#custom chinks

[sazaartack]

Key Benefits of Chink Chaps for Men

One of the main benefits of chink chaps for men is the protection they offer. Made from tough leather or artificial materials, these chaps protect your legs from problems, scratches, and the elements. Whether you're riding through thorny bushes or working in the barn, chink chaps offer a necessary barrier between you and potential risks.

[magisource]

Backyard Porch

Large mountain style stone back porch photo with a roof extension

[images2keep]

Metal - Roofing Large brown two-story wood exterior with a metal roof of a mountain type residence.

[throughthetwistedmirror]

Marrying for Love ~ *Malleus Draconia*

Summary: As Crown Prince of Briar Valley, Malleus is expected to become King one day. However, he still needs to find a partner to rule by his side. And that's where you come in...

Pairing: Malleus Draconia X Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluffy Drabble

Word Count: 731

Warning: N/A

Masterlist

Taglist: @savanaclaw1996 @goseew

A/N: An early birthday present for him because we share the same birthday.

You have met a lot of princes in your life, but none were quite like Prince Malleus Draconia of Briar Valley.

He was a rare kind of mage and beauty and an even rarer kind of gentleman. He cared deeply for his people, his friends, and his family. He didn't really have enemies wherever he went. His magic was incredibly powerful and he wielded it well. He was soft-spoken, intelligent, humorous, and compassionate. Malleus was born to be a Prince and strived to prove he was worthy of being King of Briar Valley every single day.

There was just one obstacle in his way: marriage.

According to the customs of this ancient kingdom, he couldn’t ascend the throne until he was married. It was the chink in his relatively perfect armor. Even though he was considered the perfect man throughout the realms, Malleus was hopeless when it came to finding a suitable partner, at least in Lilia's eyes. Sebek was still under the impression it was the other party who had the problem, not Lord Malleus. 

Sure, Malleus could talk to people, but he couldn’t flirt and couldn’t understand flirting to save his life. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t seem to understand the subtleties of romance, much to Lilia's displeasure. He thought he taught him better.

Really, it was no surprise his parents, with the help of Lilia, arranged a match for him.

And that’s where you come in.

Oh sure, you know how to flirt and be coy and romantic with others. But after spending one evening with Malleus, you knew it wasn’t going to work with him. And you’re nothing if not adaptable.

From the first moment you met him, you knew he craved an honest relationship, where you didn't play games and you were very clear with your intentions from the start. You took it upon yourself to just get to know him, all of him, and not just the parts he wanted you to see. It was a start. And he found it was something easy he could do. While you learned more about him and what made him who he is, he learned about you. And what surprised him the most was the fact that he genuinely liked you. And that you genuinely liked him too.

Time was ticking down and you found that this idea of an arranged marriage didn’t seem so terrible. However, you were still worried. Slowly, Malleus was learning how to flirt and be romantic. You were afraid he wouldn’t need you anymore, he wouldn’t care about you anymore as much as he did when you first met. You liked that he needed you. He made you feel wanted and loved. But what if he found someone better?

You kept your worries to yourself. Being the Crown Prince of Briar Valley, Malleus had enough to worry about. You didn’t want to complicate your relationship with him in any way. Nevertheless, in the privacy of your room, you wished that Malleus would be yours just like you were his.

So you can imagine your surprise when he invited you on a stroll through the royal gardens one day. Sure, the two of you often went walking in these gardens, but it usually wasn’t until after all of his royal duties were complete. It was the middle of the day when he sent for you, not late evening after dinner like normal. Though you were confused and more than a little anxious, you did not want to keep him waiting. Quickly, you found him near the entrance to the gardens and the two of you began to walk together, arm in arm.

Malleus eventually stopped in a small pavilion surrounded by your favorite flowers. He sat you down on one of the benches and began a long-winded speech, which wasn't a common occurrence for him. He went on and on about how even though your relationship started as an arranged marriage, he felt something more for you. He thought of you as less of a companion and more of a lover he wanted to treasure forever. He explained that to him, you were the perfect partner to spend the rest of his life with. However, he didn’t feel like he was actually engaged yet.

So he asked you a question:

“Will you marry me?”

And of course, you said, “Yes.”

[writeforfandoms]

The Name of the Wind 3

Find the series masterlist

I know this is a bit late BUT this is still for @glitterypirateduck challenge. This is not the last chapter of this story, but it is the last chapter that will be using prompts from the challenge. This chapter used "Do you trust me?"

Warnings: Swearing, wooing, someone is a little oblivious, flying, dragons. Oh, and two new/familiar characters show up.

Word count: 1.8k

Weeks passed. You learned your way around and met the other people who lived there. Not just the riders, but the kitchen staff too. You learned how everything worked, when to eat, where to wash up. Everything. 

It was different from how your life had been before, but different didn't mean bad. Not in this case. 

You never heard another word about your would-be husband. And you certainly didn't ask - that would be inviting trouble. 

The hardest thing to adapt to was the most integral part of your role here. 

The dragons. 

Caba was very calm every time you interacted with him… which was quite a bit in the beginning, as Alejandro used him to demonstrate how the harnesses went on and where they wore the most. Caba didn't mind being used as a show model, remaining calm around you. 

Unfortunately, that could not be said of every dragon. 

The youngest dragon in the garrison, a blue female, actually knocked you off your feet when you met her. Her rider was apologetic, helping you back to your feet. The freshly-chastened dragon drooped like a misbehaving pup while Caba oversaw the fitting process for her harness. 

You did not get knocked over a second time. But it did take multiple washes to get all the mud off you later.

After that little incident, Caba or Alejandro was around for every new dragon you met. You weren't sure if you were flattered, or disgruntled. 

Perhaps the most interesting thing to you was how self-contained the garrison was. Supplies came from the capital regularly, but the garrison otherwise seemed to be run by Alejandro. He oversaw everything, from training to rotations to travel. He didn't seem to need to ask anyone above him for anything, which seemed both curious and, if you were being honest, appealing. 

An honest man, with a sense of humor, who treated everyone well and didn't place himself above the others? And one who was also competent and ran his garrison well? 

Honestly, you were surprised he didn't have a spouse already. 

(He didn't. You knew because you'd caught some of the younger riders gossiping.) 

You were, however, surprised when he approached you after breakfast one day. You didn't always sit at his table, only sometimes. Usually when he or Rodolfo flagged you down. This was the first time he had approached you, usually summoning you to his side instead. 

“How much work do you have today?” He asked, walking next to you as you put your dirty dishes in the bins. 

“Not a lot, nothing urgent,” you responded slowly. You had a custom order you were excited to work on, but that could wait another day. Especially if Alejandro needed you for something. 

He flashed a grin at you, nearly making your knees wobble. “So you have time free.” 

“I do,” you agreed, eyeing him. “Why?”

“Do you trust me?” He stopped in the hallway, turning fully to face you. 

You nodded slowly, looking at him. “I do.” 

“Meet me outside in twenty minutes. Wear something warmer.” He held your gaze, magnetic and unavoidable. 

“Okay,” you agreed, soft and a little surprised. But you hadn't lied. You did trust him. 

At least enough to trust that he wouldn't toss you out of the overlook, or anything like that.

It took very little time to grab a warm coat and gloves, since you weren't exactly sure what you were going to be doing. The walk outside was full of the typical bustle of the garrison - you passed riders going every which way, and as you passed near the kitchen, the chatter and chinking of washing reached your ears. 

It was amazing to think about how quickly this had become home to you. 

Alejandro stood outside next to Caba, waiting on you, dressed in his riding leathers. You allowed yourself only a moment or two to let your gaze wander over the well-fitted leathers before looking to the dragon instead. 

To your surprise, he wore a modified version of his harness. 

“We don't need the full harness,” Alejandro said, having correctly guessed your line of thinking from the surprise in your face and the line of your gaze. “Not for this.”

“And what is this?” You asked hesitantly, stopping in front of him. 

Alejandro grinned, bright and pleased, with only a little humor. “You said you trust me.” 

“I do,” you reiterated, only to squeak when Alejandro grabbed your hand and pulled you to Caba. “What–?” 

But Alejandro offered no answer beyond stopping next to Caba, who had obligingly laid down to make his shoulder not entirely out of reach. Alejandro knelt and patted his thigh. 

“You can reach the straps to help pull yourself up,” he offered, watching you. “It is easier if you have a boost to start.” 

You stared at him for a moment before turning your gaze to the dragon. “What?” You squeaked. 

Alejandro did his best not to laugh at you, lips clamped together even as his shoulders shook. “Up you go,” he encouraged, hints of laughter in his voice.

You thought about protesting, but, well. You did trust him. So you took a deep breath and used his proferred thigh as a step up. Your ascent up Caba's shoulder was not graceful, but you also didn't slide back down. You'd take that as a good thing. You felt very high up, sitting on his back as you were. 

Alejandro climbed up after you, making it look easy. He sat behind you, his thighs bracketing yours. You swallowed, suddenly quite warm. 

“Hold here,” Alejandro murmured, low and close to your ear, reaching past you to pull on a strap. You grabbed it tight, partially to hide the shaking in your fingers. “Don't worry. I won't let you fall.” One of his hands settled at your waist. You sucked in a sharp breath, partially disguised by the sudden movement under you as Caba got to his feet. You rocked with the movement, startled. 

Caba didn't give you any time to adjust, though. He just started away from the garrison, using the open flat space to gain some speed. Massive leathery wings snapped out at his sides. You squeezed the strap tighter at the first sweep of those wings, feeling unsteady but for Alejandro's solid presence at your back. 

One more downsweep and Caba launched into the air, the pressure pushing you back against Alejandro. He held firm, his grip on your waist reassuring. 

Caba leveled out soon after, the pressure easing. Wind whipped in your face, cold but clear. You blinked rapidly as you adjusted, breathing in slowly. 

Alejandro squeezed your waist gently, His head close to yours as he shouted to be heard over the wind. “Look now.” 

You did, and gasped. From here you could just barely see the coast, blue stretching for miles and miles. The river valley below seemed very far away, though the river sparkled where it came down from the mountains and snaked across the land. You couldn't look down for long, though, before you started to feel dizzy. 

But you didn't fear falling. Not with Alejandro pressed up close behind you as he was. 

It didn't take long for your nose to go nearly numb, the cold wind seeping your warmth. No wonder the riders all wore leathers and fur up here. Your hands did go numb, fingers still clenched tight around the strap. 

“See? Not so bad, hmm?” Alejandro sounded smug, his voice rumbling against your back and in your ear, even as his breath warmed your skin. 

You just laughed, leaning back slightly, trusting him to keep you safe. 

And he did. 

You had no idea how long Caba flew the two of you. But he didn't go far into the valley before turning for the coast, making a big loop. From this height, you could see the town you'd left behind weeks ago, as well as a couple other garrisons, notable from the other dragons in the air. From this height, everything seemed small, even your lingering worries. 

Eventually, he angled back towards the garrison, gliding down at a gentle angle. Alejandro's hand at your waist encouraged you to lean back further, your back pressed to his chest, until Caba landed. The big dragon chuffed and continued walking, wings setting against his back again. 

You blinked, confused, but Alejandro just chuckled. “You're back early,” he called to someone up ahead, the hand on your waist tightening briefly. 

“For once,” another man called back. You spotted a dark-haired man standing up ahead, another scruffier man by his side. Caba stopped a short distance from the two, and Alejandro swung one leg over to face them. He did not get down, however. 

“Need a ride back to the capital, then?” 

“S'pose so,” the scruffier man answered, gaze on you. “You offering?”

Alejandro chuckled. “I will arrange it,” he said, though you noted he didn't offer to do it himself. “Come inside, have something to eat.” 

“Gonna introduce us?” The scruffier one asked, still peering up at you. 

“If we see you at dinner.” Alejandro didn't offer anything else as Caba started walking again, leaving the two men behind to make his way back to the cavern entrance. 

“Who were they?” You asked, undeniably curious now. 

“Nobody of import.” Alejandro waited for Caba to lay down again before he slid down the dragon's side. “Here. I'll help.” He held his hands up to you, watching closely. 

You eyed the distance down, biting your lip. He hadn't led you to harm yet. It did take a few moments to unclamp your hands, fingers aching from being locked in position for so long, but then you carefully swung a leg over and slid down. Alejandro caught you, making sure you didn't land too hard and holding you upright when your knees wobbled. 

“Alright?” He asked quietly, giving you a quick once-over. 

“Yeah.” You smiled up at him. “That was… incredible. Thank you.” 

“I will take you as often as you wish.” His smile was smaller than usual but brighter, happier. 

“You don't mind?” You couldn't help the note of hesitancy, of shyness. 

“Not if it's you.” He leaned closer to you, until you were firmly bracketed between Caba at your back and Alejandro at your front. 

Your breath caught in your throat. He was so close and so warm. 

Caba rumbled, something you felt more than heard, vibrating against your back. You startled, turning your head to try to figure out what was going on. 

Alejandro sighed and backed off. “Sit with me at dinner tonight,” he invited, gently taking hold of your hand, rubbing some of the ache from your fingers. 

“Okay,” you agreed, a little dazed still. 

He smiled again, that small but sincere smile you were quickly becoming attached to, and took a step back. Another, and he released your hand, and turned to go. 

You stood there, needing Caba's silent support, for longer than you wanted to admit.

[kalianos]

Context: So ages ago I ran a game in one of my custom worlds. It was a False Hydra game. Kept the players in the dark about it. Along the way I had kept some light notes pointing out bits here and there I felt were important. These eventually made it to the scene I am going to describe below.

As you walk along the town, the ropes tied around your waist. However everyone alive hear and feel the rope snap and sounds of heavy slapping. Along with the distinct chink of something small bouncing on the cobblestones.

Party starts to immediately asking who died, who they don't remember anymore. I calmly tell them that they are fine. Except the druid. I hear an exasperated groan from the player thinking he died since he was at the end of the rope. I tell him no, his character is still alive and as he looks back. He see's another length of rope behind him that wasn't there before. Leading to a mess of half-eaten green skin, bright armor and a book covered in blood on the ground.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon looking at the journal. They found this in the book. It's a bit lengthy.

1994 DR, 14th of Midwinter’s Torment

The adventurer’s guild has tasked us again. We are holding out a campaign against some rogue goblin elements outside of town. I have my doubts about the job. Acanthes is a chill human at least. He still smells like the swamp though. Somehow got saddled with a warrior from Chaton. Chaton! How the feth did he make it over the many fathoms?

Must have paid an orc ship all his coin to be taking work with the adventurers’ guild.

1994, 16th of Midwinter’s Torment

We made camp at the edge of the their base. It took a two days and a night to get here. By Moradin, The rogue we brought along has cheese. I suspect she is part of the “cheese makers” in more ways than one. She can be useful. Kai is a decent sort. Got too sharp of a tongue. Sharp dagger as well thankfully. In hindsight it was funny how well she threw a dagger into that goblin scouts skull. The tabaxi is being quiet.

1994DR, 17th of Midwinter’s Torment

We managed to break into the first barricades. The guards have been taken down. The patrols are aware of us now unfortunately. I have only a few vestiges of my power left. By Moradin I wish I was stronger to channel his divine will. Time. Time is all we need. They are banging on the doors.

1995DR, 4th of Summer Song

We have gone on for so long. We only had a few days rest from taking down the halfling raids to the north along the steppes. Those plains scare me. We passed by a few ghost towns. Ravaged by the halfling mongrels, taken down by Gnoll war bands. Or worse. Being consumed by the false hydras.

Since we have earned bronze rank over the last several months. We were warned that our jobs are now going to be “real” jobs. True monsters and terrors can now be assigned to us. It can’t be all bad right? I heard in the officer lounge while being debriefed that a blue dragon is potentially going to recruit some of us to acquire a rare gem for a courtship ritual. Apparently we would be guests of honor at the wedding if it goes well. I like weddings. Though I don’t think anyone knows how dwarves wed themselves. Buying themselves from their significant other’s parents, crushing gems under their iron boots. Growing up as a half-orc in the tunnels was interesting. Strangely did get a few interested lookers.

1995 DR, 11th of Summer’s rest

I am fuming now. I had slight hope we would get the deadly mission to help out the blue dragon, I could have worn a pretty formal chain-mail shirt or maybe plate armor. I had even looked into our major library to learn how blue dragons interacted and proper protocol.

All for nothing. Ackerson had come down pale and shaking after the letter flew in and he handed me the pack. I noticed it was much thicker than usual. Usually a manifest was just, “Supplies, guild resources rented, gold reward, gold reward deductions, and a small line for our major injury expenses to be compensated.” All on a single sheet of paper, then the outline written by a desk jockey with no legs. This was a full blown book in size. When I asked what it was about Ackerson just leaned up and whispered into my ear the one thing I didn’t want to hear ever in my existence.

“There is a report of a false hydra by guild watchdogs up in Ohmsford. Your team is the only one capable at the moment to handle it. We have taken measures and given you major bonuses to increase your chances of success. We need you to do this, and…I’m sorry. In case any of you fail, the stone of false hydra adventurers has already been carved upon so we will at least know you all in name and what your designations were in the grand library.”

I’m scared, no I’m terrified. Reading this book made by two wizards accounts is the most terrifying thing ever. These monsters are born from lies in folklore but we have no idea how they spring up? The drawings and the life-cycles of these things are downright horrific.

This is the most I’ve written in this thing in a long while but I can help but think; that I am sending us to the worst kind of death imaginable.

I took precautions just in case. I sent my adoptive father a memory stone explaining everything. Remarking that if he forgets his emerald treasure that its because she died fighting one of the most horrifying monsters of this world for their safety.

I’m going to tell the rest of the party later. Right now they are just going to be aware that its being caused by some cultists at the moment.

1995 DR 12th of Summer’s rest

We are having a last blow out party in the town. Drank myself silly. Kai brought in some amazing cheese. Had a fondue fountain and everything. We were only a little miffed when we found Acanthus floating a maple leaf boat through it. Claimed it would help give it more depth of flavor. I think he’s just being dumb. It does taste mapely though. Lucky bastard that I like maple syrup.

1995 DR, `13th of Summers Rest

Fucking potatoes, cabbage, farm lands and wheat for miles. I don’t want to eat ever again for as long as I live. Well except for pork. Never can give that up. Met some weird farmer named Perry. Claimed he had a scarecrow problem. Exorised it easily enough though Weevil got a small cut. After that a Slaad had erupted from the ground. How the hell this farmer survived with a Slaad on his land I will file into “most definitely an agent of chaos” column. Dispatched it well enough. Had to cast a spell of some power to cure Kai though. She got hit with the chaos disease. Was not interested in having to mercy kill my own party member at the start of the adventure.

We decided to make our way as fast as we could through the evening to the mountains. I knew a place that would give us a good deal on room.

Turns out I was right. The dwarf still remembers me from the good old days down in the caves. Got my friends set up in their own suite while I spent extra for my own private one.

I’ve never enjoyed a bath like this in so long. I’ll have to ask Harriet for a crystal. She finally perfected in making light crystals for the caves and it looks beautiful. I’m sure dad would like one. Who knows, if I managed to send it in time it’ll be a good marker for my memorial on the memory stone.

1995 Dr, 14th Summers rest

Bloody chilly, hellish sky whale. And those two idiots nearly drowned themselves trying to get light crystals when I told them that they were buyable. Claimed it was for the adventure of it and effort. I think they were just being stubborn.

Going into town, everything seemed off. We parked our mule and cart in the stables next to an inn. Ordered drinks as our Tabaxi went upstairs to do his ritual armor cleaning. The rogue managed to convince our druid to steal from an old man who looked like a banker. Greedy morons. Didn’t they see all the guards on high alert everywhere? They were caught by of all things another thief. Chatting with the bartender illuminated a lot. Whatever this is, it started in the northern-western area of town. I asked what the local authority here is. He could only shrug and tell me that it was the Captain of the Guard, Wilma; who runs things as usual. In a weird way it made sense. But it doesn’t make sense. I know there is a big mayoral estate here for a local authority.

1995 DR, 15th of Summers Rest

Dealt with a tailor who had been attacked. The halfling that sits in front of her shop is a creepy old hag of a woman. While here the tabaxi had claw daggers from the slaad start being made. On top of that I managed to convince them to make a nice maul in the old style but big enough for me. The dwarf was amenable when I spoke to him in the tongue of our fathers.

We talked with Leah for a bit. Our rogue tried to do some weird mind trickery that seemed to do something. It appears that not all memories can be completely erased I guess even by magic. The mind is a funny thing. While searching around, I found the picture of her husband and two children. It was hidden in the nightstand drawer. I think she didn’t know what to make of it and it disturbed her.

We met the local cheesemaker by accident. He had been ransacking the town since perfectly fine magic shops and alchemists were just there. Seeing as how the people who run them probably don’t exist anymore to the world. I am letting it slide. Moradin forgive me. Habbakuk and Zeboim as well to appease my sea orc ancestors.

We fought a troll. I burned so many spells and kept a wall between the troll and the everyone else. I got banged up pretty hard. Still that troll got a few lucky swipes on the druid and samurai. They’ve never seen a troll before and I hope they get to remember what happens. Felt prudent to spend most of my spells on healing. There is still a Troll colony here and they are completely feral apparently. I asked about trolls to the Town Captain who apparently has “always ran this town.”

She claims that Trolls are a very rare minor problem that only happened recently. This resort town can kiss my green ass.

Was told to investigate the retirement village for adventurers on the other side of this box canyon. I acquiesced to this request since we being paid. Paid to go and ask questions in that will help our initial investiagion no less. I love when the stars align to throw us a bone.

Met Gloria. She seemed nice. She had a love of ale that rivals some of the heavy drinkers back in the caves.

Acanthes got knocked out something fierce from a quarter shot. He came too and told me he had a weird dream. I suggested he follow his heart which he determined to mean go and meditate to the green father. What he told me afterwards is a puzzle of itself.

A shimmering pillar above the city? The singing I belive is from the false hydra. But this shimmering pillar? What does it mean?

We dealt with an Alemental. Talked to the Destroyers. A nice couple. Maybe I can find a strong man someday. Heh, will it be a man of the earth or a man of the sea like my ancestry wants?

The witch has a crazy love obsession with purple. Quisayle is a strange one to be honest. She seemed more fascinated than concerned about the false hydra.

Mentioned that there is an old tower to the northwest ohmsford that probably held a wizard of some report. She only mentions it because she has no memory of anyone living yet it’s a very nice tower. She is scary good at putting two and two together apparently.

1995 DR.

Had a nightmare. I was back at the inn room with some lady. A giant pale white face came in through the open window and gorged itself on her. As I tried to help another face and long neck came through and tried to eat me. I’m too strong and punched it back.

Woke up in a cold sweat over it. I’m writing this in the morning due to the oddness of this dream.

I clutch my holy symbol of Moradin. The warm glow of his forge comforts me through it. I run my finger over the engraving. If I am going to disappear this will be the one thing I will make sure to survive. It holds the needed identifier for the memory stone and for the guilds false hydra stone. Actually, I should keep this journal out and keep writing in it!

As long as I can see the thing in the moment, I can write about it! By the hammer fall! I can trust myself to keep a good record. I should share this with the group. I also devised that we can use a length of rope to keep us together slightly. This way we know if we have been attacked at least.

Itsafterusanditstryingtoeatmeohmoradinthisis bad. Its tailing us. Dropping its song to attack us!

Oh this is bad. I don’t know what do. If I had a decent mace on me I could beat the hell out of this thing. SHIT TH~

This journal is covered in blood. Inside is a portrait of a Large Half-Orc proudly displaying a Silver rank medal towering over the rest of you looking happy showing off your bronze medals.

A caption below it reads, “ The Squad”

So throughout the campaign they had encountered random weird oddities. Helpful people offering healing, random potions just...inside wolves. All explained away as just some weird quirk of a world they hadn't seen yet. When actually it was their Half-Orc Cleric they never knew they had. I had shamelessly stolen the idea from a D&D community when they were brainstorming about how to bring out a false hydra to be fair. But I think the execution was alright.

[lucy-sky]

Loving You Easy (Shane Walsh x f!Reader)

Scandalous Sunday prompt - being caught

My last story for @bernthirst-events​‘s Bernthirst Palooza, woohooo! I did it :DD

Sometimes a little bit of music can bring miracles into your life. Even in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

Warnings: flirting and sort of mutual pining; ALMOST smut

A/N: this is a request from my dear friend @skvatnavle​ - I’m not sure if that’s exactly what you expected, but that’s what I came up with :) Hope it’s fine and you enjoy it.

Words: 1709; AO3 link if you prefer reading there.

When you noticed this little thing during another supply run, you could hardly believe your eyes, even though there was nothing extraordinary about it. Just a little MP3-player with small earbuds. As you pick it up from the dirty floor, you were wondering how it ended up here. Maybe some of the customers dropped it as they escaped the store, panic stricken, someone kicked it and it stayed there behind the counter until you found it. Or maybe the device used to belong to the cashier, and they listened to it during the dull night shift hours when there wasn’t much work to do. This thing had a history you’d never learn, but you couldn’t have left it there. So you put it into your pocket before answering Shane’s voice calling for you.

Later at night, lying on your bed, you put on the earbuds and press the play button on the little device. The screen lightens up, but only to show you the low battery sign before going dark again. You sigh. What did you expect? This thing was covered in dust, it’s been lying there for… Months? And of course there are no new batteries among your supplies at the moment. You got up and checked the drawers in your room, also with no success. Shit. Oh, wait a second. What if Shane got some during today’s run? Asking won’t hurt, right?

Walking out into the corridor, you glance at the door of his room, relieved to to notice the light pouring from the chink at the doorstep. So you tap gently on the door, before gingerly opening it and looking inside.

“Hey, Walsh,” you ask quietly. “You awake?”

“Hey,” he yawns, putting aside the book he was reading. “What’s up, darlin’?”

There were times you used to hate him calling you “darlin’” or “princess” or “sweetheart”, but at some point you got used to these nicknames, as well as you got used to him. He can be an asshole sometimes, but he has never hurt you in any way possible, plus the smug bastard is pretty attractive, you have to admit. You know the reality you live in is not the best place for flirting. You also know the man had history with Lori, and probably with Andrea as well, but somehow it doesn’t repulse you. You all are only human after all, trying to survive in your own ways.

“I was just wondering, did you grab any batteries today?”

“I think so, yeah,” Shane gives you a curious look. “What’s that?”

“Could I uh… Borrow a couple? My flashlight is dying, so…”

“Right. Okay, sure,” he sits down, reaching for his backpack, fishes a set of batteries out of it. “There ya go.”

“Thanks, Walsh,” you smile. “I owe you for those.”

“‘S okay. You keep trippin’ on stuff in the daylight, I don’t want you to break your neck in the dark,” he chuckles.

“Oh fuck you, Walsh,” you huff.

“Good night to you too, sweetheart!”

You don’t know exactly why you lied to him about that flashlight. Somehow the MP3-player didn’t seem like an… important enough reason. Walsh would definitely make even more fun of you if he knew what you really need those batteries for.

The next day you’re in charge of washing the dishes after the dinner. The farmhouse is empty - everyone went out to do their chores. A perfect opportunity to turn on the music.

Once you switch the player on, you instantly realize how much you’ve missed it. Not some song or band in particular - just music. Any music in general.

♫ “No makeup on and shining so bright

My old sweatshirt never fit so right

Dancing around to the radio

Humming the words that you don't know” ♫

Zac Brown sings this cheesy love song in your ears, and if you close your eyes, it’s somehow so easy to imagine that none of this has happened. No walkers, no deaths, no goddamn end of the world - it was just a really long nightmare, and now you’re in your kitchen again, humming to familiar tunes from the radio. 

Smiling to yourself, you start working, swaying to the music and singing to yourself as you’re done with another bowl. Too lost in the music, you almost drop the plates you’re holding as your back bumps into someone. Swiftly turning around, you meet familiar brown eyes and a cheeky smirk.

“Shane, what the fuck? You scared the shit out of me!” you groan, pushing him in the chest.

“So that’s why you needed those batteries, huh?” he raises his eyebrows, clearly amused. “I knew it’s not the goddamn flashlight!”

“Yeah, so what?” your cheeks start to burn, but you refuse to admit your embarrassment. “I deserve a little something that makes me feel happy and alive, and I’m not gonna apologize for that!”

“Whoa, easy, darlin’,” Shane chuckles, raising his hands in a surrender gesture. “Didn’t say you should apologize for anything, did I? I actually really enjoyed seeing you dancing like that.”

“Oh, so you enjoyed it, yeah?” you smirk back at him. “Well, you know what? It’s not some kind of a show for you, Walsh. C’mon. Join me.”

With this you take one of the earbuds off and hand it to him.

“Hate to disappoint you, sweetheart, but I-I’m not really a good dancer.”

“I don’t give a shit. You already saw me being silly, now it’s your turn.”

“Alright,” he nods, stepping closer and putting the earbud on. You press play and Zac Brown’s voice continues singing his song.

♫ “You make loving you easy

You make loving you all I wanna do

Every little smile and every little touch

Reminds me how just how much it all makes

Loving you easy” ♫

“Come on, man, relax. Feel the rhythm!” you encourage playfully, grabbing his hand. “It’s easy, right?”

You both move a bit awkwardly at first, but then the magic happens. Shane’s free hand finds your waist, pulling you closer as you sway to the music together. There’s something so intimate about sharing a pair of earbuds and dancing around the kitchen like that, something way too romantic for this whole setting, this new reality. Romantic, but also the closer he gets the more your cheeks flush, and your heart beats a little faster when your eyes meet.

“See, you’re not that bad,” you say, trying to play it cool, to not give away how flustered you really are.

“Yeah, you think?” his voice is a little raspy, it somehow gives you shivers. “You know what, sweetheart?”

“What?” you breathe out as his thumb gently reaches your chin, tilting your face up.

“You still owe me for those batteries, remember?”

“I remember you said it’s fine.”

“Changed my mind, I guess,” he chuckles softly and leans in. The touch of his lips is unexpectedly tender at first, but as you open up to him, the kiss becomes deeper, way more heated and passionate. You let out a quiet moan as his tongue slips past your parted lips, shamelessly exploring your mouth. You respond with equal eagerness, your hand reaching the back of his neck as you gently nip on his lower lip. It’s been so long since the last time you had a make-out session like that, it was somewhere in previous life, and now you can’t get enough. Neither of you can. 

The earbuds already fell out of your ears, your sighs and barely heard moans the only music left. Shane keeps gently pushing you until your butt hits the cabinet next to the sink, and he urges you to sit on it. His lips are already trailing down the curve of your neck, warm breath tickling your skin, while his hand squeezes your bare thigh - you mentally thank the summer heat that made you wear a light dress today. But when his fingers find a way under the skirt of the said dress, it suddenly hits you.

“Shane… Shane! W-wait…” you whisper frantically, pushing him away. He pulls back frowning, dark eyes examining your face.

“I uh… Don’t think it’s a good idea. Someone can walk in,” you tell him in a shaky voice, heart still racing.

“Nah, c’mon, sweetheart… No one’s around,” he leans in again, pressing a kiss against the side of your neck, then right under your ear. “I know you want that as much as I do…” 

You shiver as his fingers reach your underwear, pressing against your already shamelessly wet center.

“I can feel it.”

Your eyes flutter shut as he carefully strokes you through the fabric of your underwear, his lips back on your neck - shit, he’s gonna give you a hickey if he keeps going like that… But damn, it feels too good. So you surrender. You let those curious digits get under the crotch of your panties, dip between your folds, find a little throbbing bud there. Your toes curl in pleasure when he touches you where you need it the most, your head spinning. In the heat of a moment you blindly reach between his legs, palming him through his jeans, causing him to groan into the crook of your neck.

“Hey, y/n!”

You’re quick to push Shane away the moment you hear Beth’s voice.

“You need any help with those di-” she stumbles, surprised to see someone else with you in the room.

“No, um… Shane’s already helping me,” you reply, quickly grabbing the nearest pyramid of plates and shoving it in the man’s hands. “Thank you, Beth.”

“Oh… Okay,” she gives you a slightly awkward smile, “See you later than.”

“Uh-huh,” you nod, smiling back. 

As she leaves, you finally glance at Shane, and his baffled expression makes you snort a laugh.

“Oh, you find it funny, do ya?” He tries to sound angry, but his voice cracks with laughter as well.

“I told you it's a bad idea,” you shrug innocently. “Guess you’re helping me finish the dishes now, Walsh.”

“Yes, ma’am. But hey, you still owe me though.”

“Okay,” you grab him by the shirt and pull him into another passionate kiss.

“Come get the rest in my room tonight,” you smirk as you pull back.

“Got it, darlin’,” he grins, licking his lips.

Thank you for reading!

additional tag: @munsonownsmyass​

[asongofstarkandtargaryen]

JON SNOW DAY 14: BRINGING SPRING INTO WINTER

Jon Snow is a character that even his name reminds us of winter. He’s part of the House Stark whose official motto is “Winter is coming” and his majority of his point of view is spend on the Wall or even beyond of it. If there was a poll and which character resembles winter the most, he would be a major candidate - and probably would win. Can a character like this dare to dream of spring?

Recalling Daenerys’ vision on the House of the Undying there is a passage that it’s definitely about Jon Snow:

A blue flower grew from a chink in a wall of ice, and filled the air with sweetness  

ACOK, DAENERYS IV

I know this passage very important to Daenerys and her probable meeting with Jon but since this meta is only about him I’ll only focus on what it means about him. The imagery is clear: on an ice wall we have a blue flower which grows from a chink on it. A bit oxymoron if you think that flowers is the last thing we associate with winter/ice. However, just like on that vision the flower was able to grow in such an uneasy enviroment, Jon “bloomed” on the harsh North and he’s bringing something new (new as the spring represents the start of the year) to the old and never changing customs of the Wall(old as winter).

Just like a flower is unusual on a wall of ice as an element of spring which doesn belong in the enviroment of winter, Jon is also bringing elements of spring during his leadership.  Jon is the first commander who instead of contuning the war against the free folk he made a truce with them. What is more he let the free folk settle south of the Wall. That’s a major change and he’s doing it because he has realized that they all need to join their forces and focus on the war against the Others. They need to survive The Winds of Winter in order to be able to have A Dream of Spring.

[fantastic-mr-corvid]

9 (falling) for the micro story prompts <3

Thank you! went for some action for this- remember Celia = Muro and warning for blood and the semi graphic death of the two people [stupid enough to be] attacking Muro

-

Thuds reverberated around the alleyway, the sound of his own footsteps bouncing off worn brick and stone obscuring the second set, but the sound was still almost drowned out by the wind in Muro's ears as he charged forwards.

It had been a while since hes last been pursued like this, hunted so effectively. Perhaps he had gotten too comfortable in his position, in his projected power.

The second set of thuds stopped, replaced by the crunch of gravel as the attacker skidded to a halt, and a squish as he slipped on something before righting himself.

"There's nowhere to run, Tombale," Despite the panting, the click of safety easily reached Muro's ears. "Prepare for this alleyway to be your own stone-walled tomb,"

He still kept running towards the wall, but his legs lowered, then catapulted him upwards, one outstretched to hit the wall, bending, then impact, then even more height, finally launching him up and over the top of the alleyway-

-a spark of light, a flash, sharp pressure in his chest-

Wind whipped in his ears as he desperately tried to right himself, but the second gunman has hit him right at the height of his leap, leaving him in free-fall towards the flagstones below.

Against his wishes his eyes closed, even he still felt some fear, and he reveled in the now rare feeling as he fell.

His only warning before impact was the chink of metal on stone as the crumpled bullet hit the ground just before he did.

Pain lanced through his body, begging him to stay down, to curl up and die, but he could still hear the prattling of the first attacker despite his pulse pounding in his ears.

"Ha! thought you would escape from me? your just an arrogant fool- i cant wait to see the anguished faces of your bitches when we parade your corpse in front of-"

The prat was interrupted by the other gunman- "No blood- Hes not- Hes not bleedin-"

Blood finally hit the alley floor, but it certainly wasn't Muros.

The second gunman at least had the dignity to die quietly, throat torn open, obliterated, by one of Muro's belt buckles, but the first one did no such thing, gasping for breath and begging for mercy as he grew to resemble a piece of swiss cheese.

Then finally, silence returned to Muro's ears. He doesnt know how long he lay there, but as soon as the blood started soaking into his clothes he finally dragged himself upwards, scowl on his face as he saw the ruined cake right next to the corpse, a footprint smeared through the middle, crushing the center of the cake, and blood soaking what was not ground into the floor.

So much for a custom birthday cake, but a few streets down there was a good enough place to get a premade one, and then prepare to beg for forgiveness from his little brother.

When he walked past it earlier there had been a nice blue cake, dusted silver, hopefully that would make Cecio happy enough to forgive him.

[night-market-if]

Anon who asked about frosty options for a Milo romancing mc here, back to shout about chapter 12. Damn, that Baron reveal and the way the book ended and the conversations with Mal uuungh. Loved them all. The confrontation with Milo was my favorite bit though, because of how many reactions MC gets to have and how differently it played out for my MCs. Cool, levelheaded Milo romancing MC lost their cool and kind of fell for Milo's distractions/deflections cause even though they should know Milo better than to take the bait, they were too emotional. All rationality going out the window because they were feeling so much and, tbh, that suited them better than the calmer options. (I just love seeing usually collected people let go of their neatly-wrapped-and-labeled emotions and let loose.) Too in love with Milo to be unaffected. Truly a testament to how much he means to them. Honestly, it worked beautifully with the climax you were building up to. (can't wait to see Milo being eaten up by anguish and self-hatred again though lbr that's his natural state of being deep down.)

On the other hand, my Gabriel romancing MC (who I imagine is more socially aware/practised and in tune with their emotions) dealt with Milo in such a calm manner, I loved it. They were able to... Discern and see Milo, to read his mood and little twitches. They took a look at his bullshit and said 'Nah.' (They were a lot less zen during that Gabriel reveal though. 👀)

Overall, stellar chapter and it ends on such a great cliffhanger. I'm so so excited for book 2, you have no idea. And, again, I know there's only so much personality customization we can do (the story needs to be told after all) but I truly appreciate the varied options we've gotten. It makes headcanoning or considering (roleplaying) aspects of MC development so much fun.

Truly, thank you for putting your story out into the world, I've been having great fun and I'm so very excited for the edited version and release and, eventually, book 2. Wishing you all the best and that the kickstarter goes well.

Milo will react to what the predominate mood of the room is. With an angry MC, he can get cocky. He can start goading. He can try to make you hate him.

A levelheaded MC throws him for a loop. He'll try to needle his way in somewhere, look for the chink in the armor, but in the end, he slips up because he lets his fear and emotions he's trying to hide, get the best of him. This is the type of MC that really puts Milo not on even footing.

And a sad MC breaks his heart. He hates seeing someone cry and he hates to see disappointment on their face.

I really do try to give you guys different emotional reactions so you can all take things further in your headcannon of your MC. I do this all within reason of course but I try to get very standard personality tropes you can play with in the game and I don't lock you off from one type of personality just because you've been playing something one way for the entire game. In life, we vary our emotions based on the situation. I've never liked being locked into a shy character just because that's how my MC has been all game. Because people break, sometimes. And they can get mean sometimes. Or they can become so done that they are numb. I never want to take those options from your MC. :)

🪷✨🪷✨ If you want to support me 🪷 ✨🪷✨ 

Demo 🌿 Patreon 🌿 Ko-fi 🌿Discord🌿Kickstarter🌿FAQS

[sazaartack]

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[gwennafran]

Pale Lights, Book 2 chapter 9 - New Scholomance Students  

Still waiting to see both Tupoc and Shalini. And well, I simply haven’t had time to also do 13th and 31st yet.

Lot’s of “Watch Fashion” for these.

Nenetl looks adorable. I love the missing tooth. Her hairstyle is inspired by an Aztlan hairstyle.

Tristan 44 got moved up to preserve room on the canvas. The Discord can’t quite agree if they should feel sympathy for him or declare him ready to wear a historically incorrect fedora (He even did the “My Lady” bit). I think some of it might depend on if the reader has been in a similar situation in Tristan’s shoes or Angharad’s shoes. Regardless, Tristan 44 is the kinda guy that eats alone in a fancy restaurant. In full formal uniform.

Adarsh for a standard uniform without a cloak. For obvious reasons. Haha. Poor Bait. This has not been his day. Week. Month. Whatever.

Sebastian is an interesting contrast to Tristan 44. I think he is deliberately dressing down. Considering how much he seems to value social influencing and network over other things that can’t be an accident. Also, he is pulling it off. I tried giving him a smug model look. And I by now expect every single member of Ninth Brigade to be picked by being good looking with very good connections. But maybe not the best of the best in their respective classes besides that.

Musa got very thin Masai inspired braids to separate his look from Angharad’s. 

Imani’s overall look is loud. She got a sexy modified tunic, an eye-catching bead belt everyone notices and lots of golden bracelets that probably makes little chinks banging together whenever she moves her hands. So I gave her hair that also is loud. Literally. She moves around with this and it’ll make tiny noises when the beads bang together. – I’m assuming the attention-grabbing look very much is on purpose, to negate suspicion about her actually being a sneaky spy.

Thando got a custom coat with beadwork at the edges. I figured he probably would have an outfit that showed off his fancy tattoo on his neck.

[dragonmuse]

Hello! I’ve just been rereading the very first story in the series, and when Eddy’s been around for just about a week, Lucius says something to Stede along the lines of “You told me you were going to try being slutty!” That, coupled with the “he was dropped on his head as an adult” snipe, paint such a great picture of Stede and Lucius’ early friendship!! (Didn’t Lucius and Jim have to whisper and plan about Eddy’s reputation and business?) Do you have any extras or thoughts on those conversations or era ?

(Been holding onto this one for absolute ages and since I was enjoying some Lucius and Jim earlier this week, here's their friendship just really starting out)

For the first year that Lucius worked at the Revenge, Jim was one of the few people that he didn’t connect with. They were disinterested in flirtation, turned down offers of portraits when other options failed and generally exuded a low-level menace that Lucius usually would push through, but couldn’t find a chink in.

He knew, in theory, that they had some kind of sticky feelings underneath their shell. Anyone that spent that much time with Oluwande had to, especially if it was a romantic time. So mostly he admired them from afar and concentrated his efforts on the more interested.

Then Eddy had shown up.

Lucius had laid out his concerns in the dressing room and been mostly met with gentle dismissal.

Jim hadn’t laughed. Jim hadn’t smiled. Jim met his eyes in acknowledgement. In the span of seconds, they became a team. A week later, Jim rocked up to the bar, asked for their usual pre-show shot, down it then said,

“They haven’t left his place.”

“Could be a con,” Lucius muttered. “You got eyes on the money?”

“Some.”

“Keep it there.”

They did that for weeks, updating and checking in. Gradually Jim said other things. Mentioned a day trip with Oluwande or something they’d watched. When Lucius asked questions, they answered, perfunctory, but acknowledging. When he offered things in returned, he noticed how intently they listened, even if they didn’t always respond.

“Hey,” Lucius whispered one day. “You want to help get rid of a douchebag customer?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

“Okay, here’s the play. This guy comes in and orders a sloe gin fizz every Thursday, but he always has a dick comment when he does. He’s worse to the Swede, but I get them too. I’ve tried volleying back, but then he thinks it’s funny. Tried giving him nothing, doesn’t give up. So I’m thinking you can come behind the bar this time. I’ll make the drink, but you give it to him.”

“And?” Jim eyed him curiously.

“And then you let the spirit move you to what you think is best.”

“That’s your plan?”

“You are the plan. Have fun! Get creative!”

“All right then,” Jim’s smile was slow and edged. “I like it.”

The guy came in and Lucius signalled Jim, who was waiting when the guy came up to order.

“Who are you supposed to be?” The guy wrinkled his nose. “Shitty cowboy costume?”

“What do you want?” Jim stared him down.

“What kind of customer service voice is that? C’mon, gimme a smile and I’ll tell you.”

Lucius knew he was pulling quite the face, but luckily he had his back to the scene.

“No.”

“No?” The guy laughed. “I’m a regular customer here, sweetheart. Very respected.”

“You?” Jim’s voice dripped with disdain.

“Yeah, ask anyone!”

“Swede?” Jim barked. “You know this guy?”

And bless him, as if he’d been read into the scene, the Swede looked at the man with wide-eyed bewilderment.

“No? Maybe? Must I? Should I? Hold on! I’ll think of it….Alice!”

“Alice?” The guy growled.

“Allison? Last name?” The Swede tried again. “I’m so bad with names, I’m so sorry!”

“You’re fine,” Jim assured him and turned back to the guy. “Okay, so. You were saying?”

“I was saying,” the guy was getting annoyed now, shoulders tight. “That you should be treating customers with some respect!”

“Why?” Jim asked blankly.

“Because! That’s your job!”

“No,” Jim repeated.

“You’re in the service industry, you’re here to make customers feel good. It’s the most basic tenant of the job!”

“Oh. You’re confused,” Jim nodded.

“I am not!”

“Yes. You are,” Jim said gravely. “You think we care how you feel. We do not. You think we care if you come back. We do not.”

“I’ll leave a Yelp review that’ll get you shut down!”

“We have a four and a half star rating with about like… a hundred and fifty reviews?” Lucius couldn’t help, but jump in. “And the health inspector was here last week. Perfect grades.”

“I will make you regret this!” The guy seethed.

Jim leaned forward, their hand going casually into their pocket. Just enough to reveal a line of steel. The guy clearly did not come to Friday shows because the sight startled him.

“Please try.” Jim grinned, wide and toothy.

“You’re crazy! You’re all fucking crazy!” The guy backpedaled out. “You’ll never see my money or any of my friends money in here again!”

“Think he’s got friends?” Jim asked doubtfully as the guy almost knocked someone else over on his way out the door.

“None that I want to meet,” Lucius snorted. “You’re damn good at that, by the way.”

“It was fun. Let’s do it again sometime.”

They would do it often enough that Jim didn’t even have to flash steel at the end, a polished double act that scared people off without drawing the wrong kind of attention. By the time they’d both decided Eddy wasn’t a threat, they had settled into just straight up gossiping about them and Stede and the others. Not the usual scuttlebutt type secrets that Lucius would giggle over with Frenchie or the more salacious stories he’d share with Roach. Jim just liked to be in the know about people’s movements, something they had very deeply in common.

Their whisper network oversaw a lot of comings and goings over the years. No one suspected Jim of being one of the biggest information wells, but they were quiet and they listened and once they started working with Izzy, they got very good at research. Lucius always knew who to ask if he was missing a critical piece.

Together they kept the collective psyche of the Revenge as safe as they knew how.

[solxrsys]

so a customer tried to pour milk all over the counter because i didn’t give him a refund for the milk that he bought from there (i couldn’t and offered to give my boss his number) then proceeded to call me a chink and leave

but now he couldn’t cus he opened the milk when he was about to pour it LMFAOOO

[seomarketeers]

Zero to Ninja: Mastering the SEO Game and Transforming Your Business

Imagine your business stuck in the SEO wilderness – lost, invisible, and struggling to attract even a whisper of online traffic. You pour your heart and soul into your product or service, but crickets chirp in the deafening silence of your website.

Frustration gnaws at you, a relentless echo of the question, "How do I break free from this SEO limbo?"

Fear not, weary traveler! This is the story of your escape, a roadmap from SEO zero to ninja – a journey where meticulous strategy meets customized execution, propelling your business to unimaginable heights.

Buckle up, for we're about to embark on a thrilling adventure!

Stage 1: Laying the SEO Foundation

Every quest begins with a map, and yours starts with keyword research. Dive deep into the minds of your ideal customers and understand their burning desires and urgent needs.

Unearth those golden keywords, the magic phrases that guide them to your doorstep.

Craft compelling content that resonates with their deepest anxieties and whispers the promise of solutions. Optimize your website, making it search engine-friendly – a haven of information easily discoverable in the vast digital landscape.

Impact: Witness the first rays of SEO dawn! Organic traffic trickles in, drawn by the irresistible magnetism of your keyword-rich content. Leads, those precious whispers of interest, begin to materialize. A glimmer of hope ignites in your eyes.

Stage 2: Mastering the Competitive Arena

But the SEO battlefield is never a solitary stroll. Competitor analysis becomes your war cry. Who are your rivals? What tactics have they honed to dominate the rankings? Analyze their strengths and weaknesses, uncovering chinks in their armor.

Use these insights to refine your strategy, crafting content that surpasses theirs in depth, value, and user experience.

Impact: Your website ascends the search engine ladder, leaving your competitors in dust. Traffic surges, leads multiply, and conversions blossom like roses in springtime. The seeds of success have been sown.

Stage 3: Technical Optimization – The Ninja's Secret Weapon

While content reigns supreme, the true Ninja understands the hidden power of technical optimization. Crawl your website like a spider, unearthing hidden errors and performance bottlenecks.

Tame unruly page load times, befriend mobile-friendliness and embrace the ever-evolving algorithms of the search engine gods. Remember, a technically sound website is a happy website, and happy websites rank higher.

Impact: Your website, once a clunky wagon, transforms into a sleek, SEO-powered rocket ship. Page views skyrocket, user engagement soars and conversions reach ninja-level stealth, silently siphoning leads into your sales funnel.

Stage 4: Beyond the Basics – Advanced SEO Tactics for the Discerning Ninja

For the truly ambitious, the journey continues. Link building, the art of forging online alliances, becomes your next challenge.

Befriend relevant websites, collaborate with industry influencers, and create content so valuable that others clamor to link back to you.

These digital bridges will propel your website to even greater heights.

Impact: Your brand visibility explodes, reaching far beyond the confines of your website. Trust and authority solidify, turning you into a thought leader in your niche. Prepare for an avalanche of qualified leads and conversions, the sweet reward of your SEO mastery.

Inspiring Tales of Transformation:

But these are not mere theories, friends. Look at Company X, a once-struggling bakery that, through meticulous keyword research and local SEO tactics, became the go-to destination for artisanal sourdough in their city.

Company Y, a B2B tech startup that, armed with data-driven competitor analysis, crafted content that surpassed their rivals in technical expertise, securing lucrative contracts and industry dominance.

These are just a few chapters in the ever-growing saga of businesses transformed by the power of customized SEO.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Power of Tailored SEO

The path from SEO zero to ninja may seem daunting, but fear not, for you are not alone. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and the first step is choosing the right guide.

Customized SEO isn't a one-size-fits-all formula, it's a bespoke suit meticulously crafted to fit your business's unique needs, strengths, and aspirations.

With the right partner and an unwavering commitment, you too can ascend the SEO ladder, leaving your competitors in the dust and claiming your rightful place as a digital ninja.

So, what are you waiting for? The SEO wilderness awaits, teeming with possibilities.

Take the first step, embrace the power of customization, and watch your business transform from zero to ninja – a testament to your dedication and the magic of targeted SEO.

 

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At SEOMarketeers, we craft customized SEO strategies that are as unique as your business. We'll be your guide on this quest, helping you conquer each stage and claim your rightful place at the top of the search engine ladder.

 

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Don't settle for zero – become a ninja with SEOMarketeers by your side. Let's embark on this epic journey together, one keyword, one competitor, one optimization at a time. We'll see you at the top!

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[careless-with-your-heart]

(Lay You in the Ground//WIP) An iZombie AU Fic (Blaine x OC)

Below! Part of the in-process chapter three of LYitG.

Kitty tries not to leave any clues—but it’s only a matter of time before Blaine discovers her. It takes two weeks, give or take.

Her first week on the job, he stays behind the bar with her. Not interfering—no, surprisingly, he gives her free rein—just existing in the same small rectangle with her, pouring drinks and singing along to the karaoke and grinning that lopsided grin of his at the occasional flirtatious patron. The only time he engages her is when he’s chatting up one of these customers, talking fast and laying on the charm in thick waves. It’s then that Kitty and Blaine play off of one another, as though they’ve been doing it for years. He pulls the customer into their exchanges, and every one is innuendo-heavy and snappy, and Kitty always has to break his gaze by the end, her cheeks flushed.

It's just an act, she's sure, to entertain the patrons, and to keep Blaine from having to decline every drunk girl who rests her tits on the bar in flagrant invitation.

Catherine doesn’t realize what he’s doing until the end of the first week, when a top-heavy redhead, wobbly on her heels at last call, asks him for his number, and his eyes slide away from the girl and toward her, his head inclining.

“Oh, honey, I am extremely flattered that you would ask. But I’m saving myself for this ravishing creature right here, and she’s not taking the bait.” He flicks a thumb at Catherine. “Maybe I’ll mix you another drink, and you sit right down here and teach my friend Kitty how to catch a man.”

The redhead giggles, hiccups, and then slides onto the empty barstool right in front of Catherine. “Why you don’t wanna catch him?”

Kitty shakes her head and looks over at Blaine, whose half-lidded eyes and cocky smile say, “Yeah? Why not?”

“Well, where I’m from, boys like Blaine here look like sportscars on the outside, but they hit you like a Mack truck if you let them. So I think we’re better off as friends.” She snatches a bottle of vodka from his outstretched hand and starts mixing the woman one last drink.

“Where is that?” Blaine asks smoothly, leaning a hip against the counter by the register. Kitty is busy measuring orange juice, so she doesn’t quite get at first that she is falling into a trap.

“Where is what?” she returns, drizzling blue curacao into the drink.

“Where are you from?” the woman asks, slurring.

“Las Vegas.” It slips out as she is shaking the iced alcohol, and as the last sibilant slips past her lips, she feels a chill, as cold as the outside of the metal tumbler in her hand, slide up her spine. Her eyes flick to Blaine, who is regarding her with an expression that she can only describe as carefully neutral. But there’s something in the depths of his eyes, a spark in the blue, that tells her it’s not a coincidence that the buxom woman sitting in front of her happens to have stumbled up with her come-on.

The banter, the flirting, the put-on routine that he has been cultivating with her all week, it’s been a means to figure her out. To find her out.

You bastard, Kitty thinks. But she lets him have it, this crumb of her, even though it feels like the first chink in her armor.

Her next mistake pertains to the dress situation. She doesn’t ask him to, but after the first dress from Mario’s, Blaine has a new dress hanging every night in the small side room where she stashes her backpack when she comes in—the sequined minidress with the plunging neckline and daringly short hemline, the lace-backed number that is sophistication at first glance (but reveals just the right amount of skin with its backless cut), the off-the-shoulder velvet slip dress in a rich purple that feels like a lover’s touch on her skin, the deep-vee’d silk wrap dress with the high slit along the right leg—and on, and on. Each selection fits as though it were made for her, and each has a small card clipped to the hanger, the neat, square handwriting presumably Blaine’s.

Hair up.

Hair down.

At first, intrigued and perhaps a little invested in indulging him, she does it. She pins her hair up in a tight French twist when the outfit bares her décolletage, her shoulders, or her back. She feels on display—an uneasy feeling from her recent past that part of her balks at—but then, she tingles at the slide of his gaze over her neck, as surely as though he has set his lips on her skin. Other nights, she wears her hair down, loose and heavy, waves cascading down her back—this, when the  dress is modest at the neckline, so she knows he wants every gaze at The Post drawn to her legs. He never says anything, approving or disapproving, and the absence of either starts to matter more to her than it should.

(Complete chapter three coming soon to AO3!)