#butterfly leaf dining table

[lelengerine]

pairing. sohee x reader

synopsis. it’s difficult to keep your feelings to yourself, especially when it starts ticking like a bomb that's ready to explode any minute

genre. royalty au? (more like dukedom…), wonbin is reader’s older brother, insecurities on being less favored, reader is described to be fem-bodied however there’s no specific pronouns mentioned, a lot of pining, mentions of food, lmk if anything else was missed <3

wc. 2.3k words

notes. have a small sohee oneshot because i wrote this after seeing him live and he was so good like ahhh i love him sm sm i could ramble about him all day TT likes and feedback are highly appreciated!

m.list

one step.

two steps.

three steps.

the echo of your heels clattering against the polished marble of your chambers filled the air as you paced back and forth, your hair slightly damp from the bath you had just taken, and your corset still unfastened at the waist. despite the myriad tasks that awaited you in preparation for the evening, an unmistakable restlessness gripped you. the dinner that loomed ahead was no ordinary family gathering. no, this was something far more significant—at least, to you.

tonight, you were to dine with the lees.

the lees were esteemed members of society, the custodians of one of the rare grand dukedoms in the kingdom—the only other belonging to your family—thus, it came as no surprise to anyone that your estates were nestled side by side. though the vast expanses of land surrounding each manor often made them feel worlds apart, this proximity led to spontaneous invitations like the one extended to your parents earlier that day.

nervousness always accompanied your encounters with the lees, not because of unfamiliarity, but quite the contrary. they welcomed you warmly whenever you visited, their kindness unwavering. you held their family in high regard, but a certain kind of affection lingered in your heart for their only son.

lee sohee.

your first encounter unfolded in the tulip gardens of your estate during one of your mother’s monthly tea parties. as a child, your preference laid in frolicking outdoors rather than sitting still at the adult table, sipping apple juice as they chattered on matters that did not concern you one bit. clad in a sundress made of flowy material and carrying a dainty parasol—as your mother had insisted you take with your person—you wandered off to the gardens as if it was routine.

there was a particular spot at the far end of the garden where a grand peach tree stood, and you often found solace beneath its branches. it was there you discovered him, a stray leaf caught in his hair as he slumbered in the shade. yet, as if sensing your presence, his eyes slowly fluttered open, adjusting to the light. he rubbed them gently before bestowing upon you a wide, toothy grin.

you stood captivated, unable to move at the sight before you. could someone radiate such sweetness that it sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach? your younger self would have answered an unwavering yes.

sensing your surprise, he rose gracefully and approached you. “hi, i’m lee sohee!” he said before gesturing back toward the lively party you had come from. “my mom’s attending the tea party over there—i hope i’m not intruding over here…” although you were both young, an innocent and gentle aura surrounded him, making you feel light and giddy.

“not at all,” you managed to whisper, offering a shy smile. “my mother is hosting the tea party, you see.”

“oh, so you’re one of the park children?” he exclaimed, his eyes wide and glossy with curiosity.

“yes, my brother is wonbin. though many say we don’t look much alike,” you confided softly, recalling the times your brother’s looks were praised while you stood quietly beside him during the few times you attended galas in which your whole family’s attendance was required.

“but you’re really pretty,” he blurted out, quickly covering his mouth with the palms of his hands. subsequently, his words left you flustered, your cheeks warming at the unexpected compliment. you weren’t used to such remarks. how were you supposed to respond to such praise? noticing your silence, sohee worried he might have said something he shouldn’t have. “sorry, i tend to speak my mind too often. my father says it’s a bad habit to be a blabbermouth, but—”

“thank you.” your soft reply halted his apology, and he smiled as your face brightened with a smile and light laughter bubbled forth. “no one really ever tells me that, so i truly appreciate your kind sentiment.”

from that day on, a close bond formed between you, the memory of your first meeting remaining a cherished treasure even as the years passed. you liked to think that your feelings for him had taken root since then, though the exact moment they blossomed into your consciousness was difficult to pinpoint. still, they say timing is unimportant; what mattered was the certainty of your feelings—and you were more than certain.

“y/n! mother says we ought to leave soon!” your brother’s voice seeps through the crack in your door. “please tell me you’re nearly ready.” he sounded as if he were pleading, though you knew he was simply being his dramatic self.

“just five minutes, bin! i promise!” you chuckled at your brother’s antics, rolling your eyes at him. 

“good. that’s all the time you’ll get from me anyways.”

“alright, you grumpy old man.”

“i heard that! i’m merely two years older than you are!”

if anyone were to overhear the conversation between you and your brother, they might’ve scolded you for failing to uphold the decorum expected of those in your social standing. yet, the very act of defying such constraints made your sibling bond all the more liberating. neither of you gave much thought to the rigid social hierarchy anyways, preferring the comfort of each other’s company instead.

stepping out of your room, you found wonbin waiting, his arm offered for you to take. together, you made your way out of the estate, joining your parents as you headed towards sohee’s family home. the walk was far from lengthy, and soon you were a few steps before the grand entrance.

a staff member ushered you to the main dining hall, where you were guided to your seats. sohee’s family appeared shortly after, and pleasantries were exchanged among the parents, their voices filled with warmth as they caught up on each other’s lives. your eyes met sohee’s, and he gifted you that familiar smile, with a touch of boyish charm now that he’s grown older.

after greeting your parents, sohee made his way straight to you. “i missed you,” he murmured softly in your ear, his warm breath sending a gentle shiver down your spine. had it not been for the tight-knit relationship between your families, outsiders would have already put you both to shame—two diamonds of society spending time together in broad daylight without actual affirmation to be wed in the near future? the ridicule you would both receive was bound to be tremendous, and you’re not sure if sohee simply chooses for ignorance to plague him. you’re no stickler to society etiquette either, but you were still taught the ropes of how to survive the eyes of many should you be put in the spotlight nonetheless, and this was on top of the list of things you shouldn’t even have thoughts of comitting.

you could only nod, nervous about responding and fearing that your voice might betray you. “what’s with the mundane response? aren’t you glad to see your best friend?” he asked, a playful pout on his lips as he leaned on the table, resting his chin in his hand.

“no, that’s not it!” you quickly shook your head to dismiss his worries. “i missed you too, i suppose.”

“you suppose?” he teased, raising an eyebrow. “would it hurt you to be direct for once?” though his tone was light-hearted, his words planted a seed of hurt and frustration within you. how could you be direct with him when you feared your tongue may accidentally slip your feelings for everyone to hear? you were only but a cherished friend whose company he enjoyed when time would allow you two to meet. how could you hope to speak the truth that lies beneath the surface when your heart yearns for more than what your words could imply?

sohee wore that familiar expression again, the same one he had when he first saw you all those years ago in the garden, standing frozen in place. “are you okay?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

“i’m fine. sorry.” your voice was barely audible, mentally chiding yourself for dampening the mood. this was precisely why you felt so nervous earlier–the last thing you wanted was to ruin dinner–and yet, here you were.

he nodded gently, choosing not to press for answers, offering you a quiet moment of understanding instead which you silently thanked him for.

the rest of the meal carried the same atmosphere, an awkward tension flooding your senses with every bite of food you took. your mind was busy with thought after thought. perhaps sohee wouldn’t like to meet with you as often anymore after your not-so-pleasing attitude tonight–you wouldn’t blame him. you’ve been nothing but tongue tied around him, not only during this specific dinner but even during the last meeting that was organized by your families as well. perhaps, after this, he would start to avoid your gatherings altogether—the very idea made your stomach churn, and the platter of food before you suddenly seemed far less appetizing than it originally was.

you abruptly stand up from your seat, surprising everyone as you politely excuse yourself from the table before rushing out to find the nearest exit.

fresh air. that’ll definitely easen up your mood, you repeatedly tell yourself as if trying to console whatever you’re feeling.

you approach a nearby balcony and decide to lean on its railings, taking in the peaceful view of sohee’s estate it offers from its height. you start feeling a little better, till you hear the faint sound of footsteps approaching. you assume your brother was sent to check on you, turning on your heel. “bin, i’m alright-” oh, it wasn’t your brother. instead, it was the last person you wanted to see at the moment. 

sohee’s standing in front of you. the realization hits you a little later than you would have liked, leaving you with no room to try and escape your best friend’s clutches. “can we please talk?”

“what’s there to talk about?” this was the first time sohee had been exposed to this side of you. the you who was dismissive and gave out curt, uninterested replies. “i have nothing to explain.”

he’s a little taken aback but decides to stand his ground. “but you do. look- if it happens to be something i’ve done, then-”

“you’ve done nothing of ill interest.”

“then pray tell what’s bothering you.”

“…how would you describe someone who so desperately wishes a certain person would look their way no matter what, even for the slightest bit?” you start off, facing him properly as you try reading his reactions, “that the simplest of gestures make their heart burst out of their chest to the point the sound of their heartbeat envelops them whole like a never-ending mantra? that their thoughts are constantly filled by that certain person, whether that be in the most inconvenient times or not? that they’d pray to the gods above for an inkling of reciprocation, even if it seems almost delusional.”

“then… i’d say they’re in love.” he breathes out his answer after thinking it through and you take a deep breath in return–preparing yourself for whatever may come after your next few words.

“i suppose that means i’m in love.” and for the first time tonight, your chest feels the burden slowly lift off like it was never there in the first place–the feeling of relief slowly but surely filling the hole that was once there. “and it just so happens that the person my heart yearns for is you. i understand if you’d like to maintain a certain distance from me after this.”

his eyes grow wider as you continued on, lips parting ever so slightly as he takes in your words. it’s the first time you’ve seen him rendered speechless, by you no less, but you suppose it’s only natural after hearing someone pour their feelings onto you out of the blue. you wait for him to recollect himself, exercising patience, but your habit of biting your lower lip had sohee knowing you were sitting in a pool of nerves.

curiosity peaks his interest and before he could stop himself, he’s already asking questions with doe eyes, ones you can’t deny even if that wasn’t his intention. “...since when?” 

“i’m not exactly sure,” you admit, your cheeks puffing up as if caught in the act of a secret.

“why?”

“i just do. please don’t make me say it again,” you plead, beginning to feel as though you were under the gentle scrutiny of an inquisitor.

“this isn’t some jest, is it?”

“does everything seem like a jest to you, lee?” you respond with a soft smile, tilting your head slightly.

“no, no!” he quickly counters with a small laugh, hoping you wouldn’t misunderstand. “i just needed to be certain.”

now it’s your turn to inquire, “because?”

“so i can say with certainty that—” you place a hand over his mouth, your face blooming with a deep blush as you turn your gaze away. “don’t… my heart can’t bear to hear you say it now. i’ve already reached my limit long ago,” you murmur with a pout, slowly lowering your hand. sohee takes this as an invitation and gently places a kiss upon your lips and despite it being brief, it was enough for you to understand his intentions.

a swirl of emotions rushes through you, bubbling up like tea in a pot. “h-hey! what if someone sees?” you exclaim in panic as you struggle to process the public display of affection. sohee simply regards you with the shrug of his shoulders. “then let them see?”

“you know that’s rather taboo in our society,” you remind him, touching your lips with a finger as if still in disbelief from earlier.

sohee stifles a laugh, though it escapes him in spite of his efforts. “since when did you care about the opinions of society’s circles?”

“be quiet, you,” you scold him gently, giving his shoulder a playful punch before he pulls you into a warm embrace. for a moment, you savor his closeness, though it's short-lived as it’s just in his system to tease you further. “to think this is what made you so moody,” he murmurs, leaning toward to bury his face in the crook of your neck before you pull away with a frown–much to his dismay.

“that’s enough! we’re heading back to the dining hall,” you declare, dismissing his attempt at further affection as he whines at the loss of contact, already walking away.

“hey!” he calls after you, taking quick strides to catch up. “one more kiss before we go in?”

you only shake your head with a smile, “okay, just one kiss.”

[joyner111]

Operating an oak extension table

Operating an oak extension table typically involves a few simple steps to expand the table surface to accommodate more guests. Here's a general guide based on the information from various sources:

Check the Mechanism: Most extension tables have a mechanism that allows for the expansion of the tabletop. This could be a butterfly, telescopic, or leaf extension system .

Clear the Table: Ensure the table is clear of any items that might obstruct the extension mechanism.

Unlock the Mechanism: There may be a release lever, latch, or button that needs to be pressed or slid to unlock the extension part of the table.

Pull Out the Table: For butterfly mechanisms, lifting one end of the table will raise the extension leaf which locks into place as you lower it. For telescopic mechanisms, you may need to pull the table apart at the center.

Insert the Extension Leaf: If your table has a separate leaf, lift the leaf and slide it into the appropriate slot or rail. The leaf should lock into place securely.

Push/Pull to Extend: Depending on the design, you may need to push or pull the table ends apart to extend the table to its full length.

Check Stability: After extending, ensure the table is stable and all leaves or extensions are securely locked in place.

Set the Table: Once extended, set the table with placemats, cutlery, and other dining essentials.

Post-Use: After use, the extension leaf should be removed by unlocking the mechanism and collapsing the table back to its original size before storing the leaf away in a dry place .

Remember, the specific steps can vary depending on the oak extension table's design and manufacturer. It's always a good idea to refer to the instruction manual that comes with your specific oak extension table for detailed instructions. If you have an IKEA EKEDALEN extendable table, for example, the leaf is self-storing and easy to insert or remove, with no seams when not extended . For other brands or models, the process may differ slightly, so ensure you're familiar with your oak extension table's unique mechanism.

[frenchtables]

Extension Tables: A Versatile Addition to Your Dining Room

When it comes to dining, the extension tables offer an easy and stylish solution. Especially for those who frequently host large gatherings or need extra dining space.

These tables are most suitable for lodging facilities and for all sizes since they can be extended. And suitable for all types of occasions and celebrations, such as a dinner party or simply needing more room for family meals. The flexibility you need can be achieved with an extension table. 

A versatile addition to your dining room, this upholstered dining chair offers both comfort and style. Let's look at how the extension table works: 

How Extension Tables Work

Extension tables typically have a central leaf or section that can be pulled out from the table's center or side. This leaf or section helps to save space when they are not being used. They are usually stored underneath the table. 

When you need more seating, simply pull out the leaf and extend the table to its desired size.

Types of Extension Tables

There are several types of extension tables, and they are given below:

Butterfly tables: These types of tables are most commonly used when it comes to extension tables. They have two smaller leaves that fold up underneath the main table and can be pulled out to extend the length.

Sliding tables: The top of the table slides apart; sliding it will reveal a hidden leaf that can be pulled out to extend the length.

Drop-leaf tables: These tables have extensions that can be pulled down from the sides, creating a table more large and more compact shape when not in use.

Benefits of Extension Tables

Flexibility: Whether you are throwing a small party or large party, extension tables are really flexible. You can easily modify the size according to your needs.

Space-saving: When you are not using the extended part of the table, it can be stored in a compact form, taking less room and area.

Style: These tables come in different styles and materials to match your home decor.

Durability: You can custom-make them or buy ready-made, which can last for many years with proper care.

Choosing the Right Extension Table

You should consider the following factors when selecting an extension table:

Size: Estimate the number of guests, then choose the table that you can host in comfort.

Style: Choose a table that is suitable with your already existing dining room decor.

Material: Selecting the right material for the extension table is important. Unlike other traditional tables, this type of table required specific material for smooth unfolding and folding mechanisms. Typically, those materials are used that are lightweight, durable, and resistant to warping.

Features: Consider the features that are essential, such as storage space or additional seating options.

Conclusion 

For any home, extension tables are a flexible and useful option. They provide versatility, the ability to save space, and a range of styles to accommodate various preferences. An extension table can be a chic and useful option, whether you're entertaining often or just need more space for dining. You may choose the ideal extension table to improve your dining area and make entertaining easier by carefully weighing criteria like size, style, material, and features.

[darkreverist]

𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒑'𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 / 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟏

𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚: *in this first chapter, we are introduced to the main character, celine, and the household dynamic between her and the blackwood staff. is everything as peaceful as it seems?

𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: mature.

𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: mentions of blood, death, and panic attacks due to agoraphobia. since this is only the first chapter, the warnings are very light. please continue checking the warnings for later chapters.

𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕: 1850

𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒑'𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕

𝒂/𝒏: this has not been proofread. all grammatical mistakes are my own. by hitting "keep reading," you are consenting to being subjected to potentially triggering themes. 18+ content. minors, dni. viewer discretion is advised. you have been warned.

A light, soft snow had begun to fall from a cloudless, gray sky, carried by a chilled breath of wind. Celine Blackwood stood by a frosted window, silently watching the snowfall flutter beyond the cold glass. Oak branches dusted with frost stirred gently in the wind, lightly tapping against the windowpane as if asking to be let in. From the window, she watched the world below. She watched as a lone, withered oak leaf left its barren branch, falling to the ground with the loose movements of a spring butterfly in flight. She watched as a red-breasted robin flitted about in the branches of winter birches. And she watched as a horse-drawn cart came to a neighing stop just short of the ivy-vined, wrought-iron gate. The carthorses stood, stomping the frozen earth and snorting impatiently. Their breath came out of their nostrils like smoke in the frosty winter air. The Manor’s housekeeper, Silas, stepped from the cart, carrying burlap sacks filled with fruits and vegetables for the week. His sleeves were rolled to the elbow, showing his forearms despite the nipping, frosted breeze. Celine sighed, her breath fogging the cold glass of the window. Silas looked up, then. His eyes quickly find hers, as if he knew she was there watching from behind lace curtains. Embarrassed, she dropped her head and turned so that the shadows of her bedroom hid her face from his gaze.

“Ma’am,” called a soft, Irish-lilted voice. Celine turned away from the window to look at Saoirse, a red-haired, green-eyed girl of sixteen with freckled cheeks. “Breakfast is ready.”

Celine walked along the hallway and down the winding stairs, keeping one hand on the banister, past the drawing room and the door leading into the solarium. She stopped short of the dining room, where the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the open door, and listened to the hushed voices of Silas and her governess, Elena.

“Otto found two of his sheep dead near the treeline early this morning… gutted and half eaten,” said Silas. “Gutted? What could’ve done that?” “The locals are whispering about a wolf,” he told her.

A wolf? Celine’s heart was thumping in her chest as she listened on. Imagining sharp fangs and glinting eyes.

She heard Elena scoff, “The locals are mistaken. There are no wolves in the countryside. Maybe it was a fox.” Silas hummed, thinking, “Must be a pretty big fox with quite the appetite, then. They were talking about missing chickens and pigs, too.” Elena was silent for a moment as she laid the table, the cutlery tinkling as she moved about. “Fox or wolf,” she started in a low, quiet voice, “I think it’d be best to keep it from Celine. She’s been getting better. Much better. She doesn’t need another reason not to step outside.”

Celine’s body tensed as she heard a chair being pushed back and Silas's heavy footsteps walking toward her hiding place. She pretended to arrive for breakfast when he stepped out into the hallway. Celine smiled at him and tried to breathe as slowly as one did when they hadn’t almost been caught eavesdropping.

He looked at her with a knowing glint in his eyes. Did he know she had been eavesdropping?

“Just the lady I was looking for,” said Silas, leaning against the wall. Studying her. His eyes like brewing storm clouds in the dim light of morning. “Breakfast is ready.”

With a curt nod, she wordlessly thanked him, and quickly scurried into the dining room like a mouse, hiding her trembling hands behind her skirts as she went.

Elena had just finished pouring a cup of tea as Celine entered, bringing in the morning sunlight with her as she pushed the mahogany doors open. Hot, fresh bread, butter, and porridge with cream and peach preserves were laid out before her. Celine sat at the head of the table with her staff around her as they ate. To her left, the last chair sat empty. The silence of that unoccupied space was loud amongst the clinking of spoons and scraping of forks…

After breakfast, snow began to fall again, swirling and pirouetting in dance with the cold wind. Elena went to the window and unlatched the lock, opening it to a rush of cold, wintry air. Celine watched with bated breath as her governess stuck her head out, and took a deep breath.

Please, not today, she thought. Looking out the window, she almost expected to see a great, gray wolf staring back at her, but there was only snowfall.

“It is quite a beautiful morning, my lady. Fancy a short walk?” she asked. The governess didn’t even wait for a reply as she snapped for Saoirse, the young housemaid, to fetch Celine’s coat. She screwed up her face as the girl placed a coat that was rather too big for her over her shoulders. Celine wanted to scream at her governess, then. To slam shut and lock every damned window in the house. She did not want to go outside. There were wolves out there. Ones that slaughtered sheep, and stole chickens and pigs.

Celine’s feet felt heavy, like lead, as she anchored herself at the backdoor. The carved, wooden poppies on the door’s surface suddenly becoming harbingers of impending doom as Elena twisted the crystal knob, pushing it open just a crack.

“Stand up straight,” she said, “Ladies should never slouch. It makes you look like an old crone.” “It’d be impossible for me to look as old as you, Elena,” Celine quipped. The older woman smiled, then.

Waves of pale sunlight began to flood into the house through the open door, like water ready to sink a ship. Celine instinctively moved her feet out of the sun’s grasp, and back into the safety of the shadows. Not quite yet ready to drown. But Elena was determined to make her swim. She pushed open the door, and a sudden crashing wave of cold air billowed out Celine’s coat, stirring her hair in the snow-carried wind.

“Breathe in,” Elena told her.

Breathe in, she took a step. Her boot sank into the soft snow. It was cold, she could feel the breeze swirling around her ankles like a cat.

“Don’t forget to breathe,” she reminded her.

Don’t forget to breathe, another step, and then another, and then another. How many had she taken already?

“Are you counting, my lady?” asked Elena as she gently held onto Celine’s elbow. “It’s 10 more steps before we reach our marker.”

Celine pictured the dragon stone she had painted with Bertram, their previous groundskeeper who had disappeared without a word just before the first snowfall of winter. She pictured the red paint of its scales, the green of the emerald gems, and how its painted folded wings and coiled tail curled as it slept.

One, two, three. The snowfall was soft and light. Celine could feel the snowflakes on her face, melting as they touched her warmth; leaving her cheeks wet, as if a whisper of rain had kissed her.

Four, five, six. She felt as if she was floating now. She imagined herself being whisked into the air. Weightless, like the snowflakes that sprinkled her hair. She imagined her father, then. Tossing her up and into the clouds, just to catch her as she fell back down to earth, just like an angel, he used to tell her.

Seven, eight, nine. Breathe in, breathe out… She faltered for a moment, then. Something had caught her nose in the wind. Something that was a mix of sweetness and decay, like an overripe fruit. Something that smelled of rot, like meat that had been left in the summer sun for too long. She scrunched her nose at the thought.

Breathe in. Celine stopped short of her tenth, and final step. The smell filled her nostrils, the foul, stench of wet rot, the hint of animal musk. Her heart thrummed in her chest. Blood and mold. The smell made her feel ill, it made her stomach turn, and it made her gag. A cold wind blew in from the west, and it woke the settled, sleeping snow, and pulled at her hair.

“One more step, Celine,” Elena’s voice sounded like a mother’s. It was gentle, but not coddling. It carried weight and demanded respect. And despite her age, Celine didn’t dare disobey her governess.

Breathe out. Reluctantly, she obeyed and took her last step. Underfoot, she felt the thinning of fluffy snow to damp, and muddy earth. The ground was slick with hidden ice and roots. Celine opened her eyes, then. She had not realized they had been screwed shut. She blinked away the blinding light against white, and for a moment, she dared not to breathe as her heart stopped in her chest.

Elena had tricked her. She was well past the painted dragon stone.

Instead, she had brought her to a copse of pale, golden beech trees. It was nice under the trees. It was quiet and still, and just as she remembered. Overhead, a fat squirrel jumped from snow-covered branches, and purple finches chirruped from hidden nests.

“Calm as still water, tall as an oak, and unmoving as a mountain,” Elena’s reminder sounded more like a whisper that blew through the beech leaves, as if she had turned into the wind. She froze. She listened; she watched. Celine saw movement from the corner of her eye—a finch. It flapped its wings as it took to the air, flying past her head.

Squirrels chattered. Birds chirruped. The wind blew. And the snow fell cold on her skin. It was everything all at once. And it was too much for Celine.

It was slow, at first. It crept up on her like a shadow, silent, and cold. The soft snow around her turned into a frozen hellscape of jagged, sharp spears of ice. Panic gripped her throat. She couldn’t breathe. Chatter, chatter, chirrup, chirrup. She couldn’t see. Chatter, chatter, chirrup, chirrup. She couldn’t hear anything but the chitter-chatter of the outside world.

“Celine,” she heard Elena’s voice call for her, but she couldn’t respond. She had no voice.

She was crying incoherently now, struggling for breath. Panic was tight around her neck, the lack of air made her dizzy and faint. Her legs went numb as she tried to blindly get away, she kept slipping into deep drifts of snow and tripping over hidden tree roots until her skirts were soaked and muddied.

She could see the manor, and she could see the lace curtains of her bedroom window. She was so close, yet so far. Celine was clumsy with fear and panic as she stumbled and fell over a solid snowdrift, landing with a hard thud.

Buried beneath the snow, a round, frozen shape collapsed in death. Ice had formed in what looked to be human hair, and the faint smell of rot filled her nostrils as she swept away the cold, snow with a trembling hand…

Frozen, dead eyes stared back at her.

She screamed.

It was a head. It was Bertram.

𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒑'𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕

[tipsycad147]

Powerful Plant Magic with the Allies Already Around You

MARCH 25, 2024 BY SANDRA KYNE

Throughout most ancient cultures, people believed plants to be magical and, in many cases, used them as much for ritual as they did for medicine and food. Although plants had a wide range of mundane uses, people must have felt that there was something more, something mystical about them that touched their psyches. Witches, and anyone who takes time to slow down and observe, can see and sense that the green world is enchanting and powerful. Even plants that may seem so familiar and ordinary can be surprisingly magical.

The witches, the wise women and men were the people to whom villagers went to for medicine, magic, and advice. In addition to knowing what to use, the wise folk knew when plants came into leaf, when they bloomed, and produced seed or fruit. The witches and wise folk of the past lived with the rhythms of the seasons, and while they may have gotten their hands on some plants from afar, they used them within the context of their world. Of course, we can nip out to the store or go online and buy whatever we want regardless of the season, but when you start thinking seasonally and locally about the plants you use for magic, their wisdom begins to speak to you.

When you work with plants within the context of the seasons, you learn how their cycles progress month by month. Basing at least some of your magical use of plants within the seasons also aids in developing more meaningful ways to connect with the green world, nature spirits, and the realm of the faeries. This, in turn, gives your rituals and magic more continuity and a natural flow as the wheel of the year turns. Working with the seasons also connects you through time with your ancestors and all the wise folk of the past.

Thinking locally for magic goes hand-in-hand with the local food movement, which is not only associated with more healthy foods but also considered more environmentally sustainable. Whether it's plant material for food or magic work, it's a win-win with less energy spent transporting it and fewer people handling it. Of course, everything can be energetically cleansed for magic, but it's something to think about.

This isn't to suggest that every plant you use for magic or the dining table ought to be locally sourced; after all, this is the twenty-first century and we have access to so much that can expand our magical work in so many ways. But, getting to know the plants that have been in your area for ages can foster a special connection with the spirit of the land. Even if you live in a city (I lived in Manhattan for a number of years), you may be surprised at what and where you find native plants.

Google It! To get started, all you have to do is what we all do when we have a question: we Google it. A simple internet search for native plants according to your state or region will give you a wealth of information. You will do more than discover the plants of your area; you will also find how they have supported native wildlife for thousands of years. This is especially important if you have a garden or yard. The small choices you make to fill a flower border or supplement a group of shrubbery can have a profound impact on the local food web. It doesn't matter whether you have a garden or flowerpots on a porch—butterflies and other wildlife will find what they need. We often talk about the interconnected web of life, and by working with native plants we can talk the talk and walk the walk.

Some garden favorites have wild cousins that fit nicely into a tamer environment. The columbine is a good example. The wild columbines (Aquilegia canadensis and A. Formosa) can hold their own amongst the varieties bred for the garden. The genus and common names for columbine were derived from the Latin aquila, meaning "eagle," and columba, "dove."1 Not only does this juxtaposition of symbolism bring balancing energy, but it also works separately. providing support for courage and the ability to make peace.

The common violet (Viola sororia), the sweet violet (V. odorata), and the sweet white violet (V. blanda) are wildflowers that have been invited into the garden. Loved for their heart-shaped leaves, the sweet violets have been adored for their scent since ancient times. In medieval Europe, they were used to scent linens and in later centuries, the dried flowers were sent as mementos in love letters. Think again if you regard these small, delicate flowers as lightweights, because they can pack a punch for banishing spells and breaking hexes, too.

Toss Caution to the Wind Instead of planning where to plant things, toss caution to the wind, and the powers of magic, by scattering a wildflower mix that is appropriate for your region. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is often used in seed mixes. It's a plant of the centaur that, according to Greek legend, Chiron used to heal the wound of a poison arrow. This plant's beautiful blue flowers are associated with happiness and love, and like daisies, they were used for love divination by pulling off the petals one-by-one. Speaking of daisies, you may also get ox-eye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum), or other quintessential white daisies in a wildflower mix. As an alternative to plucking their petals, place a small piece of root under your pillow to dream of someone you love. Daisies are especially helpful for contacting and working with nature spirits and faeries.

Poppies are also included in some wildflower mixes. The common red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is associated with witches and goblins and is an excellent plant to use in defense and protection spells. A few poppy seeds placed under the pillow is an aid for dream work. This flower is also instrumental for luck and prosperity spells.

When Ordinary Is Extraordinary While Gandalf said that, "power can be held in the smallest of things," so, too, can a very common plant hold a great deal of power. Perhaps one of the most common plants considered as mundane and often maligned is the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). We played with them as children, blowing on the seedheads and making wishes, but adulthood set in as well as a prejudice against these little bursts of sunshine. Aligned with Brigid and Hecate, the dandelion can enhance your psychic abilities and boost protection spells. Okay, so you may not want to plant them in your yard, but no doubt some will find their way to you on their own.

Maples (Acer spp.) are some of the most common trees and you may have one or two in your yard or a nearby park. Don't walk by and overlook them for magic. Maples are especially powerful for attracting abundance; use a little maple syrup and visualize the sweetness of life. They are also helpful for releasing what you no longer need, including sorrow.

Connection Perhaps most of all, working with native plants establishes a strong connection with the natural world on a deep, soul level. This connection helps us access different levels of awareness that bring deeper significance to our lives and our magic. It fosters an awareness of something greater than ourselves and helps us recognize that we are a part of it. Working with local plants according to season also brings us full circle to connect with the wise folk of the past.

1. Frances Tenenbaum, ed., Taylor's Encyclopedia of Garden Plants (New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003), 31.

[snydersfurniture]

Amish Hartford Round Expandable Single Pedestal Dining Table

Shown with Optional Butterfly Shelf Storing Leaf. Shown in Harvest on Cherry and the chairs in#C8-8 Pearl Fabric Seat. Amish Handcrafted only miles from our store in Lancaster County, PA out of northeastern hardwoods! Limited Lifetime Warranty Available in Oak, Brown Maple, Cherry, Maple, Elm, Hickory, and Quartersawn Oak. Buy Amish Hartford Round Expandable Single Pedestal Dining Table today!

[ambfurniture]

***Extended Labor Day Sale Price Active Now This Month***Discounted price when you add to cart.Click Acima Leasing Easy Lease and Application Process at ambfurniture.com(via Coaster 193831-S5 5 pc Orren ellis anza Mina grey cermaic faux marble top finish dining table set with butterfly leaf)

[zanypig]

Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids: Toys and Crafts for Pre-schoolers, School Age, and Juniors

Buying gifts for kids can be a challenging task, especially if you're not sure what they like or what their interests are. With so many different toy brands and options available, it can be difficult to narrow down the choices. However, with a little bit of guidance, you can find the perfect gift for the child in your life. Here are some ideas for birthday gifts for kids of different ages, from pre-schoolers to juniors.

Toys for Pre-schoolers (Ages 3-4)

Pre-schoolers are at an age where they are still discovering the world around them. They are curious, imaginative, and love to play. Here are some toy ideas that are perfect for kids in this age range:

1. Eggnogg Colour-in Giant Poster / Tablecloth - Unicorns & Fairies.  Enter a magical world full of unicorns, fairy princes and princesses, flowers, butterflies, rainbows and much more to colour in and enjoy.

2. Little Mashers Creator Kit Dinosaur Creative Kit.  A creative kit perfect for dinosaur lovers! Using the simple dinosaur outline as a starting point, you can transform the blank shape into a unique design of your own using the stencils and inks provided.

3. Space Adventure Play Mat.  The Space Adventure play mat is a spaced themed toy and has everything you need to enjoy an adventure in space.  This Space toy includes a solid wood flying saucer with a little green alien encased in an acrylic dome, a space shuttle, and an Apollo rocket in 3 parts. 

Crafts for Pre-schoolers

Pre-schoolers also love to do crafts. Here are some ideas for craft gifts that will keep them entertained:

1. Create Your Own Costume Masks. The Clockwork Soldier theatrical costume designer and make beautiful masks and headpieces inspired by the Royal Opera House in London.

2. Cute Animals Felt Sewing Kit.  The Buddy & Barney felt animal sewing kit is ideal as an introduction to sewing for young children.

Toys for School Age Kids (Ages 5-6)

School age kids are more independent and have developed more specific interests. They also have longer attention spans and can play with more complex toys. Here are some toy ideas that are perfect for kids in this age range:

1. Buddy & Barney Bath Time Marble Run.  Make bath time fun with the Bath Time Marble Run.   Children will enjoy building a winding, twisty race track with the bright and vibrant pieces and watch the whacky balls race their way down the watery track.

2. Discover the World Game.  An instant classic, for the adventurous, Discover The World is a board game that will take your family on a journey around the globe (and your dining table). Its design both entertains and educates with facts and figures about dozens of countries that broaden cultural horizons. Bon voyage!

Crafts for School Age Kids

School age kids love to do crafts that are more challenging and require more skill. Here are some ideas for craft gifts that will keep them entertained:

1.  Design Your Own Superhero Comic Book.  Create your own Superheroes and then design your own comic book. A project for children regardless of drawing ability to design a superhero with costumes, special powers and weapons.  Design a logo, develop the characters, plan and write the story, use story boards, design a front cover and so much more.  All activities can be done one section at a time, or work all the way through.

Toys for Juniors (Ages 7-8)

At this age, children are developing their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. They are curious about the world around them and love to explore new things. Here are some great toy ideas for kids aged 7 to 8.

1. Tender Leaf Botanical Press.  Children will love to create crafts with the pieces they have made, they could make a collage, or use the pieces to make greetings cards. The possibilities are endless and its all about letting your creative mind run wild.

2.  Clockwork Soldier Create your Own Snappy Shark.  Create your own Snappy Shark 3D model head and tail to hang on a wall. Place it on the corner and it will look like this Snappy Shark wall art is swimming straight towards you.

Crafts for Kids

Crafts are a great way to encourage creativity and help kids develop their fine motor skills. Here are some craft ideas that kids will love.

1.  Create Your Own Woodland Animal Masks.  Create your own woodland animal masks with this super paper craft kit.  If your little ones are feeling crafty and want to be involved in creating their own costumes, these woodland animal masks are a wonderful kid-friendly project for an afternoon spent crafting and creating.

2.  Eggnogg Colour-in Giant Poster / Tablecloth – Farm.  Grab your colouring pencils and bring all the fun on the farm to life. Discover the farm yard full of pigs, chickens and ducks! Colour in the friendly farmer driving his tractor and combine harvester

Children's Toys

Finally, here are some great toy ideas for kids of all ages.

1.  Cosmic Rocket Set

2.  Bath Stickers Silly Monsters

3.  Little Tribe Wooden Racing Car

4.  Neon Squish Ball

5.  Stacking Farmyard

6.  Weather Watch

7.  Wonders Of Nature Bug Hotel

8.  Super Squish Ball

9.  Space Creative Kit

10.  Magnetic Maze Kraze Game

#birthdayideas #kids #birthday #childrenstoys #toys # Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids 

[jamessheen2022]

Create a simply elegant dining room setting with the Acacia collection. The rectangular-shaped table carries a rich deep cabana finish and features a heavily distressed warm walnut top, a butterfly leaf for self-storage as well as over-sized legs for sturdy durability.

[lostcoinuniverse]

peace

The kettle’s loud whistle filled the house, which lasted for a minute. A white-haired lady ran towards the boiling water and turned off the stove. She wore puffy mittens, so her arms rubbed away the sweat from her forehead. She sat down on the breakfast nook. Silence dominated as the kettle calmed, providing a relaxing moment. But resting is not an option. She stood up, looking defeated. She grabbed the kettle to pour the water in a teapot. Smoke rose to blur her already poor vision. She made tea from leaf extracts. The lady placed the teapot at a round table with a lazy susan, which her few friends find old-fashioned yet classy.

The “ding”of the oven caught her off-guard—she almost hit a framed vignette photo at the china cabinet. The lady frowned from seeing the picture displaying a happy moment of a typical family decades ago. A mother with her hair tied. A man sporting a leather coat. And two kids, a twin: a boy and a girl. She turned her back because the photo reminded her of desolation. She took out a steaming chocolate cake from the oven, placed it on the nook, and then sliced the cake. The pastry reminded her of how the twins loved this cake when they were innocent. She hated that memory now. She hated that past events buoyed in her mind, about how she took care of a once tight-knit family. Maybe things could change later.

The lady removed her mittens and brought the cake to the lazy susan. She looked around, judging if it was clean enough. She had no one to impress, yet, it felt like butterflies swirled her stomach. The dining room’s battery-powered clock, the most modern piece in the entire house, told her she had finished all she had to do one hour early. Someone would stop by this dwelling of despair, where the lady reigned. She sat at the chair in the nook and tapped her fingers to the countertop, which didn’t produce rhythm, but the thumping eased her. She’d glance at the clock several times, without anything else to do. Resting was still not an option. 38 minutes before the agreed time, the doorbell rang. The lady leaped from the chair and rushed to the front door. “Good morning, Mrs. Pearson,” the man in a brown coat said as the lady opened the wooden door. “So, we’ll now discuss your last will?”

She nodded. Later, she could finally rest.

[violetavikiii]

Copeland Furniture Audrey Round Extension Table Natural Walnut Small By ❤ liked on Polyvore (see more expanding circular tables)

[joyner111]

Characteristics and considerations when choosing oak dining table

An oak dining table is a popular choice for many homes due to its durability, timeless beauty, and versatility. Here are some characteristics and considerations when choosing an oak dining table:

Material: Oak is a hardwood known for its strength and resistance to wear. It has a distinctive grain pattern that can add a natural warmth and character to your dining area.

Finish: Oak can be finished in various ways. A clear finish or stain can highlight the wood's natural grain, while a painted finish can offer a more contemporary look.

Size: Consider the size of your dining space and the number of people you typically seat. Oak tables come in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, square, round, and extending tables.

Shape:

Rectangular: A traditional choice that works well with most dining rooms and can be extended with a leaf or butterfly mechanism for additional guests.

Square: Offers equal seating on all sides and is great for smaller spaces or more intimate gatherings.

Round: Provides a classic look and can be more space-efficient in smaller rooms, as there are no corners to bump into.

Extending: Features a hidden leaf or extension that can be pulled out to accommodate more diners.

Style: Oak tables are available in a range of styles, from traditional to modern. Consider the style of your existing dining room furniture and décor when making your choice.

Construction: Look for tables made with solid oak for the most durability. Some tables may have oak veneers or be constructed with a combination of oak and other woods.

Legs and Base: Oak tables can feature various leg designs, such as trestle, pedestal, or four-legged. The base can be a simple straight design or more ornate.

Maintenance: Oak tables can be low maintenance but may require occasional oiling or refinishing to keep the wood looking its best.

Accessories: Consider how you will protect the table surface. Placemats, coasters, and tablecloths can help protect the wood from heat, moisture, and scratches.

Matching Furniture: If you're looking to create a cohesive look, you might want to pair your oak dining table with other oak dining room furniture, such as chairs, sideboards, or hutches.

Sustainability: As with any wood furniture, consider the source of the oak and whether it's been sustainably harvested.

When purchasing an oak dining table, it's also important to ensure that it fits through your doorways and into your dining space. Measure your room and the table dimensions to avoid any surprises.

[atiredvampire]

So I came up with a bunch of suggestions for my friend on how to slowly piss of his mother, but he's not listening to my suggestions so instead imagine Neil doing all of this to the foxes and everyone blames Andrew because this is the kinda shit he'd pull, but one day Neil gets caught setting one of these up, by Alison no less, so she exposes him, I don't really see him stopping though so *shrugs*

(These were literally copy and pasted from my messages, so ignore that all these suggestions say "her")

steal her phone

and remotes for things

place tiny ducks around the house

and hide a polar bear holding a bi flag as well

get window pens and draw little dinosaurs and cats

turn all the mugs upside down

switch the spoons and forks in the cutlery section

replace her hairbrush w a fork

steal all her left socks and put them in the tumbledrier

swap her shampoo w soap

unpick every 3rd stitch in one of her tops

put those sticky tabs on the top of the kitchen door, so that wen she closes it it gets kinda stuck

put washoutable blue dye in her face cream/wash

use a lighter and bend her toothbrush so that the bristles are at a 10 degree angle compaired 2 its usual angle

remove all the butterflies from her earrings

put a few drops of nail polish remover in all her nail varnish

file her tweezers down so that they just dont touch anymore

soak everything cotton in water w a little yellow dye then dry them out (eg: cotton buds)

exchange the icing sugar w flour

change the second button on every shirt w one that looks exactly the same exept its a mm or 2 bigger diameter size

spray the back of the door handles w water and dust them w a bit of icing sugar

remove the aglets from every shoe lace she has bar one

curl the back of the dangly earrings so its a pain 2 put them in

take out all the lipbalm on the sticks and replace it w toothpaste, freeze it overnight then replace

file down the point of all the safety pins, pins, sewing pins, sewing needles, ect

remove a few of the stitches from the blankets

unscrew all the lightbulbs untill theyre just loose enough to not hold light and start 2 flicker

put dye in all the sponges, same colour as the sponges, add a drop of soap

remove the screws of one leg of the dining table

half unplug the cable behind the tv

bend the charger so that it doesnt hold onto the phones correctly and keeps falling out (like my charger rn)

get a rly thin film and place a small hair on it, then with the hair on the inside place it onto glasses frames so she cant remove the hair

paint the toilet paper roll w pva glue, 2 layers, hairdry it, replace it and remove all the other toilet rolls

put a small hole in the base of her shopping bags

drain all the deodorant she has

put a tiny foam block in the window seal so that there is always a small breeze

unpin carpet from one corner of the room

remove the catch from all her necklaces

put clear nail varnish on the inside off all her rings so they they dont fit/r tight

put googly eyes over anything that could look like a mouth

put an extra hole in all her belts

put a leaf under her pillow everyday, 3wks into that do it w a feather, then go back 2 leaves

use milk and then replace every bit u used with water

put clear nail varnish over all her lipsticks, and any brushes she doesnt actively feel the the bristles of

put smears of lip balm on all the mirrors

turn off every socket

exept the toaster

bend all of the curby grips backwards

cut all the hair bobbles w fabric on them so that they r just plastic bands

trade a few of the keys on the keyboard

superglu a penny to the ground

trim all the bristles on the bottom of the outdoor doors

cut the fingers off of all her right gloves

change all the ink in the pens 2 red and green

untune the piano

put soap under the bristles of her hairbrush

unscrew the hinges of the doors (fill in the holes and re-drill them 5mms higher/lower, possibly re-screw the hinges if u have time)

un-sharpen all the scissors and knives, esp the bread knife

open all the plasters

file down one leg of each chair

slowly add fragranced oils to one room, everyday just one or two more dropps

turn the heating down a couple degrees

polish one wooden surface so that its slightly darker than it should be

flip a book upside down on the shelf every time u walk by

remove the plastic wrap around the wires of her straightener/curler, cut all the wires, replace the plastic cover and fix any blemishes

unpick one of the teeth on her favourite jacket zip

lift the inside sole of one of her shoes, place a small stone in it and place it back, glue 2 make it hold

put a tiny amount of glue in water and very carfully place it so it covers the whole of her eyeshadowy makeup, if u wanna be extra remove a bit of the make up first and place on top, so she could paint one eye but not the other

replace contact solution w plain water

raise one stair by 2 cm

theres also the obvious flour in the hairdryer and dye in the shower head but i rly think one should be above those

[chickentendieboi]

Choso ~ Blankets

~Flufftober 2021~

~October 2nd~

Word Count: 954

Masterlists: Main Masterlist Flufftober 2021

~~~

Blankets...

Blankets...

Blankets... I don't....

I don't need it. I do not need more blankets. Nope, nope. No. I've got plenty at home. Choso already thinks that I own too many...

You were pacing back and forth at the retail store by the bins of fall themed blankets. Your mind and your heart were fighting with you on the matter of whether you should or really shouldn't get a blanket... or two... "Jeez, come on Y/N..." You muttered to yourself while you picked up a fall foliage blanket with ridiculously soft material. "Choso is going to kill you..."

You eyes another blanket however and cursed out loud. "The hell?! Two of you?" This one now had foxes crawling up the sides with some in a pile of leaves. It was as if the foxes were begging you to take them home. "Ah, shit..." And you walked away...

With both blankets in your carriage.

You walked into your house after coming back from a questionable trip to the store. You held 3 bags of items for the house, soaps and shampoos, dish cleaner and some more sponges, then a few things for organizing your kitchen a bit more. Placing the bags on the dining room table, you felt a pair of arms wrapping around your waist and a chin rest on your shoulder.

"Welcome back, babe." He planted a kiss by your jaw and looked down at the things you bought. "Oh good, we're almost out of shampoo." He gave you another kiss before backing away and you believed you were in the clear and almost, almost, let out a small breath but then he turned back towards you. "Hold on..."

"Uh, yeah?" You picked up some of the bottles to remove them from the bags.

"You bought more blankets." His voice was monotone as he reached over and grabbed the fox one. "We don't need more blankets."

"Wait, wait, but I thought really hard about it! I struggled for a while, and stood by the box for at least 10 minutes before walking away with a blanket."

"You bought two." This time his voice held shock but in reality, was he really all that shocked?

"I-I-I couldn't choose! The leaf one is soooooo soft and the foxes just looked so cute, peering up at me with those cute little eyes and-"

"These foxes aren't real, they can't peer at you."

"Okay, okay Captain Obvious, but they were far too cute to pass up! I mean, look at them!" You held it up to your face, looking at him the same way the foxes looked and he just shook his head while rolling his eyes and began walking away. "Wait, wait! Babe! We'll never get cold! And we, we have plenty of blankets to make an awesome fort! Or, or if we have someone staying over, they can pick a proper blanket that is comfortable enough for them and, and-"

"It's whatever, just use up your storage space for them. Not me." He spoke as he continued walking to the living room.

You unraveled the blanket quickly, grabbing the corners in your hands and swung it around your back to create a cape and then grabbed Choso from around his waist. "Stop walkingggg." You whined and squeezed him a tad tighter.

"And do what?" He paused in his spot, looking over his back a bit, scanning the top of your head.

You nudged under his arm and shimmied around his body to the front, looking up at him with doe eyes. "Babbeeee, gimme a kiss."

He looked down and his nose twitched slightly, a tiny smile hugging the corners of his lips and he let out a sigh, bending down and pecking your lips. He backed away, his eyes still on you and sighed once more as you gave him a small pout. He raised his hands and gently grabbed your cheeks, this time giving you more than just a peck. The kiss was deep enough to melt you and give you butterflies and that's all you needed. Your eyes were still closed as he leaned away but left you with a satisfied smile followed with a small giggle.

"Geez, you're something else, aren't you?" Choso chuckled, making you smile at his change in demeanor.

"Hey, hey! Let's watch a movie and snuggle with the new blankets!" You began to bounce up and down on your toes as you picked lightly at his shirt.

There was no debate, cause there was no way Choso was going to argue with you about snuggle, so he just nodded and walked with you over to the couch. But, did you make it easy? No. You hung onto him and waddled backwards, making Choso shake his head and just pick you up instead, physically bringing you to the couch. "Nnnaaaaahhhh." You groaned as he dropped you on the couch.

"I'll be right back, let me get some snacks." Choso ruffled your hair and left the room, dissipating your groan and replacing it with a smile.

"Snacks, snacks and blaaaankets." You chanted to yourself softly and sat up correctly, creating a space for him to sit when he got back which was in no time at all. "Yes!!"

"Gosh you're such a child sometimes, or, well, all the time." He chuckled and sat down next to you, grabbing some of the blanket you were offering him.

"Yeah, but you still love me." You giggled, snuggling into his side and relaxing while he pulled something up on the T.V. "Seeeeee? Isn't this blanket so soft?" You looked up at him with a cheesy smile.

For he only shook his head, pulling you closer to him. "You have a problem..."

~

~

~

Okay guys, just a little fun fact I guess, but I could not, for the life of me, stop typing out Choco instead of Choso... so, if there are any hidden Choco's, I apologize hahah.

[seregwen-telenmar]

Queen Anne Dining Table with Self-Storing Leaves by Keystone ❤ liked on Polyvore (see more butterfly leaf dining tables)

[lastxviolet]

Madripoor is for Lovers (Zemo x F!Reader) - Ch. 2

Summary: Y/N is a SWORD agent recruited to help Sam and Bucky track down Karli and the super-soldiers. When Helmut Zemo joins the team, he takes a special interest in her. The friendly union is wrought for disaster, but then things take a turn for the worst when Y/N is taken as collateral. Will Zemo keep her forever? Does she even want to escape? And what happened in Madripoor that made the whole thing so complicated?

Warnings: 18+ / eventual smut / kidnapping

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32878015/chapters/81589774

The plane completed its descent, jolting you awake and away from the dream of what happened next.

His hands inside your dress and the moment in the evening that stopped feeling like an act.

“We are here,” he confirmed, gripping your hand and leading you from the plane.

The air wasn’t cold anymore and smelled like spring. It was May in the states and DC had felt the same so it was possible that you were still in the northern hemisphere. The United States and Canada weren’t options for the criminal, neither was Germany.

Italy?

He spoke to the driver in German and although you recognized the words, you had no clue what they meant. A short drive later and the car stopped. He untied the blindfold and you took in the sight of a lone chateau at the end of a lavish driveway. He opened the door and motioned for you to follow.

“No gun,” you questioned, eyeing his relaxed demeanor.

He smiled. Although you were angry and the sun was too bright, you were glad to finally be able to see something again.

“Not necessary,” he nodded at the rolling hills around them. “Where would you run?”

You glared at him, letting him know that this was still against your will and that any familiarity you’d had, was gone.

“You’re very confident that I prefer your company over death,” you hissed, eyeing the wilderness.

“You’ve come with me this far.”

Your eyes met his. It was impossible to know what he was thinking beneath the stern exterior.

“You could’ve screamed for your comrades,” he shrugged.

“There was a gun aimed at my temple.”

“Or jumped out of the plane.”

Again, you glared at him. If looks could kill.

“This way,” he said, clearing his throat. “Please.”

You followed him, debating if you could make it to the car or even out of the compound before Zemo shot you or caught up.

The terrain was unfamiliar, and now you were in a foreign country, alone and uncounted for.

Zemo slowed and matched your snail’s pace, signaling that it was time to hurry up. You moved slower despite his hand on your back and he clicked his tongue. You made the journey last as long as possible until there was no choice but to cross the threshold.

“Your room is up the stairs and to the right,” he said, eyes on your face.

You stormed up the wooden stairs, making each groan with your anger.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” he called after you.

You slammed your door in response. The wall shook and you half hoped it’d bring the whole house down, taking you and Zemo with it.

An hour later, you entered the small and intimate dining room. A round table sat in a nook surrounded by windows, looking out onto the cliff-like drop below. You didn’t even glance at the food before you. There was only Zemo, and convincing him to let you go.

“Is your room to your liking?”

You scoffed. “My cell is fine, thank you.”

Unfortunately, your warden was fond of conflict, and difficult people. The words only seemed to intrigue him further. His eyes danced over your face, glancing down towards the exposed skin on your chest and then up to your lips.

“They say a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity,” he mused.

“I’m a pessimist because of intelligence,” you quoted.

His eyes twinkled again, he knew, as you did, that it came from an Italian philosopher. It was applicable but also, a guess.

He raised his glass towards you before finishing the quote. “But an optimist because of will.”

In true Zemo fashion, he neither confirmed nor denied your suspicion. You lifted your glass of red wine towards him with a scowl.

You ate in silence for a while, you, staring out the window, Zemo, eyeing you. You made it half an hour before the weight of his stare became unbearable.

“So what’s your game plan, with all this,” you asked, waving your fork to yourself and then to him and the house.

“Do not ask questions you already know the answer to,” he chided. “It is beneath you.”

“My life for your freedom.”

He sighed then, almost like he didn’t like that answer either. It was the right one, you both knew that but it looked like it pained him. Seeing that flicker of humanity hurt more than you wanted to admit. It'd be easier if the man beneath the mask wasn't real. It'd be easier if he'd been lying and there weren’t two versions of him. You wished that there wasn’t a charming and passionate man beneath the evil Baron facade, but there he was again.

“Prison is not an option for me,” he admitted, laying down his fork. “But I am sorry that it had to be you.”

You nodded and scoffed, rolling your eyes for good measure.

“I do hope to make you comfortable, in the meantime — ”

“Before you kill me,” you interrupted.

He clicked his tongue again and glared. It was the plan he orchestrated and yet, he didn’t seem to like it.

“I may not have to,” he corrected.

You laughed then, with little care for his strained expression. “Have you met the Dora Milage? They’ll go through whoever they need to, to avenge their king. They don’t know me nor do they care about me. You don’t have the winning hand that you think you do.”

“You are forgetting about your colleagues. They've lost one of their own. If not loyalty, then pride will make them come for you,” he corrected.

Again, you smiled at his miscalculation. “I’m a foot soldier, not an avenger; not a super soldier; not one of them.”

"There is no such thing as small people, only small — ”

“Great,” you bellowed. “More wisdom! Your riddles and literature are useless now. You should’ve spent more time studying negotiations while you were incarcerated. Why didn’t you take Bucky? Or Caps little assistant? The US would’ve been at your feet for them back. You could’ve gotten a pardon and a reward!”

“I have no need for a reward,” he spat.

Your chest was heaving, out of anger, out of nerves, but most of all because the man in front of you was once again, impenetrable.

“Or a pardon from the great United States,” he continued, almost in a whisper.

Your eyes snapped to his but he avoided your gaze. He swirled his wine and stared off into space before inspecting you again. Something was missing, something that didn’t make sense.

The glimmer of humanity returned, despite his best efforts to hide it.

He’d been the main orchestrator of his outbreak from jail. He had private homes, apartments, transportation, weapons, cars, everything. He could run forever but he didn’t need you to do it. How was this life any different than what it would be if he was free? He watched you come to the realization and winced as it clicked into place.

“Why am I here,” you whispered, squinting.

He was silent and looked back to the window.

“Zemo,” you whispered. “Look at me.”

Funny enough, he followed the order.

His lips moved in silence but words didn’t escape.

“Why did you choose me?”

He pursed his lips in exasperation. It was no secret that he liked having the upper hand but he’d shown you all his cards a moment ago. You wondered why he hadn’t bothered to lie.

“I chose you because they wouldn’t — they won’t.”

He stood up and leaned against the sill, sipping wine in small swigs and staring out at the greenery.

“You would die for your country, Y/N,” he explained. “I find that admirable — heroic even but the problem, for me, is that they would let you.”

“Let me?” You repeated the phrase slowly, trying to understand the point.

He let out a huff. “If you caught a grenade in the name of bettering America, what would happen?”

You cocked your head in question. “I die? Maybe get a Purple Heart?”

“And then what? Would they bat an eye before rejoicing you — celebrating you and your sacrifice? Encouraging others to do the same in your name?” He paused and stared at you.

“No….no they wouldn’t because your death would mean that their wars are working. Another name in the long list of people that they were willing to gift to the god of war.”

“That sacrifice is what I signed up for — it’s my choice,” you explained, confused about where he was taking this.

He nodded and yet made no amends or clarification. The angry veins in his forehead receded and his gaze flitted away like he couldn’t bear to continue. You suddenly wondered if he'd even sent a ransom note, or whatever kidnappers do. The look in his eyes, told you no. The tone of his voice told you that he might not ever.

“Then you are doing your duty as a prisoner of war here, with me.”

He smiled and your anger dissipated. You lunged to grab onto any remaining frayed piece of it but there was nothing left. All those years of training and fighting, all to succumb to an evil man in a fitted turtleneck. You hardened your expression in an attempt to remain vexed.

“Your circumstance could be worse,” he concluded.

“And what of your circumstance?”

Silence ate up space between you. His gaze was set on you once again and then it seemed like you were the only two in this room, this home…the world.

“Better than it has been in a long time, schatzi,” he sighed.

“How so,” you asked, pushing for information.

He shrugged. “I am free and I am alone….with you.”

You winced and shook your head. “Don’t,” you whispered.

His brows furrowed. “In previous interactions, you did not seem to resent my…affections, Y/N.”

Butterflies ravaged your sternum, bringing memories of the night at Sharon’s with it. If it was different, if he had turned over a new leaf, then it would be easier to admit your feelings.

“Is this your version of affection? Holding me hostage?”

“Yes,” he breathed, coming to sit next to you, so close you thought he might touch you.

“Let’s not…talk about it,” you whispered, trying to push away the longing in your chest.

“I would like to,” he pushed.

All you could do was stare. The memories should've stayed in Madripoor. It should live in your brief collective drunk past. But you could see that it weighed on him as heavy as it did on you.

“That is fine,” he sighed. “I can talk if you will listen.”

You nodded once. The residual affections plagued you and it was impossible to keep your heartbeat at bay. The thought that he might feel the same was exhilarating and terrifying.

“It was you who assisted me with my escape plan. You who tracked Karli. You who guessed that I’d betray you on countless occasions. You who ensured that we evaded Captain America as long as we did. You who played your part so well that everyone in Madripoor thinks I have taken a wife.”

“Your point,” you hissed, deadpan.

“The super soldier solution does not increase intelligence, as you know. Nothing does. Even all the books in the world cannot alter what is already there. Either you are born with the glorious burden, or you live in ignorant bliss,” he explained.

He reached up and brushed his thumb along your forehead. “I know your burden, Y/N, because I share it.”

A stuttering breath left your chest. Compliments were the easiest forms of manipulation. You’d studied it, known it, resisted it in many years of training but this felt different. Everything he did and said, felt different.

“I do my job Zemo, that’s it.”

“You excel,” he corrected. “You make the rest of your colleagues look like newborns and yet they don’t...value you. Not like I do, Liebling.”

“If this is about the incident at Sharon’s,” you said, recognizing the nickname. “It was a mistake.”

He chuckled. “An optimist would call it a happy accident.”

“I’d call it life-ruining,” you said, trying to decipher the feelings of anger and something warm inside your chest. “If it led you to this.”

“I understand if you hate me,” he explained. “But you should know that living here with your hatred will be akin to breathing, for me, if it means you are safe. Natural and life-bringing.”

Your face gave nothing away but he’d stunned you.

“The evil baron is becoming less and less of a character.”

“They say hate itself is a version of love,” he mused, ignoring your words and staring at your lips.

The word knocked thought and common sense back into your head. This wasn’t love. This was ownership and selfishness. A myriad of terrible things that had tangled you both in this mess. It’d spurred from fascination and proximity but for love to grow, there has to be more. There has to be more good than bad. You looked around the home, owned by the man in front of you. Both beautiful, breathtaking even. But not enough to trade your freedom for.

“How convenient for someone with so many enemies,” you hissed.

His eyes squinted then and the Baron who commanded respect in Madripoor returned. There was this side of him too, you reminded yourself. And it seemed to be winning over the side who loved books and witty conversation.

“Are you my enemy, Y/N?”

For the first time, you didn’t know what to say. Before this, it wasn’t safe to call him anything other than an enemy but now? He ruined any chance of normalcy or redemption. The question lingered between you and it struck you how close he’d gotten. It would take almost nothing to start a repeat of the night at Sharon’s. But this was a different man.

“I didn’t have to be,” you breathed before breaking eye contact. You gave him no time to answer before fleeing back to your room.