#House Hunting | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

xoxorealitygalore · 3 months ago

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Love Thy Neighbor 6

Bron Breakker x Black OC

Summary: Bron’s petty feud with his next door neighbor, Bluma evolves into something deeper as he begins to develop unexpected feelings for her.

Previous: Love Thy Neighbor 5

⸻ March 7, 2025

House hunting wasn’t easy. It was supposed to be exciting, an adventure that would bring Bluma and Bron closer together as they searched for their dream home, a place where they could build their future. But as the days wore on and their search stretched into a week, the excitement was beginning to drain away, replaced by frustration and tension.

Bluma had always been a woman who believed in permanence. She didn’t make decisions lightly, especially not ones that affected her long-term future. She saw their move-in as a significant step, one that would mark the beginning of their life together, a life that she hoped would be grounded in stability.

Bluma wasn’t one to jump from one place to another. She believed that a home wasn’t just a structure made of bricks and mortar; it was a sanctuary, a place that should be chosen with care, a place where memories would be made, not just temporary stops along the way.

For Bron, however, the idea of a forever home didn’t carry the same weight. His approach to life was much more transient. He didn’t mind the idea of living somewhere for a few years and then moving on when it no longer fit. To him, the house was just a roof over their heads, a place to sleep, eat, and relax. He wasn’t concerned with it being perfect or ideal for the long haul.

It didn’t matter if they didn’t fall in love with it, as long as they had somewhere to live and could focus on other things in their busy lives. For Bron, the idea of permanence didn’t feel like a necessity, it was just one more thing to worry about in a world already full of distractions.

But that difference in perspective was starting to wear thin on Bluma’s nerves.

They had started the process of house hunting with enthusiasm, but it hadn’t taken long for cracks to form in their collaboration. Every weekend had been filled with endless showings, each house a mixture of hopes and disappointments.

Bron was happy to settle for whatever he could find first, while Bluma meticulously scrutinized every detail like every wall, every floor, every inch of space. She pictured herself living in these homes, imagining the future, imagining the memories they could make together. But all Bron saw was a place to park their belongings and sleep at night.

The process had begun to feel more like a tug-of-war, with Bluma on one side, wanting something that felt permanent and meaningful, and Bron on the other side, just wanting a place that was good enough. The more they disagreed, the more Bluma could feel her patience unraveling.

By the time the week had passed and they were sitting in the car after another disappointing showing, Bluma could feel the exhaustion creeping in. Her back was stiff, her shoulders tense, and her thoughts raced, trying to make sense of everything.

The house they had just visited had been fine, but it wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even close. It was a one-story ranch with a tiny backyard and dark wood floors. The rooms were small, and the layout felt cramped.

But it was cheap. And it was ready to move in. To Bron, that was all that mattered. To Bluma, it felt like settling. Settling was something she didn’t want to do.

She glanced over at Bron as he fiddled with his phone, scrolling mindlessly through listings. He looked calm, completely unaffected by the long list of homes they had seen and dismissed. He hadn’t even noticed the frustration building inside her.

She had thought this would be easier, that they would find a place they both loved, a place they both envisioned themselves in. But each house they visited felt more like a compromise, more like something that didn’t fully meet either of their expectations.

Bluma took a deep breath, trying to center herself, but the tension in her chest only seemed to grow.

“Are you sure we should live together?” she asked, her voice tight and barely audible as if the question had been building up inside her for days. “Because this is already driving us crazy.”

Bron looked up from his phone, blinking at her as if he hadn’t quite processed what she had said. He seemed so far removed from the emotional weight she felt in that moment. “What do you mean?” he asked, sounding genuinely confused. He shifted in his seat, glancing out the window at the row of houses they had just passed.

“I mean,” Bluma said, her tone sharper now, “this whole house hunting thing. It’s not working. We’re not agreeing on anything. We’re just going in circles, and I don’t know if this is even worth it anymore.”

Bron paused, taking a moment to look at her, as if for the first time that day. He saw the frustration in her eyes, the tightness in her jaw. He knew this had been weighing on her for a while, but he hadn’t realized how much it was getting to her.

He let out a small sigh, his face softening. “I get it, Bluma. I do. It’s been frustrating, but I just think we’re overthinking it. We’ll find something. It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

“But it does for me,” Bluma replied, her voice rising slightly with the weight of her words. “This isn’t just about finding somewhere to sleep at night. This is supposed to be our home, Bron. The place where we’re going to build our lives together. I’m not just going to pick any place just to get it over with. I want something that feels like it fits us, something that feels like home.”

Bron’s eyes softened with understanding, but the solution seemed simple to him. “But we’ve seen so many places, Bluma. I just think we’re wasting time. What’s the point of dragging it out longer when we can just settle on something, move in, and start living? If we don’t like it, we can move. It’s not the end of the world.”

Bluma shook her head, feeling her chest tighten even more. She wasn’t sure how to make him see it. It wasn’t just about the house; it was about their future together, the foundation they were building.

To her, a home wasn’t something you could just trade in when it no longer worked. It wasn’t something you could easily walk away from. It was a commitment, and she wasn’t ready to commit to a place that didn’t feel like it reflected their shared vision.

“I don’t want to move every few years, Bron. I don’t want to just settle. I want to find something that feels right, something we’re both proud of. Not something we can just ‘move out of’ when it gets inconvenient.”

“I understand,” Bron said quietly, his hand reaching out to take hers. His touch was comforting, but it didn’t change the way she felt. “But I don’t think we should make it harder than it is. We’re building our life together. A house is just a house, Bluma. It’s the two of us that make it a home.”

“I know that,” Bluma replied, her voice thick with emotion. “But it’s still important. Don’t you want to feel like we’re not just making do, but creating something lasting?”

Bron paused, his hand still holding hers. “I do,” he said after a beat, his voice quieter. “I just don’t think it needs to be so complicated. But maybe we’re just looking for different things in the same house.”

Bluma nodded, her eyes searching his face. She could see the sincerity there, but she could also see that his vision of what their future would look like didn’t quite align with hers. She wanted a forever home, a place that would be the backdrop for everything they were going to build together.

Bron, on the other hand, seemed to view the house as a temporary place to park their lives, something to check off the list, not something to pour their hearts into.

For the first time during the entire process, Bluma felt truly uncertain. Maybe this wasn’t just about the house. Maybe it was about something deeper, something about their long-term compatibility. Could they truly find common ground on something as important as this? Could they compromise and still feel fulfilled? Or would they continue to clash, their different priorities creating more tension than peace?

The question lingered between them, unanswered. The house hunt, once a simple task, had morphed into something much more complex. Bluma knew that whatever decision they made would set the tone for the future, but she wasn’t sure if they were on the same page, and that scared her more than any home search ever could.

⸻ March 14, 2025

Another week of house hunting had come and gone, and Bron and Bluma’s patience was running thin. What was supposed to be an exciting process of finding a home together, and building their future was beginning to feel like an insurmountable challenge. With each passing day, the tension between them grew. Every weekend spent touring homes, hoping to find a place they could both agree on, only seemed to bring them closer to the breaking point. It wasn’t just the houses themselves; it was the pressure, the differing expectations, the growing sense that perhaps they were not as aligned as they had hoped.

Bluma was starting to lose faith in the whole process. She had envisioned a smooth transition into their new life together, moving into a space that felt right, where every corner reflected their shared vision. But each house they toured seemed to fall short, and the compromises began to feel more like sacrifices than partnerships. Her dreams of finding a home that felt like the perfect blend of their desires felt farther out of reach with every passing day. Bron, on the other hand, was ready to move forward, exhausted by the endless search and unwilling to keep dragging it out.

It was only a matter of time before the cracks began to show. The disagreements over what to prioritize like the location, size, and style seemed to overshadow everything else. Bron had become frustrated, and Bluma was no longer willing to just settle for something that didn’t meet her standards.

The contrast between their approaches to the house hunt had reached its breaking point. She couldn’t help but wonder if this decision, this house-hunting ordeal, might mark the beginning of the end of their relationship.

Amid all the tension, Bron found himself feeling more desperate for a solution. His worry grew with each day, knowing that the cracks in their relationship were beginning to widen. He realized he needed help, someone who could bridge the gap between their conflicting visions, someone who could find something that would satisfy Bluma’s need for perfection and his desire to just find something that worked.

That’s when he thought of Joshua.

Joshua had always been a calm presence in his life, someone he could rely on. Joshua had a way of looking at situations from a different perspective, and Bron hoped he could offer some much-needed advice or even help him find a way to make this work.

But Joshua, knowing that this situation was beyond his expertise, decided to take it one step further.

“You know who can help you?” Joshua asked, his tone thoughtful as he sat across from Bron one evening, nursing a glass of whiskey. “My sister-in-law, Almia. She knows Bluma better than anyone else. If there’s anyone who can find exactly what Bluma wants, it’s her.”

Bron raised an eyebrow. “Almia?” he asked skeptically. “I don’t know. She just had a baby. I don't think I should be dragging her into this.”

Joshua shook his head. “Trust me, Bron. Almia has a sixth sense when it comes to this kind of stuff. She knows what people want before they even realize it themselves. She understands Bluma’s tastes better than anyone. You need her help. You won’t regret it.”

Reluctantly, Bron agreed. After all, he had nothing to lose. The pressure was mounting, and Bluma’s frustration was evident. He needed to try something different, something that might bring them back to a place of mutual excitement about this new chapter.

The next day, Bron reached out to Almia, who was more than willing to help. She immediately set to work, asking Bron detailed questions about what they had seen so far, what Bluma liked and disliked, and what their ultimate vision for their new home was.

Almia was astute, quickly discerning that Bluma’s standards weren’t just about luxury, they were about a sense of permanence, about finding a place that felt both grand and warm, a home where they could grow together.

Almia listened carefully to Bron’s frustrations and assured him that she understood both of their perspectives. She knew the kind of home Bluma wanted. She just had to find it.

And find it, she did.

Almia soon unearthed the perfect house, a place that was more than just a structure; it was a sanctuary, a true home that reflected both of their desires. This was no ordinary house. It was a masterpiece.

The property was a Vanderbilt Grand model constructed by the renowned GL Homes in 2022, a sprawling estate that would impress anyone who walked through its doors. The home boasted over 8,100 square feet of luxurious living space, an expanse that felt like a private world unto itself. It had six spacious bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a four-car garage with ample room for everything they could ever need. The upgrades and custom accents were unparalleled, each feature more breathtaking than the last.

The house was built with luxury in mind, from the moment you laid eyes on it. The millwork, the finishes, the materials, everything had been chosen with care, making it feel not only sophisticated but incredibly warm and inviting.

As Almia led Bron through the rooms, he was struck by the attention to detail. Every inch of the home was meticulously designed, from the imported Brazilian Jade countertops to the oversized porcelain floors that gleamed in the natural light. It was clear that this house wasn’t just built, it was crafted with intention.

The residence exuded a sense of tranquility that was hard to ignore. The expansive views of the nature preserve and shimmering lake beyond the backyard were nothing short of mesmerizing. The outdoor space was equally impressive, a true resort-style oasis. Surrounded by lush Areca palms, the estate featured an oversized pool, a waterfall spa, and a customized summer kitchen, all designed for luxurious outdoor entertaining. The custom millwork and sandstone pool deck pavers added a layer of elegance to the tropical atmosphere, creating an idyllic escape from the world.

The interior of the house was just as impressive. The open-concept living room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and impact sliders, provided unobstructed views of the serene backyard and lake. The space felt grand but intimate, a perfect balance of luxury and warmth. The kitchen was a chef’s dream, with elegant quartz waterfall countertops, designer cabinetry, and top-tier appliances including a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a custom-built eight-burner Wolf range. It was the kind of kitchen Bluma had always dreamed of, a space not only for cooking but for creating memories.

The dining room was another standout, with its designer wallpaper and large windows that let in an abundance of natural light. It felt like the perfect place to entertain or simply enjoy a quiet meal together.

The primary suite was a sanctuary in itself. With its chic white oak wet bar, custom walk-in closets, and private patio overlooking the breathtaking outdoor space, it felt like a world unto itself. The suite’s bathrooms were equally opulent, with regal quartz countertops, frameless showers, and a freestanding Hydro System tub.

Upstairs, the four remaining guest bedrooms offered more of the same luxury, each with its custom walk-in closets and contemporary design touches. The second floor also featured a spacious loft and a peaceful balcony, perfect for quiet moments of reflection or enjoying the view.

Almia, seeing the joy in Bron’s eyes as he walked through the home, could tell that this was it, the perfect place for him and Bluma. He was hooked, and it didn’t take long for him to pull out his phone and text Bluma the address.

Bluma’s response was swift. She was intrigued but hesitant. She had seen so many houses that promised to be the one, only to fall short in some way. But there was something about the way Bron described this one, the excitement in his voice. She decided she had to see it for herself.

When Bluma arrived, her first impression was one of sheer awe. The house stood before her like a modern-day palace, its immaculate exteriors a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. As she walked through the front door, the expansive open-concept living room immediately caught her eye, with its high ceilings and breathtaking views of the lake and nature preserve beyond.

The more she explored, the more she fell in love with it. The layout was perfect, the finishes stunning, and the attention to detail incredible. It felt like the home she had been dreaming of, a place where she could envision her future with Bron. It was spacious but not overwhelming, luxurious but comfortable, a true blend of everything she had wanted.

By the time she reached the primary suite, Bluma was already mentally moving in. She could picture herself here, waking up to the serene views, spending quiet moments in the spa-like bathroom, and enjoying the luxury of having everything she could ever need within arm’s reach.

When she finally met Bron at the back of the house, overlooking the resort-style pool and lake, they exchanged a look of mutual understanding. This was it. This was the home that could bring them both happiness.

Without hesitation, they made an offer. This house was the one.

It had taken weeks, countless hours of searching, and more frustration than either of them cared to admit, but they had finally found their place. A home that wasn’t just a house, but a reflection of their dreams, their future, and the life they were ready to build together.

As they waited for the seller’s response, Bluma and Bron both knew one thing: this was the beginning of something real. And it was just the start of their journey together.

⸻ March 28, 2025

The end of March was rapidly approaching, and with it, the culmination of weeks of uncertainty, anticipation, and, at times, frustration. Bron and Bluma were finally standing at the threshold of the next chapter of their lives, ready to settle into their dream home.

The house that had initially seemed like a far-off fantasy was now a tangible reality, and after the final offer had been accepted and all the necessary paperwork signed, the keys to their magnificent Vanderbilt Grand estate were officially in their hands.

Moving into a new home was supposed to be an exciting, joyful experience, but for Bron and Bluma, the reality was a whirlwind of logistics, emotions, and, of course, the looming pressure of their busy schedules. But despite the chaos that inevitably came with a move of this magnitude, there was a sense of calm between them. They had been through so much already, house hunting, disagreements, and moments of doubt, and now, as the date approached, there was an undeniable sense of accomplishment in the air. This was the start of something new for them both. They were moving into a space that was as much a reflection of their shared dreams as it was a testament to their commitment to each other.

For Bron, however, the timing of the move couldn’t have been more difficult. As the WWE’s WrestleMania season loomed just ahead, his schedule was growing more intense by the day. March was always the busiest time of the year for him, with rehearsals, media appearances, and the inevitable backstage chaos that came with preparing for the grand spectacle. WrestleMania was the crown jewel of his career, and everything leading up to it required his full attention. Balancing the pressures of his demanding job with the monumental task of moving into a new home felt like walking a tightrope.

But despite the mounting stress, Bron found solace in one undeniable fact: the move was happening quickly. As much as it was a logistical challenge, it was also something of a blessing. With the help of their family and friends, the process was moving forward faster than either of them had anticipated. The speed of the move was, in a way, a relief, it allowed them to get everything in order before the craziness of WrestleMania truly set in. They were no longer stuck in a limbo of uncertainty, waiting for things to fall into place. The house was theirs, and the packing was underway.

Bluma was equally grateful for the swiftness of it all, though for different reasons. She had spent months envisioning this moment, carefully curating what she hoped would be the perfect home for her and Bron. Now, with the boxes piling up and the rooms slowly filling with their belongings, there was an undeniable feeling of excitement in the air. She couldn’t wait to transform their new house into a home, a place where every corner reflected their shared life and their dreams for the future.

But even as the move progressed, Bluma could sense the strain that WrestleMania season was placing on Bron. She understood how important the event was to him, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the situation. She had always been one to thrive in the details from organizing, planning, and making sure everything was in place.

While she appreciated Bron’s hard work and dedication to his career, she also longed for a sense of calm during this transitional period. She didn’t want to shoulder all of the responsibility on her own. This was a shared journey, and she hoped they could navigate it together, balancing the demands of both their professional lives and their aspirations.

The day of the move arrived, and with it, a flurry of activity. The movers arrived early in the morning, ready to begin the massive task of transporting their belongings from their old apartments to the new house. The house, though empty, already felt alive with the potential for a new chapter.

Bluma stood in the foyer, watching as movers carefully maneuvered large pieces of furniture through the front door. She had always imagined this moment, the transition from one life to the next, and now that it was happening, there was a sense of surrealism to it. It was happening so quickly. And yet, at the same time, it felt like they had been waiting for this moment for years.

Bluma’s family and friends arrived shortly after the movers, adding to the bustle of activity. Her mother, who had been a constant presence throughout the house-hunting process, was quick to lend a hand, offering suggestions on how to arrange furniture and where to place the more delicate items.

Her older brother, Michael, who had always been more hands-on, immediately set to work assembling furniture. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, a shared excitement for the couple as they embarked on this new chapter. It wasn’t just about the house; it was about the people who cared about them, coming together to help them build a future.

Meanwhile, Bron’s family also pitched in, though his attention was divided. His mother took charge of helping Bluma with the smaller, more personal items like unpacking boxes of books, arranging the kitchen, and setting up the bedrooms. She was a calming presence amidst the chaos, and Bluma was grateful for her help.

Bron, however, was constantly checking his phone, making sure everything with WWE was on track. His mind was constantly spinning with the details of the upcoming WrestleMania event, and though he was physically present, his thoughts were often far away, planning his next move in the ring.

Bluma could sense his distraction, but she understood. This was his dream, his passion. WrestleMania wasn’t just another event, it was the culmination of everything he had worked for in his career. She knew this was a critical time for him, and she didn’t want to add more pressure than was already there.

At the same time, however, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the move falling mostly on her shoulders. While Bron was certainly doing his best to help, his commitments to WWE left him with little energy to fully engage in the process. She knew it was temporary, but it didn’t make it any easier.

As the day wore on, the move began to take shape. The house, which had felt so unfamiliar and empty just hours before, was slowly starting to feel like home. The furniture was in place, boxes were being unpacked, and the spaces that had once seemed vast and impersonal were beginning to take on character.

The kitchen, with its sleek white oak cabinetry and luxurious appliances, was beginning to look like the place where they would cook meals together. The living room, with its expansive views of the pool and lake, was starting to feel like the perfect spot to relax after long days, a peaceful retreat after the chaos of their respective lives.

Even as the house began to take shape, Bluma couldn’t ignore the underlying feeling of exhaustion that was settling in. The move had gone smoothly, but it hadn’t been easy. She was grateful for the help, but there was still so much to do. There were the final touches, the little details that would make the house truly theirs. And there was the emotional weight of this transition, the shift from the chaos of moving to the peace of settling into a new home, a new life.

By late afternoon, the house was nearly finished. The movers were wrapping up their work, and the last few boxes were being unpacked. Bluma sat in the living room, taking a moment to herself, gazing out at the serene lake beyond the backyard.

Bron was in the office, still on the phone with WWE, making sure everything was set for the upcoming week. Despite his physical absence in the room, she could feel his presence. He was here, with her. And while the move had been a whirlwind, she knew that this house, this home was a symbol of their shared future.

It was in this quiet moment of reflection that Bluma realized something important: the move, while chaotic, had been a teachable moment for both of them. Bron had learned to appreciate the importance of collaboration, of balancing his professional life with his commitments. He had always been someone who worked tirelessly toward his goals, but moving into a new home had forced him to slow down, to focus on the bigger picture. He couldn’t do it all on his own, he had to rely on others, on family and friends, to make this move happen.

For Bluma, the lesson had been about patience and flexibility. She had always prided herself on being in control, on making sure every detail was perfect. But this move had taught her that sometimes, things didn’t go according to plan. Sometimes, you had to let go of the reigns and trust that the process would unfold as it was meant to. She had learned that it was okay to lean on others, to ask for help, and to give herself grace in the process.

As Bron finally came into the living room, his phone still in hand, Bluma smiled at him. He had finally wrapped up his calls, and for the first time all day, he seemed present. The two of them sat together, surveying the home they had just begun to make their own. It wasn’t perfect yet. There were still boxes to unpack, furniture to arrange, and finishing touches to be added. But it was theirs.

“This is it,” Bron said, his voice filled with wonder as he looked around. “Our home.”

Bluma nodded, her heart full. “Yeah. Our home.”

And in that moment, surrounded by family, friends, and the quiet hum of their new life beginning to take shape, they both realized that this was just the beginning. WrestleMania was just around the corner, but they had already begun the most important journey of all, their life together, building something lasting, something real. It was the foundation for everything to come.

The move had been a whirlwind. But together, they had made it happen. And that was the lesson: no matter what came next, they could handle it.

⸻ March 31, 2025

The smell of fresh baby powder and soft lavender filled the air as Almia adjusted the newborn in her arms.

The soft cries of the baby seemed to punctuate their conversation, a constant reminder of the new life that Almia was now managing alongside her older children.

Bluma's gaze fell upon Almia with a mix of admiration and something more subdued.

“So, have you put up your house for sale yet?” Almia asked, the rhythmic motion of her hand gently rocking the baby not interrupting her words.

Bluma chuckled softly, leaning back in the chair, arms crossed over her chest as she looked out the window. “No, I plan to rent it out,” she replied, her tone light but steady. “It’ll be nearly impossible to find a buyer for a half-plex, especially in this market. It could take forever, and even then, I'd probably get a low offer.”

Almia nodded thoughtfully, clearly understanding the struggle. She gave Bluma a knowing glance. “Smart. Is Bron doing the same or selling?”

Bluma’s eyes softened slightly at the mention of his name. The mention of Bron always came with a stir in her chest, a mix of affection and something she couldn’t quite label. “The same, at least for now,” she said, her voice quieter. “But I’m sure he wants us both to sell our halves. It makes sense, you know? That huge house we bought, we had to pay a little extra over asking so we could move in fast. I’m sure he’s wanting to get some of that money back.”

Almia’s gaze flicked to the baby, her eyes filled with that motherly warmth, before she met Bluma’s gaze again. “I get it. You two stretched yourselves for that house, didn’t you?”

Bluma nodded, though she could feel the tightness in her chest at the thought. The house. Their home. “It’s worth it, though,” Bluma said, her voice firm, more resolute than she felt. “That’s the home where we’ll grow and raise our family. We’ll grow old in that house.”

Almia gave her a slow smile, a smile of knowing that only someone who had walked the path of life, love, and children could give. “Does he know you want to have his babies?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously.

Bluma immediately waved off the teasing question with a playful flick of her hand. “I mean, we’ve talked about it,” she said, her tone a mixture of exasperation and affection. “But I don’t think he’s in any rush to do anything about it.”

Almia chuckled softly, rocking the baby again. “And what about you? Are you in a rush?” she asked her voice light but laced with curiosity.

Bluma paused, her brows knitting together slightly, and a flash of ambivalence passed through her eyes. For a moment, it was as though the question lingered in the air, wrapping itself around her thoughts, forcing her to confront a truth she hadn’t fully examined.

Her lips parted as though to speak, but she held back for a brief second, her mind spinning with questions she didn’t know how to answer.

“I want kids, for sure,” Bluma said after a long moment, her voice uncharacteristically soft. “I think... I think seeing you and the others go through motherhood has made me realize how much I want that for myself. I want kids before I’m 30.”

Almia raised an eyebrow. “Don’t put a time limit on things like that,” she advised gently, as though speaking from a place of experience. “Life has a way of surprising you.”

Bluma didn’t answer immediately. She sat back, her eyes distant as she processed Almia’s words. The thought of having children had always been one she was drawn to, yet she had never fully considered the weight of the decision, especially with the underlying complexity of her relationship with Bron.

She’d known Bron for years, though not in the way that most people might think. Their connection had begun with a rivalry with petty squabbles over trivial matters that felt more significant at the moment. He was her next-door neighbor, the man who seemed to always have an opinion on everything. And she, in return, had never been shy about returning fire.

But over time, those small conflicts had shifted. Something changed, maybe it was the quiet moments they spent outside, sharing brief exchanges under the late evening sun. Or perhaps it was the way Bron’s eyes softened when he spoke about his future, something he rarely let slip.

Whatever it was, the petty disagreements began to feel distant, and in their place, an unspoken understanding began to blossom between them.

Their relationship had never been about grand gestures or romantic confessions, it had been slow, steady, and built on mutual respect that neither had anticipated.

Yet even now, with thoughts of children and the future, Bluma found herself wondering how well she truly knew him. Did he want what she wanted? Or was she simply projecting her desires onto their shared dreams?

As if sensing Bluma’s inner turmoil, Almia leaned forward, her voice gentle. “You don’t have to have it all figured out right now,” she said. “And neither does he. You’ll get there, Bluma. You’re both still growing. You’ll know when it’s time.”

Bluma nodded, though she didn’t quite feel as sure as Almia sounded. Bluma let out a quiet sigh, the weight of it all settling on her shoulders. Maybe Almia was right. Maybe she didn’t need to have it all figured out right now.

But she couldn’t help but feel that time was running out and that uncertainty would only lead to more questions, more tension, and more decisions that she wasn’t yet ready to make.

As Almia continued to rock her newborn, her voice filled the room again, soft and comforting. “It’s okay to be uncertain,” she said. “Just take it one day at a time. You’ll know when it’s time to take that next step.”

Bluma smiled weakly, grateful for Almia’s wisdom, but the uncertainty remained. Only time will tell.

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nahisummerhold · 6 months ago

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Karma Blues

Nahi dropped off the potions Kai had sent to Dornagal, but when she started stocking the kits, the performer got a knowing look from Naralinthe that said, ‘I know what you are doing’ and was shooed from the tent. The joke in camp was ‘you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here’, which was all well and good when you had a home. Yes, Nahi had her Tarts apartment but it was meant to be a bandage for the ‘if’ Dalaran fell’, she was unpacked to a point where she didn’t mind inviting company there, but it certainly wasn’t a place she thought of as a home, right now home was her tent in the camp.

Luckily, she didn’t have so much in the camp that she couldn’t carry the little things that said home to her along wherever the wind blew. Her bag was packed and she set off without a clue of where she was going or what she was going to do. Never in her life had she been in this scenario, nor had she expected it, and she had options but decided to throw some things into the wind that weren’t her leaning on her friend crutch of Kon and Tal, as much as she loved them.

Stopping outside of the capitol building in Dornagal, she pulls out her comm unit.

Nahi to Pathyn: Hey you.

There wasn’t an immediate response, one which might have helped her make up her mind as to a plan. Running a hand through her curls, moving to sit on a wall, letting the sun warmed stone’s heat soak through her leathers. The song in her head skipped to a halt for more than a heartbeat, dead air that resonated in her own chest, then she was flooded with her familiar accompaniment she walked through every with. Well, that wasn’t getting better, so there was that. Her comm unit buzzed and she lifted it expecting to see a message from Path, but instead it was from Fio. Fiorenze to Nahi: Keranna said the realtor she used to find her place in Silvermoon was named Amitasia Runesinger. She has a small office in the Royal Exchange. Mostly works with titled families and Magistry members, but has access to some exclusive properties as a result. Tell her Magistrix Zerine, that's Keranna, sent you and she'll treat you well. Nahi to Fio: Thank you Fio. I am still in Dornagal but will head to the city and reach out to her. Please thank Keranna for me as well. A direction, as she had nothing planned, that was as good of one as any other and she might as well go see what was out there. With a small jump, leather boots landed quietly on the carved stone, her dancer’s step not even whispering her movement into the towering building.

Making her way towards the portal that was locked to Orgrimmar, Nahi pondered the harnessed magic. What would it be like to have access to the world balanced in one’s palm? The knowledge that was a boon to her and all the others that passed through on a regular basis, life was just easier without weeks, months, of travel. A breath’s span later, she was in the dark room that granted some of the same access to a layperson that the arcane talented held. Turning slightly to her right, she saw Silvermoon enticing her to step through into this new venture that might cure her homeless situation. It was just a few steps to the opportunity of a home she would purchase for herself, not inherited, not owned by her step-father.

Coming through with her head held high, showing that confidence she tried to explain to Kaisina. It was masking the unsurety in her current path, the feeling of being so deep in the new of her life that she was bobbing on her tiptoes just to claim a lifesaving gulp of air, but no one on the outside would see it.

The comm unit in her bag vibrates and she draws it out, smiling as she saw Pathyn’s name on the screen. Reading his message as she walked out of the ornately dressed red and gold room, moving to sit on the edge of the fountain down the ramp settling in then engaging with her friend.

Pathyn: Hey beauty, it has been a week since I heard from you, thought you might still be mad.

Nahi: What a waste of time would that be? Besides, you can reach out to me first you know.

Pathyn: I can, but it is more fun to see you name light up my comm.

As she just thought the same thing about him she couldn’t really tease him about that.

Pathyn: So, what’s up?

Nahi: They kicked us out of camp for the holiday. Wouldn’t even let me stay as a ‘just in case someone is hurt’ person.

Pathyn: Right, because a person without a healing gift is the best to leave in that ‘just in case’ scenario.

Nahi: Asshole.

Pathyn: So what are you going to do with this time off?

Nahi: Right now I am in Silvermoon about to talk to a real estate broker.

Pathyn: Good for you. It is a great feeling when you have a place and set it up as your own.

She had stayed at his home in Azuna and it was exactly that, everything there just read ‘Pathyn’.

Nahi: Yes, plus every time someone talks about going home it just drives the fact I no longer have one deeper.

Pathyn: That probably won’t take all your time, what else will you do?

Nahi: Want to go somewhere and get drunk for a few days?

Pathyn: Don’t think that will work.

Nahi: Still watching his pet warlock?

A clarification of who she meant was unnecessary between them. Kyeanadril, the Illidari that had stalked her in Ahj’kahet, causing her to almost lose her place in the company.

Pathyn: Off and on, Deiala and her odd company have almost tracked the cult to its source.

Nahi: That is good, if she is as nice as you say she deserves a bit of a break.

Pathyn: That is not the real reason though. Nahi, you are gorgeous and if things had been different with you in Dalaran I would have fucked you nine ways to Sunday and then worked my way into your life until I would be your main friend with benefits.

They had talked enough for both to know how unlikely that was, she was still unsure about opening herself enough to designate the term friend to those she knew, let alone a friend with benefits.

Nahi: Okaaayyyy, so what does that time have to do with now?

Pathyn: If we hung out and drank a few days away I am not sure I could keep from acting on that.

Nahi: And?

Pathyn: I get why Kyean is drawn to you. You are sexy, smart, funny, stubborn, sexy, good hearted, enticing, sexy and did I say sexy?

Nahi: Thank you, I think.

Pathyn: I can’t sleep with you, he is my cousin and I love the big asshole.

Nahi: I see.

Pathyn: No you don’t. I am attracted to a woman my closest friend in the world thinks he is in love with

This… this was the exact reason she keeps sex to just a, usually, pleasurable night or two with the same person in her life, usually complete strangers, that was so much easier. Nahi had become empathetic enough since her time in the Prince's court to actually feel for him, it was exactly this type of interaction she would encourage among courtiers. In fact, the irony of this made her think this was emotional payback for all the times she gleefully set friends against one another for her affections.

Nahi: I can’t say if we were together like that, we would not sleep together either. My feelings about all this are complicated.

Pathyn: He told me he saw you the other night.

Nahi: Did Kyean take a job with my friends just because he would see me at performances?

Pathyn: He hasn’t said much about it except he needs to keep an eye on things. I think it is a partial yes, but possibly something else. Don’t know where his mind is at, except that his interest has only changed in shifting from that weird intensity that overcame him down there.

Nahi: I really want to see you.

Pathyn: Ditto. Let’s just keep things cool for a while, while I ponder the morality of stealing away the first woman Kyean has shown serious interest in, in more than a century before he followed Illidan.

Nahi: Yeah, probably a good idea. I do miss you though.

Pathyn: Ditto again, this sucks balls, like big ogre balls, or maybe sea giant ones. Go, buy a house in a city I can’t visit you in, then go back to your company where you will be in a place without copious amounts of alcohol and my company.

Nahi: You know I *am* going to have sex on this break, right? Maybe, hopefully, more than one once. Might even let the same person hang out for a day or two.

Pathyn: Asshole

Nahi: I learned from the best.

(Tags to @fio-renze, @themadamelioness and @kaisinasunblade for mentions. @themercenaries for a place called home. And to @konietzko-sylvoran and @talthorn-sylvoran for being my friends and also Nahi’s who I forget to tag but they still like me)

#nahisummerhold #Pathyn #Karma truly is a bitch #Deserved #House hunting #vagabond #Torturing my OC for fun

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