#kitchen renovation in Box Hill

[luxurymodel009]

Get The Best Kitchen Renovation In Box Hill 

A kitchen renovation in Box Hill is a wonderful way to revitalise your house and design a space that is both attractive and useful. You can accomplish amazing results by establishing your vision, organising your space, selecting high-quality materials, using contemporary technology, paying attention to lighting, and taking sustainability into account.

[bread-elf]

DWC Nov. '22 - Day 4

Children - Visions

Moving day couldn't come fast enough, but it was well worth the wait. Jiroki and Helsong's children took to their new property in Grizzly Hills more than she could ever hope for, a forest she always felt fond of. The mountains reminded her of him, when the trees still stood tall on Stonetalon.

But, their home is in the Jade Forest, and today they could officially move into their newly renovated home.

Jiroki called for all hands on deck for this move; all of their furniture and most of their belongings had remained on their property, just stored away in either other buildings on the estate or in their barn. The family gets there as soon as they can to situate the children, before getting all the helping hands set up. Relliea Wilder and her now thirteen year old son, Andorus, live on the Glaivefall property as well in their own little abode. Wearing one of her more mobile leg prosthetics for the day, but the Kaldorei woman sits with other visitors who are helping watch the littlest of children. Nathiria Shadowream visits, the red haired woman here with her own young son, Jaxon, who is best friends with Andorus. The two boys are already off playing on some playsets, but both women are doting on the soon-to-be newest edition to the family. Merli’neath P. Glaivefall, eldest of Jiroki’s children, is heavy with child. She lounges on a chair, nearly entirely encased by pillows as her newly found mate stands by her. A male Sin’dorei in appearance, yet Jiroki now and then could spot the golden eyes flickering to bronze with slitted pupils. The group of adults oversee the two youngest children, Gwen and Cylliah, while Taldreath sits nearby with one of his coloring books.

Estal’anar Glaivefall, sister to Jiroki, puts herself in charge of the kitchen. The frail woman carefully plucks out dishes with trembling hands to unwrap and put away. Her own adult son Mydas and long-standing boyfriend Szadek bring in boxes labeled specifically for the kitchen, while also making sure Estal is well and if she ever needs any assistance. An awkward tension between the two men, a couple hundred years age difference between them as Szadek is human and Mydas is Kaldorei like his mother, but mutually coming together when it comes to Estal or family. The father of Jiroki’s twins, Drax’ara Duskrunner, is here to help as well with one of his brothers. Drax’ara himself and Jason Helsong set themselves busy with putting together a new standing cabinet in one of the new offices downstairs. Instructions came with the package and it got tossed aside almost immediately by Drax’ara, the two beginning their endeavor to assemble the pieces. But somehow the cabinet doors have been installed inside out, and the legs have been put on the top part of the whole thing, and there’s an extra slab of wood neither have any idea where it belongs. The crumbled up instructions are reclaimed, and they start over.

Delo’ran Duskrunner, the brother who has tagged along today, stands outside with Jiroki. Going over some boxes, Jiroki writes on them to label which rooms they are meant to go in, and he brings them to her from the barn. At his heels is his loyal companion, Leora, a night saber now older in her years. Strong and still healthy, she never had any cubs of her own, but took to one that Delo’ran picked out to raise for a child close to his heart.

“Kira, no! Not that way!” One of the Glaivefall twins, Anorah, bounds after a growing cub. The child is all giggles as she tries to catch up to runaway cub, who first ducks under Leora and then wades through Delo’ran’s moving feet, the man instantly pausing in his movements as he’s carrying a box. Not far behind is the second of the twins, Vaeren, huffing a bit as he’s followed by his own animal companion, a young hippogryph named Bibi.

“Hey, watch it! You’re riling her up too much!” Jiroki takes initiative before the actual trainer can, but Delo’ran remains silent, not wanting to get into her crossfire. “We’re moving a lot of things today, she can get hurt.” “Sorry Min’da…” Anorah starts to nearly clam up, however exaggerating, doing so to lessen whatever punishment may be inbound as Vaeren slides up beside her. Jiroki is already aware of habits forming, but she lets out a sigh as she glances towards the house. It’s a big day after all, and the tall woman comes up to bend down closer to them.

“Tell you what- I need your help with something.” She tells the two of them, piquing their curiosity. “There’s a hidden door in the house that leads up to the attic, but no one knows where it’s at. Can you find it?” A little lie, Jiroki knows where it is, but she’s grateful the bait is being bought as their curiosity only continues to grow. “Hidden?” The twins simultaneously speak as they also glance at each other as if on cue. Even if twins, their mental connection with one another still  subtly freaked Jiroki out at times, but it warms her heart as they start to trot off. “We can find it! Come on Vaeren!”

“No animals in the house right now!” Jiroki calls out after them, Bibi and Kira nearly going over them, but Delo’ran now chimes in to assist as he signals with a sharp whistle, causing them to pause. “AND TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES!” Jiroki yells out as she watches the twins barge on in, both flincing and hurriedly kicking off their shoes by the front door. The inside of the house is much larger than what it used to be, more rooms added and now a second floor, and even an attic as well as they just learned.

“Wow it’s so BIG!” Anorah squeals, Vaeren giggling along with her as they run down into the open spaced living room, then down the halls to the different rooms. Mostly barren, boxes scattered into different rooms and only some of the furniture in, yet room for so many opportunities. They slide along wooden floors and dash into each of the rooms, circling around Drax’ara and Jason before running off. Anorah bounds into her mother’s room and jumps onto the new bed, much bigger than the last one they had. Vaeren nearly skids into the kitchen before he realizes he’s about to bump into the scary looking human that dates one of his Shal’nar’s.

Two others are here as well and are put in charge of helping get the furniture upstairs. Jiroki’s own half brother, a former Illidari named Alldreas Glaivefallen, anchors behind one end of a couch as up higher on the steps is Sheamus. An afflicted human, choosing to stay as such as the more petite red haired man takes things step by step up the stairs, breaking a sweat but keeping up just fine as Alldreas holds steady onto the dead weight down below. They make their progression upstairs.

The front door is open, and in slips a mischievous cub. Vaeren spots Kira right away and gasps before going to get her, but the she-cub growls playfully and nearly paws at him, then bounds around to find Anorah. She pounces, taking the girl by surprise as she comes out of the room and finds herself on the floor. Kira then bounds off and away again, the twins chasing after her as they’re alight with laughter, but don’t think much as they’re heading towards the stairs.

Kira squeezes between Alldreas’ leg and crawls under the couch, making him stop and grunt as his spectral sights spearpoint on the living flesh wiggling about beneath. Sheamus’ glances at him in confusion, until he too feels a mysterious furred being brush against his legs. He yelps and it startles him, causing him to nearly lose his grip, but once Alldreas sees the twins trying to crawl after the cat he reacts. The shivarra-bound hunter expands his ribs until four more arms suddenly rip through his flesh, two on each side, and all of his hands grasp hold of the couch and lift with too much ease. But with the couch comes Sheamus, Alldreas having shoved forward and then up to get a better grip, the human’s gut struck by the arm of the chair and then gripping onto dear life as he’s lifted up with the piece of furniture.

“Sorry Anta’anars!!” Vaeren calls out as he crawls out after his sister and Kira, the trio now dashing off onto the second floor. Alldreas lets out a sigh of relief, then looks up to see the human leering down at him. The demon infused Kaldorei gives a sheepish grin, carefully lowering the couch so Sheamus could get back on his feet, but the human has other beef.

“You could do that the whole time?!” There’s many other rooms up on the second floor, which include rooms for the twins once they’re all settled in. But something snares Anorah’s attention, and she stops to stare at a portion of a wall. Vaeren senses something from his sister, which prompts him to settle down and see what she’s looking at.

“Did you feel that?” Anorah asks, silver eyes looking over the wall. “I felt air.” The walls lining this side of the living space upstairs has a small wooden beam lining parallel all the way across until reaching the stairs, yet she felt a draft coming from this one portion of wall. Vaeren blinks, glancing at the wooden beam. He reaches for it and lightly tugs one way, then the other, and it shifts and something unclicks. A door only moderately hidden from plain sight opens up, revealing a staircase that leads up into a dark room.

Both gasps, bright eyes glancing up. They’ve unlocked the puzzle together, and now are the first to bear witness to a house ‘secret’. It looks dark and eerie, for a moment both pausing as their nocturnal vision adjusts while they continue to gawk. Vaeren ends up moving first, quickly beginning to climb up the stairs and hands and feet. Anorah complains but quickly follows suit, and Vaeren wins once he’s up top.

A spacious attic, it could even act as a room depending on what their parents want to do with it. There’s a window that’s closed, and Vaeren hurries up to it to get it open, and bright light shines into the room as they look down below. “MIN’DA, WE FOUND IT!” Vaeren bellows out as Anorah moves up to stand beside him, both on their toes to look out. His words draw Jiroki’s attention away from a forest troll she’s speaking with. Zim’bowa in fact, in his arms the dying chicken. Their mother gives a thumbs up, but their attention is now shifting to the chicken that will soon be leaving. Kira finds them up in the attic, but both scurry off back down to get outside, the stairway clear this time.

The twins run out barefoot, Kira bounding along full of energy, coming onto the adult’s conversation. “Gonna be a few days…” Zim’bowa says towards Jiroki before they turn their attention to the twins. Already knowing what he must do he squats down, so that Vaeren is in better height to come up and pet Pepito. “‘Eya kid. We’re gonna be leavin’ now for a little while.”

“You are?” The beginning of dread stirs inside of Vaeren. “Are… Are you coming back?” “I will be, yea…” This is harder than the troll anticipated. “But… Not Pepito. Ya’ remember de stories o’ Bwonsamdi I be tellin’ ya’ about?” The name alone sends shivers down the troll’s spine, but he endures for the sake of Vaeren, who nods. “He got a mighty temple in de Zandalar islands. All de spirits o’ troll kind go ta him. An’- de companions o’ troll kind…” Bluffing, but not much is needed as the boy’s eyes are beginning to speck with tears. “Me visions be tellin’ me ta go dere next. Maybe we can go dere one day an’ explore. But, for now… it be time ta say goodbye.”

If Zim’bowa had known how attached these children would get to Pepito he wouldn’t have exposed them to this curse in the first place. It took awhile before he could finally pull away and begin his departure, the twins with heavy hearts saying goodbye to their first pet, even if he wasn’t theirs in the first place.

Away from the estate he walks in silence, Pepito no longer able to keep up with him. Cradling the chicken in his arm, the troll looks down. For many years he has had this chicken, through personal tribulations and helping aid all Zim’bowa has treated in the last several years. Zim’bowa found himself surprisingly choked up. But he sets his resolve, still having much to do, and decisions to make for his long, long, long time friend. “I haven’t decided what ta do wit’ ya’ yet.” @daily-writing-challenge

[21astor]

Say Hello to luxury apartments portland oregon

Meet Robert Ball

Robert Ball is synonymous with luxury residential apartments in Portland, a reputation built on a foundation of hard work and dedication. His passion for renovation and real estate began nearly 25 years ago.

Journey to Portland’s Contemporary Luxury Apartments in Portland

After refining his skills in purchasing and rehabilitating small properties, Ball acquired his first apartment building in Portland’s Nob Hill District. With substantial effort, he transformed the 1920s-era Sara Ann Apartments into a Class A apartment community, achieving the highest quality rating for a property.

Becoming a Leading Developer in Portland

Following the success of the Sara Ann Apartments, Ball’s passion for revitalizing aging properties only grew. He has since completed six high-profile projects in the heart of Portland’s downtown, including the stunning 21 Astor.

By merging classic architectural character with modern design, Robert Ball and his team create refined, luxurious living experiences that honor the rich histories of their neighborhoods. Several of Ball’s ventures are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Introducing 21 Astor

Now, let’s focus on the highlight — the 21 Astor community and its 27 impeccable units. Residents benefit not only from decades of residential development expertise but also from a deep-rooted philosophy of service, style, functionality, attention to detail, and excellence. Here’s why 21 Astor stands out among other best apartments in portland oregon:

Prime Location in NW Portland

Situated just steps from the renowned NW 23rd Avenue in the Nob Hill District, 21 Astor’s LEED-certified homes boast an impressive walk score of 97. Residents have easy access to Portland’s top coffee shops, restaurants, major grocery stores, boutique shopping, banks, houses of worship, and local health-support businesses.

Meticulously Curated Features and Amenities

Building Features:

- Timeless red brick exterior

- Controlled access and exterior call box for guest admittance

- Statuary Carrara marble slabs and 24k white gold Bisazza “cut-tile” mosaic in the lobby

- Neoclassical designs

- Ground-floor restaurants and storefronts

- Private balconies for street-facing apartments

- Nearby public transportation options

Community Features:

- On-site, indoor parking

- In-house management services

- Reserved storage spaces on each floor

- Bike storage and maintenance areas

- Pet-friendly facilities including a washing station

- Package acceptance and holding

Exquisite and Spacious Apartment Homes

Robert Ball Companies understands that an exceptional community must be complemented by exceptional apartment homes. 21 Astor seamlessly merges functional and sophisticated elements to create ideal living spaces for the contemporary Portlander.

Portland’s downtown area is a prime location for those seeking the Best Luxury Downtown Portland Apartments for Sale. These residences offer an exceptional living experience with sophisticated designs, top-tier amenities, and stunning city views. Buyers can enjoy spacious layouts with modern finishes, gourmet kitchens featuring high-end appliances, and luxurious bathrooms with premium fixtures. Many of these apartments include floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and smart home technology. Residents also have access to exclusive amenities such as rooftop terraces, state-of-the-art fitness centers, concierge services, and secure parking. Centrally located, these apartments provide seamless access to Portland’s vibrant cultural scene, acclaimed dining, upscale shopping, and a wealth of entertainment options.

Additionally, Portland is witnessing a surge in luxury apartment developments Portland, each offering a blend of style, comfort, and convenience. These developments are characterized by innovative architectural designs that complement Portland’s eclectic vibe. Prospective residents can choose from a range of floor plans, from sleek studios to spacious multi-bedroom units, all equipped with high-end finishes and contemporary features. The amenities are tailored to enhance the living experience, including fitness centers, rooftop lounges, co-working spaces, and pet-friendly facilities. Located in some of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods, these developments provide easy access to the city’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment, making them ideal for those seeking an upscale urban lifestyle. Meanwhile, Nob Hill Apartments Portland Oregon continue to attract residents with their charming blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, offering a unique and luxurious living experience in one of Portland’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Apartment Floor Plans:

- 2 Bedroom luxury apartments Portland: Ranging from 933 to 1,165 square feet, these units showcase large living and dining spaces, pass-through style bathrooms (with the master including a stand-up shower and double vanity sinks), and large walk-through closets. Bedrooms are located on opposite sides for maximum privacy.

Apartment Features:

- Crisp, clean, modern designs and fixtures

- Wrap-around kitchens with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances

- Breakfast bar seating

- Lofty ceilings

- Conveniently located stackable washers and dryers

- Air conditioning

- Quartz Carrara countertops and shaker cabinets with ample space

- Tiled bathroom floors and tiled shower/tub surrounds

- Food pantries and linen storage

- Extra storage lockers available

Experience the Extraordinary at 21 Astor

With only 27 units, our dedicated team ensures that every resident feels truly at home. Our goal is to cultivate an upscale experience that perfectly complements how you live, work, and play.

Are you looking for a place in Portland that offers something extra, both inside and out? 21 Astor’s luxury apartments near the Pearl District provide an unprecedented levelof comfort for those seeking a refined living experience in NW Portland.

The leasing agents at 21 Astor would love to hear from you! Connect with us to learn more about Portland’s newest luxury apartments.

[regencyrecyclingcorp]

Who Can Benefit From A Dumpster Rental Service In Rockhill Sc

Dumpster rentals offer a convenient and efficient solution for managing waste during various projects and activities. Whether you’re a contractor working on a construction site, a homeowner tackling a renovation project, or involved in other endeavors, a dumpster rental in Rockhill SC can provide numerous benefits.

Contractors

Contractors involved in construction, remodeling, or renovation projects can greatly benefit from dumpster rentals. These professionals often generate large volumes of construction debris, including materials like drywall, wood, concrete, and roofing materials. Having a dumpster on-site allows contractors to efficiently dispose of waste as it accumulates, keeping the work area clean and safe. Dumpster rentals also help contractors adhere to project timelines and maintain a professional image by ensuring proper waste management practices.

Homeowners

Homeowners embarking on home improvement projects, decluttering efforts, or yard clean-ups can also benefit from dumpster rentals in Rockhill SC. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, clearing out an attic, or landscaping your yard, a dumpster provides a convenient and centralized location to dispose of unwanted items and debris. Instead of making multiple trips to the local landfill or relying on curbside trash pickup, homeowners can efficiently dispose of waste without disrupting their daily routines. Dumpster rentals offer flexibility in terms of rental periods and container sizes, making them suitable for projects of all scales.

Event Organizers

Business Owners

Business owners, including retail stores, restaurants, and offices, can benefit from Dumpster Rental Service in Rock Hill SC for efficient waste management. Commercial establishments generate various types of waste, including packaging materials, cardboard boxes, and food waste. Renting dumpsters allows business owners to maintain a clean and organized environment, comply with waste management regulations, and streamline waste removal processes. With flexible dumpster rental options tailored to business needs, owners can effectively manage waste without disrupting daily operations.

[originalmiracleking]

Best Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Melbourne

At CSH Maintenance, We provide the Best Kitchen Cleaning in Melbourne. We are a Leading Company in providing Commercial Kitchen Cleaning services such as kitchen exhaust duct cleaning, canopy cleaning, regular cleaning, spring cleaning, window cleaning, and pressure cleaning throughout Melbourne. Could it be said that you are on a post for a top quality commercial cleaning administrations supplier to take up your Office Cleaning Melbourne CBD work before that significant conference? CSH Maintenance in Melbourne CBD offers to give you a flawlessly perfect office that makes certain to make an enduring impression in the personalities of your visitors.

CSH Maintenance Pty Ltd is a laid out cleaning administrations supplier for Melbourne CBD and adjoining regions. We offer a scope of administrations like mat cleaning, carpet steam cleaning, private cleaning and office cleaning. We have seen that most clients are ignorant about when to plan a Carpet Cleaning Melbourne. We request that our clients pay special attention to one of these three signs and afterward call the cleaners. We have Eight Years of Experience in Window Cleaning Melbourne, Our cleaners know how to deliver a clean, spot-free window, either in your commercial office building or in your residential home at Melbourne CBD. Our team of well-trained professionals and floor sander are completely experienced in Floor Stripping Melbourne, strip floor, seal floor, floor polishing and floor sanding to produce new floors that gleam in Melbourne and its suburbs Bentleigh, Box Hill, Brunswick, Carlton, Clayton, Dandenong, Docklands, Footscray, Frankston and Glen Waverley. After builders’ Construction in Melbourne, in the event that you are searching for a definitive builder cleaning in Melbourne, or a redesign cleaning in Melbourne, then, at that point, the Builders Cleaning Melbourne administrations in Melbourne, CSH Maintenance will function admirably for you.

Useful Links:

Bathroom Renovations Burnie

Construction Cleaners Brisbane

Furniture Removals Nowra

[ncssian]

A Favor: Part Twenty-Eight

Nessian Modern AU

Masterlist

a/n: the beginning of the end :,) if u made it this far i think ur cool

***

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” Lana asks.

Nesta closes her eyes, letting the picture swirl and take shape in her mind.

This time last year, she would have imagined nothing. Nothing but a desk in a busy law office, and maybe a nice apartment if she was lucky. That would be it. But now she sees…

“Somewhere with good food and good music,” she muses. “Maybe a sea breeze.” The sun-faded buildings of Portofino fade into the foreground of her imagination. “There are lots of people with me,” she hears the sound of children shrieking and Cassian’s rumbling laughter, “but it’s okay, because I love every one of them.” Her eyes open. “Is that a good answer?”

A near invisible smile tugs at the corners of Lana’s lips. “You tell me, Nesta. Do you like what you see?”

“It’s a little too cinematic if you ask me,” Nesta says nonchalantly, picking up her bag from the ground, “but I suppose all dreams are that way.”

“It’s a good dream,” Lana says. “A worthy dream, and one you deserve to chase.”

Nesta shrugs lightly, not too worried about the burden of the future for once. “Maybe I will.”

“In that case, congratulations on completing your final therapy session,” Lana says, setting her notebook aside. “You’ve made some amazing progress this year.”

Nesta gives her therapist her signature what’s-wrong-with-you look. “I’m going on vacation, not firing you for good. I’ll see you again in two months.”

“Two months can be enough to lose all your progress, if you forget everything you went through to get here.”

Nesta isn’t stupid. She knows that she isn’t suddenly desperate to make babies or be maid of honor at her sisters’ weddings or some bullshit. She knows that the image she just dreamed up, with Cassian and kids and her unburdened heart, is likely more than five years away. If it happens at all, it could be ten, even twenty years of hard work away.

She’s not nearly finished growing yet. “I’ll see you in two months, Lana,” she repeats.

Lana smiles at her fully this time. “Enjoy your summer, Nesta.”

***

The air is different in the Smokies.

Nesta rolls the truck windows down so she can inhale it, relish it. Wind whips her hair every which way as they drive down the winding freeway cutting through the lush mountains, and something about the look on her face makes Cassian chuckle and press down on the accelerator.

Nesta watches the red needle on the speedometer cross ninety, then one hundred. She can barely feel the June heat with how fast they’re going.

In the end, it was Feyre and Elain that reached out and invited her to the Tennessee summer home. Cassian had made it obvious that he wouldn’t push her to go if she didn’t want to, and at first she really didn’t want to. But Feyre had looked so hopeful when she asked Nesta to come with them, and even Elain had revealed a glimmer of eagerness that Nesta would say yes.

So against all odds, she agreed to go.

Exchanging one mountain home for another isn’t much of a getaway, but Nesta can’t help but be excited. Even with the unhappy memories of her childhood, she loves these hills more than any other.

The pure exhilaration of being back in Tennessee overcomes her at some point during the drive, knocking her out in the passenger seat where she sits. In her drowsy state, she distantly hears the windows being rolled up, before feeling Cassian’s hand guide her head to rest against the glass. The rest of the drive is warm and sunny, enough to lull her into a deep sleep.

The next thing Nesta’s aware of is the crunch of gravel and the feeling of the truck tires slowing to a stop. Fingers brush against her heated cheek, and then Cassian is murmuring at her to wake up.

Blinking her eyes open, Nesta twists around to see their destination.

For a moment, she thinks she’s still dreaming.

“Welcome to Holly House,” Cassian says with a grin. The house in question is quaint and sprawling at the same time, the way most upper class Southerners like their houses. The whole thing gleams with a fresh coat of white paint under the afternoon sun, complemented by a sky blue wraparound porch. Colonial style windows and proud columns decorating the facade of the building makes it look like the setting of a fairy tale.

Beyond it, Nesta can see cherry blossoms. Pink, fluttering cherry blossoms that fly off their branches and swirl through the air, some of them disappearing into the thick woods behind the house. Woods that Nesta has walked countless times before.

“The rest of the guys won’t get here until tomorrow afternoon,” Cassian is saying to her, “so we have the whole place to our—”

Nesta isn’t listening anymore. She unbuckles her seatbelt and shoves open the truck door, hobbling outside on unsteady feet to make sure she isn’t hallucinating things. But no, this is…

“Cherrywood,” she breathes, eyes wide in disbelief.

Cassian gets out of the truck, coming up beside Nesta to slip his hand into her shorts pocket. “What’s wrong? You okay?”

“This is Rhysand’s summer home?” Nesta points at the house. “This place?”

Cassian looks around at the building grounds in confusion. “Has been for the last two decades, yeah.”

It’s been eleven years since she last stepped foot on these grounds.

With wonderment in her voice, she utters to Cassian, “I’ve been here before.”

At his puzzled look, she explains, “I lived just on the other side of those woods.” She points to the trees. “There’s an old cracked road that hasn’t been maintained since it was first paved, and you can follow it straight to the poor side of town. Whenever I wanted to get away, I would come down that road and trek through the woods, and I’d end up here. I stopped coming because…” she trails off.

Because she got caught that one time.

Cassian seems to realize it at the same moment as her. His hand slips out of her pocket. “You…”

Nesta remembers a tall boy with shocked eyes and shaggy hair, and she shakes her head slowly in forceful denial. It can’t be true. It’s too much of a coincidence.

But he points at her, then her feet. “You—with the size six Converse,” he sputters. “It was you.”

Before Nesta can confirm or deny it, he grabs her by the wrist and starts tugging her along, up the porch stairs and inside the house.

Even with Rhysand and Feyre’s renovations, it looks undeniably the same as all those years ago. The living room is to her right and the farmhouse style kitchen and dining area is to the left, though she speeds by it all as Cassian pulls her farther inside the house, to the closet beneath the curving stairs.

He lets go of her hand to search the small closet, muttering, “I know they were here somewhere.” But the closet looks like it was stripped empty for renovations, with only bolts in the walls indicating that shoe racks used to hang there.

Cassian turns and heads for the stairs, and Nesta blindly follows him. She also wants to go upstairs, wants to see if the bay window looking out onto the garden has stayed the same.

Like he read her mind, he leads her straight to the room she used to spend hours reading in. It’s smaller than all the other bedrooms in the house, but it’s always been her favorite because of the view.

As Cassian keeps looking for whatever it is he’s looking for, upturning boxes and checking beneath furniture, Nesta drifts toward the bay window. She looks from the cherry blossom trees outside, to the full-sized bed, to Cassian, and a weight drops even heavier in her gut. She has to reach out and grip the edge of the dresser for support.

Finally, Cassian pops out of the closet victorious. In his hand are a pair of ragged shoes that Nesta hasn’t worn in a long, long time.

He comes over and drops them with a thud at her feet.

“Whose room is this?” she asks with a rough voice, still staring down at the shoes.

“Mine,” he answers simply.

“Oh.” She met him before. She met him before.

When Nesta dares to look up and meet Cassian’s eyes, what she finds there nearly robs her of breath: wonder, astonishment, and unwavering fealty. He breaks into sudden wholehearted laughter, which dazes her even more.

“What’s so funny?” she demands.

Cassian gets out between laughs, “What was it Rhysand said about Feyre? When they found out they were close to crossing paths when they were younger?”

Nesta’s earth-tilting shock slowly slips away, replaced by a stern look. “Don’t say it.”

He pretends to remember. “I think it was fate.” A wicked smirk pulls at his lips at Nesta’s resigned sigh. “But I have another word for it, too.”

“Don’t say that, either.” She pleadingly holds up her hands, only for Cassian to snatch one out of the air and intertwine his fingers with hers.

“Soulmate,” he says quietly, now less amused.

Nesta swallows thickly, not having any words for him. All she knows is that he is never going to let her live this down.

“Imagine if we’d gone to the same high school,” Cassian says to her later that afternoon as they lounge in his old room. “Fuck, I could’ve saved myself so much time with all those random girls.” They’ve been swapping childhood stories for the past hour, as if they might find more instances in their history of a red string tying them together.

Nesta doesn’t need coincidences or fateful run-ins to know that a string has always been wrapped around her ring finger, pulling her to Colorado and to that cabin. But for Cassian’s sake, she’ll gladly amuse him. “I would have been a freshman while you were a senior,” she says matter-of-factly. “It never could have happened.”

He hums in thought, head propped up in his hand, elbow propped up against the bay window seat. “Maybe if you were older. You would have been the smart, quiet girl, and I’d have been the player jock, and as soon as we locked eyes in math class, I’d be head over heels in love with you.”

Nesta cackles from where she sits in the window seat above him. “Now you’re just writing fanfiction.”

Cassian grins up at her but doesn’t send a rebuttal her way. The conversation falls into a lull, until Nesta has to reach out and ask, “What are you thinking?”

His smile turns a little sad. “That I wish we weren’t doing this right before I leave for another country.”

Right. That’s what’s been hanging over them the entire trip to Tennessee: that as soon as they get back to Colorado, Cassian is going to be on a plane to Milan.

Getting Keith O’Connell to quit—how exactly Cassian went about accomplishing it, he still won’t tell Nesta—left Rhysand at square one with his search for a team leader for his overseas venture.

When Cassian brought up the idea of taking the job to Nesta, he sounded like he hoped she would shoot him down, talk him out of it. He both wanted to go and was reluctant to leave, like his very soul was glued to his home and he didn’t want to unstick himself.

So Nesta, being his home, had to do the unsticking for him. She nearly accepted the year-long Milan position herself for Cassian’s sake, and it took weeks of coaxing and convincing to put him at ease about the whole thing.

“But we promised to go together for the first time,” he kept saying.

“We’ll still go together one day, and it’ll still be our first time there with each other,” she reassured him.

Eventually, he relented to her and Rhysand’s pressures with a single condition. “I’ll do six months. Not a year.”

Only Nesta knows deep down how much Cassian needs this opportunity. Though Cassian must know it a little bit too, because he wouldn’t have taken the job if he didn’t.

Nesta might have needed him in order to come out of her shell, but now he needs to get away from her in order to find his own shell. Something he can call his own, unburdened by his loyalties to the people he loves. So he can find who he wants to be for himself, without always being attached to her hip.

Rising to her feet, Nesta raises her arms in the air in a full body stretch. Her back and legs ache with being curled up in that window seat for so long without movement.

Dropping her arms, she holds out a hand to Cassian still sitting on the floor. “Come on,” she urges him. “Let’s go outside. I haven’t seen a Smoky sunset in years.”

“But it’s not evening yet,” he argues while taking her hand.

Outside, they explore the garden that leads into the woods while waiting for the sun to slink down the sky. Cherry blossoms ride the summer breeze wherever it takes them, resulting in Cassian sniffling and scratching at his neck as they walk hand in hand.

“Rhysand wanted to take these trees down and replace them with a flower garden for Elain,” he tells Nesta as they walk. His sinuses sound clogged, but he’s refused to go back inside until he’s explained every inch of the land to Nesta. “I convinced him not to because it would ruin the view from my bedroom window. Didn’t I make the right choice?” He throws a grin in her direction.

Nesta’s swallow is tight at that grin. “The view from your room was always my favorite part about the entire place. So yes, you did good.”

His eyes widen at that tidbit of information, and she can almost see him tucking it away as more Soulmate Evidence.

They stroll through the woods for a while, and Nesta points out the path she would take to get to Cherrywood—she still insists on calling it Cherrywood, even when Cassian argues that the house’s original name has been around since the sixties.

“Show me the rest of the way?” Cassian asks her, face lit up in boyish hope. “Show me where you ran away to that day I found you.”

Nesta almost expects the memory of the rundown apartment complex she grew up in to feel like being shoved into sludge: dirty, cold, and slimy. Instead, she finds she has no problem with looking back at her old home, no matter how many ugly memories she holds from there.

However, the dappled sunlight streaming in through the trees overhead has turned from yellow to dark gold, and she shakes her head in apology to Cassian. “Another day,” she promises him. “It’s almost sunset.”

They walk back to the house, rounding it until they reach the front. At the bottom of the hill that the house is perched on stands a pier that leads all the way out to the lake. Green mountains frame the lake from both sides, creating the perfect cradle for the sun to sink into.

They go all the way out to the edge of the pier, as if they’re trying to get as close to the sunset as physically possible. Dragonflies lazily swoop by as the lake is gradually painted in a hundred different colors.

Once there’s more darkness than light in the sky, Cassian nudges Nesta with one of the arms he has around her. “Look.” He points.

Along the shoreline of the lake, little dots of light have lit up to welcome the evening, their blinking glow so small that Nesta almost doesn’t catch it. Fireflies.

Nesta watches the insects flit in and out of the long grasses of the lake shore, getting tangled in the weeds and wildflowers. In that moment, she remembers something Cassian once confessed to her not long after his birthday.

I want to see more beautiful places with you.

Nesta ticks this beautiful place off the long list in her head—the first place out of many that she plans to see with Cassian.

More beautiful than the scene before her is the man in her arms. The man who was kind enough to understand a woman who barely understood herself, and to be her friend when she had none. The man who is extending his kindness right now by not having made any breaking-and-entering jokes about Nesta so far, though she’s sure he’ll pull them out eventually.

Discovering that she once found Cassian, just to let him slip by running away from him, only to find him again over a decade later—it comforts the tiny part of her that’s loath to say goodbye to him in two weeks.

Like Cassian is thinking the same thing, he murmurs into the dark, “I can’t wait to come back to you.”

Nesta huffs in amusement. “You haven’t even left yet.”

“I know.” After a moment, he adds in a low voice that not even the fireflies can hear, “Thank you for convincing me to go.”

She reaches up to squeeze his bicep. “Always.” And then she adds what she really wants him to hear: “Don’t come back until you find what you’re looking for.”

“I better find it quick then,” he jokes. Still, he nods in promise against the side of her head.

The only sound after that is the chirp of cicadas and the occasional lap of water meeting the pier beams. Nesta and Cassian stay outside in the June heat long after the sky turns ink blue.

***

a/n: next chapter is just some ic bullshit so take all ur bittersweet sentimentality here and go

tagging: @sjm-things @thewayshedreamed @drielecarla @valkyriewarriors @superspiritfestival @aliveahaahahafuck @cupcakey00 @sayosdreams @rainbowcheetah512 @claralady @thebluemartini @nessiantho @missing-merlin @duskandstarlight @lucy617 @sleeping-and-books @everything-that-i-love @cassianscool @swankii-art-teacher @wannawriteyouabook @arinbelle @awesomelena555 @julemmaes @wickedqueenoffantasy @poisonous-bloom @observationanxioustheorist @gisellefigue08 @courtofjurdan @theoverlyenthusiasticwriter @wolfiixxx @cass-nes @seashade @royaltykxx @illyrianundercover @monstrousloves-explodinggalaxies @humanexile @that-golden-lyre @agentsofsheilds @mercy-is-alive @cassiansbigwingspan @laylaameer01 @verypaleninja @maastrash @bow-dawn @perseusannabeth @dead-on-the-inside666 @jlinez @hungryreadingaddict @anidealiveson @planet-faerie @shallowhighwaters @ghostlyrose2 @chosenfamily-valkyriequeens @rarephloxes @readiajin @nessiantrashh @live-the-fangirl-life @ifinallygavein @xoblivisci @sjmships @jungtaekwoonie-is-life @lysandra-tiara @lanyjoy-13 @post-it-notes33 @loosingdreams @fromthelibraryofemilyj @18moneytoad @dontgetsalmonella @champanheandluxxury @togreblog @ladygabrielli1997 @meridainthedisneyland @moodymelanist @pixieelea @teagoddess99 @mystic-bibliophile

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Welcome, to florist Manuela’s beautiful home in Spain. 

First, let’s tour the house.

Her home reflects the hues and textures of the surrounding landscape.

She & her husband, are renovating and expanding at a leisurely pace. They like to see it as a work in progress, believing that the house adapts to them and not the other way around.

Dark feature wall in the dining room and a mix of styles and eras. Books and wall art are on top of a mid-century modern sideboard. 

The tiny kitchen is currently encased in an open framework. A small cabinet provides some storage.

The homemade bed rests on boxes turned on their sides to lift it high off the floor. (Is that so doggo, Groc, doesn’t jump up there?)

Each morning Manuela takes a few steps to her flower studio, ‘Gang and the Wool,‘ just outside the garden terrace.

The actual floral work is done outside. 

It’s well-known because of its idyllic little greenhouse – Vogue Spain once dubbed it one of the most beautiful flower-shops in the world.

The space is cozy, w/an inviting vintage couch with throw blankets, books and pottery lining the bookshelves, and the greenhouse itself has doors that open wide onto the brickwork terrace.

It’s usually crowded with photographers and stylists who want to use the magical atmosphere as a scenario.

Look at the view from the terrace of the pastoral hills of Vallvidrera, just outside Barcelona.

http://www.freundevonfreunden.com/interviews/manuela-sosa/

[arveeee]

The beginning

Bishop Losa x Reader

Like always: sorry for my bad English.

Gif by: sonsofeorl

The bicycle was in parts, you just hoped all parts were there. You brushed your hair back from your sweaty forehead and took another look. The bicycyle was your only hope of getting out of this shithole. An idyllic holiday on your father's farm was supposed to be the beginning of a new life. You were glad you were going to spend some time with your father. And you were hoping to recover a little from the toxic relationship you'd been in for the last 7 years. 7 years of a wasted life.

But here in Southern Cali, nothing was as it was supposed to be. The farm was no longer a farm, but a house in the middle of the great semi-desert hills, and it was a house in need of a lot of renovation. Southern California was no paradise either, but a sunburned dusty place. And as soon as you arrived, your father left you the keys to his old truck, muttered some words, something between goodbye and apology, got on his motorcycle and drove off into the blue, which was really not a blue, but a dusty road ahead.

You didn’t have much to do. You should be looking for a job, but first, you wanted to get some rest. And after cleaning the old house, making the beds where you planted tomatoes and peppers, and in the boxes on the terrace, herbs, you found resting is boring. Especially as the phone coverage was really poor and certainly didn't allow you to watch Netflix. So the next day you packed a small bag, grabbed a map and decided to make a trip to the ocean. The truck made strange sound. It stated somehow strangly, jerked and stalled. Gentle speech, swearing and kicking did little. It was still working 3 days before when you went shopping in Santo Padre and everything seemed fine. But now it wouldn't move.

You returned home and realised that all you had left was a hammock on the terrace and admiring the blue sky. An idyllic holiday in the middle of nowhere.

After a few days of lying in a hammock, you understood that, yes, it was nice, but you also had to eat. And even if the fasting is good for your figure, it cannot go on indefinitely. You didn't really know who to call. Anyway, the phone most of the time didn't want to connect. You considered walking towards the city, but Santo Padre was too far to walk. And then you remembered that you saw a bicycle in the shack. You went to inspect it and you quickly realised that these were bicycle parts rather than a bicycl. But you dragged everything outside the house and decided to try to put it back together. There was not a single cloud in the sky. It was hot.

You brushed your hair off your sweaty forehead. And then you heard the whirr of a motorcycle. Motorcycles - you corrected yourself while still leaning over the bicycle. You were a little relieved that your father was coming back and would take care of the truck. The sun was shining straight into your eyes, so you shielded them with your hand and looked out the way. Two motorcycles were coming along, but it wasn't until they got closer that you realised that neither looked like your father's. Neither of the motorcyclists was your father. You bent down and discreetly picked up the wrench you were using to assemble the bike.

They stopped two metres in front of you and removed their helmets. You involuntarily stepped back without letting go of the wrench.

The one with a smaller posture and a moustache smiled and as he did so his whole face lit up.

- Are you Taza's daughter? We came to check on you.

You didn't say a word because you didn't know what was going on. And who was Taza?

The other, taller, with a round, nice face and hands tattooed up to his wrists noticed your confusion.

- We're friends of Che. I'm Hank and this is Bishop - he pointed at the other guy. - Let me see what you have got here.

He walked over to the bike parts and before you knew it he took the wrench out of your hand.

He looked at the parts and put the frame of the bike upright.

- Let me help you here.

- Che is not at home. - you murmured.

The other one smiled.

- We know he isn't. He asked us to stop by and see if you were okay. Let's go inside. - He passed you by and entered the house. You followed him in. The man opened the fridge. It was clearly not his first time here. He looked inside.

- it’s empty. Not even a beer.

- I can make tea. Or give you water, if you like.

- Tea? - he laughed again.

He took a glass and poured himself some water from the tap. He sat down at the table. You leaned against the kitchen table. Now you could look at him. He was quite a bit younger than your father. He had a moustache that quite suited him, a very nice smile and warm eyes. On the cut he wore he had similar stripes as your father. Now you noticed it. Only where your father had “Vicepresidente”, and that one had “Presidente”. “Interesting” - you said to yourself. He had a nice smile, but you also saw his muscular hands and knew it was better not to get in his way. Just like the one who stayed outside. That one looked a bit like a wrestler.

- Are you all right, sweetheart? - He looked at you until you blushed. You were wearing a tiny blouse that you had put on to repair your bicycle and quite short trousers. You were sweaty and dusty, but he was looking at you with... admiration?

You didn't really know what to say, so you just wrapped yourself in the scarf that was lying on the back of the kitchen chair and poured yourself some water too.

- It's not going to work, princesa - you heard Hank's voice. - One of the wheels is missing a hub. And the brakes are missing too. Unless you have them somewhere.

- I don't have any - you sighed.

- Why do you need a bicycle, where would you like to go in this heat?

- I need groceries.

- Shopping? And you know that the nearest store is 30 miles away.

- I have no choice. The truck broke down.

- Broke down? Then why didn't you tell me right away?

- When was the last time you ate? - Bishop was concerned and threw a meaningfully look at the fridge.

- Jesus christ, girl. - Hank just sighed.

- Let's go - Bishop moved to the door. - Come on, you need to be fed.

- I need to get changed. - The conversation about food finally convinced you to trust them.

An hour later you were finishing your burger at the diner and talking to Bishop like you'd known him for ten years. Hank left you by the dfiner alone with Bishop. And it didn't bother you at all. Bishop wanted to order you some more dessert, but that was too much.

- We'll go to the club now and figure out what to do with your truck.

- I need to do some groceries.

- Don't worry about it, querida. - Bishop put his arm around you and led you toward his motorcycle. And smiled to you. You suddenly felt as safe as never before. And that's when you realized that despite thousands of promises that it would never happen to you again, it did.

You fell in love.

Tags: @megapeacelovemusic-blog @est1887

[rwbyvein]

Firen Lhain:  Chapter 1110:  Rent:  Part III / III

Taj gripped the control yoke with white knuckles as he backed it into the hangar. He breathed a sigh of relief as it settled onto it's skids.

"Are you sure this was a wise purchase?" Ciel asked.

Taj breathed in deeply before looking at her, "Hell, yeah. I'll wash and wax her every week, and take her for walks."

"You definitely seem to be endeared with her." Ciel added.

"That's one way of putting it." Taj replied.

"Did Jaune tell you that the renovations are about to begin?" Ciel asked.

"That's nice." Taj said, as he gently rubbed the dashboard.

* * *

Winter stepped out of Ironwood's quarters as the doors closed. "Figured we'd find you here." Belle said to her.

"I believe I wished for maximum sleep." Winter replied.

"Well, the problem is the dragon's dead, which means we're back to you not being the boss of us."

Winter rolled her eyes, "And how can I help you?"

"How long do you think we'll be back in Atlas."

"If I had to guess, I'd say a week or two." Winter replied.

"Works for me." Belle replied, "Don't suppose you want to join me and Susie out for a night on the town?"

"Night... on the town?" Winter asked, "It is barely oh-seven-hundred."

"Early night on the town?" Belle asked.

"Try not to overindulge." Winter replied.

"I could say the same thing." Belle said, and turned to walk away.

"Pardon?" Winter asked, and Belle turned to look at her.

"You are leaving Ironwood's quarters."

"I finished the paperwork." Winter simply stated.

"Uh?" Belle asked, and turned to walk away.

"I assure you, nothing inappropriate happened!"

"Uh-huh?" Belle asked, "Keep telling yourself that."

"I am not sure what you are insinuating." Winter huffed.

"Nothing inappropriate?" Belle asked, "Is that why you're black and blue?"

Winter looked down to see her mottled colouration of both light and dark blues. She breathed in deep, and the dark turned into light. She breathed in deep, and the light blue diminished but did not vanish. She then let out a loud yawn, which she covered up and looked about nervously

* * *

Jaune hopped down the rocks to just above the scrubland, Weiss immediately behind him. After he landed, he pulled his right hand up to his mouth and let out a colossal whistle.

* * *

Rhiannon nervously looked about before looking at Sarah, "How's my mane?"

Sarah gently brushed it. "You look fine."

Pwyll affirmed it, and Rhiannon turned to look at him.

* * *

The two Cheval Knights came running up the scrubland, as Nora glided far down the hill to the sheep. "Ms. Valkyrie." Conan greeted.

"Hiya!" she exclaimed, before glomping onto the llama.

"I dare say she missed you." Conan replied.

"Aw, I miss you, too." Nora said, and give it a kiss. "We really need to give you a name."

The surrounding sheep started baaing at her. "Aw, I missed you guys, too."

* * *

Pwyll and Rhiannon ran up to Jaune and Weiss at the edge of the scrubland. Pwyll snorted affirmatively at Jaune. "We have missed you, terribly." Rhiannon added. Jaune and Weiss simply smiled in reply.

"We have missed you, too." Weiss simply stated.

"I hate to impose, but could we?.." Rhiannon asked, and Pwyll let out a supporting snort.

"Yes?" Weiss asked.

"If it's not too much trouble?.." Rhiannon asked.

"Just tell us." Jaune said to them.

"Oh, sorry, but, could we have a hug?" she asked.

Jaune had jumped down before she finished speaking with his arms open, and Weiss slipped in underneath his arms. The Cheval Knights quickly moved in for the hug.

* * *

Penthesilea landed, smiling as she looked at Nora hugging the llama.

* * *

Yang walked into the kitchen, Summer quite busily preparing a meal. "Hey, yo." Yang said.

"Oh, yes!" Summer said to her.

"I see you're busy and all, but have you seen Sarah?"

"She has been spending most of her time with the Cheval Knights in the pasture."

"Oh, well, that makes it easy." Yang said, "And Little Bit?"

"Right behind you." Aurora said, as she carried some boxes into the kitchen, causing Yang to jump.

"Oh, sh... shoot." Yang said.

"What can I help you with?" Aurora asked as she walked into the kitchen, placing the boxes on a table.

"Oh, yeah, Jaune wanted to go ahead with the renos. He wants like a wicked bath in the basement."

"I was actually the one who talked him into it." Aurora beamed.

"Oh, yeah?" Yang asked.

"I might blame it on my tree frog skin, but doesn't a proper bath sound amazing?"

"Oh, yeah, like I said, wicked." Yang affirmed.

Aurora then started to open the boxes, "I am assuming he would like to wait until after breakfast?"

As she asked this, Yang's stomach started to growl. She brought her hand over her stomach, "We kind of rushed back, because we can, with our wicked cool knew Atlasian airship."

"Why don't you go have a shower in your dreary, ordinary, master bathroom, and let us finish breakfast?"

"You know what? Yeah." Yang replied.

* * *

Yang walked up the spiral stairs and saw Ilia camouflaged into the wall. "Whatcha upto?" Yang asked.

"Being at home." Ilia replied, and closed her eyes, only to find herself being picked up with Yang.

"I need a shower buddy." Yang said, "I mean, after showering with all of you, it just feels kind of lonesome alone. You know?" she asked, and Ilia just looked into her eyes.

Yang started up the stairs again before Ilia recovered, "Uh, I mean?.."

"You got a problem?" Yang asked.

"It's just that Ruby and Blake are already... doing..." Ilia voiced.

"Yeah, well, I'm feeling frisky, and you are the one I grabbed." Yang stated.

"And, Ruby, Blake?" Ilia asked.

"Can have you when I'm done." Yang stated.

"I'm putty in your hands." Ilia voiced.

"That's a good concubine." Yang said with glee.

"At this moment, I don't want to be anything else." Ilia voiced, only to gasp aa Yang slapped her ass.

* * *

Jaune and Weiss walked into the dinning room, seeing the rest eating breakfast.

"Yo!" Yang shouted.

"You have a lot of faith in your sisters." Blake added with glee.

"Enh." Jaune shouted.

"Then how did you know that breakfast would be ready?" Ruby asked.

"The moment we walked in an smelt bacon." Weiss added.

"I kind of figured someone would be making breakfast." Jaune stated.

"And if we weren't?" Yang asked.

"What?" Jaune asked, "I would. But, like Yang would let her little sister go hungry."

"She does have a couple ways she could feed her." Weiss stated.

"Wait?" Yang asked with a start, "Was that a dirty joke?"

"Perhaps?" Weiss playfully asked, as Jaune held a chair out for her. The two quickly sat down.

"You had time for the horses?" Shantae asked, "but?.."

"Jealin'?" Yang asked, and Shantae averted her gaze.

"Come here." Jaune said with authority. Shantae quickly stood up but paused for a moment before quickly walking around the table. Jaune then pet her on the head, "Who's a good girl?" he asked, as you would a pet. "You did a good job." Shantae blushed and glared into his eyes. "What?" Jaune asked, "Rhiannon liked it."

"I'm - not - a!" she exclaimed, only to quiet down when she found Weiss' hand petting her head. She then leaned forward to kiss her on the head.

"I honestly don't know what you thought you were going to get?" Sophia asked. Shantae turned to glare at her.

"We're all a little tired from, you know, dragonslaying." Yang said and sighed.

"I have always wanted sisters." Penthesilea stated, "I would love to spend time with you."

Shantae just looked at her for a moment. "K'."

[luxurymodel009]

This 8 Steps Guide will save you time for Kitchen Renovations in Bella Vista

The Kitchen Renovations in Bella Vista is inspiring but, in fact, quite overwhelming. You are setting up a contemporary cooking space or upgrading from one version to another. Serious planning is essential to guarantee success during a kitchen renovation. This step-by-step guide on the critical phases of planning a kitchen renovation, from budgeting to making final touches, will help you make the right decisions at each stage.

1. Set Your Budget

Judge Your Budget: Subtract how much you can spend before overextending your finances. 

Divide Your Budget: Divide the funds into spending materials, labour, appliances, and permits. 

2. Determine Your Objectives and Priorities

Objectives: Do you need more storage? More functionality? A clean, fresh aesthetic? Knowing what tops your list of objectives will help you make decisions.

Function vs. Form: Use money on investment in high-quality appliances if you're a foodie in the Kitchen Manufacturers in Hills District; optimise counter space. 

3. Design Your Layout

Work Triangle: The basic ideology for an efficient flow of work revolves around a work triangle, that is, sink, stove, and fridge. The three areas should be balanced so that they can move between them quickly.

Storage Solutions: You need adequate cabinet space and drawer organisers with intelligent storage solutions. 

Traffic Flow: The space has to accommodate many people so that different people can move through comfortably.

4. Material and Finish Selection

Cabinets: Decide if you want customised, semi-customised, or pre-fabricated cabinets.

Counters: Consider granite, quartz, and marble. Think about durability, ability to maintain, and look that best fits your design vision.

Backsplash and Flooring: Subway tiles, mosaic patterns, or glass can be a great choice. For flooring, hardwood, tile, or vinyl are popular options for durability and style.

5. Choose Appliances

Size and Fit: Measure all spaces available for dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens to ensure they can easily fit into a space.

Energy Efficiency: Choose energy-saving appliances to save on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Intelligent Features: Select those appliances that have innovative technologies, which include Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreens, and voice commands, to make your Kitchen Renovations in Box Hill more user-friendly.

6. Hire a Contractor

Research local contractors: Read reviews and ask people for recommendations. Obtain quotations from at least three contractors. Compare costs, timelines, and work scope before making a decision. The contractor should be licensed, insured, and experienced in kitchen renovations. 

7. Get All Necessary Permits

Check Local Regulations: Check with your local government or building department to see if your renovation project requires permits. Electrical, plumbing, and structural licenses are usually required.

8. Facilitate Execution of Renovation

Inspect Work: Your specifications should include details of the contractor's correct installation of materials.

Response Fast Enough: Where you identify potential problems or concerns, respond quickly before they lead to delays or issues.

Your Dream Kitchen, Realized

Planning a kitchen renovation in Bella Vista involves creativity, organisation, and practical decision-making. This step-by-step guide will ensure that you stay on track with budgeting and choosing materials to select the right contractors and final touches. A well-planned renovation goes a long way in improving the functionality of your kitchen while lending immense value and aesthetic appeal to your home for a long time.

[readyourimgaines]

The Little Things

Summary: Derek knew fully well that moving in with Spencer was going to bring around some changes. Dr. Spencer Reid was different and Derek loved him for it. There were little quirks that the doctor showed at work and some Derek was still learning. So there must be some at home.

And a special thanks, of course, to @chaoticgremlinwholikescheese​ for helping me compile this list!

1. Alphabetizing Movies by Title

“Pretty Boy?” Derek was crouched down in front of their TV looking for their movie while Spencer did the dishes. The latter hadn’t seen Happy Gilmore and Derek couldn’t let that stand. 

“Yeah?” Spencer called from the kitchen. 

“I can’t find it?”

“What?” Spencer stepped away from the sink and went to the living room. Water dripped from his fingertips. “The movies are alphabetical. It’s between Hamlet and Ice Age.” He went to Derek’s side and gestured to the movie. “I was going to order them by director, but Hotch said most people don’t know directors very well. Which is a shame because J.J. Abrams destroyed Star Trek but Guy Riche-” 

Derek pressed a kiss to Spencer’s lips with a fond smile. Spencer blinked. 

“Sorry,” the doctor blushed. 

Derek just chuckled. “You know you’re adorable, right, Pretty Boy?” 

“You may have mentioned it a time or two,” Spencer laughed. 

“You can tell me all about directors later,” Derek promised. “I know a bit about the mainstream guys, but not a whole lot.”

“All you really need to know is that J.J. Abrams kills anything he touches and Peter Jackson doesn’t get as much attention as he should.”

*****

2. Morning Rituals

One thing that Derek very quickly learned about Spencer was that he 

had a specifically timed morning ritual when not on a case. And that if it was broken or disturbed, the whole rest of the day would go down hill like a train on greased tracks. 

He woke up at 6:17, was in the shower by 6:25, eating breakfast by 7:00, his bed made by 7:30, and shoes on his feet by 7:32. The last half hour before they left at 8:00 was free game. 

The first morning in their new place was the roughest. Spencer went 

about his usual morning, but Derek didn’t usually wake up until 7:45 because he took less time to get ready and ate in the car. So when Spencer finished breakfast and went back to their room to make the bed but Derek was still asleep… He paced for the next fifteen minutes and his head nearly went through the ceiling when Derek’s alarm went off. 

Spencer almost had a panic attack as he fumbled his way through making their bed and cramming his feet into his shoes. Needless to say, the extra half hour was spent- in vain- trying to calm the doctor down. None of the rest of the day lined up properly and Spencer was on edge and fidgety. Hotch even had to gently remind him to focus a few more times than the usual redirection of infodumps. 

That was the first and only time Derek didn’t follow Spencer’s morning routine. He found the same day that Spencer had a much simpler night ritual: Snack (sometimes) at 10:10, teeth brushed by 10:25, in bed by 10:35, reading until (supposed to be) 11:18, and then lights out. This routine was much more flexible and relaxed.

Derek found waking up and going to bed at the same time every day made the former much easier. He also found that Spencer reading to him most nights- no matter the book or topic- was very relaxing. And of course there were nights when Derek read to Spencer.

*****

3. Sugary Coffee

Derek took a sip of coffee from his travel cup and whistled. “Think I got yours, Pretty Boy. There’s enough sugar in this to hype up a six year old’s birthday party.” 

Spencer braced himself and took a sip of the coffee in his own cup. He was pleasantly relieved when the bitterly sharp taste expected never came. “I-I put sugar in both of them. I wasn’t thinking,” he said sheepishly. 

Derek shrugged. “You know what they say: I’ll try anything once.” He chuckled. “I’ll just brush my teeth for an extra three minutes.” 

Spencer scoffed as he got into the passenger seat of Derek’s car. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll like it. You don’t get the caffeine drop when the eight hour half-life is over.” 

“Is that why you put so much sugar in coffee?” Derek raised an eyebrow, thinking he already knew the answer. 

“And coffee tastes like battery acid. I’d rather drink vinegar than black coffee.” Spencer shuddered. 

Derek chuckled but didn’t say anything else as he pulled onto the street.

*****

4. Cuddly Sleeper

Even though Spencer wasn’t huge on PDA like Derek was, he sure was a cuddly guy. The second the door closed, he was a six foot koala. That included in bed- but usually not until after he was asleep. 

Some nights, Spencer would fall asleep reading. So Derek would take his book, close it, gently remove Spencer’s glasses, and turn out the lamp. Nine times out of ten, Spencer was curled up against his side before Derek was asleep himself. 

At first, Derek found himself wondering why Spencer wasn’t nestled against him before sleep took him. But after a while, it sunk in that the doctor unwound by reading. 

The look on Spencer’s face when he curled into Derek’s side always sent the older man over the moon. The absolute peace on the doctor’s face. One night, Derek almost woke Spencer up laughing. Derek rolled over to out the lamp and Spencer had gripped Derek’s arm tighter and whined in his sleep. Derek then had to assure his boyfriend- in soft whispers as to not actually wake him up- that he wasn’t going anywhere. 

Spencer never thought to question why his book and glasses were gone when he woke up.

*****

5. Leaves Books Everywhere

Anyone who had a 30 second conversation with Spencer- anyone who glanced at Spencer- could tell the man read more than he did anything else. 

Derek picked up the doctor’s satchel once and was moderately surprised the slim man hadn’t dislocated his shoulder with how heavy the bag was. But Spencer didn’t only keep books in his bag. No. They were all over the place. 

Their bedroom, the craft room where Derek made floor plans for his renovations, the kitchen, the dining room, the living room. Even both bathrooms and the basement. 

When the two first moved in together, Derek debated building an extension onto the living room for a library. He still debated it from time to time (just in case). But as time wore on, Derek grew to appreciate the countless (if seemingly random) books around the house. 

Spencer would read when Derek was working on floorplans, so Derek would read when Spencer worked on an academic paper or consult. 

“What’re you reading?” Spencer asked one night, finally looking up from his notebook. He was writing an essay on how handwriting analysis could help catch a serial killer and/or rapist. 

“I don’t even know,” Derek chortled. “Uh..” he looked at the cover, “it’s Introduction to Law by Joanne Banker and Yvonne Ekern.” 

“Oh! Hotch loaned that to me yesterday,” Spencer noted. “I should get that back to him soon.” 

Derek just shook his head. “You know, Pretty Boy, I didn’t read this much in college.”

Spencer smiled. “See? Maybe there’s a good side to not spending thousands of dollars on building a library,” he teased.

6. The Nightlight

In the bedroom, in the outlet closest to the door was a nightlight. But not just any night light. This nightlight made the move in the front pocket of Spencer’s satchel. 

“So what’s the story behind this platypus, Pretty Boy?” Derek had to ask one night as Spencer turned it on. “Because you’ve had this since before we were dating.” 

“My uh- my mom’s went on a sort of field trip with her hospital a couple years ago. It was on one of her good days. She saw this in the aquarium’s gift shop and bought it for me.”

“That’s pretty cute,” Derek encouraged. He knew Spencer didn’t open up about his mom often so Derek tried to learn everything he could about the woman during the rare occurrences. 

“We named him,” Spencer laughed. “Alfred Nicholas Brian Reid.” He giggled. “I just… He helps.”

*****

+1. Bleeding/Infected Hangnails

Spencer usually had something to stim or fidget with. A strip of paper, a pen or pencil to twirl, a shirt with a loose thread, something. On the off chance that he didn’t, the doctor somehow decided that his fingers were good enough. If Spencer didn’t have a hangnail, he’d start one. 

This was the one and only thing about Doctor Spencer Reid that Derek Morgan hated. He could see the minute flinch when Spencer held a utensil wrong and it pressed on the swollen skin. He heard the soft hiss when Spencer got tomato or orange juice in the broken skin. 

What Derek hated even more than that was when the hangnail would get infected. The skin around the nail or turn a greenish-yellow and harden. Which, in turn, gave Spencer another thing to pick at. 

“Pretty Boy, you gotta stop,” Derek sighed. He’d gone into a convenience store to get them something other than coffee- but tastier than water- to drink. While inside, he bought a box of Band-Aids and a tube of anti-bacterial cream. 

Spencer snapped out of his daze. “What?”

“Picking at your nails.” To prove his point, Derek took Spencer’s hand in his to show him, as well as to stop his current picking. “I know you’re worried about the case, Baby, but we’ll catch the son of a bitch and put his ass behind bars like we always do. You gotta stop destroying your hands.”

“I didn’t realize I was,” he admitted. 

“I know,” Derek said softly. He applied the cream and a Band-Aid to each finger that needed it (five in total between both hands). “We just gotta get you a couple of those fidget cubes Garcia has.”

Tag List: @mayonnaiseismycomfortfood​

[21astor]

Say Hello to New luxury apartment developments in Portland

Get to Know Robert Ball

Robert Ball has become synonymous with luxury residential apartments portland, but that reputation didn’t come without paying the dues of hard work. Robert Ball’s passion for renovation and real estate began nearly 25 years ago.

On the Road to Portland’s Premier Luxury Apartments

After honing his incredible talent for purchasing and rehabilitating small properties, Ball purchased his first apartment building in Portland’s Nob Hill District. With a ton of elbow grease, he was able to transform the 1920s-era Sara Ann Apartments into a Class A apartment community, with the highest quality rating for a property.

Becoming One of Portland’s Leading Developers

Following the Sara Ann Apartments, Ball’s passion for revitalizing aging properties has grown exponentially. Robert Ball has completed six high-profile projects, in the heart of Portland’s downtown, including 21 Astor.

And now on to the star of the show — the 21 Astor community and its 27 impeccable units. Residents not only benefit from decades of experience in residential development, but also a deep-rooted philosophy of service, style, functionality, attention to detail, and excellence. There are many reasons why 21 Astor is distinct from other luxury apartments in Portland:

An Incredible Location in NW Portland

Located steps from the notable NW 23rd Avenue in the Nob Hill District, 21 Astor’s LEED-certified homes have an impressive walk score of 97. Tenants have everything they could need right at their fingertips. In addition to Portland’s top coffee shops and restaurants, there’s no shortage of major grocery stores, boutique shopping, banks, houses of worship, and local businesses that support health needs.

The Robert Ball team worked hard to incorporate equally elegant and purposeful features. This ensures that every resident experiences the seamless harmony between a vibrant urban center and chic, comfortable apartments:

Building Features

Timeless red brick exterior

Controlled access and exterior call box for guest admittance

Statuary Carrara marble slabs and 24k white gold Bisazza “cut-tile” mosaic in the lobby

Neoclassical designs

Ground-floor restaurants and storefronts

Private balconies for street-facing apartments

Public transportation options nearby

Community Features

On-site, indoor parking

In-house management services

Reserved storage spaces on each floor

Bike storage and maintenance areas

Pet-friendly facilities including washing station

Package acceptance and holding

Exquisite and Spacious Apartment Homes

Robert Ball Companies knows it is crucial for an exceptional community to be impeccably complemented by an exceptional apartment home. 21 Astor merges functional and sophisticated elements to create ideal living spaces for the contemporary Portlander:

Apartment Floor Plans

One bedrooms luxury apartments range from 701 to 743 square feet and boast fabulously unique living and dining spaces larger than other apartments in Portland’s Pearl District. Every one bedroom also includes an en-suite, pass-through style bathroom and large walk-through closets with plenty of storage.

Two bedrooms luxury apartments Portland range from 933 to 1,165 square feet. All units spotlight large living and dining spaces, pass-through style bathrooms (with the master including a stand-up shower and double vanity sinks), and large walk-through closets. Plus, each bedroom is located on the opposite side from the other so as to generate as much privacy as possible.

Apartment Features

Crisp, clean, and modern designs and fixtures

Wrap around kitchens with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances

Breakfast bar seating

Lofty ceilings

Conveniently located stackable washers and dryers

Air conditioning

Enormous windows that allow plenty of natural light

Quartz Carrara countertops and shaker cabinets with abundant space

Tiled bathroom floors as well as tiled shower/tub surrounds

Food pantries and linen storage

Extra storage lockers available

As you can tell, we’ve built something remarkable here at 21 Astor. With only 27 units, our team is able to put all our time and energy toward making sure every resident feels that they are truly at home. Our goal is to cultivate an upscale experience that’s a perfect complement to how you live, work, and play.

Are you searching for a place in Portland that’ll provide a little something more, both inside and out? 21 Astor’s luxury apartments near the Pearl District provide an unprecedented level of comfort for those looking for a refined living experience in NW Portland.

The leasing agents at 21 Astor would love to hear from you! Connect with us to get more acquainted with our Portland’s Newest Luxury Apartments!

[kitchenbrisbane]

TOP KITCHEN RENOVATION SERVICE

At Kitchen Renovation Brisbane, we convey a little yet quality scope of item tests for kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations. Kitchen Designs Brisbane can assist you with picking between stone benchtops, kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations accomplices to help you settle on the correct choice about your home renovations. Kitchen Remodeling Brisbane will work with you to overhaul your home, kitchen, bathroom and laundry to suit your style, needs and spending plan. Get in touch with us to book an advantageous arrangement at your property, and we will be glad to go through our item range, giving a best kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations answer for you.

Kitchen Makeovers Brisbane – We do services in area like Albany Creek, Albion, Ascot, Ashgrove, Aspley, Augustine Heights, Bald Hills, Balmoral, Banyo, Bardon, Beenleigh, Bellbird Park, Belmont, Bray Park, Brendale, Brighton, Bulimba, Bundamba, Camp Hill, Capalaba, Carina, Carindale, Carseldine, Cedar Creek, Chapel Hill, Churchill, Clayfield, Cleveland, Coalfalls, Cornubia, Daisy Hill, Darra, Dinmore, Durack, Fairfield, Goodna, Grange, Greenbank, Greenslopes, Hillcrest, Holland Park, Inala, Indooroopilly, Ipswich.

Bathroom Renovation Brisbane – We do services in area like Albany Creek, Albion, Ascot, Ashgrove, Aspley, Augustine Heights, Balmoral, Banyo, Bardon, Beenleigh, Bellbird Park, Bellbowrie, Belmont, Booval, Bracken Ridge, Brendale, Brighton, Bulimba, Bundamba, Calamvale, Camp Hill, Capalaba, Carina, Carina Heights, Carindale, Carole Park, Carseldine, Chermside, Churchill, Clayfield, Cleveland, Coalfalls, Coorparoo, Cornubia, Daisy Hill, Darra, Deagon, Dinmore, Durack, Fairfield, Gailes, Geebung, Goodna, Grange, Greenbank, Greenslopes, Griffin, Hawthorne, Hendra, Holland Park, Inala, Indooroopilly, Ipswich.

Laundry Renovation Brisbane - We do services in area like Albany Creek, Ascot, Belmont, Cedar Creek, Churchill, Clayfield, Coorparoo, Cornubia, Daisy Hill, Darra, Deagon, Dinmore, Durack, Gailes, Geebung, Grange, Greenbank, Greenslopes, Griffin, Hillcrest, Inala, and Indooroopilly.

Useful Links:

Home Renovations Sydney

Food Consultants Brisbane

Car Detailing Gold Coast

Donut Box Delivery Sydney

[itsbuckysworld]

HELLO SPRING DAY 8 + Bingo Entry: The Gift of Being Together.

Pairing: Dad!Bucky x Reader Warnings: just a fluff avalanche! (huh, that’s theme appropriate) Category: AU! Everything’s ok, avengers don’t exist, they just a big family <3 Word Count: 3.3K Bingo Square Filled: Opening the wrong present for my @star-spangled-bingo card! Guest Appearance: Steef, Tony, Sam, Clint, Nat, Thor and their kids. PARENT AVENGERS!!!

u can blame @all1e23 for putting all the dad!bucky feels back in my mind which pushed me to finish this for today cause i was going to put it off until tomorrow. (i hope you) ENJOY!

Day 8: Hiding in the closet, he/she found...  for my Spring Short Story Writing Event + Bingo Square for my #StarSpangledBingo Card.

The TV was on downstairs, as she slid her socked feet across the carpet, Mr. Louie dragging behind her by her hand, on the way to the hallway closet. Her hands reached up and out to open the door that softly creaked and swung outwards. The lightswitch was almost impossible to reach, but using the help of a couple strewn shoe boxes, her fingers snapped the light on, as one of her feet reached out, some boxes stumbling down to the carpet. Looking up, she saw it. Hiding in the closet, she found it, just a tiny edge of a square, wrapped in a pretty pink paper with white polka dots resembling snowflakes.

Almost in slow motion, her eyes widened, brown curls that adorned her face falling back as she arched her neck more and more to try and get a better glimpse and see if there was anything else there as well. Mr. Louie laying on the carpet long forgotten as she made grabby hands starting to reach up.

“Hey” the voice startled her, as she turned her head around in a flash, finding the tall figure approaching from the end of the stairs. “What are you doing up missy? And what are you doing searching in the closet?” Bucky kneeled down next to her, picking up the fallen boxes, a small amount of panic in his voice as he saw his daughter snooping in the closet, perched on very unstable boxes, the sight of the messy closet, brooms, leftover wood from last year’s renovations, buckets of paint, anything that cluttered the storage, everything completely unsafe for a 6 year old. 

“You can’t do that, you could get hurt, Bex” He scooped her up in his arms, and Mr. Louie the plush toy, closing the closet door in a swift motion as his daughter's eyes started to water.

“I’m sorry daddy, I was just looking for my christmas presents” Bucky stood there, shellshocked. What?

“Aw, bean, Santa will bring those Christmas morning, still a week away” the little girl in his arms shook her head furiously, tears threatening to spill as he entered her room. The mess of toys scattered on the ground reminded him he needed to do some serious cleaning. She was too old for some of them and would get new ones come Christmas either way.  “No! No he won’t! He’s not real” the little girl’s arms crossed over her chest dramatically.  “What do you mean he’s not real?” Bucky wiped her cheeks softly, not wanting to see any tears anymore.  “Jessica told me that her brother told her that Santa isn’t real, and that parents buy gifts and hide them in the closet” her pronunciation of the s’s a little slurred due to her missing front tooth.  “What? No way!” Bucky overly acted as he sat down on her tiny princess bed, tucking her back in “Santa is so real! Did I tell you I saw him delivering my presents when I was your age?” Little Becca’s eyes lit up. “Really?” Bucky nodded. “I did, and he told me to go back bed and continue being a nice kid, or else his magic didn’t work” “Woah” she giggled, clapping her hands excitedly. No way, her daddy had met Santa? Jessica would never believe her! “What about the pink present I saw in the closet?” once more Becca crossed her arms and pouted prettily. It almost turned Bucky to mush, as it usually did. She was too precious for words.

“You have to promise not to tell anyone, but that’s a present I got for Y/N” another gasp of surprised escaped his daughters mouth and he pressed his finger to his lips, shushing her and reminding her it’s a secret. More giggles and tiny claps followed the exchange. “Now, go to sleep, and keep being such a cutie” he tickled her tummy softly, earning the cutest of laughters, before shuffling her pillow and re-tucking her in “and I promise you, Santa’s magic will work and he’ll deliver presents all over the world” “Ok! I promise” and she closed her eyes shut so tightly, as if commanding herself to sleep right that second, it was comical. “Night, bean” there was a kiss pressed to her forehead and Bucky was gone, leaving the door slightly ajar and the nightlight on.

“Everything ok?” Bucky sighed, tired yet relieved at the same time, as he plopped on one end of the couch back where he was before the sound of boxes falling upstairs had caught his attention. His arm immediately returning to its position over the back of the couch and around your shoulders as you cuddled back up to his side, chin pressed to his chest, looking up at him. His blue eyes looked at you, dancing over your relaxed features, the tips of his fingers drawing random shapes on your side. 

“Yeah, snooping around for presents. That Jessica girl in her class had put it in her head that Santa’s not real” you gasped, faking great shock “Oh no” and Bucky let out a huff as if saying ‘outrageous, i know’. Your soft hand came up, caressing the hair at the nape of his neck. “Jeez, Rumlow should really pay attention to what he says around his kids” his head dropped back, exhausted already. “Yeah, and that Jessica is turning out to be a real mean girl, too” “Tell me about it” his eyes rolled quickly and then the two of you fell into a silent and short fit of laughter. He pressed quick kisses to your lips as he spoke next. “Told her the pink box in the closet is a gift for you, now i need to get you a gift” you pulled away, faking offense and giving him a comical glare “So you haven’t gotten me anything yet” “You know I did, now I gotta get you something else and wrap it in pink” you giggled, lips moving over his due to the proximity, causing him to smile “and I also have to lock the closet, keep her nosey-nose out”

The two of you pulled away, readjusting on the couch to return to the movie that was currently paused on the screen “I could take the presents to my place” you proposed casually, before he pressed play and he stopped in his tracks, looking at you with a look you couldn’t decipher, as if he was analyzing you, but looking past you at the same time, deep in thought. “Bring them back, say, late christmas eve? Arrange them while she sleeps.”

His lack of an answer made you sit up, turning to look at him. He was just sitting there looking at the TV remote with a fond yet distant look. “Babe?” a soft murmur that snapped him out of his trance, shaking his head and glancing back at you with a smile on his features. “That sound ok?” “Y-yeah, yeah” he rubbed his eyes and cleared his throat. “Come pick them up tomorrow while she’s at Nat’s?” you nodded eagerly, giving him another soft peck as you returned to cuddling and paying attention to the movie that Bucky couldn’t focus on anymore.

Huh… An idea.

“Merry Christmas!” Steve said opening the front door and in came tumbling the Rogers-Stark pack. Three rascals running in, a present in each hand as Steve carried three more and Tony brought in the eggnog, trailing right behind his husband. “Merry Christmas, punk” Bucky answered, trying his best to reach his best friend despite the attack on his legs that were his nephews and niece clinging to uncle Bucky and laughing.

You emerged from the kitchen, drying your hands with a towel, reindeer antlers perched up on your head and followed by Natasha that had already poured herself a glass of white wine. “Merry Christmas Steve, Merry Christmas Tony” you said and they walked over, both of them pressing a kiss to each of your cheeks at the same time, the surprise of their attack making you stumble back a little. “Mistletoe!” Tony claimed, unfurling his scarf from his neck and you rolled your eyes, remembering you had placed it there last night. As if on cue, Steve grabbed Bucky’s shoulders and pressed an equally wet and loud kiss on his cheek. “Ew” “You love me, idiot” Bucky shrugged at this, because it was true.

The kids dispersed, all gathering under the tree and opening gifts with Becca. It was tradition that every Christmas the gang would have a brunch at a different house. This year it was Bucky’s place, and as per rules, the kids all had to bring some of their gifts to open at the host’s house all together, and the host kid had to wait to open presents with the cousins. It was a lovely tradition, one that you had been part of twice. Last year when you and Bucky had been dating for a little over three months – he was afraid you’d run for the hills at the craziness that was this family of his, but you’d had the time of your life with his friends and their lovely kids – and now this year, when it was Bucky’s turn to host, but everyone called it Bucky and Y/N’s turn to host. The Barneses. God, did Bucky like the sound of that. 

It was Morgan, Stephen Jr. and Simon, the Rogers-Stark kids; Lana, Nat and Clint’s eldest, little baby Archie still too tiny to even understand what was happening; Troy, Thor and Jane’s only child; and then Uncle Sam, who didn’t have kids yet but was a big baby himself, who sat and opened presents with all his nieces and nephews wearing the goofiest elf costume ever. No one could deny he was the favourite uncle most of the time.

In the middle of all the commotion, the Christmas music, the mess of wrappers and silly photo taking, Bucky had grabbed your hand, pulling you away from the kitchen where you had just placed a cake in the oven so that come the afternoon the kids could decorate it. His lips found yours almost desperately, leaving you breathless as you tried to reciprocate had the huge smile on your face allowed you to kiss him just as hard. Sam whistled, making the two of you separate. Bucky shrugged, laughter bubbling in his chest and pointing at the cheeky mistletoe he’d placed by the living room.

He picked up a rectangular box, wrapped in familiar pink paper with white polka dots and you remembered the gift Becca had seen last week, rolling your eyes but not able to keep the snicker that bubbled up from inside you. Of course he’d gotten you that extra present. Extra because he had gotten you other presents, as you had him, and there was the promise of a Becca free night – that was Sam’s present to every couple in the room: he’d take the kids for a Christmas play and then sleepover at his house, leaving the grown ups with a night for them – not that you didn’t absolutely love Becca, but Bucky had made it abundantly clear earlier just how good he was going to treat you tonight, causing you to shiver in anticipation.

He nervously placed the pink gift in your hands with fidgety fingers and a hop in his stance. Soon he was scratching at his slight stubble – you said you liked his beard when you’d seen his college photos and he’s promised to grow one out again ever since – a sign of clear nervousness that had you arching your eyebrows in confusion.

He opened his mouth to start whatever speech accompanied the present, but was interrupted by a tug on his pants, Becca wanting him to see the cool science set Santa had left over at uncle Tony’s house.

He admired it with her, exclaiming a long ‘wow’ every time she pointed something cool the box showed and he read most of it with the typical amazed voice – “More than 30 experiments to do at home? That’s so crazy!” “Wow bean, look at that!” and “Did you say thank you to Uncle Tony for bringing it?” –

Standing back up and walking the few steps back to you felt like facing his judgement day. Specially when you still had a confused look on your face. “So…” “Gotta say” you started “really nice but, not for me” His heart dropped to his knees. Fuck, was this it? How was he going to recover from you rejecting his – friendship bracelet set? He stared at the box you put up for him to see with confusion. “Oh my–” he facepalmed himself when realization struck. That was Becca’s pink wrapped present. “My bad, my bad” “Hey, if you want to make bracelets we can, I mean” “Shush, shush, woman” you laughed, mocking him as he trotted over to the pile of gifts by the tree, picking up the correct present, a dumb grin on his face that was still laced with some jittery nerves. “This one” the new pink box was placed on your hands and you couldn’t stop giggling as you teared at the paper.

Inside you found a gorgeous key fob, the different blue patterns contrasting the pink of the starfishes as it all came together for a very beachy, tropical design, and attached was already a set of two keys. You looked at Bucky with a happy yet confused grin. “Moveinwithme” was all the he said in, words almost crashing together with how fast he let it all out along with a huff of a breath he had been holding in. “What?” “I know! I know… I know I said we-we should take it slow, f-for Becca’s sake, and mine too, I know what- what I said a year ago, and I have not dated in… wow so long, until you and maybe this is too fast? Or, or, or maybe not, but I just…–” “Buck…” “– I just thought that this was the next step and I’m ready for it and I hope you agree with me and are okay with this too and if not then that’s ok! We-we, I can forget about this, never happened, just please, please... don’t leave? It’s –” “Bucky” “It’s just, the other day!… Uh, wow, the other day you offered to keep the presents at your place and, and it shocked me, okay? Because this… this is your place too, you know? You’re… you’re my place.–” “James” his hands come up almost holding your shoulders. “I mean! I mean in my mind you’re here, like when I come home from work or from picking up Bex, I’m wishing you were there, you know? And you’re already here so much too and it’s great, perfect even, and Becca! Oh gosh Becca adores you and so do I, and, and, am I rambling too much? Am I, did-did I overstep? Becaus–” you stop his rambling closing the gap between you, key chain pressed between your chests and your other hand on his neck, keeping him in place as you kiss him so deeply, ecstatic, filled with love. His hands find a resting spot on your waist and lower back, as the tension on his shoulders vanishes and he sighs a sigh of relief out his nose, melting into your touch and kissing you like you’re his only source of life, the chatter and celebration fading in the distance, he’s just kissing you, that’s all he is right now.

There’s some slight hollering and hooting from his friends that slowly snaps the two of you out of the bubble and a high pitched shriek that he recognizes is from Becca as she runs all the way from the other end of the living room, squeezing between your legs as she jumps up and down excitedly. “YAY! Daddy did you ask Y/N to marry you? Is she going to be my mommy?!”

Bucky chokes and coughs, eyes bulging out of his sockets, your hand covering your mouth as you try to conceal a shocked laughter attack. Clint is close by, ready to save the day. “Okay! Children, let’s go outside, help auntie Nat set the table for food yeah?” he’s guiding little Becca by her shoulders, him and Nat filing all the kids out of the house and to the backyard, the adults walking right behind them but at a slower pace, trying to catch whatever conversation will go down between Bucky who can’t be any redder and you. Bunch of gossips they are. 

“Uh, oh God, I’m not… I mean” all you do is nod, understanding him completely, and he can read it in your eyes that you do, which immediately helps him breathe “phew, I mean… kids, huh?”

You can tell he’s still feeling incredibly awkward and exposed, but you can comfort him better than no one else. Inching closer, lips barely touching his, hand returning to his neck in a sweet and seductive manner, you whisper “I’d marry you in a heartbeat” before pressing another short kiss to his hot mouth. “Hmm, really?” all you do is nod, biting your lip, another soft kiss. “I love you” “Hmm” he agrees unable to stop kissing you, softly, sensually, with everything in him. When he does, his lips are still hot and red and brushing against yours “I love you”

Soft I love you’s keep being shared between short kisses. A clear of someone’s throat breaks the moment apart, it’s Steve, leaning on the entrance to the kitchen

“Sorry to interrupt... something’s burning?” he points to the kitchen and you let out a quick oops! remembering the baked pasta you’d started long ago. Your hands are placed on Bucky’s chest. “Right! There’s a brunch to host” another quick peck is pressed to his lips and you’re hurrying towards the kitchen. “And a move in to plan! Congrats” Steve says to the both of you, cheeks coming aflame before you enter the kitchen, not before dropping the key chain, still in its box, inside your purse. Steve’s hand claps on his best friend’s back, inciting another deep breath of relief from him. “Gotta admit, thought you’d be asking her to marry you” the two men began a slow trek to the backyard, the closer they got the more hushed their conversation got. A nervous chuckle escapes Bucky “I wanted- want to. Then I thought I was going too fast…” “Uh-huh, so we’re acting like you haven’t spent the last month looking at rings during your free time at work?” Bucky rolls his eyes and Steve’s laughter is booming “Just saying, so I know how to act, you know?”

Steve is right, Bucky’s plans were different, but at the mention of you calling your apartment your place, he thought maybe this step wasn’t that big, it wouldn’t scare you off – It didn’t terrify him as much. The thought of you saying no? Leaving? A nightmare. He had a kid to look after, and he wasn’t going to do a good job at that with his heart completely shattered if you left. Plus, Becca? she already loved you, what would he do without you? – 

But now he knows you’re not going to be scared off so easily. He wanted to take it slow when he’d first met you, and you had complied, going along at his pace, and now? Now all he wanted was everything, but with you. His smile almost split his face in half when he spotted you, plating food for Becca and sitting her on your lap to help her eat. You were everything he was looking for, so why was he going so damn slow? “Do yourself a favour and ask her already” “Soon, Steve… Soon” Bucky took his rightful place next to you and Becca, his family.

I WENT HAM! Had this idea a few days back and remembered my bingo card so i decided to go for it and Allie already put me in a dad mood so i knew i just had to finish this and post it for my own sake cause oh my god. I’m desperate for dad Bucky right now, like im in a parental mood and it can’t be stopped. 

feedback is greatly appreciated and encouraged.

[quadriobuildingservices]

Your at home cooking dinner and you just feel like your living in a cardboard box. the kids have grown up now and now almost adults and thats making you feel very cramped for room. . You wish to yourself that you could renew and extend your home to accomodate your now grown family. . To see some of our tips and answer your questions about planning your project, visit our website ➡ Link in Bio.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #quadriobuilding #itsaquadriobuild #aquadrioproject #extentions #renovations #extension #renovation #builder #carpentry #carpentersydney #buildersydney #workmanship #italianquality #hillsdistrict #projectmanager #landscapearchitect #architecture #buildinginspiration #quadriobuildingservices #specialist #sydney #northwesternsydney #planning #smooth #video #sanctuary #family #entertaining #kitchen (at Castle Hill, New South Wales, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mVQ92lr6S/?igshid=10chcqrh82nj7

[luxuryglitterhoe]

Ghostly Dealings

I'm back at it again with a new story! This is Michael x black! Reader but I haven't went into any details about the reader yet! Also, no warnings on this one!

The taste of sweet tea was always your favorite. The sourness of the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar always gave you a sense of comfort.

A soft breeze shook the trees and casted shadows over you and your new house. You had bought the house for a steal because of it's bad reputation. The plastic bottle crinkled in your hand as you walked up the stairs. The keys stabbed into the palm of your hand but the door creaked open before you could even touch it.

Weird…

You didn't pay it any attention as you stepped in. The last owners had disappeared without a trace and left behind all of their furniture. It was almost scary walking through the house. Their lives had stopped in this house and the only thing they had left behind was old pictures.

You picked up their wedding picture that was laid on the table in the living room. They were a beautiful couple, all smiles, and love radiating from the sweet picture. You pulled the plastic covering the couch off and sat down. The electric company hadn't been out to cut the power on yet, and it was a slight chill in the house.

An almost unnatural chill that caused tremors up your spine and goosebumps on your arms. You thought about how you had gotten to this place. The family that you had left behind, but most of all, him.

You pushed open the curtains in every room. Dust particles overwhelmed you, causing your eyes to water, and you to cough. The light peaked through brightening the atmosphere of the dark house. The power company should have been there and you wondered briefly if you were going to have to stay at a hotel again.

You heard some shuffling from outside and peaked out of the window. A man was doing something to the meter box and the lights flickered on soon after. You wandered into the kitchen while taking stock of everything you needed. The sink seemed to be working fine and you wouldn't have to replace the cabinets.

“Well, you must be my new neighbor.”

You jumped and turned around. An older blonde woman stood behind her. She seemed like a vision from the 60’s with her updo and the styling of her dress.

“What are you doing in here?”

“I knocked.”

She sat down at one of the stools pushed below the counter. She lit a cigarette and perched it between her lips.

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“No, I just wanted to see the new meat that just moved in. Did you hear about what happened to the last couple that lived here? Tragic.”

You gave a short reply as you regarded her from the sink.

“I've heard a little.”

“They were a lesbian couple, and you knew only trouble would come from that.”

She waited for you to say something but when you didn't she continued.

“I saw them walk right into that door and never walk out. It was simply a mystery about what happened to them. People say that it was the evil of the house.”

She raised her hands in a grand gesture. Your pursed your lips and leaned back against the counter.

“How many years have you lived here, Mrs…?”

“Constance, my name is Constance. How rude of me not to give you my name. I've lived here a very long time, darling, probably before you were born.”

“Do you think this house is evil?”

Her eyes darkened in a sinister way as she stood up. She was glaring at something behind you, and you looked in the direction, but nothing was there. Her lips lifted up in a sneer while she walked to the back door. She flipped the lock with ease as if she had been in this house several times, eyes still locked on whatever was behind you, and spat out with venom…

“There is nothing but evil in this house!”

The door slammed behind her. You clicked your tongue while deciding then and there that every lock needed to be changed before you could stay there.

Your phone ringing brought you back to reality. You pulled it out of your back pocket and saw it was your best friend calling.

“Congratulations, new home owning bitch! It's time to celebrate!”

“The crazy neighbor has exposed herself already. I don't know if it's time to celebrate or run for the hills.”

“What happened?”

“First of all, she just appeared in my kitchen! Then, she was telling me about the last people that lived here when she zoned in on something. She said something about this house being nothing but evil.”

“It's Murder House? I thought everyone knew that the house is pure evil. I don't know why you wanted it so much.”

“It was cheap! You can't get this anywhere else in LA-!”

“Cheap? Aren't you a millionaire now?”

“I still don't like to spend money.”

Pins and needles stabbed at your fingers when your friend brought up your finances. She didn't know why you came into that money. All she knew that your husband was old and he suffocated in his sleep.

She didn't know that the reason he suffocated in his sleep was because of you holding a pillow over his face. She would never know that.

“You should! Your husband died and left you a millions of dollars because of his insurance! You own his estate! Yet, you're acting like it's all cursed.”

“I just miss him...a lot. It's so weird without him.”

You didn't miss him at all. You were glad that he was dead, and you couldn't stand his house. You weren't going to live there.

“I know it is babe, but splurge a little! Go to a spa before you get into all of those renovations.”

“You know, it isn't a lot of renovations to do. I just gotta get this stuff moved out and mine moved in.”

“Have you seen any ghosts?”

“I don't believe in ghosts.”

“Y/N! Please humor me!”

“The door opened by itself. I had the key and everything and it just opened. No one else was here at the time.”

“I hope before you die in that house that you get dicked down by a hot ghost. You need it.”

“Bye!”

“Y/N! Wait!”

“Bye!”

You hung up the phone and tossed it on the counter. If you died here, then you deserve it.

“You don't belong here!”

A blond man stood in front in front of you. He had on a bright yellow shirt with a jean jacket and was barefoot. You tilted your head wondering how he got here and if he was with the other woman. His bottom lip trembled, his fists were clenched by his sides, and his piercing blue eyes were locked on you.

“Is this a joke? Am I being pranked?”

“Get out!”

His voice was high pitched, babyish, and you smiled at the visibly upset boy.

“Bro...I get that it's scare the new neighbor day, but you have to leave. I need to figure out what I have to do.”

He blinked, obviously confused, before he disappeared into thin air. You groaned and pressed your fingers against your throbbing head. This was all too much. Too soon. This was karma. This was karma for killing your husband and taking the insurance policy and jetting off.

You grabbed your keys and left the house. The door slammed closed behind you before you could even shut it. You had barely made it to you car when Constance called you over. She was standing in front of the gate with another cigarette. Her eyes never left the master bedroom's window. The blond boy from earlier was standing there.

“There is nothing but evil in this house. It draws you in and steals your soul. Leave while you can.”

His fists pressed against the fragile glass as he screamed out. You stared blankly at him, almost in awe that this was real and Constance knew that this was happening.

He pulled away from the glass but he stared at it until it cracked under his gaze.

“Welcome to the neighborhood, darling.”

Well, that's all I have for right now but it is gonna be another part to this! I'm also working on the backstory for Driven so keep an eye out for that! Thanks and I hope you enjoy!!! @michael-langdon-appreciation @readsalot73