#modern look. Tiles are perfect for kitchens

[ctyhomeptyltd]

The Best Flooring Options in Allambie Heights for Every Home

The Best Flooring Options in Allambie Heights for Every Home When it comes to transforming your home, few things have a greater impact than choosing the right flooring. From durability to aesthetics, your choice can set the tone for the entire space. If you’re in Allambie Heights and in need of flooring solutions, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or…

[sunflowerwinds]

sugar, sugar | v.a

summary: vi has crept up into your mind and is keeping put so to try to relieve some of that bubbling crush energy, you bake her some protein muffins. after delivering them to her, she invites you to isha’s birthday party. meeting her entire family is nerve wracking but you’re welcome with open arms.

pairing: fem!reader x vi arcane

contains: modern!au, kick-boxer!vi, reader is an actual sweetheart, MY family (vander, isha, ekko, jinx, & sevika mentions), fluff and flirty tension, kind of slowburn but not really.

word count: 5.5K

a/n: what do y’all think of my new pfp?😝 i’m so glad everyone has enjoyed that first part of this little series. the overwhelming amount of support has touched my heart, i’m so sorry this took two weeks to come out i will try and be faster with the next part <3 & would 3 parts be too short? lmk in the replies!

— TWO

Making protein muffins was harder than you thought.

You had tried out multiple recipes with different flavors within the span of two days and it was driving your grandmother and your sister up the wall. Her kitchen now smelled like a mixture of all the different scents that were giving her a headache.

They were either dry, not enough flavor, too dense, not fluffy, too strong, etc. The list went on. But finally, on the third day of anxiously cooking, you perfected a beautiful and delicious batch of pumpkin muffins with a few blots of chocolate chips.

Ever since you found out that Vi worked at a kickboxing studio, it sparked an idea in your brain. You could bake some protein muffins to give her. Worried she wouldn’t like them, you double checked with her. You open your text thread with Vi, grinning at the last message she had sent you of the actual address of the studio so that you wouldn’t get lost.

Anxiously tapping your fingers on the steering wheel, you stare at the sign above the studio with hesitation. You had done yourself up a bit; just a tad. Okay, a little more than a tad.

This was Vi’s first time seeing you outside of work and you wanted to make a better impression than messily tossed up hair and bundled up layered outfits. You sported a mini black skirt with a pair of opaque tights with an over the shoulder cherry red sweater, your hair left in its natural state. You stare at the black marker writing of Vi’s name on the box in the passenger's seat of your car.

Would she think you were trying too hard?

No, no, no overthinking, you scold yourself. You tug down your sun visor on your driver’s side to double check your makeup before grabbing your purse and the box of muffins for Vi. You open your driver's side to step out onto the gravel parking lot, sucking in a deep breath to calm your nerves as you tug on the cold handle to the door of the studio.

The moment you stepped into the dim lit area, you spotted Vi almost immediately. A black compression athletic tank hugged her upper body, showing off her muscular upper body. Her bandaged hands were landing blows to a punching bag hanging from the ceiling. The sound of her soft grunts and the clinking of the chain holding it up the heavy vinyl bag echoed within the space.

You stand at the edge of the large mat covering the area, unknowingly frozen in place at the sight of Vi’s veins popping out of her biceps with each punch she was throwing. You snap out of it when you realize how long you might’ve been standing there for, clearing your throat and shaking your head at how embarrassing that was.

“Vi, hi!” You wave from across the rubber gym tiles at her panting figure, a bright smile on your face.

Vi lowers her balled up wrapped fists that had been previously punching the bag to wave back at you, a smile creeping onto her lips at the sight of you holding the little tray of homemade treats. You looked like a doll out of place in this sweat-ridden studio in your adorably cozy outfit.

Vi made her way over to where you stood at the edge of the mat, eyes panning up and down as subtly as possible. Seeing her outfit up close caused a heat to tickle the tips of your ears. You swore you could see her abs through the material.

“Hey, cupcake. Those for me?”

“Yep! Thought I’d drop them off before I… head out.” You cleared your throat, nervously smiling at her as you fiddled with the cardboard of the box you had bought for this.

Vi grabs a small towel from a foldable chair where parents would sit through classes to wipe over the back of her sweat-ridden neck. She was so close to you that you could feel the heat radiating from her skin. You couldn’t tell if you were staring at her as obviously as you thought. Worried you were going to seem like an absolute creep, your eyes blink as they focus on her face.

“Yeah? You have plans today?” Vi hangs the towel around her neck, crossing her arms over her chest.

The movement caused your eyes to flicker down to the protruding muscle. You were sure this time you were staring as her dark tattoos were glistening underneath the thin layer of moisture from her workout. God, you could hear your grandma now teasing you for getting distracted by muscles of all things.

“I mean I’m just going to the grocery store. Need a few more things for Isha’s cake.” You nod to confirm, flickering your eyes back up to hers.

They were somehow even more captivating than her biceps. Her lips twitch into a small grin, nodding slowly.

“The people at the store are very lucky.”

You couldn’t fight the smile that crept onto your lips.

“Shut up,” you look around at the equipment and trophies around the room to try and hide the heat that was undoubtedly forming on your cheeks. “Were you just working out here? Or did you have a class?”

“Yeah, I had a class earlier but it was for mostly 6 to 8 year olds so they didn’t beat me up too bad this time,” Vi jokes as she reminds you of her injuries from the last time you saw her.

You chuckle as you can only imagine seeing Vi with a whole group of children, gently encouraging them to take hits at her. Oh, your heart skipped at the thought.

“Yeah, I mean you look good now.” You blurt out without thinking.

Taking way too long to realize what had stumbled out of your mouth, Vi’s brows raise at your words as the faintest of smirks forms on her lips.

“Yeah?”

Your eyes flicker up to hers, self-consciousness washing over you once that realization sets in. Your mouth opens as you grip the box as some sort of comfort to ease the humiliation creeping up your neck.

“Not that you don’t look good all the time because you–you do! I mean, I don’t see you everyday but I’m sure you do,” you try and recover, voice becoming softer as you trail off.

Vi unfolded her arms from her chest to reach forward to rest them on your shoulders, faintly chuckling at your panic. “Cupcake, relax. I knew what you meant.”

You suck in a deep breath at her touch but you mask it as attempting to calm down from your frantic words.

“Okay, yeah. I’ll just leave these with you now,” you pat the top of the box, looking into her eyes. “I’ll see you soon so you can pick up the cake at the shop?”

Vi nodded in agreement with the set plan, taking the box of muffins from your hands. You nearly frown at the loss of touch that was somehow burning onto your skin even though you were wearing a thicker sweater.

“Yeah, I’ll see you soon but,” she clears her throat, moving the box to rest on one of her forearms as she brushes her front pieces of hair to the side. “Did you want to come to Isha’s birthday party?”

“Seriously?” Your smile widens.

Vi nods, eyes crinkling a bit from her smile matching your own.

“Are you sure?” You question, fiddling with the sleeves of your sweater. “It won’t be awkward not being family or anything?”

“No, I mean. It’s a small party but I think you’d have fun,” Vi shrugs her shoulders, suddenly becoming more sheepish. “Isha wants you there. Couldn’t stop talking about the nice bakery lady.”

“Just Isha?” You tilt your head, hopeful that she would give you the answer that you craved.

Vi taps on the box with a small smile. “I want you there, too.”

Oh, your gram would be jumping with glee seeing this interaction. Your face ignites a flame at her honesty, nodding with a beaming smile.

“I’ll be there. I’ll just bring the cake then.” You nod, pushing back flyways from your hair.

“Okay, good. I’ll text you the address, cupcake.”

You nod for what felt like the millionth time at the pink haired girl, taking a step back to try to force yourself to leave her warm presence.

“Okay and if you like those, uh, muffins, let me know if you want any other protein snacks. I like a good baking challenge.” You motion to the muffins.

Please say yes, you internally begged.

“I will. Though, I doubt I won’t like them if you’re the one baking them,” Vi assures your frantic mind.

You grin at her awkwardly, not knowing how to take these little flirty gestures she would throw at you. At least, you thought they were supposed to be flirty.

“Okay, okay,” you wave your hands, chuckling sheepishly to yourself as you realize you’ve probably overstayed your welcome. “I’ll leave you to… your boxing stuff.”

Vi chuckles at your wording, pointing to the clear door.

“Have fun shopping. I’ll see you soon.”

“See you, Vi.”

You felt like throwing up from your nerves.

You had texted Vi later that day after dropping off the muffins what you should wear so that you wouldn’t be either too overdressed or underdressed. It was a child's birthday party, for God’s sake but you still didn’t want to be too out of place especially around her family.

from vi ♥︎ | Do you have any options?

to vi ♥︎ | kind of? i have ideas of what i could wear but i’m stuck :/

from vi ♥︎ | Let me see and I’ll tell you what looks best!

You nearly dropped your phone on your face at the message. Standing up from your bed, you scurried to your closet to pick out two options as you didn’t want to bombard her with photos of yourself. You quickly change in your planned outfits minus the shoes, sending both of them to her. You were panting from how you switched from one to the next.

from vi ♥︎ | Fuck, you look good in both

from vi ♥︎ | I was expecting this to be an easier decision but you really just look good in either.

to vi ♥︎ | violet :(

Could she tell how flustered you were from behind the screen?

from vi ♥︎| I’m serious

from vi ♥︎ | But if you want me to choose, I’ll say the first one!

to vi ♥︎ | thank youuu! i was stressed about that lol

from vi ♥︎ | You’re going to be fine. I promise :)

to vi ♥︎ | really?

from vi ♥︎ | Yes. You’re the lady bringing the cake. No one can hate the lady bringing the cake, duh.

to vi ♥︎ | yeah, yeah, okay. i’ll relax now.

Now you were standing at the front door of the small suburban home in that very outfit that Vi had chosen; a white tee with an espresso brown cardigan over it and a pair of your favorite baggy dark wash jeans. Your hair was half-up, half-down and your cleanest pair of Docs. You rang the doorbell just a few seconds ago, patiently waiting for someone to answer the door.

If you held your breath, you could hear muffled footsteps approaching the wooden door. The sound of the locks unlatching signals you to straighten your back, preparing yourself for whoever was going to answer the door. The hinges creak as it swings open to reveal Vi, sporting a welcoming smile.

Similar to you, she was wearing a brown cut off sleeve top, a white tank top underneath the open torso portion and a pair of black jeans. You try not to read into the matching colors too much.

“Hi! I was so scared I got the wrong house,” you chuckle as you stare into her eyes.

“Nope, you got it. Everyone is in the back. Come on,” Vi reaches for your hand, tugging you through the small house halls.

You nearly drop the cake as you urge her to slow down, releasing soft chuckles at her eagerness. You glance around at the cozy walls of the home, catching a few glances at a few family photos hanging and set up on shelfs. You made a mental note to try and sneak inside to get a closer look at those.

You step through a white chipping back door, Vi guiding you to the birthday party set-up for the precious child. Green streamers hung on the wooden fence to appear as vines as a photo op and a foldable table that was filled with wrapped and bagged presents with Isha’s name in balloons with a few animal print ones surrounding the inflatable letters as music played from a speaker. It wasn’t the coldest day as it was nearing the end of November but there was a slight breeze and the sun was shining beautifully to really wrap up the sight of this unknown family.

You hold up the cake underneath the white box, subconsciously gripping onto Vi’s hand due to the anxiety swimming through your veins.

“Come on. I want you to meet everyone,” Vi insists, a charming smile on her face as she walks up to a group of people that were sitting at a round table that had a jungle leaf tablecloth over it.

The whole table had cups of drinks in front of them, talking amongst each other with animated features.

“Hey guys,” Vi speaks up, her hand still holding yours gently.

A chorus of greetings overwhelms you in a good way as she goes around the table to name them off one by one.

“Okay, this is Jinx, my other sister,” she points to a pale skinned girl with two electric blue hip length braids, a few strands coming from the front to frame her face.

The girl smiles at you with kindness, eyes widening as she seems to realize who you are.

“You’re the bakery girl? That donut was delicious. I have full trust that the cake will be amazing,” Jinx nodded with a wink, leaning into the darker skinned boy next to her.

“That’s Ekko,” Vi chuckles as she points at white haired boy.

“Hi. Nice to meet you,” he grins at you, nodding his head at you to show his acknowledgement of you.

“Hi!” You reciprocate the gesture, looking at the more broad woman on the other side of him.

“And Sevika. Don’t let that mean face scare you. Just wait until Isha comes down from the bouncy house.” Vi gave your hand a squeeze, a teasing grin on her face.

Sevika huffs at the pink haired girl's words but manages to press a semi-warm smile on her face in your direction. You nod with a more timid ‘hi’ leaving your lips. You didn’t want to say it out loud but she scared you a bit.

Okay, she scared you a lot.

“I think my dad’s inside but I’ll go let Isha know you’re here. Be right back.” Vi, after what felt like ages, released your hand to walk over to the bouncy house that was filled with a few more kids around Isha’s age.

The second her warm palm left your own, a wave of alarm washed over your features now being left alone with people that were closest to her. You turn to the group with the calmest expression you could muster to attempt to hide how nerve-wracking this was for you.

“You can relax, you know,” Jinx was the first to speak, tilting her head at your tense figure. “Here. I can take the cake. I’ll put it in the fridge.”

She stood up, reaching her pale hands out to you to take the cardboard box from you. You thank her quietly as you allow her to relieve you of that worry, leaving you alone with Ekko and Sevika.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be awkward,” you shake your head, taking the seat opposite to Sevika to leave Jinx’s spot still open.

“Vi told us how nervous you were so we were kind of expecting it,” Ekko admits which makes you wince a bit. “But, hey, we could do some ice breakers? Tell us something that’ll ease the tension.”

You nod at Ekko’s offer, pondering for a moment as you pick out a random fact from the depths of your brain’s memory log.

“Oh, I went to the hospital when I was 7 because I swallowed my Polly Pocket’s purse because my grandma said I had ‘wanted to know what it tasted like’.” You offer, glancing between the two strangers in front of you.

Sevika raised one of her palms to cover her mouth like she was trying to hide her amusement from your sentence. Ekko’s eyes widened as he snorted back a laugh, causing you to proudly smile at yourself on succeeding on breaking the ice just a bit.

“Jinx nearly burned my hair off when we were kids. She was obsessed with making homemade bombs,” Ekko shared with you, pointing to a mark in his eyebrows. “I still can’t grow hair in this spot on my eyebrow because of it.”

“I got this scar from her kicking me in the face when she wouldn’t go to the dentist when she was 9,” Sevika pointed at her half an inch scar on her top lip with a shake of her head.

“Okay so what I’m hearing is to stay clear of Jinx,” you joke.

This seemed to ease the tension between you and the two completely, them nodding to confirm. Slowly but surely, everyone started sharing stories of their childhood as did you. You learned alot about Vi and her little family through these two, feeling more connected to them already. As you shared what your jobs were like, you feel a smaller frame tackle you from the side. You look down to see a head of wild bronze waves cling onto your arm.

It was undoubtedly Isha. Vi stood behind her with a sweet smile, folding her arms over her chest before she pats Ekko on the back as she sits herself down on the other side of you. You send her a quick glance, her brows raising as if to check up on you and you nod to assure her.

“Hey birthday girl,” you look down at her, golden eyes staring into yours.

She makes a delighted sound, snuggling more into you. You rub a hand over her back for a moment before raising your hands to sign that she looked cute, motioning to her adorable birthday sash and bunny ears over her black and white striped tee.

Signing right back to you with an elated smile, she says; ‘you look beautiful.’

Your heart tightens at her kind words, signing a ‘thank you’ before tugging her into a gentle embrace. Her back was a bit damp from what you assume is the sweat from jumping around in the bouncy castle.

“She’s excited for her cake,” Vi hums as she stares down at her sister with a teasing grin.

Isha nods enthusiastically at her words to confirm said excitement, looking over to Ekko and Sevika and signing something that you didn’t pick up due to her turning away from you. They both nod, eyes following over to Vi’s figure next to you with raised brows. You turn to look at Vi in confusion at the silent communication but choose to mind your own business as Vi’s cheeks seem to match her hair now. You didn’t want to embarrass her further.

“Alright, who’s hungry? The pizza’s here!” A deep English accent comes from behind the group, a burly yet kind looking man comes from the back door which you came from carrying five pizza boxes.

Jinx trails behind him with two bags of ice stacked on her own arms.

“You hungry, cupcake?” Vi places a hand on your shoulder, jerking her head over to the man.

You suck in a deep breath at her words, feeling Isha’s fingers wrap around your own that were resting in your lap. You were unbelievably hungry but knowing that this was going to be your first impression of Vi's father made your stomach churn, attempting to suppress your hunger.

But you push through.

“Yeah, I could eat,” you nod to confirm, turning your head to the side to give her a composed smile.

Sevika and Ekko followed you and Vi’s lead as you both stood up from your seats again to walk across the slightly overgrown grass, nearly tripping as a few more children passed by your hips and legs to run towards the table full of cardboard boxes of pizza.

“Hey, hey, slow down. One at a time,” the man told the group of kids, pointing at them to grab the disposable plates.

“Dad,” Vi called, taking your right hand once again while Isha still clung to your other.

“And who is this, Violet?” He questions his daughter as he places a slice on a child's plate in the line they formed.

“Hi!” You speak up before Vi could as you introduce yourself.

The man nods at your introduction, a friendly smile on his face as he plates another child’s plate. His eyes flicker to his eldest daughter with a raise of his brows before focusing his attention on you.

“Vander. Vi’s told me alot about you,” he states as he points to the pink haired girl standing next to you. “You’re the sweet lady who made Isha’s birthday cake. Got to say, I saw it in the fridge and it’s absolutely perfect. Thank you for doing that for her.”

You felt overwhelmed by the compliments from the man, strangely having the urge to hug him but only tighten your grip on Vi and Isha’s hands.

“Oh, it really was so much fun to make too. I don’t get a lot of cake orders so I was excited to test myself, I guess,” you assure the man of your adoration with the job.

“You work up an appetite baking? We’ve got some fine cuisine here,” his voice was playful as he motions to the greasy boxes.

You nod to confirm which resulted in a strong Dad-like laugh to leave Vanders’ throat before he raised a hand to clap on your shoulder, tugging you towards the boxes now that all of the children had gotten their own pizza slices. You release the two sister’s hands before looking up at the man.

The entirety of the birthday party quickly became a party game frenzy after everyone hounded down their greasy food. There was cup stacking; Vi won that one, pin the tail on the donkey; Isha won that, limbo; you almost broke your back trying to do that, etc. You saw a more eccentric and playful side of Vi, cursing her for being such a bright person around her family.

It made her all the more attractive.

When you ended up being her partner for the wheelbarrow race, you felt like a freak for those good few seconds where you were holding her legs up by her ankles so she could use her hands to ‘run’ across the grass. You kept your eyes straight forward for as long as possible.

They lingered a bit downward because why the hell did her ass look good in black jeans? You nearly won but Isha and one of their little cousins who had come to the party won that round due to you being… well, distracted for a moment. She stuck the middle finger up and stuck her tongue out at Vi quickly before Vander could see, causing you and Vi to gasp before she celebrated with her cousin again with a cheeky grin.

Your real enemy ended up being the three legged race. You and Vi’s hips were touching, arms interlocked as a bandana was being tied around your thighs to keep you from separating. You suck in a deep breath as Sevika tightens the fabric, patting the area to tell you two it was good.

“Good luck,” Sevika tells the two of you, standing back up to move on to Ekko and Jinx who were next in the lineup.

Vi grins at the elder, looking over at you as she brushes her hair out of face.

“Who do you think is going to win, huh?”

“I know you want me to say us but I have high hopes for Ekko and Jinx. She’s very scrappy,” you admit with a soft laugh, your hand twiddling with a loose fabric on your cardigan.

Vi nods slowly in agreement at your words.

“And Ekko?” She hums.

“He matches that,” you lean in closer before pulling back as the wind blows your hair a bit.

This Vi chuckles at, not denying that accusation. Vander moves to the front very end of the fence of the backyard, cupping his large hands around his mouth to shout the countdown.

“On your marks,” he yells, “get set.”

He pauses dramatically before raising his left hand upwards to mimic a flag and slam it back down before yelling out: “Go!”

You and Vi immediately start to move yourselves forward, Jinx whining that you two were cheating already. Vi’s hard bicep tug into your own as she tried to keep you two from tripping.

Isha and one of her cousins were catching up to you quickly, their little legs beating you. Some force was on your side that day as you had stepped forward with your free leg and rolled your ankle a bit on what felt like a toy.

It happened too fast for you to comprehend but you fell to the ground. You turned to your back side without thinking and nearly twisted your ankle doing so.

Vi’s hand attempts to grab your forearm but in doing so, falls over with you. Her body covers your own, her weight laying on top of your own. You groan at the impact hitting your stomach and chest, looking down at your legs to see that the fabric of the bandana had ripped which was what caused Vi’s body to be on you and not next. Her body shifts to lift her upper body up to relieve that ache in your chest.

Vi lifts her head to stare down at you with a concerned expression, hands on either side of your head.

“Shit, are you okay?”

You tilt your head down to how Vi’s hips were pressed into yours and look back up to stare into her twisted expression.

“Yeah, I’m… good,” you lied through your teeth as the back of your head was now throbbing.

Vi’s eyes were searching your own for any sort of discomfort. Your chests were centimeters apart as you breathed heavily to try and catch your breath, eyes boring into one another's. Suddenly, your head and backache were forgotten about. You swore for just a moment Vi’s eyes flickered down to your lips before pushing up off of you, grunting as she stood to her feet.

She brushed off her jeans before leaning forward to wrap her hand around your forearm to help you up and off the grass. You allow her to tug you upwards to your feet, avoiding her glaze like the plague.

“Ekko and Jinx take the cake!” You hear Vander start to clap, wincing out loud. “You two alright? Kind of got caught up in the competition for a moment there.”

“Fine, Dad,” Vi replies as she watches you brush off your own legs, sucking in a deep breath. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“A little headache but I’ll survive, Vi.” You shake your head, brushing your hair out of your face with a lighthearted chuckle.

You two sadly couldn’t speak for longer as Vander announced it was time for cake. Vi’s hand lingered on your arm as she ushered the two of you to the set-up, watching as Jinx carefully came out with the lit birthday cake. Your eyes round with admiration at Isha scrambling to sit still in her chair as her big golden eyes widen as everyone starts to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.

Watching the scene unfold sent a bittersweet sense of comfort, remembering how you were once that small with a family like this. You hoped Isha could have this forever, security and love wrapped into one. If a tear left your eye, you’d disguise it as it being from the impact just a few moments ago.

The party died down slowly as adults and other family members came to pick up the other children that were at the function, getting pieces of the cake shoved into their palms that Vi had been praising since she took her first bite. Feeling like you had overstayed your welcome as the family was now gathered in the kitchen area to clean up, you quietly tell Vi that you should probably head home.

“Oh, yeah, I’ll walk you out,” Vi holds her finger up to Jinx, Ekko, Sevika, and Vander who were in the middle of a conversation.

“Aw, what? You have to go home already?” Jinx furrows her brows, huffing out a breath. “I didn’t even get to embarrass Vi in front of you yet.”

You chuckle at her words while Vi grumbles a sound of annoyance at her sister.

“I’m sure you’ll do it soon enough. And yeah, I got baking duties to tend to.”

“Well, I hope we get to see you more often and not just so you can bring us cake,” Jinx stepped forward to give you a quick hug.

You pat her back with a new sense of welcoming into Vi’s family, nodding in agreement with that statement. You say goodbye to everyone, making sure to sign Isha one more ‘Happy Birthday’ to which she signs back what you think is ‘Bye, pretty cake lady.’

As you walk down the halls to the front door, Vi questions: “What are you baking next?”

Catching you off guard, you ponder for a moment.

“Well, I’ve been dying to make some cinnamon rolls but kneading the dough can be tiring.” You huff as you watch Vi open the door for you, allowing you to step onto the gray concrete walkway that leads to the driveway. “Why?”

“Just… wondering.”

Then an idea sparks in your head as you lean against your car, turning to face Vi with a hesitant smile.

“Did you want to come over to mine to help me bake them?” You offer quickly before you could fumble and retract the statement.

Vi’s dark brows raise into her hairline at your invitation.

“You just want me to knead the dough, don’t you?” She teases.

You blow out a breath of air as you shrug your shoulders as if it wasn’t the first thing you thought of. “I mean, if you really want to. I wouldn’t mind it.”

Vi purses her lips as she nods, trying to repress her beaming smile. “Yes, I do want to.”

A sense of accomplishment washes over you at how you successfully made it through today without having any major screw-ups.

“I really had a good time today. I forgot how much fun birthday parties can be,” you grin sheepishly as you stand by your car, the sunset lighting up the side of your face beautifully.

Vi’s smile only grew at how stunning you looked.

“I told you that you would. You should come over more,” Vi shrugged her shoulders, tilting her head at you.

You hum with a playful smile as you bump your shoulder with hers. “So I can get multiple concussions? I don’t think so.”

“Well, I can promise I can try to prevent as many of those as possible.���

You chuckle out an ‘okay’ at her words, fiddling with your cardigan sleeve. There was a beat of silence between the two of you, the soft breeze sending shivers down your spine. Your bad habit of admiring her silently; nearly creepily hit you when you made eye contact with her, her brows raising at you challengingly.

“Right, yeah, so I’ll let you know when I have everything to make the cinnamon rolls,” you stated as your hand hovered your driver's side door handle, snapping out of your temporary trance.

Vi’s arms folded over the front of her chest, scuffing her shoes on the concrete of their driveway as she rocked her on her heels.

You find her eyes once again, taking in a confidence wielding breath as taking a step forward to wrap your arms around her neck. Vi was taken aback for half a second, breath hitching before she let her arms drop from their spot to hold you up your torso with one arm as the other raised to cradle the back of your head with her hand. You bury your head into her neck to cling onto the warmth for as long as you could.

“Thank you again for coming, cupcake. I’ll see you soon, alright?” Vi says gently into your temple, sliding her hand off of your head.

“Yeah,” you suck in a deep breath, “I’ll see you.”

Achingly doing so, you detach yourself from her embrace to finally get into your car. Vi stood in the driveway as you reversed and drive off, waving at you until you were down the road.

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[hometoursandotherstuff]

Such a lovely, welcoming estate that they call a textile villa. I don't know what that is, except that the owner worked in textiles. The home was built in 1906 in the Netherlands, as a country home, but the family loved it so much that they decided to stay permanently, so the owner built an office wing and worked from home in 1916. 3bds, 3ba, 6,404.53 sq ft, Price On Request (Must be staggering.)

The house is just as lovely as ever. I don't think I've seen a wallpapered sun porch before. The flooring is orignal.

Isn't this a beautiful sitting room? Look at the unusual fireplace. The mirror is set into the actual hooded mantle and the bricks make a red & black striped pattern.

That light fixture! It doesn't come furnished, but those soft green velvet chairs just make you want to settle in.

Muraled wallpaper in this room is so inviting. And, look at the chandelier.

Spacious kitchen in soothing green tones. Look at that stove and matching hood.

The dining room has built-in storage with a fireplace on one wall. I love the soft pink and how the wallpaper ties in with the furnishings.

They chose to ignore the orange tile on the fireplace, keeping it original rather than replacing it. My mother was a designer and it's not unusual to simply ignore certain elements like carpet color, etc. and proceed with the chosen color scheme. But, note how the flames and a few orange glass bottles pull those colors in.

This rustic lounge is amazing. The plants complement the colors of the velvet fabrics.

The wonderful wallpaper extends out to the hall.

A surprise at the top of the stairs- I didn't expect a library. What a great idea.

Very spacious primary bedroom with an original built-in cabinet. How cozy. Love the fireplace and how they closed it off with decorative tile.

Big, beautiful remodeled bath.

The stylized vintage/modern soaker tub was the perfect choice.

Love this spacious rosy room with a door to a pretty porch.

This home is so beautiful. (And, it's not gray or white.) Look at this wonderful little retreat-for-one to sit, read, and relax beneath a gorgeous chandelier.

They kept the original tile in the back hall off the kitchen and prettied it up with beautiful wallpaper.

And, we're back at the sun room/conservatory with the doors open to the patio.

Beautiful patio and gardens.

The approx. 12.9 acre grounds are partially open to the public to enjoy, with boundaries. A number of places are private, fenced off, and expressly closed to visitors. The fen, for example, they kept to themselves, to swim and relax at the water's edge (well, it is their home, so is there an electrified fence or what?). The current owners are on good terms with the residents of the town: “They have seen how the metamorphosis of the estate and the villa took place and appreciate that they are allowed to walk and cycle here.”

Would you, as the new owner, allow them to continue? (They damned well better throw me a welcoming party first.)

https://www.funda.nl/detail/koop/enschede/huis-welnalaan-5/43617486/

[damned-punk]

Small Moments (Kidd x Reader x Killer)

@gratefulcheeses Kidd Pirate’s Month 2025 🏴‍☠️

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Content Warning: nsfw, afab!reader

Content Description: modern!AU where you and Killer spend the day planning for a relaxing evening while Kidd works overtime ♡

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You stood in the kitchen alongside Killer, finishing up the sides that would accompany his pasta dish for dinner. The two of you had the day off, Kidd was due home from the body shop at any second. Just as you had set out the plate and silverware, the front door swung open to reveal your favorite red-headed mechanic. His hair was a bit tousled, his hands covered in grease and his clothes just as tattered as ever. You strutted yourself over to him, greeting him with a kiss as soon as his boots were off and kicked to the side.

“Miss me?”, he asked teasingly, squeezing your bottom as he returned the affection.

“Dinner is almost done, hurry and shower.”, you urged him so that the food wouldn’t get cold.

This was all part of your usual routine. Kidd would shower as soon as he was home, all the sweat and grime from work creating such a mess otherwise. He and Killer typically worked the same shifts but Kidd had put in some overtime today, consequentially allowing you and Killer to scheme at home in preparation for the perfect evening. As you listened to the water of the shower patter against the tiled walls, you plated Kidd’s dinner and arranged everything on the coffee table in the living room.

As you returned to gather drinks for everyone, Killer caged you in his arms and showered a barrage of kisses across your face. You squirmed and giggled against him, a smile cracking across his features. He traced his lips along your jaw, nipping at the soft skin of your neck. You relaxed against him, far happier and satisfied than you could’ve ever imagined. These small moments meant the world to you and you hoped that it felt the same for them.

“I’m about to say to hell with this food if you two keep it up.”, Kidd said jokingly, lightly swatting and gripping your bottom as he caged you in from behind.

It was certainly temping, being pressed between them in bed was always a good time but the more rational part of you urged them to wait. It somewhat added to the allure of the evening, knowing that impending explicit activities were just on the horizon. There was little conversation as the three of you indulged in the meal, the flavors meshing perfectly with your’s and Killer’s combined efforts. Kidd’s hand wandered to your thigh as you sat back, discarding your empty plate alongside their own.

Killer noticed and followed Kidd’s lead almost immediately. Something about the way their large, rough hands gripped at you made your entire body feel warm and fuzzy. You stood from the couch and shuffled your way toward the bedroom, picking up speed as Kidd began chasing you down the hall. You yelped when he caught up to you, tackling you onto the bed and unleashing an attack of tickles than had left you pleading with him to stop.

Killer leant against the door frame and shook his head at your shenanigans. Despite Kidd’s intimidating stature, he could be so unserious which always made for a good time. You could say the same for Killer, Kidd might’ve been the one to start things but Killer never failed to finish them. The two men were so content and happy to be with you, there had been a time in their lives when they never could’ve imagined a life like the three of you had built together.

“EUSTASS! STOP!”, you yelled in defiance, your words coming out a bit wheezy due to the inability to catch your breath between laughs, “Help me, Killer!”

“You sure you want me to help?”, Killer took a few steps toward the bed, “You look like you’re handling things pretty well on your own.”

Kidd relented and let you breathe for a moment upon hearing Killer’s words. They were far too sultry for him to continue playing with you like this. Visions of you handling him in other ways crossed his mind, prompting him discard your bottoms. He was rather swift with his motions, the sudden loss of modesty causing you to become a bit shy. You trusted them whole heartedly but things could be unexpected at times. One moment you’re playing with them and the next, you’re playing with them.

Killer assumed position behind you, coaxing you to lean back as Kidd positioned himself in front of you. He hooked his arms underneath your legs and peppered sloppy kisses along the plush of your thighs. He considered teasing you, but he was far too impatient at this point. He worked his tongue through your folds, thoroughly enjoying the way that your fingers gripped his hair.

“Kidd…”, you whimpered out to him, “Feels good…”

“I know, I know.”, he cooed back, not nearly as sarcastic as usual.

He’d typically take his time working you up, sometimes even trading off with Killer to extend the build up to the main event. Things would typically move fast at that point, the anticipation making the sensations feel so much more intense. Tonight was still just as pleasurable, but Kidd wanted to indulge in you for a change of pace. His day had been filled with hard work and little excitement, he needed this time to be as close to you as possible.

Killer understood immediately from the pace that Kidd had set, working himself up to the view before him. He’d enjoyed having the opportunity to decompress with you, the only thing that could’ve enhanced his experience would’ve been Kidd also getting to spend the day the same way with the two of you. That would be saved for another time, the three of you were connected in this moment and that was enough.

Your legs trembled, a signal that Kidd was bringing you to climax. Killer whispered filthy praises in your ear as your back arched, your chest heaving with deep breaths as Kidd helped you ride out your orgasm. He kissed his way back up to your lips, giving you the opportunity to taste yourself. You took a few seconds to calm down, eventually moving to rest on your hands and knees before the two men.

“Good girl.”, Kidd praised you, landing a firm smack on your ass, “Killer’s looking a little lonely, don’t you think (Y/N)?”

You focused on Killer’s hands which were currently freeing his cock from his boxers. You carefully brought your lips to rest around the tip, waiting to move until Kidd assumed his position behind you. He aligned himself at your entrance, initially moving with gentle thrusts as you adjusted to his size. You did what you could to take as much of Killer into your mouth as possible.

Killer was not fond of pushing your head and allowed you to pleasure him at your own pace. Kidd’s thrusts had become sharp and unrelenting, it was evident that he was not far from his own climax. Not that you were complaining, but Kidd was not as simple to pleasure at times. Killer was truly just happy to be there, he seemed to take all his pleasure from being any level of intimate with the two of you. It was a great dichotomy to have, the best of both worlds in your humble opinion.

Kidd’s thrusts became unrhythmic and Killer seemed to be holding himself back to wait for Kidd. If you could manage, you might’ve even giggled at the pair of them. They didn’t always engage in acts of intimacy alone, but this was one of those small moments that they shared together. This was a true connection between them and you as one unit, a three pointed set of soulmates.

“I love you, (Y/N).”, Killer muttered out as he met his own end, unable to hold back any longer.

The sudden admission from Killer combined with how you were working so hard to not spill him from your mouth summoned Kidd right over the edge. He was not as graceful with his own verbalization, uttering a string of curses as he collapsed against you. Killer readjusted his position to help you be more comfortable, reaching to fix the blanket over the three of you as best as he could manage.

“I can’t believe this.”, you deadpanned after a few moments.

“What?”, the two men asked in unison.

“Killer said he loves me and all you did was lay there.”, you teased Kidd relentlessly, “I don’t want cuddles from you anymore.”

You made a playful and feeble attempt to squirm out of his embrace, obviously putting up no real fight to get away from him.

“All I did was lay here?”, Kidd barked back, “I’m about to fuckin’ show you what laying here really looks like.”

“Yeah, I hear ya.”, you remarked, “Killer will protect me.”

“I will not.”, Killer teased back, “You’ve gotta fight your own battles at some point, (Y/N).”

“That’s it, I don’t want cuddles from either of you.”, you pouted and turned away from the two of them.

You smiled to yourself upon hearing Killer’s laughter in tandem to Kidd’s huffing and puffing. These moments meant everything you, it would always be the three of you against the world.

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[inubaki]

Married to-? ——-

FluffWeek prompt: husbands

I made up an idea of a reincarnated Adam in a modern suburban setting. In which he thinks he has it all. A lovely house. Job. Friends. Spouse. As long as he doesn’t think about it too hard.

—- I talked it over with @libby-for-life and commissioned her to write the story since people seemed interested but I know my own writing is awful.

hope you all enjoy as much as I do. ———-

Adam woke up as he always did, stretching his arms overhead with a wide yawn and a sleepy grin spreading across his face. The sunlight streamed through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. He turned to the side, his gaze falling on his husband, Sam, who lay peacefully asleep next to him. Smaller in stature, Sam had always been the perfect counter to Adam’s broad frame, and despite his delicate appearance, Adam knew all too well that his partner was far from fragile.

With a growing smile, Adam gently brushed back the tousled blonde hair that had fallen over Sam’s forehead, tucking it softly behind his ear. He admired the way the morning light highlighted the sharp angles of his husband's face and the faint smile that teased at the corners of his lips even in slumber. "I love you..." Adam whispered, his voice barely above a sigh, watching as Sam stirred slightly, mumbling incoherently in his dreams. The sound was endearing, and Adam couldn't help but chuckle softly, thankful for the quiet moments they shared together.

He gently got up to make breakfast for his hubby. Humming to himself, Adam got the clothes he would wear for the day and stepped into the opulent bathroom, his gaze immediately drawn to the luxurious surroundings. The floor was covered in polished marble tiles that gleamed under the warm glow of strategically placed LED lights. Each tile reflected the light like a polished gemstone, creating a mesmerizing effect.

The walls were adorned with rich, textured wallpaper in deep hues of navy and gold. A large, ornate mirror framed in antique gold hung above a double vanity that was crafted from dark walnut wood, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. The vanity was equipped with high-end fixtures, shimmering in chrome and accented with intricate detailing.

As Adam walked further in, he noticed the spacious freestanding bathtub, which was a work of art in itself, featuring a sleek, modern design with smooth curves. A waterfall faucet that could have water cascade into the tub, producing a soothing sound that complemented the serene atmosphere. Plush towels, neatly arranged on a heated towel rack nearby, were invitingly soft, hinting at the comfort that awaited.

To the side, a glass-enclosed walk-in shower boasted multiple showerheads and an array of luxurious toiletries displayed on a minimalist shelf. The steam that came from the shower would be a soft haze, giving the room an ethereal quality. 

Adam took a moment to appreciate the thoughtful details—a small potted orchid on the vanity, the subtle scent of essential oils wafting through the air, and the soft, ambient music that played in the background. Sam knew him so well and he still couldn't believe that he designed this bathroom with Adam in mind.

He gently stripped from his silk pajamas, a gift from Sam with a note saying how sexy he would look in the nightgown, and he hopped into the shower. As much as Adam wanted a bath, he wanted to personally make Sam's lunch and that meant racing their cook to the kitchen. Lathering some apple-scented body wash, Sam had a thing for apples that Adam didn't mind indulging him in, and washed himself clean. 

He took his time, running a hand over the scars under his chest. While he didn't used to be, Adam was confident in his body and while his body may not be under traditional gender norms, his lack of dick didn't make him any less of a boy.

Despite the body dysmorphia growing up, Adam did have a good childhood. He was born into a loving family who thought he was a girl and treated him as such. Until he was four years old. 

Adam was in his small bathroom, glaring at the pigtails that his mother had put up in two pretty bows. He hated it. Why couldn't he have the hair that all his friends had? They had told him that girls weren't allowed to play with them. That word. He hated it more than anything. He had taken a pair of scissors and cut his pigtails off, bows and all. 

He immediately smiled at his reflection, liking how short it looked. His parents didn't understand at first but indulged him. To this day, they were still his loving and supportive parents who paid and fought for his right for top surgery at fifteen when Adam realized he wasn't going to be small-chested but be on the bigger side.

And while he had definitely gotten heavier as he got older, and spoiled by his husband, he still had a masculine appearance and Adam couldn't be happier with it. Especially with the beard he had growing.

Adam quickly dried off, the soft cotton towel brushing against his skin, and slipped into a comfortable pair of simple navy pants and a classic white shirt before making his way to the warmly lit kitchen. The inviting aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air as he moved. He arrived just in time, beating the cook to the kitchen. 

"Ah, Mr. Morningstar. I was just about—" Jerald, the cook, started to say, his voice tinged with surprise.

"I've got breakfast for today, Jerald," Adam replied, flashing a kind smile that lit up his face. Jerald nodded appreciatively, his smile widening, before he exited the kitchen to make his rounds. 

Adam rolled up his sleeves and got to work, carefully mixing the batter for the pancakes, the gentle clinking of the whisk against the bowl filling the air as he added just the right amount of vanilla extract. He sizzled strips of bacon in the skillet until it was perfectly crispy and arranged plump, juicy strawberries on a plate. He could already envision Sam’s delighted expression at the sight of his favorite breakfast.

Moments later, Sam stumbled into the kitchen, his tousled hair hinting at the long night he'd had. A small but tired smile graced his lips, his blue eyes, still hazy with sleep, sparkled with affection as he took in the scene. "And how is my wonderful husband?" he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Adam’s back, warmth radiating from his touch. 

Adam giggled at the affectionate gesture, turning to face him with genuine joy. "Good morning! I'm good, and how about my Ducky? How is he?"

"Good...what are you cooking?" Sam inquired, leaning slightly against the counter, his curiosity piqued

"Your favorite!" Adam exclaimed, his voice bright with enthusiasm. Sam’s smile widened, and his eyes glimmered with love as he watched Adam pour the pancake batter onto the hot griddle, the sound of bubbling batter echoing in the kitchen. They soon both sat down and began to eat their meal.

Sam looked at his watch and nearly choked on a syrup-drenched pancake bite. "Golly! Is that the time?!" He yelled standing up. Adam blinked and watched as Sam quickly ate the rest of his food before kissing Adam on the cheek. "Bye, my love! Don't wait up!" Adam watched with a smile as Sam ran from the kitchen to get to work. His husband was always running late for something.

Adam shaking his head fondly, he cleared the table and placed the dirty dishes in the sink before leaving the rest for the maid to clean knowing she had a particular way of doing it and found it scandalous that one of the Masters of the house would clean when it was her job.

Besides, today was a special day for Adam—he was finally meeting up with some old college friends he hadn’t seen in years. Angelia and David had reached out, excited to shop and spend some quality time with him, and who was Adam to refuse such an invitation? The drive to the quaint little coffee shop downtown was filled with anticipation, the streets bustling with late-morning activity.

As he parked and stepped inside, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the sweet scent of pastries enveloped him. He spotted Angelia and David seated at a cozy corner table, their faces lighting up as they waved him over. Adam smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at the sight of them. He walked over, exchanging hugs as he exclaimed, “Guys! You look amazing!”

David, with his usual effortless charm, leaned back in his chair, long hair casually falling over one shoulder as he placed their orders for lattes and blueberry muffins. Meanwhile, Angelia eagerly leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So, I’ve heard you settled down well! How’s it feel to be married to a big shot?” 

At the mention of his husband, Adam felt a slight blush creep up his cheeks, a mix of pride and affection warming his heart. He couldn’t help but smile as he replied, “He’s amazing... really. It’s been a whirlwind, but every moment is worth it.” The nostalgia of their college days mingled with his present happiness, reminding him just how far they all had come.

"What does he do?" David asked as he gently placed Adam’s hazelnut latte on the table, the rich aroma wafting between them. Adam took a sip of his drink, savoring the warmth, before finally replying, "Oh, he's a contractor." The foamy surface of the latte reflected the late morning light filtering through the café window. As Adam continued to drink, he felt the weight of their stares, a gentle pressure that urged him to elaborate. 

"Well?" Angelia chimed in, her green eyes shimmering with curiosity and a hint of mischief. "Contracting what?"

Adam hesitated, a frown creasing his brow as he tried to dig through the mental fog. "He...uh, you know...I don't quite remember?" he stammered, his mind racing. Sam was definitely a contractor—he owned his own construction company, after all. They often discussed their workday in the evenings, but the specifics were a blur. 

"Wait...you don't know what your husband does for work?" David raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "Don't you think that's a little weird?"

"I'm sure he's told me, but I just forgot!" Adam insisted, laughter laced with nervousness escaping his lips. He tried to sound reassuring, but as the conversation shifted, the nagging thought clung to him—how had he forgotten something so fundamental? What exactly did it mean to be a contractor? Did Sam never explain it in detail? Or had they just never had the chance to delve into such a vital aspect of each other’s lives? They’d been married for four years, for God's sake! Adam has even met Lucifer’s daughter from her work from overseas. They called all the time—Surely at some point, the nature of Sam’s work had come up some variety of their conversations.

He'll ask Sam tonight. That'll clear the whole thing up.

Later on that night, Sam came home in a ruffled suit looking exhausted but perked up when he saw Adam reading on their bed. Adam smiled when he came in, ready to ask his question but stopped when he saw Sam giving him...the look.

Adam blushed heavily. This meant Sam was feeling especially sexually frustrated and Adam was going to have a wonderfully long night. Sam took off his tie, his shirt, and then his pants. He was purposefully teasing Adam and it was working. He bit his lip as Lucifer stood before him naked, his long thick appendage hanging low.

"Addy....are you going to be a good boy tonight?" Adam nodded as Sam showed him the tie he would be using to blindfold him. Adam gently knelt before Sam and he gently tied it around his eyes, obscuring his vision. "Oh, Addy...you have no idea the day I've had...and the only thing that made me sane was thinking about what I'd do to you when I came home." He was roughly pushed onto the bed.

This was Sam’s other side. While Adam loved Sam’s gentler and softer side, the one who loved ducks and could name you the most obscure fact about them to making duck-shaped butter balls to place on toast, Adam also loved this side of Sam as well. Dominating and controlling. An animal in the sheets.

He felt hands glide over his skin, slipping under his nightgown. Fingers pinched sensitive nipples causing Adam to cry out. "Now, didn't I say to be a good boy? Good boys are silent. Don't make me gag you~."

Adam nodded and kept quiet as Sam explored his body excruciatingly slowly. And then, faster than Adam was expecting, he was rolled onto his stomach and his nightgown lifted. "There's the dessert...don't mind if I do." Adam bit his pillow to keep from screaming in pleasure as a tongue entered.

Adam didn't know how it was possible but the man seemed to be able to lick everything inside of him all at once, hitting places that Adam didn't think were possible, it had to be otherwise Sam wouldn't be doing it, but it made the man moan, high and needy for more.

Almost immediately, he whimpered when a palm struck his ass. "I said no talking. A gag is what you need." And then a ball gag was being forced into his mouth, making the taller man's cheeks blaze even hotter. "No talking or I'll take the switch to your naughty ass. Nod if you understand." Adam frantically nodded and a searing kiss was placed on his ass. Sam always ran hot but this kind of sex with him always felt like they were burning together.

Sam finally let go of his pussy with a pop, ruining whatever orgasm he was going to have and growled low in his ear. "Remember your silent safe word." That was all the warning Adam had before he was slammed into. Adam moaned into the gag as the bed rocked with their combined effort and tears soaked through the blindfold and onto the sheets. They both heard creaking and splintering, but neither cared.

"You're mine, Addy! Mine!" Sam bit his neck over and over, leaving bite marks for all to see. Adam knew it would be a mess in the morning but the taller man liked having Sam's mark. It made him feel protected and owned in all the right ways.

Sam came deep into him and Adam could have sworn that he smelt burnt wood as he came as well. They both fell asleep together and Adam knew the tie would be gone in the morning.

And if Adam saw the broken bed in the morning, he would shrug it off as the material being faulty, not knowing that it was made of solid oak.

The questions came around lunch, a time when the sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over their kitchen. Sam had managed to linger at the table longer than usual after breakfast, his caffeine fix pulling him back from the clutches of sleep. The night before had been long leaving them a bit bleary-eyed yet content. 

Adam, sensing the moment was right, decided now would be the perfect time to broach the topic that had been on his mind. He smiled to himself, reassuring himself that this wasn’t an interrogation, just an inquiry. As soon as Sam settled into his chair, looking slightly weary yet relaxed, they exchanged pleasantries, the familiar rhythm of their relationship easing the atmosphere.

Adam leaned forward and asked, “Dear, I know this might sound silly... and you’re free to laugh, but what do you do for work?” His eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to hear Sam’s response.

For a brief moment, Sam froze, a fleeting hesitation crossing his face that would have gone unnoticed if Adam hadn’t been watching so intently. Then, as though shaking off a brief wave of surprise, he took a sip of his steaming coffee, allowing the rich aroma to ground him. “I’m a contractor,” he replied, his voice steady but still carrying an undercurrent of thoughtfulness. His gaze drifted momentarily towards the window as if searching for the right words to follow.

"Contracting what?"

"Buildings, land disputes, and territory mainly. You'd be astonished how many times the ownership of some land ends up somebody else's the next week and the paperwork involved hurts my brain." Sam winced at the mental image.

Adam nodded but something still felt....off. "Hey, do you mind if I invited some of those clients for dinner then? Oh, it would be so nice. Me and Jerald would—"

As Adam continued talking, Sam seemed to grow more pale. He meant to say that he couldn't possibly ask clients on such short notice for dinner. That it would be unprofessional to ask them over. He needed to get Adam to stop talking.

"Of course, Dear! What time?" No. Stop! You were supposed to shut him down!

"6:00 would be good for guests to come!" No! Say that can't work! "Sounds perfect." You goddamn pushover. 

"Hahaha! Well, I do got to go to work but I'll see you tonight!" This was a disaster!

Adam kissed Sam on the cheek and hummed as Sam practically ran from the table, whipping out his phone. "B? Yes, I have a favor to ask. A big one. Yes, it involves the others."

XxX

Adam glanced over the bustling kitchen, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him as he helped Jeralod plate the meal. Their teamwork had resulted in a delightful spread: a golden roast chicken, its skin perfectly crisp and seasoned with rosemary and thyme, sat proudly in the center. Fluffy mashed potatoes, infused with garlic and cream, were generously topped with a pat of melting butter, while a vibrant green bean casserole—adorned with crispy fried onions and a creamy mushroom sauce—added a splash of color to the table. Freshly baked bread rolls, still warm and lightly brushed with garlic butter, beckoned invitingly alongside a decadent cheesecake drizzled with raspberry coulis for dessert.

As Adam surveyed the feast, he hoped it would be enough to satisfy the appetites of all who would gather. Sam had mentioned he was bringing six of his clients, and Adam wanted to make a good impression. With the clock ticking, he turned his attention to getting ready, wanting to look his best for the evening ahead.

He decided on something simple but sophisticated. A navy blue suit, black tie, and some polished leather shoes. Adam’s brown hair wouldn't cooperate for a while but eventually, Adam decided it was fine and straightened his tie. Time to impress the masses.

He came down the stairs and was startled when there was a knock on the door. The maid, her name was Elena, came running to the door before smoothing her skirt. "Go, Adam! I'll bring them to the Parlor!" She said and Adam quickly made his way there as the door opened up.

Soon, six tall people came inside. Adam thought they were...taller than average but shook it off as he introduced himself as Adam.

"I'm Beatrice." The blonde one said. "This is Bel, Manny, Levi, Sanderson, and Ozzie." She introduced. Adam smiled at them all and asked, "Would you all like a snack while we wait for my husband?"

"Oh, we couldn't pos—

"Thanks, I'm starving!" Manny said as he flopped on the couch. Beatrice and Ozzie glared at the man but Adam simply laughed. A man after his own heart. 

About an hour in, everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves when Sam came bursting in. "About time you showed up," Manny said and Beatrice punched his shoulder in warning.

"Sorry! Sorry! Um, dinner?"

As they all sat down to enjoy the meal, Adam couldn't help but ask, "So, you all seem very close. Did you all know each other before you became his clients?" They all shared a look that Adam didn't quite understand but they all unanimously said, "Yeah, sort of."

The dinner unfolded with effortless charm, the soft glow of candlelight casting warm shadows across the elegantly set table. Adam found himself enjoying the company, laughter echoing around him, but a nagging feeling tugged at the back of his mind. Everything seemed too perfect as if the evening had been meticulously orchestrated for his benefit. 

As he glanced across the table at Sanderson, who was animatedly chatting with Levi, a flicker of unease washed over him. When he attempted to call Sanderson's name, his voice was swallowed by the cheerful atmosphere. Sanderson, despite meeting Adam's gaze, didn’t respond. When their eyes finally connected for a long time, Sanderson offered a chuckle and shrugged, saying something about getting "spacy sometimes." Adam raised an eyebrow; who forgets their own name in that moment? 

As the evening wound down, the laughter and light banter faded as everyone left, leaving Adam alone with his thoughts. He felt overwhelmed by an avalanche of questions—why had he felt so out of sync? Was he merely overthinking things? Yes, that had to be it. Just a figment of anxiety playing tricks on him. He turned over in their new cozy bed, leaning in to kiss Sam goodnight, but deep inside, the unease lingered like a shadow he couldn’t shake off, despite his best efforts to dismiss it.

Three Months Later:

Adam had a nagging suspicion that he might be pregnant, but he initially chalked it up to the flu that had been going around for weeks. However, after he found himself vomiting for the fifth time in a row, a realization struck him: this wasn’t just the flu—it was morning sickness. 

As he stepped out of the bathroom, a wave of emotions washed over him. He found his husband, Sam, comfortably sprawled on their bed, lost in the pages of a novel. “Dear?” Adam called softly, drawing Sam's attention. 

“Hm?” Sam replied, turning a page without looking up.

Taking a breath to steady his nerves, Adam said, “I think I’m pregnant.” 

“Oh, that’s nice, dear,” Sam responded nonchalantly, his eyes still glued to the book. 

For a brief moment, Adam stood there, waiting, a mix of hope and anxiety coursing through him as he watched Sam process the information. Then, as comprehension dawned on Sam, he flung the book across the room in excitement. “Pregnant?! Do you really think so? Adam!” 

Within seconds, Sam was off the bed, bounding toward Adam and enveloping him in a warm, jubilant hug. Laughter bubbled up from both of them, and Adam felt an overwhelming surge of happiness wash over him as he smiled, finally embracing the reality of their new journey together.

Sam was ecstatic about the pregnancy, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he envisioned their future as a family. But soon after the announcement, Adam found himself haunted by a series of bizarre dreams that left him both puzzled and disconcerted. 

In one dream, he wandered through a lush, vibrant garden filled with flowers he had never seen before, their colors almost surreal. In another, he labored in a barren, desolate landscape, feeling an unbearable weight pressing down on him as if he were trapped in a world that was entirely foreign.

Among the shadows of his dreams, two faceless women appeared repeatedly, their presence unsettling yet familiar. It nagged at Adam, a deep-seated feeling that he should know them, yet their identities eluded him like wisps of smoke slipping through his fingers the moment he awoke. With every passing night, the intensity of these dreams escalated, distorting reality and blurring the lines between his waking life and the nightmares that consumed him.

Then, a new figure emerged—an ethereal being who radiated light so bright that Adam could hardly bear to look directly at them. This figure embodied warmth and kindness, reaching out to him with an understanding that felt profound and comforting. Yet, beneath the gentle exterior, Adam grappled with a sense of betrayal, as if this luminous presence held secrets that he was not meant to uncover. The conflicting emotions stirred within him; he felt drawn to this figure, even as a flicker of resentment simmered beneath the surface. 

As the dreams spiraled into chaos, Adam felt increasingly disoriented. They grew darker, and more vivid, each one amplifying his feelings of confusion and dread. He was at a loss, unsure of what these dreams meant or how to escape their grasp. The echoes of his subconscious left him restless, wrestling with fears that seemed insurmountable and questions he couldn't articulate. Each morning brought no relief, only a persistent weight that pressed upon his chest, a reminder that something deeper was at play.

Adam sensed something was deeply wrong. A new dream had haunted him—he found himself in a shadowy field, digging desperately in the earth, burying a child whose face felt achingly familiar, though he couldn't place it. He jolted awake, tears streaming down his cheeks, his heart racing. Sam was there, wrapping him in a comforting embrace. 

“The dreams are getting worse,” Adam confessed, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t even know a Seth, and yet, for some reason, I was burying him in that dream!” His sobs shook his frame as Sam gently rubbed his back, offering a steady presence amidst the turmoil.

“I—” Adam tried to articulate the turmoil within him, but the flood of thoughts and emotions spilled out first. “I’m seeing too many things at once,” he continued, his voice breaking. “They all feel so familiar yet I couldn’t have possibly experienced them before! It’s like I’m trapped in someone else’s life, and I don’t know how to escape.” 

As he spoke, Sam held him tighter, sensing the chaotic storm of confusion and grief that enveloped Adam. The weight of his dreams pressed down on both of them, intertwining their fates in a mystery that begged to be unraveled.

"I... Adam? I need to speak with you." Adam sniffed, his heart racing as he looked up into Sam's eyes. A flicker of confusion crossed his mind—were Sam's eyes...red? No, it had to be a trick of the light, he reasoned. But just as he began to dismiss the thought, something even more unsettling happened. Sam told him he—wasn’t Sam? He was the Devil? Adam's heart leaped into his throat, fear and confusion mixing in a tumultuous storm. What was Sam playing at with this revelation?

"I didn't mean for it to go this long without telling you, but when I found you, I was so captivated. You were like a breath of fresh air, a reprieve from the oppressive darkness of Hell. I just couldn't stay away!" Sam's voice cracked, desperation painting his features as tears shimmered in his eyes. "You have to understand! I had to get more of you!" Adam's heart ached at the raw emotion, yet the weight of Sam's words pressed down on him like a heavy fog. He pulled away from the embrace, staring at him in disbelief. "Are you on drugs? The Devil? I’m pouring my heart out to you, and you’re playing this sick game?!"

Adam's mind raced as he tried to process the bizarre situation. He attempted to leave the bed, his instincts screaming at him to find safety, to seek refuge with his mother. But just as he made a move, a firm hand shot out and grasped his wrist, anchoring him in place. The grip was both tender and unyielding, sending shivers down Adam's spine, a mix of fear and a strange longing coursing through him. What on earth was happening?

"Adam, I'm not lying, look!" Adam gasped as Sam began to change. His already pale skin went white. His eyes bleeding into a more vivid red. Horns sprouted out of his blonde hair and wings...three on each side sprouted from his back. "I'm not Sam...my name is—"

"Lucifer." Adam didn't know why but that name had been burning in his brain for the longest time along with those dreams.

Adam sat numbly as he found out that he was actually married to the Devil. He had sex with the Devil. And he was now pregnant by the Devil.

"I—I....need some time to think. Please." Adam said as he quickly packed a small bag. Sam, no, Lucifer watched as Adam left the bedroom but not before saying, "I want you to respect what ever answer I give you." He tried to ignore Lucifer sobbing on their bed as he left the house for his mother's place.

Six Months later: 

It wasn't easy, but Adam came back. He came back to the Devil to make it work. God, what was his life becoming? He made Lucifer lay it all out. No more lies. He answered every question until Adam was satisfied. And then, he had to prove it to Adam. Trust wasn't just given back. It had to be earned.

He didn't try to think too hard on the fact that he was the reincarnation of the First Man Adam. "I mean...it makes sense that you're transgender, Adam." Lucifer said. "You were the First ever male. It's hard to go against what you were made for. Of course it would transcend your mortal body."

Nope. Moving on.

The dreams stopped being so frequent as Adam accepted who he was. Didn't mean he had to be dredging up old memories. The past was the past and Adam was going to leave it there. Of which Lucifer quietly accepted with admittance to having already accepted this division when Lucifer had decided to marry him.

His last bridging gape had been both tender confined, more to a ghost than wards himself, “It’s wasn’t so much that you were different. It’s more that are everything now that you were meant to be…” It quickened something inside himself he couldn’t explain, like a settling Adam never knew was out of place.

In the place of uncertainty something new slowly began to settle between them. Lucifer still had his ‘work’ that judged up a few added details that Adam was happy to shove back till later. Terms like ‘Queen, King’ being tossed around while Adam was only interested in his current settled life. Be it prince or another princess, Adam wanted only the same love and acceptance that himself had been privy too.

"This baby is going to be...normal, right?" Adam asked as he felt another kick from the baby. They were due any day now. Lucifer froze on the snack he was making for Adam. "Uh...maybe? Depends...would you still love them if they had goat hooves?"

Adam recalled his step-daughter Charlie’s unveiled form and snorted when he realized Lucifer wasn't kidding but immediately said, "Lucifer, they could be part snake and I'd love them. Do you know how much of a hypocrite I'd be of I didn't accept who they were?"

Three days later, Adam was holding his little clone baby with a playfully judgmental look. Beautiful big yellow eyes, a long tongue, and a long tail wrapped around themselves making Adam glance at Lucifer. "You know, when I said they could be part snake and I'd be fine with it, I'd didn't mean for you to take it as a challenge."

Lucifer laughed as Adam kissed their son's cheek. "Either way, he's perfect.”

——

This posts from @lisandra-phillips helped the idea along. While the story was being written, @sir-tater-of-the-tot actually took the original prompt I made and drew it! Ahhh!! It’s so cute!! Please check all these talented people out. The rest of the art is sadly by me. Hope you all enjoy. In which, Lucifer was mainly there to fuck with him at the beginning but fall unexpectedly. link here:

[seancekitsch]

Can’t Stand Me Now; a modern Aegon x Stark! reader fic

CHAPTER ONE: The Party's Crashing Us

Y/N Stark and Aegon Targaryen. Aegon Targaryen and Y/N Stark. Inseparable since both eldest children met at Kings Landing University, until they weren’t. One night of drunken passion ruins it all.

Five years later, Aegon is coming off a broken engagement to Larissa Lannister and sends a risky Instagram DM to none other than Y/n Stark.

series masterlist here

warnings for the series: smut, smoking, drinking, friends to strangers to lovers, angst, fluff, vomit, more to come as needed

It’s not that one dance club you like that Sara brings you to, but this one just might be better. It’s a theme bar, a little too influencer friendly in its decor, but it’s endearing. The whole thing is themed like a house from your grandsires’s day and age. Floral couches with ugly plastic covering line the walls as people sit and chatter or flirt, the bathroom has sickeningly pink tile and floral wallpaper, the bar is legitimately a gutted vintage kitchen with bottles stored in cabinets and a vintage stove and formica drink counter. The DJ booth is a second gutted bathroom with the walls knocked out, with the DJ standing on a platform that looks like a huge teal toilet and partitioned away with a cheap shower curtain with a weird squiggly pattern on it. There’s even a little kneeler and altar to the Seven stashed in the corner that people like to take ironic photos at while they take shots. Sara brought you here because it’s synth pop night, her absolute favorite genre, and she does not miss a chance to dance to this over club beats. You don’t mind that this isn’t a wild club, mostly because of the cheap cover fee and eclectic vibe of the whole place. Sara also was considerate enough to tell you to dress the part before you got on the train, congratulating you on a night out sans stilettos with a guarantee of letting absolutely loose.

“Cregan would hate this place,” Sara snorts, bringing you a cup of something that absolutely doesn’t look like the whiskey sour you asked her to get you on this round. She hands it to you, and the smell of rum hits you. You don’t drink rum, you don’t get along with rum.

“As if we could drag him off Dragonstone with his little boytoy,” you shout over the music, and point at the drink, “Didn’t have Whiskey?”

She just shrugs.

“This is what the guy gave me!” she shouts back and you don’t argue further, instead interlocking your arm with hers and knocking the drink back with her in unison. 

The moment the rim of the cup leaves your lips, youre dragging her to the tiny dance floor, ready to mingle into the crowd with the beat. 

“Someone’s eager,” she teases, her face close to yours so youre not screaming. You dance close, a habit you’ve still not broken, made out of a big sister need to protect her when she became of age right as you were graduating from University. You tried to shield her if at all possible from scuzzy men when out drinking with her. Men like… well, not unlike yours and Aegon’s group of school friends. KLU doesn’t have fraternities, but tight knit groups of men still formed on their own; Aegon, Arryk, Erryk, Martyn, Leon, Eddard all fell within that category. You’d perfected the evasion of walking in on their countless hookups, and knowing exactly how to navigate a party with the men that even they didn’t trust. Even though Sara is grown in her own right, and towers over you, you always protect her as your baby sister. 

“Hard day,” you respond, not at all wanting to explain yourself further, but as if on cue your phone illuminates in your claw-like grasp in the same hand as your cup to expose you. You switch hands to drink the remainder of your drink while you scroll, and Sara being Sara, of course snoops. 

“Aegon?” she practically shouts, and yes, there’s at least three more messages from Aegon on your instagram. Fuck. You throw your head back dramatically after you fully read everything. 

Message:

@ eggtarg: im soz

@ eggtarg: i do miss u

@ eggtarg: can i call ?

(1) missed voice call from @ eggtarg

You break away from Sara, not even telling her, but you’re going to buy the next round. In fact, you’re buying double right now. You shove a bunch of bills towards the bartender, a little guilty but too anxious to actually care that the gesture was rude. Four more of the cups of the strong rum drink, which you learn is a theme drink for the night with an annoying name, and you maneuver them in your hands back to the dance floor with minimal spillage. She doesnt thank you, but she doesn’t have to. You cover each other, or convince men to buy you drinks on these nights. There’s no one party paying more or less, no reason to get anyone back. The two of you dance, and drink, and dance, and drink. Two rounds becomes three. For a moment, Aegon is actually forgotten. 

Sara, at any point in time, has your free hand in hers; the two of you twirl each other like you did when you were girls, like you did when Cregan refused his middle child duties to play pretend with you. You take her photo sitting backwards at the kneeler, knowing she’ll make a snarky caption about nothing honoring the Old Gods like this in the city, you fix each other’s lipstick in the bathroom. 

It’s the fourth round that has you a little unwise. 

Rum is something you avoid for a reason. In college, there was always a point where you felt almost trapped within yourself with rum. You acted on an accord completely disconnected from your mind, the whole time your thoughts shouting on you to do or say something different. For that reason, for the fact that it usually made you upset, Aegon banned rum at any gathering. No tiki drinks in the summer, all because of your comfort and preferences. 

You push off from Sara, a brief check in that she’ll be okay (she will be, she’s decided to talk the bartender’s ear off), and go outside with the intent of a smoke break. 

As you walk down steps, you feel your stomach turn. Nothing a cigarette cannot fix, a tried and true trick for you. 

The bouncer helps open the heavy door, a big smile on your face as you thank him and step out into the brisk air. It feels lovely, compared to the stale and sticky air and vape clouds of the bar. You move to sit on a chair from the little coffee shop that operates there during the day, fishing your pack and your lighter out from the tiny trendy purse you had shoved your ID and money in before you left your flat tonight. 

Sighing, you immediately give in to temptation, finding Aegon’s messages to read and read and read them over. He misses you, he’s said as much twice now. But does he?

You click on his profile, and scroll back down to that picture of you. It looks practically deep-fried, the way that Instagram as a platform has changed so much since you were in University.  You light the cigarette and take a hefty drag of it before you start a dissection, zooming in and pulling and prodding at the image.

In the photo, you’re half hanging off of Aegon’s lap, sat on his dorm bed. His parents, Viserys and Alicent, insisted he always live on campus in dry dorms to attempt to curbs the habits they did not approve of, but also ensured he got an entire dorm to himself for space. Despite this, it never stopped his room from being where you all met up before you headed out, or being the spot where you crashed at the end of the night. Your mouth is wide open, clearly mid laugh as your hair cascades down across both of you, Aegon’s arms holding you tightly against him. And although the camera is on both of you, Aegon’s eyes are on you, his wide smile and gaze trained directly on the side of your face. In the picture, you’re even in his clothes, his favorite emerald green sweatshirt embroidered with his family crest in gold thread. Falling off his shoulders is the blanket your mother had made for you as a child, crocheted with your own family crest in it, your most prized possession.

From the picture alone, if you didn’t know the people in it, you’d assume they’d be married by now. The two people on the screen look so happy, so care free, so in love. You were still only friends at that point, had never even kissed.

Bile rises in your throat, and you pull harder on the cigarette. 

Both drunk and sober, clear headed and uninhibited, you go back to the message and press the little call button next to his contact. 

Aegon picks up immediately, as if he was waiting for it.

“Stark!” he breathes on the other end, like a sigh of relief, as if this is a raft in the open ocean. 

“Targ,” you greet, very much less enthusiastic, but you cannot deny it that hearing his voice ignites something familiar and comfortable in your bones as if your being had been missing him. 

“I- I- I’m so sorry, really, I have so much to-“

“S’been five years,” you slur, not hiding the indigence or disgust in your voice, “Y’too late.”

“Your accent is stronger, are you drinking?” He asks, and it burns you how he still remembers your tells. 

“What’s it matter?” You ask, because it doesn’t. Although, you think for a moment, he doesn’t sound drunk. 

“Where are you?” 

Genuine concern laces his voice, and despite your better judgement, you tell him exactly where you are. The moment the words leave your mouth, you know you should not have said them.

“I’ll be there in twenty,” he says, and hangs up the phone. 

By the time he arrives, you’ve grabbed another drink, this time with enough sense to order a pint of cider instead of rum and you’ve already lit and half smoked another cigarette. You slink down into the chair as the black car pulls up, one that you instantly recognize as one of the family cars. Aegon had a car when you knew him, but he only ever drove it on his birthday, taking the train or getting a driver any other time. You pull the lipstick stained cigarette from your lips to take a hefty gulp from the glass, your eyes immediately settling into a glare as the car door opens.

Aegon looks exactly the same as he did the day he left, his hair still the same length, the light dusting of a mustache. He’s got himself wrapped in both a hoodie and a cardigan, completely unable to cope with any cooler shift in the weather. You always joked that he’d die if he ever came home to Winterfell with you. 

“There you are,” he says, his tone incredibly and unfairly soft as he grabs another one of the chairs and pulls it up next to you.

“If I grab something do you promise not to run?” he asks, and you nod if not begrudgingly. You called him here, you should at least let him get a drink out of the ordeal. 

You swallow thickly, staring at the toe of your boots and the absent patterns of the concrete. If you focus hard enough, you could trick your brain into thinking there was some divine structure there. 

He returns quickly, but your eyes don’t peel away from the absent patterns; They can’t. 

“I know it’s shit how I reached out to you,” he starts, and from your peripherals you watch him take a big gulp from his own pint. You stick the cigarette into your mouth and fumble to pass him the pack, your body working on autopilot and muscle memory long since past. His fingers brush yours as the transfer or the carton occurs, a traitorous warmth blooming in its wake. You will not ask for the pack returned. 

“You’re hard to find these days,” He mentions, as if that was not your goal.

“I don’t meddle where I’m not wanted, Aegon,” you mumble, cigarette bobbing between your lips and threatening to fall.

“That’s not…” Aegon almost growls in frustration, and slams the rest of his drink back, “It was never me not wanting you. I meant it.”

If you were to look up, you don’t know what you’d see. Would he have tears in his eyes? Would they be dark with anger? Is he mocking you?

Instead of a response, your body jerks forward, bile threatening. You pull the cigarette from your lips as he swears and pulls out his phone. 

“Don’t say shit like that,” You laugh, but there’s no real humor in your voice. 

“I still mean it,” he assures you, and then begins a conversation with the person on the other line. 

You stand, taking another small sip of the cider before placing what’s left on the ledge, allowing yourself to take the loss for whatever money that half a cider cost. 

“What a fucking joke,” you mumble, more to yourself than anything. 

You try to hide the lurching jerk of your body as bile rises again in your throat. You will not puke, you will not hurl; Especially not in front of Aegon. 

You have so many things you want to say: questions you’ve had for half a decade, insults that you’ve held onto like a poison in a wound, weeping confessions that would make you weak and pathetic. 

“Cole, can you please send someone,” Aegon asks, a hushed tone while he presses the phone to his ear, “Yeah, yeah I’m fine, I need to make sure a friend gets home safe.”

A friend. You bark out a laugh. 

Only thats not the right move at the moment, and you spill your last two drinks on the curb, enough sense in you to miss your shoes. Immediately you feel better, both physically and mentally. Clearly, much like Aegon, rum is not your friend despite its sudden reappearance in your night. 

“Oh, holy shit!” Aegon swears, immediately fussing over you and trying to pull a tissue out of his pocket, trying to press it to the corner of your lip as you shove him away. In the distance, you can see the train stop. This particular line goes directly back to your stop and if you can make a run for it, you can escape him. Only you don’t move, as if you’re rooted to the pavement, your boots stuck in the concrete as the person you’ve been trying to evade in this city closes in on you. You push away every attempt for him to fret over and help you, refusing to let him help push your hair back, refusing the cup of water he requests from the bouncer, your hands shooing away every attempt of his to help. 

Eventually the car pulls up, and to your own surprise you let Aegon lead you into the car and close the door for you. He slides in the other side,  and urges the driver to head home. His home. Aegon’s home. You don’t protest, you don’t scream, you don’t open the door and tuck and roll even though you think it would be an effective way to escape if not at least a little funny. Despite in your mind feeling incredibly sober, you freeze up, absolutely letting all of it happen. Despite your mind screaming at you, despite the urge to cry, you relax into the leather of the car seat. You instead text Sara that you’re heading home, and to text you when she decides to do the same. 

“Why now?” you ask, cutting through the uncomfortable silence as the car turns the block. 

“Now?” Aegon parrots, as if he doesn’t understand the question.

“Why now when I’m just this? Why come back after all this time?” You choke back a sob, wanting to refuse to let Aegon see weakness.

He sighs, and wipes his hand down his face. Now that you look at him closely, he looks exhausted, even in the dark. Aegon looks like a man who hasn’t slept in a week. 

“It’s complicated,” he says, barely above a whisper. Like fuck it is. 

Either way, you remain quiet, anger growing as you watch the traffic lights go by, as you traverse neighborhoods. The car is headed south, and eventually stops not far from your stop at Fleabottom. If you were to flee, you’re only four stops away from home. But just like before, maybe its morbid curiosity, you don’t bail as the car parks and Aegon hops out, half jogging to the other side of the car to open the door for you. He holds out a hand, a hand that you refuse as you push yourself up and out of the car seat. If the driver knows you, if the driver knows what’s going on, they don’t say. The driver doesn’t even look back before driving off. 

When he lets you into his flat, he immediately heads to the fridge. Sunfyre runs up to you, greeting you as if no time had passed. The big orange fur ball is all purring as he rubs up against you, and you bend down to scratch behind his ears where he loves it most. This is, easily, the most heartbreaking part of all of this. 

“Aww, Sunfyre, did you miss her?” he coos, and then looks at you, “Thats amazing, he remembered you. He always ran from Lar-"

He stops himself before he finishes that sentence, but the damage is done. You were wrong, that right there was the worst part. 

He hands you a glass of water, and you don’t deny it this time, eagerly gulping it down and placing it on the kitchen counter the moment you’re done. 

“Right, so what did you expect?” you ask, shrugging at him.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he responds, and reaches forward. He cringes as you flinch away from his touch.

“Bullshit,” you exclaim, and then start to walk towards his couch, bigger and more plush than the campus apartment you’d last know him having.

“Guess I’m sleeping here?” you ask, pointing at it.

Aegon agrees, although you can tell there’s words that die in his mouth. His mouth opens and shuts, lips purse contemplatively. Good, you don’t want to hear those thoughts right now, even though you’ve needed them for half a decade. He grabs a pillow and blankets from a hall closet, and sets them like a bed for you. You half expected him to just dump everything on the couch, but then again, sleepovers with Aegon used to mean sharing a bed and you’ve never seen how he would do this.

“Do you need clothes?” he asks, already half turned and surely ready to grab some sweats from a drawer.

You shake your head no, and then start to get yourself settled under the blankets. It feels like the more of you covered, the safer from all of the anxiety bubbling under your skin you are. The more a physical barrier from Aegon exists, the more you can pretend this is a drunken nightmare, and tomorrow you can just sweat it out at dance class.

He leaves the room, and you only shake off your boots and jacket onto the floor next to your discarded purse, opting to keep your phone under your pillow and your person bundled up despite the fact that his apartment is warm.

When he returns he’s in that green sweatshirt from the picture, and a pair of grey sweatpants. He turns his head towards you, but ultimately decides against trying again, instead going to the fridge to pull out two water bottles. Even in the dark of the apartment, you don’t miss the fact that he also pulls out a bottle and takes two shots before walking away from the area. Your eyes feel heavy, wet, as you try in vain to blink away the emotions rising to the surface. Here, there is no concrete to focus on, here, you’re surrounded by Aegon in the dark. You opt to shut your eyes all together.

He traverses the main room, around the island to the living room, his bare feet against the flooring; depositing one of the water bottles on the coffee table directly in front of the couch you’re on. You keep your eyes closed, not daring look at him. However, you don’t miss the warmth of his hand ghosting over the blankets, almost touching, almost that reassuring weight of his hand that had gotten you through so much.

“Why wasn’t I enough when we were friends?” you ask, not hiding the watery tone of someone failing to conceal crying, still not daring to look at him. Your voice sounds so small to your ears, so vulnerable.

“You were,” he tells you, his voice betraying similar emotion. Aegon is probably crying, you realize, or at least close to it.

But before you can open your eyes, you hear him walk away, and you feel like any moment of honesty is over now. The sliding door to his balcony opens, and the clinking of a bottle signifies he’s staying up.

He keeps the door open, a silent invitation that you feel like you can’t accept. Many a night you’d stayed up talking and drinking with Aegon; a bottle, two glasses, and a heart to heart were common. But that seems wrong now, tainted what has transpired. Now it's silence as you hear the bottle clink against a glass, and then again a few minutes later.

Sleep is slow to find you, the space between the two of you both cavernous and claustrophobic, and the blanket smells like him.

[hopefulidiocy]

Sunset

Modern!Aemond x Modern!Y/N

Warnings: soft smut, smoking, drinking

MINORS DNI 🔞

🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅

🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅

The Uber driver chatted brightly to you as he drove you through the snowy forest of the countryside, you rested your forehead against the cold window as you ummed and ahhed over his words. You weren’t listening as well as you should’ve been considering he was really kind, but you wanted him to cease talking immediately. Everything in silence was better for you, in your job you were always talking and trying to bribe people to take what you were pitching, to agree to your ideas but recently it hadn’t been successful and you deserved a sabbatical. So it was time for your winter holiday, spending Christmas alone could be considered sad or lonely but you truly couldn’t give less of a shit about it. Your family wasn’t exactly welcoming and there was nothing fun about a holiday where everyone is going at each other’s throats. The car pulled up to a selection of dark wood log cabins, desolate and dark, with the snow pattering upon the roofs in such a delicate way you had never seen before: this type of view wouldn’t be seen in the city. You thanked the driver, pulled out your heavy suitcase and logged it towards Cabin Nine, the only cabin set far away from the others and it was the most beautiful spot you had ever witnessed.

The door was light when you unlocked it, opening into a warmth that enveloped your entire being as you shook the snow off your wellies and propped your suitcase against the fragile wall to the side of the door. The space opened up into a wide living room with a flat screen and under the screen was an oak table with four strong chairs that were tucked tightly underneath; you looked towards the open plan kitchen where there was enough surfaces for you to cook and, most importantly, you looked for the wine glasses, score there was three of them, two more than you actually needed; there was two bedrooms, one significantly smaller than the master room with a king sized bed and towels, rolled upon the end, where your feet would be and a small bathroom off to the side which matched the rest of the cabin with its swollen wood panels and a white tiled floor. The first port of call was to fetch your red wine bottle you received from Secret Santa at work, you uncorked it and watched as the beautiful liquid filled the glass halfway. The taste coming to your lips was the real moment your perfect holiday began, alone and isolated in the middle of nowhere.

The sun began to set and behind your log cabin there was a clear view of the horizon and you, cotton headed, walked out with your cardigan wrapped around your shoulders and a glass of fresh red wine in your hand. You sipped at the liquid, chewing your nails as the sun began to deepen to a beautiful, calming orange that struck pink and purple lights throughout the sky. For a moment you were transfixed at the sight, until you weren’t alone anymore. No one spoke about it, but there was a man beside you, sucking on his cigarette, pulling in toxic chemicals and pushing them out with pursed lips. He wasn’t standing close to you, probably about a couple of steps away and he leaned on the wooden fence that separated the log cabins and the field ahead. He was deep in thought, his eyebrows furrowed as his elbows held his strong body up. You stepped to the side, trying to get away from the smoke that was bellowing from his lungs.

“Sorry,” he said, he didn’t look at you but you knew he had noticed you step away from him, you smiled tightly, not wanting to respond to him because he was a stranger and simply because you were a bit too drunk to say anything coherent. You watched as the sky darkened and the stars began appearing, twinkling and almost saying hello to the two people in awe of them.

“Have a good night,” he flicked his cigarette over the fence was crunched as he walked away, you took a glance of him, his long white hair wrapped up in a ponytail with strides that were bigger than any step you had ever made,

“Night.” You whispered.

The morning sun broke through the bedroom, coming in through the small gap between your curtains, your mouth dry as a dog in the desert and your head slightly whirling once you planted your feet on the cold carpet. The shiver ran through your spine as you splashed freezing water on your face and decided it was time to shower because being hungover and smelly was not something you wished to tackle today. The water jets cleared your skin, reopening pores and steaming them as you exfoliated with your coffee scrub you bought randomly on Amazon one night when you felt bad about yourself. Wrapping your hair in a towel, toothbrush in, you sauntered towards the kitchen cabinet to see what kind of breakfast items they had in. Bacon, eggs and some bread was everything they had that could constitute towards a fulfilling breakfast so you spat out your toothpaste, dressing from head to toe in a baby pink tracksuit and fluffy socks. The smell of bacon filled the air, your hungry stomach growling at you and demanding food NOW! So you munched down on your sandwich, ready for a day slaving in front of the TV.

A new glass of wine, despite how cotton mouthed you were this morning, was in your hand when you crunched over the slushy snow towards the fence at the back of your cabin. You leaned over, sipping on your wine watching as the sky deepened into an orange and, just like yesterday, that man appeared with his stinking cigarette so you moved away just a few steps.

“Do you not like the smell?” He asked, not turning to you, keeping his face towards the sky,

“No it’s not that. It makes me want one,” you admitted, itching for the cigarette pack that was poking out of his coat pocket,

“Ah.” He said, not seeming the least bit interested in your admission.

Slowly, he walked away, back to his own cabin with this mystical aura surrounding him like he hadn’t been there in the first place. You scoffed.

The next sunset was taking place alone, you drank warmly at your wine as the sun disappeared below the horizon. You sank into a dreamy state, watching the stars welcome you to the night when the mysterious man made an entrance. You looked over at him, he was shrouded by a large oak tree, only a flicker of orange light when he cupped the lighter, lighting his cigarette. With his lit cigarette, he approached the fence, you took him in, noticing the eyepatch over his right eye, intrigued you asked.

“Why do you have an eye patch?” He seemed very slightly amused by your question, looking directly at you, his icy blue eye struck you through the body so much you had to look away,

“You’re not interested in my name, my age or my height. Instead you’re interested in my eye patch,” he replied, sucking on his cigarette,

“I was only asking,” you pouted, turning away from him,

“I got into a fight when I was younger, my eye was sliced out,” he said, a bit disinterested in his own voice,

“Oh.” Was all you could reply with, slightly amused by his stoic face,

“Why do you have two eyes?” He turned to you fully then, one elbow leaning against the fence, his cigarette hanging out of his mouth,

“Because I was born with it,” you shrugged, taking another sip of wine,

“So was I but now I have one, things happen,” he was strangely defensive about it,

“They do,” you said, becoming a bit heated at this whole interaction,

“Do you want a cigarette?” He asked, holding out a pack and your senses peaked up, you instinctively went out to pick one but you stopped yourself,

“I shouldn’t,” you waved your hand,

“Why?” He questioned, still holding out the packet,

“New Years Resolution, I shouldn’t smoke anymore,” you said, drinking,

“But you’ll continue drinking alcohol?” He smirked, “you’ll get rid of one wicked habit for another, I don’t believe it works that way,” the packet was still out for the taking, you gave him an annoyed look but just believed he was right and pulled out a cigarette,

“Lighter, please,” you held out your hand, the cigarette hanging out the side of your mouth, he smirked and gave you it. It was bright pink. You cupped your hand over the lighter as the breeze picked up, you clicked it and lighted the cigarette, dragging the toxins back into your lungs and it was like your veins peaked up, screaming happily at the cigarette, “thank you.” You nodded towards him, handing him the lighter.

“Where are you from?” He asked, pocketing the lighter,

“*where you are from*” you sucked in the cigarette,

“Ah, that makes sense, your accent is different,” he said,

“Not that different to yours,” you rolled your eyes,

“True,” silence hung over the both of you, only owls filling it in, “anyway, good night.” He strode off, disappearing behind the oak tree.

🌅

After days of staying in, enjoying the silence of nature, it became clear that you needed some time to walk amongst the forest, feeling the crisp air poke at your skin so you shoved on your wellies and made away into the forest. The trees around you were whispering as the breeze struck through them, the grass now completely white and crunching as you landed each of your feet. Ahead of you was the tall man you’ve been seeing every night, a cigarette almost burnt out in his hand as his free hand stuck his phone against his ear. From what you could hear, slightly far away from him, he seemed annoyed. You managed to squeeze past him just as he ended his call.

“Hello again,” he said, catching up to you, “I don’t think I’ve seen you outside during the day,”

“Probably not, I’ve taken into my own company, it’s been needed but now I’m starting to feel some cabin fever,” you admitted, hugging your arms around your middle to combat the cold,

“I feel that, I’ve been trying to have a small daily walk every day since I’ve been here,” he flicked the cigarette away, landing it in the snow,

“When did you come here?” You asked, looking at him. He was taller than you thought, his skin almost as white as the snow only making his blue eye more striking, he was about two heads taller than you; his hair was a beautiful shade of blonde, something you hadn’t seen before and it was pulled back into a small ponytail but the rest of his hair was strung over his shoulder, his body lean and a slightly curved spine.

“About a month ago,” he said, reaching for another cigarette and offering you one, you took it,

“A month ago?” You exclaimed after you shared a lighter, he hummed in agreement,

“Why are you here?” He asked, puffing the smoke above him,

“I just wanted to be by myself, my family is complicated and my work life is even worse these days so I needed to spend this holiday by myself,” you admitted, swallowing the fresh air,

“Gods, tell me about it,” he chuckled very slightly, “families are all complicated,”

“Is yours?” You asked,

“More than you can imagine, my mother is the second wife of my dead father and my father’s first born child hates us and we hate her. It was her son who took my eye,” he huffed through his nose,

“Your own nephew?” You exclaimed, turning towards him seeing a smirk play on his lips,

“Yeah, my own nephew, it’s crazy isn’t it?” You hummed in agreement and a silence fell over you. It was comfortable walking beside each other, throwing the cigarettes in front of you and continuing this nice walk with a stranger. Just yards away from your own cabin you didn’t notice that huge tree trunk that was sticking out from the ground and you went absolutely flying over it, landing on all fours and a searing pain shocking through your leg. The man was quick to come onto his knees beside you, hooking his arms around your middle and pulling you up to stand but your ankle gave in and you went tumbling again.

“You can’t stand?” He asked, some form of expression in his face, you shook your head, sighing out the pain as his arms hugged around you, picking you up bridal style. You strung your arms around his neck, your face screwing in pain, your legs hanging over his elbow, “don’t panic, I’m first aid trained,” he said, making a slight joke that gave him a twinkle in his eye, sending a smile travelling over your lips. He basically kicked down his cabin door, setting you carefully on his sofa, striding towards the fridge. You held tightly onto your ankle, praying it wasn’t broken when it returned with a bag of frozen peas.

“Might hurt a bit,” he said, gently placing the freezing bag that sent your entire body into an almost shock, he placed a strong hand on your shoulder trying to calm you down as tears leaked from your eyes, “wine?”

“Yes.” You squeaked, blubbering over a twisted ankle. You were never great with pain and in front of a handsome man, you were incredibly embarrassed and that was the reason for the tears. He came to you with a clean glass of white wine, not your favourite, but you had to have something in you so you sipped on it delicately as the pain started to slip away. He looked at you, intriguingly as you sipped on your wine.

“I don’t even know your name,” he said, “and you’re in my cabin, drinking my wine and using my peas,”

“You gave them to me,” you furrowed your eyebrows as a smile danced on his lips,

“What’s your name?” He asked,

“Y/N,” you admitted, “what’s yours?”

“Aemond,” he took in a mouthful of wine and smiled knowing you were about to ask what the fuck that name is, “my parents chose it, and no it’s no Edmund,”

“That’s such an interesting name, I’ve never met anyone with such a unique name before,” you smiled, finishing off your wine and setting it on the coffee table beside you. He opened his arms as if to say yep that’s me!

“How’s your ankle?” He asked, nodding towards it,

“It feels fine now, thank you,” you removed the frozen bag, giving them back to him and getting onto your feet, you felt slightly weak.

“Let me walk you to the door,” he held your elbow softly as he led you towards the door, but there was something… a kind of connection that you couldn’t put your finger on started buzzing within you, igniting your blood vessels as his large hand found itself on the small of your back as you walked out the door, “see you later, y/n.” He said, smiling. You waved to him and walked back to your cabin.

🌅

The next night, your ankle healed apart from the little twinge that carried through your leg every time you walked but it was bearable. You stood at the fence, no wine this time, leaning over the fence watching as the sun fled from the sky. Aemond’s delicate footsteps sounded behind you, he leaned right next to you so your elbows were touching and came again that buzzing.

“Hello,” he said, “how’s your ankle?”

“Fine, thank you,” you smiled, turning to him surprised to find that he had been looking at you, a smirk dancing on his lips but his eye deep within your core that it sent a shudder down your spine. His eye caught something just to the side of you, and his hand came forward, batting a fly away as it was softly landing on your fringe. You smiled shyly, turning away from him but he pulled your cheek, making you turn to him softly with his fingers. Both of you gazed at each other, a slight murmur of wildlife whispering around you, he tucked your hair behind your ear and gently moved his lips to yours. For a moment, you are taken aback, slightly pulling away from his lips but you calm into him, placing your hands on his chest as he squeezed you further in his body, your kisses light and almost loving as you count the beats of his heart through your hand. His hands journeyed towards the small of your back as the kiss deepened, the buzzing sensation piling up from your core until slowly he began turning towards you neck, slight and butterfly kisses down the length of your neck, opening up your shirt to kitten lick your collarbones before your jellied core began to drop. With no one else around, you agonisingly unbuttoned his black shirt, pulling it off and holding onto his goose-pimpled skin as your own shirt was shifted over the top of your head. He kissed you, lovingly, until he reached your nipples, nipping at them sweetly before he reached the zipper of your jeans, your own hand rubbing over the tent in his own slacks, playing with the zipper before getting the confidence to pull it down and feel his length in your hand. He groaned into your mouth as you pulled gently up his shaft, smiling in the kiss. Whilst this was not on your radar to happen, this moment became so magical and fluid that even when he softly bent you over the fence, his hand stroking up and down your spine with such softness it had you shivering. The sun before you had disappeared, leaving a dark purple hue in its shadow as he lined himself up against your folds, slowly entering you and hissing as the warmth enveloped his most sensitive area. He was big, you knew that by the handjob you gave him earlier, but his length stretching your walls ignited the fireworks in your veins. Gripping the fence harshly with weak fingers, he thrusted into you hard enough to have you whine out into the desolate field. Despite his stoic and almost cruel face, his touches were enlightening and soft that your heat began clenching around him, he moaned under his breath, pulling on your shoulder to give himself more leverage to thrust into you. You whined into the cold night, not caring who heard you but also finding it riveting having sex in a lonely world. He grunted as his thrusts began slowing knowing that he was near his end and his last thrust before he pulled out had you rolling your eyes back, shuddering under his hot touch before he spilled all over your back and chuckling.

“I never expected that to happen,” he whispered, out of breath, before he cradled you against the fence, your back against his naked body, his elbow hung loosely around your neck as he pressed his cheek into your temple,

“Neither did I.” He placed a soft kiss on your cheek, continuing his loving attitudes towards you,

“But I’m glad it did,” he whispered, “I’ve grown fond of you.” You laughed, leaning into him as the stars winked at the sordid moment they saw, knowing that whatever was around was only the two of you and the stars who were cheering you on.

🌅

[in-a-nook-with-a-notebook]

Life Could Be A Dream

Franchise: Star Wars (but modern AU)

Pairing: Poe Dameron x male reader (reader's pronouns are he/him/his)

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: fluff, modern!AU, implied smut (scratch marks on Poe’s back, hickeys, mentions of nudity if you squint), fluff, established relationship, mentions of Poe being an F1 driver, no plot really just a sweet morning with Poe, did I mention fluff?

Summary: Poe always gets cuddly after a race; the more intense the race, the more he wants to be glued to your side. Yesterday's race was pretty crazy, but you’re not complaining.

A/N: This is ridiculously self indulgent, especially with the breakfast foods (I am a slut for a good serving of pancakes) also the inspiration and the song mentioned is Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream) by The Sh-Booms, highly recommend listening while reading; for some reason I imagine Poe being a Formula One racer in a modern AU so voila

You blink your tired eyes open with the sun peering through the curtains of the hotel room. It’s warm and welcome on your skin. A lazy smile drifts over your face. You stretch a little before curling up under the thick blanket again; it’s smooth against your bare skin, perfect for a morning like this.

You slowly roll onto your side, turning your back to the window. Your eyes land on your boyfriend’s sleeping form. Poe is snoring softly, his dark curls tousled and unkempt. He looks so peaceful. His broad back glows in the morning light, the duvet haphazardly covering the lower half of his body. There are faint red marks near his shoulders, reminders of last night. Even after the longest, most intense races, he still has some… pent up energy.

Careful not to wake him, you lean forward and press a gentle kiss between his shoulder blades. You then silently slip out of the bed, tugging on a clean pair of boxers. You’re grateful for the carpeting under your bare feet until you reach the cold tile of the bathroom. You brush your teeth, considering you can taste how bad your morning breath is, but you don’t bother fixing your messy hair. You wash your face with cold water to wake yourself up a little more, padding it dry with a facecloth. You look at yourself in the mirror, your eyes sliding over the hickeys on your neck and chest from Poe last night. Your fingers ghost over them.

After leaving the bathroom, you grab a shirt from last night. It’s either yours or Poe’s. You’re not sure, but you don’t really care all that much - it’s a shirt either way.

You wander to the kitchen, thankful the two of you had booked at an extended stay hotel; full kitchen with a big fridge, living space separate from the bed area; lots of space for you and him to stay for a while. You dig through the fridge in search of ingredients for breakfast. The two of you went out for groceries a couple days before his big race in Melbourne, so you had everything you needed to make a filling breakfast; Poe’s always hungry after a night like last night. You are too, quite frankly. You grab bacon, eggs and milk and put them on the counter, lightly kicking the fridge closed behind you. From the cabinets behind you, you collect salt, baking powder, white sugar, and a small bag of flour.

As much as you don’t like packing heavy when you travel for Poe’s races, you’ve brought it upon yourself to have some essentials so you aren’t eating out all the time. After the first few races, you pretty much put together a travel kit of cooking/baking supplies and other things you guys would usually have at home.

You grab a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon and begin mixing the dry ingredients together. You snag a normal bowl from the cupboard to mix the wet ingredients with a whisk. You then combine them together and leave it on the counter with a dishcloth over it, letting it rise. From the cabinets underneath the counter, you grab two pans; one for the pancakes when they’re ready and one for the bacon. As you set the pan on the stove to heat up, you hear shuffling from the bedroom area; Poe’s awake.

The pan warms quickly and you start laying bacon on it to fry. The sizzling meets your ears just as Poe appears out of the corner of his eye. You focus mostly on the bacon, but you can sense his presence. His arm snakes around your waist and he pulls your back against his warm, bare chest. He rests his chin on your shoulder.

“Good morning,” you say with a smile.

Poe hums, pressing a gentle kiss to your neck. “Morning, baby.”

“How’d you sleep?”

“Like a log, but last night was amazing…” He nibbles on your neck a little, tightening his grip around you. You chuckle, bringing your hand down to squeeze his. “Bacon?” Poe inquires, changing the subject and looking down at the pan in front of you. His chin rests on your shoulder, leaning his head against yours.

“And pancakes,” you add, gesturing lazily to the mixing bowl.

“Mmm, I love your breakfasts.”

“You love all my cooking. And baking, for that matter.”

“Because you, mi amor, are an absolute god in the kitchen.”

“You flatter me, darling.” You reach for the tongs to flip the bacon strips. “I’m assuming you’re hungry. You’re always hungry.”

“For your food, always.”

“Flirt.”

“I’m just speaking the truth here.” He presses a kiss to your cheek. “Want help?”

“I love you, but you can just sit there and look pretty for now.” You turn your head to fully kiss him. “I wanna cook for you.”

“You always cook for me.”

“Yeah, because, no offence, but you can’t cook for shit.”

“I’m a Formula One driver, not a chef.”

“I’m not even technically a chef.”

“You might as well be,” Poe replies, untangling himself from you. “You are probably one of the best cooks I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. And eating with. And, you know, everything else.” He kisses the back of your neck before stepping away to sit at the island, watching you fondly. “You sure you don’t want help?”

“Well, how about you set out the fruit from the fridge?”

“That I can do.”

As you get a plate out for the bacon, as well as a couple pieces of paper towel to catch the leftover grease, while Poe goes to the fridge. You feel Poe’s finger drag down your spine, sending a shiver through your body.

“Tease,” you murmur, looking at him over your shoulder. He smirks at you, blowing a kiss to you. “You wanna put some music on?”

“Absolutely.”

You transfer the cooked bacon onto the plate, then put more bacon on the pan. Poe shuffles around behind you, connecting his phone to the speaker.

Life could be a dream, life could be a dream

Do, do, do, do, sh-boom

A smile crosses your face with you hear the song and you turn to look at Poe. He puts his phone down on the counter. You both begin to murmur the lyrics under your breath.

“Life could be a dream. If I could take you up in paradise up above. If you would tell me I’m the only one that you love, life could be a dream, sweetheart, hello, hello again, sh-boom, and hopin’ we’ll meet again…”

“You look so good in my shirt,” he murmurs, coming up behind you again. He kisses your cheek, resting his hand on your hip. “I ever tell you that?”

“You’ve mentioned…” you reply, relaxing under his touch.

“I love when you travel with me,” Poe says. “Thank you for coming.”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, my love.”

Poe gently takes your chin in his hand to turn your head towards him. He presses a deep kiss to your lips. When he pulls away, he has a piece of bacon in his hand.

“Impatient?” You tease.

“It’s bacon. I’m hungry.”

You laugh when he takes a bite and his face lights up. “You’re cute,” you remark. His face goes red and he dips his head.

“Shut up.”

“No.” You tilt his chin up with your finger, pressing your lips to his. “You’re downright adorable, Poe Dameron.”

“You’re relentless.”

“You love me.”

“I adore you.”

You smirk. “I know.”

Some mornings, the two of you have to rush around, packing for another plane or prepping for another race, but not today. Poe’s got a free day, and he intends to spend every minute of it with you. Even if it’s just swaying in the kitchen, teasing each other. As long as he’s with you, he’s happy.

A/N: I just wanted a soft morning with Poe and the song had me in a fluffy mood so I hope y'all enjoy this because I know I did! Feedback is encouraged and appreciated! Have a lovely day y'all <3

[patriunicornio]

Modern New York Apartment

Have you ever dreamed of having a cozy apartment where contemporary art and jazz come together? Then this is your apartment.

This apartment with a color palette dominated by red, black, blue, beige and brown, is a perfect choice for any single man or woman living in Manhattan.

Name: Modern New York Apartment

Price: $ 196,537

Lot type: Room

Furnished

WITH CC

World: San Myshuno (121 Hakim House)

DLC used: City Living and Movie Hangout.

ORIGIN ID: MEDIAGRAMA

My inspiration for this apartment:

This apartment is inspired by abstract art, especially the works of Mark Rothko.

This apartment is also inspired by MY FAVORITE SHOW, Sx and the city. I created this apartment while watching it and it reminds me of the first seasons of the show, Charlotte's art gallery, Mr Big, Carrie and Big, the girls going out for dinner and to have fun, New York, etc.

🩷🎶 (LOVE this edit)

List of the cc that I used:

Harrie @harrie-cc: The Coastal Collection 3,4, 6 and 8, Stockholm, Spoons part 2, Octave 3 and 4, Brutalism bathroom, The Country Collection 3

Felixandre @felixandresims: Gatsby set, Florence 1 and 4, Berlin part 1 and 3, Shop the look season, Grove part 3, Fayun part 2, Chateau part 4 and 5, Soho part 3

House of Harlix: Jardane, The Kichen 1 and 2, Livin' Rum, Orjánic part 2, Harluxe, Baysic Bathroom

Pierisim @pierisim: Pantry Party, Combles, Woodland 1 and 3, Unfold, Tilable, David's Apartment 1 and 2, Auntie Vera's Bathroom, Domaine 1, 2, 3 and 4, MCM House part 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Winter Garden part 1, The Living-Room, Calderone, The office, Oak house 4 and 5, Tidying up, Teeny Weeny

Max20 @maxsus: Kitchen Appliances Pack, Kitchen Appliances Pack, Mini pack "Home atmosphere"

SIXAM @imfromsixam: Boho Bath, Work from home

My cup of CC: Teenage Dream - Part 01, The Modernist

Carabiner Sims @carabinersims: Computer Lab

Syboulette @syboubou: Contemporary Haven, Country Kitchen, Jules Bedroom

The Clutter Cat @thecluttercat: Bubble Gum, Sunny Sundae 1, 2 and 3, Dandy Diary, Dandy Diary 1, Busy Bee 2 and 1

KKB @kkbsmm: My Cherish Things, Core Subway tile, JOMO Laundry

Bbygyal123 @bbygyal123: Calendar 23

Myshunosun @myshunosun: The Art Room Redux, Thrifted TV, Gale Dining, Simmify Instant Camera, Daria Bedroom

Charlypancakes @charlypancakes: Chalk, Soak, Modish

Littledica @littledica: Bathroom

Tuds @tudtuds: Cross Bed and Bath Set

Lilac Creative @lilaccreative: The Classic Collection

Taurus Design @taurusdesign: Fiona Bathroom

(For more specific information about the cc used in this buid ask in the comments and I will be delighted to respond to you)

*Please use bb.moveobjects on before download*

[kitchenrenovationstkilda]

How to Add Value to Your Home with a Kitchen Renovation

A well-executed kitchen renovation is one of the most effective ways to increase your home's value. As the heart of the home, the kitchen serves as a gathering space, a functional cooking area, and a design focal point. Whether you plan to sell or enhance your living experience, investing in a high-quality kitchen renovation can yield impressive returns. If you're considering a experienced kitchen renovation at St Kilda, this guide will help you maximise aesthetic appeal and financial value.

Understanding the Value of a Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovations are consistently ranked among the top home improvements in return on investment (ROI). Studies show that a well-designed kitchen upgrade can deliver up to a 75% return, making it a smart financial decision. However, the success of a kitchen renovation depends on thoughtful planning, quality materials, and efficient use of space.

Buyers and homeowners alike are drawn to modern, functional, stylish kitchens. Strategic renovations, from energy-efficient appliances to clever storage solutions, can significantly boost your property's appeal and resale value.

Key Ways to Enhance Your Home's Value with a Kitchen Renovation

1. Plan for Functionality and Layout

The layout of your kitchen is critical to its functionality. A well-designed space should facilitate movement, maximise workflow, and ensure a smooth cooking experience. Popular layouts include:

Galley Kitchen: Ideal for smaller spaces, offering efficiency and accessibility.

L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens: Perfect for maximising storage and work areas.

Open-Plan Kitchens: Increasingly popular in modern homes, allowing for seamless integration with dining and living areas.

Ensuring that optimises the "kitchen work triangle" (the relationship between the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator) will enhance usability and overall appeal. Additionally, adding ergonomic features such as pull-out shelves, soft-close drawers, and well-placed power outlets can make everyday kitchen use more convenient and efficient.

2. Upgrade Appliances for Energy Efficiency

Energy-efficient appliances reduce electricity bills and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Investing in modern appliances with high energy ratings can make your kitchen more attractive. To improve convenience and efficiency, look for models with smart features, such as programmable ovens, induction cooktops, and integrated dishwashers.

Opting for built-in appliances can create a streamlined look and free up counter space. Smart refrigerators with touch-screen capabilities, voice-activated assistants, and remote control functions are becoming increasingly popular and can add an element of sophistication to your kitchen.

3. Choose High-Quality Materials and Finishes

The materials and finishes you choose can make or break your kitchen's overall look and durability. Some top choices include:

Benchtops: Engineered stone, quartz, or granite offer durability and a premium finish.

Cabinetry: Soft-close hinges, quality hardware, and custom storage solutions add value.

Splashbacks: Glass, subway tiles, or mirrored finishes create visual impact and are easy to clean.

Flooring: Hardwood, polished concrete, or high-quality vinyl planks are stylish and durable.

Selecting timeless, neutral colours ensures longevity and broad appeal. However, incorporating a pop of colour through accents such as bar stools, feature tiles, or statement lighting can add personality and modernity to the design.

4. Improve Lighting and Ventilation

Lighting plays a crucial role in both functionality and ambience. Consider incorporating:

Task lighting: Under-cabinet LEDs for focused illumination.

Pendant lights: Stylish additions above kitchen islands.

Skylights or larger windows: Natural light enhances the space's warmth and appeal.

Proper ventilation is equally important. A high-quality rangehood or an upgraded exhaust system helps maintain air quality and prevents lingering odours. Ceiling fans or cross-ventilation through well-placed windows can further enhance airflow in the kitchen.

5. Maximise Storage Solutions

Ample storage is a must-have feature in any kitchen. Smart storage solutions such as pull-out pantries, corner drawers, and deep cabinets improve functionality and keep the kitchen organised. Custom cabinetry tailored to the kitchen's layout can further enhance efficiency.

Vertical storage with overhead cabinets or floating shelves can also help maximise space. Hidden storage compartments, such as toe-kick drawers or built-in spice racks, offer practical yet stylish solutions to declutter countertops.

6. Consider Smart Technology Integration

Smart home features are increasingly sought after in modern homes. Including technology in your kitchen renovation, such as smart lighting, touchless taps, and voice-controlled appliances, adds a contemporary edge and enhances usability.

Smart thermostats for ovens, app-controlled coffee machines, and automated pantry inventory systems can enhance convenience and functionality, creating a high-tech kitchen that appeals to modern buyers.

7. Enhance Aesthetic Appeal with a Fresh Design

Aesthetic appeal plays a crucial role in home value. If you aim for a timeless yet modern look, consider a minimalist design with clean lines and high-end finishes. Popular trends in Australia include:

Coastal and Hamptons-style kitchens: Light colours, shaker-style cabinets, and timber accents.

Industrial-style kitchens: Concrete benchtops, black tapware, and exposed brick.

Scandinavian-inspired kitchens: White cabinetry, open shelving, and natural materials.

Mixing textures, such as combining matte and glossy finishes or blending metal and timber elements, can add depth and visual interest to your kitchen.

8. Extend the Kitchen Space

Expanding your kitchen's footprint can significantly boost its value. Adding an island bench, a butler's pantry, or an alfresco kitchen area enhances functionality and creates a luxurious feel.

A well-designed outdoor kitchen with weather-resistant materials, a built-in BBQ, and comfortable seating can create a perfect entertainment area and further increase your home's market appeal.

Budgeting for a Kitchen Renovation

The cost of a kitchen renovation varies based on size, materials, and customisation. An average kitchen renovation in Australia can range from $15,000 to $50,000+.

Basic Upgrades ($15,000 - $25,000): Refacing cabinets, new benchtops, upgraded appliances.

Mid-Range Renovations ($25,000 - $40,000): New cabinetry, premium appliances, improved lighting, quality flooring.

Luxury Renovations ($40,000 - $50,000+): Custom designs, high-end materials, smart technology integration.

Setting a clear budget and prioritising key upgrades ensures you get the best value for your investment. Seeking multiple quotes from professionals and understanding where to splurge versus where to save can help you stay within budget without compromising quality.

The Importance of Professional Help

While DIY projects can save money, hiring professionals ensures high-quality results. Engaging a kitchen designer, builder, and electrician will help bring your vision to life while adhering to safety standards and regulations. A professional Kitchen Renovation St Kilda expert can provide valuable insights into the latest trends and materials, helping you make informed decisions.

Professional installers can also help avoid costly mistakes, ensure compliance with Australian building codes, and provide warranties for workmanship and materials.

Final Thoughts

A well-planned kitchen renovation is one of the most effective ways to add value to your home. By focusing on functionality, energy efficiency, quality materials, and smart design choices, you can create a kitchen that enhances your lifestyle and boosts your property's market appeal. Whether upgrading for personal enjoyment or preparing to sell, a thoughtful renovation will deliver long-term benefits and impressive returns on investment.

If you're considering a Kitchen Renovation at St Kilda, now is the perfect time to start planning. Investing in a high-quality renovation will ensure your kitchen remains stylish, practical, and valuable for years.

[regalokitchens95]

Inspiring Modular Kitchen Design for Every Budget

Source of info: https://www.regalokitchens.com/blog/inspiring-modular-kitchen-design-for-every-budget

Introduction

Inspiring modular kitchen design concepts can be adjusted to any budget, providing accessibility and charm without affecting quality. Whether you have a small room or like luxurious finishing, there are many choices for design available to match your needs. From low-cost materials to premium facilities, flexible kitchens provide effective layouts, creative storage solutions, and attractiveness. Regardless of your budget, you can easily build a kitchen that's a perfect melding of function and beauty with the right design decisions.

Affordable Modular Kitchen Design

The most ideal option for an affordable and stylish kitchen is a budget-friendly modular kitchen design. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to consider:

1. Smart Material Selection

Choosing affordable but lasting materials is a necessity for an affordable modular kitchen design. Instead of buying pricey hardwood cabinets, choose laminated MDF or particle board. These materials provide a stylish finish while remaining cost-effective.

2. Efficient Storage Solutions

Maximizing storage with well-planned cabinets, pull-out drawers, and wall-hung shelves reduces mess while increasing usefulness. Regalo Kitchens offers creative storage solutions that make even small kitchens appear roomy and organized.

3. Simple Yet Elegant Designs

Rather than complicated carvings or high-end finishes, go for basic patterns in basic colors. A simple color scheme or soft pastels will help your kitchen look bigger and more inviting.

4. Affordable Countertop Options

Instead of granite or quartz, choose laminate or ceramic tiles for your countertop. These materials are simple to maintain, fashionable, and far more affordable in cost while remaining durable.

Mid-Range Modular Kitchen Design

If you have a reasonable budget, you can find a balance between both design and function. Here's how to upgrade your kitchen on a mid-range budget:

1. Upgraded Materials

Choose wooden cabinets with laminate or acrylic finish. These provide a nice look at a reasonable price. Regalo Kitchens offers high-quality modular kitchen design with a variety of finishes to bring luxury to your home.

2. Improved Storage & Accessibility

A well-designed arrangement that includes corner units, rotating pull-outs, and soft-close drawers improves performance. Vertical storage and under-sink organizers help to maximize kitchen space.

3. Enhanced Lighting Features

Adding LED strip lights underneath cabinets and pendant lighting above counters provides a warm and inviting environment. Good lighting improves both usefulness and style, making your kitchen more inviting.

4. Stylish Backsplash & Countertops

Select quartz, solid surface, or high-quality granite countertops. These materials are long-lasting, artistically beautiful, and easy to care for. A patterned tile wall can add style to the kitchen's overall appearance.

Luxury Modular Kitchen Design

There are plenty of options for individuals looking to invest in a high-end modular kitchen design. Regalo Kitchens specializes in creating beautiful, advanced kitchen spaces which combine beauty with modern technology.

1. Premium Materials & Finishes

Choose the oak cabinets, high-gloss acrylic finishes, or glass shutters to give a touch of style. These materials improve the overall look while maintaining durability.

2. Smart & High-Tech Features

Upgrade to a smart modular kitchen design that includes motion-sensor lighting, voice-controlled appliances, and automated drawers. Pull-down racks and built-in spice organizers are examples of advanced storage solutions that improve comfort.

3. Sophisticated Lighting & Fixtures

Impressive pendant lights, under-cabinet LED strips, and ambient ceiling lighting help create a premium environment. Stylish, high-quality taps and deep sinks give the kitchen's luxurious appearance.

4. High-End Countertops & Flooring

Make an investment in marble, quartz, or artificial stone countertops. Italian tiles or hardwood floors provide a classy touch to your modular kitchen design, making it a genuine showpiece. 

Why Should You Choose Regalo Kitchens?

Regalo Kitchens understands that each home is unique in its requirements. We provide customized options to match any budget, whether you're planning a low-cost, mid-range, or luxury cooking area. Here's what sets us apart:

Custom Designs: We provide customizable functional designs for kitchens to fit your taste and budget. 

Quality Craftsmanship: Our materials are tough, attractive, and made to last.

Space Optimization: We provide the best usefulness with clever storage solutions.

Affordable Pricing: High-quality kitchen structures at affordable pricing.

Expert Consultation: Our team of experts will walk you through each stage of the procedure.

Conclusion

A well-organized modular kitchen design can increase both the functionality and attractiveness of your house, whatever your budget. Regalo Kitchens offers unique solutions customized to your specific requirements, ranging from inexpensive options to luxurious layouts. With the correct materials, storage, lighting, and structure, you can design a modular cooking area that represents your sense of style while boosting performance. Allow Regalo Kitchens to help you in designing a kitchen that fits your budget while also turning your cooking area into a fashionable and functional masterpiece.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

We're in Ardlinnhe, Bearsden, Dunbartonshire, Scotland this morning, looking at this restored 1900 example of the Scottish Arts and Crafts Movement. 4bds, 2ba, $840,000 approx USD. Not only is it so lovely, but it's also interesting to see what the Arts & Crafts interpretation looked like in Scotland.

The cozy living room has wainscoting similar to the US Arts & Crafts style homes.

The dining room opens to a terrace.

The fireplace is in an alcove with the two side windows, but not the typical glass front book cabinets. I LOVE that honey-colored brick on the fireplace.

This is so interesting. Isn't it lovely, though? Note the original wide plank oak flooring.

The kitchen remodel is a perfect combination of original and new. Those cabinets are wonderful and the tile & faucet they chose are perfect complements. Plus, I love an undermount sink.

If a listing takes special note of the furnishings, it usually means that they come with the house, so if that's the case- isn't this wonderful? In the bedroom, the wainscoting covers the walls from floor to ceiling.

A large modern shower was added to the spacious vintage bath.

Bedroom across the hall. Look at the unusual doors with high doorknobs.

An upstairs addition was added in the 1930s to accommodate more bedrooms.

The addition fits seamlessly into the existing architectural style.

The lovely deck off the living room leads down to the Edwardian style garden.

Not only did the owners take great care in refurbishing the cottage, but they also revived the garden.

The garden includes rolling lawns with fir trees, a weeping willow and perennial blooms. Despite the house’s tranquil feel, the buzz of Glasgow can be reached in 20 minutes from nearby Bearsden station, where trains also run to Edinburgh in under 80 minutes.

https://inigo.com/sales-list/ardlinnhe

[marmolesegypt2132]

Sunny Menia 

 Sunny Menia: The Epitome of Elegance in Egyptian Limestone

Sunny Menia stands out as a premium choice in the world of  offering a harmonious blend of durability, beauty, and versatility. Quarried in Egypt, this limestone has earned a global reputation for its warm beige tones and refined appearance, making it a top choice for architects, designers, and homeowners alike. Whether you are designing a contemporary interior or a classic outdoor space, Sunny Menia provides unmatched sophistication.

Sunny Menia for Paving and Flooring

When it comes to Egyptian limestone paving, Sunny Menia offers a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. Its natural resilience ensures long-lasting performance, even in high-traffic areas. The stone’s consistent beige tones create a seamless and elegant look, ideal for pathways, patios, and pool surrounds. If you seek timeless charm for your outdoor spaces, Sunny Menia, along with Sinai Pearl Egyptian limestone paving, is an excellent option.

For indoor applications, Egyptian limestone tiles crafted from Sunny Menia bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to any room. These tiles are highly sought after for kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, where their smooth finish and natural hue enhance the overall ambiance. Additionally, Sunny Menia’s adaptability extends to Egyptian limestone slabs, perfect for countertops, wall cladding, and even custom furniture pieces.

Why Choose Sunny Menia?

One of the key reasons behind Sunny Menia’s popularity is its versatility. Its neutral beige tones pair well with various design styles, from modern minimalism to rustic charm. Moreover, its durability makes it a reliable choice for both residential and commercial projects.

The affordability of Egyptian limestone also contributes to its appeal. When comparing the Egyptian limestone price to other natural stones, Sunny Menia offers excellent value for money without compromising on quality. This combination of cost-effectiveness and premium aesthetics makes it a go-to choice for discerning clients worldwide.

Applications Beyond Paving and Flooring

Sunny Menia’s appeal goes beyond traditional applications. As a premium Egyptian beige limestone, it’s ideal for intricate carvings, decorative elements, and bespoke architectural features. Its fine grain and uniform texture allow for precise craftsmanship, making it a preferred material for unique design projects.

For outdoor spaces, Sunny Menia excels as a durable and attractive option for Egyptian stone paving. Its natural resistance to weathering ensures that your pathways and garden areas maintain their elegance for years to come.

Elevate Your Space with Sunny Menia

Whether you’re designing a luxurious bathroom, a statement staircase, or a tranquil patio, Sunny Menia delivers unparalleled beauty and performance. With its versatility and competitive pricing, this Egyptian limestone remains a top choice for architects, designers, and homeowners seeking elegance and durability in every detail.

Explore the timeless charm of Sunny Menia today and transform your spaces with the sophistication of Egyptian limestone paving, tiles, and slabs. For inquiries about the Egyptian limestone price, contact a trusted supplier to find the perfect solution for your next project.

[seobacklinks4all]

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Countertop for Your Home

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and countertops serve as the centerpiece of this vital space. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen remodel or a builder designing a dream kitchen for clients, choosing the right countertop is critical. For those in Oklahoma City, exploring the options for kitchen countertops can help create kitchens that are functional, stylish, and enduring. This guide walks you through the key considerations to help you make the perfect choice.

1. Assess Your Needs: Form Meets Function

When selecting a kitchen countertop, it’s essential to think about how the kitchen will be used. High-traffic kitchens require durable materials that resist stains and scratches, while aesthetically-driven designs might focus more on visual appeal.

For Families: Materials like quartz or laminate are excellent options due to their durability and low maintenance.

For Entertainers: Elegant options like granite or marble add sophistication while withstanding spills and heavy use.

For Chefs: Stainless steel or butcher block countertops provide functionality and cleanliness.

If you’re researching durable and stylish options for kitchen countertops in OKC, prioritize materials that align with your lifestyle and the kitchen’s purpose.

2. Explore Popular Materials: Style and Performance

Each countertop material brings unique benefits and aesthetics. Here’s a closer look at some of the top options:

Quartz CountertopsQuartz is a top choice for many kitchens due to its non-porous surface, which resists stains, scratches, and bacteria growth. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it versatile for any design style. Oklahoma City homeowners love quartz for its ability to mimic natural stone without the high maintenance.

Granite CountertopsGranite remains a classic favorite. Known for its durability and natural beauty, each slab of granite is unique, offering a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Granite countertops are heat-resistant, making them a practical choice for busy kitchens.

Marble CountertopsMarble adds timeless elegance to any kitchen. However, it requires regular sealing to prevent staining and is best suited for kitchens where maintenance isn’t an issue.

Butcher Block CountertopsFor a warm and rustic look, butcher block countertops provide charm and functionality. They’re ideal for prep work but require regular sealing and maintenance to avoid damage.

3. Match Your Countertop to Your Design Aesthetic

Countertops are a significant design element that can make or break the overall kitchen aesthetic. Consider the following styles:

Modern Kitchens: Opt for quartz or stainless steel with sleek, clean lines.

Farmhouse Kitchens: Butcher block or granite with natural patterns enhances a cozy, rustic vibe.

Luxury Kitchens: Marble or high-end quartz with bold veining makes a statement.

Oklahoma City’s leading suppliers of kitchen countertops offer a wide selection to complement these design preferences.

4. Consider Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is a crucial factor when choosing countertops. Some materials, like quartz, are virtually maintenance-free, while others, like marble or wood, require consistent care.

Low-Maintenance Options: Quartz, laminate, and stainless steel are excellent for homeowners looking for hassle-free surfaces.

High-Maintenance Options: Marble and butcher block add elegance and warmth but require sealing and upkeep to maintain their appearance.

Discussing these needs with local experts in kitchen countertops can help you strike the right balance between style and practicality.

5. Budget Smartly: Find Value Without Compromise

Budget is often the biggest consideration when selecting kitchen countertops. Fortunately, there are excellent options for every price range.

Affordable Options: Laminate or tile countertops offer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing style.

Mid-Range Options: Granite and quartz fall into this category, providing durability and elegance at a reasonable price.

Luxury Options: Marble and custom concrete countertops deliver premium quality and aesthetics but come with a higher price tag.

When shopping for kitchen countertops in OKC, be sure to request quotes from multiple providers to find the best value.

6. Look for Local Expertise

Choosing countertops isn’t just about picking the right material; installation quality matters just as much. Local suppliers and installers in Oklahoma City understand the climate, home styles, and unique needs of the region. They can guide you to the best options for kitchen countertops in OKC, ensuring both beauty and longevity.

7. Trending Colors and Finishes for 2024

The latest trends can inspire your countertop choices. For 2024, these styles are leading the way:

Neutral Tones: Shades of gray, beige, and off-white remain versatile and timeless.

Bold Patterns: Quartz with dramatic veining adds luxury and visual interest.

Textured Finishes: Matte or leathered finishes offer a modern, tactile experience.

Oklahoma City builders and homeowners can incorporate these trends into their kitchens with the help of kitchen countertop experts.

8. Incorporate Sustainability

Eco-conscious homeowners are prioritizing sustainable materials in their kitchen designs. Options like recycled glass or concrete countertops combine beauty with environmental responsibility. Partner with local suppliers to find green solutions for kitchen countertops that meet your sustainability goals.

Selecting the right kitchen countertops is a vital step in creating a functional and stylish kitchen, whether you're a homeowner or builder. By considering factors like durability, maintenance, budget, and design, you can find a material that fits your needs perfectly. From the timeless appeal of granite and marble to the practicality of quartz and butcher block, Oklahoma City offers a wide range of countertop options to suit every taste and lifestyle. Partnering with local experts ensures a seamless selection and installation process, helping you craft a kitchen that’s both beautiful and built to last. For more information, click here.

[posthue001]

Elegant Grandeur for Your Spaces: Azul Cielo Rectified Large Format Polished Stone Effect Porcelain Tiles

Why Choose Azul Cielo Porcelain Tiles?

When redefining elegance, Azul Cielo tiles offer a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. These large-format tiles, with their rectified edges and polished stone-effect finish, transform interiors into sophisticated spaces, exuding timeless charm.

Introduction

The Azul Cielo Rectified Polished Stone Effect Porcelain Tiles measure an impressive 1200x2400mm, ideal for creating an expansive and refined aesthetic. Manufactured for durability and visual appeal, they are perfect for both residential and commercial projects. Their versatility and style make them an outstanding choice for modern interior design.

Key Features

Premium Quality Material: High-grade porcelain ensures durability and resistance to wear.

Rectified Finish: Perfectly aligned edges for precise, seamless installation.

Polished Stone Effect: Combines the beauty of natural stone with modern finesse.

Large Format: Minimal grout lines for a clean, cohesive look.

Water and Stain Resistant: Ideal for high-moisture or heavy-use areas.

Benefits

Timeless Elegance: Achieve a sophisticated design effortlessly.

Enhanced Durability: Withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear.

Low Maintenance: Simple cleaning keeps them looking immaculate.

Eco-Friendly Choice: Manufactured with sustainable processes.

Perfect Applications

Whether you’re envisioning luxurious living rooms, contemporary bathrooms, or professional office settings, Azul Cielo tiles seamlessly adapt to various applications. Their water-resistant properties make them especially suitable for kitchens and wet rooms, while the large format enhances open-plan areas.

How to Purchase

Decoridea makes it simple to upgrade your interiors with Azul Cielo tiles. Visit the product page to explore more details and place your order online: Azul Cielo Rectified Porcelain Tiles. Ensure you consult the provided installation guidelines for optimal results.

Customer Stories

Many homeowners and professionals have redefined their spaces with Azul Cielo tiles. A satisfied customer shares: “Installing Azul Cielo tiles transformed our living room into a gallery-like space. The polished finish and minimal joints gave it an ultra-modern vibe!”

Discover the Azul Cielo tiles today: Azul Cielo Rectified Porcelain Tiles. Elevate your design vision with this premium selection.

[avivakeeoniterio]

KITCHEN INTERIOR DESIGN- Avivakeeon Interio

Creating the Ultimate Kitchen Space with AvivakeeonInterio

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Avivakeeon Interio, where creating the ultimate kitchen space is not just a dream but a delightful reality. Imagine a kitchen that's not only modern and stylish but also functional and inviting. With Avivakeeon Interio’s expertise, you can transform your kitchen into a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle. From sleek cabinetry designs to innovative storage solutions, here’s your guide to the best kitchen interiordesign that will captivate both heart and home.

Understanding the Essentials of Kitchen Design

 Creating the perfect kitchen space is like crafting a masterpiece. With so many elements to consider, it can feel overwhelming. But fear not! With the guidance of Avivakeeon Interio, you'll learn how to transform your kitchen into a haven of style and functionality. Let's explore some foundational aspects of kitchen design.

Importance of Layout Optimization

When it comes to design, the layout is king! A well-optimized kitchen layout is the backbone of any efficient cooking space. It defines how you move around, where everything is stored, and ultimately, how well you enjoy your daily culinary adventures. Think about the classic work triangle: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Ideally, these three crucial areas should form a triangle, allowing for smooth navigation and an enjoyable cooking experience.

A neat tip is to aim for an equilateral triangle, where each side is between four and nine feet. This ensures that you're not running a marathon when preparing meals but also have enough space to avoid bumping into things. By optimizing your kitchen layout, you free up both your movements and your mind, creating a more organized space.

Choosing the Right Materials

The materials you select for your kitchen not only define its visual appeal but also its durability and maintenance needs. Choosing the right materials is about balancing style with practicality. Countertops, for example, are fundamental to the kitchen's performance. Options like granite and quartz are not only stunning but also incredibly reliable and easy to maintain.

For cabinets, consider using materials that offer durability and a sleek appearance, such as hardwood or laminate finish. Don't forget about the backsplash, which is a fabulous forte for creativity. Glass tiles, stainless steel, or classic subway tiles can add that perfect splash of personality. By choosing materials that align with your lifestyle and design preferences, you'll create a kitchen that stands the test of time.

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

In the quest to create the ultimate kitchen space, balancing aesthetics with functionality is key. It's all about creating a space that inspires creativity and ease. Aesthetic elements like color schemes, lighting, and decor pieces should complement the kitchen's functional needs.

Think about storage solutions that look great while also hiding your clutter. Open shelving can showcase beautiful dishware, whereas pull-out organizers keep pots and pans neatly tucked away. Lighting is another crucial component; ambient lighting for general purposes, task lighting for work areas, and accent lighting to highlight unique features.

Remember, true beauty lies in a kitchen that serves its purpose well while effortlessly radiating style.

Avivakeeon Interio's Approach to Modern Kitchen Decor

Avivakeeon Interio is revolutionizing the way we look atkitchen decor. With innovative solutions and keen attention to contemporary trends, they make achieving your dream kitchen a tangible goal. Here's how Avivakeeon Interio emphasizes modern kitchen aesthetics without sacrificing functionality.

Contemporary Styles and Trends

When it comes to style, staying updated with current trends can be tricky. Yet, Avivakeeon Interio keeps you ahead of the curve with timeless and trendy designs that step beyond fleeting fads. Modern kitchen styles embrace minimalism, clean lines, and neutral palettes. Think matte black finishes, natural wood tones, and bursts of geometric patterns.

One popular trend is the industrial look — a mix of rustic and modern elements like exposed brick, metal accents, and open spaces. Alternatively, the Scandinavian style offers simplicity with its emphasis on natural light, soft color schemes, and natural materials. By incorporating these styles, you're setting your kitchen up to be not only functional but exceptionally chic.

Innovative Storage Solutions

At Avivakeeon Interio, creative storage solutions are at the heart of modern kitchen design. Clever storage means utilizing every nook and cranny to its fullest potential. We're talking about everything from drawer organizers that make sorting utensils a breeze, to custom-built cabinetry that fits seamlessly into tricky spaces.

Consider options like tall pull-out pantries for easy access to dry goods or corner carousel cabinets that make good use of otherwise awkward spaces. Integrating vertical storage can further maximize compact areas. For smaller kitchens, hanging racks for pots and pans and magnetic strips for knives free up precious counter space. With these innovative storage solutions, clutter doesn’t stand a chance!

Incorporating Cutting-edge Technology

Today’s kitchens are smart more than ever! AvivakeeonInterio embraces the wave of cutting-edge technology, bringing futuristic features into your cooking domain. Imagine voice-activated appliances that make multi-tasking a breeze or smart fridges that scan expiration dates and suggest shopping lists.

Wireless charging stations embedded into countertops ensure your devices are always powered up, while smart lighting systems adjust the mood with just a tap or voice command. And let's not forget induction cooktops which provide faster, safer, and more energy-efficient cooking. Incorporating these technologies transforms your kitchen into a hub of efficiency and ease.

With Avivakeeon Interio's modern approach, your kitchen will not only look stunning but will become a space where style meets innovation. Creating an ultimate kitchen space isn't just a pipe dream — it's a modern reality! Whether it's the layout, material choices, or the integration of smart tech, each component works harmoniously to ensure your kitchen is a place of joy and creativity. So, roll up those sleeves, let Avivakeeon Interio guide you, and take that step toward crafting your culinary sanctuary.

Expert Tips from Avivakeeon Interio

Designing the ultimate kitchen space is not just about picking out pretty cabinets or trendy gadgets. It's about turning the heart of your home into a harmonious space that blends functionality with style. Avivakeeon Interio, a frontrunner in modern kitchen decor, offers expert tips to help you achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Selecting the Perfect Color Palette

Let's begin with colors! Selecting the perfect color palette is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire kitchen. Avivakeeon Interio recommends:

- Soft Neutrals: Whites, creams, and gentle greys are classic choices that create an airy and expansive feel, making them ideal for any kitchen size.

- Bold Accents: Introduce pops of color through backsplashes, dishware, or an accent wall. Consider vibrant hues like teal, mustard, or burnt orange to add zest without overwhelming the space.

- Timeless Combinations: If you're aiming for elegance, consider combining navy blue with brass or pairing black cabinets with marble countertops.

The key is to create a balance between enduring colors and trendy accents, ensuring that your kitchen remains stylish for years to come.

Lighting and Ambiance Enhancement

Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a kitchen. Avivakeeon Interio emphasizes the importance of a well-thought-out lighting plan:

- Layered Lighting: Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, task lighting focuses on high-use areas like the countertops, and accent lighting adds depth and highlights features.

- Under-Cabinet Lights: These subtle lights not only illuminate countertops but also enhance the mood, providing a cozy, inviting glow perfect for late-night snacking or intimate evenings.

- Statement Fixtures: Chandeliers or pendant lights above a kitchen island or dining area can serve as focal points, adding a touch of sophistication and flair to your kitchen.

- Dimmable Options: Install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting according to the occasion, from bright morning energizer to a soft dinner ambiance.

A thoughtful mix of lighting options can significantly elevate your kitchen's atmosphere and functionality.

Maximizing Space in Compact Kitchens

Living with a compact kitchen? No problem! AvivakeeonInterio has optimization strategies that ensure you make the most of every inch:

- Vertical Storage: Take advantage of wall space by incorporating tall cabinets or open shelving. This approach not only saves floor space but also keeps essentials within arm's reach.

- Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in kitchen islands with built-in storage or fold-away tables that can double as prep surfaces when needed.

- Declutter and Organize: Utilize drawer dividers, pull-out shelves, and lazy Susans to keep your kitchen neat and organized, making it more efficient and enjoyable to use.

- Smart Appliances: Consider compact or multi-purpose appliances that offer the same functionality without consuming excess space.

By applying these clever strategies, you can transform even the tightest kitchens into efficient, welcoming spaces. Ultimately, no matter the size of your kitchen, with Avivakeeon Interio's expert insights, you can craft a space that's both stunningly modern and perfectly functional.

Conclusion

Transforming your kitchen with Avivakeeon Interio’s expertise can truly redefine your cooking and dining experiences. By incorporating modern kitchen décor elements and ingenious space-utilization tips, you can create a stylish yet functional kitchen that meets your needs. Remember to focus on these key elements:

- Efficiency: Create a layout that allows seamless movement.

- Style: Choose contemporary designs that reflect your personality.

- Functionality: Ensure practicality with smart storage solutions.

With Avivakeeon Interio, the kitchen of your dreams is just a design away!