#cream upholstered sectional

[rilayagifs]

San Francisco Open Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal and open concept light wood floor living room remodel with blue walls, a two-sided fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

[centralparkproperties]

Central Park Properties : Neo Classic Interior Design Ideas for Central Park Properties

If you are someone who loves muted color schemes, elegant furniture pieces, and clean design lines for your home then neo-classical interior design is your calling. The neoclassical design is a rendition of classical and archaic interior styles with a unique touch of modern sensibilities. This form of design emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries in parts of America and Europe. This form of design used to be popular among the richer upper sections of society, people who preferred minimalism but with a touch of impressionistic designs over opulent interiors. 

Since then, this form of design has always been popular because of its timeless charm. The flexibility of neoclassical designs allows designers to add their own modern and contemporary interpretations. In today's era, this style is the representation of class and sophisticated interior design themes. 

In this blog, we are going to understand Neoclassical design in detail and how you can incorporate different styles in your Central Park Properties to make them even more lavish and grand than they already are. 

Muted Colors: The Representation of Neoclassical Interior

Muted or calm color palettes are the epicenter of any neoclassical interior design. Colors from cream, and grey to yellow and green are the favorites of any interior designer who wants a neoclasscial touch. You can also go for mild metallic colors if you want a sparkly touch to your Central Park Properties. Using accent colors like black, red, gold, silver, and more can prove to be a beautiful touch as well. Beige color is known to be a popular color choice for the hotel industry that has neoclassical interior theme. Adding floral art can exhibit a refreshing twist to your home in Central Park Gurgaon. 

Simple and Symmetrical Furniture 

The easier way to differentiate between contemporary designs and neoclassical designs is by looking at the furniture. Neoclassical designs often feature simple, clean, and symmetrical furniture pieces. These designs can easily be compared to the contemporary minimalistic design because you will find a lot of elegant and geometrical furniture pieces that include armed upholstered sofas, french chairs, dark wood low coffee tables, rectangular wooden beds, and more. You can use these ideas to make the Central Park Properties appear lavish and minimalistic. 

Use of Natural Materials

Neoclassical Interior designs use a lot of natural materials. For the furniture, you can choose dark and light hardwood or even metallic chairs for your home at Central Park Gurgaon. You will see more white marble floorings and stone top tables in the neoclassical designs. You can go for white marble and medium-toned hardwood to exhibit very exquisite lavishness in the Central Park Properties. 

These ideas keep your home look polished and keep the design sensibilities of the neoclassical theme intact. Adding decorative elements like porcelain, ormolu, silver and more is also a great way to fit in the theme. 

Conclusion

You should remember that neo-classical interior designs are known to bring magnificent sensibilities to the Central Park Properties along with a relaxed and calm theme. Going for the right color schemes and choosing the appropriate furniture can showcase the design’s classic and elegant charm. 

If you want to make your Central Park Gurgaon homes an epitome of sophistication and want to make a classy yet bold statement then go for a Neoclassical form of interior design. 

[writtenbywings]

Battle Scars

Pairing: Hermione Granger x Draco Malfoy

Summary: Returning to Hogwarts as a professor, Hermione bitterly encounters Draco Malfoy as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, throwing everything into chaos.

Hatred and lust slowly begins to burn between them, though only as they recall their final, secret year at Hogwarts.

Chapter word count: 2k

Link: Battle Scars

Type: Slow burn romance

CHAPTER FOUR

There was little I knew about love, though when it came to a new hardback, I was just about curling my toes and batting my lashes.

One of the perks of being accepted academically into Hogwarts was the riverine of literature that came with the title and salary. A luxury for me, and my parchment-savvy fingers– turning over the first crisp page and smelling the deep, musky smell from the spine.

Ah… dust, dark ink and a million old words.

I couldn't understand the new students, and their interest in funny spells and unicorn-hair wands.

Even as an older witch, all I wanted to do was lull in the library with a steaming cup of tea and crookshanks. God bless his furry soul.

I was most displeased when I found it was out of commission, given the new 'malicious potions' section, and its twenty-four hour surveillance. Until they employed a ghost or ghoul stupid enough to watch the library walls, it was a red-zone for any wandering eye.

Including my own.

I thought about this bitterly with my morning coffee, organizing through junk the previous professor had left behind, and the scattered mess of his office quarters. Now, formally mine.

I had etched the gold-plaque Professor Strider off the door, and replaced it kindly with Professor Granger - looped and cursive, with all the welcome of a true writer.

Inside, the walls were a drab and curdled cream– yellowed from age and dusty without the comfort of a feather to bat away the moths. The corners were stacked with unfinished registers, newspapers headlining old troubles (Sirius Black screaming on the front page of a few) and pictures of relatives from Professor Flitwick's previous teaching days. Things of importance, I stored inside a box and took to an old cupboard up in the south west of the castle– beside Hufflepuff's common room and a spiral staircase that led to a high tower. Whilst rubbish I disposed of, and carried all the way to Hagrid's hut where he used it as kindling for the foreseeable winter. Resourceful as ever.

On my way back to my new office, I grabbed a can of 'lush-lush-lavender paint' from the Artist's Quarter on the first floor– famous for the portraits around Hogwarts, and the lively personalities that continue to live through paint stroke and brush flick. Most of these creations were done by Elves, no wonder, and I tried not to pass a brochure on 'S.P.E.W' as I balanced my supplies.

One thing at a time, Hermione. I reminded myself in Ron's voice, now a daily mantra.

Twelve o'clock rolled into early afternoon, and the first coat of lilac was drying quickly with the aid of a few open windows– dust sheets covering the dark wood desk and its marrying old chair.

With the use of a glue gun and a little magic, I managed to decorate everything to the dusky color theme - the upholstered fabrics spreading like a dreamy sky, running from the lounging sofa in the corner, to the shelves where all of my essential hardbacks housed. A crystal lamp filled the room with pinkish light, and the ceiling was enchanted to glitter with stars and the northern lights - aurora borealis.

All in all… it felt as comforting as a cup of tea.

I had dinner with the students in the dining hall, opposed to the teacher's lounge – not feeling adult enough to discuss politics with Hagrid and Minerva just yet – and used this time to get to know a few big personalities in Gryffindor.

The head boy, who had a knack for brushing people up the wrong way with his wit and study ethic, was called Porth Watermaine. A handsome young prodigy who spent most of his time trying to impress the head girl– Valerie Mayson. Ginger haired and fair skinned, she reminded me most of Ginny.

Though that might have been like comparing a bush fire to the devil's inferno.

I chewed through a thick cutlet of gammon and smothered my potatoes in gravy, trying to get a sense of where the outcast group lay – a parallel to my trio, and the friendship that still kept me sane after all of these years. Though sadly, there appeared to be nothing of the kind– not even a specky boy or a ginger accomplice.

Alas, I'd keep an eye out.

I stayed for dessert and handed out itineraries for the foreseeable year, homework days color-coded and mock exams highlighted. The girls enjoyed this, though the boys frowned, asking instead where my 'boyfriend with the scar was.'

"You know," a feisty little lad asked, short enough to reach my knees, "the kid who killed

that evil, bald guy."

Ah, Voldemort… if only you could see the youth of today tremble in fear of you now.

On my way back through the castle, I bid goodnight to a few new faces, and inwardly applauded myself for an eventful day– feeling organized enough to deal with any issue that came my way.

As Draco Malfoy reared a corner, barging into my shoulder and almost taking me down– I cursed myself for being too positive. I hit the wall, staring with dumbfounded eyes as he continued walking, heading straight for the Slytherin common room, his black robes whipping like leather at his heels.

That cloudy eye reflecting all of the nothingness inside of him.

"Watch where you're going!" I exclaimed, not so much as pricking his attention. A few first years shuffled awkwardly around me - as if I had a bubble of thorns keeping them at bay. I swallowed the lump rising in my throat and dispersed, feeling all the happiness drain out. The metaphorical sewer of our memories flowing down the dirt pipes.

Really, what did I ever see in him?

And better yet, what had I done to warrant such anger and malice?

I climbed a staircase and found it gravitating to another, leading me astray from the trail back to my quarters.

"No." I mumbled, as if the steps themselves could understand my pain. I tried not to let my lower lip wobble, all the frustration wanted to find a way out. Unfortunately, I cried when I was angry, and now the tears were welling in my eyes, making everything glassy and blurry.

"Oh dear," One of the portraits tutted, "whoever has got you in such a state, Hermione Granger."

I ducked my head and climbed to the very top of the staircase, almost plunging off into nothing before a corridor clicked into place. With one hurrying step, I disappeared out of sight and ventured down the dark shadows of an unlit hallway, trying to rid my mind of blue eyes and white hair.

I wasn't attempting to make my footsteps quiet, and as I reared the corner to the Slytherin common room, I wanted to scream out in horror.

Really, what good had these enchanted steps ever done? I cursed, recalling the time Harry had been late to class as he was redirected to Professor Sprout's private quarters. It was as if they had some secret intentions to make life miserable!

The impending sound of footsteps came to disarm what was left of my pride, and scouring to see where a quick exit could be, I dove toward a locked door, whipping out my wand.

"Alohomora!" I whispered fiercely, hearing a satisfying click. Before the steps could reach me, I was inside and the door was clicked swiftly shut behind me– all that separated me from misery now.

Even if it wasn't Draco, would it do me any good for a Slytherin student to tell him I was lurking around the corridor? How desperate would I seem… how strange?

Voices came now, surly and loud.

"Though sir, she deserved it!"

"Do you not hear me? I said no, and in the world where I hold the power to your expulsion, that word is final."

My blood ran cold.

Malfoy.

"The boys and I already despise her after what she did, I thought you would understand that."

The footsteps stopped, and now they lingered outside the door.

"Tell me, what has she done to you?"

"She fought for Harry Potter. She fought against Voldemort."

The door slammed, and I fought everything inside of me not to squeal as it cried against its hinges, held only by a lock and my body weight. Draco had pinned the boy against the wood, it seemed.

I could hear the venom in his low voice as he spoke.

"You do not get to talk about a war you weren't involved in, just because your family lineage agrees so. Blood was spilt, decisions were made, and Voldemort died. The fact you speak his name so freely without a flinch proves you have no valid opinion on the subject."

"Sir, I'm sorry, I–"

"Enough. You remove the hex from Miss Granger's office and go to bed before I report this. Do you understand?" He growled through his teeth.

The student, whoever he was, scampered off in a series of pants that told me he was frightened.

As frightened of Draco as we had been of Snape.

What was it about the head of Slytherin inciting fear?

Still, I felt conflicted. Angry for his adamant dislike for me, after everything we had been through, though soft at the thought of him fighting my corner from the shadows.

Another thump hit the door, though this time, it sounded like he was leaning against it– deflated.

I pressed my bare hand to the wood and almost felt the electricity of his presence behind it, closing my eyes.

Malfoy sighed, a long and exasperated sigh.

"I'm going to end up dead before this year is finished." He whispered to himself, as private as a lone thought. I opened my mouth as if his secrecy deserved an answer, though before I could rethink my words, he sauntered off, and the door felt unknowingly cold.

Draco had said those words in my presence once before… though in a much different setting.

At a much different time.

I slumped against the wall and buried my face in my hands.

What was happening?

____________________________

"Hermione, put the book down."

"You don't want to do this."

"Think of the children!"

I burst out in a series of laughs as Ron sat on his knees, holding his palms to the sky as if he were praying to a higher power. Harry held his stomach as he chuckled, leaning back in his chair.

We were in the library, and trying to launch myself out of this funk, I had decided to do a bit of light reading. Ron had placed a bet on how long it would take me to read an actual page, and now he was almost out fifteen silver sickles.

Harry's pockets were jingling already.

"I can't believe you two have put my misery on a payroll." I snickered, leaning against one of the bookshelves. Ron scampered to his knees and crept over, trying to lightly pry the book from under my arm.

"We need entertainment after you know what. You're the best opportunity."

"He's right." Harry agreed.

I willingly let go of the book, and Ron lifted it over his head victoriously.

Harry's head fell back with a groan.

"Don't pay him yet. We still have tomorrow." I giggled, trailing out of sight. I shook my head in amusement as I heard them bicker amongst themselves, wandering to the back of the library where Crimes in Herbology sat. The lamps were dim here, and the tables were vacant– a known kissing spot for anyone old enough to know about it, with initial engravings marking the wooden book shelves. A little heart tracing each one.

Thankfully today, all was quiet– quiet enough that I flinched as I collided with a body, scattering the three books I had picked up to the ground.

"Sorry," I gasped, instinctually squatting to the ground to collect them. The body didn't drop down to help, though as I fumbled those three editions back into my arms, I came face to face with a pair of knees, and then a midriff, shoulders and jaw as I stood.

Malfoy.

"Oh, please." I sighed. "Are you following me here now as well?"

"Maybe I am." He smiled a crooked, amused smile.

The bruising had eased him from his face, though there was still a yellowish-green beneath his eyes.

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

He canted his head to the side from the exasperation in my voice, and his eyes lit with a game-like leisure.

"I can't talk to you in public now?"

"You call the kissing-corner in the library a public place for conversation?"

"I call it a good place to make a negotiation."

"A negotiation?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He found my irritation amusing, and approached it like an invitation.

"I want to tutor you." He proposed.

I almost fell over in hysterics, though something in his voice told me he was serious.

"I don't need a piggy-back for my exams, thanks." I scowled, and placed back my books. I would get them from Professor Mcgonagall's private stock. This wasn't worth the effort.

I turned, though found myself rooted in place as Malfoy stepped to the side, brushing his body comfortably in front– close enough to feel the heat in his breath, the icy-bite from his blue eyes.

"I know you have all of the world figured out, though I mean this sincerely. You need a friend who has dealt with the after-effects of trauma, and not Harry Potter who has been the center of attention for seven years or Ron Weasley who has a million siblings to dry his tears at night. You're alone, you're an outcast, and I'm offering to tutor you in controlling your emotions."

This time, I did laugh– a hard snort that could be confused with disgust. Though in actuality, it was bother. I was bothered by how ridiculously true that was.

"I have my friends." I retorted.

"And I have mine." He said, his voice even lower. "Though that doesn't mean they stop me from killing a first year' with the cruciatus curse."

The words were like a knife to my chest, and I looked at him with the purest form of regret my mudblood heart could muster. Regret from almost doing the unthinkable… regret from almost hurting someone.

"Why?" I asked, as quiet as it was sinful to admit what I'd done.

"I'm going to end up dead before this year is finished, anyway." He remarked. "I might as well help someone before my time is up."

I watched in disbelief as he stepped away, creating a divide between us. He reached a finger forward and nudged my chin upwards– as if to stay positive, and as if to remind me he wasn't the bad guy. That after all we'd been through… he was as much blood, bone and magic as anyone here.

And he too, held regrets.

"Slytherin Tower. Tomorrow. Nine o'clock. Come alone."

He left me standing next to Wayward Herbology and Killer Weeds, volume one through five– and for the first time, I felt myself warm to him.

[12thhouseangell]

I dream of a bright beautiful home. Spacious elegant and sweet. The kitchen always has a vase of fresh flowers. The fridge is packed with nut cheeses, fresh fruit and filtered water. And There is always fresh bread in the home. The white cabinetry and marble island accompany the middle of the kitchen. The sink is large and sunken. The open floor plan connects to the living room seamlessly. Natural light is coming in from many angles of the home. Pink tourmaline and angel aura are placed on the coffee table and as ornaments around the space. A large cream white sectional is the centrepiece. It’s cozy, fluffy and feels like a cloud. The couch has a bed feel to it. Some accent pillows in a light blush colour give the couch a very feminine feel. The master bathroom has a large rain head shower. The floors and towel rack are heated. The sinks are tall enough to maintain a straight back. Plush carpeting and seating await you to towel off and apply your body lotion. There is also a separate skin care vanity desk to apply your masques and moisturizer. A spa grade towel warmer add to the luxurious ness of your skincare routine. As you make your way through the home, your bedroom is your little hideaway. It’s soothing and beautiful. A large golden mirror stands out among the creams and pink tones. Your california king bed has weighted blankets. In your closet there is an upholstered blush circular ottoman. But the most beautiful spot is the backyard garden. It is filled with pink and yellow roses, bleeding hearts and lilies. It’s a fragrant oasis. The patio furniture sits under a gazebo with dimly lit lighting. You sit among your blooming garden and feel the blessings and gratitude that surround you.

[braydoncoles]

Interior Design Tips and Tricks to embellish the House

Interior design is the most interesting and enjoyable concept for almost all home and homeowners building contractors. It is actually a very good base that offers an enormous result on the design and space of the home. Whether you are planning to build a new house or renovating your existing house for happy living, it doesn't matter because in interior design there is something that can be added or something that can be modified to make things beautiful and better. Nowadays, the thought of interior design has considerably revolutionised, as well as the designers and homeowners are decorating and planning creative and innovative decorations through woodfurniture and marbles, furniture cum mattress, living room granites, chairs and much far more. Therefore the concept of finest interior design has become a endless approach, where there is always new things you can discover or implement in your internal to enhance it in the much better way. Interior design companies supply quite a few interior design tips on the web with the photos around the websites to experience a much better knowledge of the design and style.Therefore one can conclude that interior design gives a genuinely modern and aesthetic attraction inside your home. It provides a lot more benefit for the house combined with the exceptional beauty. So, have a look at some smart tips and tricks to have a more significant and impressive look in the interiors of the house. Paint the wall space in lighter and softer shades: There are many paint hues available with distinct shades, tones and tints with each a single provides a distinct seem. So stick to the colours like beige or cream or grey for the living room where the flow is necessary. And when you have modest spaces, then artwork these with fairly neutral and light colors helps them seem larger. Conversely, areas with dark-colored colors seem to be far more small than it is.

Give your furniture some inhaling and exhaling area: Gracious and splendid indoor indicates room to go rapidly so refrain from overcrowding a room. You don't should top off area with plenty of household furniture. Spend more money of your own price range on less but top quality and desirable home furniture parts to present a impressive and better seem to your residence.Apply for a fabric couch in addition to wingback seating to experience a sense of well balanced and designer look in the house. Use ornamental items to give a splendor in the house: House needs some components to deliver an enchanting appear. Ornamental wall mirrors, antique artwork sections, wood products, aluminum or acrylic, etc. may be put around the espresso desk shirts, bedside furniture, teas carts plus much more for added dimension and texture. Photos from children and magazines book's may be framed and hung in children rooms. Organize family, books and candles picture frames about the nest of tables, bookshelves to include a enchanting look in the room. Coating your illumination: Each and every place must have about three kinds of lights: background light from ceiling lighting fixtures to supply all round brightness, project that ought to be fixed more than a reading nook or possibly a home tropical isle, and emphasize lighting, which provides far more decorative and featuring attribute towards the house. Therefore appropriate illumination in the room results in a pure and brighter appearance in your home. Build a center point: The same holds for interior design, as there are leading roles and supporting members in any production. Opt for furnishings in just about every space that can produce a focal point to anchor the rest and room can usually be treated as additional pieces. Focal details in your house produce a dramatic seem. From the bed room, a poster bed with window curtains or perhaps an upholstered headboard can draw interest, within the family room a mantel and art part offers impressive appearance. With the cooking, a wood exhibit case with designer designs into it offers a stylish look for your home. As a result whatever it is, central points will usually develop a look and feel in your home. Be Daring: Personality is why a place great. Make your personal patterns enjoy yourself. Incorporate ottomans seat, library style bookshelves, chandelier if you want your living space that really wow. Put plants and flowers to each area room to add hues and designs and to supply a well balanced humidness in the home. For more details about noi that can ho web site: visit here.

[emospritelet]

I absolutely adore Homecoming. Prompt 19 - “You know it’s traditional, right?”

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]

AO3 link

Belle sat quietly in front of the mirror of her dresser, watching as Ivy brushed her hair until it shone and pinned the curls up into a loose bun at the back of her head.  Ivy was a pretty young woman, with large dark eyes and black hair held back from her face with a neat white cap.  She had eyed Belle with curiosity ever since she had come to the room and announced that she would be helping her to dress, and Belle couldn’t help wondering what the servants must think of her, this governess being treated like an honoured guest.  She hoped that it wouldn’t cause resentment, but thus far everyone had been kind and welcoming.

She was clad in her one formal evening dress.  Lady Ella had kindly bought it for her, to attend the dinner to celebrate her daughter’s final night at home before heading off to Europe.  The dress was a pretty thing in blue silk with little ruffles running down the bosom and tiny pearl buttons.  She had silk shoes to match, and gloves that reached to her elbows.  Her one piece of jewellery, a cameo brooch that had belonged to her mother, was pinned at her throat.  Looking at her reflection, she felt like a fraud, a penniless woman pretending to be a lady of means. She had the breeding, but certainly not the money.  Mr Ogilvy’s generous wage would last only as long as the children needed to be taught, and she suspected that Nicholas, at least, would be sent away to school in a year or two.  It was always so, in her experience.

“Just a little longer, Miss Marchland,” said Ivy, securing another curl with a pin.  “I need to re-pin this back section.”

“Thank you,” said Belle.  “Is anyone else coming for dinner this evening?”

Ivy shook her head.

“Just you and Mr Ogilvy, the Professor and Miss Alice,” she said.

“How long have you worked here?” asked Belle.

“Since I was fourteen, Miss.”

“And you like it?”

“Oh yes,” said Ivy immediately.  “It’s a nice family.  A little odd, Miss, if you’ll pardon me for saying so.  The Professor - well, he’s in a world of his own half the time.  Kind, though.”

“And - and Mr Ogilvy?” asked Belle, and Ivy pursed her lips.

“He’s kind too,” she said.  “Took in Miss Alice, and the two little ones, and treats them like they’re his own.  Not many men would do that.  I wish he wasn’t so sad, though.”

“You think he’s sad?” asked Belle.  “He seemed very cheerful to me when I met him.”

Ivy was silent for a moment, twisting the lock of hair in her fingers and pinning it up.

“I think he lost someone, Miss,” she said eventually.  “Someone he cared about.  Has that look in his eyes.”

“Oh.”  Belle glanced at her reflection in the mirror.  “He said I reminded him of someone.  Was there a Mrs Ogilvy?”

Ivy shrugged.

“Not since I started work here,” she said.  “Before that, Miss, I couldn’t say.”

She pushed a final pin into Belle’s hair and stepped back.

“Thank you,” said Belle, turning her head from left to right.  “That’s so much better than I could ever manage.”

Ivy smiled at that, and left her to it.  Belle sighed to herself, smoothing her hands over her skirt restlessly.  It was almost eight, so she rose from the dresser and checked her appearance one last time before making her way downstairs.  The dining room was easy enough to find, and to her relief it wasn’t large and draughty as Lady Ella’s had been.  It was decorated in olive green damask wallpaper, oil lamps and candles sending out a warm glow, and a fire burned at the end of the room beneath a carved marble mantelpiece, giving the room a welcome warmth.  The shining mahogany table would comfortably seat twelve, she thought, but didn’t look too sparse having been set for four.

Mr Ogilvy sat at the head of the table, and a short old man with white hair and a somewhat distracted expression was in the seat two places down on his left.  The Professor, she assumed.  Both of the men were formally attired in black dress coats with white waistcoats and starched shirts, white bow ties at their throats.  They stood as soon as she entered, and the girl with them smiled at her, a ribbon holding back tousled blonde curls and a pretty dress in dusky pink setting off the colour in her cheeks.  That must be Miss Alice.

“Miss Marchland,” said Mr Ogilvy warmly, rounding the edge of the table and stepping forward.  “We’re so glad you could join us.  I trust you’ve settled in?”

“Thank you,” she said.  “Everyone’s been so kind.”

“And the room?” he asked, almost anxiously.  “It’s satisfactory?”

“More than satisfactory,” she said hastily.  “It’s a beautiful room.  It’s - well, it’s fit for a princess.”

“Excellent,” he said.  “Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to the children, and show you around the place.  The schoolroom is fairly well stocked, but if there’s anything you need, anything at all, please inform me.”

“I will, thank you.”

He was smiling at her, the lamplight gleaming in his eyes and picking out threads of gold and silver in his hair.  She noticed that he was turning the moonstone ring on his finger as he looked at her, and he seemed almost unaware of it.  The other man cleared his throat, and Ogilvy started, dropping his hands to his sides.

“Please, allow me to introduce you,” he said, gesturing to the man beside him. “This is Professor Lowe, my very good friend.”

“Miss Marchland.”  The Professor scurried forwards, taking her hands in his and beaming at her as though she were a favoured daughter.  “Wonderful to meet you.  Simply wonderful.  Marvellous.”

“I - thank you, Professor,” she said.  “I was delighted to be offered this opportunity.”

She was a little taken-aback by his effusive greeting.  He was gazing up at her adoringly, and she could almost have sworn there were tears in his eyes.  He blinked rapidly, releasing her hands and taking a step back.

“Oh, you can just call me Doc, dear,” he said.  “Everyone does.”

“I—”  She was unsure how to respond to that.  This family is very odd.

“He’s not wrong,” said Alice suddenly, the accent of one of the poorer parts of the city strong in her voice.  “No need to be alarmed, Miss Marchland, we’re as sane as you, I promise.  Papa’s just in a strange mood today, it seems, and now Doc’s caught it.”

“And this is Alice,” said Ogilvy in a dry tone.  “A cheeky nuisance I don't seem to have been able to get rid of."

"You love me really," said Alice, batting her eyes at him, and his smile grew.

"Miss Marchland, please take a seat.”

He gestured to the table, and Belle hesitated.  There was a place set for her, in the chair to his right.  Its positioning made her frown a little in confusion, but she took her seat without comment.  If they wished to treat her as an honoured guest rather than an employee, it spoke well of them.  Alice sat opposite her and to Ogilvy’s left, with the Professor next to her.  He asked a question, something innocuous about Lady Ella, and Belle picked up the cue with ease, talking about her previous position and the gardens at Furton Grange while they were served a delicious beef consommé.

“I’m afraid this house isn’t as grand as you’re used to,” said the Professor, gesturing with his spoon.  “It’s comfortable enough, though.”

“Oh, it’s lovely,” said Belle hastily.  “I’m anxious to explore the library.  It’s always exciting to find new books.”

The two men exchanged a tiny smile, and Ogilvy spoke up.

“I spend a lot of time in the library myself,” he said.  “I have an adjoining study. Oh, now that I mention it, the study has a safe.  If you have anything valuable you wish to keep in there - jewellery, for example - you would be very welcome.”

Belle smiled.

“Thank you, but this is the only thing of value I possess,” she said, tapping the cameo at her throat.  “It belonged to my mother.  I have no other pieces of jewellery.”

“Ah.”  He seemed to deflate a little, and his eyes flicked to the Professor. “Well, should that change, do please let me know.”

Belle smiled and nodded, and he returned his attention to his plate.  There was a little small talk about the weather and the approaching Christmas festivities, and then the Professor asked about her studies, a subject on which she could have happily talked for hours.

It was some time between the fried fillets of plaice and the veal sweetbreads in cream sauce that Belle first caught Ogilvy looking at her.  He had said little to her, leaving his friend to take up the reins as host.  The Professor, it turned out, taught history at King’s College, and Belle entered into a spirited discussion with him about the Plantagenets.  She happened to glance to Ogilvy as she paused for breath, and he was watching her with a tiny smile on his face and a soft, almost wistful look in his eyes.  As though he could hardly believe she was real.  He looked away a moment after she caught his eyes, but she could feel his eyes on her during the remainder of the dinner. Surprisingly, it didn’t make her feel uncomfortable.  Merely curious.

Alice was fairly quiet, concentrating on her food for the most part, but her eyes kept flicking from Ogilvy to Belle, and there was a faint air of puzzlement about her, a thoughtfulness in her gaze.  She sat back once the meal was over, fingers tapping against the edge of the table, chewing distractedly on her lower lip.

“Alice,” said Ogilvy gently, and she started.

“Oh!” she said.  “Yes!  Um - Miss Marchland, we’re supposed to go to the drawing room now.”

Belle dabbed at her lips with her napkin to hide a smile, then laid it aside and followed Alice from the room.  The drawing room was smaller and warmer, with soft couches upholstered in cream and red striped cotton, cushions covered in red damask silk in their corners.  There was a tray of tea things ready for them, and Alice poured for them both, handing a cup to Belle before taking her own.  They sat down on one of the couches, and Alice took a sip of her tea, eyeing Belle over the rim.

“What are you going to teach Ava and Nicholas?” she asked.

“I’ll assess where they are at the moment, before I make any decisions,” said Belle.  “As I understand it, they’ve had little in the way of formal education.”

“They’re bright enough,” said Alice.  “I think they can read and write a little.  Probably better with numbers.  Money.  I know I was, at their age.”

“Perhaps.”  Belle took a sip of tea.  “I’ll know more tomorrow, and I can devise a curriculum.”

Alice seemed to hesitate a little.

“I - I don’t want lessons as such, myself,” she said.  “But - well, I thought perhaps you could teach me how to act more - ladylike.”

Belle smiled.

“Of course, if you wish.”

“I think most of it’s nonsense,” added Alice.  “But I’ve spoken to quite a few people of my own age who - well, who don’t share my background - and it’s almost like there’s this secret code I can’t break through.  I suppose I’ll have to start going out into society soon, and I don’t want to embarrass Papa and Doc because I sat in the wrong place or insulted someone by accident.”

“Very wise.”

“I mean, if I insult someone, I want it to be because they deserve it.”

Belle wanted to giggle, but simply smiled.

“I’d be more than happy to teach you the many, varied, exhausting rules of etiquette,” she said.

Alice groaned, and they shared a chuckle.  Belle added a little more milk to her tea, stirring it gently and tapping the spoon against the rim.

“We put the Christmas tree up tomorrow,” said Alice.  “Papa likes to bring pine boughs and mistletoe and holly in the house in time for midwinter, but we always get the tree on Christmas Eve.”

“I look forward to seeing it,” said Belle, smiling.  “Watching the tree being decorated was always my favourite part of Christmas.”

“You can help us!” said Alice eagerly.  “It’ll be Ava and Nicholas’s first proper Christmas, with a tree and presents and roast goose.  I can’t wait to see their faces!”

“Oh, you have goose?”  Belle beamed.  “Lady Ella always had turkey.  I must confess I do prefer goose.”

“Roast goose and plum pudding and mince pies, and all of us getting a little fatter,” said Alice cheerfully.  “You know it’s traditional, right?”

Belle took a sip of tea, smiling into her cup, and Alice sighed, glancing towards the door.

“I don’t know why we have to sit in here drinking tea while they have port and brandy and cigars,” she remarked.  “Doesn’t seem fair to me.”

“It’s the way things are done, I suppose,” said Belle.  “One of those tiresome rules you want to learn.  Perhaps that will change.  When I was your age women couldn’t even ride bicycles without causing an uproar.”

“Not sure it’s all that better now,” said Alice.  “My last governess said they weren’t ladylike, and if I rode one I’d get ‘bicycle face’ and no man would ever marry me.  As though that was some sort of threat.”

She curled her lip, and Belle smiled.

“Well, I certainly shan’t discourage you,” she said.  “I think it’s a very healthy form of exercise.  Of course, it’s not up to me.  I’m afraid that in my experience, men and women can have conflicting ideas about the appropriate activities a young lady should be involved in.”

“Oh, Papa wouldn’t stop me,” said Alice carelessly.  “I realise he’s trying to do things properly this evening, for some reason, but they’re not usually like this.  Most nights they’re sitting around in smoking jackets, arguing about history and drinking whisky.  It seems you’re an honoured guest.”

“I can’t think why,” said Belle, setting her cup back in its saucer.  “But it’s very kind of you all to show me this much attention.  I certainly wasn’t expecting to be asked to dine with the family.”

She glanced down at her dress, the silk shining in the lamplight, and Alice seemed to read her mind.

“I suppose that’s your best dress?” she asked kindly.  “I only had one thing to wear when I got here, and that wasn’t even fit for rags.  I can tell Papa, he’ll get you new clothes.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t let him do that,” said Belle hastily.  “You’re very kind, but it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“He did it for me,” said Alice, with a shrug.

“Yes, but you’re—”  Belle cut off, shaking her head.  “Ivy told me he took you in, treated you as his daughter.  I think your status in this household is somewhat different from mine.”

Alice sipped at her tea.

“Maybe it is.”

She looked amused, smiling behind her cup, and Belle wondered what she was thinking.  She took another sip of her tea.

“How old were you when you came to the house?” she asked, and Alice pursed her lips, frowning a little as she placed her cup back in its saucer.

“I was seven or eight, I think,” she said eventually.  “Around the same age as Nicholas and Ava are now.  Tried to pick Papa’s pocket, but he was too quick for me.  I swear Doc told him I was gonna do it: he seemed to know I was there before I even made a move.”

“What happened?” asked Belle curiously, and Alice giggled, a mischievous light in her eyes.

“He grabbed me, lifted me into the air so my kicks wouldn’t reach him, and just looked at me with this tiny smile on his face as I called him every name under the sun,” she said frankly.  “Then he told me that I looked as though I needed a decent meal, and to follow them home if I wanted one.  So I did.  Still calling him every terrible name I could think of.  Mrs Wolfe threatened to wash my mouth out with soap three times that first day.”

Belle couldn’t help smiling.

“But you’re happy here?” she asked.

“Oh yes!” said Alice eagerly.  “They’re both so kind, and I got to learn to read and write properly, and Papa teaches me science.  I just wish they’d let me help out with their investigations.”

“Investigations?”

“Yes.”  Alice put down her cup.  “They investigate things.  Strange occurrences, hauntings, that sort of thing.  Supernatural encounters, Doc calls them.”

“Really?”  Belle raised a sceptical eyebrow.  “Isn’t that sort of thing just pranks and hoaxes, like knocking on tables and flickering lights?  Parlour games to scare people?”

Alice shrugged.

“Not according to them,” she said.  “Sometimes they’ll hear of something, or read of a strange case in the newspapers, but they also get letters asking them for help.  So off they go to look into it, whenever Doc isn’t teaching. Sometimes Papa goes alone.”

“Well.”  Belle was unsure what to make of this latest revelation.  “It sounds very - interesting.”

“Yes,” said Alice thoughtfully.  “I just wish they’d take me with them when they go away, that’s all.  Papa said they would, next time they go.”

“Do they travel a lot?” asked Belle, taking a sip of tea.

Alice rolled her eyes, huffing a breath and making one of her blonde curls dance on the breeze.

“They’ll be home for a couple of months,” she said.  “And then they’ll get a letter, or Doc will get one of his notions, and immediately they’re packing up and heading off.  Sometimes they even go to Scotland or France or over to Ireland, and I have to stay here.  It’s not fair.”

“Oh.”  Belle set down her cup.  “I have to confess that I haven’t left the country in ten years or more.  Lady Ella and her daughter used to go to Paris a lot, but I was never asked to accompany them.”

“Well, perhaps Papa will take you with them when they go,” said Alice.  “As well as me.”

Belle smiled at that.

“I suspect I’ll be asked to stay here to care for the children,” she said.  “You’ll have to tell me all about it when you get back.”

Alice smiled, and set her empty cup back on the little table, sitting back a little and folding her hands in her lap.

“Perhaps they won’t go away at all,” she said.  “Perhaps they’ve found what they were looking for.”

[lafiametta]

@bitchofnovember seemed desperate to know what happened at the very end of Henry and John’s romantic dinner date – and I’m to blame, I know, for cutting the story short just as it was getting so interesting! Please note that there are a couple fairly nsfw moments here, placed below the cut – nothing super explicit, but certainly meant for mature readers. And for anyone who’d like to read the entire thing from the beginning, you can also find it on AO3!

Henry woke with the sun in his eyes, bright and insistent, and he blinked once or twice into the light before quietly groaning and turning over to bury his face into the pillow.

After a little while, the world began to return to him, and as he breathed in against the pillow he quickly realized that it was not his pillow (his was not half so comfortable), nor was the bed he was lying in his bed (his was not half so spacious), nor, it seemed, was he wearing any clothes. And then he smiled to himself with the knowledge of where he was, and exactly whose bed he was in.

Underneath the covers, he stretched his body and kicked a leg out to the side, relaxing into the softness of the sheets and the warm little cocoon he had made between them. Through the quiet of the bedroom, he could hear faint sounds coming from downstairs: there was a woman singing (he could only hope it was the stereo) as well as an assortment of kitchen noises, as cabinets were shut and things were moved around on top of the counters. With a quick sniff, he also caught a hint of the heavenly aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. 

Feeling brave enough to risk it, Henry cracked his eyes open and let them slowly adjust to the light. As he looked around, he could see that the bed took up a good portion of the room – there wasn’t much in terms of furniture besides the nightstands and an upholstered chair in the corner – but maybe that was because the room itself was somewhat small, with a sloped ceiling that cut low into the space. It was airy and light, though, with pale yellow walls and two long, wide skylights set along the length of the ceiling. He raised himself up onto his elbows to glance at the clock sitting on the nightstand: the hands read a quarter to eight. He was a little surprised he woken up so early, but of course the sun streaming in directly through the skylights hadn’t made it that easy for him to sleep in. Just in front of the clock lay a paperback with a bookmark sticking out about two-thirds of the way through, and this time he couldn’t help himself from looking at the cover. Memoirs of Hadrian, by Marguerite Yourcenar. He would ask John about it later when he had the chance, he told himself, even as he fought the sudden impulse to pick it up and begin paging through it. 

Over on the chair he caught sight of his clothes, loosely folded and draped across the arm, and then he smiled again, knowing that he hadn’t left them that way. 

(His shirt is in a pile on the floor, the top of his jeans unfastened, and he pulls his mouth away from their kiss so that he can start with that long line of buttons arrayed down the front of John’s chest, each one glinting in the low light of the bedroom. It feels as if he has been waiting so long for this, maybe even from the moment they met. But still, he takes his time, patiently slipping each button from its enclosure, even though his hands begin to tremble a little, and he watches as John’s eyes grow darker and his breath sharper with every anticipatory movement of his fingers.)

His phone, he realized, was probably still there, tucked in the front pocket of his jeans. He hadn’t charged it since the morning before, so at this point, it had to be totally dead. He was surprised not to feel the urge to go look at it. But was there really anything on it that he needed to see? A bunch of pointless work emails? The never-ending feed from his social media accounts? It all seemed pretty unappealing. Maybe John had the right idea after all in forgoing the thing altogether.

He rolled onto his back and let out a yawn as the white duvet billowed around him like a cloud. He had half a mind to let his eyes fall shut, but needed to be careful if he didn’t want to fall asleep again.

(Henry’s hands grasp at the fabric of the duvet cover in silent desperation, but he doesn’t know what else to do with them, where else to direct this clawing, overpowering need. He can barely keep himself seated, there on the edge of the bed, not while John is nipping and teasing along the tender flesh of his inner thigh, his hand firm as he takes Henry fully into his grasp.)  

The sounds from downstairs had quieted – he could no longer hear music from the stereo or anything at all from the kitchen – and then he caught the soft, even stutter of footsteps on the stairs. He sat up and tried to smooth down his hair, and then gathered some of the duvet around his waist, although he wasn’t quite sure why, as the time for modesty had come and gone long before this point. 

The door edged open and right behind it came John, wearing an undershirt and pajama bottoms, his hands clasped around a heavily-laden breakfast tray. Their gazes met, and Henry felt his face growing warm with the memory of those hands and all the various places they had been.

(John’s touch is careful, reverent, and he finds an unhurried, deliberate rhythm that burns fiercely for all that it is so gentle. He is everywhere, all at once, his hands clutching along Henry’s waist – and lower still when Henry begs it of him. He leans forward, breath hot on Henry’s goose-bumped skin as he begins to map a constellation of kisses across his shoulder blades. There is nothing left for Henry, nothing but an endless sea of sensation and desire, nothing but the feeling that with each thrust he could easily shatter into a thousand brilliant pieces and wanting little more than to do just that. He cries out and reaches behind him, looking for something to hold onto, something that will keep him here, tethered close, his hand at last tightening around the curve of John’s hip.)

John paused near the door, a tiny crease forming just between his eyebrows. “I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“No, I was already up,” Henry replied, glancing up towards the ceiling. “The light was coming in pretty strong through the windows.”

“I normally roll down the shades before I go to sleep,” John said, as he walked over and set the tray down on the corner of the bed. “But last night…” 

His voice trailed off, leaving Henry to wonder if he was actually seeing the hint of a blush on John’s cheeks or if it was purely his imagination.

The smell of coffee, though, provided the greater distraction, and he glanced down at the tray, marveling at the vast array of items that John had been able to fit on it. Besides the carafe of coffee, which Henry was nearly ready to dive into face first, there were two glasses of orange juice, bowls of sliced fruit and granola, warm slices of toast, and finally, this morning’s paper, folded sharply in half. It all looked so good that he didn’t quite know where to begin. 

John sat down beside him on the bed, the mattress giving just slightly under his weight.  

(The two of them lay there, sweat-sheened and breathless, their bodies turned to face each other, the darkness throwing the rugged planes of John’s face into stark relief. He slowly reaches out towards Henry and brushes a damp piece of hair from off his forehead, his thumb finally coming to graze along Henry’s cheek. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he murmurs, and Henry smiles, because he is wondering the same thing, only about the man lying next to him. But he suspects that John Bridgens has no idea how beautiful he actually is.)

“I didn’t know how you took your coffee, so I brought cream and sugar.”

“Thanks.” Henry reached for a mug and then the carafe. “Black is fine.”

“There’s also extra toiletries in the guest bath downstairs, in case you needed anything like that. Nothing fancy,” he added, “just odds and ends from the drugstore and the occasional hotel visit—” 

“John,” Henry said, cutting off the endless string of words, because it suddenly hit him that John was acting strangely nervous, or at least as nervous as John seemed capable of being. It was as if he didn’t really know what to expect from Henry this morning, as if he wasn’t entirely sure what, if anything, their night together might have meant. But Henry didn’t want that, not at all; he didn’t want John to ever be unsure about how he felt.

John had glanced up at the sound of his name, his expression open and unguarded, but Henry could also make out the smallest trace of worry, written there within the depths of his gaze. He set down his coffee, reaching out to lay a reassuring hand across the top of John’s thigh.

“Last night was… great.” Henry sighed a little, knowing how ridiculously lame he had to sound. “I mean, it was beyond great, actually.” He gave John’s leg a squeeze as his mouth curled upwards into an easy grin. “And I really do want to thank you for dinner. And for making breakfast this morning. Everything looks delicious.”

John’s features grew softer, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he slowly returned Henry’s smile. “It’s nice to get to cook for someone again,” he admitted, with a small shrug of his shoulders.

It didn’t take long for them to turn their attention back towards the wide array of food still sitting on the tray, and Henry seized the opportunity to finally pour himself some coffee. They sat there together and ate, drifting into easy conversation, and eventually they both leaned back against the headboard and shared the paper, Henry settling in with the sports section while John began with Arts and Leisure.

Henry was contemplating the possibility of another piece of toast when John turned down the corner of his paper and glanced at him inquiringly. 

“You know, on Saturdays I sometimes walk down to the farmers’ market that’s near right campus. It opens at nine, if you have any interest in going.”

“Yeah, sure,” Henry said, nodding. “That sounds nice.”

John turned back to the paper, but Henry’s gaze stayed on John, his attention drawn to the way his shirt was pulling taut against the broad span of his shoulders, to the tiny strands of dark hair that peeked out beyond the v-shaped neckline of his collar. At this point, he no longer had to rely on his imagination to contemplate what else that shirt was obscuring, and the thought was enough for him to toss his portion of the paper onto the duvet and turn towards John, his hand reaching out and then slipping underneath the thin cotton fabric. 

If John was surprised by Henry’s sudden eagerness, he said nothing, only raising his eyebrows and letting the corner of his mouth tick up in amusement. Eventually, though, he fully surrendered to the onslaught, rolling over onto his back as his arms wound their way around Henry’s neck, his hands clutching softly at the lengths of his close-cropped hair.

“So I know you said it starts at nine,” Henry said, smiling against the pale line of John’s throat, “but how late do you think it stays open?”

[wizardhq]

             ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 (42) – 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓶.

“the very best of evenings to you! now, to our new students, welcome, and to our old students, welcome back. another year full of magical education awaits you.”

Once again, another year at Hogwarts has rolled around. The boats full of first years sail with purpose towards the castle, the trains arrive, and the carriages bring themselves to a halt. The start of term is here.

                                                                       TRAVEL SCHEDULE:

Platform 9 ¾ Quarters:  The students arrive at the platform, loading their luggage onto the Hogwarts Express, and bid farewell to their family for now.

Hogwarts Express: The train departs at eleven o’clock without fail, arriving in Hogsmeade Station by the early evening. During the usually adult free long journey to Hogwarts, students may enjoy wizard treats from a trolley. The prefects have their own cabin, where they go over the plan of action with this year’s Head Boy and Girl.

Hogwarts Carriages: The thestral pulled carriages help the students travel from Hogsmeade village to the castle, years second through seventh, as the first years take the boat. Due to it being raining when they arrive, the hoods have been attached to the top of the carriages.

Arrival: Students from their second year and up are given around thirty minutes to settle in, freshen up, change into their robes if they didn’t arrive in them, and make their way down to the Great Hall while the first years are round up for the sorting ceremony.

                                                                    START OF TERM FEAST:

Sorting Ceremony: The sorting ceremony occurs. It’s a yearly ritual performed at the beginning of each school year, it’s purpose being to assign first years, as well as other new students, to one of the four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.

Hogwarts Song: After the Sorting Ceremony, The Hogwarts School Song will be performed by students and members of The Frog Choir before the beginning of the new school year. “Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, Teach us something please.”

Frog Choir Performance: The frog choir then goes on to perform their yearly rendition of Something Wicked. They’ll then be doing a medley of different Wizard Hits from earlier that year they would’ve been set to practice during the summer, complete with choreography, before they then do a medley of hits in the muggle world. They’ll be accompanied by orchestra members who are not in the choir.

Important Announcements: Right before the start of the feast, new members of the teaching staff are introduced to the student body, and important announcements and messages concerning the new school year are given. This will be done by the Headmaster, who tell his audience to take note of their surroundings this fall, and heed the previous warnings of the Ministry despite the curfews being lifted in regards to the Cauldron Heists. “A watched pot never boils over.”

Start of Term Feast: It’s time to eat! The types of food served are roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, sausages, bacon, steak, steak and kidney pie, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, chips, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup and peppermint humbugs. For dessert, there will be blocks of assorted ice cream, apple pies, chocolate gateau, treacle tart, pumpkin tart, chocolate éclairs and jam doughnuts, trifle, strawberries, jelly and rice pudding.

Free Time: After the end of the feast, second through seventh years are welcome to catch up with their friends and faculty. Seventh year prefects are instructed to show their new first year housemates to their new dorms, and give them any further instruction needed. The Head Boy and Girl will have a meeting with Dumbledore in his office, and the rest of the prefects are free to do as they please until 10PM, where they will all pair off for rounds to make sure none of the younger reasons are running about. Head Boy and Girl will do a second round at midnight to make sure everyone is back in their dorms, with the help of prefects if needed.

                                                   HUFFLEPUFF HOUSE PARTY:

It is round and earthy and low-ceilinged; it always feels sunny, and its circular windows have a view of rippling grass and dandelions. There is a lot of burnished copper about the place, and many plants, which either hang from the ceiling or sit on the windowsills. Our Head of house, Professor Pomona Sprout, is Head of Herbology, and she brings the most interesting plant specimens (some of which dance and talk) to decorate our room — one reason why Hufflepuffs are often very good at Herbology. Our overstuffed sofas and chairs are upholstered in yellow and black, and our dormitories are reached through round doors in the walls of the common room. Copper lamps cast a warm light over our four-posters, all of which are covered in patchwork quilts, and copper bed warmers hang on the walls, should you have cold feet.

The Hufflepuffs have decided to take it upon themselves to host a little get together the beginning of the school year, with September 1st falling earlier than usual on the calendar.  It’ll be on Saturday, September 2nd. There’ll be drinks, recreational plants ( kiosk / general section, ) games, a vinyl selection being played on the common’s gramophone, and naturally, food, with the kitchens being so close and the house elves being happy to please. All of the houses are invited, though it’s primarily a party for the sixth years and up. The cosiest common room in Hogwarts is famed for having no official password. All one must do to enter the Hufflepuff Basement is tap the barrel two from the bottom, middle of the second row, in the rhythm of ‘Helga Hufflepuff’, which will make the lid swing open, exposing a passageway that will lead to the basement when crawled through. However, if the wrong lid is tapped or the wrong rhythm is used, the intruder will be doused in vinegar and barred access. Leave your prefect badges in your dorm rooms, and don’t tell the professors!

                                                               FIRST DAY OF CLASSES:

First Day of Classes: Classes begin at 8:30 in the morning, and breakfast is open from 7:00AM. Everyone will find out what their curriculum will consist of, and sign ups for extracurriculars will be up on the General Bulletin Board. Advice sheets for Quidditch hopefuls planning on trying out for the teams and/or trying out for the position of captain the second week of school will be up as well. All house sheets will be made by professors, as there are no teams with current reigning captains this year. All players and captains will thus be chosen by the Heads of House. The schedule for Quidditch will be posted by @poiisonedquills, which will also duel as a post signifying the opening of updates for all extracurriculars.

                                                               IMPORTANT OOC DETAILS:

This event will start on AUGUST 13TH AT 12 PM EST and end on on AUGUST 20TH AT 12 AM EST, meaning this will be a SEVEN DAY EVENT. MONDAY and TUESDAY will be dedicated to the travel schedule, and WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY will be dedicated to the feast, which will be on Friday, September 1st IC a.k.a. in character. FRIDAY and SATURDAY be dedicated to writing the hufflepuff common room party ( open to all houses, ) which will be on Saturday, September 2nd IC. Skipping the following Sunday IC, SUNDAY will be dedicated to the first day of school, which will be Monday, September 4th IC. Please put all posts (including any private thread starters, pictures, anything related at all) under the tag #wizard:startofterm89. 

Notice: With the school year returning, the #wizard:hogwarts tag is officially reopened. Please remember that #wizard:students is for all  starters posted by student characters only, #wizard:alumni is for all starters posted by alumni, #wizard:world is for all starters posted anywhere outside of Hogwarts roughly, and #wizard:hogwarts is self-explanatory. All open starters are tagged with #wizard:open, and all closed starters are tagged with #wizard:closed. You should always have a minimum of three tags on a posted starter sans the event tag, or else you’ve missed one.

This event is mandatory, meaning if you’re on the dash, your student character(s) have to be participating in some form or another. The same goes for any alumni characters that are Hogwarts Staff.

After the event ends, you’re free to write the rest of the first week of school at whatever pace you like. Since it’s still August OOC, what will end up happening is the first week of school will be written over a two week period. After that, September will be here, and we’ll be free to resume our weekly writing periods. There will be an important plot drop writing event during September, so the spare week we’ll have already written will probably wind up being used to our advantage, in terms of time management!

Student muses are encouraged to continue any summer holiday threads until completion-- you don’t have to close them if you don’t want to. Alumni muses are DEFINITELY encouraged to not close summer holiday threads, instead keeping them and beginning to also add new threads into your drafts as well.

Please like this post after reading it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message the main.

[decorishing]

[gallery] Once you recline in the rackingburg dual reclining sofa with the pull of a tab, you will not want to get up. It's that comfortable with bustle backs and padded ottomans. Its look is amazing With dramatic cut and sew lines, jumbo stitching and affordable Cream leather match upholstery, which features Top-Grain leather in the seating areas with skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else, high-resiliency foam cushions wrapped in thick poly fiber—what a way to relax. RECLINING SOFA: Add ultimate comfort and style to your living room with this creamy leather couch. Brimming with rich character, this dual recliner will be a fan favorite for years to come LEATHER INTERIOR: Relax on comfy foam cushions upholstered in a leather interior and vinyl/polyester exterior. Pull tab reclining motion for the ultimate lounge experience DUAL SIDED RECLINER: Double your pleasure with two reclining seats. Pull tab reclining motion keeps your comfort customized and just how you want GREAT IN A LIVING ROOM: This classic sofa is the perfect addition to your recliner, loveseat, couch or sectional sets. Measures 86" W x 39" D x 40" H. Fully reclined length 68" MINOR ASSEMBLY: Ready for instant enjoyment in the living room or family room. Fits through doorways 32" or wider DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER: Ashley Furniture goes the extra mile to package, protect and deliver your purchase in a timely manner BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Designed and manufactured by Ashley Furniture Industries. The trusted source for stylish furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories and mattresses. For every taste and budget [amz_corss_sell asin="B07WKPZ1SS"] https://www.decorishing.com/product/signature-design-by-ashley-rackingburg-reclining-sofa-vanilla/?feed_id=31029&_unique_id=6271ca83379c0

[furniture321]

living room furniture

When selecting living room furniture, most human beings will pick out the fixtures they like irrespective of the décor or the conventional furniture of the room. They may additionally see a stunning couch with chairs to match, or a sectional unit that they can change round as the temper takes them. However, few take the total seem of the room into consideration, or take a holistic view of furnishing their dwelling room.

If you are undecided what this means, then take a themed room into consideration, such as an Egyptian or Wild West theme. The domestic décor, furnishings add-ons and even the carpeting or rugs are chosen with the theme in mind: that is the that means of taking a holistic strategy to dwelling room furniture.

 Your residing room want no longer be furnished and adorned to a particular historic period, however need to at least show up to be matched and possibly observe a positive theme in phrases of shade or period. For example, Amish furnishings appears quality in a evidently embellished room, and would seem to be out of region with lush drapes, closely patterned carpets or tournament brightly painted walls.

 Mission Furniture Style

 If you determine on living room furniture, then wood floor would seem good, with simple or gently patterned rugs to take in sound and stop that reverberation or booming you can get with all timber ground and simple walls. Curtains or drapes, wallpaper and rugs take in sound waves, so that you can not hear all of us speakme somewhere in the house.

 You can also figure out on a shade theme that ought to contain both matching colors or contrasting essential colors. Alternatively, you may also select a mixture of timber and leather: strong wooden occasional and cocktail tables, and leather-based sofas and chairs, whether or not character portions or sectionals. Let's have a seem to be at some alternatives primarily based on leather-based upholstery mix with stable American woods such as maple, oak and cherry.

 Stickley Furniture Leather Sofas

 Stickley Furniture affords the Stickley Craftsman Leather range, in black, white or typical brown leather. The firm's Bradford sofa, with 103 inches of wonderful black leather-based supplying four seats with separate cushions, alongside with a loveseat and separate armchair, will seem splendid in a residing room adorned with white walls, faded timber floors with a giant black and white rug, and with occasional portions that healthy the black and white theme.

You may want to buy originals or prints of contemporary artwork summary or sketches in black and white and marry these with lighting fixtures consisting of cutting-edge hues over brushed or polished aluminum lamps - pr stainless metal if your prefer.

 Reproduction Sheraton Sofas

 Alternatively, if you choose extra shade in your rooms, a remarkable copy Sheraton sofa in burgundy and cream would appear fantastic in a sitting room adorned in an historical English style, with deep crimson and ecru flocked wallpaper and a lovely pure wool off-white carpet. You can additionally buy separate arm chairs and sofas with this dwelling room furnishings from the Southwood Furniture Corporation.

 However, irrespective of whether or not you decide on black and white or common earth colors, for a honestly holistic strategy to your residing room furnishings and furnishes you should additionally take the add-ons and accent portions into consideration. These encompass occasional portions of furniture, rugs, lamps, candlesticks and even artwork and mirrors for your walls.

 Enlarge Your Living Room with Mirrors

 Mirrors can add an more dimension to your cautiously adorned and furnished dwelling room, and Carvers' Guild provides a exceptional vary of ornamental mirrors that will go well with any room decor: whether or not embellished in a black and white theme with black or white leather-based upholstery, or in a greater regular trend with historically upholstered sofas and loveseats.

 Carefully positioned mirrors now not solely provide a special strategy to domestic decor, however can additionally make a smaller dwelling room seem to be larger. By arranging the angles of reflection of a quantity of mirrors, you can now not solely make the nice of the greater fascinating elements of your residing room décor, however additionally make the room show up a good deal giant than it is. You can use lighting fixtures alongside with mirrors to decorate this effect.

There are many different accent portions that can be use to complement your residing room furniture, and additionally add to the seem of the room, or even its theme if you choose to have themed rooms. Ignoring the apparent Egyptian statues, African masks and Native American artifacts for the extra apparent themes, these preferring extra modern-day subject matters can use chess units and tables, figurines, lamps, trays and bins to intensify the decor of their residing rooms.

 Taking the Holistic Approach to Living Room Furniture

 In order to a take a holistic strategy to residing room fixtures and furnishings, you ought to first determine on the imperative ornamental fashion you desire to adopt, and then pick out the most terrific coloration scheme and wall decor that matches in with your decision. Once you have a tough concept of the colorations involved, and the commonplace length of fixtures you will require, you can pick out that fixtures from the giant determination accessible from American fixtures businesses such as Stickley, Southwood, Sherrill and Simply Amish.

 Make your living room furniture, pick out rugs to swimsuit your universal ornamental theme, and then the lamps, mirrors and different accent pieces. You can put all of these collectively to create a terrific dwelling room. A holistic strategy to residing room fixtures includes greater than simply furnishing, however additionally an grasp of add-ons an accent portions such as occasional tables, curio cabinets, rugs and greater - however it is properly really worth the work involved.

[alliancefurnishings2]

Best Stylish Reclining Furniture To Spruce-Up your Home This Christmas

Christmas season is here! You must be searching-out ways to handle the crowd of guests, relatives, and friends. How about stylish sectionals and recliners which wouldn’t just offer comfy seating to your guests but would also augment the appearance of your home?

To help you figure out which sectional or recliner would embrace your house interiors and will give your home a better exposure, we’ve compiled up a few ideas. Dive in the points below to know the perfect seating option for your home this Christmas.

Parker P913-403-1734 Leather Power Reclining Sofa - Storm Grey (Sofas - Reclining)

With power reclining functionality imbibed in it, the Parker Power Reclining Sofa from the collection of Pulaski Furniture can enhance the panache of your living room. It is furnished in Storm Grey Leather and incorporates the track arms, button-tufted back, and metal feet.  This reclining sofa is a perfect option for giving your guests a perfect corner for the party.

Source: https://www.alliancefurnishings.com/en/product/566472-pulaski-furniture-parker-p913-403-1734-leather-power-reclining-sofa-storm-grey

 Mammoth 4376 2 pc Sectional - Smoke (Sectionals - Stationary)

This beautiful yet exceptional sectional is available online at Jackson Furniture. It is upholstered in a plush textured, smoke color polyester fabric. Besides having high-quality fabrics, it features comfy back pillows, t-style padded seat cushions, and large track arms.

Source: https://www.alliancefurnishings.com/en/product/506587-jackson-furniture-mammoth-4376-2-pc-sectional-smoke

Lawson 4243 3 pc Sectional - Godiva (Sectionals - Stationary)

The Lawson Godiva three-piece Sectional online at  Jackson Furniture can be best utilized in the Christmas season. It incorporates a modular design for multiple configurations, decorative baseball accent stitching, comfort coil seating, wooden block feet, and a bonded leather fabric. It is composed of a LAF loveseat, a storage console, and an RAF chaise.

Source: https://www.alliancefurnishings.com/en/product/287405-Jackson%20Furniture-Lawson-3-pc-Sectional-Godiva

Mallory 505675 Sectional (Sectionals - Stationary)

If you want to bring-in an inviting and comfy atmosphere to your living room, this sectional from the collection of Coaster Furniture would fulfill all your needs. Besides incorporating tracked arms, tufted loose seat, and back cushions, this sectional will give your guests all the comfort. The plush accent pillows will add style to your place.

Source: https://www.alliancefurnishings.com/en/product/270255-coaster-furniture-mallory-505675-sectional

Micah 39PH-3628 Power Reclining Sofa - Venzia Cream (Sofas - Reclining)

Incorporating the best-in-class features, this comfortable contemporary styled Micah Reclining Sofa from the house of Barcalounger Furniture can be the best fit for any living room. It has power reclining features with power headrests, split pub back design, pocketed coil bucket seating, and foam pillow arms. Besides this, the back, seat fronts, and arms are accented with decorative stitching. Each power controller has a USB port.

Source: https://www.alliancefurnishings.com/en/product/568298-Barcalounger-micah-39ph-3628-power-reclining-sofa-venzia-cream#568298_product_1

Zeller 4470-02 Loveseat - Cream (Loveseats - Stationary)

If you’re in the mood to call-up several guests this Christmas, then look no further than Zeller 4470-02 Loveseat from the collection Jackson Furniture Online. Featuring the plush t-style back pillows and seat cushions, it also has shark shaped fins and a sectioned front border. Moreover, it is adorned with three contrasting accent pillows.

Source: https://www.alliancefurnishings.com/en/product/622889-Jackson%20Furniture-zeller-4470-02-loveseat-cream

If you’re searching for the best recliners and loveseats to spruce-up your living room this Christmas, then look no further than Alliance Furnishings. We have the best sort of furniture units from eminent brands. For better information about the products we offer, visit our website today.

[decorishing]

[gallery] Color:CreamOnce you recline in the rackingburg dual reclining power sofa at the push of a button, you will not want to get up. It's that comfortable with bustle backs and padded ottomans. Its look is amazing With dramatic cut and sew lines, jumbo stitching and affordable Cream leather match upholstery, which features Top-Grain leather in the seating areas with skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else—what a way to relax. POWER RECLINING SOFA: Add ultimate comfort and style to your living room with this creamy leather couch. Brimming with rich character, this dual recliner will be a fan favorite for years to come LEATHER INTERIOR: Relax on comfy cushions upholstered in a genuine leather interior with a polyester/vinyl exterior. One touch power with adjustable positions. Power cord included; UL listed DUAL SIDED RECLINER: Double your pleasure with two reclining seats. One touch power control provides adjustable positions for whatever comfort you crave GREAT IN A LIVING ROOM: This power sofa is the perfect addition to your recliner, loveseat, couch or sectional sets. Measures 86" W x 39" D x 40" H. Fully reclined length 68" MINOR ASSEMBLY: Attach the cables, plug it into the wall and you're ready to go. Fits through doorways 32" or wider DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER: Ashley Furniture goes the extra mile to package, protect and deliver your purchase in a timely manner BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Designed and manufactured by Ashley Furniture Industries. The trusted source for stylish furniture, lighting, rugs, accessories and mattresses. For every taste and budget [amz_corss_sell asin="B07WKQ12S7"] https://www.decorishing.com/product/signature-design-by-ashley-rackingburg-reclining-power-sofa-vanilla/?feed_id=31026&_unique_id=6271c7e90ce69

[tea-and-toblerones]

Unison Chapter 3- All I Want to do is Try and Make a Connection

After a bit of a wait it's finally here! Thank you for the ongoing support! 

As always feedback, comments, questions are more than welcome!

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My mind raced as Ed led me to his room. I'm going up to Ed Sheeran's hotel room. I wonder how many times he's -you know what, no don't go there. Definitely don't go there.

"It's not as many as you're thinking."

His voice pulled me out of my thoughts. We were standing in front of the elevator, waiting for its descent to our level. The entire lobby was vacant so we didn't really have to worry about eavesdropping.

"What?"

He gave me a crooked grin  "So you weren't just thinking 'I wonder how many times he's brought girls back' Not as many as you think. While I did do the whole one night stand thing for a brief, and I do mean brief, spell, it made me feel..." He trailed off, searching for the right word to use. I, however, was one step ahead of him.

"More empty than you were already feeling." I finished for him, avoiding his gaze.

I heard a faint 'ooooh' of realisation come from him, picking up on the subtle hint that I had dropped with that statement. The noise drew my eyes to him. He looked much more relaxed and at ease now. Some of the playfulness I had saw earlier was starting to creep back. The elevator opened and he snagged my hand pulling me in, since I was still halfway wrapped up in my thoughts and hadn't noticed its arrival. 

As the elevator rose, Ed dug through his pockets, pulling out his room key. When the movement stopped I made to walk out but he put his arm out to stop me.

"This isn't my floor." He said softly, intertwining his fingers with mine. "So you don't wander off while you're all up in your thoughts." He brought our hands up to his face, placing a kiss to the back of mine. His eyes gleaming with humor, a smile playing across his lips. If he wouldn't have stopped me I would have walked right off that elevator and kept right on walking. I'd like to say I would have noticed he wasn't beside me but I know myself. I wouldn't have until I was at the end of the hallway, asking which room number was his. Then the frantic turn around, the calling of his name and the confusion that comes after. It wasn't that I was thinking anything negative. I had about a thousand thoughts running through my head.

What would have happened if I hadn't sent that message tonight? 

How would thing of progressed?

How did he picture our first date?

Hell, how did I picture it for that matter? 

I closed my eyes. I could see a small restaurant. Small square table, with crisp white linen table clothes and plates to match. Floors a smooth dark wood that had matched  wood that made up the lower part of the wall and the trim. The other half being a cream color, with small lamps placed every couple of feet, giving a soft, intimate light. There was also track lights on the ceiling to provide just a bit more light.  Not dim enough to make you squint to see your dining partner, but not overly harsh. Small, cozy, fancy, yet, not overly so. I could picture Ed, wearing a dark button up shirt, reaching for his glass of wine. Laughing, his hand gesturing as he animatedly told his story. I catch myself smiling at the thought of it. 

I forced myself back into the real world just in time to see a couple businessmen enter. Ed nodded in their direction, asking them if they were headed for the ground floor. He hit the button for them and made polite small talk as the elevator ascended to his level. When it finally reached the level, Ed bid the men a good morning before we walked off. Keeping his word, his hand never let go of mine, however my thoughts were firmly planted on the ground. We were in front of his door, he paused before inserting the key. 

"I hadn't planned on company so I haven't really picked up after myself..." He looked a little guilty with a splash of shame. I picture takeout and pizza boxes scattered about, half empty cans of soda, random snack packages littering the floor.  

"I'm not here to judge you on your housekeeping skills. I'm here for the Simpsons and your company. Just open the door." 

He slides the keycard in and pushes the door open. He enters before me, just so he could hold the door open. Such a gentleman. 

"Welcome to my temporary home. Again, sorry for the mess."

My mouth dropped open and it had nothing to do with state of the room and everything to do with the room itself. The huge windows  catch my eye right off the bat. The view was spectacular. The sun had just started to properly rise, causing brilliant shades of oranges and yellow to burst across the sky, chasing away the dark blues hues of night, ushering in a new day. I pull my eyes away from the view and focus inside. This isn't a room, this is a penthouse. The walls were an antique cream color and the floors was a mix of woods in complimentary shades of dark browns and greys. There was a white sectional leather sofa, in the far right corner with a love seat across from in.  A glass coffee table sat in the middle of the area, a laptop resting upon it and various papers scattered across the surface.  A large television sat on the other side of the room. Beside it I see a door, presumably to the bedroom. Modern, yet, classic.  To my left there small, but fully functioning kitchen The countertops were white marble, the cabinets a dark wood. All the appliances were a sleek grey. There was three small lights hanging over the sink/bar providing the entire kitchen area with light. In front of the island there was a small square table that matched the cabinets and trim. Four white, incredibly comfortable looking chairs were around it. As for the mess, I didn't see it. There was a cozy, lived in feel. Shoes by the door, coat tossed on the couch. Papers scattered about. I had wandered into the room as I admired it. Ed had remained by the door, letting me look around. 

I turn back to him "Oh, Ed, this room is amazing!" 

"You should see the bathroom. Fucking amazing. You want the tour?"

I nodded, pulling off my jacket. Ed had did the same, taking mine out of my hand, he laid them on the back of one of the kitchen chairs. I told me I could put my shoes where ever, so I slipped them off and set them next to his. Wow, he has some big shoes. Next to his, mine look even smaller. Smiling he motioned for me to follow him. We head into the room beside the tv, which was the bedroom as I had thought. There was a thick plush creme colored carpet that I wiggled my toes in, savoring the feeling. There was a  large, unmade bed. A huge white fluffy duvet crumped up at the foot of the bed. The pillows in disarray. I wonder if he had a bad night's sleep? The headboard was an upholstered grey. Nightstand flanked each side of the bed, with a white lamp on each of them. The panoramic windows spanned into here as well. There were clothes laying about crumped in various spots on the floor. There was another tv mounted to the wall, underneath was a dresser that matched the black nightstands. A drawer was cracked open. I could see a mess of socks and other under garments.  

He wasn't exaggerating about the bathroom. Everything was a light brown tile The sink, the floors, the walls. A Jacuzzi tub? Holy hell. The tub was on a raised platform, big enough for two people to sit comfortably. I could picture us relaxing, the tub filled with suds, glasses of wine in hand. The shower was huge as well, glass doors, gold trim. 

"Oh that tub..." my voice bouncing off the walls, echoing my wonderment back to us. 

"It's great. I've totally fallen asleep in there." A sheepish grin adorned his face, He must have ran his hand through his hair since it was even messier than usual. 

"I can believe it. I'm a firm believer that a good soak can cure almost anything."

"I agree with that. I've written some of my best songs in the tub." I pictured him lounging in a tub, guitar in hand, strumming a couple chords, wrinkling his nose at the sound, trying a different variations until he found one he was satisfied with, quick to reach over and scribble it down in a notebook. I realise that's probably not what he meant by coming up with them in the tub, but the image was a humorous one either way. 

We had made our way back into the living room. The sun was fully up now bathing the room in a gorgeous light. It promised to be a beautiful day. Ed motioned for me to sit on the sofa as he dug through the cabinets. I hear running water, then a soft clang as he set a kettle on the range. There was two softer clinks as he set down two cups. I found the remote buried under a pile of papers. My eyes skimmed over the papers. Whatever he had written was crossed out. Brushing them aside I turn the tv on, flipping through the channels. He had sat two cups of tea down on the coffee table, going back to fetch the sugar. 

"I wasn't sure how you like your tea so...well, I don't even know if you like tea but its proper to make some for someone who's a guest." I reach for a sugar packet, shaking it slightly before ripping it open and pouring it in my cup. He snagged up the remote and within a few clicks The Simpsons opening theme was playing across the screen. I had tucked my feet up underneath myself, sipping on my tea. Ed sat next to me, his feet propped up on the table. One hand wrapped around his cup, the other resting on the back of the couch. Within a couple episodes, the tea was gone and I was resting my head on his shoulder. His arm had wrapped around me, his fingers idly playing with a few strands of my hair.

We spent the entire day in his suite. When we had started getting hungry, he called up some food. When a box of pizza showed up, with a bag of fries I couldn't help but laugh. 

"I promised you pizza and chips and I am a man of my word." He placed the fries on my slice before handing it over. Eyebrow cocked he watched as I took a bite, the cheese, sauce, pepperoni and potato coming together in my mouth. "Well? What do you think?"

I stare at the slice, letting the flavors run over my tongue. I swallow before I decided I left him in suspense long enough. “This is delicious!" 

"Yes!" He had done a small fist pump, his face beaming, "See, I knew I liked you for a reason!" he pointed his finger my way, shaking it slightly as he nodded. His eyes squinted slightly, mouth pulled in a sideways smile that could only be described as a 'they know what's up' expression.

He poured the rest of the fries over the pizza, grabbing a slice for himself. He took the first bite with gusto. I found watching him eat was just as enjoyable as the food itself. I smiled as a bit of cheese clung to his chin.  I reached across the table and pull the cheese off. I lick it off my finger before grabbing another slice for myself. It was only after his eyes had flicked from my mouth to my fingers did I realise what exactly I had did. 

"God, you're gorgeous."

I stopped mid chew. In my minds eye there was fries sticking out of my mouth, cheeks packed full like a chipmunk. Sauce smeared everywhere. You know how animators draw their characters when they're chowing down? Just like that. While in reality there was just a small bit cheese stuck to my face and sauce at the corners of my mouth. 

"Whut?" My mouth still full so it came out pretty muffled. I definitely hadn't felt that gorgeous. Messy hair, sleepwear, bits of pizza stuck to my face. Now I'm not as obsessed with my appearance as some, but I do like to look my best. This wasn't it.

"You're fucking gorgeous." He repeated,  "Not many women would show up in pajamas to a diner. Nor would they be attacking that pizza like you are. They'd be shy, proper. Dressed in their best clothes, hiding behind makeup, eating salads with little nibbles." He mimicked how he thought girls ate their pizza, with the daintiest bite, covering his mouth as he chewed, causing me to do a pretty unladylike snort. He swallowed and continued. "This, well this takes confidence and that's the key, innit?"

I put my slice back down in the box, reach for a napkin and wipe my fingers off slowly before dropping it on the table. "Well, I hate to disappoint, but I was almost that woman. Well, the whole fancy clothes, makeup bit anyway. But I will always enjoy my food. No dainty bites here." 

"Mmm, but you still did it and that's what matters." After the pizza had been cleared away, we went back to the couch, with one minor adjustment. Ed had pulled the duvet off the bed and threw it over us as we continued watching. I pulled it up to my chin, wiggling around to get into a comfortable position. There was no hesitation this time as soon as he sat down I snuggled close. I rested my hand on his chest, the other snaked around his torso, head on his shoulder. 

I don't know when I had fell asleep but I knew it was bound to happen. Full stomach, warm blanket. I vaguely remember Ed gently waking me up asking if I'd be more comfortable in bed. I had somehow wormed my way down into his lap. His fingers were running through my hair in a slow relaxing rhythm. I smiled at the memory of it. As I slowly gain more consciousness I realise his arms are around me. I could feel his breath on my face, light and steady, causing my hair to tickle my nose. I wiggle it, not really wanting to move too much and wake him. I open my eyes to find his face nearly touching mine. His face completely relaxed, peaceful, content. I take it in. The glorious mess of ginger hair standing out against the white linen. His ridiculously long eyelashes. Seriously, why do men have such long eyelashes? The light ginger freckles that were sprinkled across his cheeks. The light chest hair just peaking out from underneath his shirt, barely noticeable due to the colored ink. Hmm, his chest is tatted too. I tried to roll over and I heard him moan, tightening his grip in defiance, his eyebrows coming together. I felt a tug inside. People are the most vulnerable as they sleep and he was holding on to me like I was a salvation in a choppy sea. I place a kiss on his forehead, my fingers running through his hair.  I laid there for a moment, soaking in every bit of this I could. It had been well over a year since I'd just enjoyed sleeping next to someone. I missed it as much as I hated to admit it. 

I turn over as carefully as possible, another disgruntled moan, looking for my phone. Right on the nightstand, he must have put it there knowing I'd be searching for it as soon as I woke up. Smart boy.  I grab it, looking at the time. 8:45 am. I stare at it blankly for a second. At least my sleep schedule is back on track. Wait. That means it's Monday. 

"Oh fuck! It's Monday!" I flew up, tossing the duvet aside. Ed groggily rolled over, searching for any source of heat. He tugged the duvet to him, scrambling to stay warm.

"Shh, come back to bed." His voice thick with sleep. His hands came out, pulling my hips closer to him, trying to get me to lie back down. As tempting as it was, I really couldn’t afford to miss any work. I brush them off,  hearing the sad dull thud of rejection as they hit the mattress.

"I've got to be at work in fifteen minutes!” I was up on my feet in a rush, frantically looking  at my attire. “Fucking hell, I'm not dressed for work.” I groaned “ I'm not even wearing a bra for Christ's sake!"

Ed instantly became alert when I said work. His eyes snapped open, already alert, all signs of sleepiness gone. By looking at him your wouldn’t have had a clue only moment ago he was half out of it asking for a longer sleep in. The only thing that might have been a giveaway was the sleep tousled hair. He launched himself out of bed, heading to his closet.

I hear the coat hangers shuffle across the rack as he flicked through. There was a pause,"Wait, you're not wearing a bra?" There was a sly lilt to his voice.

I had been searching for my socks that had came off my feet as I slept. "Hey, you said come as you are and I wasn't wearing one at the time." In my hurry I had completely shoved the duvet off the bed has my hands skittered about the mattress feeling for an out of place lump.

"Well aren't you a naughty girl." I heard the door click close, his feet shuffling across the floor. He held out a white t-shirt for me to take. "Here, go put this one while I look for your socks." He eyed the fallen bedding. 

I take the offered shirt and bee lined to the bathroom. I slipped my shirt off, dropping it on the floor. I pulled his over my head. Well its better than what I was wearing but it doesn't hide the fact that I’m braless.

I walk back into his bedroom and he's clutching my bright blue socks. He gives me a quick glance over. "Yep, you're definitely not wearing a bra." I scowl and cross my arms. He puts up a finger and goes back to his closet. After a bit of shuffling he hands me a black and blue flannel. I slip it on and his fingers come up, making quick work of the buttons. "There. It's a bit on the thick side so it shouldn't be noticeable." His voice low. I could feel the surge of chemistry humming between us. My breath caught in my throat as I stare up in those brillant blue eyes. I noted that they were a misty grey color today. Fitting since I get lost in them so easily. His fingers still lingering at that top button. After a few seconds he clears his throat and pulls away. "You'd best get a move on. We don't want you to be late." As much as I didn't want to, I stepped back, taking a breath as I did so. Why in the absolute fucking hell didn't you kiss him Adi?!

"I'll message you when I'm on break, okay?" 

He slipped my glasses on my face, nodding in satisfaction. "Sounds good, now go on."

I grab my jacket from the back of the chair and cram my feet into my tennis shoes, wiggling them until they gave in and let my feet slide into place. I go to leave, my hand on the knob, but I turn back. 

"I forgot something."

"What?" He turned back around scanning over the flat, looking for my wayward item.

"This." I grab him and kiss him, his surprise evident, but quickly forgotten. "You can plan the next date." I say with a wink before rushing out the door. The last thing I saw was that crooked grin before the door closed. 

********************************************************************** Ed's POV

I stood staring at the now closed door, still feeling her lips against mine. I felt a bit guilty as I ordered room service, knowing she didn't get a chance to eat. As I waited I started gathering up all the rubbish that I had been neglecting to throw out over the past couple of days. I threw empty liquor bottle after empty liquor bottle in the bin, growing more disgusted with myself as I did so. As much as I played it off, I was appalled that Adi had saw my room in this state. She most likely wrote it off as 'Oh he's famous, he probably throws some wicked parties'. I don't know which I find worse. The fact she could see me as a wild drunken rock star or the truth. That I had drank all of these myself because everything was just too much to bear. I could hear the bottles clinking as I carried them over to the door. The sound of disappointment. 

After I decided to take a year off, I had cut ties with everyone. I rationalized it as I've toured for five years, we all deserve a break. While it sounded good, that wasn't the whole reason. I had became too reliant on my pain erasers. I was finding myself reaching for the bottle more and more. It was a nasty downward spiral and I didn't want them to see just how far I had fallen. They neglect to tell you that while everyone in the world may know your name, you'll never feel more lonely. The more they know of you, the less they know you. Nobody wants to hear the whingings of a rich, successful person who's living their dream. 

'How can you be upset when you've all this money.' More money, more people come banging on your door asking for it. They don't want to know what you've been up to, how you've been. They want to know how they can benefit from knowing me.

'You're out living your dream, doing what you love. You know how many would kill for that chance?' Yeah, maybe I'm lucky. I go, sing a few songs and get handed a big fat check. Easy peasy. Or maybe I worked my ass off, sacrificed alot to get to where I am. This didn't happen over night. 

'You sound like a real prat going on about how it's lonely when you could have your choice of so many women.'  Oh, sure I get my pick of the ladies. Of course, they're expecting this perfect rom com version that I just can't live up to. There's just too much pressure to be perfect and there is no way in hell I can live up to that. If that makes me sound jilted, so be it. Hell, maybe I am. 

After a while, you just stop trying. 

Then here she comes crashing into my life. I had been so wrapped up in conversation I had had with my dad earlier that day that I wasn't paying attention to what was going on around me and crashed right into somebody. Thinking I was going to have to put my powers of persuasion to the test, since I assumed I ran into a big metal head, I started coming up with what to say. I wasn't expecting to have run into a petite woman. Instinctively I grab on to her so she doesn't fall. I see her mouth open but the next band had drowned out whatever she had started to say. I gave her a thumbs up to show her it's all good, no harm done. She returned it, an embarassed smile on her face before continuing on her way. I didn't notice she had spilled a majority of her beer until after she had left. 

When I had finally found her, after an extremely helpful patron had pointed out there was a whole rooftop patio. There she was, not sitting at a table among a group of people like I had anticipated, chatting and laughing about whatever. She was alone, perched on the edge of the roof looking down on all the rambunctious people on the street. I could only see half of her face, but there was a distant look that I knew so well. That look had vanished as soon as I spoke and she faced me. 

Her hair was dark and sleek, hanging a bit below shoulders, the light bouncing off of it. Her eyes a captivating mixture of green and brown that brought to mind a vast forest, promising to be as strong and resilient and just as easy to get lost in. The way she'd cocked that eyebrow up, the way the right side of her mouth came up in a slight smirk. Her voice, silvery, with a slight smoky edge. If good whisky had a voice. I almost lose my nerve. She's stunning, there's no way I have a shot. 

She introduced herself. That smirk still on her face. She was obviously enjoying herself Well, it was nice being some random stranger. I took her hand and introduced myself. "Now you're not a stranger anymore," A glint of playfulness danced across her features, "You're Ed. How 'bout we get that drink, yeah?" There was no slight eye widening, no mouth opening. No awe. No wonder. Holy hell, she has no clue who I am. There is no way I got this lucky.

"Y’know what Ed? You're, well you're pretty fantastic." I see her reach over the bar grabbing the bartender's pen and a bar napkin. She starts scribbling her name and number on it, "Here, this is my number," She presses it against her lips, leaving a faint reddish pink lip outline before sliding it my way.” I really hope to hear from you." She walked out the door into the cab I had called for her. I quickly fold it carefully, slipping it into my pocket, snagging her jacket that she had left behind on the stool. I  hurry to catch up with her. I help her get into her cab. I leaned in to put her jacket on her lap. She giggled as I did so, placing a quick kiss on my cheek. "I should send your mother some- some flowers. She raised a proper gent." The way she blinked up at me, a lopsided grin on her face, her fingers lightly tapping my chest in an overdramatic way, swaying a bit. Not to mention her poor attempt at a British accent when she said proper gent. It was the first time in a long while I had felt the comment was sincere, not just because of my image.

I woke up the next morning with my head pounding. If you could really call it morning, it was almost noon. I shield my eyes from the light pouring in from the window. I didn't feel as despicable and pathetic as I usually did coming off a drunk. I rolled over, seeing the napkin folded on my nightstand. I smiled, remembering how she would lean over the table and say random words when I was drawing back to shoot. The way her hips moved as she danced around the cue. Then just forgetting the cue entirely, hands waving in the air, huge grin plastered on her face as she danced to a beat only she could hear. All too quickly reality set in. How long do I have before she figures out who I am and this all comes crashing down? I pick up the napkin and stare at it. Looking at the perfect lip print right below her number. Those lips had been pressed on my cheek. 'You're a proper gent.' A proper gent would message to see if she was okay. I type out a message, my thumb hovering over the send button. How long am I going to drag this out for? Once she knows who I am, it's going to change. You're just going to make it worse on yourself in the end. If it can even get worse. Binders in hotel rooms are about as low as you can go. There was one ember of optimism left in me that said give it a shot. 

After the message sent I started doing my usual morning routine. Teeth, shower, breakfast. While the shower calmed my nerves and alleviated some of my headache, I still felt like someone had filled me with cotton. I ignored my phone for as long as I could, until curiosity had gotten the better of me and I opened her response. I hadn't realised I was holding my breath until I let it out. Well, no outburst of are you Ed Sheeran yet. That's promising. When her late night text came through as I was riding in a taxi to a diner. I was taken by surprise. I was still getting used to the time difference so my sleep schedule was a little off, still in sync with back home. However that surprise was nothing compared to the surprise of her asking to join me for breakfast. Of course she'd ask when you're out in your pyjamas. She'll look marvelous and I'll look like a bum off the street. I wonder if she'll come in pyjamas too...won't know unless I try...

She spotted me first. How is it she still managed to look stunning in a old faded lion king shirt and yoga pants? Hair thrown up in a careless bun. There was a look of apprehension on her face. I could feel my heart sink, assuming it was all because of who I was. When she got closer and I saw the scar it clicked. I look over the rest of her face. If she thought it made her any less beautiful, she was fooling herself. It was soon forgotten after we started talking. 

Then she said the magic words. Can I ask you something? The way she was staring at her lap, fidgeting with her sleeve I knew it was something she found hard to ask. Then out pops Why me. So she does know who I am. I felt a bit disheartened at that, but her attitude hadn't changed since the previous night. So I decide to ask the question that had been burning a hole in me. Does this change things? The way her face remained neutral, I guess she had given this alot of thought. After her answer, I found myself able to enjoy myself. 

I felt a little dirty that I had went out of my way to keep who I was away from her. While I hadn’t outright lied to her, there was a fair bit of subterfuge. When we were swapping drunken stories I had purposely picked ones with my mates back home. She didn’t seem bothered by it, I had expected questions like how’s it traveling the world? Who’s the coolest person you’ve met? Stupidest shit you’ve bought. No one bothers with the common first date questions since it’s all over the web. So when she asked, where’d you grow up? What’s your folks do?  Siblings? I was happy to oblige. 

It was nice to feel normal, so when the first group came stumbling in, I was a little irritated. Don’t get me wrong, I love my fans. I’ll never be rude or hateful towards anyone unless they absolutely deserve it.  I know once I step outside, I pretty much belong to them. It doesn’t make it any less frustrating. So when one of them keeps eyeballing our table, I decide it’s probably best to leave.

I’m waiting for the waitress to bring back my card when the next wave comes in. I picked the right time to leave. Adi was leaning against the wall next to the door, flicking through something on her phone when some guy saunters up to her, looming over her. I could only see her face and she looked not only uninterested, but mildly annoyed. The way he towered over her, his stance, and her face told me this man was bad news. I felt a flicker of anger try and flare up. As soon as I got my card back I make my way to her, slipping my arm around her. I didn’t want him anywhere near her. As soon as I locked eyes with him I knew he wasn’t as drunk as he was pretending to be. I felt her hand come up, gently rubbing my back. She’s trying to soothe me.  I push the door open, easing her out it. 

I was on the assumption that this was the end of the night for us that now we'd go our separate ways. I was plesantly surprised when she offered to show me around the city, even if the shops were all closed and all we could do was walk by them. I slipped my hand around hers, letting her lead me along. She pointed out some of the landmarks, giving brief explainations of why the were so popular. Shops that she thought were worth a look, what had good food, what didn't and where to avoid if I wanted to fly under the radar. I made mental notes of each place she pointed out, forcing myself to remember them. Granted my memory is kind of poor, poorer of the late but I was certain I could remember the names. Even if I couldn't remember the location.

When she said she had one more place I knew it was the most significant by the way her eyes lit up. When we reached  it, she had broke away, rushing ahead. I could help but smile at her as she ran to a decent sized fountain in the middle. Spinning around, her arms open wide a huge grin radiatiating across her face. It was a quaint park. There was plenty of room for people to put a blanket down and relax for a spell. I could see why she loved it so much. We sat on a black iron wrought bench the was in front of the fountain. When she handed me a penny, I felt touched that she was including me in something she found comforting. The way the lights reflected off the water on and onto her face as she had her eyes closed in combination with the bittersweet look she wore when she said her wish came true is what made me reach out and kiss her. With the fairy lights all around and the overall romantic ambience that came with this little park it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I might not be able to erase the bitter taste the past left behind but I can give you a pleasing one now. 

We were standing in the lobby waiting for the elevator when I noticed  her face pulled into a worrisome look. She knows nothing of my "good guy" reputation. She just knows I could go home with a different girl every night. I quickly put her fears to rest, assuring her I'm not the type. I tried but I quickly learned it wasn't sex I was wanting. I just wanted someone to care about me. Adi had said it perfectly. Each encounter left me feeling even worse about myself. She's been through something similar, how else would she know the feeling?.  She was still wrapped up in her thoughts because as soon as the elevator stopped she was trying to walk off it. I grab her hand, really just looking for any excuse to keep her close. Whatever she was thinking of must have been pleasant, as she stared dreamily off. 

Her amazement at my suite was so pure. She bounced around as I showed her everything. The envious look in her eye when I showed her the bathroom. For a second I thought I saw a flicker of lust. Well well, what's on your mind you naughty girl? The way she sat on the couch, flipping lazily through the channel as I prepared tea. The light falling on her, casting a glow around her. She had pulled down her hair, running her fingers through it, teasing it. There was a bit of wave due to it being pulled up. She was a stunning work of art. When that work of art dove into the pizza with such enthusiasm I couldn’t help but smile. I tucked in with my own slice, enjoying it even though I only had it the day before. When I had lowered the slice, her long delicate fingers came up to my chin, plucking a strand of cheese that had adhered itself to my face. Her eye’s glimmering in a warm way, a little smile upon her lips. She’s such a beautiful person.

Since she had snuggled up to me prior to the food, I pulled the duvet off the bed and over us to give us a more cozy feel. Her arms wrapped around me, holding me close. I ran my fingers through her hair absentmindedly as I watched the screen. After a couple episodes I could hear her breathing deepening as she drifted off.  As her body relaxed she slipped down my torso, her head landed in my lap. She was snoring lightly, her mouth slightly open, hair sticking to my shirt and some to her face. I wonder if she’d rather sleep in her own bed? I lean down and softly whisper in her ear asking if she would be more comfortable in her own bed. She moaned, burying her self more in my lap. As carefully as I could I slide out from under her. I bend down, scooping her up in my arms and carry her to my bed. As much as I’d love to sleep beside her, I didn’t want to push it. The couch is plenty comfortable, seeing as how I usually fall asleep there most nights anyway. No, I can't really call that falling asleep. I need to face the facts and call it what it was, blacking out. When I went to pull away after I set her down, she grabbed onto my shirt a whiny no coming from her lips. I whispered in her ear that I’m just getting the duvet, I'd be right back. When I come back, she's curled in almost the fetal position, hugging herself. I expected her to spread out as soon as the duvet hit  her but she still stayed in that little huddled ball. She didn't move an inch when I eased into bed. It wasn't until my arm draped over her did she roll over and place her forehead against my chest. We stayed that way for the rest of the night. Our breathing slowly falling in sync. 

I could see light filtering in even through my closed eyelids but that wasn't what woke me up. Her fingers were running through my hair. Was she humming? I wanted to peak up at her but I didn't want her to know I was starting to come around. That's when I felt her lips press against my forehead. I conceal my smile until after she rolls over to check the time. The last little bit of peace before the chaos that insued after. 

The rap on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. Ah, my food's here. I take the tray, set it on the table, thanking the man before closing the door. As I ate I thought back to when I was helping her with the flannel. It had felt like I was touching a live wire. Why didn't you kiss her? Are you mad?! The hurried kiss before she left more than made up for it. The way her hands came up to my face, her lips crashing on mine. The hestitation to pull away and the way she bit her bottom lip after. That little sexy smirk with the wink as she closed the door. 

I heard a ping from my phone that was still sitting on the coffee table. I pluck it from its resting spot, flipping it open to see a message from Adi. 

"I'm so sorry about having to rush out the way I did. Monday's can be hectic sometimes. I feel awful about it. I'll plan better next time." 

That's right, I'm planning the next date. Maybe I should start fishing for some information so I can plan something extra special I type back "Don't worry about it, I understand completely. I felt like an ass since you had to scramble out of here in such a rush you didn't get to enjoy a decent meal."

"I usually eat here anyway so that's no big deal. However, showing up in men's clothing and no makeup caused the rumor mill to catch on fire. I'm playing twenty questions. What's his name? What's he do? What's he look like? Where'd you meet? Oooooh, you slept over? How about you stay in your lane and mind your own business CAROL. Vultures. Everyone of them."

I tsked at the first part of the message, picturing a banana or some other type of fruit as breakfast. Not if I have my way about it. I figured being seen in my clothes would raise some questions and I was curious how she would handle them.  A thought crossed my mind. Since she's keeping who I actually am quiet, why not have a bit of fun. "You want to fuck with them? I'll feed you a load of crap to tell them."

"Omg, yes! Lay it on me!"

We spent a majority of the morning coming up with an elaborate backstory. By the time we were done my name was Kevin, I worked at the local supermarket but that was only to support my dream of being an artist/slam poet. My parents didn't approve of my dreams so I moved away to follow them. I've been out here for 2 years now and I've almost sold one painting, which was surprising considering I only painted using my left hand since creativity flows through your non dominant hand. Some of the ideas were beyond ridiculous like being a part of underground street races, her majesty's top spy, a vigilante who broke into people's homes just to play with their pets while they were away and an embassidor of Hogwarts.

Adi  had been texting me their reactions towards Kevin throughout the day as I straightened up the suite. Apparently the reviews were mixed, while most had taken the good for him for not giving up on his dreams stance, one only wanted to know looks and if we'd shagged and one lectured her about how she needed to find someone who's feet were planted on the ground. Which she added thanks for the lecture I didn’t ask for Carol, causing me to snort as I sorted through my laundry. 

With the dishes clean, papers that were spread across the coffee table were tucked away in a folder. Dirty laundry was put in a hamper bag, ready for me to wash. It may have been something small and simple but it felt like I was finally going in the right direction. For the first time in months I had written something down in my diary. It started as a way to remember all the stuff I did during that time but it soon because a habit. I stopped at the end of my last tour because I just stopped caring. I didn’t want to look back and remember such a dark times. After a brief summary of the weekend I ended it with this.

Will she be the torch that leads me out of the darkness or the inferno that consumes me, leaving nothing behind but devastation?

[doriscahill]

Fireworks at New Years Eve

Its my first New Years Eve, and man is it cold. Dry cold. I am at my host families home, its grand in the interior.  I love  them; very hard working. Their home is at the foot of Rabati Castle, the ancient fortress re-purposed many times over the centuries and recently rebuilt to its finer glory. This history dates back hundreds of years, some of it lost,; many wars and conquests. Its  only 10 miles from Posof, border crossing to Turkey.

Like the Castle and many homes in this neighborhood  are fenced in by various walls or gates. A  2-3 foot thick by 8 foot tall wall wraps the boundaries. A solid double plated iron gate. (you can not scale it, the drop on the other side is steeper).  One evening I was locked out, as the keys were limited and the family, all seven out, serving a wedding feast, one of several businesses they ran. I too out, but  with other Peace Corps volunteers. One, Ryan is a martial arts black belt. He thinks climbing the wall  a possibility. He hops up and down testing the height and his legs.  Me, far less confident replicating his hops and listening to assurances of lifting then catching me as I drop down the other side.  Even in my best young years, this maneuver  could provide me a broken leg, Should we succeed, such a gymnastics would only get you in the courtyard and  locked iron, door to the house.. Summer still, we sat outside on the ground against this great house wall, to wait for the key. Georgia things take longer, so we grabbed coffee for an hour or more. 

My first New Years eve comes quickly and I bound well with my adoptive family. We are inside the their lovely home. 

A family of 7 plus close relatives and friends plus me slowly gather around the formal dining table. Centered above is a regal chandelier, tall upholstered chairs wrap the formal table, the matching breakfront, best woolen rug afoot, in the corner an ornate marble fire place ready to roast the meals star, fresh baby pork. The finest jars and figurines on its mantel.  Squealing piglets arrive on grated trucks the day or two before. Luckily I miss the slaughter, but came close on a few chicken be-headings. The arching entry, the cascading curtains from ceiling to floor, the cornice trim, the wrapping sectional and cocktail table. A piano to play.  Simply beautiful.

The table is set with lace cloth, on that, fine small glasses for toasting wine and liquori. Each place has a small plates to sample the many dishes; serving in stages for hours. These dessert plates are swapped out for clean ones as the night progresses. Hand eating is acceptable. The traditional amber wine is placed on the table in clear pitchers. Delicacies are placed out and piled up on each other; Salads of carrot, spinach and beets with walnut paste, raw herbs, cheeses, breads, small meat filled ravioli-like dumplings called  Kinkhali. Special once a year items such as dried ham which hang from the porches for weeks, gelled brain and honey still in the cone. 

Chattering and laughing to celebrate the new year begins,. Toasts form the toast master start the celebration, thanking God, the new year and families and health. And with each toast, your tiny glass is topped off, so counting is not an option. It’s traditional, not to  let the guest’s  glass to get too low. You must say no three times to get the refills to stop. 

(This is the last day of the weeks celebrations, gift time for Orthodox Christmas.)

New Year's eve is the first big night of celebration, this continues nightly for a week until Orthodox Christmas. House to house, party to party, everyday for for the week. The first few days all shops are closed. There is a bustle in the markets daily as it leads up to this night. Mostly women prepare the dishes except the those little piglets, roasting the meat is the man's job at the fire pit.

Now in my chair, I begin to pick and choose items to sample, I am familiar now. I am think out of the box, “this is new”, I try the brain. Maybe you have had some? At  guests encouragement "delicious" , I parse the tiniest bit with my fork, its not a hand food, then "chomp, chomp, squish” stop to look up.  20 guests surrounding you,  with a gulp and swallow.  Next.  I go for the chicken, a safety food world wide. I did nimble the fresh fried fish delicacy, not bad. at all, avoiding loving the eyes. I know  eyes are packed with vitamins. It  never occurred to me the fish is not served de-bones. Again yummy.  I avoid the local cheese as its custom to not refrigerate cheeses for days, its preserved by salt so its fine, but changes the taste. 

Cake or desert is not common at the end of a meal, you would be served fruits and nuts during it. Cake, candy and ice cream are for coffee time, which is any time or all the time. Red meat, meaning cow, is not eaten much, mostly pork. The Cows are milk cows and they graze freely. You will see the cows come home each day.

 I spy the honey with natural cone and take the smallest piece. Taking big chunks like in the US is a no, no..no. I tilt my head and open wide, slurp, chew, then swallow. Delicious and sticky.  Yum, a moment passes, my throat  swells, begins to numb, my airway starts to close and breathing difficult. What is this? 

I had a number of those little wines over several hours so I was calm and think, this could be it, one needs to breath. It seemed like a long time but only seconds what should I do? the hospital is 3 hours away at best and if all goes good in transit. Then, thanking God in silent though  “here is just as good as there to die”. God gently whispers  “pay attention going forward about what you eat.”  Yes, my breathing returned. Sober the next day and  happy it not my last.

The room gets lively its close to midnight, as if children the men  rush outdoor courtyard, the women to the upstairs porch. I actually took video of this. Each house in our town of 20,000 and all across Georgia at midnight shoot off fireworks. Not your roman candle or m80, but industrial type super dangerous fireworks. Far too much wine now and giggling through the entire 20 minutes my host brothers, dads and neighbors,  aim and shoot off in every direction. Its amazing; dark sky ablaze; flicking dynamite size bangers into the street. Pow, whiz, screel, hiss and boom.  Of course the Boston Esplanade is grand, but boringly organized.

Even my birthday cake had its own firework candle! No wimpy sparkler. 

I think after six attempts this story is done...

Thanks for reading Doe

[furnitureoxide-blog]

Sofa Set Designs

Carson Kressley says, " Friends think your life is so glamorous, and it is. But there are times when instead of going to a glamorous party I would rather just come home from work, pop in a DVD and eat some microwave popcorn while lying on my sofa set".  Well yes, that's what sofas are for. After the whole long busy day when life gets you all packed and you return home tired and exhausted all you will need is a place to let all your senses cool down, a place where you can relax laying without any tension of coming days or hours. Sofas are that place for you.  When on most evening you can light up a few candles, get snugged on the sofa and read your favorite novel carelessly lost in the world of fairies and adventure, other times sit around in a group with all your friends gossiping around on different topics and sharing life events, and connecting dots around your stories.  Having a home, family sitting around you discussing about life events, maybe about the things you spend you day doing or little Nik Naks they wish to share all you can do sitting on the one cozy corner of your room on your sofa. It is important that you buy this one important thing considering all the factors about its quality and your needs. With being the most comforting spot of the living room, sofa sets are also the play stop for children. Where they jump out all their energy, when tired sit down or sleep on them, sometimes make a car out from them , acting as if they are genuinely driving on a rash road, crashing the cars into the trees.  Children have their own imaginations and while they play on sofa it is important that they also get all the comfort needed. Sofas are also the bed for some and an eating spot for others. But in the end, your sofa adds glamour and royalty to your living room. It's the one thing among many attractions for your guests and friends.

History Of Furniture Designs

Infographic Credit :- Guardsman

How To Choose The Right Sofa/Couches For Your Space? Step-By-Step Guide

https://youtu.be/GoLk42MXO_I

Best 3-Seater Sofa

1. Durian Samuel White Leather 3 Seater Sofa Set

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT :  This sofa here is a three-seater sofa set that will provide you with immediate comfort and immense support. What you look for when you reach the market to buy a new sofa set?  This elegant and luxurious looking sofa set here comes from the Durian privately-held furniture company that was founded back in 1985 and has its headquarters in Mumbai. Durian offers some of the best sofa set designs at your door.  Naturally, you look for the framework it has, the joinery that holds the frame, the foam that's stuffed inside the sofa, it's fabric the comfort it offers and last but not the least its price range. Here this Durian Samuel sofa set comes with semi-aniline leather which is the type of leather that is only slightly pigmented. This type of leather is in between the pigmented and aniline leather. It is four times more durable than any other leather. Aniline leather is said to be the most luxurious leather covers for sofa sets.  It comes with fine leather upholstery. The filling in this sofa is of foam which in return can provide more body support while sitting. Foam retains its shape better than other filling like fiber. It comes in steel legs. It also comes with the adjustable headrest and armrest. These two things being added to this sofa makes it better and comfortable. This sofa provides comfort at your best. The bright cream color adds warmth to your house as well and will surely enlighten your day. Samuel can be proved to be the smart choice for modern living room decoration.  OTHER DETAILS : This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful cream color with a weight of around 56kgs. The model number that this set has is Samuel/3 and the item art number is Samuel/3. This sofa comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably.  This sofa set design comes with the leather as the primary material that adds enhancement to the set design. The upholstery material in the sofa set design is Leatherette. Also, the set has a freestanding installation type.  The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. They offer no storage capacity. KEY SPECS: The Dimensions of this sofa is as follows: Length (212 cm), Width (90 cm), Height (95 cm) Primary Material used here is Semi-Aniline Leather Primary Material used here is Semi-Aniline Leather Seating Capacity: Three-seat Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller itself. Warranty: 5 Year Durian Industries Ltd. Domestic Warranty It has an adjustable headrest to provide you with comfort and support. It also has an adjustable armrest to provide proper support to your arm. This sofa set comes with steel legs. Maximum load capacity: 350kgs. PROS Adjustable Headrest. Steel Legs. CONS Colour might not be exactly as displayed in the picture. Check Price On Amazon 2. Durian Wooden Frame Three Seater Sofa (Matte Finish, Caramel Brown)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT : This Joseph royal golden age looking sofa set has a classic vintage style touch to it. This is a real grand sofa designed for a step back into the pages of the past. When you want an ancient touch in your house, a look that reminds you of the classical past designs get this sofa right now.  The brown color that this sofa has gives the effective texture of wooden. And will beautifully suit your western house theme having wooden floor set up. This sofa comfy us all you need after a long tiring work hour.  Sofa is not only a place to sit when guests come, it's always staying with you and your comfort means more. Do you think that if children come then it's gonna be a job for you to always stand beside your sofa so they don't damage it? Well, here the solution this sofa set has the primary material of semi-aniline leather which is in between the pigmented and aniline leather.  It's four times more durable than any other time of leather. So not to worry about the leather getting harmed. Also at the same time, aniline leather is said to be a most luxurious leather cover for sofa sets. What else do you need when all you got. This sofa is all in one. Adoring your living room where you can sit and have some gossip around with your friends and family.  The special vintage-styled arms coupled with the molding and the pinhead details all these add charm and persona to this sofa set. This sofa set design comes with broad armrest and soft cushioning which provides you with extreme comfort and calmness.  This sofa set comes with a pair of complementary fabric cushions and pillows that make it a complete perfect set. OTHER DETAILS : This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful caramel brown color with a weight of around 71kgs. The model number that this set has is Joseph/3 and the item art number is Joseph/3. This sofa set comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably.  This has the freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. KEY SPECS: The Dimensions in which this sofa set comes are: Length (224 cm), Width (93 cm), Height (108 cm). Primary Material which makes this set is Solid Wood. Color: Caramel Brown, Finish: Matte, Style: Contemporary. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 Year Durian Industries Ltd. Domestic Warranty. Grand design. Material used in here is Semi-aniline leather. Lounge chair. PROS It offers you with a grand design. Vintage looking sofa. Three seater with immense comfort. Solid wood as primary material. Easy to clean. CONS Color may not match exactly as in the picture. No adjustable head or armrest. Check Price On Amazon 3. Durian Three Seater Sectional Sofa Set (Matte Finish, Butter Scotch)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT : This set offers you the most charming comfort. It looks fluffy and is the perfect kind of soft comfortable sofa set.  Softness is all you smell of while looking at this sofa set design. The light brown mellow color and the cozy comfy cushion this sofa we made from will make you fall asleep as soon as you will lay on this sofa.  While looking around for sofa one looks for the softest sets, well here is one for you and your children to sit, jump, sleep whatever suits you. This sofa set has a premium polyfill on the back and in the arms to prevent sagging and added cushioning. All-day sitting on the chair in your offices and workplaces might stress up your back.  Coming home you need a place to set up your body and take a nice long sleep. Well here is the sofa for you. This sofa has a premium feel to it. Looking for astonishing your guest? I'm telling you this sofa set gives a wow feeling when you first sit down on it. Amenity in your living room. This sofa has a foam filling making it softest of all.  Polyfill material is synthetic material that is very soft, durable and extremely fluffy. So yes when talking about the extreme cozy sofa sets, here you come. This Leslie sofa set is upholstered using genuine leather that is said to be sourced from Italy exclusively. This three-seater sofa is best for your comfort for indoor. OTHER DETAILS :  This sofa design comes in a very beautiful butterscotch color with a weight of around 63kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 208*95*96.   The model number that this set has is Leslie/3 and the item art number is Leslie/3. This sofa set comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably.  This has the freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. KEY SPECS: This sofa set has Dimensions as follows: Length (208 cm), Width (95 cm), Height (96 cm). Primary Material type used here is Semi-Aniline Leather, Top Material: Leather, Back Material: Leatherette. Color: Butter Scotch, Finish: Matte, Style: Contemporary. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 years on product. Standard design. Half leather sofa. PROS The top material it offers is leather. Standard design. The capacity it offers is 350kgs. Extremely fluffy. CONS The color may not be the exact same as shown in the picture. It could be a little difficult to clean. No adjustable head or armrest. Check Price On Amazon 4. Durian Marcus Three Seater Sectional Sofa (Beige)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT : This premium looking sofa set has an elegant touch to it. It grabs attention with its stylish looks.  This Marcus sofa set is a two-seater features an elegant modernized look. Goes best with the modern living looks. If you're looking for a supreme design sofa set this is the right choice for you. The shining steel strips this sofa set has on the sides make it look more gorgeous and stunning at the same time. This steely glimpse that durian has added to this sofa set design makes it stand out from other sofa set designs.  I'm not sure if you understand the headrest this sofa set offers. Have you ever had a problem with having a straight headrest which in return would strain your head? Well yes of course.  But unlike other sofas, this sofa has an adjustable headrest providing you with the facility to adjust the headset as you want it to be. Absolutely perfect and thus in return preventing a kind of strain. When guests come it's important they have a good first impression. This sofa gives you that. This sofa can also be placed in offices for it gives a luxury feeling which will definitely fit your office reception.  This set has a rich finish. The supreme leather gives the sofa a luxury hint. It also comes with adjustable headrest and makes it stand out. The headrest adds to increasing the comfort level of this sofa set.  The legs of this sofa are made from stainless steel which makes them perfect in each aspect.  OTHER DETAILS :  This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful beige color with a weight of around 54kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 208*108*93. The model number that this set has is Marcus/3 and the item art number is Marcus/3.  This sofa comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably. The material is leather that enhancement to this sofa set design. This has the freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. KEY SPECS: This sofa comes in the Dimensions as follows: Length (208 cm), Width (104 cm), Height (93 cm). Primary Material used here is Semi-Aniline Leather, Top Material material used is: Leather, Base Material: Wood. Color: Beige, Finish: Matte, Style: Contemporary. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 years on product. Adjustable headrest. Rich finish. Steel legs. Compact size. PROS It comes with a perfect compact size. This offers a rich finish. Sofa has adjustable headrest. Steel legs. CONS Color may not be the exact same as shown in the picture. The leather is not very washable. Check Price On Amazon 5. Durian Skyler Three Seater Sectional Sofa Set (Mushroom Brown).

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT :  Luxury us all you see when you look at this sofa set. The premium and standard looks this sofa set provides is out of mind. This Skyler sofa set is anything but the most magnificent pieces of all, that will add perfectionist your living room. Skyler sofa set has a soft touch and fluffy feels. It has a modern, contemporary and straight style. The thick cushions this sofa set design provides can be a place to rest all day long.  When you look for the comfort of your kids or anyone from your family this definitely won't disappoint you. This sofa set comes with leather a type that four times more durable and strong than any other set. It is covered with a combination of leather and leatherette with all the areas you can experience are finished with leather and rest nonfunctional ones are finished with leatherette. Leatherette is cheaper than the two here.  Leather, on the one hand, is not washable and can be difficult to clean, also it's porous and so absorbs spills and odor easily. Whereas leatherette is not washable but is less porous and so waterproof and easy to wash. This sofa set design is set in a sleek stilt legs  OTHER DETAILS :  This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful mushroom brown color with a weight of around 50kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 198*88*76.   The model number that this set has is Skyler/A/3 and the item art number is Skyler/A/3. This sofa comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably. This sofa comes with leatherwork that adds enhancement to this set design.  This has the freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. KEY SPECS: This sofa comes with the Dimensions as follows:: Length (196 cm), Width (88 cm), Height (76 cm). Primary Material used her is Semi-Aniline Leather, Top Material used is Leather, Base Material: Wood. Color: Mushroom Brown, Finish: Matte, Style: Contemporary. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 years on product. Sleek design. Rich upholstery. Stylish legs. Sleek arms. PROS The sofa set has sleek arms. It comes with a stylish leg design. This set has rich upholstery. It could hold a maximum of 350kg weight. CONS Color may not be the same as shown in the picture. This sofa doesn't have an adjustable headrest. Check Price On Amazon Also Read:- Best L Shape Sofa/Couches In India | Reviews and Comparison Best King Size Bed In India (2019) Reviews, Comparison & Buying Guide 6. Durian Roger Three Seater Sofa (Dark Walnut)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT : This glossy finish sofa set adds to the royal vintage look of your living room. It looks lavish and strong persona.  This three-seater sofa is made from a primary material that is semi-aniline leather. The semi-aniline leather is the type of leather that is only slightly pigmented. This type of leather is in between the pigmented and aniline leather.  It is four times more durable than any other leather. Aniline leather is said to be the most luxurious leather covers for sofa sets. The vintage design draws you in with its panel arms and an inviting seat upholstered in the finest leather and leatherette.  It has a brown color that makes it look royal and adds warm persona to the surrounding. It a tufted back and seat cushions are all made out if the finest foam that makes it fluffy and soft. The legs here are of wooden and firmly stabilize's the sofa set.  OTHER DETAILS : This sofa design comes in a very beautiful dark walnut color with a weight of around 77.2kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 239*106*94.   The model number that this set has is Roger/A/3 and the item art number is Roger/A/3. This sofa set comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably.  This sofa set design comes with the leather as the primary material that adds enhancement to the set design. Also, the set has a freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. KEY SPECS: Sofa set here some with the Dimensions as follows: Width (106 cm), Length (230 cm), Height (94 cm). Primary Material used here is Semi-Aniline Leather. Color: Dark Walnut, Finish: Matte, Style: Contemporary. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 years on product. Grand design. Tufted back. Rolled arms. Wooden legs. PROS This sofa set design comes with tufted back. It has rolled arms design. The overall design is grand. It could hold a maximum of 350 kgs loads. CONS The color may not be the same as shown in the picture. Check Price On Amazon 7. Durian Three Seater Sofa Set (Matte Finish, Burgundy)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT : This leather sofa set design gives your living room the vintage royal look. The color makes it stand out among the other sets. This sofa set is three-seater present here to give your living room a premium look. Are you the one looking for a sitting place for your wooden floors living room and want something that'll match with your expectation of being strong and fluffy at the same time. Then this is the sofa design you need to check out right now.  Whether it's a family function or just a small gathering at your room you obviously need comfort and convenience for your guests and for yourself. This sofa has that all.  This sofa set design has a rich textured Burgundy leather which gives it a supple feel. The back is of the sofa set has tufted panel back cushion which gives you immense comfort and sublime rest.  The secondary material used here is semi-aniline leather. Semi-aniline leather is the type of leather that is only slightly pigmented. This type of leather is in between the pigmented and aniline leather.  It is four times more durable than any other leather. The sofa stands on a sturdy base. This luxurious seating makes the Patrick leather sofa standout for your living room.  OTHER DETAILS :  This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful burgundy color with a weight of around 58.2kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 220*87*94.   The model number that this set has is Patrick/3 and the item art number is Patrick/3. This sofa set comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably. This sofa set design comes with the leather as the primary material that adds enhancement to the set design.  The upholstery material in the sofa set design is Leatherette. Also, the set has a freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. They offer no storage capacity. KEY SPECS: The sofa comes with the Dimensions: Length (220 cm), Width (87 cm), Height (94cm). Primary Material used here is Leather, Upholstery Material: Leatherette. Color: Burgundy. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 years on product. Leather sofa, 3 seater. Modern design. Sturdy base. PROS This sofa set cushion and leather upholstery type. It comes with the 350kgs capacity holder. Gives royal look to your living room. CONS The color may not be the same as shown in the picture. No adjustable headrest. No adjustable armrest. Check Price On Amazon 8. Durian Philly Three Seater Sofa Set Leather (Beige)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT: The premium look that this two-seater sofa set gives will make your living room flawless and standout.  This sofa here has a splendid and stunning design. This Philly sofa set has a marvelous leather cover. The secondary material used here is semi-aniline leather. Semi-aniline leather is the type of leather that is only slightly pigmented.  This type of leather is in between the pigmented and aniline leather. It is four times more durable than any other leather. This sofa set comes with the cushion upholstery type and leather upholstery material.  Leather is not washable and can be difficult to clean, also it's porous and so absorbs spills and odor easily. Comfortable and relaxed after a long workday or party theme styled at your house. This sofa set brings everything to your steps. Want a mentally feel for your newly designed, well-constructed living room?  This sofa set design goes extraordinarily with your elegant living room. Sofa set comes with a cushion panel and offers lots of support and comfort. It has an adjustable headrest for a position that best suits you and provides you with calmness.  It has sleek chrome legs that give this sofa set a very stylish look upon which the sofa rests firmly.  OTHER DETAILS :  This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful beige color with a weight of around 53.9kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 213*100*70.   The model number that this set has is Philly/3 and the item art number is Philly/3. This sofa set comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably. This sofa set design comes with the leather as the primary material that adds enhancement to the set design.  The upholstery material in the sofa set design is Leatherette. Also, the set has a freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. They offer no storage capacity. KEY SPECS: The sofa comes with the Dimensions: Length (213 cm), Width (100 cm), Height (70 cm). Primary Material used here is Semi-Aniline Leather, Upholstery Material: Leatherette. Color: Beige, Style: Contemporary. Seating Capacity: Three-seat. Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller. Warranty: 5 years on product. Leather sofa, 3 seater. Adjustable headrest. Modern design. Sleek base. PROS This sofa design comes with a premium-looking style. It has a sleek base. This set comes with an adjustable headrest. Also, it could hold a maximum of 350kgs. CONS Vulnerable to water. The color of the sofa set may not be the same as shown in the picture. Check Price On Amazon 9. Durian Three Seat Sofa for Living Room (Matt Finish, Grey)

Pic Credit:- amazon.in ABOUT PRODUCT : The premium and luxurious look that this sofa holds will definitely make your living room stand out.  Greyish glimpses this set gives adds an enormous blend of richness to your house. And the level of comfort isn't less to say less. This set is perfect for a place where you want a modern look. Omega sofa set design had a premium look here by comes with primary material of leather. A brilliant addition, the Omega is the pride of the luxe Leather collection. Leather is not washable and can be difficult to clean, also it's porous and so absorbs spills and odor easily.  This sofa set is encased with a premium luxurious cushion that provides you with immense comfort and support.  Comfort always comes first. And then comes the style. This sofa is all in one. This sofa set design will add standard to your luxurious living room. Family time or having guests over at your house I'm sure this sofa set will leave people in wonder and awe of your house. Omega hereby draws its inspiration from a very beautiful Vintage design with an imperial stance with a winged platform base supported on slender steel legs making for an impressive look. It offers you an adjustable headrest for your extreme comfort so you can change it according to your desire.  An eloquent blend of inspiring aesthetics and comfort, this is a nice way to add a little panache to your home.  OTHER DETAILS :  This sofa set design comes in a very beautiful battleship grey color with a weight of around 69kgs. The dimensions of this sofa set are in terms of accommodating your living room and they are 218*103*94.5.   The model number that this set has is Omega/3 and the item art number is Omega/3. This sofa set comes with the capacity to accommodate three people comfortably.  This sofa set design comes with the semi-aniline leather as the primary material that adds enhancement to the set design. The upholstery material in the sofa set design is Leatherette.  Also, the set has a freestanding installation type. The body material of this sofa is wood. It has a rectangular shape and requires assembly. They offer no storage capacity. KEY SPECS: The Dimensions of this sofa set is as follows: Length (218cm), Width (103cm), Height (94.5cm) Seating Capacity: Three-seat Assembly Required: The product requires carpenter assembly and will be provided by the seller itself. Warranty: 5 Year Durian Industries Ltd. Domestic Warranty It has an adjustable headrest to provide you with comfort and support. This sofa set comes with steel legs. Maximum load capacity: 350kgs. PROS This sofa set comes with a beautiful looking design. It offers a premium look. CONS Vulnerable to water. Color may not be the same as shown in the picture. Check Price On Amazon

Hindi Buying Guide - How To Choose The Right Sofa/Couches For Your Space? Step-By-Step Guide

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Conclusion

Your sofa will be the communal platform, comforting safe space for family debates and talk over intimate as well as casual topics or a place to sit o lay while most probably having a television in front. Before buying a sofa see and consider all the points including dimensions, range, quality, and other things. Even if the sofa comes second to all the pricey antique and jewelry but still it's one expensive investment you're going to make, but at the end of the day it is something that'll add to the thousands of memories you'll make.  A Sofa is the center of attraction for your living room and a perfect spot to spend time with friends and family. When looking for sofa set designs it's important you look for all the necessary things you feel are needed according to your convenience. The sofa set is something that'll hold many memories and will stay with you are a long long time. Read the full article