#brown fur dining chair

[sentaco]

Dining Room Enclosed

Idea for an enclosed dining room with a mid-sized rustic slate floor and a gray floor, beige walls, and no fireplace

[starpains]

Very curious about Not Your Average Pet!

This one is been a WIP for way too long, I already have like 11k written for it, and that's like... half of the fic, I think.

I got a lovely prompt some time ago that just said "Werewolves", so you know, my brain went all buzzy with possibility. I immediately went back to my days in the Teen Wolf fandom and all the fave tropes that could be found there.

The fic has Obi-Wan, a very average dude, a psychiatrist living in Northern California, suddenly come across a wolf during a lil' hike in the Redwood National Park. The wolf follows him home for some reason, and Obi-Wan kinda... adopts it? Except it's not a wolf at all as it later turns out 😎. It's a werewolf, who has imprinted on Obi-Wan, though of course he doesn't know that.

Basically a werewolf soulmate AU. Obi-Wan's called Ben here as usual with my modern AUs.

Sharing a lil' snippet below:

---

There, seated right in front of the door, was the wolf. Massive, with earthy brown fur and piercing blue eyes, it was unmistakable. Ben let out a strangled gasp before he could stop himself. In an instant, the wolf lifted its head, locking its gaze onto him through the glass, their eyes meeting in eerie stillness.

He dropped the curtain as if it had burned him, taking quick steps backward—only to trip over a dining chair, sending both it and himself crashing to the floor with a loud thud.

“Doctor Kenobi? Is everything alright?” Barriss’s voice drifted from the office, laced with worry.

Ben scrambled to his feet, brushing himself off as he tried to regain his composure. “E-Everything’s—fine, Barriss. I’ll—I’ll be right with you!”

Grabbing his phone, he fumbled to pull up a number, his fingers clumsily tapping as he searched for animal control. After a few tense moments, he dialed, holding the phone to his ear, each ring feeling like an eternity.

Finally, a bored voice answered. “Animal control.”

“There’s a wolf in my backyard,” he blurted, his voice edged with panic.

A pause. “Sir, there are no wolves in California.”

“There are! I saw this one in the Redwood National Park yesterday, and now it’s followed me home!” Desperation crept into his tone despite himself.

The voice on the other end remained unimpressed. “Sir, it must be an overgrown dog. We’ll send someone to pick it up.”

“Please do!” he implored, rattling off his address with a touch of desperation.

After hanging up, Ben took a steadying breath, then returned to Barriss, visibly ruffled. She gave him a raised eyebrow but resumed her session, though her eyes darted to him with more than a few curious glances.

Finally, not too long after Barriss left, a firm knock sounded at the door. Ben opened it to find two men standing on his front step, dressed in beige uniforms with patches reading “Humboldt County Animal Control.” Their expressions were blank, bordering on apathetic. Behind them, a white pickup truck was parked by the curb, the county logo clearly visible on the door.

“We’re here to answer the call about a stray dog,” one of them said, holding a clipboard in hand. “But there’s no dog in your backyard.”

“That’s because it’s a wolf, not a dog,” Ben replied, irritation threading into his voice.

The man on the left sighed, clearly unimpressed. “Sir, there is no animal in your backyard, dog or otherwise. Now, if you’ll sign here…”

Ben scowled, pushing the clipboard aside. “At least come with me to check. It was right there.”

Exchanging resigned glances, the two men followed him around to the backyard. But when they reached the spot, the wolf was gone. Instead, sitting neatly in the middle of the rounded indent in the lawn, was a small collection of clean, scattered bones.

Ben gestured toward the pile, frustration mounting. “Look! It left… bones. I don’t even know what these are from.”

The men barely looked, casting an unimpressed glance at each other. “We don’t pick up bones,” one of them said flatly, pushing the clipboard at Ben again.

With a reluctant sigh, Ben signed the form, watching as they turned and left without a word, climbing back into their truck and pulling away.

Once they were gone, Ben fetched a plastic bag and a pair of grill tongs from the kitchen. With a look of deep disgust, he crouched beside the pile of bones, holding the tongs at an awkward angle as he gingerly picked each one up. His face twisted as he dropped them blindly into the bag, every click of bone against bone making his skin crawl. By the time he was done, he muttered a curse under his breath, shuddering and holding the bag at arm’s length like it might bite him back.

[jeonginluvrr]

soonie, doongie, dori | lee minho

synopsis - y/n meets her boyfriend’s family for the first time, including three cats.

pairing - lee minho/lee know x fem!reader 

genre - fluff 

“are you sure about this, minho?” you asked your boyfriend nervously, your fingers anxiously gripping his as the two of you stood in front of his family’s apartment door, shoes taken off and carelessly tossed to the side of the welcome mat. 

“it can’t be that bad,” minho let out a small sigh, turning to look at you. “i’m sure my parents will love you.” 

you nodded, grabbing your boyfriend’s arm as he turned the knob of the smart door, pushing the entrance to the apartment open, with cheerful greetings from his mother and father echoing within the interior of the home. 

“minho, you’re finally home,” his mother made a beeline to the door, pulling her son into a tight embrace, separating you from him. “and i see you’ve brought your girlfriend.”

“hello,” you bowed politely to the elder woman, trying to hide your anxiousness.

minho’s mother smiled at you, returning a greeting before gesturing to the dining table, where minho’s father was waiting. “please, join us for dinner.” 

minho locked his fingers with yours once more, and led you to the dining table, pulling out a chair for you to sit in before he sat down himself. unbeknownst to you and minho, his parents threw each other sly smirks at their son’s antics.

the dinner went more smoothly than you expected, and minho’s parents were delighted that he was dating you, and welcomed you into their family quite quickly. although his father had the same cold exterior minho had when you first met him, he quickly warmed up to you. 

“thank you for the dinner.” you smiled at the two.

“of course! don’t forget to see soonie, doongie and dori on your way out!” she exclaimed as she picked up the dirty dishes from the dining table. 

“soonie, doongie, and dori?” you turned to look at minho, questioning what his mother had just told you. 

“ah,” minho smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his nape. “i have three cats. let me introduce them to you.” 

he gently led you to a room neighboring his parents’ and slowly opened the door to reveal three cats crowding the entrance to the room, looking up at minho and meowing in delight once they saw their owner. 

“this is soonie,” minho gestured at a ginger cat. “this is doongie,” minho pointed at a ginger cat with more white fur covering him. “and this is dori.” finally, dori was revealed as the brown cat with dark markings.

while soonie and doongie were busy crowding minho, dori approached you and sniffed you curiously. you let dori sniff your index finger first, so that he would become more accustomed to your scent. he paused and sniffed it carefully, before headbutting your knuckles. 

“seems like dori likes you,” minho chuckled as he pet soonie and doongie. “the maknae’s always been a curious baby.” 

you chuckled and watched as dori gently smacked his head against the back of your hand until you pet him, and a low purr rose from his throat as you scratched the back of his ears. 

after bothering minho, the other two cats approached you, with soonie playfully hitting dori on the head with his paw. the two cats tackled each other and scrambled on the floor, play fighting as doongie blinked his round green eyes, watching them fight, his tail wrapped around his paws. 

“we should probably get going soon,” minho rose from the ground, turning to look at you. 

“do we have to? i don’t want to leave them behind,” you chuckled, becoming suddenly attached to minho’s cats. 

“don’t worry love, you’ll see them more often in the future,” he helped you rise from the floor, pressing a small peck on your forehead. “i’ll make sure of it.” 

you chuckled, giving minho a kiss on the lips. “you really seem to care about them, hmm?” 

“of course. they’re my home,” minho smiled sadly as he watched soonie, doongie and dori play as he shut the door behind you two. 

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Nightlife 7

Warnings: touching, coercion, manipulation. Proceed with caution.

Note: I know what you’re thinking, why the fuck are you doing this? Well, you wanted bouncer Lee and I did too. Also, short!reader, not sorry.

Lee's building is nice enough. You've never been to this part of the city. You don't go far from campus really.

You walk ahead of him as he herd you inside. Up the elevator and down a hallway to the very end. He squeezes by to unlock the door and slides back the latch with a harsh schlock.

He pushes the door open and points you in ahead of him. You enter and peek around hopefully. You can't wait to meet the kitten.

His belly touches your back as he enters behind you. You quickly move out of the way and bend to untie your shoes and leave them on the mat. He takes his time hanging his leather jacket as you cling to your bag aimlessly.

"Let me get this, darlin'," he takes your knapsack, "tables over here."

He leads you across the front room. There's an upholstered couch with a blanket draped over the back and leather recliner. You trail him past the large television and into the small space that makes up the dining area. He places your bag on the square table and faces you.

"Go on and sit. You want a cushion. Chair's are a hit hard."

"No, sir, that's okay," you can't help but peek around but reel in your eagerness.

You slip past him, brushing close and you sit in one of the wooden chairs. You pull your bag towards you and undo the zipper. You focus on the task, wanting to ask about the kitten but too afraid to overstep. Your father said it was always polite to wait for the host to offer, you never demand.

Lee disappears and you slide out your books and laptop. You open the lid and flip the cover of your notebook. You can hear rustling and some shuffling. You keep your attention on the wallpaper. 

"Ah, now, I know you didn't forget," Lee reemerges, a plastic cat carrier in his hand, audible scratching at the interior.

You can't help but smile as he puts the carrier on the table and you snap shut your laptop. He groans as he sits and pushes his shoulders back, rubbing his thighs. He slowly, as if taunting you, reaches over to unhook the door.

You see the bright yellow eyes before he swings open the crisscrossed door. The small brown kitten leaps out and crashes into the stack of your textbooks. You giggle and catch it before it scrambles over the edge.

"Aw, he's so cute," you preen as you pet it's soft fur and wriggles against your chest.

"Isn't he?" Lee says, "little thing kept me up. Mewing. I think he needs a friend but he’s too afraid of me."

"Oh?" Your eyebrows rise, "well, I can be his friend. Awwww," your distracted by the cat as he stretches to smell your chin.

"Two of ya," Lee throws his hand up, "too damn cute."

You laugh and cradle the cat in your arm as he tries to crawl up your chest. You stroke his back and nestle your chin against his head. 

"How about Hickory?" You ask.

"Hickory?"

"For his name. Think it suits him."

"Ah, yea, I'd say so too," Lee muses as he watches with a slanted smirk, "so you don't mind stayin' with him tonight? I can't keep him locked up that long and I'm worried he might have an accident."

"Of course, I'll take care of him," you make a face at Hickory as he touches your nose with his.

"Got everything in the car. Had to do some shoppin' before I found ya. Food, milk, litter… I guess I'll go grab it, huh."

"I can't believe you found a kitten," you chime without really hearing him, "if only I was so lucky." You hug the kitten, "but we can't have pets in the dorms."

"That's too bad," Lee taps his fingers on the table as he stands, "but you're always welcome here, darlin'. You know?"

💮

You’re a bit nervous at first. You realise only too late you’ll have to sleep in your jeans but Lee offers you a shirt for the night. Wait until he leaves to change into it.

An eerie feeling takes over you once you’re alone. Even with Hickory around, you feel out of place. Like you shouldn’t be there. Maybe you shouldn’t but there’s nothing terribly wrong with it. He ordered dinner and he only really got ready for work as you sat and read and played with the kitten. Well, he did want a kiss before he left.

You take the blanket off the back of the couch along with the fluffy pillow he brought you. He offered you to sleep in his bed but that just doesn’t feel right. Does any of it?

It takes you some time to doze off. Hickory sleeps by your head as you toss and turn well past the early hours of the morning. You can’t help but empathise with Lee and his night shifts. The last time you check your phone, it’s after two. 

Your dreams are a smear of colours and sensations. Nothing tangible. You’re so wrought with exhaustion, your mind can’t summon more than obscurity.

You wake only at the odd sensation along your neck. You moan and try to brush it away. You think it’s Hickory at first until the thick hand catches your own. You gasp and roll onto your back to look up at Lee.

“Sorry, darlin’, just making sure you’re alright,” he bends to kiss your cheek, “that couch ain’t too comfy. Why don’t you come in the bedroom?”

“Hmm?” Your eyes round, “what time is it?”

“Five,” he keeps his voice low, “still early.”

His eyes wander from your face and you follow his gaze down your body. Your leg is hooked around the blanket, your thigh exposed and cold. You shake your head and rub your eyes with a yawn.

“I’m okay right here,” you assure him. “With Hickory.”

You look around for the kitten. Lee clucks as he watches you.

“Scamp’s back in the carrier for now. He shredded up some toilet paper,” Lee says, “don’t be stubborn, sweet thing, you come lay down and get some proper sleep. Think I’ll rest better havin’ ya close.”

“Really, I’m–”

There’s not time to react as he bends and scoops you up. The blanket falls away from you as he backs away from the couch and you latch onto his shoulder. You squeak and kick your legs in surprise.

“Lee!”

“Now, darlin’, I worked a long night. I don’t wanna be fussin’ with ya,” he turns and carries you across the room, “shouldn’t be sleeping on that stiff couch. No good for ya.”

You cling to him, afraid he’ll drop you though his strength is unshakeable. He hardly puts any effort into carrying you. He enters the bedroom and you hide your face against his shoulder. It’s so weird. He sets you down on the bed and pets your forehead as you lay back against the pillows.

“Whatsa matter with ya?” He puffs, “bed’s not too bad. Only got it last year.”

You plant your elbows and push your head up, “I’m sorry, I just never been in… anyone’s bed before.”

“Hmm?” A stitch weaves between his brows as he unbuttons his dark shirt.

“Lee, I never even slept over with a boy,” you say, only realising how pathetic you sound as the words float between you. “I mean–” you gulp as you catch his eyes stray again, trailing down your naked legs.

“I'm no boy,” he scoffs.

He shrugs his shirt off, revealing his torso shamelessly. You avert your eyes but the sight of him stains your vision. His stomach bulges out beneath his chest, poking over his belt. You pull your legs up and push down the blanket, hiding under it so you don’t have to see him.

You can hear him moving around and you shiver as his footsteps near the bed. He climbs onto the other side and tugs the blankets over him. You wince as the mattress bounces under him and he presses himself to your back, snaking his arm around you. He wiggles his hips and you feel a prodding along your butt. You squeak as he chuckles against your hair.

“See what you do to me, sweet thing?” he purrs, “you’re lucky I’m all tuckered out.”

[the-big-boss-of-hell]

Are you going to try and talk to Aislynn and candy (Candace) in the morning husk?

The next morning...

Husk slowly makes his way downstairs, one hand on his stomach as he fights through the familiar wave of nausea. Pregnancy was rough, and mornings like these made it worse. All he wanted was a strong cup of coffee and maybe something light to settle his stomach.

But as he reaches the dining room, his eyes catch something—someone—who makes him stop dead in his tracks. Sitting alone at one of the tables is a winged cat demon, her features unmistakably similar to his own. She has long brown hair that frames her face, her fur a soft white, and her wings tucked carefully against her back. She looks... older than he remembered, but she’s still his little girl.

Husk: *barely able to form the words, his voice shaky* L…Lynnie?

At the sound of his voice, the demon woman snaps out of her thoughts. She looks up slowly, her wide black and golden eyes locking onto his. Her mouth parts in shock, and for a second, neither of them can speak.

Aislynn: *voice almost a whisper, like she’s afraid to believe it* D-Dad? *She stands up from her chair, hands trembling slightly as she steps forward.* Is… that really you?

Husk removes his hat, clutching it tightly in his hands, his gaze full of regret and sadness.

Husk: *softly, full of remorse* Yes, Lynnie. It’s me.

Aislynn stares at him, emotions flooding her face—joy, disbelief, and a deep, lingering hurt.

Aislynn: *takes a shaky breath, her voice catching as she speaks* I… I never thought I’d see you again. You… you never came. I tried to wait, Dad… back then, in the hospital. I wanted to see you one last time, but I… I was just so—

Before she can finish, Husk drops his hat and crosses the room, pulling her into a tight hug. He wraps his arms around her, holding her as if she might vanish, his own tears welling up and spilling over.

Husk: *voice breaking, filled with years of regret and pain* I’m so sorry, Lynnie. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me most. I should’ve… I should’ve been better. I should’ve been a better father.

Aislynn clutches him just as tightly, burying her face in his shoulder, her own voice shaking as she replies.

Aislynn: *whispering, almost as if speaking the words aloud is too painful* I waited, you know... back in that hospital bed, I kept waiting for you to walk through the door. I waited so long…

Husk: I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you! It’s one of my biggest regrets! You were my baby and I let you down so many times! I let you and your siblings down!

Aislynn: But you’re here now Dad…you’re here!

Husk: I never wanted to see you here Lynnie. Not because I never wanted to see you again, but how could someone as sweet as you be in Hell?

Aislynn: I don’t know what I did wrong…but I’m glad I’m down here because I got to see you again.

They stand there, holding each other as decades of hurt and separation begin to soften. In that silent embrace, they feel some of the anger and grief they both carried start to ease, if only just a little.

As Husk and Aislynn hold each other, a soft sound comes from the doorway. Husk and Aislynn pull apart slightly, both looking over to see another familiar figure standing there, her expression one of surprise and confusion.

There, just a few feet away, is a demon with dark, reddish-brown fur and a look of hesitation in her eyes. Her posture is tense, as if she’s not sure whether to stay or leave, but it’s clear that she’s recognized them both.

Aislynn: *breathes out, barely able to contain her joy* Candy?

Candace—“Candy”—freezes, her eyes widening as they fill with tears.

Candace: *whispering, almost as if testing the name* Sissy?

For a second, both sisters just stand there, taking in the sight of each other after all these years. And then, without another word, they close the distance between them, practically running into each other’s arms.

Aislynn and Candace: *in unison, their voices overlapping* I missed you so much!

They hold each other tightly, like they’re making up for all the lost years, their tears mingling as they laugh and cry all at once.

Aislynn: *through her tears, her voice filled with relief and love* Candy, I… I can’t believe it’s really you. After all this time…

Candace: *pulling back slightly to look at her sister, her eyes still shining with tears* It’s really me, Sissy. We’re together again. *She reaches up to gently touch Aislynn’s face, a soft, almost motherly smile breaking through her emotion.*

Husk watches the sisters, his heart heavy and full at the same time. He steps back a little, giving them space, and his own guilt washes over him. But for now, he stays silent, simply observing as his daughters reunite, feeling more like a stranger than a father.

The sisters finally pull apart, both wiping their eyes with small, shaky laughs. Aislynn steps back, glancing between her father and her sister as she composes herself. Husk meets Candy's gaze, and there's a quiet tension in the air—a heavy silence filled with memories, regrets, and words unsaid for too long.

Candy’s expression shifts, the warmth from her hug with Aislynn replaced with something more guarded, almost wary, as she looks her father up and down. Husk, for his part, fidgets with his hat, his usual confidence faltering.

Husk: *barely able to meet her gaze, his voice low and rough* Candace… I know I can’t make up for everything I did—or didn’t do. I… I let you down. Both of you. And I’m sorry.

Candy crosses her arms, her gaze steady but filled with a mix of hurt and defiance.

Candace: *voice laced with pain, yet restrained* You left us, Dad. You left me to take care of everything when you were supposed to be there. I had to grow up so fast because you couldn’t… or wouldn’t. Do you have any idea what that was like for me? For Sissy?

Husk flinches, each word striking like a physical blow. He knows he deserves this, but hearing it out loud—seeing the pain in Candy’s face—only makes the guilt deepen.

Husk: *voice trembling, barely able to hold back his own tears* I know, Candy. I know I wasn’t there. I was too wrapped up in my own mess… I was selfish. I thought I was just hurting myself, but I didn’t see what I was doing to you two. And I’ll regret that for the rest of my life.

Candy’s eyes soften, but only a little. She lets out a shaky breath, as if weighing whether she can trust him now after all these years.

Candace: *softly, her voice cracking* You don’t get it, Dad. I watched Lynnie get sicker every day, hoping you’d show up, hoping you’d be there for her… for us. It was Sissy’s dying wish to see you once more. And when you didn’t, I had to be the strong one. I had to be the parent, because you weren’t.

Husk’s tears finally spill over, and he takes a shaky step toward her.

Husk: *voice breaking* I know I failed you, Candace. I know I can’t fix the past. But I’m here now… and if you’ll let me, I’ll spend the rest of my days trying to make it right. I don’t deserve forgiveness—I know that. But… I want you to know I’m here, and I’m sorry.

For a long moment, Candy stands there, staring at her father, emotions swirling in her expression. Finally, she steps forward, looking up at him with a weary sigh.

Candace: *in a soft, tired voice* You can’t erase the past, Dad. But… maybe we can start again. I’m not saying it’ll be easy. I’m not even saying I forgive you. But if Lynnie can give you a chance… *she glances over at Aislynn, who nods, encouraging her sister* …then maybe I can too.

Husk, overwhelmed, nods, wiping his eyes and offering her a shaky smile. Slowly, Candy steps closer, and they embrace. It’s hesitant at first—two people unsure of where they stand—but gradually, they find comfort in each other.

They stand together in silence, father and daughter, reconnecting after years of hurt and neglect. The path to healing will be long, but for now, they have each other again, and that’s enough.

[horny4hetfield]

Everybody Loves a Parade - Part 4

Warnings: Mostly Fluff.

Thursday

Reaching to his side of the bed, it’s empty.  I blink awake.  It’s barely sunrise.  I can smell onions cooking.  Kicking my way out of the covers, I pull on my robe.  Our clothes from the Gala are draped over the chair in my room.  Padding out to the kitchen, there stands James.  He’s engrossed watching the onions brown in the pan.  I lean on the counter and watch him.  Those tattoo laced hands that had me screaming in pleasure last night, that make amazing music, are now expertly chopping up celery.  He scoops the celery into the pan.  “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“The smell woke me.”

“Sorry.”

“I love the smell of onions being browned.  That’s a comfort smell for me.”

Stirring the pan, “Me too” he grins.  He moves the pan off the heat, “Do you have spices?”  Pointing to a drawer, “Ah.”  His eyes light up.  Kid in the candy store.  “I figured that I could get the bird in the oven before we leave on a slightly lower temp and it should be ok until we get back.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

He smiles at me, “Coffee?”

Moving into the kitchen, I set about making a pot.  I end up shoving the stuffing into the bird since I have the smaller hands.  Being small does pay off every now and again.  Putting the bird into the oven, we clean up the kitchen.  Fixing our coffee mugs we move to the sofa.  I power up the TV.  All the local channels are showing the parade prep.  The weather forecast is snow flurries and light winds.  I curl up into his side.  James wraps an arm around my shoulders and gently strokes my hair.  When the news cycle repeats, I turn off the TV.  Stretching some, “We should get ready.”

Standing up, he pulls me to my feet, “I want to check on dinner.”  He takes our coffee cups to the sink.  I go to the front door.  There’s a stack of papers there.  I pick them up and close the door.

Dropping the stack on the dining table, I open the top one to page six.  There in glorious color photos is a full spread of the Gala last night.  Of us.  James wraps his arms around me from behind.  He points to one of the photos of me, “Nice ass.” 

I laugh and spin in his arms grabbing his ass, “Yours is pretty good too!”  He snorts a laugh.

“We need to get ready” he says holding me tight.  I hug him back.  He walks me backward into the bedroom as I giggle in his arms.  When we get to the bed, we tumble into it as his misguessed the distance.  We both laugh loudly.

Sitting up, I look at his reclining form.  “What?”

“You amaze me” I almost whisper.

Rising up on his elbows, “How.”

“Watching you this morning.  Your hands.  The tattoos.  Your music.  Cooking.”  I bit my lower lip, “What they do to me.”

He smiled at me.  “I love watching you.  I love watching you while I make love to you.”  He pulled me closer.  “I am so glad that we are sharing this weekend.”  He kisses me deeply.  “Together.”  His blue eyes filled with compassion.  And something more.  I wasn’t sure what I saw there.  He pats my hip, “We need to get dressed.”  He gets up off the bed and pulls me with him. 

I pull out a pair of wool pants, a tank top, a silk liner shirt, a sweater, scarf, gloves and a hat.  Finding a thong, I start getting dressed.  James pulls on a pair of heavy jeans, a tank top, a thin hunting shirt liner, a sweater, scarf, gloves and hat.  We both pull on our fur lined boots.  Grabbing the extra warm things, we make our way to the dining room table.  “Oh wait!” James says.  He goes back into the bedroom and quickly returns, “Here.”  He hands me a couple of hand warmers.  “Hope they are still good.  They were buried in the bottom of the hunting backpack.” 

Smiling, I tuck mine into my pocket.  “Thank you.”

James texts Rudy, and then checks on the turkey in the oven again.  “You sure you’re comfortable leaving your oven – your gas oven - on while we’re gone?”

“Very.”  Taking the newspaper stack to my office, I collect my phone and tuck it into my coat pocket.  “I did it last year.  And the year before that, and the year before that.”  Collecting my scarf, “Besides, too late now.”

“ok.”  He smiles at me.  His phone buzzes.  “That’s us.”  He pats his pockets.  “Let’s go!”  He holds out his hand to me and we walk out into the hallway.  James locks the front door.  A quick elevator ride and we are in the lobby.

“Happy Thanksgiving Carl!”

“And to you two!” Carl says happily as he opens the front door.

We climb into Rudy’s taxi.  “Where to?” he grins.

“As close to Hearld Square as possible, please” I ask.

Putting the car in drive, “It’s early, but I can probably only get four blocks away.”

“That’s fine” James says.

“How was the Gala last night?”

James smiles.  “It was wonderful” I say.  “They always put on a glorious show.”

“It is pretty spectacular!”  Rudy chuckles at his own pun.

James joins in the chuckle, “Good one!”

I kiss his cheek, “My king of dad jokes” I giggle.  James pulls me in closer a huge cheesy grin plastered on his face.

Pulling over, “This is as close as I can get you to the Square today.”  There are roadblocks on almost every street.

“No worries.  Thanks!” James says happily.

Leaning over the back of his seat, “Give me a call when you’re ready to head back.  I’ll collect you at this corner.”  James pays the fare, then climbs out.

“Thank you, Rudy.  And Happy Thanksgiving!”  I say as I climb out after James.

“Enjoy the parade!” Rudy says.  He waits a moment as someone is ready to jump in almost before I’m completely out of the car.

“That happen often?” James gives the other rider a dirty look.

“Almost every time.”  I do up my coat and tug on my cap.  James follows suit and we head toward the Square. 

There’s a check in point for Grandmother’s seats.  A young assistant looks up from her tablet and looks at me.  She looks at James.  Her complexion fades a little.  “I hate to ask, but I am supposed to check IDs.”

“Of course.”  I turn to James.  He looks at me.  “Mine is in your wallet.”

“Oh yeah.”  He pulls it out, shows the young woman my ID then slips it back into his wallet then back into his pocket.  He pulls his coat down over his pockets.

“Thank you.”  She picks up a walk-talkie.  “Someone will be here shortly to show you to your seats.”  She fidgets with her gloves.

“Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving” I say.

She blushes, “And to you too!” 

Hands grab my shoulders, “There you are!”

Turning, “Mrs. Corbett!  Happy Thanksgiving!”

“Thank you!  And to you!”  She pulls me from the check in point.  I grab James’ hand.  “This way!”

She leads us past all the TV cameras and across the street to the stands setup in front of the stores’ grand entrance.  We weren’t quite as far to the end of the bench as I would have liked, but, we weren’t front and center either. 

“So, what did you think of the show last night?” Mrs. Corbett asks James.

“I can see why it’s called Spectacular!” he smiles broadly.  I stifle a snort.  “I really enjoyed it!”

“I am so glad!”  Her radio buzzes.  “I must away!  I will come collect you after to visit the Big Guy.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Corbett!”

“Again, with the Big Guy.”  James cocks his eyes at me.  I just grin at him.

The bench begins to fill up.  As families arrive on our bench, I shift us to our left to allow them to sit in the middle.  James looks at me, questions in his eyes.  I point to all the cameras across the street.  “Technically, this is the worst seat in the house as all the performances will be staged to face the cameras.”  James nods.  “Moving us to the side means minimal camera time for us.”  I reach up and tug his stocking cap down a little more on his head.  He slouches a little giving me a side long glance with a gleam in his eyes.  I snorfel a giggle. 

He snakes an arm around my waist and lifts my chin with his other hand and kisses me.  “Hey you.”

“Hey you.”

“Happy Thanksgiving.”

I reach up and tenderly kiss him.  “Happy Thanksgiving.”

He just holds me close to him, tucking my head under his chin.

The Broadway theatre presentations start.  I lean into him, “Here we go!”

He’s trying to watch everything at once, “This is kinda exciting!”  After the first performance, James pulls out his phone and discreetly snaps a selfie of us.  After some texting, he pockets his phone.  I look at him.  “The kids.”  I smile and nod.  “And Lars.”  I start giggling.  “Rob.  Kirk.”

“What?  Not your manager?”

His eyes light up, “Oh yeah!”  He pulls his phone out again and another text is sent.  He shows me the response from Kirk.  A middle finger.  “Oops.  He’s in Hawaii.”  I grimace.  He checks once more.  His kids each sent him selfies back.  I watch him as he reads their messages.  He tucks his phone into his inside jacket pocket and takes my hand.

I squeeze it.  “I made a promise to you.”  He kisses the back of my gloved hand.  I lean into his ear, “I will never get between you and your kids.”  His eyes glow as he kisses my hand again.

The sirens of the NYC motorcycle cops echo in the concrete canyon.  “This is the start!”  I spend the next few hours watching him watch the parade.  He tries to watch everything at the same time.  Somewhere in the middle I open the hand warmers slipping one into each glove.  The flurries start just as the end approaches, I get a little excited.  My favorite float.  Santa.  I get giggly and little teary eyed. 

James pulled me into a full on hug.  “You ok?”

Wiping away the tears, “This was our favorite.”

“You and your Grandmother?”  I could only nod.  He just holds me.

As the people began to leave the stands, I tug James hand to keep our seats.  A short time later, Mrs. Corbett shows up.  “Well?  What did you think?” she asked James.

“Wow.”  His face full of joy, “This is an experience.  I am so glad that we came.”  His arm still around my waist.

“Well, someone is waiting to meet you two!”  She smiles at me conspiratorially.  “Let’s go!”  She leads us from the stands to a side door, down a hallway and into what looks like a conference room.  “Wait here just a moment.”  She leaves us there. 

I sit on the table and pull off my cap and gloves tucking them into my coat pockets.  “Did you really enjoy it?”

He grabs my face, “Yes!”  He kisses me.

“I’m glad.”

James pulls off his gloves and loosens his coat and scarf.  Standing between my knees, he pulls me into his chest.  I wrap my arms around him.  No words are needed.  Just being together is enough.

I hear the door open and there’s a soft tap.  James turns and Mrs. Corbett is standing there.  “Are you ready?”

“Yes” I respond sliding off the table and taking James’ hand.  We leave the conference room and are led into a winter wonderland.  There are Christmas trees everywhere covered in all kinds of ornaments – each with a price tag.  We walk slowly through them, me leading James.  His blue eyes seem to sparkle with wonder.  There is no one else in the space.  We move past the last trees and there, on a huge chair that’s almost throne like, sits Santa. 

I keep walking forward.  James looks at me, “The Big Guy, huh?”

“uh huh!” I almost skip the last bit.

“There you are!  I haven’t seen you in a very long time Kira!”

“Hi Santa!”

“And you must be James.”

Almost blushing, James nods.  He gives me a look.  I crinkle my nose at him.

“I understand that this is your first time seeing the Parade in person, James.  Tell me.  What did you think?”  Santa leans forward, hands on his knees.

“Honestly, it was amazing.”  James grins.  “The balloons don’t look that big on the TV.”

“Yes, they would look smaller on TV” Santa chuckles.  “Even on a big screen” he chuckles again.  “I know what this one wants for Christmas” Santa nods towards me, “But what would you like?”

James cocks a look at me, “What do you want?”

I raise my eyebrows at Santa.  “It’s the same request every year.  Snow.  From about 9pm Christmas Eve to about 10am on Christmas Day” Santa chuckles out.  Looking at me, “You know that all I can do is forward your request on to Mother Nature.”

“I do Santa.  And I appreciate that.”

Giving a big belly laugh, “Well, you are a very good girl!”

James kisses my temple, “Yes she is.”

“So, what can I bring you, James.”

He thinks a moment nodding.  “Happiness.  For my kids.”

“I will see what I can do for your three children.” 

I watch as James’ eyebrows almost meet his hairline.  Santa just belly laughs. 

“Thank you, Santa.”

“You are most welcome Kira” Santa says happily.

I look up at James, “You want a photo with the Big Guy?”

James laughs, “Sure!”

Santa laughs again.  Mrs. Corbett appears and takes our phones.  James sits beside Santa and I perch on their knees.  Several snaps are taken on each phone.  I almost trip getting up, but James grabs me.

“Good catch there James!” Santa laughs softly.

“Yes, she is.”  James smiles broadly at Santa.  “Merry Christmas, Big Guy.”

Santa lets out a deep genuine belly laugh, “Ho ho ho!  Big Guy!  Ho ho ho!!!”

Heading back into the trees, I stop to look at the ornaments.  A crystal snowflake catches my eye.  I feel James take my left hand into his.  I collect the ornament.  He kisses my hand.  I look at him.  Then my hand.  There on my ring finger is an eternity band with the sparkliest diamonds I have ever seen.  James slips his hand around my neck and kisses me deeply.  I am in total shock.

“This is not an engagement ring.”  James’ eyes are serious.  “I told you that I’d never marry again.  But,” he looks at my hand, “this is a promise ring.”  I’m confused.  “A promise that I will spend every day earning your forgiveness.”  He kisses me again.  My heart soaring higher.  My insides fluttering hard.  My brain saying ‘Ok, we good’.  He rests his forehead on mine, “Don’t say it.  I can see it in your eyes.  Let me have this.” 

“Ok” squeaks out of me.  “This is just a start then….” 

Smiling, “That’s what I want to hear,” and he kisses me again.  Deeply.  Someone clears their throat.  We both snicker.  Pulling me into his side, we find our way out of the trees.  He pays for my snowflake.  It gets wrapped up and we head to the exit.  The flurries have become an outright snow fall.  He texts Rudy as we make our way to the pick-up corner, both of us pulling on our gloves and doing up our coats.  We did have to stand a few minutes waiting for Rudy.  He was most apologetic.  We assure him that as long as he was safe, that was all that mattered.  Getting to the building, James pays Rudy and probably tips him well.  Morty opens the door for us and we quickly escape the wind and cold.  Getting to the apartment front door, James opens it and we get hit with the smell of roasting turkey.

“Oh man!  That smells wonderful!”  I groan.

James dumps his outer layers on the table and checks the oven.  He uses the meat thermometer.  He smiles broadly.  “Almost done!”

I pull off my outer layers and set about making the rest of dinner.  The yams get popped into the microwave.  The rolls get set in front of the oven vent.  The green beans are set on the stove.  I pull out the pie and set it on the counter.

We both clear off the dining room table of our outer layers.  I show James the rack for drying gloves and scarves in the hallway.  The coats get hung in the hall closet, I make sure that the heater vent is wide open before closing the door.  We set the table together.  My new ring still catches me off guard. 

James checks the bird again, “It’s done!”  He sets it on the butcher block.

“How long does it need to rest?”

“About 20 minutes.”

“Perfect!”  I pull the yams from the microwave and shift them to the oven.  Reaching into the cabinet, I pull out the mini-marshmallows.  James opens the bag and grabs some.  He tosses a couple at me, but I miss catching both.  So he pops several directly into my mouth.

I had to dig for Grandmother’s carving set.  “I haven’t used it in years.”

James takes it, “Wow.  This is an excellent set.”  He sits down with it and sharpens the blade with the whetstone in the box.  I watch him.  He was very intent on making sure that it was done correctly.  I pull out a platter and he sets about carving up the turkey.  I put the marshmallows on the yams.  I put the rest of dinner on the table, the yams last.  James sets the main course in the middle.  I turned the oven off and put the pie in to warm with the door open.  I finally sit down at the table.

He turns to me, holding his hands out to me.  I put my hands in his.  He wraps his fingers around my hands, his right fingers toying with the ring on my left hand.  “It’s tradition to say what you are thankful for before digging in.”  I just nod.  “I am thankful that you wrote that note and that it snowed that night.”  He kisses both my hands.

“I am thankful that you didn’t just slam the door on me.  That you are truly trying to earn my forgiveness.”  I kiss his hands.  Then I wipe away the tear that falls from his eye.

He leans into me and kisses me.  My stomach rumbles.  I snort into our kiss.  He just out right laughs.  “Light or dark?” he asks merrily.

“Both.”

It wasn’t a huge bird, but it wasn’t tiny either.  We managed to do it justice.  Along with the other dishes on the table.  There are leftovers that still got put away.  The dishwasher gets loaded.  We plop onto the sofa.

“Pie?”

James belches, “Not yet.”

I turn on the TV.  We settle on watching the classic black and white Miracle movie.  We both chuckle at the old balloons after seeing the new ones earlier in the day.  Once it was over, James stands and goes into the kitchen, “Pie?”

“Yes please.”

He brings back two plates with pie slices on them totally covered in whipped cream.

“Did the patisserie chef have the night off?”  I deadpan and blink quickly at him.

James actually snorts.  Hard.  I take the plates from him – setting them on the coffee table - as he was laughing so hard.  When he calms, “I knew I wanted a dessert that night, and that’s all I had!”

“It was perfect under the circumstances!”

He bowls into me laying me out flat on the sofa.  His eyes shining.  “This has been the best Thanksgiving I have ever had.”  Our lips meet.  “Ever.”

My hands caress his face, “Me too.”

He grabs my left hand and kisses both my ring and my finger.  Then my mouth.  He shifts his leg over me and I push back.  “What?”

“I gotta pee!”

We detangle ourselves and I run to the closest bathroom.  After washing up, I return to the sofa.  It’s empty.  The flush of another toilet tells me where he is.  I collect a plate from the coffee table and dig into it as James returns to the sofa.  “It’s nice to have several bathrooms so close together” he says, picking up his plate and joining me on the sofa.  I change the channel to the local news.  The parade – was of course – the lead story.  The follow up:  US at the Gala and parade.  We just look at each other.  It wasn’t a long blip, but enough to totally unnerve me.  I was the unknown woman at his side.  He kinda giggles. 

“What?” I squeak.

“I wonder what they would think if they knew that everything was under your name!”

I had to giggle too.

The news carries on into the weather.  Full on snow fall overnight with clearing late Saturday afternoon for the balance of the week.  We both look out the front windows.  It is snowing pretty good.  But small little flakes.  James leans into my ear, “Looks like you got your wish.”

I turn my head to him, “It’s not Christmas Eve.”

I turn off the TV.  We eat our pie watching the snow fall.  I put our plates on the coffeetable.  James stretches out and puts his head in my lap.  I play with his silvered locks.  I look down as he snores softly.  I drag a blanket over his damned long legs and watch the snow.  The day replays for me.  His cooking in the morning.  His hands.  The parade.  Santa.  Dinner.  My ring.  I take the time to really look at it.  The diamonds are set in the middle of a wide silver band.  Between every pair of diamonds is a gold cross or x.  I tug it off.  Inscribed on the inside of the band: Tiffany’s.  I almost drop it on his face.  Slipping it back on my finger, I look at him.  He’d not begged off dinner to come home to me.  He’d begged off dinner to go shopping.  At Tiffany’s.  For me.  I was in shock.  The private flight from Denver.  Dinner from the Tavern.  A ring from Tiffany’s.  He’s spent a fortune on me.  James grunts some and shifts in his sleep, his face turning into my stomach.  I tenderly caress his cheek.  It’s a little scruffy as he didn’t shave this morning.  I smooth his eyebrows.  He sighs in his sleep, his body relaxing a little more.  I sit there in my tiny NY apartment with the megarocksuperstargod snoring in my lap.  My upper arms still bearing the bruises from our escapades yesterday morning.  The ring from Tiffany’s wrapped around my finger.  The memories of Colorado.  The laughter that has built up after.  “Yes, James” I whisper.  “You are doing a great job working on my forgiveness.”  Again, I smooth his eyebrows with my fingertips.  “And I will continue to work on not taking you for granted.”  I don’t remember my eyes closing.

“Hey sleepy head, c’mon.”  James’s voice a sweet rumble in my ear.  I sniff awake.  It’s late.  It’s still snowing.  James is standing in front of me.  “C’mon, lets get comfy in bed.”

I make it off the sofa.  James’ arm guides me to the bedroom.  I tug off my shirt just inside the door.  James pulls his off.  I sit on the bed and pull off my pants.  James is stretching right in front of me.  I undo his pants and they fall off his hips.  James reaches behind me to flip the covers down, “In we go.”  He guides me back into his body.  I tuck my feet under the covers.  He pulls the covers up over us.  I curl up around his arm which doubles as my pillow.  He wraps his other arm around my ribs.  His nose buries into the back of my neck. 

Moments later, we are both snoring softly.

[maccreadysbaby]

A Hundred Days to Become a Wayne

batfamily + oc insert

tw: none

wanna start from chapter one or read more? here’s the table of contents!

short and sweet chapter of bentley feeling out the wayne family dynamic

part twelve

❝ UNDEFEATED CHAMPION ❞

TUESDAY — 7:11AM

BENTLEY WOKE UP WHEN DAMIAN CLOSED HIS DOOR THE NEXT MORNING. The sunshine was dimly filtering through the curtains, turning his room a bright orange. 

“Get out of the way, Drake, you imbecile,”

“Piss off, brat. There’s room for more than one person in the hallway,”

“The sheer size of your idiocy proves otherwise,”

Bentley’s door opened a smidge. He flinched involuntarily before he saw Alfred (the cat) squeeze through the crack. Then — Damian, he assumed — closed it again without coming inside.

He blinked as the cat made a mrrow, trotting over to his bed and hopping up on the mattress. He was already purring.

The clock read 7:12am. Alfred climbed up on his legs and walked into his lap, rubbing his head on Bentley’s shirt. 

Damian just let his cat in there?

Bentley stroked Afred’s fur and realized that Damian had probably heard (or heard of) his inability to sleep. Maybe that’s why he let Alfred in.

Bentley took a moment to revel in the embarrassment of Damian listening to him cry that one night with Bruce, and then got up to change, leaving the cat to curl up on the comforter.

Over the next few minutes, he heard way more pairs of footsteps pad down the hall than he had since he got here. There was a distant exchange of ‘you were the one in my room?’  ‘Finders keepers, loser’ between voices Bentley didn’t recognize. Both of which were girls. There were only three girls in his father’s files, and one of them was basically an assassin. (How many assassins was he going to meet before this was over?)

He assumed they were all going down for breakfast. Seven-thirty seemed to be the time Alfred opted for on school days, and since Bentley slept through the last one, he decided he should probably show up today. Everyone else certainly was.

He quickly changed into a some jeans and a hoodie, petting Alfred a few more times before he opened the door and-

Ran right into someone.

“Oh! You must be Bentley!”

Was everyone going to say that when they met him?

He glanced up, locking eyes with a blonde girl he quickly recognized as Stephanie Brown, aka, Spoiler. Daughter of the supervillain Cluemaster who was defying her destiny. Her bright blonde hair was down in neat waves, blue eyes shining in a similar way to Dick’s. She had on a white top and purple yoga pants. “I’m Stephanie Brown, but you can call me Steph.”

“Hi,” Bentley stated, somewhat awkwardly. He shoved his hands in the pocket of his hoodie and looked down at his shoes.

“Aren’t you just adorable. C’mon, I think Alfred made waffles!” She said excitedly, continuing down the hall toward the stairs. Bentley was afraid she might touch him, like ruffle his hair or pat his shoulder, but she didn’t, and he was grateful. 

He followed Stephanie down the stairs and into the dining room, which was, for lack of better words, bustling with life.

Instead of just Damian, Bruce, and Duke like it had been the first day, Bruce, Jason, Tim, Duke, Damian, a black-haired girl Bentley recognized as Cassandra Cain, and Dick were all piled around the table. Alfred was whizzing in and out, piling the table full of freshly cooked foods, and the room was alive with chatter. Stephanie made for an empty chair and Bentley, a little out of his element, idled in the doorway. He contemplated turning around and going back upstairs, pretending he’d never woken up in the first place, but Dick spotted him before he could.

“Hey, kiddo!”

All the eyes in the room flicked to him momentarily, and he wanted to crawl out of his own skin.

“Good morning, Bentley,” Bruce stated, reaching over and pulling out the chair next to him, the one Bentley always sat in. Tim was on the other side of it. “We’d love for you to join us, if you’re feeling up to it.”

The child kept his deep brown eyes glued to his tennis shoes as he padded across the room toward Bruce. Everyone reverted back to their previous conversations, not paying him much mind, and he was thankful for it.

“How are you feeling?” Bruce questioned softly. Bentley glanced around, relaxing when  he realized literally no one was looking at him anymore.

“Uh, good,” He replied, twisting his hands together in his lap. “…Weird.”

He immediately regretted saying that when Bruce raised his eyebrows. He half-expected a lecture about how admitting things was weak. Surely he should’ve known that by now, his father gave him that lecture all the time, why was he stupid enough to keep doing it? 

Bruce quickly proved his thought process wrong when he muttered: “Sick weird?”

“Huh? Oh… no,” Bentley shook his head. “It’s just different… here. And there’s a lot of people.”

“There are,” Bruce nodded, glancing around the table with a certain fondness in his eyes. “You don’t have to stay if it makes you uncomfortable, no one will be upset.”

Bentley’s father’s voice echoed in his head: I don’t care if you need to use the bathroom, or get hungry, or start dying — you’re staying right there until this is over.

Bentley looked around, just in time to see Jason swat Dick’s hand off his head with a quiet profanity, and catch the tail end of Damian’s rant about how he’s ‘superior to everyone in every conceivable way.’ Cassandra was perched precariously in her chair, she, Tim, and Duke listening to Steph speak more with her hands than her mouth. Someone at the table called Damian a brat but Bentley couldn’t tell who it was. Something about it all felt… more real than anything he’d experienced before.

“I… want to stay,” He replied after a moment. Bruce smiled lightly, his eyes glowing with something Bentley couldn’t quite place.

“Okay,”

“-I know two hundred and fifty-seven different ways to kill you, Todd,”

Bentley glanced back at the rest of the table.

“How are you liking the Manor so far?”

Suddenly, everyone’s eyes were on him again, expecting him to speak. Steph was the one who’d asked — she was smiling softly at him.

“Uh, it’s… good,” Was all he could manage at the moment. “Better than before.”

A pang of sadness reverberated through his chest when he realized it really had been better than before. Better than living with his own father.

Cassandra shrugged. “Well, you’re certainly doing better than Tim, he puked all over Dick’s pants on his first night.”

Tim glared at her from his seat beside Bentley. “I had the flu.”

“You had bad aim,” Jason retorted from across the table.

“We were in the car and he was talking to me!”

“You could’ve looked away to vomit,” Jason continued.

Damian rolled his eyes. “Yet another glaringly obvious example of Drake’s incompetence.”

“Puking makes me incompetent?”

“This is hardly a conversation for the breakfast table,” Alfred added as he whizzed in and out. Everyone had started grabbing different foods from the dishes on the table and making their plates.

“It’s basically a Wayne rite-of-passage to barf on someone in at least your first few months. I think we all did,” Cassandra continued. “It’s usually Dick.”

“He’s very pukable,” Jason added.

Dick shrugged in his chair, stabbing some waffles on the tray in the center of the table and plopping them on his plate. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” 

“Don’t,”

Bentley sat quietly until Tim pulled the waffle tray over so he could reach it.

“I know we haven’t really met yet — I’m Tim,” He stated, smiling lightly. “I would’ve said hi earlier but, you know.”

“Yeah,” Bentley replied. Since it seemed like everyone else at the table had already gotten something, he stealthily stabbed a waffle and slid it onto his plate.

Now that he was sitting right next to Tim, he realized he looked really good to have just been rushed to the doctor last night. He was still kind of flushed, but other than that he looked completely normal.

Suspicious.

“And I’m Cass! Since we’re doing introductions,” Cassandra called from the other side of Tim, waving slightly. Bentley (sort of?) waved back.

“…Hi,”

The conversation died out as everyone ate, Alfred joining them at the table a little bit later. For most of the meal Bentley listened to Steph talk about some college friend or another. He was just glad no one was talking to him.

Before long, Alfred stated that it was nearly time to leave for school. And that set Tim’s internal alarm off, because he was, quote-on-quote, supposed to be gone already. Soon everyone was shuffling around and taking dishes into the kitchen and running upstairs to get stuff and Bentley was left in the dining room with Bruce while chaos ensued around the house. Which he didn’t mind.

“I have a few meetings today, but other than that I’m not going to be in my office much. Is there anything you’d like to do?”

Bentley creased his brow. Did he mean, like, go places? Because he hadn’t been many places. He hadn’t even been in a car all that much, if he really thought about it. Maybe three or four times a year he’d have to go to some big convention or other with his father, if the man didn’t opt for leaving him home alone, which he did more often than not. 

“I heard you’re a master at uno,” He stated, a small smile quirking up on his face. “I’m surprised you beat Damian as many times as you did. But you know who the real undefeated uno champion is?”

Bentley watched Bruce for a moment, half expecting him to say it was him, but he jerked a thumb toward the kitchen where Alfred was humming quietly.

“I think I can coerce him into a round or two if you want. But be warned, he gets pretty into it.”

Bentley smiled slightly, watching as Alfred briefly passed the door with a stack of plates in his hand. It did actually sound, you know, fun to play card games with Bruce and Alfred. 

“…Okay,”

Bruce smiled, rising from the table. “It’s top notch entertainment, if you ask me. I’ll go grab the cards.”

He disappeared from the dining room, and Bentley sighed softly, glancing down at the tabletop again.

He realized that a tiny part of him was starting to like the Wayne’s.

And then he realized he was starting to like the Wayne’s… a little more than he liked his father?

—

dedicated to @sassenashsworld💛

—

tag list (ask in comments and I’ll add your @!)

@fleur-alise

[the-broken-truth]

Late Night Hunt - Yandere Wolf Diana Cavendish x Akko Kagari [Part 2 of 2]

Summary: Diana makes dinner for Atsuko while the two of them catch up after all that time apart. After dinner, Akko tries to leave the manor but Diana makes it clear that Atsuko isn't going anywhere and a hunt ensues.

Broken: Hey, @blee-bleep, I hope you like this part too, please let me know what you think!

[Cavendish Manor's Dining Hall]

Atsuko Kagari wasn't expecting this when she decided to take a look into the most haunted place known in the Hunter Community - she expected some ghosts or spirits, maybe even a vampire; what she got was a Tall Butch Werewolf House Head who happened to be her 'Fiancee' from her childhood. Akko was now sitting in a rather plush and lush chair, looking around at the paintings in the dining hall now that the lights were on - there were images of the manor's previous heads but Akko didn't see one of Diana, she must not have gotten a portrait made for herself yet. Speaking of Diana...

"Sorry it took so long, Atsuko, It's rather difficult to hold knives with hands like mine." Diana said as she walked out of the kitchen with two plates of food in her hands with delicious steaks drizzled in a brown sauce. Diana walked over to the table and placed the food before Akko before placing a wine glass on the right side of the girl's plate and setting her own food down and pulling the wine bottle from under her arm, using her claw on her thumb to open the cork and poured the wine into Akko's glass before doing the same to her own glass. She placed the wine bottle down before sitting in her chair and smiled at Akko with her wolfish teeth on display.

"Um... Thank you, Diana." Akko said as she picked up her knife and knife, cutting the meat and stabbing it with her fork before picking it up, putting it into her mouth, and chewing. Her eyes widened at the flavor, "This is delicious, Diana! I didn't know you could cook that good."

"I'm glad you like it, Atsuko; it's been a while since I've been able to cook for anyone. I'm glad you're here with me now." Diana said as her tail waved around in excitement - Akko looked at the woman's tail before looking at her.

"Um... Diana, what happened to you after you left the school? I hadn't heard from you in a long time." Akko asked causing Diana to look to the ground before she looked at Akko with emotion in her blue eyes.

"A spell went wrong - my appearance was changed and I was sealed away in my own home, unable to go outside and see you anymore. When my aunt and my cousins disappeared, I became the Head of the Cavendish Name and when I hired a detective to look for you, they came up empty and all I had was this manor and the wealth of a Cavendish...but no one to share it with." Diana reached over and grasped Akko's hand in her own - her fur was rather soft, "I'm glad that you are here with me, Atsuko, now we can keep our promise to each other."

"Our Promise?" Akko asked. Diana pointed to the ring around her neck.

"We're getting married, remember? Now, that you have returned to e, we shall get married and procreate the Cavendish Family back to its former glory. I wonder if we will have a son or a daughter first." Diana asked herself as she scratched her chin with a thoughtful look on her face but Akko's face was red like a fire in a fireplace.

"Kids? Diana, we are both females, we can't have kids!" Akko said but Diana just chuckled to her.

"During my time here, I have experimented with potions - I found a potion that allows me to get you pregnant, Atsuko. Maybe we can try it out tonight..." Diana purred as she licked her lips at Akko, who jumped from her seat and shook her head.

"Diana, I...I can't have your children. I'm not ready for something like that." Akko said as she looked back at the door, "I think I should go, Diana; I really need to think about this whole marriage thing."

"Atsuko, you can't leave me. I've waited so long to have you back in my grasp and now that I do, you expect me to let you go?!" Diana roared as she stood up to her full height, glaring down at the one who she's been looking for all this time, "You aren't going anywhere, Atsuko Kagari. You are mine!" Diana pounced at Akko, who turned and started running for her life, "ATSUKO KAGARI!! GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!"

Akko ran down the hallway - her heart pounding - until she reached the foyer, she ran down the stairs and ran to the door before pulling on it but it wasn't opening.

"ATSUKO!" Diana called out from on top of the stairs before stomping down the stairs as Akko pulled on the door, soon the large werewolf grabbed Akko from behind and yanked her away from the door, and pulled her close to her chest before wrapping her arms around the struggling girl. "You aren't going anywhere, Atsuko. Fate has brought you back to me and I'm going to keep you. I'm going to love you and you are going to love me. And I am going to breed you when the time is right. No one is going to take you away from me anymore." Diana turned around and started walking back up the stairs with the struggling girl in her grasp. They were together again...that's all that matters.

[alittlebitofquirk]

I love how my living room turned out. It looks so cozy and dreamy!

𔓘 changed my curtains to all white (need to add a few more so they don't look so stretched). I ahad to drill new holes on the cemented wall to get the proper height for the new curtain rods. These used to be green blinds but they're so hard to clean especially since I have 5 cats and there's always furs around!

𔓘 changed my sofa blanket to this light colored green instead of brown (i love it sm). Got it for 200+ php only and it's so soft!

𔓘 also changed my dining table and chair, though they're a bit pricy— I liked how it added a touch of uniquness to my place!

Overall, I'm satisfied. Still need to re-grout my tiles and repaint the other parts of my house soon. One change at a time 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒

[stardust-swan]

My Dream Home

aka where I'd live if I was rich and had time to maintain all of this

Outside

Powder blue, with murals painted on the side

There will be roses, violets, lavender, petunias, marigolds, peonies, mayflowers, and a cherry blossom tree in the front garden

And tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, blueberries, onions, mint, courgettes, garlic, sage, thyme, basil, lettuce, peas, carrots, and cucumber in the back

Pretty birdbath

A wrought iron bench

Lanterns and string lights to light up the garden at night

A marble or bronze statue of Aphrodite

A calm fountain

Bonsai trees

Bedroom

Satin and silk bedsheets in ballet pink, lavender, baby blue, and duck egg green, and floral quilts and duvet covers

Beaded clothes hangers on the clothes rack

Fluffy fur rugs on the floor

An illuminated vanity with my favourite makeup, perfume, and Pandora charm bracelet on display

A nook for a shrine to Aphrodite

A clothesline of theatre programmes I've gone to on the wall

A large shelf for my collector barbies

A light up shoe rack big enough for my (vast) collection of shoes

Plushies on the bed

My closet and drawers will have sachets of potpourri and scented soaps in them so that my clothes will smell beautiful

A velvet headboard

Heavy drapes on the bed

Kitchen

Delicate floral ceramics in the kitchen

There will always be fresh-baked cookies and pastries for when guests drop in

A cupboard stocked full of herbal teas

Will always have a soup cooking on the stove and a pie cooling on the windowsill

The fridge will be stocked with vegetables and berries from my garden, fresh eggs, whole milk and good butter and cheese, cured meats, smoked salmon, macarons, homemade limoncello and cider, jam made from my own berries, and jugs of water with cucumber, lemon slices, and springs of homemade mint

Other foods will include: an array of spices and herbs, fresh bread, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, green and black olives, brown rice, veg that I canned and pickled myself, kimchi, almond milk, rice milk, mochi, marzipan, white chocolate with raspberries, dried fruits and nuts, honey, and fresh pastries

A six burner stove

Marble countertops

Elegant silverware

Living Room

Homemade throws on the chairs

A large bookshelf and more books on the windowsill

Will always smell delicious because of the candles I burn every evening

Will always be filled with the sound of classical music or jazz

Lots of cushions on the sofas

Sconces with frilled shades on the walls

A dining table with a beautiful centrepiece and elegant table settings

A comfy armchair for me to sit on while reading and crocheting

Bathroom

Jurlique rose handcream and fancy rose-pink soaps by the sink

Fluffy, thick, soft towels in white, pale pink, baby blue, lavender, and mint green

A vanity which has a mirror with soft pink lights, and enough storage space for my creams, body butter, exfoliater, face masks, toner, body mist, etc

Patterned toilet paper

Shower curtains made of silk or satin

Sea salt scented diffusers and a potted plant to make it feel fresh, and aromatherapy candles to make it feel calm

A bidet!

Mosaic tile walls and marble flooring and countertops

A clawfoot bathtub with elegant curves and gold accents

Plush rug next to the bath and a pretty toilet seat cover

Antique bathroom accessories, like a silver soap dish and crystal toothbrush holder

Maritime and botanical themed artwork on the walls

A built in sound system to play relaxing music while I bathe, like classical music, Native American flute music, or my Aphrodite playlist (on days where I'm having a long pampering session).

A large mirror with an ornate frame

A stained glass mirror so nobody can look in

Multiple Rooms/Other

Gilded framed pictures of my loved ones throughout the house

A potted houseplant on the side of each step of the staircase

Wide windows with velvet or satin curtains that let in lots of natural light

Prints by local artists on the walls

Vases of flowers taken from my garden in each room, even on the bathroom counter

Deep, plush carpets on the floor

Soft lighting from salt lamps and fairy lights

South-facing windows, so that the house will be full of light

The walls will be painted in pastel colours or will have a delicate wallpaper

Lots of pretty trinkets on the surfaces

Sapphic artworks that portrays lovers or the female form

Crystal handles on the cabinets and cupboards in the house

Lavender incense

Lace doilies on the side tables

Ribbons and bows everywhere

[magz]

Video Description: A Victorian era child wearing a wide-brimmed hat and white dress, sitting on a junior dining chair. The child is holding an egg cup filled with cat treats.

The child is feeding little treats to a Norwegian Forest Cat / Maine Coon Cat with long brown fur. The cat is perching and jumping on the junior dining chair's tray. The video has no audio and is post-processed from monochrome physical film to have color. End ID.

First cat video ever? 1899, colorized & speed corrected.

[tameblog]

February 04, 2025 Let’s explore the last 5 homes on the 10th annual Tribeza Interiors Tour, a tour of Austin homes that shows off the work of interior designers. This is part 3 of my coverage of the late January tour. (Click for part 1 and part 2 if you want to start there.) Sparrow Interiors At the Sparrow Interiors home in Tarrytown, a red divan under a contemporary portrait grabs your attention in the entry. Echoing touches of red appear in a wood-paneled sitting room (pictured at top), where twin blue sofas face each other. A lighthearted dining room features a pink gallery wall and branch chandelier. This, however, is the dining area I was most drawn to: a round table and banquette with moody blue-and-purple upholstery. A black Murano glass chandelier adds to the goth-romantic vibe. A bar area featured furry wallpaper, Wonderwoods by Arte, that had tour-goers exclaiming and touching it. I’ve seen textured wallpaper, but faux fur is next level. Pastel cranes, deer, and dogs rove under cloud-like trees against a black field. Check out Sparrow’s portfolio for more pics of this bold space. A 3rd dining area confused me — was this a guest wing? — until a docent explained that this curtained space is part of a pool house, with a wall of windows that slides open to make an open-air cabana. Again, check out the designer’s portfolio to see how it all fits together. The beautiful drapery fabric reminds me of Marcia Donahue’s bamboo sculptures. The pool house bathroom is dramatic and spendy with a wallpapered ceiling and vertical tile completely covering the walls. A skylight in the shower brightens the shades-of-brown room. The ceiling is wallpapered with Hoopoe Leaves by Cole & Son. Outside, a pair of beautifully cushioned sofas offers space for lounging by the pool and watching a game. Looking back at the main house, you see two more spaces for enjoying the backyard, a dining deck and covered patio. The patio’s rattan swivel chairs didn’t appear comfortable, so I sat in one to see. Looks are deceiving — it was so comfortable! Lavender and blue fabrics harmonize with the banquette dining area just beyond the window. An elegant powder room draws you in with emerald Greek key wallpaper — It’s Greek to Me by Phillip Jeffries. Gem-like pendants add more glowing green. Clayton Korte At the Clayton Korte house, I admired a front sitting room-turned-library. Floor-to-ceiling corner windows bring the outdoors into the room. Square-framed bookshelves display books and decor. A pillowy chair and a reading table offer options for where to crack a book. Bookshelf styling with Bill Ding stackable clowns. Remember these? This is an art lover’s home, with folk art ceramics and small paintings — including a Lance Letscher pinwheel collage — making a bigger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts display. I was intrigued by a series of cowboy scenes painted on plastic bags. What does it signify? A disposable culture? The Old West living on in microplastics? The ultimate in reuse? I’d like to know more. Jazzy tile in the kitchen includes a wavy pattern on the floor and silvery gray zellige tile curving around the range hood. A retro, bubble-gum pink fridge adds a playful touch. Countertop bouquet and copper pans A bathroom wowed me with floor-to-ceiling penny tile. It even wrapped around tricky framing of the tray ceiling! I can’t remember what this room was — maybe a supply closet? — but I enjoyed the yellow sink and silvery wallpaper, Fruit by Morris & Co. Word art in the hallway brought to mind the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. But upon reflection it evokes for me a drought-stricken West Texas landscape. A commentary on climate change? A restful primary bedroom… …and glam copper tub framed by watery green zellige tile. Peeking out the kitchen window, I admired a calm evergreen plant palette, contemporary paving, and lacy breeze block wall screening the carport. It’s the work of Lattice Studio, recently rebranded from Austin’s Big Red Sun. Heading to the car, I got a closer look through a steel-framed wire fence. I like the trough fountain with copper spout and gently curved stone path in the gravel. BANDD/DESIGN Interiors At the BANDD/DESIGN Interiors home, I admired this bathroom’s Morris & Co.‘s Pimpernel wallpaper, blue stacked tile, and a leather-wrapped mirror and baskets. The airy dining room overlooks a garden patio. And an airy, white bedroom gets cozier with a canopy bed, boucle chairs, and beaded chandelier. The home office got lots of attention with Victorian-style wallpaper swooping down from the ceiling to the top of green-paneled walls. This is Spoonflower’s New Heights paper — really pretty. Pink chinoiserie wallpaper — Avignon by Wallpaperie + The Leslie Style — makes for a dreamy bedroom. A wicker bed and burlap chandelier add natural texture. Avignon detail Cuppett Kilpatrick At the Cuppett Kilpatrick home in Rollingwood, I was drawn to a cozy, textured sofa with gray and mauve pillows. Tactile art above it harmonizes perfectly. The big picture window frames a view of handsome live oaks. A kids’ art table and colorful framed art occupy a nearby alcove. A minimalist tablescape is elevated with a gorgeous GUBI Tynell 1972 Pendant Light with pleated-bamboo shade. An upstairs deck offers a view of a multi-level backyard with artificial lawn… …and a concrete slide and stairs leading down to a putting green. I’m glad to see some living plants on the slope and along the fence. An upstairs den is anchored by a large Cruz Ortiz painting — a cowpoke Hamlet with Yorick skull? In the primary bath, mirrors are suspended in front of a large window. In a girl’s bedroom, Kelly Ventura‘s Shade Blossom pattern appears on the walls, Roman shades, and bedding, set off with sage green trim. The trim color is Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay… …according to a handy spec sheet from the designers. A window with a treehouse view of the live oaks makes a perfect spot for a reading nook. I’d never leave this spot. Another child’s bedroom features blue bunk beds in a green-painted alcove. Ashley Ferguson Interiors I thought I might not have time to see the Ashley Ferguson Interiors house out on Lake Austin, but I made it with 30 minutes to spare. Perched on a steep hillside, the house invites you in via a long stair to the door, which opens onto this floral scene. The painting is by Ali McNabney-Stevens, I think. A moody dining room gives a ’70s vibe. The light looks like a Murano Pebble Pendant by Fabio. A sitting room off the kitchen features four blue armchairs. And a powder bath goes dramatic with a dark-veined sink and raspberry zellige tile. That’s a wrap on my coverage of the 2025 Tribeza Interiors Tour. It was a good one! To read Part 1, click here. And click here for Part 2. I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox! __________________________ Digging Deeper Attend the annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival on March 15th at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Shop for rare plants from the garden’s nursery and select plant vendors. Local artists and artisans as well as food, drink, and demonstrations will also be featured. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children under 12 free. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm; members get early admission at 9 am (memberships available on day of event). Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here! All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

February 04, 2025 Let’s explore the last 5 homes on the 10th annual Tribeza Interiors Tour, a tour of Austin homes that shows off the work of interior designers. This is part 3 of my coverage of the late January tour. (Click for part 1 and part 2 if you want to start there.) Sparrow Interiors At the Sparrow Interiors home in Tarrytown, a red divan under a contemporary portrait grabs your attention in the entry. Echoing touches of red appear in a wood-paneled sitting room (pictured at top), where twin blue sofas face each other. A lighthearted dining room features a pink gallery wall and branch chandelier. This, however, is the dining area I was most drawn to: a round table and banquette with moody blue-and-purple upholstery. A black Murano glass chandelier adds to the goth-romantic vibe. A bar area featured furry wallpaper, Wonderwoods by Arte, that had tour-goers exclaiming and touching it. I’ve seen textured wallpaper, but faux fur is next level. Pastel cranes, deer, and dogs rove under cloud-like trees against a black field. Check out Sparrow’s portfolio for more pics of this bold space. A 3rd dining area confused me — was this a guest wing? — until a docent explained that this curtained space is part of a pool house, with a wall of windows that slides open to make an open-air cabana. Again, check out the designer’s portfolio to see how it all fits together. The beautiful drapery fabric reminds me of Marcia Donahue’s bamboo sculptures. The pool house bathroom is dramatic and spendy with a wallpapered ceiling and vertical tile completely covering the walls. A skylight in the shower brightens the shades-of-brown room. The ceiling is wallpapered with Hoopoe Leaves by Cole & Son. Outside, a pair of beautifully cushioned sofas offers space for lounging by the pool and watching a game. Looking back at the main house, you see two more spaces for enjoying the backyard, a dining deck and covered patio. The patio’s rattan swivel chairs didn’t appear comfortable, so I sat in one to see. Looks are deceiving — it was so comfortable! Lavender and blue fabrics harmonize with the banquette dining area just beyond the window. An elegant powder room draws you in with emerald Greek key wallpaper — It’s Greek to Me by Phillip Jeffries. Gem-like pendants add more glowing green. Clayton Korte At the Clayton Korte house, I admired a front sitting room-turned-library. Floor-to-ceiling corner windows bring the outdoors into the room. Square-framed bookshelves display books and decor. A pillowy chair and a reading table offer options for where to crack a book. Bookshelf styling with Bill Ding stackable clowns. Remember these? This is an art lover’s home, with folk art ceramics and small paintings — including a Lance Letscher pinwheel collage — making a bigger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts display. I was intrigued by a series of cowboy scenes painted on plastic bags. What does it signify? A disposable culture? The Old West living on in microplastics? The ultimate in reuse? I’d like to know more. Jazzy tile in the kitchen includes a wavy pattern on the floor and silvery gray zellige tile curving around the range hood. A retro, bubble-gum pink fridge adds a playful touch. Countertop bouquet and copper pans A bathroom wowed me with floor-to-ceiling penny tile. It even wrapped around tricky framing of the tray ceiling! I can’t remember what this room was — maybe a supply closet? — but I enjoyed the yellow sink and silvery wallpaper, Fruit by Morris & Co. Word art in the hallway brought to mind the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. But upon reflection it evokes for me a drought-stricken West Texas landscape. A commentary on climate change? A restful primary bedroom… …and glam copper tub framed by watery green zellige tile. Peeking out the kitchen window, I admired a calm evergreen plant palette, contemporary paving, and lacy breeze block wall screening the carport. It’s the work of Lattice Studio, recently rebranded from Austin’s Big Red Sun. Heading to the car, I got a closer look through a steel-framed wire fence. I like the trough fountain with copper spout and gently curved stone path in the gravel. BANDD/DESIGN Interiors At the BANDD/DESIGN Interiors home, I admired this bathroom’s Morris & Co.‘s Pimpernel wallpaper, blue stacked tile, and a leather-wrapped mirror and baskets. The airy dining room overlooks a garden patio. And an airy, white bedroom gets cozier with a canopy bed, boucle chairs, and beaded chandelier. The home office got lots of attention with Victorian-style wallpaper swooping down from the ceiling to the top of green-paneled walls. This is Spoonflower’s New Heights paper — really pretty. Pink chinoiserie wallpaper — Avignon by Wallpaperie + The Leslie Style — makes for a dreamy bedroom. A wicker bed and burlap chandelier add natural texture. Avignon detail Cuppett Kilpatrick At the Cuppett Kilpatrick home in Rollingwood, I was drawn to a cozy, textured sofa with gray and mauve pillows. Tactile art above it harmonizes perfectly. The big picture window frames a view of handsome live oaks. A kids’ art table and colorful framed art occupy a nearby alcove. A minimalist tablescape is elevated with a gorgeous GUBI Tynell 1972 Pendant Light with pleated-bamboo shade. An upstairs deck offers a view of a multi-level backyard with artificial lawn… …and a concrete slide and stairs leading down to a putting green. I’m glad to see some living plants on the slope and along the fence. An upstairs den is anchored by a large Cruz Ortiz painting — a cowpoke Hamlet with Yorick skull? In the primary bath, mirrors are suspended in front of a large window. In a girl’s bedroom, Kelly Ventura‘s Shade Blossom pattern appears on the walls, Roman shades, and bedding, set off with sage green trim. The trim color is Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay… …according to a handy spec sheet from the designers. A window with a treehouse view of the live oaks makes a perfect spot for a reading nook. I’d never leave this spot. Another child’s bedroom features blue bunk beds in a green-painted alcove. Ashley Ferguson Interiors I thought I might not have time to see the Ashley Ferguson Interiors house out on Lake Austin, but I made it with 30 minutes to spare. Perched on a steep hillside, the house invites you in via a long stair to the door, which opens onto this floral scene. The painting is by Ali McNabney-Stevens, I think. A moody dining room gives a ’70s vibe. The light looks like a Murano Pebble Pendant by Fabio. A sitting room off the kitchen features four blue armchairs. And a powder bath goes dramatic with a dark-veined sink and raspberry zellige tile. That’s a wrap on my coverage of the 2025 Tribeza Interiors Tour. It was a good one! To read Part 1, click here. And click here for Part 2. I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox! __________________________ Digging Deeper Attend the annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival on March 15th at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Shop for rare plants from the garden’s nursery and select plant vendors. Local artists and artisans as well as food, drink, and demonstrations will also be featured. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children under 12 free. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm; members get early admission at 9 am (memberships available on day of event). Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here! All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Source link

[alexha2210]

February 04, 2025 Let’s explore the last 5 homes on the 10th annual Tribeza Interiors Tour, a tour of Austin homes that shows off the work of interior designers. This is part 3 of my coverage of the late January tour. (Click for part 1 and part 2 if you want to start there.) Sparrow Interiors At the Sparrow Interiors home in Tarrytown, a red divan under a contemporary portrait grabs your attention in the entry. Echoing touches of red appear in a wood-paneled sitting room (pictured at top), where twin blue sofas face each other. A lighthearted dining room features a pink gallery wall and branch chandelier. This, however, is the dining area I was most drawn to: a round table and banquette with moody blue-and-purple upholstery. A black Murano glass chandelier adds to the goth-romantic vibe. A bar area featured furry wallpaper, Wonderwoods by Arte, that had tour-goers exclaiming and touching it. I’ve seen textured wallpaper, but faux fur is next level. Pastel cranes, deer, and dogs rove under cloud-like trees against a black field. Check out Sparrow’s portfolio for more pics of this bold space. A 3rd dining area confused me — was this a guest wing? — until a docent explained that this curtained space is part of a pool house, with a wall of windows that slides open to make an open-air cabana. Again, check out the designer’s portfolio to see how it all fits together. The beautiful drapery fabric reminds me of Marcia Donahue’s bamboo sculptures. The pool house bathroom is dramatic and spendy with a wallpapered ceiling and vertical tile completely covering the walls. A skylight in the shower brightens the shades-of-brown room. The ceiling is wallpapered with Hoopoe Leaves by Cole & Son. Outside, a pair of beautifully cushioned sofas offers space for lounging by the pool and watching a game. Looking back at the main house, you see two more spaces for enjoying the backyard, a dining deck and covered patio. The patio’s rattan swivel chairs didn’t appear comfortable, so I sat in one to see. Looks are deceiving — it was so comfortable! Lavender and blue fabrics harmonize with the banquette dining area just beyond the window. An elegant powder room draws you in with emerald Greek key wallpaper — It’s Greek to Me by Phillip Jeffries. Gem-like pendants add more glowing green. Clayton Korte At the Clayton Korte house, I admired a front sitting room-turned-library. Floor-to-ceiling corner windows bring the outdoors into the room. Square-framed bookshelves display books and decor. A pillowy chair and a reading table offer options for where to crack a book. Bookshelf styling with Bill Ding stackable clowns. Remember these? This is an art lover’s home, with folk art ceramics and small paintings — including a Lance Letscher pinwheel collage — making a bigger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts display. I was intrigued by a series of cowboy scenes painted on plastic bags. What does it signify? A disposable culture? The Old West living on in microplastics? The ultimate in reuse? I’d like to know more. Jazzy tile in the kitchen includes a wavy pattern on the floor and silvery gray zellige tile curving around the range hood. A retro, bubble-gum pink fridge adds a playful touch. Countertop bouquet and copper pans A bathroom wowed me with floor-to-ceiling penny tile. It even wrapped around tricky framing of the tray ceiling! I can’t remember what this room was — maybe a supply closet? — but I enjoyed the yellow sink and silvery wallpaper, Fruit by Morris & Co. Word art in the hallway brought to mind the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. But upon reflection it evokes for me a drought-stricken West Texas landscape. A commentary on climate change? A restful primary bedroom… …and glam copper tub framed by watery green zellige tile. Peeking out the kitchen window, I admired a calm evergreen plant palette, contemporary paving, and lacy breeze block wall screening the carport. It’s the work of Lattice Studio, recently rebranded from Austin’s Big Red Sun. Heading to the car, I got a closer look through a steel-framed wire fence. I like the trough fountain with copper spout and gently curved stone path in the gravel. BANDD/DESIGN Interiors At the BANDD/DESIGN Interiors home, I admired this bathroom’s Morris & Co.‘s Pimpernel wallpaper, blue stacked tile, and a leather-wrapped mirror and baskets. The airy dining room overlooks a garden patio. And an airy, white bedroom gets cozier with a canopy bed, boucle chairs, and beaded chandelier. The home office got lots of attention with Victorian-style wallpaper swooping down from the ceiling to the top of green-paneled walls. This is Spoonflower’s New Heights paper — really pretty. Pink chinoiserie wallpaper — Avignon by Wallpaperie + The Leslie Style — makes for a dreamy bedroom. A wicker bed and burlap chandelier add natural texture. Avignon detail Cuppett Kilpatrick At the Cuppett Kilpatrick home in Rollingwood, I was drawn to a cozy, textured sofa with gray and mauve pillows. Tactile art above it harmonizes perfectly. The big picture window frames a view of handsome live oaks. A kids’ art table and colorful framed art occupy a nearby alcove. A minimalist tablescape is elevated with a gorgeous GUBI Tynell 1972 Pendant Light with pleated-bamboo shade. An upstairs deck offers a view of a multi-level backyard with artificial lawn… …and a concrete slide and stairs leading down to a putting green. I’m glad to see some living plants on the slope and along the fence. An upstairs den is anchored by a large Cruz Ortiz painting — a cowpoke Hamlet with Yorick skull? In the primary bath, mirrors are suspended in front of a large window. In a girl’s bedroom, Kelly Ventura‘s Shade Blossom pattern appears on the walls, Roman shades, and bedding, set off with sage green trim. The trim color is Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay… …according to a handy spec sheet from the designers. A window with a treehouse view of the live oaks makes a perfect spot for a reading nook. I’d never leave this spot. Another child’s bedroom features blue bunk beds in a green-painted alcove. Ashley Ferguson Interiors I thought I might not have time to see the Ashley Ferguson Interiors house out on Lake Austin, but I made it with 30 minutes to spare. Perched on a steep hillside, the house invites you in via a long stair to the door, which opens onto this floral scene. The painting is by Ali McNabney-Stevens, I think. A moody dining room gives a ’70s vibe. The light looks like a Murano Pebble Pendant by Fabio. A sitting room off the kitchen features four blue armchairs. And a powder bath goes dramatic with a dark-veined sink and raspberry zellige tile. That’s a wrap on my coverage of the 2025 Tribeza Interiors Tour. It was a good one! To read Part 1, click here. And click here for Part 2. I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox! __________________________ Digging Deeper Attend the annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival on March 15th at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Shop for rare plants from the garden’s nursery and select plant vendors. Local artists and artisans as well as food, drink, and demonstrations will also be featured. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children under 12 free. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm; members get early admission at 9 am (memberships available on day of event). Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here! All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Source link

[angusstory]

February 04, 2025 Let’s explore the last 5 homes on the 10th annual Tribeza Interiors Tour, a tour of Austin homes that shows off the work of interior designers. This is part 3 of my coverage of the late January tour. (Click for part 1 and part 2 if you want to start there.) Sparrow Interiors At the Sparrow Interiors home in Tarrytown, a red divan under a contemporary portrait grabs your attention in the entry. Echoing touches of red appear in a wood-paneled sitting room (pictured at top), where twin blue sofas face each other. A lighthearted dining room features a pink gallery wall and branch chandelier. This, however, is the dining area I was most drawn to: a round table and banquette with moody blue-and-purple upholstery. A black Murano glass chandelier adds to the goth-romantic vibe. A bar area featured furry wallpaper, Wonderwoods by Arte, that had tour-goers exclaiming and touching it. I’ve seen textured wallpaper, but faux fur is next level. Pastel cranes, deer, and dogs rove under cloud-like trees against a black field. Check out Sparrow’s portfolio for more pics of this bold space. A 3rd dining area confused me — was this a guest wing? — until a docent explained that this curtained space is part of a pool house, with a wall of windows that slides open to make an open-air cabana. Again, check out the designer’s portfolio to see how it all fits together. The beautiful drapery fabric reminds me of Marcia Donahue’s bamboo sculptures. The pool house bathroom is dramatic and spendy with a wallpapered ceiling and vertical tile completely covering the walls. A skylight in the shower brightens the shades-of-brown room. The ceiling is wallpapered with Hoopoe Leaves by Cole & Son. Outside, a pair of beautifully cushioned sofas offers space for lounging by the pool and watching a game. Looking back at the main house, you see two more spaces for enjoying the backyard, a dining deck and covered patio. The patio’s rattan swivel chairs didn’t appear comfortable, so I sat in one to see. Looks are deceiving — it was so comfortable! Lavender and blue fabrics harmonize with the banquette dining area just beyond the window. An elegant powder room draws you in with emerald Greek key wallpaper — It’s Greek to Me by Phillip Jeffries. Gem-like pendants add more glowing green. Clayton Korte At the Clayton Korte house, I admired a front sitting room-turned-library. Floor-to-ceiling corner windows bring the outdoors into the room. Square-framed bookshelves display books and decor. A pillowy chair and a reading table offer options for where to crack a book. Bookshelf styling with Bill Ding stackable clowns. Remember these? This is an art lover’s home, with folk art ceramics and small paintings — including a Lance Letscher pinwheel collage — making a bigger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts display. I was intrigued by a series of cowboy scenes painted on plastic bags. What does it signify? A disposable culture? The Old West living on in microplastics? The ultimate in reuse? I’d like to know more. Jazzy tile in the kitchen includes a wavy pattern on the floor and silvery gray zellige tile curving around the range hood. A retro, bubble-gum pink fridge adds a playful touch. Countertop bouquet and copper pans A bathroom wowed me with floor-to-ceiling penny tile. It even wrapped around tricky framing of the tray ceiling! I can’t remember what this room was — maybe a supply closet? — but I enjoyed the yellow sink and silvery wallpaper, Fruit by Morris & Co. Word art in the hallway brought to mind the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. But upon reflection it evokes for me a drought-stricken West Texas landscape. A commentary on climate change? A restful primary bedroom… …and glam copper tub framed by watery green zellige tile. Peeking out the kitchen window, I admired a calm evergreen plant palette, contemporary paving, and lacy breeze block wall screening the carport. It’s the work of Lattice Studio, recently rebranded from Austin’s Big Red Sun. Heading to the car, I got a closer look through a steel-framed wire fence. I like the trough fountain with copper spout and gently curved stone path in the gravel. BANDD/DESIGN Interiors At the BANDD/DESIGN Interiors home, I admired this bathroom’s Morris & Co.‘s Pimpernel wallpaper, blue stacked tile, and a leather-wrapped mirror and baskets. The airy dining room overlooks a garden patio. And an airy, white bedroom gets cozier with a canopy bed, boucle chairs, and beaded chandelier. The home office got lots of attention with Victorian-style wallpaper swooping down from the ceiling to the top of green-paneled walls. This is Spoonflower’s New Heights paper — really pretty. Pink chinoiserie wallpaper — Avignon by Wallpaperie + The Leslie Style — makes for a dreamy bedroom. A wicker bed and burlap chandelier add natural texture. Avignon detail Cuppett Kilpatrick At the Cuppett Kilpatrick home in Rollingwood, I was drawn to a cozy, textured sofa with gray and mauve pillows. Tactile art above it harmonizes perfectly. The big picture window frames a view of handsome live oaks. A kids’ art table and colorful framed art occupy a nearby alcove. A minimalist tablescape is elevated with a gorgeous GUBI Tynell 1972 Pendant Light with pleated-bamboo shade. An upstairs deck offers a view of a multi-level backyard with artificial lawn… …and a concrete slide and stairs leading down to a putting green. I’m glad to see some living plants on the slope and along the fence. An upstairs den is anchored by a large Cruz Ortiz painting — a cowpoke Hamlet with Yorick skull? In the primary bath, mirrors are suspended in front of a large window. In a girl’s bedroom, Kelly Ventura‘s Shade Blossom pattern appears on the walls, Roman shades, and bedding, set off with sage green trim. The trim color is Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay… …according to a handy spec sheet from the designers. A window with a treehouse view of the live oaks makes a perfect spot for a reading nook. I’d never leave this spot. Another child’s bedroom features blue bunk beds in a green-painted alcove. Ashley Ferguson Interiors I thought I might not have time to see the Ashley Ferguson Interiors house out on Lake Austin, but I made it with 30 minutes to spare. Perched on a steep hillside, the house invites you in via a long stair to the door, which opens onto this floral scene. The painting is by Ali McNabney-Stevens, I think. A moody dining room gives a ’70s vibe. The light looks like a Murano Pebble Pendant by Fabio. A sitting room off the kitchen features four blue armchairs. And a powder bath goes dramatic with a dark-veined sink and raspberry zellige tile. That’s a wrap on my coverage of the 2025 Tribeza Interiors Tour. It was a good one! To read Part 1, click here. And click here for Part 2. I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox! __________________________ Digging Deeper Attend the annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival on March 15th at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Shop for rare plants from the garden’s nursery and select plant vendors. Local artists and artisans as well as food, drink, and demonstrations will also be featured. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children under 12 free. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm; members get early admission at 9 am (memberships available on day of event). Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here! All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Source link

[tumibaba]

February 04, 2025 Let’s explore the last 5 homes on the 10th annual Tribeza Interiors Tour, a tour of Austin homes that shows off the work of interior designers. This is part 3 of my coverage of the late January tour. (Click for part 1 and part 2 if you want to start there.) Sparrow Interiors At the Sparrow Interiors home in Tarrytown, a red divan under a contemporary portrait grabs your attention in the entry. Echoing touches of red appear in a wood-paneled sitting room (pictured at top), where twin blue sofas face each other. A lighthearted dining room features a pink gallery wall and branch chandelier. This, however, is the dining area I was most drawn to: a round table and banquette with moody blue-and-purple upholstery. A black Murano glass chandelier adds to the goth-romantic vibe. A bar area featured furry wallpaper, Wonderwoods by Arte, that had tour-goers exclaiming and touching it. I’ve seen textured wallpaper, but faux fur is next level. Pastel cranes, deer, and dogs rove under cloud-like trees against a black field. Check out Sparrow’s portfolio for more pics of this bold space. A 3rd dining area confused me — was this a guest wing? — until a docent explained that this curtained space is part of a pool house, with a wall of windows that slides open to make an open-air cabana. Again, check out the designer’s portfolio to see how it all fits together. The beautiful drapery fabric reminds me of Marcia Donahue’s bamboo sculptures. The pool house bathroom is dramatic and spendy with a wallpapered ceiling and vertical tile completely covering the walls. A skylight in the shower brightens the shades-of-brown room. The ceiling is wallpapered with Hoopoe Leaves by Cole & Son. Outside, a pair of beautifully cushioned sofas offers space for lounging by the pool and watching a game. Looking back at the main house, you see two more spaces for enjoying the backyard, a dining deck and covered patio. The patio’s rattan swivel chairs didn’t appear comfortable, so I sat in one to see. Looks are deceiving — it was so comfortable! Lavender and blue fabrics harmonize with the banquette dining area just beyond the window. An elegant powder room draws you in with emerald Greek key wallpaper — It’s Greek to Me by Phillip Jeffries. Gem-like pendants add more glowing green. Clayton Korte At the Clayton Korte house, I admired a front sitting room-turned-library. Floor-to-ceiling corner windows bring the outdoors into the room. Square-framed bookshelves display books and decor. A pillowy chair and a reading table offer options for where to crack a book. Bookshelf styling with Bill Ding stackable clowns. Remember these? This is an art lover’s home, with folk art ceramics and small paintings — including a Lance Letscher pinwheel collage — making a bigger-than-the-sum-of-its-parts display. I was intrigued by a series of cowboy scenes painted on plastic bags. What does it signify? A disposable culture? The Old West living on in microplastics? The ultimate in reuse? I’d like to know more. Jazzy tile in the kitchen includes a wavy pattern on the floor and silvery gray zellige tile curving around the range hood. A retro, bubble-gum pink fridge adds a playful touch. Countertop bouquet and copper pans A bathroom wowed me with floor-to-ceiling penny tile. It even wrapped around tricky framing of the tray ceiling! I can’t remember what this room was — maybe a supply closet? — but I enjoyed the yellow sink and silvery wallpaper, Fruit by Morris & Co. Word art in the hallway brought to mind the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. But upon reflection it evokes for me a drought-stricken West Texas landscape. A commentary on climate change? A restful primary bedroom… …and glam copper tub framed by watery green zellige tile. Peeking out the kitchen window, I admired a calm evergreen plant palette, contemporary paving, and lacy breeze block wall screening the carport. It’s the work of Lattice Studio, recently rebranded from Austin’s Big Red Sun. Heading to the car, I got a closer look through a steel-framed wire fence. I like the trough fountain with copper spout and gently curved stone path in the gravel. BANDD/DESIGN Interiors At the BANDD/DESIGN Interiors home, I admired this bathroom’s Morris & Co.‘s Pimpernel wallpaper, blue stacked tile, and a leather-wrapped mirror and baskets. The airy dining room overlooks a garden patio. And an airy, white bedroom gets cozier with a canopy bed, boucle chairs, and beaded chandelier. The home office got lots of attention with Victorian-style wallpaper swooping down from the ceiling to the top of green-paneled walls. This is Spoonflower’s New Heights paper — really pretty. Pink chinoiserie wallpaper — Avignon by Wallpaperie + The Leslie Style — makes for a dreamy bedroom. A wicker bed and burlap chandelier add natural texture. Avignon detail Cuppett Kilpatrick At the Cuppett Kilpatrick home in Rollingwood, I was drawn to a cozy, textured sofa with gray and mauve pillows. Tactile art above it harmonizes perfectly. The big picture window frames a view of handsome live oaks. A kids’ art table and colorful framed art occupy a nearby alcove. A minimalist tablescape is elevated with a gorgeous GUBI Tynell 1972 Pendant Light with pleated-bamboo shade. An upstairs deck offers a view of a multi-level backyard with artificial lawn… …and a concrete slide and stairs leading down to a putting green. I’m glad to see some living plants on the slope and along the fence. An upstairs den is anchored by a large Cruz Ortiz painting — a cowpoke Hamlet with Yorick skull? In the primary bath, mirrors are suspended in front of a large window. In a girl’s bedroom, Kelly Ventura‘s Shade Blossom pattern appears on the walls, Roman shades, and bedding, set off with sage green trim. The trim color is Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay… …according to a handy spec sheet from the designers. A window with a treehouse view of the live oaks makes a perfect spot for a reading nook. I’d never leave this spot. Another child’s bedroom features blue bunk beds in a green-painted alcove. Ashley Ferguson Interiors I thought I might not have time to see the Ashley Ferguson Interiors house out on Lake Austin, but I made it with 30 minutes to spare. Perched on a steep hillside, the house invites you in via a long stair to the door, which opens onto this floral scene. The painting is by Ali McNabney-Stevens, I think. A moody dining room gives a ’70s vibe. The light looks like a Murano Pebble Pendant by Fabio. A sitting room off the kitchen features four blue armchairs. And a powder bath goes dramatic with a dark-veined sink and raspberry zellige tile. That’s a wrap on my coverage of the 2025 Tribeza Interiors Tour. It was a good one! To read Part 1, click here. And click here for Part 2. I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox! __________________________ Digging Deeper Attend the annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival on March 15th at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Shop for rare plants from the garden’s nursery and select plant vendors. Local artists and artisans as well as food, drink, and demonstrations will also be featured. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children under 12 free. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm; members get early admission at 9 am (memberships available on day of event). Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here! All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. Source link