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gvfgal · 2 years ago

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The Art of Life: Epilogue

18+, minors get the hell out.

A/n: Just a nice little update on our favorite creatives!!! Thanks again for all the love on this story, feels good to close this chapter and move on to the next. As always, enjoy <3

Warnings: Alcohol consumption, explicit sexual content, soft!dom Josh, lots of teasing & pet names, exhibitionism, oral (m rec.), masturbation (f rec.), unprotected sex.

Word count: 5.1k

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

One Year Later…

“How many more damn boxes of art supplies do you have?” Sam groaned as he clambered up the stairs with a box hoisted on his shoulder.

Josh and Jake were arranging the couch to your liking as you dusted the blinds, semi-thankful to finally have some.

The new apartment you and Josh were in was another brownstone, but a bit of a step up from the one you had before. Since having graduated, you both now had steady incomes (or as steady as the income can be for an artist and a filmmaker), and decided that splurging on a place big enough for your ever blossoming love and creativity was well worth it.

The ceilings were a lot higher, and unlike your old place, this apartment had two bedrooms, one that Josh readily agreed to turn into your own personal art studio so that you could, in his words, “finally have a real damn living room”.

Josh sat his end of the couch down and crossed the room to wrap an arm around your torso.

“Guess we shouldn’t tell him about the storage unit,” he smirked at you.

“Not until after we get him high,” you gave him a quick kiss on the lips and gently shoved him in the direction of waiting boxes.

Jake groaned and stretched his back, plopping down on the couch.

“You alright over there, old man?” Josh teased as he pulled a kitchen towel out of a box. He held it up for you to inspect, ‘keep or toss?’, and you immediately shook your head in disgust.

“Yeah, I agree,” he tossed it across the room.

“I need beer,” Sam called out to no one, sitting his box down and taking a seat on top of it.

“I second that,” Jake threw a lazy hand in the air.

You sat your duster down and began making your way to the kitchen, “well, since you guys were soooo sweet for helping us, I suppose the least I could do is get you an ice cold beer,” you teased, swinging the refrigerator door open.

You grabbed four bottles from the six pack, the only thing sitting in your fridge other than a bottle of wine.

The bare necessities.

After popping the caps from each of them and discarding them on the counter, you went and passed each of the brothers one, and they all stood to their feet, knowing all too well that Josh, ever the thespian, would want to give a toast.

And true to his nature, he raised his bottle.

“To my beautiful smoking hot girlfriend,” he winked at you, causing you to roll your eyes, “and to new beginnings for us.”

“To new beginnings,” the rest of you agreed. Josh fell onto the couch, pulling you down with him to sit on his lap.

“You know I really like this sofa,” he cheesed, letting his free hand run across the smooth velvet.

You’d picked it out while strolling through Tribeca one afternoon after a showcase. Josh showed up with a bouquet of roses to congratulate you, and you decided to window shop your way back to the subway station.

You didn't buy it that day, but a few months down the line, Josh surprised you with the purchase receipt one night at his apartment.

“Set to be delivered on the day we move in together,” he pointed at the date on the paper, smiling up at you.

You then argued that that couch was too expensive, he then assured you that no purchase was too big if it meant making you happy.

Then you made love.

Snapping out of your day dream, you took a swig from your beer, “I really like it too.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

After his brothers left to explore the city, you and Josh ordered a pizza from your favorite spot and popped open the bottle of wine.

He sat and watched you paint a small piece as he fiddled with videos on his laptop. You were blabbering away about the house warming party you were scheduled to have in two weeks time.

“So I was thinking we could get a charcuterie board from that little deli on fifteenth street,” you balanced your brush and your wine glass in one hand, stroking gently on the canvas while your other hand fed your mouth pizza.

“I would say the one on eleventh but the one on fifteenth does these vegan charcuterie boards and I figured you could get one for Sam,” you took a sip of your wine and looked at him with a curious expression.

He was ogling at you with a goofy grin, causing you to furrow your brows.

“What?”

“It’s amazing to me, the way you’ve mastered the art of pizza-wine-painting. It’s pretty impressive I must say,” he chuckled as he took a bite of his own slice. “That tomato sauce on the corner of your mouth is a nice touch, too.”

There was no teasing in his voice, he stated it matter-of-factly, as if he really meant it, but your cheeks still flushed in embarrassment.

You sat your pizza down on it’s paper plate and used your sleeve to wipe your face, a much easier thing for you to do now since you had an in unit washer and dryer.

“Oh, that reminds me,” he shot up from the couch and dissapeard into the direction of your shared bedroom that was full of unpacked boxes. You heard some momentary shuffling, a loud bang, before he came inching back out, a large canvas in his grasp.

There was only one painting he could’ve possibly been carrying. He was adamant that the only artwork to be displayed in the apartment would be yours, and you sold all the other pieces that had collected in your apartment over time, (something you would’ve done earlier if you knew how much you could make, but you were glad you waited).

“Josh,” you groaned with a roll of your eyes, “I told you I dont wanna hang that one.”

“Oh come on, mama,” he begged, stopping to turn the canvas towards you, as if you hadn’t seen it a million times already.

It was the painting of him you displayed at the showcase that fateful night, seemingly the painting that brought you back to one another.

After the showcase, you had quite a few offers from people willing to buy it, but in the end you opted on keeping it, after all, it was the painting you were most proud of.

Still, that didn’t mean you wanted it hanging in your house.

“You can’t tell me this isn’t the most beautiful piece of artwork you’ve ever seen in your life,” he jammed his pointer finger at the canvas, “look at that detail,” he then pointed towards one of the empty walls, “it’s even got a perfect spot.”

To be truthful, it was a perfect spot. Right above the fireplace, that section of the wall would hold the canvas almost perfectly.

You made your way over to him and examined the painting with a quizzical expression, “is this about you wanting to display my work, or about you wanting a half naked picture of yourself to gaze at in our living room?”

The corner of his mouth turned upwards, “an intricate mixture of the two.”

You frowned, “no.”

“Pleaassseeee,” he begged more, leaning the canvas on the wall to grab ahold of you, “what if it’s just a placeholder, until you paint something just as glorious and deserving?”

You narrowed your eyes and threw your arms over his shoulders, “something tells me you don’t think I’ll ever paint something as ‘glorious and deserving.’”

His smirk returned to his face, “don’t get me wrong, Picasso, I’m nothing if not a believer in your talent,” he nodded in the direction of the waiting canvas, “but you’re not topping that one. Not when you had a muse such as my—”

“Alright, alright Mr. Big Shot,” you pushed him off of you gently with a laugh, “go get the damn nails.”

Like a kid being awarded a piece of candy, he scampered off to the kitchen where the nails were as you picked up the hammer from the coffee table.

“Placeholder,” you reminded him, waving the hammer in the air.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

After 20 minutes of Josh up on the ladder and you barking instructions, feeling very tyrannical since he forced your hand in the first place, the canvas was finally hung.

You both stepped back to admire it and all its glory. You had to admit it did look pretty good hanging there, but you’d never say it out loud for Josh to hear.

“You know we’re taking this down for the housewarming party, right?”

“Well, we’ll see about that,” Josh shrugged with a sly grin, “it’s kind of a good conversation starter.”

“Yeah, like you ever need help starting a conversation,” you bumped his hip with yours, “I’m gonna shower, getting sleepy.”

Josh moved to stand behind you, wrapping his arms loosely around your waist as he began peppering kisses along your collarbone, “want me to run you a bath?”

“Hmmm, that sounds nice,” you hummed. Your head fell into the crook of his neck, and you took a moment to inhale his scent, so very unique to him that it made you love it even more. Now that you two were living together, you thought of his scent clinging to the furniture, lingering in the air even when he wasn’t present, causing a soporific smile to spread across your face.

“Yeah,” he kissed our neck, leaving fire in his wake, “I can pour you some more wine, maybe rub your feet,” his mouth was hovering over your ear now, “and we can talk about what color to paint the accent wall in the bedroom. I’m thinking an earth tone, Laurel Green, maybe?”

His lips closed around your earlobe, sucking gently before his tongue returned to lick a slow stripe back down to your neck.

Goosebumps rose to your body at the feeling, and you bit your lip, “I love when you talk interior design to me Joshua, it’s sexy.”

“Wait until I tell you about my ideas for the backsplash in the kitchen. Two words. Mosaic. Tiles.” he pressed further as he began walking the both of you towards the bathroom.

You threw your head back in laughter, throwing a dramatic hand over your head like a 1940’s starlet, “take me now, Mr. Kiszka.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Two Weeks Later…

In the end, the canvas, in fact, did not come down for the party. Josh was smart enough to get you nice and toasty before the guests arrived, leaving you to forget all about it.

And he was right, it was a good conversation piece. Almost everyone in attendance wanted to know the story behind it, and Josh was more than ready to fill them in on all the mushy details of that night.

He was proud of your relationship. Proud of all the obstacles the two of you overcame that led you to that point. He was proud of your love, and by the end of the night, he was dying to show you just how proud he really was.

While you mingled with friends and family, his eyes tracked your movements constantly. He was enjoying the way you seemed so at home there in just a few short weeks, appearing so in your element that you were practically floating. It very well could’ve been the copious number of Moscow Mules you were plowing through that made you appear that way, but he liked to imagine it being more poetic than that.

As soon as the clock struck midnight, Josh was wrapping the party up, sending guests out the door in twos, eager to finally get you alone.

“Y/n, Josh, lovely hosts as always,” Sam slurred as Karen worked to usher him out the door. They were the last two left, Karen trying her hardest to wrangle her youngest and pack up his charcuterie board that he refused to leave without.

“Come on Sam, your dad is waiting in the rental car,” she gave him a light shove out the front door before turning to hug you and Josh.

“Congrats again, you two,” she gushed as she squeezed you tightly, “we’ll see you tomorrow for brunch?”

“See you tomorrow, ma,” Josh kissed her on the cheek then pulled you into his side.

You could feel his fingers digging deeper than usual into the flesh of your hip, intense heat radiating from his body as he stood so casually on your porch waving his family off.

“Ma!” Sam shouted as Jake climbed from the back seat to help him into the car, “don’t forget my charcuterie board!”

Karen rolled her eyes, “would you stop all that damn yelling? I’ve got it right here, genius,” she quipped back, just as loud as he’d been.

The two of you stepped back inside, Josh shutting the door on his family, their shouting still being heard from inside.

“They sound like proper New Yorkers out there,” he chuckled.

“Guess being in the city so much is starting to rub off on them,” you were tossing trash into a large garbage bag to clear some chores from tomorrow, unaware of the way Josh was undressing you with his eyes.

He crossed over to you and grabbed the large garbage bag from you, his lips turned upwards in a mischievous manner, “we��ll worry about the mess later, mama. I wanna do some christening of our new home.”

The bag was tossed to the side as he sent you a flirty wink, his arms coming to wrap around your waist.

You rolled your eyes, “you dress up as the pope for one Halloween and all of a sudden you become him. I don’t think there’s any christening left, we’ve pounded it out in almost every square inch of this place.”

He threw his head back and laughed at your choice of words before turning serious once more, “almost every square inch.”

When he realized you had no idea what he was referring to, his eyes slowly panned towards the artwork that hung over the fireplace, then to the floor below it, then back to your face.

You gasped playfully, shoving a finger into his chest, “your vanity becomes you, Joshua. Are you really trying to say you want to have sex with me underneath my painting of you? Is this some kink I have not yet been introduced to?”

Though he knew your teasing was nothing but harmless, he still found himself growing bashful at your words. But there was a twinkle of curiosity in your eyes, something that told him that this might just be up your alley too.

His head dropped to plant gentle kisses into your neck, his hands traveling lower to cup your ass.

“It might be,” he shrugged, “won’t know until we give it a try.”

Your fingers found his curly locks, guiding his mouth along your neck with a sigh before yanking him to look you in the eyes.

“What are you waiting for then?”

Without missing a beat, one of his hands darted up to grip your face tightly, a dark lust swimming in his eyes.

“I think you have the wrong idea about this. I’m in charge tonight, you’re at my mercy.”

A chill shot up your spine at the way his voice dropped into a husky authoritative tone, something you rarely got to here from your sweet Josh.

He was mostly sweet and gentle when it came to sex, a direct reflection of the type of person he was. But sometimes, sometimes, a much darker side of him would come out to play, and oh how you’d missed it.

When you didn’t respond to him, he tugged at your face with little force, his eyes narrowing an inch, “do you understand me?”

You nodded, swallowing down a moan that so badly wanted to permeate the air.

Josh tilted his head back, “words. Use. Your. Words.”

“Yes,” you sighed, “yes sir.”

“Hmmm,” he hummed, softly kissing the tip of your nose, “I love it when you listen.”

He released his grasp on you and took a step backwards, drinking in your body as he went over the different things he wanted to do to you. His ongoing silence was making you rather nervous, but you’d stand there and allow him to stare until he gave you further instructions.

After all, you were at his mercy.

Finally, he began backing away, his eyes the last thing to leave you before he settled himself on the couch. He wasn’t facing you, and the couch shielded you from seeing anything beyond the wild tuft of his curly hair, but the sound of his belt buckle coming undone suddenly had you on high alert.

He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the side with a heavy sigh before dropping his hands out of your view again.

It took all your strength not to scamper over to him and throw yourself at his feet, willing and ready to bestow love and praise on him in any way he saw fit.

But you were patient, listening closely to the sound of fabric rustling as he dropped his pants around his ankles.

When a soft moan escaped his mouth, you realized exactly what he was doing, and the hair on your arms stood straight.

“Jo-Josh,” you whispered, wringing your fingers together to stop yourself from moving.

His head fell to the back of the sofa with another drawn out sound, and you could barely see the movement of his arm as he pumped along his length.

He called your name back to you in a similar fashion, “what is it baby? What do you need?”

The way he was being both gentle and demanding, switching back and forth between the two personas, had your head reeling. You took a small step forward, accidentally nudging the discarded trash bag and giving away your movements.

“Aht,” he scolded gently, “I didn’t say you could move yet. Did I?”

His authoritative tone was laced with want, as if he himself was having a hard time holding back from seeking out what he really wanted, but he refused to give up the game.

“No but,” you were cut off by another sound from him that made you squeeze your legs together, “I want to see you, Josh.”

“You wanna see me, baby?” He repeated, “you wanna watch?”

He turned to look back at you with a dazed man smirk on his face, reveling in the way you were all but squirming in place.

“Yes,” you trembled in response as your eyes fell to the movement of his arm. Slow and steady strokes, a firm grip, just like he liked for you to do.

“Come,” he turned to face the painting in front of him, “sit in front of me.”

Without missing a beat, you scurried over to the foot of the couch, your eyes immediately falling to his pulsing erection and the way his hand worked it over.

You were about to kneel down on the floor in front of him, but he stopped you with a snap of his fingers. Your eyes shot up to his, and he grinned at your obedience.

He loved it when you listened.

“Clothes off first, mama. I wanna see that beautiful body of yours.”

Once again in compliance, your hands found the hem of your shirt in a frenzy, eager to please while also eager to get closer to what you wanted. And although Josh was pleased with your obedience, he wasn’t completely satisfied.

“Slow down,” he bit out with a swift downward pull on his shaft, “easy.”

Layer by layer, you stripped yourself down, making sure to take your time as Josh instructed you to, and when you were completely naked, his jaw fell slack.

“I swear,” he groaned as he began speeding up his movement only slightly, “every time I see you like this, it’s like the first time all over again.”

You would have blushed if his next words didn't come out so harsh, “on your knees. Hands in your lap.”

Once you were in the preferred position, Josh relaxed back onto the couch, his legs spread like some king on his throne as he worked himself over. He was holding your eye contact as he did so, enjoying the way your eyes were pleading with him for any sort of attention. As your arousal began to build, you began squirming in place, trying to conjure up some friction. This wasn’t missed by Josh, of course, he was paying far too close attention to you.

“I see what you’re doing,” he panted, “trying to give that pretty little pussy some attention. You must be so wet.”

You nodded swiftly, hoping that your obedience would gain you some kind of a reward.

Josh tilted his head back, glancing at the painting hung above your head before peering down his nose at you, “for me? Is it wet for me, mama?”

Again you nodded, this time followed with a small whimper as you shifted your body again.

“Show me.”

You sat on your bottom and spread your legs for him with a heavy sigh.

Josh hummed in approval, “look at that. Dripping all down your legs.” He released his cock from his hand with a grunt, getting a better look of what you so easily offered over to him.

As much as you wanted to touch yourself, find some sort of release, but you dared not move. You simply allowed him to stare and admire, taking in the way his tongue appeared to brush across his bottom lip.

It stopped to rest in the corner of his mouth as it turned up into a smirk, his eyes dragging up your body to your face.

“You’re trembling. You wanna touch it, don't you? You wanna play with my pussy?”

His pussy. The sound of that had you moaning again, arching your body towards him without thought.

“Yeah, you liked that, huh mama?”

You were growing rather tired of his teasing, you’d been starved of touch all night, even from yourself, and you were growing more and more desperate. But he seemed to be enjoying it far too much, and you would never steal that from him.

“Forgetting to use our words?” his head tilted to the side, the once soft look on his face now being replaced with one of displeasure.

“No, I—” you croaked out, but realized you had no rebuttal to his statement, “I’m sorry.”

His bottom lip poked out, “that’s okay, baby. I know how you get when it comes to my cock.”

As if it knew it had been mentioned, it twitched in his lap, gently tapping against his stomach and leaving a smear of pre cum in its wake. Josh hissed and wrapped his hand around it securely.

“It’s like there’s nothing in that brilliant little brain of yours except that. You forget your manners, forget your words,” he shook his head in mock disappointment, “isn’t that a shame?”

He was certainly knocking you down a peg, playing into that dominant role far too well. So well in fact, that it only served to push you further into your role.

“But that’s quite alright, I’ll let you make it up to me, I’ll even cut you a deal”. He sat back and threw his arms over the back of the couch. He looked like some mafia godfather, about to make you an offer you couldn’t refuse.

“Anything Josh,” you gasped, “I’ll do anything you want me to.”

“I know you will, baby. Cause you’re such a good girl, aren’t you? Such a good girl for me?”

You nodded, but quickly remembered that he was demanding your words, “yes.”

His smile only broadened at that, “come suck me. Put me in that sweet little mouth of yours and I’ll let you touch yourself all you want.”

How could you refuse that offer?

“On one condition,” he raised his finger as he began kicking his pants the rest of the way off, “you can’t cum. Not yet, not until I tell you to, okay?”

“Yes sir,” you nodded, mindful not to move until he gave you the command to do so.

He seemed proud of you, beaming with pride as he settled himself back on the couch once more.

“Come get it, mama.”

You swiftly positioned yourself in front of him, your left hand wrapping around the base of his cock and your right immediately seeking out your clit.

When your mouth sunk around him, his tip nudging the back of your throat, Josh moaned so loudly you were sure any passerby on the street could hear him.

“Fuckkkk baby, just like that. God yes.”

You were swallowing him down without relent, your fingers between your legs moving at a similarly frantic pace. You moaned around him as you eyes rolled back, but still you never slowed.

His began fucking himself up into your mouth, hips lifting from the couch as his hands crowded your scalp.

“Sucking my cock so good,” he growled out, “that mouth is a treasure mama, always so sweet for me.”

His praise made you speed up the movements on your clit, and his eyes quickly fell to where you were working.

“Remember what I said,” he tugged gently on your hair, letting you know he was still fully in control, “no cumming till I say so.”

You were gagging and sputtering around him, but tried your hardest to nod so he knew you’d heard and understood him.

But it wasn’t you, who he should’ve been worried about. With every thrust of his hips, he felt himself sailing closer and closer to his end. He would’ve let go right then, but even in his dominant state, he felt the need to please you first. He wanted you shaking and cumming around him before he allowed himself to do so.

With his hands still in your hair, he pulled you from off of him with a hiss, “turn around, on your knees.”

You wiped the mess from around your mouth before dropping down into an arch facing away from him, wiggling your ass in the air as an invitation.

“Yeah, look at you,” he goaded as he pumped himself in his fist, “so fucking ready. You ready, mama?”

You shuddered when you felt his warm body position itself directly behind you, the tip of his length just barely brushing against your slick.

“Yes, Josh,” you whined, pressing back into him, “give it to me.”

That seemed to really do it for him, a guttural growl left his mouth as his hand fisted into your hair and pulled back roughly. Your stinging eyes were met with the sight of that glorious painting, and you knew this was exactly how he wanted it.

He pushed into in one swift movement, your leaking hole offering him no resistance.

Your mouth dropped open without a word or a sound, and the arch in your back deepened as he slid right into that sensitive spot.

He pulled back out before slamming into you again, yanking on your hair as he did so, “gonna give it to you,” he repeated the movements, “just how you like it.”

His thrusts began to speed up, and the grip he held in your hair prevented you from looking anywhere but at your artwork, forcing you to take it in its fullest.

In a way, it turned you on. Being able to still gaze upon his face while he railed you from the back. You were beginning to see the appeal in having it displayed, and it was surely a conversation to be had once you were finished. But now, as Josh had mentioned earlier, there was nothing in your brain except Josh and his cock.

The way he was stretching you out, how his thrusts were so forceful yet so loving at the same time. The way he was panting and grunting above you, determined to bring you to a heavenly end.

And oh, were you headed there.

“Keep your eyes open,” he ordered as his hand came crashing down into the flesh of your ass, “don’t stop looking until you cum for me.”

“Yes,” was all you could manage, but it seemed to do just fine.

“Can I? Now?”

“Can you what?” Josh was no fool, he knew well what you were asking him. But he was going to play the game to its end, an end he knew was coming quickly.

“Cum!” you yelped as he sailed further still into you, not giving away how close he was himself, “please let me cum for you Joshy I need to cum so bad!”

Tears were brimming your eyes, causing the colors on the canvas to melt and dance around in front of you like some sort of hyper realistic kaleidoscope.

“Cum for me?” he parroted back, “that’s so sweet of you, baby. Go ahead. Cum for me.”

You tightened around him before your release began to spill from you, a shrill cry ringing out into the apartment.

“Oh shit, fuck that’s so good mama,” Josh threw his head back and fisted your hair tighter. The sting combined with your orgasm was a feeling you’d be daydreaming about for weeks to come, replaying that perfect memory over and over again.

As you drifted through the ends of your release, he pulled himself out of you and released his grip on your hair. Before you could hit the ground, he wrapped his arm around your waist and pumped his pulsing member along your back until he was spilling hot spurts onto your skin.

You could feel goosebumps raise on his skin, and you hand reached back to stroke along his thigh.

“One of these days,” he shuddered as the last of his orgasm coursed through him, “one of these days, I’m gonna put a little Picasso in you.”

One of these days, you thought. How beautiful that sounded.

Once you both had a chance to climb down from the mountain top, Josh stood on wobbly legs and extended a hand to you, “come on, my love. Let’s wash up and go to bed. I’m awfully tired.”

You allowed him to help you to your feet, and he placed a small kiss on the bridge of your nose.

“So… the painting stays?”

There was a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, so similar to the day he scooped you up from the library over a year ago. A day that kickstarted you into this beautiful life you lived now.

You threw your arms over his shoulders, “to be discussed, my muse.”

The End.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Taglist: @welllauragvf @objectsinspvce @josh-iamyour-mama

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mantis-dea · 1 year ago

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When a Good Deed Causes a Series of Unfortunate Events - Chapter 2 - The Object

Chapter 1

The echoes of a metal door slamming reverberate through the alley. For a moment, the air becomes thick with the stench of rotting garbage. You instinctively wince and mutter incoherent complaints about your life. You open your eyes to the discolored brick wall that reflects the dim light of a single flickering streetlamp overhead. It’s nighttime.

Realizing what transpired, you quickly got up on your knees and gave yourself a pat down.

Condition? Uninjured.

Satchel? Still there.

Items? Not Stolen.

Pants? Still on.

With a sigh, you dust off the dirt on you, aware that a shower would be necessary after this whole ordeal. Just as you were about head back, your eyes gravitate towards the grimy pavement you were unconscious on. You are puzzled by what you are seeing – a small, dull object, no larger than half your thumb. You cautiously pick it up to inspect it closer. It seems to be a fragment of something, with its outer edge colored silver and the rest golden-brown. You can’t discern what is had once been.

“HEY!” A shout jolts you out of your stupor. You snap your head towards the commotion. Near the end, where the alley meets the main road, stands a man wearing ragged clothes. He swishes a broken beer bottle in the face of someone familiar – a resident who lives a floor below you. Screeching to the top of his lungs, the resident runs away.

Ah, that’s why I haven’t gotten robbed.

The drunk begins walking towards you, albeit clumsily. Without hesitation, you sprint towards your apartment and slam the door shut.

Slowly, you make your way towards your living room area, carefully placing the fragment on the coffee table before sinking into your couch. Your fingers interlock, creating the perfect bridge to rest your head upon. You are fixated on this enigmatic object. A terrible, sinking feeling crept over you – you know this item will bring complications into your life.

Abandoning it is an option, of course, but the mere thought scares you. You have a feeling that if you got rid of it, it would either find its way back to you or fall into the wrong hands. You just know it.

With a trembling hand, you pick up the fragment to examine it once again. Now, it appears ordinary, lacking the allure it once possessed. Why was it so difficult to part with this object? Just what is with this object?

Ring. Ring.

You unzip your satchel and pull out your phone.

Incoming Call: Creedence Clearwater

Creedence Clearwater is the owner of the SPW Bar. You’ve only known him for a few months, but you’ve come to appreciate him as a boss far more than any of your previous employers. Unlike previous bosses, he is always ready to lend a hand when you ask for help. He makes a point of addressing his workers’ concerns promptly and efficiently. Creedence can be found at the bar every day, from the moment it opens until it closes, tirelessly ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

You’ve built a good rapport with him in the short time you’ve known him, and he has earned your respect with his dedication. Whether it’s jumping in behind the bar during busy shifts or resolving conflicts among staff members, Creedence is always there, leading by example and fostering a supportive work environment.

However, these past nine days have been different. He’s been in Florida, trying to help his daughter resolve a wrongful accusation of murder. In his absence, you’ve found yourself taking over almost all his responsibilities, resulting in more hours. Creedence assured you that he’ll compensate you more, as he felt guilty leaving on such short notice. While the extra money is nice, you long for his return.

“Good evening, Creed. How’s everything?” you answer.

“Oh, it’s going. Can’t believe I paid $150 per hour for a consultation with a lawyer,” Creedence responds, frustration evident in his voice. “By the way, you know the new guy, Joshu? Yeah. Well, he walked out. I was wondering if you could close the bar with Gwess. Time-and-a-half.”

“Say no more.”

You bid each other farewell, leaving the object on the table before getting ready for work.

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albatmobile · 2 years ago

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The Art of Rehabilitating Snowbirds Chapter 10

𓅪 After not hearing from Roy or Jason for five years, you suddenly find yourself taking in extra income as a babysitter for Roy and Jason's child.

𓅪 Rated: M | TW: Joker, violence | 6.3k includes: Wayne gala, slow dancing with the batboys (u know we got height difference w dami), wet adventures w jay ;p, finally the backstory about the scar

fem!Reader x Jason Todd x Roy Harper [masterlist]

Chapter Ten: Your Protector | ao3 - wattpad

THEN

True to his word, Jason got you an invite to the annual Wayne Gala.

Your mom only had one nice dress that she’d stolen while in Europe, but it was a perfect outfit for the event, so you stole it from her closet (X). It wasn’t like she'd notice on the off chance she did stop by the apartment.

You’d pinned your hair in a few places to give your locks some dramatic volume to match the elegance of the night. Your light, smokey makeup accentuated the color of the vibrant blue dress and, somehow, ended up matching Damian’s navy suit.

Roy hadn’t been invited, though you already knew his rambunctious behavior would not bode well with an uptight, stuffy environment like this, but you?

You loved this.

Even though you were too shy to mingle and your mother’s dress was definitely made for someone her age and not yours, you were just as glad to follow Damian around as he forced himself to socialize under Bruce's watchful, read: warning, gaze.

He only really stopped to talk to a few people who eyed up your scantily clad body with a certain snobbish glare that only Gotham elitists could manage. You, on the other hand, were just happy to have found any sort of formal outfit. After the fourth grandma gawked at your tits, you asked Damian if he wanted you to leave, but he assured you made the event ‘much more tolerable.’ That was Damian speak for: he’s really glad you came.

It wasn’t until half an hour later that you managed to find the table of Waynes and were truly able to enjoy the gala. Tim and Dick waved you over eagerly, leaving Damian to trudge petulantly behind the slight train of your dress. Dick donned a dark gray, plaid suit complete with his usual messy-on-purpose locks, while Tim wore a plain, burgundy three-piece with an oddly patterned, colorful tie.

“Where’s Jason?” you asked, searching around the sea of well-dressed socialites, but his signature gray streak was nowhere to be found.

“Well, hello to you too,” Dick said. He was already standing when you approached and Tim was quick to do the same. “Nightwing Blue?” He raised a brow at the color of your mother’s dress.

You glanced down at the silky fabric and began to smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles as you inspected the color. “I’d say it’s more of a darker Celtic blue than anything he’s had, but I definitely appreciate that that’s the first thing that came to mind.” You fist-bumped, noticing the glares from an older couple at the table next to you at such informal contact with, god forbid, a Wayne.

You pulled back sheepishly, allowing your hands to return to fiddle with the skirt of your dress.

“Don’t be that blood-orange bitch (X),” Damian snorted as he swatted at your unceasing nervous hands. “It’s fucking blue.”

“You wouldn’t even know that meme if it weren’t for me!” you admonished him. He tutted lightly and checked out of your conversation with his brothers to focus instead on the dancing couples behind you. Your eyes flickered from Dick and Tim to Damian’s, following his line of sight as a new song took over. “Why do you keep acting like you want to dance?” you questioned. “You wouldn’t even dance with me at the party.”

“That god-awful seizure you and Roy had together wasn’t dancing. This,” he gestured to the graceful movements of the socialites right next to you, “is dancing.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that was Damian’s way of asking you to dance. Right, little wing?” You both turned to Dick’s crinkle-eyed smile, startled.

You turned back to Damian and took in his embarrassed state with slight amusement. “You want to dance?” you asked.

He looked at you warily. “You’re asking me?”

“Would you have asked me?” you asked cheekily.

“No.”

You chortled and held out your hand as an open invitation, “Then, that’s why I asked you, twerp.”

“I resent that.” But he took your hand, nonetheless and guided you away from his analytical brothers, who still seemed baffled, if not entirely intrigued, by the interaction.

When you arrived on the floor, he came face to face with you before allowing his guiding hand to drop from your grasp. You’d never had any ballroom dancing experience and felt completely lost. Damian didn't seem to care as he confidently took your hand in his own and firmly placed the other on the small of your waist and drew you closer to him.

“Resent what?” you asked your friend, unwittingly letting out a giggle when he immediately drew you into a spin that had you grasping for his shoulders. You caught your breath as your mirthful eyes peered down into his intense gaze. “The nickname or the fact that I asked you?”

He huffed, looking away from you, “Both.”

You let out a laugh in his arms, but it was cut off when he suddenly tightened his hold around your waist, steadily dipping your taller form languidly toward the polished wood below. His hazel eyes trailed down the exposed curves of your body shamelessly and you let him, relishing in his attention.

The band changed the tempo, starting a slower, sensual rhythm. You watched as the couples around you quickly shifted to an intimate embrace. Damian followed suit and raised you up to nestle you against his chest, adjusting his grip slightly lower on your waist.

With your already standing height difference and no help from your heels, the close position left him face-to-face with your over-spilling corset. You could practically feel the emanating heat of his cheeks against your chest. You startled slightly when his head slowly came to rest against it, but you quickly found your bearings and drew him closer. You laughed lightly as his eyes innocently met yours, knowing that, while he was far from the innocent boy he was portraying, he was still somewhat vulnerable like this.

Hell, if you hadn’t known any better, you’d probably thought he was going to kiss you or something.

A twinkle of hope rang out like ripples across his dark eyes. You couldn’t help the low gasp you produced at the sight.

Was your first kiss going to be with the Wayne heir at the Wayne Gala?

No fucking way.

His poised lips parted and your eyes darted to follow as his tongue peeked out and glided self-consciously across them. A ringing note settled lowly across the crowd, drawing your eyes to his with a silent question. His hands dragging up to rest at the back of your neck was the only response you needed to bend slightly to meet him on an even level.

You allowed your eyelids to flutter shut as you leaned into his constipated thinking face that you’d come to love. You noticed, with a hint of amusement, how he seemed to wait for you to lead with bated breath.

“Damian.”

At Bruce’s urgent voice, you stepped away from him so fast you nearly tripped over your heels and fell into the couple beside you.

When you regained your balance, you hesitantly met Bruce’s all-knowing gaze. With one look, he seemed to take in whatever information he hadn’t already deduced simply based on your shared eye contact. It was slightly invasive and incredibly creepy. Damian, on the other hand, seemed largely unaffected aside from his lingering blush.

Bruce gave Damian an unreadable look that Damian somehow understood in an instant. He then excused himself to follow behind Bruce’s retreating form without a glance your way.

You shook your head, still spinning from the whirlwind of events that occurred in such a short amount of time and made your way over to Tim, who was busy petting an older woman’s crusty white dog. You greeted them both.

“Ah, I’m afraid I’m being stolen away,” Tim said once you arrived, petting the dog a final time before smiling at the woman. “Please continue to enjoy the evening, though! I think there’s an ice luge somewhere you should see.” The woman beamed with a jovial wave to your retreating forms as you made off toward Dick and Barbara at the aforementioned luge.

“Are you sure you don’t want to finish your conversation back there?” You looked back only to see the woman had already moved on to squeeze some poor kid’s cheeks.

He followed your line of sight with an easy laugh. “Trust me, you’re doing me a favor.”

“Alright.”

The four of you messed around with the ice luge until Alfred caught wind of what was happening and came to usher you away. The last thing he needed was for you to get drunk at another manor party or worse- Dick got drunk enough to break out the karaoke machine. Alfred did, however, grant Tim the pleasure of taking a group photo in front of the ice sculpture.

Slightly buzzed and incredibly enraptured with your conversation with Tim, you hadn’t noticed the intensity of the pair of green eyes that rested on you from across the party until Tim’s eyes repeatedly shifted over your shoulder. Finally, you turned around to see just what the fuck he was looking at-

Oh.

There he was, across the room.

You watched, hypnotized, as Jason’s half-lidded emeralds shocked yours through the throng of people between you. He smirked once he realized he had your attention and made a slow show of tugging at his tie until it was sufficiently loosened.

He wasn’t wearing a jacket, you noted as your eyes trailed up his exposed forearms to his rolled-up sleeves.

You cleared your throat, forcing yourself to tear your eyes from the steamy show Jason was putting on to nod vacantly at Tim’s hypothesis. You vaguely heard something in his explanation for why the unstable particles were able to comprehend continuous observation, but you could barely contain yourself from looking back at Jason.

“Oh, I never thought about it like that!” you said cheerily after half-paying attention. This only suited to spur on Tim’s enthusiastic babbling, much of which resembled your own usual nerdy ramblings.

The fuel you threw his way allowed you to turn around again and you bit your lip at the sight that met you. It was as if Jason hadn’t even noticed you’d ever looked away because he was still taking each step with a tantalizing carefulness that left you desperately gulping for air.

He reached off a nearby tray and downed a champagne flute before seamlessly placing it on another tray, never faltering in the process. You were left to wonder how could you be so turned on just by the way he walked.

“Do you think?” Tim asked suddenly, effectively stopping you from drooling any further.

“Hmm?” you asked airily, turning back toward Tim only to see him glaring. “What?!”

“Hey,” Jason’s low voice rumbled your name against the roar of the party deliciously. “Wanna dance?”

Tim took in your awed form and huffed to himself, “Of course.”

“What was that, Timbo?”

“We were just debating Quantum Physics relating to the Zeno Effect and how it could be linked to dark matter,” he said, looking to you for backup, but you were too entranced by Jason’s raw, sexual prowess to respond.

Jason easily noticed your hypnotized state and smirked. “No one cares what dark, kinky shit you’re into, Timmy. Let the woman dance.”

He didn’t wait for a response, though and you put up no protest when he guided your transfixed form away from Tim. You tried to shoot an apologetic glance back at the other raven but were ultimately too enraptured with the weight of Jason’s steady hand resting at the small of your back to do so.

You were surprised he’d even suggested this in the first place, considering how reluctant he’d been to even dance at his own party. You thought back to Damian’s random desire to dance tonight and chalked it up to the most likely cause: dancing-plague-causing fungi.

While Jason easily lost himself in the crowd ahead, you still felt Tim’s watchful gaze on you until you disappeared into the hallway just outside of the ballroom.

A quick movement you'd caught out of the corner of your eyes had you slightly jogging to catch up with Jason’s suited form. You watched as he flitted around the caterers that lingered in the area before finally disappearing behind a corner with a beckoning finger.

A giggle escaped from your lips at the realization he wanted you to chase him.

You couldn’t help but find the entire situation highly amusing. Well, you chasing Jason around a mansion in an evening gown like some princess movie was amusing; you nearly falling face-first to the ground from the overwhelming length of your mom’s dress- not so much.

You flipped him off when he stopped some ways ahead of you to mock your plight. You quickly righted yourself and bunched the length of the satin fabric in your fists.

And, so, the chase continued.

“You’re never gonna catch up to me in those heels, babe,” he said as he jogged backward now, complete with a tipsy, shit-eating grin. You wanted to rip it right off of his dumb, attractive face. “I could do this for hours,” he taunted. You, on the other hand, were already panting lightly, with your ankles ringing out angrily in tandem with each stomp you took. You were sprinting at that point and yet were somehow further away from Jason than you’d ever been. “All that training, what? Three times a week?” His eyes wrinkled with mirth at your over-exerted form. “Damian’s bullshit about finding your anchor or something.”

“Fuck off,” you whined, coming to a stop to lean against the wall of the empty corridor, attempting to catch your breath.

The sounds of the party had long faded. Not even the caterers had a reason to be this deep into the manor; yet, there you were with Jason.

You rubbed lightly at each ankle, rolling them one after the other. It was your second time wearing heels and these were a lot higher than the ones you’d worn to the party by a long shot, so your feet were definitely feeling it.

When you finally looked up, you noticed the hallway was empty. The glass doors at the end of the hall, however, were wide open, beckoning you closer. You limped down the hall before noticing Jason in the garden through one of the windows, waiting with his back turned to you.

“You like the chase or something, freak?” You nudged his shoulder with your own when you finally sidled up beside him.

“You don’t?” he asked with a raised brow sent your way.

It felt like a question you would only truly understand enough to answer if you'd been older, but, for now, you merely shrugged. You were still figuring, well, everything out.

“Why’d we come all the way out here to dance?” you asked instead.

The gardens were done the Wayne way: over the top and absolutely magical. Everything was placed with precise intention that left you feeling like you were right smack in the middle of a fairytale.

You could somewhat hear the music, but it was more like a muted warble that carried throughout the courtyard with a quiet hum. Still, definitely nothing loud enough to truly dance to.

His gaze returned back to the fountain in front of you. “You may be enjoying that shitshow, but this is more my speed.”

You looked around at the quiet that surrounded the two of you, noticing as he shifted beside you to face you.

The water from the extravagant fountain trickled in the silence while the symphonious sounds of the night chirped around you.

“I’m cool with whatever.”

He laughed, genuinely laughed, before extending his pale hand out toward you, “Cool.”

Your eyes crinkled, easily meeting his cold grip with your own. “Cool.”

A brassy tune settled across the garden as Jason walked forward to close the remaining distance between the two of you. His hold was relaxed, more tender than Damian’s rigid form had been. You allowed yourself to melt into his arms.

His feet moved with intention as he managed to avoid every misstep you made and changed direction with ease each time, dragging you lazily with him into a new rhythm. You giggled when he spun you once and roared when he continued to spin you, all while using his free hand to help your skirt lavishly fan out.

“Now I see why Roy calls you what he does.”

You snorted, “Can’t even say the nickname now, even when I’m quite literally a princess at a ball?”

Jason rolled his eyes and finished spinning you before drawing you flush against his sturdy chest. You gulped, allowing your eyes to travel up the careless, wrinkled remains of his suit all the way up to his emerald eyes.

Why was he looking at you like that? You hadn’t actually kissed that one night in the library as far as you knew, but damn, did this seem familiar.

Unlike with Damian, you rested your head on Jason’s chest. Your eyelashes accidentally tickled against his bare skin when they fluttered open to stare at the protruding veins and scattered moles that lay across the expanse of his pale neck.

“You are a princess,” you smiled at his admission, lips lightly brushing against the delicate skin of his neck in the process before you shifted to meet his gaze once again.

As if to prove him wrong, your weakened ankles collapsed from under you. Jason caught you with ease, bending his knees as he helped right you on your feet. It was a wonder you could look as beautiful as the socialites inside and still be as clumsy as you were.

“Maybe just to you and Roy,” you insisted with a gorgeous smile that left Jason visibly affected.

“Maybe,” he said, drawing his face closer to yours with a delicate finger placed under your chin. He dragged you lazily up until your wet lips were practically against his. You waited for him to take charge and just fucking kiss you already, but his mouth merely twisted into a smirk. “You know, babe, I really didn’t think you’d actually go through with all of this.”

What?

You sighed, wishing he would shut up and stop stalling, “Coming to the gala? I mean, you did invite me, Jason.”

“No, not that,” he brushed you off. “I knew you’d come-”

You cut him off, “If you knew I’d come, then why did you ditch me until just now?”

You were still centimeters away from locking lips, but the growing frustration between you was threatening to kill the mood with every passing word he spoke.

“I might’ve had a few.” Jason removed his finger from your chin, quickly sensing the shift. “Didn’t help to see you with the replacement. Maybe I just wanted to see where your loyalty really lies.”

“My loyalty?” You struggled from his grip and stepped away from him, feeling your guard go up immediately. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

He sighed, rubbing at his temple, “I just didn’t expect you to follow me ’sall.”

“You…” You couldn’t possibly be hearing him right. Right? Clearly, he’d had too many and lost whatever weak filter he usually had. “Jason, you mean to tell me you invited me out here as a joke?”

“Not a joke,” he reassured you like that was somehow any better.

"A test then?" you rephrased.

“I suppose more like a test than anything, yeah.”

“Jason…” you trailed off, not even recognizing your friend in front of you. “I don’t need to be fucking tested, you cunt.”

The Jason you’d come to know would never have the nerve to say something so casual yet cruel.

He laughed humorlessly as he walked away from you and closer to the fountain, “You did.”

“Fuck you. No, I didn’t. What would even make you say something like that?” you asked angrily, following after him before coming to a stop right next to him.

“Maybe because you’re so god damned annoying and never shut the fuck up,” he uncharacteristically snapped. “Ever thought about that?”

You gasped, feeling your patience slip further and further away with each passing second. “Says the stuck-up, angsty, woe-is-me fucker who has mood swings every two fucking seconds,” you shot him a venomous glare, “and that’s being generous.”

It was then that he got up in your face. You couldn’t help but be startled by his sudden anger.

“Oh yeah?”

You pulled yourself together, steeling yourself for whatever Jason threw your way.

“Yeah, buddy. Two can play this game,” you said indignantly. “And, you know what?”

“I have a feeling you’re gonna tell me anyway, babe,” he drawled tonelessly.

Your face instantly scrunched up in anger. “I am!”

He gestured in a bored manner for you to continue, “Go on then.”

“My loyalty is with myself and only that. Don’t get it fucking twisted,” his breath caught in his throat unexpectedly at your statement. You used this to your advantage, stomping forward to take his face into your hands with a confidence you weren’t used to having. “Where does your loyalty lie, Jason?” his eyes flashed passionately with an intensity you easily met.

Did it still sound like the two of you were about to kiss?

If it had been a movie or one of those steamy romance novels he claimed weren’t his, maybe. But this? This was you and Jason Todd.

You pushed first, knowing it wouldn’t move him at all, but it was the thought that counted.

“Back the fuck up, Todd.”

“Or what?” His eyes were pure electricity, crackling like heat lightening in the sweetness of the intimate night.

“Or find out what I’m about,” you insisted sharply.

"What you’re about?" He firmly poked you in the forehead with a mocking laugh. Your jaw clenched. “Find out what I’m actually about, babe. I taught you everything you know, dumbass, so go ahead. Try it again and see what happens,” he threatened your last name like a curse.

You smiled widely and humorlessly at the challenge, replicating exactly what Damian had told his family. Any time you would argue or spar, without fail, you’d have a creepy smile adorning your face. It was unnerving and you knew this, but you didn’t care if Jason thought you were psycho when you were already .0005 seconds away from pushing his smug ass into the fountain.

“This is so rich.” You gestured wildly between the two of you. “For once, just once,” you reiterated, “I think I finally understand how you actually feel about me, then we go right back to this dumb shit.”

You pushed him harder this time, which he replicated easily with a swift shove back.

Then, you were falling.

You felt the concrete ledge of the fountain hit your calf before you felt the shocking cold of the water as you plunged down into the fountain’s shallow basin. You thought, no knew, that he let you pull him in after you, probably after some guilty conscious thing, or whatever. Probably to protect you from hitting the bruising, stone bottom.

Whatever.

The running water from the fountain, along with the guests out front, were the only noises that stirred across the courtyard when you and Jason resurfaced.

You were both soaked to the bone in the middle of the Wayne Manor Gardens, arguing, poking and pushing at each other while Joker’s goons closed. A low, ominous chuckle reverberated throughout the gardens, though the chilling echo didn’t quite reach either of your ears yet through all the hormonal ruckus and splashing.

Jason pushed you back down into the algae-ridden water each time you tried to get back up, so you returned the favor by kicking the shit out of his ankles in order to get him low enough for you to tackle him back into the water, too.

“You wanna fucking play?” he spat out your name in a low rumble. The noise tickled the tips of your ears as he pulled you into a loose headlock, which… felt good?

You stopped kicking up water, trying to place your confused thoughts while an intense blush steadily crept across your damp cheeks.

Jason, sensing your lack of movement, quickly let go, effectively dropping you on your ass in the fountain one final time. You both cursed at the same time and guiltily glanced at each other. It wasn't long before you were both laughing at the stupidity of the whole fight. Hell, the entire situation.

Jason waded closer to your shaking, wet form with a shit-eating grin and put his arm around your neck again, this time lighter.

“I bet you liked that shit,” he chuckled darkly and secured a slightly tighter grip. Feeling his muscled body flush against yours with his heat seeping through the cold wet of your own body, you couldn’t help the choked moan that escaped your rosy lips. “Oh.” He released you in an instant.

You turned around with your finger pointed, ready to start yelling again out of embarrassment when you heard it. A sound shook you to your core.

Goosebumps subconsciously trailed up your body like splintering ice.

You strained to make sense of the maniacal laughter that appeared seemingly out of nowhere, but Jason seemed to sober up fast enough for the both of you. He slipped out of the fountain at a lightning speed that you’d only ever seen him use during training. Before you could process anything, he grabbed you from around your midsection and hoisted you out of the freezing water.

Your dress was long and now extremely heavy as you tried to maneuver around its incapacitating weight to give you the ability to attack if need be, but it seemed to be in vain. He pulled you into as fast of a run as you could manage with your already strained ankles and added weight.

If earlier in the halls was any indication of how this chase would go, you and Jason both knew it would be over quickly.

Your breath came out in strained pants, unable to focus on the twists and turns as Jason guided you through hall after hall. You were definitely slowing him down and the goons were hot on your trail. You could practically hear their high-pitched, hyena-like cackling as if they were directly next to you.

Their presence was like an overbearing shadow that was threatening to envelop you whole.

At the last moment, Jason doubled back to a dumbwaiter shaft to shove you into the opening. He piled the remaining damp fabric of your dress in with you just as a group of burly men came into sight.

Under your weight, the mechanism dropped out from under you, sending you sprawling down until it smacked the ground hard. Upon impact, the cart jostled, sending shockwaves of pain reverberating across every bone in your body. You heard what sounded like struggles from above the shaft where you’d just come from and quickly realized that if they opened the hatch, they'd be able to aim their guns down and shoot at you.

Based on the howling laughing and gaudy face makeup, you deduced that these were most likely Joker’s men and you knew they wouldn’t mess around. Anyone who came into contact with them would most likely be injured and robbed, if not killed.

You gathered your bearings and heavy dress as you gracelessly fell into what you realized instantly to be the manor kitchen. While you’d only been in here a few times, you felt comfortable enough to know you could probably fit in the ground-level cabinets. After seeing how many cabinets there were in the expansive kitchen, you felt pretty secure in your hiding place.

You evened out your breathing, thinking back to what had just happened.

You now had the burden of time, left to wonder if everyone was okay. It was almost a curse to be here and safe while everyone else was still out there in the chaos. Your pitying, however, only lasted minutes before you heard a barrage of footsteps trampling around the marble tile of the kitchen.

It sure didn’t sound like scared party guests.

“How quaint,” you froze at the chilling voice that scratched at your ears. Joker. “I’m absolutely starving. Someone fetch me something.”

You heard Joker’s goons ripping apart everything in the kitchen and were startled by the banging of cabinets being opened on either side of you. It was only a matter of seconds before you’d be discovered. Your brain was completely shutting down.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” It was a big, bald man who ripped you from your hiding spot, leaving you no time to duck your head. You ended up smacking it against the top of the cabinet as you were aggressively pulled out.

You winced, trying to resort back to your self-defense training, but it was all eluding you as you were pulled tightly against his chest. The man secured both your arms with his own in an unescapable grasp. You were completely immobile, no matter how much you struggled.

Joker’s scarred smile slithered across his grotesque face, leaving you to uselessly pull away from his sudden close proximity. You could only escape so far back, however, before the back of your head hit your captor’s chest.

“My dear, you’re completely missing the party upstairs! Shall we escort you back? You are, after all, the main event.” You didn’t say anything, attempting to avoid eye contact, but he grabbed your face, squishing your cheeks as he did so to force your eyes to peer into his grizzly, yellowed ones. “It’s so rude to ignore someone. You’re amongst civilized people; best to act like a lady,” he emphasized his words with a swift crack of his jester-looking cane against your calf.

You cried out in agony as he replicated the violent movement with a bout of creepy giggles on your other leg. You quickly lost your balance, completely relying on the man restraining you to keep you standing. You uselessly dangled in his arms as your legs were too weak to support themselves anymore.

“What do we do with her boss?” You felt his chest vibrate with every word.

The goons around you eyed you up animalistically. How you wished you could pull up your slipping bodice to regain some sense of modesty in front of these heathens, but it wasn't in the cards.

“Were you not listening, idiot?! Take her to the ballroom. Batman should surely be on his way at this point.” He skipped around excitedly in place. “I love it when a plan comes together!” He glared at the man behind you and hissed. “Why are you not moving, you pillock? TAKE HER- NOW!” he erupted into an abrupt anger that easily silenced all the chuckles in the room.

A heaviness fell across the room as everyone moved in sinister tandem to grapple your injured, sopping form back up to the ballroom. You’d lost sight of the Joker on the way up but quickly found yourself face-to-face with Batman and Robin.

You wanted to laugh.

It'd been your dream to meet the crime-fighting duo for as long as you could remember, but not like this. Not while you were being pushed and pulled around like meat by these goons.

The heroes took you in, ruined makeup and hair, a dress that was barely covering your nipples and your legs that were doing more wobbling than holding you up after Joker's barrage of attacks.

“Let her go.” Batman’s voice was like velvet as it fell unsettlingly across the frenzied room of rich socialites.

Robin, on the other hand, looked absolutely rabid. It was as if he were barely holding himself back from killing the men behind you who stopped pushing you around at the commanding tone. Without their support, you quickly crumpled to the floor like a doll with a gasp of pain that emanated throughout the wooden walls of the ballroom.

Looking deeper into the audience, you saw Jason’s dripping form standing with fists held at his side next to a highly concerned Tim. They noticed your gaze and held it in what was supposed to be comforting, but it only made your stomach churn.

You were in trouble.

Big trouble.

The men snicked at your pathetic form as you scrambled to pull up your bodice over your exposed chest. You hoped Batman’s arrival meant that Joker was going to leave you alone, but you doubted it. You were only safe for the time being, though it was merely borrowed time.

You stared up at Batman’s form fearfully. From this angle, he was just as frightening to you as he was to the men behind you. You tore your eyes from his daunting form, searching around the room for some way to escape, but with your busted legs, you knew you wouldn’t be able to get far.

You were helpless.

“This is between me and Joker,” it was a ruthless growl that had you shrinking back along with the goons behind you.

At the resounding silence, Robin let out a frustrated cry.

“COME OUT AND FACE US, YOU COWARD,” Robin snarled, drawing his sword in an instant. You gazed at it in amazement as he unsheathed the impressive weapon and held it with a certain elegance that couldn’t be portrayed in any of the comic books you’d read.

“Haven’t you ever heard of the little old saying, ‘be careful what you wish for?’” Joker drawled as he theatrically circled your form, skipping and hopping once every few steps or so in a jerky, disturbing manner that had you shrinking away. “Oh, no, no, no. That won’t do. You’re the main event, sweetheart!”

You shook your head, closing your eyes as he leaned in close enough for you to feel the warmth radiating from his face. You could smell the rancid sourness and gunpowder that emanated from his cackling form. Before you could blink, he battered you with the front, then the back of his hand, forcing your eyes open as he gripped your cheeks in a way that caused your mouth to pout outward comically.

“Look at me, look at me,” he whined in an eerie, childlike voice. “LOOK AT ME,” he growled demonically. Your eyes shot open at the intensity of his voice to face his gritted, yellowed teeth. “Good. Good, girl,” he giggled hauntingly at your terrified form before socking you squarely in the eye.

You cried out at the intense blow that had you falling to the floor from sheer force. Once he was satisfied with your pained state, he turned his attention back to Batman.

You knew you probably had a black eye and bruised cheeks already from the hits, but if the vigilante didn't intervene soon, you knew it was about to get so much worse. Fast.

“See, this is good. We’re all here,” he started jovially. Joker knelt next to you before grabbing your face to haul you back into a kneeling position. You felt like a doll as you allowed him to lead your body where he saw fit. You hated it.

You hated him.

Mostly, you hated yourself for not having the energy to fight back.

He shook your face once more before releasing his clenched grip to stand and walk around whimsically again like he hadn’t just beat the shit out of you. “Celebrating, drinking expensive wine,” he continued on as if he was giving a speech, motioning one of the waiters with a tray filled with champagne flutes forward.

They slowly walked toward him as he continued to beckon them obnoxiously. He smirked as worried murmurs settled across the room before grabbing the one closest to the waiter's body with a slow intensity.

You knew Joker was unpredictable, but this? This was just psychotic.

He held up the glass toward Batman in a calm, silent cheer before taking a sip.

You turned your attention back to Robin, who was busy sneaking toward you at the Joker’s brief lapse in attention, but it wasn't enough time. Joker opened his eyes just in time to see Robin nearly reaching you. The psychotic man didn’t hesitate to throw the filled glass of champagne directly at you. Robin was quick to take the hit as he pulled you into his arms and let his back take the brunt of the assault.

He hadn’t spoken since drawing his sword, but you didn’t have time to wonder why.

"You see," Joker’s henchmen were on you in seconds, savagely swinging haymakers Robin’s way to distract him from you. Meanwhile, Batman had also been swarmed as he tried to advance on Joker, only to be clubbed over the head by multiple henchmen wielding baseball bats. “It’s best I get what I want, Batsy. Or do you really just want to see her struggle as much as I do?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he rushed to your struggling form, producing a wicked-looking knife. You immediately stilled in the sea of your captor’s grasps. Multiple men tugged you back and forth, brushing the sockets of your arms as they caused the Joker’s intentional grip on the blade to slide back and forth against the delicate skin on your neck.

Blood steadily seeped from the stinging wound like a curtain of red. You hoped that, if this light cut into your skin had shed this much blood, that he wouldn’t go any deeper.

“Drop her,” Joker said suddenly and the goons obliged. You wailed in pain as you were dropped into the small pool of your blood that had collected onto the floor below you. He pulled you back up by your hair, causing you to wince at the stinging that spread across your scalp as he brought the knife to its point just below the stinging cut you felt on your throat. “That’s better, now. Isn’t it, sweetie?”

You gulped and instantly regretted it as the blade sunk into the new spot he'd picked on your neck.

“ANSWER ME,” he screeched at the same time he tugged your hair again, forcing your head upward to look at him. You winced as you met his crazed eyes through your exhausted, half-lidded ones. His hits had really taken it out of you. That, coupled with the steady blood loss, you could hardly keep your eyes focused. “Pathetic.” He ran the blade up your throat in a swift, searing act of violence, leaving more blood in its path.

You struggled to take in air, though you knew he’d only grazed your skin. If he cut any deeper, you’d be toast.

He yanked your hair backward harshly, startling you from your brief thoughts, as he used the momentum of the motion to send you sprawling to the hardwood floor. Your body landed with a resounding thump as the back of your head made contact with the brutal surface below.

“Inject her,” Joker said monotonously, waving his henchmen on as if he'd become bored with the whole ordeal. You were swooped up again before you could regain your bearings, watching Robin desperately clawing in your direction, but he had too many men on him to allow him to come to your rescue. You were held in a similar fashion you’d been in the kitchen as a goon stepped forward and held out a briefcase to Joker’s giddy form, who danced at the sight. He unlocked the case to produce a bulky syringe filled with toxic-looking green liquid, “Number one outta mean something good, eh, Bats?”

You struggled at your human restraints while simultaneously looking for Jason and Tim in the crowd, but they’d moved from where you’d last seen them. Your stomach sank. Regardless of the gala guests, you felt completely alone in the crowded ballroom.

Your whole chest and bodice were slick and stained from the waterfall of crimson that steadily gushed from your gashes. You tried not to panic and to stay alert, but your head grew fuzzier with each passing moment.

All your injuries were mounting as your original adrenaline from the kitchen had worn thin, if not vanishing entirely. You braced yourself for what was to come next.

A/N: aint no party like a wayne party, right? oof

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#reader x jason todd #damian wayne x reader #reader x roy harper #reader x jason todd x roy harper #my fic: the art of rehabilitating snowbirds #my fic:ars

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dalamusrex · 1 year ago

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Shor's Stone

(Content warnings for: abuse mention; descriptions of blood, gore, and corpses)

“‘Hop over to Shor’s Stone,' they said. ‘It will only take a couple hours,’ they said,” Dalamus grumbled to himself atop his horse. The palomino mare below him ambled along the cobblestone path, tired from a short skirmish with a small pack of wolves. The Rift’s woods were full of them, and Opal was not a warhorse. Thankfully, the wolves had been easily dissuaded with a well-aimed horse kick. The rest immediately fled in a panic. Hopefully they would tell the rest of their brethren not to bother with this adventurer.

“I am sorry, girl. I will be sure to get you a treat once we are back home, hm?” He reached forward and petted the side of her neck in an attempt to calm her. Just a bit longer and he would be able to get out of this blasted sun…

During a routine visit to buy alchemy ingredients, Elgrim had asked Dalamus a favor. The miners of Shor’s Stone had fallen ill, and they needed medicine. Elgrim is too old to be traveling, and hardly trusted a soul. But he has known Dalamus long enough to know that the mer could handle himself should trouble arise. Not that trouble will arise, of course, Elgrim assured. The mer was given a box full of elixirs to deliver, which he balanced before him while seated in the saddle.

Shor’s Stone--a mining village just North of Riften, between the Velothi Mountains and the mountains which contain Redbelly Mine. The mine from which the village makes its income. Unfortunately, mining is a dangerous job in many ways. If one did not get crushed by collapsing tunnels, they risked being choked by fumes of unearthed gas, or accidentally set aflame by torches lit in gas-heavy chambers. The constant chipping of stone and ore fills the lungs with dust, often causing breathing issues. Such is the issue this time, as well. Without the miners, their income has slowed to a crawl.

It will only take a few hours, Elgrim said. Just drop off the medicine and come back. Simple as that!

But when was anything as simple as that…

Another half hour passed and Dalamus finally saw the peaks of houses appear before him. Filnjar, the blacksmith and unofficial leader of the community, stood at his forge staring distantly into the embers. It was not until he apparently heard Opal’s hoofbeats that the Nord looked up. Filnjar did not smile, but some tension leaked from his shoulders in relief when he noticed the box of medicine.

“I presume you are the delivery man for Elgrim.” Filnjar spoke as Dalamus carefully dismounted his horse, attempting to keep the box level as he did so. Once on his feet and the box secure, he could face Filnjar.

As much as Dalamus hated being thought of as a ‘delivery man,’ he could hardly argue. He handed the wooden medicine box to the Nord. “For today, I am. Here are the elixirs. Give each miner one elixir to drink over the course of a week. Hafjorg sends her well wishes.”

Filnjar took the box from the Dunmer’s hands and placed it on his workbench. Grabbing a nearby tool, he pried the box open to inspect its contents. Sure enough, at least eight peach-colored potions sat inside, compartmentalized with thin wooden slats and wrapped in parchment to prevent breakage during transit. Filnjar smiled, shoulders sagging with relief. “Thank you for coming all the way out here, lad, even though I suspect it’s not your day job. Before I set you off with your coin, may I ask.. Are you a mercenary? A blade for hire?”

Dalamus’ hands hesitated on Opal’s reins, anticipating a new request if he were to answer affirmatively, and inwardly groaned. He just wanted to get home. The heat of the sun was thinning his patience. And yet… “I can be, for the right price. Why?” He turned his piercing glance back to the blacksmith, and could have sworn the Nord shrunk a little.

“Well…” Filnjar began. “We haven’t seen the guards from the nearby watchtower in quite a while. They’re probably just in a drunken stupor and sleeping it off, but if something has gone wrong, no one here is equipped to deal with it. Since you’re already here, would you mind checking on them? I will give you what money I have left to spare, plus what I owe you for the delivery.”

Dalamus mulled it over for what seemed like an eternity. Even Opal nudged him impatiently, as if asking him to make a decision already. He did not want to do more. He had already done the job he promised. He wanted to go home. But.. if the guards were just being lazy, it would only take a moment. And he had not yet been paid. “...Fine. I will check on the guard tower.”

“Thank you, lad.”

Dalamus scoffed. This was supposed to be a quick delivery job. Deliver the medicine, Elgrim said. Now he was trudging off to a watchtower to investigate. Hopefully, the guards would be completely fine, and he could leave.

But as he approached the tower, he quickly realized that the worst had happened. The smell of old blood and active rot filled his senses and immediately placed him on alert. He approached with caution, hoping that perhaps the guards were not the source. Perhaps they had gone hunting and this was the smell of their kill. Judging from the pit near the entrance which had not seen fire in at least a week, this seemed unlikely. The mer scrubbed his face with frustration.

“Hello?” he called out towards the tower. This was stupid. Why did he have to do this? Anyone else at the town could have called up to the tower just as easily. But the lack of response was concerning…

...No, it was not! Dalamus did not care about these people. He was not invested in their safety. He was delivering the medicine for money. He could assume the guards were dead, and return. There were many ways he could lie.

...But what if townspeople come looking for bodies to bury?

Why did it matter?! It was not his problem! He did not owe anyone this investigation. Except, he had agreed to it. And his payment might get withheld if it was discovered that he lied one way or the other. And he was already here.

...Fine.

“Hilye,” he said, ordering Opal in Dunmeris to stay put while he approached the tower. The smell of rot hit him like a wave once he reached the abandoned fire pit. It had not been lit in many days–no smolders, no fresh ash, no trace of food or utensils nearby.

As he turned towards the tower, he spotted a guard. Or… what used to be one. Leaning against the side of the tower’s entrance was the corpse of a guard, pale and rotting. A sword wound split the man’s chest nearly from shoulder to hip, and various insects clung to the putrefying form.

One guard found… Two to go.

He made his way to the tower’s entrance and onto the stairs. With each step, the stench of decay grew greater, straining even Dalamus’ sensory tolerance. He could not hear any heartbeats, nor sounds of movement, and could only conclude that the worst had happened.

Two Riften guards lay slaughtered on the top floor, one with an arrow through the skull, the other stabbed in the back multiple times with a bladed weapon. Their armor appeared ill-fitting, their corpses filled with putrid gasses causing bloat. Judging by the lack of a struggle, the guards were likely attacked at night. Perhaps the guard meant to keep watch had fallen asleep, himself, allowing their quick demise.

A letter sat on the table next to their last meals, now molding.

Akar,

We’ve word of a band of Legion soldiers advancing on your position. Reinforcements are on their way. Talos guard you.

A black brow rose on the vampire’s face. So they had had a warning, yet still fell? Filnjar had implied that the guards partook in revelry if not frequently then consistently. Perhaps they really had imbibed too much on the night of the attack. Fools.

The sound of rustling in nearby trees froze him. He kept low to the floorboards and crept over to the ledge to peer down. Were the soldiers back? Had a brigand come to loot the bodies? No… It was much worse.

A large troll had followed the scent of the blood and rot--and possibly Dalamus’ yelling--straight to the tower. It grabbed the corpse at the side of the tower, picking it up with the ease of a child lifting a doll. In a gruesome display of strength, the troll ripped a limb off the body with a sickening crack and squelch. It put the arm in its mouth and peeled the metal armor off with its teeth before spitting the inedible material aside. The wet sounds of chewing were occasionally punctuated by the loud crack of a bone.

“You must be fetching kidding me.” He cursed under his breath in disbelief at his rotten luck. Dalamus dragged a hand down his face again. What now? He could wait and hope the troll leaves once it had its fill. What if the body out front was not enough to satisfy its hunger? It might ascend the stairs to consume the two corpses here. He could drop down the other side of the tower, but would still need to cross the troll’s line of sight to get to Opal and return to town.

The sound of Opal’s nervous whinnies pulled him from his thoughts and into action. The troll had noticed her and was advancing towards her, hoping for a large, fresh meal. Opal, Divines bless her, was dutifully waiting for Dalamus to return despite her terror.

“Miraga!” he yelled from the top of the tower, commanding Opal to flee and find somewhere to hide, giving her permission to escape by whatever means necessary and get to safety. “Miraga!”

The mare turned and ran, and the troll attempted to follow but was stopped by Dalamus landing upon its shoulders after leaping from the tower, and sending them both tumbling. Dalamus immediately rolled to his feet in time to dodge the swipe of a massive clawed hand. The troll roared, sending spittle and loose food flying, enraged that its meal had been interrupted.

Another swipe from the creature aimed to take Dalamus’ head clean off his shoulders, but he ducked and thrust a dagger upwards into the troll’s arm. Its skin was thick and leathery, extremely difficult to cut or pierce. Even his ebony-steel could not find purchase in the troll’s arm. Dalamus leaped backwards to avoid the second hand, but misjudged the length of the creature’s arm and was snagged by sharp claws and sent off-balance.

A backwards roll brought Dalamus to his feet again, adrenaline coursing through him and allowing him to temporarily ignore his wound in favor of strategizing a way to either win or escape. Trolls were generally slow but persistent. There was no guarantee it would not follow him back to town should he turn and run. The miners were in no condition to defend themselves, and he did not want the guilt of a town massacre on his hands. He was not heartless.

One slip up and Dalamus knew he would end up in two pieces on the ground. And, of course, this battle just had to take place in the middle of a beautiful sunny day–his wounds would heal slowly, if at all. Bumps and scrapes were the least of his worries though.

For once, Dalamus wished daggers were not his weapons of choice. Normally he enjoyed getting up close and personal with his enemies in combat, but not when it involved getting within grabbing distance of a troll with rancid corpse breath.

He kept the troll at a distance, circling the small space behind the tower. Dalamus could feel the troll’s eyes sizing him up, possibly mulling over which limb to separate from his body first. Vampire flesh tasted terrible, but trolls were not picky.

The troll lunged, and Dalamus ducked, bringing a dagger straight down into one of the beast’s feet. It roared, but before Dalamus could pull away, he was lifted from the ground by his middle and forced to leave his dagger embedded in the troll’s flesh. The giant hand surrounding him threatened to crush his rib cage. He felt a bone crack in his side, then the troll’s other hand grabbed his left arm and began to pull. A scream tore from his throat as another rib cracked and his left arm dislocated from the socket. Through tears and searing pain, Dalamus reached for his second dagger still in its sheath at his hip, and with as much force as he could muster, he thrust the ebony steel dagger straight into one of the troll’s eyes.

It dropped him immediately, clutching at its face and roaring, stumbling backwards in agony. Dalamus had only fallen a few feet, but he felt as though he had been tossed from the top of the watchtower to crumple to the ground. Everything hurt, but he could not afford to stay still. He was now entirely unarmed, and his left arm mostly useless, not to mention the sharp pain which bloomed in his side with every movement. Though he needed no breath, mild panic brought the habit back, and to his detriment. Every gasp invited stabs of pain.

The troll, now finished with its anguished bellows, pulled the dagger from its eye and tossed it aside far too distantly for Dalamus to ever dream of reaching. If he got caught one more time, he would be killed.

So, Dalamus kept his distance once again, he and the troll circling the small clearing. Even the brutish creature was hesitant to step within fighting distance, the dark blood spilling from its eye a grim reminder that this Dunmer was no simple prey. Drips of crimson began forming a circle as they strafed their small battlefield. Normally, a troll might leave this battle. Wounds severely diminished its ability to hunt. Certainly losing an eye did. But there were three corpses here, and it was not about to let so much food go to waste. It drooled with anticipation and frothed with anger.

After the dripping blood had created three quarters of a full circle on the ground, the troll lunged. Dalamus dove to the left, landing on his shoulder and the pain forcing a cry from him. Red eyes searched for his destination, one of the fallen guards’ corpses. Another hasty leap had the vampire practically landing in the stinking corpse’s lap. Putrid flesh and offal smashed under his weight and stained his clothing with rot.

He could hear the thuds of the troll’s feet stomping in a rush towards him while his back was turned.

In a decisive movement, Dalamus grabbed the fallen Nord’s sword, pivoted, and stood, bringing the blade straight up, right through the troll’s lower jaw and into the skull. Its rage ceased instantly, but momentum brought it forward to collapse on top of Dalamus, and the corpse. Pain exploded everywhere at once as he was pinned to the ground between two stinking masses. He did not know which was worse, the rank troll drool and dark blood now dripping to stain his front, or the faint sensation of slimy rot and wriggling creatures against his back coming from the corpse below him.

After what felt like an eternity, Dalamus managed to wiggle his right arm free to lift the shoulder of the beast off him. Then he continued to wiggle until he could get his knees up and kick the troll body away from him. He crawled to a clear area of ground and laid back down to process what had happened and assess the damage. Two, maybe three ribs broken, left shoulder dislocated, an open wound on one side of his abdomen. Blood stained every inch of his shirt, and he was pretty sure some degloved corpseflesh clung to his back and maggots were crawling into his hair. Somehow, it was the best case scenario after a fight with a troll in the middle of the day. He would not heal if he continued to lay in the sunlight though, and after all this, he deserved his damned payment. Oh, and the villagers would probably like to know what had happened to their guards. But first he had to at least take care of his shoulder.

“Opal?” Dalamus called, hoping she might be within earshot. After a painful moment of waiting, he heard the crunch of leaves under hooves, much to his relief. She had taken refuge in the nearby trees, waiting for the battle to subside.

With more than a few winces and grunts, Dalamus got to his feet and all but hobbled over to his horse, taking her reins and leading her to a tree with a fork at his chest level. He put the tree between himself and the horse, and the reins over the fork in the tree, wrapped around the wrist of his dislocated arm. The goal was to have Opal help him relocate it.

“Bivi. Re’aldis.” He told her to back up, and slowly. Opal obeyed, moving backwards step by step, slowly lifting Dalamus’ arm up and over the fork in the tree. He clenched his jaw to tolerate the pain and braced himself against the trunk. Opal continued until he was pressed up entirely against the tree, but once there was resistance in the reins, she stopped.

“Bivi,” the mer ordered again, too tired to remain patient. Opal was reluctant.

“Bivi!” he shouted, and the horse, startled, pulled backwards as commanded. All his frustration evaporated as pain rushed to fill its place. A shout was forced from his chest, and Opal rushed towards him in concern.

Reins no longer taut to hold him up against the tree, Dalamus fell backwards onto the ground, white hot pain ricocheting up his side and shoulder as he caught himself with his now relocated arm. The reins were relinquished and his horse snuffled at him from above, disheveling his hair in a supposed attempt to soothe or perhaps apologize. Dalamus was too exhausted and in too much pain to care about his hair, or his ripped clothes, or the corpse jelly that clung to him, or the maggots on his shirt, or how he reeked, or how much blood was oozing from his side.

Although he would not die of blood loss, at least not any time soon, the more blood he lost, the sooner he would need to feed in order to replenish it. And with the sun still high in the sky, his wounds would not close. The longer he sat here, the more of a danger he was to the people of Shor’s Stone and Riften when he returned. Perhaps it would be best to feed from an animal between here and there. With a groan that eased into a whine, the mer slowly pushed himself to his knees, and then his feet, placing a hand on Opal to steady himself.

“Juli, Opal,” he rasped out in praise, giving her neck a stroke. His hand left a smear of dark blood on her coat. Whoops.

Dalamus trudged slowly over to the troll’s corpse, a sneer lifting his lip to reveal a threatening fang at no one in particular. Despite thirst scratching at his throat, the dark, stinking blood pooling around the dead creature was anything but appetizing. He was here for something else…

The sword he had used to impale the troll was still seated firmly in its skull, blood seeping out of either end of the wound it had created. With a few shoves of his foot, Dalamus managed to roll the hulking creature onto its back, then braced the foot against its chest in preparation to remove the sword. His muscles protested and burned, broken bones sending electric jolts through him with every strain. Through gritted teeth and a whimper of pain, Dalamus pulled the sword out, the flesh squelching as it released the steel.

He grips the sword hilt in both hands, brings the blade up over his head, and swings the sharp edge down hard into the throat of the troll. Again. And again. And again. Blood and odd slivers of corpseflesh flung into the air and onto Dalamus himself. Swords made for terrible chopping tools, especially once it reached bone–but perhaps he would get an extra reward if the townspeople knew the trouble he had been through for their ‘simple’ errand. With every swing of the weapon, his body screamed at him. Even more so when his arms absorbed the shock each time the blade bit into the ground.

Once the majority of the flesh had been hacked away from the spine, Dalamus changed to a more delicate approach. He used the point of the blade to try and slip between the segments of neck bone, stabbing the rubbery disk until finally it gave. Then, with a final chop, the troll’s head rolled free of its body.

Dalamus grabbed the troll’s head by a fistful of fur—hair?—and lifted it to peer into the dead eyes of his enemy. The jaw fell slack, still oozing foul saliva and stinking blood. If he did not get compensated for this… He sighed in exasperation, triggering a jolt of pain in his side.

Dalamus glanced at his horse and his shoulder throbbed in response. The mere thought of pulling himself up into the saddle caused discomfort in his shoulder, and the slowest of gaits would still jostle his broken ribs as he kept balance and time with the horse's movements. Walking, it is.

The only consolation—if one could call it that—was the sun still hanging in the sky. It meant he still had time before the vampirism began knitting his body back together. If it were to heal back wrong, such as during physical activity with the body in motion, it would have to be re-broken. Such was a fate he wanted to avoid if at all possible.

After gathering his daggers from the area and placing them back in their sheathes, blood and all, they began the trek back to Shor's Stone. Opal walked diligently beside him, allowing him to lean against her flank when pain halted their progress. If paused for too long, she would reach back and snuffle him with her big soft nose and remind him they still had a ways to go. Walking the path uphill was surprisingly laborious, but he knew it meant they were close.

As they crested the small hill, Dalamus could see the miners of Shor's Stone lining up to get their medicine from Filnjar. They looked and sounded terrible, a step away from draugr. Constant coughing had left them completely exhausted, their entire bodies sore, evident in how they shuffled forward. Darkened eyes and unkempt hair spoke to their lack of sleep. One face in the line stood out to him, and he felt the hairs on his neck bristle and his posture stiffen.

A scarred older Dunmer with greasy black hair falling to his shoulders stood halfway down the line of miners. His eyes were tired, barely open, and trained on the ground in front of him. He did not see Dalamus approaching, and this gave the vampire confidence.

Leaving Opal's side, Dalamus strode past Filnjar towards the line of sick miners. The Dunmer in line glanced up at the commotion, locked eyes with Dalamus, and all exhaustion in his body was replaced with terror. Drevain was flung to the ground before he could get a single word out—not that Dalamus would have listened to anything he had to say.

The vampire's previously dislocated arm threatened to fall out of its socket once again, the joint screaming at him, but the pleasure of landing a perfect punch across Drevain's face was too good an opportunity to pass up. The world around him ceased to exist and all decorum dissolved once he saw Drevain on the ground, frightened of him. The sick older mer was weak, thinner, exhausted, and Dalamus drank it in like ambrosia.

The vampire grinned, a flood of victorious adrenaline surging through him and pushing his own pain to the back of his mind. It could be dealt with later. But right now? He had Drevain at his mercy, and his head swam with the possibilities.

He knelt over Drevain like a sabre cat over a felled elk. His fangs caught in the light, and at this angle only his father could see. Dalamus' arm came down again, this time gripping Drevain's throat tight, pinning him against the ground. With every movement, every attempt to escape, Dalamus squeezed tighter. His fingers bit into Drevain's flesh like a blacksmith's vise; he could feel a pulse under his fingertips, struggling against the pressure. The vampire's lip quivered with barely restrained rage, his father's gasps and whimpers music to his ears.

Then, betrayal! He was being pulled off of Drevain! He struggled against the weak hands and arms, but it reminded him of his own pain and exhaustion. It took at least four people, but he was thrust back into Shor's Stone, where his revenge could not take place. Where he was surrounded by witnesses who did not know of Drevain's atrocities. Who only knew him as a miner now being assaulted.

He resisted the urge to spit and hiss and bite, to fight back, to throttle the closest person for daring to come between him and the revenge he had dreamed of for years. Instead, while being restrained and questioned, he explained himself, his words dripping with venom. “That mer, that fetcher, is my father! He is filth. Rot. Liar. Abuser.”

Stunned speechless by the accusations, all the restraining hands left Dalamus, although they remained close just in case intervention was necessary again. Dalamus moved to stand over the fallen Drevain, the rest of the townspeople hovering around him like a cage ready to close.

Dalamus' face twisted into a contemptuous smirk, and his voice lowered to a growl. “Look at you. Feeble old mer. I could kill you right here, right now. It would be so easy.” The townspeople tensed, ready to leap into action, but such was not Dalamus' plan.

“But I will not. Because I am not you. I am better than what you made me. I even brought medicine.�� His voice darkened and his red eyes seemed to glow with malice. “I hope you choke on it. I hope it burns. I hope it sits heavy in your stomach and nauseates you, knowing that I saved your life. I hope it eats at you for the rest of time knowing that. You. Owe. Me. That you live because I will it. Because I am better than you.”

Dalamus turned his red eyes to Filnjar, who visibly startled. Only after recovering was he able to hand the injured Dunmer the money he was owed--and he seemed more than eager to get rid of it, all but flinging it into Dalamus' hand. Dalamus weighed the heft of the coin pouch and, satisfied, nodded. “Unfortunately, your watchtower guards were killed by passing Imperials. I killed the troll that had begun feasting on their bodies. It should be safe to reach them for burial, if you wish, but I warn you the sight is.. not pretty. Oh. And, Father~” he called, locking eyes with the other mer for a final time, his sing-song tone not enough to disguise the venom on his tongue.

“If I see you anywhere near my family, I will tear you into so many pieces that every animal in the Rift will get a bite.” It was Drevain's turn to live in fear. He tossed the troll's head towards the downed mer as proof of his prowess in battle, proof of his strength.

Dalamus then pushed himself up into Opal's saddle and they began their trek towards home. Every broken bone in his body screamed in time with hoof beats, but it was important to Dalamus that Drevain see him leave strongly. He had to make an impression, even if it meant searing pain. He had to appear strong. Triumphant.

It was only after he was certain they were out of eyesight that Dalamus curled in on himself in the saddle, gripping at his side, sucking in air through his teeth in a vain attempt to somehow stabilize himself. The adrenaline was wearing off and the pain came rushing back. He felt as though he had been run over by an entire herd of horses. Twice. And the sun was getting low. He needed to get back to Riften quickly. The sooner he could lay in a bed and get everything stabilized, the sooner he could heal correctly.

But it was not just the physical pain that engulfed him. The confrontation with his abuser left him trembling despite his own clear upper hand. He had felt so powerful in the moment, but now he was wracked with fear. Were there going to be consequences to this? What if Drevain did not believe his threats? Had he just endangered his family rather than protecting them? He slumped in the saddle and fought the urge to sob, clenching his teeth to prevent any sounds from escaping. Nothing could prevent the sting in his eyes. He had come so close to killing Drevain. So why did it feel like Drevain had still won?

When he got back to Riften, he would warn his loved ones of Drevain’s presence in Shor’s Stone.

“Ruhn,” he told Opal. The word for “home”. He just wanted to get home. Everything hurt.

Everything hurt.

#missy writing #dalamus story #shors stone #aka Dal and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day #copy/pasted directly from LibreOffice so please for the love og god Tumblr don't mess up the format lkjdhfg #drevainrex #abuse mention #not described just mentioned #descriptions of blood and gore #descriptions of corpses

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infoblastadministrator · 4 days ago

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How Good Are Vehicle Selections With Car Dealerships In Nebraska?

When you’re looking to buy a car, the options available can make a big difference in finding the right vehicle for your needs and budget. For those shopping in Nebraska, car dealerships provide a wide selection that can cater to diverse tastes and requirements. From fuel-efficient sedans to rugged trucks, Nebraska's dealerships have become popular for both variety and accessibility. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the vehicle selection at car dealerships in Nebraska, the types of vehicles they offer, and how the car-buying experience is enhanced by professional car transporters.

Wide Range of Vehicles Available

Car dealerships in Nebraska offer a broad selection of vehicles. Whether you're looking for a new or used car, you’ll likely find multiple makes and models in Nebraska. This state is known for dealerships that stock an impressive variety of cars, trucks, SUVs, and specialty vehicles. According to data from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, nearly 2 million registered vehicles exist in the state, showing that there is high demand and an active market. This demand has pushed dealerships to keep a robust inventory, helping customers find options that suit their individual needs and lifestyles.

New Cars: Options Across All Major Brands

If you’re interested in a brand-new car, Nebraska’s car dealerships provide vehicles from almost every major car manufacturer. This includes popular brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and more luxury options like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The variety is impressive, making it easier for Nebraskans to compare features, prices, and financing options all in one place.

For instance, if you're searching for an efficient compact car, you can choose among popular models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra. Nebraska’s dealers frequently carry these models, allowing you to compare the vehicles side by side. Additionally, many dealerships have demo models or test-drive events, so you can experience the car before making a purchase.

Used Cars: Affordable Choices with Great Value

A significant part of Nebraska's dealership offerings includes a wide range of pre-owned vehicles. For budget-conscious buyers, used cars provide an excellent way to get a reliable vehicle without the higher price tag of a brand-new car. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a used car in the U.S. was around $27,000 in 2023, a more affordable option compared to new car prices, which averaged around $48,000. This trend is also evident in Nebraska, where the cost of living and median income can make used cars a more attractive option.

Nebraska’s dealerships are known for their rigorous inspection processes on used vehicles, providing peace of mind for buyers. Many dealerships also offer certified pre-owned (CPO) programs. Cars in these programs are thoroughly inspected, refurbished, and often come with limited warranties, which can be a huge benefit for someone who wants the assurance of a quality vehicle without paying full price.

Trucks and SUVs: High Demand and High Supply

Nebraska is a state where trucks and SUVs are particularly popular due to the rural areas, agricultural industry, and challenging weather conditions. Pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and RAM 1500 are some of the most common vehicles you’ll find at Nebraska dealerships. In fact, trucks make up about 20% of the total vehicles sold in the state, reflecting their utility and appeal among Nebraskans.

SUVs are also in high demand, especially mid-size and full-size options like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer. These vehicles offer ample passenger and cargo space, making them ideal for families and those who frequently travel. Nebraska's car dealerships stock these vehicles because they are reliable, handle well in all weather conditions, and meet the needs of Nebraskan drivers.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: A Growing Selection

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids are becoming more common across the U.S., and Nebraska is no exception. Although EV infrastructure is still developing in the state, several dealerships offer popular electric models like the Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Chevrolet Bolt. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Nebraska currently has over 50 public EV charging stations, and this number is expected to grow as more people turn to eco-friendly transportation options.

Hybrid vehicles are also widely available, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and affordability. Cars like the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid are available at many Nebraska dealerships, appealing to buyers interested in reducing fuel costs while still having a traditional fuel tank as backup.

Specialty and Luxury Vehicles: More Options Than Expected

For those in the market for a luxury or specialty vehicle, car dealerships in Nebraska may surprise you. High-end vehicles like BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and Audis can be found in specific dealerships, often in urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln. There are also sports cars and specialty models for car enthusiasts, such as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, and Dodge Challenger.

While the selection may not be as extensive as in larger metro areas, Nebraska still offers enough options for buyers to find luxury and performance vehicles without traveling out of state. For instance, some dealerships can arrange a car transfer if the model you’re looking for isn’t in stock, allowing Nebraskans to access an even wider selection with ease.

How Car Transporters Make It Easier to Access More Options

For Nebraskans looking to expand their vehicle search beyond local dealerships, car transporters provide a convenient solution. With the help of a reliable car transport company, customers can purchase vehicles from out-of-state dealerships or sellers and have them delivered directly to Nebraska. This option opens up a wider market, especially for buyers looking for unique models or specific vehicle features.

Car transporters also benefit customers who live in rural areas or small towns far from larger dealerships. With the option to have a vehicle transported, buyers can shop confidently, knowing they’re not limited by distance or location. Transporting a car across state lines might cost between $700 and $1,200 on average, depending on distance, but it often provides more flexibility and access to a wider range of choices.

Car dealerships in Nebraska offer a substantial selection of vehicles, from economical sedans to powerful trucks, along with growing options for electric and hybrid cars. Whether you’re looking for a new or used car, or something more luxurious, Nebraska dealerships have options that cater to all preferences and budgets. Plus, with the help of car transporters, you’re not restricted by location—you can find the vehicle you want and have it brought to you.

In a state where varied weather and diverse landscapes call for a range of vehicles, Nebraska’s car dealerships are well-equipped to meet these needs. With thousands of vehicles available and car transporters standing by, Nebraskans have the freedom to choose the perfect vehicle with ease and confidence.

#Car Dealerships #Nebraska #logistics #transportation #autos #car transport #freight forwarding #cars

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xadasc · 23 days ago

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Ready Possession Flats in Pune by Kumar Builders: Move-In Ready Homes for a Hassle-Free Experience

If you're in the market for a ready possession flat in Pune, Kumar Builders offers a variety of options across the city, catering to homebuyers who are looking for immediate occupancy without the wait. Ready-to-move-in flats offer significant advantages, from eliminating construction delays to providing the ability to inspect the property before purchase. Kumar Builders, one of Pune's most trusted names in real estate, has a range of ready possession homes across prime locations, ensuring a smooth, stress-free buying experience.

Benefits of Ready Possession Flats

Immediate Availability: Unlike under-construction properties, ready possession flats are available for immediate occupancy. This is perfect for homebuyers who want to move in right away or who may be relocating to Pune and need a home urgently.

What You See is What You Get: When purchasing a ready possession flat, you have the advantage of inspecting the property firsthand. You can assess the construction quality, the layout, the surroundings, and the amenities, ensuring that everything matches your expectations.

No Construction Delays: With a ready-to-move-in flat, you eliminate the risks associated with construction delays. You don’t have to wait for months or years for your home to be completed, giving you peace of mind and certainty about your move-in date.

Immediate Tax Benefits: Once you purchase a ready possession flat, you can start claiming tax deductions on your home loan interest and principal repayment under sections 24(b) and 80C of the Income Tax Act. This is a financial advantage that doesn’t apply to under-construction properties.

Rental Income Potential: If you’re buying the flat as an investment, ready possession flats give you the immediate opportunity to rent out the property and generate income. Pune’s booming rental market, particularly in areas close to IT hubs, offers great potential for rental returns.

Why Choose Kumar Builders for Ready Possession Flats?

Reputation for Quality: With over five decades of experience, Kumar Builders is known for delivering high-quality construction and well-planned layouts. Buyers can be assured of top-notch infrastructure and attention to detail, ensuring that the property not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

Strategic Locations: Kumar Builders offers ready possession flats in some of Pune’s most well-connected and desirable locations. These include:

Kalyani Nagar

Hadapsar

Wakad

Baner

Viman Nagar These locations provide easy access to IT hubs, business districts, schools, hospitals, and recreational areas, making them ideal for both working professionals and families.

Modern Amenities: Kumar Builders' projects come equipped with a range of modern amenities to enhance the living experience. From landscaped gardens and children’s play areas to well-equipped gyms, swimming pools, and clubhouses, these homes offer a comprehensive living environment.

Variety of Options: Kumar Builders offers a variety of configurations in their ready possession flats, including 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 3 BHK options. Whether you're a single professional, a couple, or a family, you’ll find the perfect size and layout to suit your needs.

Hassle-Free Purchase Process: Kumar Builders ensures that the purchase process is as straightforward as possible. With clear documentation, transparent pricing, and a dedicated customer service team, buyers can navigate the purchase process with ease.

Advantages of Buying Ready Possession Flats in Pune

Reduced Financial Risk: When purchasing a ready possession flat, the risk associated with project delays or deviations from promised amenities and specifications is eliminated. Buyers are assured of what they are purchasing and can plan their finances accordingly.

Saves on Rent: If you’re currently paying rent, buying a ready-to-move-in flat allows you to immediately transition from renting to owning. This means you can avoid paying rent while also paying EMIs on an under-construction property, thus saving money.

Verified Legal Status: Since the flat is already constructed, buyers can easily verify the legal status of the property. Kumar Builders ensures that all their ready possession flats come with the necessary approvals, making it a hassle-free and secure investment.

Ideal for Investors: Investors can benefit from the immediate rental income potential of ready possession flats. Pune’s rental market, especially in IT corridors and business hubs, remains robust, offering good returns on investment.

Conclusion: Move into Your Dream Home with Kumar Builders

For homebuyers who are looking to move into a new home without the waiting period, Kumar Builders’ ready possession flats in Pune are an ideal option. With their reputation for quality, prime locations, and modern amenities, these homes offer a great living experience for individuals and families alike. Additionally, the advantages of purchasing a ready-to-move-in flat—such as immediate availability, reduced risk, and potential rental income—make it a sound financial decision.

Explore Kumar Builders’ ready possession flats today and take the first step toward owning a home that’s ready for you! For more details, pricing, and site visits, visit: Kumar Builders - Ready Possession Flats

#kumarbuilders #ready possession flats in pune

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team-aviation · 1 month ago

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Ensuring Quality and Safety in Aircraft Components: TeamAviation's Commitment

In the aviation industry, where safety is paramount, the quality of aircraft components plays a critical role. Even a minor defect in a part can have catastrophic consequences, leading to accidents, injuries, and financial losses. This blog post will delve into the importance of quality control in aviation and explore how TeamAviation is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its products.

The Critical Importance of Quality Control in Aviation

Safety of Flight: Aircraft components are the building blocks of an aircraft. Their integrity directly impacts the safety of flight. Substandard parts can lead to failures, malfunctions, and even catastrophic events.

Regulatory Compliance: The aviation industry is heavily regulated, with stringent standards in place to ensure safety and airworthiness. Adhering to these regulations requires the use of high-quality components.

Operational Efficiency: Reliable components contribute to the smooth operation of aircraft. Failures and breakdowns can lead to delays, increased maintenance costs, and reduced operational efficiency.

TeamAviation’s Commitment to Quality

TeamAviation is dedicated to providing only the highest quality aircraft components and consumables. We understand the critical role that quality plays in ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft, and we have implemented stringent quality assurance processes to guarantee the integrity of our products.

Supplier Partnerships: We partner with reputable manufacturers and suppliers who share our commitment to quality. Our rigorous supplier selection process ensures that we work only with companies that adhere to the highest industry standards.

Incoming Inspection: Every component that enters our inventory undergoes a thorough inspection to verify its quality and conformity to specifications. This includes visual inspections, dimensional checks, and functional testing.

Quality Assurance Testing: In addition to incoming inspections, we conduct regular quality assurance testing on our products to identify and address any potential defects or issues. This testing may involve destructive or non-destructive methods, depending on the nature of the component.

Certification and Documentation: We ensure that all our products are certified to meet the relevant industry standards and regulations. We maintain comprehensive documentation to support the quality and traceability of our products.

Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement and are always seeking ways to enhance our quality assurance processes. We regularly review our procedures and implement new technologies to ensure that we remain at the forefront of quality standards.

Conclusion

Quality control is an essential aspect of the aviation industry, and TeamAviation is committed to providing only the highest quality aircraft components and consumables. By implementing rigorous quality assurance processes, partnering with reputable suppliers, and investing in continuous improvement, we ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of our products.

#Aircraft consumables distributors in Asia #Aviation consumables provider in India #Aviation consumables provider in Delhi #Aviation consumables provider in Asia #Aircraft consumables distributors in India #Aircraft consumables distributors in Delhi

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sunshinehomess · 1 month ago

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Ensuring Smooth Tenant Transitions with Property Management in Benalmadena

Tenant transitions are an essential part of renting a property, but they can be stressful for landlords. Without the right planning, you might encounter delays, tenant dissatisfaction, or unexpected expenses. That’s where Property Management Services in Benalmadena come in, ensuring the process is seamless.

Whether you’re preparing for new tenants or helping current ones move out, a professional property manager can handle every detail, making life easier for you.

The Role of Property Management Services in Tenant Transitions

Handling tenant transitions requires expertise and time. From inspecting the property to handling paperwork, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. With Property Management Services in Benalmadena, you can rest assured that professionals are taking care of the process. Let’s break it down:

Pre-Move-In Inspections: Ensuring the property is in top condition before a new tenant moves in is crucial. Property managers conduct a thorough inspection, documenting the property’s condition with photos and reports. This serves as a reference when the tenant eventually moves out.

Example: If any minor repairs are needed, like fixing a leaky faucet, the management team handles it before the tenant moves in, ensuring a hassle-free start.

Tenant Communication: Property managers maintain open lines of communication between tenants and landlords. Clear expectations and timely updates prevent misunderstandings. Moving can be stressful for tenants, but knowing they’re supported makes a world of difference.

Legal Requirements: Are you familiar with all the legal requirements when it comes to rental agreements? Professional property managers are. They ensure that everything is handled correctly, from tenancy contracts to deposit management. This avoids potential legal disputes down the road.

Streamlined Move-Out Process

What happens when a tenant moves out? Ensuring the property is returned in good condition and ready for the next tenant requires attention to detail.

Post-Move-Out Inspections: Just like the pre-move-in inspection, this ensures that any damages beyond normal wear and tear are documented. If needed, deductions can be made from the deposit to cover repairs.

Cleaning and Repairs: A professional property management service coordinates cleaning and repairs promptly, ensuring the property is ready for new tenants as soon as possible. This minimizes vacancy time and maximizes your rental income.

Handling Tenant Concerns: If disputes arise about damage or cleaning, property managers serve as mediators, ensuring that both parties are treated fairly.

Final Thoughts

Navigating tenant transitions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, everything from inspections to legal matters can be handled efficiently. If you’re looking for a way to ensure smooth tenant transitions, Property Management Services in Benalmadena are your answer.

Are you a landlord in need of assistance with tenant transitions? Look no further than Sunshine Homes. Their expert team offers comprehensive property management services, ensuring your tenants enjoy a smooth experience. Whether it’s handling inspections, legal paperwork, or repairs, they’ve got you covered. Contact Sunshine Homes today for seamless property management in Benalmadena!

Know more about our affordable and quality products stay social with us on: Facebook & Instagram

#Property Management Services Benalmadena #Management Services Benalmadena #Property Management Services #Property Management Services in Benalmadena

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meadowbrookusa · 2 months ago

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What Are The Vital Questions To Ask Lender When Buying First Home

Purchasing a home for the first time is quite enchanting, but one may also feel pressured. The most important thing is to come armed with the main questions one wants to ask the lender at the initial meeting.

Knowing questions to ask lender when buying first home will ensure you are aware of the loan process and select the right loan program and loan terms that is relevant to your circumstance.

Getting all the details regarding the loan and the requirement makes the process easier in the later stage and helps in getting the keys to your dream home.

What Is The Right Amount Of Down Payment I Should Aim For?

One thing that determines the loan terms and the interest that you will be charged is the down payment that you make. Banks normally expect homeowners to put down 20% down payment, but first-time homeowners may deposit as low as 3%.

The advantages of a larger down payment include lower monthly payments and better interest rates. But do not forget about your other savings plans and what they allow you to save, if anything.

Strive to pay the highest amount of down payment possible so that your mortgage and payments suit you more appropriately.

What First-Time Buyer Loan Programs Are Available To You?

There are different types of loans, so ask specifically what first time buyer options your banker offers. FHA loans that only need a 3.5% down payment, VA loans for military personnel and veterans with 0% down payment, or USDA loans for houses in rural areas.

Your lender may also provide first time buyer loans for those with little money for the down payment but strong credit history. This way you identify what is out there and get the right loan for your financial status with the right terms of repayments.

When Does One Get Pre-Approved For A Loan?

Thus, it is important to be fully pre-approved for a loan before beginning the process of home shopping. This entails submitting your financial statements to prove income, savings, and credit rating to the lender to assess the amount that you can pay back.

Pre-approval is a strong indication to sellers that you are a serious buyer; it also speeds up the later stages of the buying process as it confirms that you have the necessary financing. Moreover, you get the opportunity to save for the closing costs or do something to improve your credit score.

What Are Closing Costs And When Are They Due?

When purchasing a house, prepare to spend between two to five percent of the home price on closing costs at the time of the transaction. These expenses include the points and other fees for the loan, the fees for the appraisal and inspection of the property, title insurance, surveys, and etc.

After knowing how to inspect a house, most of the closing costs are paid by the buyer and therefore they should be included in the down payment and savings. Clarify when you are expected to produce the money – whether it is at the closing table or within 72 hours of closing.

Am I Wise To Fix My Interest Rate?

Choosing a particular interest rate on your mortgage is one thing that you should consult with your lender when you are being pre-approved. Rate locks set the interest rate for your loan for 30 to 60 days normally.

This saves you from rate increase when searching for a house. Just know that there is generally a small fee you have to fork out at the beginning of the deal for that kind of assurance.

Your lender can help you choose the most appropriate time to lock your rate depending on the prevailing market rates and your search for the ideal home for you.

Conclusion

Purchasing a home for the first time raises many questions concerning the procedures involved. Specifically, preparation involves discussing with your lender on early on the best down payments, special programs for first-timers, pre-approvals, closing costs, and interest rate lock.

This is because the goals give you focus when choosing the right financing option, presenting attractive offers to sellers and acquiring the keys to your new place, more efficiently and in the shortest time possible.

#questions to ask lender when buying first home #best home mortgage rates #home mortgage refinance #home purchase financing #best mortgage lenders

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karissasands1 · 2 months ago

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Relevance of Quality Command in Chinese Glass Bottle and Jar Development

When you think about Mandarin glass bottle and jar development, you may certainly not immediately take into consideration the essential task quality assurance plays in guaranteeing these items comply with client requirements. Having said that, the reality is that even a single defect can result in pricey rework or even recalls, damaging a maker's credibility and income. Effective quality command is key to pinpointing and taking care of potential issues beforehand.

Yet what exactly performs this process require, and how can Mandarin glass producers apply quality control actions to ensure congruity and conformity along with governing standards? The solution hinges on understanding the quality assurance method.

Benefits of Quality Control

Implementing quality assurance in glass bottle development can easily pay in the future, provided the straight effect it carries customer satisfaction and your business's profit. As a glass bottles manufacturer, you know the importance of providing premium products that fulfill your consumers' desires. By integrating quality assurance right into your creation procedure, you can easily minimize the threat of flaws and ensure congruity in your customized glass bottles.

Reliable quality assurance solutions enable you to pinpoint and resolve potential issues at an early stage, minimizing the chance of costly rework or even recalls. This certainly not just saves you time and resources yet also secures your brand image. Additionally, a durable quality assurance system assists you preserve compliance along with regulative requirements and sector standards, even further boosting your credibility as a counted on distributor.

Common Defects in Glass Products

You might also encounter defects like uneven glass distribution, which may affect the product's body weight, measurements, and form. Discrepancies in glass shade, quality, or even structure can additionally affect the item's visual appeal. In addition, flaws like gaps, potato chips, or even sharp sides can position security dangers to customers.

Quality Command Process Overview

To ensure your jiahua glass bottles and jiahua glass jars satisfy the needed criteria for quality and security, you should create a rigorous quality assurance process. This process starts along with basic material inspection, where you examine the quality of glass, hats, and labels utilized in development. Next off, you'll administer in-process evaluations to keep an eye on the development series, guaranteeing that glass bottles are actually created correctly and fulfill the desired specifications.

In the glass bottles manufacturing plant, quality assurance employees are going to inspect the jiahua glass bottles and jars for problems, like fractures, disproportion, or even wrong labeling. They will definitely likewise confirm that products comply with the demanded body weight, amount, and packing specifications. Also, you'll need to have to execute a system for monitoring and videotaping quality assurance records, featuring evaluation end results, issue prices, and restorative activities taken.

Executing Quality Control Steps

You ought to develop a detailed quality manual that outlines the quality control measures, including inspection and screening methods, product management, and development control. This guide ought to be frequently reviewed and improved to assure it continues to be reliable and up to date along with market standards. In addition, you must carry out frequent review to confirm the performance of the quality control steps and recognize regions for improvement.

Final Thought

You might think applying quality command in Chinese glass bottle and jar production is actually too lengthy or costly. Nevertheless, it is actually a necessary financial investment that settles in the future. Through determining and attending to issues at an early stage, you'll reduce pricey rework, recalls, and harm to your brand credibility. Reliable quality management solutions conserve time and sources, guaranteeing uniformity and observance along with governing criteria. This essentially improves customer satisfaction and improves your profit.

Nantong Jiahua Glass Products Co., Ltd

Xue'an Industrial Park, Xue'an South Road,

Dongchen Town, Rugao City, Jiangsu Province, China

+86-18501479255

#Glass

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talenthousesblog · 2 months ago

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Property Management Services in Saudi Arabia: Expert Solutions

Why Effective Property Management Is Essential for Property Owners

Managing a property, whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial, comes with numerous challenges. From tenant screening to routine maintenance, property management is a complex task that requires time, expertise, and attention to detail. However, hiring a professional facility management service can simplify this process and ensure your property remains well-maintained and profitable.

In this blog, we will dive into the role of facility management , the benefits of outsourcing, and how property management firms like H.R. Talent House in Saudi Arabia offer comprehensive solutions for property owners.

What Is facility management ?

facility management involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of a property. This includes tasks such as collecting rent, maintaining the building, addressing tenant concerns, and ensuring compliance with local laws. A property management company acts as a liaison between property owners and tenants. Their primary goal is to maintain the property’s value and ensure it generates revenue.

Therefore, if you're a property owner who wants to avoid the stress of managing these operations, partnering with a facility management firm can offer a seamless experience.

Why Hire a facility management Company?

Managing properties requires experience and dedication. Not every property owner has the time or expertise to handle tenant issues, maintenance, and legal regulations. This is where facility management companies step in. They manage all aspects of the property, allowing owners to enjoy the benefits without the headache.

Here are some reasons why hiring a facility management company is a smart move:

1. Tenant Screening and Retention

Finding good tenants is essential to the success of any rental property. However, screening tenants can be time-consuming and complex. facility management companies have the tools and experience to conduct thorough background checks. This ensures that only reliable tenants who can pay rent on time and respect the property are selected.

Moreover, they implement strategies to retain tenants, which reduces the vacancy rate and ensures a steady income for property owners.

2. Maintenance and Repairs

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving a property's value. However, coordinating repairs, dealing with contractors, and ensuring everything is up to code can be overwhelming for property owners. A property management company takes care of this, from routine inspections to emergency repairs.

Because property managers often have established relationships with local contractors, they can handle repairs quickly and at a lower cost. Therefore, property owners can be assured that their investment is being taken care of without the hassle.

3. Handling Legal Matters

Each region has its own set of laws regarding rental properties. In Saudi Arabia, compliance with local regulations is essential to avoid legal issues. Property management companies are well-versed in the legal requirements and ensure that all operations comply with the law.

From drafting rental agreements to handling disputes, a facility management company helps avoid potential legal problems, saving property owners time and money.

4. Rent Collection and Financial Management

Rent collection can be stressful, especially when tenants fall behind. Property management companies handle this process efficiently, ensuring timely payments. They enforce lease agreements and, when necessary, take appropriate actions in cases of non-payment.

Additionally, many property management firms provide financial reporting, which allows owners to monitor their property’s performance. Therefore, property owners can make informed decisions based on accurate and detailed financial data.

5. Marketing and Vacancy Filling

When a property becomes vacant, the longer it stays empty, the more income you lose. Property management companies have effective marketing strategies to attract new tenants quickly. They list your property on relevant platforms, highlight its best features, and ensure it's presented professionally.

This minimizes the time your property remains vacant, ensuring a steady income stream.

How Property Management Services Benefit Investors

Property investors, especially those with multiple properties, benefit greatly from professional management services. Managing several properties at once can be overwhelming. Without the right tools and processes in place, it’s easy to become bogged down with operational challenges.

By outsourcing property management, investors can focus on expanding their portfolios rather than worrying about day-to-day operations. Here’s how facility management helps investors:

1. Efficient Operations

Property management companies streamline all aspects of property operations. This means timely rent collection, responsive maintenance services, and satisfied tenants. With less time spent on operational details, property investors can focus on strategic growth.

2. Maximizing Profits

By keeping properties well-maintained and minimizing vacancies, property management companies help maximize rental income. Their knowledge of the local market allows them to set competitive rental rates that attract tenants while ensuring profitability for the owner.

3. Long-Term Property Value

Proper maintenance and upgrades are key to ensuring that a property retains or increases its value over time. Property management firms regularly assess the condition of the property and suggest improvements that can boost its long-term value. Therefore, your property remains a valuable asset in your investment portfolio.

Property Management in Saudi Arabia: Why It’s Crucial

Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid urban development, with a growing number of residential and commercial properties emerging across the country. With this growth comes the need for efficient property management. Whether you own a single apartment or a large commercial complex, effective facility management is crucial for maximizing your investment.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia has specific legal requirements for facility management , and navigating these regulations can be challenging for foreign investors. A local facility management firm can help you understand these laws and ensure compliance, giving you peace of mind.

What to Look for in a Property Management Company

Selecting the right property management firm is essential for your property’s success. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a facility management company:

1. Experience in the Local Market

A facility management company with experience in your local market will better understand the dynamics of tenant behavior, property regulations, and local market conditions. Therefore, it’s important to choose a company with a proven track record in the region.

2. Comprehensive Services

Some facility management companies offer more services than others. Look for a company that provides comprehensive services, including tenant screening, maintenance, legal compliance, and rent collection. This ensures that all aspects of your property are taken care of.

3. Strong Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful relationship with your facility management company. Make sure the company is responsive and keeps you informed about any issues or updates concerning your property.

4. Transparent Pricing

Understand the company’s fee structure before signing a contract. Some firms charge a flat monthly rate, while others may take a percentage of your rental income. Make sure the pricing is transparent and that there are no hidden fees.

Why Choose H.R. Talent House for Property Management in Saudi Arabia?

H.R. Talent House offers comprehensive property management services tailored to the unique needs of property owners in Saudi Arabia. With years of experience in the local market, we are equipped to handle all aspects of facility management , ensuring your property remains profitable and well-maintained.

Here’s why property owners trust us:

Expert Tenant Screening: We carefully vet all tenants to ensure they meet the necessary criteria, minimizing the risk of late payments or property damage.

Maintenance and Repairs: We handle all maintenance and repairs promptly, ensuring your property stays in excellent condition.

Legal Compliance: Our team understands Saudi Arabia’s property laws and ensures your property complies with all local regulations.

Financial Reporting: We provide detailed financial reports that help you track your property’s performance.

Marketing Expertise: Our team knows how to market your property effectively, reducing vacancy rates and ensuring a steady income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, property management is vital for maintaining the value and profitability of your property. Whether you own a residential building, commercial complex, or industrial facility, hiring a professional facility management company simplifies the process. From tenant screening to legal compliance, property management firms handle the most complex aspects of property ownership, allowing you to focus on your investment goals.

H.R. Talent House is your trusted partner in facility management , offering expert solutions that meet the unique needs of property owners in Saudi Arabia. With our team’s local expertise, you can rest assured that your property is in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more about our facility management services and how we can help maximize your investment.