down towards his bed that you now noticed had been turned down you opened your mouth and then looked to the couch that had a blanket and pillow on it. Moving to stand and walk over to the couch you felt his arm quickly wrap around you and pull you back down onto the bed. "I will not take your bed from you. You have already done so much for me I will not allow you to sleep on the couch." you told him in as firm a voice as you could muster.

"You're not taking it from me, I'm giving it to you."

"No. You will not even be able to properly lay down on the couch." you pointed out, knowing he was taller than you.

Standing up he moved her back down as she went to stand as well. "Lay down Y/n."

Hearing him speak your name you inwardly gasped at the cord it struck in your chest. While his tone was firm, unrelenting, it was not at all like Johnathan giving you an order. Still when he gave a sigh and moved you couldn't help from flinching, your mind preparing you for some kind of punishment for not obeying him.

Noticing her flinch once more he pulled the blanket over her legs. Lifting his hand up to stoke the side of her face and down her neck with his knuckles he felt her remain stiff. While he wanted to tell her that he would never harm her he knew she would have a hard time believing it considering the things she obviously had been through. So instead he would just have to make sure he showed her. While he was known for being a harsh man to others, she would never know pain from him, only tenderness and hopefully with time, love.

You had been expecting his hand to continue touching you. Before you had come out of the bathroom you had even braced yourself for him finally demanding a payment for everything he had done for you tonight. Being lifted into his arms and carried to the bed you just knew it was coming and told yourself to bite your tongue and let it happen, that you owed him as much. But he only treated your feet and now he was standing once more, he had even covered your legs with the blanket. Feeling his warm hand stroke your face so softly you were a little taken back when it came to a stop on your neck and you saw him stand back tall.

"Get some sleep darling." he told her gently as he moved over to put out the oil lamp. Seeing her finally relent and move to lay down, tugging the blankets up around her shoulders he grinded. Sitting on the couch he loosened the strap to remove his peg leg, leaning it up against the couch before laying down as best he could.

"G..goodnight Zeff. Thank you."

Smiling like a no doubt fool at hearing his name leave her sweet lips he closed his eyes and threw his arm behind his head. "G'night my dear."

....................................................

He wasn't surprised when she slept long into the morning, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. Bringing up a plate for her along with a cup of tea he left it on the small table in his room he used as a desk. Glancing to her he saw her fast asleep, her face relaxed causing a small grin to pull at his lips. Not wanting to risk waking her he quietly made his leave.

You didn't want to wake up, you were so warm and comfortable. Still the sunlight shining in through the curtains and onto your face made it impossible to sleep any longer. Slowly opening your eyes you glanced at the room you were in. Sitting up in the bed and doing a scan of the room you found you were alone. Seeing something on the small table though you knit your brows and stood slowly so your head wouldn't spin. You didn't feel as weak as you had but you were still shaky, no doubt from the lack of food. Moving over to the desk you saw a covered plate, a cup of tea and a folded piece of paper with your name written on it. Lifting the paper up you opened it to see a small note.

I did not know if you prefer coffee or tea so I chose the latter.

Eat and then if you would like feel free to come down to the restaurant.

Zeff

Grinning to yourself you sat down in the single chair there and lifted the cloche from the plate to find a bowl of porridge with a side of fresh fruit. A warmth quickly spread through your chest at the thoughtfulness of it that made you smile.

...................................................

“... and so I told the guy that…”

“What?” he questioned as Patty stopped talking abruptly. Turning to glance at him he saw the man looking towards the door leading upstairs. As he turned to look that way he saw what it was Patty was staring at and stood tall. It was her. She looked very nervous as she stood there, her hands holding the tray he had carried her food up on, her shoulders curled inwardly and her eyes cast down. Dressed in his too big shirt still and what looked to be only the skirt of her dress he placed down the potato he was busy peeling to move over to her.

Hearing the sound of his one foot step and the ‘thunk’ of his peg leg you lifted your eyes as he came to step in front of you. “Good morning.”

“Good morning my dear or rather afternoon.” he told her but regretted his words as he saw her eyes snap up to his, a panicked look to them that turned to shame.

“I didn't mean to sleep so long, I’m sorry. It won’t happen ag…”

“Do not apologize. If you are tired then you should sleep.” he assured her. Glancing down to the tray he saw the tea cup empty but that was all he could see. “Was the porridge to your liking? I was not too sure what you liked in it or if there was anything you couldn’t eat.”

Quickly nodding your head you looked back up to him and grinned. “It was delicious, thank you very much, for the fruit and tea as well.” “Oh I’m not picky, the only thing I can’t have is horseradish, I’ll turn bright red” you told him.

Grinning at hearing her open up to him, he gave a nod. “Then no horseradish for you my dear.” Moving to take the tray from her he felt her hold tight to it.

“I’ll wash them.” you told him, glancing behind him to the sink with a few dishes in it you looked back to him, “And those as well.” Moving to take a step you were stopped by his arm wrapping around your waist. Glancing up to those gray blue eyes you saw no anger in them, only a softness like you had never experienced before.

Catching her before she could move towards the sink he looked down at her. “You are still recuperating and need to rest.”

“I just rested, for too long at that. I am fine to wash dishes or help with anything else you need.”

Taking the tray from her he passed it on to Carne as he walked by them. Seeing her open her mouth to object he lifted his knuckles to the underside of her chin, stroking her cheek with his thumb, feeling her slowly relax when she realized he was not going to hurt her. “You will rest and heal, those are the tasks I am appointing to you.”

“Surely you do not wish for me to do nothing…”

“That is exactly what I want you to do.” he told her and smirked at the baffled look on her face. “If you need something to pass the time then I am sure we all have enough books for you to choose from.”

Not knowing what to say and not wishing to anger him you gave a small nod and dropped your eyes in submission.

Sighing out as she once more looked down he glanced at the discolored skin along her neck and grit his teeth. Hearing the side door open he saw Sanji out of the corner of his eye and took a deep breath to calm his temper. “Little eggplant.”

Confused by his words you looked back up at him but a small child coming up beside him made your eyes shoot away from him. It was the boy from before. He had blonde hair and as he looked up to you, you saw the same gray blue eyes as Zeff. W..was this his son?

“Hey I remember you, you were with that big group last month.” Sanji pointed out as he looked over the woman but frowned when he took in her beaten, skinny and frankly exhausted appearance. Looking up to the old man he knit his brows. “What’s she doing here?”

“It isn’t any concern of yours why she is here.” Zeff told him quickly with a small glare towards the boy.

Seeing the boy roll his eyes and hearing Zeff growl you could not help the small smile that lifted the corners of your lips at the relationship the two seemed to share.

“I live and work here just like everyone else, I deserve to know things too old man.”

“Damnit, how many times have I told you not to call me that you little brat.”

Deciding to jump in you licked your lips and crouched down slightly so that with you being on the stairs you were only a little shorter than the boy, taking in a breath and swallowing as the room swayed a bit. “Hello. My name is y/n. It is a pleasure to meet you…”

Seeing the smiling woman he soon lost all interest in talking to the old man and gave a small bow. “Sanji, and the pleasure is all mine miss.”

Hearing the boy lay on what he assumed to be his charm he rolled his eyes. “Now look here boy I want you to help Y/n out, that means making sure she has everything she needs whether it be something to drink or whatever else she needs.”

“Zeff, that is not necessary I…”

“It is, your feet still need to heal which will only happen if you are not on them for too long. Besides, the boy has been wanting to move up the line some and this will help him learn some basic table service.” Zeff told her and was surprised when Sanji quickly agreed with him.

“I don’t mind. I’ll make sure you have everything you should ever need, miss Y/n.” Sanji smiled.

Licking your lips you let out a small sigh but nodded. “Very well but if there is anything you would like me to do to help…”

“There isn’t.”

Not hearing any room for argument in his voice you bowed your head. “Alright.”

Humming when her eyes dropped down, he blinked and glanced down to Sanji, tilting his head to the side to silently tell him to go, glaring when he at first didn’t move. Once the boy had moved away, giving them privacy he curled his knuckle under her chin to lift those tired eyes back to his, moving a hair’s width closer to her. “Knowing that you are getting the rest you need is helping me darling, puts my mind at ease, allows me to work efficiently.” He knew she felt like she had to help, that she had to repay him for what he had done but caring for his soulmate was not something that required reimbursement.

Looking up into those intense gray blue eyes you took a small breath and blinked. “I do not want to be a burden.”

Smirking he stroked her hollowed cheek with his thumb being careful not to add too much pressure where her skin was bruised. “You, little lamb, are a blessing not a burden.” Seeing the

shock on her face at being called something positive he sighed softly. It was becoming clear to him that she had more healing than he originally thought. Blinking, he dropped his hand from her thin face so he could reach over to grab a menu from the rack. Might as well start with the easiest of it, getting her back to health physically. “Here, give this a look over and pick out something you want for lunch. There are books in the room for you to choose from. I can get the others to bring theirs to you in a bit. Feel free to move about the ship but do not overexert yourself, I want you to rest. If there is anything you need you just let the little eggplant know.”

Smiling softly, you looked up into his eyes. “Why eggplant?”

Humming he gave a smirk and shrug. “Don’t know, just something that stuck.” he told her honestly and couldn’t deny the warmth that spread throughout his chest at seeing her smile.

Grinning, you nodded and took the menu from him to look over. With one last smile to each other you headed back upstairs for now while he worked.

…………………………….

It was not hard for you to find a book of Zeff’s to read, though many of the ones he did have you had never had the chance to read.

“Books are a waste of time…money better spent on other things.”

“It's not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas and thinking.”

“Filling a young lady’s mind with all sorts of nonsense…”

“No daughter of mine will be seen with her nose stuck in a book.”

But Zeff had offered you the chance to read, for you to choose whichever book you wanted to read. He had even had one of the other staff members, Patty, as he introduced himself as bring you some books that he was done reading as well as some of Carne’s, another member of the staff. Surely Zeff did not know every book the staff had. So did that mean you could read what you wanted, that he would not have to approve the book first? Your mother had never allowed you to read a book unless it was approved by her and your father first and they approved very few. Jonathan had refused to buy you any books so you had instead chosen to reread the ones your parents had bought you until you knew them by heart. Still you did not want to anger Zeff so you would just ask him later and stick to the one you had found in his own collection.

Reading for a time and then looking over the menu he had given you, you could not help the smile on your face as you read over the cursive lines describing the delicious sounding food. Onion soup, Beef tenderloin, Citrus sea bass… the list went on for the whole page, making your mouth water. Still when Sanji knocked on the door and poked his head inside, bringing you a glass of water and asking if you had decided, you simply smiled at him and told him to tell Zeff to surprise you.

……………………………….

“So what would she like?” Zeff asked the boy as he made his way back down the stairs.

“She said to surprise her.” he shrugged and saw the Chef smile a little as he looked down. Knitting his brows he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the old man’s back as he started grabbing this and that. “How come she’s in your room? Is that where you went last night, to go get her? How long is she staying?”

Sighing he rolled his eyes and grabbed a small pot. Dicing the potato into small pieces he narrowed his eyes at the boy as he came to stand on the other side of the worktop and watch him like he did so often. “What’s with all the questions? And just what were you doing up when I left, you were supposed to already be asleep.”

“Just want to know. You smiled at her earlier and you never smile at anyone, who is she?”

Looking back down at what he was doing he began adding this and that to the pot. “Yea I went and found her. She’s my soulmate so if everything goes right she’ll be staying here with us.”

“How’d she get all those bruises and stuff on her? Did that guy that she was here with do that to her? How come he called her his wife if she is your soulmate?”

Sighing out he looked up to the boy and saw those curious blue eyes just staring up at him. “Look boy I know I don’t have to tell you that life isn’t all rainbows and fairy tales. Sometimes life just happens and you got to figure things out as you go along.” Licking his lips he grabbed some green onion and took another breath to calm his temper. “If you need to know so bad then yea I’m pretty sure he did that to her.” Lifting the knife up and pointing it at him he narrowed his eyes. “And just let it be known boy that if you ever put your hands on a woman or cause one harm I will cut your balls off because any man that hurts a woman is no man. You understand me?” Seeing the boy nod his head vigorously he gave a hum and went back to the soup he was making. “Alright then enough talking, you got dishes piling up.”

……………………………

After the potato soup Sanji had brought up you had not been able to stop yourself from falling asleep, your stomach full and your body warm. Curling up in Zeff’s bed once more you breathed in his scent and were out in a matter of minutes. When you woke up once more the sun was setting and you decided to go down to the deck and watch it. There were a few customers lingering around the bar and such so you chose to find a small secluded corner where you would not bother anyone. Keeping your head down when you noticed some people staring at you, you took a deep breath and tried to focus on the breathtaking view.

You did not know how long you sat out there, the stars and moon taking the place of the sun, the air chilly but not cold. Grinning to yourself as you found certain constellations you were snapped out of your thoughts as a deep voice spoke from your right. Looking up you saw Zeff there, his chef’s coat now unbuttoned and his ascot hanging around his neck. Giving him a small smile as he walked over to you, you noticed him carrying a tray in one hand while the other held a bottle of wine and two glasses.

“There you are, thought you were still up in the room.” Sitting the items on the small table in front of her he pulled out one of the chairs before sitting down in it and letting out a sigh. “So darling what have you been doing out here?” he asked her as he moved a plate before her and himself, pouring them both a small glass of wine.

Looking down at the food he placed before you, you saw a pasta of sorts that smelled devine. “I like the stars.” Taking the glass from him as he held it out for you, you smiled softly. “Thank you.” Looking down at the delectable food you licked your lips. “You know I do not require a five star meal three times a day.” Seeing him look up at you and raise a brow you looked down and bit your lip.”What I mean is that I do not wish to cause you any more work. Truthfully I can not recall a time I ate so much in one day.”

Humming, he reached in his pocket for a lighter so he could light the candle between them. “I have been told it is not really working if you are doing something you are passionate about. As for the amount of food you had previously been eating I am not sure that would be enough to keep a fish alive. Three meals a day and a snack between each is the recommended amount for a healthy diet so that is what you will eat. I went to bring you something small earlier but you were sleeping.”

“Oh.. I’m sorry I…” you quickly went to say but he only gave a small shake of his head.

“If you are tired then you need to sleep. There is no reason to be sorry for it. Fatigue is one of the many symptoms of malnourishment.” Holding out her silverware for her to take she gave him a small bow of her head as she took it from him and twirled the rather bland pasta around her fork and spoon. “Once your body is used to being fed again I will cook you something more appetizing than pasta, soup and porridge.” he huffed.

“I enjoyed all of it, I had never had a soup made from potatoes and I have not had pasta since I was a girl.”

Seeing the truth in her eyes as she gave him a soft smile he grinned and began twirling the pasta around his own fork. He wasn’t much on it himself but he would not eat something she could not currently have in front of her. Wanting to carry on a conversation with her he swallowed his food before speaking. “And what was the last pasta you did have?”

“Carbonara, my parents' chef allowed me to make it with her for my twelfth birthday.” you told him with a fond smile as the memory played in your head.

“You wanted to cook your own meal on your birthday?” he questioned with a raised brow.

“Oh yes I.. it was what I asked for.” you started before looking down. You wanted to tell him about your life but you were afraid. What if he didn’t want to hear it? What if he found you annoying… like Johnathan…

“Go on.” he urged gently when she seemed hesitant to speak.

Shocked by this you glanced up at him to see him honestly interested in what you had to say, something you were not used to and made your heart warm. “Well cooking and especially baking have alway interested me even when I was a girl though my mother and father never allowed me to practice such things, they told me it was not a skill high standing men looked for in a wife, that was why house staff were hired.” trailing off for a moment you looked down and then back up to see him still interested. “But I still enjoyed it and would sneak away to the kitchen whenever possible.” You would not tell him how you were punished for those times you were caught. Forcing a smile you blinked and glanced up at him. “On my twelfth birthday my parents were away on business and so I asked Glinda, their chef, if I could help her cook my birthday meal. I told her I wanted to try pasta and she showed me how to make it from scratch. I got flour everywhere.” you smiled and heard him chuckle.

“And was that all you made?”

“No, we made something called a love cake…

“Hmm never heard of it, what is it?”

“Oh well it has been a long time since then but I think it had a ricotta cheesecake layer on the bottom then a chocolate cake and on top of that a chocolate ganache or pudding of some sorts and then we added cherries on top.”

“It sounds good.” he told her and smiled when he saw the joy in her eyes, that shine coming back to her eyes.

“It was.” you smiled. That had been one of the best birthdays you had ever had. Definitely better than your last one, although you couldn’t really say that since you had met your soulmate, even if you didn’t know it was him at the time. Wanting to know more about him you looked up to his stormy blue eyes, “How long have you been a chef?”

Taking a sip of wine to wash down his bite of food he saw her looking at him with a soft smile. “Close to twenty years probably. I started out at the bottom and slowly worked my way up till I set out on my own, of course then I became a pirate but I still cooked.”

“You were a pirate?” you asked with a smile. You had to admit it didn’t really surprise you he did have that dangerous look about him. You’d hate to be on his bad side and hoped you never would be.

There was not an ounce of fear or disgust on her face but what he could best describe as a child-like wonder making him grin. “Sure was sweetheart. Sailed all over the seas cooking different kinds of fish and learning about food from around the world.”

“Sounds like you had the adventure of a lifetime.” you smiled, taking a sip of your wine to hide the blush on your cheeks at his word of endearment.

“It left me with many stories to tell.”

“You will have to promise to tell me about them someday.” you smiled before quickly adding “Only if you want to that is.” quickly worrying that you might sound demanding.

Seeing her slight panic and her voice become nervous he blinked and reached across to take her hand. “You my dear may have a story whenever you like.” he told her and saw her give him one of those sweet smiles of hers. Seeing she had finished the small amount of pasta he had given her he hummed. “I know it was no carbonara but was the pasta to your liking?”

“Yes. Thank you very much. Garlic and lemon?”

“That it was, well, with some added parsley, something simple until we get your stomach back used to food. If you are feeling well after breakfast then perhaps I can whip you up something a bit more flavourful for lunch and dinner tomorrow.”

“I assure you I am not picky and you do not have to go out of your way to make me anything. I would be fine with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” you told him, not wanting to cause him any more work or for him to think you expected fine food from him simply because he was a chef.

“I don’t do sandwiches darling.” he told her with a smirk.

“Then you will have to let me help your son with the dishes at least.”

“My son?” he questioned and then blinked and tilted his head when he realized who she was talking about. “Sanji isn’t my… or well he’s not my blood.” Seeing her looking at him questionably he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, he supposed if anyone was to know it would be her, his soulmate. “When I was stuck on that deserted rock in the middle of the sea darling I wasn’t alone… Sanji was with me…I…” Looking up into those curious and judgeless eyes he took a deep breath. “When I was a pirate I did some things that I ain’t proud of.. One night we came across this ship, a cruise ship called the Orbit…”

……………………………..

Listening to Zeff’s story about the time he was stuck on the island with Sanji you remained quiet, allowing him to tell you what he wished you to know which seemed to be all of it, even the parts you could tell made him feel ashamed and weak. He had told you last night about how he had cut off his own leg, his right leg but tonight he had admitted the reason for it, to keep from dying of starvation. You could not imagine having to make that decision but you did not find him disgusting after all he had turned to that because he had given Sanji, a child that he didn’t even know, all the food they had. There was no doubt that his actions of cutting off the part of his body where your name had been had caused his own name to fade from your skin two years ago. He had told you that he had not wanted to remove your name from his skin but that he needed his left leg for balance.

Once he was done with his tale he looked up to see her just sitting there looking at him with a look of understanding that made him feel a sense of relief in his chest. Her next words shocked him and caused him to go wide eyed.

“That was very noble of you.”

“N..noble? Now how the hell did you come up with that darling?” he questioned, making sure his voice did not come across as angry or anything negative.

“You saved him, sacrificed all you had to make sure he had the best chance of survival even when it left you to suffer. You did something that most would never have the courage or will to do, you didn’t give up. And since then you have cared for him.” you explained before offering him a kind smile, “If that is not an act of honor then I do not know what is.”

Swallowing hard at that he licked his lips and lifted the wine glass to his lips. “You sure do know how to make a man feel all sorts of ways don’t you my dear?” he asked and saw her smile sweetly. Refilling her wine glass he looked across the table towards her. “Would you tell me what happened after we last saw each other, how you ended up by that shipwreck.” Watching her eyes snap down to her lap and her shoulders curl inward he furrowed his brows.

He had shared some of his story with you, you knew you owed him the same. Licking your lips you took a deep breath and began fiddling with the hem of his shirt that he had allowed you to wear. “I embarrassed him, both with the broken glass and when I asked you about the cannolis, it is something I was always doing according to him. When we arrived back at his home he… Well, he was not happy.”

Seeing her hand shaking as she reached for the wine glass and took a long sip from it he grit his teeth. “Did this happen often?”

Staring out towards the open sea you spoke the words you were told so often. “Actions do not go without punishments.” Taking a smaller sip this time you bit your lip in thought. “He was angrier that night. I think he was jealous of you…”

“Of me? What the hell does a rich nobel get jealous of a chef over?” he huffed out now just opting to drink from the bottle itself, needing something to keep him grounded as the thought of that worthless fuck putting his hands on his soulmate made his blood boil.

Seeing a shooting star you smiled a little and took a deep breath. “You made me smile.”

Stunned by that he could only blink and stare at her.

“It was a rare occurrence I can assure you.” Keeping your eyes on the sea and night sky you decided to tell a little more of your story. “He claimed I was a harlot for being out here alone with you, for smiling openly at you, said that between that and everything else he was done with me embarrassing him and so he threw me out onto the street. I found that shipwreck after the first week or so and decided it would be as good a place as any to die.”

It was no lie that she was close to death when he found her. Maybe another night or so and she would have no doubt died. He hated himself for taking so long to find her but it took him a while to track down what island she was on. He had been going ashore every night to search for her or that worthless… he wouldn’t even call him that, he hated the thought of it. A husband was supposed to take care of their wife and he had done the polar opposite. He knew she was not telling him everything that he had done to her and that left him with one burning question. “Why did you choose to marry him if he treated you so badly?”

Blinking you kept his stare as you let out a shaky breath “I didn’t.” Seeing his brow knit in confusion you swallowed hard. “H..he bought me.” Finishing off your wine you set the glass on the table and stared at the candle flame. “My family never believed in the whole soulmate thing, even when it was right in front of their very eyes. I was the only one in my family to be born with a name written on my skin. None of my siblings had them and they wasted no time in mocking me for mine, going along with all the other high class members of my family by saying that it was something only peasants had. Well everyone except my eldest sister, she always whispered to me how lucky I was when she came home to visit.” you told him with a small smile as you thought about the only person in your family that ever seemed to love you.

“When I became of age my father and mother began forcing me to go to balls and events with them, hoping I would catch the eye of an available suitor but I was determined not to wed anyone who was not my soulmate. You have an uncommon name so it wasn’t hard to quickly get rid of them.” you said, making him smirk. Tilting your head you felt your lips fall, “My parents however quickly grew tired of my ‘foolish hopefulness’ as they called it. When your name faded from my skin they were so relieved that they threw their own ball in hopes of finding me a husband. Johnathan had been very persistent and soon offered a dowry that my parents quickly accepted. My father told me I had no more excuses to make, that my soulmate was dead and I had to move on. So I was forced to marry him. Given the warning that if I even dared to object at the ceremony that I would be given to the Celestial Dragons and well I have seen firsthand how those poor people are treated so I stayed silent… like a coward.”

“You’re no coward darling.” he said and saw those sad eyes meet his own. “Those parents of yours, that spineless bastard you had to marry, they are all cowards. Cowards and fools, too afraid of ruining their precious reputations and so called ‘pure bloodline’ to open their hearts. You my dear are kind and pure and are too good for any of them.”

“You say all these positive things about me but you barely know me.”

“Don’t have to. I can see it in your eyes. They aren’t called the windows to the soul for nothing.” Taking her hand once more he smiled at her. “Besides all those snobby fucks were wrong in the end won’t they, cause we found each other didn’t we.” he said and saw her smile before she let out a small giggle that caused a fluttering in his gut.

Seeing him smile at you with warm eyes that held no ounce of disdain you gave a nod. “Yes, yes we did.”

Looking at her for a quiet moment he smiled softly as she quickly covered a yawn, apologizing to him. Standing he pulled her to her feet with her hand he was still holding and saw her look up at him with tired eyes. “You go on up and take a shower now sweetheart while I clean this up…”

“I will hel..”

“Not happening. You go take a shower and then I am going to rebandage your feet and you are going to bed.” Bringing the hand he was holding up to his lips to place a light kiss on her knuckles he smiled at the blush that tinted her cheeks. “Go on now, I’ll be up shortly.”

Knowing he would not hear anymore of it you bowed your head and did as he said. Not being able to help from smiling at the tingling from where his lips had touched your skin moments ago.

#one piece fanfiction #soulmate au #soulmate #triggering content #red leg zeff x oc #red leg zeff x reader #red leg zeff #one piece zeff #feedback would be appreciated

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ladylilithprime · 3 months ago

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Day 31: Hall🎃ween/Costumes

(Set in the same continuity as and after Day 16.)

IT HAD ALMOST felt like tempting fate, putting in an offer when the old farmhouse a quarter of a mile from the Men of Letters Bunker came up for sale. Walking through it, taking stock of what was there and what would need fixing or updating, was just a bit like stepping into someplace both new and achingly familiar. From the way Dean had looked around, his eyes tracing over parts of the building like he recognized it or expected to see something he wasn't consciously looking for, he felt it too. It had felt like a dream when their offer was accepted, and the whole time leading up to the official closing and paperwork signing part of Sam kept waiting for the dream to become a nightmare.

It never did.

The first time Castiel visited them after the sale closed and they were officially home owners, he had looked around the house with a curious head tilt and a spark of recognition. He had let Sam ramble a bit about the areas that needed repair, still, and patiently listened Dean gush about the various upgrades he wanted to make to the bathrooms and replacing the windowbox fans and standing heaters with central heating and cooling, and then simply asked, "How can I help?"

Turned out there was quite a bit that an angel could help with when it came to home renovations. Installing the central heating and cooling system without needing to rip up walls or floors, for one thing, and replacing the old boiler in the basement with a newer model that had a larger water tank and a stronger pump. Repairs to the outside of the house needed to be done the long way to avoid drawing too much attention, but Castiel gamely volunteered his time and efforts sealing up cracks in the windowframes around the box fans and the doors, and patching the hole in the roof with new wood and shingles before snapping away the water damage and black mold that had started growing in the attic.

With a firm home base and official physical address that wasn't a secret bunker no one was supposed to know existed, Jody was able to start shipping them boxes and boxes of stuff that Bobby had kept in storage or that had been rescued from the smouldering wreck that had been left of his house and salvage yard. Things like weapons had to be hauled personally, which Jody and the girls had used as an excuse to come down and check out Sam and Dean's new digs, but other things like books and old keepsakes could be shipped. Much of the time that Dean and Castiel spent repairing the house, Sam spent unboxing things and figuring out which of their new and old belongings they should keep in the Bunker and which could be moved to the house when it was livable. He had actually dithered a bit over whether or not to move the herb garden before Castiel had asked him why he couldn't just have two, one for the Bunker and one for the house.

Frankly, considering the acreage that had come with the house, having a decent sized garden felt almost sensible to Sam. Dean rolled his eyes, but surprisingly agreed so long as Sam was willing to put up with him getting a couple of chickens and a rooster for eggs. Building a chicken coop and fox-proofing it was another adventure, and had eventually resulted in Castiel and Sam putting their heads together and creating a new set of warding stones they could lay down around the coop's boundaries. Further tweaking and they did the same for the house itself, and then for good measure they had added warding to the walls inside the perimeter under fresh paint and stapled thin plastic tubing filled with salt beneath the mouldings on the doors and windows.

The thing about the house was that there were technically four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, but two of those bathrooms were attached to bedrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. The one upstairs had a walk-in closet attached to it, which made the walk-in closet inside the bedroom itself almost redundant. That closet got turned into a small meditation and spellcasting room for Sam after Dean claimed the "suite" on the main floor closest to the kitchen, especially when Castiel had noted the wooden shelving as "more suited to books and spell ingredients which are part of your personal collection rather than communal as the ones in the Bunker are meant to be". And it wasn't as if it would be needed to be a closet, since the closet in the bathroom was more than big enough to hold what clothes he and Sam had between them.

It hadn't been until Sam was online ordering two new California King mattresses, box springs, frames and linens that he had realized how much of a forgone conclusion it seemed to be that Castiel was moving in with Sam.

"Of course he's moving in with you," Dean scoffed. "I ain't sharing a bed with him! So unless he's decided he wants to lay claim to one of the other two rooms upstairs, just don't make me see or hear anything I shouldn't or wake me up with a thumping headboard!"

"The headboard wouldn't wake him up anyway," Castiel had assured Sam when he had reported what Dean had said. "No more than his headboard hitting the wall would disturb us. I added sound dampening wards around all the bedrooms when we lay down the protective wards before painting."

Well, that didn't precisely answer the question that Sam didn't quite know how to ask, but if Dean was making jokes about the headboards and Castiel was adding soundproofing to the bedrooms, it probably didn't matter too much right just then. The other two bedrooms got set up as guest rooms for Jody, Claire and Alex, or whichever of their friends and fellow hunters stopped by needing space to crash for the night, and that was that.

The house was ready to move into fully just in time for the weather to turn and the new heating system to get its first workout as Autumn kicked into high gear. Their neighbors in Lebanon still didn't quite know what to make of "the Campbell brothers" and "that Novak fella" who very clearly all lived together in the fixed up former Bethswaite farmhouse, but they were mostly friendly and welcoming. It seemed like Sam and Dean were finally getting the chance to actually put down proper roots for the first time since Sam was six months old.

Of course, putting down roots and having a permanent address meant other things as well.

"TRICK OR TREAT!"

"You'd think this place would be too far out to get kids tromping around looking for free candy," Dean grumbled as Castiel once again answered the doorbell, the porch light bouncing off the silver tinsel halo he wore on a wire headband to go with the black feathered costume wings strapped around his shoulders.

"You're just mad because you thought those giant bags of candy we bought were gonna be all for you," Sam rolled his eyes, reaching up to adjust the large curving black horns that were barely held on by the elastic string. "Dunno why since tomorrow it's all going to be half price."

"And picked over for the good stuff!" Dean complained. "Why'd you even get dressed up, anyway? Thought you hated Halloween."

"Thought you didn't want to hear about it," Sam deadpanned, eyebrows jogging up pointedly. He wasn't about to admit that Castiel and Claire both had made puppy eyes at him until he caved and dressed to match Castiel's angel costume, so letting his brother infer something else entirely was the order of the day. From the face Dean made, he bought it.

"Well, now that that image is in my brain, I need another drink," he groaned, leveraging himself up off the couch and heading for the kitchen. "And I'm going to bed. Don't forget the rules, bitch!"

"If you haven't heard anything yet, you ain't gonna, jerk!" Sam called back, smirking as Dean flipped him off.

The couch dipping beside him wiped the smirk from his face to be replaced by a blush, and he cautiously glanced sideways at Castiel. The angel's expression was placidly amused, eyes on the door through which Dean had just retreated.

"He still doesn't know about the two bags of candy you have kept in reserve to surprise him with tomorrow?' Castiel murmured, low enough that Dean was unlikely to overhear him.

"He never goes in my workroom, even if he's still coming into our room whenever he pleases," Sam murmured back, eliciting a small hum from Castiel.

"At least he has finally learned to knock when we have the door closed," he offered, to which Sam could only nod. "Sam?"

"Yeah, Cas?"

Whatever Castiel was going to ask was interrupted by the rapid thump of tiny feet followed by the doorbell ringing again. The angel sighed and moved to get up when Sam put a hand on his knee to stop him.

"My turn, angel," he said and, steeling his nerves, brushed a kiss to Castiel's cheek as he stood up and headed for the door. He hoped that the flow of kids to their door would stop soon so that he and Castiel could continue their conversation up in their room.

He had a feeling that it had been a long time coming.

-Trick or Treat?-

#rk writes #suptober24 #supernatural fic #sam winchester #castiel #dean winchester #sastiel #ambiguous timeline

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gracefulfallen · 2 months ago

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It's your old lesbian aunt here.

GET RENTER'S INSURANCE

“I’m broke, I cant!”

I get it. I lived in LA with four roommates in a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house. Two thirds of my income went to rent. I have been so broke that I was budgeting out every dollar. I have sat there, debating whether I should pay a bill or eat.

Here’s the thing: most renter’s insurance is like $12/month. And it will save your ass in such a huge way if the worst happens.

I just had my apartment flood this past weekend. It wasn't my fault. The washing machine upstairs overflowed and pumped hundreds of gallons of water onto the floor. It flowed through our roof and walls, ruined furniture and destroyed electrical equipment.

I have about $3000 worth of damage. It may wind up being more, if we have to stay at a hotel while they repair our place. All in all it may wind up costing around $6000 when we're through. I wouldn't be able to pay that out of pocket.

Here's a shitty thing though: My upstairs neighbor? Doesn't have Renter's Insurance. All of her ruined items are coming out of pocket for her. If she doesn't have the money? Tough shit.

What's worse though? My insurance company may go after her to pay back the money they spent on me. There is nothing I can do about that. Insurance companies will try to recoup their money from the responsible party. If they determine it was her, they will sue her. I cannot control that. But if she had had renter's insurance, they would just get the money from her insurance company. For $12 a month this would not have been her problem. Instead, she may wind up being sued for thousands of dollars that she doesn't have.

I'm hopeful that my insurance company will determine that she was not liable, that the landlord is liable, and go after the landlord instead. That's not a given though - and again, I have no control over this.

Here's the things Renters Insurance Covers:

Personal Property - IE the cost to repair or replace your belongings if they're ruined in an emergency or stolen

Liability - Repairs to someone else's stuff if you somehow damage it (IE what my upstairs neighbor is dealing with right now). This also covers medical bills that happen because of something you're deemed liable for on your property.

Additional Living Expenses - Things like hotels if you have to leave your residence for repairs, the additional cost of food if you can't cook, etc

So, from your lesbian auntie, go get Renter's Insurance. Please.

#old lesbian aunt #insurance #life tips #please protect yourself

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dollsonmain · 5 months ago

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Ok, so all at once (though not really, it's more that That Guy has neglected these things forever and made it impossible for me to take care of them), we have:

bathroom floor is rotting

AC is broken

driveway has sunken and there's a literal hole in it

very leaky window which he filed an insurance claim for and will be repaired whenever, but he probably should have just paid for the repair without filing a claim because it's under $2k and now his premiums are going to go up

the ceiling fan doesn't work

deck is literally rotting

gutters are clogged

garage roof has water damage

lots of small wasps inside recently

ants in the walls

all four outdoor lights on the front of the house need replaced

basement wall is leaking but he can pretend it's not because there are boxes in the way

fridge is rattling

And then add to that I have a "new" job that's wrecking me (it's gotten better after she stopped having me go into the cooler to schlep drinks around) and taking up both my physical and mental time because I'm stuck in a brain loop of frustrations with how the place is run.

Today I have work and then groceries and then after groceries I can barely move so I won't get anything else done. I have no idea how much I work this week so can't really plan anything. It's also going to be very hot this week so I won't be getting outside much.

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yes-divine-ruler · 2 years ago

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Boy Next Door

Part 14: Who Was She?

pairing: alex (from adult world) x fem!reader

Taglist/ @v-love @evanpetersfav @demxnicprxncess @kitwalkersgfff @quicksilversg1rl @iruzias @alexxavicry @soaringcloud @laynna-mcknight @humdrumexistence @simp4petermaximoff @evan4ever @paujmr @jangsuzchap @meganxfox @fuckedbykai

cw: fluff <3

wc: 1.15k (short one 🫠)

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"Alex?"

I stood at the door of my apartment, peering inside with a big frown on my face. The adrenaline of the almost fire had worn off, but dealing with the aftermath had only just begun.

"Hm?" Alex was standing in my kitchen, his hands on his hips as he looked up at the black smoke damage that scarred the ceiling.

I bit my lip, dreading what was doing to happen now that my kitchen wasn't functional, and I was still covered in soot.

"When do you think Dan will get here?" Dan was our landlord, and long-time friend of my father's. I knew these repairs wouldn't be cheap, and I wasn't looking forward to having to tell my parents about it.

It still hadn’t left my mind that I saw Alex with another girl at the door of his apartment, and although he wasn't technically doing anything wrong, I wondered why he did it. It hurt but I tried to conceal that behind a tight lipped smile.

"Probably never, he's always so slack. Didn't help much when my toilet was leaking,"

"Well that's reassuring."

I passed by my reflection in the mirror by the entryway and almost had a heart attack. Confronting Alex would have to wait for later.

"Did you want to shower?"

"Yeah, I'm going now," I was blunt, and my tone was flat but i don't think he sensed it. Alex's eyes sparkled and a sly smile crept up onto his face.

"Would-"

I knew what he was going to say, and cut him off with a hand to his chest and a shy nod. Maybe I was mad, but having the comfort right now wasn't something I could pass up on.

"I'll help you get all that soot off your face- you remind me of the Susuwatari," I pretended I knew what that meant and offered him a small smile, taking his hand as he offered it and followed him into my bathroom.

I was quick to rid of my clothes, not caring much about being stark naked in front of Alex now that he'd seen me like this a number of times now. It was the first time I'd be seeing him though, with nothing on, and the thought made my stomach twist in knots.

I got in the water almost immediately, and watched the tiled floor as char-coloured water disappeared down the drain. The water felt good on my skin, and I was already feeling like I had a clearer mind.

My eyes were closed when Alex decided to join me, and he placed a hand steadily on my hip as I rinsed my hair. His fingertips left goosebumps across my skin and it never ceased to make me feel flustered.

"Let's see your face,"

I turned around to face him, my eyelashes wet with water and my eyelids heavy. I'd be stupid to say I wasn't exhausted.

Alex's eyebrows furrowed in concentration and his bottom lip wedged between his teeth as he worked a flannel across my face, wiping off the soot with intricacy. I melted under his touch, soaking in the softness of his fingertips.

Without thinking he’d realise, I took a glance downwards, and I was more than impressed by what I saw.

"Are you looking at my dick?"

Alex chuckled when my face started to burn red.

"No asshole,"

"It looked like you did,"

"Shut up."

"Okay, well.. can I wash your hair?"

It felt so nice as his fingers massaged my head. Id never had someone pay such close attention to me, or look after me the way he did. That girl was ruining my moment.

"Who was she?"

Alex looked at me with wide eyes that were glazed over in confusion, until something finally clicked and his lips curved down into a frown. My heart dropped.

"I'll be honest with you, just don't get mad okay?"

Usually when someone says that they're about to say something gut wrenching. I nodded to encourage him to continue, not being able to muster any words.

"I was scared, of commitment, of being so deep into something that I had to rely on someone else. I invited her over, to smoke, and then.." I held my breath.

"I asked her to leave. I couldn't even stand the thought of being in a room alone with another girl, and now, I'm royally fucked."

It wasn't the most romantic confession, but my heart still skipped a beat.

"Why did you feel like you had to invite someone over? That's kinda dumb isn't it?"

"I am dumb, I'm dumb for thinking that I shouldn't just go for it and commit to someone I know likes me, for me."

"Is that me you're talking about?"

Alex's face lit up into a smile and be wrapped his arms around me. Our bare bodies pressed together as my head nestled into his shoulder.

"Now you're being dumb, obviously it's you."

I looked up at him and grabbed his face in both hands before bringing his face down to mine. He kissed me so passionately I wasn't sure I could keep my footing. He held me like he was scared of letting me go.

When he pulled away he kissed my nose.

"I realised something when I was petrified of losing you that I want to be with you, for real, like... boyfriend and girlfriend type shit."

"Is that your way of asking me?"

"Okay," Alex took a deep breath, "will you, Y/N, be my girlfriend, officially."

I smiled and hugged him again, kissing his neck where my head was.

"I'd love to," I was feeling so warm and fuzzy inside I almost had to turn down the temperature of the water.

Alex and I got out, and I realised I only had one towel in my bathroom. He stood naked as I wrapped my towel around myself and ran to get him another one.

He sped back to his apartment afterwards to get changed, giving me time to change and stare at my black ceiling. I couldn't get over the fact that a mere hour ago I was crying over him and now I was his girlfriend.

“I’m baaaack!”

Every time I laid eyes on Alex he just looked so cosy and warm, especially in his black sweats and socks. He pulled me gently by the arm in a rush to get me into bed, and when we finally laid down, my eyes fell closed. His hand combed soothingly through my hair as my head laid in his warm chest, and regardless of what happened today, there was no place I’d rather be than here.

“You must be exhausted,” Alex whispered in my hair, placing a small kiss on my temple. I smiled lazily against him, and wrapped an arm tightly around his torso.

“Are you okay?”

“Shut up, I’m trying to sleep.”

“Oh shit, sorry, goodnight.”

#evan peters #evan peters fanfic #evan peters fanfiction #evan peters requests #evan peters smut #evan peters imagine #evan peters x reader #american horror story #2nd person pov #fem!reader #ahs #alex adult world fanfiction #alex adult world smut #alex adult world x reader #alex adult world #boy next door yes divine ruler

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elenadoeslife · 8 months ago

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Hey! I've been following your house stories for a while and sending you the best luck! I know renting around the world is different but do you mind explaining the dutch system because I have been so confused. How are you allowed to make big changes like flooring (and how does it not come with a floor?) and why have you had to be on a list for 2 years? Again, good luck!!

Hi, hello! 🌞

Let me start off by saying that this is our first time viewing a rental house so I don't have all the answers (and I'm going through a lot, so I don't have the brain capacity to look it all up). Short answer: I don't know. Dutchies, feel free to correct me or add to this post in the comments :)

Here's the long answer, with my limited knowledge:

We applied to 3 different cooperations in different areas of the country. It's in the, what we call, 'social rent sector', meaning there's an income cap for people who apply to these houses.

As a tenant you have several basic rights. If there's damage to the house (water, mold, vandalism, etc), the cooperation will send out someone to repair it. The kitchen and bathroom get renewed every I don't know how many years, expenses covered. There's just €2 or something added to the monthly costs, because of the value of the property going up.

Looking at the place we're currently viewing, the walls aren't move-in ready and the floors (apart from bathroom and half bathroom tiles) are missing. It's the same way the current tenant, who is moving out on Friday, got the place. I'm sure there's also houses that come with flooring and blank walls, but in our case the tenants choose & pay for their own flooring, which they get to either resell to the next tenant or take with them when they move. When moving out of a place, an inspector will tell you how to leave the place behind. I think it's different from f.e. the US, in the sense that there's no home inspections by a landlord. We also get to drill holes into walls, put stuff up and do whatever we want with the place.

This probably didn't give you any insight, but there you go. Again, Dutchies, feel free to give input! 🌸

#long answer long: i don't know sh*t haha

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echodrops · 1 month ago

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The Promises I’m Making (2025)

After the absolute garbage fire that was my life in 2024, I'm kind of just sitting here like... "What do?" What do I even try to focus on for 2025? Will the promises I make right now even be relevant in two months' time, given how many plot twists my life has become prone to?

There's also definitely a correlation between not having money and struggling to come up with resolutions. Why does everything in life cost so much?

Please 2025... let me live in uninteresting times...

2025 Promises

1) Ensure the plumbing repairs in the Utah house are completely finished and the ceiling/floors are restored.

2) Pay back as much of the loan I had to take out as quickly as possible to reduce the monthly payments.

3) Have the AC unit in the Texas house replaced and paint the ceiling where there are water spots from the leaks.

4) Clean up the kitchen area of my Texas house; there is a bunch of kitsch accumulating on the far edge of the counters that I just don't need in a kitchen.

5) Get all the bookshelves/books organized in my Texas house.

6) Clean off my back patio/car port area in the Texas house so I can park my car there again.

7) Call a handyman and have the Texas house bathroom faucets replaced.

8) Clean out the Texas house closets and figure out what to do with all the old boxes like my old computer boxes that I've been cramming in there.

9) Put up a shelf in my room for my figures so that they're not completing clogging up the top of the dresser.

10) Fix the damaged spot on the backyard fence of the Texas house.

11) Clean out all the drawers in my desk/side tables/etc. What is even in there???

12) Take better care of the Texas house lawn, like fighting weeds and trimming the hedge more often.

13) Assemble my new display case and actually successfully organize/display all my plushies. I have... too many plushies...

14) Change the burned-out lightbulbs in the recessed lighting in the Texas house ceiling. It’s like twelve feet high and the lightbulb changer stick I bought didn’t work, so I’m going to have to find someone with a ladder. Save me, handyman. Save me.

15) Help my brother reorganize his furniture in the room he's staying currently; dude has never heard of the concept of maximizing space and it shows.

16) Help my parents tear out the carpet in my old childhood bedroom.

17) Actually use the yoga mat I bought forever and a day ago. This year... for sure...

18) Walk the dog more. Even if the dog herself doesn't like walking when it's hot out lol.

19) Lose at least twenty pounds.

20) Do a complete re-read of Noragami and post some of my closing thoughts on the series.

21) This is super nerdy, but my bro got me the FFXIV cookbook and made me promise to actually use it, so I guess I’d better at least try to make something from it. (Years later, I'm still... trying... lol)

22) Take at least one decent picture of a wild sea turtle.

23) Reach the new level cap with all jobs in FFXIV. I'm late, whoops.

24) Spend less on gacha games and Starbucks. Gotta save money…

25) Close out my old credit union account and call to check in on closing any old credit cards I might still have.

26) Fully deep clean and vacuum/detail my own car at home. No more of the “It doesn’t make sense to clean it out now; the dog is just going to go back in it.” The dog is always going to go back in it. Clean it, Echo.

27) Complete my follow up medical appointments and handle all medical situations in a timely manner.

28) See at least three new species of birds. Doesn’t matter where, just three new ones!

29) Get a new battery in my watch so I can go back to wearing it.

30) Waste less food; I buy things all the time and then don't get to them before they go bad. It's the worst.

31) Make use of the Sam's Club membership my parents bought me for Christmas.

32) Repair the lovely one-of-kind ceramic plate that my dog broke with kintsugi. I want to try it at least once!

33) Block more people. I know this sounds odd but I have a terrible habit of getting into debates when I see bad takes on social media and honestly there's no point in wasting so much time. I gotta block and move on a lot more lol.

34) Put all the small prints, postcards, and stickers I have collected in my new mini-print books. I can even use up washi tape to decorate too. (Finally, a purpose for the washi tape…)

35) Get the situation with the IT systems at work resolved so that all data can be correctly submitted.

36) Apply for online adjunct positions to help make extra money on the side.

37) Make sure my classes are ready to go before each semester, including properly scheduling the announcements and everything.

38) Buy birthday cards in advance for everyone so I have them available to send when birthdays come around.

39) Draw more this year. Maybe I won't have time to fully line and color artworks digitally, but I should at least not let my tiny amount of art ability wither into nothingness...

40) Write and post something... Anything at this rate, please.

41) Build the pretty koi paper lantern my brother got me, or the Korean temple model my coworker gave me after his trip to Korea.

42) Visit the beach more often... Need relaxation...

43) Take better care of my kitty. It's not like I don't take decent care of her, but I definitely put more effort into doing things with the dog than the cat and I think she is big jealous.

44) Go see at least one play. Live theater is good for the soul.

45) See about removing the PMI from at least one of my house loans to try to save money. I’ve been paying on these loans long enough I shouldn’t need PMI anymore.

46) Take a day trip to Santa Cruz Island with Kacchan.

47) Read the book that has been on my "To read" list for the longest time. I don't know which one that is off the top of my head, but I will finally finish one that has been on the list!

48) Try to go to bed earlier more consistently than last year; I really punished myself with terrible sleep over the last few months and its not helping the health situation.

49) Go through my bookshelves to find books to donate, then donate the books to people's little free libraries.

50) I will keep my promises!

Good luck, 2025’s me!

#irl stuff #50 promises #new year's resolutions #gosh this was soooo hard this year #it's crazy how much MONEY every hobby or improvement project costs #coming up with things that wouldn't cost a fortune took forever #wish me luck!

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rosebloodcat · 1 year ago

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Ramshackle Fits A Little Too Well

(Or, Crewel learns what can happen to a dorm when there is no one taking care of it for 50-some years)

AN: I started writing this one on a lark, but I really liked it so I figured, why not post it? There are a lot of little background things that I haven't gotten into in this story but I may get to them in a later chapter. But I'm down to explain if people ask, so go ahead if you want to know what's up.

I mostly wanted to get into the horrors of a house that's been abandoned for years at a time in this chapter, and I'm quite pleased with them so far.

Maybe I'll get to the rest of the cool things later. XD

AO3 Link!

Crewel wasn't a fan of the Ramshackle Dorm. As far as he was concerned, it was an eyesore on the esteemed Night Raven College's campus. He'd never understood why the Headmage hadn't had the place torn down and replaced with something more useful to the school after the dorm had been shut down.

Although, at the moment, he supposed it was a good thing that he hadn't done that. Since it gave them a place for the magic-less puppy to stay after the school carriages accidentally snatched him.

(They needed to have that checked out. The carriages picking up people who weren't even students was a problem.)

He was uncouth and unrefined, but at least he seemed to be sensible.

The puppy had taken time to approach each teacher after class and warn them that some of his assignments may be turned in late throughout the year, as he had to do repairs to the dorm he was staying in along with the work he needed to meet the school's criteria. And the unspoken fact that he would be doing all that by hand on his own, as the barely tolerated familiar staying with him would be all-but-useless for such a task.

Crewel did have to give the puppy credit. He wasn't afraid of hard work or getting his hands dirty.

But he had begun to wonder if, perhaps, such a task would be too much for a single student to manage alone.

The buckled floor he'd found when the student led him to the mostly cleaned sitting room certainly suggested it. (Sort of cleaned? It seemed cleaner than the great of the place at the moment. The whole place was still repulsive.) It was the first of many clues as to the house’s state.

Though he couldn't help raising a brow at the chairs lying on their sides near a very large garbage bag. And with the windows wide open as well, the curtains he knew had once been there were gone.

Upon closer inspection of the heaps, he could see rubber gloves and a rather sharp-looking knife lying there as well. The puppy caught the look and let out a huff.

“Yeah, you’re gonna want to sit on the plain wood chairs in here, Prof. Anythin’ with cloth on it is a giant mold patch now thanks to the leaky roof and the cracked windows. I’m carving as much of it off as I can to throw it out.” He rocked back on his heels, nodding to the garbage bag. Well, that explained that. “Might be able to salvage the wood parts, but the cushions are goners. Grim is outside with Ace studying because this shi- er, stuff was making him sick. I’ve been tying a rag that I got from the school store over my face to keep from feeling the same.”

Ah, mold. Yes, that made sense for how old the dorm was and how long it’s been since anyone was staying there. Of course, there would be- Wait.

“Leaking roof?” he asked, a trickle of alarm in the back of his mind. Water leaks could do a lot of damage, but when it froze and melted during the winters…

“Oh yeah, the roof’s got a lot of them. Found out during the storm a couple days ago. Had to dig through every closet I could find to get enough buckets for ‘em.” He let out a gusty sigh, scratching at his still-growing mustache. He glanced upward with a grimace. “I’m dreading when I finally get to clearin’ out the top floors of this place. Which is why I wanted to ask you about stuff for clearing out mold.”

He pointed to a door further down the hall, his jaw setting.

“Especially for the bathroom down there. I think one of the old students forgot some medicine in the cabinet when they left the dorm. I wouldn’t be surprised if it could get up and walk by now if it felt like it, so I need something strong to get rid of it. Even if I can’t use the bathrooms very much right now.”

“And what makes you say that?” Crewel asked. Surely the bathrooms weren’t that disgusting.

“Cause the pipes might blow if do.”

What.

“The pipes have probably frozen over multiple times over the years. So it’s probably messed them up a lot.” He continued, not even noticing the way his new teacher had frozen. “If you send pipes into full use after something like that, it can cause the weakened seals to burst, and you can’t just patch ‘em or else you might end up breakin’ them up in your hands. I’d love to hire a pro to take a look at ‘em and see how much can be safely patched and how much would be better off replaced but…”

He shrugged helplessly at Crewel. He didn’t need to finish the sentence.

Because of his arrival, he had nothing but the clothes on his back. And he certainly had no money to do all the repairs and refurbishing that Ramshackle needed to be inhabitable for a student. Surely the headmage was allowing some form of budget to cover the boy’s efforts to restore the dorm? He wasn’t expecting the boy to do it all out of his own pocket by working at the school store, was he?

The boy certainly couldn’t ask his parents to help pay for it all…

“And how much of this is our esteemed headmage helping cover?” The puppy tilted his head in confusion. He felt his heart sinking. “The headmage has given you a budget for this work, hasn’t he?”

“No? He hasn’t really said anything about helping cover the repair costs for this place. Ace, uh, one of the Heartsyble guys, has been helping with food ever since he got booted from his dorm for eating a tart from the communal fridge without asking first. Most of it’s dry stock but… Yeah.” He looked a bit uncomfortable, glancing back toward the kitchen.

(By the Seven, he didn’t even want to think about the state of the kitchen if the rest of the building was anything to go by.)

Crewel was rapidly re-evaluating the knowledge he’d had about the dorm, the skills of his student, and the stupidity of the headmage for just dumping a student there without even considering the health and safety risks of them staying there.

He took in a breath, held it, and then slowly let it out.

“We will make a list. Of the essentials needed for this building to be comfortable, and safe to live in for however long you’re going to be here. I will call the needed people to get price evaluations and speak with the headmage about setting a repair budget for your work.” He looked down at the student in front of him, who stilled at the sharpened edge of his gaze. “If you are going to be doing the work restoring this building yourself, then you need the funds to do it right. Now, show me the rooms you’ve been looking at using and we can start building up the basics.”

This was going to be far more work than he had been ready for, never mind a lone, magicless student that had been abducted and left to (practically) fend for themselves. (The dorm barely counted as a safe place to stay in its current state.)

And Crewel fully planned to make Crowly share in the misery as well, until he put in the work to fix it.

(Crowly was not ready for the list of extreme hazards that their student was facing being thrown on his desk by the furious Crewel. But it took very little persuading to set a budget to rebuild the dorm. They could justify why the abandoned dorm needed this much work to the school board later. For now, they needed to ensure their student wasn’t poisoned by airborne mold spores or worse while they were stuck at the school.)

(Cab was just happy when Crewel told him that both a plumber and a handyman had been booked to come by in a few days to take a look at the bathrooms and Kitchen.)

#disney twisted wonderland #dtw #divus crewel #cookie run kingdom #crk #captain caviar cookie #reflections in soda water #risw #risw cab sturge #twst #twisted wonderland

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marmolita · 3 months ago

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HELLO TUMBLR my last 24 hours has been a wild ride as our upstairs toilet basically exploded and poured water all over the bathroom and through the kitchen ceiling BUT

we have running water again

we are on the schedule to have the remediation people rip out the damaged flooring and dry the drywall tomorrow

our insurance agent says our homeowner's insurance should pay for the repairs

so all in all we're in an okay place, but y i k e s that was not fun. time to go play some video games.

#lita talks about herself

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dealhandyman · 4 months ago

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Reliable Handyman Canterbury: Your Go-To Solution for All Home Repairs

Maintaining a home comes with its fair share of challenges. From leaky faucets to faulty wiring, there's always something that needs fixing. If you're in Canterbury, finding a reliable handyman can make life a whole lot easier. This article will explore what makes a handyman reliable, the services you can expect, and tips for choosing the right one for your needs.

Why Do You Need a Handyman in Canterbury?

Living in a historic city like Canterbury comes with the charm of older properties, but also some unique maintenance challenges. As time goes by, even well-kept homes can show signs of wear and tear. Whether you need urgent repairs or routine upkeep, having a reliable handyman in Canterbury can make all the difference, keeping your home running smoothly and comfortably. Why struggle with tricky repairs when you can rely on a professional to handle the hard work for you?

Qualities of a Reliable Handyman

Not all handymen are created equal. A dependable handyman isn't just about skills; it's about the whole package. Look for qualities such as:

Experience and Skillset: Years in the business often translate to better service.

Punctuality and Professionalism: Being on time and handling tasks with a professional attitude matters.

Attention to Detail: Ensures that even the smallest issues are not overlooked.

Good Communication: You want someone who can explain the job clearly and give you an honest quote.

Think of a reliable handyman as a jack-of-all-trades, always ready to fix whatever breaks. Much like a Swiss Army knife, they can handle a multitude of tasks to keep your home running smoothly.

Common Handyman Services

Handyman services go beyond just fixing a leaky tap or hanging a picture. Some of the most common services include:

Plumbing repairs

Electrical work

Carpentry

Painting and decorating

Tiling and flooring installation

Flat-pack furniture assembly

Garden maintenance

With such a broad skillset, a handyman can be your one-stop shop for various household needs, saving you the time and hassle of dealing with multiple specialists.

Emergency Repairs: When Time is of the Essence

Imagine waking up to a burst pipe in the middle of the night. What do you do? Emergency repairs are one of the most crucial services a handyman can offer. A reliable handyman understands that some issues can’t wait and provides a quick response to prevent further damage. Having a local contact in Canterbury who can respond promptly to emergencies can be a lifesaver.

Plumbing Repairs and Installations

Plumbing issues are among the most common household problems. From blocked drains to leaking pipes, even minor plumbing issues can escalate quickly. Handyman services often cover tasks such as:

Fixing leaks and blockages

Installing new taps and fixtures

Unclogging drains

Repairing toilets and sinks

Reliable handymen can diagnose plumbing issues accurately and provide effective solutions, ensuring your home’s water system runs smoothly.

Electrical Work: Safety First

Electrical work is not something to take lightly, as it can be dangerous if handled improperly. For jobs like installing new light fittings, fixing faulty switches, or rewiring, it's best to rely on a qualified handyman. They can help with:

Lighting installations

Switch and socket repairs

Electrical appliance installations

Safety inspections

Always check if the handyman has the necessary qualifications for electrical work to ensure your home's safety.

Home Improvements: Adding Value to Your Property

Are you planning to sell your home or simply want to make it more comfortable? A handyman can help with minor home improvements that enhance your living space. Think about tasks like:

Installing new shelving or cabinets

Painting rooms for a fresh look

Upgrading flooring or carpets

Kitchen and bathroom updates

These small changes can significantly increase the value of your property while making your daily life more enjoyable.

Exterior Maintenance and Garden Services

Your home's exterior is just as important as the interior. Whether it's the garden that needs trimming or the gutter that requires cleaning, a handyman can handle these outdoor tasks efficiently:

Fence repairs and installations

Patio and driveway cleaning

Gutter maintenance

Lawn mowing and garden tidying

Maintaining the exterior not only improves curb appeal but also prevents potential damage that could lead to costly repairs.

How to Choose the Right Handyman for You

Finding the right handyman is not just about choosing the first name you come across. Here are some tips to guide you:

Check their experience: How long have they been in business?

Look for reviews: Customer feedback can give you insights into the quality of their work.

Verify their qualifications: Make sure they are certified for specialised tasks like electrical work.

Get multiple quotes: Comparing prices ensures you get a fair deal.

Ask for references: A reliable handyman will have no problem providing these.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Handyman

Before hiring a handyman, ask these important questions:

What experience do you have with similar tasks?

Are you licensed and insured?

Can you provide a written quote?

How long will the job take?

Do you offer any warranty or guarantee on your work?

These questions will help ensure that you hire someone who is both qualified and transparent about their services.

Cost Considerations for Handyman Services

The cost of hiring a handyman can vary depending on the nature of the task, the materials required, and the time needed. To get a fair estimate, consider:

Hourly rates vs. fixed prices: For smaller jobs, an hourly rate may be more cost-effective, while larger projects might benefit from a fixed price.

Material costs: Ensure that material expenses are included in the quote.

Travel fees: Some handymen may charge extra for travel outside of Canterbury.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. It's about finding a balance between cost and quality.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Sometimes, the temptation to tackle a home repair yourself can be strong. However, DIY isn't always the best option. Consider these factors:

Skill level: Do you have the expertise to complete the task safely and correctly?

Time: Will the project take up more time than it's worth?

Cost: DIY may seem cheaper, but mistakes can lead to expensive fixes.

Hiring a reliable handyman not only ensures a job well done but also saves you time and potential headaches.

Benefits of Using Local Handyman Services

Supporting local businesses has numerous benefits. When you choose a local handyman in Canterbury, you enjoy:

Faster response times: Especially important for emergency repairs.

Personalised service: A local handyman understands the unique needs of Canterbury homes.

Community support: By hiring locally, you're contributing to the local economy.

Customer Reviews: A Trustworthy Source?

Online reviews can be a great resource when searching for a handyman, but take them with a pinch of salt. Look for patterns in the reviews:

Consistent praise for punctuality and quality of work

Responses to negative reviews (it shows they care about customer satisfaction)

Detailed descriptions of completed projects

Using customer reviews wisely can help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Finding a skilled and reliable handyman in Canterbury doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By knowing what to look for and asking the right questions, you can ensure your home is in good hands. A reliable handyman can be your partner in maintaining a safe, functional, and beautiful home, allowing you to enjoy your space without the stress of constant repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I find a reliable handyman in Canterbury? A: Start by checking local online listings, asking for recommendations from friends and neighbours, and reading customer reviews.

Q: What types of services can a handyman offer? A: A handyman can handle a variety of tasks, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting, and garden maintenance.

Q: Are handyman services expensive? A: Costs vary depending on the job's complexity, materials, and location. Getting multiple quotes can help you find a fair price.

Q: Can a handyman help with emergency repairs? A: Yes, many handymen offer emergency services for urgent issues like leaks or electrical problems.

Q: Should I hire a handyman or try to do it myself? A: While DIY can be tempting, hiring a handyman ensures the job is done correctly and safely, saving you time and potential frustration.

#reliable handyman canterbury #handyman services #handyman services near me #furniture assembly #cheap handyman near me #local handyman service

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