#got the pink on the interior of the vanity done

[bitchfitch]

My mother called me a bit ago to make sure I hadn't died falling off a later or slurped paint or whatever and when I told her everything I got done today she said "well im glad to know your ADHD medication finally came in" which, Rude but yeah, it arrived yesterday.

[my-own-walker]

Someone You've Never Seen Before

A Kyle Spencer Fan Fiction

frat!kyle AU, fem!main character, sexual themes, mature language, use of drugs and alcohol, frat boy antics

9.

I'd never thought of myself as pretty. In fact, I'd never really thought of myself at all. Sure, I took pride in what I wore, but that was just about where the vanity stopped. My looks were the least of my worries.

But I seemed to care so much more about them suddenly. It felt like my skin didn't sit right over my bones. I found myself staring in the mirror, scrutinizing every detail on my face. The pores, the size of my lips, the bags that seemed to crop up overnight under my eyes. It was new to me to feel this way. To feel, I guess, not pretty.

In the week after the party (and my overnight stay), I kept mostly to myself. Despite not wanting to show up to Calculus class, I knew I had to. I sat quietly next to Kyle and took notes diligently, not saying a word to him.

I couldn't shake this disgusting feeling of both guilt and anxiety when I was near him. It was, in short, a rough few days. I would wake up, scrutinize my appearance, try in vain to dress myself, go to class, feel awful, then go back home and lay in agonizing silence, trying to quiet my thoughts.

That was, until Wednesday night. My phone lit up and buzzed on my nightstand. I sat across the room at my desk, reading a book for one of my other classes when the noise distracted me. Determined to finish the chapter I was on before checking it, I put my head back down and re-focused. Until another text alert came through. And another.

"Damn, chill," I spoke, thinking aloud. I strode across the room and stooped down to look at the screen, my stomach dropping when I saw who was multi-texting me.

Kyle: Hey Hannah.

Kyle: Just reminding you. Meeting tomorrow at mine.

Kyle: See you soon!

"Aw fuck," I groaned. I flopped, face-first onto my bed, which was thankfully right next to where my phone lay. "Motherfucker," I mumbled into the fabric of my duvet. For one, I didn't want to see Kyle in an intimate setting, such as his room, ever again. I also did not want to return to the KLG house, fearing that someone had seen me fleeing on Saturday morning.

Our weekly meeting for our Calculus project snuck up on me. While I would have much preferred for us to meet at my place, I knew that wouldn't do.

The inside of my shared apartment with Lily was pretty strangely decorated. Lily and I were lovers of all things fun and odd, and our interior design choices reflected it. Our couch was royal purple, and decorated with several random throw pillows and stuffed animals. We placed billiard balls in a decorative bowl on the cowboy-themed coffee table we found at an estate sale.

I refused to use overhead lighting, which drove Lily crazy. She yielded to me, though, a person who commonly got migraines, so everything was lit a warm yellow and striking pink, thanks to the miscellaneous strings of light I hung everywhere.

It was a small place, but it did the trick for the two of us. It wasn't great for entertaining, and the way we decorated it didn't help. It overwhelmed the space. We understood that. 

Because of how small the place was, there would be no way to avoid Lily, who simply couldn't help but either flirt or mess with any frat guy in her sight. She also couldn't help but bust my balls, so if her flirting went nowhere, she would accuse Kyle of being my boyfriend and insist upon making him super uncomfortable. With Lily set on bugging us, we'd never get anything done. 

My room was not exactly an option either. It sat right across from Lily's bedroom. It was small, dark, and plastered with posters. I had no issue keeping it clean enough, but it wasn't suited for people to hang out in there, let alone a frat boy. I assumed he probably wouldn't enjoy members of The Smiths or The Rolling Stones staring at him from the walls.

I digress, Kyle's place was the only option. And at that moment, it felt like an impossible mountain to climb, an incredible obstacle to overcome. 

+

The time came, much before I would have liked for it to, to head over to meet Kyle. Except, I stood in my room, surrounded by discarded outfits on the floor, staring at myself in the mirror, frustrated. Why was it that I couldn't seem to piece together the right articles of clothing? No matter what I put on, I managed to see something I didn't like about myself.

With little-to-no time left to pick, I settled on a tee with a black skirt and knee-high socks. I felt like shit, but I needed to jet if I was going to make it on time. 

The walk there was quick and painless. I arrived at exactly 7 pm, our agreed time. Kyle stood waiting for me on the stoop again, knowing I'd need ushering through the house.

"Hey Hannah," he called to me as I walked up the drive.

"Hi," I said, simply. I met him on the porch, waiting for him to lead the way. He opened the door and led me through the house, heading straight for the stairs and to his room. In the upstairs hallway, this time, though, stood Archie Brenner, the other KLG guy in mine and Kyle's Calc class. He paused and looked at me with an unreadable expression. I cast my eyes down and continued on.

"Hey," Archie called after us. We both spun to face him, surprised. "Are you seriously meeting for the project now? And this often?"

"Yes," Kyle replied lowly. "Strictly business."

"You two fuckin' try-hards," he laughed, shaking his head as he walked away. I sighed inwardly, having expected way worse.

We made it the rest of the way unscathed and settled in his room, I on the couch and he on the ground. The center of the room was a mess, the small area on the floor covered with books and papers. He sat in the center of it all, a spot he'd likely carved out for himself in the chaos.

"Sorry," he chuckled bashfully. "Lot of makeup work and current work."

"Did you miss a lot of school?" I asked, pulling my Calculus materials out of my bag. Kyle sighed and ran a hand through his curly blonde hair.

"I missed Friday and a couple of classes on Monday," he answered. "It all just piled up so fast." He laughed, scratching the back of his head while looking down at his mess.

"Do you need time to work on all of it? We can be quick so I can leave-"

"No, no," Kyle interrupted. "It's nice to have a break and actually speak with another human."

"Can I help?" I offered.

"I wish. I'll be okay," he smiled, setting a few books aside to make room for his Calculus materials. "I think we should decide what differentiation scenario we want to take on." He stuck his pen in his mouth and bit down, holding it in his teeth while flipping to the correct page in his notebook. My stomach twisted while watching him, almost as if I were homesick.

"Yeah, that makes sense."

+

"No, no, it is," Kyle argued, standing to join me on the couch. He flopped down next to me, scrolling through his phone frantically to prove his point.

"A number cannot possibly be lucky or unlucky," I protested, crossing my arms. "The stigma around the number 13 is ludicrous. And 7 isn't lucky either."

"Hannah," he spoke sternly, cocking his head to the side as he looked at me, lips tight. "You can't possibly be a non-believer. You look the part of a believer."

"I look the part?"

"Yeah with your, I guess, like weirdo style," he tried to clarify, looking back down at his phone.

"Weirdo?! Are you serious right now?" I cackled. 

"I meant, like, artsy, I don't know," he muttered, dismissing my feigned shock. "Here!" He held his phone out and showed me the door of a home, donning the number 66.

"Yes?"

"Like I said, 66 is my unlucky number," he explained, turning the phone back to himself. He stared at the image for a moment, lost in thought. I waited before interrupting his thought.

"Are you going to explain, or?" I tried, sarcastically.

"Uh, yeah," Kyle murmured, locking his phone. "That was my old house."

"Oh," I managed, sensing the shift in his tone. He put his phone down on the couch cushion next to him and looked back over at me, a strange look on his face.

"We lost it during Katrina. My dad had just cut out," he continued. "Nothing but bad things happened there."

"Gosh, I'm sorry Kyle," I whispered, not sure how to proceed.

"No, I brought it up, it's fine," he sniffed, rubbing his nose with the back of his hand. "Brought it upon myself, I guess." He laughed sardonically.

"Doesn't make it any less shitty," I replied.

"Yeah, the situation was just, bad," he uttered, staring off over my left shoulder. "My mom isn't exactly all there, either. She's not right. Hard to live with." He shifted to face me better, resting his elbow on the back of the sofa.

I wasn't sure what to say, so I just nodded.

"After we lost our house, things got bad between my mom and me," Kyle went on, further spelling out a detail I didn't know about him. "I never had it good with my parents, but that year was the worst. Since then it's gotten even more bad. So I'm here."

"What do you mean?"

"I live pretty close to school but I live here because I can't live with her," he relayed. "It's okay because it's all on my dime. I'll be an engineer and make my money and be able to avoid her forever."

"Well, you have a plan at least," I returned."That's something."

"I got involved here so I don't have to go back there," he said. Kyle inhaled sharply as if he had broken out of a trance and smiled. "I'm sorry, I should stop."

I sat forward, putting a hand on his knee. "No, I'm sorry," I laughed. "I'm not good at finding things to say."

"It was nice that you listened," he hummed, looking down at my hand on his leg. I removed it quickly and crossed my arms, looking at him, almost pleading for him to change the subject with my eyes. "Do you want to get coffee or something this weekend?"

It was not the subject change I expected. In fact, words wouldn't even claw their way up my throat or fight through my lips. They sat in stunned silence in my head, frozen in shock. I mustered a nod, agreeing.

"Sunday?"

"Yeah, that works," I blurted, silently kicking myself that only those three words could muster the courage to leave the safety of my mouth.

Previous Part | Next Part

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Peggy Bell of Interior Alchemy loves color and has changed her decor again. You’ve got to see her instagram to get a sense of the transitions her home has gone thru. Here, for example is her former purple hall w/a blue sideboard.

And, here’s the new India Gold hallway w/repainted purple sideboard. Jewel tones are now the theme.

Peggy says she’s really loving the new gold hall. It is a big change, isn’t it?

Her former living room was black with bursts of color.

And, here it is now, done in pink walls with jewel tones. Peggy says if she paints anymore walls pink, her husband’s tic may become permanent. 

The kitchen was black w/a white cabinet unit.

Now, the walls have been painted pink, and the white cabinet is black.

The former bathroom decor.

The new bathroom decor. I LOVE that sink vanity. It looks like the same wallpaper patterns, but in a different color. 

Bedroom before.

The bedroom remained the same, except for some things being moved around and everything being polished.

https://www.instagram.com/interior_alchemy/

[bubbashawn]

High School Musical

author: This is really not that great but I wanted to share a little something so here it is.

synopsis: Quarantine is upon you but you don’t know where to stay until a friend sets you up with Shawn Mendes himself.

warnings: it’s 1.9k of really bad writing. I’m sorry. Better news is I’m almost 3k into Fine Line part 1 and 800 into Vanity Fair part 2. Hope y’all have a little bit of a Shawn fill from this 😂 mention of anxiety and a corny pickup line.

“You know the university isn’t gonna be open for too much longer right?”

You love your best friend. Really, you do. But if Maddie mentioned the fact that you could be homeless soon, you might strangle her. The news was a constant reminder saying how colleges and schools across the world were being closed and everyone is expected to self quarantine.

You might be a bit dramatic in saying that you’d be homeless but after your mother kicked you out after you told her you’d be going to Toronto on a scholarship for literature and not her alma mater Cornell Law like she had planned, the idea of returning to your little boring hometown wasn’t an option.

“Tell me again why I can’t come stay with you?”

“You know I don’t have space plus my family can barely support itself much less another person.”

“I don’t need support financially, I just need shelter.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N,” she sighed at your crestfallen expression, “ask Brian?”

“He’s quarantining with his girlfriend in Los Angeles, they left a couple days ago.”

“He has hot friends, right?”

You started to ignore her as the ringing in your head increased. The headache of trying to find shelter caused so much stress and anxiety. You didn’t even notice the two of you were outside your room’s door until Maddie’s arms were wrapped around you. Whispering words of comfort.

“Give Brian a call,” she gave you a pointed look, “he grew up not far from here, so he probably has some half decent friend who’ll take you in.”

“I hate this.”

“I know, me too. I love you alright? Call Brian!”

She walked away offering one last squeeze on your shoulder before heading towards her room down the hall.

You groaned before opening the door in front of you. It’s not that you hate your roommates, it's just they can get loud and the pounding pain in your temple wasn’t going to ease off with all the noise. Grabbing your chunky knit blanket before smiling softly at the two girls partying in your room, you headed to the common room.

The space was awkwardly set up and left little room to stand when more than ten people were there but it was well past nine when you got there and no one seemed to be bothered to leave their rooms. You settled into the ugly green couch because it was by far the comfiest and pulled out your phone.

You hadn’t noticed how late it had really gotten until the soft glow of the sunset was gone and your face was illuminated by your phone screen.

Your phone ringer was going off with notifications. You ignored the texts from both Brian and Maddie to focus on the email quickly swiping your device open pausing the music immediately.

“Dear students and their families,” here it was, the from line reading University of Toronto, “We regret to inform you,” you could barely mumble the words much less read your eyes were watering too much. Everything was too blurry, “we regret to inform you that as of today March 13, 2020, all classes are canceled until further notice due to the virus…” your voice cut out while your eyes rescanned the email for key pieces you had missed. Canceled classes. Pack your things. Move out.

Everything was crashing and you huddled further into the armrest of the banged-up furniture you were sitting on.

“Fuck,” your phone was ringing again but you ignored whoever was calling you, too distracted by your breath closing in and the eerie question you couldn’t answer. What were you going to do?

You were freaked out, clutching your hand to your stomach trying to feel the rise and fall of your breath. Your eyes desperately opening and closing. What were you going to do?

“Shit,” your hand finding your phone when it started buzzing again and again, you threw it onto the ground, curling into yourself.

The panic had subsided barely when you realized your poor old phone was probably cracked if not broken from your frenzied tantrum. Your shaking hand grabbing it to assess the damage done.

“Fuck,” seeing multiple missed calls from friends, all aware of your situation, “fuck, fuck.”

You hesitantly answered when Brian tried you again.

“Y/N? You okay?”

“B-Brian? What am I, oh god, what am I going to do?”

“Hey, take a breath yeah?”

“Brian, I don’t have anywhere to go.”

“Yeah, that’s why I called,” he smiled softly when your breath started evening out, “I’ve got this friend who’ll probably go mad if he’s alone during quarantine. He gets in his head and stuff. He’s not some serial killer and is one of the nicest, genuine people I know. You might end up in Pickering, y’know where I grew up? But he’d be happy to let you stay.”

“I feel like I’d be imposing.”

“Don’t worry. He probably needs this more than you, believe me or not.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he chuckled when you sniffled, “I’ll give him a call, eh? Hold tight.”

Brian hung up.

-

To say you knew you’d end up outside an apartment building in downtown Toronto, you’d be lying. You had just slid out of the cab and found yourself enjoying the distant sight of the CN Tower praying that Brian’s friend had a decent view. More so that this friend wouldn’t kill you. As you moved closer to the doors, the glass showed a simplistic yet expensive interior and that was only the lobby.

The elevator had mirrors and the halls were so clean you’d probably be fine living in the hallway instead of the condo on the other side of the door you were staring at. Everything will be fine.

You knocked.

“Just a minute!” The shout was muffled from inside the room.

The door swung open not a moment later to reveal a young and astoundingly attractive male staring down at you. His curls were looped around his fingers when his hand brushed through his hair, a silver ring reflecting a flash of light. You took in his soft eyes, a scar on the apple of his cheek, his pillowy looking lips. In sweatpants and a knitted sweater he looked like pure heaven. You recognized him, of course you had, Shawn Mendes was not one to glance over even for an overworked student.

“Hi honey,” he looked down at you, “how did you get through? I thought the security was keeping out fans, it’s really not okay for you to be here.”

“Oh, um no. The security was very prompt so you shouldn’t run into any problems. And I’m not a fan, well I-I mean I am but that’s not why I’m here. Brian said you were expecting me? I have a keycard to your apartment which is how I got through the lobby. I didn’t want to just intrude by walking in though, I, um, I can come back later or call Brian for a different arrangement.”

“No,” he was smiling sheepishly, “no, sorry. You’re Y/N, right? Sorry I wasn’t thinking.”

You smiled and bit your nail shyly when he opened his door to let you into the spacious living room.

“I’m Shawn, by the way, and sorry for being an ass back there. We’ve had some run-ins with fans because of security issues the past few months so I was being cautious. Not that that’s an excuse or anything.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he was staring down at you, “really it’s okay. I should’ve had Brian let you know of my arrival or something. Honestly I didn’t know you were, well you…” you trailed off not knowing where that sentence was going.

Your eyes continued flitting back and forth between his enjoying the crinkles of smile lines you couldn’t see through a screen. You were so focused on the giant in front of you that your gaze almost missed the open floor to ceiling windows.

He definitely had a view.

You felt his eyes follow you when your figure shifted past him to stand closer to the sight of the city.

“Like the view?”

Your eyes snapped back onto him startled by his presence standing mere feet away. You smiled softly.

“It’s insane.”

“Yeah it’s the best view I’ve ever had. Especially right now.”

His eyes were on you but you let his stupid cliche and corny joke just giggling at his antics before turning back to his window.

-

It was in the early hours of the morning when Shawn started apologizing. Again.

“I’m so sorry. I feel so bad about earlier and you’re absolutely the sweetest person. I should’ve known and thought about the situation before jumping to conclusions. I swear my ego hasn’t gotten to my head that bad.”

“You need to stop apologizing,” he chuckled with you, “seriously it’s okay. And you’ve been nothing but kind to me since I’ve been here. I mean housewarming muffins? That’s the best. Plus I’m staying here with you so really I should be thanking you not listening to you say sorry.”

“It wasn’t okay for me to assume anything. Also brave of you to think the muffins were for you!”

“I’m enjoying them nonetheless,” he was smiling at you again, “stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“Smiling at me like that!”

“Like what?” He was chuckling again, “like what, Y/N?”

“Like that. You’re making me nervous.”

“Why?”

“Because you're way too kind and not hard to look at, I’m bound to be flustered by you.”

He just kept smiling down at you, his head tipping closer to your own. Jerk.

“I like making you blush.”

“You’re good at it. I barely know you and I’m probably in love with you.”

His head tilted back when he broke out in laughter exposing a perfect neck. He was literally perfect. The definition of perfection.

“You’re not,” his smile was full of mischief, “but I’ll get you to love me by the end of this.”

You leaned in your head enjoying how his breath hitched at your close proximity because he might affect you but you affected him just as much.

“Is that a bet?”

“Nope. A promise.”

He pressed his pillowy soft pink lips against the corner of your lips and enjoyed the taste of your coconut lip scrub that was now in his bathroom. He felt giddy.

“What will happen after quarantine?”

“You’ll move the rest of your stuff in, duh.”

He was being sassy.

“Mmhmm? And when will I meet the family?”

“I was thinking we could go there in a couple of days? I want to spend some time with them.”

“Wait really?”

“Yeah, I want to see them before we really hunker down. Is that okay with you?”

You smiled putting your arms around his neck the two of you far more comfortable in each other's presence than expected.

“Sounds good.”

“Ok,” he pressed his nose to yours lightly eyes gleaming in excitement, ecstatic at the idea of telling his family about the awesome girl in front of him “we’ll just stand six feet away.”

You both chuckled.

“Like we’re doing right now?”

“Baby, we’re in this together.”

“Yeah? Like High School Musical?”

“I’ll be your Troy.”

“You’re more of a Ricky.”

He gave you a look. Shawn’s ringlet curl flopping onto his forehead. Definitely a Ricky Bowen.

“I’m serious, we’re in this together.”

“I’m okay with that.”

And you were being truthful. You knew this situation was bringing you two closer much faster than normal but you hadn’t felt this safe in so long. Shawn was a stranger just hours ago but now he was already affecting your heart. You could see yourself falling in love with him by the end of all this. He might just keep his promise.

permanent taglist: @wholesomemendes @fallinallincurls @ashwarren32 @mendesficsxbombay @haute-shawn @turtoix @prncsnee @http-isabela

[birdycurtains]

What about Tony being an old school horror director who feels like he’s about to be upstaged by Peter, a new horror director - think Blumhouse - and Tony, never having met him, both hates and fears him, until he bumps into him at a movie theater and hit it off until Peter introduces himself -des

this inspired me beyond belief, i have no idea why. i don’t think this was the direction you intended, but once i started i couldn’t stop haha. - birdy

He Calls Him Anthony

wordcount: 2,357

Friday nights were sacred. They were nights centered around going to see old movies at the IFC, and there was never to be a schedule conflict. Because that was one of the three nights he was awarded for seeing his daughter a week. 

And he would die before he didn’t take Morgan to see a truly good movie every Friday night. 

This night was Sunset Boulevard, he did always enjoy a good Wilder film, as did Morgan. Her twelve year-old self had mastered the art of the Norma Desmond gaze.

But here was Peter Fucking Parker, waltzing out of a showing down the hall. 

Morgan blearily leant into her dad's side as he attempted to speedily walk out of Parker’s field of vision.

It wasn’t that he hated Peter Parker, well maybe he did just a little. 

He was once that fresh face on the scene, basking in the limelight, being the true face of modern horror. 

But now his takes weren’t exactly fresh, and what the younger audiences were looking for. They wanted a twisted gore, with just this side of odd comic relief, that Parker had perfected while Pepper was serving Tony divorce papers.

So maybe he was envious, maybe he was just tired of everytime he attended a premier, or so much as breathed in the direction of the media, he was hounded with questions of what exactly did he think about Peter Parker?

In the beginning, he didn’t care or think much. But as trailer after trailer was put out, the movies being produced at a rapid rate while maintaining or increasing their following, even Morgan was asking her father if they could rent this, or if they could go to the cinema to see that.

And maybe he caved once, and with a hoodie, and sunglasses, a hat. For good measure of course. He went and saw one. With Morgan, because she insisted, and who was he to deprive her. 

It was good. And he resented Peter Parker for the same craft he held a torch for.

So here was Peter Parker, coming out of Casablanca. And making a bee-line towards him. 

“Mr Stark! Mr. Stark! Mr. Stark?”

God damn it. 

Tony willed his body to face the younger man. Morgan follows in suit, her eyes widening in realization, and proceeding to prod her elbow directly into her father’s side.

“Mr. Parker, well, nice to see you.” 

Tony could play nice, put on his ‘customer service’ voice, and act chummy with Peter Parker.

Although, the in-person Parker didn’t exactly match what he imagined.

This one wore thread-bare jeans, and converse that had seen better days, three years ago. 

He didn’t match the one he had seen plastered over last month's vanity fair, the pictures that had circulated his time-line a little more than his liking. 

They ran in the same circles, it wasn’t like he was actively looking for him.

“Gosh, Mr. Stark, it’s an honor to meet you really. Please, call me Peter.”

He was like a chihuahua that took a five-hour-energy-shot. 

His handshake was firm, and he slipped his glasses back up his nose as he collected himself. 

“I’m sorry for bothering you, but I thought I had seen you here before, I come here all the time y’know, every time they have a Rocky Horror showing, I’ve got tickets.” 

It was easy to catch that he was a New York native, unlike Tony himself. His Queens drawl interweaving between vowels and catching on to his r’s. It was rather cute, and personable. 

Did he just- Tony called him cute. Christ.

“My daughter and I like the classics.” He put simply smoothing down Morgan’s unruly strands. 

“Yeah, me too. I’m usually knee deep in everything going on right now, that to just enjoy the good ol’ stuff-”

He gave a dramatic sigh of pleasure, Tony felt his ears turn red.

 “That’s everything man. You would know of course. God, of course you know-  I mean”

The younger man cut himself short as he realized he was gripping Tony’s shoulder, his face and neck flushing red.

“I’m sorry- I’m probably taking up your family time. But, we should totally get together. Like talk shop or whatever?”

Peter flashed him the brightest smile, he swore the dim hallway was a little brighter.

“Yeah.”

The man was gone with a friendly wave as he jogged back to a small group of people, probably his friends, towards the exit.

Tony looked down at the ground and focused on his hand that hung limply by his side. On it was a chicken scratch phone number. 

Peter had written down his phone number. On Tony’s hand. 

And he hadn’t even noticed.

~

A few days later, Tony decides to grow a pair. He types the number into his phone, makes an individual contact for a Mr. Peter Parker.

He never thought this day would come. And he’s not sure the exact connotation behind that thought.

Does he call? Does he text?

In all honesty it has been a minute since he attempted friendship, or even communication outside of his usual social circle. 

Things had never been like this when he and Rhodey had initially become friends. Even the rest of his band of misfits had just happened naturally, never really taking this much preamble communication.

He texts.

~

They decide to meet at a small cafe around the NYU campus. Peter had said the place was quiet and usually uncrowded, one of his favorites.

Going against his gut, he trusts Peter and agrees.

Now here he is, looking presentable for the public eye, it’s a Monday. He’s just dropped off Morgan at school, and here he is. At another school.

“Anthony!”

He winces just the slightest, and is met with the vision that is Peter Parker at eight a.m. on a Monday morning. For someone so heavily criticized and praised in the public-eye, appearances must be everything on some level for the man. He doesn’t exactly aim to disappoint.

He looks so effortlessly cozy, dolled up in his black turtleneck and rust orange suede jacket, and those same glasses from the week prior perched against his brow bone. His hair looks soft, and his eyes are warm.

“Mr. Parker.”

That’s good. Set some boundaries, before you directly tell him he looks soft.

“I told you.” Peter sighs wistfully, wrapping his hands around a deep mug of hot chocolate? 

He looks up again with the same kindness and warmth.

 “Call me Peter.”

~

He invited him to dinner.

He doesn’t exactly know how it happened. It was somewhere between talking about how Peter had wound up picking up where his uncle left off, and how working as a barista in the cafe they were sitting in was Peter’s favorite job during college.

He could imagine a littler Peter, running around behind the counter making drinks and warming up scones. His open textbook to the left of the register, just like he described.

It made a fluttering in his chest somewhere, to know a personal and small detail of the Peter Parker. 

Not in a, I’m a huge fan of the Peter Parker.

But, in a, this kind young man, I am having the privilege of getting to know, kind of way.

The point is he invited him to dinner, at this high-end steak house he’s familiar with. A reservation for eight. 

It’s eight forty-five, and he’s on his second glass of red wine, Peter’s on his third.

Things are comfortably warm, they’re talking about Tony’s first movie, and how much of a shitshow it was, but the critics loved it.

The steak is amazing, they order dessert.

And he doesn’t budge or comment when Peter hooks his foot around his own. He only smiles softly, and watches Peter’s curious eyes watch as he brings a piece of poached pear to his mouth.

He hails Peter a cab at the end of the night, and Peter thanks him for dinner.

He calls him Anthony, once again.

~

Peter calls him this time.

It’s in the late hours of the night, and Tony, never really one for sleeping through the night anyway, has a lapful of script he’s reviewing, making sure it fits his artistic vision and what-not.

His voice is rough around the edges, a haze of sleep almost.

Tony wonders what it sounds like in person. If he were in bed next to him, or with him. Maybe with a lapful of Peter Parker, and not dialogue bleeding into his iris’.

He invites Tony over for Thursday night.

Peter knows the custodial schedule. That should mean something right?

He texts him an address later in the day. It’s in the Upper East Side, not too far from him, it’s in a cozy neighborhood of brownstones. 

Very Peter Parker.

~

Tony, will never understand Rocky Horror.

Peter had invited him when he arrived a little late, just five minutes, but he could see the worry drip off his shoulders as he greeted him at the door.

His home was a beautiful thing, filled to the brim with the most eclectic vintage interior, but it somehow matched.

He had learned from their meeting at the cafe, that Peter’s aunt owned a store that specialized in all things vintage and antique. It hadn’t surprised him to see it rubbed off on him.

In the downstairs parlor, it was decorated with dozens of Peter’s movie posters. Some were beta’s that Peter and an artist had worked on together. Peter flushed when he caught him staring. 

Tony would never get used to the fact that this Peter Parker was shy and not open about his work in his personal life, he liked to keep things very separate. 

He watched him put together a heaping bowl of kettle corn and followed him up a winding staircase, Peter remarked it was his favorite thing about the house.

He told him they were watching Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

Tony had never seen it in his entire life, he knew the cult following it had, but he couldn’t piece together that this is something Peter loved so much, but was so different from the direction he took with his work. 

He only smiled and agreed and saddled up with Peter on the pink floral couch. 

They’d never done this before, but it felt so familiar, like they had been through this scenario a dozen times, and it was just natural to lean into each other and fumble for the sugary popcorn between them.

It was around the scene when Frank N Furter was doing the backstroke with the rest of the cast in the swimming pool, that Tony realized their closeness.

How he had his arm wrapped around Peter, and Peter had just melted into his side.

The younger man must’ve felt the pressure of Tony’s gaze burning into the side of his face, since he turned his head to face him. 

It was all very cliche in this sense. 

A romantic scene directed and scripted and cast.

Except the love interests were him and Peter.

Peter kissed him first. That’s all he can clearly recall, the seconds prior being a blur of ‘is this actually happening’ to ‘it’s actually happening, do something’.

Finally the cognitive gears in his brain rekindle their function, and his lips are moving against Peter’s. He’s so warm and soft, he tastes like cinnamon sugar. 

Peter’s hands are grounding against his chest, holding him to reality, in any other case he would’ve drifted off somewhere because he has to be dreaming.

But this is real. And Peter’s real.

And, oh no. 

Tony gently pulls away from Peter’s grasp, and takes a breath. And Peter’s got this smile on his face like he won the grand prize at a carnival game.

“Peter- I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. This is not going to happen.”

The smile falls faster on Peter’s face than the pit in his stomach.

There’s something hurt and cold in his eyes. The warmth is gone, and the guilt gnaws at Tony as he flees the Parker residence. 

~

It’s been two weeks since the Rocky Horror incident. 

Peter’s texted, and called. He believes he’s got Anthony all figured out. 

To be truthful he does. 

He had called Anthony out on his behavior six days ago, and hasn’t sent another message since.

Peter left a voicemail stating that Anthony wasn’t going to let himself enjoy something without finding an excuse for why he can’t. Peter wants this, and Anthony wants this, then that is all that matters. He is going to be filming at this location for the next two weeks, he can make his peace by showing up or not.

Tony stared at the message for ten minutes before Morgan told him to go get Peter.

She knew.

She always knows.

~

When Tony saw Peter again he was rushing past people ushering him to stop.

But Tony was on a mission, he felt like one of his main characters in the final leg of the movie, finally making it out alive, and this was the final call, where he would live to the credits, or the antagonist would leave no survivors. 

Peter was beautiful.

Even if he did look like Prom Queen Carrie at the moment. 

His hands and clothes were covered in fake blood, helping arrange the set to a T.

When Peter looked up at him, he knew he would make it to the credits.

His boy ran at him and swallowed him in his warmth. 

It was a pining, longing, and apologetic kiss, with bloody hands cradling Tony’s face.

“You’re dumb, and you hurt my feelings Anthony.” Peter whispered as he pulled away. 

“I’m sorry.” He replies, his eyes watery, insecurity wrung out like a rag, he wanted Peter and Peter wanted him. He chanted it a million times into the crook of Peter’s neck, just holding him. 

Peter pulled away and held him by his shoulders “It’s okay Anthony.”

He smiled that big beautiful warm smile of his, and pushed him away.

“Now. Get off my set. I’ll see you at nine, bring Morgan, they’re playing Psycho tonight.”

[moonlit-seren]

Home pt.2 || Moon Kevin X Reader

Summary: [Write this in your own style] Both Y/N and the member have never been in a relationship so everything is new to them. One of them makes a mistake and there’s an argument.

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Warnings: None

Word Count: 7.5k

A/N: This is pt.2 of Home! Remember, everything italicized is a part of a flashback! ^-^

꧁Masterlist꧂

~

~

{5 months later}

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.

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The hairdryer whirled, hot air blowing from the dark, burgundy device. I flinched as a stream of air shot into my ear, directing the device a little higher as I ran my free hand through my drying hair.

I watched the process through the mirror, mesmerized with the way the newly dyed magenta strands rippled through my fingers as I combed through my messy locks.

A giddy smile made its way across my face, recalling how my hair ended up the way it was.

It’s been half a year now since I crashed at Yenni’s apartment, heart broken and tired beyond imagination. She was the angel who helped me get back on my feet when I thought I’d never stand again.

The first thing that we sorted out upon my arrival was the mess of jobs that I had taken on over the months. She waited for me to get acclimated to living in her home before finally bringing up the topic a month into my stay.

.

“Y/n with the amount you’re getting paid versus the amount you have to spend, you’re losing more money than you’re gaining working here,” stated Yenni, holding a ball point pen and a pad of paper in her hands.

I sighed, glancing over the number she had written down on the paper. Of course, nothing was miscalculated and there was no denying the truth behind her words. Still, it was hard to accept them.

Working for this company had been my dream since I first discovered it in my freshman college year. It lived up to all of my expectations and more when I first started before it started to go bankrupt.

Since then I had been my manager’s personal barista due to the lack of other work that needed to be done at the office. The long list of demotions pretty much set everyone up with their own personal assistants who ran papers to the printer for them and performed other minor tasks.

What made everything worse was the fact that all the coffee mix I used came out of my own paycheck, and Yenni’s apartment was pretty far from the building so I had to take the subway everyday to get there and back.

Honestly speaking I was starting to hate the job quite a lot with my creepy superior and meager pay. Yenni had been covering the bills for both of us since I moved in since she wanted to give me time to save up some money in my depleted bank account.

After a few seconds of weighing the pros and cons I finally came to a conclusion. “You’re right, it really isn’t worth staying. I’ll turn in my letter of resignation tomorrow.”

Yenni sent me a reassuring smile, well aware that I needed one and I smiled back at her. “It’s about time I get my life together isn’t it?”

“That’s the spirit,” Yenni responded cheerfully, setting down the items in her hands beside her. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes as she met my gaze once more. “Hey, you know how you’ve always wanted to dye your hair?”

I nodded, not quite sure how my hair had anything to do with my career.

Until it clicked.

Yenni grinned devilishly. “I think it’s about time you show him who’s boss.”

It wasn’t long before the two of us found ourselves standing outside of a chic, small hair salon with an almost vintage style feel to it. The store’s awning was checkered black and white as were the drapes covering the front windows.

“After you,” I muttered, holding the door open for Yenni. The entire drive here I felt perfectly okay, excited even, but for whatever reason all of my confidence converted to ice in my veins once I was right outside the store.

Yenni laughed a little, reading the fear on my face. She gently shoved me out of the way so that she was the one holding the door before bowing exaggeratedly. “Not today. Today’s about you, so relax and own it!”

I gulped, realizing that there was no going back now. “Right. Let’s own it.”

And with that, I stepped inside.

The first thing that really stood out to me was the overall aesthetic of the place. Nearly everything in the room was devoid of color, as if I had just stepped into one of those classic black and white movies that my parents watched.

However, in contrast to the retro color theme, everything in the shop looked anything but old fashioned. It appeared that all of the hairdressers were using state of the art equipment, and the price tags on the catalogs only confirmed that I was standing in a high class joint.

“Holy, heck. I could pay a month’s worth of rent with the money needed for a simple perm, how am I supposed to afford getting my hair done here?” I whispered in a thoroughly panicked voice. Yenni glanced over at me, hearing my moans of despair as she laughed.

“Relax, I know the owner of the shop and it just so happens that he owes me quite a few favors. In fact, there he is right now,” Yenni chirped, a mischievous glint in her eyes when she emphasized the word ‘quite’.

I followed her gaze in the direction of the back of the salon, though I couldn’t tell exactly who she was looking at.

“Why, hello there!” Exclaimed an attractive young man, emerging from the group of stylists bustling around. He briskly strode over to where Yenni and I were standing, long legs effortlessly closing the distance in minimal strides.

“Owner?” I thought to myself, eyes widening in shock. The newcomer didn’t appear very much older than I was, though I could immediately see a distinctive difference between the two of us, and that was…

Money. Lots and lots of it.

He was dressed to the nines in designer clothing and looked like a runaway Paris fashion model. His beret only emphasized my point. “Well that explains the interior of the store, there’s no way a young adult fresh out of college would be able to afford any of this otherwise if they didn’t have any wealth to their name.”

“Long time no see,” greeted Yenni, stepping out from behind me. I nearly jumped at the sound of her voice, not knowing how long I was lost in thought for. Though, I’m sure it wasn’t for as long as it seemed. I watched as the stranger’s eyes lit up in recognition while an easy smile slid up his triangular face.

“Yenni! What a surprise!” He exclaimed, immediately stepping forward to pull her into a bone-crushing hug.

Feeling awkward as the two of them got caught up, I scanned the interior of the room again to make it look like I was doing something rather than just waiting for the conversation to end.

The general absence of color in the room only made the few bursts of color even more vibrant, all of which were in the hung up photos of various hair styles and on the people walking about.

As someone with gorgeous, emerald green locks strode past, I suddenly realized that I never made up my mind over which color I wanted to dye my own hair.

Of course I’ve thought about it for years, but the answer always seemed to change depending on what my new favorite color was or how I was feeling back then.

Given the painful episode of life that I was about to exit, I think that I’d like a vibrant color. Something that would make me feel like a butterfly emerging from a suffocating cocoon. “Perhaps I should go with pink? Or is that too much? I guess I’ll ask the stylist later, speaking of which…”

“I see that you have a friend with you,” commented the owner, looking over at me intrigued.

“Yeah, she’s why we’re here today,” Yenni responded, discreetly nudging me in the side to get me to greet myself. I smiled shyly, introducing myself with a shallow bow. I don’t know why, but I’ve always been a bit nervous around new people.

“Nice to meet you y/n! My name is Johnny Seo and I’ll be your personal stylist today. Why don’t we get you situated in a chair and you can tell me what you’d like to do with your hair?” Suggested Johnny, gesturing at a vacant seat a few feet away. I nodded slightly before heading over.

From what I could tell from his interactions with Yenni and our mini exchange just now, he seemed like a genuinely friendly person, so I let myself relax a bit in his presence.

Johnny came up to stand behind the chair I was seated on, and Yenni sat down on the unoccupied seat next to mine.

“To be completely honest I’m not entirely sure what I’d like to do, though I do know that I want to dye it,” I admitted, smiling apologetically at Johnny through the vanity mirror. “I was hoping that you could recommend a color, and maybe even a new hairstyle?”

I added that last part in rather meekly, upon realizing that I haven’t done anything besides trim my hair in years.

“No worries,” reassured Johnny. “I guarantee that we’ll find something that will suit your taste.”

Out of nowhere johnny started to squint at my face as his hands flew up with an over exaggerated flourish. “It’s time for Johnny's fashion evaluation.”

.

And the rest is history.

We settled on a deep magenta color which alternated between looking more pink to looking more purple depending on the lighting of the room. Since this was my first time dying my hair, I decided that I just wanted highlights this time around rather than coloring my whole head of hair.

I’m not sure when or how the topic of my last relationship came up while Yenni, Johnny, and I were talking but I ended up getting what Johnny referred to as a breakup haircut.

So not only do I have highlights now but also shoulder length hair. Not going to lie, I was a tad bit worried at first but now I’m actually really loving the change.

When it was time to pay, I was expecting a coupon at most given Yenni and Johnny’s friendship, but Johnny actually insisted that the appointment was free. Something about a first time visit policy, though I’m sure that he made it up on the spot.

Nevertheless I felt guilty about not paying, but given how the price was well in the three digit numbers I didn’t have much of a choice at that moment. Though I did still leave a generous tip before heading back home with Yenni.

Home.

A term that I had to get used to associating with Yenni’s apartment. It took me a while, but eventually it became a habit that I didn’t have to consciously think about.

At that point in time, I didn’t really want to think about the last place I called home nor the person who lived in it; Not while I was still getting back on my feet financially. So I pushed the thought of both out of my mind despite knowing that it would come back to me later.

After all, I had a crappy manager to deal with.

.

“Good luck!” Exclaimed Yenni from her perch on the couch the following morning after the hair appointment.

I flashed her a grin while slipping on my work heels before heading outside. The day was warm and sunny, with occasional clouds drifting leisurely across the sky. Typical of a beautiful spring day.

Walking down the sunlit sidewalk, I closed my eyes for a brief moment and took in a deep breath. Change was in the air, not just for me it seemed but for nature as well. Anyone who paused for long enough would be able to make out the slight fragrance of pollen and blooming flowers wafting through the air.

Hearing footsteps approaching, I quickly opened my eyes again, narrowly missing a disastrous collision. I smiled apologetically at the older woman behind me, eyes darting to the steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She smiled back, lips drawn in a thin line as she cautiously brought the hot drink closer to herself.

Heaven knows that the dark liquid would have stained both of our work tops.

Since it was quite early in the morning, I took the scenic route to the bus stop, taking whatever twist and turn I could in order to extend my time under the gentle caress of the sun. There was a skip to my step that earned me several friendly smiles from other pedestrians. Happiness was contagious after all.

The trip to work flew by in a breeze and soon enough I was standing before the formidably tall office building that I had worked in for about a year or so. The glass doors of the entrance slid open as I approached, almost as if they were inviting me in to complete my mission for today.

It wasn’t until the fifth odd glance that I received that I realized why everyone was staring at me. Everyone knew that wild hair colors were strictly against the rules in my department because my employer ‘didn’t believe in self expression’.

The stares didn’t phase me at first, however, after a while they started to make me question my decisions regarding my future. Though I wasn’t given time to dwell on that small feeling of self doubt as I arrived at my division. Several of my coworkers shot me knowing, if not encouraging, smiles that helped repair my slipping confidence.

Right. I was done feeling crappy here. Now it’s time to end things.

I grinned back at them, strutting straight to my manager’s office.

Not bothering to knock, I barged right in. If this man didn’t have the audacity to respect me as both a woman and an employee then why the heck did I have to respect him?

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing!” shouted the man of the hour, quickly shoving the shame faced intern off of his lap. At this point I wasn’t even surprised that I had caught him messing around with a random female during work hours. “Don’t you know how to knock!”

“Oops, not sorry,” I responded nonchalantly, a single eyebrow raised as I leaned back against the open door frame. The mystery girl scurried out, face flushed scarlet since everyone by the door caught the scene inside when I slammed it open.

“What’s the meaning of this? And what’s with that disgusting mat of color on your head? You do know that I can fire you for violating my- I mean, the company’s code of conduct, right?” growled my manager, as he darted his eyes out the door to see if anyone was eavesdropping.

Despite how all of my coworkers looked like they were working, I had already been around them for long enough to tell when they were only throwing up a productive act. Though my manager didn’t know that and he didn’t have to.

I smirked, winking at the poorly concealed phone that someone was holding up while supposedly reading through an upside down file.

Turning my attention back to the man sitting in front of me, I batted my eyelashes innocently at him. “It seems that you have a personal preference of natural hair colors, it’s a real shame that I no longer fit the requirements of your personal harem candidates… Not.”

My manager scowled darkly, face reddening as he attempted to sputter out an intelligible comeback. “You little… Personal harem?!... Why I outta…”

“Outta what? Fire me? No need to go through all of that trouble,” I cooed sarcastically, leaning forward so that our eyes were on the same level which gave him a clear, undisrupted view of the steely confidence in mine.

“I quit.”

And with that, I tossed my letter of resignation onto his desk, whipping around so that I could march out of the room. Hoots and hollers erupted throughout the room as the employees dropped the fake working act that they had thrown up early while listening in on my previous conversation.

It was no secret that everyone in the building hated my ex-manager as much as I had. Heck, even the CEO of the company has been waiting for an excuse to fire him according to the gossip passed on from her personal secretary.

“It’s done. I’m free,” I whispered to myself, feeling lighter than I had in months, like a prisoner who had finally finished serving his or her time. Walking out of the building, it felt like an impossibly heavy weight had been lifted off of my shoulders that I hadn’t even known was there.

And now that I no longer felt weighed down, I was ready to waltz with the stars or maybe even reach for the moon again. Though I wasn’t sure if either of us were ready to come into contact again.

.

From that day forth, the shattered fragments of my life only continued to slowly creep back together.

Finally I managed to drop all of my other jobs besides the one that I truly enjoyed working at. There had been a newly started clothing company that Younghoon introduced me to when I told him that I was looking to pick up a new part time job.

At that time the company only consisted of two fashion designers fresh out of university and they were so desperate for an extra set of hands that they hired me right off the bat when I mentioned that I was a marketing major.

Now I was working full time at the boutique, which had grown exponentially in popularity and size. Given that I was Felicity and Kai’s first employee, I was also their first pick when they decided to promote someone to manager to help better handle the flourishing business.

Everything seemed to be falling back into place but there had been one area in my life that I did my best to neglect for as long as I possibly could.

I sighed for the nth time, staring down my phone screen as if waiting for it to do the one thing that I’ve been trying to talk myself into doing on its own. My head was starting to throb with the start of a mild migraine and the way I was laying, with a quarter of my body from shoulders up hanging upside down, wasn’t helping in the least.

“Come on, it’s just a text, stop being such a chicken,” I chastised softly, running my freehand down my face, or was it up? Directions got confusing when my head wasn’t rightside up, though not as confusing as my feelings even when I’m standing upright.

I had promised he-who-shall-not-be-named that our breakup was only temporary, but when it came down to it, I didn’t know if he still felt the same way after all these months or even if it was worth it to try to repair my relationship with him.

Of course, I had tried on several accounts to forget about him entirely, but when all was said and done he was still the first and last thought on my mind when falling asleep and waking up every morning.

I would never admit it to myself, but I missed the feeling of his arms wrapped around my waist on cold nights and the feeling of his breath on the back of my neck when the both of us drifted off after a long day.

I missed him terribly, and deep down inside I had a feeling that he felt the same. Maybe I was just being vain, but the idea of him yearning for me as well helped ease the numbing pain that gnawed away on the farthest reaches of my heart.

My thumb hovered once again over the keyboard on my phone, but after a few agonizing seconds of contemplating I gave up and tossed the device somewhere within a safe enough distance that it wouldn’t be damaged, hopefully, upon impact.

I threw one arm over my face, wrist meeting my forehead dramatically as if I were currently toiling over a ground shattering decision like which kdrama to binge watch first rather than how to greet a special someone who I hadn’t talked to in a while.

A loud ‘tsk’ sounded from the doorway of the living room, and I didn’t even have to lift my forearm off of my face to know who it was. After all, who else lived in this apartment?

Yenni walked over, sinking down on the three seater couch next to the one I was sprawled so terribly ungracefully over. She picked up my abandoned phone from where it had landed on one of the soft throw pillows, poking her cheek with her tongue when she saw who exactly I was trying to contact and how far I had progressed.

Which of course wasn’t far at all, I hadn’t even managed to type a simple ‘hi’.

“y/n, you’ve been laying there for an hour now. If it’s so hard to bring yourself to text him, then you should stop trying to force yourself to and go do something productive,” Yenni insisted exasperatedly. At first she had tried to ignore the endless train of sighs and frustrated groans sounding from the depressing figure in the living room, but eventually it just got sad and a bit annoying.

“No, I have to… If ever want to mend whatever’s left between Kevin and I, we need to start talking again,” I moaned in despair, finally sitting up. I winced, holding my head as a terrible headrush left the room reeling in my vision.

Yenni firmly pressed her lips together in a displeased fashion to indicate how done she was with me at the moment. To be entirely honest, she wasn’t too happy with the idea of me and Kevin getting back together considering how he had hurt me in the past. However she never vocalized her objection because she knew how much he meant to me and she only wanted the best for her closest friend.

“Start talking again, you say? I think I can help with that…” Yenni started, trailing off as she started fidgeting with my phone which was still unlocked. My eyes widened in panic as she hit Kevin’s contact, finger hovering over the call button.

“No! Wait!” I exclaimed, eyes widening to the size of saucers. I knew that she wouldn’t actually hit the dial button, but the surge of panic that filled my mind left me hurtling over the armrests in a desperate attempt to snatch my phone from her hands.

“Ack! Get off!” Yenni cried, laughing as I clambered over her in my struggle. She lightly pushed me off, the action sending me rolling onto the ground but I was too distracted by the object she was holding hostage to realize what happened.

I whined, sitting up before flashing her my best puppy dog eyes. “Eonni~”

The cringeworthy aegyo earned me a disgusted frown from Yenni which slowly morphed into a defeated sigh.

“Fine, fine, I won’t call him but on one condition… You have to go visit him in person,” Yenni bargained, raising her eyebrows at me. I groaned, letting myself fall backward onto the plush carpet and starfishing on the ground.

“Fine, though he should be at practice right now. It'll end in around forty-five minutes,” I mused dejectedly , glancing at the analog clock hanging on the opposite wall from the TV.

“I’m surprised you still have his schedule memorized,” Yenni admitted, a bit shocked but at the same time she knew she shouldn’t be too surprised.

“Hush,” I mumbled, slowly dragging myself off the couch and walking to the door. But before I had the chance to slip on my shoes, Yenni grabbed a hold of my arm and she pulled me into my bedroom.

“Oh no you don’t! You’re not leaving in that,” she stated, gesturing at my attire. I glanced down at my baggy sweater and pajama pants, not seeing what was wrong with them. It’s not like Kevin hasn’t seen me in casual attire like this.

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

I never got a verbal response, instead receiving a small pile of carefully picked clothing and a light shove in the direction of the bathroom.

Half an hour later I found myself standing in front of the door of Kevin’s practice room. The door was made out of glass, allowing visitors like me to watch the group practice without walking inside.

I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves down, giving myself a mini pep talk to work up the courage to walk inside.

“You can do this!” I chanted softly, repeating the same phrase Yenni had said when she finally let me out the door.

I slapped on a small smile, finally sliding open the door and walking in.

The Boyz were working their way through a new dance routine, one that I had never seen before. It made sense though, considering how long it’s been since I last dropped by during one of their practices.

Of course, some of the members like Younghoon had tried to keep in touch, but the conversations became a tad bit too awkward given the whole breakup situation and everything so they gradually became more sparse and half-hearted.

Nevertheless, I did miss talking to all of them, after a long day of work it was nice being around those bundles of energy when they decided to crash at my old apartment with Kevin. Speaking of which, I wasn’t sure if it was still Kevin’s. I wouldn’t blame him if he had decided to move out given the number of memories made and shared there. Though, deep down inside I hope that he hadn’t for the very same reason.

It wasn’t hard to spot Kevin despite the lack of maroon in his hair. It was pitch black like a starless night sky and was styled in a soft quiff that revealed a sliver of his forehead.

Even despite, or maybe because of, all of the time spent apart, the mere sight of him caused my breath to catch in my throat like it always did when we first started dating.

Kevin was panting softly due to the physical exertion and how long he and his members had practiced for that morning. Crystalline beads of sweat dripped down the flawless expanse of skin from his cheeks to his jaw before gliding down his neck and disappearing under the baggy white tee he had on.

I gulped, flushing as I caught myself staring like some lovesick highschooler.

“What’s wrong with me?” I screamed internally, tempted to slap myself to snap out of whatever daze I was in. I mean I never found anything wrong with checking out a hot guy but it’s one thing if he’s a stranger and a whole other if he’s my kinda-ex-not-really-ex.

I tore my gaze away from Kevin before I was caught staring. Though the action was pretty pointless considering how all of the boys were so absorbed in their choreography that no one had noticed that I had slipped in.

I casually leaned against the wall by the door, the nonchalance of the action quite literally being the polar opposite of how I was feeling deep down inside. The cowardly part of me wanted to dash out and never look back but the other, larger part of me fought against it and was determined to stand my ground.

There was no way I was willing to flee now when a reconciliation was so close that it was nearly tangible.

Correcting my expression back to a timid smile, I silently watched as everyone in the room smoothly transitioned through each move with the grace and precision of an eagle in flight. They moved like one unit, each male a mere extension of a well oiled machine fueled on their blood, sweat, tears, and most importantly their passion and dreams.

The unfamiliar song was quite catchy, and it wasn’t long before I found myself nodding along to the beat. Though it seemed that I had entered near the end of the track as The Boyz struck an ending pose no more than half a minute after I began watching them.

I clapped softly, knowing that the sound would mostly be covered by the last notes of the song. Yet to my surprise, the person closest to me quickly whipped their head around with the widest smile I’d seen… well, ever.

“Noona!” Eric shouted, rushing over to where I was standing. Before I could even process what was happening, I found myself lying on the ground with a very excited maknae attached to me.

Laughing softly, I gently patted Eric’s waist to signal him to let go since that was the only place I could reach with my new restrictions. But before the younger male had the chance to do so, new figures threw themselves onto the two of us, forming an impromptu pig pile consisting mostly of the members of the maknae line.

“No fair, I want a hug too!”

“Y/n noona, I missed you!”

“Ow, did you really have to jump?”

“Yah, how could you leave me with these jerks? Do you know how mean they were-”

Hwall promptly slapped his hand over Sunwoo’s mouth, muffling the rest of his words with a sigh from where he lay on top of Changmin who had managed to push Eric off to the side and was now the one draped on top of me.

I couldn’t really tell who was where in the pile nor who was saying what given that I was located at the bottom of the messy human mound, though I could vaguely make out Haknyeon sheepishly apologizing for having accidentally elbowed Chanhee in the ribs and Hyunjae bickering with Younghoon from somewhere above me.

“Children, get off of y/n, you all are going to crush the poor girl,” reprimanded Sangyeon, his voice coming a few feet off to my right. Moments later I felt myself getting pulled up by an apologetic looking Jacob.

“Are you alright?” Asked Juyeon, who was standing next to the two older members.

I giggled, nodding my head to let him know that I was indeed okay as I brushed off my outfit and fixed my hair back into place. “Yeah, I’m perfectly fine. They just caught me by surprise, that’s all.”

“Y/n,” Hyunjae whined, feeling deprived of the hugs Changmin and Eric managed to steal while I was caught off guard. Sangyeon shot him a firm look, before rounding up the rest of his rowdy children.

“Come on, out you guys go. Let’s give them some privacy,” Sangyeon urged, as he shooed them out. The leader glanced over his shoulder while closing the door, sending me a reassuring smile before leaving.

He didn’t need to say anything more for everyone to know who he was referring to by ‘them’. I watched as Sangyeon walked away through the glass, suddenly hit with the urge to call him back so that I wouldn’t have to handle this alone.

It felt like I was trapped in a cage with a tiger, vulnerable and afraid with no other option but to wait for something to happen.

Someone cleared their throat behind me.

I slowly turned around, heart thundering a million miles per minute. This was it, the moment that I had both been waiting for and dreading simultaneously. Time seemed to slow down with each degree I pivoted before finally meeting eyes with the lone figure standing a safe distance away.

Much to my dismay, watching him from a distance earlier hadn’t seemed to prepare myself at all for the sight of him up close. Despite the moderate amount of space between the two of us, I could still vaguely pick up the gentle rise and fall of his chest along with the minty citrus scent of his favorite body wash.

The nostalgia sent my mind spiraling down memory lane to all of the nights I spent curled up in his arms breathing in the familiar scent and being lulled asleep by the very same movements.

“Hi,” he greeted, a light blush spreading across his cheeks. He shuffled awkwardly in place, gaze dropping almost immediately as he glanced down at his feet before looking back up again shyly.

It was as if time had reversed, which was evident in the way a swarm of honeymoon stage-esque butterflies came fluttering about in my stomach as if they had only left temporarily during the cold season.

“Hi,” I greeted back, feeling my own cheeks flush when I realized why he looked so bashful. It hadn’t taken me long to get comfortable enough with Kevin to stop caring too much about my appearance around him.

Yenni had done an amazing job dressing me up to look my best before allowing me to leave, reaffirming my suspicions that my best friend was well… Magical.

It had been so long since Kevin’s seen me quite this done up, and so I understood, but that still didn’t stop me from feeling flustered by the attention.

The air felt suffocating around the two of us, being thick with slight tension and mild embarrassment. On any other occasion I might’ve cringed right then and there, but not in this particular moment. Not when it was so long awaited and so terribly raw.

There was an awkward pause between the two of us, neither knowing how to proceed. It had been too long since we had last seen each other to find any relevant topics to talk about. As a a result I glanced around the room, looking for something interesting that I could possibly use to start some sort of conversation.

Screw it, let’s just bite the bullet.

“I’m-”

“How-”

My eyes widened slightly, though the shock on my face quickly melted into laughter. Kevin had the same reaction after realizing what had happened. It made me reminisce about the time we first started dating where moments like these occurred far too often.

“You first,” I insisted, gesturing for him to talk. I honestly had no idea what to say, I was just planning to blurt out something to break the ice so I was more than happy to let him speak first.

Kevin hesitated for a moment before continuing his unfinished sentence when I remained silent.

“How are you?” Kevin asked softly, weight sinking onto his left hip as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants. He eyes locked with mine, for reasons unbeknownst to me.

It took me a second to respond, a bit distracted by the unnerving maintenance of eye contact. It felt like he was searching the depths of my soul for any sort of discomfort before taking a small step closer while waiting for me to say something.

“I-I’m fine,” I stammered, cursing myself for how nervous I was. The familiar burning sensation rekindled behind my cheeks when I caught Kevin suppressing a smile at my small mishap. “How about you?”

My voice grew smaller near the end of the question when I saw Kevin take yet another step closer. I mean I get him wanting to talk at a comfortable distance, but just how close was he planning to get before stopping?

“Fine too, I guess,” he replied, not sounding too confident in his answer as he finally glanced away. But his gaze didn’t stray for long before returning to mine. There was a mysterious emotion brewing in his irises that I couldn't quite place. It raged ferally imprisoned behind his glassy eyes, straining to break free of its constraints like a tidal wave pressing against a thin sheet of glass.

Warning bells went off in my head, caused by what I could only guess at, but I found myself clasping onto my right arm with my left hand behind my back. Was it a defensive gesture? Why do I feel so threatened?

It’s about the shatter.

I couldn’t tear my eyes from his, watching the raging storm clawing at the glass plane, slamming itself tirelessly until large cracks started forming in the glass, spreading like wildfire until the defense crumbled to the ground and the watergates exploded.

It’s free.

The defensive shield hiding the dangerous emotion caved and the sea roared as it rushed forward.

Suddenly I found myself drowning, the water overtaking all of my senses, brimming on my eyelids before falling in a pair of cascading waterfalls.

He was crying and so was I.

I realized then what that emotion was.

Longing.

Neither of us had to say anything to know how the other felt, yet I couldn’t stop myself from vocalizing those feelings. The desire was too powerful to suppress, acting like a second wave to the first signs of seismic activity. The quaking of my foundation tore down the skyscrapers around my heart, throwing a majority of my shields to the ground.

“I missed you,” I whispered, barely managing to slip out the words let alone voicing them loud enough to be heard. But it didn’t matter what volume the words were spoken at because it didn’t take words for Kevin to understand how I was feeling because he felt the same way.

I closed my eyes, allowing the ocean to swallow up my mind. I had told myself to keep my cool before coming, planning out everything I wanted to say and do when I got here. Yet one glance into the endless depths of his eyes and suddenly I wanted nothing more to lose myself under the twilight waves.

Suddenly I felt a pair of arms wrap around me, firm and safe like a ring buoy thrown to the drowning. I sagged into the hesitant touch, shakily bringing up my own arms to reciprocate the action.

Opening my eyes again I found myself floating on a raft, lying in the midst of calm waters enveloped in a familiar embrace.

It’s peaceful.

Kevin drew back, reaching up to brush the stray tears that managed to spill onto my face. He smiled, the expression broken but fighting fiercely to hold a semblance to something whole.

“Why are you crying? It’s making me cry!” Kevin protested in a playful voice, indiscreetly swiping at his own tears as if I hadn't already seen them.

“What?! I only started crying because you did!” I exclaimed with baffled gasp, swatting at his arm. Kevin jumped back as if I had burned him, jaw dropping indignantly. He couldn’t maintain the expression for long though, facade breaking immediately when I tipped my head back laughing at his extra antics.

“I swear, how did I put up with you for so long?” I asked lightheartedly, wrinkling my nose at the proud smile Kevin had on supposedly for making me laugh.

I was glad that the atmosphere in the room flipped a full 180, considering how suffocating it had been only moments prior. Though much to my surprise, Kevin cocked his eyebrow, walking forward until there was no more than a few inches between our faces.

“Does that mean that you won’t put up with me in the future?” He asked seriously, eyes scouring my face as if the answer would be written somewhere on my skin.

“I… I don’t know…” I responded honestly. While it was true that I had never stopped loving Kevin, that didn’t change the fact that I was hurt by him in the past. Cheaters are notorious for repeating their actions, and I didn’t really want to risk letting someone back into my heart only for them to break it once more.

Kevin’s expression fell along with his gaze, feeling like he let his hopes soar too far from any sort of realistic outcome to our encounter.

“But… That doesn’t mean I’m not willing to give our relationship a second chance,” I finished, effectively putting an end to his evident self doubt.

Life was all about taking risks. How was anyone supposed to be given the opportunity to rise up stronger without falling in the first place?

“Really?” He asked excitedly, eyes lighting back up with the same bright energy that they usually burned with.

“But on one condition,” I added, still needing some sort of shield to hide behind before I let down my few remaining defenses.

“Yes?” Kevin asked, biting his lip as he waited for me to finish my sentence.

“Let’s start over, from the very beginning,” I suggested hesitantly, not sure if he would agree. But much to my relief, Kevin nodded almost immediately.

“Okay, let’s do it,” he rushed out, seeming a bit concerned that I would change my mind and leave again.

Though out of the blue, a cheeky smile spread across his face as he backed up to provide a little space for whatever the heck he was planning to do.

“Oh no, what have I done?” I whispered to myself, as Kevin bowed a full ninety degrees.

“H-hello, my name is M-Moon Kevin,” he stammered over exaggeratedly, faking a shy demeanor. “What’s yours?”

I laughed, wrinkling my eyebrows in disbelief. “I didn’t mean that far back!”

“O-oh, s-sorry… M-my bad…” he apologized, shrinking down as if afraid that I’d smack him over the head. He looked like a nervous freshman on his first day in college, and even went so far as to pretend to push up an imaginary pair of glasses.

“Kevin!!” I shrieked, chasing after him when he started to run away before I had the chance to strangle him. He broke into a mad fit of giggles, picking up the pace when he saw me in pursuit.

At some point he started laughing so hard that he couldn’t continue running anymore, stopping near the middle of the room to catch his breath. I stopped in front of him, gripping onto the front of his shirt to prevent him from going anywhere.

“Caught you.”

Kevin smiled, wrapping his hand around my forearm before tugging me forward. The action caused me to lose my balance and fall into his chest, yelping as Kevin suddenly dropped to ground bringing me down with him.

After a weak attempt to pull myself up, I allowed myself to relax in Kevin’s arms instinctively matching my breathing to his. Despite the fact that we were lying on the wooden floor of a practice room, half an hour away from both Yenni and Kevin’s apartment, I felt at home.

And for the second time in my life I realized that I didn’t truly consider any location on Earth home without Kevin by my side, because for me the word didn’t refer to a physical building but a person. Kevin was what made all of those apartments home, because he was home.

My home.

.

.

.

/Extended Ending/

Months later I found myself tucking away the last of my belongings back where they belonged in my old apartment. Unpacking had been a rather slow, tedious process, given how much clothing I had accumulated working at a boutique.

(Felicity, my boss, gave her employees massive discounts on clothing and well, those prices were too seductive to ignore even for the most frugal of people.)

The platonic phase of my new relationship with Kevin hadn’t lasted very long, continuously being broken by sporadic kisses and romantic caresses.

Thankfully there was no initial awkwardness like I predicted there would be when we first started dating again. If anything the shaky break only served to strengthen our feelings for one another.

In fact, a few days after I moved back in, Kevin and I decided to foster our first “child”. Her name was Kimi, a compromise Kevin and I settled on between our picks of kiwi and kimchi.

She was a small brown tabby cat with gorgeous green eyes who we had found abandoned on the street one day on our way back home from a grocery trip.

After a quick check up at the nearest vet, Kevin and I decided to take her home, and she’s been living with us ever since.

Speaking of Kimi, I could hear the jingle of a cat toy and the soft scampering of paws downstairs indicating that Kevin was playing with her right now.

Putting away the last of things, my hand bumped into a mysterious cardboard box tucked in the far corner of the closet.

“That’s weird, this wasn’t here before,” I thought to myself, pulling it out. It was navy blue in color with a rectangular shape, and was about the size of my hand. I took off the lid, pulling out the contents in a slightly mystified manner.

“Hey, Love? What’s this?’ I asked, raising my voice loud enough for it to carry downstairs.

Kevin appeared moments later holding Kimi in his arms, the curiosity on his face quickly turning into sheepishness when he saw the foldable meter stick and half empty bottle of makeup removing spray in my hands.

“Don’t tell me you took the meter thing literally?”

“Uh…”

“Kevin…”

“I love you~”

[fangirl--writes]

Safe-  PreSpray Jeremiah x Reader

Summary: Reader is a bartender at the Saint Street Club, when un-expected events force the entertainment to cancel, they are asked to fill in. Unaware of the attention they’ll draw from and the comfort they’ll bring to one, Jeremiah Valeska.  

**Song Fic “I'm a Mess, Issues”- Bebe Rexha & Julia Michaels Mashup By Madilyn Bailey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=432Rk2nhYEE

Y/N- Your name

Words: 2’441

This is a work of fiction based on the FOX series Gotham by Bruno Heller

Notes: Hopefully I can get another fanfic up by Christmas or a few days after. That S5 trailer makes me so excited for the new season.

Feedback is super important to me and I’d love to hear from you guys!

Enjoy!

*************************************

It was a busy night. The streets were crowded with people tonight as you jostled around behind the bar of the small club.

You half listened to the chatter as you wiped down your station the city was rattled as the crew that’d broken out of Arkham a few weeks ago took over the music festival down town; images you’d seen flickering on T.V. flashed before your eyes, quickly you shook them away hearing you name being called from the back wall.

“Y/n-

Kid, C’mere!”

Your co-worker nudged your shoulder gently as he prepared a drink, you hastily threw down your cleaning rag and weaved haphazardly through the growing crowd of patrons meeting your frazzled and frantic manager, a brick wall of a man who towered over you and most of your co-workers; a frozen smile was plastered on his face as he ushered you over, his large hand brushed your back as he quickly lead you back stage.

Normally he was well mannered and cool, dressed to the nines; a hardy laugh rolling through the bar was the usual as he watched over the staff, rolling with the punches of the packed Friday night crowds, but tonight your burly boss was like gelatin; a sight you personally had never seen.

The smile dropped from his face when the two of you were a ways from the other crew.

A thin layer of sheen glistened on his forehead under the dim lights, anxiously drumming his hands on the clipboard clamped in his sweaty palms.

You tried to remain calm as you greeted him.

“What’s up San?”

“I need you to perform tonight-“Your eyes went wide breathe hitching in your throat as he blurted out his next sentence.

“The headliner didn’t show and she’s on in 15. S-something happened today at the music festival and her and the other performers refuse to come into work.

Your mind flashed back to earlier in the night, a group of wait staff were huddled around in gossip over the day’s events, a “Legion of Horribles” took over the annual music festival downtown and held the crowd hostage until the captain of the GCPD had a standoff with the leader of the little ragtag group, resulting in his untimely demise.

You vaguely remember them mentioning the name Jerome Valeska, a man who had died and taken Gotham more times then you could count, doubting he’d be dead for long you simply rolled your eyes at their little circle; Gotham changes hands every day, a small shootout and death rarely made the papers anymore.

“Please, Y/N, you know I wouldn’t ask if we weren’t desperate…” his voice was low in a hushed whisper

“I.. just-I don’t know.”  You ran a quivering hand through your hair, playing for a small group of friends, no problem.  At a family gathering, easy peasy, but never have you played in a public venue.  You’d toyed with the idea of playing the music festival and you were suddenly glad you chickened out this year.

“Al’s  got the bar, just one performance. “

He was practically on his knees begging-

“We need something to keep these people from making their own entertainment,” He gestured to the waiting crowds beyond the curtain-

The last time guests made their own amusement you spent the night cleaning up broken bottles and various body fluids.

“Just until we can get the band here?”

You let out an exasperated sigh ringing your hands together as you watched the filing tables from backstage; the stools at the bar were packed, your co- workers rushing back and forth to keep glasses sliding as the waitress’  darted between tables with drinks.  

You glanced over at the piano on stage, only one song came to mind. It wasn’t something one would normally play at a bar like this. Your little corner club wasn’t as grandeur as the illustrious Sirens, but it was a place where alcohol flowed and worries were forgotten, so it would have to do.

“What ya’ say kid?” You could hear the faint tremble in your managers’ voice as he pulled your attention from the forgotten instrument on stage.

Hesitantly you held in a breath and nodded quickly a pair of large arms wrapping around your form to lift you into a spinning hug.

“You are the best Y/N!” Your manager exclaimed quickly setting you back down as he recomposed himself.

“Can you be ready in 10?”  With a quick nod you mentally cursed yourself for agreeing to this as he pushed you toward the dressing rooms.

“Thanks Kid!”

You felt your heart skyrocket, pounding in your ears haphazardly as the door of dressing space slammed shut.  Your back met the door as you dug your nails into the chipping wood.

This is crazy Y/N

You’re crazy

You’d rather clean the men’s bathroom on a Saturday then publicly perform. What if you freeze?

Imagining all the frozen eyes analyzing your every move, every breath, every possible mistake made your stomach knot.

You could still back out-

Fake a cough, the flu, anything to get you, out of this disaster plan.

You steadied yourself, pulling a spare dress off the rack in the corner quickly changing out of your uniform and over to the vanity; you’re shaking hands fighting against you as you hastily applied a layer of mascara and a cover of blush.

A swift knock caused you to jump, the mascara tumbling to the table in a quiet clatter.

“Y/N? –

Show time Kiddo!”

San’s burly voice reached through the door, the hairs on your arms rose as you hugged yourself staring down your reflection in the grubby mirror, your palms going to clutch the hem of your sparkled attire.

You can do this

Just one song and you’re done.

Taking in a breath you turned, legs like gelatin as you made your way out of the small room.

“It’s all set for ya’” He placed a reassuring hand one your lace covered shoulder; your eyes catching a glimpse of the filled tables and crowded bar from behind the curtain. Your eyes lingered at the bar, flickering through the faces going un- noticed by all except one with a pair of striking green eyes and a bout’ of red hair. Quickly you threw your eyes toward the stage embarrassed-

Your gaze lingered on the piano that had been moved toward the center; muttering a few choice curses at your boss and his overzealous approach to capture the crowds.  With a quiet exhale you un-clenched your fist and slipped out from the side.

The hot stage lights blared on your form as you took your seat at the bench, moving a stray hair from your eyes you gently tested the tune.  Hesitantly your eyes flicked back to your manager who gave an encouraging nod, hoping maybe this was just a joke… a very cruel joke.

No one paid mind to you on the stage. You casted weary gaze toward the ceiling letting out an anxious breath before pressing down on the smooth keys.

Just one song.

The soft medley flowed through the room, slowly overtaking the chatter at the bar as the hall filled with your voice.

“Everything's been so messed up here lately Pretty sure ya’ don't wanna be my baby”

“Oh, he don't love me, he don't love me He don't love me, he don't love me But that's okay- 'Cause I love me, yeah, I love me Yeah, I love me Yeah, I love myself anyway

Heeey”

You looked up briefly meeting a few dozen curious eyes, your heart skipped as you continued.  

“Everything's gonna be alright Everything's gonna be okay It's gonna be a good, good, life That's what my therapist say Everything's gonna be alright Everything's gonna be just fine It's gonna be a good, good life”

This wasn’t the typical sound of the bar; the mood seemed to shift as the more eyes you pulled on stage. The rowdy atmosphere melted into a quiet buzz and the club seemed to still under your playing.  

The tense tight knot in your stomach began to unravel, your palms relaxed under the faint pink lights as you nodded along with your sound.

I'm a mess, I'm a loser I'm a hater, I'm a user I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new I'm obsessed, I'm embarrassed I don't trust no one around us I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new

I got issues- And one of them is how bad I need ya’ ”

You looked up again the sea of bodies melting together  as a pair of eyes captured your attention momentarily at the bar, a pair of green eyes lingered behind a pair of thick frames.  

The same eyes that’d you’d met peeking backstage. They were bright, brilliant and completely captivated by your performance.

You do shit on purpose You get mad and you break things Feel bad, try to fix things

This afternoon’s events reeled fresh in his mind, cycling endlessly like a broken tape; the images of Jerome flashed before Jeremiah’s eyes, the grip on the cold glass in his hands tightened as he squeezed the frigid drink.

Constant laughter poisoned his ears, as he forced down another shot of burning liquid trying to quell the incessant voices that plagued his thoughts.  

As he waved for another the stream of images froze, paused by a soft voice that reached to him from the stage; slowly it rose up, drowning the damned laugh that was seared in his memory.

His gaze flickered to toward the sound.

The young gentlemen watched you intently, the glass waiting for him forgotten. He froze as the grimy interior of the space around him seemingly faded away, the lowly muttering around him blocked out by your silky tones and melodies.

Something about you- your presence, your sound, intrigued him, somehow able to draw him out from the dark pressing thoughts of today’s events and managing to momentarily untangle him from the webs of fear and anguish Jerome had ensnared him in long ago. He felt something with you, something he couldn’t name.

But you're perfect Poorly wired circuit And got hands like an ocean Push you out, pull you back in

No, you don't                                                                                                          you don’t judge me

Cause if you did, baby, I would judge you too No, you don't-

He tensed as your voice commanded complete control of the room. You were truly breathtaking in your element under the lights.  A sweet smile gracing your lips between versus, not a care in the world now as you played pouring your heart into every note.

You don’t judge me 'Cause you see it from the same point of view

'Cause I got issues But you got 'em too So give 'em all to me And I'll give mine to you

The crowded scene around you had vanished, the faces dissolved away you were enveloped in your own little world at the piano.  The tension in your body has disappeared under the stage lights. Your hands electric as you pressed the keys, voice building up to the heavens, but your eyes couldn’t help wonder back to the bar.

Bask in the glory of all our problems 'Cause we got the kind of love It takes to solve 'em

Cause’ I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new-

Jeremiah felt your eyes cross his path once more; you’d noticed him from your perch on the stage.

The normally cool masked engineer felt himself blush under your quick glance, a flush of heat rushed to his cheeks as a nervous gasp passed his lips. He felt his lips turn up in the corners as he watched you. His years of solid schooling and isolation had left him mal-nourished in ways of affection and the heart. Could it be-?

I’ve got issues                                                                                                         you got 'em too

I’ve got issues                                                                                                    you got 'em too

No… Perhaps it was your air of innocence that quelled Jeremiah’s troubled mind. A quality rather rare in the foul plagued city, he didn’t understand it.   Or perhaps-

Cause I got issues-

You got 'em too                                                                                                      I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new-

Bask in the glory                                                                                                      of all our problems

I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new-

'Cause I got issues

You drew a quick breath as you finished the last strokes, eyes closed in ecstasy you savored the last of the lyrics

And one of them is how bad I need you”              

A wave of applause erupted pulling your mind back into the darkened space; the various voices of your co-workers mingled together cheering you on from the floor. You sat on the bench for a moment, hand raise cover your mouth as you bit back tears completely stunned and in awe at the past few minutes.

You caught the eye of your burly supervisor who motioned for you to stand as he slipped out from behind the velvety curtains.

Gently you pulled yourself up, stepping away from the piano as he stepped up beside you-

“Ladies and Gentlemen, our very own Siren of Saint Street: Y/N L/N!”

You shot raised brow and a sideways glance at his enthusiastic appeal to the audience as you dipped your head mouthing a series of thank yous gazing out into the crowd before the two of you backing into the wing of the stage.

Jeremiah savored the last sliver of your voice as it hung in the air, drinking in your form as you stood, noting the faint shake of your hands, bowing, accepting the roar of applause.  The way you nibbled your bottom lip as you overlooked the crowd.

It was entirely pure, a welcome distraction to the day’s events.

His eyes lingered on the empty platform where you had stood the dull chatter at the bar resumed Jeremiah’s eyes flickered toward the end of the counter as he overheard mention of your performance.

“She was amazing, did you know? - One of the waitress leaned over the counter

The bartender shook his head as he collected empty glasses “No- Well, I mean I knew Y/N could sing, but I’d never heard her until now I don’t think anyone had.”

Y/N

The name rolled in Jeremiah’s mind as he pictured your face-

Exquisite.

He downed the last bit of amber liquid, shuttering at the bitter taste as he stood collecting himself.

With a quick motion he placed a bill on the counter, preparing himself for the tasks at hand.

Outside the air was cold and brisk; a storm was brewing in the clouds above as Jeremiah slipped into a waiting car. As he pulled away glancing into the rear view mirror he knew why he couldn’t look away, why he was in awe, how you pushed away every dark could for those few measly minutes…

Safe-

He felt safe with you.

And now he wanted nothing more than to feel that way again.

This would not be the last time he visited Saint Street.

[artisticestheticreads]

EPILOGUE

One Year Later

[At Your Best by Aaliyah plays]      

“YES. YES. YES. I WILL MARRY YOU!” 

Maxine jumped on top of Donnie’s arms and hit the wound. 

“Ow! Babe, my arm.” 

“Oops, sorry.” 

    Maxine hit Rodney’s phone out his hand and continued to read her book full of Maya Angelou’s poems. Donnie chuckled as he saw the altercation and wrapped his arm around Maxine to place a kiss on her head. “C’mon, baby. You can’t do my best man like that.” She looked over the gold frame glasses at Rodney and said with a straight face “I told yo black ass to stop playing that video”. She smiled and Donnie couldn’t help but chuckle again. They were matching in all Adidas jogger suits and Alphabounce running shoes. Maxine’s hair grew five inches longer and Don became more tone and muscular. Rodney just wore all black and sat with a irritated look. “Okay, ‘sister in law’. You win because it’s your wedding weekend.” Maxine smiled and said “oh, Rod. I win at everything, love.” They all laughed, she kissed Rod’s cheek and then she heard her name being called. “Maxy!!!” It was Josie & Syd with their adopted five year old daughter, Simone and Justin was with his new fiancee, Noah. 

    She ran to them and hugged them all in a warm embrace. “Are you excited”, Noah asked. “Of course I am. I’m getting married and all my babies are here.” Maxine walked with the group to the guys. Sydney and Joseline hugged Donnie and kissed his cheeks with smiles then it was Rodney’s turn. He said “y’all got me hot and bothered” while fanning himself; they playfully hit his arm and laughed. Justin shook Donnie’s hand. “Thanks for offering to pay for us.” Donnie shook his head and said “I ain’t paid for y’all.” Everyone looked at one another, confused then back at Donnie. Josie said “ what you mean, Max said-” Maxine rolled her eyes and said “he didn’t pay because we are taking his-”. Donnie interrupted “our”. Maxine continued. “Our private plane and the rooms are already paid for.” Maxine took her book and playfully hit his arm. “I told you not to mess with them, Donnie. They was about to jump you.” Simone looked at Donnie and said “that wasn’t funny, uncle Donnie.” Donnie picked her up in his arms and said “ Awe, I’m sorry, my sweet Simone. I promise I won’t do that ever again” as he pout his lip; she smiled with her two front teeth missing and kissed his cheek. It was time for everyone to board and to take off. 

    The interior was insane. There was a couch that wrapped around in the middle with coffee table in table, a fireplace and a movie screen. They entered and Abel went to his little dog house on the side. Simone lied on the couch and her smile was enormous. Her mommies sat next to her while Justin and Noah sat in the lounge chairs. Rodney sat next to Simone and turned the screen on Moana which she was obsessed since she basically looked like her. Maxine and Donnie took the other side and automatically cuddle. “Everyone, we are taking off to Paris, France. Say good bye for now, Los Angeles.” They all waved and laughed when Simone yelled out “BYEEEEEE!” The flight was a long one at a duration of nine hours. As soon as they got in the air, that’s when everyone got comfortable; shoes off. The servers started to bring out iced teas and lemonades for everyone. All of a sudden Usher’s U Got It Bad played in the back ground and Donnie began singing awfully and playfully.

“Oh, no, no, no, no, no. 

No ooh

When you feel it in your body You found somebody who makes you change your ways Like hanging with your crew Said you act like you're ready But you don't really know And everything in your past, you wanna let it go.

I've been there, done it, fucked around

After all that, this is what I found Nobody wants to be alone If you're touched by the words in this song Then baby.”

Then everyone joined except for Maxine, who just laughed.

“You got it, you got it bad When you're on the phone Hang up and you call right back You got it, you got it bad If you miss a day without your friend Your whole life's off track You know you got it bad when you're stuck in the house You don't wanna have fun It's all you think about You got it bad when you're out with someone But you keep on thinkin' bout somebody else You got it bad

When you say that you love 'em And you really know Everything that used to matter, it don't matter no more Like my money, all my cars (You can have it all) Flowers, cards and candy (I do it just cause I'm) Said I'm fortunate to have you girl I want you to know I really adore you All my people that know what's going on Look at your mate, help me sing my song”

Then Maxine joined in while holding Donnie’s head in her chest.

“Tell her I'm your man, you're my girl I'm gonna tell it to the whole wide world Ladies say I'm your girl, you're my man Promise to love you the best I can

See I've been there, done it, fucked around After all that, this is what I found Everyone of y'all are just like me It's too bad that you can't see That you got it bad, hey

You got it, you got it bad When you're on the phone Hang up and you call right back You got it, you got it bad If you miss a day without your friend Your whole life's off track You know you got it bad when you're stuck in the house You don't wanna have fun It's all you think about You got it bad when you're out with someone But you keep on thinkin' bout somebody else You got it bad

You got it, you got it bad When you're on the phone Hang up and you call right back You got it, you got it bad If you miss a day without your friend Your whole life's off track You know you got it bad when you're stuck in the house You don't wanna have fun It's all you think about You got it bad when you're out with someone But you keep on thinkin' 'bout somebody else You got it bad 

[By Your Side by Sade plays]

    They all laughed and high five one another. Four hours later, everyone was sleep and knocked out but Don who sat there with his future wife in his arms, looking at her and just smiling. He thought about everything that happened in the past year. From taking out Carlos, to becoming billionaires to just being in love. He honestly didn’t even think that this would happen. He was so thankfully thought God bought her into his life and change it for the better; he couldn’t wait to give her his wedding gift. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her shoulder. He nuzzled his face in her hair and looked around as his eyes slowly closed.

   They finally landed in France and the sun was setting with the Eiffel Tower lights on. A few older men welcomed them and helped them with their luggage as they all got into their rides, arrived to the Hilton Paris Opera hotel, to their rooms. Donnie and Maxine had the executive room which was so huge and beautiful. Maxine stood in the window and watched the sunset as Donnie held her from the back. He kissed her neck and up to her ear. 

“Are you happy, my queen?” 

“Yes, I am my king.” 

    She spun around, held her face close to his and kissed him softly. He lied her on the bed and began stripping her.

The Next Morning; The Big Day

   Maxine woke up in the nude and looked over to a sleeping Donnie. She kissed the top of his head before heading to the shower. Afterwards, she got out and lathered in her body oil as she watched Donnie. She smiled at him and thought about when the first met and how they ended up here. It was surely a challenge but they made it. She was truly grateful to have him in her life and she couldn’t wait to give him the gift in rightfully deserved. She run her fingers through his curls and just sat there. After they had breakfast, Donnie and Maxine went their separate ways to get ready. Maxine met her bridal party at the church and Donnie met Rodney and Justin in his room. They got dressed and in the limo on their way to the church. Donnie wore an all black tuxedo with a bow tie and white handkerchief while the others wore something similar except for white dress shirts. He stood in a room in the left side of the church and saw his father, Mr. Donald Wilkerson, SR. entering the room. “Hey, son. You nervous?” 

[Never Felt This Way by Brian McKnight Plays]   

     He shook his head with a smile. “Nah, pops. I ain’t. Wilkersons don’t get nervous.” His dad patted his shoulder and said “that’s my boy. So, you ready? Y’know, Don. This is a big step.” Donnie nodded with a smile. “I know, pops. But Maxine deserves this. I deserve this. I love her with all my heart & soul and I want it to be official.” Donald smiled and began to walk but Donnie grabbed his arm. “Stay for a while. I gotta get something handled.” He looked to Rodney and Rodney left with a head nod and wink. Maxine was down the hall in her room getting prepared. She was sitting at vanity getting her make up done, sparkle eye and nude pink lips with her hair in curled and to the side; the same as Sierra requested. She looked to the mannequin on her left and saw the dress Sierra chose for her. Maxine took a deep breath to stop incoming tears. “Thank you, Sierra Mona.” The girls, who were in the black bridesmaids gowns, helped her get in and she looked in the mirror, smiled at her self as she put her hoops on and saw Mr. Wilkerson. He walked up to her hugged her. “You look amazing, young lady.” The ladies stood behind her and she asked “you ready, poppa Wilkerson.” He looked at her and shook his head. 

  “There’s been a change of plans, baby girl. I won’t be walking you down the isle. They are.” A man with long gray dreads, a huge smile and mahogany skin stood next to a woman with dark curly hair up and brown skin looked at her. Maxine looked confused and asked Donald “who are they”? The man said with his hand to his chest and a shaky breath “I-I’m Jackson Piers and this is Melanie Roberts.” Maxine looked at them first confuse the in awe and felt her heart drop. She was speechless and shocked. There were so many emotions as she tried to process everything that was happening. She felt tears coming and quickly dab them with a tissue. “How”, she asked them and Melanie said “Honey, Donnie found us. I was sent to Michigan and your father was in New York. He just called us and told us about you and how beautiful you are. And he was right. You are impeccable.” Maxine walked up to them slowly and Jackson looked her in the eyes and held her shoulders. Melanie held her close and said “I’m so sorry, my baby”; they all held one another tight. It felt like a dream and if it was she didn’t wanna let go. They dabbed her tears away and smiled at her. Josie kissed Syd’s cheek and held Simone tight.

       It was time for the ceremony and everyone was in place as Simone the flower girl and Abel the ring bearer walked down the isle. Rodney walked down with Syd and Justin with Josie. Finally, it was Maxine and her parents turn. When the double doors opened, it revealed Maxine with her parents on each side. She had a boutique of sunflowers and roses with a smile on her face. Donnie looked at her and smiled with tears down his cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumb and tried to stay calm. It was like he saw a beautiful angel and he did see it in her. Maxine was a true vision and he was a lucky man. She finally came to him and he kissed her hand. The pastor began as the music lowered. “Today, there will be no dearly beloved, no betrothed, and no ancient rhyme of the married.Today, there are no dead languages to solemnize vows that are very much alive and will remain so for a lifetime.Today, promises become permanent and friends become family. However, this day is not about the words spoken or the rings exchanged, nor is it about grand pronouncements and recessional marches. This day – the day of Maxine and Donald’s wedding – is about love. One of my favorite authors once wrote, “If love is not all, then it is nothing: this principle, and its opposite, collide down all the years of my breathless tale. Maxine and Donald, your breathless tale is about to begin. If love is not all, then it is nothing.Its opposite – If love is all, then it is everything – is going to be the basis for every aspect of your relationship. All you have to do is simply love one another and that love shows through in everything you do for one another, how you treat each other, in good times and bad. Love isn’t just a word; it’s an action.” They stood there and smiled at on another.

        He continued. “Love isn’t something you say, it’s something you do .Love is genuine, honest, and open, compassionate and kind, passionate and blind, love doesn’t know space or time, nor look through jealous eyes, and in the modified words of Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never dies.” There are many different kinds of love, almost if not all of which are represented here today.There is romantic love, the love of parents and children, of brothers and sisters and family, and love among friends. Not only do Maxine and Donnie love one another romantically – and they do, you can see it in every look, every touch, every moment they’re together – they also love one another as friends. In fact, they’re best friends, constantly giggling and taunting and teasing and very plainly and obviously having fun together. That love and enjoyment of each other as best friends will sustain them through this marriage.In addition, the love collectively in this room, from friends and family, will help sustain and support the promises they make today. All of us here will help solidify this bond, as these two individuals are joined as husband and wife.”

  “This new journey will be at times richly rewarding and extremely difficult, but, most importantly, it will be a journey you take together. Marriage is much more than your signatures on a legal contract. You are promising, in front of all these people you love, that you want to be with each other and only each other for the rest of your lives, and that you will do everything in your power to honor the promises you are making here today. For their part, the people who love you will also do everything in their power to try to help you hold up your end of the bargain.” He looked around then at the couple. “Maxine and Donnie will like to share some words.” Donnie began “Maxine Piers, you have made me the most lucky man. I had no idea that I can find love like this. I thought it was only for fairy tales or movies. But I was wrong. You have taught me how to be patient and how to love. You are a force to be reckon with and honestly the best thing of my life. You also taught me a lot about myself that I had no idea. You taught me how to be a man. I love you, Maxine Piers, and I always got you, baby girl.” She smiled with a tear falling and he wiped it off as everyone clapped. 

    She began “Donald Wilkerson JR., we have been through a lot and it was worth it all. I never thought of us being more than friends but I guess I was wrong. Sierra and Justin told me to take a chance and”. She felt tears come down and dabbed them off with her tissue then continued. “They were right. It was the best thing I did and I would never regret it. You made me believe that I’m worth something and that I can be a queen if I put my heart into it. I love you more than anything, Donald.” They exchange their rings and held each other hands. The pastor then said “does anyone object? Speak now or forever hold your peace." Maxine and Donnie turned to the crowd with folded arms and everyone laughed as they dapped each other and faced one another again. “I know pronounce you Mr. & Mrs. Donald Wilkerson JR. You may now kiss the bride.” They gave a few long pecks on the lips and held their hands in the air. 

[Blessed by Daniel Caesar plays]  

    It was thirty minutes into the reception and Maxine was catching up with her parents as they ate cake. Donnie looked over at them as they all sat at the main table. They had their dances and it was time for the toasts. Rodney began “to my wonderful big brother and beautiful sister. I’m very happy for you two. Thank you, Max for coming into this fool’s life because I was about to smack him if he didn’t settle down, soon.” Everyone laughed and clanged their glasses except for Maxine. Donnie looked at her and asked with a line between his brows and said “you okay, Mrs. Wilkerson?” She nodded and said “yeah. I’m fine.” She stood and tapped her glass with a butter knife. “Everyone, I want to thank everyone for coming. It is an amazing feeling that we have a tribe of people that support us. I have a shocking yet an exciting wedding gift for my husband.” She took a deep breath and said “I’m two months pregnant.” Everyone cheered and hugged her but Donnie looked at her; shocked. Maxine looked down at him and said “Donnie?” Donnie looked at her then her tummy and said “my baby is having a baby?” She nodded and felt his lips on her stomach. He stood and held her tight in his arms. “Thank you, baby” he said. Everyone hugged them and shook Donnie’s hand.

Hours later

   Donnie lied beside her in bed, rubbed and kissed her tummy as they laid in the nude. “Babe, what are you doing”, she asked as she run her fingers along the new tattoo on his old gun wound that was now her name. “I’m showing my baby love.” She smiled and rolled her eyes at her corny husband.

 “Do I gotta deal with this for the next seven months?” 

“Damn right. And I’m going to cater your every need. Anything you want, I’ll take care of it.” 

    She kissed the top of his head as he cuddled her tiny stomach. “Our children will be well taken cared of. All eight of them.” Maxine’s eyes got wide and she said “we not having eight, Donnie.” Donnie said “we are if I hide your birth control.” She laughed and smacked his back.

[Screen fades]

[seventeen-central]

Blush- Wonwoo Imagine

Request: May I have some wonwoo fluff pls? Like one of svt stylist noona's brought their sister ( let's say their a year younger than woo) who is also a young makeup artist. Wonwoo is smitten like 😻. But he gets so shy cause she's doing his makeup and sometimes she has to lean really close likeeee. Teasing from the other members is inevitable

A/N: Sorry I am just getting to this now! I’ve been on a short hiatus, but now I’ll be back and writing!~ Admin Cloud

 “Wonwoo-hyung, it’s your turn to have your makeup done!” Dino lightly prodded the older boy’s side with his index finger, causing a groan to emit from the older boy. 

 Wonwoo blinked the sleep from his eyes and quickly maneuvered over to the familiar chair in front of the vanity with a single bulb missing. Olivia, the usual makeup artist was sitting criss-crossed on the floor, playing a game on her phone. You patted the chair, smiling brightly as he looked between the two of you, obviously extremely confused.

 “Hello, my name is Y/N, and I am here training to be your new makeup artist. Please treat me well.” You bowed respectfully, and Wonwoo immediately felt his face heat up.

 “Hey, Hyung, are you wearing blush already?” Vernon teased him from the couch as Wonwoo turned away to quickly fan his face, shooting a stern glare at Vernon simultaneously. Looking back towards he, he shyly smiled and clambered into the chair.

 As you began priming his face, you couldn’t help but notice how clear his skin was. His cheeks were smooth with the occasional bump, but he seemed to be the closest to perfection you had ever seen. His eyes met with yours everyone in a while, but he would turn away as soon as you made eye contact and try to focus on something else.

 “So, what brings you to come help us look concert ready, Y/N?”

 “My older sister, Olivia, is your makeup artist. I just recently left cosmetology school, and she promised to help me find a job so I can stand on my own two feet. Hopefully, you will be seeing more of me around here.” You spoke slowly, focusing intently on the eyeliner you were applying to Wonwoo’s cat-like eyes. “Well, Wonwoo, I think I am done here. What do you think?” You turned his chair towards the mirror, letting him soak in his new appearance. He rolled his head, looking at himself from all angles before smiling genuinely at you.

 “I love it! Thank you, Y/N!”

 “No problem, Wonwoo. Now, get out on stage and show the crowd what you have got!”

 “Nice show, boys! I could feel the energy all the way from backstage!” You and the other staff members cheered as the boys entered the room out of breath and dripping with sweat.

 “Thank you, Y/N. Wonwoo could feel your support the whole show.” The boys all snickered as Wonwoo’s cheeks flushed with color. You smiled at him, shyly rubbing your neck with your hand. 

 “Well, let’s get this show on the road. Let’s have some meat for dinner; it’s my treat.” Their manager ushered each boy to get changed as the staff picked up clothes, makeup, and the occasional wrapper from snacks that had been eaten during the duration of SEVENTEEN’s concert. As you gathered up your brushes and wide array of cosmetic products, you couldn’t help but let your eyes wander to the firm, toned body of the boy that had been holding your attention all day.

 “Oi, Y/N! Don’t look at Wonwoo like that, unless you want to get fired!” Olivia jabbed your side, eliciting a yelp from your lips. “Idols are off limits, and he probably isn’t interested in a boring average girl like you.”

 Internally frowning, you picked up the last of your things and began the short journey to your car.

 “Aigoo, what are we going to do with you, Y/N?” The boys laughed, the sound of sizzling barbecue in the background. Your figure was slumped over the table, glass in hand and cheeks bright pink. 

 “You meanies! I’m a newbie, you should be nicer!” A string of hiccups shook your body. 

 “Hey, Y/N, how about I drive you to the hotel? We have a show early tomorrow, so you should rest and drink some water so that your hangover isn’t too bad.”

 Wolf whistles could be heard as Wonwoo allowed you to clamber onto his back, holding onto him like a koala hugging a bamboo shoot. He blushed when you snuggled into his neck, taking a quick breath before carrying you to the car.

 “Y/N, what am I gonna do when you act so cute like this?” You settled further into the passenger seat as Wonwoo turned the key, igniting the engine and shifting gears.

 “Wonwoo~ You are so cute, and I get paid for rubbing your face!~ I’m so lucky!” You outstretched your hands like an infant reaching for it’s mother, dragging a gruff chortle from Wonwoo’s composed interior. He helped you slip off your shoes before lightly placing a soft blanket over your unconscious body.

 Before he could leave, you grabbed hold of his hand once again. He felt his face heat up, but turned around nonetheless.

 “Please, Wonwoo, stay with me... I’m afraid of being alone.” Though still tipsy, your voice held a shakiness that Wonwoo recognized as fear. Wordlessly, he slipped off his shoes and slipped under the covers, feeling your body heat radiate almost immediately.

 “Don’t worry, Y/N, I’m here. Just go to sleep.” With that, you both cuddled a bit closer and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

[dawnjeman]

Interior Design Ideas: Home Renovation

  Hello everyone! Do you have plans for the weekend? The weather is still very cold here and I am planning on slowing down and making some healthy and hearty meals and read “Design your next chapter” by Debbie Travis. I just got it and I am excited to start reading it. Let me know your thoughts if you have already read it. It seems to be a short and fun book – perfect to be read on a weekend.

But before I take a few hours to read my book, I hope you enjoy this beautiful home renovation done by Molly Griggs Interiors and with photography by Marina Storm of Picture Perfect House (also featured here). This is a two-story colonial home that belongs to a young family of four. They purchased their home and it was gutted to the studs to make it more open and functional for their family.

In my opinion, this home feels trendy without being ridiculous. I am sorry, but please correct if I am the only person thinking that people are overdoing when it comes to trends lately. There’s too much of the same and very little authenticity out there. Every house looks the same and everyone seems to be using the same “formula”. I have been working hard to find spaces that have a “soul” and I hope you enjoy seeing how beautifully renovated and decorated this home was. Nothing feels overdone and you can picture people actually living in these rooms. After all, that’s why we spend time and money with our home; to comfortably live in it.

Have fun seeing this lovely family home and feel free to pin your favorite interior pictures and share this house tour!

  Interior Design Ideas: Home Renovation

White kitchens will always be a classic choice, add neutral walls and dark-stained hardwood flooring to the mix and you certainly will end-up with a space that will stand the test of time. I feel that you can and should have fun with accessories, such as decor, lighting and even with certain pieces of furniture, but try to keep the main elements classic, especially if this is not your forever home. Classic and neutral sells.

Kitchen Layout

This kitchen features a fantastic layout and plenty of natural light, which is so important.

Countertop

Counters are Taj Mahal Quartzite. Taj Mahal Quartzite is a natural stone and it features a soft white background and subtle gold veins.

Beautiful Runners: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Kitchen Faucet & Sink

Kitchen: Kohler in polished nickel.

Sink: here & here – similar.

Cabinet Paint Color & Hardware

Kitchen Cabinetry and Trim paint Color: Benjamin Moore “Super White”.

Cabinet Hardware: Lewis – Similar Pulls & Knobs in brushed brass.

Backsplash

The kitchen backsplash in 3×6 white subway tile.

Pot Filler: Kohler.

Woven Pedestal fruit Tray: Here.

Hardwood Flooring

Flooring is solid Oak hardwood in dark custom stain – similar here, here & here (low gloss).

Get this Casual-chic Look:

(Scroll to see more & click to shop)

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Lighting & Cabinetry

Lighting is Visual Comfort Katie Pendants.

Cabinetry was custom-designed by the interior designer.

Counterstools

Counterstools are Serena & Lily in Fog. These counterstools are comfortable and super easy to clean, which is a must when you have kids (of all ages) at home.

Bar

This kitchen also features a practical bar with built-in beverage fridge and upper cabinets. Great design!

Wall Paint Color

The kitchen walls are Benjamin Moore “Classic Gray”.

Window Treatment: Woven Wood Shade  similar here.

Dining Room

The kitchen cabinets continue to the dining area, allowing for more storage and counter space, which can also be used a butler’s pantry when entertaining.

Visual Comfort “Darlana Linear Lantern” – similar here (more affordable option).

Dining Chairs: Ballard Designs, painted to match cabinets – Similar Host Chairs: Here.

Similar Side Chairs: Here & Here.

Dining Table: Custom from Here – Similar: Here.

Living Room

This is why I love this home… because it feels like a real home!

The decor is approachable and comfortable, and that’s how I also like to live.

Paint Color

Paint color is Benjamin Moore OC-23 Classic Gray.

Similar Pillows: 3x 24×24 Tassel Pillows (similar here), 2x Block Print Pillows, 1x Blush Pink Pillow, 1x Lumbar Pillow.

Similar Sofa: Here.

Coffee Table: Here, Here & Here.

Rug: Mistana – Others Similar: Here & Here.

Tray

A woven tray brings some texture to this glass coffee table.

Coffee Table Decor

I like how the designer decorated the coffee table without over cluttering it. Simple is always best.

Sconces

Sconces are Savoy House.

Laundry Room

Upstairs you will find a newly-renovated laundry room with sliding barn door and dark grey cabinets. Trim, walls and barn door are painted in Benjamin Moore “Super White”.

Grey Cabinet Paint Color

Laundry room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore “Kendall Charcoal”.

Counters are white quartz.

Backsplash is white herringbone backsplash.

Hardware: RH – similar Here.

Lighting: RH – similar Here, Here & Here.

Floor Tile: Patterned ceramic tile – similar here.

Kid’s Bathroom

This kids bathroom is really a show apart. Can it get any more perfect than this? I don’t think so! Notice the stunning sink and the classic yet fun color scheme. Wallpaper is Hygge and West “Mermaids” in Red Coral.

Great Wallpaper Sources: Here & Here.

Sink: Kohler.

Vanity Paint Color

Bathroom cabinetry paint color is Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy”.

Countertop is white quartz.

Lighting: Rejuvenation “Carson” Sconce.

Step Up

This bathroom comes even with pull-out step stools under cabinet for kids to reach sink.

Cute Step Stools: here & here.

Hardware: RH – similar Cup Pulls & Pulls.

Pivot Mirrors: Rejuvenation.

Tiling

Walls feature 3×6 white subway tile wainscotting.

Flooring: Matte white penny tile.

Mudroom

This home keeps getting better! The mudroom is filled with creative ideas, from its herringbone tile to its cabinetry.

Flooring: Ceramic tile in herringbone pattern – similar here.

Lighting: Visual Comfort Hicks Pendant.

Letter Pillow: Jonathan Adler.

Cabinetry

Mudroom cabinetry, trim and walls are painted in Benjamin Moore PM-1 Super White.

Working Station

You can’t go wrong with a working station and this is a great spot for it. By elevating the desk you create enough height for a file cabinet on each side. Countertop is stained wood.

Counterstool: Gabby.

Powder Room

This has to be one of my favorite powder baths I have shared lately. This space features classic wainscoting, blue and white floral wallpaper, acrylic bathroom basin and a dramatic dark hardwood flooring.

Wainscotting in Benjamin Moore “Super White”.

Roman Shade: Here – similar.

Vanity

Basin console vanity with acrylic base is from RH with custom Taj Mahal Quartzite countertop – similar here.

Faucet: RH – similar here.

Mirror: here – similar.

Toilet: Kohler.

Blue & White Wallpaper

Wallpaper is Schumacher “Pyne Hollyhock” in Indigo.

Sconces: Visual Comfort “Bryant” Sconces.

  Many thanks to the photographer & interior designer for sharing all of the details above!

Interior Design: Molly Griggs Interiors.

Photography: Picture Perfect House (Instagram)

Builder: Lakewest Custom Homes.

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  Posts of the Week:

2019 New Year Home Tour.

Belgian-style Modern Farmhouse.

Stone Cottage-style Home Design.

Custom Craftsman-style Family Home.

Newport Island Beach House.

New Year, New Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Before & After Home Renovation.

California Duplex Home Design.

Stone Lake House.

Australian Beach House.

Family-friendly Home Design.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Canada.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Georgian-Style Manor with Traditional Interiors.

Transitional Home Design.

Interior Design Ideas.

Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: California Beach House.

Follow me on Instagram: @HomeBunch

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See more Inspiring Interior Design Ideas in my Archives.

“Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

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[samuelmmarcus]

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Fixer Upper

  Sometimes we can feel really discouraged with our current home because we can’t envision its potential. If this is your case, or if you’re about to buy a fixer upper, this “Beautiful Homes of Instagram” should really inspire you today. Michelle completely transformed her 80’s home into a dream home. Honestly, looking at these pictures you can’t believe this is not a new home. Start getting inspired and I might warn you… make sure to hold your jaw because it might fall at any time!

  Hi everyone! My name is Michelle of @blushingboho. I am so honored to have my home and designs featured in Luciane’s Beautiful Homes of Instagram series here on Home Bunch!

My husband and I purchased this home in the Spring of 2017. Prior to moving, we lived in a 580 square foot apartment for many years. As much as we truly did love living in such a small space, we wanted to be able to entertain more, and as a designer, I wanted a place to put my personal stamp on. My husband and I have done almost all of the renovations ourselves, with some help from family and friends. When we purchased the home, it was structurally in good shape, but having been built in 1981, it needed some major cosmetic updates throughout. While our new home is 1500 square feet and technically not considered a large home, it feels very spacious to us, and has kept us busy with renovations for the past two years!

From a very young age, I was always very interested in interiors, DIY, and really anything creative. I remember watching “This Old House” on tv every Saturday morning, and still watch it to this day. When we were looking to purchase our first home I knew I only wanted a fixer upper. I have a very specific style, and I wanted to learn how to renovate a home myself to achieve the look I was envisioning. Over the past two years I have learned so much about what goes into building a home, and have developed a love for woodworking and the skill and precision it takes in order to make a project look professional. My husband and I have done all of the renovations in this home ourselves, with the exception of our staircase remodel and some plumbing reconfigurations. At the start of our renovation, the only home project we’d done before was painting. My Dad taught us how to install the wood flooring, as well as allowed us to borrow any tool we needed from his extensive collection. We started out with smaller projects, referencing my Dad, Youtube, blogs, and This Old House, and have slowly worked our way up to more complicated projects. In the photos below I will recap some of the changes we’ve made to the home to bring it to where it is today. Thanks so much for reading!

  Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Fixer Upper

I am sure you guys will love Michelle’s home as much as I do! This is a new approach on coastal interiors – it feels fresh, reinvented yet timeless.

Sofa: RH Belgian Roll Arm Sofa – similar here, here, here, here, here & here.

Grey Pillow: Serena & Lily.

Artwork: Juniper Print Shop.

Pillows

You will find many beautiful pillow styling ideas throughout Michelle’s home! Oh, can you spy someone taking a little nap?

Black & White Pillow: Etsy – similar here.

Blue & White Pillow: here, here & here – similar.

Beautiful Blush Pink Lumbar Pillows: here, here, here, here & here.

Staircase

We completely renovated the staircase, continuing the wood flooring up the stairs and adding in the wrought iron spindles to tie in with the bronze windows and bring in more contrast to the space. The second set of stairs originally did not have spindles, and was a drywalled half wall, so we took that out and added in spindles to allow more light into the stairwell.

Vase: here & here (out of stock) – Others: here, here, here & here – (different sizes).

Ottoman

Ottoman is custom – similar here, here, here & here.

Beautiful Trays: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Rug

Adding pillows, framed artwork and an upholstered ottoman certainly brings color to this fairly neutral living room.

Rug is Safavieh Flatweave rug.

Chair: custom – similar here, here & here.

Cabinet: Grandinroad Opal Mirrored Cabinet – similar here, here, here & here.

Fireplace Reno

We recently replaced the fireplace tile surround and hearth and added some vertical tongue and groove above the mantle to draw the eye up as we have eight foot ceilings throughout the home.

Paint color is Sherwin Williams untinted white on walls, ceiling, trim.

Similar Mirror: – similar Here & Here

Dining Room

The living room opens to the dining room.

Inspiring

This room had some serious moisture issues with the previous slider door being installed incorrectly. Water would actually flow down from the top of the doors like a waterfall whenever we got any heavy rain! We did a temporary fix upon moving in, and later purchased all new Renewal by Andersen windows and doors in the bronze color with grilles for the entire home, which added in some contrast and drama to the all white walls and light wood flooring. I also added in the shiplap accent wall to pull in some dimension as I have a more minimal approach when it comes to wall art.

Dining table is from Pottery Barn.

Paint color: Sherwin Williams untinted white on walls, ceiling, trim.

Chippendale Chairs: Ballard Designs – similar : Here & Here.

Chandelier: Pottery Barn.

Host Chairs

These gorgeous host chairs are from World Market.

Similar Pillow: here.

Drapery: Pottery Barn.

Window Hardware: here.

Vase

Vase is from Target.

Beautiful Table Runners: here, here, here, here & here.

Hardwood Flooring

Wood flooring in entire home: Johnson Hardwood, European Oak, British Isles Series in Essex – similar here, here & here.

Front Door Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Cobblestone Gray.

Shiplap

The foyer features a white shiplap accent wall. Paint color is Sherwin Williams untinted white.

Bench: Target (no longer available) – similar here.

Similar Artwork: here.

Pillows: here, here & here.

Basket: Serena & Lily – similar.

Half Bathroom

This is our downstairs half bathroom, and the space that has had the biggest transformation in our home! Originally the vanity spanned the entire back wall of the space, and the toilet was placed awkwardly in the corner, making the room very hard to navigate. We gutted the space, and moved the toilet to the back wall. We added in the wainscoting and dark wall color to play up that fact that this room gets very little natural light.

Vanity Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Pale Oak at 50% tint.

Similar Artwork: here.

Similar Leather Pulls: here.

Vanity: Home Depot. Other Beautiful Vanities: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Paint Color

Top Half of Walls: Benjamin Moore 2124-10 Wrought Iron.

Mirror: here – similar.

Faucet: Kingston Brass.

Towel Ring: Anthropologie.

Similar Hand Towel: here & here.

Upstairs Hallway

This hallway is one of my favorite transformations in the home. Previously there was a view of the half wall going up the second staircase and part of the hallway, which is now wrought iron spindles. 

Paint color: Sherwin Williams untinted white on walls, ceiling, trim.

Barn Door

I also took of the tiny accordion door for the linen closet and built this custom barn door to make that space more of a novelty and focal point rather than the eye sore it used to be. This is the first thing I see when I open my bedroom door in the morning, and I reflect on how far we’ve come every time I see this view.

Barn Door Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart.

Similar Barn Door: here.

Barn Door Pull: RH Vintage Towel Bar – Others: here, here & here.

Home Office

This is our upstairs office in the home.

Desk is from World Market.

Similar Throw: here & here.

Pillow: Pottery Barn.

Office Chair

Desk chair is also from World Market.

Pillow: Bunglo Rosario Pillows.

Dipped Basket: here, here & here.

Board & Batten Wall

This space also doubles as a hangout room or music room for us to play our ukuleles. I added in the dark gray board and batten accent wall this fall to create a cozier and more masculine space for my husband, as he tends to work in this room a lot.

Sofa is Charcoal Gray Quentin Chesterfield Sofa from World Market.

Faux Cowhide Rug: here.

Paint Color & Pillows

Board and Batten Wall: Tin Lizzie SW 9163 by Sherwin Williams.

Pillows: Right: Striped Pillow, Vintage Distressed Pillow (similar) – Left: Grey Pillow, Patterned Pillow: Bunglo Rosario Pillows.

Artwork: Juniper Print Shop – similar here, here, here & here.

Guest Bathroom

The guest bedroom is very welcoming and comfortable. I am loving the color palette and the soft textures found in this space.

Paint color: Sherwin Williams untinted white on walls, ceiling, trim.

Curtains: TJ Maxx.

 Bed

Bed is from Joss & Main.

Nightstands: here & here – similar.

Bedding

Quilt: Discontinued – similar here – Other Recommended Quilts: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Sheets: Target.

Euro Pillows: Here – similar.

Lumbar Pillow: McGee.

Guest Bathroom

This is our guest bathroom that’s located off of the upstairs hallway. This is another room that had an overly generous sized vanity that didn’t leave enough space near the toilet. We took that out and replaced it with a smaller vanity. The vanity in this bathroom and the downstairs half bath are the same style that I’ve painted and added new pulls to. The previous homeowners had recently renovated the master bathroom, and decided to install these two single vanities next to one another instead of a double vanity. I opted to purchase a double vanity for the master bath, but still made use of the two single vanities in our other two bathrooms.

Wallpaper: Tempaper.

Faucet: Kingston Brass.

Towel Ring: Anthropologie.

Toilet Paper Holder: Anthropologie.

Mirror: here – similar.

Artwork

Art is from Etsy.

First Aid Box: Mcgee.

Vanity Paint Color

Vanity paint color is Sherwin Williams Attitude Gray and the vanity is from Home Depot.

Eucalyptus Greenery: here.

Similar Floor Tile: here & here.

Master Bedroom

Our master bedroom just needed a few coats of paint to cover the dark yellow paint color that it previously was, along with the same light wood flooring that is throughout the house.

Bed: Target & here.

Lumbar Pillow: Etsy.

Linen Duvet Set: here, here & here – similar.

Matelasse Quilt & Euro Shams: here, here & here – similar.

Rug: Safavieh.

Nightstand

Nightstands are from Wayfair (currently on sale!).

Table Lamp: Target –  Others: here, here, here & here.

Similar Basket: here.

Accent Chair

An accent chair creates an inviting sitting area in the master bedroom.

Chair: here & here – similar.

Chair Pillow: Etsy.

Reading Nook

The dormer window was empty when bought the home, and I built in the window seat the first fall we lived here, and it serves as a great place to relax and look out the window or read a book.

 Lighting

The bedroom lighting is from Wayfair.

Throw: Arhaus (on sale!).

Paint Color

Paint color: Sherwin Williams untinted white on walls, ceiling, trim.

Master Bathroom

This master bathroom is one of our most recent project’s we’ve completed. This was the only room that had been renovated in the home, so we worked with what was currently there. The previous home owners had redone the tile flooring and used the same tile for the shower area as well. It’s a varied light grey tile in about a 12x24” size, which works as a nice neutral base for the room.

Shiplap

I painted everything white and brought in more dimension with the shiplap wall, and changed out the overhead vanity light for three sconces surrounding the arched brass mirrors. I swapped a two single vanities for this white double vanity with a marble top for a more elegant look.

Vanity: Home Depot.

Vanity Hardware: Wayfair.

Faucets: Kingston Brass.

Toilet Paper Holder: Anthropologie.

Tile: here – similar.

Mirrors

Mirrors are by Uttermost.

Sconces: Wayfair.

Towel Ring: Anthropologie.

Beautiful Vases: here, here, here, here & here.

  Many thanks to Michelle for sharing all of the details above.

Make sure to follow Michelle on Instagram to see more of her beautiful home!

  Best Sales of the Month:

Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!

  Serena & Lily: 20% off Dining Event. Use code: ENTERTAINING

  Wayfair: Up to 75% OFF – President’s Day Huge Sales on Decor, Furniture & Rugs!!!

  Joss & Main: End of Season Sale: Up to 85% Off!!! Free shipping with code: STARS

  Pottery Barn: 20% off + Free Shipping. Use Code: WEEKEND

  One Kings Lane: High Quality Design Decor for Less – Save 20% Sitewide Puls and Extra 10% with code: OKLPRES19

  West Elm: 20% Off your entire Purchase + Free Shipping: Use Code: WINTER

  Anthropologie: Take an extra 40% off all sale items! See Joanna Gaines Exclusive line here!

  Urban Outfitters: Hip & Affordable Home Decor.

  Horchow: High Quality Furniture and Decor. Up to 30% off the entire site!

  Nordstrom: Up to 40% OFF!

  Arhaus: Up to 60% OFF!

  Posts of the Week:

2019 New Year Home Tour.

Full-scale Home Remodel Inspiration.

Connecticut Beach House.

Interior Design Ideas: Colorful Interiors.

New England Home.

California New-Construction Custom Home.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: How to Build your own Home.

Interior Design Ideas: Home Renovation.

California Modern Farmhouse Renovation.Classic Colonial Home Design. Family-friendly Home Design.

New Year, New Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Georgian-Style Manor with Traditional Interiors.

Transitional Home Design.

Interior Design Ideas. Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.

Follow me on Instagram: @HomeBunch

You can follow my pins here: Pinterest/HomeBunch

See more Inspiring Interior Design Ideas in my Archives.

“Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

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[roslinadama-sinequanon]

So we finally meet Sharon’s parents--and make it to Connecticut. For a long time I had pictured Vanessa Redgrave and Gregory Peck as Sharon’s parents, but after hearing the suggestion someone made of Ellen Burstyn ( I apologize but I can’t remember who it was who made the suggestion or I’d give you a shout out) I have changed my mind. So, the cast for this story will be Ellen Burstyn as Colleen O’Dwyer and Gregory Peck as William O’Dwyer--because I just totally seen Sharon being raised by a dad like Atticus Finch.

Christmas in Connecticut-Part 8

“This is where you grew up?” Following Sharon’s directions, Andy turned into a long driveway. Once he parked, he turned to her with raised brows. He knew Sharon had grown up with money but the large brick Colonial home sitting up on the knoll of a long sloping front yard was still a surprise. A single candle burned in each of the many windows and big festive wreaths did indeed adorn the doors.  It was a classic, elegant home. A home that befit the classic, elegant woman to whom he was now engaged.

“Home sweet home,” she smiled.

“It’s huge.”

“I know it looks big but actually,” she snapped her seatbelt off. “By Greenwich standards it’s a pretty modest house.”

Andy nodded. He had seen some of the ostentatious mansions as they were driving into the quaint tree-lined downtown area of the city. “Like Beverly Hill’s in Connecticut.”

“Pretty much. There are a lot of celebrities who live here because we‘re so close to Manhattan and right on Long Island Sound.”

“Mom, this was your house?” Rusty’s eyes widened with awe as he met her in the driveway. “And there was only you and your brother and sister.”

“Yes.”

“It’s an absolutely beautiful home Sharon,” Nicole said. “But are you sure we wouldn’t be better off staying in a hotel?”

“Oh, no, there’s plenty of room.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about. The boys, they’re so young, they rough house and well, I just don’t want them breaking anything.”

Sharon smiled. “It’s a home Nicole, not a museum.”

“Yeah,” Ricky said. “Em and I did plenty of rough housing here growing up. Gran always said she just put away the good antiques when we came for a visit.”

“There really isn’t anything to worry about; my parents are thrilled to have everyone here for the holiday. They‘d be very disappointed if you didn‘t stay.”

As if the conversation had been heard inside, the front door was flung open by an attractive older woman, her short wavy white hair perfectly coiffed and still retaining a faded hint of the auburn of her youth. “Oh, they’re here William,”she cried out with excitement. “They’re here! “

Ricky and Emily rushed up to the house throwing themselves into their grandmother’s open arms. When Rusty continued to stand tentatively behind his more gregarious siblings, Colleen stretched an arm out to him.

“Rusty Beck, you get over here and give your grandmother a hug,” she said, sounding very much like Sharon at her most bossy. Rusty complied with a shy smile, finally laughing when she pulled him in with Emily and Ricky.  

Sharon held back, letting her mother get in all the hugging and cheek pinching with her grandkids before stepping forward into a gentler embrace.

“Mom.” She kissed her mother’s soft cheek, inhaling the faint scent of her Chanel perfume. Her mother had worn that same perfume since Sharon was a child and it was a scent she would always associate with “mother”.

“Oh, Sharon,” Colleen O’Dwyer cupped her daughter’s precious face in her hands. “It’s so good to have you all here.”

“Well, we’re excited to be here.”

“Colleen you think we might want to let them all inside to warm up? They do have that thin California blood, you know.”

They all looked up at the tall stern looking white haired man who seemed to fill the doorway, a Golden Retriever at his side.

“Daddy,” Sharon beamed. The stern features softened into a tender smile.

“Munchkin,” he said, crushing his daughter in a bear hug.

“Munchkin?” Nicole mouthed the word to an amused Andy.

“William is right,” Colleen said. “You must be freezing. Please come inside everyone.”

Once inside Sharon began the introductions.

“I know you’ve all talked on skype, but Mom, Dad, I’d like you to formally meet Lieutenant Andrew Patrick Flynn. Andy, my parents William and Colleen O‘Dwyer.”

“It’s nice to finally really meet you Judge and Mrs. O‘Dwyer,” Andy said putting out a hand.

“Oh, none of that formality Andy. You‘re living with our daughter, you‘re family.”  Colleen opened her arms to give him a hug. Andy could definitely see where Sharon got her nurturing warmth. “We are William and Colleen, none of that Judge and Mrs. Stuff.” She let him go and while Sharon made the introductions for Nicole, Dean and the boys, William shook his hand. His greeting was far less effusive than Colleen’s was. Not that he was unfriendly, just more reserved. Andy wasn’t sure if a certain eyeballing was just a protective father sizing up his daughter’s boyfriend or if it was the mention of he and Sharon living together that had raised William‘s hackles. The O’Dwyer’s were devout Catholics so he was not sure how well that arrangement had gone over with them . “We’re so happy to have little children in the house again,” Colleen was saying to Nicole and her family. “I made some gingerbread men today and I thought after supper we could decorate them and have them for dessert. Also, William and I took out the old train set that used to belong to our son and that Ricky and Emily loved playing with when they were your age. Once we get you all settled in your bedrooms you can come down and play, would you like that?”

Both boys nodded with excitement. “Can we Mom?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Where do you want us all, Mom?” Sharon asked.

“Well, Nicole, Dean and the boys can have the side by side guest rooms. Emily can have Christine’s old room, Ricky and Rusty can have Richie’s old room and you and Andy can have yours.”

“Perfect.” Sharon gave Andy an “I told you so” lift of the brow. He had been sure that her mother would put them in separate rooms, but Sharon had been pretty clear with her parents about her and Andy living together and she felt her mother would respect that.  Judge O’Dwyer was another story altogether. Andy was quite sure he had seen the old man wince when Colleen mentioned where he was sleeping. Father’s never changed; their little girls would always be their little girls.

The interior of the house was just as lovely as the exterior. Shining hardwood floors covered by plush Persian carpets in deep jewel colors, antique furniture, wall sconces, paintings in gilt frames, brick fireplaces and chandeliers. It all spoke of understated elegance and in many ways reminded Andy of Sharon’s tastefully decorated condo, though with different styles. However, Sharon was right, it was not a museum it was also warm and comfortable. The entire house smelled of cinnamon, vanilla and ginger--much like when Sharon made gingerbread cookies back home. There was a big comfortable leather couch in front of the blazing fireplace and there were plenty of family pictures along the staircase leading to the second floor. Andy looked forward to getting the chance to look at all the pictures and get a glimpse into Sharon’s childhood, which had obviously been very, very different from his.

“This is me,” Sharon said while opening the door to the last room at the end of the hall on the second floor. Andy couldn’t contain his grin as they entered Sharon’s girlhood room. While not left in a creepy shrine sort of way it did hold the ghost of a teenage girl. Colleen said that they had not changed very much since Sharon had left for college, other than repainting a couple times and taking down her pin ups of the Beatles and David Cassidy. The walls were pale lavender, the furniture all black and white. A braided rug in varying shades of purple lay over the mahogany wood floor and a white quilt with little black and lavender sprigs covered the full sized bed. Sheer black curtains with embroidered white flowers adorned windows that looked out over Long Island Sound in the distance. The only artwork left on the walls from Sharon’s younger years was a large framed Mikhail Baryshnikov poster.Along another wall there was a large bookcase empty now save for a few well-known best sellers and classics that Colleen placed there for guests.

“When Sharon lived in this room that case was crammed with books. Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, What Katy Did, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder and Judy Blume books, To Kill a Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye…Oh my, did she love to read.“

“Still does.” Andy grinned.

“When I have the time.” Sharon wandered over to the small roll top desk where she’d done her homework as a child and the vanity table where she’d sat as an adolescent looking into the mirror wondering when she might actually get boobs and her period like her best friend Lisa Connell who always seemed to be a few steps ahead of her and as a teen grimacing and bemoaning her braces. God, she would never want to relive those years again.

“What’s this?” Andy asked seeing a box on the floor next the bureau. Sharon joined him and began picking through the box.

“This is all my stuff, from when I was a kid.”

“Your father and I have been going through the attic cleaning out a lot of old things. I made boxes for you and Chrissie to go through. You can decide what you want to keep and what you want to throw out.”

Sharon wasn’t listening; she was already lost in her memories, pulling things out of the box. First was a pair of pale pink Pointe shoes, obviously well used. “My old Pointe shoes,” she said.

“The apple didn’t fall far from the tree,” Colleen said to Andy. “Before Emily became a professional ballerina her mother was quite the dancer. She probably could have gone pro herself if the law hadn’t been her greater passion.”

“Mom, I was never as good as Emily,” Sharon protested.

“Only because it wasn’t your passion the way it is hers. You just loved it.”

“I did love it.”

Andy found himself wishing he could see Sharon dance. Not like in his arms, he had done that with her plenty of times and she was so graceful and light on her feet, but he would love to see her dance like the ballerina she had once been. She still took a barre class so he doubted she was very rusty.

Next Sharon pulled out a large gold letter S with a big grin.

“What is that?” Andy asked.

“It’s like the M Mary Richards had up in her apartment.”

Andy continued to look at her blankly.

“Didn’t you ever watch the Mary Tyler Moore show?” she asked.

“I guess, yeah I’m sure I did. Yes, I remember that clown episode. You know, when he died.”

“Chuckles the clown. Oh, that’s a classic.”

“Mary Tyler Moore was Shari’s favorite show.” Colleen took the letter from Sharon with a smile, her eyes going soft with memories. “She and Chrissie. They’d plunk their little bottoms down in front of the TV every Saturday night to watch.”

“I idolized Mary Richards,” Sharon admitted. “I took that S with me when I went I went to college and put it up in my dorm room. Speaking of college, you still have my tassels?” She pulled out two cords and tassels one gold and the other gold and maroon.

Andy took one, examining it. “What did you get those for?”

“The gold one is from high school, for National Honor Society.”

“And the gold and maroon is what she got for graduating summa cum laude from Boston College.” Colleen fairly beamed with pride in her eldest daughter while Sharon flushed a little. She had never been comfortable with people gushing over her.

Andy was impressed, but not surprised. Unlike him, Sharon rarely did anything in half measure. He had gone to San Diego State on a baseball scholarship and while he had aced his criminology classes because the topic fascinated him, when it came to classes that didn’t fascinate him he rarely put much effort in and did just enough get his degree so he could apply to the police academy. However, he could definitely see Sharon buckling down and acing even the classes she hated.

“Well,” Sharon said rising. “It’s getting late. We can go through the rest of that stuff later.”

“Definitely later.” Andy grinned and picked up a large scrapbook. “I can’t wait to look through these pictures of you as a kid.”

“Great.” Sharon’s grimace made him laugh.

“Okay then,” Colleen said. “I’ll leave you to unpack. I figured you’d all be tired traveling all day so I made a nice big pot of creamy clam chowder, got the clams fresh today down at the fish market. I’ll heat up some brown bread and johnnycake to go with it. Give you a nice taste of New England for your first night.”

“Thanks Mom, we’ll be down in a little bit to help you set the table.”

“So,” Andy said once Colleen left. “I’m happy to admit that I was wrong about your mom letting me sleep with you.”

“I’m not sure she’d put it that way, but I told you I’ve been very upfront with them about you moving in with me and I am well past the age of answering to them.”

“Oh, we have a little rebellious streak do we? “ Andy wrapped his arms around her waist and grinned down at her. “Tell me, did pretty Sharon O’ Dwyer sneak boys into this pretty room of hers?”

Sharon scoffed. “Of course not, Andy, I was a good Catholic girl.” His grin widened and she slapped at his arm. “I WAS,” she insisted.

“That’s not why I’m smiling,” he said.

“Then what?”

“I’m smiling because you’re pretty much the only woman I know that I would believe when she said she was a “good Catholic girl.”

Sharon rolled her eyes. In her younger years she might have been embarrassed to be labeled a “good girl” worried that people would find her boring or less sophisticated or might taunt her with it as Jack had a time or two, but now she was completely comfortable in her own skin. There was nothing wrong in a woman being selective about whom she let into her life…and into her bed. She was who she was and she wasn’t going to change.

“But,” he continued while running his thumb over her bottom lip. “Tonight I think I’d like to see just how good you really are.”

“You might be surprised.”

“Let’s just hope these walls aren’t too thin.”

Sharon shook her head. Leave it to Andy.

“But before all that I do have one big question.”

“Yes?”

“What the heck is brown bread?”

TBC

[evannalily]

Afternoon everyone I hope you are having a good day and week. Todays post is part two of My Obsessions posts (see Part One here) and this one is all on homeware. I think its literally in the last two or three years that I have got so into homeware and interiors so much that I virtually have furniture picked out for my house in the future. From a sofa down to cutlery thats how into it I am! I have this like vision for my future house and what going to be in it from the colour and style of the sofa, the type of crockery, glassware, beds, cutely even ceiling lights and I honestly cant wait to have a house that I can just do up and fill myself (even though its a long long way off!). I have home design and interiors magazines with things circled in them that are my ideal homeware pieces. At the moment though I am still working on getting my room done up which is taking an absolute age so all I can do is gather ideas and pieces for it and just wait until its done to start buying pieces to fill it with. So I have a few brands and pieces picked out and some other pieces I just love so if you’re looking to fill a room or a house with anything I hope you find some inspiration in this post!

Furniture

http://www.marksandspencer.ie/Lena-Copper-Side-Table/000000000022498179,en_IE,pd.html?start=

http://www.marksandspencer.ie/Lena-Copper-Coffee-Table/000000000022498178,en_IE,pd.html?start=

http://www.made.com/keira-office-chair-cloud-grey-and-copper

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/desks/desk-computer-desks/malm-desk-white-art-60214159/

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/childrens-ikea-products/children-8-12/childrens-desks-chairs-8-12/micke-desk-white-art-80213074/

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/beds/double-king-size-beds/kopardal-bed-frame-grey-luröy-spr-19157939/

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/storage-furniture/chest-of-drawers/malm-chest-of-4-drawers-white-art-00214553/

http://www.made.com/aula-coffee-table-black-and-grey

http://www.littlewoods.com/bedford-double-bed-frame-with-mattress-options-buy-and-save/1600087048.prd

http://www.made.com/blakes-small-round-ottoman-biscuit-beige

http://www.marksandspencer.com/carraway-3-door-sideboard/p/p22498111?prevPage=plp#

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/storage-furniture/bookcases/gersby-bookcase-white-art-70261131/

Walls

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Believed-Could-Quote-Print-Office/dp/B01M32Q4D3/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1489081353&sr=8-8&keywords=wall+prints

http://www.marksandspencer.com/loft-wall-clock/p/p22464881?prevPage=plp&pdpredirect#

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-Favourites-Audrey-Hepburn-Framed/dp/B002USH8UK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1489082119&sr=8-2&keywords=audrey+hepburn+framed+photo

https://www.trouva.com/boutique/tandshop-in-n169ej/brass-quadratic-etagere-shelf

https://www.trouva.com/boutique/moonko-in-s14ge/large-euclid-triangle-glass-wall-mount

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MAKES-inspirational-customisable-colours-wording/dp/B01LZ91NS8/ref=sr_1_51?ie=UTF8&qid=1489081897&sr=8-51&keywords=wall+framed+quotes

http://www.littlewoods.com/set-of-2-hexagon-shelves-grey/1600073175.prd

https://www.amara.com/products/ribbon-wall-clock-copper

http://www.marksandspencer.com/loft-octagonal-vanity-mirror/p/p22497602?prevPage=plp

https://www.trouva.com/boutique/haygen-in-n18eg/white-marble-clock

https://www.trouva.com/boutique/hollys-house-in-sw64rd/antique-brass-cone-mirror

Cushions and Carpets

https://www.trouva.com/boutique/hus-and-hem-in-hr81ds/siv-black-cushion

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0448085002.html#White/Anthracite

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0248954002.html#Light%20grey

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0456189002.html#White/Anthracite

http://www.made.com/dexter-rug-160-x-230cm-dark-grey

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0428559005.html#Grey

http://www.made.com/fes-tufted-rug-120-x-170cm-off-white

https://www.amara.com/products/silver-diagonal-print-cushion-45x45cm

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0462684004.html#Grey

https://www.primark.com/en-ie/product/pink-circular-velvet-cushion,D35397121033686

https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/504169233/very-big-bright-ivory-lambskin-rug?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=&ref=sr_gallery_28

http://www.made.com/wilbur-velvet-cushion-30-x-50cm-silver

https://www.amara.com/products/pure-silk-cushion-45x45cm-white

  Home Accessories

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0423013001.html#Gold

https://www.amara.com/products/prickle-decorative-ornament-brass

https://www.amara.com/products/atrium-tray-lid-set-antique-copper

http://www.made.com/rita-floor-lamp-copper-and-marble

https://www.trouva.com/boutique/haygen-in-n18eg/hubsch-tubular-lamp-brass

https://www.amara.com/products/be-the-star-of-your-story-scented-candle-294g?category=luxury-gifts

https://myshiningarmour.com/homeware/white-marble-telephone/

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/home/white-artificial-lotus-plant-pot-_380085310

https://www.amara.com/products/clear-eyewear-box?category=luxury-gifts

https://www.amara.com/products/white-orchid-in-stone-pot?category=luxury-gifts

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/home/white-artificial-cactus-plant-pot-_380079010

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0464476001.html#White

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0421138001.html#Gold

So these are all products that I have come across in my homeware searches and theres some great brands! Everything is reasonably priced but I haven’t included anything above I would say €150 so there are no crazy prices here! I hope you found this post helpful and got some inspiration from it and if not then I may have introduced you to some new brands instead! If you want to view anything on the brands website then just click the links on the images!

Speak to you all soon!

Ever Yours

Lily

xx

Homeware – My Obsessions : Part Two Afternoon everyone I hope you are having a good day and week. Todays post is part two of My Obsessions posts (see…

[anneedmonsonus]

Our Tiny Ensuite Bathroom Renovation – Seven Years Later

It’s been a while between posts, online friends. Time feels like it has flown past lately. When we all had to stay at home, the mornings and evenings felt a little slower, but the days still rushed past – and are still rushing past. I wonder if that’s normal for everyone who has kids? With two, it feels like the days go by at triple the speed.

I still can’t get over how fast the school days go by, either. Every day I drop Little Nerd at pre-primary (and Miss Nerd at day care, now that she is back to going two days a week) and I mentally plan out all the things I want to get done – I’ll answer emails, work, run, shower (goodness) do the grocery shop, tidy the house, maybe run a couple of errands – and am generally lucky to achieve three of those things. If anyone has any time-saving tips for maximising time with children, I’d be all ears! In a time when lots of people have lost income, I’ve also been grateful to be doing a little bit more work for the Sunday Times Magazine lately with a new column called Inside Story – a look at how Perth creatives and small business owners have been faring and adapting since COVID-19. I’ve been enjoying writing it but lately in general I’ve felt a bit more scattered, on some days downright foggy, that on some days no amount of exercise and coffee has been able to fix. Something that should only take me half an hour takes two. At first I thought, is this just me being weird? But I don’t think it is – I think it’s how a lot of people feel at the moment, a bit imbalanced and less focused than usual. Anyway, something has had to give lately, and unfortunately for me it has been blogging, and even posting on Instagram.

But, today I’m prioritising House Nerd (Full disclosure: I haven’t showered yet today. FERAL. Doing it for you guys cos I love you. Yes, I promise I’ll shower before I see the other parents at school pickup). And today, I want to share a post on our ensuite makeover – seven years after we renovated it. Because I know a lot of you wouldn’t have seen this when I shared it originally.

When we moved here, this was one of the first rooms we renovated properly – and by this I mean a full gut and retile. It was an old 70s bathroom with original brown tiles with pink roses on them. It was, well, not very nice – the kind of old bathroom where no matter how well you’ve tried to clean it, it just never FEELS clean. (This is my old post here, where you can see all of our ‘befores’). But in this post, I’ll share the photos I took today. And some gross befores, because everyone loves gross befores…… well I do.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE. I know. We didn’t even properly replace the toilet roll for your visit. That’s how much of an energy drain this crappy bathroom was back then.

AFTER

We completely gutted it and replaced everything and I shared it then here. Mr Nerd and I were total newbies to renovating, and we both agree that since then we have learned a LOT about renovating through our experiences and mistakes, and if we were to do another house now, we think we’d probably approach a lot of things differently.

My personal taste now is also pretty different to my taste seven years ago. But when we look back on how we did this bathroom, I still feel good about it.

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As you can see, it is a SMALL ensuite. It is 1.75 metres by 1.75 metres (about 3m square or 30 square feet). The shower space is about 85cm x 85cm. Our house is a three by two, but when we were house-hunting, I remember seeing marketing material for the house that had it as a three by one.

Maybe it was an error. Or maybe it was clever marketing. Because I remember being at the first home open for the House Formerly Known as the Crap Shack, poking around in the main bedroom and going, “Oh wow, there’s another bathroom!” Which maybe I guess is preferential to being told a house has two bathrooms but then you open the door of the second bathroom and you’re disappointed cos it’s the smallest bathroom you’ve ever seen? I don’t know. Isn’t it nicer to NOT be expecting a bathroom and then you open a door and ta-da! Bonus bathroom! Like I said, maybe it was a mistake, but despite its lack of floor space, that Bonus Bathroom still scored some points at my end. Take my money, real estate agency. Yes, all of my money.

One day I’ll stop doing an awkward peace sign in photos.

Speaking of money. I shared on the blog (this is back in 2013) how much this bathroom renovation cost.

After, I got a few emails from people who said it was impossible to renovate a bathroom for under $8,000. Reading a little between the lines of those disgruntled emails, I’m guessing they were people in the industry who didn’t want their work devalued, for want of a better word, or to have potential clients coming to them saying, “Well how come my quote for a bathroom renovation comes to $12,000 but House Nerd girl’s bathroom reno only cost $8,000?” Which is totally understandable. In their defence, if you go to a professional renovation company or an interior designer, you’re paying for their experience, their speed, their trusted trades, things like their discounts from tile companies, the ease, the lack of risk (like no design mistakes… well – hopefully!) When you project manage it on your own, you’re taking a risk. By no means was I out to upset anyone by sharing our bathroom renovation or by breaking down what we paid for it.

However, as I pointed out (and as I had stated in my posts, but I’m not sure if they actually read them) they would have seen that we saved money in more than a few ways – we did some work ourselves to save costs, like we gutted it ourselves, we had a tiler friend who slowly worked on it on his weekends (obviously with a second bathroom, there was no rush).

I remember this dark winter night way back when – I think this was when the grouting was being done. Odd how in restrospect all those days of renovating that dragged into the night seem like fun now!

We bought all our fixtures from the same plumbing store that we really like (some will give you a discount if you do this) and it’s also a VERY small room – even though we used nice finishes like the travertine, of course you’re going to save when you don’t need that much. So can you renovate a bathroom for under $8,000 these days? I don’t know. But there are always ways to save if you really want to. If you want to save money you have to prioritise what you really want, and put time in to hunt around for what you want.

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Anyway. Almost eight years later, we’re still happy with this tiny room, and (to me, anyway) it hasn’t dated – everything as looks as good as it did when it was first done. We love the travertine most of all – the occasional upkeep of natural stone is worth it to us. Although it’s a tiny room, the natural stone makes it a feel a tiny bit special. I like the hob in the shower – hubby built a brick wall and then it was rendered and tiled, and it gives us a space to put bottles in the shower.

Products from Urban Skincare Co. We discovered this brand while staying in our Camperdown accommodation in Sydney  (the same accommodation with the REALLY BIG SHOWER, which I’ll tell you about in just a sec) and we both liked this stuff so much we ordered a box when we got home.

  I still like the white walls (it’s hard to see in the photos, but they are fully tiled in white rectified wall tiles, where the grout lines are so thin you can barely seen them) the custom-made vanity with Polytec doors, the Corian benchtop. Corian is an awesome material, and still feels kind of underrrated. It’s hardwearing and durable and has lots of nice colours. Once I left a can of hairspray on the benchtop, and the bottom of the can got wet and left a rust mark – you just buff it out and you can’t even tell.

Plant and planter from No Vo’s Home Nursery. You can buy Savon de Marseille olive oil soap from Hard to Find. Chloe from David Jones.

In hindsight, we might have done a few things differently, though. I would have insisted on paying more for the electrics so that when you turn the lights on, the exhaust fan doesn’t HAVE to go on.

I also might have put in a medicine cabinet above the toilet for a little bit more storage. If we were remodelling this same house now, we’d be more inclined to be a little bit more confident and think a little bit bigger.

This felt like enough at the time.

Sometimes we think it would have been better to forgo our walk-in robe (which sits alongside the ensuite) knock down the wall in-between the robe and ensuite, and instead create a bigger ensuite, then add a wall of robes into our bedroom instead. It’s such a simple luxury to have a spacious shower – we went on holidays last year and stayed in a self-contained apartment in Camperdown, and all four of us were basically awed by how big the shower was (yes, we are easily thrilled). But it was bigger than our entire ensuite! With double shower heads so we don’t have to fight over who gets to stand directly under the nozzle! Such decadence!

But, at the time, I wasn’t quite convinced it would be the best way to go, because our bedroom, too, is small, and adding a walk-in robe would have greatly eaten into the space (and doing the renovation this way would have cost more, in terms of additional labour, trades, materials and moving plumbing).

There you go! Have you ever renovated a room and thought to yourself down the track you might have done it very differently? Would love to know. Maya x

The post Our Tiny Ensuite Bathroom Renovation – Seven Years Later appeared first on House Nerd.

from Home Improvement https://house-nerd.com/2020/06/05/our-tiny-ensuite-reno/

[topdecorhomeideas-blog]

5 Inspiring Bathroom Decor Ideas

Beautiful bathroom decorating ideas and bathroom designs for 2019 Year. Inspiring Bathroom Decor Ideas, let’s start. If you have been thinking about making some changes around the house and have some good bathrooms ideas in your head then now is the time to start planning seriously. There are so many things that you can actually do to give one of the most used rooms around the house a totally new look. If you have seen a few interior design magazines then surely you must have seen pictures of bathrooms that look totally amazing. There are so many bathrooms designs that you can choose from, and it would be wise to do some research before you finally decide on your choice. There are a lot of people who like to do up their house once in a while and they can think about bathrooms ideas to help their cause, but there are a lot of people who have not got any work done around the house since the past few years and would like to do something different. There are a lot of people who regularly invest in real estate and do realize that a good looking bathroom can help add considerable value to a house on sale.

A good thing to start off with would be to sit down and have a look at your bathroom and then note down the bathrooms ideas you get. If you have a spacious bathroom then you can even sit down with pictures of bathrooms that you like and then try and visualize those changes in your bathroom to help you decide. To give your bathroom a new look, you have to bring about changes to the lighting of the bathroom, change the flooring and even think about replacing the fixtures that are already present. A very important thing for you to do before you get down to considering various bathrooms ideas would be to plan your budget so that you do not feel a pinch once you have started the remodeling work. You can even set aside a few ideas and then hire the services of a known bathroom planner to help you get what you want. Or you can start by consulting a bathroom planner and asking him for the bathrooms designs. Since professionals are adept in costing, they could save you much money while making your bathrooms elegant.

It is imperative that your bathroom does not look like a separate entity and should still continue to look like a part of the house. So, try and ensure that the bathroom planner has a good look around the entire house before a particular plan is finalized. So let us pick up the things you can do to render your bathroom a new look one by one:

GIVE YOUR BATHROOM IDEAS ENOUGH THOUGHT

Since you would not be making changes to your bathroom everyday you should not try and rush into finalizing bathrooms designs. You should give enough time and space to the bathroom planner, if you are hiring one to put their bathrooms ideas together. Once you get the entire list of bathroom ideas in your hand then you can decide on what you would want to proceed with.

CHANGE OF AMBIENCE USING SMALL BATHROOMS IDEAS

There are a lot many houses in which the bathrooms have not been planned well and the space allocated to these rooms is not large enough. It is a fact that bathrooms that are not too big in size tend to look a lot smaller, if the lighting in the room is not good enough. You should make it a point to change the ambience and lighting of the room and give it the appearance of a larger room. You should even contemplate adding more light fixtures or windows to the bathroom so that it looks bright and fresh when anyone walks inside.

MAKING YOURS LOOK LIKE THOSE IN PICTURES OF BATHROOMS

Once you have decided to make wholesome changes to your master bathroom, then you should not keep the floor out of the list of changes to be made. New flooring can certainly help give the bathroom a new and fresh look that would impress people. There are so many choices for you to decide from, when it comes to a change of flooring. Depending on your budget you can think of buying the relatively cheaper ceramic floor tiles or, if you have a bigger budget planned out then you can even consider getting stylish looking wooden flooring done. But you should also ask the bathroom planner to consider the type of construction as certain types of floors are best suited to certain conditions and there is always the possibility of the floor being ruined if proper thought and planning is not put into this process.

CHANGING THE FIXTURES AND ACCESSORIES: SMALL BATHROOMS IDEAS

One must give considerable thought to change the fixtures in the bathroom and these should be chosen keeping the design, the space as well as the lighting of the bathroom in mind. For smaller bathrooms you can opt for a single vanity area rather than a double one and you can even replace the bathtub. Bathtubs require a lot of space and also make a bathroom look smaller therefore you need to thin whether you would want to have it or not. If you are spending a lot on the bathroom makeover then it does make sense to buy some new good looking fixtures and if you are looking to persist with the old ones then you can think of getting them re-polished. Redesigning your bathroom takes a lot of time and energy so you should be ready to devote ample time so that what you get in end is well worth the money you spend on it. There are so many bathrooms designs and ideas that you can consider these days and the list is almost endless. If you manage to get a good bathroom planner then you are sure to end up happy with the results you see.

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[endlessarchite]

Exciting Developments At The Duplex

GUYS. GET EXCITED. Lots of major stuff is happening at the duplex. Like extremely thrilling developments that we’ve thought about and planned over the last year and finally… FINALLY!… they’re happening. You last saw the duplex about a month ago when we shared that it was drywalled, and the latest progress has basically put me over the edge. I, Sherry Petersik, am feeling what people refer to as “messy” about these recent developments. It means I’m too excited and it’s not a good look. But you know I can’t contain myself so I’m just gonna share it all anyway. GET READY FOR A CAPS LOCK EXTRAVAGANZA AND LOTS OF PICTURES!

That room above is the living room on the RIGHT side of the duplex in all of its painted and trimmed glory (remember, there are two identical – just mirrored – fully separate functioning units in this house – they even have two different street addresses). The wall color that we chose for every last wall in the entire duplex is Sherwin Williams Spare White, which is a barely-there gray color with just enough contrast from the Sherwin Williams Pure White trim.

With all the colorful tile (and doors! and stair risers! and cabinets!) that we chose for these spaces, it just feels like the right backdrop to support those bolder choices. Even from the living & dining room’s extremely simple state in the photo above, you can already see the progress from what it looked like when we first laid eyes on it:

But before we get into things like that wider doorway at the back of the house (and that glorious indoor transom that we’re adding!), just FEAST YOUR EYES upon what is happening the second you walk in the front door. Our chippendale railings all the way from Richmond are in!

If you heard this week’s podcast, we talked about how we demo’d the railings off of our porch back in Richmond (just to open things up before we paint the house white) only to discover they were a perfect fit for the stairs in the duplex!!! If that isn’t fate, I’m not sure what is.

There’s one at the bottom of the steps on each side of the duplex. Remember we opened the stairs up because they were originally completely closed in and dark. This is the old framing. Picture drywall covering the entire staircase from both sides.

This helps you see what it looked like from upstairs looking down. There was just a tiny doorway to squeeze through to see into the living room.

It’s so much nicer to have the bottom five stairs opened up to the living space – and it still blows my mind that the railing that we needed happened to be the exact railing size that we had in Richmond from our porch! There were also two straight railings that we removed from the sides of our porch back in Richmond, and they’re virtually the exact length that we need for the top of the stairs on each side of the duplex. Literally just some trim pieces need to be added, but they’re going to be a perfect fit as well. WHAT ARE THE ODDS?!?!?!

In summary: It was RIDICULOUSLY THRILLING to see that the railings at the bottom of the steps truly do fit perfectly and that they do exactly what we wanted them to do for this house’s interior: which is to add a little bit of geometry and interest. We still might tweak the newel post situation (I call the round thing at the top of the post a “hamburger” and I’d like to cut it off and add a more square top there) but I’m not gonna let that rain on my railing parade.

But back to the back of the house – because there’s lots of good stuff happening there too. First of all, Sean mocked up the transom window that we’re adding to the (now much wider) doorway into the kitchen. It’s just two 1 x 6″ boards nailed in to create the base of the window and check the proportion, and thanks to that exercise in mocking it up, we all agreed that it would look better if we made that bottom trim a little narrower, hence the 1 x 4″ note written on it by Sean.

We think that will help the glass-to-trim ratio feel a bit more balanced (more glass, and trim along the bottom that’s the same size as the trim on the sides). But again, I’m not gonna let that little need for tweaking rain on my parade… which is now a railing AND transom parade, in case you’re keeping track.

Almost all of our primed solid wood five-paneled doors were hung too and – as you’ll see in a minute – some even got their first coat of paint (hint: they’re not staying white… so the one below hasn’t been painted yet). But it was really excited to see this view start to come together. The pretty paneled doors, the transom window, and the exposed brick chimney back in the kitchen all feel like “something special” – and they all seem like they could have been here all along, which is always the goal.

Since this house was a rental for so many years, it had a lot of small & cheap upgrades and patch-jobs over time, so there was significantly less original stuff to salvage than the pink house (almost all of the doors, lights, and hardware were replaced by newer and less cool things). Which is why our goal to bring back some of that older feeling charm with things like the transom window, the exposed brick chimney, and nice solid wood doors are so exciting to finally see in the space.

The kitchen itself is crammed with boxes at the moment (they’re our bathroom vanities) but it’s going to be such a nice space in the end. It feels like the perfect size, and we love how balanced it feels with that wide opening to the dining room and those nice double pocket doors that lead to the laundry room/mudroom. It’ll have even more fun details – like a wall full of tile to the ceiling – which you can see in this post about our tile choices.

The pocket door glass isn’t frosted, it’s just covered in a protective paper for now – but look how pretttttty this area is becoming with the addition of these doors. We’ve been going back and forth on whether or not to paint the pocket doors. I love the wood, but John thinks that we might have trouble staining the pockets to match the color of the diamond door (they’re different base wood types) plus we are doing blonde wood cabinets in the nearby kitchen.

So even if we can get them to match the diamond door, they won’t match the lighter wood cabinets in the kitchen… which is why John’s voting that we paint them (but not white… more on that in a second). We definitely want to stain the identical pocket doors on the other side of the duplex (since that kitchen will have blue cabinet doors and that diamond door is already painted). So in the end both kitchens will have a mix of wood and painted accents.

Speaking of painted accents, Sean’s crew started painting some of the interior doors upstairs and they are EXACTLY what we were hoping for. On this side (the unit on the right) all of the doors are getting painted Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay, which is sort of a gray-blue with a hit of seafoam in it. It’s very neutral, but still pops nicely agains the white walls and trim. I could not be more in love with this wall/trim/door combo, guys. If I could give it ten jazz hands I would.

Plus, look how charming they look with the shadow of my diamond paned windows reflecting on the floor in the front bedroom!!! I DIE.

On the other side of the duplex (the unit on the left) the doors are getting painted Sherwin Williams White Truffle, which – despite the name – isn’t white at all. It’s a soft muted pink that also pops nicely against the light walls and white trim without being like a crazy hot pink. WARNING: THESE DON’T LOOK AMAZING YET BECAUSE IT’S JUST ONE COAT (and the walls look green here because leafy trees were reflecting in the window) but hold out for the final look. It’s gonna be great. I CAN FEEL IT IN MY BONES.

We’re headed there this weekend to – cross your fingers everybody! – hopefully start tiling. I KNOWWWW! WE ARE AT THE TILING PHASE! That means all that’s really left after that is floor refinishing and assembling the kitchen and hanging the lights and installing the bathroom vanities. BUT WE CAN TASTE THE FINISH LINE!!!! I told you this post was gonna have a lot of caps lock. And I feel like they’re warranted. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!!!

Anyway, stay tuned for more updates and progress as our little twins start to feel more and more like real houses. And to catch up on everything we’ve done to get the duplex to this point, you can read all the previous posts here. And you can listen in on how we could even afford to take this project on (in the middle of finishing the tile at the beach house) in this podcast, if you’re interested in investing in vacation rentals – or just houses in general.

The post Exciting Developments At The Duplex appeared first on Young House Love.

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