#gold metal cocktail table

[turnerlandin]

Transitional Family Room - Enclosed Family room library - mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor family room library idea with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

[daefics]

Library - Family Room Example of a mid-sized transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor family room library design with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

[smoke-under-skin]

Open Dallas Inspiration for a large transitional open concept medium tone wood floor family room remodel with beige walls

[pinkydevil16]

Tangerine x reader: Peach 

Tangerine and Lemon sat across from the son, Peach next to him as she pushed his hair from his face until Tangerine slapped her hand making her pout and sit back.

"Stop touching his fucking hair." Tangerine snapped, Lemon rolling his eyes as he lightly kicked his brother, Tangerine glaring at him as he took off his suit jacket. Watching Peach as she followed suit shrugging off her blazer, matching Tangerine with a white button down and tight waist coat which didn't button over her chest and emphasised her curves. A pair of black jeans fitting her legs and combat boots, both rolling up their sleeves, Tangerine's rings gold whilst Peach wore all silver chunky rings. Her favourite which she'd also gotten Tangerine one in gold, 'fuck you' on the ring in raised metal so when you punched someone it left a little note for whoever found them, something Tangerine had laughed loudly at and pulled Peach into his side. 

"You two need to quit it." Lemon said, Tangerine looking at Peach as she tied up her hair in a ponytail, his eyes on her neck and chest, the button down open and showing her cleavage as always. 

"Peach is the one being a fucking weirdo touching him up." Tangerine crossed his arms, his eyes running over Peach as she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her breasts pushing upwards making his eyes drop as she smirked and snapped her fingers in his face.

"You're a fucking perv Tang, think you're just jealous i'm not sorting out that birds nest on your head. Or your weird porno stache." Tangerine glared at her, pushing her hand away as she laughed and winked at Lemon, who was already getting out his stickers and comparing both of them to the characters making Tangerine's anger go through the roof and begin arguing with his twin. Peach sighing and rolling her eyes until she heard a groan, turning with a smirk to see the son waking up, leaning against the table to turn to him, his eyes adjusting as he looked at the three.

"Ahh the fuck up is awake." The son looked between them until he turned to Peach with a smile, his eyes running over her body before groaning at how fucked he felt, Peach pushing his hair out his face as Tangerine kicked her making her yelp and look at him with a glare. 

"Where am i? Who are you?" Tangerine rolled his eyes, Peach now sat in her chair normally and playing with her nails ignoring the three men.

"You're on a bullet train, on the way to kyoto station to be handed off to your daddy. That's Lemon, i'm Tangerine and that's Peach." Peach smiled at the son as he looked between them.

"Like the fruit." Tangerine's face made Peach giggle as she adjusting in her seat and ran her foot along his leg to stop the odd face he pulled.

"Mhm, now you just need to be a good boy and sit here can you do that for us?" Peach's voice was like honey as the son nodded captured in her sweetness, her smile cute before she pat his head and moved to stand, all three of them watching her as she adjusted her waistcoat and pushed her boobs up.

"Where do you think you're fucking going!" Tangerine seethed as he watched her hands cup her boobs, making them pop out some more, Peach bending over, holding the back of his seat and the table to look at him with a smirk.

"I'm gonna go check on the case Tang, why want to come with me to make sure no one looks at my peachy ass?" Tangerine scowled as Peach laughed and ruffled his hair, fixing it as she walked off, the case still hidden as she walked past towards the bar wanting a cocktail. Tangerine glared at the son, who had been staring at Peach's ass as she walked off before letting out a chuckle and looking out the window.

"Peachy." The son said, his accent heavy as Tangerine held himself back from smashing his head through the window and chucking him out the train, Lemon still talking about Thomas as Peach made her way back, placing a pink cocktail down in front of herself as she dropped next to the son. Her chest bouncing as she shuffled, leaning forward and taking a sip through the straw with a moan, eyes closed before sitting back. Opening her eyes to see Tangerine staring at her, his knuckles white from making a fist, Peach leaning forward to flick them.

"You need to work on your anger Tang, you'll end up with wrinkles." Peach smirked, taking another sip as Tangerine looked away from her, standing up angrily and storming off.

"Peach." Lemon began to scold her, although he enjoyed their little back and forth he knew how much his brother loved her and didn't like others looking at what he had decided was his. 

"Don't be a spoil sport Lemon, it's fun." Lemon stared at her for a moment before taking a sip of the cocktail, wincing as he pushed it back to her, looking towards the son before glaring at him.

"Stop looking at her bruv. Also why is that pure alcohol?" Peach smirked playing with the straw before taking another sip with a loud sigh and sitting back, crossing her legs and arms with a little shrug, the son now staring back out the window. Tangerine strutted back, dropping into his seat with a glare at Peach, who simply grinned at him and ran her foot along his calf again with a teasing glint to her eyes. Tangerine was trying his best to stay professional, but Peach always made it hard, not even on purpose, he'd fallen for her years ago and it never went away. Seeing the wanker of a son looking at Peach constantly, how she had no idea what she did to half the men on the train when she walked by, what she did to him, it was all a joke to her, nothing serious but to him it was like she'd punched him in the throat. Watching her twirl one of her rings before looking up at him and giving him a genuine smile, one that made his insides melt and all the irritation slip away until Lemon elbowed him. Tangerine hadn't noticed his phone buzzing, quickly standing but Peach followed him, Lemon being left with the son, Tangerine answering the phone as Peach leaned against his arm to listen. Flicking her forehead as she glared at him and rubbed the spot he'd flicked, Peach listening intently as the white death's henchman went on and on about where to drop him blah blah blah, the same stuff they'd been going on and on about since they'd gotten the job. It was just infuriating now so Tangerine tried to keep his cool, he didn't need his hand to get cut off for swearing at the idiot on the phone. Hanging up he started swearing, Peach leaning against the opposing wall as she thought, nodding along to his anger.

"Why do they feel the need to check in so much? What a bunch of dicks." Tangerine agreed before putting his phone back in his pocket and running a hand through his hair irritated, Peach moving forward to slap his hand as she fixed his hair.

"Fuckers tellin' us how to do the fuckin' job like we're 4 fuckin' years old." Peach let a smile crack as she finished fixing his hair, his hands now on her hips and not letting her move away until she lightly tapped his chest.

"Think of the money Tang, we can finally go to bora bora and see that topless beach." Peach gave him a cheeky grin, the three of them had always joked bora bora would be their retirement, live next to a topless beach and spend their days tanned and drunk but everytime they got close the thrill of money and murder drew them back. Tangerine smirked, pulling her closer so her chest laid against his, his hands coming to splay out against her back before raising an eyebrow and pressing against her middle back, up and down, side to side.

"No bra Peach?" Peach chuckled and shook her head, pulling back as his eyes dropped to her covered chest, how her tits sat in the waitcoat and shirt, mind going crazy at the thought of how her nipples were probably grazing against the harsh cotton, his thoughts only broken by her voice.

"Perv. Come on or Lemon will tease us." Tangerine kept her close, tapping his ringed fingers on her back as she tried to move away, raising an eyebrow as she waited for him to let go. Once again tapping his chest but Tangerine wouldn't let go, huffing Peach pushed his chest only to be pulled closer.

"When we get off this train i'm taking you out, no more bullshit." Peach's cheeks went pink, nodding as Tangerine placed a kiss on her cheek and pulled away walking back to find Lemon freaking out where he'd stashed the case. 

"What the fuck is fucking going on here?" Peach's eyes were wide as she began searching with Lemon, Tangerine confused until Lemon told him what was wrong, Peach wincing as Tangerine shouted loudly.

"FUCK! You fucking idiots why would you leave it out here? Fuck, we need to find the fucking case. Lemon stay with the prick, Peach go up i'll go down." Lemon walked back to their seats, Peach walking past him with a small pat on his shoulder in sympathy as Tangerine stormed off the other end. Peach's phone rang as Lemon panicked on the end of the line, wiping the blood from the son's eyes as he waited for her to pick up, not giving her a second before he rattled off what had happened followed by Peach swearing.

"Fuck man, we're fucked, we have nothing! I like my hands they're great hands!" Lemon rolled his eyes and saw Tangerine begin walking back towards him as he told Peach to come back. Tangerine sitting down annoyed and then swearing as he looked at the son, throwing some glasses on him to hide the death as Peach slid in next to him, Lemon sat next to the son. 

"So we're totally fucked? You guys wanna go out in an orgy or guns blazin?" Peach joked, dropping her head onto the table as Tangerine rolled his eyes answering the phone as he lied his ass off to the white death's henchmen. 

"Fuck it, we'll get the case and find the fucker who killed this wanker." Y/n nodded, running a comforting hand along his thigh as Lemon and Tangerine stared at each other thinking of a plan. 

So this has been in my notes for ages so i'm just fonna post it, it's not finished so i am sorry 

[beewolfwrites]

Can we have a part 2 to “Clingy” with Niragi and Chishiya?😍🙈

Clingy - Part 2

AO3 request: could I request a OS as a part two to 'clingy' where y/n has started to be much more clingy with other people now their relationship is over and Niragi/Chishiya can't do anything to fix it but watch their ex bitterly regretting their words. Maybe a scene where y/n is purposely over affectionate even more than ever before to make them jealous as a 'look what you missed out on' type revenge.

Both Chishiya x fem s/o and Niragi x fem s/o. There are two different oneshots, so you don't have to read the Niragi one if you don't like.

TW: in the Chishiya-shot, it's implied that Niragi might have spiked a drink.

On with the show! Enjoy :)

_________________________________________________

Chishiya

Nine words. 

“Executive Chishiya Shuntarou is not a fan of PDA.”

Who knew that nine words written on a napkin would be enough to destroy a relationship? It was all fun and games, until that very napkin actually did end up with Hatter’s signature at the bottom. And Aguni’s. And Mira’s. And Kuzuryuu’s. It was a prank taken too far. 

And when I had been invited into Hatter’s presidential suite on executive business, only to discover the napkin encased in a gold frame on his bedside table, enough was enough. 

Even I had my limits. 

She should have been heartbroken, curled up in her room like a kicked puppy. Yet here she was, prancing around the pool and flaunting her freedom in my face. The night was still young and the party was raging as usual - a chaotic mess of drugs, debauchery and homemade cocktails. I was sitting with Kuina at a table, idly listening as she prattled on about how amazing An looked with her new sunglasses. I sipped a glass of water, focusing my eyes on the party, the pool, anything but her. Only, that voice. I could still hear it.   

‘Am I allowed to touch your rifle?’ 

‘Oh, you can do more than just touch it.’ 

I could just hear Niragi’s sneer, and from the corner of my eye, I knew that he was gauging my reaction as he ran a finger along her bare shoulder. I tried not to look. But all I could see was her exposed skin and that stupid metal smile of his. And her, blithely oblivious to the situation she had fallen into. 

‘Here,’ Niragi said. ‘For you, babydoll.’ 

He offered her a strong cocktail - one of the bar’s special concoctions. And of course, the idiot took it. Her pettiness would be her downfall. Her eyes flashed to mine as she took a sip, smiling against the glass. She knew exactly what she was doing.

‘This is so boring!’ Kuina exclaimed, bringing my attention back to the table. She was sulking, using a straw to stir her Pina Colada. ‘We’re supposed to be hanging out and all you’re doing is staring at your ex.’ 

‘I’m not.’ 

‘Do you think I’m that stupid?’ 

‘At times.’ 

Pain flared in my shoulder as she pinched the skin. I clasped a hand over it, wary that anyone could have seen. ‘Kuina, that really wasn’t necessary.’ 

‘You’re kidding me, right?’ She scoffed, taking a sip of her Pina Colada and pointing the straw at the couple across the courtyard. ‘You need to get your ass in gear. Niragi’s over there stealing your girl, and you’re doing nothing about it.’ 

‘She can do whatever she wants. We’re not together.’ 

‘But she’s just trying to make you jealous!’ 

‘Like I said, she can do what she wants.’ I noticed Niragi’s hand slide around her exposed waist, feeling her smooth skin, his fingers inching north. ‘But as for him…’ 

Without thinking, I stood up and strolled across the courtyard. Niragi grinned when he saw me approaching and pulled her body closer. She blinked, sipping her cocktail innocently, even when Niragi stroked a thumb over her skin. 

I ignored it, meeting his smile. ‘Niragi. Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t you supposed to be on duty?’ 

He snickered. ‘Pretty sure I’m not. Nice try though.’

‘Hmm…’ I nodded slowly, knowing perfectly well that he was, in fact, supposed to be counting the armoury supplies with his team. ‘So you’re fine with me fetching Aguni to double check?’ 

Niragi’s eyes narrowed, his smile dropping. There was a squeak of pain as his grip tightened around her, dragging her even closer. Her ruse had dropped, and I could see the discomfort in her expression, grimacing as she gripped her drink with both hands. 

‘Actually,’ I said, ‘I believe I see Aguni just inside. Let’s ask—’ 

‘Forget it,’ Niragi cut in, releasing her and slinging his rifle back onto his shoulder. ‘This party is fucking stupid anyway.’ 

He stormed off inside, leaving the two of us alone in the midst of the party. She was gripping her glass, staring into the cocktail to avoid looking me in the eye. I took it from her grasp. 

‘Hey! That’s mine!’ She tried to pull at my arm as I held the glass up to the neon strobe lights, searching for any sign of fogginess or bubbles. 

‘What’s in this?’ I asked. 

‘Alcohol.’ 

‘I see. What kind?’ 

She pursed her lips. ‘Probably vodka. Maybe rum. It’s all the same to me.’ 

‘And to Niragi, you’re the same as any of these other women.’ Setting down the glass on a table, I gestured to the drunken crowd shaking their hips out of sync with the music. ‘There could be anything in this.’ 

She turned away, her face sinking. Then under her breath, she muttered, ‘Like you even care. At least Niragi would let me touch him.’  

Niragi would happily use his rifle to force her to touch him, but I didn’t tell her this. Instead, I shoved my hands into my pockets, knowing that the outcome was inevitable. She had me in checkmate, and there was only one way this conversation would end.

‘I’ll let you hold my hand, but only if it’s hidden inside my pocket,’ I said. ‘You’re not touching my hair.’ 

Her head slowly perked up as she realised what I had just said. ‘Okay.. I can do that. But what about kisses?’ 

With her standing there, eyes glistening with hope and fingers clasped in front of her lips as if in prayer, it was so easy, so predictable. And when she looked at me like that, how could I refuse?

I sighed, allowing myself a small smile. ‘We’ll see…’

Niragi

That fucking smile of hers. It drove me wild. It made me want to crawl the walls and punch through glass. And she knew it. Oh she did. 

Ever since that incident, my reputation had never been the same. Half of the Beach thought I was some furry freak with a fetish for bunny ears. It took a week of flashing my rifle at anyone who dared to snicker for the rumours to die down. 

And now that she had chewed up my reputation, tarnished my name, chewed me up and spat me out, she still wasn’t finished with me. No, instead she was sucking up to Aguni at every turn. In the games we played as a team, she hid behind his form, batting her eyelashes and calling him “Aguni-Sama”, worshipping him like he was a fucking god or something. 

She should have been worshipping me.  

And here we were again, shooting predators in the middle of a theme park to clear what should have been a simple Five of Spades. All the while, I’m trying to aim at a hyena but all I can see is her hands gripping his bicep. Obviously Aguni doesn’t give a damn what she’s doing, but she’s got that smile again. She’s smiling because she knows that I’m watching. 

I wait until the game is over and we’re back at the Beach before cornering her right as she’s heading down the hallway to her room. As she rounds a bend, I grab her wrist, dragging her into me. As expected, she gasps and tries to yank her hand free. 

‘What do you want?’ She hisses. ‘You’ve gone from clingy boyfriend to clingy ex.’ 

‘That’s rich,’ I sneered. ‘You’re the one who can’t keep your hands off Aguni.’

Her lips curled into a self-satisfied smile. ‘Haven’t you seen his muscles? The man’s built like a demigod.’ 

I took a step forward, pulling her closer to me until I could feel every breath she took. ‘Yeah, but can he kiss you like I can.’

She tilted her head up, her voice low. ‘He can do more than that.’ 

‘I bet he can’t make you scream.’ 

‘He doesn’t make me scream in anger, if that’s what you mean.’ 

‘I think we both know that’s not what I mean.’

By now, I was so close I could see every fleck of colour in her eyes… smell the sweetness of her hair and skin. It was agony, having to resist closing that small distance between her lips and mine. She trailed a single finger along the lining of my shirt, tracing the contours of my torso and leaving a trail of tingles in its wake. I suppressed a shudder, fighting the urge to rip that finger away.

‘Hmm…’ she breathed. ‘I guess you’ll have to show me then.’ 

And since she asked so nicely, I did just that. 

Needless to say, as we crashed into my hotel room, bodies inseparable until the end, it was no longer Aguni she was worshipping. 

[lxmiko]

luxiem as random things . . .

—

(continuation of the title) . . . they remind miko of

TO BE HONEST, i just needed a space to ramble and what better place to do it than tumblr as a “fanfic” (it’s more like just a bunch of random thoughts)

the bullet points are not written in a certain order!! so don’t be surprised when at one point you’re reading fluff and then the next you’re reading angst D:

enjoy!

character(s): all luxiem members

—

vox akuma

folding the corner of a page to bookmark

sitting in a movie theater by yourself

putting out a lighter with your bare hand

play fighting with puppies and when they bite you playfully

the sound of heels clacking on the ground

motorcycles and cigarettes

incense that smells sickly sweet and makes you dizzy

cheating by playing cracked games but still somehow losing

—

mysta rias

when your hair tie leaves a mark on your wrist cause it’s too tight

leather chokers

colored sunglasses

putting on eyeliner in the bathroom at the location of a gathering a few minutes before it starts

nails tapping on desks

cramming into a photobooth to take photos with your friends

convenience stores in movies where the cashier’s always extremely annoyed, thinks you’re stupid, and chews bubblegum

—

luca kaneshiro

roses and gunpowder

gold chunky jewelry

late night car rides with music blasting and potential injuries by the end of the night

untied shoelaces you tell yourself you’ll tie later

hairties that are hanging on for life

movie marathons of childhood movies and falling asleep on the couch during it all

not knowing how much of your forehead to show when putting on a beanie

—

ike eveland

rings of water left after you lift a cold drink from a table

warmly lit libraries

cupping hot drinks with both of your hands and blowing on them

lipstick dabbed away on napkins

long fuzzy socks

iredescent flowy fabric under the sun

the feeling of tears drying on your cheeks from the breeze while on a rooftop

—

shu yamino

fluffy blankets

when you get under a blanket as you’re about to sleep and it’s cool to the touch instead of warm

the color grey

the cool feeling of metal touching your skin

when a cat leans into your touch

your partner waking up and surprising a very sick you in bed with a sandwich and juice made fancy with one of those cocktail umbrellas cause they can’t cook

playing childhood games on sketchy websites because the original webs were too old and taken down or were sketchier

[belovedrayne]

Hackneyed – One Coin’s Journey

The thing is, metal is an element that wants to be manipulated and changed. I know, I know. That’s not what blacksmiths say. Well, have they ever ASKED anything made from metal? No. So, take my word for it, will you?  When it gets too hot, we turn into a liquid to be reshaped and reforged. Too cold, and we shatter. Metal is fluid in spirit even when it’s not fluid in state of matter.

This is why, you should spend your gil in new places. So, for the love of the twelve or the eikons or whatever it is that you worship, please stop spending your gil in the same places.

I have been in the cursed place everyone in Eorzea calls ‘The Gold Saucer’ ever since I was a shiny new piece. I’m so tired of seeing the same hackneyed events happen time and time again. The same dancers hitting the same moves. The same gamblers losing their life savings. The same new people stopping by to try and earn a living just to lose it all. 

I want to see the bright sky! I want to feel rain hitting the embossing on my surface. I want to get exchanged around the markets of Tuliyollal. I want to be dropped in the wishing fountains in Lavendar Beds. Instead, I am stuck here! Do you know how many times I’ve been shoved down a sweaty cocktail waitress’ cleavage? Too many!

I’m tired of this! Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to roll off a table and find a nice crack somewhere to fade away to time in. If only I could- oh. Hello. This hand is much smaller than the ones I’ve seen before. Large amber eyes peer at me. Is this… a child?! A soft giggle escapes her lips and the kid looks up to their parent, a tall blond vieran woman. “Mama!” The mother smiles back at the child. “You found something? Well! I guess you can keep it then!” The child’s laughter is music to my non-existent ears. Maybe I’ll finally get that change of pace I’ve been yearning for.

[possugard-the-possum-wizard]

* As I walk in I’m immediately hypnotized by the glamorous atmosphere. A small metal automaton hands me a drink and I let out an internal squeal. I had always known that automatons could be mixed with magic but seeing in action was breathtaking! As I looked down at my glass I saw how intricate it was.

When I stepped in to the hall I froze as I heard the booming voice announcer robot*

Welcome Possugard the Possum wizard!

*did they have to make it so loud? I nearly jumped out of my skin! Once the shock subsided I realized just how fancy this place was. Everything was gold plated, from the couches to the tables.

The tables! The lavish decorations had almost distracted me from my goal. Fancy party means free fancy food and I was planning on grabbing enough finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, cocktail wieners, and orderverse to feed me and my possums till the end of the year. I had enough money to get food but my possums have been absolute angels so they deserve a treat. If I had to get a rash from this plastic lined suit to do it then so be it!

Let the snack heist begin. *

[titlemewickedwonderland]

Mask and Tripping Feet (Sunshine oneshot)

Summary: The most anticipated event of the year; The Masquerade Ball finally came around; Y/n always loved this time of the year and she is determined to make memories tonight with her best friend Sunshine

Prompt: Dancing together

Request Board

Workshop

The Church's sermon room had been constructed from its usual look to give room to the most anticipated event held every year. Its contemporary blend of sleek design and luxurious decor mixed in with the old history of the church itself with its floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Abbey grounds, while candles strung up in the ceiling cast a warm glow over the space. The walls are adorned with old art, and round tables decorated with cloth and table decor provide comfortable seating for the Siblings surrounding the large open space for dancing; the stage which the Papas had used for sermons was decorated also with a band hired for this event played under low spotlit people music that filled the large open space.

Tonight, the Papas host this amazing masquerade party, and the atmosphere is vibrant and electric. The Siblings arrive in beautiful gowns and trendy attire, their masks reflecting the latest fashion trends. The musicians play a mix of upbeat and melodic tunes, creating an energetic ambiance.

At the center of the room, a subdued-lit dance floor warm glow of natural colors, beckoning people to let loose and dance the night away with their partners and friends. Illuminated cocktail tables offer an array of creative drinks, each with a touch of artistry to the side next to the buffet table prepared and decorated for this very night.

Among the crowd of siblings, Y/n could be found mingling with her friends, a charismatic and confident individual wearing a sleek black dress and a mask adorned with sparkles, adding a majestic flare to her designed dress. Y/n exudes charm and magnetism as she engages in conversation with different siblings seemingly having a blast already; but her eyes are wandering, seemingly seeking someone in the crowds with eagerness.

As the party progresses, Y/n's eyes catch sight of the person she had been looking for this entire time, a striking woman in a dazzling gold dress that shimmers like sundust. Her mask is an exquisite combination of metallic and holographic elements, adding an otherworldly allure to her appearance that she already portrayed with her energy as Sunshine, one of Papa's ghouls, and one of Y/n's best friends stood off to the side talking with Cumulus and Cirrus; each wearing such as equally stunning gowns as their packmate.

With excitement, Y/n excuses herself and approaches Sunshine, drawn to her captivating presence and with anticipation of spending time with her; maybe Y/n can get her to dance with the ghoulette just like they used to do in their downtime, or better yet...teach her friend how to Waltz. Y/n had wondered before if Sunshine's over bound energy could be focused enough to do something like that.

Y/n leaned over her friend's shoulder; hands resting on her arms to give them a squeeze of greetings. "You look dazzling tonight Sunny!" the girl smiled brightly at her friend when she turned around,

Sunshine laughed giving Y/n a proper hug filled with warmth at seeing her friend. "I could say the same to you! Look at you! You look amazing tonight, Y/n!"

The sister grinned. "I'm glad you think so! I saved up a lot of money for this dress." she laughed.

"You bought it?" Cumulus gaped making Y/n flush a bit and fiddle with the dress.

"Yeah...I know a lot of people just rent dresses from shops but i really fell in love with this one; I was going to make my own but uh..I didn't have time." she chuckled sheepishly.

"Wow! Well it's money worth spent then!" Cirrus replied with a warm smile before waving around the room. "Have you found anyone to dance with yet?" she added.

"Oh, actually..." Y/n slanted a look at Sunshine. "I was waiting for Sunshine. I wanted to dance with her first." the girl replied.

"Me?" Sunshine's eyes widened behind her mask. "Why would you want that? I mean, I love to dance but this party isn't appropriate for my style of dancing." she laughed.

Y/n rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh I know, I figured I'd drag you to the dance floor and teach you how to waltz." she replied with a cheeky smile on her face.

The other two ghoulettes looked at each other. "Have fun, we're going to go find the guys and see if we can't get one of them to dance with us." Cumulus snickered at the thought at the pair left in search of their packmates.

"So, you want to?" Y/n turned to her friend with a nudge to her side.

"Are you serious though?" Sunshine glanced at the dance floor.

"Positive! Come on it'll be fun!" Y/n promised as she grabbed her friend's hand and dragged her over to the dance floor and got into position.

"I don't know where to put my hands." Sunshine admitted glancing around at the others nearby dancing. "Am I supposed to be the guy here or the girl part?" she asked.

Y/n chuckled and grabbed her hands. "You can be the girl part; it's easier and I'll guide you okay? No need to be nervous!" Y/n replied as she placed Sunshine's hand on her shoulder before taking hold of the other in one hand and resting her own hand on the ghoulette's waist.

"Now, just follow my lead. One step back," Y/n said softly as she shifted one foot towards the other encouraging her own foot to step back. "Good! Now to the side." Y/n expertly side stepped before taking a step back.

"It's just like your walking in a square! See, one step forward, side step to the side, one step back, step to the other side and repeat...there you go your getting the hang of it!" Y/n encouraged as she guided her friend through the steps.

Sunshine wouldn't stop looking down at their feet as Y/n guided her around the room to the waltz song playing classically in the back.

"Chin up, you don't need your eyes to dance with your feet." Y/n laughed softly as she nudged Sunshine's chin back up so they were facing each other again.

"I feel silly! I'm not used to dancing like this-" Sunshine overstepped and her foot landed onto Y/n's toes making both of them wince. "Shoot Y/N/N I'm sorry!"

Recovering quickly the sibling shook it off and guided her back into the rhythm. "All good. Don't worry about it, trust me I'm used to it. It's to be expected." she replied before letting her go and giving her a little spin before drawing her back into her causing Sunshine to laugh a bit.

"People are staring!" she hissed softly glancing at the other dancers who were glancing at them.

"So? Let them! since when do you get all shy on me? It's just your best friend." Y/n shrugged with a slight smirk of mirth playing at her lips.

"Because...we're both girls?" Sunshine offered glancing away from Y/n's face.

"That doesn't matter and you know it. We've been in much worse situations that people question our sanity." Y/n reassured as she playfully dipped Sunshine making her squeal in surprise and clutch onto her best friend's arms.

"Omg woman give me a warning next time!" they laughed as they continued to dance.

Before long, the song ended and they left the dance floor in favor of getting some drinks. "Well, you had the entire ballroom staring at the pair of yah!" Swiss grinned as he walked over with Cirrus on his arm.

"Oh hush, it wasn't all that big of a deal!" Y/n waved him off before smiling up at them; catching sight of Mountain and Cumulus dancing to a different slow dance song on the dancefloor.

"So, are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?" Cirrus added catching Y/n's gaze.

"Which is?" she raised a brow.

"Cumulus and Mountain are mates but they don't actually know that yet; thick-brained that Mountain is you'd think Cumulus would have spelled it out for him already. She's just a little nervous you know?" Sunshine nudged her friend.

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Y/n gushed clapping. "I mean, it couldn't be worse than Dewdrop and Rain's situation," she added thoughtfully.

"Oh, it could be. Mates are difficult to deal with sometimes so." Swiss shook his head.

"Well, I don't know about you but after this party; I say we spell it out for them both and get it over with." Sunshine added.

"Not until I have another dance!" Y/n pointed to her with narrowed eyes.

Sunshine blushed and looked away. "Deal. I suppose the first one wasn't half bad..." she bit her lip.

"I'm going to go get us a drink before then though! If I can get Aether away from the sweets long enough to do so; poor man's blocking my drink table." Y/n chortled looking over at Aether who was indeed blocking the tables with his darted from one table to the next as he tried everything he possibly could on the table; unknowingly blocking some other siblings who were trying to get stuff from the tables.

As Y/n left Swiss and Cirrus shuffled over to Sunshine and lowered their voice as they watched their friend leave. "So when are you going to tell her Sunny?" Cirrus asked softly as she wrapped an arm around her friend.

"That you like her!" the older ghoulette murmured.

"and that you may be mates too." Swiss added causing Sunshine's cheeks to heat up under her mask.

"Because Y/n's my best friend...I don't want to ruin anything." she murmured watching wistfully as her friend chatted up Aether; expertly guiding him to make room for others while they spoke and joked about something.

"She'd make a good mate, you know. She's worked with us for so long she knows us better than Papa." Swiss mused glancing down at the younger ghoulette.

"I know...But I'm afraid that she'll reject me or that if I tell her it'll ruin what we have."

"That's the point cupcake!" Cirrus gave her a squeeze. "Being mated to another goes beyond friendship. It's something special and unbreakable. Knowing our Y/n, she wouldn't just run away from you because of that. You're her best friend and you'll always be her number one even after you make her your mate officially." Cirrus encouraged before letting the other go and grabbing Swiss' arm.

"Just think about it. Swiss, come on. I want to go dance again!" the woman dragged him away to the dance floor leaving Sunshine alone.

The ghoulette watched her best friend from across the room; watching as her bright smile lit up her face as she made her way back over to her and her heart clenched. She'd tell Y/n the truth. She just had to wait for the right moment; but until then. She'd make her happy with one more dance.

Auth. So sorry it's a bit short! I hope you still like it!

[lupismaris]

The Opening Act of Spring- a Black Sails Fic. Chapter 3

The Ranger’s have a castle above the clouds, the delta bayou’s favorite undead son hasn’t changed much despite appearances, and we meet the patriarch of The Walrus- one of the beloved queer bars in west Brooklyn- Hal Gates. 

The condo The Rangers shared on West End ave was high up in a shiny new building, overlooking the Hudson river and the west skyline of Manhattan. Silver wasn’t surprised that his sister had opted for a sleek home with floor to ceiling windows and polished wood floors, she had always day dreamed about a place above the clouds, untouchable like the men and women they conned for eating money. And now, as he and Anne stepped out of the private elevator, it seemed as if her dreams of that life, to a point, had come true. Of course the life time of suffering and blood that had gone into it could hardly been denied, but as with all things Max did, no one would know it. Grace and Elegance masked all, by careful design.

Silver whistled at the well lit space, kicking off his shoes at the door. Sunlight was starting to spill into the open concept living and dining room. The lime washed walls were decorated with elegant pieces of art, contemporary and colorful to contrast the neutral tones of the condo itself, the furniture mid-century modern with its rich honey toned wood and brass metal accents. House plants and vases of flowers, well loved and flourishing, were tucked into every sensible corner and open surface, bringing life into an otherwise sterile home, one that Silver would have expected to see in a high end magazine review.

“She’ll be in the studio, through there,” Anne said, nodding to a room past the kitchen. She handed over the bouquet of Irises. “Give these to her. I’m gonna make sure Chaz is up for work.”

“Sure, thanks, by the way-”

She waved it off and disappeared down the dim hallway.

“Right. Good talk.”

The studio had, as expected, the best lighting in the whole condo. It was a corner unit and the studio sat right at the corner, able to scrape together whatever sunlight available at whatever time of day. Silver had to guess that Max’s bedroom was graced with either the next best natural light, or the best light fixture money could buy to mimic it. The room was filled with various dress forms and metal figures, each draped in different fabrics that would, in time, become cocktail dresses and gowns. Two work benches were littered with supplies, pages of sketches and two sewing machines, boxes of sexing tools, pens and pencils and drafting tools, shelves covered in bolts of lush fabrics in jewel tones and soft neutrals. All that was what Silver expected to find, the heart and soul of his sister’s enterprise laid bare.

But over by the windows, where Max was seated, stood an easel and canvas, with several half finished canvases of varying sizes leaning against the glass awaiting their turn. A small table attended to Max’s right, carrying a tray of oil pastels and a cloth for her hands, a pair of chamois for blending, and her morning cappuccino long forgotten, its foam clinging to the sides of the porcelain bowl.

His sister had always wanted to take up the finer arts, or so she had told him, but their lives had never allowed them the time. Too much running, too many lies, too many masks, and whats more, gutter rats like them had more important things to worry about than the delicate curve of a shadow on the page or how to blend charcoal, didn’t they?

Silver stood there silently for a few moments, watching as Max blended the soft peach of sunlight into the clouds she was attempting to capture, the view from her window shifting ever so slightly so that her canvas was a perfect dream of the Morning sky. Her dark curls, coiled more tightly than his own, were tied up high on her head with a silk scarf, the rich green and gold of it reminding Silver of laurels, a perfect contrast to her darker skin.

Of them all, Max’s laurels were most deserved.

“No one likes a ghost in the doorway, mon cher,” she said over her shoulder, taking up a robin’s egg blue pastel.

“I’d disagree but I’d hate to ruin so lovely a morning-”

Her laughter was as sharp as a jaybird’s call, joyful and just a little mocking. “Oh you’re exhausting. Come on then, you’re already half an hour late as it is you cad.” 

Silver felt himself smile, his first honest smile since landing at JFK, and let himself enter the room properly. Max set down her pastels and wiped her hands, twisting on the stool to face him. Her lounge set, knit leggings and loose tank top of bone white, looked soft and well loved. She wore no make up, the only colour on her cheeks the stray smear of blue pastel along her cheek bone from a misplaced finger, and the only jewelry Silver could see was the delicate gold bracelet he had given her years before after their first big score.

And a simple gold diamond ring on her left ring finger.

“Well now when did that happen?” Silver asked with some astonishment. He’d expected a phone call if not a photo if Anne had finally popped the question after years and years of domestic bliss.

“It hasn’t, it’s a place holder,” Max said, though the soft blush in her cheeks meant it still meant the world. “She grew tired of people presuming things, had me pick out something classic until we could custom order something better. You know I wouldn’t choose a diamond for the final product.”

“No you had always been partial to pearls or emeralds, I remember that.” Silver kissed her temple and passed over the irises. “These are from her by the way.”

“Thought as much, you never bring me flowers.”

“No I bring you shiny things worth stupid amounts of money and leave the romantic gestures to your beau.”

Max rolled her eyes and got up to find a vase for the flowers, leaving Silver to poke around the studio like a curious stray cat. “I imagine those gifts are still at your hotel, since you look like shit and Anne said she found you drunk in a bathtub this morning?”

“Mmm it wasn’t my best wake up call I’ll give her that.”

“You don’t drink, mon Cher, I take it Jack’s plan didn’t go as well as he hoped?”

It was a question, but Silver felt the rhetorical tone even with his back turned.

“Did you suggest it to him or did he think it up all on his own like a big kid?”

“Now now don’t be too cross, it could have been worse.”

“How exactly? With Flint gutting me in public? Strangling me in an elevator? Tossing me off a balcony? Or do you have a more romantic kind of murder in mind?” Silver asked dryly, dropping onto the vintage loveseat by the windows.

Max set the vase of Irises on the closest work station and turned to face him with a sigh. “Are you finished feeling sorry for yourself? Or would you like to wallow in self pity for a few more minutes?”

“Few more couldn’t hurt.”

“You’ve had more than enough time I think and I don’t want to hear it.”

Silver pushed his sunglasses up onto his hair and blinked and the sun filled room. “As you wish. I’m just saying it was a dick move. And I’m a little surprised at you, shacking up with Flint after all this. When you were the one who knew before we all did that it was worth it in the end.”

Max crossed her arms and leaned back against the workstation, taking in Silver’s haggard face, bloodshot and shadowed eyes. “More than just a drink then hm?”

“Oh I’m sorry if it was Ellie would you have done better?”

It was cruel and he knew it. His sister’s eyes hardened for a moment as she considered him.

“Yes. Because I did the work you haven’t.”

Silver sighed and turned his gaze to the window.

“I don’t owe you an explanation,” she said after a moment, “You abandoned us. You had the opportunity to stay and have a real chance at something better and you walked away, so what I choose to do in my business ventures is none of your concern, Silver. You gave up that right.”

“Then why ask me here?”

“You abandoning us does not mean we have chosen to abandon you.”

It took effort not to look up as she crossed the room, coming to sit on the love seat next to him.

“Even if you’d rather we did,” She added.

“That- that’s not-” He sighed, turning to her and shaking his head. “I don’t wish that, you know I don’t.”

Max smiled at him and reached up to tuck a few stray curls behind his ear. She said nothing, just let his empty lie hang lifeless in the space between them for a moment, before asking about his flight in from Istanbul.

He had never been able to lie to her, and she had never been able to lie to him, not in any way that had mattered. Little white lies and surprise parties were possible, sure, but when it mattered? Eventually it would unravel, the fibers fraying and thinning as they tried to spin them, faster and faster until they were left empty handed and shamefaced. The only lie that stood was, in a sense, a shared truth- that neither of them had existed before their meeting, that their lives had begun the moment they had met in the back room of a dusty and dirty whore house in some city they pretended to forget the name of. Before that there had been nothing. That was the only lie they would permit.

And maybe it was better that way. Maybe it was better that Max knew Silver was lying when he said he didn’t want to be forgotten, abandoned to his self made misery while she and her lovers built new beautiful lives for themselves in castles on clouds. Because otherwise he’d have to admit it out loud, admit that he wanted to play the martyr and be left to the consequences of his mistakes.

That he didn’t think he deserved a second chance.

Some people didn’t deserve to be saved, right? Didn’t deserve to prove themselves bettered? Maybe, just maybe, he was one of them and the best thing he could do was let that be the case. Especially if it meant he didn’t have to acknowledge that he had in fact made the mistakes in the first place.

But he’d never win that argument with Max, not if she had it in her head that, for whatever reason, he was meant to be a part of their bizarre new lives.

Did he resent her, and the others, a little, for said beautiful new life? Despite it being everything they had bled for all those years? Yes.

Did it make sense? No not even remotely.

He found himself chewing over the thought all afternoon as they had an early lunch, the other Rangers joining them in the dining room. Rackham tried to be a gentleman and offer Silver his one punch to the stomach over drinks-gone-ary, but Silver refused him with a tired laugh.

“Let’s keep a running tally for now,” he said, letting Rackham pull him into a hug. “I’m sure you’ll earn another soon enough. Besides, I think both of us have had our nerves shaken enough over the last twenty four hours-”

Rackham laughed and kissed his cheek as he let him go. “Haven’t we just. There is nothing quite as terrifying as that man stalking you across a room. I thought I’d forgotten that fear but no, no, it has been thoroughly reintroduced to my nightmares after yesterday.”

It had never left Silver’s dreams, the way it felt to have Flint watch him from across the room, move with him, appear suddenly at his side like a phantom.

“You try bein’ in a fuckin kitchen wit’m,” Vane said over his shoulder, his rumbling voice raised slightly to be heard over the rhythmic thud of the knife against the cutting board. “One moment you’re alone gettin’ mise set no body but christ to talk to n’the next he’s there raining hellfire down. If he didn’t announce himself he’d get gutted for scaring a man.”

Rackham sat at the breakfast bar so he could watch Vane cook, “That’s a trait you share darling.”

“Doesn’t mean I gotta like it on him now do I?” Vane asked, feeding Rackham a slice of radish with salted butter.

Silver fought the urge to roll his eyes. They’d become bizarrely domestic and exhausting in their retirement, Rackham smitten in his expensive lounge wear and Vane wearing an apron with his name embroidered on it, putting the finishing touches on a cheese board and salad while the spanakopita finished baking.

It would have been gross, in the way it was for you to see your best friend mack on their new beaus. That is, if Silver wasn’t ultimately struggling with the concept of Vane as a kept house husband who fixed lunch for his roommates and only had a job to keep him out of trouble and wore, of all things, embroidered aprons.

Silver could distinctly remember the day he learned that Vane had removed another man’s head for pissing him off, after all. He had seen the aftermath alongside Max, her ex and the rest of the Guthrie smugglers. It wasn’t something you easily forgot.

Rackham had done the truly impossible. He’d take the wild thing and domesticated it, just enough to fool to world into thinking it had always been so. Silver made a note to never question his capacity for sex, romance, or sheer power of will ever again.

If nothing else, the embroidered apron was going to take a lot of getting used to.

He said as much later that afternoon, relishing the loud burst of laughter that rang out in reply.

“If Jackie hadn’a spent two days makin’ the damn thing-” Vane shook his head, his long hair tossing as he did. “Shoo ain’t catchin me wearin’ another that’s for damn sure. Jackie made it, understand?”

Another park, this time across the bridge, with a stunning view of the river, the sparkling glass and metal skyline of Gotham across the way. Silver had followed Vane to Brooklyn once lunch had finished, Max and Rackham off to a busy afternoon of fittings and model interviews for the summer look book, Anne joining them as she often did. So Vane had found Silver a spare helmet and pulled his vintage Harley out of the private garage, slipping the valet a few bills on their way out of the back entrance in a way that felt very routine, and they made their way to Brooklyn, slicing through traffic.

Silver watched the various pedestrians pass them by, the two of them seated comfortably on an ornate promenade bench, Vane’s bike parked a few feet away on the curb. “Still, considering you used to pitch such a fit about things like that? I distinctly remember you giving Flint so much shit whenever he told you to wear a shirt. Or say please.”

Vane snorted, all sharp teeth as he smiled in amusement. “Mmm but it is fun fuckin with that old queen innit? He cared far too much about respectability when it didn’t right matter n’he knew it, but it made him feel better to scold about it anyhow. Sense of control when it was all falling apart.” He shrugged. “Just cause Jackie get’s me playing nice doesn’t mean I believe it. Just means I believe it enough for his sake, you know? Makes him happy, makes him smile, so I believe in it enough to bring bout that result and keep one foot toeing the line should Jackie forget they don’t play fair. Means, end.”

There was that all encompassing “They” again, alongside a shadow that Silver thought he recognized, of the man who’d burned off his own finger prints at 13, who never quite understood Flint’s need for decorum, but seemed perfectly at home with Silver’s deeply rooted fear of commitment.

“And the means of working for Flint?” he asked when Vane didn’t continue.

“Mmm.”

There was a pause then, as Vane watched the clouds slowly roll in over head. A small, ghost of a smile played on his lips, as if he’d remembered some little joke that Silver wasn’t party to.

“Why I get the feeling you been asking this question all day?” he asked in turn, rolling his head over to look at Silver. “It’s eatin’ you up real bad innit, us tolerating each other again?”

Silver looked away with a sigh. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“Shoo, does anything about any of this? Johnny we stole the world out from under those fuckers and what’d I get in turn?”

On the expressway below the promenade, a truck’s exhaust backfired. Smoke, the smell of burning oil filled the air for a moment as the clouds continued to shift over head, memories taking shape in the altered light as Vane continued.

He hadn’t been there, the day Charles Vane had died. It hadn’t been long after he’d lost his leg and despite a clean amputation and proper antibiotics, his lack of rest had lead to an infection. Silver had been laid up in a safe house for three weeks, during which Vane had been captured on a raid.

“A noose,” Vane continued, “A coffin. If it had gone any different, if a fucker had been a smidge less upset that  afternoon-” he laughed again, a darker, older sound and dropped his head back to look up at the clouds. Silver could see clearly the scar the rope had left, resting where his adams apple should have been, faded slightly with the years but haunting them all the same.

In the small courtyard of Rogers’ largest factory town to fall, Charles Vane had been strung up like the animal the world had thought him to be. Silver had learned later that some small speech had been made, the warden being kind enough, or stupid enough, to give Vane parting words. Whatever was said had been the last bit of fuel for the fire. In the riot that followed, his body went missing.

Silver had never been brave enough to ask him how, whether it had been sheer dumb luck or all part of a grander plan. Something told him that Vane would just level him with that tired, oddly wise look, and just smile, before changing the subject entirely.

“You and Flint tried to kill each other. More than once,” Silver reminded him, trying to change the subject. “Couldn’t agree on anything-”

“Who says that’s changed?” Vane shrugged, getting to his feet and stretching his arms high above his head, cut sleeves of his work tshirt riding up to show the faint edge of old scars long the underside of his pecs. “Said it before, Say it again- ain’t no body making that queen into a trophy but me.”

“Yeah but-”

“’Sides, something healthy bout that if you askin me. We different men, sure, he may be soft, but only I know just how so. Certain kinda intimacy you only get with a man you decide to be the end of, one way or another. Wouldn’ you agree?” Vane’s smile was teasing as he pulled out a cigar from his bag and fished around for his lighter. Silver pulled out his and waved for him to lean in.

Vane did so and held still, lips pulling at the cigar while Sliver lit it, smoke curling around his tanned face. “Thats a kind of love ain’t nothin’ gonna replace. Not comfort, not peace, not gold. Not even sex.”

Their eyes met as Vane pulled back, Silver feeling pinned under a gaze not for the first time that day. It was all he could do to stare back at the gray eyes that shifted behind cigar smoke.

“You used to want comfort, now I think bout it,” he continued, “easy comfort even. Mmm. Now you lookin more like me every day, Johnny. It’s a lean look on you. Pity we never wanted to be the end of each other. Otherwise, I think we’ a been interestin, you and me. Guess I gotta leave that to the old queen.”

Vane patted Silver’s cheek when he didn’t reply and moved around the bench towards his bike. It was time to head to the bar and for Silver to disappear back to Manhattan. That was the safest thing to do.

“Vane.”

“Mm.”

“You’d tell me if he wasn’t retired.”

Vane straddled the bike and puffed at the cigar for a moment. Silver didn’t look back at him.

“If he was out of retirement, I’d be out of retirement. Game’s not fun without that fucker in it.”

That might have been the truest statement he’d heard in the last 24 hours. Silver sighed and nodded, letting his head hang and his body sag into the bench a bit. He listened as Vane kickstarted the old bike, the engine revving to life.

“Make sure ya get home before the sky opens. Don’ want them findin’ ya in the gutter-” came Vane’s shouted goodbye before the roar of the bike echoed away down the street and Silver was again left with the settled ambient sounds of the promenade and the dark clouds building overhead.

*

The patriarch of the Walrus sat in the alley when Vane’s bike pulled up, where he could almost always be found before the happy hour rush began, his heavy form settled comfortably into the old bar chair they kept propped up against the wall. Hal Gates looked up with an unimpressed look, tired eyes peering over the reading glasses that sat on the tip of his nose to read the now forgotten copy of the week’s Brooklyn Daily Eagle that sat on his knee.  

“Bout fuckin’ time you got here,” he said flatly as he watched Vane park his bike with a laugh.

“Shoo I got five minutes n change, can’t fault me for that-” Vane paused to pull out his lighter, which had been in his front picket the whole time, and relight the cigar.

“You know damn well that’s not what I’m talking about you shit. You want to tell me whats got him in a fit this time?”

“Why should I know, boss?” Vane flashed him a sharp smile and climbed off the bike, grabbing his bag from the saddle box.

Gates sighed and pushed himself to his feet, tucking the newspaper under his arm. Vane had a couple inches on him sure, the cocksure attitude that drove some people to the edge, but Gates didn’t need to posture when he closed the space between them. Two steps across the alley and he hummed in tired amusement as Vane watched him expectantly.  

“Because,” Gates said simply, reaching up to take the cigar out of Vane’s mouth, “He’s looking for you.”

With a sharp smile of his own, Gates helped himself to the cigar and returned to his chair. Before Vane could make his no doubt clever remark, or at least follow up on the cigar stealing, the back door to the kitchen flew open.

“Ah, there he is, on cue-” Gates murmured, puffing at the cigar and going back to his paper.

“Now wait a goddamn-” Vane tried to say, as Flint came out of the open door like a wolf from a cage, grabbing him by the front of his shirt. The momentum of his movement had them stumbling backwards, Vane pushing back against him, the two of them half wrestling on their feet.

“Where the fuck is he?” Flint snarled. “Where- So help me Vane I will break your fucking jaw where is he-”

“Fuck is that gonna do- break my jaw ya cunt how is that gonna-”

“I know you’re a part of this Rackham can’t keep shit to himself-”

“Hey what’d I say about ya goin’ for Jackie-”

“Jackie can go to hell unless you tell me where the fuck he is!”

Flint managed to get his ankle around Vane’s, getting him off balance enough to shove him back against the alley wall. He kept one hand in Vane’s shirt while the other closed around Vane’s throat, threatening but not so tight that he couldn’t get the words out.

“Tell me,” he repeated.

“Get fucked.”

“I will make you talk so fucking help me Vane-”

Vane smiled, all top teeth, and pressed into the hand at his throat. “How ya gonna do that hm?”

Flint didn’t move forward, the way Vane’s goading invited him to. He could feel the slightest pressure of Vane’s hand against his stomach, it acted as a warning. Sure enough when he glanced down, Vane’s trusty old butterfly knife was resting against his shirt, the same empty threat as Flint’s hand around his throat. Vane held his gaze with a lazy, hungry smile that called Flint’s bluff with the satisfied smugness of a card shark. Flint hated him in moments like that, hated him deeply. It would have been so easy to tighten his hand and squeeze, but only if it were anyone else. Vane knew just how to make good use of that butterfly knife.

“If you two are quite finished stroking each other off,” Gates said after a moment, “I have a bar to run and happy hour starts in twenty minutes.”

It took a moment, but with a snarl and a huff, Flint shoved Vane against the wall and stormed back inside without another word, leaving Gates puffing at his cigar and watching Vane toy with his butterfly knife.

“So you want me on bar or-” Vane asked.

“Oh no, he will be on bar. He needs to be on a tight leash tonight and I will be holding it, thank you. You keep your head down and behave yourself on the line please or I’m calling Jackie.” Gates folded his paper and stood again, pushing his reading glasses onto his head and gently stubbing out the cigar to save the rest for later. “Do I even want to know what this is all about?”

“Silver’s back in town.”

Gates blinked, then sighed with a decade’s worth of resignation. “My personal twink from hell. Fantastic.”

He stopped Vane just inside the kitchen. “Don’t tell the boys. Not yet, not with Flint so keyed up about it and all. We don’t need it to be a bigger mess that it clearly already is.”

“Shoo, alrigh’ boss.”

“Go on with you then. I’ve got a hell-hound to keep in line tonight.”

Vane’s laughter followed him through the kitchen. Said hell-hound was braced against the darkest corner of the bar, staring into a glass of dark rum.

“Are we talking about this?” Gates asked.

Flint glared at him from the corner of his eye and knocked back the rum. He poured himself another drink and put the bottle away.

“Alright then. You’re on bar with me and Muldoon-” Gates held up a hand as Flint made to argue. “No. I don’t care. This is how it is, am I clear?”

The alternative was, as it was for every member of staff (Gates included) going home for the evening. If Flint went home he’d spend the night driving himself insane or worse, wandering the city, tapping into contacts and allies, trying to eliminate all place where Silver couldn’t be. If he was at their bar he could at least stay tethered to something that felt like reality, at least for now.

“We can talk it over after close tonight,” Gates added softly, resting a hand on Flint’s back, “Figure out a plan if you like. But you know you can’t be in the kitchen with your head in the past.”

After a pause and a slow deep breath, a bit of tension eased out of Flint’s shoulders.

“Fine.”

Gates rubbed his back for a moment. He grabbed the rum bottle again and topped off Flint’s drink, before pouring himself a matching glass. The bar was mostly empty, one high top occupied by someone with a beer and a book, a booth hosting a late lunch date, one regular nursing his aviation at the end of the bar. They could take a moment just the two of them.

“We’ll figure it out, Jamie,” Gates told him, knocking the glasses together. Flint nodded weakly and said nothing, taking up his glass, tapping it gently against the bar top, and downing it with ease.

Across the street, watching the foot traffic and cars pass the brick street front of the Walrus with its custom neon sign and myriad pride flags catching the growing winds, sat a busker. He was a familiar sight on the block, playing his bass guitar under the scaffolded walkway to whatever audience would stop to listen. As the sky opened up and people hid under the scaffolding, his audience grew for a time.

Amongst them, a young man with a camera who was as interested in the bar across the way as he was in the busker’s performance. Silver had to admit he was grateful for the cover, between it and the storm, not a soul from The Walrus, patron or crew, noticed him.

Yes it was risky, even with one of his casual get ups on (you’d be surprised how often people ignored trucker caps and hoodies), and no it wasn’t like he thought Vane or the others were lying.

He just needed to see it for himself, needed to see Flint’s retirement happily ever after with his own eyes for it to seem real. Or so he had thought.

Seeing it in that moment, seeing Flint slip out front for a moment and stand under the awning to have a smoke, his attention fixed wholly on the storm clouds overhead-

It didn’t help. It just sent him running back to Manhattan with his metaphorical tail between his legs.

[themaresse]

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A marble clutch bag adds a touch of sophistication and modernity, making it ideal for those who want to stand out while still maintaining a sense of elegance. Whether you’re attending a high-profile event or a night out on the town, this distinctive style is guaranteed to turn heads. The neutral tones of the marble pattern ensure that it can be paired with virtually any outfit, adding both drama and sophistication without clashing with your overall look.

Themaresse: Where Style Meets Quality

Themaresse is known for its commitment to high-quality materials and detailed craftsmanship. Their clutch bags are designed with both style and durability in mind, ensuring that each bag not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of a white clutch bag or the striking beauty of a marble clutch bag, Themaresse delivers luxury accessories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Each bag is carefully crafted to provide the perfect balance of form and function. With practical compartments and sturdy closures, these bags are as functional as they are fashionable, allowing you to carry your essentials in style.

How to Style Your Clutch Bag

Styling a clutch bag can be just as important as selecting the right one. For a white clutch bag, pair it with bold, contrasting colors to create a chic and modern look. For example, wear it with a sleek black dress or a pastel-colored outfit to make a subtle statement.

On the other hand, a marble clutch bag works wonderfully with neutral tones or metallics. It’s also perfect for adding a touch of luxury to a monochrome outfit. Pair it with gold or silver jewelry to complete the look, ensuring that your accessories blend harmoniously.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a versatile white clutch bag or a distinctive marble clutch bag, Themaresse has something that will suit your taste and elevate your outfit to new heights. With their attention to detail, superior quality, and timeless designs, Themaresse's collection is the perfect way to add a little extra sparkle to your wardrobe. Shop now and discover your next must-have accessory — because every great outfit deserves the perfect clutch bag!

[starseedfxofficial]

Crude Futures, Hurricane Rafael, and Gold's Drama: How to Profit Amid Chaos Crude Futures and Hurricane Rafael: The Secret Dance of Oil, the Dollar, and Gulf Storms Remember the last time a hurricane blew through and you shrugged it off as just another weather story? Well, think again. This time, Hurricane Rafael has waltzed right into the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, shutting down 17.4% of oil production and 7% of natural gas output, and traders everywhere are jittering like leaves in the storm winds. We're not just talking about the crude futures inching up; it's more like Rafael playing puppet master—pulling the strings of oil prices and swinging them just enough to catch everyone's attention. Here's the deep dive into what's happening and why you should care, even if your trading exposure is far from anything "crude." The Devil in the Details: Why Dollar Strength Isn't Always a Good Thing Traders who were hoping for an easy ride are in for a reality check. The strong dollar isn’t just about winning against other currencies; it comes with a price—a price that can really mess with your commodities. With Rafael raging in the background, we’re seeing a slightly larger-than-expected crude inventory build. Nothing spells out "we’re in for a weird trading week" quite like a paradox of high inventories in a storm-stricken market. So why does this matter? It's all about the buck—and it’s more complicated than winning at Monopoly. A strengthening dollar makes crude oil more expensive for overseas buyers, and with this storm in play, the natural balance becomes anything but...well, natural. It’s like trying to carry a cocktail tray on a rocking boat—you’re going to spill, and probably in some unexpected directions. Gold Under Trump's Shadow (Again): Who Could Have Seen This Coming? And here’s a wildcard for the table—gold’s down too, and you can blame the Trump victory for that. Before you say "not again," it's the old story of rising yields underpinning the dollar, pushing spot gold to sulk below the USD 2,700 per ounce level. Remember, in the dance between yields and gold, yields are like the lead dancer who doesn't want to share the spotlight. Spot gold languishing at this level is the equivalent of a trader’s nightmare where safe havens become not-so-safe—gold is acting more like a drama queen without a stage right now. Here’s where the insight kicks in: just because spot gold is down doesn't mean it’s out of opportunities. A strong dollar might make gold shy, but historically speaking, every time gold has "languished" after an election, it’s come back with a fury. Think of it as the Rocky Balboa of commodities—down, but not defeated. So, if you’re one of those traders with a nose for opportunity, you might want to keep an eye on this golden underdog. Copper's Mild Recovery: A Reprieve or a Dead Cat Bounce? Ah, copper. Often overlooked in favor of flashier metals like gold or crude—but let’s give copper its day in the sun, shall we? It managed to partially nurse its losses today after yesterday’s dramatic slide. But before you get too excited, let’s be real: this could just as easily be a classic dead cat bounce as it could be a meaningful retracement. Here’s the hidden gem only experts might appreciate: copper’s movements often give you clues about the pulse of industrial demand and macroeconomic jitters. Sure, Rafael isn’t blowing copper off course directly, but the storm’s impact on broader sentiment, production expectations, and supply chains has a funny way of rippling through the metals market. Hidden Opportunities in Volatility: How to Profit When the Market Loses Its Balance The beauty of a market that’s lost its footing is the number of strategic advantages it presents—if you know where to look. Rafael’s impact, the dollar’s movements, and even Trump-driven yields mean volatility is in the air, and volatility is a trader’s best friend, provided you’re armed with the right strategy. What’s the right strategy, you ask? Here’s a ninja tactic to take to heart: When everyone else is running scared from the strong dollar, the idea is not to run with them—instead, hedge. Options can be your "get out of jail free" card here, allowing you to capture gains on the inevitable overreactions the market tends to serve up in such conditions. Call options on oil, considering the current output disruptions, might be one way to capitalize on short-term volatility without needing to lay your whole wallet on the line. The Secret Patterns of Crisis Trading: Why Rafael Might Have Just Given You the Key There's a saying that traders love storms—both figuratively and literally. Hurricane Rafael might just have shaken things up enough to reveal some hidden trading gems. Markets hate uncertainty, but you don't have to. One secret here? Take the cue from Rafael’s storm path. Notice how the impacts moved from Cuba to the Gulf of Mexico—meaning disruptions can spread like a ripple. The secret strategy some expert traders use is following the ripple—noticing how supply chain disruptions in energy markets (due to weather) may spill over into industrial metals or even safe havens like gold. If you’re savvy, you’re not just reacting to Rafael—you’re seeing where Rafael’s impact might be overblown. This kind of "ripple-following" is what sets the pros apart. It means keeping an eye not only on the primary assets affected but looking into second-tier impacts—like infrastructure demand in the wake of hurricanes. Here’s where copper comes back into play. Depending on recovery and rebuilding, copper demand could see a spike, offering traders a surprise window of opportunity to ride the post-storm recovery momentum. Wrapping It All Up: Takeaways, Ninja Moves, and Trade Setups So where does this leave us? Well, if you’re looking for a crystal-clear conclusion, you might be in the wrong business. Trading, especially in times of chaos, is less about certainty and more about using the tools at your disposal to handle uncertainty. Hurricane Rafael’s impact on oil production, the dollar’s strength, and the knock-on effects in the gold and copper markets mean we’re in for one wild trading ride. The wise traders are the ones who take Rafael not as a mere weather event but as a roadmap for market disruption—and opportunity. If you play your cards right, hedging against storm-induced volatility could be your ace in the hole. Remember, while the big players panic, your job is to look for the seams, the opportunities where conventional wisdom breaks down. The big secret here? Crises like Hurricane Rafael don’t just disrupt—they create moments of opportunity that only those willing to look past the headlines can truly seize. Looking for more ways to stay ahead in the Forex market? Check out these resources: - Latest Economic Indicators and Forex News: Stay informed on market movements and groundbreaking concepts with exclusive, real-time updates at StarseedFX Forex News Today. - Forex Education: Expand your knowledge with in-depth resources, advanced methodologies, and little-known strategies at StarseedFX Forex Education. - Community Membership: Join the StarseedFX community for expert analysis, daily alerts, live trading insights, insider tips, and elite tactics by visiting StarseedFX Community. - Free Trading Plan: Set goals, manage risks, and track progress with our detailed trading plan. Discover rare strategic advantages at StarseedFX Free Trading Plan. - Free Trading Journal: Enhance performance and refine strategies with real metrics using advanced methods for progress tracking at StarseedFX Free Trading Journal. - Smart Trading Tool: Optimize your trading with automated lot size calculations, insights, and order management at StarseedFX Smart Trading Tool. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[livingwellza]

https://livingwellza.com.au/product/rock-plate-marble-top-coffee-table/ Sintered stone Slate Top & wrought iron metal base Round High or Tall Arlo Coffee Table. Black & White, Gold & White contemporary couch sofa table. Modern simple tea table. Single or 2 pieces set of high cocktail table.

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[millennialseo]

Unlocking Your Dream Day: Theme Wedding Ideas for a Glamorous Celebration

Weddings are more than just ceremonies; they represent the essence of the couple’s personality and dreams. For those captivated by elegance and splendor, glamorous wedding theme ideas can transform a simple celebration into a grand spectacle. This post delves into Theme Wedding Ideas that not only spell luxury but are imbued with charm and grace, making your special day unforgettable.

The Enchantment of a Glamorous Wedding

At the heart of every glamorous wedding is the allure of sophistication. When you think about a glamorous wedding theme, imagine venues that speak volumes, such as grand halls or picturesque castles. The decor is generally dominated by opulent colors like gold, silver, and creamy pastels, which reflect a regal ambiance. Crystal chandeliers, elegant floral arrangements, and subtle lighting can enhance the mood, setting a lavish backdrop that promises luxury at every glance.

Choosing the Perfect Theme Wedding Ideas

Selecting among theme ideas for wedding requires considering your personal story. Do you imagine your wedding at a beach at sunset, or does a ballroom under starry skies sound more appealing? For a glamorous theme, you might consider a "Great Gatsby" style gala, complete with jazz music, flapper dresses, and art deco invitations that whisk your guests back to the roaring twenties.

Another enchanting option is a "Royal Ball" theme, where guests can enjoy an evening of sophistication and regality. Here, everything from the table settings to the guest attire would mirror the exclusivity of a royal affair, complete with a palace-like venue adorned with opulent decorations.

Integrating Glamorous Wedding Theme Ideas into Every Detail

Every element of your wedding should echo your chosen theme. Start with the invitations; opt for designs that incorporate metallic fonts and elements, suggestive of the glamour that awaits. Your dress code can also play a significant role in reinforcing the theme. Encourage guests to dress in black-tie attire, which naturally elevates the event's elegance.

Your menu selections are equally important. Consider a fine dining experience that includes multiple courses, each presented with exquisite culinary skill. Signature cocktails and vintage wines can be selected to complement the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Memorable Touches that Enhance Wedding Theme Ideas

Personal touches can make your wedding memorable. For a glamorous wedding theme, consider a live orchestra to serenade guests throughout the evening or a classic car rental for stylish arrivals and departures. Photo booths with vintage props or customized parting gifts, such as miniature champagne bottles with golden labels, can leave a lasting impression.

Utilizing Technology to Elevate Theme Ideas for Wedding

In the age of digital technology, incorporating innovative elements into your wedding can add a unique touch. For instance, digital mapping can be used to project fairy-tale images or starlit skies onto the venue walls, creating dynamic backdrops that change throughout the evening. Social media can also be leveraged to enhance the experience, using custom hashtags for guests to share photos and videos in real time.

Planning and Execution: Bringing Your Glamorous Wedding Theme to Life

Effective planning is crucial to realizing your glamorous wedding. Start by selecting the right venue that aligns with your theme and can accommodate your guest list comfortably. Hiring an experienced wedding planner can be invaluable in managing the intricate details that a glamorous theme demands. They can coordinate with vendors, manage timelines, and ensure that every element from decor to entertainment is perfectly aligned with your vision.

As you finalize your plans, remember to incorporate feedback from your partner and close family or friends. Their insights can help refine the details and ensure the event celebrates your shared vision of elegance and joy.

Theme Wedding Ideas: A Gateway to Your Dream Wedding

Choosing Theme Wedding Ideas that resonate with your vision of glamour and elegance can set the tone for a truly magnificent wedding day. Whether it’s through luxurious decor, sophisticated attire, or enchanting entertainment, each element should contribute to an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical. Remember, the key to a successful themed wedding lies in the details—each one should echo your theme, ensuring that your special day is as unique and unforgettable as your love story.

Embarking on this journey with a clear vision and meticulous planning will ensure that your glamorous theme wedding not only meets but exceeds your expectations, leaving you and your guests with memories that will last a lifetime.

[thebingetown]

Turning 21 in Style: Birthday Decoration Ideas for a Memorable Celebration

Turning 21 is a significant milestone, and celebrating it in style creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether surrounded by family or friends, the energy of a 21st birthday is contagious, and the right decorations can turn any party into an extraordinary event. From elegant themes to bold bursts of color, your decor sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

Why the 21st Birthday is Special

Unlike other birthdays, turning 21 holds a unique significance. It represents the final transition into adulthood, marked by the freedom to make independent decisions and explore new opportunities. What sets the 21st birthday apart is the blend of youthful excitement with the responsibility of growing up. In many places, it’s the legal drinking age, which adds a sense of freedom and excitement, making it a birthday that many want to celebrate in a big, memorable way.

Key Considerations for Planning a 21st Birthday Party

Of course, the food and drinks play a major role. Depending on the setting, you can plan a formal dinner or a casual buffet, making sure to cater to the tastes of both the birthday person and the guests. Entertainment, like a DJ, live music, or party games, keeps the energy high throughout the night. Decorations are also vital — they should complement the theme and enhance the ambiance, from balloons and banners to centerpieces and lighting.

Must-Have Decorations for a 21st Birthday Party

To make a 21st birthday celebration truly memorable, consider some essential decoration ideas. Stylish balloons in metallic hues like gold, silver, or rose gold are always a hit. Balloon garlands or personalized banners featuring the birthday person’s name or age can add a unique touch. For dining areas, elegant centerpieces with flowers, candles, or themed ornaments elevate the décor. A creative photo backdrop and quirky photo booth props also encourage guests to capture the moment. To make it extra special, set up a chic dessert table or a cocktail bar where guests can enjoy signature drinks or delicious sweets.

Themes to Elevate a 21st Birthday Party

Choosing a theme is a great way to elevate any 21st birthday celebration. A Bollywood Bling theme, for example, brings vibrant colors and glamour inspired by Indian cinema. Think gold, pink, and orange hues with lavish drapery and traditional Indian decor like marigold garlands and lanterns. Another stylish option is a cocktail party, with a classy bar setup, elegant lighting, and a sophisticated lounge area for guests to mingle and enjoy drinks.

Personal Touches for “Her” or “His” 21st Birthday

To make the celebration even more meaningful, tailor the decorations to suit the birthday person’s personality. For her 21st birthday, incorporate stylish and feminine touches like pastel balloons, floral centerpieces, and a sequin backdrop for glamorous photos. A Barbie-themed party, for example, could add a playful yet sophisticated vibe. For him, consider decorations that reflect his hobbies or interests. A sports-themed bash, for instance, could include game-related decor and entertainment like gaming stations or outdoor activities.

When planning for either, always include elements that reflect who they are. This could be as simple as a customized photo wall or thoughtful party favors that remind everyone of the special occasion.

Additional Themes and Ideas

Conclusion

A 21st birthday is more than just another year — it’s a defining moment that deserves a celebration to match. With thoughtful planning and creative decorations, you can create an unforgettable experience that reflects the joy and excitement of stepping into adulthood. From elegant cocktail parties to bold themed celebrations, the possibilities are endless for making this milestone celebration one for the books.