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shellbilee · 5 months

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Hey There Darlin' - Chapter 1

A Glen Powell RPF series

Pairing: Glen Powell x OFC (Billie James)

Warnings: fluff, swearing, angst, eventual smut

Words: 5.5K

Likes & Reblogs are always appreciated 💕

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---

Billie

“Come on buddy” Billie says as she knocks on the polished wooden door, reaching up to readjust her cream fedora hat, “Ready for your sleepover?”.

She looks down at Nugget, her golden retriever, smiling as he pants happily and looks back up at her with his liquid brown eyes.

Billie looks up as the door opens in front of her, her smile growing when she sees Lachlan grinning back at her.

“Bil!” Lachlan exclaims loudly, arms outstretched in greeting, crouching down and beckoning to Nugget as soon as he sees the floppy retriever sitting beside her.

Billie laughs.

“Hi Lach!” she says, looking up as Frankie and Reggie, Lachlan’s two mini dachshunds come barreling down the hallway to greet Nugget, “Hi babies!” she adds, bending to pick up Reggie and placing a kiss on the excited, squirming puppy’s head.

She puts Reggie back down and smiles as the two sausage dogs excitedly greet Nugget, the three instantly morphing into play mode and running off into the house. Playdates and sleepovers with Frankie and Reggie were a regular occurrence for Nugget, not to mention the neighbourly greeting that the three shared every morning on Billie’s daily morning walk.

A loud whistle snaps Billie’s attention, looking up to see Ryan, Lachlan’s boyfriend, standing in the kitchen doorway looking her up and down.

“Billie you look hot!” he exclaims loudly, regarding her from head to toe, “Seriously, those legs girl!”.

Billie laughs and shakes her head, waving her arm dismissively. “Aw Ryan, you’re such a sweetheart”.

The three dogs come charging back into the hallway, almost knocking Ryan over as they run past him. Billie shakes her head as she watches her panting fur-child, smiling at how it’s taken him all of ten seconds to forget about her. She hears Lachlan close the front door as she follows Ryan into the kitchen, pausing at the over-sized art deco mirror to check her reflection.

She’d styled her long chocolate brown hair in loose curls, loving the way they tumbled down her shoulders and softly framed her face. She wore a pair of white linen tailored shorts that ended high on her thighs, and a square necked coral coloured crop that contrasted against her tanned, sun-kissed skin. On her feet were a pair of wedge heels with nude ties that wrapped around her ankles - her favourite pair of shoes because they were high and she loved the way they made her legs look, but at the same time were comfy enough for her to last the whole day in.

“So I should be home just before lunch time tomorrow, and I’ll pick Nugget up then if that’s okay still?” Billie says as she walks into the kitchen with Lachlan in tow, turning to look at both boys as she perches on the armrest of their black leather sofa, “If you guys need anything though, you have my key”.

“Nugget’s stayed here a thousand times Bil, we’ll be fine” Lachlan retorts, looking over at the three pups who were currently wrestling on the floor of the living room.

Billie chuckles. “I know, I know. You tell me everytime”.

“Now go, get out of here. You paid enough for these tickets, the last thing you need is to get there late” Ryan says, gesturing to the door with his head.

Billie whistles for Nugget and crouches to the ground to say goodbye, the dark golden dog eventually coming over to give her an affectionate face lick. She ruffles his silky ears and drops a kiss on the top of his head, walking into the kitchen and giving Lachlan and Ryan a kiss goodbye before they walk her to the front door.

“Thanks again guys, I love you”.

The boys both grin. “We love you too Bil”.

Billie unlocks her black pick up and makes her way over to it, turning to wave at them behind her.

“Have the best time babe!” Lachlan shouts out, putting his arm around Ryan and leaning into him affectionately.

Billie smiles at them both and offers a final wave, putting her gold aviator sunglasses on and getting into her car. The air is warm already, the day heating up in true LA Summer style, the interior of the car already hot despite it being only 11am. Billie switches on the engine and puts on the air con, reaching up to readjust her hat one last time before pulling out of the driveway and driving off to Bec’s house.

Rebecca was one of Billie’s best and closest friends. They’d met at a pilates class five years ago when Billie had first moved to LA, Bec and her instantly bonding over their love of post-pilates brunches and chilled house music. They’d gotten so close that Bec had asked Billie to be the god-mother of her second child Aubrey when she’d given birth a few years later, Billie basically becoming a piece of furniture in the Danton household since she was there so often.

Billie pulls up to Bec’s house in the hills and steps out of the car, grabbing the bottle of white rum she’d bought yesterday. A warm breeze ruffles her hair as she walks along the giant driveway, the sun heating her skin almost instantly. The door is already unlocked when she gets there, Billie walking straight into the Danton’s enormous sun-filled, hamptons style home.

Almost instantly she’s met with Aubrey’s squeal of excitement, a wide, happy smile on the two year old’s face as she runs down the expansive hallway.

“Hi Aubs!” Billie exclaims, picking up her god-daughter and spinning her around in a bear hug, “I missed you little monkey!”.

Aubrey grins, laughing in that adorable way that only toddlers can, Billie shifting Aubrey to her hip and balancing her bag and the bottle in the other arm. She walks through the expansive house towards the back deck, stopping for a moment when she sees Mason sitting on the living room floor playing playstation.

“Hey bud” Billie says, bending and dropping a loud kiss to his forehead and chuckling when he screws up his face in disgust.

“Eew Aunty Billie!” Mason yells, recoiling and wiping his forehead.

Billie only laughs, pulling a face back at him, smiling when Aubrey giggles and babbles toddler nonsense.

“Hey gorgeous!” Billie exclaims as she steps out onto the back deck overlooking the pool, Bec looking up from where she is currently making mojitos in the outdoor kitchen.

“Bil! You’re here!” she says happily, the thin straps of the aqua blue playsuit she’s wearing making her pilates toned arms look even better.

It always blew Billie’s mind how amazing Bec looked after two children - one of which was only two years old.

Billie whistles, complementing Bec’s outfit as she bends to put Aubrey and the bottle down, Aubrey scampering off towards her mother just as Sloane walks through behind Billie.

“Heya babe, about time you got here”

Sloane was Billie’s other best friend. They’d met at Camp America when Billie had finished university back home and wanted a few months off before starting full time work. They’d bonded instantly at camp being two foreigners - Billie from Australia and Sloane from London, the two becoming inseparable over the Summer. They’d kept in touch over the years, Billie eventually moving to LA to work and Sloane following suit six months later after finishing her paramedicine degree in the UK. Billie had introduced Sloane to Bec when she’d moved, and the three had been close friends ever since.

Like Bec, Sloane also looked incredible - her long ebony hair was loose and straight, hanging like a dark waterfall around her face. She was wearing a mango yellow sun dress that fit her like a glove and contrasted against her porcelain skin, a pair of tan strappy heels on her feet.

Billie and Sloane embrace in a hello before taking a seat on the comfy outdoor lounge, Bec joining a moment later to hand out her mojitos and taking the bottle of rum from Billie. Billie takes a sip and smiles, savouring the fresh taste of rum, lime and mint, relaxing into the lounge and letting out a content sigh. She's been looking forward to today for months.

The girls had bought tickets to see Rufus Du Sol in concert - an Australian music artist famous for deep house music with a chilled vibe. They were one of Billie and Bec’s favourite artists so they'd both jumped at the opportunity to see them live when the event was announced, Sloane just happy to tag along for a girls day out and not really caring who was playing. They'd soon discovered that the event itself was quite exclusive - it was being held at one of LA's premier rooftop venues with only 200 tickets available, tickets that cost more than one of Billie's mortgage repayments. Still they'd decided it was a no brainer, and with five open laptops logging on at the exact time that the ticket sales had opened, they'd managed to score three very expensive tickets.

“What time should we order the uber?” Sloane asks, looking down at her phone having just posted a pouty selfie of her and Billie to instagram.

“It starts at 2 doesn't it?” Bec asks looking down at her diamond encrusted watch, “I checked before, an uber should take about 20 minutes from here. So maybe soon?”.

Billie nods, taking another sip of her drink, just as Ben, Bec’s husband, steps out onto the deck.

“Another round ladies?” he greets with a smile, walking over to give Sloane and Billie a kiss hello before standing behind Bec and giving her shoulders a squeeze.

Billie smiles as Bec looks lovingly up at her husband, watching as he bends to kiss her softly - even after ten years of marriage they still always looked as loved up as ever, permanent adoration etched onto both of their faces whenever they looked at one another.

“Thanks honey” Bec says, Ben winking at her before taking their three glasses and walking over to the outdoor bar to make another round of mojitos.

“Got plans with the kids for the day Ben?” Sloane asks, putting her phone down and looking over at Ben.

“Nah. Maybe a bit of a play in the pool since it's going to be warm” he says as he pops ice blocks into the three glasses, “If I can manage to wrestle Mason from the playstation that is”.

All three girls laugh, Bec lifting her phone to take a group photo as they relax on the lounge together. The air is starting to get hot, the soft breeze turning warm and no longer offering a reprieve from the beating sunshine, Billie taking off her hat to fan herself.

Two more rounds of cocktails later, the girls are appropriately buzzed when Sloane announces that the uber is arriving. Ben scoops up Aubrey as the girls grab their things, each stopping to say goodbye to Ben and the kids as they make their way out of the front door. They pile into the uber, already laughing from their pre-drink mojitos, waving goodbye as the car pulls out of the driveway and drives off towards the city.

---

Glen

Glen Powell leans back on the comfy outdoor lounge, letting out a breath as he savours his tequila and soda. Condensation runs down his hand from his drink, his skin already hot despite sitting in the sun for less than five minutes. He looks around the venue, the white Mediterranean style lounges and umbrellas contrasting perfectly with the cloudless, picture blue sky. What a day it was shaping up to be.

He looks over at his friends - Drew, a long term buddy that he's known from way back when in Austin, and Jay and Greg, two of his co-stars from Top Gun. Miles and his wife Keleigh were also on their way to the gig, arriving soon with a few of their extended friends. Glen smiles to himself, taking in the chilled party atmosphere, nodding his head along to the beat of the deep lounge song that's currently playing in the background. He's been looking forward to today for weeks, keen for an afternoon of sun, friends, drinks and music.

He takes another sip of his drink and looks over at the stage where one of the supporting acts is playing - a DJ whose name he can’t remember, his eyes passing over the random groups of guests and party-goers scattered around the luxurious rooftop venue. A loud laugh catches his ear and he looks over his shoulder towards the sound, noting a group of three girls sitting on a set of lounges a few feet away. He notices one of them, a tall brunette wearing a cream fedora hat, watching her throw her head back as she laughs along with something one of her friends must have said.

“Glen! Hey bud!”

He turns back to his group to see Miles standing in front of him, an instant smile on his face as he stands to embrace his friend. He hasn’t seen Miles since an end of summer party last year, suddenly feeling nostalgic for his absent Top Gun co-stars.

“How are you man?” Miles asks when he pulls away, just as Keleigh, Mile’s wife, steps forward to say hello and kiss Glen’s cheek in greeting.

“Good bud and you? It’s been a while!”.

He’s introduced to a few of their friends - three of Keleigh’s girlfriends and one of their husbands, and soon everyone is perched around the booth and lounges talking, laughing and dancing.

“Drinks guys? What does everyone want?” Glen says as he stands up from his seat, trying his best to remember the numerous orders being shouted before giving up and pulling out his phone to use his notes.

He nods and makes his way towards the bar, typing in Aperol Spritz just as someone steps out in front of him and he’s forced to stop abruptly before he collides with them.

“Oh sorry!” a female voice says, Glen looking up in time to a girl smiling back at him, her hands held up in apology as she balances against the lounge she’d been previously sitting on.

“All good darlin’” Glen says reflexively, returning her smile and gesturing for her to pass in front of him, “After you”.

Her smile grows wider and it takes Glen half a second to realise that it’s the girl he’d looked over at before - the brunette with the fedora hat, and another half second to process that she’s absolutely fucking stunning. He’s momentarily taken aback by her smile - pouty lips stretched wide and showing perfect white teeth, barely hearing her thank you as he watches her pass in front of him and make her way to the bar.

He can’t help but look her over as she walks, his gaze trailing over toned, muscled legs and what can only be a round, curvy ass hidden underneath her white shorts. Long chocolate brown waves cascade down her shoulders beneath her hat, her hair swishing just enough to reveal a large tattoo of what looks to be a collection of patterned flowers in the centre of her upper back. Glen barely registers that he’s been blatantly checking her out until he reaches the queues at the bar, stepping to the line on the left so that they’re standing side by side.

He looks down at his phone again going over his group’s drink orders, movement in his peripheral vision making him look back up to see the girl taking off her hat and fanning herself with it. The air is hot now, the afternoon sun relentless as it beats down, Glen thankful he’d chosen a light linen shirt to wear as he feels the beginnings of sweat form at the back of his neck.

The line moves and Glen steps forward, reaching up to adjust his sunglasses as the girl moves up beside him, still fanning herself with her hat. The strong scent of something sweet and vaguely coconut-y suddenly hits him, Glen glancing down at her and realising it’s her perfume. He watches from the side as she reaches up to put her hat back on, unable to help his smile as he sees her start to sway to the beat of the song that’s currently playing.

The line moves again and suddenly it’s their turn, Glen stepping towards the bar as the bartender calls ‘next’ and glances at the two of them. The girl points to him and he shakes his head no, putting his elbows on the bar and gesturing back to her.

“Ladies first”

She smiles at him again and Glen forgets how to form words for a moment, instead only nodding when she says thank you and listening as she orders three mojitos. He hears an accent that he can’t quite place, too caught up in the sight of her to really think it through, eyes running over her smooth, tanned skin and the tease of just-visible cleavage beneath her square necked crop top.

Three mojitos appear on the bar a moment later, fresh mint leaves tangled with ice in the clear bubbly liquid, Glen watching as the girl groups the cups and picks them up with both hands. She turns to him beside her, smiling back at him from behind her gold aviator sunglasses in a way that makes him forget his own name for a second, ice clinking against the plastic cups.

Glen sucks in a silent breath, feeling his chest expand as he looks at her properly. Jesus.

“Thanks. Again” the girl says, nodding her head as she smiles softly, Glen doing the same and steeling himself so he doesn’t stammer his words.

“You’re welcome darlin’”

Her grin grows wider and soon she’s walking away from the bar, Glen unable to stop himself from checking her out as she walks and thinking for the fifth time in five minutes how fucking gorgeous she is. He notices two guys at the back of the line watching her also, unable to blame them for staring - not when she had an ass and legs that looked like that.

Glen hears the bartender call to him, turning back around and pulling up the list on his phone to order. Minutes later his drinks are ready, picking up the tray laden with plastic cups and doing his best to stop them from spilling as he makes his way back over to his group. Across the way he sees the girl from before now sitting on a lounge and laughing with her two girlfriends, tipping his head when he sees her look over at him. Drink in hand, she offers a small, innocent smile in response, Glen sucking in a heavy breath and wondering if she has any fucking idea of the effect she is having on him. He tears his eyes away and walks back over to his friends, a small part of his brain completely preoccupied with thoughts of the gorgeous girl sitting only a few feet away from him.

---

Billie

“I swear I've seen that guy before” Sloane says, sipping her mojito and bopping away to the beat of the music in her seat, “I can’t work out where though”.

Bec frowns and looks over at the group where the hot guy had gone to, shrugging her shoulders. “Maybe you rescued him once?”

Sloane shakes her head no.

“Either way, he was super cute and Bil you should go talk to him”.

Billie laughs and flicks a stray hair from her face, “I'm here to drink and dance with you two, not find a man”.

Sloane and Bec both scoff.

“Oh Bil shut up, when has that ever stopped you before? Men are like flies to honey around you” Sloane remarks, looking over at Bec for support and raises her hand in thanks when she nods fervently in agreement.

Billie only rolls her eyes and laughs at her two friends, taking another long sip of drink and savouring the cold liquid. She reaches up to readjust her hat, feeling her face become glowy from sweat. Her whole body feels warm, the sun beating down on her skin, the dry breeze only making it hotter on the rooftop area.

The music is starting to pick up, the bass getting heavier in the air, and Billie isn't sure if it's the alcohol, the fact that she's out with friends or just a combination of being out in the sun with her girlfriends at a gig that has her flustered and dancing in her seat. She takes out her phone and snaps a quick selfie with the girls, uploading the picture to instagram just as it’s announced that the main act is about to come on stage. A collective cheer is heard throughout the venue, Billie grinning and taking a long drink before gesturing to her friends towards the dance area.

“Come on ladies, time for a dance!” she announces standing up and teetering on her heels, pulling on Sloane’s arm and dragging her two friends out of their seats.

They make their way to the centre of the rooftop where the stage is positioned, finding a space among the growing crowd of party goers. There’s an eclectic mix of guests around them, everyone seemingly swaying to the beat with a drink or two in hand, the crowd starting to dance and cheer as the opening song is played. Bec lets out a whoop and soon the three girls are laughing and singing in their own little world, Billie swinging her hips and throwing her arms in the air.

The sun is shining down with a vengeance now, the afternoon heat dry and the air almost thick, the growing crowd of people doing nothing to offer any kind of relief from the warmth. If Billie wasn’t several drinks down she’d have been a little more concerned about the possibility of being sun burnt and ensuring she stays hydrated, but her mojito-tinged brain has other ideas. Sloane throws her arms in the air, Bec dropping her head back and singing as loud as she can, Billie grinning at her two friends as she sways and jumps to the heavy, pulsing beat. She can’t remember the last time she’d felt so free and had this much fun, closing her eyes and savouring every moment of the present around her.

Three songs later, Billie announces that it’s time for another round, shouting as much in Bec’s ear over the heavy pulse of the music. Bec tells her that they’ll stay where they are, Billie taking off her hat and fanning her heated face as she makes her way towards the bar. It’s not until she arrives at the small queue that she notices the guy from before ahead of her, unable to help herself from looking him over as she fans herself.

He has medium length sandy brown hair that is pushed back in a messy slick look, a bone coloured linen shirt draped over what is undoubtedly a very muscled set of shoulders. His forearms are thick and muscled, a tan and gold expensive looking watch sitting snugly on his left wrist. She’s standing close enough that she can smell his cologne - something spicy and earthy with a hint of delicious warmth, letting out a breath and reaching up to run her fingers through her long hair.

As if he’s aware that there’s someone behind him, Billie watches as the guy suddenly looks over his shoulder - perhaps over to where his friends are, his gaze instead catching sight of her in a double take. In an instant she’s met with a gorgeous, effortlessly handsome grin that makes her breath catch in her throat, her cheeks instantly heating in a way that she knows has nothing to do with the afternoon heat.

Fuck.

“Another round?” he asks her, a Texan lilt to his voice that makes Billie swoon internally, a toothpick resting between his lips.

“Gotta deal with this heat somehow” Billie replies with a smile, holding up one hand in a shrug and still fanning her hat with the other.

The line moves forward and they both step forward, Billie moving to stand in the empty space beside the handsome stranger. The music is still pumping, the deep bass heavy in the air, Billie teetering on her heels and dancing on the spot. The girl behind the bar calls next and the hot guy gestures to Billie, but she shakes her head no and offers for him to move instead.

“No no, you were definitely here first” Billie counters, watching as he shakes his head defiantly.

“Ladies first remember?”

Billie laughs now, shaking her head as she smiles, knowing that she isn't going to win this battle even if she tries.

Begrudgingly she steps forward and orders, this time asking for four drinks instead of three. A mojito each for her and the girls, and a tequila and soda for her mystery gentleman. She puts her hat back on and rests her elbows on the bartop, feeling his eyes on her beside her as she bounces on the spot to the music.

“So are all boys from Texas this polite, or is it just you?” Billie asks suddenly, turning to look at him over her shoulder and tilting her head.

Now that she’s looking at him front on, she can’t help but check him out behind her sunglasses. Her eyes follow the neckline of his linen shirt - unbuttoned enough to show off the planes of his sun-kissed, muscled chest, but high enough to hide what Billie knows has to be a toned, defined torso. His jawline is strong and chiselled, covered with a short layer of few-day-old, golden brown stubble, a patch of sandy brown chest hair just visible at the base of his neck.

When he chuckles and smiles back at her - the toothpick resting between his perfect white teeth, Billie momentarily loses her train of thought.

“As much as I'd like to defend us all, I have to give my mama credit for that one”

Billie laughs, turning briefly to the bartender when one of her drinks is up, picking up the plastic cup and handing it to the guy.

He looks back at her questioningly, taking the drink from her when she nods, taking the toothpick from his lips and lifting the cup to take a sip. A look of surprise appears on his face as he swallows, his eyebrows raising in a mixture of amusement and confusion. In that moment Billie can't help her confident smile, knowing she's picked the right drink without him even saying anything.

“Tequila and soda? What makes you think this is my drink?”

Billie shrugs nonchalantly, her lips still parted in a smile, looking back at him from behind her sunglasses.

“Well, with a chest like that there’s no way you’re drinking beers” Billie reasons in a flirtatious voice, nodding at his muscled chest and feeling her smile grow when his eyebrows rise again, “Even though you’d probably love to be drinking a beer right now. True?”

He lets out a laugh though doesn’t say anything, regarding her with an impressed smile and tapping his fingers against the plastic cup.

“Besides” she says, turning back to the bar briefly and saying her thanks when the three mojitos are up, “Your Texan accent is hard to miss and tequila is basically the state drink isn’t it?”.

He laughs then, loud and throaty and in an instant Billie decides it’s the best sound she’s heard all day, gathering her three drinks and turning back to face him.

“Thanks for this” he says to her with another grin that threatens to make her knees weak, holding up his cup as if to cheers to her before taking another drink.

Billie flashes her best smile in return, pausing in front of him before she heads back to the girls.

“Might see you later for another round”.

The mystery man grins again - another effortlessly charming, utterly handsome smile that makes her want to melt into a puddle on the floor, tipping his head to her.

“You can count on it”.

She tears herself away before she can internally swoon over him any longer, forcing herself not to look back at him even though she knows he’s definitely watching her. It takes her a second to realise that she’s intentionally swinging her hips in a way that has nothing to do with the music, unconsciously giving the guy her best view from behind as she walks away from him at the bar.

A hot breeze blows by and Billie has to blow a stray hair from her face, pausing at the edge of the scattered lounges at the side of the stage to locate the girls. She sees Bec and Sloane dancing away a little further into the crowd, Sloane’s mango yellow dress like a bright beacon among the sea of moving bodies.

“And what pray tell, are you smiling at?” Bec asks as Billie returns to the group, bopping away to the beat of the song that’s pulsing in the air.

Billie grins sheepishly, handing off the drinks to each of the girls before taking a long, much needed sip herself. To say she felt hot was an understatement, a thin sheen of sweat threatening to form on her forehead beneath the multiple layers of setting powder she’d applied this morning.

“That guy from before, he was with me in the line again” Billie explains after she swallows, crunching down on an ice cube, “He’s really fucking cute”.

“Oh I could not agree more” Sloane remarks, turning to look over at the bar and letting out a low whistling sound.

Billie looks over at her friend and follows her eye line, finding her mystery guy walking back to his group with his drinks in hand, seemingly oblivious to his new private audience. Billie sucks in a breath as she watches him, suddenly desperate for another sip of her drink.

Fuck.

Cute, was not nearly a good enough word to describe him.

Billie takes a long drink and turns back to the stage, throwing her hands into the air and dancing along to the beat. She feels free and happy, without a care in the world, deciding that today was quickly shaping up to be one of the best days she’s had in the longest time. The low, chilled beat of the music feels like it’s echoing across the rooftop, the crowd singing along in unison in the best way that only ever happened at concerts. The afternoon sun is starting to lower now, the sunshine still hot and the air still more than warm, the faintest of breezes only just detectable across the writhing crowd.

A shriek from Sloane suddenly jolts Billie from her daydreaming dance trance, Billie and Bec both turning to face their friend, alarm on both their faces.

“Slo what the fuck?” Billie shouts over the noise, simultaneously frowning and laughing at her friend.

“That’s Miles Teller over there” she explains with wide eyes, gesturing with her head so as not to attract too much attention, Billie and Bec both glancing over in the direction. “Pretty sure that’s his wife too. Katie? Keleigh? Something like that?”.

Billie’s own eyes widen when she realises Sloane is right - it’s him alright, minus the Goose moustache he’d all but made famous again last year. They’d all simultaneously swooned over Miles Teller when the Top Gun movie had come out in cinemas, as did seemingly every other female in the world.

“I mean with how much we paid for these tickets, there was bound to be celebrities here” Billie yells over the music, turning back to face the stage and taking another long sip of her drink.

Billie can’t help but smile. She remembered the way she’d nearly freaked out the first time she’d seen a celebrity not long after moving to LA. She’d been out for brunch after a particularly brutal pilates session, grabbing a bite because she was sure she was going to pass out from lack of energy and not make it back home, when she’d looked up from her omelete and seen Chris Pine getting a coffee only a few feet from her. It had taken everything she had not to make an audible sound of surprise, doing her best not to openly stare at the guy she’d only ever seen on a screen before.

“Wait, Bil!”

Billie turns back around when she feels Sloane’s grip on her arm, her friend suddenly shaking her violently and making even Bec stop dancing.

“That guy? Your hot guy that I said looks so familiar?” she adds, eyes once again wide as she looks at Billie and Bec and back again.

Bec is frowning now, unsure what the hell is going on, looking from Billie and Sloane over to where the guy is standing with his group of friends.

“What are you talking about Sloane?”

Billie shakes her head still confused, Sloane’s entire expression transforming as her lips part in a wide, incredulous smile.

“The reason he looks so familiar, is because he’s the other hot guy from Top Gun. Glen Powell!”.

Next Chapter

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jackiequick · 1 month

Text

Since every day and everything has felt this right / Marvel OC

A/N: I did say I wanna do Lana next, didn't I? Who’s else guys haha

Click here to see the one played by Colin

Angles Castillo Hill 🗒️

Name: Angela Genevieve Castillo Hill

Alias/Nicknames: Angles, Angie, Gigi, Lina

Age: 32-37 years old

Birthday: July 16th

Height: 5'5"

Appearance: Angela has short dark brown hair, light tan skin, and striking eyes that seem to light up when she smiles. She exudes confidence and style, often seen wearing business casual attire with a touch of edginess, such as leather jackets, heeled boots, and statement accessories. She favors neutral colors like browns, grays, blacks, dark reds, and navy blues.

Personality: Angela is charismatic, compassionate, adventurous, cautious, and determined. She possesses a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor, using laughter as a coping mechanism during tough times. Despite her cautious nature, Angela can be impulsive under pressure, sometimes throwing caution to the wind and acting on instinct. Her eyes are her most powerful asset, often speaking volumes even when she remains silent.

Background:

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Angela's parents were living there for a short while, but she was actually born and raised in the United States.

Her father was Latino, and her mother was Dutch. Despite her international upbringing, Angela spent the majority of her formative years in the United States, where her family eventually settled.

Angela is the younger cousin of Maria Hill, a high-ranking agent within S.H.I.E.L.D. Despite their differing personalities, Angela and Maria share a strong familial bond, characterized by affection, rivalry, and camaraderie.

Angela's dynamic with Maria involves playful banter and occasional disagreements, but underneath it all, there's a deep-seated bond and mutual respect. Their contrasting personalities often lead to humorous exchanges, with Angela teasing Maria about being too bossy and Maria rolling her eyes at Angela's impulsiveness.

As she grew older, Angela found herself drawn to the world of espionage and covert operations. Inspired by the tales of daring agents and heroic deeds, she set her sights on joining the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D., a prestigious organization known for its dedication to protecting the world from various threats.

After years of rigorous training and preparation, Angela achieved her goal and became a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, specializing in intelligence gathering and undercover missions. Her natural charisma and sharp wit quickly earned her the respect of her peers, while her unwavering determination and courage set her apart as a rising star within the organization.

However, Angela's journey has not been without its challenges. Along the way, she has faced betrayal, manipulation, and moments of self-doubt, each obstacle serving to test her resolve and strengthen her character. Yet through it all, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to serving the greater good, determined to make a difference in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

As Angela continues to navigate the complexities of her profession and the ever-shifting landscape of international intrigue, one thing remains certain: her unwavering dedication to the principles of justice, integrity, and compassion will guide her every step of the way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Skills:

Hand-to-hand combat: Angela is proficient in various martial arts techniques and is skilled in close-quarters combat.

Marksmanship: Angela is an expert marksman, proficient in the use of firearms and ranged weapons.

Espionage: Angela is adept at gathering intelligence, infiltration, and undercover operations.

Hobbies/Interests:

Travel: Angela loves exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.

Reading: Angela is an avid reader, with a particular fondness for mystery novels and thrillers.

Cooking: Angela enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and is especially skilled at making lasagna, a dish she learned to cook from her Dutch mother.

~~~~~~

Motherly: Despite her adventurous nature, Angela possesses a nurturing side, especially towards younger or less experienced members of her team. Her protective instincts and caring demeanor make her a natural mentor figure, providing guidance and support to those who need it most. However, she can be sharp and take risks to push them into seeing their weaknesses and strengths, a trait she inherited from her cousin Maria Hill.

Having grown up with an interesting family dynamic, she believes everyone deserves a helping hand and to be taken care of, even if it means bandaging up a wound, having someone to listen, or a shoulder to cry on. She will not hesitate to call the shots and order someone to clean up a wound or check up on another teammate, not caring if the person hesitates, she wants it done.

Dark Side:

Despite Angela's intelligence, fierceness, and compassion, she struggles with self-doubt and has a tendency to think poorly of herself.

She has been manipulated by others in the past, leading her to take actions and trust the wrong people based on false beliefs.

Angela has experienced mind control firsthand, being manipulated by antagonists to do their bidding and see a darker side of herself that she never knew existed.

On one occasion, she was affected by an element that temporarily gave her powers, leading her to unintentionally cause chaos and harm. This experience left her traumatized and wary of mind control, causing her to question her own abilities and morality.

Angela's vulnerability during such situations often leads her to lock herself behind closed doors, questioning how she could allow herself to be used for dark tasks and causing her to cry as she struggles with feelings of guilt and self-blame.

Dynamic with Maria Hill:

Angela shares a close familial bond with her cousin Maria Hill, a high-ranking agent within S.H.I.E.L.D.

Despite their differing personalities, Angela and Maria have a strong bond characterized by affection, rivalry, and camaraderie.

They often engage in playful banter and occasional disagreements, but underneath it all, there is a deep-seated bond and mutual respect between them.

Like Maria can be like, "I do not hate you, Angie. It's just, you kind of get on my nerves, but I do like you around."

Meanwhile Angela smiles and replies, "That's a start. I don't hate you either, but you're just kinda bossy."

~~~~~

Dating life: Angie is single but has gone on a couple of dates with men and women before. Typically, a friend sets her up with someone else because they know she is a homebody and would rather not leave her home. But she never really found out what she really wants in a partner because she doesn't know how to handle a relationship per say, however she is open to trying out a date or so.

Goals, Personal Challenges, and Aspirations:

Despite facing numerous personal challenges and grappling with self-doubt, Angela remains resilient and determined to forge her own path.

Initially uncertain about her career as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Angela contemplated changing careers within the organization, questioning her aspirations and place within the agency.

While her goal is to continue serving as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent whenever possible, Angela harbors a desire for something more. She originally dreamed of becoming a teacher, a profession she still holds in high regard.

Angela occasionally wonders how her cousin Maria perceives her, especially given the trouble she finds herself in at times. Despite these doubts, Angela recognizes that life is unpredictable and constantly changing, which motivates her to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Similar to Clint Barton, Angela enjoys her life and the unique position she holds within S.H.I.E.L.D., but she also yearns for a life beyond the organization. She dreams of exploring her hobbies of traveling, cooking, and acquiring new skills. She envisions living off the grid someday, immersing herself in nature and finding peace away from the chaos of the world.

Angela contemplates the idea of starting a family of her own one day, but she remains uncertain if she's ready for that level of commitment or if she can find the time to balance it with her career and personal aspirations.

Meaningful Objects and Symbolism:

Angela treasures two significant items: a 'C' necklace and a half moon bracelet, both of which were gifts she received during a small trip to Latin America when she was 12 years old. These items hold sentimental value for her, serving as reminders of cherished memories from her childhood and connections to her cultural heritage.

Additionally, Angela has adorned herself with tattoos that hold personal symbolism and meaning. Each tattoo represents significant moments or experiences from her past, serving as a visual reminder of the challenges she has overcome and the person she has become as a result.

Quirks and Habits:

Angela has several unique quirks and habits that set her apart. When feeling anxious, she often chips her nail polish absentmindedly, a telltale sign of her inner turmoil.

During meetings or situations where she's required to stay in one place for an extended period, Angela copes by rubbing her thumb and middle finger together, a subtle but effective way to manage her restlessness.

When annoyed or only half paying attention, Angela has a tendency to hold back a roll of her eyes or respond with a nonchalant hum, conveying her frustration without outright confrontation.

While listening intently to someone, Angela frequently furrows her eyebrows and cutely pouts her lips, a subtle yet endearing expression that reflects her focused attention and thoughtful demeanor.

Relationships with Other Marvel Characters:

Over the months and short term years, Angela has had numerous encounters with members of the Avengers, including Steve Rogers (Captain America), Tony Stark (Iron Man), and Thor. These interactions have exposed her to different perspectives and ideologies, shaping her understanding of the world and her role within it.

Angela made her first appearance in Iron Man 2, where she assisted in shadowing Black Widow while the redhead was undercover as Tony Stark's assistant. This experience introduced her to the world of high-stakes espionage and collaboration with iconic heroes.

She later appeared in Thor (2011) as one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stationed in New Mexico during Thor's arrival on Earth. Her involvement in this mission further solidified her role within the organization and her interactions with Asgardian beings.

Angela has also crossed paths with the Young Avengers and future S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, who have challenged her own values and beliefs. These encounters have forced her to confront her own ideals and reconsider her place in the world, as she navigates the complexities of heroism and duty.

Each interaction with these Marvel characters has provided Angela with new insights and perspectives on topics of interest, broadening her horizons and shaping her identity as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and as an individual.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay that's what I got! Like always, I might add more later on to her character but this is the product we have now. 🗂️ Tell me what do you think about her in the comments below!

Remember to, like, share and reblog for more! 🖇️ Tags: @gaminggirlsstuff @gcthvile @missstrawbs2001 @rooster-84 @djs8891 @starkleila @cherrysft @mandylove1000 @yetanotherwells @topgun-imagines @hardballoonlove @buckysteveloki-me @sherloquestea @nakiaswg @carellmcu @ximehs @sofia-falcon and etc

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greatwyrmgold · 2 years

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Superheroes are an established genre these days, but they (obviously) weren’t when Marvel, DC, etc were starting out. This means that they have one thing that most modern superhero settings don’t: Unique origin stories for each member of the cast. Superman is an alien, Wonder Woman is an Amazon, the Green Lantern found a ring, the Flash got stuck in a lab accident, Batman is rich and stubborn; together, They Fight Crime!

Contrast that with more recent superhero stories. In My Hero Academia, every hero and villain has a Quirk. In Worm and Ward, every cape is a parahuman. In Steelheart and its sequels, the Epics are all…it’s kinda like Worm, if it called its villains Epics and didn’t have any heroes or general term for “superpowered human”. In Kamen Rider and Big Hero Six (among others), everyone’s powers come from science. In Miraculous Ladybug, Steven Universe, and other series on the border between superhero and either magical girl or urban fantasy, it’s all magic. And so on.

That’s an interesting shift to look at.

Obviously, not all modern superhero stories fit this formula. Some, like Mutants & Masterminds, Sentinels of the Multiverse, and Dreadnought/Sovereign, give unique origin stories to every superpowered or Badass Normal member of the cast; aliens, rich inventors, and super-soldiers stand side by side with witches, martial artists, and people whose powers’ origin aren’t really explained.

But these are all deliberate throwbacks; Dreadnought and Sovereign are trying to give trans kids the same kind of power fantasy cis ones get from reading Spider-Man or Wonder Woman, Mutants & Masterminds is an RPG for playing classic-style superhero stories, and Sentinels of the Multiverse has a whole metafictional layer of fictional comic books and pubishing history behind its cards.

There are some kitchen-sink-origin stories which aren’t so obviously “just” riffing on classic superhero stories one way or another. One Punch Man is the example that comes to mind first for me; a lot of its monsters are eventually revealed to have a common origin, and most of its heroes are “just” Badass Normals, but it still has some espers, oracles, cyborgs, aliens, mad scientists, and so forth. And then there are series like Dragon Ball, which TV Tropes insists is a superhero story so don’t @ me, which is just set in a goofy world where anything goes because the author cares less about series continuity than dumb jokes. But by and large, the rule is that superpeople in recent media share an origin story with everyone else in their setting.

And a lot of the time—especially in non-serialized media—that origin isn’t really discussed. Sky High, for all its accidental eugenicsy/fascy undertones and general mediocrity, is a pretty good example I can trust at least some of y’all to know about. Superpowers are just a fact of life, and that’s all anyone needs to know before we launch into our story about how a random dude with no powers becomes the greatest hero (by inheriting both of his parents’ powers at plot-convenient moments). There are a couple off-hand mentions of toxic waste sometimes giving people superpowers, but this is both a joke and exceedingly uncommon in-universe. Superpowers have one origin, and it’s genetic.

Putting aside how Sky High handled that setting element, it serves as a decent template for how superpowers work in everything from The Incredibles to Strong Female Protagonist to Worm to My Hero Academia to Aberrant to Wild Cards to the Milestone Comics universe to—you get the idea. People have superpowers, for reasons that may be explained in detail, or handwaved with something about genetics, or just ignored. These powers, or at least the status of having powers,are almost always heritable to some extent; when they aren’t, the superpowers are usually a recent phenomenon. Different superpowers are as unique as they are in kitchen-sink universes, each following their own internal logic, but they might share some common weaknesses (e.g. can all be “turned off” by the same kind of power nullification cuffs/field/power). And so on.

It’s rare for these rules to be stated explicitly, except in stories that try to get detailed about how their power system works (hiya, Worm!) It’s just accepted that, for instance, everyone’s powers are different yet the same; we know that’s how superhero stories work, so we accept it. Which would be normal genre stuff, if it wasn’t for the fact that there are a lot of high-profile superhero stories which don’t work that way! Anything that falls under the Marvel and DC umbrellas, for instance. Some rules apply to individual heroes—for instance, we can expect the kids of Superman, Zatanna, and Batman to inherit at least some of their parent’s powers—but they don’t apply to everyone and can’t be assumed.

That said, I’m pretty sure the genesis of this “standard superhero ruleset” comes from Marvel, specifically the X-Men. Marvel mutants all have a common, handwavey origin, with shared weaknesses (anything that removes or suppresses mutant abilities), but each mutant has their own unique powers. And so on. Aside from existing in a kitchen-sink universe, with lots of weird one-off power sources and the like, it’s just like the modern superpower system I’ve been describing.

I dunno if this is meaningful or anything, but I think it’s interesting, and I hope some other people do too. If you’ve read this far and you’re not one of them…I’m sorry.

#meta #superheroes #supervillain #superpowers #random thoughts

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kunal20feb · 2 months

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7 Benefits Of Having Modular Kitchen

Originally Posted On:- https://www.regalokitchens.com/7-benefits-of-having-modular-kitchen.php

A modular kitchen brings a perfect blend of style, functionality, and convenience to modern living spaces. It meets the various needs of homeowners with a plethora of benefits thanks to its creative design and adaptable features. Families congregate there, where culinary magic occurs, and where memories are made. With the advent of modernity, the concept of kitchens has evolved from mere cooking spaces to luxurious hubs of functionality and style. Regalo Kitchens is the name that sticks out as the best choice among the plethora of options accessible. Let's discover how Regalo Kitchens can turn your house into a stylish and functional retreat as we dive into the realm of quality kitchen design.

Understanding Modular Kitchens

Before we embark on our journey into the realm of premium modular kitchen, it's essential to grasp the concept itself. Modular kitchen is a contemporary approach to kitchen design, characterized by pre-made cabinet parts, often made of diversified materials like wood, steel, or laminate. After that, these parts are put together methodically to form a smooth and useful kitchen area. Because of its customizable modular design, it can fit in any type of home, independent of size or layout.

Advantages of Modular Kitchens

Space Optimization:

A modular kitchen's careful attention to detail ensures that every inch of available space is used. Every available space is used effectively, from ergonomic layouts to creative storage options.

Aesthetic Appeal:

Modern finishes and streamlined designs provide modular kitchens a sophisticated touch to any type of interior design. The space's overall visual attractiveness is enhanced by the appliances' smooth integration and clean lines.

Durability and Quality:

Premium kitchens are crafted using high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and durability. From sturdy cabinets to robust hardware, every component is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.

Ease of Installation:

Modular kitchens may be constructed swiftly and with the least amount of disturbance, in contrast to traditional kitchens, which need substantial building work. Modern homeowners will find the design excellent because it is modular and can be quickly assembled.

Introducing Regalo Kitchens: Redefining Luxury and Functionality

Amidst the plethora of options available in the market, Regalo Kitchens emerges as a beacon of excellence, setting new standards in luxury and functionality. Regalo Kitchens is the top option for discriminating homeowners looking for unmatched quality and design because of its unwavering dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship

Regalo kitchens are built with the highest quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Expert artisans painstakingly craft each component, utilizing the best materials available worldwide. Every component, from high-end wood treatments to cutting-edge hardware, is made to radiate sophistication and elegance.

Customization Options

Regalo Kitchens understands that every homeowner has unique preferences and requirements. That's why they offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your modular kitchen to suit your individual taste and lifestyle. Regalo Kitchens offers the know-how to realize your idea, whether it's a traditional rustic style or a modern minimalist kitchen design.

Innovative Solutions

Innovation lies at the core of Regalo Kitchens' philosophy. Their team of designers and engineers are constantly pushing the boundaries of modular kitchen design, introducing innovative solutions to enhance functionality and convenience. Regalo Kitchens uses cutting-edge technology, from integrated appliances to smart storage options, to simplify your cooking experience.

Exceptional Service

Regalo Kitchens takes great pride in providing each and every customer with outstanding service, in addition to quality craftsmanship and creative design. From the first consultation to the last installation, their team of professionals is committed to making sure that everything goes smoothly and without any hassles. With Regalo Kitchens, you can rest assured that your dream kitchen is in capable hands.

Transforming Your Home

A kitchen is more than just a space for cooking – it's the heart and soul of your home. With Regalo Kitchens, you have the opportunity to transform your kitchen into a luxurious haven that reflects your style and personality. Whether you're renovating your existing space or building a new home, Regalo Kitchens offers the perfect blend of elegance, functionality, and durability.

Elevate Your Lifestyle

Imagine waking up to a kitchen that enhances your lifestyle and stimulates your culinary imagination. Every minute you spend in your kitchen becomes enjoyable when you have Regalo Kitchens. Your kitchen becomes the focal point of your house, reflecting the coziness and friendliness that characterize your family, whether you're cooking gourmet dinners or throwing small parties.

Investment in Quality

Choosing a high-end modular kitchen from Regalo Kitchens is an investment in craftsmanship and quality that will pay you for many years to come. Unlike traditional kitchens that require frequent maintenance and repairs, Regalo Kitchens are built to last, ensuring peace of mind and long-term value for your home.

Unleash Your Creativity

With Regalo Kitchens, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a master chef or a culinary novice, your kitchen becomes a canvas for creativity and expression. Create enduring memories with loved ones, try out new recipes, and host elegant parties all inside the opulent space of your custom Regalo kitchens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and a premium modular kitchen from Regalo Kitchens has the power to transform it into a sanctuary of style and functionality. Regalo Kitchens is the industry leader in luxury kitchen design thanks to its unmatched craftsmanship, creative design concepts, and first-rate customer service. Therefore, instead of settling for ordinary, why not engage in extraordinary? Upgrade your house with Regalo Kitchens to live in the height of luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the advantages of modular kitchens?

Space efficiency, visual attractiveness, durability, and convenience of installation are just a few benefits of modular kitchens. Due to its adaptable design, homeowners can customize their kitchens to fit their unique tastes and way of life.

2. How long does it take to install a kitchen?

The installation time for a kitchen depends on various factors such as the size of the kitchen, complexity of the design, and any additional customization requirements. However, compared to traditional kitchens, kitchens typically have shorter installation times due to their pre-fabricated components.

3. Is modular kitchen suitable for all types of homes?

Yes, modular kitchen is highly versatile and can be customized to fit into a wide range of home layouts and sizes. Living in a large villa or a little apartment, kitchens provide versatility and utility without sacrificing design.

4. Can I upgrade or modify my modular kitchen in the future?

The versatility and adaptability of kitchens is one of their main benefits. In the future, you may easily upgrade or change your modular kitchen to meet evolving demands or design preferences. It is possible to add more cabinets, accessories, and appliances while maintaining the current arrangement.

5. Are modular kitchens easy to maintain?

Yes, modular kitchens are designed for ease of maintenance. The materials selected for kitchen construction are long-lasting and resistant to deterioration. Maintaining a spotless kitchen for many years to come can be achieved with routine cleaning and infrequent maintenance inspections.

#best kitchen #kitchendesign #kitchen #modular kitchen #kitchen design #modular kitchen design #modularkitchen

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idontwanttospoiltheparty · 1 year

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for writing prompts, I've always been a sucker for character studies, and I thought the contrast between John's very reserved routine where he was just cooped up in Kenwood vs. Paul's "king of swinging london" lifestyle post-touring years was very influential in their dynamics later on (think this was discussed in the Rob Sheffield ep. of AKOM), and dunno if it's your preferred kind of writing style - but I always loved the inner voices you gave each of them in ILTY, so would love your take on it!

inspired by you calling Paul a king instead of prince, which is the word I've seen more often :) this didn't end up being about their dynamic exactly and I went sort of off the rails in terms of style lol, but I hope you still enjoy <3

Diarchy ~1.1k words

(from Greek δι-, di-, "double", and -αρχία, -arkhía, "ruled")

“One day, you four will be bigger than Elvis,” Brian told them.

John can still recall Paul’s chuckle.

“Sir, that’s very kind of you and we are sort of brilliant, but no need for false flattery.”

Brian Epstein, immediately taken with Macca’s charm, which the leather trousers and greased hair only superficially concealed, broke into a smile.

“Believe me, I am not in the business of false flattery.” Then he locked eyes with John, with a stare so disarming it reaches across time and space and sends shivers down his spine right now, as he lies in bed, searching for motivation to get up.

Bigger than the King — every day, it’s getting harder to deny it, John realizes, as he pulls the covers up to his chin. Only, at some point, perhaps when he came face-to-face with Elvis himself, all of it – the money, the recognition, the power – became meaningless to him. Now, all he feels is the unimaginable weight of the crown, pulling him down and tightening around his brain, the burden of his medals squeezing his heart and making it ever more difficult to breathe.

Christ, does he want a cigarette right now.

Once again, his stubborn laziness has been defeated by a debilitating craving. John crawls off the king-sized mattress, so large that some nights he isn’t sure Cyn actually shares it with him. After putting on his glasses, he dons a dressing gown, which hangs off his shoulders like a royal mantle.

He is like Louis XIV, he thinks, slowly walking down the steps of Kenwood. He’s been reading a lot of history books lately, one of the only activities he still seems to enjoy, and the parallels haunt him. Here he is, in his closed-off palace, sequestered away from the capital and, whether intentionally or not, from life itself.

Here comes the Sun King, he thinks, floating into the kitchen, where Cyn sits at the table.

He is like Henry VIII, he thinks, rather off-handedly at first, simply in-keeping with the theme of over-indulgent regents — before falling into a minor spiral over what this comparison means for his current marriage.

He may have a son, but he is more and more becoming convinced that what he needs, his wife cannot provide.

He is like King Solomon, glued to his throne and writing his songs; apparently an authority on love and God even, appointed by birth, that is to say, by rotten luck. People come to him, seeking his wisdom, for they have dubbed him “the Smart One”, even whilst he spoils his sense of self, dropping acid and hallucinating three hundred concubines.

He is like Tutankhamun, the fallen Pharaoh; doomed young, buried in gold and treasure, the mask he wears remembered in lieu of his actual face.

How he longs for someone to finally open his crypt; how he fears for whomever might stumble upon it and suffer his curse.

* * *

Bigger than Jesus, Paul thinks, stepping through the gate at Cavendish Avenue. He doesn’t know why John’s misquoted words are in his head at this hour. It is so late that the street lanterns are dark and not a single fan is there to greet him.

As he comes down from the various highs of the evening – the party, the art, the coke – he finds himself contemplating the comparative.

“You’ve really gone and done it this time, haven’t you, John?” he remembers saying, his best friend half-smirking at him, in an attempt to cover up his profound fear of the disaster he had caused.

“Didn’t say ‘bigger’, did I? Wouldn’t’ve been wrong, though, if I had…”

Paul, unable to keep up his frustration for long, smiled.

“And what does that make us, then?”

John’s eyes glinted.

“Kings of King of kings.”

It’s overwhelming, Paul thinks, entering his quiet townhouse, while remembering his wild night — the celebrations may end, but the music playing in his head never does. Most moments, he is thankful for it, drinking up experiences and ideas alongside the free-flowing booze, but some dark minutes like this one, he wishes for peace; the kind he found so easily as a child, content to daydream on the back seat of a bus.

Everyone wants to speak with him now, everyone wants his consideration and stamp of approval, but the worst part: Paul wants everything, too. He’s not sure when it happened, but there is a looming sense that he’s walked past some point of no return, and he now feels a hunger inside him that will never be quelled.

Paul shakes the rain off his umbrella then hangs it up on his mahogany coat hanger, lifting it as if it were a sceptre. In the dim light, his silk shirt gleams like battle armour, like the glistening personality he has learned to put on when surrounded by crowds.

He is like King Arthur, he thinks, making his way toward the garden for one last smoke before bed; he’s been revisiting stories from his childhood as well as ones he never got around to, in an attempt to understand better. Although he tries desperately to re-distribute the reign he was bestowed with evenly across his Round Table, he will never not be the stand-out sovereign among his peers.

He draws a ciggie from his pack like the sword from the stone.

He is like Alexander the Great. He has built an empire atop another, once thought undefeatable, all before the humble age of thirty. He longs to herald in a new era of cultural sharing, and the fact he does indeed hold the power to do so is tantalizingly terrifying.

He is also plagued by a foreboding that the instant he gives in and lets himself relax, he will drop dead and with him his dominion disintegrate.

Although he tries to stop himself, Paul thinks he may be like the emperor from Andersen’s tale, clad in nothing before all his intimidated subjects. After all this time, he has never quite been able to shake the feeling that he is secretly embarrassing himself and, one day, a few words coming from the most ostensibly innocuous of sources will bring his entire kingdom down.

He is like Odysseus, King of Ithaca; so intoxicated with the thrill of adventure that he may never find his way home, all the while watching those around him give in to their fleeting desires or the whims of wily tricksters, only to pay the ultimate price.

And when it’s been this long, who at home might still be waiting for him to return? Who will grieve?

#<333333 #sorry I feel like I kind of didnt fully hit the mark on your prompt I just got really Really into this motif lol #anyways please do let me know what you think :)#fic #ask #anon #fiona.docx

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wickedsrest-rp · 1 year

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NAME: Mansión Mexicana

LOCATION: Seven Peaks

Right on the edge of Seven Peaks and The Pines sits a seemingly out of place mansion. Shortly after moving to town, Anita Nieves decided that none of the pre-existing houses in town were good enough for her liking so she purchased a plot of land on the lower portion of Seven Peaks. Every few months during the construction, however, many of the laborers and subcontractors went mysteriously missing. None of the bodies were ever found, and the rest of the workers began to suspect that there was a beast in the forest lurking around. Just about one year after breaking ground on the project, a glorious Spanish-style mansion was completed. Some of the nearby neighbors call the place “extravagant” and the residents “unusual” but they could not care less.

Most of the mansion is bright, modern, colorful, and in traditional Spanish-style architecture - except for the few rooms that have been redesigned by the home's newest occupant, Metzli Bernal.

The kitchen, despite being impeccably designed and having just about every high-end cooking tool one might need, always seems impossibly clean - almost as if nobody actually does any cooking in it.

Due to Anita’s profession as an entomologist, there are a wide variety of terrariums located throughout the home that house various exotic bugs. Some of the insects don’t quite look right, like those bees, but Anita promises there is nothing to worry about.

There is a greenhouse near the edge of the property where Anita lets the bodies of small woodland animals decompose to observe and cultivate certain maggot species. She always keeps it locked up tight. Who knows what else may be decomposing in there …

A stark contrast to Anita’s parts of the house, Metzli has redesigned their rooms to block out sunlight and removed much of the “painful” color, despite the original designer’s insistence to keep it cohesive. He is now missing.

#locations #character location #seven peaks #lodging

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onceuponanewlifebooks · 1 year

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Book One: Tom, Chapter One

READER WARNING! Taglist Once upon a new life... Masterlist Book One: Tom

I opened my eyes with a small gasp and looked up into the blinding sun. A small groan escaped my throat as I sat up, rubbing my eyes. What a strange dream that had been, it almost felt too real. Even now, while I was wide awake and the phantom pain had long since faded, did my body feel strange. I removed my hands from my eyes and looked at them. Small, pale, childlike hands covered in small freckles is what I saw. So familiar yet so foreign. A small summer breeze passed me by, playing with my fire red locks while the sun gently warmed my face. I grabbed a small amount of the beautifully coloured hair and let it dance between my small fingers. The contrast of the fiery red against the pale skin was mesmerizing. The smell of grass hit my nose as I looked up from my hands to finally inspect my surroundings. I had been laying in a large garden filled with grass and colourful flowers. These flowers were both mundane and magical. Memories of my mother telling me the stories and uses of every single one of them passed my mind as I let my eyes glide over every single one of them, admiring them slowly from a distance. As if to imprint every little detail of every single flower and plant into my brain, to cherish forever. “Mildred, darling! Could you come here for a second?” The sweet voice of my mother came from the cute cottage behind me. I stood up slowly, feeling a bit disorientated still and turned around to look at the cottage. It was made of stone walls and ebony wooden doors and window frames. Large panes made of glass filled the window frames, making sure enough natural light entered the house. The cottage seemed to be two floors high only, and even though it was a bit small, it was perfect and cosy for the Prewett family of five. Mrs. Prewett, my adoring mother, stood in the doorway that led into the back garden where I had resided for the past few hours. A large smile was displayed across her pale face. The same fiery red hair adorned her face, but contrary to her daughters, Mrs. Prewett had her hair neatly tied in a bun, a magic wand poking from in between the locks. The bun ensured her warm, chocolate-coloured eyes to be uncovered and little dimples in her cheeks really finished my mother's beautiful face. I slowly walked towards the house, my house, and watched the smile grew wider across my mother's full lips as her dimples only seemed to sink deeper into her cheeks. “Yes, mother?” I ask, my voice light and sweet. Curiosity taking the better part of me as my pace slightly increases until I am standing right in front of her. I look up as I innocently fold my arms behind my back, my long locks of fiery hair falling all the way to my lower back. “Follow me please, love.” my mother said before she twirled around and quickly made her way towards the kitchen. I followed her as quickly as my short legs could carry me, almost ending up in a sprint simply to keep up. The kitchen was a small but cozy place, the same as almost every room in the cottage was. A small stove with sink was placed at the far end from the doorway and occupied the entirety of the back wall, a large window right behind it, so mother could have a nice view of her beautiful garden while she cooked. Many cupboards hang from the walls on both sides of the kitchen stuffed with ingredients, snacks and spices. In the middle of the kitchen was a dining table large enough for eight and made of yet the same wood as the window frames and doors. Elegantly simple chairs surrounding the table finished the little kitchen. Sitting at the dining table were the remaining three members of the Prewett family, my father and two older brothers. All three sporting the same fiery locks as her mother and herself, though in different styles and lengths each. “Ooh! Is our baby sister in trouble?” my eldest brother of fifteen, Fredrick, asked as a playful smirk played around his full lips. Ignatius, my second brother of thirteen, let out a snort as he rolled his chocolate-coloured eyes. “Oh please, brother! Our little princess could never get in trouble. You should know that by now.” “Ah, my mistake my dear baby brother. I forgot we have taken the noble task of always being the ones to blame while our sweet, little sister can remain to be innocent in our dear parents' eyes.” Fredrick said dramatically, his icy blue eyes twinkling with mischief. The two brothers looked at each other before falling in hysterical laughing. “That is enough you two!” My father scolded the two older boys, his own icy blue eyes looking sternly at them. “This is an important day for your sister, and I will not tolerate any banter today.” Fredrick coughed to cover his laugh, pulling his own, long red locks away from his face. “Apologies, father. We meant no harm.” Ignatius rolled his eyes at his brother's quick stepping back in line and slung down on his chair, his shorter hair falling slightly over his eyes. “May I ask what is going on, father?” I finally ask, my curiosity reaching its peak. My father looked at me warmly, his thin upper lip completely covered by a thick moustache that is connected to a short and neatly trimmed beard. “Of course, my little ember.” his eyes looked from to towards my mother, the warmth never leaving his eyes. “My love, the letter?” Mother almost seemed to combust from joy as she reached in her cloak and took out a thick looking envelope of yellow parchment. My eyes widened as my heart hammered quickly in my chest. Mother held out the letter to me and waited patiently for my shaking fingers to firmly graps the heavy paper addressed in letters of emerald green to Miss M. Prewett, The Largest Bedroom, Cottage-in-the-Meadow, The Forest. With shaking hands and a heart that seemed to almost beat out of my chest I read the letter: HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY Headmaster: Armando Dippet (Order of Merlin, First Class) Dear Miss Prewett We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July. Yours sincerely, Albus Dumbledore Deputy Headmaster

#tom riddle #tom marvolo riddle #voldemort #harry potter #once upon a new life...

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accesoriesbyivie · 1 year

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Underwater Oasis: Transform Your Space with Canva Fish Art Painting

When it comes to decorating your home, wall art can be one of the most impactful and versatile design elements. It can set the tone for a room, tie together a color scheme, or even serve as a conversation starter. That's why it's important to choose the right wall art for your space, and Canva Fish Art Painting is an excellent choice for those looking to add a unique and stylish touch to their interior decor.

What is Canva Fish Art Painting?

Canva Fish Art Painting is a type of wall art that features beautifully designed and vibrant fish artwork. It is made using high-quality printing techniques on canvas, which gives it a rich and textured look. The artwork is printed in high resolution, ensuring that every detail of the fish is captured in stunning detail. Canva Fish Art Painting is different from other types of wall art because of its unique subject matter and eye-catching visual appeal.

Why Choose Canva Fish Art Painting for Interior Decor?

Canva Fish Art Painting is an excellent choice for interior decor for many reasons. First, it can enhance the overall look and feel of your space by adding a touch of color, texture, and visual interest. Second, it is a versatile design element that can be used in many different rooms and styles of decor. Finally, it is a unique and visually appealing way to showcase your personality and style.

How to Choose the Right Canva Fish Art Painting for Your Space

When selecting the right Canva Fish Art Painting for your space, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the size of the artwork and the space you have available on your walls. You want to choose a piece that is proportional to the size of your room and won't overwhelm the space. Second, consider the color scheme of your room and choose a piece that complements or contrasts with your existing decor. Finally, think about the style of your room and choose a Canva Fish Art Painting that matches your overall aesthetic.

Where to Display Canva Fish Art Painting in Your Home

Canva Fish Art Painting can be displayed in a variety of ways and locations throughout your home. In the living room, it can be hung above the sofa or fireplace as a focal point. In the bedroom, it can be placed above the headboard or on a blank wall for added interest. In the kitchen, it can be hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf for a pop of color and style.

Canva Fish Art Painting is a unique and visually appealing way to enhance your interior decor. With its vibrant colors, high-quality printing, and unique subject matter, it can add a touch of personality and style to any room in your home. When choosing a Canva Fish Art Painting, consider the size, color scheme, and style of your room to ensure that you find the perfect piece for your space. Good luck Deciding which piece Deserves your wall.

#fish art painting #ocean decor #nautical wall art #sturdy frame #easy hanging hardware #office decor #contemporary art #painting #wall decoration #beach house decor #tropical vibes

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nn1895 · 2 years

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AU August Fic 3

Country Side

“Prowl, this is what people do in the countryside,” Carrier explained. “We visit our neighbors and exchange gossip. That’s it. So, unless you want to sit in this house and -”

“Yes, thank you.” Prowl spun around and retreated back to the guest room.

“Ugh!” He saw Carrier throwing up his servos behind him, in the reflection of one of the many, many chrome decorations.

Prowl had been living with his Carrier for six months and he was already going mad. If he had to recharge to the sound of scurrying turbofoxes and buzzing diodeflies for one more night, he’d bash his own helm in.

He’d been persuaded -threatened - to give up his small apartment in the city, right above the armory Enforcers’ armory after they had put him on indefinite leave.

He had heard of disgraced nobility being banished to the country for crimes that average bots would go to prison for. As a child, every time they visited their country estate there was at least one “they’re staying with us while they sort all that mess out in Vos/Iacon/Polyhex” at every party. His creators always made sure he was never left alone with them.

It had made watching those holiday specials where an overworked city bot learned all about the joys of simply country living awkward. Strongarm and Ultra Magnus had devoured those quietly during every Lost Sparks Day season.

He had not expected to be sent to the country for protesting a training.

The “Frame Protection Act” was functionalist propaganda that would lead to more crime, more murders, and more suicides. Prowl had run his tactical computer at its highest setting (and given himself a three day migraine) in order to get the most accurate predictions.

He has presented them at the beginning of the week and by the end he had been pseudo-fired and his carrier was sending for him.

He missed the clink of the armory guard cleaning the rail guns and the explosion when he accidentally shot a hole in the wall.

0-0-0

“There will be crystals - you like crystals!”

There will be people. I hate people.”

“One, that’s a lie, two, there will be far more crystals than people. You don’t have to talk to them, just get a cube and wander the gardens. You can pretend to be all mysterious-“

“I don’t- “

“- brood a bit and then we can go home.”

Prowl opened his mouth to argue and then the kitchen timer dinged.

“The jellies!” Carrier tripped over the ornately carved floor - very old-credit country home chic - and raced towards the kitchen.

Prowl walked over and slumped onto the entryway couch. He stared down at the floor. Following the old style of interlocking squares, it was deeply and intricately carved. The deeper the carving, the deeper the expensive flooring would have to be. It was a tripping risk and very difficult and time consuming to clean.

It would be horrible for any bot who used wheels or had stilt legs instead of pedes. Smaller bots - mini-bots, symbiotes, the microbots that lived in the Archives of Iacon - would need to be carried across most of it or their pedes would be stuck.

In the country, even the slagging floor was functionalist.

0-0-0

There was a knock on the door. Prowl stood up. Maybe it was a criminal come to murder him to get him out of the garden party. That would be helpful.

Carrier was still packing up the jellies and their best high-grade into baskets because apparently just carrying them was a faux-pas.

He swung the door open.

“So sorry, but we’re about to leave - “

“I know. I’m ya ride, sweetspark.”

The mech in front of him looked so out of place Prowl’s processor skirted the edge of a crash for a brief moment.

His paint was flat and stark. There were no contrasting or complimenting flecks or glitter. The black and white were generic. He ran the blue and red as well and both came back as triple zero series paints - the basic colors every shop had for mixing custom colors. Instead of making him look cheap, he looked clean and fresh. His curves glinted in the fading afternoon light. His curves - He looked like poetry. He sounded like poetry. His visor was tinted blue - just blue. It matched his optics. His very pretty optics.

Prowl had been standing in the doorway for five kilks, just staring.

“Hello,” he choked out, servo gripping the door tightly. “Who are you?”

The mech put a servo on his hip and grinned.

“Me? I’m Jazz, love. Ya must be Prowl, down from Praxus for the season.”

“I - yes, I am Prowl.” He fumbled for something cool or interesting to say - anything! Bots this beautiful didn’t turn up on his doorstep very often - or ever - he needed to do something impressive.

His processor was blank.

“Heard - a little cyberhawk tol’ me - that ya opposed the Frame Protection Act. Tha’ true?”

Prowl nodded.

“I - “

“Prowl! Hurry and take this basket! Our ride should be - oh, hello!” Carrier was shoving a large silver woven basket into his arms, squeezing around him. “You must be the singer everyone’s been talking about! You’re staying at the Rubidium Cottage, yes? I’m looking forward to your performance tomorrow night at Flashfire’s ball!” He held out his servo and Jazz took it with a smile.

“That’ll be me,” Jazz said. The grin he’d given Prowl was gone. This smile looked…professional, false. “I’m here to escort ya both to the party and carry anything ya need me ta.”

“Oh that’s perfect! Prowl, you can go with Jazz and he can carry the Vosian Ale -” Carrier was shoving a similar sized basket into Jazz’s arms, “ - and I’ll stay here and put in another tray of baked jellies to replace the ones that burned! I’ll see you both there!”

Then Carrier was gone and he was left standing across from a gorgeous mech holding a picnic basket.

“We’ll talk ‘n drive,” Jazz said, nodding his helm toward the path back to the main road. “I wanna hear more about ya, Officer Prowl.”

0-0-0

“- and even if the statistics didn’t indicate it would be putting such a high number of sparklings and youngling at risk, the law is unethical. It is dangerous. It increases the pressure on non-standard frame types and prevents bots with standard frames from fully understanding the situation. Without a solid grounding, bots will be more easily misled by outdated functionalist ideals and propaganda.”

Jazz had politely asked about Prowl’s thoughts on the new Act. Prowl was halfway through his rant, complete with references.

They had only been driving for five minutes.

“Ah, but what about all the bots that the Act protects?” Jazz asked, his amusement coming through the comms clearly. “We don’t want standard frame sparklings feeling guilty or having uncomfortable questions -”

“They didn’t! They never have! At no point has the Senate or any of the governors been able to produce ANY statistics on that nor were they able to prove that it was harmful. The statistics - which educators have been collecting for four generations with double-blind studies and longitudinal studies - indicate that mixed frame type classrooms have lower instances of bullying, lower instances of depression, AND HIGHER SCORES! They score HIGHER on the tests! All of them!”

“Careful, sweetspark, ya wanna slow down on these country roads,” Jazz said, driving closer to push him away from a pothole in the middle.

Prowl slowed down.

“I usually go to the Station racetrack when I’m angry,” he confessed. “But there is nowhere out here to safely race.” Well, maybe it was more than anger making his frame heat.

“Oh, there’s a couple a’ places.”

Prowl revved his engine. “I said safe places. I know all about those back country roads with their twists and hazards and mud.”

Jazz laughed. Prowl would really like to keep making him laugh. Possibly forever.

“And you? What is your opinion on the Act?” Prowl had a guess, but he was curious to hear what Jazz said.

He was silent for a moment as they drove. Prowl took the time to admire the patterns the light cast on Jazz’s altmode as it cascaded through the aluminum trees’ branches.

“I look standard,” he said at last. “I can pass. But it ain’t right. Don’ wan’ the non-standard bitlets ta be scared. I wouldn’t trade my friends - the ones tha’ can’t pass - for the world. Don’ wan’ some other bitlet missing out jus’ ‘cause the grown ups won’ teach ‘em right.”

They let the silence fall between them as they drove.

0-0-0

The party was just as horrible as Prowl had predicted. Many bots who had questions about living in “the city” as if it was on the other side of the planet instead of two days drive.

Two other bots asked him about the Act - news traveled fast in the country where every day brought a new teatime visit and new gossip - but both regretted it. They’d clearly been under the impression that Prowl was a poor youngling, misguided by the big city. Neither of them lasted past the first three bullet points of his rant, quickly making excuses and hurrying away.

Prowl counted it as a win. His Carrier at his side pretended not to hear any of it.

In such a small community, grievances cut more deeply. Once he left, they would all politely pretend that he hadn’t verbally ripped those bots apart. They would ask Carrier about him and pretend to be overjoyed at whatever news he gave.

Reason number 438 why he hated the country.

The only part he was enjoying - besides the crystal which were stunning - was watching Jazz move through the crowds.

They were all clustered on the tin grass lawn in front of the house. To his left was the entrance to the formal gardens, but there were small sprays of crystal lining the walkway and the along the edges of the house.

Jazz fluttered from group to group, changing his manners with each one. With the elderly group of bots sitting by the buffet table he was charming and gentile. Every movement was grace. He moved over to what his Carrier called “idiots with guns” and he stood straighter, laughed louder and more obnoxiously. He touched the other bots more - slapped a squat femme on the shoulder and laughed at her joke - and stood closer.

With the sparklings he became a sparkling and it got Prowl right in the center of his spark.

Prowl stuffed more baked jellies into his mouth and pretended to be studying the large Malachite by the garden entrance so on one would try talking to him.

A little while later, Jazz sidled over, one servo cradling a cube, the other swinging freely instead of behind, held stiffly behind his back, as was proper. He smiled at Prowl as he got closer.

“Hello, Jazz.” Jazz stood next to him and surveyed the party. He took a sip of the cube.

“Hey, so, ya wanna sneak off and make out in the gardens?”

It was said so casually that it took Prowl an extra .023 kliks to process it.

“Oh, Primus, yes,” he growled. Jazz stifled a laugh, but his optics danced and flickered behind his visor.

“Awesome. I’ll go ‘n make our excuses ta the host - can’t wait ta see how the peridot has grown, oh the rose quartz is so pretty, blah blah. Be righ’ back.” He handed Prowl his cube and made his way over to the largest gossiping group as quickly as he could without drawing attention.

Prowl lifted the cube to his mouth automatically and then stopped. It wasn’t his. But….

He took a sip anyway. It felt more intimate than half the interfacing he’d done in the past ten vorns. He caught Jazz looking back at him as he spoke, servos fluttering through the air as he explained their leaving to the host.

Jazz smirked.

Prowl’s chest heated as his spark spun faster.

#transformers #transformers fanfiction #jazz x prowl

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murdermepeacefully · 1 year

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Everyday Fairytale

Who is he to deny her a dance, when she asks so sweetly?

Canon-Divergent/AU

Shout out to @fortune-fool02 for essentially inspiring this idea, with a post about how Fairytale by Alexander Rybak suits Brahms’s desire for love. It’s what prompted me to add it to my playlist, and this idea came from it.

There was something about skirts that made Ruby want to dance.

Perhaps it was the way they would move, swishing around her legs and arching up when she felt inclined to kick the air dramatically.. Or perhaps it was a side effect of consuming so many romance novels, a deeply ingrained desire to be held and spun as music plays, wrapping her and a lover in a little cocoon of their own.

Brahms’s music was the sort she’d expect for dancing with someone, slow and sensual. But it wasn’t what she wanted tonight. It wasn't what was urging her to her room, before digging in the storage bin she used for odds and ends in hopes of finding her bluetooth speaker.

She knew he wouldn’t mind if she played music while making their lunch- perhaps he’d come to enjoy it.

Only one way to truly find out.

Brahms hears her voice first.

She’s always been good at projecting it, but it would seem she’s even better than usual today.

Years ago, when I was younger

I kinda liked a girl I knew

She was mine and we were sweethearts

That was then, but then it's true

Slowly, he heads downstairs, the music gradually melding with her voice, alongside that of someone else.

I'm in love with a fairytale

Even though it hurts

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind

I'm already cursed

Her eyes are closed as she spins around the kitchen table, arms held above her head and her skirt flaring out in a perfect circle. For a moment, it reminds him of the dancers he saw as a child, parents on either side of him as he watched the performers move across the stage.

He can’t think further on it before Ruby’s opened her eyes- a violin the only accompaniment as her smile softens at the sight of him, her hand held out in clear invitation.

“Dance with me, my darling?”

He doesn’t hesitate, moving forward to take her hand and pull her close. His hand rests on her waist, hers on his chest, their fingers interlacing together.

Brahms doesn’t need to wonder if she knows how much this means to him, to be able to replicate what he’d seen his parents doing when they thought he’d gone to bed.

Without words, his Ruby knows. She always does, reading him well even with his mask.

Soon, she won’t need to. He’s almost ready to let her stop hiding that part of himself from her.

She lets him lead, now that he’s joined her. The hand on her hip warms through the thin fabric of her dress.

It seems right that he knows how to dance, though his style is more subdued- a slow dance to contrast perfectly with Ruby’s energetic spins and kicks.

She wouldn’t trade it for a thing in the world.

Every day, we started fighting

Every night, we fell in love

No one else could make me sadder

But no one else could lift me high above

I don't know what I was doing

When suddenly, we fell apart

Nowadays, I cannot find her

But when I do, we'll get a brand-new start

He smiles a little as she continues to sing, guiding the two of them out into the entryway where they’ll have more space. Ruby’s music sounds a little fainter now, fading into the background.

Even so, this time he joins her in the chorus.

I'm in love with a fairytale

Even though it hurts

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind

I'm already cursed

As the song begins to come to a close, Brahms spins them both, stopping only to dip Ruby gently. His hand on her hip is all that’s keeping her from falling to the ground.

She's a fairytale, yeah

Even though it hurts

'Cause I don't care if I lose my mind

I'm already cursed

It’s a moment that would have swept her off her feet, if it had been done sooner.

Alas, she’s already smitten, and there’s no wooing left to do.

She’s his, forever.

#Reflections of Trauma #Reflections of Trauma; Fic #The Boy #The Boy 2016 #Brahms #Brahms Heelshire #Brahms Heelshire x OC #X OC

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flowerfeast444 · 2 years

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you were a house on fire || h.s. {pt 1}

harry styles x o.c.

summary: After One Direction’s break, Harry tried his best to live anonymously in Chicago. He always told himself he could date "normal" people. After all, he's a normal person too, right?

word count: 1.3k

series masterlist

She sifted through the green bills again, ensuring fatigue didn't cause any errors in her counting. The girls in her diner deserved evenly split tips; they all work hard, she knows that. She's been where they are, and tips- they're life or death sometimes. The bell above the front door chimed, unsettling her focus. This time of night always put her on high alert, but knowing Lucas was just behind the wall separating the kitchen from the main dining area brought comfort.

Tonight’s patron was a man; alone, only accompanied by a worn leather journal and thick gray scarf. He kept his head down the entire time he led himself to a booth in the far left corner. Usually, this profile of a man would shoot anxiety up her spine. But whether it was the near-visible rain cloud floating over the man’s head or her sheer lack of energy, she found herself standing adjacent to his table only moments after he arrived.

“Hello,” she placed the tattered menu on the table in front of him, “Take your time looking, just call me over when you’re ready to order. I’m Roe.” He nodded in response.

Roe shuffled back to her perch by the register and tried to finish splitting tips as quickly as possible. Every few seconds, she spared a glance at the man in the booth. His dark brows knitted together, shadowing the rest of his sharp features. He remained hunched over the menu until a cuckoo clock on the wall next to him screeched the arrival of three A.M. and made him jolt. He scratched his neck underneath the curls dusting his collar bones. Finally, he called Roe's name uncertainly and she hopped off her stool once again to hover by his table.

He gently asked for a slice of apple pie and a cup of tea. Roe brought him his order and against her fair judgment sat across from him as she did so. He bit his lip, wanting to reject her boldness before he realized the empty pit in his stomach craved more than just food.

“This pie is good.”

“It’s from Costco,” she smirked, “but I will take all of the credit anyway.”

“It’s good,” he complimented gently as if she would leave him were he to speak too loudly.

“Good.”

He took his time drawing the fork to his lips like this was exactly what he was meant to be doing for the rest of his life. Before the man arrived, Roe considered preparing a slice of pie for herself, but the strong cinnamon scent of it in front of her satisfied her enough for now. It wasn’t often that soft, kind men occupied the diner at this hour, so she did her best to paint it in her memory forever. The dark beige of his coat contrasted the starkness of his pale skin, but somehow it worked together well. The coat was made of pure wool, at least she assumed so. She couldn't recall a time seeing such a thing. He had three rings on each hand, each of them was intricate and glittered brighter than any of the cutlery in the diner. With only two bites of his pie left, Roe addressed him again.

“Are you okay?” she set her chin on her palm, absentmindedly reaching her fingers up to twist the ring in her right nostril.

“What do you mean?” his voice was strained, but that could be written off as fatigue. At least, he thought so.

“Ruby’s Diner is nice and all, but it doesn’t seem like a place you’d frequent when you’re really livin’ it up. Especially not at this hour,” she tried to withhold anything but a neutral tone from her words, but judging by the way his bloodshot eyes fell to the crumbs left on his plate when she spoke, she knew she was unsuccessful.

“Just a rough couple of days, you know.” He shrugged halfheartedly.

“Yeah, I know.”

For the rest of that night- or morning rather, words seemed a sparse occurrence. Roe’s co-worker, Jodie, came near three-thirty to let Roe go home. Although she felt the weight in her limbs and eyelids as she traveled back home, sleep held itself from her. The only thing that consumed her headspace was the unnamed man with the apple pie.

Friday floated by innocuously enough with regular customers at the diner asking for this and that. They were relatively polite too; something rare in this part of Chicago. Heat blasted through the restaurant but inevitably yielded to the temperatures outside, causing Roe’s arm hair to stand on end from the bumps raised on her skin. Each plate placed in front of an individual was one more minute closer to the day concluding in sweatpants and blankets. She already felt the warmth begin to radiate in her as she neared her house. River stood at the coffee table, running Hot Wheels over the scratched surface. She felt she should reprimand him, but the table was already beyond repair with little original varnish left, and his cheeks always did look so soft when he gleamed and giggled like that. The warmth Roe had built up, however, immediately dissipated when she caught a glimpse into the kitchen.

”Ari, ” Roe exhaled, shocked, ”What are you doing here?” Arielle’s slender body turned from the kitchen table to face her. She cast her eyes to the ground, tucking her long curled hair behind her left ear. Roe’s heart beat rapidly against her will.

”Hey baby, thought I'd join you for dinner.” Roe remembered the bags of diner food hanging in her hands. She ignored the other woman at first, merely whispering an ”excuse me” as she sped past her to dump the bags on the table.

”I told you, you don't get to call me that anymore.”

Roe unpacked the now cold food. The scent of bread and roast beef summoned the rest of Roe’s family, and she heard their footsteps and chattering grow louder, but she kept her focus on the dinner in front of her.

”Can I help?” Arielle reached a hand to rest on Roe’s forearm. She flared in irritation but made no move to alter their position.

”Keep unpacking the food. I'll get plates.” She kept her voice as monotone as possible, not seeking to invite an argument. As Roe reached in the cabinets next to the sink, a more welcome hand lay on her shoulder. Lucas. Roe took a deep breath and prepared for what might come from her brother’s mouth.

”I tried to get her to leave, I really did. But, she's stubborn, ” he softened his voice in an attempt to keep their conversation private.

“Unfortunately, I’m very aware of that.”

“Do you want me to pick her up and just throw her out on the sidewalk? I can do that if you want,” he joked.

“No, Lucas, it’s okay,” she yawned and pulled her auburn hair away from her face, “there’s no use in fighting her right now. I’ll make sure she’s gone before I have to drop the kids off at school. I can take River with me during my shift at the shop too. I know you’re busy tomorrow.”

He shook his head, eyebrows wound tightly together. His muscles bulged as he crossed his arms, angry heat radiating off of him, “I know you loved her, but I thought after everything, you decided she wasn’t good for you anymore. I don’t care if you’re lonely or horny or whatever, she can’t keep coming back, Rosalie. It’s not healthy.”

Roe turned away from him. The kids already began eating spare fries and chicken tenders despite the fact that Roe still held all of the plates in her hands. The table bubbled with conversation, yet despite all of the commotion, Arielle locked eyes with Roe.

“I know,” Roe conceded, “I know.”

#harry styles #hs #fanfic #fanfiction #imagine #harry styles x oc #one direction #1direction

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jaipurcrafts · 2 years

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Webelkart Wooden Matte Finish Designer Home Side Wall Shelf, Key holder with 7 Keys Hooks ( Brown )

The attractive design and structure of the shelf has been a result of proper architectural research done on the dimensions of the Indian Styled houses, such that it fits perfect in any and every home and best fits as a living room shelf. The look of the shelf will give a unique perspective to your living room, bedroom, dining room and your office too. Additionally the shelf is an easy-to-assemble decorative furniture item which can be mounted on your wall within a few minutes.

Product Dimensions: Length (9.85 inches), Width (2.2 inches), Height (6 inches) , Weight: 300 Grams, 7 Metal hooks for hanging all types of keys Multiple Ways.Perfect Space Utilization For Modern Home

Enhance the decor of any room with this sleek, stylish and space-saving Add character and warmth to any modern or traditional interior, contrast shelves at staggering heights on the wall for a more energetic result or mount in the wall for clean streamlined look.

A compact wall shelf with key holder ideal to be placed in the entry way or any wall to hang your keys Material: Wood Multiple Ways.Perfect Space Utilization For Modern Home Made of superior high grade Pre-Laminated Engineered Wood with Wood Grain Finish Contemporary Wall Shelf to keep a beautiful figurine or showpiece or any other utility item

This Is Jaipurcrafts Exclusive Inhouse Design & Production.

#homedecor #diwali gift #key holder #wooden #handicraft #gift items

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christinahobbsofc · 2 years

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Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples

Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples. Life on the road includes things like waking up to the sunrise, drinking coffee with the dew on your toes, and spending hours in a car with nothing but the great outdoors. An RV-based vacation is unquestionably a memorable one, conjuring up nostalgic memories of old-time Americana and singing your favorite songs around the campfire, guitar in hand. Thanks to the rise of high-tech, incredibly luxurious camping trailers akin to stylish apartments...but with the benefit of having wheels attached, even those who ordinarily wouldn't consider one for their upcoming trip are now giving it another thought. image of Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples Modern luxury travel trailers can be found with offices fit for a digital nomad, bedrooms on the second floor, indoor bathrooms, and all the connectivity you could want. Living off the grid doesn't necessarily mean living in tents; rather, it can provide a window into a refreshing contrast where the biggest challenge is deciding which breathtaking location to visit next in your luxurious camper. The top 15 trailers for camping # Name Best for 1 Bowlus Best overall 2 Living Vehicle Best high-end 3 Winnebago Best value 4 Airstream Best for remote work 5 Timberleaf Trailers Best teardrop 6 Homegrown Trailers Best teardrop with bathroom 7 Land Ark RV Best high-ceiling 8 Happier Camper Best lightweight 9 Bruder X Best off-road 10 E-RV Best all-electric 11 Polydrops Best small 12 Jayco Best mid-priced 13 Grand Design RV Best for families 14 Taxa Outdoors Best pop-up camper 15 Tiny Camper Best DIY To find out exactly what to consider before buying a trailer, see our special buyers' guide for travel trailers after the list. If you prefer to have everything integrated into a single vehicle, you can also look at our list of the best camper van brands of the year. Bowlus: Best travel trailer overall When you first enter your Bowlus travel trailer, be prepared to feel a little daunted by the possibilities that are racing through your head. The Terra Firma travel trailer is the pinnacle of mobile living, offering all the amenities you'd need to seriously consider making the switch to a full-time mobile lifestyle. Terra Firma has it all, including tastefully neutral interiors, a separate hotel-style shower, and plenty of room for lounging, sleeping, and strategizing your next project. Make coffee with the two-stage water filtration system after waking up in the Zen Master Bedroom. The convenient features of this camping trailer allow you to bring along even a furry friend, including a coordinated pet bed, bowls that slide out of a drawer without a hitch, and remote temperature monitoring. Use the Find My Bowlus GPS tracking when you set out on foot for the day. Best for: Feeling almost more at home here than in your own home. UNDERSTAND BOWLUS - Counts as up to 4 Dry Dimensions: 3200 lbs (1452 kg) - GVWR: 4,000 pounds (1814 kg) - starting at $265,000 Excellent luxury camping vehicle Your experience camping in a Living Vehicle camper isn't exactly "roughing it." Living Vehicle's Max model truly maximizes the best of outdoor living, indoors, and is probably the closest thing you could find to staying in a hotel with the added benefit of being able to watch your every move. Anyone who is serious about camping trailers will fall in love with this completely customizable unit. It is spacious and comfortable, loaded to the brim with technology like enormous TV screens, stocked chef's kitchens, and opulent amenities. It is equipped with everything from air conditioning to solar power. A washing machine, Hi-Fi stereo, and mobile connectivity are available. Living off the grid is possible, but you can always reconnect to the grid when you need to. Even better, it has a cutting-edge security system built right in. As a result, you won't be concerned about leaving your mobile home for the day to go exploring. Best for: Creating vogue-worthy camping vacations. - Counts as up to 4 Dry : 11500 pounds (5216 kg) - GVWR: 17,000 pounds (7711 kg) - starting at $319,995 Best value travel trailer is Winnebago. If you want to travel in true Americana style, a Winnebago is hard to beat, and the Winnebago Micro Minnie is unquestionably your best bet for a trip on a tight budget. Because everything you require for a small trip is included in the Micro Minnie, essentials aren't sacrificed. It's one that prioritizes quality over quantity, just as the name implies, but it still manages to fit in plenty of galley space, a sink, double-door refrigerator, microwave, and even a cooktop. You won't ever feel too hot or cold in the middle of the night thanks to the roomy mattress and the cross-ventilating windows, and the breathtaking surroundings will always be there as soon as the first rays of light enter the room. The outdoors are as comfortable as the inside thanks to patio speakers and a power awning with LED lighting. Best for: Saving money so you can use it for decorating. - Approximately 2 Dry 3360 lb. in weight (1524 kg) - GVWR: 5,000 pounds (2268 kg) - Starting at: $23,808 The most adaptable travel trailer for remote work is an Airstream. Waving goodbye to a life surrounded by bricks and pursuing one surrounded by nature and woodland will help you realize all of your digital nomad dreams. Or whatever else your heart desires, like beaches or cityscapes. The beauty of Airstream's Flying Cloud is that you are free to do all of the aforementioned things and more, choosing to live on the road rather than having to constantly remember a set of house keys. With flexible floor plans for any number of passengers and the option of a small office, this camping trailer is made to make life simple. It is decorated in soothing neutral tones with cozy accents for a stress-free experience. It is fashionable and useful. The Flying Cloud from Airstream includes all the necessities in addition to multiple USB ports and a pop-up USB/AC outlet powered by the onboard 1000-watt power inverter. Even a swivel chair is in the office space. Best for: Trying to make your beach, mountain, or river view appear in the Zoom meetings' background. - Counts as up to 6 Dry Five thousand pounds (2268 kg) - GVWR: 6,000 pounds (2721 kg) - starting at $83,300 The best trailer brand is Timberleaf. Even when the scenery around you is picturesque enough, Timberleaf's eye-catching orange camper is a talking point of your journey. This teardrop trailer, which was made with excellent craftsmanship and skilled woodworking, is endearing and humorous. It is a camping trailer that returns camping to its fundamentals by eschewing frills in favor of maintaining a compact and reliable design. The Standard, All-Road, and Off-Road versions of the Classic Teardrop Trailer are available to accompany you wherever you go. Each has unique features, such as wheels made for rough terrain and a fully insulated cabin to block out the wind, heat, and cold. Despite its adorable appearance, this camping trailer is a serious piece of equipment. It has a large skylight, plenty of room for relaxation, and is decorated with tonal wooden shades. If orange isn't your preferred color, the trailer itself is available in a range of vivid hues. Best for: Imagining that you are the star of your own old-fashioned holiday film. - Approximately 2 Dry 1 500 pounds (680 kg) - 3500 lb GVWR (1587 kg) - starting at $8,500 Homegrown Trailers: The top bathroom-equipped teardrop trailer Up until you wake up in the middle of the night unwilling to leave the trailer to use the restroom or locate one, living in a camper seems like all fun and games. Here we have Homegrown Trailers. It's the best teardrop trailer available for those who want comfort and style because it combines all of the best features of camping trailers with all of the comfort necessities and more. The Timberline trailer accomplishes all of this and then some more. Enjoy all of the amenities it has to offer, including hot water from the indoor shower, freshwater from the sink and shower, and a sizable kitchen for cooking up a storm, either by plugging it into the grid or by using its solar-powered energy. Additionally, it uses energy-efficient construction techniques and is primarily made of sustainable materials. It is a camping trailer made with sustainability in mind. Best for: Traditional camping with modern conveniences. - Counts as up to 4 Dry Weight: 4250 pounds (1927 kg) - GVWR: 5,000 pounds (2268 kg) - starting at $74,995 The best high-ceiling travel trailer is the Land Ark RV. Unsure if you'd prefer to stay in a home or a luxurious camper? Pick both. The Drake model from Land Ark RV aims to address all of the aforementioned issues in a modern and stylish camping trailer that takes outdoor recreation to a whole new level. You might wake up in this place and mistakenly believe you are in a hotel because it is so effectively constructed to look like a high-design home. With its two stories and neutral, light wood interiors, it welcomes guests in comfort and style. This camping trailer begs to be customized, ideally with Instagram-friendly pillows, cozy throws that are the size of a queen, and adventure around every corner. In search of stories, it is a trailer. This camping trailer is one of the most desirable ones on the market thanks to its energy-efficient insulation, heating and air conditioning, custom cellular shades for privacy, and high ceilings. Best for: Waking up in the morning without worrying about hitting your head. - Counts as up to 7 Dry : 16700 pounds (7574 kg) - GVWR: 21,000 pounds (9525 kg) - starting at $159,900 Best lightweight travel trailer for a happier camper Happier Camper sets the tone for how you'll feel on your upcoming adventure: over the moon, giddy with anticipation, and fully conscious that everything you could possibly need is hidden away in its special location around you. Happier Camper's Traveler camping trailer is fully prepared for travel and is ideal for all kinds of adventures, whether you're sightseeing or working, sleeping or cooking. This 5,000 lb travel trailer seems much larger than many others on the market thanks to two separate living areas, an integrated bathroom, and a kitchenette. Its carefully curated space makes use of the company's Adaptiv technology to convert living spaces into offices, dining rooms, bedrooms, and lounges in a matter of minutes. No matter how far the trip, your Traveler will be prepared thanks to fiberglass shells, a honeycomb floor grid, custom hardware, and robust parts. Best for: Less-concerned with maximum weight capacity and smaller towing vehicles. - Approximately 2 Dry 1 800 pounds (816 kg) - 2500 lb GVWR (1133 kg) - Starting at $49,950 Best off-road camping trailer: Bruder X There are camping trailers made for idyllistic excursions through the woods, and there are country lanes that wind their way down to the seashore. Then there are expedition trailers, which are built with a little more sturdiness in mind and are appropriate for all of those off-road excursions you'd previously overlooked. The latter is the EXP-6 of Bruder X. This is a camping trailer with a twist: a sizable, solid, and all-around impressive beast of a trailer that boldly forges into uncharted territory without so much as lifting a finger. This off-road trailer is modern and gray, fitting in seamlessly with any setting. It can level out and change its height to suit the terrain with the push of a button, making it sufficiently adaptable. The EXP-6 can even be managed by a modern cabin management system using a smartphone. There are courtesy lights, storage lockers, a washer, and even an outdoor hot and cold shower out back. Best for: Unrestricted adventures. - Counts as up to 6 Dry Weight: 4850 pounds (2200kg) - GVWR: 1146 4 pounds (5200kg) - Price: best all-electric travel trailers start at $180,000 There are two types of off-grid living: traditional off-grid and E-RV off-grid. This is the first fully electric camping trailer in the world, and although it almost blends in with its surroundings from the outside, the interior is still roomy and ultra-modern. This eco-friendly RV trailer also doesn't do things half-heartedly. It can simultaneously charge all of your electronics, keep you warm enough, and save you money on gas refills. You can set up camp in the middle of nowhere without having trouble finding electricity because it uses clean solar energy. Additionally, since gas fumes are no longer necessary, it is better for the environment. You'll appreciate the E-efficiency RV's even more if you're staying somewhere that forbids open flames. Your E-RV keeps charging even while you're out exploring thanks to a variety of solar panels on the roof. Best for: Elevating the concept of "off the grid." - Contains: Up to 3 Best small travel trailer: Polydrops When it comes to cramming a lot into a small space, Polydrops' P17A camping trailer is small but mighty. For anyone new to the industry who wants to get a handle on owning a trailer before committing to a larger size, the P17A is one of the best small camping trailers. It combines all the necessities and is highly engineered and entirely electric. After reading the complete list of energy-saving features this camping trailer has, you'll see how its futuristic design puts it ahead of the curve in both the world of camping trailers and electric vehicles. These compact campers have solar panels, LiFePO4 batteries, and air conditioning for maximum comfort without saying goodbye to environmentally friendly transportation. Additionally, its aerodynamic design makes towing it simple, even for less experienced drivers. It has a modular design with a kitchenette, tiny closet, bathroom, and sleeping area that you can customize to suit your needs. Ideal for: Demonstrating that good things can come in small packages. - Approximately 2 Dry 1,200 pounds (544 kg) - 2000 pounds (907 kg) - starting at $24,990 Best mid-range camping trailer: Jayco You've dabbled in the world of vacation trailers, but you're not quite ready to commit to a massive model. The best mid-sized trailer can be found from Jayco. Our favorite, and not just our favorite, Jayco's Jay Flight 2021 has consistently been voted America's best-selling RV. These are the top travel trailers for people who want to leave on a trip without having to worry about anything. Complete with not only the necessities but also the amazing-ifs. The Jay Flight 2021 is ideal for virtually any type of traveler thanks to its excellent design, weatherproofing, and abundance of editable floor plan options. Do you need more beds? They could be incorporated in the center. Would you prefer additional storage and fold-out sleeping areas? Not a difficulty either. This camping trailer is a win-win for almost everyone thanks to the built-in LED TV, smartphone-controllable system, and fully furnished interiors with an oven. Best for: Luxurious essentials with a touch of high quality. - Counts as up to 5 Dry : 5560 pounds (2521 kg) - 7500 lb GVWR (3401 kg) - starting at $36,389 The ideal family travel trailer is one from Grand Design RV. A family camping trip can go one of two ways: either it's one that gets recorded in the memory book with amusing tales, activities that bring back fond memories, and the commitment to repeat it all the following year, or it goes horribly wrong and you swear you'll never bring it up again. What is the best way to guarantee the former rather than the latter for your family vacation? To make camping trips less stressful, do it in a family-friendly camping trailer. The Reflection Travel Trailer from Grand Design RV is opulent yet practical: a trailer that is reliable and strong while still being fashionable and comfortable. Instead of a straightforward bed and sink pull-along trailer, it's a roomy RV camper that almost feels like a small apartment. You won't ever feel anything less than refreshed and satisfied while staying in one of these travel trailers thanks to the abundance of electronics they contain, including a Bluetooth sound system, LED TV, motion sensor lighting, and more. For those picture-perfect family vacations. - Counts as up to 5 Dry : 8096 pounds (3672 kg) - GVWR: 9995 pounds (4533 kg) - starting at $60,375 Best pop-up camper: Taxa Outdoors A Taxa Outdoors Mantis pop-up camper is the best way to return to the fundamentals when it comes to small travel trailers. There are high-tech, futuristic trailers available, but if you're looking for relaxed, real, small camping trailers, the Mantis is the best choice. The Mantis still has all the amenities you could possibly need for a peaceful few days spent getting close to nature, despite not being overflowing with electronics. A large cafe breakfast table in the morning, a mini-conference room in the afternoon, and even a board game setup in the evening can all be found inside this trailer, which is known as the brand's largest pop-up to date. Due to the camper's pop-up design, it also has a private outdoor seating area where you can unwind in the evenings while taking in the sounds of nature and catching up with loved ones or friends about anything and everything. Best for: Quick, uncomplicated trips that don't require much planning. - Counts as up to 4 Dry 29,722 pounds (1348 kg) - 4200 lb GVWR (1905 kg) - starting at $42,990 Best homemade camping trailer: Tiny Camper Spend the days before the trip deciding what to pack or what might or might not be included. Rent or buy a camping trailer. Replace those conversations with ones about how to design the interiors, what features you need and don't need, and how to best individualized your new temporary residence by building your own camping trailer. The memorable building process of a DIY camping trailer is half the fun, and Tiny Camper's DIY camping trailers make this process incredibly simple. They can also be tailored to your exact specifications, taking into account both your idealized and practical trailer-building skills. Choose from a variety of different frameworks, electrics, plumbing, or cabinets to start from scratch, or move on to the next step with a fully prepared package. Then comes the enjoyable part: color schemes, extras, and special touches. Best for: Making things that are just as enjoyable to do as traveling. - Sleeps: Three dry Weight: based on the DIY construction - Dependent on DIY build, GVWR - Starting at: $10,531 Travel trailer buyers' guide Before selecting your next camping trailer, there are many factors to think about, including how often you'll use it, the type of terrain you'll travel over, the features you might need, and the capacity for you and your camping companions. Before choosing your new camping trailer, read on to learn everything you need to know. Towing restrictions In general, a camping trailer will weigh more the more advanced it is and the more space it has. Make sure the vehicle you'll be using to tow the trailer is capable of doing so before you purchase it. Always compare the weight of the camper trailer to the towing capacity of your tow vehicle and try to leave a little room rather than selecting something that exceeds the maximum weight limit. Featured interiors You only really need a comfortable bed and some sort of living space if you intend to use your camping trailer as a base for exploring the outside world. If you intend to live a nomadic lifestyle as a digital nomad, you should look for additional features such as a dedicated office or working space, or at the very least, a separate living space, as well as lots of storage space. Read the full article

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dwellordream · 2 years

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“...High society in Regency England, led by the prince regent, who was notorious for his gluttony and love of lavish entertainment, favoured a toil-free pleasure-filled life (Priestley 1969). The regent’s banquets made culinary history. At one feast prepared in the Brighton Pavilion, his French chef, Carème, served more than a hundred dishes (Murray 1998:179–85). The quantity and variety of food in the prince’s own daily diet was astounding – when he died, he was so obese that his belly hung below his knees. Equally opulent was the Brighton Pavilion in which these sumptuous feasts were served. Although a tour of the pavilion today reveals a palace much more modest than the one at Versailles, what catches the eye is the impressive kitchen, which, during the life of the prince regent, contained every conceivable cooking convenience of the time.

The high society forming outside the Regency court was equally given to an energetic search for pleasure. French aristocrats who visited England were astounded by the amount of French dishes consumed during a single sitting in the houses of the wealthy. While the poor had to manage with frugal meals that rarely included meat, the nobility and the nouveaux riches followed a lifestyle that defined a good hostess by how much food she could waste when throwing a party. Gluttony became a sign of distinction for the aristocracy and the wealthy merchant class. Nor was the ideal of marital fidelity as pervasive during the Regency as it was in the middle and late Victorian periods.

Melville (1908, 1926) and Murray (1998) document that the keeping of mistresses was common in aristocratic circles, and no secret was made of such extra-marital liaisons. In fact, a mistress often enjoyed more favour than did a wife and was encouraged to develop her wit and charm. The candid writings of Harriette Wilson (1929), the most famous courtesan of the Regency, show the off-hand manner in which extra-marital relations were contracted and lived. Murray (1998) qualifies, however, that, in spite of the common acceptance of these liaisons among the upper classes, the Regency period was a transitional time between the ‘licentious formality’ of the eighteenth century and the ‘Puritanism’ of the nineteenth.

Although adultery was assumed to always be present in certain aristocratic families, in which marriages were often still being contracted for political and economic ends, adultery was beginning to be considered a sin, especially in middle-class circles (146). Some historians have attributed the reckless pursuit of pleasure and the new exhibitionism of the upper classes to a style set by the prince regent himself, who had little interest in economy, a partial interest in politics, and a total obsession with parties. Yet, one person cannot set the tone of an epoch or a social class; there were other forces influencing the behaviour of the aristocracy. There was a general denial of reality within the aristocracy during the reign of the prince regent that might help explain the quasi-desperate pursuit of pleasure and status.

The colourful costumes worn at Regency functions, the gluttony, the maintenance of elaborate country mansions, the keeping of mistresses in plain view, the penchant for masked balls where anonymity facilitated promiscuous behaviour – all this stood in stark contrast to the violence, crime, and poverty that were afflicting the majority of the population. It was as if the upper classes were having one last fling before letting their successors settle down to the formulation of a workable and more sober society. Middle-class Victorians took up the challenge with considerable ardour.

They were faced with a dilemma. They could not sanction the immorality of the Regency’s open celebration of pleasure and the aristocracy’s withdrawal from reality; nor could they revert to a nonprogressive ideology founded on medieval Christian virtues. The discipline and commercialism required by industrialization complicated the adoption of either solution. Once again, the English had to opt for the ‘middle ground.’ A plethora of moral books and movements emerged in response to the numerous massive social displacements of industrialization.

Hannah More’s widely influential books – Thoughts on the Importance of the Manners of the Great to General Society (1788) and Christian Morals (1813) – together with William Wilberforce’s Practical View (1797), addressed issues particular to a rapidly industrializing nation that possessed a dominant aristocracy substantially preoccupied with the goings on of its own exclusive social circles. Aristocrats were encouraged to improve themselves and act as an example to the rest of the nation. This idea of ‘improvement’ through moral rectitude was to become a central theme of the early Victorian epoch.

It helped link manners with ethical comportment, echoing Edmund Burke’s ([1796] 1991) passionate argument regarding the importance of manners in moral development: Manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in a great measure the laws depend. The law touches us but here and there, and now and then. Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refi ne us, by a constant, steady, uniform, insensible operation, like that of the air we breathe in. They give their whole form and colour to our lives. According to their quality, they aid morals, they supply them, or they totally destroy them. (242)

Moralists suggested that the middle and lower classes were in need of leadership from the aristocracy and would improve by applying the principles of self-betterment. They did not call for a revolt against the aristocracy but encouraged members of the upper class to reform themselves and stand as examples. Concurrently, they called for a return to religious virtue. Hannah More favoured Sunday schools as a means of controlling rising delinquency. The Methodist and anti-conformist movements had already awakened interest in social activism when More sounded her alarm. According to these movements, being a nominal Christian was not sufficient.

Going to church only to fall asleep there was considered by reformers as an unfortunate left-over from a previous epoch of ‘leisure’ during which most men worried only about the pennies in their pockets and the food in their bellies. The Church of England responded to this moral revival by forming pious societies and charity groups designed to provide spiritual and material relief to the poor. In a bid to promote the integrity and stability of the family, it also began preaching against sexual libertinism, something that had been of less concern in the eighteenth century.

Associating the ruling classes with the notion of a ‘public good’ was unique to England and facilitated a later cooperative, non-revolutionary venture between the aristocracy and the middle classes, a venture that eventually drew in the working classes. In France, the aristocracy had bitterly withdrawn from the monarchy’s bungling attempts at integrating the bourgeoisie within the administration of the state. As a consequence of this, the French did not view the aristocracy as a class to be emulated but one whose habits could lead to further subjugation. They adopted some of its stylistic and aesthetic mannerisms but rejected its downward condescension with their own brand of upwardly reactive publican pride.

In England, however, although the aristocracy was considered suspect due to its proverbial sensual libertinism, the upper classes managed to extricate themselves from their bad reputation at the eleventh hour. The early Victorian saying ‘A place for each, and to each his place’ was the social compromise reached between the aristocracy and the rest of the nation in exchange for social certainty, order, and stability.

A fitting example of the moral literature that appeared in response to the gluttony and ornamentalism of the Regency period was Reverend Thomas Gisborne’s (1794) Enquiry into the Duties of Men in the Higher and Middle Classes. He insisted that morality, manners, and honour were equally required for the development of a complete gentleman or gentlewoman capable of functioning in a society in which social mobility and mercantilism were on the rise. Gisborne espoused a moral imperative that would protect people against the corruptive influences of a fickle marketplace.

Such warnings against the dangers of commercialism were also present in Lord Chesterfield’s Letters (1774). Chesterfield made every effort to encourage the preservation of the persona of the traditional English gentleman despite the mercantilism of the period. Hugely popular at the time of its publication, the work advised its reader that, although he might end up as a merchant, he would morally prosper as long as he took care to acquire all the qualities and ‘polite behaviour of a gentleman.’ Thus, the qualities attributed to the well-bred gentleman were being filtered down to the commercial classes and being presented as a national ideal.

England was acquiring a national courtesy tradition no longer dependent on continental imports. A similar democratization was observable in English usage. The colloquialisms of the working-classes were increasingly integrated into the novels and works of nonfiction, thereby creating a distinctly English publican language that was neither aristocratic nor bound by the lowest common linguistic denominator.

This rapprochement between the aristocracy and the lower classes was accomplished in great part through the inclusion in novels of protagonists who had been in the service of the aristocracy and, having learned the language of the nobility, were now using their own version of genteel speech (McIntosh 1986:9–10, 82–3). The traditional English butler was such a personage, able to converse equally with his titled employers and his working-class staff. What continued, however, to keep classes distinctly separate from one another was the matter of ‘accent.’ To this day, a person’s accent in England can limit his social mobility.

Travel abroad now became a fashion rather than a search for knowledge and education in Continental mannerisms, as had been the custom during the grand tours of the previous century. The same foreigners who had previously acted as models of perfect etiquette for the youth of the upper English classes were now considered as anomalies. So, the influence of the Italians and the French decreased in direct relation to the rising wealth of the English aristocracy and upper middle classes. Literature even appeared exposing the ‘superficial’ side of the Continental cult of elegance. The anonymously published The Man of Manners (c. 1735) observed that many of the elegant lacked proper manners and could scarcely conceal their crudity with their fine clothes.”

- Benet Davetian, “England and the Victorian Ethic.” in Civility: A Cultural History

#civility: a cultural history #benet davetian #victorian #regency #english #history #class

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