#expats sofa

[centrepiecefurnishing]

5 Best Sofas for Back Support That Can Help with Back Pain

While Allform’s sofa isn’t the cheapest one on this list, I definitely have to agree with over 300 customer reviews that have highlighted the sofa’s comfy appeal, durability, and sturdy frame. 

From high-quality seat cushions to help those with a bad back decompress their spine to reclining sofas, we’ve reviewed them all. I analyzed furniture companies offering sofas with all kinds of features, from built-in reclining seating elements to footrests. I also looked for sofas that provide substantial seat heights and depths for added comfort.  1. Allform Modular Sofa Photo courtesy of…

[taste-thewaste]

WIP ask game 🌤️ 🌈 ☔️ please 😘

hi laurel <3 ily!

🌤️Share your favorite piece of dialogue from your WIP.

"You wanted to look like the upper-crust Brit that you are, not the pudgy little expat you’ve become.”

i just love it lol

🌈 Share something soft/fluffy from your WIP.

He leans over the sofa and runs his hand through Henry’s mussed blond hair. “Hey, sunshine. Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work?” 

☔Is there a fic concept you have that you'd like to just explain and share because you're not sure you'll ever write it? If so, what is it?

I have this plan of a boardgame strip tease series and i don't think i'll ever write it because it's low on the WIP priority list but it would be fun lol

teasing WIP ask game <3

[the-lonelybarricade]

setting grim!rhys in the uk is the best thing you could have done, because imagine when rhys discovers eurovision💀 our lil reaper would go crazy😌💅🏻

As a fake british person (aka an American expat) I want to be like YES OUR REAPER WOULD but I must admit that I don't know anything about Eurovision 😅

I would love to hear your headcanons though!! What country would the Grim Reaper root for? He's had to have met a lot of Eurovision stars over the years. Do they have an in memoriam section like they do at the oscars? Because I can imagine Rhys watching next to Feyre on the sofa, being all: "Oh yeah! He was a nice guy."

[denimbex1986]

'Ripley is the story of a con man who assumes the identity of a wealthy American expat. But, as star Andrew Scott told Netflix, it’s also “a story about art and beauty and sensuality… helped by the great beauty of Italy.”

Based on the 1955 Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, the limited series follows charming con artist Tom Ripley (Scott) on a trip to Italy in the 1960s bankrolled by a shipping magnate to retrieve his wayward son, Richard “Dickie” Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn). Tom ingratiates himself into Dickie’s life — much to the chagrin of Dickie’s suspicious girlfriend, Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning) — and soon is on the run from police while posing as Dickie in Rome.

Creator Steven Zaillian’s team of talented artists — production designer David Gropman, director of photography Robert Elswit, and costume designers Maurizio Millenotti and Giovanni Casalnuovo — meticulously re-created a 1960s aesthetic. Below, find out how they fashioned such a stunning period setting in Ripley.

THE LOCATIONS

Ripley’s filming locations read like a dream vacation: Venice, Rome, Naples, Palermo. Zaillian and Gropman drove the length of the Amalfi Coast, going from Salerno to Sorrento, “looking for the town we imagined Dickie Greenleaf settled in,” Zaillian told Netflix. “Most have been too modernized or gentrified for a story taking place in 1960, but there was one we came upon, a village of about 800 people called Atrani, that we found perfect.”

When the series finally filmed in 2021, it was the height of the Covid pandemic, so “there were no tourists,” said Zaillian, “which made it feel all the more like we’d gone back in time.”

Beyond the postcard-perfect vistas provided by the location, Gropman had more than 200 sets and locations to design. His researchers worked in New York, London, and Italy to make sure the plans were as accurate as possible. While Gropman and Zaillian visited several Roman apartments, the one used in the show was a set. But those real estate tours were inspirational.

“The sofa in Tom’s Rome apartment was the sofa that we saw in a villa in Rome that we both fell in love with, so we just built an exact replica,” Gropman told Netflix. “The leather chair that Ravini sits in in Tom’s apartment? I was walking by a shoe store in Rome, and there was this beautiful old leather chair. We couldn’t get that chair, but we worked with the most wonderful Italian decorator to source something. She made all of these interiors come to life in a really spectacular way.” THE STYLE

Unsurprisingly, the costumes were as meticulously researched as the locations. Designers Millenotti and Casalnuovo created “thick binders” of images, arranged by region and year, to show Zaillian their vision of what the costumes would look like. The finished products included vintage pieces as well as outfits they crafted themselves. “From the feel of La Dolce Vita in Rome to a more working-class wardrobe in Palermo or Atrani, it’s always accurate,” said Zaillian. “And even though it was always the intention for Ripley to be in black-and-white, I asked them to clothe no one in colors, which limited them in a way that made their job even harder than it already was.”

Millenotti and Casalnuovo initially worried about the black-and-white restriction, but once they got comfortable, they told Netflix, “[We] learned how to express ourselves and build the characters only with a thousand shades of gray. It was the greatest challenge we ever faced as costume designers.”

The quiet luxury of Dickie Greenleaf

The object of Tom’s admiration, Dickie, is the heir to a shipping fortune — someone who grew up around wealth. For him, luxurious fabric and timeless style is second nature. For Flynn, the “beautifully tailored” costumes helped him get into character. “The way that the trousers sit on your waist and everything like that helps when you’re playing in this period — the grace that the clothes allow you,” he told Netflix.

Tom’s style evolution

Tom, on the other hand, is quite uncomfortable in the moneyed world he steps into, because he’s only crafting a facade. He’s a quick study, but he gets plenty of things wrong, too, like the purple paisley robe he brings to Dickie from New York. “Tom doesn’t come from the culture that Dickie comes from,” Flynn tells Tudum. “Dickie can spot something that’s unfashionable a mile off. And his taste — not necessarily in terms of his own paintings, but everything else — is meticulous.”

Was the robe really so terrible, though? “It was pretty garish,” says Flynn. “But it wasn’t that bad. It was something that your grandfather would’ve worn maybe — or certainly mine — and felt very suave.”

But as Tom becomes more comfortable amid such affluence, he begins to understand how fashion helps him fit in. “Ripley’s transformation is about seeing a subtle change but not being too brash about it,” said Scott. “We see there are different Toms: We’ve got New York Tom, Amalfi Tom, Tom as Dickie, and Venice Tom.”

1960s DESIGN

Tom is fixated on Dickie, and that singular focus extends to the objects in Dickie’s orbit, all of which are in 1960s midcentury style. Tom pockets a pen off of Dickie’s desk before returning it, a sign of what Scott calls Tom’s “almost sensual relationship with things.”

All of those meticulously curated objects — Dickie’s ring, his typewriter, even a hefty glass ashtray — become fixations for the camera, too. Scott said on Netflix’s Skip Intro podcast that Tom “loves [things], and you feel like he protects them. The camera is trained on these things so much. I suppose we as an audience are invited to just really appreciate them.”

THE ART

Life imitating art

The final episode opens with a flashback of sorts, but not to another period in Tom’s life. Instead, we travel 350 years back in time for a glimpse at the life of famed Italian painter Caravaggio. Tom is enamored by Caravaggio’s gruesome, dramatic paintings, but the two men have more in common than an appreciation for beauty and art.

“Caravaggio is another man who lived in Rome who murdered somebody and then was on the run for it for the rest of his life,” Zaillian tells Tudum. “That little parallel I thought was interesting. For the final episode, I thought it would be a lot of fun to suddenly flash back 350 years and have people say, ‘Are we watching the same show?’ And then realize, ‘Oh, yes, Caravaggio. I understand this.’ ”

Art as status symbol

For all of Dickie’s wealth, there’s one thing his money can’t buy: talent. While Dickie might enjoy the finer things in life, his artistic pursuits are a vanity project. “There’s some stuff that’s passable in the landscapes,” says Flynn, “but we all found it very funny that it was [mostly] the really objectively bad paintings that you see.”

Is Dickie a good painter? Emphatically, no. “Here’s the thing: The story is so much from Tom’s perspective, you should be in his head going, ‘Oh my God, that’s disgusting,’ ” says Flynn. “And the same with Marge’s writing as well. I think it works well if we, through Tom’s perspective, think of these people as fooling themselves and that their whole life is a bit of a bubble and an illusion and the lie that they’ve created about being these artists in exile. Yeah, the paintings were pretty bad!”

BLACK AND WHITE AND SHADES OF GRAY

One of the most distinctive — and perhaps most period-appropriate — aspects of Ripley is its black-and-white palette, something Zaillian had planned from the beginning.

“I never saw it as some sunny, colorful postcard of a story but rather as the foreboding suspense story that it is,” he told Netflix. “It takes place in the winter of 1960 and, like many of Highsmith’s stories, has a film noir quality to it. Black-and-white can be striking in a way color can’t be, and I’m grateful Netflix agreed.”

A frame within a frame

Zaillian and Elswit had worked together on the miniseries The Night Of, so Zaillian knew his director of photography would be up for the challenge. “He loved the idea of shooting in black-and-white and brought to that seemingly simpler palette a depth to the photography that’s more evocative than color,” Zaillian said.

Another of Elswit’s choices brought even more depth to the visuals — the shots that frame Tom within another frame, including windowpanes, mirrors, doorways, and other enclosed perspectives. They suggest that, as viewers, we’re watching Tom fit himself into a box.

The deeper meanings found within Tom Ripley’s story are also imbued in the cinematography. “This show is so much about light and dark and contrasts and the underbelly and what’s going on under the surface,” said Fanning. “I love that Steven and Robert are really playing with that through the lighting and the sets, and the color palette and the tone.”

Take, for example, the closing montage that focuses on a painting from Picasso’s cubist period. “Cubism is all about deconstructing usually a human figure into parts, so that we can somehow see them more clearly when we’re not distracted by them all being in the right place,” Zaillian tells Tudum. “I felt like at the end, to see these pieces of Tom, these different personas of Tom, these different identities that he assumed, that we were actually seeing him fragmented like the cubist painting that’s right in front of him.”'

[intergloballuxurusies]

 Finding the Perfect Flat for Rent In Dubai

 Finding the Perfect Flat for Rent In Dubai

Dubai is a city of dreams, with its iconic skyline and diverse neighborhoods offering a unique blend of luxury and opportunity. Whether you're a newcomer or a resident looking to upgrade your living space, finding the perfect flat for rent in Dubai can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this comprehensive 700-word guide, we'll break down the process, exploring key factors, popular neighborhoods, budgeting tips, the rental process, and insider advice to ensure your search leads you to a flat that feels like home.

Understanding Dubai's Neighborhoods

Flats for rent in Dubai's neighborhoods each have a distinct character and amenities. From the bustling energy of Downtown Dubai to the tranquility of the Palm Jumeirah, understanding each area is crucial. We'll delve into sought-after neighborhoods, providing insights into what makes them unique, helping you align your lifestyle preferences with the right community.

Luxury Living in Dubai

Dubai is synonymous with luxury, and its real estate market reflects that. As you embark on your flat-hunting journey, we'll explore upscale living, discussing amenities commonly found in luxury apartments. From breathtaking views to state-of-the-art facilities, gain a comprehensive understanding of the opulent lifestyle awaiting you in Dubai's premium residential spaces.

Budgeting Wisely: Tips for Renting

Aligning your dream flat with a realistic budget is crucial. We'll provide practical tips on budgeting flats for rent in Dubai including insights into rental trends, hidden costs, and negotiation strategies. By the end of this section, you'll feel empowered to make informed financial decisions that ensure your dream flat doesn't become a financial burden.

Navigating the Rental Process

Flats for rent in dubai ;Securing the ideal flat involves navigating a series of steps, from property searching to signing the lease agreement. We'll break down the rental process, offering a step-by-step guide that simplifies the journey. Topics covered include property inspections, documentation requirements, and understanding lease terms.

Basic amenities in your flat – A no-brainer

Flat for rent in Dubai When we talk about basic amenities, we’re referring to the essentials that you would expect to find in any living space. This includes (but is not limited to) running water, electricity, and basic furnishings like a bed, sofa, and kitchen cabinets. In most cases, these amenities will be included in your monthly rent, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out extra cash for them.

AL HAMRA VILLAGE Peacefully and Ellington Views boasts a remarkable vantage point, allowing residents to savor sweeping views on two sides for flat for rent in dubai. On one side, you’ll be treated to lush green fairways stretching across the Al Hamra golf course. On the other, the picturesque Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club with Marjan Island in the backdrop. Not to forget, the azure waters of the beach are just steps away.

Insider Tips and Tricks

Flat for rent in dubai .No guide would be complete without insider tips. We'll feature real-life stories, advice from seasoned expats, and insights from property experts. Learn from the experiences of others to enhance your flat-hunting strategy and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Conclusion: Finding Your Home in Dubai

Dubai's real estate market is dynamic and filled with opportunities for those seeking a premium living experience. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your journey to find the perfect flat for rent in Dubai. Whether you prioritize luxury, convenience, or a mix of both, Dubai's diverse landscape ensures there's a flat that suits your unique preferences. Happy hunting.

[siyalok]

Unlocking Savings: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Buy Cheap Furniture in Dubai Online with Siyalok Furniture

Introduction:

Dubai, the bustling city of dreams, is a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. As residents and expats alike strive to create their ideal homes, finding affordable yet stylish furniture becomes a priority. In the digital age, the convenience of shopping online has transformed the way we furnish our living spaces. In this guide, we'll explore the art of acquiring budget-friendly furniture in Dubai through the lens of Siyalok Furniture, your trusted online destination for quality pieces that won't break the bank.

Table of Content

Introduction

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Explore the Sale Section

Subscribe for Exclusive Discount

Compare Price Across Platforms

Take Advantage of Bundle Offers

Read Customer Review

Utilise Discount Coupons

Take Advantage of Seasonal Sale

Don't compromise on Quality

Conclusion

Set a Budget and Stick to It:

Before diving into the vast world of online furniture shopping, it's essential to establish a realistic budget. Knowing your financial boundaries helps narrow down choices and prevents impulse buying. Siyalok Furniture understands the importance of catering to various budget ranges, offering a wide selection that caters to both the frugal and the extravagant.

Explore the Sale Section:

Siyalok Furniture regularly updates its sale section, providing customers with exclusive access to discounted items. This is a goldmine for those looking to score affordable yet high-quality furniture pieces. From elegant sofas to chic dining sets, the sale section at Siyalok Furniture is a treasure trove for budget-conscious shoppers.

Subscribe for Exclusive Discounts:

To stay in the loop about the latest deals and promotions, consider subscribing to Siyalok Furniture's newsletter. By doing so, you'll receive timely updates on upcoming sales, exclusive discounts, and even early access to new collections. This insider information can be the key to snagging your dream furniture at a fraction of the original cost.

Compare Prices Across Platforms:

Smart shoppers know the importance of comparison shopping. While Siyalok Furniture offers competitive prices, it's always a good idea to explore other online furniture platforms in Dubai. Compare prices, delivery fees, and customer reviews to ensure you're getting the best deal. However, be wary of compromising quality for a lower price – Siyalok Furniture prides itself on delivering both affordability and durability.

Take Advantage of Bundle Offers:

Siyalok Furniture frequently introduces bundle offers, allowing customers to save even more when purchasing multiple items. Whether you're furnishing a new home or revamping your existing space, these bundle deals provide an economical way to transform your surroundings without draining your wallet.

Consider Multi-Functional Furniture:

Maximize your budget by opting for multi-functional furniture pieces. Siyalok Furniture offers a range of space-saving solutions that serve dual purposes, such as sofa beds, storage ottomans, and convertible dining tables. Investing in furniture that serves more than one function not only saves money but also optimizes your living space.

Read Customer Reviews:

Before finalizing your purchase, take the time to read customer reviews. Siyalok Furniture values transparency and encourages customers to share their experiences. These reviews provide valuable insights into the quality, durability, and overall satisfaction of the products you're considering.

Utilize Discount Codes:

Keep an eye out for special discount codes offered by Siyalok Furniture. These codes can be applied during the checkout process, unlocking additional savings on your order. Follow Siyalok Furniture on social media platforms to stay informed about any ongoing promotions or exclusive discount opportunities.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales:

Timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best deals on furniture. Siyalok Furniture participates in seasonal sales events, offering substantial discounts during occasions like Black Friday, Ramadan, and the Dubai Shopping Festival. Planning your purchases around these events can result in significant savings.

Don't Compromise on Quality:

While the focus is on affordability, it's crucial not to compromise on the quality of your furniture. Siyalok Furniture prioritizes both style and durability, ensuring that every piece meets high standards. Opting for quality over the lowest price ensures that your furniture investment lasts longer, ultimately providing better value for money.

Conclusion:

In the dynamic landscape of online furniture shopping in Dubai, Siyalok Furniture emerges as a beacon for those seeking affordable yet elegant solutions for their homes. By following these tips, you can navigate the world of budget-friendly furniture shopping with confidence, knowing that Siyalok Furniture has your back. Transforming your living space into a stylish haven doesn't have to be a financial burden – Siyalok Furniture makes it possible for everyone to create their dream home within budget. Happy shopping!

[hiyori-apartment-for-rent]

Corner Azura Apartment With Supper Nice View NAMIREAL

Discover the extraordinary Corner Azura Apartment for rent, boasting a superbly nice view. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and indulge in the ultimate luxury living experience in this exceptional residence.

Welcome to Azura apartment, Azura stands out with its spacious apartment and stunning Han River view that bring to residents a feeling of “Home”. Azura becomes the best apartment and the best choice for expats in Da Nang.

Coner Azura Apartment For Rent With Supper Nice View

Furniture

Television

Air-conditioner

Fire extinguisher

Exhaust fan

Essentials

Dryer

Washing machine

Fridge

Balcony

TV

Wifi

Building Utilities

Parking

Elevator

Swimming Pool

Kids swimming pool

Fitness Room

Reception

Security guard 24/7

Detail

Size: 155m2

Floor 19th

Price is 1500 USD/month including the management fee.

Good Location

The apartment is located in the heart of Da Nang city, facing of Han River view:

– On Tran Hung Dao Street– Next to Vincom Commercial Center– 4 mintues ride to Pham Van Dong beach– 7 minutes to Da Nan international Airport by bike

Azura building has 34 floors with 225 apartments, from the third floor to 31st floor is are two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments, 32nd floor is duplex apartments and the highest floor is penthouse apartments. Each floor just has 7 apartments, therefore, it’s very quiet and big size. The first floor is reception and management board, kids club and minimart, M floor is Gym room, two swimming pools outside for kids and adults.

The building embraces the stunning view of the whole city, Han River view, Sea view, Son Tra mountain view and this is the biggest size apartment in Da Nang. As the diamond location, the best view in Da Nang and facilities, Azura is evaluated as the luxury place in Da Nang.

Azura Description

This is the corner room so the size and layout are different and more comfortable than the usual apartment.

The Living room with a long and soft sofa and the dining space is modern design. The kitchen is set slightly separate from the living and dining, kitchen is spacious and enveloped but Da Nang sea view, suitable for the cooking lover. Cooking and enjoying Da Nang view, feeling like “Home”.

Master bedroom with queen bed, closet, and make-up table. Smaller bedroom with a king bed and closet and working table.

Biggest Apartment In Da Nang

Let’s check some apartments in Da Nang and if you want to find a big place for living, you will recognize that is Azura’s biggest apartment in Da Nang for rent. Da Nang is more and more developed therefore land and apartments are very expensive which is the reason not many biggest size apartments in Da Nang. As the view, location and size, this building becomes the most expensive apartment in Da Nang.

Nice Design

Azura has been built for 6 years, dont look outside you should come and check it. Some apartments are designed with luxury furniture. Clients can choose the apartment with Western style, Korean style, tropical style, or natural style which is decorated by trees and flowers. In our list, you can check Azura apartment Da Nang for lease with many styles with different views and sizes.

Contact

Please feel free to contact Ms. Nancy for consulting and have a look the apartment:

Phone: +84796265522 (zalo, whatsaap)

Kakaotalk: nhitae

[couchlane04]

Buy Luxury sofa set online in india

 Buy Luxury sofa set online in india- on the other hand, believes in the power of curation and is perhaps one of the first brand to bring to life the display furniture warehouse concept in Delhi NCR. Under one roof, customers can find ready to pick best selling, unique and rare pieces from furniture brands, top Indian exporters and importers at very lucrative & discounted prices. EGC also specialises in carefully selected and limited, pre-loved premium furniture, art and electronics sourced from expats and diplomats, culminating into a disruptive and memorable value proposition for our customers.

We take pride in being one of the fastest growing, loved and awarded furniture start up in Delhi NCR. Now retailing from over 15,000 square feet of space For more information: https://couchlane.com/about-us/ 

[projectoffice5487]

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Moving Company in Virginia

I need a sofa moved from Van Riebeeckshof to Gardens Cape Town on Sunday morning . Moving service nationwide with main branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. We pack and move your possessions worldwide with skill and care. Execu-move will give you updated Customs rules and laws applicable to the Country of destination, prior to cargo.

For those traveling with kids or for these looking to start their university journey, Cape Town’s education system presents an ample amount of options and opportunities to additional your academic journey. Cape Town presents many non-public, public and international colleges, identified for his or her mixture of top notch lecturers, cultural events and sports activities safe storage sea point. Cape Town can be residence to the University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch, each of that are world famend universities, known for his or her amazing tutorial programs and analysis facilities. At South African Relocations, we're proud to be a part of the International Association of Movers , a global organisation that represents the moving and forwarding industry.

Learn about Cape Town’s suburbs and residential neighborhoods, from the nicest and safest areas for expats to these that are best averted.Buy a housein the world that suits your needs with this handy guide. If you’re moving to an space of the Cape Town suburbs or city middle, you’ll find a vary of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods to select from. Montessori on Kloof is a quaint little school nestled within the arms of the Holy Redeemer Christ Church.

There is no competency test required to operate an electric scooter. The pedestrians come in all shapes and sizes, from young children to fragile old people, and having these motorized bikes and scooters whizzing amongst them is a recipe for disaster. The city does indeed https://www.masterofficeprojects.co.za/movers-virginia/ have resources to invest in the basic public realm and enhance the lived experiences of people. The allocation of space to automobiles in Cape Town is rarely put to a vote, nor are motorists compelled to organise public enter on urban freeway upgrades and expansions.

Now there is an enormous black township, Masiphumelele, about half a kilometre from my home. There can additionally be an enormous black township, Imizamo Yethu, on the hillside of Hout Bay. This two bedroom, one bathroom property provides a convenient open-plan kitchen and living office moves sea point room area with high double volume ceilings which opens up the area and actually expands the feeling of the house. A spiral staircase leads one to the main bed room, which can comfortably accommodate a queen sized bed.

One of one of the best options of this apartment is the unique outside space. This outdoor house is perfect for having fun with a morning cup of coffee or a calming evening with associates. Catch a MyCiTi bus between the MyCiTi Airport bus station right exterior the principle Airport terminal, and the city centre, and switch seamlessly to another MyCiTi route to succeed in your destination.

The charge for these programmes is excluded from the month-to-month school fee. MELF is in command of the administration of the varsity, guaranteeing that legislative and monetary necessities are in order. In addition, we mentor and support the teachers, guaranteeing a high quality, authentic Montessori programme is delivered.

WORLDWIDE OFFICE Unique local properties entice curiosity from far beyond your native market. OUR GLOBAL NETWORK As we know, that what makes a property special is greater than only international movers sea point a worth. AUCTION The Auction House offers the best in over 70 categories that embrace nice and decorative arts, jewelry and wine.

Some of Cape Town’s finest nature spots are in these elements, together with Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island, and Rietvlei Nature Reserve. The West Coast is popular with younger expat households in addition to those who wish to discover the good outdoor at a laid-back pace. To the north of town round Table Bay, yow will discover the peaceable west coast neighborhoods of Bloubergstrand, Milnerton, and Tableview. The space is a water sports mecca as nicely staff relocation sea point as being a great spot for reasonably priced family-friendly homes. These Cape Town suburbs don’t have quite the levels of business of the extra bustling areas of the town but there are lots of retail and hospitality jobs going within the motels and purchasing centers. Professionals who reside within the area usually commute or, these days, work remotely from home.

[fatalfangirl]

Thank you for the tags: @tea-brigade, @captain-aralias, @cutestkilla, @frjsti, @johnwgrey, @facewithoutheart, and @martsonmars! (And thank you to the additional folks who tagged me on Wednesday.)

I gave myself a bit of a break this week after ch 11 of B&D, but have decided to share a snippet from my COBB fic in hopes that it motivates me to get back to it.

BAZ

Room 3630 of The Katherine. It’s a private residential suite that spans one corner of the building, dimly lit and decorated like an Edwardian parlor. Baz shifts, scanning for movement between the lavish bedroom and adjoining sitting room, and spots his mark on a turquoise sofa, sprawled with his head back, rubbing at his temples. There’s a drink in his other hand. He’s in a white—no—pastel suit.

Charles Marlow. British expat and, according to Baz’s mission brief, head of the Vegas crime syndicate The Flock.

It's late so I'll just tag a few folks: @whatevertheweather, @sillyunicorn, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @moodandmist, @kherub, and @creepyspice ❤️

[centrepiecefurnishing]

The Best Upholstery Fabrics for Homes with Kids and Pets

For children and pets—and maybe red-wine lovers—we like the easy care of a faux suede or the durability of a Sunbrella indoor-outdoor fabric,

“Growing up, my brother and I weren’t allowed in the living room; it was for company only,” says Mitchell. Today, though, there are plenty of upholstery materials that match good looks with durability. “For children and pets—and maybe red-wine lovers—we like the easy care of a faux suede or the durability of a Sunbrella indoor-outdoor fabric,” he says. “We’re also big fans of slipcovered…

[nereiarts]

Wip Wednesday sneak peek: Fantasies, Act II

Rating: gen (preview), explicit (finished work) Pairing: Alexander/Daniel Summary: This is a follow-up to my oneshot Fantasies from a couple of years ago. Daniel and Alexander hooked up during a ferry trip to Stockholm, had a fantastic one-night stand, and have been kinda-sorta dancing around the concept of dating ever since, which culminates in an actual date night once Daniel gets his shit together and says yes. Yes, I’ve been working on this for like 2 years, however slowly. Modern AU, full of quirky (read: dumb) banter, plus expat Alexander and exchange student Daniel. Oh yeah, did I mention it’s set in Finland? It’s set in Finland. Why? Because this AU is my self-indulgent, sexy little safe haven, and because I can do what I want. Enjoy!

PS. I haven’t proof-read this whatsoever, it’s still in the 1st draft stage, after all. Typos and missing words are almost guaranteed.

Calm down, Daniel, he told himself firmly. Stop freaking out. This isn't the first time you've been with him. The reassurances did nothing to make him feel any calmer whatsoever, but he forced himself to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as he re-entered the living room. Alexander seemed to have eased himself out of his suit jacket in the meantime, Daniel noted – it lay on the sofa, along with his tie. He glanced over his shoulder quickly, inclining his head, followed by a soft clink and a hiss, and Daniel saw that there was a beer bottle in his hand. “There you are,” Alexander said, putting down the bottle opener. “You took a while. Everything all right?” “Oh, definitely. Just did a routine check-up on your bathroom cupboards to help determine if you're a serial killer, after all.” Alexander chuckled. “I'd expect nothing less from you. And what conclusion did you reach?” “That if you have secrets, you've hidden them somewhere less obvious.” The elder let out a soft noise as Daniel leaned against his back. His hands slid up his sides and onto his front, and with a bit of fumbling he located Alexander's collar and started unbuttoning it. His skin was enticingly warm, practically begging to be explored, and Daniel let his hand slip inside his shirt. “Daniel,” Alexander sighed. His head tipped back as Daniel's lips mouthed the curve of his neck, leaving slow, lazy kisses everywhere he could reach. The brunette let his arms slide back down and wrap around Alexander's waist as he rested his head on his shoulder. “You're real,” he murmured, momentarily tightening his hold. “Sorry?” Daniel took a steadying breath, letting his eyes slip closed. “You'll laugh. It's really dumb.” “I won't laugh, whatever it is.” Daniel was quiet for some time. He could feel Alexander's quiet heartbeat against his cheek, and the scent of his aftershave made his head reel. “I just… can't wrap my head around it. That this is happening.” He swallowed. “That you actually wanted to see me again.” “You thought I wouldn't want to?” “Feared, more like.” “Why?” There was a quiet thunk as Alexander put down the bottle. His hands came to rest against Daniel's, warm, reassuring, and Daniel squeezed him tighter. “It's just,” he continued, voice muffled against the elder's shoulder. “I haven't been able to stop thinking about you ever since... you know. I wanted to see you again so bad, it was driving me nuts. And then you actually asked me and I freaked out – like, what if it's too good to be true, or something.” Gently, Alexander prised himself free and turned around to face him. Daniel was staring at the floor, face burning up. “Daniel,” he said softly and touched his chin. “Please look at me.” Daniel exhaled slowly and, with an enormous effort, forced himself to look up. The look in Alexander's eyes made something tighten painfully in his chest. He saw Alexander's lips part but before he could say another word Daniel had already crushed their lips together, kissing him with the force of every desperate thought he'd had about him. He heard Alexander moan softly into the kiss as his tongue slipped inside his mouth and then his arms were around Daniel, simply clinging to him until he'd had his fill. Daniel cupped the elder's face between his palms as they broke away, so close that he could feel the warmth of his breath against his mouth. “I think… I think I missed you,” Daniel whispered, which earned him a soft peck from Alexander. “I missed you, too. Why do you think I asked you out?” Alexander asked. Daniel closed his eyes. His visage was burning up, and the words took some effort. “Sex, mostly. I mean, I'd be fine with just that, too, but—“ He paused, the words catching in his throat. He swallowed again. “I really like you. All of you. And...” Alexander's lips grazed against the brunette's. “And?” “And I don't want this to be just physical.”

[amoralityplay]

Tokyo, 1992

[Trigger Warning: Mentions of framed suicides. Genre-related violence.]

It had been nearly a month since Audrey had arrived in Tokyo and there was no sign that the Japanese coalition had accepted her application. Audrey had been to three different vampire-owned blood banks and been refused at each given she was not a member nor a guest of a member. She’d even gone so far as to try to bribe a mortal that worked in one of the Tokyo hospitals for a single bag of blood, to no avail. She was hungry and it might have been decades since she’d had to kill anyone for a meal…but desperation was kicking in. The young vampire, slender under the best of circumstances, was losing weight, the angles of her hips and collarbone growing sharp and her stomach constantly twisting with pangs of hunger. Animal blood and sometimes even just sucking on rare meat—more easily obtained, usually from butchers, had been staving off total starvation, but as Audrey examined her face in the small bathroom mirror of her high-rise apartment, tugging down her lower eyelid to note the pale membrane and pushing her lip up to see the same anemic paleness in her gums, she sighed and resigned herself to it: she was going to have to go hunting. [Cut for Length]

It wasn’t going to be very easy. Tokyo was a huge city, dense with many dark pockets and alleyways, but Audrey, tall and blonde, stood out. There were plenty of expats around, sure, but not enough for her to blend in like she could in Europe or the US. She’d have to be very careful…or…she could go home to Phersipnai and admit she hadn’t been able to take care of herself on her own—always a topic of conversation when they spoke. No, not an option. She’d spent decades hunting like other vampires—though not often alone, she often had company to assist—how hard could it be to pick it back up? 

Later, as she wrestled with a wiry British man she’d met in a bar, grabbing his face and slamming his head back against a wall in a dimly lit alleyway, she realized she was a bit rusty and the malnourishment had left her drained and weak. He’d been charmed by her usual tricks, sure, but that hadn’t lasted very long, and even though she was quite a bit stronger than he was—goddamnit—he wouldn’t hold still as soon as he’d spotted her knife. The third crack of his skull against the wall seemed to do the trick and he finally went limp, unconscious, and Audrey frowned down at the blood splatters on her shirt. It was black, of course—she wasn’t so out of practice as to have worn something light colored—but she hated a mess and, in the age of forensics, bloodied clothes were always a risk. She’d have to burn it. Sliding her knife along his forearm, knowing exactly where to find the radial vein and creating a three inch vertical slit. Audrey felt a wave of relief at the first bright red ebb—his heart hadn’t stopped, which would make feeing much easier. Pressing her lips to the wound, Audrey groaned quietly. She’d been so hungry for so long that even just a mouthful of fresh, warm human blood felt like a godsend…and here she had an entire adult man to feed on. Taking any blood with her would be impractical, especially with how she’d killed him—too risky, someone would find him soon and the police would be looking for a killer, but for a moment, she relaxed just a little, feeling less desperate with each pulse of blood. After a few minutes, the pulsing slowed, then stopped, and Audrey let out a soft sigh. It was just one meal—that wouldn’t get her by very long, but hopefully she’d be able to find a less risky source soon. “So, you do this often, or is this your first time?” Audrey’s own blood ran cold as she turned, hurriedly trying to wipe the blood off her chin. “Wha…what?” “I saw the whole thing. Figured dude here was about to get laid until you started bashing his head in…but damn, I sure didn’t expect that next part.” The man, hands tucked into his jean pockets, was obviously an American; she recognized his accent—a New Yorker. Tall, handsome, broad-shouldered. Audrey was very strong, but unlike the man she’d just killed, this one looked like he could have given her a much harder time; even obvious under the cable-knit sweater he wore, he was sculpted, toned, and built like an athlete or a soldier. Audrey had never, in almost 200 years, been caught with a victim; her heart thrummed against her sternum and her panicked mind tried to find some excuse. The man seemed to notice this and let out a small chuckle. “Don’t worry. I’m not calling the police. But…we should probably continue this conversation elsewhere. Put that knife away and wipe your face.” He took a few steps closer, apparently unconcerned that she was armed, had just killed someone, and was drinking blood. He extended his hand. “C’mon.” Still frozen in place, Audrey’s eyes flickered between him, the corpse, and his hand…and some other sort of hunger nagged at her. She hadn’t quite realized what this other pang was, wouldn’t until years later, but…for the last thirty years, Audrey had been alone. Not always literally…she’d lived with her grandfather in Kiev for much of that time, but…since the disastrous non-wedding, Audrey had avoided other people—vampires and mortals alike, lest she get burned again. She was lonely. “You’re…not afraid I’ll do the same to you?” The man laughed, rolling his eyes. “No. You look like I could snap you in half, you too broke to buy some groceries or something? I’ll buy you dinner…unless that just filled you up.”  Pulling a handkerchief from the pocket of her over-sized leather jacket, Audrey wiped her face, then her hands—most of the blood came off, though she could still smell it—and stuffed the square of fabric back into her pocket and very carefully placed her hand in the man’s. “I can’t eat food,” she said quietly as they walked down the alley, making a few turns until it rejoined a larger street. “Not much, anyway. I’ve got…food allergies, sort of. Too much of the wrong things will make me sick.”  It was very late and the neighborhood, occasionally lit by neon signs, was mostly abandoned. “Interesting excuse. What’s your name? I’m Nate.” Audrey hesitated again. She’d already told him far too much. She could be executed for telling him what she really was, but…he could have already killed her, could have called the police, could have done any number of things to endanger her, and he hadn’t. “Audrey.” “Well, Audrey. I’ll walk you home.” “Oh, that’s…not necessary, you don’t have to—“ “I do have to. Gotta say, I’m a little intrigued, Audrey. Pretty little thing like you, but with those glow-in-the-dark eyes, doing horrible things in alleyways, not being careful enough about it. I would like to know what you are…and, you need a lookout or something.” “…Okay.” It was about 20 minutes before the reached her apartment, and Audrey looked up at Nate as he stood next to her, releasing his hand. “Is this…some sort of trick?” “No. No trick. Invite me in.” Audrey squinted at that. She’d never mistaken another vampire for a mortal before, but that…was an oddly vampiric request. “Why?” “Because…I met some guys in Iraq a few years ago that were ranting about being vampire hunters, and I thought they were just crazy…but I’ll be damned if you don’t seem an awful lot like what they were talking about. And…they said that’s a thing. Vampires—real ones—are very particular about invitations.” Swallowing, Audrey reached into her pocket, fingering her keyring nervously. He was…charming, sort of, and she was lonely and…she supposed if anything went awry, she could kill him. As weak as she was, it might be one hell of a struggle…but she’d manage. “Okay…would you like to come inside?” A bright smile was Nate’s immediate response—and Audrey noted his definite lack of any sort of dentition that would indicate he was a vampire, too. “I would.” As Audrey turned to unlock the door, he rested a hand at the small of her back. “Wasn’t just saying things, by the way,” he said, leaning to murmur against her ear. “You’re beautiful. Nothing hotter than a dangerous woman, y’know?” A little startled by his sudden closeness, Audrey jumped over the threshold, dropping her keys and fumbling as she tried to pick them up. Nate laughed, leaning down to snatch the keyring off the floor, then slid it into his own pocket. “You’re awfully jumpy for a, uh, creature of the night, heh.” “Shhh,” she hissed, pushing the elevator button a few times. “If someone hears you—“ “We’ll kill ‘em.” He finished, draping his arm across her shoulders. “Don’t worry. You and your little secret are safe with me, darling.” 

Once they reached her apartment, Nate snorted softly, looking around the small living room; unlike her Boston home, Audrey had brought almost nothing of value with her to Japan, and she’d found a cheap studio apartment typical to young adults in Japan. It was little more than a kitchenette, a narrow living space with a sofa and a TV, and a bedroom and adjacent bathroom partitioned with a sliding door from the rest of the space.  The single window in the bedroom area was hidden behind a set of blinds and then covered with two layers of heavy, thick black curtains. “How luxurious…No Transylvanian castle for you, then?” Audrey frowned. “That’s a stereotype—“ Nate laughed, dropping onto the sofa. “Sorry, it’s just funny. Supposed to be so mysterious…and you live in this shit apartment like a broke college student. Aren’t you supposed to be some immortal being, thousands of years old and incredibly rich?” 

“I’m not that old…And I have plenty of money, I just…wanted to try something different.” “Ooooh. I gotcha. You’re slumming. Of course you are…heh. I should have known, never met a girl yet who does this grunge look,” he gestured to her outfit, “that wasn’t rich as—“ A low growl gave him pause and his brow shot up as Dogmeat stepped out of the bedroom, lips pulled back in an ugly snarl. “You, uh, didn’t mention the dog…” He squinted, then pushed himself to his feet. “A barghest, huh? Well, that’s a coincidence.” Audrey shrugged her jacket off, hanging it on a coat rack near the door, shushed at the dog, then what Nate had just said caught up with her. “You can…you can tell what he is?” “Sure I can. I’ve got one, too.” Nate looked Audrey over now that she’d removed her coat, then stepped by her to go to the kitchen. “Oughta get yourself cleaned up…You have anything you can eat in here? I’ll make you something while you take a bath.” This entire situation was so strange that Audrey still wasn’t sure how to respond…she stared at Nate for a moment, after which he sighed and leaned against the counter between them. “Audrey. I’m not a rapist or anything…I mean, I have killed people, but…I’m not gonna hurt you.” He shrugged, turning to open the fridge, which was nearly empty except for a few beef bones in tightly wrapped plastic and a foam meat tray with three uncooked steaks on it. “Can you eat this?” He asked, holding the tray out. “I can, a small piece. It’s better to just…suck on it a little, to get the juices out of it. I bought it mostly for the dog…animal proteins don’t make me as sick as other foods will, but…they don’t really do much nutritionally.” “Cooked?” “Only a little.” “Okay. Go take a bath.” Audrey nodded slowly, and for a moment she wondered why she was letting any of this happen. Maybe the starvation was getting to her. As he’d promised, Nate didn’t interrupt Audrey as she laid in the tub for a while, long enough that the water started to chill unpleasantly and she was finally forced to get out. The meal from earlier had started to kick in and she felt better. Dressing in a loose white t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans, Audrey re-emerged to find Nate sitting on the sofa, eating one of the steaks himself while Dogmeat chewed a raw one nearby. Instead of the third steak, a glass with 2 inches of blood at the bottom of it rested on the coffee table. Audrey sucked in a small breath, biting into her lower lip. “Where’d you get that?” “It’s mine.” He held out his hand, which he’d wrapped a dishtowel tightly around. “Cut myself when I was cutting this steak up…why let it go to waste?” “…we’re…not supposed to drink from a mortal we don’t kill. It’s…against the rules.” “That so? How’s following the rules working out for you? That fridge was awful empty and you look like you’re starving even after that guy in the alley.” Audrey frowned, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her t-shirt. “There’s…some sort of problem with my application to the…well, it’s politics, that’s all. I can’t buy blood until it’s sorted out. But…I shouldn’t, it’s…not safe to drink from people anymore, I was just…I had to, earlier. And I shouldn’t…not again. Maybe you should go.” She knew she shouldn’t let him go, either. She should kill him, bottle up as much of his blood as she could and dump his body off the roof like a suicide. But…there was something about him. And he had a barghest, too…maybe it was fate that she’d met him. A mortal that was willing to feed her? It seemed too good to be true. “If you want me to go, I will…but I don’t think you really do. I’m clean, I’m in the Army. Get tested every few months. That’s probably the safest blood you’ll find anywhere this side of the Pacific.” Audrey didn’t move for another moment, considering. She was still hungry, and could smell the blood from where she stood, her mouth literally watering. She could figure out what to do about the rules later, she decided. She sat down next to Nate, picked the glass up and drained it with a low, pleased rumble as Nate watched, letting out an approving hum. “‘Atta girl.” “Thank you,” she murmured, setting the glass back down and glancing at Nate’s hand. “Do you need stitches?” “Nah. Had a lot worse. I’ll be fine. You probably need some sleep, though…” He glanced at his watch. “It’s 5am. Can, uh, vampires go out in the sun or is that another stereotype, too?” “No…that one is true. Vampirism causes extreme photosensitivity…UV light will burn me.”  Nate stood up. “Okay. I’ll come back later…8pm? We’ll go out to dinner…and find you something you can eat. Wear something nice. Grunge doesn’t suit you.” He closed the space between them, standing next to Audrey for a minute as he looked down at her, a crooked smile tugging at one side of his mouth. “You want a bite before I go? Saw those sharp little fangs of yours when you bit your lip…if you’ve got those, why’d you use a knife on that guy?” Audrey looked down, blushing. “N-no. And…it’s just…more efficient. And not as messy.” Nate snorted. “If you say so. I think there’s probably something to be said for living true to our most authentic selves, and seems like you were born to be a predator…but we can talk more about that some other time. I’ll see you later, Audrey.” Leaning as if he might kiss her, Nate stopped, turned on his heel, and abruptly left, leaving Audrey standing in the middle of the small living room, a little baffled…and maybe a little excited. 

[eatpraylovebeer]

Love Coffee.

Busy main streets, quiet river alleys all lined with coffee shop after coffee shop after coffee shop. By the time I go back to the Western world, I will have tried everything. I am going down the list - iced coconut cream coffee, hot and cold ginger cream coffee, hot coffee with milk (aka condensed milk), egg coffee (takes extra time to prepare).

My favorite thus far - hot ginger cream coffee from Cong. The best invention! Why haven’t Starbucks or Peet’s figured it out yet? Chunks of muddled ginger soaked in espresso at the bottom of your coffee mug topped with ginger flavored cream. Melts in your mouth yummy. I’d go back everyday and since my first one I have.

The coffee culture here in Hanoi is on another level. Locals (and expats) sit in coffee shops anytime of day; morning, afternoon, evening. You will find the locals sipping their drinks, eating their sunflower seeds, and likely playing card games if in a group. I’ve even come across folks using the comfy chairs and sofas as a place to nap. There’s some irony there!

I find myself becoming one of them spending my days in a coffee shop watching the world go by and most times forgetting the world/day is actually going by. Too easy to lose track of time while drinking my hot ginger cream coffee and reading my book, especially on a thunderstormy kind of day.

[carryonsimoncarryonbaz]

11, please!

11: Which one of your OTP overdoes it on the alcohol and which one makes the other stop drinking?

1.

Baz

I believe Simon is now on a first-name basis with every denizen of this pub.

I’m also fairly certain every one of them has offered to buy him a drink. I’m absolutely positive he has taken far too many of them up on that offer.

Endless grin, disheveled hair, flushed face. Simon Snow is completely sozzled.

“Baz!”

“Yes, Snow?”

“Baz!”

“I’m right here, Snow.”

Snow wobbles onto the barstool next to me and sets his most recent refill of ale on the table so heavily that some of it sloshes out of the glass and onto the tabletop. He blinks at it regretfully, takes a long pull of the remaining ale and then turns to regard me again.

“Baz!”

Crowley, here we go again.

“Baz, Liverpool won!”

“Yes, Snow. So you’ve mentioned.”

He frowns and leans towards to me, gently swaying. “You called me Simon before.” He leans even closer to me, his scrunched nose almost touching mine.

Snow’s understanding of personal space is precarious even when he’s sober. It’s basically nonexistent when he’s drunk. I don’t mind that one bit. He’s now draped over me, chin resting on my shoulder, lips brushing my ear.

He raises his voice even louder than before. “Baz!”

Snow also loses all sense of volume control when he drinks. He’s literally a breath away from me but still feels the need to bellow.

“Baz!”

“Yes, Simon.”

“They’re all��Liverpool fans. Every one of them.” He leans back to wave his glass genially at the other tables, managing to spill more of his drink as he does so.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. Less in the glass means less in Simon. He’s going to have a dreadful hangover tomorrow if I don’t cut him off soon.

He’s still chattering. Snow becomes far more talkative when he’s drinking, his words flowing freely, if somewhat repetitively.

“Baz!”

My point exactly.

“Baz, how’d you find this place? How’d you find a pub full of Liverpool fans, a pub showing the game, in fucking Chicago? I didn’t even know there’d be Liverpool fans here.”

Snow goes on about this remarkable example of globalization for quite some time.

We’ve been in town for a few days, visiting Bunce and her boyfriend. They had some family affair today, so Simon and I had some time to ourselves.

I had considered spending that time in the warm, luxurious privacy of our hotel room but Simon was up with the sun, as usual, and ready to explore more. As if Bunce hadn’t dragged us all over this freezing, windblown city already.

The wind here is ghastly. It almost made me regret not buying that ridiculous puffy coat Simon insisted I needed for this trip. Almost.

I couldn’t face walking along that frigid lakeshore today. It’s snowing. In April. It’s appalling. I truly don’t know how Bunce tolerates it.

I had done some investigating ahead of time. I know how Simon is about Liverpool this late in the season.

Simon would call it plotting but I prefer to call it research. It was easy enough to discover which pub was a favorite among expat Liverpool fans.  This one opened at seven this morning to televise the match live. We’ve been here since before nine.

It’s not even noon and Simon is completely inebriated. He’s still talking but I’ve lost the gist of this very one-sided conversation. He’s crossed his arms on the table, one elbow in the puddle of beer he spilled earlier, and his head is resting on his arms. Eyes half-closed, face still flushed, errant curls spilling onto his forehead. 

He takes my breath away.

I push the curls off his face, my fingers lingering to stroke through his hair. Simon closes his eyes and smiles.

“Baz.” Thank magic, he’s at the point of mumbling now rather than shouting.

“Yes, Simon.”

“Like it when you do that.”

“When I do what, love?”

“Mess with my hair.”

I keep my fingers running through his curls. I never want to stop.

“Baz.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. This was ace.”

“You’re welcome, love.”

Simon’s eyes stay closed.

I pull my phone from my pocket and tap on the app for a car service to take us back to the hotel. Simon’s in no state to navigate public transportation and it’s too fucking cold for me to even consider it.

Looks like we’ll be getting that afternoon in the hotel room after all. Maybe Simon will have slept it off by the time we meet Bunce and Micah for dinner.

I run my fingers through his hair one more time.

“Come on, love. Time to go.”

Simon blinks up at me and sways as he gets to his feet. I reach for his hand but he just leans into me instead, arms wrapping around my waist. I slide an arm around him to steady him.

He’s asleep on my shoulder by the time the car pulls away from the curb.

2.

Simon

I’ve wiped down the kitchen counters. Washed all the dishes that were piled up in the sink. Folded and put away my clean laundry. I suppose I could sweep too but I don’t feel like it.

It might seem like I’m making a go of cleaning the flat but I’m moping. Actively moping.

Penny huffs at me from the sofa. “Just text him, Simon.”

“He said he wanted to be alone today. I’m respecting that, Penny.”

She rolls her eyes at me and goes back to her book.

I’ve wanted to text Baz since I woke up.

It’s August 12th.

Before this year I hadn’t really understood the significance of this date for Baz. I mean, I knew his mum had been killed and all, but I didn’t know the date or the details of it all.

Or who had orchestrated it.

Baz was home with his family every previous August and I was always languishing in some miserable care home, desperately waiting to be released to go to Watford. We were never in the same place.

But this year we’re both in London. He didn’t go home for it—he’d have been alone if he had anyway—the Grimms are visiting Daphne’s parents in the south of France for a few weeks. Baz was invited to accompany them—I was too—but he hadn’t wanted to be with Daphne’s family for this.

Understandably.

I’m not sure what I was expecting for today. I guess I wasn’t expecting he wouldn’t want to be with me either.

But I can understand that. It’s the first anniversary of her death where he actually knows what happened, knows she was murdered.

And knows who gave the order to do it.

Which is probably why he doesn’t want me around. I may not be the Mage’s Heir anymore but he was still my mentor for all those years. (actually, it seems I am the Mage’s heir, according to his lawyers) (They’re still trying to sort that out) (I’m not sure what it all means.)

Baz doesn’t sleep over at my place every night. With Fiona gone we’ve actually been spending some nights at his place. He’s got a nicer television.

Fiona’s an absolute terror when she’s home. She bangs on the bedroom wall and yells even if we’re just watching a movie in bed. Thinks she’s funny, she does. Makes me practically jump out of my skin, even when I’m not snogging Baz. That’s why we avoid his place most of the time. He’s been sleeping over here more often than not, now in the summer, since we don’t have classes.

But he didn’t sleep over last night.

He wanted to stay at home today, be on his own, is what he’d said. I thought he’d stay over and leave this morning but he’d gotten quiet when I mentioned it last night.

“You don’t have to stay,” I’d said. I didn’t want to press him on it. “It’s alright it you don’t want to.”

Baz had frowned at me. “It’s not that I don’t want to, Simon. I’d just rather be on my own tomorrow and I’ll likely not be good company. I should just go tonight, so I’m not a frightful grump at you in the morning.”

“You’re always a grump in the morning.” That had gotten him to indignantly deny it, but with a hint of a smile on his face. Baz did end up leaving soon after. Said he’d text me when he was ready to talk. I’d promised myself not to pester him.

It wasn’t even half-past ten and I already wanted to pester him.

Penny finally groans and tosses her book aside about an hour later. “Simon, I can’t take one more minute of you brooding. It’s one day. Surely you can survive one day without seeing Baz?”

I shrug.

I get a huff and an eye-roll this time. “Come on. Let’s go. We’re going out.” Penny shoves my shoulder and I shuffle out the door after her.

Penny knows me so well. She takes me to Borough Market, which is at least some distraction. Until I’m done eating, that is.

“Will you stop checking your phone? It will vibrate if he texts you, Simon. You know this.” Penny bats my hand and I shove my phone in my pocket before I drop it.

We wander down to Southwark Cathedral and then end up near the Bridge.

“He just wants some time alone today, Simon. It makes sense.” Penny pushes her glasses up and frowns at me. “I’m sure he’ll call or text you later tonight.”

“I know. I just hate the thought of him being alone. It’s the first year he knows what really happened… who really planned it …”

She doesn’t let me finish. “Simon. You can’t take on the guilt for that. The Mage made his own decisions and is the only one responsible for his actions.” Her finger pokes my chest. “It’s nothing to do with you.”

We’re almost to the station when I feel my phone vibrate. I yank it out of my pocket eagerly.

It isn’t Baz.

It’s Fiona, of all people.

FIONA: Are you with Baz?

ME: No. Why?

FIONA: Where the fuck is he?

ME: At his place. Why are you texting me?

FIONA: Why the fuck aren’t you with him? Don’t you know what today is?

ME: He said he wanted to be alone.

FIONA: AND YOU JUST LET HIM BE ALONE? Merlin and Morgana, Snow, I can’t believe I actually gave you credit for not being as thick as you look.

ME: Why are you texting me?

FIONA: Because Baz isn’t answering my calls or texts, you fucking nightmare. I thought for sure you’d be with him, so I thought I’d text you to tell him to FUCKING ANSWER ME.

ME: Oh.

FIONA: How’d he get you to shove off for the day? Aren’t you usually glued to his hip?

I frown at my phone. Fiona is an acquired taste. I haven’t quite acquired it yet. Baz says most people don’t ever manage to.

ME: He asked me to.

FIONA: Jesus Christ, Snow, you are an absolute pillock.

Fiona likes to swear like a normal. More so when she’s really pissed off.

FIONA: Do you have a key to his place?

I do actually but I’m not sure I want to tell her that. It’s her place too.

FIONA: Don’t you fucking stop answering, Snow. Are you going to answer my question? DO YOU HAVE A BLOODY KEY OR NOT?

ME: Yes.

FIONA: Yes, you have a key? This isn’t fucking twenty questions, Snow.

ME: Yes, I have a key.

FIONA: Get your arse over there and see what’s going on. I’ve been texting and calling him for the last hour and he’s not answering, the bloody wanker. And for the love of Merlin have him text me when you get over there.

ME: All right. I’ll head over there now.

FIONA: If one of you doesn’t text me in the next hour, Snow, I will literally set you on fire when I see you next.

ME: Ok, ok.

Lucky for me I’ve got my key fob in my pocket. “Penny, I’ve got to go to Baz’s.”

“Was that him then?” Penny looks puzzled. “You usually get this soft, sappy look when you text Baz. You looked more like you were going to throw up this time.”

“No, it was Fiona. She’s been texting him but he’s not answering. She’s blustering but I can tell she’s worried. I need to get over there.”

“Shall I come with you?”

“No, better not. Not sure what kind of mood he’ll be in when I get there. Better if I go alone. I’ll text if I need anything.”

“All right, Simon. Text me if you need backup.”

Baz is in a mood alright. A drunk mood. I’ve only seen him that way one other time. Fifth year in the Catacombs.

I’d burst into the flat, not sure what I would find.

What I found was Baz, bottle in hand, leaning against the living room sofa. His hair is tangled, falling into his face. He looks even paler than usual. The wanker must not have fed last night. No wonder he’s completely pissed.

Baz is a lightweight under normal circumstances—even one glass of red wine gets him completely legless if he hasn’t fed. I can’t imagine what this bottle of single malt has reduced him to.

Well I can. He’s a morose, incoherent mess. I’ve never heard him slur his words like this, not even back in fifth year.

“Baz. It’s me, Baz. Look at me. There you go.” I pull his face up and sweep his hair back. His pupils are huge, his grey eyes flat and lifeless.

“Shnow.” My name is garbled, Baz’s lips barely moving. The bottle in his hand waves erratically.

“Baz, give me the bottle now, alright?” I have to pry his fingers off the neck, managing to spill a little as I wrestle it away from him. At least it’s not empty. I’ve no idea how full it was when he started but there’s less than a third left now. I move to put it on the table across the room.

Baz makes a reaching motion when I move away. I’m back at his side immediately. I put my hands on his shoulders and lean close. “I’m going to get you a glass of water, ok? Don’t move, just stay here ‘til I get back, yeah?”

I fill a glass with water from the tap. I can feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. Fuck. It’s probably Fiona again. She can wait a minute.

I drop down on the floor next to Baz and he leans into me heavily. “Here you go, let’s have a little bit of water now.” I hold the glass to his lips and manage to get Baz to take a few sips.

I’m thoroughly regretting not letting Penny come with me. She’d be able to hit him with a spell or two to bring him round. I’m no help to him at all.

I coax the water in him, little by little. He slumps against me, head on my shoulder. I wrap an arm around him. “I’ve got you, love.”

His head unexpectedly comes up at my words and bangs into my chin. He shakes his head and I rub my chin. That stung.

“You’ve never called me that.” His voice is clearer. His focus is off but there’s an intensity to his gaze that wasn’t there a few moments ago. “You’ve never called me ‘love’ before.”

He’s right. I haven’t. That’s what he calls me. I adore it when he does. It makes me feel cherished and special and his.

I’m not as comfortable with endearments. Afraid I’ll sound like a right plonker, I guess. They just don’t come naturally to me, usually. But it did this time, just slipped right out. Didn’t even notice I’d said it.

I lean in and kiss Baz’s forehead. He smells like a distillery. I smooth his hair back and trace his cheekbone with my thumb. “Well there’s a first time for everything, isn’t there, love?”

Baz smiles and closes his eyes, his head dropping back on my shoulder. “I like it,” he mumbles. “Like it when you say that, Simon.”

“You should have called me, Baz. I hate the thought that you were sitting here all alone. I would have come.”

My phone is buzzing again and I continue to ignore it. Fiona is going to light me on fire but I don’t care. He’s ok and that’s all that matters. I’ll get to her later.

“Didn’t want to get all maudlin on you.”

“You know that wouldn’t matter to me.”

I can feel Baz’s breath on my neck. He’s tilted his head back, half on my shoulder and half resting against the sofa cushions. I tighten my arm around him. “You can be any way you want around me, Baz.”

“She’s not coming back.”

I don’t know what to say to that. It’s stark and true but not something he hasn’t known for awhile now. So I don’t say anything.

“She came through the Veil to find me. She couldn’t find me, Simon. She couldn’t find me because I wasn’t there. She came through for me—she didn’t go looking for my father or Fiona. Me. And I wasn’t there.”

I feel a chill wash over me that’s almost as frigid as it was the night Natasha Pitch appeared in our room. Of course he wasn’t there. He wasn’t there because the fucking Mage had him kidnapped.

All she found was me. The Mage’s Heir. Wasn’t that fucked up, when you stop to think about it?

“She’s not coming back, Simon.” I still don’t know what to say to him.

“She’s got no reason to, now. We figured it out. She’s been avenged. There’s no reason to come back next time.”

Oh shit. Fuck.I hadn’t thought of that. No wonder he’s a fucking mess. He probably hadn’t thought about that either.

We solved her murder. We avenged her death. She’s got no reason to linger anymore, no reason to come back through the Veil next time.

Fuck.

I’ve had some seriously conflicted emotions about the Mage, this past year. Part of me hates him for leaving me in the homes all those times, for lying to me about being the Chosen One, despises him for using me and manipulating me like that. For almost bringing the magickal world to the brink of war. For letting think I had to fight Baz to end it.

Part of me is grateful he found me and brought me to Watford, to the World of Mages. Without the Mage I wouldn’t have Penny, or Baz or Agatha, or any of the things that made my life better the last eight years.

My therapist says it’s normal to feel conflicted.

But I’m not conflicted now. I can be grateful that he found me and brought me to Watford and I can wholeheartedly hate him forever for what he’s done to Baz. And I do. I hate him for murdering Baz’s mum, hate him for causing Baz to be turned. I can’t forgive him for any of that.

But it truly enrages me that he took Baz’s one chance to see his mother again away from him. Because that’s what it was—his one chance. Natasha Pitch has no reason to come back next time the Veil lifts. And my heart breaks for Baz right now.

He’s realized that too.

I get him another glass of water and eventually manage to shuffle him down the hall and into bed. I tuck him under the duvet and watch him fall asleep.

I finally extract my phone and see the torrent of enraged texts from Fiona.

I tap out a response to her and then text Penny that I’ll be spending the night here. And then I turn my phone off and watch Baz until I fall asleep. 

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