#buy stainless steel kitchen cabinets

[jumbosskitchens1]

Stainless Steel Kitchens: The New Trending Idea in Modular Kitchen Design

[ladyantiheroine]

The Paris Suite

Summary: After eloping from Gotham, Bruce and Selina enjoy a steamy honeymoon night in Paris. Read on AO3.

Pairing: Sub!Bruce Wayne x Dom!Selina Kyle

Warnings: Knifeplay, kinky sex

Word Count: 2.6k words

Tags: Honeymoon, eloping, femdom, shibari, bondage, edging, knifeplay, strip tease, alcohol, face-sitting, cunnilingus, oral sex, dom/sub, roleplay, sexual roleplay, pegging, hand jobs, hotel sex, married couple.

“Those pearls look beautiful on you.”

Selina paused and realized she was fiddling with her necklace. She glanced up at Bruce as the elevator pinged its way up another floor. She grinned.

“Thank you,” she said. “A very handsome friend of mine gave them to me.”

“How handsome?”

“Enough that I might marry him. Maybe.”

Bruce smirked and fiddled his wedding ring with his thumb. Martha Wayne’s pearls had been a gift to Selina right before they eloped. They were the only thing that Bruce brought with him once they decided to leave Gotham together.

Well, except for millions of Wayne bucks that could buy a luxury honeymoon in the City of Love, of course.

The elevator doors parted and Selina followed Bruce down the hall to a set of double doors. Bruce pulled a gold room key from his pocket.

“The Royal Suite,” Selina read on the plaque by the door. “You really went all out for this one, did you?”

Bruce smirked as he turned the key in the lock. Just as he instructed the staff upon making the reservations, the DO NOT DISTURB sign was already hanging from the doorknob.

“The occasion calls for nothing less,” he said. 

He held open the door for Selina to step inside. Her high heels clicked against the marble floor and her eyes took in the expansive chateau.

“Impressive,” she said.

The suite was nestled on the top floor of the hotel, offering an impeccable view of the city’s golden glow below. Black marble countertops, crisp white furniture, and gold accents. All were illuminated by the glittering diamond chandelier that hung from the ceiling. The place even smelled expensive. 

Bruce removed Selina’s coat and placed it on a hook before stripping off his black trench coat. His eyes ran along the place, past the fully equipped kitchen to the living room where the fireplace was already crackling.

“Nice for them to light this for us,” he said. “Wish they could’ve left us some champagne in an ice bucket.”

“Oh, they did,” Selina said.

Bruce turned to Selina just as she pulled a sleek bottle from his handbag. He smirked.

“Impatient?” he asked.

Selina returned the smirk.

“I don’t like waiting for what I want,” she said. She reached behind her and locked the suite door. “Can you grab some glasses for us, darling?”

Bruce did as she asked and approached the upper cabinets in the kitchen. He found a neat row of tell champagne glasses inside and brought two to the counter. Selina set the bottle down between them with a glassy thud.

“Planning to get me drunk right out the gate?” Bruce teased.

Selina snorted.

“Like I would have to get you drunk to do anything,” she said.

“Are you certain about that?”

The two held each other’s teasing eyes. Bruce’s eyes lingered down to Selina’s fingers around the stem of the bottle. The diamond on her wedding ring glinted in the pale light. Twenty-four carats. The kind of stone only Wayne money could buy.

His breath still hitched whenever he saw it. He looked down at the gold band on his own finger.

He was married to Selina Kyle.

They fled Gotham, had a modest ceremony in Florence, and now whisked themselves away to Paris. It all happened so quickly that Bruce still felt like it was a dream. Like any moment he would wake up back in his cold, oversized bed in Gotham, the taste of Talia Al Ghul on his lips and Rachel Dawes heavy in his chest.

Now, he couldn’t even remember a time he loved any other woman.

“There should be some chocolate strawberries in the fridge,” Selina said. “Could you check for me, baby?”

“Sure,” Bruce said. He turned to the stainless steel fridge. “Made some arrangements with room service?”

“I like having something to eat with my drink.”

Bruce opened the fridge door. Behind him, he heard the champagne gurgle into the glasses. Indeed, the fridge was empty save for a box of decadent chocolate strawberries. He reached for them before closing the door.

Bruce turned back around just as Selina finished pouring the second glass. He brought the box over and popped it open. Before he could grab one, Selina reached over and plucked one from the box.

“Last time I had something sweet, it was laced with something not-so-much,” She gripped the strawberry by its green stem and held it to Bruce’s lips. “Can you taste this and tell me if it’s okay?”

Bruce grinned, then opened wide for Selina to push the tip of the dessert inside. He held her eyes as he closed his lips over the fruit and bit down, chewing slowly and moaning at the sweet taste in his mouth.

“Are you trying to tease me, Bruce?” Selina asked.

He swallowed.

“Is it working?”

Selina smirked, then flicked the remaining stem into the waste bin. She plucked her champagne glass from the counter and Bruce followed suit.

“To a new chapter,” Bruce said, raising his glass.

“To cities of love, not cities of fear,” Selina said.

They clinked their glasses together and Bruce took a long sip. Already, he could feel the foamy buzz settle in his veins. He felt light and giddy and suddenly much sleepier than he’d been even a minute ago.

“Jesus…” he mumbled. “What do the French put in their…”

He clasped a hand on the kitchen counter as he felt his knees buckle beneath him. Selina stood there, swirling her unsipped glass in her hand, watching Bruce with a mischievous look as he collapsed onto the floor.

~

The pain was the first thing Bruce felt when he came to. Not the pounding, headache pain of a hangover, as the lingering taste of champagne on his tongue would have him think. Not the sharp pain of a stabbing or gunshot wound. It was the aching, numbing pain of sore muscles that had been contorted for too long.

His eyes fluttered open and he was met with the glaring sparkle of the chandelier hanging above him. To his right, he felt the heat radiating from the fireplace, and behind his body was the soft, white fur carpet.

“Selina…” he said.

He tried to move, then groaned in pain when he realized his hands were bound behind him. Bruce dipped his gaze down his body. He’d been stripped down to his tighty-whities, and his body had been looped with rope. Strong, firm rope.

Either Bruce had gotten rusty in the year since he left Gotham, or Selina was exceptionally good at tying knots, because no matter how hard he struggled he couldn’t break the rope. Bruce was inclined to believe the latter. He groaned as he tried and failed to snap the rope binding his hands behind him.

“Selina,” he called louder. He glanced around the suite, which from his angle on the floor, seemed empty. “Very funny, Selina…very clever…”

Bruce squirmed on the carpet. She didn’t stop at tying his wrists together at his back. His legs were bound up two, keeping his knees bent and his thighs spread apart.

Shibari, he thought. Of course she knows Shibari.

Why was he surprised?

Somewhere behind his head, he heard the bedroom door open and the telltale click-click-click of Selina’s black pumps. A shadow passed over his face and he rolled his eyes up a long pair of legs to the woman towering over him.

Looks like he wasn’t the only one she stripped down. The simple black dress Selina had arrived in was gone, replaced with black lingerie, nylon thigh-highs with garters, and a familiar-looking black mask. All of it topped off with the pearls shimmering at her collar.

“I think you had a little too much to drink,” she said. “You’re very vulnerable when you’re drunk.”

Then, Selina reached into her bra and pulled out a black metal object. Bruce’s breath hitched when she flicked it open to reveal a pocket knife. The sharp end glinted in the light, piercing the glare into Bruce’s eyes so that he had to squint. 

“You should really be more careful,” she said. Her voice was low, drawn-out, as cold as an arctic breeze. “Someone could hurt you like this.”

She stood over him with his body between her legs, then lowered down to him. She held the knife to Bruce's throat and teased the dull side against his neck. Bruce shivered at the icy touch of the metal, afraid if he moved an inch, she would draw blood.

The thought tantalized him as much as it frightened him.

He chuckled. Of course, Selina would want to play one of her games as soon as she got him alone in their room. He should have known this was coming. 

Thankfully, Bruce was the kind of prey who was happy to be chewed in his predator’s mouth.

“Well, Mrs. Wayne,” he said. He shifted beneath her and met her eyes. “It seems you’ve caught me in a bind. What do I have to do to earn my freedom?”

Selina’s face stretched into a wicked grin. Her lips were bloody red, a shade Bruce bought her as a present, called Maneater. How appropriate.

“You don't have to do much, Mr. Wayne,” Selina said. 

She moved the knife from Bruce’s throat and rose to her feet. Bruce watched her step out of her high heels and set them aside,

Then, she lifted one nyloned foot and pressed it down on his crotch.

Bruce released a shuddering moan. Selina pressed down on his bulge, teasing his length with her toes, sending pain and pleasure down between his thighs.

“All you have to do,” she said. “Is just lie there and look pretty.”

“Selina,” Bruce croaked.

Every nerve in his body angled itself to where Selina pressed down on his erection. His body burned to move, to wiggle out from under her, but the ropes kept him in place. The only part of him that could move freely was creating a bulge in his underwear.

Selina giggled girlishly and ran her toe along his length. His tip was already leaking precome, leaving a stain on the fabric.

“Wet already?” she said. She clicked her teeth. “Bruce, what kind of fucked-up man gets wet from something like this?”

Bruce huffed and reported back, “What kind of woman gets wet from holding a man at knifepoint?”

Selina lifted an eyebrow. She pressed the point of the knife against Bruce’s Adam’s apple, pressing down just enough to create a prick of pain, but not too much to break the skin. She gently teased the tip down his throat, his chest, all the way down to his waist. Bruce’s heart stopped as an image of castration crossed his mind.

“Selina…” he said. “What’re you…”

Selina nudged the tip of the blade into the fabric of Bruce’s underwear, just barely missing his cock. In one slow motion, she tore through the material. The threads ripped apart and the whole thing fell apart on the floor. Bruce’s red, throbbing cock was bared on display, like butcher’s meat she served on a platter.

Bruce watched Selina kneel down again, straddling his leg. She slowly wrapped her long, slender fingers around his cock. By this point, Bruce was visibly shaking and sweating.

“Poor baby,” she said. “Need some help?”

Slowly, she started working her hand up and down his cock. Painfully slow. Bruce sucked in a gasp of breath and hissed between his teeth.

“Selina,” Bruce said, his voice more desperate. “Please…please…”

Selina grinned but didn’t stop her busy hand on his cock. She moved faster, pulling more whimpers and whines from her husband. She gradually quickened her pace until Bruce's hips started jerking and she could feel he was close.

Then, just before he could come, Selina pulled her hand away.

Bruce snapped his head up and looked at her.

“Wah…” he said, his breathing hitched. “Why’d you stop?”

Selina grinned and pressed her chin to her knuckles, her eyes flicking over him like he was some animal she caught in a cage.

“You want, baby boy?” she said. She leaned forward, her smile dropping and her voice turning ice-cold. “Then beg for it.” 

She teased her fingers along his cock, touching him just enough to make him hiss between his teeth. Bruce was panting like a dog and he wished for nothing more than to tear his hands from their binds and jerk himself off at her feet.

“Please, Selina,” he whimpered. “Please…I’ll do anything you want…just…fuck, please, it hurts…”

Selina pursed her lips and frowned.

“Aw,” she said. “Your poor baby.”

Her mocking baby talk only made him harder. Bruce was in agony. He tried to jerk his hips up and rub his cock against her hand, but the ropes were too tight.

“Please, Selina…” he whimpered softly. “Don’t torture me like this…”

Selina paused to look at him for a moment, letting him stew under her considerate gaze and then stood up. She underclipped her garters and they fell from her thighs.

“I don’t know if I want to let you off so easy,” she said. “I’m not an easy woman, Mr. Wayne. You need to earn something from me, first.”

She hooked her thumbs into the side of her lacy panties, and then slowly pulled them down her legs. Bruce was damn near drooling and he started twitching and grunting beneath her. Just the sight of her bare pussy made him feel like a feral dog foaming at the mouth.

Her hands stripped away slowly, taking their time until the lace was at her ankle. She moved forward up his body, positioning Bruce’s head between her thighs. Bruce’s nose filled with her scent and his mouth instantly watered.

“You want it, baby?” she said. “Then give it to me first.”

She lowered herself down onto Bruce’s face and Bruce wasted no time. He plunged his king, velvety tongue inside her and moaned at the taste. Fuck, that was good stuff.

Selina’s eyes fluttered shut and she sighed. She threaded her fingers through Bruce’s hair and curved her hips into his mouth.

“That’s it, baby…” she purred. “Right there…”

Selina arched her back and tightened her grip in his hair.

“Uh huh, baby,” she said. “Just like that…”

Bruce growled between her thighs. He loved her taste, the sounds she made, her soft flesh against his face. Bruce would’ve given anything to rip his wrists from the ropes and dig his fingers into her thighs.

He lapped at her pussy like a hungry dog, her hot juices trickling down his throat. Selina moaned louder and her hips twitched as she fucked his skull into the floor.

“Fuck,” Selina moaned, gripping his hair with both hands now. “Fuck, Bruce…”

Bruce didn’t slow down. He sensed her getting close and he wanted to send her hurling over the edge. He wanted her to unravel on top of him, a bit of cheeky revenge for drugging his champagne.

Selina yanked at his hair and tipped her head up to the ceiling.

“FUCK!” She hissed through her teeth. Selina came like a glass bottle shattered against the wall. She rode Bruce’s face until every drop left from her was trickling down his throat.

Even after she finished, Selina’s hips kept jerking and twisting. Bruce didn’t want to stop. He could’ve stayed on the floor licking her dry all night. But Selina drew a heavy sigh and lifted herself from his face.

“Cute,” she said, using her thumb to wipe the shiny come from Bruce’s mouth. “This is a good look for you.”

Bruce grinned and licked the residue from his lower lip.

“Are you happy?” he asked.

Selina scoffed and gave him a smug grin. She stood up and stepped back into her high heels.

“Oh yeah,” she said. “Very happy.”

“So, are you gonna use that knife to let me go now?” Bruce asked.

Selina twisted her mouth and glanced down between Bruce’s thighs. His bulge was still erect and leaking profusely. 

“Not yet,” she said. She pointed the knife at it. “I have to take care of that business first.”

Bruce’s skin prickled with anticipation. He expected her to join him back on the floor and ride him into the carpet. Maybe she’d blow him and leave that red lipstick on his cock, marking her territory. Maybe she’d just finish that handjob she tortured him with.

Instead, he watched Selina’s heels click past his head and into the bedroom. Bruce tried to glance behind him to see where she was going.

“Selina?” he called.

Bruce didn’t hear a response. However, he did hear the distant clink of metal and the stretch of leather straps. His heart ricocheted in his chest.

Oh, he thought. Oh yes. 

He thought she would stop at the ropes. He had no idea that she brought extra toys with her as well. Clearly, he underestimated Selina and how thorough;y he planned to fuck him senseless during their honeymoon.

She’s perfect, he thought. Perfect woman. Perfect wife. 

Goosebumps erupted across Bruce’s whole body. He instinctively clenched his ass hole. The ropes around his body suddenly felt ten times more restricting and he was giddy to the point of nearly giggling.

“The bedroom door creaked open and Bruce heard Selina’s high heels approaching.

Bruce rolled his head to face the ceiling. Selina clicked her heels right up to his head, and Bruce’s vision of the chandelier was blocked by a long, protruding shape.

“I bought it brand new before the flight,” she said. She ran a finger along the length. “I even got it in black, just for you baby.”

Bruce licked his lips and stared up at the plastic cock. His gaze lingered down to the leather harness grasping Selina’s thighs, the metal buckled that glinted in the light. His body was shivering even in the firelight.

“I guess I can’t escape, can I?” Bruce said, an enormous grin on his face. “There’s no way I can get out…Nowhere I can run to…I’m completely at your mercy...”

Selina gave him a sadistic smile. Bruce Wayne, billionaire and notorious former vigilante, was now quivering at her feet. The sight of it alone could have brought her to climax right there.

“I’m afraid so,” she said. She dug her toe under Bruce’s back, then flipped him onto his stomach. Her new husband let out a delicious moan of pain. “You’re all mine to play with…my favorite little toy…”

Selina kneeled down close to Bruce’s bare back. She grabbed a small vial of lube from her bra and lathered up her cock. Then, she lathered her fingers and went to work wetting Bruce’s hole.

Bruce winced and sighed as his new wife massaged her fingers inside him, teasing his prostate just the way he liked. He could never get enough of this. After years of relentless control, it felt heavenly to surrender to someone else. Especially someone like Selina Kyle.

No, Selina Wayne.

Selina pulled her fingers out and readied herself at Bruce’s entrance. With one firm thrust, she pushed her length inside him. The lube allowed her to slide deeper inside him, and the deeper she went, the louder Bruce whined

“Shush, baby,” she purred. “Don’t want someone calling security on us with all the noise.”

Selina paused her hips to straighten up and reach behind her neck. Bruce could barely look over his shoulder to see what she was doing. Then he heard a strange clicking sound.

Selina unclipped the pearl necklace and balled it in her fist. She leaned forward and grabbed Bruce’s jaw from behind.

“I’m gonna have to keep you quiet,” she said.

She shoved two fingers in Bruce’s mouth and his jaw instinctively unhinged. With his mouth open, Selina quickly removed her fingers and shoved the balled-up necklace inside him.

“Urgh,” Bruce grunted. 

His saliva dribbled over the necklace. The pearls smelled, even tasted , like Selina’s skin, and that stopped him from immediately spitting it out. Selina grabbed his hips and continued to pound into him.

At a certain point, Bruce’s body went limp like a ragdoll’s. He surrendered to the fur carpet and let her ruin him from behind. Her movements were quick but precise, pressing into his prostrate so well that it took only a few minutes for him to feel a swelling inside him.

Selina dug her sharp nails into his muscular shoulders, leaving red lines across his flesh. If only Gotham could see their dark knight now, face to the floor and his dick pressed to the carpet, spilling a pool of precome.

Bruce’s whimpers turned to moans and then desperate pleas. Any stoic front melted away in a mess of sweat and tears of pleasure. He tried to moan words, but the pearls in his mouth only allowed a gurgle of noises to spill from his throat.

Selina spanked a hand against his rear end, getting a loud grunt from him.

“What’s that, baby?” she said. “You want it harder?”

Selina grabbed his hair, forcing his back to arch, and she thrust her hips faster. A bead of sweat ran down her neck between her breasts and her heart knocked against her ribs. Bruce was teary-eyed, blubbering mess beneath her.

“Mmmmm, good boy,” she purred in his ear. “Come for me, baby.”

With those words, Bruce released a hissing, pained cry from his throat and burst onto the floor. Selina kept thrusting and fucking until every drop of him was gone. Even when he was finished, she kept pushing inside him and gave another snap to the ass for good measure.

Once they were both out of breath and slicked with sweat, Selina pulled out and stood up to remove the harness. She dropped the whole thing on a nearby chair.

“You look cute from up here,” she teased. “Maybe I should just leave on the floor all night.”

“And leave half the bed cold?” Bruce retorted. “On a winter night?”

Bruce heard Selina unsheath her switchblade again. She grabbed his hand and sawed at the ropes until they split away. A cool breeze brushed over Bruce’s skin and the circulation smoothed in his wrists.

“Too tight this time?” Selina asked.

Bruce scoffed. “Never too tight.”

He turned onto his back. His body was slick with sweat, and the heat from the fireplace and the fur carpet on his back did little to cool him. Selina crawled on top of him and pressed her forehead to his.

“You look a bit parched,” she said.

“Yeah,” Bruce said.

“Need a drink?”

Selina reached up and pulled the champagne bottle out from behind a footrest. Bruce chuckled and watched Selina rise up to straddle him and pop it open.

“Promise this one isn’t spiked?” he said.

Selina chuckled.

“Oh, Bruce,” she said. “A few days into marriage, and already you don’t trust me?”

Bruce smirked and watched Selina take a swing of the bottle. Then, she hovered it a few inches over his face.

“Open wide,” she said.

Bruce did as she said and parted his lips. Selina dribbled the foamy drink into his mouth. Some of it landed on his tongue, the rest spilled on his lips and nose. Droplets went flying onto the carpet.

“You’re going to leave a hell of a mess for the maids tomorrow,” Bruce said.

Selina raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe I should make you lick it off the carpet,” she said. “Make you crawl on your hands and knees, and stay like that until it’s all gone.”

Bruce gave her a look, as if to say, "Is that a challenge?” 

Selina set the bottle aside and stretched out on top of Bruce. Bruce circled his arms around her and Selina smacked a kiss on his cheek, leaving a crimson stain behind.

Champagne bottle half-empty and too sleepy to stand, the Bat and the Cat dozed off as the fireplace embers cooled to wisps of smoke.

[blimbosworlddd]

Nirvana: A Rock Lee Tale (Chapter 4)

Summary: Your dating life is terrible. Your friends’ marriage is fantastic. Your career as a medic is doing great, though. But you aren’t happy. However, after one quick trip to the Mighty Rock Dojo, you stumble upon the most magnificent man you’ve ever met- the taijutsu master- Rock Lee.

Notes: slow burn fic, afab/fem/black reader.

Warnings: Mentions of sex, (light) descriptions of blood and violence, usage of the N word. The reader and Lee are in their 20s but virtually any age group that is 18 and up can enjoy this story. Again 18+, minors do not interact… pls.

Word count: 6.3k

Masterlist

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Shikamaru loves his late father’s lighter. At the tender age of seventeen, he found it in one of his coat pockets in the closet after his funeral. It’s one of those old school classic lighters that you flick open and to this day, it’s the only one he uses to smoke. A morning glory flower is engraved into the sleek silver, and it’s the same flower that Shikamaru orders in his wife’s bouquets. Sometimes he doesn’t even use his lighter for smoking. He’ll just stare at it or keep it in his fist, rubbing the smooth round edges to ground him when logic and practicality no longer pay for his taxing burdens.

This is exactly what he’s doing now: one hand caging the lighter in his pocket while using the other to emphasize important phrases with gestures,as he tries to convince the couple why they need to buy this mansion. The words he finesses them with make up for almost any preconceived concern that they may have with the property, his gravelly tone carrying the undeniable confidence necessary to sell it.

The three stroll through the hallways, and the couple takes in the interior that they imagine looking at for the rest of their lives. The wife is beaming, running her fingers across the lustrous wallpaper while also investing her attention on the little history lesson Shikamaru teaches them about the house. The husband nods along to the story wordlessly, grabbing his woman’s hand as they follow the real estate agent into the kitchen.

He’s not really feeling how loudly the wood creaks beneath his feet, or how the cabinets in the kitchen are wooden despite the variety of building materials that adorn this establishment. However, Shikamaru ain’t paid to do nothing. So he turns around, releases the lighter in his pocket and raises both his hands to stop the customers.

“The intramural design of this house is pretty old, I’ll admit. But one of our most trusted general contractors is already drafting the modern upgrade of the interior.”

The husband raises a brow. “Such as?”

“Glad you asked.” He walks by the marble counters and opens one of the cabinets. “Why have wooden cabinets when there are significantly more durable options? Our contractor can laminate a sheet of acrylic or stainless steel over the medium-density fiberboard.”

Shikamaru leans on the countertop. “It's your choice, of course, but acrylic is susceptible to scratches.”

The wife hums in thought, realizing she hadn’t noticed the material of the cabinets until now. She feels her man let go of her hand, the chill air hitting her moistened palm. He clears his throat.

“Okay, but-“

Shika’s coldly sharp eyes quietly welcome the man with his full attention.

“How much will the installment cost? And what can we do about these creaky wooden floors? Will that also add to the price?”

“Nope.” Shika doesn’t miss a beat, lightly pushing himself off the marble. “Since our contractor has been working on this project before you found it, you won’t be paying for any upgrades on their behalf. S’just how we do business.”

The wife’s eyes crinkle in relief, hooking her elbow with her husband’s so she can rest her cheek on his shoulder.

“Does this apply to ordering a security system?” The husband continues.

“Well… no. You’ll hafta pay for that since it’s not a part of-“

Shika’s phone vibrates in his back pocket like a war cry in a distant battle zone. It’s on Do Not Disturb for obvious reasons, but his intuition tells him it’s a call he shouldn’t ignore. And he never ignores his gut. So, he excuses himself for a millisecond only to check who could be calling.

It’s his own wife.

What does this woman want? He thinks. I’m about to sell this house in fifteen minutes anyway. She can wait.

He turns off his phone, facing the couple whispering lowly to each other with approving nods and content-laced grins.

“Sorry about that.” He sighs. “Where were we?”

-

>>Your call has been forwarded to an au-

Temari shuts off her phone, eyebrows pinching into a soft cringe as she glares at the black screen.

This is the third time her husband hasn’t answered her calls, what’s worse is that they’ve barely seen or even interacted with each other in the last couple weeks. He always excused it with ‘gotta sell another house” or “too tired, we’ll talk later” or toe curling sex like that’s enough justification to shut her up. But Temari shuts up when Temari wants to shut up, and Temari once again may hafta spend another day sleeping on their shared california king bed without Temari’s man. 

The exhausted woman scoffs, tossing her device on the couch as she slouches to reach the TV remote. The screen illuminates with the press of a button, and the channel displays a reality show. Images of a bunch of older women are raising their drinks in a toast to celebrate whatever the fuck, and it made Temari think of you.

Y’all haven’t had a proper hang out since she and Shika took you to the dojo, maybe some girl time could give her a less jaded outlook on the situation.

I’ll reach out later, she thinks.

-

Today is Veteran’s Day. Lee is at a restaurant eating with his sensei, Might Guy, and Neji. They’re celebrating Guy’s survival of the Fourth Great War, so it’s not surprising that he and Neji have downed a couple shots of whiskey. Lee, on the other hand, contently sips on his humble glass of cranberry juice from a squiggly straw.

“And so get this,” Neji chuckles, talking as if his face isn't beet red with liquor. “He puts slippers on her feet like she's Cinderella, and then she thanks him with the most unamused tone possible and walks away with a face so lifeless you could mistake her for a zombie.”

Guy Sensei cackles and slaps an open palm on the table. Lee pouts, shooting Neji the sassiest side-eye he can muster at his stupid humor, but his friend just ignores him while slurping on some ramen. Lee hums, gently placing his glass cup down before resting his chin on his folded hands.

“And yet she's the same woman who agreed to go on a date with me tomorrow.”

Guy Sensei drops his jaw with a gasp and Neji drops his chopsticks. 

“And you're telling us this now?” Neji glares at him, but there's no real irritation in his tone. His eyes glow with pride for his friend.

Guy Sensei grips his shoulder lovingly, a serious expression adorns his face.

“I know I never really bothered teaching you how to love a woman.” The thrumming bass in his demanding voice carried subtle waves of regret and faith. “But despite all that you've been through, you taught yourself how to do it. That's how I know you've always had it in you. I'm proud of you, my boy.”

Lee feels his lips wobble with joy and turns to Neji who closes his eyes with his own knowing smile.

“Th-thanks Guy Sensei. I think I hit the jackpot with this one!”

Guy leans his back into his wheelchair with a hand rubbing his chin.

“I’m glad,” he grumbles. “Tenten’s lost her choke hold on you, I see.”

Neji’s eyes rip open and his smile melts away. He snaps his head to Lee, who’s already frowning while his eyes stare a thousand yards ahead of him. Guy catches onto the shift in the aura and watches his student’s depressing reaction with subtle horror.

“I’m sorry Lee,” Guy sighs guiltily. “I thought you were over her.”

Lee lowers his unfolding hands from his chin. No one’s mentioned my ex-fiance in years, he thinks. I thought I was over her too. He inhales deeply and takes a swig from his cranberry juice.

“Her memory still brings me pain,” he prompts reluctantly.

Neji side-eyes Guy before looking down at his now-cold ramen. He's losing his appetite, and it's not even about him, all because Sensei couldn't watch his mouth. 

Suddenly, images of your tear-stained face, your beautiful smile, and your relentless kindness replaces the void in his chest with a warmth only you can provide. And he can't help but smile, more tenderly, this time.

“But not only have I grown stronger, I have another chance with an amazing woman.” he turns to the window beside him and gazes up at the blue sky, hope twinkling in his eyes.

“For the first time in a long time,” he turns his gaze back to Guy. “I look forward to loving again.”

Neji and Guy silently marvel at his growth and maturity. It’s now Guy’s turn to make a wobbly smile, quietly sniffling as he reaches to hold Lee’s hand. He offers his hand to his other student as well, and Neji hesitantly accepts it with a hopeless sigh. But he's also smiling again, nonetheless.

-

Today is the day you go out with Lee! You both decided he’d pick you up at your place at 7 pm, so you have the whole day to pamper yourself. You’re with your best friend Bria, and both of you are getting your nails done by her nail tech. Bria is another childhood friend of yours, y’all met in elementary school. She had to move to a neighboring state for college, but y’all always kept in touch when you could.

You sigh happily against the massage chair, feeling the tension around your shoulder blades erode while watching the color on your nails blossom with each stroke of the tiny brush.

“Bri, this is the best,” you groan softly. “Thank you.”

“Girl don’t even stress it, you know I missed you.” She rolls her eyes lovingly.

You chuckle sweetly. Bria always showed her affection by spoiling the people who have their own little place in her big heart. You understood why, you just didn’t feel comfortable having money spent on you. However, as years passed, Bria helped you realize that you rejected the way she loved because you felt like a burden - like if she burned some cash for you it'd ultimately be a waste. 

But ever since y’all met, you’ve supported her through many trials and tribulations. You were her strength when she was weak, especially after she was homeless for a period after being kicked out by her abusive grandmother. You and your father took her in when no one else would, and helped her get back on her feet. You made her feel like a normal teen amidst all the chaos. Without you, she would've never been able to blossom into the highly successful woman she is today, finally having her own home and even owning two businesses. From Bria’s point of view, the very least she can do is prepare you for your highly anticipated date.

Your nails are finished and they’re so you: stiletto shaped with a French, purple chrome tip. Bria’s nails are long and Spongbob themed which makes you giggle uncontrollably but at the same time they look dumb good. All this pretty art and not a single dent in your pockets - as it should be.

-

Next up is a shopping spree, but y’all only buy from one store. It’s a small thrift boutique with tons of vintage brands, Bria knows you love your 20 plus year old classics. God, it’s like a hidden museum riddled with ancient yet modernized pieces here. You feel like you’re time traveling as you scan through so many garments; some premiered in 90s runways from Paco Rabanne to Mugler. Where the fuck did the store owner get these?? Your brain ponders in a fashion-crazed frenzy.

While remaining hyper vigilant, you make sure to find something that doesn’t stand out but still screams classy. Simple yet effective. 

“Ayo Bri,” you call out, unable to see your friend anywhere.

“Yeah, hun?” She responds from the other side of the boutique. Predicting her exact location, you put your items in a cart and follow her voice. You show her your selection. Her eyes and fingers silently run over every ridge, every crease, every edge. The cotton is smoothly refined, beautifully dyed and feels amazing.   Your bestie nods affirmingly with a sharp grin.

“…You gon drive him crazy.”

“Like I don’t already.” You scoff.

Bria guffaws as you eagerly throw your arms around her shoulders, swaying you both side to side.

-

It’s 4pm, and y’all finally make it back to your apartment. Luckily, you have a few hours to settle in so you won’t hafta rush to get ready. Both of you sit on your couch while watching Bernie Mac. Bria pours two glasses of Pinot Noir while you take down your twists. You feel the cushion drain your energy from beneath you, but the idea of missing Lee’s inevitable call straightens your back and forces you awake. 

“Pookieee, you never showed me a pic of your lover boyyy,” Bria whines before taking a sip of some wine. Her brow raises unexpectedly at its richness.

You cease your twist out and reach for your phone. You never caught a proper portrait of Lee’s face, but you would sneak a few pics of him sparring with multiple fighters at once. So you show her those. She brings the screen closer to her face, and her eyes bulge out of her sockets.

“DAMN,” She barks. “Bruce Lee who?”

Your jaw drops, gently slapping her thigh at her boldness.

“Don’t disrespect Bruce’s legacy like tha-

“I’M NOT! LOOK,” Bria scrunches her eyes and zooms in on his body. “You can see his muscles through the clothes. THROUGH THE CLOTHES!”

You feel yourself wheezing, a hand over your clenching abdomen to ease the burn of laughter. But you can’t disagree, Lee’s stunning like that.

“Bri… I can’t with you,” you huff with a weak smile.

“Sure ya can!” Bria chirps, framing her words with a fake southern accent. She stay playing.

-

It’s 6:45 pm and you’re all dolled up; hair done, makeup done, outfit on, perfume spritzed. Bria takes a bunch of pics, squealing in delight at how much you ate up this look. She’s proud, so proud of the queen you’ve become.

“Bitch, ya lover boy lucky I’m straight.” 

You smile goofily, about to respond to her joke until you feel your phone vibrate in your hand.

You take it out and Lee’s contact brightens your screen. Bria slaps a palm over her mouth when you answer the call.

“H-Hello?”

Lee closes his eyes, reveling in how sweet and lovely you sound.

“Hi angel,” he chuckles gently. “I’m downstairs.”

You press your thighs together. That voice of his; a deep raspiness thrumming with a tone so sensual, it caresses every nerve in your body. To top it off with a pet name, and he arrives early?? Wheww.

“Okay. C-coming down.”

You hang up and turn to face your friend. She hugs your shoulders and wishes you the best night ever. 

“You can spend the night here if you want, ‘kay?” You coo. Bria nods appreciatively against your neck.

“I’ll save some wine for you,” she whispers.

“No you won’t.” She snorts at how well you know her.

You take your keys, purse and blow Bria a kiss before locking the door behind you.

-

Lee stands outside, leaning against the door of his car as he waits patiently for you. He tugs at his gray slacks, wondering if he should have entrusted his suit to Neji’s personal tailor. He snaps his head up when he hears your door unlock. Your black stiletto pumps clack as you descend down the steps like a goddess from her shrine. He couldn’t look away. He just physically couldn’t.

“Oh my god…” he mumbles, staring hopelessly at your figure; a royal purple sweater dress that reaches your mid-calf, fitting you like a glove as the soft fabric hugs every curve, crease and roll that adorns your body; smoky eyes and a glossy lip accentuate your soft glow; pretty round face framed with an afro- the radiant moonlight illuminating your fluffy coils. You watch your step while gracefully lifting the bottom of the black vintage mink coat draped over your shoulders. He feels like falling to his knees at the sight of you.

After approaching him, you stop at arm’s length so you can take him in. Calling Lee sexy would be a disserving understatement; the gray suit he’s wearing clings to his body with tasteful minimalism; it’s not too baggy, nor is it too tight; the fabric’s at peak quality, smoothly pressed, but not too shiny; you could see the bulk of his thighs slightly stretch his pants (the hems are cropped to perfection); the top four buttons on his black shirt are undone, so you can see his sternum and a delicious peak of his pecs. This fit frames his build with such majestic subtlety, you can't help but undress him with your eyes from head to polished boot.

“Lee! You… you look so handsome,” there’s that familiar lilt of humble adoration in your voice he loves oh so much. It boosts his ego, yet doesn’t soar it to great heights- he’s used to not getting any compliments on his appearance besides his impeccable physique. The rosiness that blooms on his cheeks is evident enough of that.

“Thank you,” he smiles softly. “I know you’re always beautiful no matter what you wear. It- it’s just..”

He nibbles on his bottom lip without ceasing eye contact, the sight urges you to look down shyly but you’re too mesmerized by him to tear your gaze.

“Seeing you tonight has confirmed to me that you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met.”

Gravity wins the battle and you finally look down, feeling like you’ll melt into a puddle if he gives you any more sweet praises.

“Th-thank you, Lee. That means a lot.” 

“Of course,” There’s a reassurance in his tone that boosts your ego as well, making you feel like his flattery isn’t just flattery. He makes it feel like a widely accepted fact amongst the masses of an entire nation. No man has ever made you feel that way, you couldn’t depend on them to do that. It took your whole life up until now to realize yourself that you’re the shit, you were always the shit, and forever will be the shit.

He turns to open the door for you, making sure the ends of your fur don’t graze the pavement as you step inside the vehicle.

-

The ride to the restaurant is quiet, words have yet to be exchanged between you two.This kinda baffles Lee because he’s been on plenty of dates; but there’s something about your aura, the way you carry yourself with such poise, from how you speak to how you sit- his face just won’t stop heating up- he's terrifed of messing this up.

You on the other hand are just chilling; basking in the woody scent of his car that mixes with the expensive cologne radiating from Lee in small, balanced whiffs. He smells like cinnamon, sweet and warm while trailing a sharp spiciness. You sense his hesitation, but you don’t know what to say either. And date or not, you refuse to force small talk. It makes you feel icky. So you just enjoy his presence silently.

You’re both halfway to your destination and Lee decides to restart his brain a little. He turns on the radio, making sure the music is only loud enough for both of you to listen casually. Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were plays in the background. I loved this song as a teen, you think. Gosh I was a hopeless romantic… still am. You ponder if that was ever a bad thing. Or if you were just scared of the fact that you either love passionately, or don’t at all. 

You ponder if that even matters right now.

Lee hums every note Barbra sings with attentive effort, his finger tapping against the wheel to match the feather-light percussion’s rhythm.

“Smiles we gave to one another,” you turn your head to him, not expecting his singing to enchant you the way it does. “For the way we were…”

He sounds so invested in the moment, simply appreciating the song by singing along. Your heart skips a beat when he shifts his gaze to you, a silly smile raising his cheeks before returning his focus on the road ahead. It makes you strangely jealous, the way he so easily erased the growing tension between you two.

You want to do that. You want to do that for yourself, for the people around you, for your patients. Maybe you already do, but you don’t think anyone can do it quite like Lee does.

-

“SO IT’S THE LAUGHTER WE WILL REMEMBER. WHENEVER WE REMEMBER..”  your mouths hang low as you both shout the sentimental lyrics at the top of your lungs. Your bodies sway to the music with fervent enthusiasm like you’re in a soap opera, like it’s the last song you both will ever sing. You feel so free. You both don’t mind how crazy y’all might sound belting notes slightly beyond your registers, for your hearts called out to Streisand’s magnificent delivery of an undeniably nostalgic message. You both feel so free.

“The way we were. The way we… were.” The song concludes with the introductory hums from earlier, and you feel yourself sink back into your seat.

“Damn!” You exclaim. “You got some pipes, Lee.”

Laughter erupts from Lee’s chest. “I can say the same for you too, y/n.”

-

You finally make it to the restaurant and the exterior design is sleek and well illuminated. Lee walks ahead to open the door for you, and you thank him before entering the establishment. You’d expect the interior to have a modern style similar to other restaurants you’ve dined at. To your delightful surprise it’s very old-school. The lights are dimmed to increase the intimacy but not to the point where it’s hard to see. Shika and Temari would love this place, you think. Speaking of that, I wonder if everything’s okay between those two.

A waiter approaches the two of you.

“Good evening, my name is Jeremy,” he prompts. “Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes,” Lee verifies. “Under the name Rock Lee.”

“Right this way.” Jeremy smiles politely and leads you both to a booth in a secluded corner.

The round table is draped in a black cloth and decorated with silver utensils, two Riesling wine glasses and burgundy twin candles. Even the seats are adorned in red velvet fabric. Is this how royalty dines everyday?

Before stopping yourself, you tug on the hem of Lee’s sleeve. He looks down at you and the concern in his expression almost makes your incoming words clog up your throat. It’s too all too much. He’s just too much.

“Lee… you didn’t hafta do all this.” You protest weakly.

Lee blinks at you, big eyes widening as he processes your remark.

“ ‘Course I did,” he says matter-of-factly. “You deserve it, princess. Now, let’s eat!”

He waits for you to release your hold. You let go of him, feeling your cheeks puff up in a small grin. He pulls back a chair, offering you your seat. You thank him once more as he steadily pushes your chair forward so you’re close enough to the table. He sits across from you while you shrug off your coat. 

After taking off his own jacket, he rolls up his sleeves and his forearms look delectable; the way his veins protrude as his muscles flex makes you imagine how they’d feel wrapped around your neck from behind as he p-

“Here are your menus,” Jeremy gives you each a fancy pamphlet listing all the available dishes and beverages. You both make sure to receive them with verbal gratitude and scan your options.

You want to pull out your phone so you can look up these Italian words, but you don’t want to violate the etiquette so you read the ingredients of each meal from the menu instead. Your eyes follow Lee’s confused ones, and hide a snort with your pamphlet when he asks the waiter what a certain meal is and completely butchers the pronunciation of the dish’s name.

After requesting your appetizers, you both wait patiently with a glass of wine in your hand and a glass of orange juice in Lee’s.

You raise your glass to the crease of your mouth, but something about Lee sitting prim and content with his orange juice peaks an interest within that urges you to indulge it.

“Not a fan of drinking?”

Lee lowers his glass at your question, swallowing a glob of spit to brace himself. Yes, he’s not obligated to answer that question and could just manage a way to politely change the subject. Or, he could tell the truth no matter how mercilessly his shame is clawing at his back. However, the sincerity behind the bleakness of his past sprouts in the form of a relaxed smile embellishing his features.

“I was an alcoholic,” Lee makes sure he’s loud enough so you can’t misconstrue the truth in his words. “Been sober for five years… going on six.”

Lee stares at you and waits. He waits for your reaction, your character, the potential volume of your heart. He sits and stares, looking for any judgment in your eyes. He knows how mature and grounded you are, Neji and Guy Sensei have helped him see those traits in admirable people. But you’re going to have to accept all of him if he’s going to give you all of him.

You turn your head, scanning the area for the nearest waiter. Luckily there’s one who’s an earshot away from you. To Lee’s confusion, you summon them for assistance.

“Hi, how can I help you?” Inquires the waiter.

“May I have a glass of orange juice, please? I’d like to return the wine.”

Lee’s eyes widen, wondering why his lungs no longer feel like they’re being buried by dumbbells. But rather, they feel like an inflated balloon, like a sky lantern floating gracefully into the atmosphere until they look like one of the infinite stars so impossibly far away. Except, you’re right in front of him.

“Yes, of course.” The waiter grabs the glass and bottle of Riesling, retreating to the kitchen.

“Thank you,” you mumble, mindlessly watching them walk away.

A heavy sigh pulls you from your trance. You turn your attention to the man before you, his chin resting on his palm while dreamily gazing at you.

“Why did you do that?” He blinks slowly, and the nonchalance of his grin almost perfectly masks his bewilderedness.

“Because I'm proud of you! Five years is no easy milestone.”

Lee leans back against his seat, carefully drinking in the subtle meekness in your eyes. Yes, you were a bit nervous, twiddling with your nails while wondering if the gesture you just pulled was really necessary.

“No one’s ever done something like that for me before. Thank you, angel.”

Lee raises his chin, briefly facing the decorated ceiling with his eyes closed while reveling in this moment you’ve blessed him with.

“Of course…!” You lean a tad bit forward, folding your hands on the dining table. “ You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. In body and spirit.”

A hearty chuckle slips through Lee’s lips, and the sound rumbles through your brain.

The waiter comes back with the orange juice and pours you a new drink. You thank them as they leave and raise your glass towards the man before you.

“To five years?” You prompt with a shy smile stretching your thick lips.

Lee straightens his posture, and reaches for his drink. He ascends the glass and clinks it gently against yours, the look on his face so relaxed and at peace. A quiet sombreness radiates from the satisfaction of this precious moment because of the unbearable days he had to bear just to experience it. And yet, that resentful trail of suffering led him to share an intimacy with someone he never ever thought he’d encounter. You are invaluable, and he’s gonna make sure you enjoy every second you spend with him.

“To five years.”

-

The ride back to your place is a bit noisier, y’all don’t sing this time but rather continue the intellectually fruitful and deeply polarizing conversations you shared back at the restaurant. So much depth:

“Fave powerpuff girl?”

Lee takes a shallow breath at your question, pondering on how to answer most truthfully.

“Y’know, quite a few people thought I liked Buttercup because we both have short black hair and our color is green but…” Lee kisses his teeth in thought while steadily swerving onto the next block..

“Bubble’s innocent naivety and relentless bliss always resonated with me,” he shrugs while looking ahead. “I wanted to be the ‘happiest citizen of Townsville’ for the sixth year in a row when I was a toddler.”

You snort, resting your elbow below the passenger window. “You know, she gets extremely aggressive when she’s mad though.”

“Another reason why I love her! She’s so underestimated as a fighter but is the most feared by Mojo Jojo himself.”

You loll your head in Lee’s direction. “Jojo is not a very impressive villain. I mean, you didn’t forget about HIM, did you?”

Lee catches a glimpse of how your pretty eyes slant a bit when you playfully smirk at him, an image he snapshots with his brain.

“Who can forget the most manipulative, morally inept character in that show? S’why he’s so interesting!”

“His fashion sense is interesting too,” you remark while recollecting the character’s iconic design. “Wanted to dress up as him for Halloween back in kindergarten.”

Lee bellows at the thought of a tiny version of you embellished in red crab hands and a pointy chin beard.  Shameless laughter has never sounded sexy to you. But after seeing his cheeks rise and eyes crinkle shut in hopeless glee; after seeing the way his sharp jaw falls open to let out that deep bass rumbling through the car. You want to make him do it again. You want to drink it in, to feel him do it again.

“You’d look so adorable,” he wheezes while resting his forehead against the wheel.

You try to ignore the effect he has on you. You try to ignore how contagious he is, but a few sniggers escape your lips in merry futility.

“Thank you…” you turn to look through your passenger window, taking in the streets and architecture that look more and more similar to your home as Lee drives by. 

“Your Bubbles cosplay would be quite convincing, if I do say so myself.” You add.

“Don't tempt me, princess.” Lee continues to look ahead, but you can see a sneer creep up his handsome features in a way that makes you cackle unabashedly.

-

“This is you, right?”

“Yep!”

Your date pulls up right in front of your apartment, and you reflect on your time with him while he unplugs the key from his car. You had so much fun; didn’t feel stressed in any way, you ate good, you learned so much more about Lee than you ever expected to; you secretly hope he knows more about you too.

Lee steps out of the car and opens your side of the door. He offers his hand for you to balance yourself as you step onto the jagged pavement. While nodding your head in gratitude, you feel your pores prick open at the rough texture of his palm. His fingers are solid and scarred, yet so soothingly warm just for you.

Before you take out your keys to unlock the gate, you turn to face the man’s chest before you. You look up to find those big eyes, and his gaze consumes you; he tucks his hands in his pockets, sighing as he stares lovingly at you; lidded eyes and a lazy smile, you got him on cloud nine. It gives you the urge to cower, but you don’t want to. The way he is looking at you right now, with such an undeniable bliss, urges you to face the fear. To judge yourself a little less. It’s quiet for a few moments, the both of you kinda just stare at each other but it’s comfortable. Not awkward, just the both of you. No one else. 

“I don’t want this night to end.” You pout, a little whine erupting in your throat.

Lee chuckles lowly at the adorable sight, quietly grateful that you show this side of yourself to him.

“It doesn’t have to,” his tender tone sugarcoats the fearless conviction in his words.

You briefly shut your eyes in a frown and take a deep breath. “Yes… yes it does.”

Lee’s smile doesn’t even falter, he’s simply grateful that you blessed him with your precious time and presence.

“Well,” he sighs. “I had a wonderful time with you. You’re wonderful, y’know that?” The bass in his voice rasps you away into the air while simultaneously grounding you. Your eyes drop to your heels so you can hide your silly grin. 

Lee takes a step closer, and he can smell the vanilla and honey wafting from your shiny coils. The warm cologne radiating from his body starts to insulate your own. His throat bobs with every subtle gulp, and you feel like taking a step back because it’s so much but not even close to enough.

A tiny gasp escapes your lips when Lee gently cups your chin with his hand, slowly tilting your head up so you can look him in the eyes. He tightens his grip on your cheeks, just enough to watch your lips squish cutely together.

“You know that, right sweetheart?” 

Oh. So it’s like that.

Didn’t take him for a fucking tease, you think.

“Right,” you whisper mindlessly. ”But if I’m so wonderful…”

 You gulp, “Then why don’t you kiss me already?”

Lee’s smirk grows back. There you go, he thinks. Demand what’s yours.

The man before you swipes a careful thumb over your bottom lip before dragging his other fingertips across your cheek. He caresses the smooth skin before gripping the back of your neck, and pulls you in.

Your hands instinctively find their place on his chest to brace yourself.

His mouth hovers just a stray hair from yours, and you can feel his minty breath set your goosebumps aflame. He languidly plants his lips onto your plush ones, groaning at how pillowy they are. Lee shamelessly expressing how good you make him feel makes you squirm slightly against his hold. He slowly snakes an arm around the small of your back, tugging you closer until your torsos press together. His hands massage your waist and upper back while holding you, appreciating as much of your body as he can. The print of his abs poke your soft tummy through his shirt and you melt against him, letting your shaky hands run up his chest until they grasp onto the junction between his neck and shoulders. Lee angles his head to deepen the kiss, your breaths get heavier and you start panting at how overwhelming he’s being.

He loosens his jaw to lick a teasing stripe up the corner of your lips, silently requesting more access which goes straight to your poor pussy. Your tongues mold together, muffling the pathetic whimpers that escape your mouth and Lee swallows the delectable sound. It’s filthy... You love it so much.

You haven’t been kissed like this in at least three years, don’t even know what to do with yourself anymore. You feel like this man’s delving into your soul, peeling you layer by layer with just his mouth. You can only imagine a pleasure that the rest of his body would drown you in.

You start feeling antsy, like if you don’t stop now Lee will take you to a corner store for some plan b. You scream inwardly, knowing you’ll be fucking your toy until its battery dies instead when you go upstairs. So you gently shove him away, causing your spit-slicked lips to separate with a lewd ‘pop’. Lee releases your waist, watching you inhale deeply as you awkwardly button his suit jacket.

“See you at the dojo. And get home safely,” you whisper with a tight smile, patting his chest conclusively before walking to your gate. The jingling of your keys snaps Lee out of his trance, a meek little “I will” tumbling from his lips before he retreats back into his vehicle.

Lee runs a tired hand through his black strands, lazily holding some hair in his fist while replaying his new three months worth of daydreaming fantasies. God you’re so divine to him; your lips are divine, the way your eyebrows scrunched together when he tongue-fucked your mouth was divine, how your tits pressed against him when he held you was divine, your needy voice when he french kissed you just how you like was divine. And the way Lee looks down to see a tent in his pants- beads of precum seeping into the fabric- harbors peak divinity.

-

You open your apartment door, catching Bria snuggling with your Kuromi in a blissful slumber. After closing the door behind you, you kick off your heels and pad your way to your bedroom. You decide to sleep naked tonight, chilling under your comforter while scrolling through Instagram.

Your phone vibrates and Temari’s caller ID pops up on your screen.

I haven’t heard from her in a while, you wonder. How’s she been doing?

You answer.

This work belongs solely to ©️ blimbosworlddd. Do not plagiarize, steal, copy or repost. I worked very hard on this; reblogs, comments, and likes are appreciated.

[eleanorblythe]

Romantic Homicide - Anton Chigurh x Original Female Character - Chapter 2

This has been so much fun to write. I had honestly just intended to write some filth and call it a day, but the more I wrote the more I cared about these characters. I promise filth is coming, but right now it’s a whole lot of angst and emotions.

You can STILL use this as a reader insert because I STILL haven’t given her a name, but I think at this point it’s more of a deliberate choice than the lack of a good name, it gives her some mystery (and maybe makes me a little pretentious??)

I don’t think this will be a fully fledged fanfic, like I said this was meant to just be some disgusting smut, but apparently I need foreplay and I have ideas in the back of my mind for one off scenarios - so if I do continue this I would be open to any suggestions you have or want to see - requests will be open.

Also on Ao3 with author notes and translations - here

When she rose the next morning it was almost easy to forget there was anyone else in the house. When she walked through the dining room and peered into the bathroom to get to the kitchen, everything was exactly as it was meant to be. There was no mess, no blood and no glass. She couldn’t help but look over at her cabinet and see the empty spot where her sixth rocks glass ought to have been, but there were slightly more important things to worry about.

But first. Coffee.

Like with everything else in her home, she had the best (his) money could buy. So she was lucky enough to have a coffee machine that came with all the bells and whistles. This included a steam wand that was used for frothing milk. She quickly filled a small cup with milk and turned on the steam wand, letting it make the most awful noise. Screeching and wailing while she simply turned on her stovetop and placed her stovetop coffee maker on it to make a pot of black coffee.

She never has milk with her coffee.

Her antics did the trick. Before long Anton came wondering into the kitchen, somewhat bleary eyed and wondering at the hideous cacophony of sounds emanating from her kitchen. Her eyes tracked him from the dining room and once he set foot onto the linoleum of her kitchen she switched the steam wand off and poured her cup of frothy milk directly into the sink.

Anton clenched his jaw as his eyes bore into her. He watched her pour black coffee from her stainless steel pot into a rather elegant looking glass coffee cup.

She raised her cup, in the form of a mocking cheers or toast and kept steely eye contact with him as she sipped her coffee with one hand, and proceeded to pour the entire pot of freshly brewed coffee down the sink with the other.

Anton exhaled through his nose, whether it was with amusement or frustration or derision, she could not say, his face betrayed nothing.

But his eyes did. There was anger, exhaustion and…hurt? With her or at the loss of a very nice cup of coffee, she wasn’t entirely sure.

She made a satisfied sound as she savoured the first sip before she wondered out of the kitchen to go about her usual morning routine, once again leaving him with barely an acknowledgment of his existence.

She knew she would eventually have to confront the issue head on, but for now he would have a small taste of the type of existence she has lived through these past months.

Or perhaps he would prefer it this way?

She dressed and readied herself for the day. She had nowhere to go, but she contemplated whether to take herself off somewhere for the next eight hours, until she realised she was being childish.

This was her home, why should she be the one to leave it?

Instead she granted a small kindness, by calling Andrews from her bedroom and asking him to visit discreetly, as she was not convinced Anton had the skills to mend his arm on his own - skilful as he was.

She stepped out onto the front porch to collect the mornings’ paper. She noticed an unfamiliar car sitting on her driveway behind her own car. She thought he might have had the foresight to park it far away from the house, but the pain must have overridden all else. She took a moment to look out at the rest of the neighbourhood. Quiet. Calm. Private. She surprisingly found herself suited to the suburban life, what a difference a few years can make. She could have done without the snobbery of some of her neighbours, but she found that she was able to combat them in other, more creative ways now, that didn’t involve guns. Or knives. Or ropes. Or explosives…

She was not entirely sure Anton could. But she was sure once his arm was mended he would be back on his way again. The only sign he was alive being the regular cheques found in her mailbox. There was never a letter or note accompanying the cheque. Ever. Just a rather large number and his signature.

She looked along her fence and saw one of the boards had splintered slightly. She resolved she would have to replace the whole fence. Ridiculous. She knew, but she kept up hope believing that one day she would finally have wasted too much money on all these frivolities and open the door to find Anton glaring down at her and be given the dressing down she so dearly deserved.

And needed.

And wanted.

Desperately.

She shook herself out of her reverie and came back into the house to find Anton sitting in the living room staring at the television - that wasn’t on. It was her turn to exhale through her nose, her derision quite clear. She turned on the tv as she passed before seating herself at the far end of the farthest chair and opened up her newspaper making as much unnecessary noise as she could possibly make.

Anton’s deep, withering gaze slowly made its way from the screen to her, but by now she was completely covered by the broadsheet with only her hands peaking out holding up the sides. He noticed she still wore her ring. Not all hope was lost then.

The newscaster quietly droned on in the background, Anton wondered if this was what domesticity was. Well it would have been, he supposed, without the arsenal of weapons they both had buried under the floorboards.

There was now a reporter standing outside a motel in El Paso, surrounded by police and caution tape. He talked about the bloodshed that occurred there and linked it back to similar incidents in other motels within the surrounding area.

At the mention of El Paso, the newspaper came down a little until she was peering over the top. She knew that was one of the places Anton had been and wondered for a morbid moment whether they would show any of his handiwork on the screen. The reporter mentioned something about locks being punched out of doors. From behind her paper she allowed herself to smirk, knowing his trademark.

“Your work, dear?” She finally asked, after raising the newspaper back up when the report was over.

“Some of it,” he mumbled, his eyes still glued to the television. He couldn’t help but hear the bite in her voice at the word “dear”

She offered no other comments or conversation and for a while they remained in this seemingly blissful image of home life. Until there was a knock interrupted the quiet.

Anton snapped his head towards the front door and wished he had his pistol to hand. She curled the corner of the paper down and peered out of the window.

“You’d better get that, darling, being the man of the house and all…” she said as she folded her newspaper and tossed it onto the coffee table. The sarcasm dripping from every word.

He was skeptical, but she didn’t look too concerned so it was probably a neighbour. He rose slowly and stalked his way to the front door glancing through the peephole before releasing a long suffering sigh, recognising who was at the door.

He opened the door just wide enough to poke his head around. Andrews met his eye and his grip tightened around his medical bag.

“Mr Chigurh.” He gave a a tight smile and a nod.

“I didn’t call you.”

“N-no sir, but your wife did.”

“Why?” He practically seethed.

“Because you were half delirious and drunk when you attempted to fix yourself.” Anton heard behind him. She stepped forward, ushering Anton out of the way with a limp wave of her hand. “Come in, Andrews. Use the back room, keep him quiet, not that, that should be a problem,” she opened the door further to allow Andrews to enter.

Andrews squeezed himself between the small gap left by the couple who had both at one time or another been “patients” of his, as they entered into something of a stare off. He hurried down the hall and began to set up in the back bedroom. She had given him a brief explanation of what had happened and while he was aware Anton was more than capable of taking care of himself, it did sound like a rather serious incident that needed at least some modicum of professional care.

Anton eventually came into the room, with her in tow. She remained in the doorway as he gingerly sat on the edge of the bed.

“We’ll start with the arm, if you please, but I’d like to take a look at your leg too,”

“My leg is fine.”

A quiet scoff pulled their attention.

“Just do what the man says, Anton.”

Anton saw from his peripheral vision, Andrews gulp and exchange a tense and worried look between the two, then pretend to busy himself with his latex gloves.

She continued to stare at him, like a teacher deciding whether he needed admonishing. She must have known what he knew. The bone wasn’t set properly.

He needed help.

He did contemplate rolling his shirt sleeve up but it was too tight to do so without causing pain and he didn’t want to cut up yet another shirt. He slowly began to unbutton the first two buttons before stopping and flicking his eyes up to her. Her eyes narrowed in questioning then widened and barked out a laugh at his apparent shyness.

For a single moment, Anton saw warmth, even tenderness creep into her eyes. It quickly dissolved and she looked on in that cold and dispassionate way of hers. The whole moment reminded him of watching her at work, the way she could switch between different people, different personalities like a switch.

Once Anton begrudgingly finished unbuttoning the rest of his shirt, Andrews helped carefully peel off the shirt and started to examine the red and swollen area, all under the watchful gaze of her.

He tried. He tried so hard to show no weakness. Not in front of her. But with every poke and prod, he could feel his mask slipping. At one point Andrews must have struck a nerve because Anton flinched violently and let out a small shuddering gasp. He couldn’t help but look back at her.

She had the most inscrutable expression. Her eyes obstinately on his arm, but she could feel his eyes on her. Her eyes were moving, almost frantically, between Anton’s arm and whatever Andrews was doing with his hands.

After rummaging around in his medical bag, Andrews drew out a scalpel, he cut through the stitches Anton had obviously done the previous night and she watched as the deep crimson seeped out and started to bleed further down his arm and drip onto the plastic sheet spread over the bed and floor.

She was reminded of another time - all that blood, all that pain…

Anton gritted his teeth and kept his reactions to the pain as minimal as he could. He decided to anchored himself to her, tried to find his strength in her. His eyes never leaving her face as he waited for her to look back.

When she did finally look up at him, he was a little taken aback. Her jaw was stern, her mouth drawn in a thin line, her nostrils flared, her eyebrows drawn. But her eyes…

There was no anger, no contempt, no mocking, just total understanding, empathy and…fear. He watched as her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Her lips parted as she drew a sharp inhale, like she wanted to say something, but snapped her mouth shut and immediately left the room.

Andrews muttered something of an apology followed by an almighty crack. Anton gave a chocked off scream mixed with a groan. He gripped the edge of the bed, the rustling of the plastic sheet almost deafening.

There were other cuts, other breaks that had to be made and throughout he felt weaker and weaker. At one point he had passed out.

He awoke to the pleasant relief of a cool towel being dabbed against his forehead, he opened his eyes to see her leaning over him. She met his gaze and lay the towel against his forehead. He felt the faintest brush of her fingers down his temple and cheek as she reached for something he couldn’t see. He then felt the unpleasant stab of a needle in his uninjured arm.

“Morphine.” She said quietly. “I found some, in your stash,” she pulled the needle out and placed a cotton wool ball over the small bead of blood that escaped the puncture wound.

“How long?” He all but croaked.

“A few hours. Andrews said it was worse than he thought, but it’s done. He suggested a cast, but,” she glanced over at his left arm, so did he. He saw instead of a plaster cast, an arm brace; “I thought this would be a better alternative,”

“What else?”

“The gunshot wound to your leg is already healing quite well, he didn’t need to do too much, the laceration on your other leg has a few stitches as well as the one on your forehead. You broke 3 ribs, but I imagine you already knew that, you’re to remain here for the next six weeks. After that…” she gulped as she tidied away the morphine and needle “You can go back to what you’d like,”

Anton now knew what was wrong. He never pretended to know about people and their seemingly unnecessary emotional ways - that was always her strength, but he always thought he’d at least be able to read her well enough. Perhaps the reason for his problem was the very reason she was upset and trying desperately to hide it behind her cool and facetious exterior. He wasn’t here. He hadn’t been here. For months. A wife needs her husband, and if he was honest; this husband needed his wife. The work gave him purpose, but she sustained him.

It was, perhaps, easier for her when they were both in the field, the fleeting moments when they might cross paths on separate jobs and frenzied, passionate nights in dirty motels when the adrenaline was coursing through both of them. It had been enough then to sustain them both, but after what happened, when the tables were turned on them, on her…

They both knew they always had to be prepared to die to do what they did, it was an inevitability and reality they confronted everywhere they went, but for her, it was not the fear of death, but a deep betrayal that had forced her to step away and after months and months of recovery, almost slipping into death’s arms so many times, she found that she would not - could not - return to that world, even after her arteries stitched themselves back together and wounds and scars faded to faint lines along her skin(Anton had counted and treated every one of them, with rapt attention).

He had stayed throughout her recovery, made sure she had everything should could ever need or want. He was the one who had saved her from bleeding out. He was the one who stitched her up. He was the one who relentlessly hunted down the ones who did this to her. He was the one who suggested marriage. He was the one who gave her the home he was currently laying in.

And yet despite it all.

He was the one who needed her.

So why did he stay away for so long?

It was something he continued to turn over in his head while she cleaned and tidied up her equipment. When she rose from her perch on the bed to leave, he attempted to sit up.

“Mi querida…”

“No.” She said, finally broken. She gently pushed him back down and picked up a tin tub that was filled with murky red water. “Ve a dormir.” He always enjoyed hearing her speak in his native tongue, but now she sounded so fragile, so heartbroken, so alone.

She left without looking back and closed the door behind her. She emptied the tub, put away the morphine, did the washing up. She did anything to keep herself busy, but the second she stopped a loud and horrible sob ripped it’s way out of her and she could do nothing but slide herself to the floor and try to silence her own cries.

And from his bed, Anton heard it all.

[bomberqueen17]

more stories

ok since telling myself stories of how my day was gonna go worked yesterday i'm gonna do it again today

i did get... a lot of what i wanted to do yesterday done, but i could have done more and just plain didn't. so.

i do have a photo of paint colors behind the cut.

I went to the hardware store and they don't do little sample paint pots. I had to buy a $6 quart of paint in order for them to mix it. I'd grabbed a handful of paint chips, and picked one at random for them, and it's a color I love and think is gorgeous and also almost immediately realized that I super Do Not Want on my kitchen wall, but it was too late to stop the guy so. now i have a quart of this beautiful Sandhill Crane color. (It's PL266, for the record, by Pratt and Lambert.)

I painted a swatch of it inside the basement hallway, which adjoins the kitchen and is going to need redoing anyway.

And then I used some of it to paint a "floor cloth" shelf liner, which is drying now and I plan to sew a backing to and then install today.

[Image caption/description: a chunk of white canvas mottled with a deep blue-green color. I got this effect by priming it and then letting the primer only partially dry before I went at it with the final color, because I wanted a mottled effect. I then went and added a second layer of color when the first layer wasn't entirely dry either, not just out of impatience but because this is what I was going for. I'm then going to sew the hem on an old sewing machine I'm reasonably confident can handle the paint-stiffened fabric; I'm backing it with an old sheet. And then it will be done. I'm not coating it in polyurethane because this is a temporary/low traffic kind of solution.]

And here's the color, swatched, on the wall:

[image description/caption: The background, to the left, is my kitchen, with the stainless steel fridge and grayish cabinets, the floor still covered in taped-down cardboard. The foreground, to the right, is my basement hallway, formerly blue, now bordered in white primer where they replaced the plaster with drywall and fixed the doorway. And in the middle is the swatch of Pratt & Lambert's "Sandhill Crane", which is a blue/green kind of teal color, rather dark but vivid.]

It's not the color I want. it's too... well it's just a little muddy somehow, IDK. It's beautiful and I want to look at it at lot, but I don't want a big expanse of it anywhere. And it's too dark I think. I want bold and vivid but I want it to reflect into the space and change the grays, I don't want it to absorb light into itself.

So here's all the swatches I grabbed, which all look really dark too. The vertical ones are what I'm thinking for main colors, the horizontal for accent colors. The two ones that are the gradient paint chips are because there was literally not a single shade of scarlet or orange in the single-color chips, and because I liked the green one.

I was standing there in the aisle with my scribbled list of colors, confronted by the fact that the paint chips aisle is not organized by any criteria I can understand. It's not like a color wheel. THey don't even put similar colors together. So when I say, "i'm looking for like an ultramarine blue", there's no such thing, I have to take my idea of what I think ultramarine looks like, and I pick up the chip and it's called "soft lavender" or something and i'm like wtf this isn't purple, and it's not, but. wtf.

All of these are too dark and not bright enough, and I have to go back and try again, but I was just trying to get something to start with. I should pair the accent colors with the mains I was thinking of them with. But whatever, it's a start; if nothing else it's something for Dude to disagree with.

So today I need to go out I think. I'm going to measure the cabinets and look at what I'm putting in them, and then go to Homegoods and see if they have any discount shelf rack spacer things, and then find if anyone has any shelf liners in stock. The idea of getting colorful fun ones is great, but those are not sold anywhere, so that idea isn't going to work. I can have gray, white, beige, and if I order online I can have patterns of gray, white, and beige. I'm not going to buy stick-on wallpaper because the point is to not damage the shelves, not to coat the shelves in adhesive that will strip the finish if I decide to remove them.

So I'm just going to go to Target and buy whatever they have, for the shelves I can't see anyway.

I am going to make liners for the lazy susan cupboard, still. but that's how i'm getting started.

so: get the cat off me. Change clothes. Put another load of laundry in, that'll be two down out of the four I probably have built up to do. Put away the dry laundry from yesterday, it should be dry by now.

Go over to the house. Measure specifically which cabinets you want racks and bins for, and compile a coherent list of those.

Go to Homegoods. (please, god, get there before ten am. ugh.) Look for racks/bins/baskets only to fit specifically the dimensions on your list. Don't buy anything else unless it's specifically suited to your needs.

Go to Target. Buy an under-sink liner, you already know which ones they carry. Note what you did and did not get. Go home, order online for whatever they did not have in stock. Buy shelf liners if they have them and Homegoods didn't.

Lunch.

Finish the shelf liner and install the microwave, so you can feel like you're accomplishing something. Install shelf liners in shelves. Begin to move dishes over into the kitchen cupboards Jim said were ready to be used. (Uppers, not lowers, as lowers still have countertop guys to contend with.)

Perhaps find fabric and other materials for the turny-cupboard shelf liners? Cut those out? See how it's going. Play that by ear.

Come home and make dinner.

Oh yeah I was trying to get a chapter update up this morning. I'm like, so close, but it needs another editing pass and I just don't have time.

[kickthecan-revolution]

I flew to Seattle on a 7 AM flight and then 7 PM back. We got pretty much everything done, including spending a couple of hours at Home Depot finalizing the kitchen cabinets and the countertops. Our kitchen designer was a trip -we probably could’ve gotten it done in a lot less time but he had a lot of stories to tell and a lot of details to provide, at one point I had this picture in my mind of him being the Dwight Schrute of stainless steel sinks and I started giggling so hard I couldn’t stop. He’s a big personality, but he also knows his business and was super helpful, we got a big discount due to buying the cabinets and the countertops together and having them do the installation. I had absolutely no idea about everything that is involved with cabinetry and all of the different choices. It’s a lot. I ended up making a couple of decisions that give me a ton more storage in the kitchen, which is important for a rental.

I’m so glad the contractor pushed us to do the deck – it makes the space look so much bigger already and it’s going be so much more usable. We have three options for the fireplace slab, and a schedule across the next nine weeks to get everything installed. The structural engineer comes on Saturday so we can make decisions about the upper unit in a few weeks.

I’m so glad I am making these changes, this is such a special place.

I also got a ton of work done on the plane and at the airport -it will be a big busy day today but I’m feeling less behind.

[parkeryangs]

matt woebegone "they have accidentally caused a fire - how did they do it and how do they react to it?"

x

Matt was trying to make breakfast.

It was he and Mike's first morning in their new apartment. The place wasn't great; Mike had already found a mouse hiding in his bedroom the evening before, they didn't have any hot water yet and had to carry their trash half a mile to the nearest dumpster, but—well—it was home.

Mike is sleeping in and Matt is currently having trouble with the stove. Preheating the oven was simple enough, if the rapidly rising red numbers on the small display are anything to go by, but the stovetop seems to have it out for him in particular. The knobs keep catching, and, with Matt being used to electric stoves, the gas heating element alone is a new sort of beast, but after a few shameful Google searches and nervous frowns at the sharp exhale of gas from the lines, he gets it lit.

Dressed in nothing but boxers and a ratty old band t-shirt he’d probably stolen from Mike, Matt grins in satisfaction at the flames licking up around the back left burner and then digs through the cabinets for the secondhand skillet they’d unpacked the day prior, before a whirlwind of a shopping trip for the necessary groceries.

As much as he loves him, Matt hates shopping with Mike, for groceries in particular. Trips to a bookstore or anything of the sort were fine, but if they were buying food, Mike was never one to stray from the predetermined list, or spend more time in a store than was needed, even though Matt likes to wander and shop without a hyperspecific list in his mind. Usually they rush through it and will still manage to forget an item or two, but after a quick glance through the fridge, Matt thinks they've made it out fine enough.

He settles on making bacon and biscuits and gravy. The gravy was a mix that had come in a pouch, and the biscuits were canned, but Matt, well aware of his limitations in the kitchen, figures that Mike probably wouldn't even notice in his early morning haze, and would just be glad there was any food to eat, as they hadn't picked up anything prepackaged after Mike’s claim that they needed ingredients first, before anything else.

Still—fifteen minutes pass and the biscuits are in the oven, the gravy is done and thick enough to cut with a fork, just the way Mike likes it, and Matt is standing at the stove nudging strips of bacon around on the skillet. He feels Mike before he hears him, when two arms encircle his waist, the other clearly pleased as he then rumbles, voice heavy with sleep, “You really know the way to a man's heart, Possum,”

“Good morning,” Matt drawls in response, spine straightening with the unexpected touch. “Also, when did you get so quiet? Jesus, Mikey, I’ll have to put a bell on you,” Mike laughs at that, and Matt can already imagine the sort of smile that's crossed the other man's face, sleepy and sweet. Yearning to see it for himself, he gives the bacon a few more experimental prods with a fork before flipping them over, then twisting in Mike’s grasp amidst the low sizzle of the meat, coming essentially face-to-face with the other man as he shifts.

“You made breakfast,” Mike states flatly, though he's still grinning and there's a bright gleam of pleasure that Matt catches in his eye. “You made biscuits and gravy,”

“Yeah, y-yeah, I know how serious you are about biscuits and gravy. I, uh, hope it's edible; this stove is weird,” Matt says, all too focused on the soft curve of Mike's mouth in the dim half-light of the kitchen. He kisses him, then, just because he can, one hand finding its way to Mike's jaw as the other earnestly deepens the kiss.

Mike mumbles something about being glad he’d brushed his teeth already, then nudges Matt away from the stove, backing him hurriedly up against the fridge. Matt hears a magnet fall as his spine collides slightly too roughly with the stainless steel door, but can't find it in himself to really be bothered, all too enamored with the way Mike is already clinging to him like a lifeline.

Truthfully, neither of them can be sure when the fire started after that.

Matt smells it first—the sudden rush of smoke mixed with charred meat—and he all but tears himself away from Mike, hitting his head on the fridge door in the process. He curses at the spark of pain, then curses again when he sees the now-flaming pan, still perched neatly over the burner. “What the— I-I’m going to burn the fucking apartment down on our first day,” he hisses, then falling into another string of swears.

To his part, Mike has accepted this turn of events rather well, turning off the burner before darting towards the pantry and chattering half to himself about whether or not they'd grabbed a box of baking soda.

“Fuck,” Matt snaps again, frantically tearing through the drawers before snagging another pan, flipping it over to crush the flaming bacon beneath it and the other pan. This has the desired effect of killing the source of oxygen, treating him only to another nasty cloud of smoke after he lifts the pan off of the charred remains of their breakfast following an agonizingly long wait.

The other then opens the kitchen window without a word, fanning the smoke uselessly towards it. “Well. I think we should probably change the battery in the smoke detector soon, huh.”

Matt can't help but laugh, fidgeting with the burnt pieces of bacon in the pan. “I hope you like your bacon…crispy?” he offers with a shaky laugh, tipping the skillet to show Mike the wrecked remains. “Maybe ashy is a better word. I think it’d crumble if you tried to eat it; sorry about breakfast. I-I wanted to surprise you,”

“I’m plenty surprised,” Mike snarks quickly in return, before his gaze flicks in the direction of the pot of gravy and biscuits, untouched by the fire. “That still looks edible, though. A-and once you get past the burnt smell, it does smell good in here. You did good,”

Matt smiles, and, leaving the remains of the bacon behind, they eat biscuits and gravy on the floor of their living room, paper plates cradled in their laps and shoulders brushing together whenever one of them moves.

[realtorjamier]

Home Decor in 2024. What’s Hot & What’s Not?

Pink’s out. Peach is in.

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2024 is soft and subtle “Peach Fuzz,” replacing last year’s vibrant “Viva Magenta.” Pantone is recognized globally as a leading source of color expertise. 

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute™. 

If you’re looking to revamp your space, consider PANTONE 13-1023 and its complementary colors: everything from creamy, brown and tan neutrals to shades of teal, lavender and mint green. Note: gray is not listed. For those who went wild with gray or greige tones during that trend, you might want to roll up your sleeves and buy a new paint roller.

What’s out?

Say goodbye to Barbiecore (think pink). What else is losing favor? Here’s a quick rundown of trends that seem to be going by the wayside in home decor:

Sliding barn doors (Let’s face it – they don’t even do a great job of blocking light, smells, and sounds.)

White-on-white kitchens

Extremes – whether that means bare minimalism or over-the-top Grand Millennial

Heavy industrial style

What’s in?

Back kitchens

AKA butler’s pantry or scullery, this separate space keeps secondary or backup items hidden from site, tidying up the more public area. Here you can house additional refrigeration and freezing, warming drawers, wine storage, lesser-used mechanical devices, formal entertaining dishes and cutlery, etc. Appliance garages have been around for a while, but they seem to be gaining popularity as another way to streamline kitchens.

Bespoke bedrooms and bathrooms

Behind the scenes, highly personalized spaces offer homeowners comfort and creative freedom. Feel free to layer these rooms with your favorite monogrammed fabrics, artwork, family photos, and heirlooms. Make it meaningful.

Casual luxury

It may sound like an oxymoron, but  luxury doesn’t have to mean formal. Rather than opulent and imposing, choose comfortable, lived-in furniture that is still beautiful and lavish.

Bold wall treatments

Add depth and personality to walls by treating them as large canvases. Incorporate wallpaper, paneling, 3D wall coverings, stone or wood features, decorative molding. This is a take on dopamine decor – which continues to be popular – creative touches that make you feel good when you walk into a room. 

Separated spaces

Demolishing interior walls to create all-in-one living/working/playing areas is seeing a bit of a reversal. Delineating spaces by incorporating walls that still have good flow through the use of doorways and openings allows for rooms with purpose and intention.

Mixed metals

This may come as a relief. Chrome, brass, black, copper, bronze – all can be used when harmoniously paired. Trying to keep up with what’s in shouldn’t mean having to change out plumbing fixtures annually!

Mixed materials

Kitchen countertops don’t have to be one solid matchy-matchy mass. Add interest and dimension to this horizontal space. Consider a mix of materials for visual, tactile and utilitarian variety – natural wood with granite, or quartz with sleek stainless steel. 

Outdoors in

Windows seem to be taking center stage – becoming bigger and bigger. The view outside is more of a focal point than an after-thought. Biophilic design is also a way to get the feeling of nature inside your dwelling by adding large indoor plants and natural wood and stone finishes.

Mud-laundry rooms

Combining a laundry with a mudroom is a space-efficient idea. Storage components can serve double-duty: hooks, cabinets, cubbies and drawers.

Sustainability

Cheap, mass-produced furniture is becoming increasingly unpopular. People are gravitating toward quality pieces that are higher end and/or repurposed for a lesser environmental footprint.

A word of caution

Before you revamp your space with all the latest trends, carefully consider which ones truly work for you. If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, reach out to me and let's talk about what changes will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Chrysanta (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nicknames- Chrysta by the others

The Silver Goddess by the people of Olympius

Mother by her son

Age- 46 (immortal)

Location- Forgia district, New Olympus

Personality- Very much like her symbolic element/domain she's unyielding, cool, adaptable, & wholly collected. She's also intelligent, objective, and resilient in her self-worth. She's married.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess. As the goddess of metal her other powers/abilities include metallokinesis (metal manipulation), metal mimicry (being able to change a part/entire physical state into metal), bio-metal manipulation/generation & mimicry, intrametal transmutation, ermískinesis (mercury manipulation), partial fire and heat immunity, limited matter manipulation (by affecting the metallic particles in non-metallic objects), & is being able to manipulate silver, steel, Stygian Iron, Astrean Silver, lead, tin, titanium, and platinum.

Chrysta lives with her husband & son at their brownstone in the Forgia neighborhood of New Olympus. The interior design is very sleek, stylish, and modern with colors of black & cool tones of white, blue, silver, and gray. The kitchen has a fully automated computerized island along with cabinets built out of Astrean Silver & the latest state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances. The family has a male automaton assistant named Argyris. The family also owns a vacation home in the state of Lemnos (where her husband is originally from).

Chrysta has an animal companion- a she-dragon named Elys that's known as "The Silver Queen" due to her breathtaking shimmering silver scales! Elys is usually her mode of transportation when traveling great distances.

A go-to drink for her is a classic martini. She also likes cola, ginger ale, Strengthify's ionized alkaline water, champagne, vodka margaritas, assam tea, haldi doodth (hot tumeric milk), coconut water, iced tea, and masala chai. Her usuals from The Roasted Bean is the large cinnamon chai latte & the medium mango orange splash.

Chrysta's morning routine includes a jog through Eaglepoint Park, a workout at the gym, followed by a session of acupuncture at home.

A notable thing about her is her flawless copper brown skin. She owes it all to her all-body exfoliator pumice stone that's made from volcanic rock. The Platinum Luminescence tightening serum also helps!

Chrysta has been married to her husband Aurelius (who's a Cyclops) for close to twenty years. Despite the whispers & nay-sayers amongst the public and in the pantheon, she was never discouraged from being in a relationship with a non-deity being or from marrying him. She fell in love with him, his kind brown eye that remind her of a smouldering fireplace, his warm protective embrace, and his lovingly boisterous family! With life & their jobs, Chrysta and her husband always make time for each other. Their most recent date night was at Aitnaios beach.

She loves the samosa grilled cheese (on panini bread) from The Bread Box along with the broccoli salad (drizzled in olive oil dressing).

A guilty pleasure for her are the sweet potato fries from Olympic Chef.

Chrysta has a close relationship with her son Cedalion (Lio) (demi-god of smithing ore). They both contributed ideas that went towards the final design for Argyris. Some activities they like doing together are indoor rock climbing, doing pottery at Sparkling Ember, or going to some blacksmithing workshops at the community center.

One of her favorite desserts are the earl grey macarons with lavender-honey buttercream from Hollyhock's Bakery. She also likes her husband's "magma" cake which is essentially a molten chocolate cake added with carmalized walnuts & pecans.

She loves stopping by Cocoa Delights from time to time to buy a box of dark chocolate taffy.

In the pantheon Chrysta's friends with Makris (one of The Nesoi), Pleione (Titaness of sailing & stars), Paean (goddess of physicians); they often double date, Soteria (goddess of safety), Coeus (Titan god of foresight, intellect, & knowledge), Theia (Titaness of sight & heavenly light), Mnemosyne (Titaness of memory & language), Themis (Titaness of justice), Maia (one of The Pleiades), Logos (god of stories), Astrape (goddess of lightning), Bronte (goddess of thunder), Praxidike (goddess of judicial punishment), as well as the esteemed blacksmithing cyclopes- Arges, Brontes, and Steropes.

Chrysta was the official mentor to Techne (goddess of arts, crafts, & invention).

She's also been impressed with the work done by Hephaestus (god of the forge) and Aetna (goddess of volcanoes).

Chrysta doesn't like Dione. She never forgot the comment she overheard Dione say at her baby shower- whether her baby would be born with one eye or three.

For a main source of income she teaches metallurgial engineering at New Olympus University. For other means of income Chrysta models for/endorses Euryphaessa, Stella Ferrea (The Hyades' jewelry brand), Ouránio Théama, & Platinum Luminescence (Clymene's skincare brand). She sometimes writes for O Dianooumenos.

Chrysta was pleasantly dumbfounded when Clymene's designer luggage & handbag brand Megaleio came out with two limited edition handbags inspired by her! One of them is the "metallic chains" bag set in white gold with over 11,000 diamonds, coming with a 2.2 million drachma price tag. The other is a shoulder bag made with an all-platinum body adroned with over 2,000 diamonds. The functional strap can be removed & worn as a necklace while the 8 karat pear shaped diamond situated at the center of the bag can be worn as a brooch. It's priced at 1.9 million drachmas. Chrysta made a deal with the brand that all the proceeds from the purchases would go towards various charities and programs that supports the Cyclopes community.

She loves wearing the Olmorfia nail polish in "Moonshadow," a metallic silver color. She also likes the shade "Warm Amber," a dark shimmery copper color.

Chrysta decided to treat herself with a bit of a splurge, buying the silver flower shaped jeweled clutch from Diamond Ave.

In her free time she enjoys sculpting (loves doing metal sculptures), fencing, chess, doing brain teasers, lava surfing, basketball, working out, football (soccer), baseball, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Her all time favorite meal is malai kofta served with naan and white rice.

"Just because there's tarnish on the copper, that doesn't mean there's not a shine beneath."

[ere-the-sun-rises]

On the toolkit thing, here's some more pointers:

Dollar stores have tools, usually of decent quality too

Get an all-in-one screwdriver if you can find one

Get robertson head screws (square hole) in 1 1/2" and 2" - robertson screws are easier to install and remove than flat or philips (star/cross) heads and the screwdriver itself doesn't strip as quickly

Electrical tape - not only for cords, but for plumbing and other non-permanent/non-damaging items

Polyfilla and a putty knife can fill almost any hole in drywall and don't require any sanding to make even if you're careful

Caulking fills gaps really well, and bathroom caulking is also water and mold resistant

Spray foam is a cheap and effective insulator for gaps in the walls (just be careful bc that shit is hard to get off)

An adjustable wrench and adjustable pliers (specifically vice-grip curved jaw locking pliers) can solve nearly any issue

Toothpicks and wood glue effectively fill too-loose holes in cabinets. Pack toothpicks dipped in wood glue tightly into a hole, let it set for 24 hours, then come back and cut the excess away with a chisel or boxcutter. You will now be able to re-screw your cabinet door on.

Wood glue can fix most wooden furniture, but may need to be clamped/strapped in position (the tighter the pressure, the closer it will bind)

Pipe cement can stop leaks in outflow pipes (so long as it's allowed to cure)

Other unrelated tips:

NEVER fuck with your electricity. ALWAYS pay for that to be fixed professionally. Same with gas lines.

Plumbing can be fucked with, but don't try to replace whole sections of pipe without knowing what you're doing.

Rugs are superior to carpet. A lot of them (especially mats and runners designed for bathrooms) can be run through a washing machine. They are also easier to replace.

Windex and vim can clean basically everything in your house

Replace your furnace filters regularly (at least once a month if you have animals)

If your windows are drafty/cold in winter, there are plastic sheet kits in hardware stores to seal them up.

Linoleum is a (relatively) cheap and easy-to-usr flooring material that can cover hideous tile or splintering wood.

Cheap glassware is superior to plastic. It doesn't deform or stain and is microwave safe (sometimes even oven safe).

Make sure you know what runs on what electrical breaker

If more than one thing is powered by the breakers that control your furnace or electric stove, get that fixed IMMEDIATELY

Use soft white or yellow coloured light bulbs in rooms you just hang out in (like living rooms/bedrooms) and clear/bright white for utility rooms (bathroom/laundry/furnace rooms/kitchen). It reduces strain on your eyes.

Humans need greenery for our mental health. Put a little plant in each room.

If you're strapped for cash or time, don't buy anything in white. Opt for coloured clothes/sheets/furniture/paint bc it's way easier to maintain and hides dirt better

Mattresses need to be off the floor so they don't grow mold and can regulate your temperature better

Invest in good pillows you can machine wash.

Frozen and canned vegetables are just as good as fresh ones

Cooking roasts from frozen keeps the moisture in better than letting it thaw

You can do a lot with garlic plus and margarine

Real wooden furniture - even second-hand - is always superior to particle board furniture. It lasts much longer, is easier to repair and can be refinished if necessary.

Thick-bottomed stainless steel pots will last you a lifetime - if you have the money for a set, they're well worth it.

Dollar stores have glasses, utensils and poreclain dishware. If you're in a pinch, they're good and sturdy.

If you have a yard, invest in a mitre saw (for tree branches), an iron/steel spade, a metal rake and a metal snow shovel (if necessary) - all with wooden shafts. Plastic gets brittle through the cold. Also, a good bucket never goes awry.

Shop vacs can vacuum up water and medium-sized debris if the filter is removed.

For sandpaper, the lower the number, the more aggressive the grit is. Higher numbers produce finer sands.

things i wish i had known when i escaped my family household and couldn't ask my parents for help

invest in a good mattress early on. there are many other ends you can save on - sleep is not one of them. this is key to how much energy you'll have throughout the day

you don't need a bedframe but you do need a slatted bed base (even if it's just pallets)

opening a bank account is easy

there's youtube tutorials for everything. how to install your washing machine, how to use tools, fixing stuff around the place. channels like dad, how do i? are a godsend

change energy provider as soon as your old deal runs out. you'll get better offers elsewhere and avoid price gouging

assemble a basic first aid kid at home: painkillers, probiotics, alcohol wipes, bandages, tweezers, antihistamine tablets - anything you might need in a pinch

and an emergency toolkit: flashlight, extra batteries, a utility knife, an adjustable wrench, multi-tool, duct tape

set your fridge to the lowest temperature it can go. the energy consumption is minimal in difference and it'll give you +4/7 days on most foods

off-brand products are almost always the same in quality and taste, if not better, for half the price

coupons will save you a lot of money in the long run

there's no reason to be shy around employees at the bank/laundromat/store; most people will be happy to help

vegetarian diets are generally cheap if you make food from scratch

breakfast is as important as they say

keep track of your budget in a notebook or excel file - e.g. rent, phone and internet bills, food, leisure so you'll have an overlook on your spending over the months

don't gamble

piracy is okay

stealing from big stores and chains is also ethically okay

keep medical bills and pharmacy receipts for tax returns

also, file your tax returns early

take up a hobby that isn't in front of a screen. pottery, music, going for a run every now and then, stuff that'll keep you busy and sane

and most importantly... you're allowed to get the stuff you want. treat yourself to the occasional mundane thing. a good scented candle. a bath bomb. that body lotion that makes you feel like royalty. the good coffee beans.

you're free and you deserve to be happy.

[jumbosskitchens1]

Quality Stainless Steel Design - Jumbo SS Kitchens

Explore timeless sophistication with our quality stainless steel designs. Discover durability, style, and functionality for your home or business. Visit us at - https://www.jumbosskitchens.com/kitchens

[euroartofficial]

Transform Your Home with Stylish Cabinet Knobs in Dubai: Top Trends and Tips

When it comes to home decor, we often focus on larger elements—furniture, wall colors, or lighting fixtures—that set the tone of a space. However, it’s the smaller details that often make the biggest difference in terms of style and functionality. One such small but impactful detail is cabinet knobs in Dubai. These seemingly minor elements play an essential role in the design of your home, offering both aesthetic appeal and practicality.

In a city like Dubai, known for its luxury homes, cutting-edge design, and modern living, choosing the right cabinet knobs can elevate your space and help you create the home of your dreams. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, updating your bathroom, or giving your living room a makeover, the right cabinet knobs in Dubai can completely transform the atmosphere of your home.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of cabinet knobs in Dubai, exploring the latest trends, popular materials, tips for selecting the perfect knobs, and where to buy them. We will also discuss how to use these small accessories to create a big impact on your interior design. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Role of Cabinet Knobs in Interior Design

Cabinet knobs may appear to be minor components in a home, but they serve several important purposes. While their primary function is to help you open and close cabinets and drawers, cabinet knobs in Dubai are also pivotal in enhancing the overall aesthetic of a room. Here are some reasons why you should consider upgrading or changing your cabinet knobs:

Aesthetic Appeal: A beautifully designed cabinet knob can act as a focal point in a room. Whether you prefer sleek, minimalist knobs or ornate, vintage-inspired designs, the right choice can elevate your cabinets and complement your home’s decor. In a city like Dubai, where modern luxury and opulence blend seamlessly with tradition, cabinet knobs in Dubai offer a vast array of design possibilities that can perfectly match any style or theme.

Functional and Comfortable: Cabinet knobs provide functionality, offering easy access to drawers, cabinets, and other furniture. When designed with ergonomics in mind, these knobs make daily tasks simpler and more convenient. Additionally, high-quality knobs made from durable materials ensure long-lasting performance.

Cost-Effective Upgrade: If you are looking for a quick, affordable way to refresh your home without committing to large renovations, upgrading your cabinet knobs in Dubai is a fantastic solution. Replacing your cabinet hardware is a low-cost project that can yield impressive results, transforming the look of your cabinets and adding value to your home.

Customization and Personality: Cabinet knobs come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your style. Whether you’re drawn to modern, geometric designs or prefer antique brass knobs with intricate detailing, cabinet knobs in Dubai provide endless options for adding your personal touch to your space.

Top Trends in Cabinet Knobs in Dubai

Dubai’s design scene is ever-evolving, and when it comes to cabinet knobs in Dubai, there is no shortage of styles, finishes, and designs to choose from. Here are some of the top trends in cabinet knobs in Dubai that are shaping interiors this year:

1. Minimalist and Sleek Designs

In line with the growing minimalist trend, clean lines, simple shapes, and neutral finishes are dominating the world of cabinet knobs in Dubai. The demand for streamlined, unobtrusive knobs is on the rise, particularly for modern, contemporary, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. These knobs often feature smooth, polished surfaces with matte finishes, making them both elegant and functional.

Popular materials for minimalist cabinet knobs in Dubai include stainless steel, matte black, brushed nickel, and polished chrome. These finishes can easily complement a wide variety of cabinet designs, from high-gloss finishes to matte or even wooden cabinetry.

2. Luxurious Brass and Gold Knobs

If you’re aiming for a more opulent, sophisticated look, brass and gold knobs are the go-to option. These finishes are a timeless classic, offering warmth and richness that work well with both traditional and contemporary designs. In Dubai, luxury homes and high-end projects frequently incorporate brass and gold cabinet knobs to add an element of luxury to their spaces.

Brass and gold knobs are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms where a sense of elegance is required. Their shiny, reflective surfaces add depth and texture, making them standout pieces. Pair them with dark wood or matte cabinetry to create a striking contrast that exudes sophistication.

3. Glass and Crystal Cabinet Knobs

For a truly glamorous touch, glass and crystal cabinet knobs in Dubai are a popular choice. These knobs add a level of sophistication and sparkle to a room, catching the light beautifully and adding a sense of refinement. Whether clear or colored, glass and crystal knobs offer a luxurious, high-end aesthetic that can enhance both modern and traditional interiors.

In Dubai, glass and crystal cabinet knobs are often used in luxury apartments and high-end villas, where every detail is designed to impress. These knobs are particularly stunning when used in bathrooms, kitchens, and dressing rooms, offering both elegance and charm.

4. Vintage and Retro-Inspired Knobs

While modern designs are certainly popular, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage and retro styles. Many homeowners in Dubai are embracing nostalgia by incorporating vintage-inspired cabinet knobs into their spaces. These knobs often feature intricate designs, such as floral patterns, geometric shapes, and aged finishes like antique brass, bronze, or copper.

For homes with rustic, farmhouse, or retro themes, vintage cabinet knobs in Dubai can add a warm, inviting touch. Pair them with reclaimed wood cabinets or dark wooden furniture to achieve a classic, timeless look.

5. Artisan and Handmade Knobs

In a market like Dubai, where luxury and craftsmanship are highly valued, artisan and handmade cabinet knobs are becoming increasingly popular. These unique pieces often feature one-of-a-kind designs, with hand-painted ceramic knobs, hand-carved wooden knobs, and even custom-designed glass knobs gaining traction.

For homeowners who want to add a personal touch to their interiors, handmade cabinet knobs offer an opportunity to showcase creativity and individuality. These knobs are especially popular in bohemian, eclectic, or Mediterranean-inspired homes, where unique, personalized decor is key to creating a cohesive design.

6. Bold and Statement-Making Knobs

In contrast to minimalist designs, bold, oversized cabinet knobs are making their mark in Dubai’s design landscape. These statement knobs come in various shapes—such as geometric, abstract, or sculptural—and often feature eye-catching colors or materials like marble, stone, or even leather.

For those looking to make a bold statement with their furniture, statement cabinet knobs in Dubai are an excellent choice. These knobs stand out against simpler cabinets, creating an unexpected focal point that grabs attention and adds personality to the space.

Popular Materials for Cabinet Knobs in Dubai

The material of your cabinet knobs in Dubai plays a crucial role in determining both their appearance and durability. Whether you’re opting for a luxurious finish or a more affordable alternative, here are some of the most popular materials used for cabinet knobs in Dubai:

1. Brass

Brass is a durable and versatile material that is frequently used for cabinet knobs in Dubai. It has a warm, golden hue that can range from polished and shiny to aged and antique-looking, making it suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors. Brass knobs are a great choice for high-end kitchens and bathrooms, adding a luxurious, timeless appeal.

2. Stainless Steel

For a modern and minimalist look, stainless steel is a popular material choice. It is highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and easy to maintain, making it perfect for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Stainless steel cabinet knobs in Dubai are available in various finishes, from polished to matte, offering sleek designs that suit contemporary or industrial spaces.

3. Glass

Glass knobs are elegant and eye-catching, offering a polished, high-end finish. Whether transparent or colored, glass knobs are perfect for adding a pop of style and glamour to any room. Glass cabinet knobs in Dubai are often used in luxury interiors, where their sparkling, reflective surfaces create a sense of lightness and sophistication.

4. Wood

Wooden knobs are favored for their natural warmth and charm. Available in various types of wood, including oak, walnut, and teak, wooden cabinet knobs in Dubai add a rustic or organic touch to cabinetry. Wooden knobs are perfect for country-style kitchens, rustic bathrooms, or nature-inspired interiors, bringing a grounded, earthy vibe to the space.

5. Ceramic

Ceramic knobs are often handcrafted and come in a variety of colors and patterns. From simple, understated designs to intricate, decorative patterns, ceramic knobs offer endless customization options. Ceramic cabinet knobs in Dubai are ideal for adding a playful, artistic touch to your cabinets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms with a Mediterranean or eclectic design.

6. Crystal

Crystal knobs exude luxury and sophistication. Their reflective surfaces and light-catching qualities make them perfect for creating a glamorous look in any room. Crystal cabinet knobs in Dubai are often used in high-end properties, offering a regal and polished appearance.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cabinet Knobs in Dubai

When selecting cabinet knobs in Dubai, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you choose the right knobs for your space. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

1. Match Your Style

The style of your home should guide your choice of cabinet knobs. If you

have a modern, minimalist space, sleek, simple knobs in matte black or stainless steel will complement the aesthetic. If you prefer a more traditional or rustic design, choose knobs with vintage finishes, like antique brass or ceramic.

2. Consider Functionality

While aesthetics are important, make sure the knobs are functional and easy to use. Consider the size and shape of the knob, ensuring it’s comfortable to grip and pull. In high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, opt for knobs that are easy to handle.

3. Think About the Finish

The finish of the knobs should complement your cabinetry. For instance, if your cabinets are painted white, brass or gold knobs can add warmth and contrast. If you have dark wooden cabinets, consider polished chrome or matte black knobs for a contemporary feel.

4. Set a Budget

Cabinet knobs in Dubai come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to luxury designer pieces. Set a budget before shopping and choose knobs that fit within it. Keep in mind that the material, design, and craftsmanship will influence the price.

Where to Buy Cabinet Knobs in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide variety of stores, both online and offline, where you can find stylish cabinet knobs. Some top places to check out include:

EuroArt: Known for affordable and stylish options, EuroArt offers a variety of cabinet knobs that suit various styles and budgets.

Al-Futtaim ACE: This home improvement store carries an extensive collection of cabinet knobs in different styles, materials, and finishes.

Dubai Design District (D3): For luxury and designer cabinet knobs in Dubai, D3 features high-end showrooms and boutiques.

Amazon UAE: Online shopping platforms like Amazon offer a wide range of cabinet knobs with the convenience of home delivery.

Local Hardware Stores: Dubai is home to numerous local hardware stores that specialize in home improvement products, including a selection of cabinet knobs in various styles.

Conclusion

Transforming your home with stylish cabinet knobs in Dubai is a simple yet effective way to upgrade your living space. Whether you’re drawn to minimalist designs, luxurious finishes like gold and brass, or statement-making pieces that reflect your personality, the right cabinet knobs can make a world of difference. By considering trends, materials, functionality, and design preferences, you can easily find the perfect cabinet knobs to complement your space and elevate your home’s decor. Happy decorating!

[itnseo101]

Guide for Buying the Best Modular Kitchen

Visit us:https://www.regalokitchens.com/blog/guide-for-buying-the-best-modular-kitchen

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right modular kitchen, Regalo Kitchens is a reliable resource. Our based on industry perspectives, which highlight performance, design, and innovation, help you in making the right choice. From plan layout to material selection, explore how to create a kitchen that matches your lifestyle by achieving a balance between luxury and function. Follow along as we look into the key elements that make up a successful practical kitchen that will fulfill all of your cooking needs and design tastes.

Explaining Modular Kitchen

The ready-made parts or sections which together make up the modular kitchen can be identified by its use of various materials, including stainless steel, wood, and laminate. These modules have the goal of mixing together smoothly, offering a range of layout options and customization options. Modern homes often choose a modular kitchen layout because of the flexibility they offer, which achieves a balance between functionality and stylish design.

Finding Your Needs

Check your demands before going into the world of kitchen spaces. Consider the following elements:

Space Constraints: Look at the available space well before selecting a plan. Modular kitchen layouts are multifunctional and can be successfully adjusted to fit both large and small areas. 

Storage Needs: Discover how much storage you'll need based on your family's size and cooking style. To make the best usage of available space, customizable kitchen layouts use a range of storage solutions, including shelves, drawers, and cabinets.

Cooking Style: Think about how much of your every day you spend in the kitchen. Do you love to cook and require a large counter area as well as specialized tool and appliance storage! Do you prefer a design method focusing on simple lines and fast production as well!

Aesthetic Preferences: Look at the overall look and impression you wish to achieve. A modular kitchen can be customized to what you want, whether you're looking for a more traditional feel or a more modern, fashionable style.

Designing Your Layout

One of the main advantages of a modular kitchen is its design flexibility. Here's how to create a layout that works:

Work Triangle: The foundation of kitchen activities is the work triangle, made up of the refrigerator, sink, and cooking area. To reduce movement while improving workflow, make sure these things are positioned correctly.

Island or Peninsula: If there is room, think about including a peninsula or island to increase counter space and seating in your modular kitchen. In addition to being functional, this element attracts attention to its place in your kitchen's design.

Storage Solutions: Adjust cabinet widths and heights to fit specific items such as small appliances and pots and pans. Rotating cabinets and pull-out drawers increase accessibility, making it simpler to organize and access goods.

Choosing Materials and Finishes

Selecting the right finishes and materials is important for both durability and looks. 

Cabinet Finishes: Choose finishes that match your overall design concept. Your kitchen's look can be greatly affected by the cabinet finish you select, whether it be traditional wood textures, modern laminated materials, or trendy high-gloss surfaces.

Countertop Options: Select marble, quartz, or granite worktops based on your maintenance requirements and budget. These materials are durable and available in a variety of colors and designs to suit different styles.

Backsplash and Flooring: Make sure the flooring and tile choices match your worktops and cabinets. These materials, which range from hardwood flooring to ceramic tiles, provide style and factor to a kitchen while still being useful.

Combining Appliances and Technology

Technology is used into modern kitchen designs to increase productivity and usefulness. 

Smart Appliances: Choose energy-saving appliances that's beneficial to a healthy kitchen environment, such as smart refrigerators, ovens with touchscreen controls, and others.

Lighting Solutions: Use natural light above islands or peninsulas and task lighting under cabinets to create a well-lit workspace. Apart from being eco-friendly, LED lighting is available in a range of color temperatures to suit various moods.

Maintenance and Environmentally Friendly Growth

Lastly, think of how your modular kitchen will affect the environment and require maintenance over time.

Easy Maintenance: Choose finishes and materials that are simple to maintain and clean. This guarantees that your kitchen will always look its best with little work.

Environmental Impact: Reduce the impact you have on the environment by selecting eco-friendly equipment and materials. Check for certifications such as Energy Star ratings for appliances and materials for worktops and cabinets that are obtained responsibly.

Conclusion

Selecting the right modular kitchen requires careful preparation and investigation into a number of criteria, including space use, design style, and technological connectivity. Regalo Kitchens specializes in creating unique kitchen renovation solutions that mix functionality and style to meet your specific needs. Explore our wide range of styles and materials to turn your kitchen into a cooking masterpiece that represents your unique personality and benefits your daily cooking routine.

[sustainablyfashionable]

Non toxic products we all need in our house

I believe during the last 30 years overconsumption was a thing. We bought everything the tv ads told us but was it good or did we need it? Remember change/toss away one product at a time. Don't buy or change immediately. Make small changes weekly or monthly. In about 10 weeks or 10 months your routine will be different.

Non-toxic home products we need to switch:

• Air purifier in the bedroom/kitchen

• Coconut bowls, spoons, straws and wooden cut boards

• Stainless steel and cast iron pots/pans

• Glass tupperware

• Natural supplement

• Non toxic cleaning products

• Clean body care products

• Herb cabinet

• Tea boxes

• House plants

• Natural groceries

• Educational books

• Fresh juices

• 100% cotton bedding/towels

[atplblog]

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