#kindergarten furniture for balcony

[nurseryfurnitureindelhi]

10 Best Small Spaces living Creative Ideas for Kids Room

Living in a compact space doesn't mean compromising on style or functionality, especially when it comes to kids' rooms. With a bit of creativity and smart planning, you can transform a small space into a delightful and practical area for your children. Whether you’re in need of kids' furniture in Delhi,or kids' chairs in Delhi, here are some innovative ideas to maximize the potential of your kids' room in delhi.

1. Multifunctional Furniture

Every piece of furniture in a compact space should have many uses. Child storage seating, workstations that double as vanity units, and bunk beds with built-in storage drawers are all excellent examples. These multipurpose furniture pieces ensure that everything has a home and conserve space.

2. Vertical Storage Solutions

Use wall-mounted shelves, hanging organizers, and tall bookshelves to maximize vertical space. This keeps the floor area free of dirt and gives the impression that the room is larger and taller. To keep toys, books, and ornamental items, think about building shelves over the desk or above the bed.

3. Creative Use of Colors and Patterns

A tiny room can appear bigger and more airy by using light colors. To create an airy atmosphere, use neutrals, whites, and light pastels. Bold patterns and vivid colors are still appropriate for accent pieces, like a kids' chair, bedding, or feature wall. This can give the space more character and vitality without overpowering it.

4. Personalized Spaces

Establish distinct areas in the room for various uses, such as sleeping, studying, and playing. To distinguish these spaces, use room dividers, drapes, or rugs. A tiny bookcase and a comfy kids' chair, for instance, might provide the ideal reading area where your youngster can relax.

5. Smart Storage Solutions

Choose pieces of furniture with hidden storage spaces. Wall-mounted baskets, seats with storage inside, and beds with drawers underneath can all help keep the space organized. To make it simple for youngsters to locate and put away their belongings, store toys, clothing, and school supplies in labeled boxes and bins.

6. Incorporate Fun Elements

Even with a small space, it's critical to include entertaining features that can liven up the space. Some interesting modifications are a wall-mounted climbing frame, a swing chair, or a blackboard wall. These components can also help with creative expression and physical exercise, both of which are important for developing kids.

7. Maximize Natural Light

Any space might appear larger and cozier with the presence of natural light. Make use of sheer, breezy curtains that let light in. If privacy is an issue, think about utilizing sheer shades, which provide seclusion while allowing natural light to enter. Mirrors should be positioned carefully to reflect light and provide the impression of a larger area.

8. Customized Kids Furniture

In small rooms, custom furniture may make all the difference. Custom kids' furniture in Delhi may be designed to fit snug corners and small spaces with ease, making sure no room is wasted. Think about having desks, mattresses, and storage units made in order to fit your unique requirements and tastes.

9. Versatile Play Areas

With careful design, a play area can nevertheless fit in a tiny space. Choose toys that are stackable or foldable so they may be conveniently put away when not in use. To conserve floor space, a wall-mounted table that can be folded down can be used as a craft station or play area.

10. Celebrate Special Occasions

Make the room adaptable for special occasions like a kid's birthday in Delhi. Temporary decorations such as bunting, balloons, and themed bedding can transform the space without the need for permanent changes. Use removable wall decals to add a festive touch that can be easily changed as per the occasion.

Creating a functional and stylish kids' room in a small space requires a blend of creativity, practicality, and thoughtful planning. Whether you’re looking for kids' furniture you would   like to enroll in a nursery furniture store in Delhi, or planning ideas can help you design a space that is both fun and functional for your child. Remember, the key is to make the most of every inch while reflecting your child's personality and needs.

[musiquesduciel]

The entirety of last month was spent packing, researching new purchases for our new home and moving out. A special goodbye to this condominium and neighbourhood that I made my own. Moving on to better things!

[kidsfurnitureshopsindelhi2]

How to Choose Safe and Durable Furniture for Kids

Choosing furniture for kids involves more than just aesthetics and comfort; safety and durability are paramount. Whether you're furnishing a child's bedroom, playroom, or a balcony space, ensuring that the furniture is safe and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use is essential. 

Safety First: Key Considerations

Materials Matter

Selecting furniture for kids should always be done with premium materials. Particle board and plastic are often less durable than solid wood and metal. To ensure your youngster doesn't come into contact with dangerous substances, look for furniture with non-toxic finishes. For instance, when browsing for online kids' furniture for the balcony, ensure the materials are weather-resistant and free from toxic substances.

Sturdy Construction

Rough use should not be a problem for sturdy furniture. Verify the security of all joints and connections. In addition to being dangerous, furniture that wobbles or seems flimsy is also unlikely to last.This is particularly important for items like kids' chairs in Delhi, where the furniture must handle active use.

Rounded Edges and Corners

Children are more likely to fall and bump into things, so sharp edges and corners can be dangerous. Seek for rounded-edge furniture or think about protecting the edges of items that already exist. This is crucial for preschool furniture for the balcony, where active play often occurs.

Stable and Secure

Ensure that heavier pieces of furniture are stable and, if necessary, can be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. This is especially important for taller items like bookshelves or cabinets.

Durability: Built to Last

Weather-Resistant Options for Outdoor Use

Select weather-resistant furnishings when choosing items for a balcony. For instance, treated wood, metal, or premium plastic are good materials for kids' balcony furniture that won't break down easily in the sun, rain, or wind.

Easy to Clean

Kids' furniture should be easy to clean, as leaks and mess are inevitable. Seek for finishes and materials that are easily cleaned without causing surface damage. This is especially crucial for luxury furniture in Delhi, where it's also necessary to preserve the furniture's visual appeal.

Versatility and Adjustability

In the long term, furniture that grows with your child may be more resilient. Seek for features that can be adjusted, such extendable tables or seats with height adjustments. The balcony furniture for kindergartens should be adaptable enough to suit a range of activities and age groups.

Specific Types of Furniture

Kids' Chairs

When searching for kids' chairs in Delhi, prioritize models that offer ergonomic support and are made from sturdy materials. Ensure the chairs are proportionate to the child's size to provide comfort and prevent strain.

Kindergarten and Preschool Furniture

For kindergarten furniture for the balcony,consider pieces that encourage both play and learning. Tables and chairs should be lightweight enough for children to move but sturdy enough to stay in place during activities. Safety is key, so look for features like rounded edges and stable bases.

Luxury Furniture

When opting for luxury furniture in Delhi, balance elegance with practicality. High-end pieces should still meet the safety and durability criteria, ensuring they are not only beautiful but also functional and safe for children.

Kids' Furniture in Delhi

The market for kids' furniture in Delhi offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to luxury. Regardless of the price point, ensure that every piece meets safety standards and is built to last. Look for reputable brands and retailers that provide detailed information about the materials and construction of their products.

Shopping Tips

Read Reviews and Ratings

Read other parents' reviews and ratings before making a purchase. This may shed light on how long-lasting and secure the furniture will be in actual use.

Check for Recalls

Verify whether there have been any safety recalls affecting the furniture you have chosen. Making sure you're purchasing safe products requires taking this crucial step.

Visit Physical Stores

Online buying may be convenient, but going to genuine shops may enable you to directly inspect the furniture to determine its quality and durability. If you're shopping for kids' furniture in Delhi, for example, going to local retailers might give you a better idea of the quality and finish of the furniture.

Consider Customization

Certain manufacturers provide customisation choices that let you select particular features or finishes that work best for you. This can be very helpful when trying to fit furniture into odd balcony areas.

Conclusion

While getting kids' furniture, look for high-quality materials, solid construction, rounded edges, and stable designs to ensure safety and durability. For outdoor use, give preference to weather-resistant, easily cleaned items and take into account adaptable, adjustable alternatives. You may give your child a secure, long-lasting environment by concentrating on these elements.

[kidsfurnitureshopsindelhi]

How to Choose Safe and Durable Furniture for Kids

Choosing furniture for kids involves more than just aesthetics and comfort; safety and durability are paramount. Whether you're furnishing a child's bedroom, playroom, or a balcony space, ensuring that the furniture is safe and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use is essential. 

Safety First: Key Considerations

Materials Matter

Selecting furniture for kids should always be done with premium materials. Particle board and plastic are often less durable than solid wood and metal. To ensure your youngster doesn't come into contact with dangerous substances, look for furniture with non-toxic finishes. For instance, when browsing for online kids' furniture for the balcony, ensure the materials are weather-resistant and free from toxic substances.

Sturdy Construction

Rough use should not be a problem for sturdy furniture. Verify the security of all joints and connections. In addition to being dangerous, furniture that wobbles or seems flimsy is also unlikely to last.This is particularly important for items like kids' chairs in Delhi, where the furniture must handle active use.

Rounded Edges and Corners

Children are more likely to fall and bump into things, so sharp edges and corners can be dangerous. Seek for rounded-edge furniture or think about protecting the edges of items that already exist. This is crucial for preschool furniture for the balcony, where active play often occurs.

Stable and Secure

Ensure that heavier pieces of furniture are stable and, if necessary, can be anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. This is especially important for taller items like bookshelves or cabinets.

Durability: Built to Last

Weather-Resistant Options for Outdoor Use

Select weather-resistant furnishings when choosing items for a balcony. For instance, treated wood, metal, or premium plastic are good materials for kids' balcony furniture that won't break down easily in the sun, rain, or wind.

Easy to Clean

Kids' furniture should be easy to clean, as leaks and mess are inevitable. Seek for finishes and materials that are easily cleaned without causing surface damage. This is especially crucial for luxury furniture in Delhi, where it's also necessary to preserve the furniture's visual appeal.

Versatility and Adjustability

In the long term, furniture that grows with your child may be more resilient. Seek for features that can be adjusted, such extendable tables or seats with height adjustments. The balcony furniture for kindergartens should be adaptable enough to suit a range of activities and age groups.

Specific Types of Furniture

Kids' Chairs

When searching for kids' chairs in Delhi, prioritize models that offer ergonomic support and are made from sturdy materials. Ensure the chairs are proportionate to the child's size to provide comfort and prevent strain.

Kindergarten and Preschool Furniture

For kindergarten furniture for the balcony,consider pieces that encourage both play and learning. Tables and chairs should be lightweight enough for children to move but sturdy enough to stay in place during activities. Safety is key, so look for features like rounded edges and stable bases.

Luxury Furniture

When opting for luxury furniture in Delhi, balance elegance with practicality. High-end pieces should still meet the safety and durability criteria, ensuring they are not only beautiful but also functional and safe for children.

Kids' Furniture in Delhi

The market for kids' furniture in Delhi offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to luxury. Regardless of the price point, ensure that every piece meets safety standards and is built to last. Look for reputable brands and retailers that provide detailed information about the materials and construction of their products.

Shopping Tips

Read Reviews and Ratings

Read other parents' reviews and ratings before making a purchase. This may shed light on how long-lasting and secure the furniture will be in actual use.

Check for Recalls

Verify whether there have been any safety recalls affecting the furniture you have chosen. Making sure you're purchasing safe products requires taking this crucial step.

Visit Physical Stores

Online buying may be convenient, but going to genuine shops may enable you to directly inspect the furniture to determine its quality and durability. If you're shopping for kids' furniture in Delhi, for example, going to local retailers might give you a better idea of the quality and finish of the furniture.

Consider Customization

Certain manufacturers provide customisation choices that let you select particular features or finishes that work best for you. This can be very helpful when trying to fit furniture into odd balcony areas.

Conclusion

While getting kids' furniture, look for high-quality materials, solid construction, rounded edges, and stable designs to ensure safety and durability. For outdoor use, give preference to weather-resistant, easily cleaned items and take into account adaptable, adjustable alternatives. You may give your child a secure, long-lasting environment by concentrating on these elements.

[inkandpen22]

Time is Irrelevant (2/?): Vive La France

Pairing: Eleventh Doctor x Female!Reader 

Warnings: swearing, mention of death 

Word Count: 4.5k (she’s long lol sorry about it)

Part Summary: Y/N wakes up dazed and confused. From then on, things only get more confused as she starts to realize she’s in 18th century France with a strange man. 

Masterlist

I gradually open my eyes, my vision blurry at first. A bright light burns them and I feel as though I’m staring into the gates of Heaven. Then, the memory of what happened jolts me awake. Startled, I frantically scan my surroundings. I come to the horrifying conclusion that I’m no longer at the table in the student union. In fact, I have no clue where I am! I’m in a bedroom, on a bed with tall dark wood posts. The room looks too grand and vintage to be anywhere on campus. It’s baby blue walls and crown molding don’t exactly scream cinderblock dorm room. The furniture appears to be so detailed and too fragile to touch, which will be a problem because I woke up on the bed. Am I in a museum?

I stand up cautiously, afraid someone may barge in. I glance down and I see I’m in a white cotton nightgown. A grandma nightgown, seriously? How did I get here and why am I in grandma's pajamas? As I take in my appearance, I don’t see any injuries or bruising, that’s good. I feel alright, panicked, but alright. My brain is pounding against my skull. I can hear my mom now, ranting in my mind. She’d say, “don’t hurry to get up! You could have a concussion.” I rarely listen to her and I don’t plan on starting now.

I step closer to what appears to be a balcony and I peer out to get an idea of where I am. Leaning over the iron rail, I see a dirt road below. People crowd the streets, they maintain a loud banter. Their clothes, they’re odd. Wait, is that man wearing a white wig? Where the hell am I? A gold plated carriage goes by down the street and a man yells at the top of his lungs in what sounds to me as French. As I focus on the commotion, all I hear is French. I take note of the architecture of the surrounding buildings and it all is very French, specifically Parisian. I’m not an expert who has never been to France but I would say the architecture of Paris is pretty iconic. Wait no, this can’t be real! It couldn’t be possible in Paris! How could I possibly be in the United States one minute, then wake up in France? It’s not possible. My heart drops, I’ve been kidnapped and taken out of the country!

“Good! You’re awake!”

I jump at the sudden voice. When I whip around, I spot the strange man from before entering the room.

“Put this on,” he instructs, tossing me a gown nonchalantly. “You stand out like a lily in a field full of daisies.”

I take in his appearance. He’s decked out in colonial-era clothing like the cluster of people down below. My mind screams, reminding me that this is all ridiculous. There’s no way I’m in France and there must be a good reason as to why everyone is dressed as though we’re about to go eat some cake with Marie Antonette. I snickered lightly, baffled at the idea of any of this being real. I’m clearly still asleep.

“Y/N!” The strange professor snaps his fingers and I'm pulled from my thoughts. “Please, before we’re late!”

I snap out of the daze and remember that this man has kidnapped me. Chucking the dress onto the bed, I proceed to bark at him. “Where am I?! Where have you taken me?!” My voice progressively escaping me in screams.

He grins slyly, staring into my soul. “I believe you've already figured that out for yourself…”

I shake my head, laughing at what he’s suggesting. He must think I’m an idiot. He narrows his eyes at me, curious.

“Oh please,” I tease him. “You can’t possibly think I would believe any of this? I’m in college, not kindergarten! Now, let me go!” I start to approach the door but he steps in my way.

His fingers wrap around my forearm with a forceful grip. “Look Y/N, we don’t have time for this! You ARE indeed in France. You ARE in 1778! Now, get dressed! We can’t be late!”

I stare into his eyes as he shouts this nonsense to me. The miniature oceans that encompass them. They have this electricity about them that draws me in and I feel hypnotized. Yet, I must remain level headed if I plan on escaping and surviving this.

Aggressively, I yank my arm free. “Let go of me you psycho! Have you lost your mind? There’s no way-”

The professor wraps his arm around me and presses his free hand over my mouth. I scream for someone to help, but my words are muffled against his hand.

“But it is!” He argues, “I possess the ability to time travel! Okay! The Eye of Harmony, Rassilon's Star, it exists!”

Upon hearing his words, I stop fighting him, utterly stunned. His hands ease off of my face and release my arm. My chest rises and plummets at an inconsistent rate. There are very few people who speak of the star. It’s legend, ancient mythology, lost in history.

“But…” I struggle to find the words, “but that's not possible.” My volume has lost its touch. My words flowing out like little puffs of wind.

“But it is! Now, get dressed and I’ll explain everything!” He tells me, seemingly eager to clear the air.

I watch silently as he turns to leave abruptly. Does he drop the bombshell that he may have the most powerful stone in the world then goes to leave? Of course, he would.

As he walks away, he presses, “we have somewhere we need to be and soon!”

Processing the situation, I take matters into my own hands. “Will you just wait for a second?!”

Irritable, he crosses his arms, “what it is?”

“I believe I deserve some sort of explanation! Now! I’m not going anywhere with you until you give me some sort of explanation now!”

He huffs, rubbing his temple. “We’re in France! I need you in that dress! We have an appointment and running late! There’s your explanation! Now if you’ll please,” he gestures towards the gown on the bed.

Swallowing hard, I comprehend the fact that he won’t be so forthcoming with me. I’ve seen plenty of thrillers where a girl is kidnaped and she acts out or doesn’t do anything which leads to her demise. I always shout at the girls to play along until the right opportunity arises. For all I know, I’m somewhere close to school and he’s messing with my head. All I’m sure about is I have to make it home.

“1778 you claim?” I clarify as I pick up the dress on the bed. As I examine the attire, I’m reminded of how uncomfortable women dressed. “This should be interesting...” If I’m going to play along I’ll need the proper attire and this isn’t it. I huff, “I’ll need a corset, heels, shift, pannier-”

The professor waves his hands for me to quiet down. “Yes! Yes, I know! I’ll be sending Joséphine in to help you. Any further questions?”

I shake my head, still struggling to cope.

“Very well,” he bows his head. As soon as he appeared he disappears into the halls. As soon as the door shuts, I feel as though I’m on the verge of fainting. I stumble over to the balcony in search of an escape route. I may only have minutes before he returns.

“I must be dreaming,” I tell myself to remain sane.

He’s really taking this whole charade about time travel seriously. Apart of me wishes to believe what he’s saying is true, the part of me that loves history blindly. If I’m truly in 1778 Paris that would incredible. Yet, I know logically time travel is impossible. Except, according to legend, the Eye of Harmony is said to allow time travel. Of course, that’s just ancient mythology, folklore. There’s no one alive that’s seen the star.

I watch the people in the streets below in awe. It all seems so real, the wagons, women dressed in corsets, and men dressed like the Founding Fathers. He must’ve drugged me, that’s the only explanation. Suddenly, the door creaks behind me and I jump like a scared cat. A lady, whom I assume is Joséphine, enters the room.

“Bonsoir Madame,” she greets me with a curtsy.

“Bonsoir…” I mutter, terrified but trying to remain calm.

Joséphine offers me a reassuring smile. I’m guessing she’s about my age, perhaps a few years older but not much. She guides me over to the vanity gently. At first, I stay as still as a statue. I watch as she picks up a few containers on the table and skims the labels.

“Ah oui!” She blurts out, apparently, she’s found what she was looking for.

After she selects a brush from the jar, she prepares to start on my makeup but I stop her.

“I’m okay, really! I just-”

“Non, non, non,” she objects. “ce soir madame vous devez avoir l'air parfait!”

Great, so if this really is 1778 then I’m about to get a heavy dose of lead poisoning. This white powder she’s spreading on my face makes me look like Casper. I respect the bold fashion of this era but rosy cheeks, cherry lips, and silk white skin, not my best look.

Once I’m suffocating in my dress, she pushes me down into the chair in front of the vanity and roughly yanks my auburn hair up. I study in the mirror as she pins my hair down to my scalp and digs the pins into my head. How the hell am I supposed to balance this clump of hair on my head? It’s taller than my entire head.

“Ouch!” I bark.

“Pardon, Madame,” she apologizes softly.

After I appear the part, Joséphine leads me through the house. It’s beautiful. The detail in the crown modeling and art-like wallpaper are so unique. I gawk at the walls as we walk through each room. She leads the way through the double front doors to a carriage where I’m met by the strange professor.

“Merci,” I thank Joséphine, though the experience wasn’t the most enjoyable.

She bows her head and leaves to return inside. I approach the professor, who’s dressed in the traditional french male attire of the time, wig in all. For a moment, it takes my breath away. I read so many books and seen so many movies about the era but nothing as felt more real than this.

“Nice wig,” I tease a bit, stifling a giggle.

“Dido,” he jokes in return.

“My head feels ten pounds heavier,” I poke at the cotton ball on my head. “How do I balance it?”

“You’ll learn. Takes practice.” The professor chuckles then snap his fingers for the footman to open the door of the carriage. Gesturing toward the door, he allows me to enter first.

I swift my gaze toward our mode of transpiration. I’ve never seen an authentic 18th-century carriage of this magnitude. The gold frame and light baby blue fabric are luxurious. I can only imagine how much history is within this carriage, at least will be I suppose.

“Are you admiring it or afraid of it?” The professor chuckles beside me.

“It’s… I’ve never seen anything like it.”

I’m not saying I entirely believe him with his fairytales but nonetheless, this experience so far has been like passages from my textbooks. I can feel him staring at me as I examine the carriage. It’s all too remarkable for me to look away.

“I see Joséphine did your hair and makeup as well, good,” He states with a grin. “If we’ll be at court, you’ll need to look the part.”

Before I have the chance to question his meaning, he offers me his hand to help me into the carriage. I’m hesitant. After all, this dude did kidnap me. As for his reasoning, I’m still in the dark. All I know is, possibly, that I’m in an entirely different country and almost three hundred years in the past, so he claims. I have no idea who he is or why he has me here. Yet, for some strange reason, I find myself trusting him slightly and against my better judgment. It’s his eyes. Every time I fall into them my gut tells me to trust him.

The professor sits across from me and settles in. The footman shuts the door and the driver calls to the horses to go along.

“Court?” I interrogate him, “as in the royal court?”

“Yes, precisely,” he replies as if it makes perfect sense.

He must be bonkers! There is no way we could be on our way to Versailles during the era of the monarchy and dressed like this!

“Right, right…” I raise a brow, “and who is king exactly?”

He rubs his hands up and down his thighs nervously. “That’s where you come in!”

“Me?!”

Quite frankly some rulers were just plain crazy and were temperamental! Plus, the French and English were constantly at war during the 18th century! This isn’t the time to visit for peace and quiet.

He scoffs, leaning forward to keep his voice down. “That’s the reason you’re here Miss Historian! You’re in charge of knowing everything about every century we visit!”

I narrow my eyes, “every century? Last I checked I never agreed to travel across time with you?!”

If that’s even what we’re doing. If he expects me to go to another destination with him he’s sorely mistaken.

He grins, not believing me for a second. “Oh, so you much rather go home? Sit behind a desk instead of meeting the very people you’re studying?”

If any of this was true, he’d have a point. I’ll never grant him the satisfaction of admitting that.

I scoff, “fine! You said it was 1778, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right,” he answers quickly.

“Okay… ” I stare up at the ceiling to focus, reviewing my knowledge of the French monarchy. It appears in my mind like a timeline. I mumble, “1778…  that’s in the middle of the American Revolution which means it’s before the French Revolution so the king would be… oh my god!”

My hand flies up to my mouth. I can’t believe it! If this man is telling the truth, then we’re in quite the most interesting year.

His eyes widen in horror and he grips my hands between us. “What?! What is it?!”

“Louis XVI! Louis XVI is the king! Oh, this is too good! Marie freaking Antoinette! Seriously? I can’t believe this!” I squeal, jumping up and down in my seat uncontrollably, causing the carriage to rock.

A part of me is starting to fall for the man’s word, perhaps I really am in 1778. At least then I could actually meet Louis XVI. For a second, I felt myself believing wholeheartedly.

“Is he cruel?! Kind Hearted?! Best king France has ever had?!”

I laugh, has he never picked up a history book?

“Sir, have you never heard of Louis XVI before? He’s infamous! What about the French Revolution? I mean… if we really are where you say we are, we’re living in it!”

He pouts, peering at me like an offended child. “No actually, I have heard of him! I guess you could just say he’s after my time. I’m better acquainted with his father,” he adds in a mutter.

I scrunch my eyebrows, “after your time? How could he be after-”

He cuts me off, “forget it. I’ll explain at a better time. As for now, your job is to inform me of everything I need to know about the French court. I know how to handle royalty and the protocol. All I need is for you to help me with the background information on these individuals. Though all royals are superficially the same I have to gain their trust on a personal level. In exchange, I’ll help you play the part of a lady of the court.”

I huff as I readjust my skirt, somewhat offended. Simply because I wasn’t born an aristocrat with a stick up my butt doesn’t mean I don’t know how to act civilized.

“I know how to be a lady! I can curtsy and whatnot!”

He stifles a laugh, raising a brow. “Y/N, have you ever even met a royal?”

He’s right once again. In my defense, America isn’t exactly crawling with monarchs. We got rid of that whole issue centuries ago.

“No…” I timidly admit.

He has a point, which annoys me. I may have been taught table manners and proper etiquette by my grandmother growing up but her rules are nothing compared to a royal court’s. I would be walking into a lion’s den without Danny’s guidance.

“So then, do we have a deal?” He holds out his hand. A mischievous grin coats his lips.  

For all I know, I could be agreeing to anything. He could turn back on his word at any moment. I don’t trust him, not in the slightest. Yet, If I agree for the time being, it could buy me my freedom. I take a chance.

I shake his hand, “deal.”

His eyes widen, “almost forgot!”

He reaches into his frilly French jacket pocket and reveals a key. A standard old, metal key with a long string attached.

“You’ll be needing it.” He assures me as he shifts toward me and begins to put it around my neck.

“What is it?” I ask, still in awe.  

“A key…” He sasses.

“Ugh,” I roll my eyes, “obviously! I’m asking why do I need it?”

“It’s to my Tardis,” he states as though everyone has one.

“What the hell-”

The carriage jolts to a stop abruptly. Soon, the driver opens the door for us and offers his hand for assistance. My mind is still focused on the blast the professor just sent in my direction. I’m still stuck on his statement, he’s after my time. What did he mean by that? Then, I learn that magic is basically real, along with time-travel.

My train of thought is soon interrupted by the professor calling my name. I hadn’t noticed him climb out of the carriage I was so deep within myself. I accept the hand of the driver and step down out of the carriage. Many of them that are similar to our own are lined up single file. Danny offers me his arm which I take instantly. I gawk at the copper-colored palace with gold embellishments. I’ve always wanted to visit Versailles. I never would have guessed it would be in this setting. I imagined hundreds of tourists with their phones out, too occupied to enjoy the magnificence in front of them. Instead, I’m surrounded by men in bright colored breeches and women wearing wigs that could reach the heavens.

“Are you alright?” he peers down at me, worried.

“Yes, it’s just… I’ve never seen anything like it,” I admit, breathlessly.  

Men and women dressed in extravagant jewels and clothes. Only the highest social figures are gawking at the palace, arm in arm.

“It’s the king’s twenty-fourth birthday ball,” he informs me as we stroll into the palace doors behind various couples of the time.

My pulse must be through the roof I’m so anxious. My mind is racing. Danny is putting on a convincing show that we belong here. He has is his role well-rehearsed it appears.

“Stay close,” he instructs, searching the entrance hall.

I grip his arm, halting before we go in.

“What is it?” The man questions.

“What your name?” I comprehend I’ve never learned it. With everything going on, there was never a proper moment. Now, I realize there will never be.

“I’m the Doctor,” he answers with a sly grin.

“’ The Doctor?’ Well, I’m sorry to break it to you but there’s more than just one doctor in the world,” I laugh, this man can’t be serious.

“No,” he huffs, “my name is Doctor. I’m a... you know what, never mind. I’ll-”

“You’ll explain later,” I finish.

“Look at you catching on quickly,” he compliments and pinches my cheek. I swat his hand away with a frown. Geez, he’s annoying. He’s like the Energizer bunny in human form.

“Let’s head inside,” he instructs, guiding me along.

I adjust my skirt briefly, correcting any wrinkles from the ride here. He clears his throat and my eyes meet him as he gestures toward the ceiling with a smirk. It takes every cell of my being and a lot of self-control to not let my jaw drop. Absentmindedly, my arm falls from the Doctor as he continues to walk down the Hall of Mirrors and leaves me in awe of the architecture. I slowly come to a stop as I become engrossed in the details.

It suddenly hits me like a pile of bricks, this is all real. Everything the Doctor has said must be true. I went along with his word but now I truly believe it. The hand-painted ceiling, the solid gold statues that reflect in the mirrors, the marble walls surrounding them, and the crystal chandeliers that line the grand hall. The remaining light of the setting sun pours in through the windows and bounces off the floor. There is no possible way Versailles could be like this in modern times, it’s far too untouched and pristine. This means I’m honestly, without a doubt, in the year 1778. My heart feels as though it’s plummeted to my stomach. Oh my God, this is remarkable! This is every history lover’s dream! I’m living out my textbooks. I’m experiencing history first hand!

It must’ve taken the Doctor very little time to notice my absence. He calmly approaches me, visibly aware of my clear baffled state. I believe my reaction is valid considering the circumstances.

He whispers, “is it what you imagined based on your history books?”

I shake my head, nearly speechless. All I can do is gawk at everyone and everything around me. “It’s beyond anything I could imagine!” I finally break my attention away from the exquisite art to meet his gaze. “I believe you,” I confess to him.

Slight grin forms on the edge of his lips and his eyes fall to the floor with a slight chuckle. “I always knew you would…” He mutters under his breath.

Offering me his arm, he escorts me into a crowded ballroom. The Doctor must know the layout of the palace quite well unless he’s simply following the flow of the crowd. An orchestra plays in the background as drinks are passed around by servants with trays. I spin around slowly, staring up at the ceiling and chandeliers. All of the stories in these walls, the royals that have lived here, what will become of this palace, my head is spinning as I review the details. The music comes to a sudden halt along with the movement and banter in the room. All attention turns toward the double doors across the ballroom as they swing open. People shuffle closer, peering over each other’s heads to sneak a peek. Trumpets play a melody familiar to anyone, the signal of the King and Queen entering the room. Through the space between heads, I can see glimpses of the young notorious couple. Marie Antoinette’s tall and decorated wig, her pale and porcelain-like skin, her extraordinary gown, all perfect. The crowd disburses and form their miniature groups again. The Doctor snatches two champagne flutes from a passing tray and hands one to me.

“Doctor,” I whisper to him cautiously, in case of prying ears. “Why are we here? Don’t get me wrong, I’m ecstatic but I don’t understand the purpose?”

He pulls me aside behind one of the pillars for some privacy. He scans the room to make sure no one is watching us. His actions have me wondering if our purpose here could put us in danger.

“How much do you know about the monarchs and the palace itself?”

My brows rise in astonishment, I start to question myself on how he doesn’t find the answer obvious by now. I spent a whole semester studying King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, the French Revolution, and Versailles alone. Of course, that doesn’t make me an expert by any means but I would say I’m well-read.

He catches on to my sass and dismisses it. “Fine, fine fine, so you know a lot! Tell me more please!”

I nod, gathering the important bits from memory to summarize it all. To condense all of this history into such a brief yet crucial conversation is anything but fun.

“Okay well, I think the most important fact we have to consider is currently Her Majesty is pregnant with the couple’s first child. The baby will be a girl. Her name will be Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte de Bourbon. The couple will attempt to have more children, to have a male heir, but none will live past the age of eleven. The French Revolution won’t begin for another ten years. Both the King and the Queen will lose their lives, sadly, along with many members of the aristocracy. Then, Napoleon will become emperor. As for Versailles, it was completed in 1668 for King Louis XIV. During the revolution basically, everything will be taken from here. In modern times, the 21st century, most of it will be returned. That’s a summary of some basic information.”

The Doctor gawks at me, “you know all of this by heart? You wonderful little human. How do you memorize it all?”

I shrug, glancing in the direction of where I last saw the royal couple. “I suppose I’ve always cared so much about these people and their stories that it never really leaves me.”

The unfamiliar faces in this room are forming the world I must live in hundreds of years from now and none of them know it. The world will be completely altered by the end of the century. Every single person in this room is set to believe their roles here are unwavering. Little do they know that in less than a decade, all of it will be gone, nothing but a memory.

“I forgot to mention,” The Doctor mumbles and holds up the key that has slipped beneath the front of my dress. “Never lose it. Draw as little attention to it as possible. While we’re here, your job is to play Miss Know-it-all and mine is to find this journal.”

We’re interrupted by the grandfather clock when it dings in the corner. The Doctor’s head whips over in its direction, he checks the time.

“I have to go,” he informs me in a rush.

“But I-” I start, having a million questions.

“I’ll be back. Blend into the crowd! We’ll leave as soon as possible,” he instructs before disappearing into the cluster of people.

I stand awkwardly alone, afraid to move the slightest step. I’m surrounded by a bunch of dead people. Well, they’re not dead now, but when I’m alive they will be. I’m Versailles, holy shit! And I’m not even on a tourist trip to Versailles, no I’m at a ball in the Revolution Era! I would jump up and down squealing but I doubt that’s allowed. Instead, I’ll just smile to myself like an idiot and sip on this champagne.

__________________

Masterlist

[pillow-anime-talk]

my hero.

synopsis: By saving your younger brother, you were trapped in a burning building. Fortunately, Tenya Iida and Fumikage Tokoyami had their school patrol close to the accident site.

# tags: scenario; strangers/?; slice of life; drama; bit of fluff; sfw

includes: female reader ft. tenya iida {bnha}

Everything seemed normal that day; after finishing work in the cafe, you quickly picked up your four-year-old brother from kindergarten, and then returned to the flat with him to prepare a tasty dinner for two of you.

You tried to really take care of your younger sibling and not only because of love or feeling, but also because of the promise made to the parents, who unfortunately weren’t with your two right now. They died a year ago by an attack of villains; they were heroes and had their duties, you fully understood that. You missed them but... But you never blamed them for saving others and losing their lives at the same time. You understood why they leaved you and Laito alone. Now you had to become a hero for your own brother. And you were doing it amazingly, without complaint.

Until one Saturday afternoon, when three villains ran past your block, chased by the current Number One in the world of superheroes.

Endeavor (because we’re talking about him) that day ran after criminals, regardless of the surroundings. No wonder he didn’t notice the piece of molten building that caused his own shoe and burning hand. This small detail was enough to make the fire grow bigger and bigger after a while. And then a major fire broke out, which quickly absorbed the entire residential building.

As you lived on the top floor, you were the last to know about the fire. However, this wasn’t the most important thing. You weren’t interested in an your apartament, clothes or furniture. You looked at your little brother and hugged him tightly, begging him to close his eyes and then you opened the window, looking down.

You inherited your mother’s levitation ability, but it wasn’t fully educated. After all, you didn’t go to school for future heroes, but to ordinary High School. That’s why you were afraid to jump down and save your brother and yourself at the same time. However, you noticed a group of people who could catch your small brother.

“Please, help me! Catch my brother!” You shouted loudly, drawing people’s attention. They nodded. “Listen to me, Laito. Your sister will let you go down now, but nothing will happen to you, you know? Thanks to your sister’s power, you’ll be safe and catch by your neighbors, okay? We’ll meet in a moment. Wait for me, okay?”

You calmed your brother, and after a while, as you said, you put him out on the balcony and with the help of your own quirk you let him go.

This was of course a difficult task, and five floors wasn’t an easy job, but you did it after a long time. At the end, of course, your power stopped working because of the long range, but Laito was safe. The problem was in you now. You didn’t have anywhere to escape and you didn’t have the strength to continue using your quirk.

Still, you ran to the bedroom to save the family photo and the savings box.

{ ･ﾟ✧ }

To the happiness of passers-by, Tenya Iida and Fumikage Tokoyami were on duty in this part of the city. For some time, third-graders of superhero profiles worked as city volunteers. And they quickly saw and felt the smoke. They also quickly found themselves on the spot where the burning building was visible. Tokoyami immediately informed professional heroes of the incident, and then dealt with scared victims.

“My sister is inside! Please, save her!” There was a quiet cry between people, and a tall eighteen-year-old spotted a little boy. “I only have her, please save my sister, my Y/N!”

Iida couldn’t leave this request. Of course he decided to save the little boy’s sister. After finding out which floor and apartment it is about, he hurried toward the building and jumped as high as he could with the help of engines. He easily overcame the balconies and reached yours. Then he smashed the window and got inside, calling your name.

“Sorry for entering your flat! Please speak to me, I’m a hero from U.A. High School and I come to the rescue!” He spoke loud and clear, coughing under his breath. “Your brother is safe!”

He moved on quickly until he reached a small bedroom. And finally saw you, curled up next to the bed, amid flames and smoke. He hurried over to you to assess your health.

“You’re safe now. Come, we must go back to your brother.” He smiled warmly, remembering his own older sibling, who would certainly be proud of him right now.

“T-Thank you, my hero.”

“You have nothing to thank for. It is our duty. And now, hold me tight, we’ll jump down.”

It was strange to admit it to you, but you were glad you met Iida that day. Even if you fainted when you two jumped, it was nice to see him again after a few days.

I mean, this day in the hospital, when he came to you with a small bouquet and a basket of fruit, saying that “They are good for improving health and well-being. Eat while they’re fresh and juicy!”.

bonus:

“Endeavor, this is the third time in this week when you’re causing fire to someone’s house! And we have Tuesday!” Fat Gum shouted, eating his favorite snacks.

"It’s not my fault that the buildings are so unstable.” He murmured.

“You’ll have to pay for the damage. Rejoice that nothing happened to anyone and students from your son’s class were nearby!”

[multific]

The Girl Next Door

Chris Evans x Reader

Request: Hello! First, happy new year and that this fresh new year presents you with good energy and positive vibes ✨ I would like to make a request for Chris Evans. Maybe him buying a house next to the reader and moving in and he watches her reading on her balcony catching his attention at the quiet evening in the neighborhood. The next day he meets her when she knocks at his door with the girls selling cookies (i think it's scot girls? I am not sure sorry :) ) and they start from there? Thank you!

A/N: Thank you! I wish you a happy new year as well!!!

 A year ago Chris made a promise to his family that when the time will come, he’d move so he could be closer to them.

A finally, the day has come.

Since he was done shooting for Avengers and the press tour was also over, he had time to look for a new house, a house he hoped he would bring a wife home and with time, maybe even children.

But for now, it was only him.

All alone in his new four-bedroom house. Well, not completely alone, Dodger was there to give him company.

After the moving company left, leaving him to open his neatly packed boxes and peel the protecting plastic off of his furniture. Chris finished these easily and the living room already looked presentable, but since the day was ending he decided to just call it a day and have dinner. He ordered something for himself and sat down at his table in the kitchen.

As he was enjoying his food, he took a deep breath and let a long sign out. He felt tired. Then he looked out of his window. And that’s when he saw her for the first time.

You were sitting on the balcony reading a book while drinking something hot, Chris knew that because he saw the mug smoking. But there was more to you than beauty that attracted the male. You looked absolutely stunning, yes, but just as intelligent and gentle as you turned the page with elegance. Chris wasn’t even sure if that’s a thing, but it was true none the less.

***

The next day Chris was still unpacking when he heard the front doorbell, he thought that it might be the delivery guy since he ordered a new fridge. But it wasn’t.

Instead, he met with two little girls, dressed as girl scouts. Behind the two stood his neighbor that he shamelessly checked out the other night.

“Hi!” he greeted the ladies.

“Hello, Sir! Would you like to buy some cookies from us? We are selling all kinds! And the money will go to a good cause!!!” explained one of the girls with a lot of enthusiasm.

“Sure! What kinds do you have?” Chris noticed that whenever the children smiled, you smiled just as bright.

As the girls ran to get the cookies, you decided to have a few words with him.

“My name is Y/N. I live next to you, sorry I wasn’t able to greet you yesterday, I figured that the moving tired you, so I wanted to do it today! So, nice to meet you!”

“Hi! My name is Chris, nice to meet you as well. So, you work for the girl scouts?”

“No, actually, I’m a teacher at the kindergarten and one of the mum’s asked me to fill in for her since she’s sick.”

Just as you finished your sentence the girls arrived back with the boxes and Chris choose the flavours that he wanted. He ended up buying a lot more than he initially wanted.

“Girls, go to the next house, I’ll be with you shortly.”

“Okay, Y/N.,” they said at the same time.

“It’s a good neighbourhood in general, but I must warn you about Ms. Fatcher. She likes to flirt with men, whether they are married or not.”

“Oh, thanks for the heads up. But I’m single.”

“Single? You? How?”

“Well… my line of work is not exactly designed for dating…”

“Nonsense. Acting or not, you still should live your life. Oh, I have to go now. Would you like to come over sometime? I can tell you about the place a bit more.” Chris offered you a kind smile.

“That would be lovely.” he watched as you waved and went after the girls.

Chris went back to unpacking his boxes while eating some of the cookies, he thought about two things.

One, he would have to do a bit more work out thanks to the delicious treats and two, he hoped to get a date with you.

And that is how a new chapter of his life started.

 Taglist: imreadinggoaway fleursirvart  v-2bucky ehsebastian  crunch-time-sports pxstelrainbow ablogbypeteparker liamssmiler smexylemony greenarrowhead feelingsareharddd thisismysecrethappyplace sincerelyfan theoneanna aestheticsandmarvel rororo06 castellandiangelo avengers-r-us destynelseclipsa castellandiangelo  spilledinkindumpster celebsimagines capsiclesdoll firstangeldragonranch snoopy3000 firstangeldragonranch 

 ~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

My taglist is open!

Feedback means EVERYTHING to me, so please take the time and tell me how you liked it. Thank You for reading my story!~

[evans-fiction]

Look a the night, and it don’t seem so lonely

Summary: It’s the summer of ‘79, but liquor isn’t the only thing Caro finds herself drowning into. Falling in love with a stranger on a rooftop had never sounded less scary. A story best read with your favourite 70s love songs humming in the background..

Pairings: 1970s au Chris Evans x OFC Caroline

Words: 8.5k

Warnings: Language. Mentions of alcohol/death/homophobia, but very minor. a little Angst, but mostly a bunch of flirting and song references!!!!!

                                                    ***

Caro watched herself in the mirror, tightening the front knot of her white top and making sure everything would remain in place. Her fingers grazed her exposed collarbones, thrilling shivers coursing through her veins at the thought of going out in such a daring outfit. It made her look nice, the bell bottom jeans accentuating the curves of her hips while her chiffon shirt revealed just enough to still be considered appropriate. It was a party after all, she had the right to look provocative.

“Darling, have you seen my leather boots?” She heard her friend’s voice echo from the hallway, Stella already at the front door and ready to run out of their apartment. “Never mind!”

She gave herself one last glance, switching her earrings for large hoops last minute, and joined her best friend in the hall. Stella’s full head of blonde curls bounced with her steps as both women trotted out of their building, the beers they had had before leaving were already working their charms.

“I still can’t believe you got us into this party.” Caro sighed while her friend lit up a cigaret, yelling the directions at their taxi driver. “Will you ever tell me what you did?”

She laughed, puffing the smoke out of the window while Caro tried her best to refrain from coughing. “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” Stella smirked and she rolled her eyes at her mysterious attitude. Knowing her best friend, Caro was pretty certain she had either sold the host some weed or offered something else in exchange. It was one of the most anticipated event in their town, invites only, and definitely not the type of crowd Caro was used to, but Stella wanted to celebrate getting a new job at a law firm and so she had followed her.

As expected, their car slowed down in front of a massive property already swarmed with people. Caro’s jaw dropped as she took in the state of the mansion, people were sprawled across the yards, already drowning in liquor and hanging from balconies. The music was awfully loud, she could decipher the melody of Dancing Queen from their parked car, the vibrations making her heart thump. “Are you ready babe?” She heard Stella say beside her as they stepped out from the vehicle, admiring the booming party with its pulsing lights and roaring crowd. It was as if the place itself emanated an aura of bliss, and even before stepping inside, both women knew this night would be absolutely memorable.

A loud engine roared a couple feet away, the sound managing to drown the blasting music and it caught Caro’s attention. She barely had the time to glimpse at the man hopping off his motorcycle before Stella pulled her inside the house. Immediately, she was given a drink and handed joints, which she refused with embarrassment. Caro could barely handle the smell, let alone smoke with her terrible asthma, one of the many reasons why she avoided such events. But today was a special occasion, and she had to make sure Stella would stay safe.

In contrast to her own character, her best friend lived for parties and massive get togethers. She had been the same since high school and had kept her vigor well into adulthood. More often than not, Caro had to pull her out of drunken situations or had been her 3AM call for a ride home. She didn’t mind it, Stella had been her friend since kindergarten, and they had always taken care of each other. It was them against the world, always.

“I have to find Mickey.” The blonde woman yelled over the music, Caro confused about who this person was, but assumed it might have been the host. “Go have fun, babe! I’ll find you later.” And just like that, Stella had disappeared into the massive crowd of grinding bodies. It was not unusual for them to separate, but it didn’t mean that Caro felt more comfortable. She decided to head for the kitchen, trying to grab herself a decent drink that hadn’t been made by a drunk stranger, and quietly tried to tour the place without knocking into too many sweaty bodies.

For such a massive house, she was genuinely surprised to be having difficulty finding at least one empty room. It seemed as though half the state of Massachusetts had been invited to the party, people were dancing on furniture and making out in closets or bedrooms. “Invite only, my ass.” She mumbled to herself upon stumbling on a couple going at it for the fifth time.  It was becoming a hopeless quest for some peace and quiet, and Caro thought maybe she had no other choice but to head back downstair and socialize.

She tried a new door at the far end of the millionth hallway she had walked in within this house, a little perplexed to see it opened into a wooden staircase. Curiosity taking over, Caro went up the dimly lit path only to find herself opening a wide paned window leading to the roof. Relief rippled over at the realization that she had finally found a secluded place, where the music still felt as loud and invigorating, but without the suffocating mass of people. Although it was dark outside, she could still perceive the roof’s large flat surface in between two gables. It gave her a nice view of the backyard and the drunk people wandering out of the house or smoking by the gardens.

What she hadn’t noticed though, was the other presence on that same roof who cleared their throat, almost startling her to death. “For crying out loud!” She gasped, accidentally spilling her drink on her white top. The silhouette in the corner chuckled at her reaction, the sound clearly belonging to a man, while she tried her best to dry out her stain.

“Didn’t mean to scare you.” His voice was raspy, almost too deep to be heard over the music. Caro groaned, irritated that she had dirtied her outfit and now smelled like beer.

“Well you did, my shirt is completely ruined.” She huffed. The stranger stepped out from the shadow, and if she hadn’t been so bitter about her outfit, she would have probably gaped at how mesmerizing he looked under the moonlight. Instead, she used her annoyance to stop herself from swooning at his buff stature, soft eyes and charming smile.

“Here, have mine.” He said, taking off his flannel and revealing broad shoulders, his muscular body accentuated by his black t-shirt. Caro gulped, quietly thanking the stranger and taking his offered shirt. Carefully ridding herself of her dirty top, and making sure he wouldn’t even catch a shadow of her exposed body, she buttoned up the oversized flannel. It smelled like fresh pine, with a barely noticeable undertone of cigaret and cologne, and was warm around her.

“Sorry for yelling at you.” She mumbled, genuinely feeling a little horrible at her rude attitude given how the man had immediately offered to help. He smiled under his beard, his full lips opening to reveal a set of perfect teeth that were probably brighter than the moon. Caro wished she could see the colour of his eyes, but it was too dark to decipher anything. She could still appreciate how clear they seemed to look. “I’m Caro.”

“Is that short for something?” He replied, shoving both hands in the pockets of his jeans, which only made his biceps bulge even more. Okay, she had to stop staring.

“Yeah, actually. Caroline.”

“Like the song?” He wondered and she nodded.

“If I had a penny every time someone said that...” She sighed and he laughed quietly, the sound somehow making her heart quiver. “What are you doing up here anyway, all alone?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” The stranger said, a teasing tone to his voice as he walked back to his previous spot. She realized there were chairs and a couple cushions laid in the corner, already set to enjoy the summer evenings with a clearer view of the moon and the stars. As she approached the cosier area, she could feel the music vibrate under her feet, ABBA’s hits fading into Bowie’s Starman and its rhythmic guitar strokes.

“I just needed some quiet, you know.” She explained, not sure why she was so easily revealing her thoughts to this complete stranger, who hadn’t even mentioned his name yet. “I’m not a big fan of parties.”

“Why did you come then?” He asked her, collapsing on a plastic outdoor chair while she awkwardly took a seat on an ottoman. “Beer?”

“Yes, please.” Caro hummed in satisfaction as she wrapped her fingers around the cold bottle, freshly opened. “And, well, I just followed my friend, you know. Making sure she doesn’t get into any trouble.”

He eyed her strangely, as if what she was saying made no sense to him. “Then why aren’t you downstairs checking up on her?”

She rolled her eyes, feeling a light sense of judgment from the man. “We have a system. As long as you don’t hear anything break, it’s fine.” A flash of concern crossed his eyes, and all she could give him was a shrug. “How do you know this spot anyway?”

The man scoffed before taking a long sip of his drink. “I should be asking you that. I live her.” He said, simply, and Caro spat out her beer in shock.

“Holy shit, are you joshin’ me?” He laughed at her reaction. “This place is absolutely insane!” Then she thought back to what she had just said regarding Stella. “I was kidding about my friend, she’s not going to break anything.”

“Thanks? Still unsure if I should be worried or not.” Her jaw was still to the floor, trying to understand how this man dressed in flannels and ripped up, oil stained jeans could own a million dollar house.

“So, wait, why aren’t you downstair?” She questioned him back, and his lips pursed, pale eyes drifting to look at the distance.

“My house, not my party.”

“How does that make any sense?” Caro chuckled and the man shrugged, a coy smile on his face.

“It doesn’t.” She frowned, curious about what he meant. Caro took the short moment of silence to gaze at him, admiring his lean physique and long hair that swept over his head, the brown ends barely grazing his shoulders. He didn’t seem older than her, maybe by a few years, and he clearly gave off the vibe of being too ‘mature’ for parties. Stella would hate him.

She was surprised she could still hear a few crickets chirp with how loud the music was, but it was almost sedative. The night was warm and comforting, the sky clear of clouds and showcasing an array of bright stars, the only light besides the moon that allowed them to see beyond the roof’s little edge. The spot gave them a good view of the house’s backyard, surrounded by thick trees protecting them from nosy neighbours, but if she squinted her eyes a little bit, she could see the city lights far ahead, over the leaves.

She focused her attention back on him, the stranger was quietly sipping on his drink while his fingers danced over his stained jeans. Caro wondered what song was playing in his head, that entranced him so much that he had left reality for a brief moment. It wasn’t the only thing she was curious about. 

“Are you ever going to tell me your name?” She broke the silence, her interest in the handsome stranger growing with every passing second. He blinked back to consciousness, chuckling lowly before clicking his beer with hers.

“Chris.” Strangely enough, the name fit him well.

“Is that short for something?” She teased and his smirk grew. His eyes met hers, the moonlight casting almost a ghostly glow over his defined features and enhancing the sharpness of his nose and the shadow of his lashes. Finally, she could see the colour of his eyes, it was a blue that looked almost unreal, surrounded by a circle of darker azur, and Caro wanted to lean in and drown in them.

“Christopher. You ask an awful lot of questions for someone who wanted quiet.” His voice broke her brief trance and she blushed, feeling embarrassed to have let herself seem so enamoured for a moment, but not of her curious side.

“Mr Christopher, Why won’t they leave you alone...” The man snorted as Caro sang, not expecting her to retaliate. “That’s right, I know my music too.”

“Unbelievable. Styx?” Chris laughed. “Out of all the songs, you choose the one about a saint?”

“Hey, it’s not my fault your name isn’t musically inspiring.” He feigned offence while she giggled behind her bottle.

“Buzz off, will you.”

“And you’re lucky, because it just came out a couple years ago.” She continued to tease him. “How sad to have nothing written about you.”

“Hey, that’s unfair, you know.” He nudged her arm. “There are, like, a billion tunes about Carolines.”

“Yet my parents named me after an actress.” She rolled her eyes, feeling a pinch to her heart at the thought of her family. Caro took another sip of her beer while Chris watched her intently. “One Million B.C.” She clarified and his eyes widened.

“You were named after Cave Woman?” Chris gasped. “That’s the funniest shit I’ve heard in my life!” He guffawed and she sighed, taking in his reaction. Caro wanted to be annoyed that he was technically making fun of her, but the sight of him wholeheartedly laughing was too pleasing to remotely feel irritated.

“Glad I can humour you.” She continued and he shook his head, still chuckling. Caroline decided that it was her favourite sound.

“Were your parents, like, obsessed with the movie or something?” He asked, body fully turning to give her his attention. “I don’t remember it being so memorable.”

“I’m shocked you even watched it.” She snorted. “And yeah, my mother was particularly fond of Carol Landis.”

“Are you judging my appreciation of cinematic masterpieces?” He smirked and she scoffed. “You’d be surprised of the extent of my knowledge.”

“Alright, show off. What other obscure cultural interests do you have?” She mocked but he took his time thinking about his answer, his eyebrows curling up. Caro found it endearing how expressive his face was, everything about Chris was captivating and it was truly unfair.

“Okay, I’m going to tell you, but you’re not allowed to laugh.”

“What! You’ve been cackling like goose at me this whole time and now, I can’t make fun of you?” She lightly slapped his arm while Chris’s eyes practically twinkled. “Now, come on, spit it out.”

“Alright,” He calmed down and Caro felt bubbles of excitement in her chest, eager to learn more about him. “I might actually know the words to most Disney songs.” He finally admitted with squinted eyes and her jaw dropped.

“You’re joking.” He shook his head, grimacing in embarrassment and her face split into grin. “All of them?”

“Yep. Pretty much.” Caro blinked, trying to process exactly who this man was. Everything about his exterior screamed angry bad boy, from the leather boots to the ripped jeans and the chains around his wrists. He was big, strong, and bearded, the personification of the type of guy who brought nothing but trouble. Yet, here was Chris who was funny, surprisingly thoughtful and knew all the Disney songs. Caro wondered what more was he hiding under his seemingly rougher appearance.

“How is that even possible?” She wondered and he shrugged, head tilting back as he finished his beer.

“My family’s big on Disney.”

“Funky. But I dig it.” He smiled at her, it felt genuine, and she could read the relief in his eyes that she hadn’t ridiculed him. But how could she? It only made him so much more likeable.

“What about you Caroline? Any embarrassing facts you’d like to share with?” He asked, biting his bottom lip and she clicked her tongue, trying to hide the grin growing on her face.

“Look who’s asking all the questions now, huh?” He rolled his eyes as she poked fun at him. “And well, you’d be sad to know that I’m actually very boring.” She continued, a little nervous to talk about herself to a man she had just met, but Chris scoffed, not believing her.

“You were named after Cave Woman, there’s no way you could be boring.”

“Well, my job doesn’t leave much place for hobbies or… Watching Disney movies.” She teased and he raised a brow in question.

“What could you possibly do that rids you of the pleasure that is Robin Hood?”

She pursed her lips, a little ashamed that she truly didn’t dedicate much time for fun, except on rare occasions like tonight. For Caro, it had always been like that, ever since her parents passed away, and she had to grow up very fast. There was no time for pleasure when you had to work your ass off to meet your rent every month. “I’m a nurse.”

“Noble.” He said, sounding impressed. “New England Baptist?” She nodded, surprised that he got the hospital right. “Fun coincidence, I was there a couple weeks ago.” Her face fell, scanning him quickly for an injury she hadn’t noticed, but his smile reassured her. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t for myself.”

“Oh... Sorry for whoever you had to visit.” She grimaced apologetically and he shrugged, his expression fading into a serious frown. He didn’t seem necessarily upset, but she sensed that something was off.

“Don’t worry about it, everything’s alright now.” He forced a smile through his beard, and Caro wasn’t quite sure of what he meant by ‘alright’. Her curiosity was pressuring her to ask for more, but it would have been disrespectful and so she kept her questions for herself. “It’s a great place to work for though.” He cleared his throat, diverting the attention away from him.

“I guess. I’ve only been there for a couple years now, but I like it. What about you, what do you do?” She questioned and a more genuine smile appeared on his face.

“I fix cars.” Caro frowned at his answer, not expecting something so simple. He was the owner of a gigantic mansion; what kind of cars was he fixing? Unless it was a code word for something else. She eyed him suspiciously and he caught on her gaze. “What? Don’t believe me?”

“You just...fix cars?” He nodded, amused at her confusion. 

“Any type of engine actually. My garage’s a couple towns away if you ever have car troubles.” He pointed south, but she kept watching him oddly. “Why are you looking at me like this?”

“It’s just..strange, I wasn’t expecting that.” She clarified, still waiting for him to crack but he seemed genuine. It only confused her even more.

“I literally have oil stains on my jeans.” He chuckled. “Do I need to pull out a business card, or something?” 

“Then,” Caro began, motioning at the space around them. “How come you can afford this place?” She finally revealed her thoughts and he sighed with contentment.

“That, my dear, is called being an heir.” Her face fell in shock, not believing her ears. With eyes round as plates, she stared at Chris giving her a tight smile, while her mind had an incredibly difficult time processing his revelation. “The estate belonged to my father.”

“What a fry.” She whispered, genuinely stunned, and her reaction made him snort. Something about what he said didn’t quite click in her head, and her mind started rolling immediately. “Wait, you said belonged. Is he…?”

And there it was again, the colder look on his face that had clouded him mere minutes ago. It didn’t take much for her to connect the dots, and a familiar sadness filled her heart. “I’m...so sorry, all my condolences.” She murmured, knowing the feeling of losing parents too well. Even though her own experience happened almost a decade ago, the pain would always be fresh.

Chris sighed deeply, twirling his empty bottle between his fingers as his eyes focused intently on the rim. “Don’t feel too bad,” He replied. “He was a dick.” His words were harsh, and she could feel that he deeply meant them, yet the pained expression on his face was as clear as day.

“What about your mother? Is she okay?” Caro asked before she could stop herself. She had always been a curious person, but it came from genuine concern. It had placed her in particular situations in the past, and she personally knew how hard it was to discuss that sort of thing with people. But somehow, there was a sense of comfort when talking with Chris, and she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to learn more about him.

“She passed away when I was young, I don’t really remember her.” He shrugged again, kicking his feet back as he changed position on his chair. A veil of sadness wrapped around her heart, thinking of this man who never had the chance to know his mother and whose father apparently was deadbeat. “Anyways, that’s why Mickey’s having a party.” He continued and she raised a brow.

“A funeral party?” Her confused question made him laugh quietly, the sound heartfelt this time. Caro was glad she had managed to bring back a happier Chris, and so she relaxed back in her seat and watched him intently.

“That’s an… interesting way to put it, I guess. He was particularly awful to Mickey, so it’s his own way of celebrating the death of the man who made our lives hell.” He opened himself another beer and Caro realized she had barely touched hers.

“Ain’t that harsh, given how much he left you two.” She assumed Mickey was his brother, and the person Stella had convinced to invite them.

“That’s the least he could do.” His tone was gruff, almost making her flinch. Caro was about to apologize for pushing it when he sighed deeply, head dropping. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

She gave him a sad smile, hand reaching to grasp at his arm for comfort. There were many things she wanted to say, anything would have worked, as long as it had kept her emotional distances. Yet, something strange happened. Her usual walls felt now transparent, like there had just vanished, and allowing herself to share her experience with Chris seemed like the most natural thing in the world. “Don’t apologize. I understand the feeling.” 

His head tilted up to look at her with puzzlement, blue eyes searching her face for an explanation. Caro didn’t discuss her parents’ death with just anyone; Stella and her shrink were basically the gist of it. But Chris had just lost his father, leaving him and his brother alone in this world. They obviously were in a more privileged situation than where she had been thrown into, but the pain and confusion of the loss was universal. Just like she had wished back then that there could be someone who would understand her, Caro knew that Chris probably felt as alone. “I lost my parents too, about a decade ago.”

His expression melted into one of chagrin, Chris understanding that she had been young, too young when it happened. And he was right to think that, Caro had just freshly graduated out of pre-med, making her a legal adult who was hurled into the world with nothing but debts after debts to pay, a house to manage and a life that seemed too hopeless to live. “I’m sorry.” He murmured and it was her turn to shrug, wrapping her arms around her chest as a form of comfort. A breeze came about, softly wiping at her hair and refreshing her soul. It had been too warm today.

“As time goes by, you start to become numb to the pain,” She continued, heart feeling a little heavy. “But I try everyday not to forget their faces, and the good moments. That’s all that matters in the end.”

“You are very lucky then.” He replied and she eyed him strangely.

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“I mean, at least you have good memories to remember.” He explained himself and she bit her lip, once again feeling a sense of empathy for him. Part of her wished they were close enough so she could actually embrace him, bring him some warm consolation. He seemed awfully closed off, all alone on his roof, drinking his sorrows and anger away. Caro wondered what would have happened if she hadn’t stumbled on him so suddenly.  

“What about all that Disney stuff?” She wondered and it made him smirk.

“That’s because of my aunts, they practically raised Mickey and I.”

“Guess it explains the surname.” Once again, she had brought a smile back to his face and it made her feel bubbly inside.

“You’re very intuitive, you know.”

“I’ve been told.” She grinned coyly while he kept on watching her, eyes softening.

“You must make one hell of a nurse then.” She felt herself blush at his words, not quite sure what to answer. Chris’s eyes weren’t leaving hers, his gaze penetrating and she started to feel a little squeamish. “Is that why you do what you do?”

Caro was taken aback by his question, uncertain by what he actually meant. “What do you mean?”

“Nursing.” He murmured, eyes analyzing her. “Because of your parents’ passing?” 

She chewed on her lip, a little unsure of what to tell him. Caro wasn’t particularly excited to delve into her own past, but she could sense that talking about it was taking some of his own pain away. “Not really, it was just a matter of circumstances. Nothing to do with their death, really.”

“How did it happen?” He asked, but a look of regret flashed in his eyes as soon as the words left his lips. Chris didn’t mean to pry, and Caro knew that. But strangely enough, talking about how their death occurred hurt less than discussing the dreadful feeling of loss that had lingered in her chest for years. “Sorry, I shouldn’t...”

“It’s okay. I can talk about it now.” She gave him a small smile and he eased back in his seat, watching her carefully. She inhaled a deep breath, eyes gazing at the bright stars for some strength while she recalled that faithful night. “It happened ten years ago. I had just finished my senior year of college and my parents came to visit me on campus for a weekend, to help me move out of the dorms.” 

Caroline remembered their smiles, and how they had embraced her immediately upon entering the small room. The day had started wonderfully, the three of them going on a brunch to celebrate Caro being over with pre-med, and giving her the energy for the many more years of school she had left. Morning dragged on to late afternoon, their little family spending hours packing her boxes and making sure the dorm was clean before they would head back to her home for the summer. There, she was planning to find herself a place to live with Stella, close enough to campus and to all of their favourite spots across town.

It had been a blissful day, warm and sunny. She remembered how her mother’s hair bounced off her shoulders, sun rays rippling down her long curls while every room filled with her perfume. Caro remembered her father’s laugh, and his brown eyes squinting behind his heavy glasses every time he would tease her about her campus stories. Everyone around them felt as energetic, glad that finals were over and that summer was right around the corner. “Obviously, there were many fraternity parties happening across campus to celebrate the end of the year. A lot of drunk people running around town, yelling, smoking...Driving.” 

Christopher leaned back in his chair, gradually understanding where her story was going. His eyes gazed down at the ground, a heaviness settling in his heart as Caroline continued to speak. “For a long time, I felt guilty for not getting in the car with them. I kept thinking; maybe things would have been different, you know? I could have advised them, guided them away from the mad crowds and the irresponsible drivers.” 

“You couldn’t have known.” He murmured and she sighed, looking back at him. 

“No, I couldn’t, but thinking that didn’t make the feeling go away.” 

“What did?” 

She turned to face the sky again, finding it less intimidating to speak when she wasn’t directly looking at his eyes. Caro knew he had been watching her intently the whole time, eyes reading every single emotion that came across her face. As exposed as she was though, Chris didn’t make her feel invaded. “Nothing. It’s still there. Always will be.” She whispered, simply. “But guilt always comes with the loss of someone in that way. You’ll always wonder if you could have done something to change their faith, anything.”

“Do you drown yourself with work not to think about the pain?” For a moment, her heart stilled. She wanted to deny, fight back on his assumptions, but she remained silent, and felt suddenly very cold.

“I didn’t have much choice.” Was all she murmured, barely able to keep her gaze on him. Chris didn’t flinch back, still attentively looking at her. It was like she was bare, and he could just read her mind. It was terrifying.

“How come?” He kept pushing and she held her breath, body tensing. For some reason, she just couldn’t stop talking. It was like he had put a spell on her. Or maybe it was the alcohol.

“After the...accident,” She cleared her throat, flashes of that awful night coming back to haunt her. “Money did not come as easy. I had enough to switch for nursing school, and was able to work right away. So, yeah, I didn’t have much choice if I wanted to survive.”

Caro heard him scoff, and for a moment felt absolutely insulted that he would mock her experience like that. She faced Chris, ready to snap at him, but the expression on his face was everything but derisive. “Gosh, I’m such a dick.” He shook his head and she raised a brow in question. “Here I am whining about my asshole father dying and leaving us a fortune that’ll last a lifetime, meanwhile you’ve been through hell and you’re still so… undefeated and…” His voice trailed off, guilt ridden, and her irritation died down.

“You didn’t know.” She tried to console him and he only sighed, sulking in his seat.

“I just feel...like crap.” He shrugged, eyes gazing at the sky. He was quiet for a long time, lost in his head and wondering if he should just let it all out. There was so much anger, and guilt in his soul. At his father, his will and how it affected his brother. He had been bottling everything up for past the weeks, trying to find a way to unravel the emotional mess his old man had forged for the past thirty-eight years. It was getting too much. 

And then there was Caroline, the sweet stranger had been so kind and incredibly open. Watching her looking at him so softly, caring even though she barely knew him, it was strange and unexpected but he welcomed it gratefully. 

“You know, all my life I just wanted him to be a dad, to be there.” He began, tone getting resentful. “I never wanted his fucking money. And now he’s dead, and Mickey and I have this shit ton of cash that we don’t even need, that we didn’t work for. Meanwhile there are people like you, who weren’t as lucky, you know, who had their futures taken away, and it’s just so fucking-” He kicked at a rock, watching it bounce on the cement edge. “Unfair.”

“Chris,” Caro interfered, not liking how self-deprecating he was acting. “You shouldn’t feel gross or awful for taking the money. Like you said, it’s the least he could have done.” Instinctively, her hand reached to grasp his arm, squeezing it lightly. His eyes flicked to look at her, filled with a powerful vulnerability that almost shook the air out of her lungs. “But you have the opportunity to do something with it, greater than he could ever. Sure, my situation wasn’t as privileged as yours, but that was my life, and I’m better now. Really. Just because some didn’t have it easy, doesn’t mean you should feel bad for how your life ended up.”

He watched her for a long time, letting her words sink in. Caro wished she could read his mind, understand him and the inner battles he was struggling with. On the first impression, he seemed like such a light character, all smiles and charms, talking about Disney and music. But in the short amount of time they had spent talking with each other, Chris had opened himself up to reveal an unexpected sadness that broke her heart.

“Sometimes,” He sighed, chewing on his lips. “I just want to give it all away. To a charity or something.”

“That’s a good idea. Why don’t you?” Chris shook his head, humourlessly laughing.

“I can’t do that to Mickey.”

“I mean, he doesn’t have to give away his share of the money?” He made a grimace and it piqued her curiosity.

“He...didn’t get anything.” Chris finally admitted after a long silence and her jaw dropped. “You get what I mean now when I say he was an asshole.”

“What in the world.” She sighed, troubled by the revelation. What had Mickey done to deserve such hatred even beyond life? “Can I ask why?”

“Let’s say my little brother is no fan of ladies, and my father was not fond of that idea.” He explained, clearing up her confusion. He glanced at her, uncertain of what her reaction would be, but relaxed back as she didn’t seem to flinch or express repulsion. In fact, Caro’s heart filled with sorrow, thinking of the poor boy who had been rejected by his father so cruelly because of who he loved. What a vile man their father must have been. “So everything is under my name now, and feels dirty and like I’m betraying my brother for accepting it. Worst is, he doesn’t even know that our dad left him nothing. He still thinks his check will be coming up soon.”

“You’re giving Mickey some money, right?” She asked, concerned, and he nodded.

“Of course, I’m not him.” He smiled sadly. “I’m just scared I guess, of telling Mickey what he did, I don’t think he’d be surprised but...” The words were on the tip of his tongue, along with the bitter anger that came with it. “I don’t want to give my father the satisfaction of hurting him one last time.”

“You’re a kind man, Christopher.” With her hand still reposing on his arm, Caro gently caressed his skin with her thumb. He was warm, and so soft for a man of his appearance. The touch seemed to have soothed him, body relaxing in his chair while his gaze remained on hers. “You will find a way to make it better for Mickey. He’ll always be fine, because he has you.”

His lips parted, a wave of appeasement crashing over him as he let her words sink in. She was right, Chris would have never let anything bad happen to his brother. And now, they would be able to be free from their father’s agonizing disinterest and his threats against Mickey. He could feel the terrible guilt of the past few weeks start to dissipate, not entirely, but the future seemed a little less somber. “Kid’s never got to catch a break,” He said. “He deserves it more than me.”

“Was your father also awful to you?” He gave her a side way nod as he chewed on his lip. For a moment there, Chris wondered why it had been so easy to talk with Caroline. The younger woman had squeeze almost everything out of him at this point, but he didn't mind it. He wanted to tell her more. 

“With me, it was mostly the distance.” He admitted, memories of a sorrowful childhood in his father’s company coming back to his mind. “I’ve always been the big, rough guy he expected me to be, unlike Mickey. Didn’t mean he cared more, just that he hurt me less.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He chuckled humorlessly at her words, not wanting to feel more pity for himself. 

“If there’s one thing he taught me, it’s what not to do. I was honestly shocked he left me anything at all.” Caro frowned at his words, wondering what he meant. “Last time we parted wasn’t quite on good terms.”

“How come?” His lips twitched, a little uncertain about how to explain the mess that had been his life before leaving the mansion. 

“We had this huge….Huge argument, about Mickey obviously.” He started, and Caro watched him attentively. “My brother’s a dancer, you see. He does ballet, and you can guess that my father was not jumping at the idea of his son running around in white tights.”

A moment that should have been filled with glee would forever remain bitter for him to remember. Mickey had been cast in a prestigious crew, which back then was the greatest news for the both of them. His hard work had paid off, and Chris, having paid for his brother’s lessons and being his biggest supporter, had never been more proud. For once, there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Mickey, who had struggled with so much for so long. 

But the wonderful news travelled around town, everyone glad to hear about Mickey’s success, and as the son of the most powerful man in their city, the announcement reached him too. Chris remembered how the man had summoned them to his office that following evening, threatening Mickey with vile words if he didn’t refuse the offer. “How dare you humiliate this family and defile our reputation with your disgusting behavior!” Was amongst the things he had spat at his younger brother’s face, who had been too young at the time to exert any sort of power to fight back against their father. And he had made Chris watch it all, menacing to shut down the garage or his chances to ever start another business again if he were to continue funding Mickey’s passion. Their old man hadn’t hesitated to express his disappointment and disgust that both of his sons were participating in such antics. 

“That was our last straw. Mickey wasn’t going to give up on the opportunity of a lifetime, and I was too old to let that man control my life any longer.” He shrugged, Caro hoping there was at least a good ending to his story. “So we told him to fuck off, packed our bags and left this hell hole.”

“That’s why your garage is so far, I wondered.” She replied and he chuckled a ‘yeah’. “What happened to Mickey?”

“Well, after a couple years working in Boston, he made it into the American Ballet Theatre in New York.” Her face lit up, genuinely relieved that Chris’s brother had realized his dream despite their father’s attempt to hold him back. “So yeah, we hadn’t talked to him since then. Well, until the butler called and said father was on his deathbed.”

Caro grimaced, worried that Chris would fall back into a morose state but he sighed deeply, actually seeming serene. “Did you actually get to see him?” He pursed his lips, lightly nodding.

“He was...thankfully not able to talk. But it was strange, seeing a man that had been so imposing and menacing our whole life, reduced to someone so frail.” His eyes were focused on the moon, searching for the right words to express meeting his father again. “It had been a good decade since we had last seen him, and I guess the hateful emotions he harboured for us consumed him. It’s honestly the only end he deserved.”

“At least, now you and Mickey are free. Will you come back to live here?” She asked and he looked at her for a solid moment, a strange light shimmering in his eyes.

“I used to think there was nothing that could hold me back here. I’m not too sure about that anymore.” A faint smile appeared on his lips, the soft expression making her blush. Caro tried not to read too into his words, knowing it was too early to remotely let her heart imagine things. “I don’t have the same view at my garage.” Chris motioned at the backyard and the sight of the moon and the stars above them.

“That is an especially great view.” She replied. “And a beautiful house to live in. Good for parties.” She teased, making him laugh under his breath. 

“It has its perks. Although, it does need to be filled with more positive energy now,” He hummed. “Or I could sell it.”

“And what will you be doing with all that money?” He pondered her question, lightly shrugging.

“I have my business, and I’ve been working long enough to be able to afford everything I need.” His eyes scrunched, yet he still looked absolutely mesmerizing. “I don’t know. What would you do with it?”

Caro felt a little stunned for being put under the spotlight, not quite sure how to answer him. She chuckled nervously, sipping on her beer to give herself time to think. What would she do if she were a millionaire? “I don’t know. I guess...I’d go back to school, you know, become the doctor I wanted to be.”

His eyebrows curved up, surprised by her admission. He seemed perplexed, yet impressed. “And here I was about to say I’d buy myself a new motorcycle.” They both chuckled, Caro rolling her eyes at his words.

“Of course. Men and their toys.” He feigned offence, lightly nudging her shoulder. “Wait, are you the guy who arrived on the bike earlier? That thing was louder than the party.”

“Don’t insult Jolene, she can hear you.” Caro couldn’t help but laugh at his reply, everything about him sounding more and more unexpected. “She’s the most important lady in my life.”

She bit her lip, trying hard not to give him a look of pity but he caught on her expression before she could hide it away. “Do you realize how sad that sounds? Jolene, really?”

“The love of my life.” He smirked, raising his bottle in a cheer. Caro looked at him, dumbfounded, and with giggles on the verge of bursting through her lips.

“And I assume others can’t compare.” She said, trying to gather a little more insight on his romantic life. Caro was not one to court taken men, or anyone for that matter. She had always been too busy to remotely think about it, letting herself be attached to someone was terrifying and she had avoided it at all cost. 

Relationships meant exposing the burden of her soul and her past, something she had feared to do for the past decade. Yet there was Chris, who had charmed his way into her heart in a single night, and made the thought of caring for someone not so awful after all. 

A look came across his eyes, and a smirk pulled at his lips. “For a long time, I thought no one could compete.” He said softly and Caro realized he was playing with the lyrics of the song. She pursed her lips, trying to hide the fond smile creeping on her face, and decided she too could play along.

“Her voice is not soft like summer rain. She roars like a tractor.” His laughter echoed loudly, the sound ringing like pleasant bells in her ears and the melancholy that had clouded them was slowly lifting up.

“You really do know your music, don’t you?” He grinned, leaning on his chair to look at her closely. She blushed, the new proximity feeling a little intimidating because Chris was so... But she didn’t mind it.

“I guess that’s my little embarrassing fact of the night.” She had finally answered him and he practically beamed. “You’re satisfied now?”

“I knew you weren’t boring, sweet Caroline.” He winked at her and the simple gesture made her heart squeeze, it was practically unbearable. It was becoming hard to stay in the same space as him without feeling like she was about to completely burst into flames. 

If it would have been anyone else, Caro would have felt the usual twinge of annoyance at the reference. But her name rolled off his tongue so nicely, and it made her heart flutter. The fact that a man she had just met had managed not only to make her spill her deepest secret in a matter of minutes, but also to make her heart twirl in her chest when he would pronounce her name, should be petrifying. And it was, a big part of her was mortified at how fast she had become entranced by Christopher, but he had made it so easy. 

“Look at the night, and it don’t seem so lonely.” Her breath halted as Chris whispered the lyrics softly, humming the melody under his breath, and it brought a smile on her face. It wasn’t just interest now, she was getting deeply smitten. 

“We fill it up with only two…” She continued, and Caro swore she could see the colour of his cheeks change. It was almost surreal, how beautiful he looked at that very moment. The moon shone brightly on his visage, the light cascaded down his round cheekbones, and curled around his full lips pulled into a tender smile, while his ocean blue eyes shimmered as they bore into hers. Caroline wanted to lean in, she wanted to know how his lips felt like, if they were as soft as her infatuated mind was believing them to be.

Everything felt warm, maybe because it was the middle of July, or maybe because Chris was overwhelming. The smell of his cologne on the shirt he had given her was still exhilarating, but now she could practically feel him glow, his aura making her heart thunder in her chest.

A familiar melody echoed from downstairs, Caro immediately recognizing the hit song and her heart dropped. It couldn’t have been possible! Out of all the songs that could have played at this very moment, it had to be this one. She was speechless, eyes wide in shock while Chris’s face lit up, smile widening as he too couldn’t believe his ears.

“Is this for real right now?” She blurted out and he bit his lip, starting to bob his head as the music got louder.

“Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing.” He sang while snapping his fingers and a goofy expression on his face. “But then I know it’s growing strong.” Her jaw fell as she watched him sing along, a new energy coming to him. A mischievous grin started to grow on his face and he suddenly jumped on his feet, hips slowly swaying as he continued to chant and Caro couldn’t hold her giggles any longer. 

“Hands, touching hands, reaching out,” Her stupor at the coincidence had faded, now replaced by genuine glee as she watched him shout the words of a song she had disliked for so long, but now sounded like the most beautiful melody when it came from him. For such a big man, Chris definitely knew how to make his body flow with the music effortlessly, it was entrancing.“Touching me, touching you...” 

“Sweet Caroline!” He belted out, his voice several tones lower than Neil Diamond’s, but still sounding surprisingly pleasant. “Good times never seemed so good!”

“I can’t believe you actually know the lyrics.” She said over the music while Chris continued to dance and grin from ear to ear. Caro couldn’t help herself from moving to the air as she remained in her seat, shaking her head at how ridiculous he looked. It was strange, watching him go from gloomy to this lighter self, practically bouncing to the notes beating through the roof. Yet, she was entirely enchanted. “Or that you know how to dance.”

“I spent five years driving Mickey to ballet classes, I know a thing or two about dancing.” He retorted and she laughed, amused. Chris shuffled closer and extended his hand for her to take, a large smile on his face. Realizing what he was doing, she shook her head and tried to escape his reach. “No, no! That is not happening.”

“Oh yes. C’mon, Caroline,” He pressed, his charming grin as glowing as ever while she continued to shake her head. “Don’t be so square. The chorus’ coming up again.” Mildly offended by how Chris called her, she scoffed and took a large sip of her drink. She tried to look everywhere but at his hand calling for hers, and his eyes practically begging for her to get up and dance with him. “I know you want to.” He winked at her, and just like that, every fighting will in her body vanished in a second. Caro was done for.

“Sweet Caroline!” They both yelled, Caroline finally up on her feet and rolling her hips as ridiculously as Chris was doing. “Good times never seemed so good!”

They started dancing closer, until she could feel his hands on her waist, swaying with her movements. “I’d be inclined,” They could hear the crowd below belt out the lyrics of the hit song, the beats vibrating under their feet, electrifying her senses. “To believe they never would.”

Caro hadn’t quite realized how close they were standing, and she could feel his warm breath roll on her skin. She felt Chris inch closer as the melody slowed down, blue eyes glancing at her lips and Caro knew exactly what was about to happen. Maybe it was something in the air, or the smell of his intoxicating cologne, but she let Chris pull her in for a thrilling kiss that was so gentle, it took her breath away.

This wasn’t her, she never let herself be familiar with strangers, let alone at a boozy party. Yet, there was something about his aura that felt reassuring, it was comforting even. Her heart was beating through her chest, making her entire body pulsate with the electrifying feeling of having Chris wrapped around her. His fingers rested on her waist, while his lips, soft as silk and more delightful than she could have ever expected them to be, moved with hers. Chris tasted like mint, fresh yet he was incredibly warm, and his beard pricked at her skin enough to send shivers down her spine. 

It was overwhelming, but Caro adored every second of it. How their bodies melted into a hug so tight, in fear of the other walking away. They were slow dancing as the song faded away, under brilliant stars and a moon that shone so bright upon them. 

She felt submerged by his presence, cocooned in his warm embrace, wrapped in the music and arms that strangely felt like home. And, for the first time in her life, Caroline didn’t want to escape the feeling of longing for someone else.

[dawnjeman]

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Painted Brick Exterior

  Hi, everyone! How are you today? I had such a wonderful weekend. I baked with my husband and even attempted to make some cheese… but don’t ask about that! LOL. Anyway, I am super happy and excited because the weather is finally changing and the sun is shinning. I am also so very happy because I adore Callie of ceshome6 and her style so much that this is the second time I have her on my “Beautiful Homes of Instagram” series. The first time, I shared her formal home (you can see it here) and it became one of my most-pinned posts! Today, I am proud to be sharing Callie’s new home and I am sure you will enjoy seeing and knowing all details as much as I did!

  “My husband and I were originally from a small town in North Texas near Oklahoma. We have known each other since kindergarten but didn’t start dating until our junior year of high school. After graduation we moved to the Dallas area for college and have stayed close ever since. We will have been married for 15 years this July and have 4 beautiful children; a 17 year old daughter, a 14 year old daughter, a 9 year old son, and a 5 year old daughter. I feel very blessed to be able to stay at home with them and take care of our family and home.

We had planned to build a home again but during our search I found this spec home and the moment I walked in I loved it. It was my style with the color selections and it was the perfect size for our family. Another bonus was that it was already complete and ready to move in. We went for it and two months later we moved into our new home.

My favorite part of the home is the long open kitchen, dining and living space in one and we spend the most time gathered in this area as a family. I’ve always loved to decorate my homes to really feel cozy and welcoming. I don’t have one specific design style but like to incorporate in different pieces I like. My home is a mix of modern, rustic, farmhouse and french country. I also try to be minimal in my decor because with having 4 kids I don’t want to have to worry so much about moving things all the time or things getting broken.”

I hope you enjoy our house tour!

  Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Painted Brick Exterior

What first caught my eye about this home was definitely the white exterior. There’s something about a white home! I was sold before I even walked in. The 2 porches in the front were also a huge selling point because we love to sit outside and watch the kids play. We have a huge open space in the front of our home that’s almost the size of a football field and perfect for football, baseball or soccer.

The exterior brick paint color is PPG Atrium White and shutters are PPG Black Forest.

Front Porch

We love that this home has 3 outdoor spaces including a front porch, a patio balcony and a side patio. 

Sunshine

A pair of outdoor chairs make this front porch feel even more inviting.

Beautiful Patio Sets: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Brick

The front porch also features brick flooring in a beautiful pattern.

Adirondack Rocking Chairs: here – similar.

Home-Sweet-Home

Callie’s home feel happy and welcoming from all angles!

“Home-Sweet-Home” Doormat: Target.

Kitchen

I absolutely love Callie’s kitchen. It’s open and spacious without feeling overwhelming.

White Kitchen with Character

The kitchen backsplash tile is Emser Tile 4×10 Metro Honed with an accent over the stove in Emser 12×12 Metro Mosaic.

Counterstools: Target – no longer available – similar here – Others: here, here, here & here.

Magnolia Wreath: here – similar.

Countertop

The kitchen countertops are Granite in Lennon.

Beautiful 3 Tiered Wooden Trays: here & here.

Kitchen Cabinet

The best part of the kitchen is the long buffet countertop that’s perfect for entertaining because we like to host parties.  This counter space runs almost 15 feet long so it holds all the food you could eat.

Cabinet Paint Color

The cabinet paint color is PPG Gypsum in semi-gloss.

Appliances: GE.

Dining Room

This entire space is perfect for entertaining.

Linen Chairs: RH – similar here & here.

Dining Room Furniture

Kitchen Table: Restoration Hardware – Other Beautiful Dining Tables: here, here, here & here.

X-back Dining Chairs: RH – similar here (huge sale!).

Vases: here – similar.

Fruit Spray Olive Branches: here.

Table Runner: here & here – similar.

Great Room

The floors in the main living areas are Red Oak hardwoods scraped lightly with the grain and stained ebony.

Beautiful Hardwood Flooring: here, here & here.

Splash of Color

I keep with a pretty neutral theme throughout the year and add in pops of color depending on the season using florals, pillows or artwork. For spring this year I’ve added in light pink, yellow, and teal.

A Little Friend

This is Jinger – pronounced Ginger… we had to change it to a “J” so she would have the same as the other kids!! I got her own couch for her to go in the living room because she’s been scratching up our leather couch with her nails and she loves it!! Target has the cutest doggie beds! I loved this buffalo plaid one and it goes so well with all my other decor!

Metal Cabinet: Universal Furniture Bannister Display Cabinet – similar here & here.

Chairs: Ashley HomeStore.

Side table: Target – similar here.

Furniture Layout

What an inspiring furniture layout! The large leather sectional is perfect for the entire family to relax and watch something at the end of the day.

Credenza: Bassett Furniture Emporium 92″ in Compass Northern Grey – Others: here, here, here & here.

Rug:  here (9×12)- Other Beautiful Rugs: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Wall & Trim Paint Color

The walls and ceilings throughout the home are painted PPG Whiskers in flat. The trim throughout is PPG Gypsum in semi-gloss.

Home Ideas

This home is a little unique because when you first walk in the front door you walk right into the living room, dining room and then the kitchen area. It’s one long space.

The leather sectional is Bassett Furniture Ellery L-shaped sectional in Stone – similar here, here, here & here.

Side table is from At Home – similar here.

Beautiful Coffee Tables: here, here, here, here & here.

Furniture & Decor

I like to shop for larger furniture pieces at Bassett Furniture, Nebraska Furniture Mart or Restoration Hardware. I’ve found that they all have great quality furniture. Most all of my small furniture and decor pieces come from Hobby Lobby, Kirkland’s, Homegoods or Target.

Decor: Console table – RH – similar here.

Throw: Target – Others: here & here.

Floral Pillow: here & here– similar

Blush Pink Pillow: here – similar.

Wood Scrabble Letter Tiles

My gallery wall is still one of my favorite things in the house!! The way this house is built this wall is hidden unless you go up the stairs! Sometimes I’ll go up there just to look at it!

The wood Scrabble letter tiles feature our names and birth dates.

Wood Scrabble Letters: here – similar.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is located in the back of the house.

Magnolia Inspiration

I decided I wanted a black a white theme when I saw a photo from Magnolia Home that had beautiful black wood arched frames behind the nightstands. I like to save money when possible so I found my own version from Kirkland’s (similar here) and spray painted them black to get the same look for over half the cost.

Bed & Bedding

The bed set is from the Magnolia Home line at Nebraska Furniture Mart. The bedding and lamps are from Target.

Decor

There’s a small corner in the room that was bare so I found this cute macrame wall hanging (similar here) and an olive plant at Homegoods. It’s very simple but I love it.

Faux Olive Plant: here.

Study

The study is in the front of the home off to the side when you come in the front door. I recently completed a makeover in my study by adding Weaber Lumber white washed wall boards from Home Depot to a focal wall and I love how the transformation turned out. It makes the room so bright and open. I also added greenery with these hanging macrame plant hangers from amazon. I decided to save some money by painting a few terra cotta pots from Hobby Lobby to match my decor and filled them with IKEA plants.

To really make the room pop I changed out the lighting to a beautiful wood bead chandelier from World Market. I found this desk at Restoration Hardware a few years ago and both the chair and rug are from Nebraska Furniture Mart.

Similar Desk: here – Others: here, here, here & here.

Similar Desk Chair: here.

John 10:10

Metal Sign: Vintage Metal Co.

  I hope you enjoyed the tour of my home! 

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

Make sure to follow Callie 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: New Spring Arrivals! Gorgeous Pillows, Bedding & Rugs!

  Wayfair: Up to 75% OFF – Huge Sales on Decor, Furniture, Rugs & Outdoor Furniture!!!

  Joss & Main: Up to 65% Off on Outdoor Furniture & Decor!

  Pottery Barn: 20% Off Furniture, 25% Off Everything Else + Free Shipping. Use Code: LUCKY

  One Kings Lane: High Quality Design Decor for Less – Limited time only: 20% Off Furniture with Code OKLFURNISH

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

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

  Urban Outfitters: Hip & Affordable Home Decor.

  Horchow: The Big Sale: 25% Off Furniture & 30% Off Sitewide!

  Nordstrom: Up to 40% OFF – Free Shipping!

  Arhaus: Save up to 30% plus Buy More Save More!

  Posts of the Week:

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Fixer Upper.

Home Bunch’s Top 5: Kitchen Design Ideas.

Before & After Bathroom Renovation.

2019 New Year Home Tour.

Full-scale Home Remodel Inspiration.

Kitchen Renovation with Before & After Pictures.

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

Connecticut Beach House.

Interior Design Ideas: Colorful Interiors.

New England Home.

Interior Design Ideas: Home Renovation.Classic Colonial Home Design. Family-friendly Home Design.

New Year, New Beautiful Homes of Instagram. Georgian-Style Manor with Traditional Interiors.

Transitional Home Design.

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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[nurseryfurnitureindelhi]

Panda Paradise: The Ultimate Kid's Mustard Sofa

The correct furniture may make a big difference in establishing a warm and stimulating atmosphere for kids. The Panda Paradise Kid's Mustard Sofa is one popular item that's blowing up the market. This charming piece guarantees comfort and durability in addition to adding a splash of brilliant color to any space. 

Comfort and Style Combined

Comfort and style are key considerations in the design of the Panda Paradise Kid's Mustard Sofa. Mustard is a bright, in-style color that looks well in any space. Because the sofa is made of high-quality, kid-friendly materials, it can resist normal wear and tear and abuse. The plush cushions offer the ideal place for kids to unwind, indulge in a book, or watch their preferred animated series.  

Perfect for Homes and Schools

The Panda Paradise sofa is a flexible option for outfitting or creating a pleasant nook in your house. With this sofa, parents may update their kids' bedroom while adding something luxurious and cozy that the kids will adore. It's also a great option for daycare centers and schools where kids need a cozy spot to sit during story time or other activities.

Ideal for Play Schools and Pre-Schools

Play schools furniture  in Delhi are increasingly incorporating stylish and functional furniture to create a welcoming and engaging environment for young learners. The Panda Paradise sofa fits seamlessly into these settings, offering a cozy spot for children to sit and socialize. Its durable construction ensures it can handle the busy, active environment of a pre-school furniture in Delhi.

Nursery Furniture 

When it comes to nursery furniture in Delhi, parents and educators alike are looking for pieces that blend toughness, durability, and visual appeal. These are all features that the Panda Paradise sofa has. Its high-quality cloth and robust frame make it a long-lasting piece, and young children will find great enjoyment in its whimsical design. This sofa is a fun and useful addition to any nursery setting, not just a piece of furniture.

Luxury Furniture

For those seeking luxury furniture in Delhi, The Panda Paradise Kid's Mustard Sofa exudes refinement and style in equal measure. It is useful for daily usage and has a luxurious vibe that goes well with upscale decor. It stands out in any space thanks to the warm and elegant touch that the mustard hue provides.

Kids Chair 

Finding the perfect kids chair in Delhi can be difficult, but the Panda Paradise couch provides a flexible substitute. It is perfect for both small and large families because it has enough seating for several kids. Kids can sit comfortably because of the ergonomic design, which encourages proper posture and relaxation.

Creating a Fun and Safe Environment

When it comes to furniture for kids, safety is always the first consideration. To reduce the chance of harm, the Panda Paradise sofa is made of soft materials and rounded edges. Additionally, it's simple to clean, which is an essential quality for any kids' furniture. The sofa may be easily cleaned to maintain its brand-new appearance in the event of spills or stains.

Conclusion

A cheerful, cozy, and secure atmosphere for kids is what the Panda Paradise Kid's Mustard Sofa is all about—it's more than simply a piece of furniture. This sofa is an excellent option for anyone furnishing their home, starting a pre-school in Delhi, or running a business selling nursery furniture in Delhi. Its unique combination of comfort, durability, and style makes it a focal point in any environment.

For those searching for the right kids chair in Delhi or wishing to incorporate some opulent furniture into their living area, the Panda Paradise Kid's Mustard Sofa is a great option. With this essential item, you can turn your child's room into a haven that will make them happy and comfortable in their everyday existence.

[australianservices1]

Sydney Removalist Checklist – What you need to know

Is there such a thing as stress-free moving? Many people dread moving to a new place as things are lost or damaged during transport and their lives are disrupted for at least a week. At Happy Moving, we guarantee that moving to a new home can be an exciting experience if you use the services of a reliable Sydney removalist.

However, a stress-free moving can happen only when the person relocating does their homework and takes care of a few important aspects. Even if you hire North Shore removals to assist you, there will still be a few problems to solve. Keep on reading for our comprehensive removalist checklist so you reach your new home relaxed and with all your glasses intact.

Moving house checklist

o   Set a moving budget

There are several expenses when moving your belongings from one place to another: packages, transport, and storage. It doesn’t seem like much, but when you start the process, all kinds of unexpected costs come up, such as making repairs, renting a storage unit, renting vans, food, gas, and hiring movers. Quality packing materials can cost quite a lot and without them you risk damaging your goods.

One way to cut on relocation costs is getting rid of unwanted or useless things, so you don’t waste resources on moving stuff you no longer need. Start the moving process by selling or donating things and what cannot be used anymore should go to the recycle or garbage bin.

Once you have a budget, start saving so you have the necessary amount by the time you move.

o   Set a date for the move

Whether you call friends to help you out or you use North Shore removals services, you need to know the date of the move precisely. If you decide to book a Northern Beaches removalist, you will need to book at it least 3 weeks in advance, as good removalists are often busy well in advance.

Knowing the date of the move also enables you to take a day or two off from work so you minimise the impact of relocation on your performance and productivity at work.

o   Find a reputable removalist

The process of picking a removalist can be tricky, therefore it is best to choose a company with a good reputation and one that also provides service to a broad range of areas.

The dangers of hiring an unreliable removalist go further more than having a couple of family heirlooms broken or lost. There are cases of people who have lost all their possessions because their removalist somehow ‘misplaced’ them.

A Northern Beaches removalist you can trust that Happy Moving, a careful, quick, and affordable service is fully insured, provides the best value for money, and has uniformed and friendly staff. We proudly complete our work in accordance with NSW and Australian Fair Trading Act legislation.

Reasons to choose us for a happy new beginning include:

·        Public liability which covers personal injury or property damage that a third party suffers as a result of our business activities;

·        Transit insurance covers the value of goods in transit in case of any damage including loading and unloading;

·        Worker’s compensation insurance covers our workers in the event of them suffering a work-related injury or illness.

·        Staff that is friendly and polite and has the ability to think logically to solve any problems, such as taking off doors if needed, doing balcony lifts, or using tools to dismantle and reassemble furniture.

 o   Choose the right moving package

No move is like another. This is why different packages are available, depending on your needs and the size of your home.

Happy Moving offers four packages for Sydney removals:

§  1 man + 1 van – ideal for a few items

§  2 men + 1 truck – ideal for 1-2 bedroom moves

§  2 men + 1 big truck – ideal for 3-5 bedroom moves

§  Extra removalist pack to get the move done quickly

All packages are free from hidden fees and our staff is at your disposal for a minimum of 2 hours.

o   Pack items that are not essential way ahead of time

Some examples of items you can pack and move early are outdoor items, camping equipment, stuff stored in your attic, and so on. Doing all this in time will save you a great deal of grief on moving day – after all, you can do without your skis for a month, right?

o   Update your address and consider redirecting your mail

Moving to a new place does not mean that you just sleep somewhere else; there are lots of services that depend on your address, such as regular deliveries. Make sure you place all your new orders with the new delivery address and cancel any regular deliveries to your old address.

o   Arrange for school transfers

If you have children, arrange their school or kindergarten transfers months before moving house. You need to advise their school of your move, so all their records are transferred to their new school.

o   Prepare your old property turnover

Make sure you haven’t forgotten anything at your old place and hire a cleaning service to put the house in order right after you leave it. This can help you get your deposit money back, not to mention that turning a house over in good condition is a matter of common sense.

Consume perishables left in your fridge or pantry during the last few days of staying at your old home. Turn off your fridge and defrost it if necessary. Before leaving, lock all the doors and windows of the house and turn off your hot water system.

o   Make your new place inhabitable

A couple of days before moving have groceries to be delivered to your new home and organise the connection of energy and other services at your new place. Schedule the internet and home phone services to be activated at your new property to minimise down time.

o   Create a furniture floor plan

You don’t have to be there every minute and tell your removalist where to put each piece of furniture. Come up with a furniture floor plan for your new house in time so you make furniture placement on moving day easier. Take room measurements and check if your furniture fits. This will also give you enough time to replace furniture that doesn’t fit into your new configuration.

o   Use colour codes for your boxes

Assign a different colour for each room by labelling corresponding boxes with a different coloured sticker. This will allow you to identify what needs to go where very quickly. Another trick is taking pictures of box contents right before closing them so you don’t need to jog your memory about what’s where. Take pictures of everything that needs to be put back in function, such as the back of your TV, so you remember, for instance, where all those wires need to go.

o   Get help for moving day

If you use the services of Eastern suburb removals, you won’t need the help of friends to transport your belongings from your old to your new home. On another page, do make arrangements for children and pets for the day of the move if necessary. Having kids and your furry friends around on moving day doesn’t help and is stressful for the little ones.

o   Keep all your essentials in one place

You don’t want to reach your new place and not be able to find your toothbrush because  your bathroom belongings aren’t being delivered next day. Pack a few items you cannot do without, just as if you were going on a short trip.  Consider keys, water, credit cards, medication, charger, clothes, toiletries, toilet paper and toys. This will make your first night at the new home a lot more comfortable.

Prepare a survival kit at your new home, including cold beverages, tea, coffee, and snacks to keep your energy up. There are things that not even the best Eastern suburb Removals Company can do for you, so make sure you take care of your most basic needs.

o   Being ready for last minute expenses

Make sure you have plenty of cash ready in case unexpected expenses pop up at the last minute and don’t forget to have a snack handy for the kids, or a bottle of water.

o   Go slowly

Moving day is tricky business and no matter how much you want it you can’t get it all done in one day, even if you call to the services of an Inner West removalist. This is why you need to prepare in advance as much as you can and have realistic expectations of how much you can get done by the first night. You will need several days to get everything out of the boxes and in its right place.

Of course, this is not everything that you need for a proper and stress-free moving house checklist, but these tips represent a helpful start. A good Sydney removalist will make your move a lot easier and minimise the amount of disruption associated with moving house. Contact Happy Moving to benefit from a high standard of service so you reach your new home relaxed, on time, and with all your belongings in perfect condition.

[xtruss]

We Don’t Recognise Our Own City: The Bastard Child of the United States Zionist Cunt Israeli Barrage Redraws the Map of Gaza

A ceasefire is finally in force, but traumatised families have little hope as they recall collapsing buildings and deaths of loved ones

— Oliver Holmes and Hazem Balousha in Gaza City | Saturday, 22 May 2021

As they emerge from hiding, people living in Gaza City have had to adapt their memories. So deformed is this small place on the coast that a mental map of its roads and landmarks from two weeks ago is largely useless today. Shortcuts to avoid traffic may no longer work, as craters dot back streets and rubble blocks roads. Locally famous high-rises no longer exist.

Eleven days of bombardment have buckled the city. Air attacks shook the ground so violently that some bomb sites appear as if buildings have been pulled into the earth rather than hit from above.

On one street, the bent walls of a kindergarten descend downwards at an angle until they disappear completely.

Israel’s latest war with Hamas, which ended in a ceasefire on Friday, killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children as well as scores of fighters, and left more than 1,900 wounded in Gaza.

In Israel, 12 people, including one soldier and two children, were killed by militants firing rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. The country’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said his forces had done “everything possible” to keep their own citizens safe, but also to make sure Palestinian civilians were not in harm’s way.

Statements like those would lead to scoffs along al-Wehda Street, a main road in the centre of Gaza City. The boulevard has been rocked by several strikes during the past week, including the deadliest single attack of the latest round, which killed 42 people.

A Palestinian man sells balloons in front of the destroyed al-Shuruq building. Photograph: Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images

At one end of al-Wehda, Gaza’s largest medical facility, Shifa hospital, contains many who survived.

Amjed Murtaja, 40, lay in a hospital bed, his legs dotted with scratches. He was in his fourth-floor rented apartment on al-Wehda when he said a missile hit his balcony. “The building was shaking. My only thought was to get to my wife and son,” he said. Murtaja ran to the other room just in time to embrace his family before a second strike hit, causing the entire structure to collapse. “We fell together,” he said. When they landed, Murtaja had his arms pinned, although his wife, Suzan, and his two-year-old boy were next to him.

As he spoke of being trapped, other patients, visitors and a hospital cleaner stopped what they were doing and listened intently. Murtaja and his wife, who doctors would later confirm had broken her back, would be trapped for four hours until neighbours and rescuers dug down and dragged them out.

In the same strike, several members of the al-Auf family, including one of Gaza’s most prominent doctors who worked as the head of Shifa’s coronavirus response, would be pulled out dead. Murtaja said that while he was trapped, he could hear neighbours from inside other parts of the debris. “They were screaming,” he said.

His wife was now in the same hospital, but two floors down in a women’s ward. A drip fed liquid into her hand, and a plastic water bottle and yoghurt pot sat on a shelf by her bed. Under heavy pain killers, her eyes rolled as she spoke. Suzan Murtaja, 36, said that when the building fell in on itself, she was so disorientated that she first thought only a cupboard had fallen on them. But, with one free arm, she was able to reach her phone. “I turned on the phone light and we realised the building had collapsed.”

For those four hours, even before she knew they would be found and would live, she tried to calm her son to sleep, but bits of rubble and dust kept falling and waking him up.

Palestinians run from sound grenades thrown by Israeli police in front of the Dome of the Rock in the al-Aqsa mosque complex in Jerusalem, on 21 May. Photograph: Mahmoud Illean/AP

Israel said the aim of its attack on al-Wehda last Sunday was to destroy an extensive network of tunnels it called the “Metro”. The military said it had not intended to make the building collapse.

What Hamas was hiding in those underground passageways, if they existed, is unclear. Al-Wehda is deep within the city and far from the frontier with Israel.

Nearly a week after the attack, large mounds of concrete still lined the road. A seven-storey building that survived stood at an ominous angle, as men quickly removed wooden furniture from the ground floor. Further up al-Wehda stood a giant pile of debris that once housed the Murtajas’ apartment. Amid the dust were twisted plastic water tanks, a washing liquid bottle, pillows and a frying pan. All that remained was a three-storey-high internal staircase at the back. A sign has been erected with the names of the dead and “Al-Wehda massacre” written on it in Arabic.

A yellow taxi pulled up, and a woman got out with her teenage son. She said her name was Zakia Abu Dayer, 44, and she lived in the next building. It was the first time she had been back, she said, to collect some belongings.

On the night of the bombing, as the Murtajas were trapped under the rubble, Abu Dayer, her husband and her son moved further up the street to a relative’s home. They thought they would be more secure there as it was on the ground floor, possibly allowing them to rush outside quickly.

But two days later, she and other family members were eating rice and lentils outside when another strike hit. “There is no safe space,” she said, her leg still wrapped in bandages. “The whole place went black.”

People in Beit Hanoun return to their homes after the ceasefire. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images (Left). Palestinians inspect the damage of their destroyed homes in Beit Hanoun following a ceasefire after an 11-day war between Gaza’s Hamas rulers and Israel. Photograph: Khalil Hamra/AP (Right).

Abu Dayer remembers smoke and then rushing water as the tanks on the building above exploded in the blast. Her husband, who was a few metres away from her, was killed after shrapnel hit his head. An 11-year-old relative was also killed.

The building that was hit still stands, although its windows were blown out. The ground floor was a bank with two ATMs covered in dust. A dental clinic sits on the first floor. Several local charities operated there. Higher up, a box with “US AID” written on it is visible through the smashed glass.

Across the road stands the damaged shell of another building. “It’s a very old primary health clinic, maybe the oldest in Gaza,” said Abdel-Latif al-Hajj, director-general of international cooperation at the ministry of health in Gaza, who stood by the gate.

At first glance, the clinic appears to have been bombed, with large pockmarks across its walls and football-sized bits of debris covering the ground. However, it was not hit directly. Instead, when the Israeli missile struck the building across the road, it ripped off the top two floors, which then slammed into the clinic.

‘It will not be the last war’: Palestinians and Israelis reflect on Gaza ceasefire

Al-Hajj said the building was Gaza’s main testing centre for Covid. Staff had been working inside during the explosion, and several were wounded. Gaza was already suffering a dangerous spread in infections, and another outbreak is expected, he said.

“Anyone can imagine what will happen if we stop doing tests,” said al-Hajj. In addition, the war had meant thousands of displaced people were now crowded together, which could speed up transmission.

According to the United Nations, the violence on Gaza has destroyed nearly 260 buildings. Fifty-three schools, six hospitals and 11 primary healthcare centres have been damaged. Nearly 80,000 people were internally displaced, and 10 times that number have little access to piped water. As well as Israeli strikes, armed groups have launched faulty rockets that landed short, with reports of extensive damage and even fatalities within Gaza.

The strip’s two million inhabitants already live inside what they call the “world’s largest prison”, with more than 50% unemployment, a collapsed healthcare system, sometimes-poisonous water, and relentless power cuts.

Palestinians enjoy the beach as the ceasefire came into effect on 21 May in Gaza City. Photograph: Fatima Shbair/Getty Images

Israel and Egypt, Gaza’s other neighbour, have maintained a crippling blockade, locals say “siege”, for 14 years. Israel, which recalled its forces occupying the area in 2005, says the restrictions are for its security. But the UN says the blockade constitutes collective punishment.

At the damaged clinic on al-Wehda Street on Saturday, Lynn Hastings, the UN’s deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, had come to assess the impact.

Flanked by aides and bodyguards, she was asked by a television reporter if this round of violence might, unlike the previous three wars, spur significant political change.

“Everyone is saying it should not be business as usual,” she responded. “You know what the definition of insanity is,” she added rhetorically. She was referring to a quote usually attributed to Einstein, that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Palestinians return to devastated homes as UN calls for Gaza dialogue

Friday’s ceasefire brought some Palestinians and Israelis hope that the violence would spur a renewed push to resolve the crisis. Hamas kicked off this round of fighting when it launched rockets at Jerusalem on 10 May, but it followed weeks of growing frustrations over the treatment of Palestinians by Israel, which has for decades dictated how millions live their lives.

Gaza! Palestinians sit in a makeshift tent amid the rubble of their houses which were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

The head of Oxfam in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Shane Stevenson, said the truce should not be celebrated as a solution. Israel should be held to account “for the atrocities it has committed over the last 12 days”, as should armed factions in Gaza for their indiscriminate targeting of Israeli towns and cities.

The truce, he added, “will not change the illegal occupation and denial of human rights which Palestinians are subjected to daily. This inhumane and brutal status quo has to change, once and for all.”

New York, US! A Jewish boy holding a Palestine flag takes part in a protest in support of Palestinians in the Queens borough.

Lying in Shifa hospital, Amjed Murtaja had less ambitious reasons to be happy. Despite his exhaustion and injures, he had stayed up late on Thursday as rumours of a ceasefire circulated. He had been waiting for the ceasefire announcement, he said, “because I don’t want to lose the rest of my family”.

— The Guardian USA

[heiligenscheiss]

TRAUMA

Small introduction to a family tragedy

I was born as the eldest daughter of a total of 6 children and grew up without a father. My mother was an unbalanced person, a choleric, heavy smoker, and very often blind with anger. When I was around 3-4 years old, she had a second child and then five more children from five different men.

I lived in constant fear of their attacks and outbursts. She also beat her men when they didn't do what she wanted. She turned the tables once when the man struggled. She wanted to jump from the balcony on the 14th floor because the argument turned into a brawl.

Right from the start, I had to help out with the household and look after my younger siblings. I had to pick her up from kindergarten and take care of her. I grew up on the 14th floor in Neuperlach. I can hardly remember the things that happened to me before I was about 5 years old. I started school when I was 7 years old, I was very restless and did not perform well. I experienced sexual abuse when I was very young (around 5 years old) by the children of the neighborhood and within the family by my cousins. My privacy and the development of my sexuality were not respected. I had to bathe with my brothers even though I already felt shame and didn't want to. Our mother didn't care for us. When we were hungry or thirsty, we didn't dare ask because that would make her angry. So we secretly fed on sweets and snacks and got fat from them; especially me. Then she called me a "fat freak, jellyfish, buffing monster or elephant".

My entire everyday life was always characterized by fear, I was constantly mistreated, beaten and humiliated by my mother and violently insulted with expressions like hooker, slut, fat child. When I was 9 years old, I came to the Logos curative education center. The youth welfare office was made aware of the school, which had seen bruises on me. I never talked about it myself, I didn't know that what happened to me was important. When visiting once a month on the weekend, there were further negative experiences.

I had to take responsibility for my siblings and for everything that happened to them and face their punishments, which mostly consisted of insults. She hissed at me and beat me around the apartment. Christmas and birthdays were terrible experiences.

I couldn't get along at school, got bullied and couldn't concentrate, and got worse and worse. The way in which the children in the home dealt with sexuality disturbed me because of my traumatization and I fled to my mother's home. When I was 12 I asked if I could change homes and came to Augsburg in a girls' dormitory. There I was always an outsider and the youngest.

I didn't find a connection at secondary school either. I couldn't take it anymore and switched back to secondary school. In the home, I clashed with the educators and was sometimes locked in the cellar during the day as a punishment.

I was sent on cure and lost 50 pounds in six weeks. Then I had to find my way around my gender identity. I took drugs (THC and ecstasy) for the first time when I was about 14 years old. During this time I had to think a lot about my childhood. The first memories broke out, before I had successfully suppressed them. I suddenly realized that I had had a terrible childhood. The drugs numbed me a little. Because I couldn't buy anything anymore, I stole a VCR in the home. I was thrown out of the home and had to move back to my mother in Munich. I couldn't have made a better suggestion, nor was I made a better one. I started a qualification course at the employment office. I could only stay with my mother for 2 months because she beat me again for no reason. I found refuge in a youth hostel, where I stolen again and was thrown out again.

I was able to move into a shared apartment in the orphanage, where I could stay for a year. But I couldn't get into the group and at the age of 18 I was looking for a place in a shared flat for girls. I was never able to come to terms with my many traumas because I was constantly in need of existence.

Since I did not provide any services, the youth welfare office withdrew its support and I ended up in the women's shelter. I started a school education, which I couldn't finish for mental reasons. I received an application for housing with urgency level 9, and so I got out of the women's shelter. After the qualification I started four training courses and dropped out because of my mental problems, instability and threat to my existence.

I broke off contact with my family because I could no longer cope with the anti-social tone and behavior of my mother in general. I felt better for a while, but then I got depression again. I managed to start training as a social worker after being flown out of the group home for illegal pets.

After that I was in the women's shelter for 1 year. I moved from the women's shelter to an “intermediate flat share” when I received an apartment proposal. In this apartment I was left unsupervised. During this time I got livelihood problems and rent debts. I didn't know my way around, had too much to do with my education, and didn't want to ask for help anymore because I thought the socio-educational non-profit aid organizations such as B. the counseling service for women, would have a bad opinion of me.

I then moved into an apartment with my ex-boyfriend (V). When he was no longer dependent on me, he started beating me up. I had to look for a new apartment and move from there to another. I had to throw myself into high expenses because of that, so I had to steal again. Now 4 years after the relationship, I still bear the joint liabilities from the rental agreement.

Before the birth of my son, I was declared unfit to rent because the apartment that my ex-boyfriend last lived in alone was left in a terrible, dirty and unrenovated condition.

I found out about the pregnancy on July 12, 2011; that was shocking news for me as I was using contraception. My son must have been born in December and was born a little early and healthy on July 21st. I've been happy about that since that day. I have been homeless since July 1st and have been living in the women's shelter since July 27th. Since October 21 am I in hair to stabilize myself The situation is difficult for me; however, it helps my psyche a lot and I have a fixed daily structure again. I feel alone without the father of my child (S), with whom I have been friends for 2 years. But I can take it because it is important to me that I can live with my son in the near future.

I am urgently looking for accommodation for myself and my child in order to be able to meet the obligations of motherhood. The well-being of my child is my top priority, has top priority and I would do anything to be able to live with my child.

Abuses my mother committed to me:

Until I was just 9 years old, I was mistreated in the worst possible way. I've spent the days in constant fear. My mother dragged me around the apartment by my hair, threw me against cupboards, my toys and those of my siblings in garbage bags that I had to dispose of myself.

I will now briefly write down the worst abuse here:

Once my mother immersed me in a full bathtub until I passed out, I passed out for a long time and spent a day or two in severe shock. Another time she poured urine down my throat and spat in my face. Another time she choked me sitting on top of me to the point of unconsciousness, that was a kind of near-death experience for me. One more time she pushed my breath away until I passed out. She ran through the apartment with a hammer and smashed the furniture.

I took drugs:

THC aged 13-14

Alcohol and 15 yrs. THC

Ecstasy, alcohol, mushrooms, THC at 18 years

Since the people from the scene were criminals and I had no money to use drugs, I turned away from it and have not been using drugs or alcohol since I was 22 years old.

[kihlorn]

lantern and bonfire (to help you with that essay ;) )

ty for the ask lauren !! (mhm I need the help) also sorry this is super long

lantern: how did you meet your best friend? What were your first impressions of each other?

I had known my best friend for years before we became close, specifically all the way back to kindergarten. from what I can remember we started to talk in 4-6th grade. my first impression was that he (in my 4-6th mind) was that he was really weird, honestly, cause he had a bowl cut and nerdish glasses. he thought I was (again, 4-5th mind) fake and dumb, the usual cliche drone. presently, he’s probably one of the closest friends I ever had. even as I type this, I'm on a call with him. he even made a Tumblr acct so he could view my stuff :) I'm gonna tag him under the cut so he sees this.

bonfire: describe your dream house. 

at the moment, my dream house would not technically be a house, but an apartment. it would be floored with washed/bleached wood panels (fake), with light, light, light grey walls with white accents. the furniture would either be matching with the flooring as wood (most likely cabinets/shelves. tables, specifically bookshelves would be white thin wood. the kitchen would be white wood with stainless steel, etc, anything furniture-like similar in that sense. I would have a small succulent garden, my own office, a bedroom with the same color scheme, and a balcony with a hammock. I skipped the details cause ik that this would become close to an essay. ^_^ 

@hydrovolcano

[alyeen1]

@elenatria Thank you for your input and your own experience with Greek architecture 😘!

I knew it before, but boy am I lucky that my city is so green, even though it's so big 🙈.

But which other city has a park that used to be an airport right in the middle of the urban area? 😉

And yeah, Athens is lots of concrete and white, but I really like the wild, kind of chaotic style of it 😍. Lots of buildings look different, it's not like a massive front.

Compared to this monstrosity:

I'm glad you like to live in your city 😍. And yesss, the view is beautiful from the hill @elenatria. One day I want be there tooo 😭...

@natasharedfox That is a pity that the older building aren't well maintained and are horrible to live in. If they won't renovate them they'll be lost at some point and that's a sad thought 🙁. I'm glad your living conditions are better now! Mould is the worst 😱.

(We got lucky, they renovated a lot of the neoclassical buildings here and I miss living in them - the high ceilings always gave me a sense vastness.)

Ha, that Stalinistic building is the same kind of style as the one in Berlin. Very lovely!

Who dared to vote the TV tower ugliest building @natasharedfox? 🧐 It's so unique!

@litttlesilkworm So much snow 😱🌨️❄️😍 I'm jealous! I'm glad to hear that growing up was more carefree 😘, so many childhoods are full of pain and sorrow.

And I like that they are colorful, that's so lovely 💛. Are they still there?

He seven sisters are gorgeous 😍. You can see they belong together and yet every one of them tells their own story!

I agree on the standalone houses! Why would you want to isolate yourself like that? "What do Germans build first when they get a parcel for their house? A fence." 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

The idea that all the buildings for everyone are the exact same, even down to the furniture makes me suffocate tbh (totally disagreeing with you @ignalina-c0re, I'm sorry 😅). I want to be surrounded by people in an anonymous mass of diversity. All individuals with their quirks, thoughts and wishes. I want to know that I'm not alone but I don't need to know all my neighbors. And I don't want to belong to a homogenous mass for the price of my personality. If they don't let me be myself in my home I highly doubt that they'll let me be free when it comes to my sexuality, my beliefs / atheism or my opinions. Or even my shipping 😅.

I'm really a burned child there, sorry.

(The attempts to eliminate our individuality led to some really bizarre excesses: The order in kindergarten was that we all had to do our after-lunch nap in the same position and weren't allowed to turn even once, much less use the toilet. Psychological scars for life, yay!)

Ahem, back to architecture? 😬.

One of my favorite buildings in my town is the building of the former State Council: they integrated the balcony of the destroyed Castle - from where Liebknecht proclaimed the Free Socialist Republic 1918 - into the modernism of the 60s 💜.

@litttlesilkworm I hope one day to show you all the stuff in my city 😊😘. And the pistachio tart 😉💞

New Chernobyl game.

No zombies.

Only Soviet Mickey. Who is deliciously HBO!Chernobyl-inspired and way creepier.

Also is that… the ugly romanization of Cyrillic letters that we’re trying to avoid? XD 

[fiversgig-blog]

Mipec Riverside

Apartment For Rent In Mipec Riverside in Long Bien district is a multi-functional complex project with the living space of 16.609 sqm, including:

 Basements of 3 levels for parking.

There are 05 floors from 1st floor to 5th floor: shopping center, entertainment, cinema, fitness center and cuisines area.

On the 6th floor is fitness center, entertainment center with cinema, games etc.

On the 7th floor is Swimming pool.

From 8th to 35th floor of 2 towers is residential apartments.

 There are over 800 apartments in 02 towers measured at clearance area (according to TT03/BXD) consisting of the types of square meters such as: 63m2, 64.1m2, 68.8m2, 69.9m2, 70.8m2, 79m2, 81m2, 83.5m2, 85.3m2, 86m2, 114m2, 115m2, 119m2, 124m2, 138.5m2, 144m2. The penthouses arranged over 2 levels with a luxury and modern facilities. In addition, The construction density occupies of 43.9% of the total of landsize, the remaining area is used for the public works, green trees, and internal paths that meet the demand for living space of all residents…

 This complex is next to the historical Long Bien bridge on the Song Hong (Red River), is adjacent to Long Bien I, Long Bien II Street and Ngoc Thuy Dike, Hanoi and the old quarter of Hanoi, Mipec Riverside with a ideal position, an open space and widen vision.

 OVERVIEW

 Project name: Mipec Riverside Complex

Investor: Military Petro Chemical JSC (Mipec).

Design consultancy unit: DA Group Design Company (Korea).

Construction unit: Hoa Binh Corporation

Location: No. 2 Long Bien II Street, Ngoc Lam, Long Bien District, Hanoi.

Total area: 16,690 m2

The project includes two towers with 35 floors each.

The living apartment square meters from 64 m2 to 144 m2.

 LOCATION

 Located at no. 2 Long Bien Street, Ngoc Lam, Long Bien Dist., Hanoi. It is adjacent to three main roads: Long Bien 1, Long Bien 2 and Ngoc Thuy Dike. From this prime position, This complex has a dream vision forward to Long Bien Bridge, Red River and center of Hanoi.

 From this complex to Hoan Kiem lake (center of Hanoi) is about 2.5km, it takes about 15 minutes by driving car go there.

 Local schools are nearby such as kindergartens, primary schools, general hospitals,… International schools are Wellsprings International Billingual School located on Ai Mo street, Bo De, Long Bien with approximately 5 minutes by car and BIS (British International School) is inside of Vinhomes Riverside Long Bien with 10 minutes by car. or Lycée français Alexandre Yersin school is located on Ngoc Thuy street within 5 mins of driving.

 Nearby local supermarkets, minimarts, cafes, restaurants etc.

 APARTMENT

 The Mipec Riverside Long Bien is one of the best apartment building in Long Bien district is designed with many apartment for rent in Mipec Riverside composed from 2 bedrooms to 3 bedrooms with intelligent and modern design. Most of rooms have much nutural light and bright with double glazed windows and balconies. These advantages make the apartment area in general and living space in particular closer to nature, airy, flexible and comfortable.

 All apartments are equipped with luxury furniture including: air-conditionings, wooden flooring, plaster ceilings, sanitary ware, kitchen cabinet system, kitchen table, stoves, lighting systems etc.

 The view of the Tower A and B:

- Northwest: Nhat Tan Bridge, Long Bien bridge

- Southwest: Chuong Duong Bridge and Hoan Kiem Lake

- Northeast: Tai Trau Lake (Buffalo Ear Lake) and Duong Bridge

- Southeast: Center of Long Bien District

  Related Post: Mipec Riverside Apartment