#oval concrete dining table

[spiceinthecoffee]

Living Room Atlanta Huge urban open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room library photo with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a concealed tv

[ameliyalanne]

Enhance your dining area with our classic oval dining table featuring an oval concrete leg. A timeless and sophisticated addition to your home.

[killthemwithyourawesome]

Contemporary Dining Room in Miami

[woodenstreetstore]

Choosing the Perfect Dining Table Set for Your Home

A dining table set is more than just a place to eat; it's a central element in your home that combines function and style. Whether you're hosting family meals or entertaining guests, the right dining set can elevate the ambiance of your space. With so many styles, sizes, and materials to choose from, it’s important to consider various factors before making a decision.

1. Understanding Your Space

Before purchasing a dining table set, assess the size of your dining area. Measure the space to ensure the table will fit comfortably, leaving enough room for people to move around. For smaller spaces, consider round or oval tables, which can save space while still accommodating guests. Larger rooms can handle rectangular or square tables, allowing for ample seating.

It's also crucial to take into account the shape and layout of your room. For instance, a long rectangular table is perfect for narrow spaces, while a round table works well in a square room. If you're opting for a table with extensions, ensure that it can expand comfortably without overcrowding the room.

2. Choosing the Right Material

Dining tables come in a variety of materials, each offering unique aesthetic and practical benefits. The most common materials include:

Wood: Timeless and durable, wooden tables are perfect for traditional or rustic settings. They come in various types, including oak, walnut, and mahogany, and can be stained or painted to suit different decors. Wood is ideal for larger families and those who want a sturdy, long-lasting table.

Glass: Glass dining tables add a touch of elegance and modernity. They’re visually lighter, making them a good choice for smaller spaces. Glass also complements metal or wooden bases, creating a clean and contemporary look. However, glass tables require regular cleaning and care to maintain their shine.

Metal: Metal tables, often paired with glass or wood, can add a sleek, industrial vibe to your dining space. They are strong and easy to maintain, though they can be less comfortable in colder climates.

Marble: Marble tables are luxurious and sophisticated, making them a statement piece in any dining area. They are durable and heat-resistant but require proper care to avoid stains and scratches.

3. Style Considerations

Your dining table set should match the overall theme of your home. Consider the style of your kitchen or living room and choose a set that complements it. Common dining table styles include:

Traditional: Traditional dining tables typically feature ornate details and rich wood finishes. These tables create a warm, classic look that suits formal dining rooms or country-style homes.

Modern: Modern dining sets are characterized by sleek lines, minimalism, and a mix of materials. A modern table might feature clean wooden surfaces or even a metal and glass combination.

Industrial: Industrial-style dining sets often use raw materials like reclaimed wood, metal, and concrete. These tables add a rustic and edgy vibe, perfect for urban lofts or modern farmhouse designs.

Farmhouse: A farmhouse-style dining table combines rustic charm with modern comfort. These tables are usually made of wood with distressed finishes, making them ideal for cozy, casual dining spaces.

4. Choosing the Right Chairs

The chairs that accompany your dining table are just as important as the table itself. They should be comfortable and match the table’s style. When selecting chairs, consider the following:

Material: If you’ve chosen a wooden table, wooden chairs can create a cohesive look. Alternatively, pairing a wooden table with upholstered chairs can add comfort and contrast.

Comfort: Since dining tables are used for extended periods, comfort should be a priority. Chairs with padding and ergonomic designs will ensure that everyone can sit comfortably during meals.

Space: Make sure there’s enough space between the chairs and the table, allowing for easy movement. If your table is extendable, choose chairs that can easily be moved or stored.

5. Budget and Quality

Dining table sets come in a wide range of prices, depending on the material, craftsmanship, and brand. Setting a budget will help narrow down your choices. However, remember that a dining set is a long-term investment. It’s often worth spending a little more for quality materials and construction that will last for years.

Conclusion

A dining table set is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s an integral part of your home’s style and function. By considering factors like space, material, style, and budget, you can find the perfect dining table set that suits your needs and enhances your living space. Whether you prefer a rustic wooden table or a sleek modern design, there’s a dining set out there that will transform your home into a place of comfort and style.

[decorworks]

Five favourite designs by Bieke Casteleyn

I have a confession to make….I am a bit tired of my self designed metal table. Did I once liked really brutal and industrial furniture,  I am looking for a table that adds some more warmth into my interior. If you look up the term industrial on the blog, you see a shift from really all things black and concrete in earlier blog years to a less raw and more design approached industrial feeling. At the moment we see a lot of tables in ceramic and stone and I think this might be a good compromise maybe for my own home. I am aware that the shape of a table is really personal, as a lover of sculptural design I am not sure if a really organic shaped table will do the trick for me.

Bieke Casteleyn

Looking into other shapes, still considering a round table as well, I came across the design of Bieke Casteleyn. Bieke Casteleyn is Belgian designer of high-end interiors and refined furniture. Driven by a passion to create a dining table that challenges traditional standards, Bieke debuted her first Out of Line table in 2015. With its skillfully designed, organic contours, Out of Line soon became an icon of Belgian refinement and craftsmanship. One that has been translated into a carefully considered collection of functional objects: dining tables, coffee tables, desks, consoles, benches and more. I especially loved seeing the layered design pieces, next to the different shaped tables. I could easily see some of the designs in my home. Have a look at my top 3 from the series, and visit the website to explore the full Out of Line collection and discover the different colours available.  

A beautiful bench that can be used in every space, from a dining room to the hallway. I can really see this bench as a statement piece in our homes.

A bedside table like this would really transform my whole bedroom.

The Out of Line shelf creates a standout look, while the blend of materials breathes warmth into any room. The hidden drawer add a surprising element of functionality.

The Out of line in a more classic round shape.

Oval dining table

Opening Picture by Cafeine // 2-3 Bieke Casteleyn // 4 Verne // 5 Stephanie Mathias //6-8 Charlotte Lauwers Read the full article

[chill-in-heat]

Nutfaces

We shall not give a detailed description of this dream. [1]

Kati danced with an octopus on a field out of ice between the ruins of a long abandoned concrete jungle, both sipping bee wax oddly intoxicating. The air, filled with the scent of exploding cigarettes, illuminated the bizarre scene. Above, the sky transformed into a giant soap bar, suggesting a cosmic cleanse. Amidst chaos, ugliness, and beauty intertwined in a harmonious dance. Her vision blurred and focused again and she found herself standing in front of a calm river, floating slowly into a courtyard. We can get lost in this noise. [2]

DREAM INTERPRETING. [3] I am certainly in the mazes of a dream. [4] A funny one [5] , What a grandiose dream! [6] Heaven was apparently empty.[7] Being patches nothingness. [8] Being and Nothingness. [9] Oblivion.

The oceans rub against the skin of the Earth, the space traversed by the heavenly bodies is scattered with tiny particulate obstacles, and all of this exercises a breaking effect. [10] Left, right, between, loop, braid, up and down, over, under, knots explore places. [11]

Awakening means rousing oneself from that kind of wakefulness, as from a vapid dream. [12] Kati saw Takeshi lying right next to her. As always he was still sleeping. She recognised this situation. It was always the same. One lick on his eyes and he is going to wake up. All is waking or dreams, truth or error, the light of being or the nothingness of shadow. [13]

"It happened again", she said, but he knew. "Shall we move into the dining room?" [14]

Lethe can be separated from dining room by a curtain. [15] There is a silver lining to everything. [16] Around the large dining table the ovale structure of the room evolved. The warmth from a chimney fills the space with a scent of gingerbread and berries. Wooden walls and a gently curved ribbed roof create a spotlight for peculiar portraits of Kati and Takeshi hang on the walls, their faces whimsically replaced with almonds. Chairs with only 3 legs are surrounding the table on which are "the substance", "the fruits".

[1] Marx, Collected Works [2] Serres, The Incandescent [3] Grimm, Teutonic Mythology The Complete Work [4] The Book of the Thousand and One Nights [5] de Condillac, Philosophical Writings of Etienne Bonnot [6] Deleuze Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus [7] Calasso, Ardor [8] Serres, The Five Senses [9] Serres, History of Scientific Thought [10] Serres, History of Scientific Thought [11] Serres, The Five Senses [12] Calasso, Ardor [13] Foucault, History of Madness [14] Asimov, Complete Robot Anthology [15] Teige, The Minimum Dwelling [16] Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities

[restedfurniture01]

Different Types Of Dining Tables & Bedroom Furniture Available!

Furniture holds a lot of importance in the life of individuals because it helps in organizing the space. We are one of the leading Dining Table Manufacturers In Mumbai because we provide individuals with excellent quality dining tables that too at economical prices. Today, in this blog, we are going to shed some light on different types of dining tables. 

Different Types Of Dining Tables 

Rectangular Dining Table

Round Dining Table 

Square Dining Table 

Oval Dining Table 

Extension Dining Table 

Drop-Leaf Dining Table 

Pedestal Dining Table 

Trestle Dining Table 

Glass Dining Table 

Wood Dining Table 

Marble Dining Table 

Concrete Dining Table 

Live Edge Dining Table 

Convertible Dining Table 

Outdoor Dining Table 

We are also one of the leading Bedroom Furniture Manufacturers In Mumbai because we are offering everyone excellent quality bedroom furniture that too at economical prices. We take pride in designing different sets of furniture for your bedroom. Since the time of inception, we have served a wide number of clients, and all of them are highly satisfied with the furniture we offer. We have years of knowledge and experience with the help of which we always ensure that everything is done as per the pre-defined guidelines. 

We have a team of professionals who always do everything according to the needs and also suggest the client regarding the best option according to the requirements. It is an assurance that you will get everything related to home interior design right under one roof. 

To refurbish your home you can reach out to us and we will deliver you with the right set of designer services. We promise you that we will suggest you the best and most customized furniture for everything. So, why wait? Connect with us and we will deliver you the best as per the requirement and the space available. 

Credit:- https://restedfurniture.blogspot.com/2023/09/different-types-of-dining-tables--bedroom-furniture-available.html

[stinfurniture]

Shop Dining Tables: Finding the Right Fit for Your Lifestyle and Décor

When it comes to furnishing your dining space, one of the most important pieces you'll need is a dining table. The dining table serves as the centerpiece of your dining area, where family and friends gather to share meals, conversations, and create lasting memories. If you're in the market for a new dining table, it's essential to find the right fit for your lifestyle and décor. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect dining table that suits your needs.

One of the first steps in shopping for a dining table is determining the size that will fit your space. Consider the dimensions of your dining area and measure the available space. Take into account the number of people you usually accommodate during meals. Rectangular or oval tables are great for larger rooms and can seat more people, while round or square tables are better suited for smaller spaces.

Once you have determined the size, it's time to think about the style and design that will complement your décor. Whether you have a modern, traditional, or eclectic style, there is a dining table to match your aesthetic. For a contemporary look, consider sleek and minimalistic designs with clean lines. If you prefer a more rustic or farmhouse vibe, opt for tables made from reclaimed wood. Vintage-inspired tables can add a touch of charm and nostalgia to your dining area.

Material selection is another crucial aspect to consider when shopping for a dining table. Wood is a popular choice due to its durability and timeless appeal. Oak, walnut, and teak are excellent options known for their sturdiness and beautiful grain patterns. Glass-topped tables create an illusion of space and can make the smaller rooms feel more open. Metal or concrete tables add an industrial touch to modern interiors.

Beyond the aesthetics, think about the functionality of the dining table. Consider whether you need an extendable table to accommodate extra guests during special occasions or if a fixed-size table will suffice. Additionally, think about the maintenance requirements of different materials and finishes. Some may require regular polishing or protective coatings to maintain their appearance.

As you embark on your search for the perfect dining table, consider exploring reputable furniture retailers like STIN. They offer a wide range of high-quality dining tables designed to suit various styles and preferences. One standout option is the George Nelson Coffee Table, which combines elegance and functionality. With its sleek design and choice of premium materials, this table is sure to elevate any dining space.

In conclusion, shopping for a dining table involves careful consideration of size, style, materials, and functionality. By taking these factors into account, you can find a dining table that not only fits your space but also enhances your lifestyle and complements your décor. So, start your search today, and transform your dining area into a welcoming and stylish space where you can enjoy meals and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

For more information about Series 7 Chair visit Stin 

[detailsonlineshop]

Top 4 Ways to Bring Home the Most delightful and Attractive Fine Dining in the World

Missing the luxury fine dining experience from the best hotel is no more a big deal when you can enjoy it right at the comfort of your home. Yes, you heard right. Bringing the beautiful works of art to indulge into a lavish fine dining experience begins with an upgrade of your dining essentials. Perhaps, the most exquisite designer dining pieces in Bahrain are now exclusively available for sale. Only if you know the right place to get the best of the best in the world, keep reading. Styling the Dining Table:

Shape: Unconventional designer shapes ranging from oval, round, rectangle, square, hexagon and more, the shape of the dining table is the most crucial factor that adds elegance and utility to your dining experience. Pick a shape according to your taste. Modern, Victorian, contemporary or Avant Garde, pick a dining table that you cannot get out of your mind.

Seating size: Your family size and the number of guests expected can become a factor to be considered while choosing the seating arrangement. A private dining table for 2 to 4 persons is great. But if you want to accommodate much more, there are chances you must rely on the Italian dining tables that can seat more than 6 to 12 people.

The Wow element: The wow element is not essential but you may add hi tech accessories like automatic rotating platter, reheating tools and more to customize your dining experience. Having a lighted table is one of the most desirable features people are looking for. Carefully select the wow element of your dining table for maximum beauty and utility.

Color: For everyday use, having a relaxing color of your dining table is essential. However, depending on your interiors, they come in various colors. You name it and get it. Because every household is unique and one single color fits all is never the case. Depending on whether you want the room to look big or small you may choose the color. For instance, a lighter color dining table will make your space look big and vice versa.

Texture: The finish of your dining table depends mostly on the material used. Glossy finish, mirror finish, matte or grainy textures are available. If you want to revamp your old dining table, consider adding a textured luxury laminate on the table top for best results. The best texture often depends on individual preferences and easy maintenance.

Build: The material used to make the dining table influences its build quality. To create art pieces of luxury, refined materials are used that can be easily molded into convenient shapes and sizes. Stainless steel, different types of woods, Medium density fibreboard (MDF), textile upholstery, velvet,  fiber, plywood, leather, aluminum, glass, PVC, marble, ceramic, concrete, tile, brass, wrought iron, bronze are few examples of materials that are commonly used in furniture making. Many designers use sustainable materials for long term durability and environment conservation.

Complementing the Table with the right set of Dining Chairs:  Once your dining table is decided, complement it with the dining chairs that make you feel comfortable and luxurious both. For breathtaking dining tables and chairs in Bahrain visit the Details Online Shop. Create amazing dining spaces with a dining chair to suit your dining table with this guide below:

Comfort: The type of foam that provides you the ultimate comfort depends on your preference. High and medium density polyurethane foams help proper relaxation of body plus add to the beauty and aesthetics of seating.

Style: Modern, Avant garde, Victorian, plush, traditional and more seatings can never go out of style. Make the right style statement with a perfect combination of colors and textures as per your preference. Silks, linen, velvet and upholstery material bring the charm in your home.

Utility: In modern space saving furniture, multiple utility options for a single piece of furniture are common. If you find some interesting piece of dining table and chairs that you can use in many ways, don’t be surprised. Rustic

Design: Parsons chair, armchair, tufted back chairs, wing chairs, throne chairs, Roman chairs and many more designs from contemporary to modern light up a dining table instantly.

Build: Great chairs are made out of just everything as far as the creativity of Italian dining table and chair designers goes. Study and long lasting or environment friendly and portable are few of the options that you can choose from.

Sensational Dinner with the Best Dinner Plates: More than the furniture, quickly amp up your dining experience with modern pieces of art from Italian luxury designers right on your table. Yes, revealing the best of tableware from Spanish, Italian, Indian and from all over the world. Make a lasting impact with round, square, thick bottom, colorful dinner plates. Create an aura of elegance with distinctive prints on your dinner plates. From shatter proof, break resistant, opalware everyday dinner plates to delicate and intricate porcelain lined with signature luxury metals. Unconventional Modern Crockery – Coffee Cups and Tea Sets: A great personality always leaves a lasting impression. The stunning styles of your everyday household things like coffee cups and tea sets completes your distinctive dining interior. Make a bold statement with a high tea with just the correct accessories. Crockery has been cherished and collected by grandparents and heirloom royal crockery is passed on from generations to generations. Not just so, they create a mesmerizing fine dining experience. Treat yourself to the ultimate range of world-class coffee cups and tea sets from China, Italy, Spain and more with unique modern pieces of art for everyday dining pleasure. Once you set your eyes, you will definitely fall in love with them. Collect them all as the stunning exclusive designs quickly get out of stock. Get up for grabs at Details Online Shop for authentic luxury pieces for decorating your home interiors.

[purplesurveys]

1023

survey by ohsh1t2wksl8

Why might you get rid of an old family heirloom? I have the tendency to be a bad hoarder tbh, but I can imagine having no problem with throwing an heirloom out if I find out something particularly disgusting about the original owner, like if they were extremely racist when they were alive or were serial killers or something.

What is something that kids spend most of their time doing? Ooh, I haven’t been a kid nor have I hung out with kids in a while. I do know a lot of them like asking a series of questions, which I mostly find adorable. All my cousins did this with me when they were younger.

What is something that you might only do once a week? My family and I watch Sunday mass weekly. I’m not into it, but I don’t have a choice.

Why might a person wake up at 2:00 AM? Nightmares. I know this happens to me, at least.

What is something you might eat with a hamburger? I usually eat mine with French fries. But some restaurants serve burgers with onion rings, which is even better.

Name something that you haven’t done since high school gym class. Ran in an oval. That’s how we were made to warm up then, but in my college PEs we were never required to do so and stationary exercises usually sufficed.

How much would you tip a waiter or waitress for good service? Tipping isn’t required where I live and the whole calculating for the 20% bit is a completely foreign concept here. That said, I usually give a P20 tip as thanks in every restaurant I dine at; but if the service was exceptionally good, I’d give either a P50 or P100, depending on how much money I have left.

Who is your favorite character from the television sitcom, “Friends”? I think I’ve answered this recently but my answer will never change - it’s Chandler, for damn sure. Monica’s a really close second, and she was originally my first favorite until I realized Chandler is way too hilarious of a character that it would be almost an insult not to rank him 1st. The rest of my rankings go Rachel, Ross, Joey, then Phoebe.

What is something you can buy for only $1 or less? For P50, I can get myself a couple of ballpens.

Name a native Spanish-speaking country. Mexico.

What is a liquid in your kitchen that you hope no one ever drinks? Canola oil.

What is something that breaks down frequently? Me...hahahahahahahahahahaha but another answer would be the public trains that we have. Those have never been reliable and in pre-Covid days it was common to hear news of the LRT/MRT breaking down and passengers being forced to walk all the way to the next station. Of course, unsurprisingly, the government never really did anything about it, and with public transport being indefinitely halted due to Covid it’s now mostly a buried issue.

What is another name for “book”? The first guess that came to mind is publication, but now that I think about it it’s a bit of a broader term compared to book.

Name a famous wizard. I’m gonna go with the obvious because I’m not too familiar with this genre anyway: Harry Potter.

Name a piece of furniture that might be handmade. Tables! My grandpa hand-made our present living room table. :) It’s made out of wood but my mom spray-painted it black to fit more with the atmosphere she wanted for the house.

Whose name might you have tattooed on your body? I would have initials tattooed on me, but never names. That said...can’t really imagine anyone’s initials deserving a permanent spot on my skin. Maybe my kid’s/kids’, should I have my own in the future.

How long is an unbearable commute for you? I don’t commute. But as a driver, I will start getting pissed if I find myself on the road for 2 hours straight especially if my destination isn’t even too far away.

What is something that you always need to leave plugged in? The electric fan is turned on 24/7, unless I’m not in my room.

What is a sport that you’ve always wanted to play, but never got a chance to. Ooh, this is honestly hard to answer because back in high school we were given the chance to try out a bunch of sports - futsal, baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and even gymnastics and cheerleading. Name it and we were probably briefly taught it. And some sports I tried out on my own time, like beach volleyball and ultimate. Hmm...OH wait we never covered tennis!!! and I’ve always wanted to try that.

What is a fruit that you might eat in the morning? Hard pass.

What beverage do you most commonly drink with breakfast? I either have food accompanied with water, or just coffee with no food. I never have coffee if I’m having food for breakfast as I don’t like how that could affect the taste of my food.

Name a type of gun that doesn’t shoot bullets. Do water guns count? Haha.

Where is a place that you might not get cell phone reception? Underground parking lots. I’ve definitely gotten in trouble before for missing out on my mom’s texts and calls because I had been hanging out at a mall’s underground parking area.

Who might you send a selfie to? Angela, but I never really do that anymore. I used to, though, back when we still regularly sent each other Snapchats.

What is a plant that someone might grow themselves? My grandma keeps a lot of horsetail plants at my childhood home.

Name an item in or on your bed every night. I sleep beside my phone as I need the background noise from YouTube to lull me to sleep.

What type of vehicle would you not want to hit while driving? I’ve driven beside Porsches and Ferraris before, which has always made me quietly panic lmfao

What part of your body typically has an ache? I’m starting to get regular headaches after my shift. My shoulders and lower back also hurt more often now. Definitely time to invest in a comfy work chair.

Out of your work shift, how much time do you spend doing “actual work”? Hmm, not sure what actual work means butttttt on weekends, I’ll check in on work stuff for a total of maybe around 30 minutes just because I hate being far away from work for a long time haha.

Why might a person be running? They forgot something in their car and need the thing immediately.

Name an older actor who has been in lots of movies. Bette Davis.

Where is somewhere that you might need to use coins? Riding the jeepney. Or any public transport, really.

What material might be used in building a house? Concrete.

What is a metal that a coin might be made out of. No idea. I’ve long thrown my chemistry/physics lessons out of my head, lol.

Can you name a country that starts with the letter A? Azerbaijan.

What is something that comes out of clouds? Rain.

Name a food that would roll if you accidentally dropped it on the floor. Lumpia. And it is also a type of food I would have no problem picking back up regardless of where it lands. Lumpia is life hahaha.

What is something that comes in a glass bottle? Wine.

How long do your New Years resolutions typically last? I don’t make those, exactly because they never last with me.

What is something that you would hate to see floating around in your bathtub? I’d hate to be sitting in a tub filled with water that was already dirty before I could even settle in it.

About how many pages is the longest book you’ve ever read? I never finished either, but it’s either Les Miserables or Gone with the Wind.

Name something that Kentucky is famous for. Outside of KFC, which I’m pretty sure I heard somewhere that its first franchise actually opened in a different state, I have no idea.

Who would you call first after getting engaged to tell them the news? I can imagine it would be Angela.

Can you name a country with a lot of ice? I dunno. Finland maybe?

What color underwear might you wear for a special occasion? Black.

[leeholtwrites]

Magical Girl Reunion Tour - C4

Shonda

Shonda regretted not having Maggie meet her at her house after George went to work. Her sun glasses struggled to fight off the glare of the mid morning sun as she stood on the sidewalk in front of an apartment building. Everything was beige and bleached, baked by the harsh weather. A ring of mountains rose up near by, the only touch of beauty she could see.

She whipped put her phone with a free hand and looked at her location. Las Vegas. Well, this was a far cry from the glittering lights of the vacation she took with George all those years ago, chasing all the best food the tourist spots had to offer. She stared at the xeriscape in front of the building as she shoved her phone away. Why the hell would Maggie be in the party city at the edge of nowhere? 

Shonda's hand holding the coffee carrier started to cramp. She had not slept well last night, and it contained her second cup. Part of her lack of sleep had been her tearing up the garage, looking for her wand. It had been shoved in a box with a bunch of old stuff from high school. Yearbooks, a couple of A+ papers, a favorite jacket, and there it was buried under it all with less reverence than she gave an old essay.

Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the wand. It was a warm blue with a globe of translucent yellow. Thin threads of gold formed geometric patterns over the globe, meeting at the top in a circle. In the shadow of the box it all appeared muted, even neglected.

With a deep breath, she reached in and grasped the smooth handle. It woke, the colors brightening. Emotions of awe and dread swirled within her as she lifted it before her face. The years hadn't changed it a bit. It was still as bright and warm as it was in her memories.

Now she could feel the mid-morning hear coaxing sweat from her pores. She shouldn't have teleported with her cardigan on. She should have asked where Maggie lived so she could have dressed accordingly. Although, why she ended up at Maggie's place with no Maggie just baffled her. 

A Camry about 10 years old rumbled up to the curb. Maggie sat in the front seat. She gave Shonda a confused look before turning off the car and getting out. "How did you find this place? I didn't give you my address."

Shonda reached into her purse with her free hand and pulled out the wand. It glinted in the bright desert sun. "I don't know. Ask this thing. Usually we teleport where the person we're thinking of is, not where they're going to be. Do you think I like standing outside in the hot sun? It's like, September. Why is it so hot?"

Maggie stepped up on the curb. "Welcome to the southwest during climate change. At least we're not on fire." She pointed to the two cup coffee carrier in Shonda's hand. "Which one?"

"The one closest to you. I'm kind of wishing I'd gotten it iced now."

She pulled it out and took a sip. "I'm not picky. Follow me. I'm on the second floor."

Shonda trudged after Maggie up the concrete steps. The simmering anger had returned upon seeing her old friend. In all honesty, she though she'd been dead. Every couple years she would check the various social media sites to see if Maggie would show up, but never had any luck. The temptation to use her darker computer skills always arose in those moments. Sometimes it took all of Shonda's will power not to call upon those skills her curiosity was so strong. Maggie had all but fallen off the face of the Earth when they started college. Now that the woman was standing before her, she was determined to find out what had happened.

Maggie unlocked the door and slipped inside. Shonda followed her. The apartment was not what she expected. It was clean, but mostly bare. The door entered into an small living space with a couch, coffee table, and a flat screen television mounted over a short bookshelf filled to bursting. A stationary bike sat between the couch and the dining space with nothing hanging off it, so it must be used. A small dining table was pushed up against the wall where a door to a hallway was, two chairs tucked up underneath it. The kitchen was tucked up in it's own alcove on the same wall as the hanging television. It was tidy, with bright pops of color from kitchen towels hanging from the cabinet doors. In the living area, generic artwork hung along the walls, but as Shonda moved to take a seat, she spotted the frames of photographs running down along the hallway behind the couch. She thought she saw herself at fifteen, but there would be time to look later. They had to figure out what was going on.

Viridian slinked around the couch and hopped up on the coffee table just as Shonda sat down her purse and the coffee carrier. "Glad you could join us, Shonda. I'm glad Maggie moved passed her more stubborn nature to at least take my advise."

Maggie rolled her eyes, her lips still glued to the lid of the coffee cup.

Shonda stripped off her cardigan and draped it over the arm of the couch next to her. "Well, if Omira is back as you say, then we have to figure out how we're going to handle it."

Maggie paced back and forth on the other side of the table, yet she still managed to give Shonda her attention, swiveling her head every time she turned. "I don't want to do this, but if what Viridian says is true, there can't be another team as long as we're alive, then we obviously don't have a choice," she said bitterly. "It has to be us."

"I’m glad you see my way," Viridian said with such snugness that Shonda was sure Maggie was going to stuff him in her garbage disposal with the look she gave him.

She took a sip of her coffee, savoring the rich flavor. From the way Maggie was chugging it, Shonda wasn't sure she was even appreciating the specialty coffee she'd picked up from her favorite roaster and café. She crushed the feeling of offence rising up. Maggie was obviously preoccupied with having to pick her wand back up, as she should be.

"It took us three years last time to defeat Omira," Shonda finally said. "I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of time."

Maggie finally stopped pacing. "I don't have that kind of time. I have two weeks, tops. That is how much vacation I have. I’m lucky enough to have built up enough good will that I can probably get it approved with a phone call, but that's only if I can get everyone else on board. It can't just be the two of us."

"And we have to do it sooner rather than later. Who knows when Omira is going to control someone who has enough passion to start siphoning life force. I say we start with Chloe. Then, if Omira attacks before we get the other two on, we stand a chance. She was our, to use an RPG term, tank. Then you can get into position to use your spells."

With a sigh, Maggie finally joined Shonda on the couch. "I don't know if I even remember half of them. I know I was our magical powerhouse, being our charismatic leader filled with love, but I'm not the same person. Not even close. I wish I could say that was a reliable plan. It's not. We need to try and get everyone on board today if possible. We need the muscle. Can you even remember all your spells?"

Shonda wanted to argue. Her plan was solid. How dare Maggie argue with her when she had just vanished on them. But she was right. They would all be rusty. The only second thought she'd even given her past life was  if her daughter was going to be sucked in. 

She reached into her purse for her wand. "Well, let's see," she whispered more to herself than Maggie. She held it out before her. "Reveal your true form."

With a flash of gold light, the top of the wand morphed into a foot high oval mirror, the handle extending for more balance. Shonda had never liked looking into the mirror despite how often she'd done it. What she saw now was ugly. It was necessary.

Shonda turned it toward Maggie and shouted, "Reveal the truth!"

Maggie had thrown up her hands, shouted at her not to do it, but the glaring white glow was not deterred. On the back of the mirror Shonda saw it, Maggie's truth. Saw her barely able to get out of bed. Saw her cut herself off from everyone. Saw her cry. So much crying. Saw her hold a knife to her wrists.

Shonda dropped the mirror. She couldn't see it, but there was another way to find out. She grabbed Maggie's wrists and pulled them to herself. "No scars," she breathed, filled with relief.

Maggie pulled her hands away, anger in her eyes so hot they could set fires. "What the fuck, Shonda! Why would you do that? You know how violating that is?"

Shame and anger warred inside her. "You just stopped calling! Texting! You have no social media presence. That was never like you. I thought you were dead!" Tears stung her eyes. "You just fell off the face of the Earth." Her voice grew soft. "You're my friend. You made me worry, and I'm mad at you for that."

Maggie dropped her hands. She was quiet. The silence stretched, growing increasingly uncomfortable, but Shonda kept her mouth shut. Maggie was right, even if she didn't want her to be right. She had wronged her, that was true, but the ugly part of her still felt like she had done the right thing. The shame cooled the heat of her anger. What an ass she was. She opened her mouth to speak, but Maggie held up a hand.

"I know, this is not the ideal situation for a reunion. I don't know if I would have told you eventually, but developing very serious depression I hope answered at least some of your questions," she said, her voice mock light. She stood up. "Come with me."

Shonda joined her, confused. She still kept her mouth shut as she followed Maggie around the couch and into the hall she spotted when she entered the apartment. Maggie clicked on the light overhead. Blanketing the wall in a myriad of frames were pictures of Maggie in high school. Some with her friends, some with her family, but it didn't matter, in each and every one she was smiling.

Without looking at her, Maggie began to speak. "I put these up once I moved in. I missed myself, and I wanted to remember what I was like before, well, the darkness I guess," Maggie said sheepishly. "I talk to my family. Call my mom once a week. Got to therapy. Take meds. I like my job. Things are better, but I’m still sorry. I should have at least sent you a Christmas card."

Shonda reached out toward a picture of her in high school. Senior year. Her arm draped around Maggie. Despite that they'd yet to defeat Omira in the picture, there was an energy of carefree youth and love for each other. The tears returned. She fought them unsuccessfully. Maggie had betrayed that friendship with her silence, that much Shonda was sure. Now, she couldn't hang onto that anger. Maggie was back, despite that it took a threat to the world to bring her back, and she was better off than Shonda had imagined. Sure, the generic art, the bare bones furniture, the small apartment seemed a little sad, but Maggie was here and well enough.

She reached up and wiped her tears away. Shonda turned to Maggie. "I do not miss your dye jobs."

A small smile snuck across Maggie's lips. "Look, I don't want to do this either, but it looks like we have to. What do you say we talk to Chloe and go from there."

"You know, unlike you, I know where she actually lives."

Maggie rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

"So, do you want to have lunch in Boston?"

[ameliyalanne]

Company and employ a small team of locals who hand make our custom furniture onsite in our Factory. We also offer prompt delivery and provide our clients ongoing support including but not limited to a warranty on goods purchased.

[smolstrawberrychara]

Klance Au Month - Day 2 - Galtean

I went Galtean Royalty because I love that au so much ♥

I Forgot Something...

Lance is an Altean Prince, up to no good, sneaking back into Castle Marmora because he chickened out of doing something earlier in the day. That something being confessing that he'd loved to kiss the Galran Prince Keith. 

Read on ao3 at: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17636060

“Psst.”

Lance hung his body over the castle wall, kicking his legs as he tried to stretch his body beyond natures restraints.

“Pssssst!” He repeated, more insistent. Keith was walking along the grounds right below him, stopping every now and then to stroke a gloved hand along one of the lower swinging tree branches heavy with lilac flowers. The outer gardens of Castle Marmora were more of an orchard than a garden. Huge, sprawling trees with shining, pea-green leaves decorated the perfectly cut lawn and provided great blockades against Lance’s vision. Smacking at the branches, he leaned further out in order to keep on eye on the Galran prince who was getting further and further away by the minute. Lance had to do something drastic.

“KEITH.” He yelled, throwing himself further out. His hand caught on a few branches that dipped wildly with the weight but held. Keith finally glanced up, blinking wide purple eyes at him. Lance’s heart skipped at the sight. He was so handsome, with his deep indigo pupils and golden irises that swallowed Lance whole. A wide, pointed ear flicked on his head like a cat’s and his mouth opened but before anything could come out Lance registered the sound of snapping twigs.

Oh no.

His hand crushed pollen into his palm as the branch gave way and gravity finally had its way with him. Lance tumbled head first into the foliage, wood scratching at his clothes and leaves smashing into his face. He braced himself for impact when he found himself, bouncing to a halt.

Instead of hard ground, there was taut muscles cupping his legs and back. Lance blinked up to find an alarmed face.

“Nice catch!”

Lance jolted. Then he was violently swung around as Keith moved to face the voice.

Above them, hand squished against a plump cheek, was a large boy in golden armour. The yellow ticks by his brown eyes seemed to melt as he watched the two like they were a movie.

“Hunk!” Lance squawked, feeling the blood rush to his face again. “What the hell are you doing here!?”

“I’m your bodyguard,” he said flatly, lounging against the concrete, “s’kinda my job.”

“Not when I sneak out…” Lance mumbled to himself, leaning into Keith’s chest. He was dressed in his deepest blue finery with a button-down shirt, silver chest plate and embellished jacket fitted over the top. It was Lance’s favourite outfit because Keith wore his sword with the strap slung over his shoulder instead of tied at the waist and that somehow made him sexier. He found himself poking at the white leather, attempting to ignore Hunk’s vigilant eye.

“Lance. I’m a royally trained body guard. You can’t just sneak away from me.”

No shit, he was like a goddamn cheetah or something.

Lance pouted, glaring up at him once again. “Well, I’m allowed my privacy.”

“And you can get it.” Hunk replied easily, “just tell me where you’re going and remember to bring your sword.”

Lance angrily swished the white lengths of his tunic back to reveal the bright, sapphire embedded hilt of his weapon, tucked neatly against his grey trousers. “I did bring my sword.”

Hunk hummed thoughtfully as Lance replaced the fabric like a delicate silk curtain. “But you didn’t tell me about this secret lil lovers’ rendezvous.”

“HUNK!” Lance screeched. Hunk knew that’s not what this was, that Keith and him were absolutely not an item. That was a whole different problem in itself. Speaking of, Keith looked down at Lance with a tilt to his head and wonky ears. Then he was looking back up at Hunk, lip caught under a tooth as he analysed him. Lance wanted to shrink into the ground. But also wanted to pull Keith down with him.

Hunk laughed easily, up on his wall, far away from any kind of harm Lance could put him under. Lance cursed him under his breath.

“Okay, okay, I’ll leave you.” Hunk said with a chuckle, “but just know, I’ll be right on the other side of this wall so speak up!”

Like hell Lance was gonna speak up! He stuck his tongue out at his friend, but Hunk had already hopped down the wall and out of sight. Why did everything have to be so complicated being royalty?

Keith cleared his throat and Lance suddenly remembered he was still being cradled in his arms. Blood rushed to his face again, and he threw his gaze out to the trees, attempting to crawl out of the embrace. Keith lowered him down like a gentlemen, before straightening his lapels and regarding Lance more formally.

“Did you need something?”

Lance swallowed thickly. Yes. He did.

A few weeks earlier they’d had a diplomatic meeting. Lance had been sent alone since as neighbouring kingdoms, the Galran and Altean families had always had a good relationship. There wasn’t much in the way of politics to discuss and Lance’s parents deemed him old enough to leave on his own missions. However, when they left, Lance’s entourage were attacked. Bandits appeared from the roadside, leaping at the horses and trying to steal the Royal seal. They were armed and fought dirty, stabbing at the horses and throwing stones at the knights. Lance immediately grabbed the seal – the stamp allowing him to approve any law, maintain his identity, and access classified information. Then he tied it to his belt and unsheathed his sword. Cutting his way out the fabric shelter of his carriage he swung into action, refusing to allow any of his court to get harmed. It was a bloody battle and Lance watched in horror as a bandit landed on Hunk’s back, toppling the sturdy man to the ground. He lifted a rock high to the air. Lance ran. He wasn’t going to make it.

Then an arrow shot past his head, a hairs breadth from his cheek. It stung straight into the arm of the bandit and the rock crashed to the ground. Hunk didn’t wait for a second chance. He quickly flipped their positions, trapping the bandit against the floor before tying his hands in effortless motion. The battle changed then, the mysterious bowmen shooting anyone who got too close - injuring, but never aiming to kill. Lance had never been more thankful in his life. As soon as the battle was won, he ran up the hill to find their heroic defender. However, the rocks were empty of anyone. All he found was gravel paths and jagged grey cliff edges.

Lance never found the person responsible. But he did find their arrows. They were exquisite. Made of a black wood, they had fletching made of the peacock feathers and the head was engraved with roses that wound around the flint. Lance picked up one that had missed its target and placed it in his belt loop for safe keeping.

The event had almost been forgotten, the arrow just another nameless treasure. That was until a few hours ago, when the two families had returned to Castle Marmora for a banquet. Lance noticed the pattern adorning the edges of the dining table. Roses. As he traced the etchings in awe, Shiro addressed him.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” He’d said, smiling kindly at Lance who felt like a deer caught in torch light. He’d nodded shakily. “Keith’s mother loved the pattern. Had everything engraved like that. Hey Keith!”

Shiro turned away to call his brother on the other side of the table. “Show Lance your pendant.”

Keith blinked at them, eyes lingering on Lance. It made his stomach fizzle. Keith always seemed so intense. Everything he did had purpose. Which meant it took everything in Lance not to believe those looks were nothing special.

He’d slid out of his chair and up to Lance’s side, bringing a chain out from beneath his shirt. He leant forward and Lance tried not to focus too much on the bob of his throat or the clean cut of his jaw. Then he noticed the pendant and his breath hitched. On the blackened silver oval were roses, swirling around the metal like vines. The carving was the exact same as the arrow head.

“Yeah, it’s an original design too,” Shiro continued. “Only she had the rights to use it. And now it belongs to Keith.”

Lance froze in the warm room. Keith was the only one with the design. Keith’s pendant matched the arrows. They were Keith’s arrows.  Which meant Keith was the one saving Lance’s life.

Lance had felt a buzz beneath his skin all day after that. He knew Keith was a noble person and a fine prince. But he never thought he was a vigilante too. His stomach swooped at the thought. Keith was a caring prince. Someone who helped those in need no matter their status. Lance promised himself he’d thank him, let him know just how important he was to Lance. But then the afternoon was all busyness and food and he never got the chance to tell him. Or maybe, he might have just chickened out. He regretted his silence as soon as they left. Which was how he ended up sneaking out the palace and scaling walls.

Usually, a formal thank you was made with a bow. A sincere one involved holding one’s hand. But a deep feeling of gratitude, the one blooming in Lance’s heart, was shown by a kiss on the cheek.

Allura made it look effortless, thanking all their knights after battle with a ceremony in the throne room. Hell, even Lance made it look effortless as he met each member of their court, delicately taking their hands and leaning close to blushing cheeks.

Now he was the one blushing.

Because this wasn’t just a formal thank you for a worker, or a kind-hearted traveller. This was Keith. His Keith. The one he dreamt about kissing every other night. It meant more.

“I, uh…” Lance began, cursing the words for sounding so awkward, “I forgot something.”

Forgot to put my lips on that fuzzy cheek and whisper sweet nothings in the ears above it, he thought, biting down the words and the heat now coursing through his body.

“Oh, what was it?”

To tell you that I think I might be in love with you, Lance thought again, tummy twirling like one of the court dancers. He didn’t say this of course.

“An earring.” Lance said. There was a snort on the other side of the wall and Lance cast it a death glare. Damn Hunk and his supersonic hearing.

“An earring?” Keith repeated.

“Yep! An earring!” Oh my god why did he say that? Why didn’t he just admit he knew Keith was the secret bowman? “Must have fallen off in the dining hall!”

Lance forced out a laugh, willing his insides to finally fizzle away so he could just flop into the grass as a skin rug and disappear.

“You wanna go look for it?”

“What?” Lance squeaked.

“The earring.”

There was another snort and Lance wanted to throw himself through the wall just to slap Hunk. Keith’s ears twitched at the noise, and he looked over curiously to the spot Lance was attempting to blow up with his mind.

“As long as that’s okay with your bodyguard.” Keith said carefully. Lance wanted to die.

“Oh that is absolutely fine by me!” Hunk crowed from the other side of the wall, “hey, you want me to pack a lunch, you might be there a while!” His words dissolved into laughter and Lance fought the urge to growl. Keith looked back to Lance, blinking curiously and Lance felt like his head was going to erupt like a volcano.

“What does-?” Keith began but Lance quickly cut him off.

“Just some Altean humour, don’t worry about it.” Then he turned to the wall and took in a huge breath. “No thanks Hunk! Just quiznakking leave!”

More laughter, even harder than before. There were wheezing breaths and armour clattering like Hunk was struggling to even stand upright at that point. Lance flipped his head around and away. Grabbing Keith’s hand, he stormed towards the castle. He did not need Hunk’s teasing right now.

~*~

The dining room floor was gross and sticky. There were crumbs everywhere and Lance kept putting his hands in squidgy half chewed morsels that made him gag. Keith had offered to get his servants to look but Lance instantly refused. The more people involved, the more troublesome the situation would become when they inevitably did not find an earring. That thought alone made the endeavour worse. There was no earring. Lance was on his hands and knees, creaking over dark, polished floor boards for absolutely no reason. And Keith too. Guilt twisted in his gut as he looked over to the other. Keith was crawling around with complete resolution, scanning every inch of the room like a predator out for prey.

Lance crawled under the table with a sigh. He still hadn’t thanked Keith. And he’d made a complete fool of himself this whole afternoon. He’d tried to call off the search for the non-existent jewellery but Keith, being the sweet, loyal, person he was, refused to give up. The intensity in his eyes had Lance melting and he just nodded along before carrying out a more extensive search. Why? Why did he have to be so pathetic?

“Found it!”

What?

Footsteps thudded against the floor before Keith was sliding under the table to meet Lance. His face was red with the exertion and his eyes sparkled above a wide grin. Lance’s throat went dry.

“Look!”

Keith held out his hand and there, lying in the centre of a purple palm, was an earring. It was diamond encrusted, feather hanging below with a chain joining the base up to a silver cuff. It was beautiful. It was decidedly not Lance’s. He swallowed thickly.

“That’s it!” He lied.                                                                            

Keith swelled with pride, eye’s only glowing brighter. Then he reached forward, brushing Lance’s hair back behind his ear.

“May I?’

Lance lost the ability to breathe. Keith was too good to him. He was so pure and innocent and charming. He was all goodness and Lance was a terrible person because he couldn’t refuse it. And even though he struggled to even speak, muscles pulled too tight in anticipation, he managed a nod.

Keith’s features softened. Then he was leaning forward to clip the earring to Lance’s pointed ear. His fingers were delicate, touch light as if he was scared to damage the skin. The treatment made Lance’s heart flutter. Keith was so close that Lance could feel his body heat against his skin, and it made his chest pound. A nail brushed the soft skin behind his ear and Lance flinched. It was the smallest touch but it sent sparks racing through Lance until all he could feel was the spot behind his ear. Keith noticed the movement and shuffled back muttering a ‘sorry’. All Lance wanted to do was grab him by the collar and reel him back in.

The final piece clicked into place and Lance clicked back to reality. This wasn’t his earring. Oh God. He was wearing somebody else’s earring. It was probably covered in who knows what from sitting on the floor for years getting squashed under shoes and smothered by food. He had to fight a retch, thinking of all the germs he’d just surrendered himself to. Keith was being so sweet and so delicate, treating Lance like he was the only person who mattered in the world. And Lance desperately wanted to throw up.

He held it back, faking a smile. But when he saw Keith again, he forgot it all. The prince was leaning back on his heels, fond smile against his cheeks. It was one of those rare smiles, Lance had witnessed too few of. The one that softened his eyes, smoothed his edges and made his cheeks round. Lance was overtaken with the urge to kiss those little apples. It was so strong he thought he might cry.

“Lance?”

A hand touched Lance’s thigh and he nearly combusted. Keith was worried now, one ear drooped to the side, other high in alarm. His thumb turned a circle and Lance lost it.

“I know it was you!” He burst out, heat exploding across his face.

Keith blinked, movement freezing.

“I-, what?”

“The other week. I know it was you protecting my troop. With the arrows.”

Slowly, realisation crossed Keith’s face. Then he was hiding it, hand squeezing Lance’s leg. Lance wanted to squeeze him back.

“I wanted to thank you.” Lance continued, ducking his head to meet Keith’s eyes. “I don’t know many princes who would risk their life for their own troops, let alone somebody else’s.”

It was true. So many royals only wanted to protect themselves. But Keith didn’t. It was what attracted Lance to him in the first place. He never once put himself above his people. He was always prepared to fight for them. His loyalty made Lance’s chest ache.

“Well,” Keith said, looking up. The sweet curve was back and it made Lance’s stomach go all fizzy. “I don’t know many princes who would fight alongside theirs.”

Lance blushed despite himself. Keith was just so close, and the table surrounding them made the moment feel so much more intense. Intimate. Like they were the only two people left in existence. Keith slid his hand against Lance’s thigh, creeping forward and his other hand fell onto Lance’s. Lance’s eyes flew to them. Was that on purpose? His fingers were touching Lance’s. Were they supposed to be? Was it an accident? Platonic touches? Or was it that romantic handholding Lance had been dreaming about? He wiggled his fingers, testing whether Keith realised they were there. He didn’t pull away. Instead he weaved his own between them and Lance’s brain went into overload.

Keith leaned even closer, close enough for Lance to notice that his eyelashes weren’t black. They were a deep navy colour. And long, thicker than his own, fluttering against his cheeks like butterfly wings.

“It was an amazing fight.”

God, his voice was so silky. Lance couldn’t help being drawn into it, licking his lips.

“Yeah?” He managed, and his voice cracked on the words.

Keith’s lip quirked at the sound. “It was. I liked seeing you fight. Effortless, but undeniably determined. Your eyes were so intense I thought you wouldn’t need your sword.”

Lance opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“I like your eyes.” Keith said, gaze flickering over his features. His tongue smoothed against his lips and Lance followed the movement. “I find them interesting. How they’re usually pooling with life but can change instantly. And then they’re blazing hot anger and raw valiance.”

Lance swallowed thickly.

“What about now?” He asked, voice a foreign deepness. “What are they showing you right now?”

“Something I’d always wanted to see.”

Then he was diving forward, crossing the short distance to Lance’s mouth. His lips captured Lance in passion and Lance grabbed his neck to pull them flush together. Deepening the kiss, he could barely breathe as Keith enveloped him. He smelled of leaves and the orchard and the tiny flowers he liked to stroke. His skin was soft against Lance’s fingers, and his hair rough in his palm. He kissed the way he did everything – intensely. He poured himself into it and Lance could only return with equal vigour, melting into his touch.

When they finally pulled back, they didn’t get very far. Keith’s hair was a mess. His collar was crumpled, exposing his neck and Lance couldn’t help himself. Before he could see anymore, he was diving into the space. Kissing up the skin, he found it hot and salty. He nipped against the spot just below Keith’s jaw and the other let out a surprised moan. Lance decided it was his favourite sound. He licked the mark and Keith slumped against him. A hand curled into Lance’s hair, nails scratching against his scalp and Lance hummed in appreciation. He continued his journey, kissing further up Keith’s jaw, all the way up to his ear and finally he managed to peck that damn cheek. It was like peach fuzz, warm against his lips. Lance let a little sound of appreciation before finally pulling back to see his handiwork.

Keith’s eyes were heavily lidded, face flooded with red. His mouth was parted, and his breaths panted across his swollen lips. Lance wanted to kiss them again. But he stopped himself. Planting his hands firmly against his knees where they wouldn’t misbehave, he spoke.

“I, uh…”

Lance didn’t know what to say. Were they a thing now? Or just a fling? Lance really didn’t want it to be just a fling. He liked Keith far too much. And he was struggling to just keep his hands to himself right then. But he didn’t know how to say that and didn’t want to embarrass himself any further. Looking at the floor, he wondered if he should just run away now. That would solve one problem. But he didn’t get the chance when a warm hand cupped his cheek.

Keith looked at him with complete adoration. It was such an intense fondness that Lance felt his bones turn liquid. With that memory alone, he could just become a puddle on the floor. His voice matched the softness and Lance’s chest ached.

“I know Hunk’s waiting-”

Dammit Hunk. He was going to have an absolute field day when Lance got back.

“-but maybe we could go walk around the city some time. It’s beautiful at night.”

Lance blinked. Then he blinked some more, but Keith’s sincerity didn’t disappear. His ears were even tilted downward, like he was nervous. It was beyond cute. Lance couldn’t help it. He threw his arms around the other’s neck, sending Keith wobbling backwards.

“Yes. I’d love that! Yes!”

Lance felt more than heard the resulting laughter rumbling from Keith’s chest. He couldn’t help but reflect it, the warmth spreading through his entire body like a spa. He had a date. With Keith. The though made him want to burst.

[holylangdon]

Moments Silence (Michael Langdon x Reader)

Request: 14D & 10K & 6/8 from the BDSM Michael prompt list by @michael-lives-on

Warnings: Dub!Con-ish, generally NSFW, Fem!Witch!Reader, physical harm to the reader that causes unconsciousness, Michael makes sexual advances on the reader, taunting, brief choking, kidnap (technically), probably more

Word Count: 2.1k

A/N: slightly dubcon?? maybe? i've never written anything where informed consent is not 100% there or is a grey area so i hope its good but anyway enjoy

You never thought the world would truly end. You were under the impression that earth itself was an indestructible force to be reckoned with, something that was beyond anything or anyone’s control. When in reality, everything you’d ever known and loved was just like a water balloon; If you apply just the right amount of pressure in the right places, just the right amount of stress and hurt, and it explodes from the inside out. It’s contents spill all over, creating a horrible mess. A horrible, horrible mess. 

That’s what was happening at this very moment in time. 

You’d been at home when the first missile hit. Korea, the news man on Channel Eleven said. but Anne Barnes from Eight said it was in Canada. The next channel said Russia. Ukraine. Portugal. No one had any clear understanding of what was going on in the world, save for the fact that the United States had not yet been struck. They estimated that the major cities would get hit first. New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans. You were in Los Angeles. Coven business had sent you here many months ago, back when the council went underground. You never expected to be smack dab in the beginning of the end of the world. 

The president and vice president appeared on television next with half of their office, making some halfhearted statement about how they’re sorry for the mass tragedy that’s happening in the other countries but that the United States of America is an unsinkable ship. We won’t go down easy. When this is all over, we will donate funds and resources for recovery. That’s what he said, at least, but you could read right through his facade. He was just as scared as everyone else. His uncomfortable seat at the wooden desk in the Oval Office couldn’t protect him now and he damn well knew it. Hungry reporters ate every word from the palm of his hand but you flipped the channel instead, in utter disbelief of his words. 

The newsman was crying. Hysterical. Weak and damn near paralyzed with fear. He began to plead for his life, apologizing to his wife and children that he wouldn’t be coming home, for another bomb had dropped. Here, this time. That’s when you began to hear a faint rumbling in the distance. It grew stronger and stronger until you were knocked to the floor by the sheer force of it’s impact. Another missile had hit somewhere, and it couldn’t have been too far from you, judging by the sound of it. 

Just as you began to stand up, a panicked mess, you reached for your phone. Cordelia. Mallory and Coco. Madison. They needed to know what was happening. You needed to call someone, anyone. You needed to hear a familiar voice. But now, you quickly realized, all of your sister witches were gone. Your mentors were buried twelve feet in the dirt in a deep hibernation. Coco and Mallory were in Beverly Hills, unknowing of who they truly are. Zoe and Queenie and Misty and everyone else you could think of were dead.

There was no one left to help you.

Moments later the door to your apartment was bust open by two tall figures in bulky black armor. They looked like police, almost, except for the hellish and evil aura they exuded as they stood in a military-like position of order, staring over you. You held your palm out in a halfhearted attempt to keep them from crossing any further.

“Y/N Y/L/N, You need to come with us.” The shorter one said. A woman. About six foot tall, she was far scarier than the man next to her. Just her tone was enough to make you shiver.

“We’re sent by Michael Langdon to retrieve you. We are authorized to use force.” Your eyes darted to the nightstick on his waist, the thick leathery gloves around his fingers. The woman had a belt on, no doubt filled with dangerous weapons too. 

“Why wouldn’t he come for me himself? Why would he send you?” You felt yourself backing away from the two bodies, but with every step you took backwards, they stepped forward. You’d trapped yourself in a corner, your mind racing. What would the Antichrist want with you? 

“We belong to the Cooperative.” The man stated simply, not exactly answering your question. He took a small step forward. “Mr. Langdon has given us strict instructions to retrieve you and bring you to a secure lo-”

Your heart pounded in your chest as you tried to send them flying backwards with a flick of your wrist. They stumbled, lost their balance, but were soon back on their feet together. Your magic wasn't strong enough to stop the guards as they each grabbed one of your arms, placing them in thick metal cuffs. You focused, mumbling small Latin words under your breath, not even sure what you were trying to do. Stop them? Slow them down? Whatever it was, it wasn't working.

You fought as they dragged you down the stairs. Kicked, yelled, bit, scratched and screamed until finally, after an exchange of hushed whispers above you, the man slammed your head into the wall. 

When you woke up, you were greeted by no one but the cold air inside of whatever dim concrete hell you'd entered. You were tired, your body aching in pain. The room smelled almost of copper, which you noticed as you stood from the bed to inspect it. Freshly made, the imprint of your body sunken into the duvet. You must’ve been here a while. A wooden nightstand rested beside the bed, a series of candles on top of it. You weakly flicked to light them, revealing the rest of the room as you explored.

It was almost like a studio apartment, not much different than your own. A small kitchen and dining table in one corner, a thin wall separating the two spaces. Directly across from the bed was a door, likely a bathroom, if you had to guess. A large couch and old record player sat in the opposite corner. It was nice, save for the dark concrete walls and floor. You spotted a drain in the middle of the floor. That meant you were underground. A bunker, maybe?

“You’re awake.” A smooth voice echoed from the other side of the room, snapping you from your adventure. You turned around sharply. Michael Langdon, the Antichrist himself, leaned against the entrance to the room that you hadn't yet noticed. He was dressed nicely, a black button-down shirt and red tie with black slacks, beautiful rings adorning his fingers. His messy strawberry waves were tucked behind his ear. Handsome, almost. If he were anyone else you’d be glad to be trapped here with him. “Took you long enough. I started to think maybe you wouldn’t wake up.”

“How long have I been out?” You asked. He stood up straight, crossing his arms over his chest as he began to walk around the space. 

“A day or so. Forgive me, it’s hard to keep track of time when the world is ending.” He smirked, picking up a small globe on the table beside him. He inspected it for a moment, shaking it, before putting it down. An eerie feeling loomed over the room. He was up to something. If keeping you in a bunker wasn't enough of a sign, the normalcy that surrounded him was.

“What do you want from me?” 

“How does it feel to know you’re the only one of your kind left on this burned up planet?” The blonde man asked, interrupting you as you finished your sentence. He laughed lightly, gesturing for you to come closer. A disgusted look crossed your face as you took a hesitant step closer to him. “Lighten up, little witch. I’m truly curious, seeing as the two of us are in a similar circumstance at the moment. Antichrist, last witch on earth...”

“Curiosity killed the cat.” You dully noted. 

He visibly relaxed when you spoke, almost a bit too much. “Is that a threat? I didn’t think you’d be so fierce. But when you are the last of your kind... It makes sense. Sit.” By the end of his sentence, you’d moved to stand in front of him across the table. Following his order, you sat in the cold chair. He stood still, letting his eyes roam over you. “I chose you for a reason, you know.”

“And why’s that?”

“Your power. You may not be the next Supreme, but with the power of thousands of your dead sister witches flowing through you... I’m sure you’ll do an exquisite job.” He quietly walked closer to you, his fingertips trailing along the table. 

You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath in and swallowing your fear. Pride, too, preparing for an almost certain death as you questioned him. “What if I choose not to help you?” Michael leaned down, just at your eye level, his mouth coming close to meeting your jaw.

“Maybe you didn’t get the memo.” He whispered, his breath hot on your ear. He rose from his position, leaning onto the table instead. He raised his hand, but not to strike you. Instead, he brought his ringed thumb to your cheek, stroking the soft flesh lightly. “Everything is mine now, and that includes you. I’m afraid you don't have an option, Y/N.”

His bright blue eyes were dark and hungry as he looked over you now, his hand sliding down from your cheek, stopping at your neck to feel over your pulse. He let his hand roam your cold skin for a moment before a deliciously evil smirk crossed his lips. He leaned closer to you once more, humming a quiet tune as he locked his hand around your throat. He had done this before, you could tell, by the way he squeezed just perfectly enough for you to feel the intense pressure but still be able to take in shallow breaths.

His other hand crept closer and closer to your top, working to pull the hem out of your jeans. You shivered in disgust under his touch but could do nothing to stop it. He had you in a strong grip, one slight movement away from death. If he moved an inch, or applied just a bit too much force to your delicate throat, you’d be dead within seconds. He clearly got aroused by that idea as he now worked to unbutton your pants.

“I don't want to punish you.” He said lightly. It almost sounded sincere. “You’re going to be a good girl, correct?” You nodded to the best of your ability and he let go. You took in a deep breath, having missed the freedom of doing so. “Take off your clothes.”

You sat still, not moving to follow his order this time. He let out a light sigh and muttered something to himself as he stood from the table, moving behind you. He placed his arms around you, physically lifting you up and turning you to meet his chest. His quick fingers began to remove your top again, but you attempted to take a fall back in resistance. He put his foot out to stop you, but the both of you were shaken by a distant rumbling. Another bomb? 

You almost fell to the ground by the sudden shaking of the earth as it hit, but Michael’s new strong grasp on your arm kept you in place. “You hear that? You can scream all you want, there’s no one left to come rescue you. You’re all alone now, Y/N, so you might as well just submit to me.”

“No!” You shouted, trying to pull your arm away from him. He was far stronger than you. It was useless to try. Michael pushed forward with a certain passion, pressing his lips to yours as his grip on you loosened.

You almost pulled away. Almost. But you found yourself enjoying the simple pleasure far more than you should have. After a moment, your hands instinctively reached for his hair as you nearly arched into his body. His hands roamed your ass, making you gasp as he gave it a rough squeeze. Just enough for him to slip his tongue between your lips.

Rather quickly, you snapped out of whatever lustful trance he’d put you in. This was the Antichrist. He was singlehandedly responsible for the genocide of over seven billion people. Less than one percent of all humanity remained on his Earth. You could smell the sweet scent of death and destruction in the air, but as he pushed you closer and closer to the bed... You found yourself not wanting to fight back anymore.

[silveraeventfurnishings]

HOW TO MAKE EVENTS AN INTIMATE AFFAIR?

All types of tables like dining tables, kids’ tables or coffee tables can make your event an intimate affair. They can help the people relax in the midst of hustle-bustle. In crowded places, people would like to have a quiet place to relax. Moreover, some types of tables have a soothing aura around them that can let people feel at home. This is particularly necessary when you are organizing events that are informal in nature, and you want the guests to interact among themselves. Different types of coffee tables rentals can be arranged by event rental companies which will be great for enhancing the air of informality.

Aesthetic looking coffee tables

Aesthetic designs are more acceptable among people. You can get coffee tables of all designs and materials. They will complement the other furniture that is hired from event rental companies. They will ensure that it doesn’t spoil the mood of the event. If it is an informal event, the coffee tables need to have the right kind of look.

Tables are ideally suited for all kinds of spaces

The space in which you are holding the event may be small or large. If it is not large, you need to be aware of the shapes of coffee tables rentals that will ensure holding more beverages and other items. Oval-shaped tables, rectangular-shaped or tiered coffee tables can utilize space efficiently. So you can consider having them.

Modern looks can guarantee you praises

Minimalist designs with geometric shapes are quite popular these days. Tables that have minimalist designs are easier to move. They can be assembled easily anywhere without any hassles. These tables look trendy and can catch the attention of the guests.

Coffee tables in all types of materials are available

You have many options for materials when it comes to renting coffee tables. There are coffee tables that have concrete or marble tops. Wooden coffee tables are also available. Some of them have a vintage look giving the guests a feeling of warmth and intimacy. Crystal and glass are two other popular materials in which coffee tables are available.

Conclusion

An event can be made into an intimate affair with coffee tables rentals. Event rental companies can arrange for coffee tables of different designs, shapes and materials depending on the needs of a client.

[treescapenz]

How to decorate your place with tree hedges?

Like ornaments add beauty to our face or body, trees are the thing that adds another dimension to a landscape. Here we have written some tips for decoration with hedges to make remarkable your space.

Repeat the Home's Exterior Style

Whatever the home style, ornaments can carry it into the landscape, grounding the building in its setting. To harmonize the rustic stone-clad entry, iron urns are set atop matched terra-cotta pedestals. In the yard, a pediment decorated with dolphins and holding potted succulents echoes the theme that creates a space's focal point. The house's stone is chosen up in the pavers, seamed with grass that softens the walk to the front door.

Design for Outdoor Rooms

A furnished garden should not look too perfect or contrived. The goal is to create outside rooms as comfortable as the ones inside.

Dress Up Garden Entrances

Also, in a miniature landscape, a sequence of discrete spaces connected by paths and passageways adds a sense of expansiveness and mystery to an ordinary stroll. You can create a journey that begins with a wisteria-draped arbor near the house and winds downhill, across terraces, long walks, and down steps that continue the theme of weatherworn stone, eye-catching. Paths indicate the way; gates and iron arches—many from gardener's-supply catalogs and covered with vines—mark transitions to different areas. Potted bougainvillea, citrus trees, and palms further accent entries, as do finials perched on pedestals.

Choose Decor Suited for the Outdoors

Maybe, the couple created an outdoor living room. Still, instead of pricey all-weather wicker, chose roll-arm wicker chairs from an import store and weatherized them with spray-on marine varnish. Concrete pottery-yard pedestals double as cocktail tables and extra seats. A black oval aluminum dining set anchors the main gather-round eating space.

Take Lighting to another Level

Many landscapes can be the most romantic after dark—by the moon's glow and when well-placed electric lights spotlight trees and light up paths. It took their lighting a step further, hanging gracious outdoor lanterns from the boughs of trees. Also, they used tall streetlight-style lamps to roundabouts and punctuated patios. All these fixtures coordinate with the lights set on the house's exterior walls.

Mix in Some Old World Flavor

A birdbath with a fish at its center, placed where paths converge, has the look of an Old World fountain. Plant baskets, rusty lanterns, and watering cans, some picked up at flea markets, round out the timeworn decor.

These are some home decoration tips for your home with tree hedges. But these hedges can make your space worst if they are not properly cared for. So you need to hire a professional arborist for hedge trimming. Rather than it, if you are looking for stump removal, tree pruning, or any other kind of tree-related service, you can choose us.