#old rustic wood desk

[sanches812]

The Allure of Old Rustic Wood Desk Textures

20 Old Rustic Wood Desk Texture Backgrounds Creativemarket Cover In the world of design, the right backdrop can significantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of a project. Among various options, old rustic wood desk textures and backgrounds stand out for their warmth, character, and sense of history. These textures bring a unique charm to any design, whether it’s for a website, an advertisement, or…

[momolady]

Art the Orc

If you live in a small town, maybe you'll know this place. It's a little art store run by the same family for ages. It's not changed in all that time either. Picture it, feel it, you know it's the only place that sells that one supply you like. Now, imagine an orc behind the counter. Female Reader x Male Monster

The visage of the old place looked like it had once been a gas station. There was one of those big metal awnings and signs that gas pumps had once been outside. But everything else looked like the art supply store it was. The window was painted, done up with flowers and a flourishing font, but it hadn’t been touched in ages and was chipping and weathering away.

The old place had seen better days, you could tell. But you were excited to tackle such a special project with your own two hands.

Inside the place had a familiar smell of paint thinner, book pages, and coffee. You looked around the front as the bells on the door chimed. The old floor had seen better days and was worn out where you stood, even the welcome mat was hard to read.

“Welcome to Greengold Creative Station,” the deep voice came from behind the front desk where there was an open door. ‘I’ll be out with you in just a moment.”

“Take your time,” you replied. You continued to look around, noting the mismatched shelving and thrown together renovations dotting the place.

A moment later, a large orc came from the back. He was wearing thick glasses and had on a corded cardigan that covered a paint splattered t-shirt.

“Can I help you find anything?” He asked as he adjusted his glasses.

You approached the front desk again, extending your hand to him. “Hi! You must be Mr. Greengold, I’m from Regency Renovations.”

There was a surprised look upon his face as he shook your hand. “You’re the renovator?”

You smiled, half expecting some reservation based on your appearance. “I specialize in business and storefront renovations. That is what you wanted, correct, Mr. Greengold?”

He fumbled with his words for a moment, stuttering, touching his glasses until he spoke. “Call me Art, please.”

You held it in, but he knew where your mind went.

“It’s short for Arthur, but it's also my dad’s name so my mom calls me Art. Yes, I know, ha ha, very fun. A man named Art runs the art store.”

“It’s an easy target.” You tried to squash your giggling but a few came out.

He sighed and shook his head. “So, you’ll be handling the whole store. I want it updated completely. It was fine for my parents, but I need to bring in a new generation of artists and online shopping is destroying us.”

“It’s a common issue, Art,” you didn’t look at him as you said his name. “I already have some ideas brewing and I would be happy to discuss your thoughts for the business with you.”

He sighed heavily, gazing out at a store that was once his family’s legacy. “I would say I would like to keep some of what my parents did to this place, but I don’t think any of it is salvageable.”

“Well recycling is a thing.” You replied. “Like some of these old shelves, the wood can be reused to create a rustic facade for the front desk here.” You patted the worn out formica top. “And the vintage signage out from can be reused and framed, hung just right behind you there.”

Art made a face. “You can do all that.”

You returned his face, adding a smug smile to it. “I can do lots of things, Art. My father was a carpenter and my mother was a viper. Be careful of what you inflict about me.” You patted your chest proudly. You knew you were small and chubby, not many people expected much out of you, but your work spoke for itself. And that was how you told people off.

“Sorry,” he sighed. “I have a lot riding on this so-”

“So you hired the best. That I can promise you. Now I know you said you didn’t have a lot of funds, but I already have my plans made for how to help you with that. I plan on doing most of the work on my own, but for heavy lifting and other things-”

“I don’t mind helping with that,” he said with a shake of his head.

You had planned to bring in your brother for help, he enjoyed the destruction part of your job and he worked for free food. “Well uh…if you’d like Art, I wouldn’t say no.”

“I wouldn’t want you getting hurt on the job. It would be best if I helped out,” he said.

You couldn’t tell if he was being kind or underestimating you again, so you brushed it off and continued. “I would also like to film the process of the renovation. Stuff like that will help reach your new audience.”

He frowned, and his thick brows pinched together. “You must be joking.”

“I am not. You’d be surprised what the kids these days are watching.” You smirked up at him. “I know what I am doing, Art. Have some faith.”

His face read: easier said than done.

Discussion and planning was always the hard bit. You had to convince your employer of what needed to be done. Art was hesitant about some things, after all it was a family business and a place he had grown up in. But for the most part he was willing to go along with some of your ideas.

Art started the clean up process by first putting away his stock and setting most of the mismatched shelves outside. Once that was taken care of you began ripping up the old carpet and ancient linoleum.

“I remember when my dad put that stuff down,” Art said from behind you.

You looked up, eyes covered by goggles and mouth surrounded by one of those thick industrial masks. “Oh really?”

Art gave you a look. “Is all that necessary?”

“You’d be surprised.” You stacked another chunk of the linoleum to the side. “Lots of debris and who-knows-what is under these old floors. Decades of dirty shoes, dust, skin, and life are stored here.”

Art’s grimace deepened. “Skin?”

“Oh yeah, we shed like mad,” you laughed. “If you have dust in your house you can be assured it came from you!”

Art looked perturbed by this revelation but he continued in moving stock to the back and other store property outside.

Once the flooring was removed, you accessed what was underneath. It wasn’t marble or granite, but it was some type of stony tile that had existed when it was a gas station.

“Mom said it was inhospitable.”

You used a dust cloth to clean off a bit of the flooring. “But it’s easy to clean, and it’ll make the whole place appear brighter and bigger.” You turned and looked back at him, taking off the goggles. “It’ll be so much better in the long run. Plus! You won’t have to buy anything new except maybe a rug or two if you wanted.”

Art’s pinched brow was becoming the norm to see, but you could tell it was because the gears behind it were working so hard to process everything going on.

Once the tiles were cleaned and all the old flooring was hauled off to the dump, you started working on the walls, taking down slapdash shelving, and anything else hanging up. The old paint job, or jobs really, were layered on so thick and hadn’t been properly done. They had painted over the trim and electrical outlets, all of which needed to be replaced. The holes in the walls needed fixing too, and there were a few dents and scrapes from the years.

“You’re not hiring a painter?” Art asked one day.

You zipped up your coveralls and turned around to face him. “Not unless you want to shell out twice the money. Besides, I’m a good painter. A great painter even! Maybe not Rembrandt or anything, but I can handle a roller better than most.”

Art looked over your paint supplies. After days of you working on freeing the electric sockets and scraping the excess from the trim you could finally start working. You were painting the wall white, but you had found cheap sticker tiles to create a great accent wall, which could then be used for photo opportunities and special displays. Then another wall would also be painted white and used to display local artists and projects from the art class that Art taught.

“Mom always wanted to put wallpaper up,” Art murmured. “But said it wouldn’t be practical with everything we needed to hang up.”

There was a melancholy to Art’s face and tone as he said this. “What kind?” You asked as you poured your paint into the tray. “We could always find something close to what she had in mind for the office.”

Art glanced over his shoulder then shook his head. “I doubt I could afford it. I tried looking already.”

You put the roller into the paint, sliding it back and forth until it wasn’t too soupy. “Was this place your mom’s idea?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, his gaze going all about the store. “I can’t believe how empty it is now.”

“It’ll be full again in no time.” You gave him a reassuring smile when his amber eyes returned to you. “Do you have any pictures of your mother you would want to hang up?” you asked. “I can plan a special place for it.”

He huffed, seeming put off by this suggestion. “Excuse me. The smell of this paint is giving me a headache.” He walked off, stomping his feet a little as he went.

Art came back by the time you were finished with the first coat of white. You were sitting in front of the checkout desk, leaned back against it so your foot propped the door open. He stepped over your leg and looked at your work.

“The white really makes this place look…different,” he murmured.

“Don’t worry, there will be some color back soon enough,” you sighed. “Is your headache gone?”

Art nodded, leaning against the desk. “Sorry if I’ve been…obstinate.”

You waved it off. “I’m used to you.”

He shook his head. “No. I’ve been questioning and judging everything, all because I never really wanted to do this.”

You tilted your head up to look at him. “Then why are you?”

He let out that heavy, burdened sigh again. “Because it was in her will.”

You clicked your tongue. “Oh.”

“She left me money, but only if I used a portion of it to renovate the old store. She said it was mine after all, it deserved to reflect the new generation. Even in death she was still hinting I get married.” He scoffed at this, but he still had a smile on his face.

“Sounds pretty motherly.” You stood up from the ground, standing beside him. Not feeling much taller than you did sitting beside his great size. You motioned to the front window. “Did she paint that?”

Art laughed. “No. I did. That’s why she kept it so long.”

Your smile beamed. “Really? That’s pretty adorable.”

He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “For years upon years I’ve looked at that painting and wished every day she would wash it off and do something different. But I suppose her sentimentality was far too deep for that.”

“It’s a good painting,” you offered.

“I never thought she’d keep it so I barely tried,” he grunted and crossed his arms against his chest. “Boy, was I wrong.”

“Would you like to paint the new display? I was planning on just hanging a new sign and leaving the window clean.”

“I don’t know,” he muttered.

You patted his arm, and his eyes darted down to your hand, his brows unpinching for that one moment.

“I’ll wait till you decide then.” You stepped away from him, but his eyes still lingered on where you had touched him.

A few days later, as you were working on putting the sticker tile onto the wall, Art came from the back and offered you a ticket.

“A friend of mine has a gallery showing tonight. He gave me two tickets so I thought-” He hesitated and cleared his throat.

“How fancy is the affair?” You asked.

“Nothing too fancy. I mean, dress up, but not like black tie event or anything.” He cleared his throat again. “I was going to get dinner at my favorite restaurant since it was close by if you wanted to come.”

It clicked and you looked up at him. Your cheeks flushed and your mouth started to go dry. “Oh. Sure.” You tucked your hair behind your ear. “If that’s the case, maybe we should go in together. You know? Save the earth and stuff.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Smart idea. How about I pick you up tonight. Say…around six? Since the gallery is at eight?”

You nodded, biting down on your lip. “Yeah. Perfect. That should give me enough time to get ready after work.”

Art turned awkwardly away then back towards you. “Oh I uh, I guess I should get your address.” You traded info and the rest of the day went by in a jerky, tense sort of way.

That evening you waited in your living room until you heard from Art. You were wearing your favorite dress, and had even gotten your next door neighbor to do your makeup. You got his message and went downstairs to meet him at the front door.

Art was dressed nice in a dark purple suit and he had his long hair slicked back and tied into a bun. He didn’t have on his glasses, which surprised you. His eyes lit up when he saw you.

“Wow, you look great!” He said, a touch breathless.

You blushed and smiled. “Thanks. You look pretty great too. I’m not used to seeing you without your glasses.”

“Yeah, contacts tonight,” he said shyly. He then took your hand and led you to his car.

The restaurant was nice, the two of you had a clumsy start to it, but eventually you both started having an in depth conversation about color. From there, you both laughed and joked around, having a good time with great food and even better wine.

From there you walked to the gallery, meeting his friend then roaming through the show. Her artwork was lovely, but you noticed Art’s pinch brow had returned.

“A lot more nudes than I expected,” he whispered.

“I think it’s nice,” you replied. “I can see what her intent with the motif is. How it’s classic, it's natural, but also subversive.” You turned to Art, noticing him fidgeting and adjusting himself.

“Yes. I understand what she is doing,” he muttered. “I must have had just a little too much wine I think.”

You smiled at him, chuckling as your cheeks grew warm.

The car windows were fogged over, and in the dark all you could do was touch. His kisses felt rough but intimate. His tusks brushed against your skin, making your shiver. Every so often the darkness was halted by the motion light of the parking lot turning on. You’d still for a moment, then continue on with your youthful antics.

“We should stop.”

“We should.”

“Why aren’t we?”

“It’s hard.”

“Very hard.”

You kissed Art and breathed, looking into his eyes while you clasped your hands around his face. Maybe it was the wine or the nudes on display, maybe it was weeks of working so close and holding back so long.

“It’s hard.”

“Very hard.”

You smiled at him, kissing him again while his hands moved below. Your panties were pushed aside, his zipper brushed against your thigh. Big. Oh my god it was big!

You gasped softly and he stilled, watching your expression. You eased over him, taking as much of Art as you could stand. You pressed your palms to the roof of the car for balance, his strong hands kneaded into your thick thighs.

“Aren’t we a bit too old for this?” he breathed.

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we.” Your laughter turned into moaning. Maybe you were both a bit too old for this, but you’d never had so much fun before! He pressed deeply inside you, and his hands couldn’t stop touching your body. He roamed over the soft curves, and plump form, his desire seeming to grow the more he did.

The next morning you came into work, seeing Art standing in the middle of the room. You held your breath, wondering if it was all a wonderful dream. He turned and smiled, his thick glasses back in place.

“Hi” he said breathlessly.

Your smile bloomed. “Hi.”

Art motioned to the desk. “I brought coffee.”

“I see that.” You smiled and took a cup he offered.

He sighed then laughed and you laughed. “So uh…last night.”

“I liked your friend’s gallery. It was very nice. I also liked your favorite restaurant.” You took a sip of the coffee, testing it before you added anything.

Art nodded, his gaze drifted until it fell back onto you. “Is that all?”

You smiled over your coffee cup. “No. Just barely.” You looked into his eyes. “I wasn’t sure if it was an appropriate work topic.”

“Not exactly but uhm…I just wanted to check.” His eyes darted over you. “Were we really too old for that?”

You laughed and cupped your hand over your mouth. “A little. But I’m not too sore. Are you?”

“No. But I would prefer somewhere much comfier next time.” he leaned in close and you closed your eyes, accepting his kiss and the touch of his tusks against your cheeks.

“Yes, it would be nice.” You saw he had paints and brushes set on the front desk. “What’s this for?”

He sucked in a breath through his teeth. “I thought I’d paint the window. I got a bit of inspiration last night.” He grinned your way. “Plus, I think mom would like to see how I’ve improved.”

You grinned. “I’ll be very excited to see how you work. Outside a car at least.”

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I have never seen anything like this house. Notice that there are no windows. That is b/c the entire home is covered in bullet-proof Lexan. And, that's not all- every surface inside is also Lexan- the walls, furniture, you name it. Everything is bulletproof. Built in 1953 in Maumee, OH, it has 3bds, 2ba, asking $399,900. It looks brand new inside, I don't think it's ever really been lived in. You have to see this.

It's a nice piece of property- 5.08 acres of it, surrounded by $100K worth of fencing and it also has $300K of concrete, so it's a bargain already.

Here's an idea of the layout. Our tour will begin with the entrance - by the red carpet.

I don't know what this is. Maybe it's a rear entrance.

Here we are in the entrance hall. The red carpet is out to welcome guests to your bulletproof lair. Geez, it's awfully bright in here. They chose the lightest Lexan color- notice how shiny the walls are? Lexan.

Even with the model, I still can't find my way around. I don't see a living room, but this is the first room, with a wall of bulletproof closets and matching desk. There's an exercycle in here for some reason.

I don't know, is it a desk? Looks like they have rubber mats protecting the floors. Now, why would you put wood doors in a bulletproof house?

This is your combination kitchen/exercise room.

Nice, shiny Lexan cabinetry. The fridge looks like a 50s model.

Weird little door there. They've got wood beams on the ceiling for a rustic touch.

This is exercise equipment, right? Weird place for a clock.

Bench w/a neon light. This house has some strange features.

Very large pantry.

Bulletproof shower door. Why is it open at the top? Stop playin.'

Laundry room has a little desk in the corner.

Clearly, those machines aren't bulletproof.

Here's your bedroom with the bulletproof bed, nightstands and storage. But, you can still easily be shot. That mattress is so high, you'd be an easy target.

Who cares about the walls, when the bed makes you a sitting duck? This house is dumb.

Anyway, here's your bulletproof closet/dressing room. I hate when my lingerie has bullet holes.

Now on the toilet, you're only partially hidden. Come on, man.

I don't know, a primary bedroom?

I thought that the real estate description had a lot of nerve saying that it could be demolished and the buyer could rebuild. Now, I'm beginning to think that might be a good idea.

The property has a nice water feature.

Over 5 acres is a lot of land.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1360-Old-Trail-Rd-Maumee-OH-43537/34722959_zpid/

[thebestofoneshots]

Gilded Constellations | wolfstar x reader

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 4.3K Warnings: none Prompt: You meet Sirius and Regulus at a family vacation in the Caribbean, but things don't go as planned and you end up losing contact once the trip is over. Years later your family moves to England and you get accepted at Hogwarts where you finally meet Sirius once again, along with all of his friends. One of them with a mysterious secret, that you'll uncover as you embark on your own Hogwarts adventure.

Chapter 1: Summer Breeze 

2 years ago - Summer 1974 

Every summer holiday, your parents would take you on some elaborate vacation to a different place. This summer was no different from that, except that they’d contacted some of their old friends in England to plan a trip together. Your father was set on making you more fluent in English and had the brilliant idea to force you onto making some English friends. 

While you weren’t too excited about spending your summer with a pure-blood family, since your mom had not-wizarding grandparents, you decided you were not going to be a snob and actually try to make some friends. Your parents never told you that the Blacks didn’t know about your mom’s ancestry though, especially after your great-grandmother made a huge effort to hide that side of the family when the racist stuff started getting worse. It wasn’t a secret to you, only to the rest of the world. 

“Are you ready sweetheart?” Your mom asked, looking stunning in her white beach dress. 

You closed your suitcase and nodded, walking towards her and your dad in the centre of your living room. You stood in a circle and in the blink of an eye apparated in a completely different place. You were in the middle of a giant Lobby, looking straight toward the front desk. It was an open space, there were fountains in the centre and large logs of wood holding a stunning ceiling with floating balls of some wood-like fibre, you could hear the waves crashing onto the shore somewhere in the distance. It looked elegant yet rustic at the same time. On the side of the Lobby, a metal plate spelled 

Mayan Occultum Hotel  The #1 Hotel for Witches and Wizards in the Caribbean:  Costa Maya 

Followed by 5 shining golden stars that spun  around every couple of seconds. Your father had his head up and looked around to try and find his old friends. 

Sirius had been dragged to this. While to anyone a vacation in the Caribbean might sound like a dream, to him it was no other than an absolute nightmare, not because he disliked the beach, in fact, he quite fancied the idea of spending some time relaxing under the sun after the finals, the issue here was that he wasn’t going with his friends, no James, No Mooney, no Wormtail. No, he was on a FAMILY vacation, which meant he’d have to spend like 2 weeks locked up in a hotel in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of people that hated him. He threw in as many muggle-like clothing items he’d gotten from Andromeda into his suitcase, just to spite his parents and hopefully keep the other wizard family, the one that had the brilliant idea to invite his family to the hotel to come along with them, at bay. He was not interested in making new friends, he was not interested in talking to any that were of his parents at all. After all, they probably would be no other than a bunch of Slytherin snobs. 

By the time his mother called him down to the chimney to travel through the floo network, he’d even made sure to add in a pair of Doc Martens to his suitcase, the most punk thing he had gotten his hands on thus far, all thanks to Moony who’d showed him how to order things from a catalogue. He was wearing a leather jacket, ripped black jeans and a pair of Converse shoes, not a very beachy outfit, was it? 

When his mom saw him she almost ordered him to go back upstairs to change but Orion said they were late and basically pushed Sirius onto the chimney. He was the first to arrive, Regulus was next, with a very suitable wizard attire, his parents had come soon after. 

Once your dad spotted Orion among the crowds he went straight to greet him, your mom followed alongside him and you lagged behind just a bit. 

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Orion, you look as dashing as the last time we met,” your father said. 

Orion chuckled lightly “I could say the same about you Silas! This must be Avis,” he said as he turned into your mother “I remember as if it was yesterday when you wrote me that you’d found the love of your life.” 

Now it was your father who chucked “Walburga,” He nodded towards her, she set her hand out and he gave a courteous kiss. Had they forgotten to tell you were meeting royalty or something? Your parents were rarely this formal with his friends.

Regardless of the odd formalities, you stayed behind them as they caught up, “These are my children,” Orion said pushing forwards two boys, one dressed as a wizard and one with very muggle-like clothes, “This is Sirius,” He pointed at the taller boy, “and this is Regulus,” he said pointing at the smaller one. 

Up until then Sirius had maintained a disagreeable face but had been polite enough to your parents so as not to seem like an ass, at least they weren’t overly dressed, they looked like a normal family on vacation, not like they were going to the queen’s wedding at the beach. But his expression changed when your mom moved to the side and he saw you for the first time. 

“This is my daughter, (Y/N),” Your father said, placing a hand on your back and pushing you just slightly forward. 

“You’ve got yourself a beautiful young lady, Silas, why have you been hiding her behind you?” 

“Our (Y/N) is a bit shy,” Your mom excused. 

“Just like our son,” Walburga said as she placed a hand on Regulus’ shoulder, with a huge suspicious smile growing on her face. You would’ve taken a step back had it not been for your father’s hand still on your back, Sirius noticed. He’d straightened his back right after you appeared in his field of view, he almost felt self-conscious, of his outfit (probably because of how hot it was), of his hair, he hated feeling that way, but there was something about you, he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Curiosity, it had to be that. He was curious about you. 

You responded with an awkward smile, by then your father was already pulling Orion toward the front desk to check in. 

“So (Y/N), What year are you in?” Walburga asked, you couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she was, in a dangerous sort of way, sharp features, a smile that even if it looked kind, hid something behind it. Like a mermaid luring you in before she drowns you, you thought. 

“I’m starting my 4th,” You replied politely, trying to hide how intimidated you felt while talking to her. 

“Oh,” she said, sounding almost a little disappointed “Like Sirius.” Had she said her child’s name with disdain or was it just your imagination? Perhaps it had something to do with the way the boy dressed. 

“I’m sure they’ll become great friends,” your mom said looking at you, then at Sirius and then back at you. 

Walburga nodded but did not look very happy with the idea of you making friends with her older son. Regardless, you’d been interested in talking to the boy the moment you spotted him from the distance, he looked like the vocalist of a rock band. If it had not been for the fact that your parents introduced you to him, you might have lived on assuming he was some sort of celebrity. 

In the midst of the awkward silence your father and Orion came back. Your father smiled towards you, almost apologetically “Sweetheart there is an event for couples on the other side of the hotel, Orion and I thought it would be good to spend some time there to catch up, would you mind exploring the rest of the hotel with the boys?” 

Well, there goes your family vacation, makes sense after all, your father had been looking for an excuse to move back to England for a while, maybe he’d talk to Orion about the ministry jobs available, Orion did have the politician look going for him. You forced a smile “Not at all Dad, it’ll be fantastic to get to know them,” you hoped that did not come out as ironic as you meant it. Although Sirius' snicker from behind gave you the impression it was not like that. 

Your dad handed you and the boys a map each “We’ve enhanced them, that way we can always find you.” 

Your smile only tightened but you kept it until they were out of sight. Once you made sure they were far enough you pulled your wand out and murmured “incendio,” causing your map to slowly burn itself, you let it drop once the fire was too close to your hand. 

“Did you just use magic? Aren’t you 14?” Regulus asked with a frown. 

You turned to him with a smile “There are many qualified wizards around us,” you responded opening your arms to gesture at the amount of people surrounding you “Besides, this hotel is part of the Occultum line, anyone that has studied at least until year 2 is permitted to use magic–” After hearing this words Sirius used incendio to burn his map as well, you raised your eyebrows towards him and then continued “–that’s why my parents picked it, they wanted me to spend some time practising spells for the next year.” 

Regulus only settled his map on a nearby suitcase that was soon sent flying away, presumably towards its own room, proving how unnecessary the magic you’d both used had been “I heard there was an orchestra at noon, maybe we can go there?” He suggested. 

“Sure, I guess…” You said before grabbing a pamphlet that mentioned all the activities the hotel had going on that day, but one seemed a tad more interesting “What about his one tho?” You said pointing at something written on the paper. 

“A muggle movie screening?” Regulus asked with a grimace, Sirius, on the other hand, seemed a lot more interested in it. 

“Let’s do that! Sounds fun!” Sirius decided, took the pamphlet from your hands in an action that would’ve been rude had he not done it with such grace, and started walking towards the direction the pamphlet indicated. 

“Not sure Mom and Dad would like that,” Regulus argued as the two of you followed, lagging behind Sirius only slightly. 

“Of course, they wouldn’t,” You agreed with him, but caught up with Sirius soon after “Regardless, dear Reg, is not like they’re going to know, we all got rid of our maps.” 

His frown didn’t leave his face even after he caught up with you, walking by your side, instead of his brother’s. Weird, you thought. 

“And don’t even think about telling dear mommy and daddy about it Reggie!” Sirius warned. 

Regulus didn’t fancy how quick you’d gotten comfortable with giving him a nickname, regardless he decided to go with it, it was probably better to stick to Sirius to make sure he didn’t cause some mischief that would have the three of you grounded for the rest of the summer, or your lives, whichever came first. 

The three of you arrived at the “cinema” area quickly enough. “Well, even if the movie is bad, the experience will be authentic.” 

“You’ve been to a cinema?” Asked Sirius impressed. 

“Last summer while I was in New York,” you explained, “very similar to this one, ‘bit more run down.” 

“And your parents allowed you?” Asked Regulus, almost judging. 

“Perhaps they would’ve If they’d known,” you replied with a mischievous smile. 

The three of you walked to the stall and asked the lady attending to give you 1 large bowl of popcorn and three butter beers. The lady grabbed a large bucket and threw some kernels inside it, followed by a block of butter and a sprinkle of salt, she then murmured “calidium.” Hot air started coming from her wand, heating the kernels and having them pop in front of your eyes. 

You leaned in closer to Regulus and whispered “They didn’t have that in the cinema I went to.” 

The lady continued with her task and started serving the butter beers when Sirius decided to speak up. 

“What’s the sorting hat popcorn?” 

“You spin the thing, and a block of candy will come out, we add that to the corn before popping and when it does, it becomes sweetened popcorn with the colour of your house, it’s inspired by the Hogwarts sorting hat,” She explained. 

He nudged you, “You should try it, see which house you’d be in if you studied with us,” He said with a smile. 

“That’s ridiculous, random candy cannot be as wise as the sorting hat,” Regulus complained. 

You shrugged “Seems like a fun deal,” You said, walking towards the fun-looking machine and spinning the wheel. A dark block of candy came out and you handed it to the lady. After she performed the same spell as last time, minus the salt, the popcorn started to pop, turning into different shades of grey, gold, green and silver. You turned to the boys “Which house is that?” 

“Seems like you’re in between,” the lady replied. “The popcorn is not as accurate as the sorting hat I’m afraid.” 

“In between what?” 

“Slytherin–“ started Regulus. 

“–And Gryffindor.“ finished Sirius, the air seemed to tense up in that minute and you just had to do something, so you threw your fist inside the bucket and grabbed a couple of them, popping them in your mouth. 

“Who cares? I highly doubt I’ll ever be in Hogwarts anyway,” You said as you grabbed one of the buckets and your mug of butter beer. “Can I also have some of those?” You said pointing toward the every flavour beans, the lady nodded and handed you a box. 

“The movie starts in 15 minutes,” said Regulus after looking at the time in the giant magical clock. 

“Excuse me, what’s a magic projection?” You asked the clerk near the door. 

“It’s the movie, but with special magical effects, like things that come out of the screen and several other effects, it’s immersive,” he explained and you nodded, definitely not like the muggle cinema you’d been to before. 

“I didn’t know such a thing existed.” 

“It’s a program in development, a very talented new-maj called Drey started bewitching films just 2 years ago, they became very popular in the industry, and this is one of her newest projects.” 

Before Regulus could open his mouth Sirius spoke “That sounds fantastic! Can we walk in already?” He asked with the most charming smile you had ever seen and after the clerk nodded he dragged you both inside. 

“I’m still not fascinated by this idea,” Regulus complained. 

“Don’t be such a party popper Reg,” You said, throwing a popcorn at him. He brushed it off his coat and started looking at the ads on the screen. 

You then threw one in the air and caught it with your mouth, it’s something you’d seen muggles do in the theatre you had been to last year. 

“Shoot one,” Sirius said, you shot a popcorn and he’d easily caught it, he then winked and motioned for you to send another one. You did, but the third time you grabbed an every flavour bean instead, he also caught it and bit on it with ease, grimacing right after. 

“Treason!” He said after forcing it to go down his throat “I demand her head!” he added while exaggerating his expressions in a very Alice in WonderLand Queen of Hearts-like attitude, then he relaxed again “That was awful, and no warning either!” You just laughed in return, “no wonder the popcorn wanted you in Slytherin” he said, Regulus rolled his eyes. 

“What flavour was it anyway?” You asked, to drive the conversation away from the house topic, which clearly was a sensible one. 

“Your mom’s,” he replied. After understanding the implication of his answer you gasped and playfully hit him on the arm “Sorry, sorry, It was something like sewer water or something, one of the worst I’ve had in my life.” 

Regulus looked at the box and then at you “You want one too?” You asked politely, while there seemed to be some kind of tension between the two boys, neither of them seemed particularly evil, or mean, if anything Regulus was rather shy compared to his loud brother, almost like he did not want to get on the bad side of his parents, something Sirius didn’t really seem to care much about. He quietly nodded to respond to your question and you shot one towards his face, it unfortunately didn’t land on his mouth and fell to the side. He was about to call it off but you didn’t let him. “It’s ok if you don’t get it the worst I’ve had in my life.” 

“Peaches,” he replied with a smile. 

“Unfair,” Sirus said as he crossed his arms and took the box from you “It’s your turn.” 

“I’m terrible at catching with my mouth,” you warned, but he threw one at your face anyway. It landed on your eye, thankfully you closed it first. 

“Shit, I’m sorry,” He said, grabbing your face with his two hands to check if you were ok. Did he not know about personal space? “You OK?” He was so close you could smell his breath, it was minty and fresh, despite having had popcorn already. 

“Yeah, I’m good,” you said, shaking him off and picking the jelly bean from your shirt, where it’d fallen after attacking you “Got fast reflexes,” you said before popping it in your mouth, you grimaced. 

“What was it?” Regulus asked. 

“Lime I think, it was very sour,” you said, turning towards him “Guess you’re the lucky one between the three of us.” Regulus smiled awkwardly as a reply and then the screen turned on. 

A lady showed up on the screen “Welcome, witches and wizards, this is the newest rendition of the magical cinema series. Welcome to this incredible adventure in which you will face a terrible creature, the dangers of the sea and the world as told from a muggle perspective. There will be a lot of water, hope you brought your bathing suits.” She disappeared shortly after and then the titles started rolling in. 

It was actually a beach movie, funny when you remembered that the beach was just a minute's walk away from where you stood. And it was definitely NOT like an ordinary muggle film, there were splashes of water in your face, things crawling on your seat, smoke, smell and even the shark would get out of the screen and swim all over the room. It was thrilling, to say the least. 

When the move was over the three of you were soaked, the boys had their fluffy hair clinging onto their faces as you walked out of the theatre. But they also looked happy, Sirius was thrilled, unsurprisingly, but even Reg seemed at ease, even if he had gone to a “muggle thing”. 

“We should go see the beach now,” Sirius said. 

“Just hope Larry Vaughn is not the mayor here,” you responded and cracked a laugh from the two brothers. 

The three of you then walked towards the beach area, there were lounge chairs with umbrellas on top, some beach beds and a stand where you could ask the house elves to bring you different special drinks. As you were sitting down in one of the chairs you overheard some wizards passing by. And you couldn’t help but to be enthralled by their conversation. Regulus was sitting by the end of the bed, looking wearily at the sea and Sirius was taking off his jacket and laying it on the back of the bed for it to dry with the wind, he was rocking a David Bowie shirt underneath. “Hey (Y/N) do you want anything from the–“ 

“–Shhhh,” you said as you gestured for him to listen to the conversation as well. 

“Yeah, the ziplines were amazing, it’s fantastic the hotel counts with muggle transportation all the way to the parks,” one of the wizards said. 

“Do you think we should go again,” asked the other one. 

“No, Mom said we’d go to the ruins tomorrow, something about magical vestiges or whatever.” 

That’s when you stood up “Hey!” You said with a smile “Sorry, we kinda overheard you talking about the… what did you call them? Zip lines? We were wondering what park you were referring to.” You really could be charming when you wanted to. 

“It’s Xplore,” one of the boys replied. 

The other grabbed his backpack and handed you a brochure “I took this one from the park, maybe it helps,” he said with a bright smile as well. 

“Thank you, you’re a darling,” you said before going back to your beach bed, sitting on the side, next to Sirius, Reg was still sitting on the end of the bed, but he clearly did not like where the conversation was going. 

“You even got them to give you a brochure?” Sirius mused. 

You shrugged and set it on the centre of the bed, opening it up just to realise it was in Spanish. 

“Reg speaks some Italian,” Sirius said motioning towards his brother. 

“I’m not translating any muggle propaganda.” 

“It’s NOT propaganda,” you argued, “regardless I came prepared,” you said as you took out your wand, waved it and whispered “tradussere.” The letters of the page started changing and soon enough it was all in English. 

“I thought you needed to speak the language to be able to do that,” Reg said. 

“You do, and I can only manage to make it last a couple of minutes, so we better hurry,” you replied. 

XPLORE  Jungle adventure park with zip lines, amphibious vehicles, whitewater rafting and underground rivers.  Prices start at $1500 MXN  Experience a true adventure on your trip to Mexico by flinging through ZIP lines, swimming on underground sacred rivers and riding amphibious vehicles in the Mayan rainforests. 

On the brochure, there were also photos with people wearing climbing gear and helmets. People swimming in dark but beautiful cabins, it really looked like an adventure-filled experience. 

You and Sirius gave each other a look after reading “WE HAVE TO GO,” you said to each other at the same time. 

“No, we don’t HAVE to do anything,” said Reg “In fact, we CAN’T.” 

“Come on Reggie, it sounds super fun,” you argued, trying to convince him. 

“Mom and Dad would kill us before letting us go,” he reasoned with Sirius “You don’t need to make things worse between you and them.” 

“I do, especially if they act like racist bastards,” Sirius bit back defensively. 

“Sirius,” Reg said with pain in his eyes, clearly he cared about his brother, but Sirius seemed to be too pissed off to even consider that. 

“I…” you thought about it for a second “They don’t have to find out…” 

“What?” Reg asked, turning his face to you. 

“We just have to pick a day that’ll be very busy for them and go then, one with many activities. Besides I’m sure my father and yours are just so eager to catch up that we won’t see them much this summer…” 

“I’m not gonna do it,” Regulus said with conviction “It’s a terrible idea, you shouldn’t do it either,” You were far too excited to notice the fear in Regulus' eyes, had you been more observant, maybe the mess you’d get into later could’ve been avoided. 

“Clam down Reggie, it’ll be in and out, they’ll never find out,” Sirius reasoned, “We need to be perfect in picking the day,” he said turning towards you. 

Regulus denied with his head and pulled a book out of his bag as you and Sirius continued planning your escapade. 

You’d be in charge of the money exchange process since you already had done it before and knew how the entire process worked, Sirius would make fake muggle passports for the two of you, so you could get rid of the parental signs and age requirements they ask for in the park, Regulus, as he’d said before, would stay, but he’d make sure to cover for you in case you parents started looking for the two,  he was still against it, but you had convinced to at least do that for you. 

After days of careful planning, the opportunity finally presented itself, your parents would have a very busy schedule with some magical presentations happening at the hotel and the three of you would have the day to yourselves. 

“So… tomorrow, we have everything?” You asked Sirius. 

He nodded “Fake passports, the money, the bus that’ll take us there.  We’ll depart at 7, the park opens at 11 because it’s a Tuesday, but we’ll be dropped off at the city and from there, we have to take a taxi or something to get to the park.” 

“Perfect.” 

“You know, you can still call it off,” said Regulus, peering from his book, “At least consider it tonight.” 

The two of you turned towards him, every time the subject came up, Regulus would say something similar “It’ll be ok Reg, just promise you’ll cover for us,” you pleaded. 

He took a deep breath but turned his face towards you and nodded unconvinced “Just be very careful, you don’t know how angry our parents can get.” 

You took that as an exaggeration, after all, Sirius had played it as such for the longest time. You couldn’t have been more mistaken. You should’ve listened. But the idea of a day full of adventure next to Sirius was just too intoxicating for you to pay attention to the alarm system activating in your head, after all, the minute you’d met Walburga you’d known something was wrong with her. 

“We’ll be fine, Reg, stop acting like a chicken,” Sirius said, diverting your attention again.

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A/N: Most Poly!Marauders fics are oneshots, where the relationship between characters is already established, and they're all happy and pleased with it. No issues, no drama, but I WANTED the drama. Couldn't find it, so I set myself up to write the story behind the stablished relationship. I wanted to know how they started dating each other, the jealousy, the will they won't they, because getting into a poly relationship can't be an easy task, and I wanted to explore that story. If you're interested: Welcome to Gilded Constellations!

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meet cute: the pottery class | wen junhui

SYNOPSIS. in which you choose to attend a pottery class for a solo date, not expecting to be so shy sitting next to an equally shy classmate. PAIRING. wen junhui x gn!reader GENRE. fluff, meet cute, first meetings, implied college au WARNINGS. none WORD COUNT. 2.2k

notes: welcome to your meet cute with jun!

← MEET CUTE MASTERLIST for the 1k celebration !

...a pottery class!

There have been many times where you had thoughts of one day joining a pottery class out of curiosity, but time never played in your favour and the idea had been pushed to the back of your mind. However, of course, today was different and gifted you an entire day with no deadlines and no responsibilities. It was a rare and precious blank canvas of time, and you couldn't help but wonder: why not now?

Out the window, the early afternoon sun bathes the world in a soft, golden light, and a gentle breeze swaying through the trees carries the promise of a new type of experience. So you peer at yourself one last time in the mirror and over the outfit you've chosen. Your reflection seems different𑁋a little more eager, a little more hopeful.

You quickly research the closest, good-reviewed studio, and within minutes, you find a place nearby that offers beginner pottery classes. Then you race to put on your shoes, grab your keys, and head out the door. As you step into the golden embrace of the sun, you take a deep breath, feeling the crispness of the air and the warmth of the day caress your skin. On your way to the pottery studio, you pass by the nearby park you always go to and even the old coffee shop you should visit again sometime.

When you arrive at the pottery studio, you're greeted by a charming and rustic façade, with the studio's sign hanging proudly above the door. As you make your way inside, you notice the intricate details that adorn the wooded walls𑁋pottery tools neatly organised, hand-painted ceramic tiles showcasing different glazing designs, and photographs capturing the smiles of satisfied students.

As you approach the receptionist desk, a young woman greets you with a friendly smile. "Hi, welcome to Pledis Pottery. Are you here for a class or just browsing?"

You clear your throat, hesitating for a moment. "Uh, I heard you guys offer beginner classes? If it's possible, can I sign up one for one?"

"Sure, we have a class starting in fifteen minutes. Would you like to enroll?"

"Yes, please. Thank you so much."

"Okay. And can I get a name?"

"Sure. Y/N."

The receptionist then passes you a form and you eagerly fill it out before handing it back to her. Then you sit down in a small waiting area where a few other people sat, like an older woman sitting a few chairs away from you, a couple browsing through magazines, and a cute boy in the corner who appeared to be around your age scrolling mindlessly through his phone with a small smile, which makes your gaze linger on him a bit.

You do the same to preoccupy your time waiting, shooting the occasional curious glance in the boy's direction, and before you know it, a voice gains the attention of all the eyes in the waiting area.

"If you're here for our beginners' class, you may all follow me," a woman instructs, and you already find yourself gathering your belongings before following the couple in front of you. And from behind, you can sense the boy from earlier walking suit, and the feeling brings a very subtle jump to your heart.

When you walk into the spacious classroom, your eyes widen to the shelves along the walls displaying an array of beautifully glazed pottery from intricate detailed vases to whimsical figurines. The air is filled with the earthy scent of clay, and you can see rows of pottery wheel worktables sitting in the middle of the room.

"Welcome, everyone, to the world of pottery!" the instructor exclaims enthusiastically. "Today, we'll start by getting comfortable with the basics. Pottery is a patient art form, so remember that it's okay to take your time and just enjoy the process. For now, if you all could put on an apron and take a seat, then we can get started today."

You grab an apron from a nearby rack and drape it over yourself. However, as you attempt to tie your apron securely, your lips purse together annoyingly while fumbling the fabric, feeling a bit self-conscious, but your fingers just can't seem to get a secure grip.

Just when you're starting to feel a hint of frustration, you notice that the boy from earlier at the corner of your eye calmly tying his own apron with ease. You hesitate for a moment, taking in a deep breath, before making your way in his direction.

You clear your throat awkwardly. "Um, excuse me?"

It catches his attention quite easily, and your momentarily stunned by his wide deep-set eyes peering curiously into yours, his dark brown irises meeting yours.

You feel an embarrassed flush spread through your face. "Uh, can you help me tie this apron? I can't seem to get a good knot on it."

The boy seems pensive for a moment, and you swear you can almost notice a faint rosy hue to his own cheeks, before stepping up to you with a small nod. You turn around so your back faces him, and you feel a warmth spread through you as he gently takes hold of the apron strings, his fingers brushing against yours.

After a few moments that feel like an eternity, he finally ties the apron securely. His fingers linger for just a second longer than necessary, and your heart does a little somersault, and you mentally scold yourself for being so affected by a simple gesture.

"There," he says simply, softly, voice tinged with a hint of nervousness that seems to mirror your own. "All set."

You turn to face him𑁋wow, he's tall𑁋offering a shy but appreciative smile. "Thanks."

He returns your smile sheepishly; if anything, it makes him more cute. "Yeah, of course."

There's a few moments of awkward silence as you both make your way to your own worktables, selecting ones where you are sitting next to each other. The room is filled with the sound of gentle chatter as the instructor explains the basics of pottery and the simple project of creating the shape of a bowl for today's class.

When your fingers brush against the cool, damp clay, you're struck by its cool and smooth texture. Your eyes instinctively glance to the boy beside you whose name you still don't know, and you watch his unwavering concentration as he deftly collects the clay in his hands. It almost looks like he knows what he's doing, but from the thin line at his lips, you could only assume he's a bit in the same boat as you.

You somehow muster up the courage to talk again, partly to distract yourself from the awkwardness of starting. "Is it your first time here too?"

He turns to you, and his previously concentrated expression softens, a nervous chuckle leaving his lips.

"Yeah, um..." He almost brings a hand to scratch at the back of his neck, but drops it back down since it's covered in clay. "It's a bit harder than I thought."

"For sure, but... I'm sure we'll figure it out," You respond with a small grin, hoping to shed some hopeful light to both of your projects, before bringing your focus back to the clay. It feels oddly therapeutic under your hands. Your fingers press into the clay, and you slowly start to shape it into a bowl, albeit with a few bumps and uneven edges.

With the help of the instructor coming to your side a few times, you both quietly continue to shape your clay, and you can't help but sneak glances at him when he's not looking. There's something about his focused yet slightly nervous expression that you find endearing and cute. It's clear he's genuinely trying his best, just like you.

As time passes, you start to find the process of shaping the clay more easier, even fixing any bumps you might have created before and straightening the edges almost perfectly.

However, as you look over at the cute boy, you notice that he's still struggling. His bowl looks a bit misshapen, frustration evident in the furrow of his brow, and you can tell that he's feeling a bit disheartened by his progress𑁋or lack thereof. Glancing down at your bowl and back to his, you stop your wheel and scoot your chair over to his, the tip of your knee momentarily brushing against his, gaining his attention.

"Here, let me help." You reach out, your fingers gently touching the clay he's working on, and you both briefly tense up at the contact of your hands touching again. "You have to be patient with it. It can be a bit stubborn at times."

He takes his hand away and watches closely like a cat focused on a dangling string as you demonstrate how to handle the clay, your fingers expertly moving with precision. Then when he hesitantly brings his hands back to meet yours, you help guide them back into proper place, your hands following his movements with gentleness. It's oddly intimate, and you don't realise it until you both catch each other's eyes for a second, before bringing your gazes back down bashfully.

"Your name is Y/N, right?" he asks after what feels like an extremely long, entire minute.

You nod, your heart skipping a beat at the sound of your name from his lips. "Yeah, uh... how did you know that?"

A faint blush creeps onto his cheeks as he sheepishly pushes away some loose strands of dark hair in front of his face, smudging a bit of clay on his face in the process. You pinpoint a small mole above his upper lip.

"I, um, heard you talking to reception lady at the front." A pause, then a visible swallow of his Adam's apple. "Sorry, that sounded creepy."

"Ah, right. That's me." Your cheeks redden at his response, and you can't help but chuckle softly. "And you are...?"

"Junhui, but Jun is fine. Actually, um, either or is fine too. Whatever you want," he tells you quietly and quickly, and his name settles comfortably in your mind as if it's always been there.

"Junhui," You repeat with a warm smile. "It's cool meeting you, Jun."

Jun returns your smile shyly, and there's a subtle hint of relief in his expression. There's something about the way he smiles that tugs at your heartstrings. As you help him shape his clay, you notice how his fingers become more confident under yours and the way the tension in his shoulders eases. It doesn't take long for him to get the hang of it, and for you to return back to your own station.

Whatever awkwardness was lingering before had practically disappeared at this point. It's only small talk, but it's progress, you think. He tells you about his plans to become an actor, and the thought of him appearing in a drama of some sorts makes you even more intrigued if you weren't already. Then you tell him about your interests in literature, and you catch the way his eyes light up when you mention your favourite books and authors.

At some point, while focusing on your own bowl, you notice something on Jun's. You see him shaping some small, rounded protrusions at the top, almost looks like he's forming two small teeth. Or ears. Or something.

"Are you molding teeth on your bowl?" You ask, a twinge of tease to your voice.

You notice a small smirk at the corners of his mouth as he works to shape the protrusions to a more sharper look. Then he takes his foot off the pedal and sits back.

"It's supposed to to be cat ears," he claims, narrowing his eyes down at it. "Does it look like it?"

You lean in to take a closer look, and there it is𑁋a charming, abstract, clay cat with only its two pointy, slightly uneven ears to give its character. You let out a small chuckle at the sight, giving Jun a nod of approval.

"It does look like one, for sure," You tell him. "Maybe next class you could give it a face and a tail?"

He thinks about your words for a moment, moreso on when you said maybe next class.

"I can definitely try," he says, a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

As the class comes to an end, you and Jun both place your unfinished pieces into designated shelves where you both can come back to them next class. The two of you then take off your aprons and clean up, letting the silence pass as you make your way outside and back into the main waiting area together. You both greet the receptionist a small have a good day before exiting out together.

The cool, late afternoon air feels refreshing the moment you step into it, letting out a breath of relief that seemed to have been dying to come out. Jun notices this, hiding the way his lips curve up by looking down at the ground.

"Today was fun," You say, eyes briefly roaming to the growing traffic on the streets.

Jun meets where your eyes are, before turning back to you. "Yeah," he adds on. "It was."

You mention something about how this day off meant to you, but Jun finds himself a bit distracted in the way you're literally glowing with the fading light of the day. As you both stand there, the thought of parting ways for now doesn't sit well with him, or either of you, for that matter.

You both linger in the moment, unsure of how to proceed, before Jun clears his throat. His voice, with a hint of hesitation, breaks the silence. "Um..."

The sound of his voice immediately catches your attention, and Jun swears his words catch in his throat. He glances away for a brief moment, then looks back at you with a hint of nervousness in his eyes, and the words finally spill out.

"...would you like to... um, do something again? Together? Maybe we could grab a coffee or dinner or something? It's pretty unoriginal, I know, but..."

Your heart flutters at his hesitant words. He looks adorable in his shyness, and you feel your own nervousness take a step back as you muster up a warm smile.

"I'd love to, Jun."

Jun visibly relaxes as your words wash over him, relief flooding his features. A bright smile breaks across his face, and the sight of it is just so infectious that it makes you smile even wider.

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Take Me Home, Country Roads (3): We're Going To Be Friends

❥ NakedToaster x Reader

September 7th, 2009

If there was one thing you didn't hate about Ottawa, it was undoubtedly Everything Coffee. Everything Coffee, as the name suggested, was a quaint cafe in the heart of the town- a little over a twenty-minute walk from your house. Sable introduced you to the shop after your first day of school when she took you into town to run errands; you knew from the moment you stepped inside it'd be your safe haven from the surrounding Hickville. 

The cafe was visibly rundown from the outside, but it held a charm that no other place in Ottawa could hold a candle to. Flickering string lights hung across the front, from one side of the wood paneling to the other, casting a warm glow over the outdoor seating area. The inside was just as cozy, with a lingering scent of hot chocolate and roasted coffee beans welcoming you the second you opened the door. Overall, the cafe had a rustic feeling that inexplicably cured your homesickness. 

With your first week in town officially completed, you felt more confident navigating around than ever. You now had a basic understanding of where the main staples in Ottawa were located, such as the laundromat, convenience store, park, and previously mentioned cafe. You had done a great deal of exploring that weekend with your sister, wandering around town and looking at what the place had to offer. Although there wasn't much to see, it left you feeling more prepared for your trek to school that Monday morning.

You woke up not on a firm, uncomfortable couch, but on your mattress that had thankfully arrived Thursday afternoon with your desk. Unfortunately, you had forgotten to pack your bedsheets, so for the time being, you were stuck with only a bare mattress, bedframe, and an old blanket Sable had stashed away in her closet. Still, it was an improvement from sleeping in the living room. You were already starting to settle into your new living arrangement- not that you were particularly thrilled about it, though. So much so that you had even managed to wake up early enough to walk to Everything Coffee before school.

In Colorado, swinging by a cafe or convenience store before school would've been no big deal. Everything in Denver was, at most, a ten-minute walk or bus ride away. Hell, there were two Dutch Bros in your neighborhood alone. If anything, it might've been more of a challenge to not stop by someplace before heading to class. Ottawa, however, didn't have the same luxury of an in-town Dutch Bros- or public transit, for that matter.

Although Everything Coffee didn't align with your usual route to school, it was in the center of town where an actual road, not just a dirt-trodden path, led to Ottawa High. The walk would be twenty minutes longer than taking the trail and not even half as scenic, but you figured the coffee would make up for it. Double-checking your pockets for your keys and wallet, you slung your backpack over one shoulder and announced your departure. Your sister was likely still asleep, but it made you feel a weird sense of loneliness to just leave.

“Sable? I’m heading out!” No response. You sighed and swung the door open.

Aside from the sounds of birds chirping and trees rustling with the morning breeze, the day was surprisingly calm. The sun had just come into view over the horizon, giving everything a bluish tint. The weird lighting looked like something straight out of the first Twilight movie, which made you giggle. The mornings in the South were the complete opposite of the afternoons; rather than feeling the sun beat down on you from high above the clouds, a cool breeze was always seconds away from gently rustling your hair into your face.

The further you walked, the deeper you got lost in thought. You went over all the usual things, like what you wanted to order when you got to the cafe or how much homework Ms. Roberts would assign that day- but it all cycled back to one person in particular... Soren. By the end of the first day, you were almost positive you had made a lasting impression on him. The next day, however, things between you were awkward all over again, and by Wednesday, you two had nothing to talk about. 

You could tell Soren was trying to make conversation, but he could hardly stutter out a "How are you?" let alone ask a mildly thought-provoking question. Aside from him, no one else had bothered to talk to you all week. At the rate your friendship (or lack thereof) was going, you'd be lucky if he could look you in the eyes by graduation. College graduation, that was. 

After a few more minutes of walking and thinking about your maybe-friend, you arrived at Everything Coffee. The string lights didn't shine as brightly in the morning as they had the afternoon you first visited, but you liked how the cafe looked illuminated by the morning glow. As you entered, a bell attached to the green wooden door chimed. Unsurprisingly, the inside seemed to be bustling with commuters; some were your age, with backpacks strapped over their shoulders, while the rest were adults shuffling in and out on their way to work. Despite the rush, only two other people seemed to be waiting to order. 

While you waited, you scanned the chalkboard menu proudly displayed behind the front counter; at least a third was dedicated to listing every flavor known to man, from caramel to Irish cream to mudslide. Another third was listing a myriad of coffee variants, some of which you'd never even heard of. And on the right, crammed in with tiny lettering, was all the food they had to offer. At the top was french toast, sold for two dollars and twenty-five cents. 

Just like that, the thought of you and Soren's strained friendship was at the forefront of your mind again. You were what you'd consider to be an ambivert, almost always ready to initiate a conversation and not nearly as awkward as you used to be. So why was it that you couldn't seem to figure Soren out, and why did that bother you so much? 

“Hello, what can I get fer ya’ today?” A middle-aged woman behind the cash register asked as the person in front of you stepped aside, done ordering. You jerked your head back to face her, order-less and unprepared.

“Yeah, can I get,” you scanned the menu over again, “a sixteen ounce (drink of choice)? And a muffin to go?” Although you were finished with your order, your eyes still lingered on the chalkboard menu. Something was missing.

“...’Ll that be all for yer’ order?” The cashier asked, writing down your drink on a plastic cup. You paused for a second, not taking your eyes off of the menu.

“Actually, can I get a matcha latte and french toast too?” The lady smiled and nodded, reaching for a second cup. “It’ll be right up. Total’s $11.50.”

You didn’t know what possessed you to order a whole breakfast for a boy you barely knew, but as you walked up a third flight of stairs to your classroom, you knew you regretted it. Not only was balancing two drinks, two bags, and your IPhone 3GS way harder than you initially thought, but you didn’t even know if Soren liked what you had ordered him. Were you that desperate for friends? What if he was allergic to matcha? Or lactose intolerant?

When you reached your class, you awkwardly shuffled the bags and matcha cup in between your elbow and forearm and rattled the door open with your free hand. You got it open just wide enough with your limited range of motion to slip inside, careful not to drop anything. The drinks interrupted the peaceful quiet of the room with a sloshing sound as you made your way to your desk, capturing a couple peoples’ attention. What? Have they never seen a fucking drink before? You thought as you finally sat down. 

You glanced over to your seatmate, ready to get rid of the deadweight you’d been carrying since you ordered. Soren had his head down just like every other morning that week, but he sat up when he felt your shift next to him. It took him a moment to rub the sleep out of his eyes and put his glasses on, which you found amusing. You took the time to grab his food and hold it out to him. 

“Here.” You presented once Soren turned back to face you. His eyes widened in surprise; whether he meant it in a good or bad way, you couldn’t tell.

“Oh. Oh- uh, thank you.” Soren’s voice cracked as he plucked the food out of your hands. His face flushed when he looked down at you, a small smile on his face. “I, um, how’d you know I like matcha?” 

“Totally didn’t.” You barked out a laugh that was a bit louder than necessary. “Er- I just figured you’d like the green color? And I got you french toast, too.” You gestured towards the bag.

“T-Thank you. Really.” He said, opening the brown paper sack. You pulled your muffin out at the same time, and together, you took your first bites. 

The flavor was pretty good by plain muffin standards, albeit a bit dry, but it was Soren’s reaction you were most focused on. After biting into the pastry, his eyes lit up and he let out a small groan at the taste. “ Mmf- This is,” he took a second bite, “ so good!” He spoke with his mouth full, which under normal circumstances would’ve completely grossed you out. This time, however, you couldn’t help but laugh and grin. 

Soon after you started eating, the minute bell rang and Mr. Neale promptly started class. As he lectured about types of aquatic biomes, you and Soren happily munched down on your breakfasts. You figured if buying him food made him so happy, you’d have to do it again soon. You made a conscious resolve to not look too deep into that urge. After various notes, homework reminders, and powerpoint slides, the second period bell rang and you and Soren walked out together. 

“I really don’t think I’ll be paying much attention to Environmental any time soon. I mean it’s one of the easiest AP’s anyway, and besides, when am I gonna need to know trophic levels in the future?” You ranted as you walked down the hallway to AP Lang.

“Mm, are you planning on going into geosciences?” Soren asked.

“Nah, I’m not too keen on collecting dirt samples for the rest of my life.” You shrugged and turned into the classroom. Soren stopped and pointed somewhere behind him.

“I, uh, actually have to pick up some stuff from the office, but I’ll be back soon. I think.” you nodded and walked into class by yourself. You would’ve offered to go with him, but you didn’t think Ms. Roberts would’ve been pleased if you accompanied him without reason. 

You took your seat at the back and pulled out your journal, earbuds, and phone. Ms. Roberts had a paragraph projected on the board as a warm up activity at the start of every class; your job was to identify the theme and examine the supporting evidence in the text. Boring, as per usual, but at the very least you were allowed to listen to music. 

You put your earbuds in and started working, not bothering to actually play anything on your phone. That day’s paragraph was a brief excerpt on Oscar Wilde and his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, a book you were vaguely familiar with. You were far from a bookworm, but you enjoyed an occasional fiction book. As you wrote, you could hear the two girls in front of you snickering about one of the lines in the text.

“‘ His homosexual tendencies are reflected in the novel.’ How weird is that?” The girl directly in front of you whispered to the other. Admittedly, you had suppressed a laugh too. You knew you were probably laughing for different reasons, but “homosexual tendencies” wasn’t something you were expecting to read that morning. 

“Oh my god, shut up! Someone’s gonna hear you!” Her friend giggled back.

“And? Who cares.” She shrugged

“Probably the guy behind me.”

You shot up defensively at that comment and immediately slouched back down when you realized you had been eavesdropping. Fortunately, both girls were too busy doubling over in laughter to notice your reaction. What the hell did they mean by that? A part of you wanted to say something, wanted to stand up for what might’ve been your only friend in that town, but another part was morbidly curious. Were you already killing your social status? And did social status matter if you were only surrounded by assholes?

“I mean, what normal guy dyes his hair pink? If it’s purple or blue, fine, maybe he’s just one of those emos. But pink has to mean he’s… y’know.” She elaborated, grinning.

“I don’t think his hair is dyed though? We went to elementary school together at Davenport and it was the same exact color it is now.” The girl in front of you said.

“God, was he always creepy or is this like, new for him?”

“Always weird. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he became a serial killer or something one day.”

As if on cue, Soren opened the door to the classroom with a hallway pass in hand. You watched as he turned it in to Ms. Roberts, and looked down before he could turn back to see your staring. From the corner of your eye, you could see the girls give each other a look before moving on to gossip about other things. You felt a pit forming in your stomach as you contemplated your next course of action.

Aside from the mild bigotry in their conversation, you couldn’t help but feel as though their claims had some validity. What if he was weird, like creepy weird, and you just didn’t know it yet? And as shallow as it sounded, you also didn’t want to be a social outcast your senior year by befriending him.

In Denver, you never had to think twice about your status. For the most part, everyone was friendly toward you and vice versa. You didn’t have major issues with anyone, and the worst thing that had happened to you reputation-wise was that one time your sophomore year when you fell down the stairs. Other than that, you were a well-rounded, rule-following, average student. In Ottawa, however, you were nobody.

“H-Hey. Everything alright?” You jumped at the sound of Soren’s voice, somehow too lost in thought to have noticed him sitting down. Your face flushed, partially due to being caught off guard but also out of… embarrassment? You knew it was a bitch move to not want to talk due to his social status, but you couldn’t help but hope the girls in front of you wouldn’t notice you associating with him.

“Yeah. Just working.” And with that, you turned back down to your journal.

You didn’t talk to him again until the bell rang and the girls in front of you left. Although it felt obvious, you hoped he wouldn’t notice your sudden coldness. After gathering your stuff, you bid him a brief goodbye and headed to Pre-Cal.

Guilt continued to eat at you all day, especially during lunch when you sat in silence together on the rooftop. You felt as if he knew what you were doing, like he was interrogating you without ever even having to open his mouth. Soren had been so kind as to show you the rooftop the first day you met, and you repaid the favor by what? Cold-shouldering him? Regardless if it was intentional or not, you were distancing yourself from him just over some stupid rumors. Sure, there was a possibility of him being a creep, but there was also a chance that he was just being bullied. From your experience, Soren had been nothing but nice to you, albeit a bit guarded. For the time being, you figured you’d ignore any uncertainties. After all, who else did you have?

By the time eighth period came around, you were still feeling awkward around him. Luckily, Yearbook was composed mostly of social recluses- people that generally stuck to themselves. You didn’t have to worry as much about being under scrutiny there as you did in your other classes; everyone was quiet, worked hard, and considerate for the most part. You and Soren could talk freely there without being interrupted or ostracized. 

“Hey, man.” You greeted, giving Soren a nervous smile when he sat down in the seat adjacent to yours. 

“Hey. Um, how was… History? That is your last period, right? ” He trailed off, with the last part of his sentence more targeted to himself than it was to you.

“Yeah, history. It was alright.” You nodded.

“Anything… new?”

“It’s been, like, two hours since we last talked so no, not really. I am mega-psyched for Muse’s new album, though. You?”

“Uh, not exactly. Kinda why I asked you first.” He said with a small smile.

“Right.” You grimaced. Turning back to your work, pieces of scrapbook paper and pictures from school events were littered across your desk. Truth be told, you only took Yearbook for an easy A. You didn’t expect to actually have to do work. Just as you were starting to get into the flow of sorting the soccer team’s page, Soren abruptly turned to face you.

“Y-You mentioned Muse earlier.”

“Yeah?” “Well, what other stuff do you like?” Immediately, what felt like a million bands came to mind. They varied in genre and pretentiousness, from Brittany Spears to The New Pornographers, but you thought about which ones Soren would like the most. If he knew Muse, you could probably find some common ground.

“Mm, right now I’ve been super into The Strokes, Jeff Buckley, and,” you tried to gauge his reaction, “...Weezer?” Weezer was a safe choice. You didn’t know a single white guy your age that didn’t know them. Something about Cuomo’s straightforward lyricism must’ve seriously resonated with teen boys everywhere.

“Oh, I haven’t listened to Jeff Buckley before. Is he any good?” You did a fistpump inside your head. Got another one. 

“Not only is he good, he is the best damn musician to come out of the whole, wide Western Seaboard.” You thought for a second. “Aside from, like, maybe 2Pac if you count Oakland.” Soren nodded, a small smile on his face.

You continued talking to Soren about Buckley’s discography before moving on to other musicians. If he was tired of your ranting, he didn’t show it. Every time you looked away from your work, Soren was listening intently and nodding along to every word. If you didn’t feel like an asshole for ignoring him before, you definitely did then. By the time the final bell rang, you were still deep in the midst of your conversation with him. Although you had been doing most, if not all of the talking, it was far from one-sided.

“-Which is why Phil Spector had the power to be such an asshole in the first place. He literally dominated the music industry!” You ranted as you walked next to him down the front entrance of the school. You knew your discussion (or diatribe, to be more accurate) had to come to an end soon, but a part of you wanted to keep talking to Soren. You felt like you had made a breakthrough in terms of your friendship that day. As you walked out of the school’s bustling front doors, an idea came to mind.

“Hey, do you walk home?” You asked, completely out of the blue. Normally, you two would split up and go your separate ways after eighth period. You had no clue what he did after that.

“Yeah, w-why?” 

“Wanna walk together? I mean cause. Y’know. We already walk together in school and-” 

“ Yes ! Er- yeah, I’d like that.” Soren’s face reddened at his outburst, seemingly startling himself with how eager he was to agree.

“Rad. So, what direction do you take?”

“Uh, I usually walk past this one dirt trail behind the school,” you froze, “but we could take the main road if that’s more comfortable.” You walked next to him wordlessly. What were the chances of there being a second trail that you didn’t know about? “(Y/N)? I mean we could walk to your house instead if-” Soren sputtered, backtracking.

“No! No, it’s not that. Uh, how many paths are there behind the school, exactly?”

“...One?” 

A beat passed.

“I think we live in the same neighborhood?” You said, looking up at him. “How the hell haven’t I seen you around before? That trail ain’t exactly big or anything.”

“You live on Pike Street?” Soren asked, astounded. You hesitated at the question.

“I don’t know my address.” You confessed. He gave you an unimpressed look. “I moved here like a week ago! What do you expect?” You threw your hands up, exasperated. 

“Ok ok, sorry!” Soren laughed. “So, trail it is?” You nodded.

You walked and talked until you reached the start of the trail, when you remembered the moral dilemma from second period. With all your talk about bands and neighborhoods, you had almost forgotten about nearly ghosting him that morning. As much as you wanted to clear things up directly, you didn’t want to risk putting him on the spot, either. 

“So...” You started.

“So.” He parroted.

“Not to be presumptuous or anything but, um, I noticed you don’t talk a lot to other people. Why is that?” You looked up at him, trying your best to maintain a low key expression. Soren glanced in the opposite direction, nervously.

“Right. That.”

“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to! I was just curious, that's all.” You waved your hands in front of you, panicked. 

“No it’s fine, really. I just never got along with others, I guess. I mean, no one ever made an attempt to branch out, but neither did I. I’ve just always been alone, more or less.” Soren took a couple seconds, his eyebrows pinching together as he contemplated what to say next. “Which sounds… a lot angstier than I meant it to be.”

“Well, I think you’re pretty cool. And I also think if you reached out, other people would see that too.” You smiled. Soren gave you a hesitant stare in response; not a mean one, but it was obvious he didn’t agree.

“T-Thanks, but in Ottawa? No one here is worth reaching out to, quite frankly.” He paused. “Uh, aside from… you, of course.” You couldn’t help but grin.

“Word.”

“Pfft. Yeah. Word. But, uh, how does it feel moving your senior year? That must suck.” Soren looked down at you expectantly. Oh great, your turn to be vulnerable. 

“It’s the absolute, fucking worst . I had a whole life in Denver! Friends! Family! A 4.0 GPA! And now I’m in the middle of nowhere with nothing but my sister and iPhone- which gets no service, by the way- and I just,” you took a deep breath, “I just wanna go home.” You sighed. Soren frowned sympathetically.

“I’ve basically lived in Ottawa all my life. I used to go to this private school nearby, Davenport, but I transferred hoping to find friends or just someone to talk to. Um, it didn't go too great.”

“Was Davenport any better?” You asked, tilting your head to the side. By this point in the trail, the trees were starting to clear. You were familiar enough with the path to know it meant you were almost home.

“ God, no. I’d say they're equally terrible, but at least it’s easier to blend in at Ottawa. I… got a lot of negative attention at Davenport because our class sizes were so small. There were only some, what, fifty people in my grade?” Soren shook his head. 

“Is everyone in Texas an asshole or what? Who would pick on you, man?” You questioned. It was hard for you to wrap your head around Soren being bullied. Aside from his shyness, he was really, really cool.

“Privileged, bigoted guys with nothing to do.” He responded, deadpan. Bigoted. You noted his use of that word in particular. 

“Yeah… I knew a couple of people like that in Denver, but everyone there is mostly,” you pondered your choice of words, “accepting, from my experience.” Your eyes locked with Soren. Something about his gaze made it clear that you understood each other, even if it remained unsaid.

A couple seconds later, the two of you stepped out into your neighborhood. Now, you felt, was a good time to end the conversation. 

“Um, that’s my house over there,” you pointed to the building a couple yards away, “but I had a really fun time walking together. Do it again tomorrow?”

“Y-yeah, of course.” Soren gave you a warm smile. You started towards your street before turning to face him.

“Godspeed.” You saluted.

You turned back around to see your house, hearing him laugh to himself as you walked away. Yeah, you definitely understood each other.

[elileram]

Pirate!Schlatt x Siren!Reader, Part.2

Pirate!Schlatt x Siren!Reader Part.1 Hey hey hey! ^^ I am back at it again, I had sm fun writing the first, and sm love on it, that I have decided to make a pt.2! ^^

✰*☾ It was noon, the boat shifting through the waves fiercely, leaving larges white trails of water behind them. The Captain, Schlatt, commanding the rest of the crew to hurry up, sweep the decks, open the sails, chase away the seagulls, and such like that.

Once he could, Schlatt slipped away back into his office area on the boat, that was made specifically for him, due to him being the Captain of this boat after all.

All sorts of novelties and decorations sat in the room, a few boats in bottles, that he happened to make himself, and not only that being very detailed, all down to the rot in the wood of the boats.

up on his desk, was the angels wing shell, the large, beachy white shell rested on his desk, he looked at it for a moment, before he sighed, "So I wasn't dreaming" He spoke to himself, him finally being convinced that the Siren he saw, was truly real, if she wasn't then how would've he had gotten that Shell?

He didn't have any sort of sea sickness, he was perfectly healthy, his worry began to fade, before it could even start. He opened up a drawer on his desk, and put the Shell in it, being the only thing in that drawer, besides from old papers, that were a rustic yellow.

He sighed heavily, as he closed the drawer, he sat in his leather chair, that sat heavily on the floor. He looked around for a moment, before swiping his hair back, he got up, and went back outside to the front deck of the ship. As Hours past, the boat sailed closer, and closer towards the lands, that rested near them, they were still a long hours away, but they were getting closer.

A thick fog traveled in, making it impossible to see where they were going, Schlatt growled, annoyed, "Drop the anchors!" He yelled frustrated that they couldn't keep moving due to the fog, it was still day and they had to stay still, due to not being able to see if there were sharp jagged rocks, or small islands in-front of them or not.

As the Sun began to set to its lowest peaks, and the Moon began to shine its white aura in the sky, Schlatt sighed, walking around the Ship, making sure the decks were swept good, and clean.

"Hey!" A female voice screeched, catching Schlatt off guard, he quickly turned around, to see no one there. "hm.." He began to investigate where the voice came from, he heard it again "Down here!" the voice screeched again.

He noticed that voice.. it sounded like Y/N? He quickly ran to look around the edges of the boat, soon enough he saw the Siren, her head barely peaking out of the Crystal waters.

"Hello" She peeped out of her mouth, looking up at him with her large (E/c) eyes, they looked like two gems in her eyes. He looked at her still mesmerized in awe. "Are all Sirens as beautiful as you?" He mumbled softly, as he looked down at her.

She stayed silent, before reaching out for them, her webbed hands reaching up, as she climbed up, she hanged onto the edge of the boat, where Schlatt stood, "Wow- your pretty strong" He spoke amazed, at her upper arm strength.

"Thank you" She spoke softly, her voice was soft, and calming to listen too. Schlatt smiled softly, he grabbed her arms, and helped her up, having it to where instead of her hanging onto the edge, she had sat on the edge.

"There.." He said softly, she reached her head forward, before planting a soft feathery kiss, on Schlatt's lips.

Schlatt stood frozen, to what just happened, his face flushed, as he looked at Y/n, before sitting in-front of the Siren, and giving her a long, passionate kiss.

As he pulled away, the Sirens face was flustered, she smile giggling, as she then jumped overboard, making a loud splash in the water, she then swam to a near jagged rock, resting on it, before she began to sing a beautiful tune, letting out a sweetened symphony.

Schlatt rested his arms on the nearest ledge, as he listened to her sweet, soft voice, sang a beautiful song. Though he could only listen in awe and amazement, it was obvious he loved her singing. It lifting his mood.

As the moon began to set, the fog began to disappear, she quickly looked around before, she finished her song. Before Schlatt could speak a single word, she quickly jump back into the waters, swimming away, before the moon began to set fully, Schlatt smiled, knowing that he would see her once again.

He slowly made his way to his bed, that was on the ship, laying there a tad bit restless, unable to sleep for a hour or two, only thinking about Y/n.. "Y/n... what a amazing woman.." He spoke to himself, before blowing out the candle that played lit next to his bed, and then sleep slowly crept into his body, as his body played there, letting out soft snores.

A/N : Hello guys! here is part 2 :3 Maybe if I end up making a Part 3 it might be in Y/N's prospective who knows ^^ until next time cya! ^^

[somepsychopomp]

Kestrel Ed AU

Part 1 of my Kestrel chimera Edward AU. Basically, this all started with Hohenheim being a chimera himself as a result of a Xerxesian alchemical experiment conducted on him when he was still just a slave- but he's a healthy one that can pass as human w/ the ability to have children of his own. Thus, Edward being born with wings and a tail.

(You can see the extensive background for this AU here). This isn't like the first chapter of a story, more like the first snippet, taking place in some amorphous time when Ed and Al are on the road together.

I hope you enjoy!

(Word count: 2,225)

+++

The last few towns they visited were all too small to consider safe. They were hardly the kinds of places to be found easily on any map, their populations never surpassing five-hundred. Perhaps such small towns would be relieving, meaning there were less eyes on them at all times. But it was harder to find a moment to themselves, as well.

One village, the last they visited, was like a miniature version of Resembool with only a few dozen permanent residents. Most of these towns did not have hotels, perhaps a hostel by the road or a kindly resident willing to put up the Fullmetal Alchemist as thanks for his assistance, but they both knew these were far too risky to keep in.

Not just because someone might start asking questions about Alphonse, the strange boy who towered over everyone else and never took off his armor, but because Brother had his own secrets as well. And between the two of them, they had been keeping Ed's for far longer.

So even though Ed tried to hide it, Alphonse knew they desperately needed to get to a town with a proper hotel equipped with private rooms. Ed was very good at hiding it, yes. He never squirmed under the eye of the public or even when there could feasibly be someone to see him do it. But Al knew.

It was in the way his brother kept his shoulders taut and spine straight as though he were on a perpetual military march, even though they were the only two walking down the unpaved road from their last village to its neighboring town of Walden. The village locals were kind enough to inform them that if they kept on this path, the very first thing they'd see was the Walden Hotel. And Al knew without question that the mental image of a hot shower and a room to themselves was the only thing keeping his brother together right now.

It only took a few hours to get there, thankfully. They traveled in complete and utter silence, another sign that Ed was desperate to finally shed his coat and bindings. Al didn't push him, but let his big brother do the talking at the hotel reception desk.

"We sadly only have one room available for tonight, Sir...and it only has one bed. Is-"

"That's fine, we'll take it," Ed said, taking back his State Alchemist watch as verification for his identity. Most respectable hotels would hesitate to rent to two unattended children without it.

As soon as their room door was shut behind them, Ed shook off his boots and headed straight for the bathroom. Al went about his usual duties of locking the door and closing all the curtains, as well as checking the sheets for bedbugs. Just in case.

All things considered, it was a nice room. Older and more rustic than the military dorms they've stayed in at East City, but Al found himself enjoying this more. The old red carpet, the scratched hardwood furniture and beaten wood floors, the small fireplace with an interior caked in ash.... it was all very homey to him.

Of course, these were only fleeting thoughts to occupy his time until the water shut off and Ed came staggering out on leadened feet. There was a towel tied around his waist as he used another to dry his hair. The very ends of his long tail feathers stuck out from under the hem of the towel, revealing some of their white coloration before terminating with their pitch black tips.

"You shouldn't let your feathers drag on the floor, Brother. You just cleaned them," Alphonse said.

"Yeah, yeah," Ed said, resting the towel around his shoulders as he stretched his arms over his head. Alphonse, from the time he was born, always loved to watch the way his big brother's wings moved with his body. Unrestrained and free as they were, Ed's wings lifted from their drooping, lax position dragging on the floor and raised with his arms. The room was large enough so that Ed could extend his wings as far as they would go, a full four-meter wingspan, as a soft trilling sound escaped his throat.

Ed dropped his arms and wings, water droplets falling from his hair and the ends of his very long flight feathers.

"Hey, Al. How's my back looking?" Ed asked, turning around.

Alphonse walked over to examine where his brother's wings, rust red in the center before dissolving into black at the edges, met the smooth plain of his back. Though his body was unable to sense hot or cold and many other things, Al memorized exactly how much pressure was required to examine his brother's wings without damaging the sensitive feathers or delicate musculature.

He felt the area around where Ed's back and wings met, checking for redness or swelling. There was nothing aside from the typical stiffness. However, he did notice that Ed had a number of small bent feathers scattered across his wings, a symptom of them being bound and kept under his coat for too long. Especially with all the trouble and fighting they get themselves into all the time.

Alphonse placed one hand on the left side of his brother's rib cage and the other hand over Ed's lesser coverts- the small feathers that covered the very top of his left wing and grew over the humerus bone, the one extending from his "shoulder" joint where the wing met his back.

"Press against my hand," Al said, though it didn't need to be said. Ed did as requested, straining his wing as hard as he could. As expected, Alphonse had to expend effort to keep his hand in place, but not much. This test was really to see if Ed had injured his wing or perhaps needed help stretching them out after keeping them bound for almost two weeks without rest. They did the same with Ed's right wing and found similar results. He was having difficulties keeping his wings up and taut. They visibly trembled even under Alphonse's admittedly gentle touch.

His brother was not weak, not in the slightest. But his poor wings never had the opportunity to fully develop their strength.

Since they had time before the hotel's food services shut down for the night, Alphonse made his brother sit down on the bed so he could tend to the damaged feathers. He was careful as he either straightened out any bent feathers, or plucked the ones that could not be saved. The small pile of damp, plucked feathers would have to be disposed of before they left.

It seemed like all Ed wanted to do was curl up under the covers, but Al made him get dressed in some proper clothes while he went to get something for his brother to eat.

(All of Ed's clothes were altered using alchemy to mirror the way their mother used to hand-make Ed's garments. The back of his shirts held horizontal slits so Ed could slip his wings through one at a time. Alternatively, if he was really tired or sore, he could simply transmute his shirts to have a vertical slit running down the back so it hung loose and open around him like a smock, before transmuting it once more to seal it back up, no effort on part of his wings required. Ed had to do less tailoring for his bottoms, just opting for high-waisted pants and tucking his tail in, running his long tail feathers down the pant leg containing his flesh limb, as Ed had no interest in his feathers getting caught in the joints of his automail.)

When Alphonse returned with a tray bearing a ham sandwich and a mug of hot tea, a nice and easy meal to eat, he found his big brother laying on the bed, on his side with his wings and tail in full view.

"Brother!" Al cried, making sure to lock the door behind him.

"What? You told me not to let them touch the floor."

At least he'd put some clothes on. Alphonse stifled a sigh as he set the tray on the table before the fireplace.

"Do you want the fireplace lit?" he asked.

"No, no, it's fine." Ed said, wandering over to the table to eat. He at least had the strength to tuck his wings against his back without needing to bind them.

Alphonse took up the chair next to Ed and watched him eat. Tonight wasn't the kind of night where he yearned for a piece of whatever meal Ed was having, but he still liked to watch his brother eat.

"You know...." Ed said, being the first to break the silence, "They're getting long and heavy again."

Oh.

"They are long." Alphonse agreed. "You think it's time?"

His metal body masked his burning displeasure and remorse as Ed nodded.

When they were boys, when their lives were as simple as they could be, their mother was the one who fed and bathed them. She played with them while their father locked himself in his study. And on nights when it was storming out and no one would be wandering by, she'd shut the curtains and push the furniture in the living room aside so Ed could stretch his wings and beat them as much as he liked. She held his hands so that he wouldn't hurt himself in his meager attempts to lift off the ground.

But it was their father made certain Edward never learned to fly. Not really, not in the way Alphonse always suspected his brother was able to if only given the chance, with the ground far below him and open skies all around.

It was their father who always kept Ed's wings and even his tail clipped. They were for Edward's safety, he said. But Alphonse knew perfectly well how much Ed resented him for it.

Alphonse had his own objections at the time, but as the baby of the family, he was never listened to, either. Unfortunately, it was undeniable that the clippings made Ed's wings a little lighter and much easier to conceal.

Among the very few belongings they kept on their person throughout their travels, one of the things in Ed's old suitcase was a heavy pair of metal scissors.

Alphonse hated the way they fit in his hand, the way they were so well polished and kept sharp by necessity.

When imagining trimming done to any captive bird, one had to imagine the hands holding the bird in place as the blades sliced off the ends of their feathers. Contrary to belief, clipping a bird's wings didn't prevent them from flying at all. They could still glide short distances, or lift themselves off the ground if they fell. But Alphonse always imagined it had to be such a demoralizing experience, regardless.

He remembers how their father used to cut Ed's wings very short. He was the one who did all the holding and the cutting when they were little. Ed never had to trim his own wings, it would be full of terribly awkward angles for him if he tried, but Al knew his brother absolutely would do it himself if he had to.

Thankfully, he didn't have to. He was sitting still in a chair, waiting as Alphonse arrived with the scissors.

Al knelt down, taking his brother's trail of tail feathers in one hand, lamenting that he now had to perform what they once loathed their father doing, but knowing there was no better choice.

"Go on," Ed said, not looking back. It made Alphonse feel just a little better as he cut off the ends of Ed's tail feathers in one clean stroke, nearly halving them in length. Any farther and he risked letting blood.

At least with him, Ed always consented. And that did make things much easier for them both.

Next, Al trimmed the long primary flight feathers on his brother's left wing. He would've been fine leaving them there, but Ed continued to hold out his faintly trembling wing and demanded Al cut off the excess from the secondary flight feathers. So he did.

He made quick work of the right wing as well. The whole endeavor only took a few minutes, all things considered. In a rush job when they had to leave their accommodations sooner than expected for whatever reason, Alphonse could cut them all and be rid of the evidence in sixty seconds. But here, he took his time and refused to let himself forget the way his elder brother flinched ever, ever so slightly as Al clipped the longest flight feather on his right wing a tad too short. No blood beaded and dripped, but he could tell Ed felt something unpleasant.

He didn't say anything, of course. Never to Alphonse.

Together, they tidied up the fragments of feathers that accumulated on the floor, as well as the small pile from before, and wrapped them in paper before placing them in the fireplace.

Al watched as his brother took the box of matches from the mantle and lit one, the orange lit dancing at his fingertips.

With his feathers no longer able to brush against the floor, Ed tossed his match into the fireplace without a second thought.

+++

Fun fact to lighten the mood- the average Lesser Kestrel wingspan is about twice the length of their body, and then some. Ed's wingspan at 4 meters/13 feet is just a little more than 2x his diminutive height at the start of the series lol.

[secondsovereign]

For someone who made a point becoming overly attached to and involved in the life of the Astral Express crew for a considerable length of time, Dan Heng would always memorize the dates of birthdays and other occasions of personal importance the moment he learned about them. Initially, he was not much for gifts - it is not as though he was ever taught matters so trivial as what makes for a good birthday gift, of all things. His previous incarnation's sinful past was the main type of knowledge that mattered in the darkness of the Shackling Prison, after all.

It was not until after he joined the Express and began to slowly, carefully, come out of his shell, that he began to learn more about big and small parts of what constitutes a normal life, including birthdays and how one is supposed to celebrate them. Crew members sharing gifts and trinkets for various occasions is a tradition he recalls from the very beginning, and eventually, though it took some time, he began to engage in it as well - firstly just because it would be rude not to offer something in return when he received a gift, but eventually he came to the realization that he had grown to enjoy it, even though he remains somewhat insecure about it.

So it is, that on this day, when he spots that Welt is free, he comes closer, a little shy, before handing him a carefully wrapped package. "Mr. Yang... Happy birthday," he says; unlike for most occasions, he doesn't need to remind himself to smile this time. "This is the first time I can give you something from my homeland. It's not much, but... I hope you enjoy it."

Inside, Welt will find a book of Xianzhou stories and legends, full of not only fascinating texts, but also beautiful illustrations for almost every tale it tells.

Welt Birthday 2024 (accepting)

WELT'S ROOM IS RUSTICALLY DECORATED, a stark contrast to the fine metallics of the rest of the express. The layout is exactly the same as his apartment in New York, with wood panels methodically fixed to the wall to reduce the stark harshness of metal that the man had never been too fond of. The door is rarely shut, only closed when paper is strung across the room at the whim of his imagination, prompting a new project to record for Bronya to peruse upon their fated reunion. It's when he's hunched over a desk that the now 80-year-old man can finally think and reflect, Dan Heng in particular is the focus of his musing for the evening, a source of reflection after an arduous year.

When they'd first set out for Penacony, Welt hadn't expected it to lead where it had, nor had he been entirely comfortable with the idea of leaving the Young Vidyadhara with only Pom-Pom for company. Joachim isn't sure when it started, when his solemn vow to journey beyond the Intertidal Zone in an attempt to thwart the plans of those above had become caring for others. It was undeniable to Welt that he'd cared for Dan Heng since they met, which is why he's unsurprised that the young man is shyly approaching even as the door closes behind to grant privacy to the duo.

The tightly wrapped bundle is held and cherished, carefully placed beside the drawing table and a photo from Belobog that Welt had mysteriously acquired. No words are needed for his appreciation, not when a hand is raising upwards to gently pat the spot between where horns lingered. Yes, he would continue to treat Dan Heng the way he did Joey, myriad headpats and the occasional respectful hug.

"Thank you, Dan Heng, for both the thoughts and the gift." Words filled with the love only a parent can feel for their child, uncaring of appearances as he shows his appreciation to the Vidyadhara beside him.

[lizzisimss]

Moody Apartment CC list

CC used (list below) 18 Culpepper House in San Myshuno 1 bed, 1 bath $77,699

Aira – https://www.patreon.com/airacc

·       Vanilla Dish Rack

ATS4 - https://sims4.aroundthesims3.com/

·       Bulk Grocery Table

·       Kitchen Rack Ustensils

Brazenlotus – https://www.brazenlotus.com/

·       SteezySkis

·       CleanSweep

charly pancakes - https://www.patreon.com/charlypancakes

·       The Lighthouse Collection

·       Dinna Merged

·       Lavish Shoes Off Shoes

·       Miscellanea Merged

·       Modish Merged

·       Munch Merged

·       Soak Merged

Felixandre – https://www.patreon.com/felixandre

·       Georgian Set

·       Shop the look season 1 merged

house of harlix - https://www.houseofharlix.com

·       Orjanic Merged

·       Bafroom

·       Baysic Merged

·       Harluxe Merged

·       Livin’Rum Merged

·       The Kitchen

·       Tiny Twavellers Merged

harrie - https://www.patreon.com/heyharrie

·       Brutalist Bathroom

·       Halcyon Kitchen

·       Kwatei Part 1 Merged

·       Octave Part 1 merged

·       Octave Part 3 merged

·       Porto

·       Shop The Look

Kiwisim - https://www.patreon.com/Kiwisim4

·       Piha

·       Tekapo

leaf motif - https://leaf-motif.tumblr.com

·       2202 Magnolia Bathroom

·       Aubrey Office

·       Calliope Bathroom

·       Devon Kitchen

·       Eloise Living

·       Starlight Crystals

·       Stellan Dining

·       Sunny Corner

·       Twee Tableware

·       Patron gift 2

·       Patron gift 7

littledica - https://www.patreon.com/littledica

·       Rise & Grind Café merged

·       Sleek Slumber stuff pack merged

·       Deligracy cottage living update merged

·       Deligracy delicato stuff pack

Marvell – https://marvell-world.tumblr.com/download

·       KC Pot

·       Upcycle Books

max 20 - https://www.patreon.com/Max20

·       Master bedroom pack

·       Classic kitchen

·       Cozy backyard pack

Mechtasims - https://www.patreon.com/mechtasims

·       Desk Planner

my cup of cc -https://www.patreon.com/mycupofcc

·       Maple Manor The Modernist Collection Living Room

·       ColourTalk Dining Stuff

·       Maple Manor part 01

myshunosun - https://www.patreon.com/myshunosun

·       Nora living

·       Serene bathroom

·       Uma living

·       Daria bedroom

·       Dawn living

·       Gale dining

·       Moonwood garden

Networksims - https://www.thesimsresource.com/members/networksims/

·       Labyrinth Tile Wall

Novvvas – http://ts4novvvas.blogspot.com/

·       Vintage floor

oni - https://www.patreon.com/oni28

·       Artist’s old workroom chair

·       Vintage living room

peacemaker - https://peacemaker-ic.tumblr.com/TS4O...

·       Atwood Living

·       Futura

·       Hamptons Retreat

·       Hinterlands Living

·       Hudson Bathroom

·       Kitayama Living

·       MidCentury Eclectic

·       Mina Kitchen

·       Province

pierisim - https://www.patreon.com/pierisim

·       Precious promises

·       Calderone bedroom

·       Oak house

·       Rold skov kitchen mini kit

·       The office mini kit

·       Tidying up

·       Coldbrew coffeeshop

·       Domaine du clos

·       Living room mini kit

·       MCM

·       Winter Garden

simplisticsims - http://simplisticsims4.com

·       Botanical framed art

·       CL arm chair

·       Cottage bed

·       Rustic reg

·       Vintage country art

sixiamcc - https://imfromsixam.tumblr.com/

·       Artz

·       Charming chalet

·       Home basics

·       Hotel bedroom

·       Small spaces

·       Teen room

SYB – https://www.patreon.com/Syboubou

·       Laundry casual basket

·       Nathalie

Clutter Cat - https://www.tumblr.com/blog/view/thec...

·       Cat milk no 2 reloaded

·       Japan juice

·       Busy bee

Torque – https://www.thesimsresource.com/members/Torque3/

·       Contemporary wood floor 3

·       Modern wood floor

TUDS -https://www.patreon.com/TudTuds

·       Beam Parte 2 V01 Merged

·       Ind merged

·       Vime closet merged

·       Wave merged

Awingedllama – https://www.patreon.com/awingedllama

·       Apartment therapy

·   Paranormal plants

[kosmichippieccfinds]

Caspian's Lakeside Cottage (Lot + CC List)

This lakeside peasant cottage belongs to Caspian Rosenthorn and his wife Mira who moved to the mainland of Windenburg from the Crumbling Isle to be closer to their family. Created for my side household as part of the ULTIMATE Decades Legacy.

Lot Download:

Gallery ID: KosmicHippie Lot Name: Caspians Lakeside Cottage Lot Size: 20 x 20 (Windenburg, Cottage Am See)

Mods/CC:

Mods:

Medieval Windenburg

Royalty Mod

Ye Olde Cookbook

Archery Skill

Blacksmithing Skill

Lute Skill

Build:

TSR Ye Medieval - Ligna Windows Set

TSR Ye Medieval - Timber Frame Walls

TSR Ye Medieval - Framework Walls

TSR - Broken Wood Door

TSR Ye Medieval - Soil Terrain

TSR Ye Medieval - Hay Ground Terrain

TSR Ye Medieval - Mud and Stone Terrain

TSR Ye Medieval - Castle Stone Walls

TSR Pralinesims - Old Wood Floor 13

TheSense4 - Auction House Windows

Birch Tree (2048x2048)

Objects:

Lili's Palace - Folklore Set No. 1

Linzlu's Frontier Items

TSR Ye Medieval - Peasant Homelife 1

TSR Ye Medieval - Peasant Homelife 2

TSR Ye Medieval - Peasant Homelife 3

TSR Ye Medieval - Peasant Homelife 4

TRS Ye Medieval - Tristan Bathroom

TSR Ye Medieval - Tavern Part 1

TSR Ye Medieval - Candle Holder

Fish Market Decor

Fish Rack

Fish Crate V1

Fish Crate V2

Bohrium Vegetables I

Rustic Chicken Coop

Rustic Bee Box

Bassinet + Infant Crib

Wall Mounted Bows

Severinka Rustic Sauna

Severinka Summer Garden (wood pile)

Old Witches Desk

Wall Shelf

Autumn Pantry

Larder (Refrigerator)

Dinner Bowls

Bread Basket

The Witcher 3 Common Furniture

Candles

Pirate Map Computer

Abandoned Wheel

Rustic Hammer

Marketplace Spices

Stable Set by Moriel

[sanches812]

20 Old Rustic Wood Desk Texture Backgrounds

In the realm of design, the materials we choose to incorporate into our projects play a crucial role in conveying our intended message and aesthetic. Among the pantheon of textures, old rustic wood stands out for its innate ability to infuse warmth, history, and character into any composition. The texture of an old rustic wood desk or table serves not just as a visual element, but as a storyteller—one that whispers tales of craftsmanship and time.

Old rustic wood desk textures, whether as backgrounds or in design elements, offers an extraordinary opportunity to enhance any project. They add beauty, professionalism, and an inviting warmth that is hard to replicate with modern materials. By incorporating high-quality, large-size rustic wood textures into your designs, you can ensure a timeless appeal that highlights the robustness and nobility of your concept. Embrace the charm of rustic wood—it might just be the touch that transforms ordinary into extraordinary.

Features

Seamless Transition

Quantity: 20

Dimension: 8064×5376 px, 27×18 in

Resolution: 300 Dpi

Extension: Jpg

Ratio: 3x2

Contains

Zip archive with 20 ready-to-use files. Size: 572 Mb

Help file with image color correction advice.

Textures.World Review: 20 Old Rustic Wood Desk Texture Backgrounds

~ Thank you & Enjoy using ~

[aestheiruu]

Fredbear’s Family Diner Reference

A compilation of every reference to Fredbear’s Family Diner in The Silver Eyes. Unfortunately, the building is not referenced in The Twisted Ones, nor The Fourth Closet.

The building itself was long… It was a single story, with a dark roof… The place had once been painted red…

[Fredbear’s was] rustic and small, with red checkered cloths on the tables, and a kitchen you could see into from the dining area

The stairs (to the entrance) held…

[There was a] battered metal sign with the painted words FREDBEAR’S FAMILY DINER in red script.

[The dining area] was a vacant and lonely room, stretching long and narrow, at least fifty feet, growing darker as it went. There was a slightly elevated stage at the end of the room, and Charlie realized as she looked around that the place had probably once been a dance hall, and the long desk by the entrance that her parents had used for a cash register had probably been a bar. She went over to it and saw that she was right: There were even grooves and scratches in the wood floor where barstools had once dug their feet. She tried to picture it, a dark bar with a country-western band playing on the stage, but she could not.

[Charlie and Sammy] played together on the floor of the kitchen, sometimes drawing pictures while hiding under a hardwood table. She remembered the shuffling of feet and the shadows of customers walking by. Light was broken by a slowly turning fan and thrown across the floor in ribbons. She remembered the smell of an ashtray and the hearty laughter of adults lost in a good story while their children played.

The restaurant was open until late at night, and so when they began to falter, Charlie and [Sammy] would crawl into the pantry with blankets and soft toys to sleep until it was time to close. She remembered using sacks of flour as pillows, big bags almost as long as they were tall. They would snuggle down together and whisper words of nonsense that meant deep things only to the two of them, and Charlie would drift into sleep, half listening to the warm sounds of the restaurant, the clank of dishes and the murmur of grown-up talk, and the sound of the bear and the rabbit as they danced to their chiming tunes.

The wooden floors seemed intact.

Light streamed in through the windows on all sides

Sunlight was streaming in, unobstructed, and went where it wanted without furniture or people to block its path. Charlie looked up at the ceiling fan; it was still there, but one of its blades was missing.

“There was a tree out in front,” she went on. “It looked like an old, angry monster, hunched forward and wizened, with two giant, gnarled branches reaching out like arms. Whenever we left for the night, I hid my face in my father’s shirt so I wouldn’t have to see it as we walked by.”

[The walls were made of wood, and had strips of wallpaper on them].

There were double doors to [the right of the entrance] with circular windows. Unlike the dining area, which was breached with sunlight and the sounds of the outside, the [kitchen] behind the double doors was still pitch black.

Her head jerked toward the corner to her right; there was another door (in the building, to the right of the stage).

[The door led to] a closet, the inside extending off to her left about eight or nine feet into darkness. There were horizontal poles mounted along the walls where hangers had once been.

Costumes had hung here in the dark, hiding their colors but allowing themselves to be felt by every cheek and small hand that passed through. Rubber-padded palms and fingers swayed this way and that. Reflections on false eyes passed overhead.

the tablecloths, red-and-white checked, and made of real cloth, not plastic.

There was a squeaky floorboard in the corner of the diner that Charlie liked to push on, making it sing as if it made music. There was a picnic table out back where they used to sit in the sun, one leg of it sinking in the soft ground.

[John mistakes Fredbear’s for an old station].

[Fredbear’s was in a small town called New Harmony, in the middle of a clearing. There were no surrounding buildings or restaurants].

If I missed anything, let me know. Hope you guys enjoy this.

[tlchome]

Eco-Friendly Interior Design Ideas for a Sustainable Home

The impact of traditional interior design choices on the environment is staggering. From excessive energy use to non-recyclable materials, homes often contribute significantly to pollution and resource depletion. Many homeowners want a beautiful space but feel torn between aesthetics and sustainability.

Imagine this: your stylish living room is filled with harmful chemicals from paints and synthetic furniture. Your energy bills are skyrocketing due to inefficient lighting and heating. Meanwhile, landfills are brimming with decor items tossed out for the next trend. It's frustrating to want a gorgeous home while worrying about its ecological footprint.

Enter eco-friendly interior design — the perfect blend of style and sustainability. With the right choices, you can create a beautiful, functional, and environmentally conscious home that aligns with your values and reduces your impact on the planet. 

Let’s dive into actionable ideas to help you design your sustainable sanctuary.

A Few eco-friendly  Interior design ideas

1. Use Reclaimed or Sustainable Materials

Invest in furniture and decor crafted from reclaimed wood, recycled metal, or bamboo. These materials require fewer resources to produce and give your space a rustic or modern flair. For example, reclaimed wood dining tables not only add character but also reduce deforestation.

2. Choose VOC-Free Paints and Finishes

Many conventional paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that harm indoor air quality. Opt for VOC-free or low-VOC paints to ensure your home is both safe and eco-friendly. Brands like Benjamin Moore offer such options without compromising on color variety.

3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED lights consume up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs. Incorporate natural lighting through large windows or skylights to further cut energy use while creating an inviting atmosphere.

4. Incorporate Natural Fibers

Decorate with rugs, curtains, and upholstery made from organic cotton, hemp, or jute. These materials are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, making them a great alternative to synthetic fabrics.

5. Invest in Multipurpose Furniture

Space-saving, multifunctional furniture is a sustainable choice for small spaces. Look for beds with built-in storage or coffee tables that double as desks. This minimizes waste and maximizes functionality.

6. Create a Green Wall or Indoor Garden

Plants not only beautify your space but also improve indoor air quality by absorbing pollutants. Consider adding a vertical garden or strategically placing potted plants around your home. Low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos are ideal for beginners.

7. Install Sustainable Flooring

Traditional flooring like vinyl can contain harmful chemicals. Opt for cork, bamboo, or reclaimed wood flooring instead. These options are durable, renewable, and bring warmth to your interiors.

8. Go for Smart Home Technologies

Smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and motion-sensor lighting can significantly cut down on energy consumption. For instance, a smart thermostat like Nest can reduce heating and cooling costs by learning your schedule.

9. Repurpose and Upcycle

Transform old items into new treasures. For instance, an antique ladder can become a unique bookshelf or mason jars can be repurposed as hanging light fixtures. This not only adds a personal touch but also minimizes waste.

10. Support Local Artisans

Buy decor and furniture from local artisans who use sustainable methods. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports the local economy.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly interior design doesn’t mean compromising on style. With these ideas, you can create a home that’s aesthetically pleasing, functional, and aligned with your commitment to sustainability.At TLC Home Charlotte, we specialize in transforming homes into eco-conscious havens. Whether you’re renovating or starting fresh, we bring your vision to life while prioritizing sustainability. Contact us today to design the sustainable home of your dreams!

[woodworkingwhiz]

Bedroom Furniture Ideas That Maximize Space and Style Instantly

What if your bedroom could be more than just a place to sleep? Imagine a sanctuary where every piece of furniture serves a purpose—whether it’s maximizing space, adding character, or elevating comfort. This is the power of bedroom furniture ideas designed with style and function in mind. In this guide, we’ll uncover creative bedroom furniture concepts that bring practicality and beauty together, plus modern bedroom furniture solutions that redefine cozy elegance. Get ready to transform your room into the dream space you’ve always wanted!

Space-Saving Bedroom Furniture Ideas

Sometimes, the best solutions come from thinking outside the box—literally. If your bedroom is feeling cramped, it’s time to embrace space-saving bedroom furniture ideas that pack both style and practicality.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Storage Beds: Invest in a bed with built-in drawers or hidden compartments. It’s perfect for storing extra bedding, clothes, or even books.

Convertible Desks: A sleek fold-down desk can double as a vanity or work area, saving precious floor space.

Wall-Mounted Nightstands: Skip the bulky bedside tables and opt for wall-mounted alternatives that keep your essentials handy without eating up floor space.

Vertical Storage Hacks

Install shelving units or tall bookcases to make the most of vertical space. Use them to display decorative items while keeping clutter off surfaces.

Use a headboard with built-in storage—a professional hack for combining style with utility.

Mirrors with a Purpose

Mirrors create an illusion of space, but why not go for mirrors with storage? Cabinet mirrors or standing mirrors with built-in shelves can hold accessories, freeing up space elsewhere.

Modern Bedroom Furniture for a Stylish Update

Let’s talk style—specifically, modern bedroom furniture that gives your room that chic, timeless vibe. Whether you love minimalism or bold accents, these ideas blend contemporary aesthetics with undeniable comfort.

Sleek Lines and Neutral Palettes

Modern furniture thrives on clean lines and simple silhouettes. Opt for beds with platform bases or low-profile frames to give your space a sleek, uncluttered look. Neutral tones like gray, beige, and white create a calm canvas that you can enhance with colorful throws or cushions.

Pro Tip: Add a pop of color with a bold statement chair or bench at the foot of the bed.

Statement Pieces to Elevate Your Space

A standout piece, like a geometric dresser or a nightstand with metallic finishes, can instantly upgrade your bedroom’s aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to mix materials—wood, glass, and metal combinations scream modern luxury.

Smart Furniture Options

Modern living means integrating technology. Look for bedside tables with built-in USB ports or beds with adjustable headrests and LED lighting. These features are practical yet trendy, fitting seamlessly into a modern bedroom furniture setup.

The Finishing Touch

Layer textures like velvet rugs, leather headboards, or cotton throws to soften the clean look of modern design. The right mix makes your bedroom feel welcoming while staying true to its contemporary style.

Creative Bedroom Furniture Ideas to Personalize Your Space

Your bedroom is a reflection of who you are. So why settle for the ordinary when you can transform it with creative bedroom furniture ideas? Let’s explore how to give your space a unique touch that feels authentically yours.

Customize Your Headboard

Try upholstered headboards in bold patterns or textured fabrics to make your bed a centerpiece.

For a DIY twist, repurpose old wood panels or doors into a rustic headboard. It’s sustainable and chic!

Modular Furniture for Endless Possibilities

Modular furniture is like playing with building blocks—except the results are stunning. Opt for:

Shelving units you can rearrange to fit your changing needs.

Ottomans or benches with storage that can double as seating or a coffee table.

Statement Pieces That Tell a Story

Incorporate one-of-a-kind furniture pieces like:

A vintage trunk as a bedside table.

A hanging egg chair for a cozy corner. These ideas give your room character without overwhelming the design.

Floating Furniture

Wall-mounted furniture, such as floating desks or nightstands, creates the illusion of more space while adding a modern twist. Pair it with soft lighting to amplify the cozy ambiance.

Space-Saving Bedroom Furniture Hacks for Small Rooms

Living in a small space doesn’t mean compromising style or functionality. Let’s dive into bedroom furniture hacks that are both space-efficient and stylish—perfect for creating a dreamy, clutter-free retreat.

Multifunctional Furniture Is Your Best Friend

Invest in a bed with built-in storage to hide away extra blankets, clothes, or shoes.

Try foldable or extendable furniture, like a drop-leaf desk that doubles as a vanity.

Vertical Storage Solutions

Think up, not out. Use:

Tall wardrobes with sliding doors to save on floor space.

Wall-mounted shelves for books, décor, or even a mini workspace. This hack maximizes utility without overcrowding the room.

Mirrors for the Illusion of Space

Mirrored wardrobes or wall-mounted mirrors not only reflect light but also make your room feel larger and airier.

Dual-Purpose Pieces

Why settle for a single-use piece? Look for:

A sofa bed that turns your sleeping area into a lounge by day.

Nightstands with drawers for additional storage.

Pro Tip: Keep It Light and Simple

Choose furniture in light colors or natural wood tones to maintain a spacious feel. Heavy, dark furniture can make a small room feel closed in.

Modern Bedroom Furniture for a Minimalist Look

Ready to embrace simplicity? A modern bedroom furniture design is the perfect choice for creating a serene and stylish space. Here’s how to nail the minimalist vibe without making your room feel cold or empty.

Choose Clean Lines and Neutral Colors

Modern furniture thrives on simplicity:

Opt for a bed frame with clean, straight edges. Upholstered platforms in gray or beige work wonders.

Add a sleek nightstand with a single drawer to keep the clutter out of sight.

Keep It Low-Profile

Low-profile furniture can make your bedroom feel larger. A bed closer to the floor paired with low-slung dressers creates a cohesive and calming flow.

Functional Yet Elegant Décor

Use a bench with hidden storage at the foot of your bed for a practical touch.

Replace traditional lamps with wall-mounted sconces, freeing up surface space on your nightstand.

Declutter Like a Pro

Minimalist designs focus on essentials. When decorating:

Stick to 3-4 key furniture pieces.

Keep surfaces clear except for essentials like a small plant or a simple lamp.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

When it comes to bedroom furniture ideas, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to maximize your space with multifunctional pieces or add a creative flair with unique textures and colors, there’s always room for innovation. Combining modern bedroom furniture with clever storage solutions and artistic design will not only optimize your space but also create a bedroom that’s stylish and comfortable.

By exploring creative bedroom furniture ideas, you can truly personalize your space and elevate its functionality. Each piece of furniture plays a role in defining the room’s ambiance, so choose wisely and experiment with your options. Don’t forget to embrace the transformation that modern bedroom furniture offers—your space can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

·  How do I make my bedroom feel bigger with furniture? To maximize space in your bedroom, use modern bedroom furniture that offers both style and functionality. Consider multifunctional furniture such as beds with storage drawers, floating nightstands, or wall-mounted shelves. Creative bedroom furniture ideas like mirrored or light-colored pieces can create the illusion of more space while keeping your bedroom stylish.

·  What are the best materials for modern bedroom furniture? When choosing modern bedroom furniture, opt for materials that blend durability with elegance. Wood, especially lighter types like oak or birch, provides warmth and texture. Creative bedroom furniture that incorporates metal, glass, or leather accents can add a contemporary touch while keeping the design fresh and versatile.

·  How can I incorporate creative furniture ideas into a small bedroom? Small spaces can benefit from creative bedroom furniture ideas that focus on maximizing utility. Opt for modern bedroom furniture with hidden storage, such as a lofted bed to create more floor space. Consider minimalistic furniture designs that make a statement without overcrowding the room.

·  What are some stylish yet functional bedroom furniture options for couples? For couples, it’s important to strike a balance between style and practicality. Consider a large, comfortable bed with storage options, such as under-bed drawers. Creative bedroom furniture ideas for couples can include a matching pair of nightstands with hidden compartments and wall-mounted lighting, which keeps the room organized and cozy.

·  How can I blend traditional and modern furniture in the bedroom? Blending traditional and modern bedroom furniture styles requires careful selection of pieces that complement each other. Try mixing a classic wooden bedframe with sleek, modern bedroom furniture like minimalist chairs or contemporary light fixtures. Incorporating creative bedroom furniture such as a vintage-style armchair or a modern storage unit can add texture and dimension while maintaining harmony.

[klebefolie]

Transform Your Space with Adhesive Film for Furniture: A Simple Guide

Are you looking for an affordable and easy way to refresh your furniture without spending a fortune on new pieces?

folieren for furniture may be the perfect solution. Whether you're redecorating an old table, dresser, or kitchen cabinet, this versatile product can instantly transform your home’s aesthetic. Here’s what you need to know about using adhesive film for furniture and why it's become a popular trend in home improvement.What Is Adhesive Film for Furniture?Adhesive film, sometimes referred to as vinyl wrap or contact paper, is a thin, flexible material that has a sticky backing.

klebefolie comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns—everything from wood grain and marble to solid colors or decorative prints. The best part? It's easy to apply and remove, making it ideal for both renters and homeowners who want a temporary or low-commitment solution.Benefits of Adhesive Film1. Cost-Effective: Adhesive film is much more affordable than buying new furniture or paying for professional refinishing. It's a budget-friendly way to update your living space.2. Easy to Apply: Most adhesive films are designed for DIY use, meaning no special tools or expertise are required. All you need is a clean surface, a utility knife, and a smoothing tool to get started.3. Versatile: The options for adhesive film are endless. Whether you're after a sleek, modern look or something more rustic and traditional, there's a design to match any décor style. You can also use it on a variety of surfaces like wood, metal, or plastic.4. Protective Layer: Aside from being decorative, adhesive film can also protect your furniture from scratches, spills, and general wear and tear. If you’re renting, it’s an ideal way to protect the original furniture finish.5. Temporary or Long-Term: One of the great features of adhesive film is its removable nature. If you get tired of the look or want to update your furniture again, it can be easily peeled off without leaving residue.How to Apply Adhesive Film1. Prepare the Surface: Clean your furniture thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. A clean surface ensures the adhesive film will stick properly.2. Measure and Cut: Measure the surface area you want to cover and cut the adhesive film to size. It’s better to cut slightly larger pieces and trim the excess later.3. Peel and Stick: Slowly peel away the backing of the adhesive film as you apply it to the surface. Use a smoothing tool or a credit card to remove any air bubbles.4. Trim Excess: Once the film is in place, use a utility knife to carefully trim any overhanging edges for a clean, polished finish.Where to Use Adhesive FilmCabinets: Transform your kitchen or bathroom by giving your cabinets a fresh new look.Tables and Desks: Update a plain desk or a scratched coffee table with a stylish pattern or texture.Dressers: Use wood grain or marble effect adhesive film to give your bedroom furniture an elegant makeover.Shelves and Storage Units: Add color and texture to boring storage units, giving them a designer feel.Tips for Choosing the Right Adhesive FilmConsider the Finish: Matte films are great for a subtle look, while glossy finishes add a touch of modern glamor.Thickness Matters: Thicker films are easier to apply and tend to be more durable.Color & Pattern: Choose a design that complements your space. Bold patterns can make a statement, while neutral tones blend seamlessly with most interiors.ConclusionAdhesive film for furniture is a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to update your space. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a quick fix to refresh your home, this versatile material offers endless possibilities for customization. With minimal effort, you can give old furniture a new lease on life and create a fresh look in any room.