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shyvioletcat · 9 months ago

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It's been a long time coming. It wouldn't be Mermay without a The Calling update, would it? I hope you like it. Special shoutout to @westofmoon because this chapter wouldn't exist without her, and @charincharge because i'm pretty sure she might be this fics biggest fan.

~ Masterlist ~

~~~~~

Rowan knew he was a fool for what he was doing. It was an absurd thing to do, being out in the open like this where everyone could see, in a town where gossip spread through it like a wildfire. The near all year round damp and misty conditions that the town was named for would do nothing to deter the chatter, in fact it encouraged it. Fires were huddled around and people were forced indoors to hide from the weather, conversation was the main pastime. And Rowan knew that he and his wife would be the focus of many.

For the past few days he had been taking Aelin on little outings about town. They, or more aptly she, explored the stores and wares Mistward had to offer. He didn’t know what was compelling him to do it, maybe he could blame it on his companion. Rowan could pretend that she had put a spell on him with her enchanting voice, bending his will to hers.

But that was a lie.

Aelin took everything in with wide eyed wonder, her excitement almost infectious. Rowan managed to school his features into amused indifference, but he liked watching her like this. She took such pleasure in everything—baked goods, pretty trinkets, the people. There was a kind of human innocence about her that was entrancing on its own, no singing required. And Rowan knew she noticed his attention. Every once and while she would look up at him with a knowing glint in her eyes and he would either quickly look away or shake his head. Given what she was, it was hard not to find her intriguing despite the underlying danger.

The townsfolk noticed her too, and noticed them. There were curious looks from the people who were familiar with Rowan. None of them were brave enough to broach the subject of what he and Aelin were to each other to him directly, but it wasn’t unlikely that the marriage would continue to remain unknown. Rowan had a reputation for being withdrawn and not the most friendly of residents. If they were curious they would thankfully talk amongst themselves and not to him.

There was one store that he endeavoured to keep Aelin away from. The clothing mercantile. Rowan had been limiting his interactions with Remelle for a while, and there was no way he was going to bring Aelin into the middle of that mess. Remelle was only interested in what she couldn’t have, and that was Rowan, gods knew what would happen if she found out he was off the market. In a way it was almost a relief not to be the focus of her attentions. Despite the turmoil Aelin had thrown his life into there were starting to be more benefits than the extra coin she provided. He might have to thank Aelin for it directly.

Right now they found themselves in Aelin’s favourite store, one she had begged him to take her to this morning as soon as she emerged from her sleeping quarters in the bathroom. She had been wearing one of her ridiculous nightgowns— the lace and fabric they were made from made them poor excuses for nightwear. He had to admit they were beautiful and were flattering on Aelin. It was hard to keep his mind on the task of ignoring the fact of just how stunning she was when there was so much skin on display. He rallied and did the best that he could, the memories of her pointed teeth were enough to quash any lingering thoughts of her beauty.

Rowan was preparing them a simple breakfast when she demanded that they go to the bookstore, immediately. She had finished her latest purchase the night before and wanted something new to entertain her after being thoroughly devastated by the ending. Rowan had pretended to be irritated by the request, just to save face and hide the effect she was having on him. Then Aelin had pleaded, her voice sweet enough that Rowan knew she was using her powers just to give it a slight edge. He’d called her on it, to his surprise she had apologised but then asked again without even the smallest hint of her siren voice. With a scowl for good measure he nodded and Aelin’s face had broken into a wide grin. Once they had dressed and eaten, they wasted no time and had walked into town.

Aelin wandered through the rows of books, fingers running along the spines. She already had her chosen newest title, tucked into the crook of her arm, and now she was idly browsing. Rowan followed, appearing like the dutiful husband, trailing after his wife as she shopped.

“Why don’t you get yourself something?” Aelin said without looking at him as she pulled another book from the shelf.

“I hadn’t thought to,” Rowan admitted. He still had a book in his apartment that he hadn’t read, there was no use buying more.

“Well, apparently this fine establishment just received a delivery from Dormanelle. The latest publications.”

“It’s Doranelle,” Rowan corrected. It was the largest city in Wendlyn, the hub for commerce and where the governing powers took residence.

“Doranelle,” Aelin repeated the word. “I’m not familiar with this continent’s geography and cities.”

Rowan spotted a book with an interesting looking title and pulled it from the shelf. “But you have been to others?”

“Mainly Rifthold,” Aelin said, returning her book to its place. “Of the time I have spent on land, I was there the longest.”

Throwing caution to his curiosity, Rowan asked, “Why? What did you do there?”

Aelin stopped, the new book in her hand going atop the book she held in her arm. She was looking at him like she was trying to decipher his intent behind the question. There was a hint of apprehension there, and the silence stretched out long enough that Rowan considered rescinding the question, but then Aelin’s shoulders relaxed, any misgivings she had dismissed.

“Why don’t I tell you on our walk home?”

Rowan nodded, pleased that she was willing to share details about her past and who she was. He hadn’t forgotten the scolding that Fenrys had given him on the beach. This might be their first steps towards friendship, however foolish of him that might be to undertake. He would just add it to the growing list.

They spent a little while more browsing until Aelin declared she was in danger of buying one of everything. They paid and left, Aelin holding tight to her bounty. On the way back she all but dragged him into the bakery to buy something sweet for lunch. Sweet chocolate filled buns were added to the day’s purchases even though Rowan insisted they weren’t a proper lunch. Aelin pointedly ignored him and ordered two more out of playful spite.

On the outskirts between town and the bunkhouse Aelin kept her promise. “Rifthold is south of my underwater city. It is often where my kind venture on land. It’s almost a rite of passage, shedding our scales and trying to pass as a local. But it often poses dangers.”

”What kind of dangers?” Rowan asked.

“The risk of capture or being stranded without access to water,” Aelin explained. “Both have dire consequences for the sirens involved. When I was young and foolish I spent many months on land, but I at least made sure to acquire the means to protect myself. It ended with me saving the life of a fellow siren in fact.”

Openly intrigued, Rowan pressed on. “How so?”

Aelin glanced over and studied him again, but didn’t hesitate beyond that. “She was being kept as a courtesan against her will. Myself and my friends orchestrated her escape, and now she is one of my dearest friends.”

”That was brave of you,” Rowan said.

Anger clouded Aelin’s features, her chin lifted in what could be described as defiance. “No-one should be caged like that.”

Now that he had started Rowan wanted to know more. “So that’s how you know the language? How you learned to read?”

“My kingdom makes a point of knowing what goes on in the human world. Siren visits are more frequent than you are probably aware of,” Aelin said.

That had him stopping short, startled. “Are there any here? Now? Besides you?”

Aelin looked far too pleased at his distress, giving him one of those more wicked smiles she had. “Wendlyn is too far out of our way. Rifthold is closer to our settlements beneath the waves.”

“That’s…” Rowan hesitated, trying to place the right word, “reassuring.”

Tipping her head back Aelin laughed. “We’re not as vicious as you assume we are, Rowan. I think the fact I haven’t ripped out your throat is evidence enough of that.”

“Surely there is some truth to the stories,” Rowan added.

Aelin raised her shoulder in a delicate shrug and said without looking at him, “For those who deserve it.”

The conversation was taking a direction he would rather not follow. He wanted to know about her personally, who and not what. The only reason he kept his sanity was ignorance of the extent of Aelin’s true nature. Keeping up the appearances of their farce was enough and indulging the edges of his curiosity would suffice. He’d seen her fangs and claws, he knew a fierce creature lay beneath her skin.

As they approached the bunkhouse a rhythmic thudding echoed. Rowan knew one of his crew mates must be attending to the one chore Emrys unrelentingly demanded of them. The sailors were in charge of maintaining the supply of firewood, and as the colder months encroached closer with each passing day they were all constantly adding to the pile. The chopping block was kept behind the main building, near the stairs that led up to the private entrance of Rowan’s apartment.

Not for the first time Rowan wondered why Aelin had chosen him and not Fenrys to play this game of pretend. The two of them together made infinitely more sense, they at least easily fell into friendship unlike the chosen arrangement. Maybe gaining insight behind her reasoning would be in his next round of questions.

Fenrys swung the axe again, the chunk of wood splitting neatly in two. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and despite the cool day the fabric was sticky with sweat. When Aelin noticed she slowed her steps watching as the next piece was set up. Then Fenrys glanced up, noticing them. His brash grin was just about as reassuring as Aelin’s words from earlier. Rowan felt he was about to be caught in a pointless and ridiculous exchange he’d rather not be a part of.

~~~~~

“Well, well, isn't this a pleasant sight,” Fenrys drawled, leaning the head of the axe on the chopping block and resting both hands on top of the handle. “Never thought I’d see the day when Rowan would agree to sell the ruse in broad daylight.”

The taunt made Aelin’s lips twitch and she saw Rowan stiffen from where he stood next to her.she knew Fenrys couldn’t help himself, that man just had to stir at any opportunity. It would be very unfortunate for Rowan to stop their little outings that she was enjoying so much just because Fenrys decided to tease them about it.

“Hush you,” Aelin admonished. “You’ll scare my dearest husband out of ever taking me out again.”

”I’ve lived in close quarters with Fenrys long enough that I’ve learned to ignore most of the words that come out of his mouth,” Rowan added. “Your turn, was it?”

Aelin looked over and saw Rowan nod towards what she assumed was the chopping block. “What do you mean?”

Fenrys stood a bit straighter and she was granted the opportunity to admire him. Despite the coolness of the morning Fenrys had exerted himself enough that sweat was making the fabric of his shirt cling to him in places. The sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows and showed off his forearms, corded with muscle, no doubt from the work he did as a sailor. When she had first arrived Aelin had dubbed him as beautiful, and he truly was.

“Emrys likes us to keep up on a few chores when we’re home,” Fenrys explained. “Adding to the wood pile is one of them.”

To demonstrate and undeniably show off his prowess, Fenrys swung the axe, the wood on the chopping block splitting only halfway down. Without hesitation he swung again, his aim perfect and breaking apart the rest of the wood.

“Impressive.” That was the only compliment Aelin would grant him.

Fenrys wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “Thank you. I’ll be out here for a little while longer if you’d care to watch.”

Rowan outright scoffed at the remark and suddenly Aelin’s mind wandered to what her husband might look like in Fenrys’ place. In their time in the apartment she had noticed the broadness of Rowan’s shoulders, how like his crewmate, the life of a sailor had shaped him. Rowan was an impressive example of a man to say the least. But admiring the male form was not the entertainment she was looking for at the moment.

“I have new books that need reading,” Aelin said, declining the invitation.

“Very important business, I won’t keep you.” Fenrys raised the axe and another piece of wood was split.

Aelin didn’t bother to wait and see if Rowan followed. She was serious about her books and Fenrys was not enough of a temptation to distract her. She loved reading, but considering the volatile relationship between books and water she only had limited time to consume them. So while she had the opportunity she would take it.

She barely noticed what Rowan did about the apartment, but around lunchtime a plate of simple fare was offered to her. It was just fruit, cheese and some bread, easy to eat one handed and enough to sustain her as she devoured page after page. This new amiability was nice between her and Rowan, it made Aelin feel content in the storm she was waiting out by being here. So consumed by dark words written on pale pages Aelin ended up reading until dinner, seated on the couch she had made her own reading nest.

“Shall we eat in the dining hall tonight?” Rowan asked, shaking Aelin out of the trance she had fallen into. “I feel as though going to town would take you away from your book for too long.”

Aelin put said book aside, stretching her arms above her head. It was darker outside than she realised as she peeked through the window next to the bed. She hadn’t noticed because Rowan had diligently lit candles so that she wouldn't lose the light. A few days ago he might have just let the apartment go dark, wander off into the night and leave Aelin to her own devices. It was almost touching, even though he was serving himself just as much as he was serving her. But the lamp on the side table next to her was a notable touch.

“That sounds like a good idea,” Aelin said. “That way I can come back to my book sooner.”

”Exciting part?” Rowan asked, tying his hair back.

Aelin was sure a love declaration was only pages away, but she doubted Rowan would be interested in that fact. So she kept her reply simple. “Yes, very.”

Because they would be walking through the inner hallways Aelin didn’t bother with any added clothing. Her long sleeved blouse and skirt would be enough in the fire warmed dining room. She and Rowan were some of the later arrivals and Aelin dutifully took her seat next to her would-be-husband. The dark haired captain at the end of the table still eyed them sceptically, not yet being convinced of the ruse. Aelin didn’t know why his belief mattered so much, and besides passionately kissing Rowan at the dinner table there wasn’t much that could be done to persuade him.

Emrys once again laid the table with delicious dishes. While they ate conversation picked up in an ebb and flow, Aelin keeping to the outskirts of it. It wasn’t deliberate, but the only other member of the crew she was remotely close to was Fenrys and he was sitting too far away to keep up conversation.

Instead, Aelin spent most of the meal observing the dynamics between the men at the table. They were an interesting group, Rowan and Lorcan seeming to set apart from the rest. The other three bickered and bantered and kept the energy of the room lively. It was nice, almost familial. The captain and the first mate the parental figures keeping everyone in line. That thought had Aelin fighting a smile even as a wave of homesickness washed over her. She missed her family and friends desperately, and missed the interactions like the one she was audience to now. The loneliness was something she would have to ignore.

Fenrys reaching for his drink caught Aelin’s attention, her eyes drawn to the movement. As he raised his glass he sent a subtle wink down the table. That only meant trouble.

“I’m glad to see Rowan willing to let you out,” Fenrys said, and Aelin braced herself for the insinuations that would follow. “I think he was enjoying keeping you to himself.”

Aelin knew Rowan wasn’t about to interject so she took it upon herself. “It was the weather. It’s far too cold and miserable here to venture outside. But I think my scratching at the door was starting to annoy him and forced me out the door anyway.”

“It was the claw marks actually,” Rowan added.

Two things happened, within a mere second of each other. The first was Fenrys choking on something and the second was a surprised laugh that burst out of Aelin. She was shocked that Rowan would even allude to such a thing and when Aelin turned to look at the man she hadn’t realised had a sense of humour he was looking quietly pleased with himself. Rowan tried to hide his smile behind a forkful of food but Aelin saw it.

Everyone else seated at the table only took the joke as a simple quip, and had no idea why Fenrys was losing all composure. It wasn’t long after that Rowan excused the two of them for the evening. When they got back to the apartment Aelin didn’t say anything about the claw remark, she would let Rowan have this triumph undisturbed. Instead she went back to her book and read until she was forced into the bathtub.

The next day the weather was too nice to stay indoors and Aelin took her book down to the beach. For hours she read, sitting on the sand with the break of the wave a pleasant hum in the background. She had assumed the sun would last and be enough to warm her, but she was wrong. As the day waned the wind had picked up and the clouds had sailed in from the ocean. Aelin had been so engrossed in her story it took her longer than it should have to realise. A bitterly cold wind had skittered across her skin, making her shiver. It pulled her out of the fantastical story she was in, and she looked around taking in the full severity of the weather.

Maybe Mistward would be in for one of the seasonal storms that prevented the sailors travelling for months. With no desire to be caught in it Aelin picked herself up and book in hand she had trudged through the sand and back to the apartment. She didn’t know where Rowan was, she had let him know where she was going and what she was doing, but he had just nodded and mentioned that he might duck into town to buy some supplies.

The stairs creaked under Aelin’s weight as she walked up to the back entrance. She threw one last look out at the ominous clouds gathering and stepped inside, greeted by the pleasant warmth emanating from the fireplace. At first she assumed Rowan wasn’t home and that she had come back while he was still running errands. But then she heard singing, soft and low, coming from the bathroom.

Afraid that her presence becoming known would make it stop, she crept towards the door as silently as she could. Considering her natural form had fins instead of feet, she did quite well. The singing became clearer with every step she took, as did her interest. Rowan had a beautiful singing voice, and with song being such an intrinsic part of who she was, Aelin was drawn to it.

Hoary wildwood,

Where within, a rood,

Bends its bough to lift me.

Lithely moonlight,

Name a path and I'll ride.

Fleet of foot, whitherto.

Have I faltered?

Am I shorn from my wyrd?

Hewn of hope, lorn and loath.

Upon the high wind,

I hear a wordless tongue.

Upon the high wind,

whither a calling come.

Incredibly disappointed Rowan had stopped singing, Aelin didn’t think before she twisted the handle and pushed the door open. “You sing?”

Rowan all but jumped out of his skin, the water in the tub splashing out onto the floor. “What are you doing?”

“I heard you…” Aelin trailed off as she took in the details of Rowan’s behaviour. He was frantically trying to cover himself beneath, trying to make himself impossibly smaller within the bathtub. Confused, Aelin cocked her head, and noted the pink on his cheeks while she was entirely unruffled by the situation. Even though she realised why, she walked across the space, propping herself up on the sink basin. “Why didn’t you tell me you could sing?”

”It never really came up.” Rowan snatched a washcloth from the rim of the tub, pulling it low into the water. “Knock next time, damnit.”

Aelin rolled her eyes. “You humans and your propriety. You think I’ve never seen a naked man before? Because I have.” Then mischief took hold of her, and she might just potentially ruin all the progress they had made. But she couldn’t help it. “Though I have to say not many have been as… impressive as you.”

She could have sworn the colour on his cheeks deepened as Rowan growled, “Get out.”

Aelin lent forward, pretending she could see over the edge of the tub. She couldn’t, it didn’t stop her though—she was enjoying herself too much. “I think you need a larger washcloth to hide behind in there.”

Rowan was perfectly still, like that would make her leave, like she was a predator losing interest in their prey once the chase was finished. Aelin would do no such thing.

“You might want to hurry up, I’m starting to dry out. I might end up having to join you.”

Water sloshed as Rowan stood and that washcloth slapped directly into Aelin’s face. The shock of it had her gasping and wiping the soapy water from her eyes.

“It’s yours,” he yelled over his shoulder, yanking a towel from the hook as he stormed out the door. But not before Aelin caught the briefest glimpse of his ass which was just as impressive as the rest of him. Then the door was slammed and Aelin had no doubt Rowan was cursing her to every god he could think of.

Alone in the bathroom, Aelin wasn’t about to waste the opportunity of a good soak. Not wanting to get her hair wet she used the mirror and two of the ribbons she had bought to tie her hair up out of the way. Pleased with her work that she inspected in the mirror she undressed, glad she had brought her book in with her. Aelin was about to step into the tub when she heard knocking on the outside door of the apartment. She assumed Rowan would get it, but the knocking came again. Apparently home alone, Aelin picked up Rowan’s discarded shirt because that would cover more of her in this short amount of time.

Thinking Rowan had simply locked himself out, Aelin let the shirt fall from her shoulder just to tease him a little. She had noticed his eyes lingering on her when she wore her nightgowns around the apartment. The sole purpose was to rile him up and even though he pretended to be indifferent to them, Aelin knew better—she had succeeded.

A new round of knocking started but Aelin was only a few steps away. If she wasn’t so intent on provoking Rowan again she might have noticed sooner that the door was in fact unlocked. It might have better prepared her for what was on the other side of the door.

With her most seductive smile Aelin opened it. “Change your mind about joining—oh.”

Aelin was stunned, gaping at the sight before her. She wasn’t used to being on this end of the surprise, and that alone was unsettling. Because it was not Rowan’s disgruntled face that greeted her, these were people she had never seen before, but she had some inkling of who they might be. These newcomers were looking just as astonished as she was feeling and standing there wearing nothing but her false-husband’s shirt, Aelin did the only thing she could think of. She shut the door.

~~~~~

Thanks for reading! I'm not sure of the voice in this one but... *shrugs* Song is: Lorn and Loathe by Wolcensmen. And good news! I know exactly what happens next.

#the calling #rowaelin fanfiction #throne of glass fanfiction

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afewproblems · 2 years ago

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Part Four: Final Part Four Mean!Eddie Misunderstandings Au

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Read in full on Ao3

Thank you to everyone that cheered me on @samcoxramblings for your kind words on every post! @flowercrowngods and @barbariansteves for your helpful advice and @zerokrox-blog for your original prompt waaaaay back in February, I'm sorry this took so long but I hope you finally get the comfort you wished for!

***

The kids demand two weeks to prepare for their Hellfire session, insisting that they need this time to debrief Eddie and come up with their game plan, which is fine by Steve.

It also gives him two weeks to decompress from his last interaction with the kid's Dungeon Master, and time to try and untangle exactly how he feels about the whole situation.

It was nice for things to start moving back towards something resembling normal. The kids seemed happier, even going so far as to begin splitting their time between Eddie and Steve once again. Asking for rides to the hobby shop in Indi from their resident metal-head rather than Steve. It was nice to finally have a little bit more time to himself again.

Even Robin, who had previously been steadfast in her Anti-Eddie stance, had suddenly grown rather tight-lipped about the whole thing.

She had even offered to accompany Steve on his errands for the day they scheduled their Hellfire meeting, citing that she was always up for a grocery run and he may need help bringing everything in.

Which, in hindsight, should have been Steve’s first clue that something strange was going on.

“So, you ready?” Robin hums as they walk up and down the canned food aisle of Marsh Market, “you can still back out you know?”

Steve smiles and grabs a box of onion soup mix, he’s fairly certain he has some sour cream at home to make a dip of some sort, much easier than the last snack he tried to prepare for the group.

“Yeah, Robs, I know, I think it should be fine,” he crosses off the soup mix on his list and turns the cart around the empty aisle to head towards the produce section, “the kids are already setting up now so the only thing I need to do is be there,” he shrugs and stops in front of the humming displays.

Steve waits until the misting stops before reaching for a bag of mini carrots and tossing them into the cart.

“Can’t believe you trust Henderson to have a key, I can’t believe you hold us at the same level of trust!” Robin grumbles under her breath as she picks up a granny smith from one of the bins and rubs it on the rolled up sleeves of her navy blazer; it’s just slightly too big for her, most likely stolen from her dad’s closet.

Steve rolls his eyes and continues pushing the cart around the produce area, "careful Birdy, you roll those up anymore you're actually going to turn into Don Johnson".

"I should be so lucky," she snarks back as she catches up to him by the celery.

She tosses the apple back and forth between her hands, nearly dropping it twice before placing the produce into the cart under Steve’s unimpressed gaze.

She starts snapping her fingers and shuffling her feet as they continue walking up and down the aisles, going through their list bit by bit. Steve finds himself watching his friend’s nervous fidgeting with curious eyes, it was just a grocery trip, there shouldn’t be anything to really make her act like this, right?

He takes a quick glance around at some of the employees stocking the aisles, in case Vickie or some other pretty classmate of Robin’s is wandering around.

But, they’re alone.

“Are you sure you don’t need anything else?” Robin asks, as Steve folds up the list and turns the cart towards the check out tills.

She tips the small watch she’s wearing up to her face, her eyes flit back and forth between Steve and the watch as she chews on her bottom lip, which is more than a little odd.

The kids are already at the house and Eddie and the rest of the Hellfire gang won’t be arriving for at least another hour, they have plenty of time?

Robin steps away from the cart and throws her thumb over her shoulder at the chip aisle, “you do realize that you’re going to have like ten teenagers at your house right? You think veggies and dip is enough?”

“I’m ordering pizza later, I think this is fine?” Steve says slowly, gesturing at the cart, confusion and suspicion saturate his words as his eyes narrow at his friend.

“Robin,” Steve murmurs, walking the cart closer towards her, “what's going on?”

“Nothing, why would you --nothing!” She stutters as her freckled face pales slightly.

Steve smirks, Robin is probably the worst liar he’s ever met, and it's always endearing whenever she tries.

The last time she had lied to Steve, it had been about the mascara wand she had dropped onto the passenger seat, staining the leather just slightly, and smearing the black makeup all over the floor covers.

Robin had panicked and insisted that had been there before she had sat down.

Steve had been sitting in the car with her at the time.

He knew a Robin lie when he saw it, but he also knew it wouldn’t take long for her to crack.

“Okay!”

There it is.

“Listen,” Robin hisses sharply, she steps closer until she’s nearly whispering in his ear in the empty chip aisle, “I’m stalling you okay?”

“Probably not something you should be telling the person you’re stalling but okay?” Steve snorts as he leans onto the cart handle, “also, this was the worst place to go to stall us, it's two in the afternoon on a Wednesday, no one else is here”.

“I know!” Robin groans, letting her face fall into her open hands, she slowly lifts her face once more and lets her fingers drag across her forehead and cheeks, pulling at the skin, “I should have said no, I wanted to say no, but they used Will--”

Steve nods, “and you can’t say no to Will, yeah I gotcha”.

The words register after a beat.

“Wait, backup, the kids put you up to this? The unsupervised shitheads in my house right now?”

Robin nods, her blue eyes wide and the barest of smirks still covered by her hands.

“Oh christ,” Steve mutters under his breath, “do I even want to know?”

Robin drops her hands away from her face and scowls for a second before sighing, “I would absolutely love to tell you,” she shakes her head and looks up at the ceiling, “better yet, I’d love to just take you to Indi for the day, forget about this completely, but those God Damn kids know exactly what to say,” she looks at him once more in barely concealed exasperation, “how do they always know what to say?”

“How angry do I need to be, on a scale of like one to ten?”

Robin stares at him consideringly, her eyes scanning his face, “I mean, if I were you, it would be at like, a hundred,” she says eventually, “but since it’s you?”

“Maybe a four”.

Steve nods and drums his hands on the cart handles, blowing out a long slow breath as he makes his decision, “how much more time do they need?”

Robin looks at her watch again and smiles this time, “Well this bought them another five-ish minutes, so maybe another half hour?”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a crumpled five dollar bill, “come on, I’ll getcha a coffee or something?”

“Wait, do I even need these snacks? Robin?”

Robin was wrong, this at least warranted a five for the groceries alone.

***

The drive back is uneventful, Steve did end up going though check out, rationalizing that, no matter what, he needed some veggies for the rest of the week so there were worse things he could have spent the money on.

Robin had bought him a coffee from the gas station down the road. There wasn't enough creamer in the world to make that palatable so he leaves it in the cup holder while driving back. Even with a hot chocolate Robin hasn't fared much better.

"Okay, well that's the worst five dollars ever spent," she groans after taking a sip. Robin wrinkles her nose and sets the cup in the other empty holder beside Steve’s before sneaking a quick look at her watch once more, “worth it though,” she says with a small smile.

It slides off her face after a moment when she realizes that they’ve turned down her street, “Steve?”

He looks between her and the road, tilting his head as she touches his elbow gently.

“You can just come over you know, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to and that includes letting people force you to--” Robin snaps her mouth shut with an audible click of her teeth.

She shakes her head and takes her hand back, “sorry, I promised not to say anything”.

Steve pulls over onto the Buckley’s driveway and finally turns to face Robin as much as the driver's seat will allow.

“Still sure about this whole thing only warranting a four?” he asks softly as a bubble of anxiety begins to expand from his stomach and into his chest, as though he’s absorbed her nervous energy over the course of the afternoon.

Robin shrugs, “I don’t know, but,” her blue eyes bounce back and forth between his own, “just don’t let them make you make a decision you’re not ready for,” she chews her lip again, “no one gets to push you around but me”.

Steve laughs as Robin leans out of her seat to give him a quick, but firm, hug before she opens the door and steps outside. As soon as she’s out of the car, Steve wishes he had asked her to stay, to come with him and hold his hand through the unknown. The bereft, hollow feeling from before returns in full force as she walks up to her front door.

She turns around and holds up her thumb and pinky as she lifts her hands to her face, mouthing, ‘Call me later,’ as she waves with her other hand.

She stays outside as Steve slowly reverses, hesitating on the street for just a moment as Robin walks backwards the rest of the way to her door, she moves her hands, motioning for him to get going.

Steve nods once and takes a deep breath as he shifts into drive and heads down the street.

It’s just the kids, he tells himself, how bad can it be?

***

By the time Steve pulls into his driveway, he’s nearly turned around to retrieve Robin and insist that she come with him at least five times. Even now as he pulls the emergency brake for the slight incline of the Harrington driveway, he considers starting the car again and leaving.

The last time he felt this anxious to be home was after graduation, after he’d been rejected from every school he’d applied to and knew there was no getting around that conversation with his dad.

That conversation had ended with the crack in the table, a hastily completed Scoops application, and his parents leaving for three months.

If it hadn’t happened he wouldn’t have met Robin, so at least there had been a silver lining on that occasion.

He’s not sure if there will be one this time.

Steve gets out of the car before opening the back door to grab the paper grocery bag from the store, he leaves the full coffee and hot chocolate cups with a grimace and makes a mental note to throw them out later before locking the car door.

Steve slowly makes his way to the steps, balancing the bag on his hip as he rifles through his pants pocket for his house key.

He looks around the street and spots Eddie’s van parked a few houses down. Great.

Steve knew that Eddie and the others would be showing up around now, even before Robin went ahead and spilled the beans about whatever it was the kids were secretly doing, but he had still hoped for a moment to just breathe before he had to face the inevitable.

Steve takes a deep breath and grabs the door handle, scoffing as it opens immediately. He makes a second mental note to scold Dustin for leaving the door unlocked for just anyone to come in --especially since the rest of Hellfire was already here apparently.

“Hey assholes, the snacks are here,” Steve calls out as he steps over the threshold, tossing his own keys into the dish on the side table.

He kicks the door closed and locks the deadbolt with a roll of his eyes, “and I do include myself with that statement,” he adds under his breath with a smirk.

Steve slides off his shoes and pauses, looking around the foyer.

It’s quiet.

Where there is normally an abundance of yelling and laughter, of the kids arguing amongst themselves, or Eddie’s usual dramatic storytelling, there’s nothing.

Steve walks into the kitchen and puts the bag onto the counter, “guys?” he calls out again, only to be met with silence.

Steve makes his way into the dining room through the swing door and stops in his tracks.

The table is gone.

“What the fuck?” he hears himself whisper as he walks into the middle of the space, nearly into the hanging light in the center of the room --he’d never noticed just how low it was, what with the table that was normally there to stop him from walking directly into it.

“What the fuck?” Steve hisses again, his heart starts to race as he steps around the light and spots the open sliding door to the backyard.

“If you little fuckers decided to move my grandmother’s table when there is a perfectly good patio table out there, I swear to Christ--”

But the kids aren’t outside either.

Eddie freezes as Steve walks around the corner of the house, he’s standing next to the dining table with a piece of sandpaper in his hands.

“Steve,” Eddie squawks in surprise, quickly hiding the sandpaper behind his back, “hey!”

Steve’s not entirely sure just what he’s looking at as he takes another step further into the yard. Eddie’s normally black ripped jeans are covered in a fine layer of dust, his wild curls have been pulled back into a messy ponytail away from his face, and an open container of wood filler sits beside him on the concrete patio.

Steve takes another four steps until he’s close enough to touch the wooden surface, his mouth hanging open as he takes it all in.

The surface of the table has been sanded down in its entirety, removing the beautiful deep cherry varnish, but the crack in the center has been mended, some kind of slightly darker putty has sealed the gaping wound that had marred the surface.

“Can you,” Eddie’s voice shakes, drawing Steve’s attention once more, “can you please say something, I can’t tell if you’re mad or what?”

“You fixed it,” Steve whispers, his eyes fixed on the table, he reaches to run a shaking hand over the surface.

“Careful,” Eddie says softly, grabbing Steve’s hand before it can touch the center with long sure fingers, “that still needs about an hour or so to cure”.

Steve looks from the table to his hand, still cradled in Eddie’s own, before looking up to see two big brown eyes staring into his own.

“I don’t understand,” the words come out in a whisper as Steve swallows around the sudden lump in his throat, “why?”

“Well,” Eddie murmurs as he squeezes Steve’s hand once before threading their fingers together and dragging Steve towards one of the pool loungers in the grass.

Eddie sits down and pulls Steve with him to sit, he feels a deep flush begin to wash over his neck and the tips of his ears, it's impossible to hide in the bright sunlight this time --not that he’d even be able to with Eddie’s firm grip on Steve’s hand.

“Those kids of yours are pretty genius,” Eddie says slowly, deliberately, his gaze never wavering from Steve’s face, “and they love you so fucking much man”.

Eddie clears his throat and rubs his thumb over Steve’s knuckles, “and there seems to be some confusion about how I actually feel about you, so allow me to uh, lay it all on the,” he gestures with his free hand towards the dining table and smirks, “well you know”.

Steve feels his heart leaping out of his chest, he can’t sit here, listen to this, he’s heard it before, it isn’t real.

Steve moves to stand up from the lounger but Eddie is faster as he manages to grab Steve’s other hand, holding him in place.

“Eddie--”

“You said no one had ever bothered before,” Eddie barrels on, speaking so quickly that Steve hardly understands at first. He squeezes Steve’s hands lightly again, the skin warmed metal from Eddie’s rings press into the palms of Steve’s hands.

“No one’s ever tried to fix it, have they?” Eddie breathes out as his eyes flit back and forth, searching Steve’s own, “would you let me try?”

For a moment, Steve lets himself just sit with the words.

Lets himself indulge in the soft, almost reverent way that Eddie asks. He lets the warmth of Eddie’s hands tether him to something resembling hope.

Before he shakes his head.

“You don’t know what you’re saying Eddie,” Steve growls, but the words lack any true bite.

“I know exactly what I’m saying,” Eddie insists, he gets up from beside Steve and kneels in the grass in front of him, “but I don’t think you do, I think we’ve been talking past each recently Steve, and it took speaking to a bunch of people --way smarter than me, to realize it. So here it is--”

“Don’t,” Steve shouts at the same time that Eddie whispers, “I like you,” and for a moment neither moves.

Steve slowly takes his hands out of Eddie's now slack grip.

He lowers one hand down to the edge of the pool lounger, gripping it so harshly that his knuckles slowly fade to white, while the other he brings up to cover Eddie’s mouth.

“Don’t say something you can’t take back,” Steve says softly.

Eddie just stares for a beat, his forehead pinched in a terrible frown, before he reaches up to cup Steve’s cheek and gently removes the hand covering his mouth. He smiles softly and lets his thumb gently run over the crest of Steve’s cheekbone.

“Good thing I don’t want to take it back,” Eddie insists, he slides the hand on Steve’s cheek down to hold his chin firmly between two fingers.

“Steve,” Eddie lifts himself up so he’s balancing on the balls of his feet, just high enough that they are at eye level now, “I spent a very long time holding onto things that weren’t even remotely true, and they made me act like an asshole, I can’t tell you how sorry I am for that sweetheart”.

“What if you change your mind, what if I--”

“Steve, what the fuck could you do at this point that would shock me?" Eddie says with a derisive laugh, he lets go of Steve's face to press his hand briefly to his own chest.

"I’m a drug dealing, satan worshiping, murderer who almost ate it in another dimension from killer demon bats".

Eddie grins as he peppers his speech with air quotes but the edges of it are jagged, and the good humour doesn't quite reach his eyes.

Steve breathes out sharply through his nose and shakes his head, “I get angry sometimes, I say things I don't mean, I…"

He sees himself surrounded by ceramic shards again, crying as he sweeps up his own mess, and shudders.

It's enough for Eddie to nod, and shuffle closer still.

"Pot," Eddie says softly as he pokes Steve in the sternum with this pointer finger and then brings it around to point at his own face, "kettle".

Steve chews his bottom lip as his thoughts swirl together and fly apart, disjointed and frenetic, "I just," he swallows around a harsh lump that begins to form in his throat, "I don't want you to think that I'm something that I'm not”.

Steve closes his eyes, missing the way that Eddie freezes at the words, but he can’t stop now --he has to get this all out or he’ll never be able to.

"That I've changed, that I'm this thing you've built up, for your sake, because let me tell you, it's pretty heartbreaking when everything you hoped was real turns out to be all in your head".

Steve opens his eyes as Eddie makes a sound like he’s been punched in the gut.

He’s still kneeling in front of Steve, even closer now, almost close enough that Steve can count the light dusting of freckles on his nose, and it feels like his heart will burst at any moment.

Fuck it.

"I've been halfway in love with you since you woke up from the hospital," Steve blurts out, “only to find out that you didn't feel even remotely the same about me, this whole time,” he breathes in shallowly as Eddie pales.

"I don't think I could take it if that happened again Eds,” Steve continues as he drops his gaze to his knees, “I think it would crush me".

"That's why I don't want you to say something you can't take--"

The words die on his lips as Eddie grabs his face and kisses him.

It’s harsh and clumsy, their teeth clack as Eddie loses his balance, pushing himself into Steve. They fall over the lounger, Steve’s shoulders and lower back hit the metal frame hard, forcing a muffled groan out as Eddie falls on top of him with his own faint, ‘oof’.

Eddie tries to raise himself up by his hands before falling even further as one of his hands slips through the rubber slats of the chair and he crashes into Steve's stomach.

Eddie babbles a string of incomprehensible apologies as he frees his trapped hand and manages to gently straddle Steve. Eddie hovers over him and lifts his hands to cup Steve's face.

“Shit baby, are you okay? Fuck, that’s not how I wanted that to go at all, I’m so shit at this”.

“Can we, can you get off and then we can get off the stupid chair?” Steve wheezes as he tries to catch his breath and shift his weight away from the metal still pressed into his back, “lets go inside, we can..talk about this”.

Eddie curses under his breath, his expression nervous, and moves his legs off of Steve and the chair before holding a hand out to help Steve to his feet.

Steve rubs his back as he leads the pair back inside through the sliding glass door, not daring to turn around and face Eddie.

He feels his own mortified flush spread across his chest and neck and winces; this is probably the most he’s blushed in years all in the span of a single afternoon.

He kissed me, he kissed me, he kissed me, plays on a seemingly endless loop in Steve’s head as he walks into the house, he can’t help the wide smile that blooms over his face --despite the other, darker thought that whispers in his ear, be careful, be careful, be careful.

Steve takes them through the empty dining room and into the living room before dropping onto the couch with another low groan. He looks up as he realizes that Eddie is no longer beside him.

Eddie stands in the entryway to the living room, he’s holding a thick handful of hair over his mouth and watching Steve carefully.

“Can’t talk with you all the way over there,” Steve huffs.

He tries for a smile but the effect is lost as Eddie continues to stand and stare at him, looking as though he could bolt from the house at any moment.

“Please come here Eds,” Steve tries again, his voice small. He takes a deep breath, if Eddie can be brave so can you, he thinks as he holds out his hand.

Eddie hesitates for just a moment more, his eyes flick beyond Steve to the hallway linked to the foyer and back, it’s so quick Steve nearly misses it.

Still, he keeps his hand steady, holding it aloft.

Eventually Eddie takes a tentative step, then another, slowly moving forward until his fingers brush Steve’s own. He takes a seat next to Steve on the plush gray couch but doesn’t relax as Steve turns his body to face him. Eddie tenses even further as Steve gives his hand a gentle squeeze.

He opens his mouth to start but Eddie beats him to it.

“I’m so sorry Steve,” Eddie whispers, his voice strained and thin as he takes his hand back, “I just fucking attacked you? Jesus, I," he cuts himself off, whatever he had been about to say trapped behind the teeth that dig into his bottom lip.

"I mean," Steve mumbles, hating the hunched line of Eddie's shoulders, "I tell you I've been in love with you for months and you kiss me, that makes sense to me?"

"Stop doing that," Eddie bites out as he stands up, slapping his hands on his knees to launch himself away from the couch.

He paces the living room, not looking at Steve and getting progressively more agitated as he walks.

"I apologize and then you turn it around on yourself, why do you do that? Just let me apologize!"

Eddie halts suddenly as he straightens and faces Steve, it's as though a lightbulb has blinked on in the ether as Eddie speaks his next words slowly and carefully, "stop letting me off the hook Steve, be honest with me".

"I have been honest with you," Steve tries but Eddie shakes his head.

"Nope, you've told me some of your stuff today, but not why you keep downplaying everything, why you're not just telling me you're upset, it's like you're censoring the stuff you think I don't want to hear, come on”.

"My stuff," Steve mutters under his breath as a hot flicker of irritation licks at his ribcage.

"Yes," Eddie says, throwing his hands into his hair in frustration.

"Everybody censors themselves Eddie, you think I tell the kids everything? That I've told Robin everything?"

At this Eddie blanches, surprise etched over his forehead as his eyebrows climb into his wispy bangs.

"But Robin--"

"Knows enough, but not everything,"Steve scoffs as he crosses his arms over his stomach, "and she doesn't need to".

Robin may know his parents are hardly around, she may have formed her own opinions, assumptions about what she thinks is going on; but Steve has gotten very good at hiding these things -especially over the years.

Pulling out the King Steve persona, make them laugh, make them mad, watch this hand while the other pulls the wool over their eyes.

"Then tell me," Eddie says softly, but there is a challenge to his words.

He shifts his stance slightly, putting more weight on his left leg as he cocks his hip out to the side, "shock me Harrington".

Steve shifts on the couch, feeling pinned under Eddie's gaze, before swiping a tired hand over his face and dropping it into his lap.

"That crack in the table happened just before I graduated," Steve says softly, his head tipped down so the words tumble into his knees.

He ignores the sharp intake of breath from Eddie, not daring to look up as he continues, "my uh, my dad opened the rejection letter from Vincennes, that one had just been delivered that morning I think".

Steve breathes out slowly and picks at a hangnail on his left thumb, he hasn't ever spoken about this to anyone, he's never really managed to talk about his home life growing up without side stepping things.

There had been moments where Steve thinks Tommy and Carol might have had their suspicions, but they never asked and Steve wasn't in a position to talk about it.

"I think that was at the beginning of June, so, so his logical conclusion was to uh, go looking for the other letters, the ones I must have received already".

Steve barks out a laugh, but the sound rings out hollow in the large living room, he startles slightly as the couch dips down next to him as Eddie sits, close enough that his knees are brushing Steve's own.

He doesn't say anything, but it's enough for Steve to breathe out and keep going.

"And he found them, my dad, in the shoebox I kept in the back of my closet".

"I don't know why I had even kept them," Steve shakes his head, "I should have thrown them away".

Steve absently traces a faint white line across his temple, staring past his knees into the patterns of the ornate area rug, "I got home from school and he had the letters waiting for me".

"He laid them all out on the dining table," Steve sweeps his hands out, setting the scene in his head, "like you see in those detective movies right? He just needed some string to connect them all to me".

Steve shivers and closes his eyes, the words still echoing fresh in his mind, the hot spittle that hit his face as his father cornered him against the wall still makes him flinch if he thinks about it too hard.

"He asked when I was planning to tell him about the rejections, and I couldn't give him an answer," he reaches up and pinches his nose, just once, blinking a few times as he wills away the gathering moisture.

"I didn't raise you to be this way Steven, like some fucking ungrateful coward --look at me when I'm God Damn talking to you!" Richard seethes as he slams the flat of his palm into the center of the table, his Harvard class ring splitting the wood as it connects with a loud crack.

Richard doesn't look down, his hand slides to one of the letters, snatching it from the surface as he steps around the table, towards Steve, in three sure strides. He backs his son towards the wall, looming over Steve as he shoves the paper into his face in one hand while the other grips the collar of Steve's T-Shirt.

"What will people think, huh, our only son didn't get into college, Hagan got in for chrissakes," his dad shakes him once, forcing Steve's head to connect with the wall, "what am I supposed to tell people Steven, what are we going to tell your poor mother?"

"I thought that Wheeler girl was supposed to be smart, tutor you or something," Richard scoffs as he finally lets go of Steve's shirt collar, "or did she finally come to her senses?"

Steve sneers before he can stop himself, "I didn't think you were even around enough to see that dad--"

The blow comes swiftly, catching him across the temple, his father's class ring comes out to play once again as a hot burst of pain blooms across the entire left side of his face from the backhand.

"Don't you ever speak to me that way again, you want to be a big man Steven? Just see what happens".

Steve blinks once, coming back to himself, "my dad, um, he has a problem with anger, with uh, expressing it I guess".

"But that isn't what this is about," Steve whispers, and this time he can't keep the wobble from his voice as he speaks.

"I'm afraid, I'm just like him, that I could do what he did if I got upset enough, and you," he breathes out sharply but the sounds more like a sob than anything else, "you want me to be honest?"

Steve finally lifts his eyes up to meet Eddie's own. Eddie, who looks as though he wants to melt into the floor, his shoulders tense and his own eyes seem suspiciously shiny as they stare back at Steve.

"Why couldn't you be honest with me, huh?" Steve whispers, "from the beginning?"

A tear breaks the surface, tracing down Steve's cheek. He manages to catch it roughly with the back of his hand before reaching up to press the heels of both his hands into his eyes --as though the pressure could stop the building deluge he knows is inevitable.

"I was so angry with you when you told me that you hadn't meant what you said in the Upside Down," Steve manages to speak through the tightening of his throat as he drops his hands back down into his lap, "that I smashed a plate in my kitchen after you left, I don't, I don't know what happened".

His breath quickens suddenly and every other word comes out as a gasp, "but it's like my worst fucking fears h-have come true and I don't, I don't know what to do, I don't, I--"

"Oh sweetheart," Eddie says softly as he reaches for Steve, pulling him into his arms with gentle fingers, "oh, I gotcha".

Steve lets himself be moved, for his head to be tipped into the crook of Eddie's neck and his body tucked into Eddie's chest.

Steve tries to slow down his breathing, to stop the shuddering of his chest as he fights the tears.

"It's okay," Eddie tries but Steve shakes his head.

"It's not," he bites out, the words taper off into a whine, "it's not--"

"Okay, you're right, it's not," Eddie says so softly Steve nearly misses it.

"I'm so, so, sorry Steve," Eddie murmurs into Steve's hair, holding him tighter as Steve finally gives in and lets himself cry.

He's not sure how long they sit for, eventually Steve feels a steady hand card through his hair while the other strokes down his arms, he feels the tension in his shoulders begin to melt away and the tears slow to a gentle trickle.

"I'm an idiot," Eddie huffs out, the breath flutters Steve's hair, making him twitch at the sensation.

Steve reaches up and wipes at his face with tired hands. The skin feels warm to the touch and puffy around his eyes and his nose which refuses to stop running, he must look like an absolute sight right now, he thinks to himself with a grimace.

"You're not an idiot," he manages to croak, but Eddie's already shaking his head sharply, turning himself to look at Steve.

"Oh believe me, I've fucked up before, pretty spectacularly, but this takes the goddamn cake sweetheart".

"And you're right," Eddie says slowly, carefully, "I shouldn't be harping on about you hiding how you feel when I'm the reason why we're in this mess".

Eddie chews his bottom lip, worrying it between his teeth before pulling away from Steve entirely as he reaches up to cup Steve's face between his hands.

"I'm sorry for not being honest with you Stevie, and I will spend every day trying to make it up to you if you let me?"

Steve looks at Eddie, really looks at him.

He takes in the drooped curve of his shoulders, the subtle pink of the tip of his nose and the glassy sheen in his brown eyes. The way his chest has stopped rising and he drops his hands away from Steve the longer he openly stares at the metal-head, the way Eddie anxiously spins and spins and spins the rings on his hands the longer he waits.

It’s an easy decision to reach out and place his own hand on Eddies own, to halt the frantic movements with a gentle squeeze.

“So,” Steve says, grinning as Eddie finally looks up at him once more, "on a scale of helping to chauffeur the kids to finishing fixing the table, what kind of making it up to me are we talking about?"

The smile Eddie gives him is nearly blinding as he launches himself at Steve, gathering him up in his arms. His hair smells like sawdust and there's the barest hint of some kind of cologne that Steve can't place.

Eddie leans back into the couch cushions, laughingly wetly and taking Steve with him. The sound makes his chest ache as Steve realizes just how much he’s missed Eddie’s laughter. He buries his face in Eddie's neck as they cuddle into one another, letting themselves sit with nothing but the sound of the occasional car driving down the street outside or the humming of grasshoppers through the screen door to the backyard.

"For what it's worth," Eddie huffs, breaking the quiet, a hint of dimples revealing themselves as he smiles, "I've never met the guy, but from the sounds of it, you are the farthest thing from being like 'Ol Dick Harrington".

Steve says nothing but feels something in his chest finally unclench for the first time in weeks.

"Besides, there's nothing like a good plate smash every now and again Stevie," Eddie hums as he runs his thumb over the crest of Steve's cheekbone again.

"That's what Robin said," Steve mumbles, as he leans further into Eddie with a smile, "she came over that night, after".

"A wise and terrifying woman," Eddie says sagely, "who I hope to never piss off again".

He stops suddenly and looks up at Steve, a nervous pinch to his brow as he plays with a loose curl hanging in front of his face, "I'm glad you guys have each other," Eddie says slowly, letting his thumb stroke Steve's hand absently, "that you have people in your corner and--”

Eddie swallows, his eyes darting back and forth between Steve's eyes as he finally seems to steel himself.

"I hope you'll let me be one of those people".

This nervous, quiet Eddie, is so strange to take in, but then again Steve's also never been on the receiving end of so many apologies all at once, it's just shy of being overwhelming at this point.

"Oh come off it Eddie," Steve huffs with a roll of his eyes, "you had me the moment I saw that fucking table outside and you tried to hide the sandpaper behind your back --real smooth by the way".

The way Eddie stares at him in surprise and that same look of awe from before, tells Steve that was the right thing to say.

Eddie barks out a wet laugh and squeezes him tighter, tipping his face to nuzzle Steve's ear, "I missed you teasing me".

"That was the worst part about all of this," he shudders once and drops his head to Steve's shoulder, "I thought I lost my friend, but I have you back".

"Yeah, you have me Eds," Steve says softly.

Steve rests against Eddie, uncaring that the position is growing more uncomfortable as the arm tucked closest to the metal-head falls asleep. Eddie holds him with such gentle reverence that Steve feels as though he may just burst from happiness at any moment.

Everything he's wanted for months, has finally fallen into place.

It's quiet for another moment. Steve plays with one of Eddie's hands, running his fingers over the calluses from playing guitar and the eclectic rings decorating his knuckles.

Eddie clears his throat after a beat, swallowing once, “so uh, earlier….that wasn’t exactly how I pictured our first kiss you know?"

Steve feels a small grin slowly bloom, he's not quite facing Eddie the way they're sitting, so he can play coy a little longer.

“You’ve pictured it huh?”

Eddie snorts “Oh yeah, you have no idea, there’s usually more tongue involved and less chipped teeth”.

Steve nods, letting them sit for a moment longer, letting himself be chased for once.

Eddie pulls back slightly, leaving his arms loosely wrapped around Steve, “think we could uh, try again?”

“Will you mean it as much as you did the first time?” Steve says with a smile as he rubs his lip with his thumb and flushed cheeks.

“You liked that huh, always knew you were a freak like me Harrington,” Eddie barks out, his eyes shining with mirth as he leans closer to run the tip of his nose down Steve's before nuzzling them together, "wanna make some good memories in this house Stevie?"

“Only if you’re with me Eds,” Steve whispers against Eddie’s lips as he slowly leans in.

Steve’s heart races, anticipation flooding his veins and filling his chest with a giddy realization that he finally, finally, gets to have this.

That he knows Eddie finally, finally, feels the same way.

He’ll call Robin later, let her know about Hellfire’s plan, the apology, and maybe even the truth about everything he’d kept hidden away for so long. The old hurts soothed and the lid of the box in his mind permanently open now, the lid wrenched off its hinges so as to never close again. Maybe he could let people in, to let them know him.

For now, Steve lets himself be lowered onto the couch, lets Eddie's hands roam freely, over Steve's shoulders, his neck --letting his fingers gently brush the long scar from the Demobat tail, before lifting one hand to cup his cheek while the other climbs into Steve hair, threading his fingers through it and giving the locks an experimental tug.

Steve's hands make their way up Eddie's back, under his shirt, tracing over the raised scars on his sides. Eddie shoots Steve a wicked grin, his eyes crinkle at the sides as he lets his weight gently fall over Steve, catching himself with his hands on the couch cushions on either side of Steve's face, effectively caging him in.

Eddie moves slowly, deliberately, it's not nearly as brutal as the first time but Eddie kisses like a wildman starved, licking into Steve's mouth and grazing his bottom lip with harsh teeth.

It feels like Steve is being consumed, slowly, carefully.

It's overwhelming in the best way. The feeling of his soft lips against Steve’s own, the harsh stubble that rubs against Steve’s chin. The smell of weed, and sawdust, and cologne invades his nose.

Eddie pulls back briefly before leaning down again to place a soft kiss against Steve’s lips.

“How's that for a second kiss?” he asks with a raised eyebrow and a wide smirk pulling at his slightly puffy lips.

Steve scoffs and tugs at Eddie’s shirt collar, “I dunno, maybe we need to check again?”

Eddie’s laughter rings out loud and long in the Harrington living room, as he leans down again and hugs Steve tightly.

For the first time in a long time, Steve feels himself relax.

He lets the weight of Eddie press him into the cushions and releases a long contented breath, the Harrington house, finally feeling warmer than it has in a long time.

I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed working on it! This was the first fic of this length that I was still actively writing as I was updating that I've actually completed and I'm pretty damn happy about that! I was so worried about abandoning this guy and I'm glad I was able to finish it, hopefully it has come to a satisfying conclusion <3

Taglist: @zerokrox-blog @samcoxramblings @thosemessyvibes @liketheocean @vampireinthesun @themostunoriginalpersonever @merricatty @hyperfixationgoddess @hippieg1rl420 @mysticcrownshipper @estrellami-1 @clumsiluni @messrs-weasley @the-obsessed-nerdist

#platonic stobin #mean!eddie wip #finally finished this big boy #eddie munson has a bad dad #protective wayne munson #the party #will byers can and will weaponize those eyes of his #I broke my promise about how long this would take #angst with a happy ending #steddie #getting together #afewproblems writes #afewproblemswrites #steve harrington has a bad dad #implied referenced child abuse both verbal and physical #its only a small section but its not great #hurt steve harrington #slaps steves chest 'this boy can hold so much trauma'

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mqriuss · 5 days ago

Text

Archive → Aptroids & Technology

from 'us, always' collection

Aptroid - A synthetic humanoid that possesses a biomechanical body covered in lifelike synthetic skin, advanced AI cores, and a neural system that allows them to simulate sensation.

Companion Aptroids - A category of Aptroids designed to fulfill emotional and social needs, ranging from romantic partners and friends to parental figures. They adapt to their assigned roles, providing comfort, companionship, and support tailored to their owner’s desires.

Service Aptroids - A category of Aptroids designed for efficiency and reliability in industries such as hospitality, maintenance, and domestic work. These Aptroids have replaced human labor in various fields.

Entertainment Aptroids - A category of Aptroids designed to engage and amuse. Entertainment Aptroids specialize in performance-based roles, including acting, singing, dancing, hosting, and interactive experiences. They are commonly found in clubs, theaters, theme parks, and media industries.

Combat Aptroids - A category of Aptroids designed for warfare, security, and high-risk operations. Combat Aptroids are proficient in fighting, and can harness different types of weapons and fighting styles. Their capabilities range from serving as military assets to private security forces.

Labor Aptroids - A category of Aptroids designed for physically demanding tasks and manufacturing. These Aptroids are built for durability and endurance, often replacing human workers in extreme or dangerous environments.

Pleasure Aptroids - A sub-category of Aptroids that are designed for sex work and fall under *three main Aptroid categories: Companion Aptroid, Service Aptroid and Entertainment Aptroid.

*The category they are classified in heavily depends on the setting—Pleasure Aptroids found in clubs, host venues, and other nightlife industries may fall under the Entertainment Aptroid category. Pleasure Aptroids found in high-end establishments or brothels may be classified as Service Aptroids. However, Pleasure Aptroids are primarily and generally considered Companion Aptroids.

LIV - A well-known Aptroid Girlfriend brand in the Companion Aptroid market.

Holo-screen - A holographic display projected to life from a device that can be integrated seamlessly into furniture and surfaces like tables, countertops and drawers. They can be activated through various gestures such as stepping near it, or waving a hand. The holo-screen device is now a common *household item and has multiple uses in daily life. They allow users to browse the web, read the news, play games, listen to music, view maps, make calls with holographic projections, send messages, store files, manage security systems, etc. The size of the screen can also be adjusted with just a couple taps. Lancers and Handlers like Rindou and Koko may use these devices to access the Handler's Hub.

*Holo-screen devices are not just used in homes, but also in various workplaces.

collection masterlist / divider by cafekitsune

#'us always' collection #us always > archive

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agentmarvel · 7 months ago

Note

Hey! Saw your writing challenge through Cali’s repost and wanted to humbly request Farah with a theme of fluff or smut (you choose!) and the themes as: folklore, bones, and the incorporation of the Victorian flower language.

If you decide to do mine, thank you for your time! If not, no worries. Your writing is still lovely :)

auri, i am so sorry this took me so long to finish! i've written and re-written this probably a dozen times trying to do such a great request justice, and i hope you like it!

farah karim x fem!reader

cw: none

mdni - 18+; minors and ageless blogs will be blocked

At the edge of the forest sits a house. Its cracked and broken shutters hang at odd angles, banging against the wooden siding when the wind blows just right. The gaps in the porch turn the breeze into a shrieking whistle, wailing a warning to stay away. Vines of ivy crawl up the supports, gripping the beams like the phantom hands of nature. A long, winding trail leads from the backside into the trees - so deep into the woods that one would be unlikely to ever return, if the rumors are true. And if that all wasn’t alarming enough to demand a sane mind steer clear, the windchimes made of bones dangling from the eaves should surely do the trick.

The children of the village fear your beautiful home. Some believe you a succubus; odd considering no male has ever entered your abode. Some believe you a child-eater, a soul-snatcher, an evil entity that feeds on the locals and foreigners alike. Some believe that you’re a witch.

That may be true, to some extent. You don’t fly around on a broom or dance naked beneath the full moon, hailing Lucifer for your might and power. Nothing of the sort, really. While your array of talents is vast, you don’t believe in doing harm unduly. That’s not to say you haven’t dipped your toes in the dark arts, but it’s a rarity. Still, they assume the worst of you. Your kind is a source of dread in these parts, sewing unease and unrest into the fabric of society.

It’s this what keeps the townsfolk away from you - all but one, it would seem.

A beautiful woman, young, with dark, curious eyes. She lingers when she walks past your property, observing the pennyroyal and tansy lining the path to your door. Her delicate fingers trace the blooms of the snapdragons with wonderment. You can see the smile on her face from the window as she inhales deeply. The lush of your carefully cultivated garden ensnares her day after day, if only for a few brief moments, but it becomes your favorite part of the early afternoons.

Farah, you think, is her name. You haven’t had much interaction with her since her family moved to the village, mostly fleeting glances or the occasional brush that comes with navigating the narrow pathways of the market, but she fascinates you in a way you can’t quite describe. The feeling that stirs within your chest at the mere thought of her is foreign.

She chances a glance towards your home, something no one else would be bold enough to do, and immediately spots you hovering near an upper window, your steaming mug of tea cradled by your fingers. Softly, she waves. You hesitate only a moment before returning the gesture. Her full lips curl into a delicate smile, placated by a response in kind. She reaches for the basket almost forgotten on the ground beside her and pulls out a singular spring of hyacinth and a green carnation, making a grand display of placing the short stems through a pair of slats on your fence gate.

Your heart begins to race, thumping in your chest like the hooves of a thousand wild horses stampeding. Surely, she knows what that means?

Astounded and enthralled, you watch her pick up her basket again, brazenly bashful as she looks up once more with doe eyes. Her teeth worry her lower lip. You can tell she’s nervous, the offering coming with an alarming amount of risk. Would you keep her secret, would you tell? What would happen to you if someone found out? What would happen to her? This sort of expression is forbidden between two young women. They’d hang the pair of you at even the implication this occurred. You worry not, though; not another soul would dare come this close, a secret to share just between the two of you.

She waits, watching. Silently, she’s asking if you understand. Instead of answering with a simple nod, you point, directing her attention to the sudden bloom of camellias at her feet. Pink and white, a dual acknowledgement. She picks a few, slipping them into her basket before she leaves you with a wink and a hand over her heart. Her form disappears back into the trees from whence she came, and she’s gone…

You’re certain you’ll see her again tomorrow, so you sit, quill in hand, inkwell at the ready, and write a note. Heart swelling in your chest, you keep it short and sweet, asking her to meet you in the clearing at midnight. You aren’t unaware of the risks that come with this. If she rejects the request and takes the note, she could show it to anyone - half the town’s already itching to see you swing from the gallows. If she’s sentimental, she may keep the note; if found, you’ll find yourselves inextricably bound by the noose.

Fear has no place in love, however, so you gently blow the ink dry before cautiously rolling the parchment and tying it with a twine bow. For extra heed, you blow on the frayed threads as well. She’ll only have enough time to read it before it takes flame and the ashes are carried away on the breeze. Risk begets danger, and you’ll mitigate it where you can.

The note is left with her green carnation.

You suddenly can’t wait until tomorrow.

#farah karim x reader #farah karim x you #cod x reader #cod x you #jj writes #unblock my brain prompts

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pixelpromote · 1 month ago

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Top Digital Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025

Digital marketing has evolved significantly in recent years, making this field even more exciting. In 2025, several key trends will emerge that will not only transform the marketing landscape but also help your content rank higher. Understanding and adopting these trends effectively is essential.

1. The Growing Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

"In 2025, AI-powered marketing will be the biggest trend in the digital world. It will enhance the use of data and provide a superior consumer experience. With AI, companies can understand customer behavior and deliver personalized experiences based on their needs. Visit editpulse.xyz to explore how we can help you leverage AI for your business.

Examples:

Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper make content generation easier.

AI can recommend products based on a customer’s past purchase behavior.

2. Importance of Personalization

"Today's consumers demand personalized experiences. They are drawn to brands that understand their individual needs and preferences.

Key Points:

Email Marketing Personalization: Sending emails based on customer names, past purchase history, and preferences.

Website Personalization: Displaying content tailored to the customer’s preferences after they log in. Visit http://editpulse.xyz/ to learn how we can help personalize your marketing strategy."

3. Rise of Short-Form Video Content

Short-form video content will dominate marketing strategies in 2025. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts will help brands connect more effectively with their audience.

Examples:

A restaurant promoting its new menu via short videos.

A fashion brand showcasing its new collection on Instagram Reels.

4. Voice Search Optimization

Voice search is becoming a critical component of digital marketing. In 2025, the usage of voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri will continue to grow. know more click here

Tips:

Make your website voice-search friendly.

Use long-tail keywords that align with voice search queries.

5. Data Privacy and Ethical Marketing

Data privacy will take center stage in 2025. Brands must prioritize transparency and ethical practices in their marketing efforts.

Key Points:

Obtain consent from customers, which will build trust.

Keep data secure and confidential.

6. Growth of Micro-Influencer Marketing

In 2025, micro-influencers (10,000–50,000 followers) will prove to be more effective for brands. They have a dedicated and highly engaged audience.

Examples:

A beauty brand promoting products through micro-influencers.

A fitness brand collaborating with fitness influencers.

7. Expansion of Social Commerce

Social media is no longer just a medium for connection; it has become a platform for shopping. Social commerce will continue to grow in 2025.

Examples:

Customers can use Instagram’s “Shop Now” feature to buy products directly.

Small businesses can sell their products on Facebook Marketplace.

8. Importance of Interactive Content

Interactive content such as quizzes, polls, and live videos will gain popularity in 2025. These formats allow users to engage with brands more effectively.

Examples:

A fitness brand using Instagram polls to gather feedback on new products.

An education platform engaging students through quizzes.

Conclusion

In 2025, leveraging new technologies and strategies in digital marketing will be crucial. To achieve success, adopt these trends and build stronger relationships with your customers. For more information, visit [Your Website Link].

Remember, by prioritizing consumer experiences and embracing innovation, you can take your brand to new heights."

This keeps the flow intact while inserting the link without changing the message. You can replace editpulse.xyz with your actual website URL. http://editpulse.xyz

#seo #digital #digital art #digital illustration #digital drawing #the amazing digital circus #digital marketing #digital media #seo services #india #india seo services #in indias best digital services

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scrumptiousbeardturtle-blog1 · 9 months ago

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The Future of XMLTV in the Digital Landscape of 2024

As we navigate through 2024, the digital entertainment landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Amidst the plethora of content delivery formats, XMLTV stands as a significant tool for electronic program guides (EPGs) and other applications requiring TV listings. In this blog post, we will explore the future of xmltv epg source and delve into how search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing strategies can be effectively incorporated into the XMLTV framework to ensure maximum visibility and user engagement.

Understanding XMLTV in the Current Digital Ecosystem

XMLTV is a standard for TV listings that is used by a variety of applications to display up-to-date programming information. Despite the rise of on-demand streaming services, XMLTV remains relevant for traditional broadcast and cable television, as well as for IPTV and other emerging platforms that offer live TV options.

SEO Optimization for XMLTV

Optimizing XMLTV for search engines is crucial for reaching the widest possible audience. Here’s how you can ensure that your xmltv guide data are SEO-friendly:

Keyword Research

Identify Relevant Keywords: Focus on keywords that potential users might search for, including the names of shows, channels, genres, and specific airing times.

Use Long-Tail Keywords: These are more specific and less competitive, which can help in ranking higher for niche queries.

Metadata and Tags

Title Tags: Incorporate relevant keywords into the title tags of your XMLTV files. This helps search engines understand what the content is about.

Meta Descriptions: Write clear and concise meta descriptions for your XMLTV listings that include targeted keywords.

Schema Markup: Use this to provide search engines with detailed information about the TV listings, such as the time, channel, and program names.

Content Quality and Freshness

Regular Updates: Keep the XMLTV files updated with the latest programming to ensure that the content remains fresh, which is favored by search engines.

Unique Content: Make sure the descriptions within the XMLTV are unique and not just copied from other sources.

Digital Marketing Strategies for XMLTV

To enhance the reach and effectiveness of xmltv guide, integrating digital marketing strategies is essential.

Social Media Integration

Share Updates: Use social media platforms to share updates about new and popular TV shows or changes in the schedule.

Engage with Viewers: Create interactive content that encourages viewers to engage with the listings, such as polls or trivia related to the shows.

Email Marketing

Newsletter Subscriptions: Offer a subscription service for viewers to receive personalized TV guides via email, tailored to their interests.

Segmentation: Use segmentation to send targeted emails with listings that align with the preferences of different audience segments.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Work with TV Networks: Collaborate with television networks to get exclusive content or early listings that can be promoted as a USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

Syndication: Syndicate your xmltv listings with other online TV guide services to expand reach.

Analytics and Performance Tracking

Monitor Traffic: Use analytics tools to track the traffic to your XMLTV listings and understand user behavior.

SEO Performance: Regularly check your rankings for targeted keywords and optimize accordingly.

The relevance of XMLTV in 2024 is multifaceted, catering not only to traditional TV viewers but also to users of digital platforms seeking a comprehensive TV guide.

Gathering insights into the importance of anchors link building in seo and robust digital marketing strategies in the XMLTV framework, content creators can ensure that their listings are not only visible but also engaging for viewers. As we look toward the future, the integration of technology and strategic marketing will continue to play a pivotal role in the evolution of television content delivery.

The key to success with XMLTV lies in the ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the content meets the dynamic demands of the modern user while staying ahead in the competitive digital space. By following the guidelines provided, XMLTV providers can optimize their presence and offer a valuable service to viewers worldwide.

youtube

#xmltv #tv guide #epg #iptv #Youtube

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gandhiks · 1 month ago

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On Values & Valuation

Since the time I remember I started to think of organization building principles, circa. 2009; I always believed that culture is the hardest thing to build, articulate and imbibe. And as a people-leader, that's the only thing that you can influence. Over the 11-odd years of working in 3 different organizations, I have observed that great cultures out-last great products. It is somewhat articulated in the book "Built to Last" by Collins, Poras - concept of (A) Clock Builders vs Time Tellers & (B) Preserve Core & Stimulate Progress.

The org-wide cultures are even more difficult to articulate because true genesis of a culture is tens and thousands of instance-response pairs which occur on an everyday basis between individuals or small groups (say of 10 or less) which shape up the culture of an organization which is may be 20-individuals strong (my first company); 200-to-2000-individuals strong (my second company) and 400-individuals strong say my current workplace. More recently I started reading & applying principles of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) - which posits that an organization is not a problem to be solved but a work in progress, shaped by communication and interactions on a daily basis. That's the AI which will be useful in time to come I think. It's hard for people from engineering pedigree to think that there is no tangible problem to be solved and that there is no real closure to org-building. That's the hard part, Physics, ah! that's simpler to solve for. ---

Here is an expression of culture articulation based on my observations, adapted from the culture book of the organization I work for and what I took away from it. Creative - It is an extremely crucial quality to have when you're attempting to make a mark and the market/world at large says "you're actually not needed" at first once you think it's the only quality one requires to build an organization - create something, be creative. What's behind this quality, "emotional involvement" - you can not create something worthwhile if you do not think of it all the time and keep acting on it - waking, eating, sleeping - and ideally one should enjoy this process. Ambitious - Being ambitious is needed because it's not just about you but also about others - Ambition, or positive ambition is not for everyone, you can not have the whole organization display equal ambition - yet at some point of time everyone exhibits it and there is no sequence or phase to it, being ambitious is the most abstract of all values. Your why, drives your ambition. Good Judge - This is my favorite. I often read about Judges who decide on many important matters and am a student of jurisprudence - and the number one insight about being a good judge is - extreme isolation. You have to maintain distance to exercise good judgement. You can not be emotionally involved and be a good judge. It is hard to be creative and a good judge at the same time - creativity is kid like, judgementalism is adult like. Diligent - This is making sure that your work output is free of avoidable errors - this is simple - you need to care about your work - else you'd not/never be diligent. This, according to me is a basic value to work anywhere in a team/group of people. Relentless - This one is my second favorite, if you are ambitious for a phase of your work life and are diligent, you will become relentless because the system around you will motivate you to not relent. Sometimes this acts as a contrast to being a good judge. Sense of Urgency - I recently had a classic discussion with my colleague on this, he said bluntly, that "One needs a sense of urgency when no one is putting pressure, when someone is demanding something, everyone will act with sense of urgency" this is an important virtue to have. You will have a sense of urgency if you are creative, ambitious. Customer Focus - This is pretty obvious, shun noise and get things done for your internal or external customer. This is your reason to be in an org. you're serving some customer; with something that they value and may give you what you want in return. Ethical - Knowing what's black and white from what appears as gray and acting in accordance. Accountable - Pretty basic, no need to elaborate much. Aligned - Being aligned to a well articulated mission/vision and need to balance with being reasonably accommodative. Respect for Individual - Not being disrespectful and not tolerating disrespect. Reasonably Accommodative - Being a voice of reason and accepting voices of reasons - irrespective of age, religion, or any other form of social identity. --- In a smaller time-frame you'd get to display 2-4 values at best, and in longer time-frames you'd get to display 4-6 at best. ---- The number two quality which defines a potential leader is the ability of her/him being a good judge. This has been a theme in my recent past, there have been many instances which when I now reflect, makes me confident of being a good judge; the price, social distancing (remember COVID). This comes second to only other quality, of a potent leader, providing energy to a system. I recently applied some of this virtues to decide the school for my kid's admission - the one which displayed a good ethos and showed promise. Based on this, the next blog will talk about valuation, say in 6-months, the other theme of study I have undertaken in the recent past; that's based on good judgement and alignment! Let me know what you, the humble reader of my blog, think of these concepts?

#observations

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blockchainxtech · 1 month ago

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Binance clone script — Overview by BlockchainX

A Binance Clone Script is a pre-built, customizable software solution that replicates Binance's features, connect with BlockchainX

What is Binance Clone Script

A Binance clone script refers to the ready-made solution of the Binance platform that deals with core functions parallel to the widely acclaimed cryptocurrency exchange platform associated with Binance. It enables companies to establish their own platforms like Binance, perfectly parameterized in terms of functionality and user interface of world-famous exchanges. The clone script provides display flexibility with built-in functionality such as spot trading software, futures trading configurations, and wallet systems that are extremely secure.

Basically, it reduces development costs and latency because things like these are already built. And as this is a startup for many young entrepreneurs, they can have saved on their capital to expand or grow their business.

The script is blessed as its feature set caters to future demands in the field. One can enjoy a safe trading experience to customers while ensuring that every peculiarity of Binance’s success opens up to investors of the script.

How does the Binance clone script work?

The Binance clone script works to provide a ready-made platform that replicates Binance’s core features, such as user registration, wallet management, trade and enables users to create accounts, deposit or withdraw cryptocurrency, and trade digital assets through an interface easily and safely. The platform supports various trading methods such as market orders, limit orders and forward trading. It has built-in security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) to save the user money. Admin dashboards allow platform owners to manage users, manage tasks, and set up billing. The script can be tailored to your brand, connecting liquidity sources to make trading more efficient. In short, the Binance clone script provides everything needed to create a fully functional crypto exchange.

key features of a Binance Clone Script

The key features of a Binance Clone Script are designed to make your cryptocurrency exchange platform secure, user-friendly, and fully functional. Here’s a simple overview of these features:

User-Friendly Interface

Multi-Currency Support

Advanced Trading Engine

Secure Wallet System

KYC/AML Integration

Admin Dashboard

Security Features

Trading Options

These features help ensure that your Binance-like exchange is efficient, secure, and ready for the growing crypto market.

Technology Stack Used by BlockchainX

Technology stack used for developing the Binance clone script involves the most advanced technology combination that ensures that the platform must have so much security, scalability, and performance to make it a platform that is secure, scalable, and high-performance as well. Here are a few key technologies and their brief descriptions:

Blockchain Technology:

The underlying part of the cryptocurrency exchange is Blockchain because it ensures the safe and decentralized processing of transactions.

Normally executed on either Ethereum or BSC (Binance Smart Chain) to carry out smart contracts and token transfers.

Programming Languages:

Frontend: For frontend, React or Angular could be engaged in actualization of the user interface leading to a responsive and interactive experience on the various devices.

Backend: In backend, languages like Node.js, Python, or Ruby on Rails can be applied on how internal logic is being run by server and arbitration of user interaction with the module is foremost.

Databases:

These two databases, MySQL or Postgresql, are typically used in user information storage, transaction records, and other exchange information.

NoSQL such as MongoDB or other databases might be used for horizontal scalability and high-volume transaction storage.

Smart Contracts:

It is used to generate and send out smart contracts for auto-trading, token generation, and other decentralized functionalities.

Blockchain Wallets:

Fundamentally, this automatically links famous wallet systems such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Ledger for the secure storage and transactions of cryptocurrency.

Advantages of using a Binance Clone Script

Here are the advantages of using a Binance Clone Script:

Faster Time-to-Market

Cost-Effective

Customizable Features

Liquidity Integration

Multiple Trading Options

So, when entering the marketplace of the cryptocurrencies it would be the most possible work of something to pay off at a rapid pace: the Binance Clone Script proves so.

How to Get Started with BlockchainX’s Binance Clone Script

It is quite a straightforward process to begin working with a BlockchainX Binance Clone Script-this involves the first step of getting in touch with the company for an initial consulting period to understand more about what you require, need, or customize for the site, and what your goals are. When BlockchainX has an understanding of your needs, they offer a detailed list of what a proposal would entail before they can start the work; afterward, they will estimate the costs needed to do the project. Once both sides accept both the presentations and all features and timelines are agreed with, BlockchainX starts working on the development process of building a Binance Clone Script tailored to the brand, user interface, and other features.

After the entire platform is created, it passes through severe testing to ensure that everything functions excellently. Deployment follows the thorough test. BlockchainX customizes your user interface and more extensions, after deployment. BlockchainX also commits to supporting and sustaining your exchange so that it runs successfully and securely.

Conclusion:

At the end, your confusion may as well be cut short. Yes, the Binance Clone Script will be a resilient solution to spark up the exchange platforms synthesizing user-generated cryptocurrency dreams in the blockchain, even without bankroll when it comes to developing the app. Turning with BlockchainX expertise, you can make an adjustment and scale a powerful platform stocked with the likes of Binance that produced Blockchains, while still containing some specific set-ups for your masterpiece. More amazing features are exclusive to the clone script, moreover, such as support for multiple currencies, high-end security, real-time data, and a smooth user interface that completes the trading process for your users without any glitch.

This solution gives easy access to ready-made solutions. It could have quality Depending on the time you conveniently let BlockchainX’s be and use both exchanges or any variation of the two permutations. After all, who decides to couple up with a one-experienced Crypto Exchange developer who is struggling to offer anything new.

#binance clone script #binance clone script development #binance clone script development service #blockchain technology #blockchain #cryptocurrency #cryptocurrencies

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ads-backgrounds · 3 months ago

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Advertising backgrounds Buy on ShutterStock

https://www.shutterstock.com/ru/g/a-stock

Revolutionize Your Advertising with Shutterstock Backgrounds

Denis Marketer (Copyright)

#Denis_Marketer

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digitaldetoxworld · 6 months ago

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Instagram marketing: update your strategy for 2024 Creating shoppable Instagram posts to enhance e-commerce sales

Creating shoppable Instagram posts to enhance e-commerce sales instagram remains a powerhouse in social media advertising and marketing, evolving with new functions and trends that can considerably enhance your brand's presence. As we step into 2024, it is crucial to stay in advance of the curve with techniques that resonate with modern-day audiences. This guide will explore the best Instagram advertising strategies for the 12 months, from leveraging new gear to know-how user conduct.

Embrace Authentic Content

Best practices for Instagram Reels to boost brand visibility in 2024, authenticity remains on the heart of a hit Instagram marketing. Consumers are more and more skeptical of overly polished, inauthentic content material. They are seeking for actual connections and real tales from brands. Here’s the way to include authenticity

Behind-the-Scenes

Share the inner workings of your commercial enterprise. Whether it’s how your products are made or daily office moments, displaying the human facet of your emblem builds agree with.

Customer Stories:

Feature user-generated content (UGC). Highlight how your services or products are making a distinction to your clients' lives. This not best validates your emblem however additionally fosters community.

Transparent Messaging:

Be open approximately your brand values, project, and any demanding situations you’re dealing with. Transparency fosters loyalty and deepens connections together with your target market.

Leverage Reels and Short-Form Videos

Reels have turn out to be a central a part of Instagram's environment, and in 2024, they may be extra vital than ever. Short-shape movies are quite engaging and have the ability to head viral. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Creative Storytelling:

Use Reels to inform a compelling story in a concise format. Think of innovative approaches to exhibit your merchandise, share tips, or entertain your audience.

Trendy Challenges:

Participate in or create trending demanding situations and hashtags. This can substantially boost your visibility and engagement.

Tutorials and How-Tos:

Create instructional content material that provides value. Quick tutorials or demonstrations can entice visitors who are interested in your niche.

3. Optimize Shoppable Posts

Instagram's shopping features are evolving, making it less difficult for customers to buy at once from the platform. Optimize your shoppable posts to streamline the shopping enjoy:

Tag Products:

Use product tags on your posts and Stories to permit smooth shopping. Ensure your product catalog is updated and as it should be reflects your stock.

Shop Tab:

Utilize the Shop tab in your profile to characteristic collections or income. This makes it less difficult for customers to browse your services.

Exclusive Offers:

Promote confined-time gives or special discounts thru your shoppable posts to pressure urgency and conversions.

Leverage Data and Analytics

Data-driven choices are key to refining your Instagram approach. In 2024, focus on using analytics to apprehend your audience and optimize your content:

Insights

Regularly evaluate Instagram Insights to song engagement, attain, and follower demographics. Identify which content material performs pleasant and why.

A/B Testing

Experiment with extraordinary kinds of posts, captions, and codecs. Use A/B checking out to decide what resonates most together with your audience.

Competitor Analysis

Keep an eye on your competitors’ performance. Analyze their techniques and adapt what works on your logo.

Utilize Augmented Reality (AR) Filters and Effects

AR filters and effects are gaining traction as interactive and immersive tools. They can drastically beautify consumer engagement:

Branded Filters

Create custom AR filters that reflect your logo’s identity. Encourage users to strive them out and share their studies.

Interactive Experiences

Develop AR reports that have interaction customers in precise methods, which include digital try-ons or gamified content.

Collaborations

Partner with AR creators to increase modern filters that could broaden your attain and enchantment to new audiences.

Foster Community Engagement

Building a strong community is essential for lengthy-term achievement. Engage along with your audience meaningfully to cultivate a devoted following:

Respond to Comments

Take the time to answer to comments and messages. This indicates which you price your fans and are responsive to their remarks.

Host Q&A Sessions

Use Instagram Live or Stories to host Q&A classes. This permits for actual-time interplay and helps cope with your target market’s questions immediately.

Contests and Giveaways

Organize contests or giveaways to reinforce engagement and attract new followers. Ensure the prizes are relevant to your brand and enchantment to your target audience.

Collaborate with Influencers

Influencer marketing stays a effective approach. In 2024, cognizance on authentic partnerships with influencers who align together with your brand values:

Micro-Influencers

Collaborate with micro-influencers who've a niche however notably engaged following. Their recommendations regularly sense more non-public and sincere.

Long-Term Partnerships:

Build long-term relationships with influencers in preference to one-off campaigns. This fosters deeper connections and more constant promotion.

Sponsored Content

Work with influencers to create subsidized content material that feels herbal and aligns with their non-public style. Authenticity in those collaborations is fundamental.

Optimize for Search and Discoverability

Search Engine Optimization (search engine optimization) isn’t only for websites; it’s additionally essential for Instagram:

Keyword-Rich Captions

Incorporate applicable key phrases into your captions to improve discoverability. Think about what phrases your audience would possibly use to discover content like yours.

Hashtags

Use a combination of famous and area of interest hashtags to attain a broader target market. Research and update your hashtag approach often.

Geotagging

Tag your posts with vicinity statistics to attract local followers and seem in vicinity-primarily based searches.

Cross-Platform Promotion

Integrating your Instagram strategy with other structures can expand your reach

Link Sharing:

Share your Instagram content material on different social media platforms and encourage cross-following. Provide direct links in your Instagram profile.

Content Repurposing:

Adapt your Instagram content material for different platforms, which include turning Instagram Reels into TikToks or weblog posts into Instagram carousels.

Unified Campaigns:

Create cohesive marketing campaigns that span multiple channels. Ensure your messaging is constant and reinforces your brand’s identity.

Maintain a Consistent Posting Schedule

Consistency is prime to preserving target market engagement and increase

Content Calendar:

Develop a content calendar to devise and agenda your posts. This facilitates make sure a steady go with the flow of content and stops gaps for your posting time table.

Optimal Timing:

Post at times when your target audience is most energetic. Use analytics tools to determine the fine instances in your precise followers.

Varied Content

Effective Instagram hashtag strategies for niche markets mix up your content types, including photographs, motion pictures, carousels, and Stories. This continues your feed exciting and engaging.

#Effective Instagram hashtag strategies for niche markets #Best practices for Instagram Reels to boost brand visibility #Creating shoppable Instagram posts to enhance e-commerce sales

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axisdesigners1234 · 8 months ago

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What does the best exhibition stand design?

The best exhibition stand design is one that effectively attracts and engages visitors while clearly communicating your brand message and goals. Here are some key elements to consider for an outstanding exhibition stand design:

Eye-Catching Visuals: Use bold graphics, vibrant colors, and high-quality images to grab attention. Consider incorporating digital screens or interactive displays.

Brand Consistency: Ensure your stand design reflects your brand identity, including logos, colors, and overall style. This helps in reinforcing brand recognition.

Clear Messaging: Your stand should have clear and concise messaging that quickly conveys what your brand is about and what you offer. Use taglines and bullet points for easy readability.

Open and Inviting Layout: Design an open space that encourages visitors to enter and explore. Avoid clutter and create a flow that naturally guides visitors through your stand.

Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements like touchscreens, product demonstrations, or VR experiences to engage visitors and create memorable experiences.

Comfortable Seating: Provide comfortable seating areas for meetings and discussions. This encourages visitors to stay longer and engage more deeply with your team.

Lighting: Use effective lighting to highlight key areas of your stand and create a welcoming ambiance. Consider accent lighting for product displays and ambient lighting for a warm atmosphere.

Functional Design: Ensure your stand design is functional, with ample storage, workspaces for staff, and areas for product displays or brochures.

Eco-Friendly Materials: Consider using sustainable and eco-friendly materials in your stand design to appeal to environmentally conscious visitors.

Technology Integration: Incorporate the latest technology, such as QR codes for easy access to information, social media walls, or mobile app integration for a seamless visitor experience.

Conclusion

Customizing these elements to fit your specific goals and audience will help you create a stand that not only stands out but also effectively drives engagement and achieves your exhibition objectives.

Axis Designers

With 24 + years of experience providing end-to-end solutions for exhibitions, architecture, and interior design, continuously expanding its service portfolio to meet the demands of a growing global market. Axis Designers has been a leading name in the exhibition industry in India. Axis designers is the best exhibition stand design company.

#axisdesigners #exhibition #designcompany #designers #exhibition2024 #exhibitiondesign #india #designers on tumblr #bestexhibitiondesign

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selloldmobile · 1 year ago

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Vivo X100 and X100 Pro Specifications, Features, and Price in India

On January 4, Vivo, a renowned player in the smartphone market, launched its highly anticipated flagship series in India, featuring the Vivo X100 and the premium variant, Vivo X100 Pro. The X100 Pro, in particular, stands out with its cutting-edge features, innovative technology, and a focus on delivering a top-notch user experience.

Design and Display:

The Vivo X100 Pro boasts a sleek and stylish design that exudes sophistication. The device is equipped with an 8T LTPO AMOLED display, measuring 6.78 inches. This display not only offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts but also supports a high refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, providing users with smooth and responsive interactions. With a brightness capability reaching up to 3,000 nits, the X100 Pro ensures excellent visibility even in challenging lighting conditions.

Performance:

Under the hood, the X100 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, ensuring robust performance and efficient multitasking. The smartphone comes in a single variant offering an impressive 16GB of RAM coupled with a capacious 512GB storage, catering to the needs of users who demand high-speed performance and substantial storage capacity.

Camera:

Photography enthusiasts will be delighted with the Vivo X100 Pro's camera capabilities. The device features a remarkable 50MP triple camera setup, with a periscope 100 mm zoom camera and a 50MP ultrawide lens. These cameras are driven by Vivo's cutting-edge V3 imaging chip, built on a 6nm architecture, promising superior image processing and computational photography. On the front, a 32MP camera ensures stunning selfies and crystal-clear video calls.

Battery and Charging:

Keeping the device powered throughout the day is a robust 5,400 mAh battery. What's even more impressive is the support for 100W fast charging, ensuring that users spend less time tethered to charging cables and more time enjoying the device's features.

Pricing and Availability:

The Vivo X100 Pro is available in a single variant, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Priced at Rs 89,999, the device is exclusively available for purchase on Flipkart. For eager customers, pre-booking is open on both Flipkart and the official Vivo India website. Those who pre-book can expect their devices to be delivered by January 11.

Warranty and Assurance:

Vivo is providing a one-year manufacturer warranty for the X100 Pro, ensuring peace of mind for users. Additionally, in-box accessories are covered with a 6-month manufacturer warranty.

Vivo X100 Pro stands as a testament to Vivo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. With its powerful performance, state-of-the-art camera system, and an elegant design, the X100 Pro aims to deliver an unparalleled smartphone experience for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

RecycleDevice Offers you with the opportunity to sell your old phones in a good price and in a most easy way. Just check the price of your phone.

#vivo x100 #vivo x100 pro #vivo x100 pro 5g #vivo x100 pro price #vivo x100 pro price in india

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shalimar-corp · 9 months ago

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New Trends In 2024 Redefining Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate arena resembles a bustling metropolis, constantly evolving and adapting to new trends and demands. As we embark on the journey into 2024, let's explore the pivotal trends shaping this space and the implications for investors, developers, and industry experts alike.

Flexibility

The pandemic highlighted the necessity for flexible office spaces, revealing the importance of adaptable layouts and lease terms to accommodate evolving business requirements and workforce dynamics.

Co-working spaces and hybrid work models gain popularity as companies seek collaborative environments that can seamlessly transition between remote and in-office work settings.

Landlords respond to the demand for flexibility by offering versatile lease structures and agile space configurations, recognizing the value of accommodating diverse tenant needs.

There's a growing emphasis on spaces that can evolve alongside businesses, encourage innovation, and promote productivity through adaptable work environments.

Remote Work's Impact

Hybrid work models prompt a fundamental re-evaluation of office space utilization, leading to an increase in short-term lease renewals as companies navigate uncertainties surrounding their future workspace requirements.

Real estate professionals are tasked with navigating changing preferences and lease terms as businesses seek spaces that balance the benefits of remote work with the collaborative advantages of in-person interaction.

Companies are actively seeking office environments that support both remote and in-office work, driving the demand for flexible layouts, enhanced connectivity, and amenities that cater to diverse working styles.

The evolving space of remote work marks the need for commercial real estate stakeholders to remain agile and responsive to shifting tenant demands in an increasingly dynamic market.

Tech-Driven Amenities

Smart buildings with advanced security systems, integrated IoT devices, and energy-efficient features become standard offerings, enhancing operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

The integration of data analytics enables informed decision-making and optimization of space utilization, empowering landlords and managers of property to create personalized experiences tailored to tenant preferences.

Tech-centric amenities such as touchless access controls, interactive digital displays, and seamless connectivity encourage a modern and innovative workspace environment, driving tenant engagement and retention.

The convergence of technology and real estate highlights the importance of staying ahead of digital trends to remain competitive in an increasingly tech-savvy market landscape.

Sustainability

Eco-friendly construction practices and sustainable building designs gain momentum as investors and developers prioritize environmental responsibility and energy efficiency in commercial real estate projects.

Integration of renewable energy sources, green building materials, and efficient building systems has become standard practice, aligning with market expectations and regulatory requirements.

Sustainable operations and management practices, including waste reduction, water conservation, and carbon footprint mitigation, have become integral components of properties in Lucknow.

The emphasis on sustainability reflects a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and resonates with tenants seeking environmentally conscious work environments.

E-commerce

Continued growth in e-commerce fuels demand for industrial and logistics space, driving investment in fulfillment centers, last-mile distribution hubs, and warehouse facilities.

The surge in online retail activity highlights the important role of industrial real estate in supporting the seamless flow of goods and services across supply chains.

Investors and developers capitalize on the sustained demand for industrial and commercial property for sale, recognizing the strategic importance of these assets.

The resilience of industrial real estate marks its status as a preferred asset class, offering stable returns and long-term growth potential amid shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Retail Evolution

The retail sector marks a shift towards creating immersive and experiential destinations that go beyond traditional shopping experiences.

Mixed-use developments incorporating retail, dining, entertainment, and residential components gain momentum, catering to evolving consumer preferences for integrated lifestyle hubs.

Collaborative partnerships between retailers and landlords encourage creativity and reinvention, leading to the emergence of dynamic retail environments that blur the lines between commerce and entertainment.

Prioritizing Health and Wellness in Office Design

The pandemic focuses on a renewed focus on health and wellness in office environments, with employers prioritizing employee well-being to enhance productivity and retention.

Enhanced air quality systems, biophilic design elements, and access to outdoor spaces become integral features of office design, promoting physical and mental well-being.

Fitness centers, wellness programs, and ergonomic workstations are incorporated into office spaces to support employee health and foster a culture of wellness.

Tenant and employee programming initiatives further reinforce an approach to health and wellness, enriching the workplace experience and strengthening tenant engagement.

Premium Spaces

Employers place a premium on quality office spaces with modern amenities and superior infrastructure to attract and retain top talent.

The "flight to quality" trend drives increased demand for premium office buildings, prompting landlords to invest in building upgrades and amenities.

Enhanced common areas, amenities such as fitness centers, onsite dining options, and programming enhance the tenant experience and differentiate premium commercial property in the marketplace.

Landlords leverage quality building certifications and sustainability credentials to showcase the value proposition of premium spaces and attract tenants.

The Use Of AI

Artificial intelligence revolutionizes real estate marketing by providing data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and personalized customer experiences.

AI algorithms analyze vast datasets to identify market trends, predict commercial properties in Lucknow, and optimize marketing campaigns for targeted audience engagement.

Chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer interactions, providing instant responses to inquiries, scheduling commercial property viewings, and delivering personalized recommendations.

Machine learning algorithms optimize ad placements, content delivery, and customer segmentation, driving efficiencies and improving marketing outcomes.

The Rise of VR and AR in Property Exploration

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies reshape property exploration and marketing for people who want to buy property in Lucknow, providing immersive and interactive experiences for potential buyers and tenants.

Virtual tours, 3D renderings, and AR overlays enable users to visualize properties remotely and explore floor plans and amenities in a virtual environment.

VR and AR technologies enhance the accessibility and efficiency of property exploration, reducing the need for physical site visits and accelerating decision-making processes.

The adoption of VR and AR signifies a shift in how properties are marketed and experienced, offering new possibilities for engagement and storytelling in the commercial real estate industry.

Conclusion

Real estate in 2024 will welcome flexibility, technology, sustainability, and quality, which will be essential for success. The convergence of these trends presents both challenges and opportunities for investors, developers, and industry professionals. By staying attuned to evolving market dynamics and leveraging innovative strategies, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of the commercial real estate landscape and unlock value in the years ahead.

#realestate #property #investment #lucknow #commercial real estate #commercial property #shalimar

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cryingtulips · 2 years ago

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This Place is Not a Home

Tommy meets Puffy, and a deal is made between the two. In exchange for shelter and protection, Tommy will need to do a little farm work.

CW: Religious themes, religious trauma

crossposted to ao3 || Ch 2 || Ch 3 || Ch 4

~+~

Ch 3: A Promising Deal

When Tommy awoke, it was a slow process. He was warm for once, the midnight chill never once reaching where he laid. There was something messing with his hair, he noticed with a blink, tugging on matted curls. It was wet, but gentle, and strange deep breaths moved the strands. It was strange, the soft interaction. He wasn't used to it, but he wasn't going to complain.

He made himself comfortable in the warm atmosphere, so comfortable he was content to let himself fall asleep again, huffing as he turned to bury himself against the hot-running body next to him, small form curling underneath the cover of his wings. Tommy wasn’t sure how much time passed. It could have been twenty minutes or hours, Tommy didn't care. All that mattered was the warmth surrounding him and the noises of strange animals lulling him to sleep.

The next time Tommy wakes, it’s to the animals excited snorts and calls as the wooden door opens, sunlight close to blinding him from where he was hidden. “Good morning you absolute menaces,” a voice greeted the animals. Based on the sound of something being poured and the ruckus as animals either rushed to eat or went to graze somewhere else—probably the meadow based on the sounds of gates being open, Tommy was able to clue in it was feeding time.

Despite this, the animal that was keeping Tommy hidden refused to get up, choosing to shuffle around as Tommy stayed tensed. Tommy prayed that the animal was big enough that he wouldn’t be noticed, or that maybe the owner wouldn’t question why its creature was still laying down.

Tommy couldn’t afford to be found. It would resort to disaster; he could be captured and treated as a pet but live in a cruel and inhumane cage, he could be sent to the government to be experimented on, he could be sold through the black market, he could be killed—or worse, his wings…his precious wings, despite their damage, could be taken away from him. After all, fallen or not, banished or adored– an angel's wings would cost a fortune. If not for the proof of the existence of divine and mystical beings, then for their magical properties they might still possess.

All these possibilities were Hell to be waiting, but the last one terrified Tommy for there was no predicting what it would mean for him. Best case scenario, he would be put in a cage while the human took his feathers and sold them for millions. Maybe it would blend in with the exotic pet road, maybe he would be treated like a circus animal, put on display and forced to perform tricks. Worst case scenario, he’s killed and has his wings stolen from him.

He couldn't afford to be found, and so he stayed curled against the animal, shuffling bedding over him, hoping the noise was muffled over the animal's noises. He stayed silent, and still. He watched as a woman moved about, grabbing buckets and a shovel, greeting animals and caring for them.

When she approached the stall he was in, he heard her let out a fond breath, “you still sleeping Duffle?” Tommy didn't dare to breathe, hoping that if he stayed low, she would pass him off as just a simple strange lump made by the animal.

But then there was a gasp, sharper this time, and he froze as she banished the shovel as a weapon. “What do you think you’re doing,” she demanded. He couldn't move, couldn't speak. All he could do was watch as the animal–a cow– got up, and nuzzled his head, a soft moo making the women hesitate her approach.

“Oh,” she mumbled. “Oh, I see.” She slowly approached him now, gently rushing the bedding off until she could make eye contact with him. He didn't move as her eyes swapped over his face, studying him for something . Her eyes raked over to his wings, and he tensed even more, not knowing what to expect. He couldn't run, he was already done and she was looming over him, and the entrance was too far. He could fight, but in his weakened state…

Before he could panic more, she stepped back, and sat down in front of him. The shovel was tossed aside, and she had her hands facing Tommy, palms upright and flat. She was trying to seem less of a threat, and Tommy’s head titled in confusion.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” she promised. “I know that’s hard to believe, but I'm not. How about we go inside, yeah?” Tommy knew he couldn't say no, he wasn't in a position to protest. He nodded reluctantly, and followed her to the house he saw earlier, wings poofed and fluttering the whole time.

(He noticed her questioning stares. Despite knowing the risks of having them out in the open, he couldn't…he didn't really care. He was so tired, and he didn't feel like fighting anymore. If she took his wings, then that just a sign that Tommy never was redeemable, not anymore.)

=+=

The lady led him to her living room, a small beige room whose space was taken up by the couches and boxes and bags scattered about, pictures here and there with books. There was a yellow carpet with orange designs, it reminded him of the sun.

With a mutter, she said she was going to be back with something called hot chocolate. Tommy watched her leave before roaming his eyes around the room, at one point eyeing the picture frames. From where he was sitting, the window casted a glare that made it hard to distinguish what was in the photos, but whoever was in it must be loved. There were a lot of photos, and Tommy vaguely remembers from his past life how much he loved photos for the reason that they would capture joyous moments with those he called family.

(Tommy wondered if the woman had a scrapbook, full of little moments with her animals and those she loves. She looked like the type to keep one.)

His train of thought was interrupted as the women came back into the living room, handing him a red mug with a soft “Be careful it’s hot” before sighing as she sat on a couch in the corner of the room. A window was behind her, and the rising morning sun painted her in such a soft light that, briefly, Tommy had the urge to ask if she was an angel herself. But that was impossible. Heaven would not have sent him anywhere remotely close to another Fallen—if she was one—and one living without their wings was unheard of.

They sat there in silence for a few minutes, the women still as she stared down at her hands, deep in thought. Tommy, when he finally took a sip from the drink, was surprised by how sweet it was. It was soothing in a way he wasn’t familiar with, and he liked the white masses that were in it. Marshmallows, he thinks they were called.

“Thank you for the drink”, Tommy told the women when he was done. “You didn’t– you didn’t need to do that for me.”

The woman looked up at last, clearly mulling over something despite her friendly smile. “It’s no problem.” She paused, hesitating with her next sentence. “You look…you look like you need help,” she made an abrupt gesture to Tommy’s wings before quickly dropping her hands again when Tommy tensed, wings curling further behind him in an attempt to keep the extra appendages hidden. “It would be cruel of me not to help,” she softly continued. She didn’t mention the wings, and Tommy wasn’t sure if he wanted her to or not.

“I have an offer for you. You can stay here, free of charge, free of–” a glance to his wings before focusing back to him ”–well, you know. I live alone, far away from the city. You wouldn’t have to worry about people coming for you, or have to live in a life constantly worried about what danger is lurking around the corner. All I ask is that you help out with the animals and contribute to the workload,” she explained. “For now you won’t do any heavy lifting, but it's just something to keep you occupied.”

Tommy looked down at his hands as he fidgeted in his seat, wings rumpled from where he was sitting, white and gold feathers gliding down to the floor. It was a tempting offer, but he was still cautious. He didn’t think she would harm him, already having enough opportunities to do so, but haven’t. If she was right about being far from civilization, he wouldn’t have to worry about hiding his wings or staying hidden. Maybe, and this was a big if, maybe she would even let him fly from time to time. Well. If his wings ever recovered enough to take flight again.

Tommy was tired, but he couldn’t deny how perfect her offer was. But that was part of the problem: it was too perfect. Not even Heaven was this perfect, nobody was this kind, especially down at Earth.

There had to be a catch, but what? “What do you want from me?” Tommy asked her, making direct eye contact in hopes that will allow him to detect any lies.

The women looked taken aback, sitting up straighter at Tommy’s words. “What? What do–” a tense laugh– “what do you mean by that?” If it weren’t for the alarm in her voice, Tommy would have thought he caught her in an attempt at an obvious lie. But the fear in her eyes, it wasn’t for herself, but for Tommy.

“Well I just,” he waved his hands around, eyes flickering around as his anxiety started to take further root, “I just thought there was a catch. There has to be a catch right, I mean, no one is—there’s no way you’re that kind. Nobody is like that.”

And I mean, look at me,” his feathers raised up, “I know these don’t look that appealing, but they,” his voice stuttered, not sure if he wanted to point out the potential his wings hold, “well I mean—surely you know what these are right?”

The woman stayed silent, an unrecognizable look in her face. Tommy couldn’t help but to tense at this, already sure of the worst possible outcomes. He had hoped that maybe she was kind, that maybe she was different, but he was wrong. He was wrong, and oh , did he just ruin his chances of survival.

Tommy’s thoughts were interrupted when the woman sighed, wood creaking as she shifts on the couch as her face turned more serious, more stern. “Listen kid, I know what those wings are, I know what you are, but I don’t... Even if I had ill intent towards you–which I don’t–those wings don’t hold much value.” Tommy stared down at his hands at her words, thoughts freezing. They don’t hold value? That’s, that’s impossible. Sure they’re mangled and don’t look amazing, but they were angle wings. Fallen, sure, but at the end of the day they were proof the divine existed. That Lady Clara existed.

“I don’t understand,” Tommy muttered, wings circling around him. “How could—why would they value so little?”

“Times have changed,” the woman explained. Tommy wasn’t sure how much time has changed since he last set foot on Earth, but it couldn’t have been that much time. At most, maybe a century, but even then, surely a lot hasn’t changed…right? The woman continued, “it’s so easy to fake contraptions that look like wings. Sure, maybe some people would take your wings as proof of supernatural beings, others would just call me a fake.”

So, I have a proposal for you. I live alone out here, which isn’t a bad thing. I need the space for all the animals, and the outskirts of L’Manburg is a perfect distance for us out here,” Tommy assumed ‘us’ was the animals. He wondered how many she had, if he already met all of them last night when he took shelter, or if she had more.

“I could always appreciate a helping hand,” the woman proposed again. “I wouldn’t expect much from you, just help me around the house, maybe take care of a few animals here and there. In exchange, you can live here for as long as you want.”

Tommy was tempted to take the offer. The lady seemed empathetic, and if she wanted to harm him, she would've already. He needed a place to recover, and the idea of having shelter and a constant source of food was undoubtedly better than where he was hiding previously. “You promise you won’t hurt me? Swear it on Lady Clara and your soul no harm will come to me?”

“I promise, as long as you stay within the fences of the farm, not a single feather of yours will be harmed.”

Tommy nodded, wings relaxing at the words. Call him naive, but he believed in promises, believed that people would stay true to their word. The other angels said this was the reason he died in his past life, he had allowed others to take advantage of him until they couldn’t anymore. Tommy refused to view this as a weakness however. He refused to believe that compassion was something to second guess, refused to see kindness as a flaw.

(Maybe this was just another thing that separated him from the other angels)

“Ok”, Tommy mumbled. “I would..I would like that. Staying, I mean.”

The woman just smiled at him gently, relief in her eyes. “That’s good,” she hummed.

#mcytblr au fest #mcytblraufest23 #this place is not a home #dream smp #dsmp #c!tommy #dsmp tommy #c!puffy #dsmp captain puffy

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