#pool fixtures matches

[im-still-a-robot]

Really the biggest problem with the Great Gatsby on broadway is that they made Nick Carraway 90% less bisexual, and really that alone should've had them barred from the Tonys

[enwoso]

Another edition of clumsy Lovie: they’re going on a team walk the morning of a game and it’s been miserable weather so there’s lots of puddles and the ground is slippy and Lovie is running around with Kyra but trips and falls right into a big cold dirty puddle and normally she’d hop back up and say she’s ok but she’s hurt herself is all muddy and embarrassed and she’s screaming out for alessia and she wants to be in dry clothes but obviously not an option with them all being on a walk

MUDDY PUDDLES — alessia russo x child!reader

grumpy masterlist

“be careful lovie!” alessia called out as she watched as you and kyra ran around, the team being on a pre-match walk. much to the teams dismay, the weather not being the nicest. the clouds forming grey and dark as a light drizzle covered the streets of north london.

you were in your own little bubble with kyra chasing you weaving in and out of the puddles as they splashed up your new boots, not hearing an inch of whatever your mummy had just said.

all you could hear was kyra’s chants that she was going to get you as you giggled echoed throughout the park.

“she’s gonna fall- i can see it happening” alessia grumbled as a sigh left her lips, a small chuckle coming from vic at her best friends complaints.

“well tiny is your child so it would make sense-“ vic started as quick side look was given from alessia as she opened her mouth to try and defend herself but alessia knew she had two left feet so whatever she said wouldn’t help her case — if anything probably make it worse.

“lovie’s got those boots on and there massive on her, but she insisted on wearing them” alessia commented as she winced slightly watching you trip but you managed to stay on your feet, somehow.

vic just let another laugh out knowing you were very stubborn something you didn’t get from the blonde as the topic changed to the upcoming international break and the fixtures. alessia making sure her eyes flickered to you running around every few seconds.

the team wondered further along the park on the pre match walk as you and kyra continued your game of chase, alessia and a few others stopping to grab a coffee from a little stall turning her back on you for a few moments.

“um a small flat white please-“ alessia asked the barista as they nodded quickly putting a small take away cup into the machine before going to serve the next girl behind alessia as vic stood close by.

alessia’s coffee was finished fairly quickly but just as the blonde turned around, her coffee cup warming her hands, vic still talking her ear off about the new book she’d been reading. “oh you’ve got to be kidding me“ alessia cut vic off as she watched as you slipped and fell in a stream of water on the footpath. a muddle puddle at that.

“what-.. oh” vic questioned before following alessia’s eye line and seeing you. “you did call it less!” vic smiled hoping to lighten up the mood as a small huff come from the blonde next to her.

your boot being a few inches away from you as you sat in the puddle, kyra yet to realise that you were no longer chasing her and instead sat in pool of muddy water. cursing herself for not getting you to take those stupid boots off your feet that were a two sizes too big for you.

alessia waited, stood still for a moment wondering if you were just going to hop back up like you usually did, chirping a small ‘i’m okay’ but when that didn’t happen that’s when you started to wail.

tears streaming down your face, catching the entire team and probably the entire park’s attention. kyra stopping in her tracks as she winced. alessia passing her coffee which she’d yet to have a sip at to vic to hold.

“lovie, c’mere. it’s okay” your mummy cooed as she held her hand out for you to grab as she pulled you up from the wetness of the puddle, revealing the mess of your clothes you’d made. your sobs still echoing around the park.

you entire bottom half was soaked through as well as half your t-shirt through your rain coat. “mummy i hurt my knee” you said as you bottom lip continued to wobble as mummy walked you back towards the group as she tried to figure out what was going to be the best option right now.

“don’t worry baby, we’ll get you changed as quick as we can” your mummy said softly as you gripped her hand a little tighter, the feeling of your wet clothes was starting to annoy you as they felt sucky and clung to your skin.

“tiny what you like eh!” beth joked as she ruffled you hair as a few giggle came from the team as they took in your soaked form. small little ringlet curls formed in your hair from the rain.

normally you would have laughed with them and said you were a brave girl but you were now cold, wet and had a grazed knee as you clung to the leg for a small hint of warmth from your mummy awaiting her next move.

“i’m gonna have to get her changed somehow, otherwise she’s gonna catch a cold” alessia’s brow furrowing but her car was at least fifteen minutes away and then driving back home was another fifteen on top of that.

“why don’t you just drive to the stadium and get her something from the armoury, i’m sure they’ll have something warm in there for tiny” lotte shrugged knowing it wasn’t long until the game kicked off, it was an idea and alessia didn’t have many so it was probably going to have to do.

“that’s a good idea actually-“ alessia pondered for a minute before deciding that’s what she’ll do, it was the quickest option she had for the time limit she was on. you were a little happier knowing you were a little closer to getting out your wet clothes.

“i’ll meet you guys at the stadium then” alessia smiled as she checked the time on her watch, as the rest of the team nodded.

“less- less your coffee” vic called out, holding up the small coffee cup as if it was a trophy as alessia waved it off not wanting it anymore that and the fact it would most likely to be cold, as vic turned to her teammates wondering if any of them wanted a cold but untouched flat white. all of them grimacing as they shook their heads leaving vic stuck with holding the white takeaway cup.

“lovie, mummy will get a plaster for your sore knee when we get back to the car” your mummy smiled as she lifted you onto her hip, hoping that carrying you back to the car would be a little quicker as you nodded.

“mummy?” you said quietly it almost being a whisper, as your mummy hummed waiting for you to continue. “i get the gunnersaurus onesie?” you asked having seen it in the armoury the last time but mummy said you didn’t need it, so you sadly walked away empty handed from the gunnersaurus onesie.

alessia sighed, part of her knew that was going to happen and the other part of her was hoping you’d forgotten about it, “we’ll see lovie” as your mummy carried on walking towards her car.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Colorful contemporary home that is refreshing, b/c it's not all white, even if it's a little weird, just dropped. Built in 2014 in Beverly Hills, CA, it has 9bds, 10ba, 9,540 sq ft, $11.995m.

Check out this entrance. The gate opens, and you walk thru blue neon arches between 2 flaming pony walls and pink trees.

Then, enter a hall of marble and hanging ferns.

Look at this sitting room. The wall on the stairs is stunning and features a modern fireplace.

This is incredible- it's like an optical illusion. Glass flowers on the ceiling. I wonder if they're Chihuly's. They don't really look like it, though. They look more like bowls.

Soaring library wall.

The green wall looks like a bubble wall.

Look at the wavy ceiling on the left, and is that a fireplace? I've never seen a red patterned one.

This house is unlike anything I've ever seen. I don't care for the plant walls, though.

Wall of wine in the dining area.

What a kitchen. Do you recognize that wall? It's like the one in that crazy tile house w/the ceiling medallions- maybe this was the look they were going for.

Those are some interesting chandeliers.

The round formal dining room table seats 14 under an unusual artsy light fixture.

I hesitate to call this a family room. It's too fancy.

The primary bedroom is moody/modern.

What a lumpy tub sitting on a base of balls.

Matching sink.

Boutique style closet with recliners.

Well, this is fun. Look at the swing- do you get a good momentum going, then jump into the ball pit?

More games. Interesting ceiling.

The home theater.

There's a pool with sculptural art.

Outdoor kitchen w/a big pink gorilla on the counter. Does she convey?

Covered dining table.

Plus a kiddie playground. 0.38 acre lot.

https://www.redfin.com/CA/Beverly-Hills/9818-Hythe-Ct-90210/home/63651658

[stevenbasic]

Growing into the Job, Post 346: A Sunday at Melissa's, p4

The clock was chiming again as the two of us climbed the stairs. Well, she was climbing. I was in her arms. It was, I dunno, nine or something, maybe eleven. I was already exhausted from the morning I’d had. In the past hour I’d found my phone busted, been wrung dry by a hand job into the pool, and - oh yeah - nearly drowned. So, I couldn’t help but take the chance to close my eyes, and  luxuriate in her embrace as she carried me. Melissa was so strong, so confident, and this weekend I’d gotten to a place where I could put my pride aside and more easily accept her comforts. But, as relaxed as I was, the first bell toll caused my eyes to shoot open. It felt like it was ringing for me. 

“Where’s that clock?” I asked, curious. Hearing it from the kitchen earlier, I would have sworn it was in the great room near the stairs. Now that we were on the stairs, it sounded like it could be coming from the kitchen.

“Shhh, don’t worry about the clock,” Melissa hushed me, smiling down at me warmly, strangely. Anyway, she was bringing me back up to the bedroom for a shower, to clean off the chlorine and whatever remnants of last night still clung crusty to me. And, despite the heat of her body, a cold chill still ran down my spine. I needed a warming up. 

Quietly we passed down the open balcony hall that overlooked the great room, through her bedroom and into her en-suite bath. It was done simply but elegantly in creamy stone tiles, with natural light coming in from an overhead skylight. A glass wall separated a walk-in shower from which chrome fixtures and a huge rainhead shower glistened. 

With me still in her arms, she turned on the shower and let the water warm. “Can you stand by yourself?” she asked. 

“I think so,” I answered, without really even considering why she’d asked. Did you expect me to forget how to stand? Walk? Maybe not too unreasonable; I’d apparently just lost the ability to swim.

With great care she placed me down, and stepped me backwards under the deluge from above. My legs actually were shaky but ahhhhh the water was nice, perfectly warm. Patterned marble tiles were underfoot, larger stone ones lining the walls, while a chrome drain whisked water away. Melissa smiled at my obvious pleasure, still wrapped in a figure-hugging white towel and matching turban. She stood just outside the shower stall, on the other side of a low stone threshold. 

“So,” she began, her eyes having already drifted up from my feet, “Do you want to wash yourself or do I get to bathe you?”

“Um,” I started, eyeing the vast selection of gels, shampoos and other assorted bottles and tubes which lined an inset shelf to my left. I was confused by my options and the whiffs I got of her perfume reminded me of how good she was at being a woman, and how inept a man I was. 

Was this pheromone 0001.55.6344.gf, .6388.dd or .6349.gd you were using on me at that moment? Maybe a cocktail? Remind me to ask you later.

 I crossed my hands in front of me, unsure of myself. “Can you help?” I asked. 

“Of course, sweetie,” she beamed, and reached for the handheld spray attachment mounted to the wall. She turned on its water, checked its temperature, and crouched so she could begin to shower my body with its firm spray. “Is this coming out too hard, baby?” she asked, with earnest concern, looking up at me with honest eyes, “I can turn it down if it’s too much.”

“n-no it’s okay,” I answered, glimpsing down between her full breasts. Her towel was tied at the chest, and cleavage jiggled. As if enjoying the attention, she smiled as she adjusted the pressure and temperature making it just that much better. The spray from the shower wand was strong, but felt nice down my chest, up under my arms as she lifted my right wrist, then the left. It felt particularly good when - nnngh - she passed it between my legs, sprayed it up into my nethers. It gave me a jolt of pleasure, the jet pulsing into my scrotum and, goddamn me, I felt a new erection start to swell. The overhead water continued to wash over me as well. 

“Well, tell me if it’s too much,” she said, the evenness in her voice and straight face belying the fact that she was obviously paying special attention to my manhood, exciting it with the handheld spray. She tweaked the water pressure again, adjusted the temperature. 

My cock responded. Oh my god, that feels amazing, even better.

“That okay?” she asked.

“y-y-yes…” I managed, trying to keep from writhing in pleasure.

“You sure?” she pressed, “You seem so sensitive. If you're uncomfortable I can always just sit you up next to the sink, scrub you up with a washcloth instead.”

What, and make me feel even more like a newborn? “N-no I’m fine,” I assured, my cock betraying my thoughts with an excited throb. She proceeded to firmly spritz my whole body with the wand, passing it up my sides, over my arms and legs. Down my chest and belly. My boner was on its way back, at half-swollen mast, gradually growing under the warm attention of her shower and the tingles it brought. It felt great against my cock, as she paid it special service, watching it with curiosity as it  bobbed and swayed slowly hardening further under the pressure. “That feels really nice,” I admitted, suddenly craving her hand, or a mouth. 

With a wry smile she looked up at me before standing, to her full height. Her breasts were right in front of my face. She replaced the spray wand to its wall mount, though water still jetted from its nozzles. I tried to watch her face, read her expression, but my attention was immediately pulled toward her hands as she undid the big knot in her towel, which bound it to her chest. With more than a small amount of drama the towel fell, revealing her naked body. I couldn’t help but groan she was so perfect, her curves so jaw-droppingly stunning. By god her waist was small, her hips so flared. Well-trimmed womanhood lay between the cleft of thick, powerful thighs and legs which would shame a racehorse. Her tummy was softly trim and tanned, navel formed to vertical perfection,  the hint of her abdominals rippling beneath taut, flawless skin. And above, god help me, her breasts hung huge, giant globes just two shades paler than the rest of her, each a firm, ovate melon with large brown nipples, tan aureoles. My eyes looked up into enormous, monumental underboob, and saw the faint pattern of blue veins just under her skin’s surface. She was huge, huge! How tall had she become?! My god, I felt tiny. 

She giggled, amused by my awestruck expression, and pulled the towel from her hair. She shook her dark mane, semi-dry, and looked back down at me. She watched as I backed up as she stepped into the shower. Warm water from the ceiling now flowed over both of us. She reached for a bottle of shampoo, and squeezed some into her hand. With the other, she turned me around, and from behind her hands began rubbing my hair. I could feel her fingers firmly scrubbing my scalp, massaging shampoo into my sodden hair, a lather foaming up. My eyes fluttered under the indulgence of her attention as she worked it into my head, cleaning everything around my ears, rubbing the back of my neck with frothy shampoo.

To rinse, she pulled me back a bit, more fully under the rainhead and began to speak again to me. “So, tell me. How do you feel about our relationship dynamic now?” she asked, shielding my eyes with a hand over my brow, “Hm?”

“Wh-what do you mean?” I asked, water sputtering from my lips. I was a little surprised by the suddenness of her question. 

“Can’t you feel it changing again?” she said plainly, rubbing my hair under the showerfall to clear it of soap. “Because I can,” she continued, as she reached for something else behind her, from the shower shelf. She was squeezing something else from a bottle. “I can feel myself becoming more dominant over you, again. But in a like big mama-bear kinda way.” She was rubbing what sounded like gel between her hands, frothing it up. “And you’re getting more submissive, more dependent on me, weaker.”

“Wow, uh…” I began, not really knowing what to say. Whatever pride I still had, whatever vestiges of male ego and authority still rattled away inside my shattered soul rankled a bit at her suggestions…even though my cock again betrayed me with a throb. Yes, yes, yes. I was in a tough time, in life. Struggling a bit with my health, my sense of self worth. I’d found her, and I’d latched on a bit, I admit, to her strength. She was an entrancing beauty, to boot, young and vibrant, and it had been easy to allow myself to fall into her shadow, to let her establish herself as the stronger partner despite her age. I was content to watch her bloom bigger and bigger and more gorgeous seemingly every day while I seemed to recede. But still, her words stung a bit. “I dunno, about that, real-”

With shower gel in her hands, she’d reached around and grabbed my cock with her left hand. If it wasn’t at full stiffness before, now it certainly was. My voice, stopped in my throat, became little more than a guttural whimper as lightning coursed up my body from her grip. She lathered up my erection, then her  hand passed dutifully under my sac to clean me underneath.

“You were saying..?” she prompted me, a gentle squeeze to my testicles reminding me who was in charge. 

Yeah, uh, nope. I was speechless, struck, and she knew it. My body quivered and quaked, threatened to collapse at the knees as she kept up the pressure on my tender gonads. She held me for a bit and then - pleased by my acquiescent silence - moved her hand back up for a stroke up my shaft.

“Good boy,” she purred.

Her big, slippery left hand worked my cock with slick expertise. She knew exactly how to keep me frozen, paralyzed, quivering at her touch. Her other hand, also slathered with frothy gel, now ran down my backside, under and then up, between the cheeks of my butt. I gasped, flinched, and tried to keep from crying out as she lathered me up in there as well. She ran her hand up and down, in and out, gently but with confident command, as her left hand still stroked my erection. This…that…this was almost too much. I writhed, twisted, and began to pull away from her.

"Ugh, such a squirmy wormy," she said, giggling. I could hear her eyes rolling in mock annoyance, and she gripped my cock tighter, to bring me to heel. "Will you settle down and stop being such a baby?” She paused for a moment, then, gears turning. "Hmm..." she said, a playful smirk brightening her voice, "Forget that. Give in to those urges.” She began to stroke my cock again, and her voice dropped to an indulgent, baby-doll coo. “You can be as much of a baby as you want,” she said, as if now talking to a small child, “I promise mama will take good care of you."

Did she feel me shiver? Did she feel me shake? She heard me whine, for sure, because she began to giggle. While her left kept a grip on my cock her right hand left my butt and she spun me around by the shoulder to push me against the tile of the wall. The stone, for the second, was a shock of cold. Hand still on my shoulder, leaning in over me, Melissa bent me at the knees a bit and then put her right palm on the wall above me. She dropped her shoulder a touch, bringing her huge right breast to bump into my face. 

“Y-you have really big breasts…” I found myself saying, in awe at its size as she pulled it away, just a bit, so I could stare at its tumescence from below. 

“Mmhm I do…” Melissa chuckled, her great, wet, pale breast wobbling with her laughter. It was, my god, maybe twice the size of my head, if not more. She waited for me to continue, to see if I had any other observations, but seemed to be pleased with the quieting effect it had on me. Hypnotizing, isn’t it little man?

Yes. I watched water streaming off it, water running over her shoulder from above, down her breasts, over her nipple in thick rivulets. I saw how her areola was swelling, the little bumps of Montgomery glands forming, her nipple thickening in the warm, warm water.

“oh my god….” I groaned, as I watched the dribbles, rivers.

“Thirsty?” she asked, from above, “Open up.” 

Without a thought I complied, opening my mouth as she continued to stroke my cock below. Like a needy bird I eyed the warm water streaming off of her breast above me.

Adjusting her shoulder scantly, coming in closer, she directed the rivulets onto my face, splashing onto my forehead and eyes, running down my nose and cheeks. She shifted again, and I turned my head to the left, so her wet nipple now dribbled everything right to my open mouth from inches away. I gurgled, and took it, and swallowed.

“There you go, cutie..!” she giggled, and watched as I opened my mouth again for more shower water, warm from the rainhead, warm from her skin. “Drink up, that’s right, drink up…”

I held my mouth open, longer, longer, let it fill, until water bubbled out. Then I closed, gagging a bit into another swallow, warmth down my throat. I swear I tasted her in it, and I reopened. 

She came in closer, dropping, bringing her nipple now right to my lips, to my open mouth. I closed, latching loosely onto her warm nipple, water still coming into my mouth from her areola, I sucked and drank the shower’s water now directly from her breast, from her skin. I swallowed, and gulped, awkwardly and clumsily. She pushed her engorged nipple more into my mouth, gently forcing it open further for me to accept her tit. The water was now dribbling around my lips as I let her push her nipple in. Whatever this was, whatever game she was playing, I was not resisting, I was only letting it happen.

Nipple in my mouth, I lapped at it, I suckled water from it. She took, then, the handheld spray and adjusted the stream’s volume so it gurgled water out rather than sprayed, and layed it atop her right breast, near her shoulder. Water now came down to me in a thicker flow, burbling and bubbling around my mouth, running over my nose and cheeks. She was giggling again, and I was sucking and drinking as best I could, mouthing at her nipple and gargling the warm water from it. It was thick with her pheromones, now I was sure, and instincts inside me made me latch on tighter, not wanting to ever leave this position.

“Oh, Jayyyyheyheyheyheyyyyyy…!” she giggled and purred, cooing down to me, trying her best not to just  give in and squash my face with her tit, “You’re making me feel like a real mommmyyyyyyyyy…” Rather than plaster me with her breast, mush my head into the wall, she wanted to let me keep water-nursing, play-suckling from her. Go, baby, go, drink up, drink up from me. Her giggles had faded, replaced by little groans.

Water flowed into my mouth, when I would come for breath, and it gave me life. I drank, I drank and I suckled and drank. I felt Melissa starting to tremble in arousal above me and it was only then that I realized holy shit holy shit…her hand…her hand…I’m about to come.

I fought it back but nnngh oh my god I was close, it was coming. My hand reached for her, and found her womanhood between her legs. I cupped it, stroked up just once and then she shuddered. All it took was one stroke, fingers already soaked. She had been leaning forward more, now unable to keep her ample tits from plastering my head into the wall, and as I suckled water from her she was coming, orgasming, shaking and pushing me harder into the wall as she groaned. I came, then, too, in a burst and a muffled bark into her tit worried even in my climax that I might both smother and drown. Or I might be head-crushed to a pulp or fall to the floor as my legs trembled and gave out from under me.  The weight of Melissa's chest was really the only thing keeping me standing. My panicked moans resonated through her boobs only increasing her pleasure as her hand continued to move firmly along my shaft. My jism had splashed first against her upper hip and thigh, a pulse, and then another and another and another, each washed down her leg by the water warm flowing down her, around us, down our bodies. 

After a minute, a few wet damp tender moments in which we pleasured one another, my hand on her, hers on me, her breast in my face and nipple in my mouth as our climaxes waned, she pulled me away. Warm water still washed us as we basked in the afterglow, her hair was dark and wet over her shoulders and face. “Oh my God, Jay…” she breathed, chest heaving, looking down at me as if with new eyes. The shower wand had been dropped, forgotten, dangling from the wall on its chrome hose, gurgling out water still.

I looked up at her, blinking shower water from my eyes. I didn’t know how to react, I just looked at her. I was so scared of what this meant for our relationship.

“Stay here,” she said, finally, turning off the water and turning to step from the shower. She was retrieving two huge new, white towels from a rack on the wall. One she draped over my head and shoulders, its long folds reaching well down past my waist, while she dried herself with the other. Motionless I watched her, entranced by both the impressive muscles under her smooth, perfect skin and the soft contours and jiggles of her body’s curves. She finished with herself quickly, and then turned to reach down and place her towel around the one already covering me, wrap them both tightly around my entire body, my arms bound to my sides, until nearly all that showed of me was my face and maybe my feet sticking out the bottom. She then swept me up into her strong arms and carried me into the bedroom.

I know no man can really remember what it was like when he was an infant wrapped in blankets and cradled in his mother's arms. I certainly did not - I barely remembered my mother at all - and yet, completely swaddled in those huge, soft towels and cuddled securely against her naked chest with my head tucked against her strong shoulder, looking up in amazement at those beautiful, larger-than-life features looming so close above my own, that's exactly how I felt. Her smile was wide, warm, benevolent and in that moment I wanted nothing more than to be hers, to be held and loved and cared for by this magnificent giantess.  That she seemed more than human, a goddess of power and beauty, was beginning to be less and less of an exaggeration. To have my body literally melt into hers and become one with hers forever would be a dream come true.

She carried me to a large, soft chair in the corner of her bedroom and sat down in it, placing me on her naked lap. With my head still tucked against her shoulder, my entire body still swaddled, she dried my face and hair with a corner of the towel. Then, as I fell deeper and deeper under the spell of the warmth and softness of her naked body, she dried the rest of me with little pats and hugs through the towels encasing my body.

“Do you see this, do you see how we are here, you and me?” she finally spoke to me, “This is right. This is how it’s meant to be.”

I looked up at her and blinked, unable to find any of the words I needed to say. I felt her left arm reach under me and lift. Cradling me now in her arms, she gently lowered me down to rest my head on her huge right breast. I looked up at her from her boob, my left cheek near her nipple. 

“I could be good at this. I could be very, very good at this,” she said to me, adjusting my body in her strong arms, “All you need to do is want it, and let me grow. Let me grow into it.”

Did I know what she meant? Did I really know, understand, comprehend what she meant? I don’t know if I did, but I felt it. I felt the bond between us stronger now than ever. 

“So is it? Is it what you want? Tell me. Tell me this is what you want.”

Of course it is. 

“y-yes…” I said. 

“Yes what, sweetie?” she prompted. She needed to hear me say it. 

“this is what I want…”

“Good boy…” she nearly groaned, and - I feel it changing again, already, inside my body - turned my face into her breast. On instinct I opened, took her nipple in, and latched on….

========================================

Thanks muchly to ResistanceIsFutile, editor in residence

Patreon? Patreon.

[noiriarti]

The Arrangement: Armitage Hux x Reader (College AU) Ch. 4

Summary: A cuddle-buddies-to-lovers college AU.

Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, [Ch. 4], Ch. 5, Ch. 6

Chapter 4: Sugar

You tried to make a habit of not dating your friends. It always made things messy. When you had first met Armitage, you were a little bit nervous around your weirdly hot stranger of a roommate, but Gwen assured you that he was good people. You'd met Gwen freshman year, in your Calc III class, and she was terrifying. She was absorbing the material at a pace even you couldn't match, but she was unfailingly helpful when you didn't understand something. She was a history major--a history major--taking the hardest freshman math course, just because she wanted to see if she could. Your study sessions turned into gossip sessions, and you found yourself becoming fast friends with her, even though she could be hard-headed and prickly sometimes. It was part of the charm.

Then, you met Kylo, her water-polo-playing roommate, who she had lunch with most days. You would have thought Kylo was hot, and, objectively, he was, but it was never really like that between the two of you. He wasn't your type, anyway, but he had a ton of good stories, and all the best party invites. There was no one you'd rather get drunk at a party with, or play Smash Bros with. He was the bench warmer for the university water polo team, but he soon became left wing. By sophomore year, he was point. Junior year, he was center, and captain of the team at an astonishingly young age. Based on how the year was going, they'd probably see their first championship victory before spring.

During freshman spring, Gwen invited you to come cheer with her at the first game that Kylo would be playing. You dragged yourself, distressingly early, to the athletic center's pool, where you found Gwen at the top of the stands, reading over her latest piece for the college newspaper. She would make editor the next semester, and both of you knew it. Sitting next to her was one of the most handsome men you had seen. His strong jaw and high cheekbones framed his features. Full, sweet lips and a strong browbone that hid two intense green eyes. You had the sudden urge to run your fingers through his light red hair. The bangs swept over his forehead were probably so soft. He was lean, but cut an imposing figure, even when sitting down. You bet if he stood up and stretched out, he'd be almost as tall as Kylo. The stranger was wearing a button-up and cardigan, a crazy choice in the muggy pool.

"This is Armitage, our third roommate," Gwen said, and Armitage looked up at you with a tiny wisp of a smile, which only made him more attractive. God, those dimples. He said it was nice to meet you with a lilting accent, and your mouth was suddenly full of cotton. Great. You had the hots for your friend's roommate. How cliche could you get?

During the game, you were supposed to be drooling over the guys in speedos by the pool, but you kept finding your eyes drifting toward Armitage. Little did you know, he was doing the same thing. He was alternating between watching the game intently and reading the next chapter of his textbook, some boring tome on chemistry, sneaking glances at you where he could. Gwen noticed, and rolled her eyes. 

Eventually, you became acquaintances. You found him to be bookish, driven, and whip-smart, though he was awkward as all get-out. He started joining you on library trips with Gwen, and became a fixture at your lunches. Over time, the fact that he was staggeringly hot started making you less and less nervous, and you two finally relaxed around one another. You found that the thing you most appreciated about him was his reliability. If you invited him somewhere, he'd be there right on time. He'd bring snacks to the games, without fail. Even late at night, he would never leave you alone in the library. You concluded that he'd make some girl very happy one day. (You did not, of course, give any mental energy to the thorny feeling that hit you at idea of him dating someone else.)

It didn't surprise you when Gwen asked if you wanted to become their roommate, and so you accepted. You'd secretly been hoping for it. It wasn't long from then that you began your arrangement with Armitage. Honestly, it started out with the simple desire for touch. Nothing more. But, over time, when you got to know him, you couldn't deny that if he asked you out, you'd say yes in a heartbeat. You trusted him with your full heart, whispering about your day and what you were nervous about. If you texted him asking for something, he'd unfailingly deliver. He was driven, but so hard on himself. You got the sense that he didn't understand how incredible he really was. Late at night, when his face relaxed and he slipped off to sleep, you felt a magnetic pull to kiss him on the cheek or forehead.

It was platonic. Really.

You were almost caught one time. Gwen was up unusually late, and saw you walking down the hall to his room, and asked what you were doing. You froze, babbled out something about leaving the Lysol in the guys' bathroom, and dashed off to find it. Reliable old Armitage, of course, had Lysol stocked in his bathroom. When you retreated to your room after pretending to clean your bathroom for 20 minutes, you texted Armitage to apologize and explain. It was too close for comfort. What would Gwen think about you spending so much time with her friend? Would she judge you? Those thoughts were promptly erased when you entered his room, and crawled into his bed as usual. 

A couple weeks later, Gwen dropped a bomb on you both.

"I know someone who has a crush on you." There was a moment of silence, and then chaos erupted. Kylo started cackling and Armitage choked on his food. You immediately began interrogating Gwen--who, what, when, where, why. The questions distracted you from the light of hope in your chest that she meant Armitage.

"I heard this guy sitting in front of me in my gened, who I sometimes get notes from, and his friend was telling him he should ask this girl out. This girl he liked. And then he said your name. But I didn't realize it was you, until you said something about your friend Dopheld, which is a weird enough name that there's probably not two of them. So, congratulations, Dopheld Mitaka has a crush on you," Gwen said smugly. It wasn't an invention, she genuinely overheard them talking about you, and was planning on telling you sometime soon. The opportunity with Armitage was too good to miss, though. Maybe it would kick him into actually *doing something* about his feelings, which were obvious to everyone but the two of you.

You were, needless to say, shocked. Dopheld was sweet, smart, and kind. Always nice in class, and not bad to look at either. Then why did you feel sad?

"Dopheld? He's nice, I guess," you conceded, a bit absent. Gwen rolled her eyes and changed the topic, certain that her meddling had achieved its goal.

Armitage, meanwhile, was having some sort of aneurysm. Of course someone liked you. You were great. And, frankly, objectively hot. The more he had gotten to know you, the more he realized how good of a girlfriend you would be. To someone else, that is. He felt like he'd been punched in the stomach, rushing all the air out of him. There wasn't any oxygen left in the room for him to breathe. The image of you holding someone's hand, or, oh God, cuddling with them the way you did with him made his throat burn. Rage gripped him. No. That was not possible. The napkin he was holding in his left hand was crushed by his fist, and he was white-knuckling the table with his right. Absolutely fucking not.

That evening, you were on his bed again, his head in your lap as he did flashcards. You had one hand buried in his hair while you watched Pride and Prejudice as code ran in the background. You weren't really paying attention to the movie, God knows you had seen it enough times before to recite it word for word. His hair turned out to be just as soft as you had imagined it would be. Millie was cuddled up by his stomach, purring contentedly. He didn't remember the last time he was this happy. It made the MCAT bearable. Your hands running through his hair sent pleasant shivers down his spine as he clicked C. Tryptophan. The last card in his pack. The analytics were about to display, and he was dreading the low score he probably got. He was averaging 92%, and was terribly upset about it. He winced to avoid his score, trying to anticipate the bitter sting of failure.

100%. His first perfect score. You both celebrated with a Lofthouse cookie in the kitchen, quietly opening the package and giggling to yourselves as you got frosting and crumbs everywhere.

Sugar-addled, in the kitchen, he finally admitted it to himself. He had feelings for you.

He found himself surprisingly okay with it.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

AN: i am considering making the final chapter a bonus nsfw chap, so lmk if you'd enjoy that, or if you'd prefer it be kept sfw! inbox open :)

[honeyhhearted]

Hold My Hand - Chapter 4

Previous Chapter / Start from the beginning

Read on AO3

Warnings: Arguing/Fighting

A/N: THANK YOU for holding tight while i've been drafting. i am so sorry it's taking me so long between chapters, i work full time and have severe ADHD, so i find myself so burned out so quickly. i'm working on it :)

Fic summary: When a young village girl begins to exhibit magic she should not wield, the Firm takes her in as one of their own, to be trained and raised as Princess of Asgard. (Or the one where Loki meets his match and falls head over heels (and is embarrassed about it).)

Chapter summary: You have an unfortunate run in with your new betrothed...and it doesn't go well, to say the least.

Word was sent to your parents of your new arrangement as Thor led you to your chambers. The silence was suffocating as your mind ran a mile a minute.

How would this arrangement work? Did Prince Loki know? Was this his doing? Why would they set you up with the Prince, rather than punishing you? Your stomach swirled. What would your life be like with him? Would he be cruel? Would he take pity on you?

“My lady,” Thor began, his voice filled with discomfort. He came to a stop in the center of the hall and turned to you. “I apologize that this has been sprung on you.” You cleared your throat, head beginning to pound as you shoved back the tears you wanted nothing more than to let fall. You wrung your hands as you looked up at him. “Thank you, your Highness…I am just overwhelmed. Does Prince Loki know?”

His eyes dropped. “I do not know.”

Your chest tightened. The Prince was not told about his arranged marriage. And I am here to bear the brunt of his inevitable anger.

“If I may ask, my Prince–” You started. Thor raised a hand. “Please. You will be my sister soon, no matter the situation. Call me Thor.”

You nodded, appreciating that Thor seemed to be genuine and kind. “If I may ask, Thor, do you believe Prince Loki will be angry?” Thor’s face was grim. “I am unsure, but…” His face twisted into a grimace. “I believe so. But if he is a good man at all, he will not blame you.” You hoped so. Thor walked you the rest of the way to your rooms in silence, though slightly more comfortable than before. - Your chambers were amazing. The floors were marble, with gold detailing and fixtures. A large, plush bed with a light pink canopy sat against a floor length mirror facing the cities and gardens below. You observed the other furnishings in awe as you stepped into the room. An attached bathroom held a bathtub the size of a pool. You were overwhelmed as you took it all in. Yesterday, you’d woken up as a poor girl in the outskirts of the village; a family shunned for your oddities. You could never have believed that in less than twenty-four hours, you would be a ward of the Royal Family, arranged to marry their youngest son. Though your fate as the wife of the cruel son was unbearable, you knew that this was the better path for your life to take. The Norns would not have sent you here if you were destined to suffer in this place. There must be some reason your life so drastically changed. You spent the remaining time in your afternoon outside. Thor had left you with the knowledge of how to get to the gardens if you wanted to explore the palace grounds, so you’d figured it best to familiarize yourself with the layout of the wing you resided in and its surrounding area. Your walk was peacefully quiet, the occasional member of the housekeeping staff passing by you and nodding politely. You would adjust to having staff cater to you, but it was surreal to be treated like you were anything but the village pariah. When you reached the gardens, you drank in the view. Rows of ornamental shrubs and flower arrangements, gardeners tending to the plants all over. You walked through slowly, enjoying the soft fragrances carried by the breeze. Deciding you needed a moment to take in your new surroundings, you followed a path deeper into the garden, leading to a secluded area with a small bench for you to rest on. You sat, sighing. Looking out past the greenery, you drank in the kingdom of Asgard in its entirety. The view of the village, the city line, people moving about their daily lives as small as ants from where you sat. It almost made you feel smaller, to realize that you had always just been part of an almost anonymous whole. To see everyone now, small specks in your view, set your new path in perspective. How many times did the King and Queen sit in these gardens, looking down at their subjects? How often did any member of the royal family enjoy watching the village like children staring at farm animals through slats in the fences? You heard a snap sound from behind you. Whirling around on the bench, you met a pair of green eyes looking sharply down at you. “You are the one my parents have decided I will settle down for?” His voice was sharp, dripping with venom. “How pathetic.” You stood quickly, running your clammy hands down the front of your skirt. “Prince Loki. My name is-” “I do not care for your name. Do not assume I care for you at all, girl. You are merely a pawn in my father’s games, and I refuse to play along this time. I merely wanted to get a look at you, and I see now that there is not much to see.” His eyes roam over you with disinterest. Your cheeks heated as your heart pounded in your chest. You felt a stinging behind your eyes and tried to blink away the beginning of tears before he could notice. “I apologize, your Highness, but I have as little choice in the matter as you do. The Allfather-” “The Allfather does not speak for me. And I will see to it that this is rectified immediately.” With that, Loki turned and stalked out of the garden. You pressed a shaking hand to your chest, exhaling slowly. You felt your heart thumping under your chest as you were filled with a sharp sense of unease. You had known that the Prince had a temper, and could be downright unpleasant, but the way his eyes had roamed over your body like you were nothing cut through you. When he was finally gone, you allowed yourself the moment to cry, hot tears spilling over your cheeks. This life is not the one you wanted for yourself. Of course, you were not stupid. You knew this would be difficult. You knew your life was never meant to be a happy one, being born with a curse such as yours. But you never could have imagined that being brought into the palace, something that every other Asgardian would view as a blessing, would be something so miserable. You decided to walk back to your chamber, eyes puffy and red. You just wanted the day to be over, to have a reprieve from the awful day you have had thus far. Of course, you have never been one to experience good luck, and you walked straight into Thor on your return. You slammed into each other, knocking you off balance. He reached for you, straightening you before you could fall. You see him scan you for injury, landing on your puffy face. “What happened, my lady?” He asked, voice full of concern. His gentleness in contrast to the abrasive cruelty of his brother spurred on another round of tears, and you let out a sob. He hushed you, guiding you into another room and seating you at a small bench. When you are able to calm down, you recount the conversation you’d had with Loki in the gardens. You watched as Thor’s face turned from surprise to disappointment and anger as his brother’s behavior. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to speak poorly of him,” You started, hiccuping. “But I do not understand what I’ve done wrong.” He shook his head. “You have done nothing wrong. My brother’s words are meant to hurt. He knows destruction and how to bring it, and he lashed out at you. You did not deserve that. I will not speak to him about this, my lady. But I must inform my parents of his behavior.” You nodded, sniffling again. “Thank you, Thor. I appreciate your comfort and understanding.” “You do not need to thank me. It is only the right thing to do.” Thor guided you back to your chamber as he made small talk about the palace grounds. You told him of your visit into the gardens before your confrontation with Loki, and how beautiful you found it. He seemed pleased. In your room, exhausted, you decided it would be for the best to lay down. Despite the fact that the sun had not yet set, you could not imagine being forced to face the rest of the day.

-

You woke in the morning to the sun illuminating the room. For a moment, you could almost hear your father’s humming, or your mother’s soft rustling as she moved about the house trying not to wake you. Then your surroundings settled on you, and you sighed as you blinked up at the ceiling with watery eyes. A soft knock at the door persuaded you out of bed. You stretched, standing and feeling the cool tile beneath your feet. You padded to the door, opening it tentatively to see a small girl who looked to be part of the palace staff. She gave you a small smile, curtsying. “Good morning, my lady. Are you well?” She asked. “Y-Yes, I am,” You say, awkwardly. She seemed to sense your discomfort. “My name is Camille. I am tasked to be your lady-in-waiting.” She shifted on her feet, wringing her hands. Your stomach turned. You didn’t want to make the poor girl uncomfortable, but the idea of having someone assigned to cater to you felt wrong. You sighed quietly, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry. I was unaware,” You said, trying your best to look reassuring. “Please, come in.” She gave you a small, hesitant smile, entering the room. She walked toward a door to the left, opening it wide and stepping in. Inside was a large wardrobe room. As you followed her, your jaw dropped at the sheer size of it. The room was the size of your family home, full of casual dresses and gowns, shoes, and accessories you could never have even dreamed of owning before. “While you were away yesterday, Her Majesty had us stock your wardrobe. The size is approximated, as you seem to be similar to Her Majesty in stature, but if anything does not suit you, please let us know.” She explained, motioning to the hanging dresses. “I will go over with you the dress occasions, but you will never have to worry. When it is time for a particular event that requires dress assistance, I and my co-lady, Lille, will be here with you.” Your head spun. Still taking in the room, her words only served to overwhelm you. You knew nothing about how to dress as a member of Asgard’s high society. What if you made a fool of yourself, or worse, embarrassed the Royal Family at an important engagement? Camille seemed to sense your nerves. She rested a gentle hand on your forearm. “I know it’s a lot to take in, my lady. But I promise, we are here to help you.” You nodded, swallowing hard. “Thank you,” You croaked. “I’m sorry. I just…I am not yet used to this.” She smiled at you. “I understand. If I may, my lady, can I familiarize you with your options? Please stop me if you have any questions.”

-

After what felt like an eternity, reviewing corseted versus non-corseted gowns, day dresses, evening gowns, riding gear, shoes…your head felt tight. Camille was extremely helpful, answering all of the questions you had. But still, it felt like so much to take in. With her assistance, you had chosen a simple day dress, pale yellow and simple. She directed you to the main hall, where meals were held, for breakfast. You ran into Thor at the entrance to the hall, and relief filled you. You weren’t looking forward to entering the hall alone. His face brightened. “Good morning! I trust you slept well?” His voice boomed. You smiled back at him. “Good morning, Thor. I did, thank you.” He nodded, pleased. Offering you his arm, he turned toward the door. “Shall we head inside?” You took his arm gratefully. “We shall.”

-

Breakfast was…awkward. Odin sat at the head of the table, his face stern. Frigga, to his right, and Thor, to his left, looked at the empty chair beside Thor in exasperation. You sat beside the Queen, fiddling with your hands beneath the table. All of your plates remained untouched. Loki was late. Again, if their exasperation could be interpreted properly. Odin sighed, a low rumbling sound. “The boy does not show respect in even the most mundane of moments. It is a wonder he even fulfills his general duties at all.” Frigga shook her head. “He will show. A lack of faith in him only serves to push his behavior further.” “You think this is a result of lack of faith? This is insolence at its finest, a show of disrespect toward the very simple rules we ask him to follow. Thor has no issue with them, yet the boy persists in defying me.” Odin’s voice hardened. “Please, dear,” Frigga said, “Do not pit your sons against each other in that way. Loki will show.” As if on cue, the doors swung open, echoing to the table. Loki, with a smug smile curling his lips, strode to the table. He sat beside Thor, staring at Odin defiantly. “Good morning, everyone,” He spoke smoothly, beginning to gather food on his plate. He ate slowly, tearing a piece of toast and slathering it with jam before looking around the table. “Oh,” He started mockingly, “you all didn’t have to wait for me.” Odin’s neck strained, his brow furrowed. “You disrespect the palace staff, you disrespect your post, you disrespect your family. Is there nothing that you are willing to do? Do you even think to behave yourself?” You sat silently, looking firmly down at your hands. You didn’t want to be involved in this conflict, and you feared if he noticed you, really noticed you, he would do it by force. You didn’t understand why Loki’s tardiness was so important, but you were not going to question it. Loki sneered. “My apologies, Father. But perhaps I have better things to do than posture as the obedient son. I stand in for mischief, after all.” Odin’s voice tightened. “It should not be posturing. You are a Prince, and you need to start acting like one.” “Or what?” Loki challenged. “Loki, please,” Frigga started, her voice pleading, but Odin’s voice filled the room. His fist slammed on the table, rattling the dishware. You flinched, looking up. “I will not tolerate your disrespect any longer, Loki! You are not here for-” “Odin!” Frigga exclaimed over him. “Do not continue this here. Please.” Loki’s face was frozen, contemplative. “What am I here for, Father? I am an heir to the throne of Asgard. I will fulfill my duties as needed, but I will not be your pawn.” His eyes flicked to you, and you felt your heart seize. “Particularly in terms of the joke of a marriage you are trying to impose on me.” Frigga placed a soft hand on your upper arm. “Loki…we were told of your behavior and, ahem,” She cleared her throat delicately, “opinions of this arrangement.” He rolled his eyes. “Of course, the golden boy came running to Mother and Father, didn’t he, after the pathetic thing told her woes?” Thor tensed. “Brother. Your cruelty is needless. Your ire at me is allowable, but not toward her.” “You defend this wretched woman, support her weaseling her way into our family? I am not surprised by your nobility, brother, you have always wanted to be the knight to every weak maiden you encounter. But you, father, I am surprised at.” He bared his teeth. “I mean really, to think that this woman,” He spat at you, and you could hear your own heart pounding, “is doing nothing more than plotting her way into a Prince’s bed is pointless. I’m sure her family will be pleased to have a Princess for a daughter, no less-” “That is enough.” Your own voice shocked you, hard and unwavering. “How dare you speak of my family. You know nothing, you arrogant, spiteful, disrespectful man. My family is cursed because of me. Because of my ability. It is a curse, and you will not sit here and spit on them and spit on the sacrifices they made for me.” You blinked away traitorous tears, pulling in a shuddering breath as your anger consumed you. “You have disrespected me, you made me feel like I was nothing but a speck beneath your shoe, and I can take that. I am not unfamiliar with men who believe themselves to be wolves when really they are small and pathetic and insecure in themselves. But do not disrespect my family.” The table was silent for a moment. Thor looked at you in shock at your outburst, Odin’s face arranged in a similar way. Frigga beside you kept her face composed, but you noticed a slight tick in her cheek. You glared at Loki, your ragged, angry breathing filling the room, before he smirked at you, raising an eyebrow. “She has claws, I see.” He spoke. “Glad to know you at least will have a backbone.” With that, Loki stood, the sound of his chair scraping on the floor echoing on the walls. “I will take my leave.” You let out all of the air in your lungs as soon as the door slammed shut behind him.

[anonil88]

My next shirt/project design is for a fictional queer club/lesbian bathhouse.

My question is what should the logo be? (Dm or reply suggestions)

And when I say bathhouse I mean like how gay men have bath houses, aka gym community pool and cruising center galore. But with the intended focus on lesbians and other queer people (bipoc would be to the front but all are welcome vibes).

My inspirations are; Queer clubs and party nights throughout the world primarily u.s. in the 80s thru 00s like Gauntlet II the club (@ileaveclawmarks has some ads on their page) and MEAT I'll insert images, thermes in ancient Greece and Rome, currently existing saunas like Steamworks which there are a couple of and now closed bathhouses like Man's Country in Chicago which had sets inside.

I'm trying not to go full brand and identity board and just making a logo/tshirt design. Fun fact this all started cause I was looking at match books and fell down a rabbit hole.

You don't have to read the rest to answer, I'm just going to free write about my design/research process a bit.

Many of the gay saunas have artwork by Tom of Finland, REX, or similar art style. G.B.Jones makes similar work for lesbians but I'm not trying to use anyone's art cause that's weird to do and copyright.

I could however draw something but idk still feels too...obvious. I do like the abruptness of events like Garlands or Clt Club but i do want to make something people could have worn and get an "Oh 😏" rather than a 😒. Many of these new places still operate with some discretion or at least act like they're just a gym with day passes that happens to have a glo hole in the bathroom. This is where I was looking at other venues and events that were lgbtq owned but cheeky. For example a bird logo for a bar named White Swallow (San Francisco closed in 80s). Kind of seems like even some of the more openly "its artsy rabbit season in here" had a secondary logo that was simple or just their name for similar reasons.

All I've got right now is a rough simple flip flop, inspired because of this original tile they found at an ancient thermae site in Libya [image link]. The other thing I've drawn is a flower out that kinda looks like a sticker seal or those boob light fixtures. Thought about a toilet drawing cause lavs short for lavender and lavatory. Oh the name is Lady Lavs.

Anywho curious what others think.

Inspo images below:

Here's some article links, it would take some time to link everyone i've been lookibg at:

Mother and Jackie 60/Meat/Cl't Club - a nice breakdown

Remembering Cl't Club

Man's Country closing article and images -they just closed in 2017

Manchester 90s photos

Mineshaft NYC - Back2Stonewall

[sophisticated-creepy]

          “She was found, later that night, in a pool of her own blood by the house staff as they returned from a night out on behest of the lady herself.” The tour guide of the Northcott Historical Manor House paused, reflecting solemnly at the untimely fate of the once prominent lady of the beautiful estate. “Lillian Eleanor Northcott died that sad winter’s night. Her husband returned the following morning to a home steeped in pure chaos, and even though a thorough investigation was made, the police deemed the tragedy an unfortunate event, concluding that a stray bullet from a street brawl pierced this parlor window, striking down Mrs. Northcott.” In a dramatic flair, the tour guide gestured with her full arm to the aforementioned parlor window of interest, the heads of the gathered spectators turning in unison to follow the movement.

          “Mr. Northcott never remarried, spending the remainder of his years in mourning while single handedly raising his motherless son, a feat, I might add, that was deemed truly commendable considering the times. Thankfully, the Northcott line endured, the cannery itself is still prosperous, active, and thriving, while the Manor House remains to be a prominent fixture in Newberry’s community.” There was polite applause as the tour guide began to wrap up her speech. “Even though the founder of the estate has long since passed, some say the mistress, who appears as a gray spirit of her former self, still treads these halls of her beloved home, reluctant to leave the majesty of the stately Northcott Manor House.” There was more applause, and the tour guide thanked the attentive crowd.

          “We have now come to the completion of your official guided tour. Please feel free to explore the grounds outside, peruse the gift shop, or, if it tickles your fancy, stay for our famous luncheon special. Have a great rest of your day, thank you for visiting, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.” The tour guide waved, dismissing the crowds to their leisure while she lingered in front of the impressive, elegant fireplace of the parlor room for any stray questions patrons hadn’t yet asked.

          “I wonder what would have happened if the Gray Lady hadn’t perished,” Lola spoke, striding in long, careful steps towards the infamous parlor window, breaking away from the tour group as it separated. “If Mrs. Northcott hadn’t died that night, would the cannery have continued to be successful?” Lola whirled towards her fiancé who was several paces behind her, and held the microphone end of her trusty tape recorder Stanly up to capture his comment.

          Accustomed to her shenanigans, Raphael smiled as he bent forward to answer the question. “I imagine the cannery would have remained profitable,” he said, declaring his statement into the recording device.

          “But think about it,” Lola said, raising a finger to mark her point for the beginning of her debate. “The sensation and scandal of the Gray Lady’s death caused the Northcott name to spread like wildfire in all the papers across the nation. Not only did Mr. Northcott have the reputation as the cold, stoic business man, but, add to it, the title of widower left in charge to raise his only child. Was Mrs. Northcott’s death not anything but an influx of opportunity to his business relationships? Would we still have the Manor House to this day if she hadn’t died so tragically?”

          “Maybe that’s why her ghost still lingers,” Raphael said with a shrug as he straightened. “Her spirit is a reminder that without her, there wouldn’t be the historical monument that is this house as we know it today.”

          “You make a fine point, Professor,” Lola said with a grin as she shut off her tape recorder, stowing the device in her purse.

          “You ask intriguing questions, Author,” he replied in turn, matching her smile.

          “To be fair, I wouldn’t want to leave this house either,” Lola said on a sigh, her green eyes taking in the splendor of the parlor. “Premature death aside, I think I would enjoy dwelling in a place like this for all eternity, provided, obviously, if you are with me.” In her dreamy state, she took up Raphael’s hand, and the two began their slow exit of the room into the foyer. She dragged her feet, not quite ready to quit the house entirely, the famous mansion working its spell to keep her in the embrace of musty corridors to figure out its forgotten stories and solve all of the hidden riddles.

          “You know, as many times as I’ve visited this place in the past, I’ve actually never seen the Gray Lady,” Lola continued.

          “You haven’t?” Raphael asked, genuinely taken aback. “I expected the ghost would have made herself known to you as soon as you set foot on the property.”

          “Legend says she only appears when people try to do spooky stuff, like séances. I only came here with my parents for lunch on the rare occasion, so, no séances for me.”

          “Probably a wise decision on their part,” he chuckled with a nod of sage understanding, seeing first hand more often than not the damage of her mischief making prowess.

          “Excuse me, but what is that supposed to mean?” she asked, releasing his hand to give him a scolding glower.

          “Considering how easily you attract invisible friends and trouble, I’m surprised your parents even took you here in the first place,” he continued to tease.

          With a scoff of indignation, Lola playfully pinched his side in a vulnerable spot she knew all too well of him, then slipped through the main entryway doors with a giggle before he could retaliate, and reached the bottom of the stoop outside with merriment lighting her movements. The early summer sun cast leafy shadows across the well-manicured grounds of the grand estate. A garden flourished to the side of the house, wrapping along the back of the property where a small fountain trickled cool water into a rod iron basin. The garden path split at that juncture, going left to re-enter the house via the veranda, or right towards a large wooden gazebo and the old stable carriage house. Beyond those structures was the open yard of freshly cut green grass that butted up against the edge of a maple and hawthorn tree forest, and beyond that, the churning sea. She was instantly lost to her daydreams from the picturesque marvel, brought back to the present moment once the shadow of her fiancé shielded her from the sun as he came to stand before her. He appeared to be only slightly annoyed from her previous antics, she observed, and flashed him a cheeky smirk. Her smile turned into a wistful sigh as she focused her attention on the impressive Manor House.

          Although remaining a touch consternated, Raphael couldn’t help but take notice of his beloved’s faraway gaze, and followed her line of sight to the glittering monolithic sandstone of the Northcott legacy. “You really do love this house, don’t you?” he asked.

          “I do,” Lola replied. “There is so much history here, so much story. Even from all the research I’ve ever done or gathered of this house and of this family, I feel like it’s never enough. I can only imagine what grand affairs took place within those walls and many rooms, and that’s why I love it here so much. The quest for knowledge is a continuous journey of discovery. It’s my never-ending onion.”

          Raphael had to laugh at that comment. “This is the first I’ve heard this place described as an onion.”

          “It’s because of all the layers,” Lola tried to explain while also laughing.

          “I knew what you meant,” he assured, and draped an arm across her shoulders, pulling her in for a hug as he kissed the top of her head. Together, they continued to stare at the house, lost in their thoughts and quiet observations.

          “I love that this place is open to the public,” Lola said after sufficient pause. “I also love that people can enjoy a sit down meal here and spend the night.”

          “A haunted restaurant and inn is a unique and pleasant business model,” Raphael agreed.

          “One of these days, we should spend a night here,” she suggested, bumping her hip into his.

          “How about this weekend?”

          “Yeah, right,” Lola laughed. “First, it costs a pretty penny to book a room, and second, we risk the chance of having strangers rent the other rooms at the same time, too. How could we enjoy a night of ghost hunting and canoodling if other people are in the way?”

          “We could always rent out the extra rooms as a private event,” Raphael replied, his answer smooth and easy. He had to fight the smirk twitching at his lips as Lola looked up at him with her signature “get real” expression.

          “Rent out the whole mansion for just the two of us? No way! That’s too hard of a hit on the budget, and I don’t want that kind of expense on a credit card.”

          “It wouldn’t have to be just the two of us. Maybe we could convince our friends to reserve the other rooms,” Raphael offered.

          “You mean like Modesta and Jack?”

          “Lazare, too. It can be a party of sorts.”

          Lola’s brow furrowed in confusion. Raphael’s all-too ready replies to her objections of staying the night at the Northcott Manor House were suspicious. The fact he suggested to make the whole affair a party had her eyebrows connecting together, deepening the creases of her perplexed thoughts, until she remembered what major event was taking place that coming weekend. Realization shot her leveled eyebrows up into her hairline. “Hold on…you---you mean stay a night here this weekend?”

          Raphael laughed openly as he saw the kaleidoscope of emotions play out on Lola’s face, but it was her startled intake of breath as she strung the pieces together of his subtle hints that caused his heart to melt. “Don’t tell me you forgot about your birthday,” he said, his warm laughter continuing as Lola stared up at him in slack-jawed bewilderment.

          “You’re serious?” she stammered, shrugging his arm off her shoulders to fully turn and face him directly. “You’re not playing games with me?”

          “Surprise!”

          “Get out of town!” Lola squealed in delight. “You’re serious!” She was shaking with excitement, emotions of love and gratitude and happiness causing her to nearly lose control of her limbs as she danced in place with complete joy unbridled.

          “The night will begin by partaking in the mystery dinner theater,” Raphael explained, looping his arms around her waist in a loose hold as he shared the pre-arranged plans of her birthday celebration. “There will be cake and possibly a present or two,” he continued, his smile growing as he watched Lola grow increasingly jubilant upon hearing the news of cake. “Then, once staff and guest have left the house, you, me, and the others will spend the rest of the night doing all the spooky things your weird, little heart desires.”

          The breath was knocked out of Raphael’s lungs as Lola launched herself upon him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a firm embrace as a thousand “thank-yous” came pouring from her lips. He hugged her tight, holding her close to him.

“You’re welcome,” he purred, and in this position, found the vulnerable spot he knew all too well of hers just below the ribs that made her squeak and clutch her sides for protection while nearly dropping to the ground in an uncontrollable fit of giggles.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Hey, all! Happy Monday!

Got another spooky chapter for you to read in "The Third Light".

Enjoy, and stay spooky!

~Melissa

[realestateblogsbyrohit]

TARC Kailasa Kirti Nagar: Offers Premium Flats in Delhi

Welcome to TARC Kailasa, placed inside the heart of Kirti Nagar, Delhi. This high-priced residential undertaking offers more than a few 3/4-BHK residences that combine modern-day facilities with a well-based design.

TARC Kailasa Kirti Nagar is designed to offer citizens with a snug and pricey living revel in. The apartments are spacious and thoughtfully designed to maximize herbal mild and air flow. Each unit is crafted with attention to detail, making sure a mix of style and functionality. Whether you're a younger couple, a growing family, or a person seeking out a non violent retreat, and it has something for everybody.

The flats at TARC Kirti Nagar Delhi are geared up with present day facilities to make your existence simpler and extra convenient. From the immediately you step into your condo, you'll be greeted by way of a experience of steeply-priced and comfort. The residing regions are designed to be spacious and well-lit, developing a warm and alluring environment. The bedrooms are designed to be comfy, offering a peaceful sanctuary for rest. The kitchens are ready with first rate furniture and fittings, making cooking a pride. The lavatories are stylishly designed and equipped with present day fixtures, imparting a spa-like enjoy.

Its additionally providing a number of leisure facilities to decorate your lifestyle. The undertaking functions a properly-ready gymnasium, in which you may work out and live match. There is also a swimming pool, best for a clean dip on hot summer season days. The landscaped gardens provide a serene environment for leisurely walks or spending satisfactory time with your loved ones. For folks who experience sports activities, there are centers for indoor and out of doors games, making sure that there is by no means a stupid moment.

The area of TARC Kailasa Kirti Nagar is another highlight. It is a nicely-installed residential place in Delhi, recognized for its connectivity and comfort. The project is in close proximity to colleges, hospitals, shopping department stores, and leisure centers. Its ensuring that each one your wishes are inside clean reach. The nicely-advanced infrastructure and superb connectivity make commuting a breeze.

At TARC Kirti Nagar, your protection and safety are of maximum importance. The venture is geared up with present day security systems and manned by means of skilled employees, offering you with peace of mind. The challenge also has ample parking area for citizens and traffic.

Conclusion:

TARC Kailasa Kirti Nagar Delhi is offers expensive 3/4-BHK flats with cutting-edge facilities and a nicely-structured design. The venture is designed to offer citizens with a comfortable and pricey residing enjoy. With its range of facilities, handy region, and recognition on protection and protection. It is an excellent preference for those searching for a top rate lifestyle.

[ardenssolis]

@caemthe said (inbox):

[ conall, fantasy ] The last thing he saw before passing out from blood loss (or was it his body going into cardiac arrest?) had been deadly crimson eyes that reminded him of past times and a bloody maw. Then his vision turned into independent dots and all became dark. That was, as the rules of warriors of his kind indicated, supposed to be the last of Conall Cernach. The wolf couldn't say that he had no regrets... but he couldn't have any complaints either. How nice, how calm, it all felt.

And yet he opened his eyes again, who knows how many days after his fight against that unknown youth. It was the second time Conall survived an event that should've cut his life short. Blinking a couple times, his eyes got used to the light. Oh, I'm alive, wasn't the thought that crossed his mind. Conall didn't try to glance at his sides to see who was sitting by his side as he already knew who had been waiting for him to wake up. He should be grateful, he was really lucky to have them, he had to be one of the most fortunate men on earth, and yet... "Why didn't you let me die?" Just why.

     THERE WAS AN UNSPOKEN rule between warriors to never interfere with another’s duel. It was a ‘rule’ that he had heard from quite a young age from his father who had imparted the importance of that. After all, stepping in would ruin that individual’s reputation to all looking in, and oh how powerful a thing pride was. One would rather die than have it besmirched – this he too had come to understand far too well with age and his own growing confidence as a Warrior-King like all who had sat upon the throne he now lounged on. When that whelp with the bright crimson eyes had appeared before him and proclaimed that they desired to test their mettle against his strongest, at first, he had laughed as if they had told the world’s greatest joke. What arrogance they had! What foolishness! There were a few that came to mind, but they were pushed aside for another instead: Conall. The wolf had wanted some kind of excitement to alleviate the lull of peaceful days, thus, he had him come forward instead to humor and humble this young warrior. What he had not expected, though, was the ferocity that they had displayed despite that small frame.

     Everything was over so quickly, that it had taken him time to realize just what had happened when Conall fell backwards, blade slipping from his hand and blood pooling upon the floor. Impossible…impossible! He could think of none who had ever bested the Mactire in combat, real or not. As soon as the shock wore off from himself and everyone else present, he was quick to bark orders, calling for the guards to take Conall to the infirmary with speed that matched even that of the desert hare. Despite his concern, golden eyes were quick to fall on the young warrior – fire burning within that intense hue as he tilted his head back, voice booming with the authority he was meant to represent: arrest them. Death was always a potentiality for one-on-one battles, though even so…he hadn’t expected…

     Tch, it didn’t matter.

     All he saw was red, and whatever rules were to be adhered to were cast aside. No, no, no---! He couldn’t lose Conall like this! He had already thought the other dead for years on end, and now that they were here he…just…couldn’t allow it. ❝You better hope that he survives.❞ There was a look thrown back at the other, that warrior whose eyes seemed so very familiar – like garnets gleaming beneath the sun’s rays, right before he quickly took his leave and left his uncle to handle the rest for him.

     Despite everything, the healers refused to let him into the room as they had worked, the old woman who was in charge of that skilled bunch as stubborn as an ox and uncaring of rank and status when it came to the rules she set for her infirmary, and being a fixture in the palace since his father’s rule, she was not about to be intimidated into bending her rules for anyone, most especially a young king she had known since he had been a mere babe. So, as painful as it was, he had waited and waited – time ticking by as he heard the chaos within that room as healers ran here and there, bloodied cloth carried out and clean ones brought in…

     The door was closed to keep him from seeing what was happening…and perhaps that was for the best considering his nerves. He paced, all kingly regality tossed out the window. How could this happen? Sure Conall was not immortal, however, even so…the other was able to control a pack of violent mercenaries for a reason: none could contest him. His name even continued to spread fear to those who had seen his viciousness firsthand. To them, and to Ozymandias, the man was akin to a looming fortress. Still…at the end of the day, the fact remained that there was someone always stronger than someone out there, and Conall, for all his power, was still made of flesh and blood.

     Please do not die, Conall…

     Time soon passed, how much, Ozymandias did not know, although eventually he was allowed to go into the room and stay by Conall’s bedside under strict ‘orders’ to not make too much noise. As he had sat beside the bed, eventually exhaustion overtook him from frayed nerves, his eyes drooping shut and his body slumping slightly to the side as he dozed. It was not until he heard stirring that he awoke, groggy and uncertain of how long he had rested as quickly leaned forward and reached out to very carefully place his hand upon Conall’s chest. His mouth opened to speak…but the words that came next made him fall silent.

     ‘Why didn’t you let me die?’

     What…what was he supposed to say to that? Shame washed over him, golden eyes shifting away from the other’s face as he soon slowly leaned back against his seat, elation dropping like rocks to the bottom of a pond. Silence reigned between him and the wolf – heavy and thick in the air, his eyes still refusing to meet theirs. ❝…Because I did not want to lose you again.❞ What a cruel thing to ask him when they should have known what he would say. How was one supposed to stand by and watch someone they love bleed to death in front of them? ❝Hate me if you desire to, but I do not regret the choice that I made to keep you from Death’s doorstep.❞ Fingers clenched at his pants, brows furrowing and jaw set before he finally did look upon Conall’s face. ❝Asking me to standby and accept things as they were is too cruel, Conall. Do you not know how long I mourned you? How…how much your ‘death’ before had left such longing, such heartache?❞ Standing up, his chair was pushed back with loud drag across the floor. ❝I will not feel guilt over my decision.❞ Without another word, he made to take his leave of the infirmary, knowing it best to save further discussions for another time lest he make Conall’s injuries worse without meaning to. As he left, though, the heaviness he felt did not alleviate in the slightest…

     If anything, it became worse.

[identifyingai]

AI Images

Gonna do these one by one

Giveaways:

shelf of lit candles? +unidentifiable objects

lightbulbs are all different sizes

'wicker basket ceiling fixture' is not something that exists

why is there a door here

alien vegetables

not what stove burners look like

more alien vegetables

World's Worst Spoons

not where tomatoes go

fucked up brick pattern

Giveaways:

ghost of an iron fence

twisted spectre of an iron fence

half-rendered chair

brick pattern disturbance

what are they burning in here. who puts a fire pit here

this doesn't say anything

what is literally any of this

half-rendered glasses

these are leaves, not napkins

number of place settings doesn't match number of chairs

Giveaways:

brick pattern disappears behind door. also how do you use this door lmao? you walk through the pool/tub?

plant coming from nowhere

fucked up basket

tried and failed to apply a pattern to the pool/tub (???) bottom

what are these

water pattern looks like shit up close

basket resting on hopes & dreams

missing the lower rope

Giveaways:

doors you can't close because the table's in the way

plants growing from ceiling?

reflection is off

railing pattern is fucked up

world's most depressing place settings lmao. also the plates aren't lining up with the chairs

unidentifiable objects

chair melding into plant

plant melding into railing

㋡🥀

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I can't believe that this phenomenal 1888 Victorian in St. Joseph, MO is less than $1m. 4bds, 4ba, 5,062 sq ft, $765k.

The woodwork is incredible and it looks like they used Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper. These Victorian homes that have the sitting area for waiting guests in the main hallway are pretty cool.

Sunny regular sitting room off to the side has a wonderful fireplace and stained glass. There're also window seats, pocket doors, and leaded glass.

Elegant dining room. The floors in this home are incredible. All of the woodwork is perfectly preserved and the fireplace surrounds have such colorful mosaic tiles.

Look at the rounded wall and window. This leather table looks like a gaming table- would be great for a puzzle. Beautiful fireplace, too.

Glimpse of the stunning vintage 1/2 bath shows several original features.

The kitchen remodel is good, b/c it matches the original wood, but the counter seating around the island throws it off a little.

Coming up the stunning stairs- arches, wood ceiling, carved railings, and a stained glass window.

Wainscoting along the hall to the bedrooms.

The primary bedroom is so beautiful.

And, look at this- a balcony.

This ensuite bath is utterly incredible. The wood, marble, and reproduction fixtures are just superb.

Look at the rounded closet.

Linen closet in the hall.

The black and gold look lovely in this bedroom.

Wait. I recognize this absinthe holder in the home office. I posted this home before. I can't believe it didn't sell, especially for the price. It's a steal.

I also recognize the guest bedroom and bath with the mini sauna. I don't think I could even fit in that thing.

Nice garage. Look at the little door on the end.

The yard is large enough to put in a pool, patio, etc.

The home has beautiful carvings outside.

Lots of trees make the 1.57 acre lot very private.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/631-Hall-St-Saint-Joseph-MO-64501/110497130_zpid/

[ayathiinfo]

First-Time Villa Buyer’s Checklist: Your Essential Guide

Stepping into the luxury housing market and buying a villa for the first time is exciting yet filled with important decisions. To ensure your experience is smooth and rewarding, we’ve created an easy-to-follow first-time villa buyer checklist tailored just for you.

Know Your Budget Clearly

The journey begins with financial clarity. Understanding your purchasing power is critical:

Set Your Budget: Determine what you can afford, considering the down payment, monthly installments, and ongoing expenses such as maintenance fees and property taxes.

Loan Pre-Approval: Get a pre-approved loan from trusted lenders. This boosts your buying confidence and shows sellers you’re serious.

Location Matters

Choosing the perfect location sets the foundation for your investment:

Accessibility: Opt for villas that are close to essential amenities like schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and workplaces.

Growth Potential: Areas like Kollur, Hyderabad, where Ayathi’s Zenscape Villas are situated, promise robust growth, increasing future value significantly.

Evaluate Villa Features and Amenities

Before finalizing your dream villa, list your priorities clearly:

Layout and Space: Consider family size and lifestyle preferences. Open layouts and sufficient outdoor spaces can dramatically enhance living quality.

Amenities: Look for contemporary facilities such as a clubhouse, swimming pools, landscaped gardens, gymnasiums, and children’s play areas.

Inspect Thoroughly

Don’t skip inspections, no matter how impressive the property looks:

Structural Checks: Engage professionals to inspect structural integrity, including foundations, walls, roofs, and flooring.

Internal Systems: Ensure electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and other essential fixtures are fully operational.

Pest Control: Confirm the property is pest-free to avoid future issues.

Legal Due Diligence

Stay legally secure by doing thorough checks:

Property Documentation: Verify the title documents and ownership history for any disputes or liabilities.

Compliance: Ensure the villa complies with local building codes and regulations to avoid future penalties.

Community Guidelines: If your villa is part of a gated community, review the homeowner association (HOA) guidelines to ensure they align with your lifestyle.

Understand Total Costs

Recognize that villa ownership extends beyond the purchase price:

Recurring Expenses: Budget for regular maintenance charges, property taxes, insurance premiums, and utility costs.

Contingency Fund: Maintain a fund for unexpected expenses or upgrades.

Future Resale Considerations

Your villa is also an investment. Keep an eye on aspects influencing future resale value:

Market Trends: Investing in emerging neighborhoods like Kollur ensures better appreciation rates.

Quality Construction: Choose properties like those offered by Ayathi, known for exceptional craftsmanship and quality materials.

Finalizing Your Purchase

Completing your villa purchase involves final checks:

Final Walkthrough: Do a detailed walkthrough before signing any final documents to ensure everything matches your expectations.

Paperwork Review: Carefully review all closing documents and clarify doubts immediately.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of buying your first villa can be incredibly rewarding when approached thoughtfully. Keep this first-time villa buyer checklist handy, and make informed, confident decisions every step of the way. Your dream villa, promising luxury and comfort, awaits!

[optimistickingpolice]

Elegant and Efficient: Low Voltage Lighting Systems for Modern Outdoor Spaces

A beautifully lit landscape doesn’t have to come with high energy bills or complicated infrastructure. With low voltage lighting systems, homeowners can enjoy warm, ambient outdoor light while maintaining safety and sustainability. At Advanced Lightscaping, we specialize in outdoor low voltage lighting solutions across Illinois, offering innovative designs and long-lasting installations tailored to each property.

Whether you’re searching for low voltage LED lighting, expert repairs, or full-scale installations in Arlington Heights, Riverwoods, or Chicago, our experienced team delivers lighting that’s functional, durable, and visually striking.

The Benefits of Outdoor Low Voltage Lighting

Outdoor low voltage lighting is designed for efficiency and safety. Operating at only 12 volts, these systems are significantly safer to work with and install than traditional 120-volt lighting. The lower power draw also makes it possible to install more lights throughout your property without overloading your electrical system.

But low voltage doesn’t mean low impact. In fact, our lighting designs use techniques like uplighting, path lighting, and downlighting to create dramatic effects while remaining energy-efficient and low maintenance.

These systems are ideal for:

Walkways and paths

Driveways and garden beds

Patios and outdoor kitchens

Architectural accents

Pools and water features

Low Voltage LED Lighting: Bright, Long-Lasting, and Sustainable

At the heart of every Advanced Lightscaping design is low voltage LED lighting. LEDs have revolutionized the lighting industry by offering long-lasting performance, minimal energy use, and outstanding brightness. These lights last for thousands of hours and rarely need replacing, making them ideal for hard-to-reach outdoor locations.

When integrated with a low voltage system, LEDs deliver beautiful, soft light that enhances your landscape without harsh glares or hot spots. We use various beam angles and light temperatures to match the tone and mood of your space.

Looking for something dynamic? We also offer smart RGB LED lights and color changing outdoor lights near me for homeowners who want seasonal variety or personalized ambiance.

Outdoor Low Voltage Lighting Installation in Arlington Heights, IL

In Arlington Heights, IL, Advanced Lightscaping provides custom-designed outdoor low voltage lighting systems that elevate curb appeal and outdoor usability. Our team walks each property to evaluate architecture, existing landscaping, and homeowner goals before creating a custom lighting plan.

From highlighting trees and stonework to safely illuminating steps and entryways, we ensure your lighting is as practical as it is beautiful. If you've been searching for outdoor low voltage landscape lighting near me, you can trust our experienced designers and installers to deliver outstanding results.

Volt Outdoor Lighting Installation in Riverwoods, IL

We offer premium Volt outdoor lighting installations in Riverwoods, IL, known for their rugged build and high-performance output. Volt’s product line includes a wide variety of fixture types—spotlights, path lights, well lights, and more—allowing for fully customized outdoor lighting systems.

Volt’s durability makes it perfect for year-round use in the Midwest. Whether it’s snow, rain, or high heat, these fixtures stand up to the elements while maintaining brightness and visual appeal. When paired with low voltage LED lighting, they offer a sustainable and stylish solution for any landscape.

Low Voltage Lighting Repair Services Near You

At Advanced Lightscaping, our commitment doesn’t stop after installation. We also provide fast, professional low voltage lighting repair near me to keep your system performing at its best. Our team can replace damaged fixtures, upgrade transformers, and rewire outdated systems.

Many of our repair customers are homeowners with existing systems installed years ago. We evaluate your setup, make needed upgrades, and ensure your lighting meets modern safety and efficiency standards.

Add Magic with Low Voltage Bistro Lights and Patio Illumination

Lighting isn’t just functional—it can be atmospheric and emotional too. Our low voltage bistro lights add a romantic, intimate glow to any backyard, patio, or deck. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings outside, bistro lighting is a perfect complement to your outdoor environment.

We provide outdoor patio lighting in Kenilworth, IL and patio lights installation in Chicago, IL, helping homeowners turn ordinary spaces into warm, inviting gathering areas. Bistro lights are ideal for pergolas, stringing across patios, or wrapping around posts to define space.

Smart Control and Seamless Integration

Looking for a system that works with your smartphone or voice assistant? Our low voltage lighting systems integrate with smart lighting solutions that allow you to control brightness, timing, and zones with just a few taps or commands.

Features include:

App-based lighting control

Dimming and color settings

Timers and schedules

Motion-activated lighting

Voice-assistant integration

Whether you're setting a nightly routine or adjusting lights for a party, smart control makes managing your outdoor lighting system effortless and convenient.

Serving the Greater Chicago Area with Excellence

Advanced Lightscaping proudly serves homeowners across Illinois, including:

Arlington Heights, IL

Riverwoods, IL

Kenilworth & Glencoe, IL

Chicago, IL

Surrounding cities

With each project, we bring a personalized touch and a commitment to delivering outdoor lighting that enhances your lifestyle and property.

Contact Advanced Lightscaping today to learn how our low voltage outdoor lighting systems can illuminate your home efficiently, beautifully, and reliably.

[landscapedesigner1]

Illuminate Your Georgia Nights with Expert Landscape Lighting by White Oak Landscape

A beautifully lit yard isn’t just functional—it’s transformative. At White Oak Landscape, we specialize in designing and installing Landscape Lighting systems that elevate your property’s beauty, safety, and usability long after the sun sets. Whether you’re hosting summer gatherings in Atlanta, enhancing curb appeal in Alpharetta, or creating a tranquil retreat in Roswell, our Landscape Lighting solutions blend artistry with cutting-edge technology. Discover how we turn ordinary yards into enchanting outdoor spaces that shine year-round.

Why Invest in Professional Landscape Lighting?

Georgia’s warm evenings and lush landscapes deserve to be showcased. Here’s how Landscape Lighting benefits your home:

Safety & Security

Illuminate pathways, stairs, and driveways to prevent trips and falls.

Deter intruders with motion-activated lights around entry points.

Aesthetic Enhancement

Highlight architectural features, mature trees, or garden sculptures.

Create depth and drama with strategic uplighting or shadowing.

Extended Outdoor Living

Host evening dinners or pool parties with ambient lighting.

Enjoy your patio, deck, or pergola long after sunset.

Increased Property Value

Professionally lit homes stand out in Georgia’s competitive real estate market.

White Oak Landscape Lighting Services

We offer tailored solutions to match your vision, budget, and lifestyle:

1. Custom Lighting Design

Site Analysis: Assess your yard’s layout, focal points, and functional needs.

3D Renderings: Visualize your lighting plan before installation.

2. Premium Fixture Installation

Path & Step Lights: Guide guests safely with low-voltage LED fixtures.

Spotlights & Uplighting: Accentuate trees, façades, or water features.

Deck & Pergola Lighting: Install recessed lights or rail strips for ambiance.

Smart Lighting Systems: Control brightness, colors, and schedules via smartphone.

3. Energy-Efficient Solutions

Solar-Powered Lights: Harness Georgia’s sunshine for eco-friendly illumination.

LED Technology: Save 75%+ on energy costs vs. traditional bulbs.

4. Maintenance & Upgrades

Bulb Replacements: Keep your system shining brightly.

Weatherproofing: Protect fixtures from Georgia’s humidity and storms.

Smart Retrofits: Add Wi-Fi controls or motion sensors to older systems.

Top 5 Landscape Lighting Trends for Georgia Homes

Moonlighting: Soft, natural-looking light filtered through trees.

Color-Changing LEDs: Set moods with hues for holidays or parties.

Dark Sky Compliance: Reduce light pollution with focused, downward-facing fixtures.

Wireless Systems: Avoid trenching with battery-operated smart lights.

Integrated Smart Home Tech: Sync lighting with security systems or voice assistants.

The White Oak Landscape Process: Precision & Care

Consultation

Discuss goals (e.g., security, aesthetics, entertainment).

Tour your property to identify key areas.

Design & Proposal

Present a customized plan with fixture types, placements, and costs.

Adjust based on your feedback.

Installation

Use trenchless techniques to minimize yard disruption.

Conceal wiring and test all components.

Reveal & Training

Walk you through system controls and maintenance tips.

Why Georgia Chooses White Oak Landscape Lighting

Local Expertise: 20+ years serving Metro Atlanta’s unique neighborhoods.

Premium Products: Durable fixtures from Hunter, FX Luminaire, and Kichler.

Warranty Assurance: 5-year coverage on parts and labor.

Eco-Conscious Practices: Solar and LED options to reduce energy use.

Case Study: Lighting Up a Milton Estate

“White Oak transformed our dark backyard into a magical space with path lights, uplighted oaks, and a smart-controlled pergola. Now, we entertain outdoors every weekend!”– The Harris Family, Milton, GA

Ready to Brighten Your Nights?

Don’t let your yard disappear after dusk. White Oak Landscape Lighting combines innovation, quality, and Southern charm to create outdoor spaces that captivate and inspire.

Contact Us

251 Dickson Road Marietta, GA 3006

Call: (770) 427-0524

URL

[kianshproperties]

What Makes a Property a Luxury Home

When it comes to real estate, the term "luxury" is often used to describe high-end properties that offer superior comfort, style, and amenities. But what truly makes a property a luxury home? The answer goes beyond price tags and location—it's about creating an exceptional living experience.

If you’re looking for the best luxury properties in New Delhi, Kiansh Property Dealer in Patel Nagar is the place to go. With their extensive experience and wide range of luxury homes, they are experts in matching clients with the perfect upscale property.

What Defines a Luxury Home?

1. Prime Location

One of the key characteristics of a luxury home is its location. Prime areas in New Delhi, such as Patel Nagar, offer the convenience of proximity to business hubs, renowned educational institutions, shopping malls, and healthcare facilities. Living in a location that combines exclusivity and accessibility is one of the hallmarks of a luxury property.

2. Spacious Living

Luxury homes tend to feature generous living spaces that are designed for comfort and functionality. Spacious rooms, open floor plans, and expansive layouts help create a sense of freedom and relaxation. Whether it's large bedrooms, walk-in closets, or wide balconies with stunning views, space is one of the most significant features of a luxury home.

3. High-End Finishes and Materials

Luxury homes are built with the finest materials, from imported marble floors to custom woodwork and premium fixtures. The attention to detail in every corner ensures the property is visually appealing and durable, offering both aesthetic value and long-term quality.

4. State-of-the-Art Amenities

A true luxury home comes with exclusive amenities. This might include a private pool, a home theater, an expansive gym, or even smart home systems for security, lighting, and temperature control. Kiansh Property Dealer can guide you to homes equipped with these high-tech and premium features, making sure you get the most out of your investment.

5. Privacy and Security

For many, privacy is an essential part of luxury living. High-end properties often feature security systems with surveillance cameras, gated communities, and even private entrances. These homes also ensure peace of mind with advanced security features such as biometric access or 24/7 security personnel.

6. Unique Architectural Design

Luxury homes are often designed with bespoke architecture, offering unique layouts and designs that stand out from standard homes. Whether it's sleek modern lines or classic grandeur, the architectural style of a luxury home reflects its owner's tastes and preferences.

Why Choose Kiansh Property Dealer in Patel Nagar for Your Luxury Home?

In-Depth Knowledge: With years of experience in the luxury real estate market, Kiansh Property Dealer understands what defines a luxury home and can help you find the best properties in New Delhi.

Wide Selection: They offer a wide range of luxury homes, from upscale apartments to grand villas, ensuring that you can find something that perfectly matches your lifestyle.

Personalized Service: Kiansh Property Dealer offers personalized assistance, making sure all your needs and preferences are considered, whether it’s the type of home, amenities, or location.

Conclusion

A luxury home is more than just a place to live—it’s a sanctuary, a statement of your success, and an investment in your future. Whether you are looking for a spacious apartment, a villa, or a penthouse, Kiansh Property Dealer in Patel Nagar can help you find the perfect home that meets your desires.

Start your journey to luxury living today by reaching out to Kiansh Property Dealer, your trusted expert in luxury real estate.

Contact Us And Visit Our Office:-

Phone & WhatsApp : +91 9582087044 Email: karanmehta1711@gmail.com Location: 3023,Shiv Chowk , Ranjeet Nagar New Delhi 110008