#goldfish forecast

[brynnewithane]

[Dating Hoshina Headcanons]

Absolutely no one asked but this is how I imagine dating Hoshina would look like:

This post is based on my personal research and officially published information about Hoshina up to Chapter 110. Please read this with a giant grain of salt.

If he has a half day off:

Casual coffee dates, talk about anything and everything.

Walk in the park while he’s still wearing his tracksuit so he can respond quickly to Kaiju’s attacks.

Takes you to all the bookstores or libraries, buy books for each other then go home and read each other’s book.

Late night Izakaya date when his shift is finished. Both grab a beer and you’ll listen to him telling you about how his day went, including all the drama at work of course lol.

Spend a lot of quality time together reading, discussing a book he has recommended (probably non-fiction or classics).

I also love the idea that he likes to take you to every Japanese Festival like the Kyoto Gion Matsuri (Kyoto is in the Kansai region; he’s from a traditional old-money clan in the Kansai region, so this festival is a must), but he’d probably be on duty those days for extra vigilance in case there’s an attack. Despite so, he’s gonna make it up to you later on bc this man does have a sense of loyalty and he cares a whole lot once you make it to his heart and earn his trust.

Another headcanon of mine is that he‘s lowkey romantic. Like c’mon, he reads poetry lmao. I’ve never seen someone who reads poetry that doesn’t have a romantic side. If he’s off duty, he’d plan a proper date, such as:

Watches the Blossom Forecast to plan for a Hanami picnic (花見, hanami, "flower viewing") when Spring comes. He’ll bring sweets like Dango, Daifuku, and his favorite Mont Blanc.

Takes you to those kimono retailers, makes you try on different types of kimono, and buy the one you like most.

He’d take you to the beach, or onsen on some mountains. He’d ask you to go on a hike with him in the early morning bc that’s his routine and he wants you to join him as well.

He’ll prepare a yukata for both to attend summer festivals, buy sparklers (線香花火, senkou hanabi), play goldfish scooping (金魚すくい, kingyo sukui), eat candied apples and watch fireworks together.

Chilling in his house, drinking ramune and eating watermelon. You watch your favorite show, he reads his newly bought novel. Either you both cook and prepare dinner, or head out to a rather fancy traditional restaurant.

English is not my first language so my grammar isn’t grammaring sometimes. If there are any parts that feel weird or unnatural, please let me know🤧

[mewtwoandme]

O_O Human Lee looks like the sort of person who would scare off people harassing human Amber and bring her a lunch he attempted to make. Lee shows up and scares the perves with his presence: "What'cha doing? Harassing my lady or someth'in?" The humans bothering Amber feel intimidated: "n-nothing! Ju-just asking about the weather..." Lee: "The forecast looks like I'm about to kick your a$$. Beat it, losers." Humans: Flee in fright after make a lame retort. Human Amber with her arms folded across her chest: "What are YOU doing here, Lee?" Lee holds out a fabric wrapped bento box he made: "You forgot your lunch. Well... not that you could forget something you didn't know I made... Anyways, here, take it." The Bento: It's a poorly arranged bento box where the lid won't close properly due to items being too big to fit. Inside is 2 chicken drumsticks, a drink can of hot coffee, an apple (with a small bite taken out of it for some reason), a stick of celery with a cherry tomato, a handful of goldfish magikarp crackers, and 2 chocolate chip cookies. Lee: :3 "It's a chicken salad with cracker croutons and some dessert. I couldn't fit the fries in there. Got them in my jacket if you want some."

That's so him tho XD

[tj-crochets]

Crafting forecast: - crochet penguin for an art trade, so far the body and one and a half flippers (fins? wings?) crocheted, head, beak, face, and feet left to crochet - finish the gold fish and add keychains to it and the blue/purple one (another art trade! I sewed the side fins and added them to the body today, I just need to add the eyes and sew it closed) - sunshine baby blanket (for baby cousin) - sun and moon baby booties (two separate sets for two separate baby cousins) - mail things oh my gosh I have to get projects in the mail they are piling up - possibly a large fleece fish? like, somewhere between a betta fish and a fancy goldfish, I have an idea for how to make the mouth seam...WAIT I have a pattern for a fancy goldfish I bought a while ago I should make a fancy goldfish!

[redolentgrove]

At this point, I should stop asking why she does it and just be grateful she doesn't do it worse.

Millie held her forest map out as she traversed the paths and clearings in White Forest, specifically Redolent Grove. "Okay, I'm here, and the lake is there," she uttered verbally, tracing over the corresponding sections of her map with her right index finger. "Which means, following the orientations and the sky, I'm going… north-by-northwest to find Bijoux. And that…" She faced slightly to her left, setting forth. "…is this way."

Suddenly, a blur of orange and blue zipped in from the right-hand side of Millie's currently, happening to head right toward the same north-by-northwest direction the Dachsbun had just used to orient herself.

"What the-" Millie was taken aback by this at first, but knowing she wasn't in danger and hadn't been knocked back from the mystery blur, took a moment. "Those shades of colour looked an awful lot like that mythical from Hoenn… Deoxys, yes! Wow, I wonder if it's heading over to talk to Bijoux. I'd better do my best to get over there and see."

The canine bolted forward, following the now-certain path to see if she could figure out exactly who, or what, had the mythical Pokemon in such a hurry… and curious to possibly meet them in person, if possible.

Bijoux sat by the eastern lakeshore, just sitting on the grass and reflecting as she stared at the crystal-blue water. It was a soothing late morning; the sun was fully up and the dewdrops had long since vanished, but it was still temperate and cool before any of the forecasted summer heat could rear its head and ruin the vibes of the settings. The Cinccino-taur scooted back slightly, stretched her lower body out casually and let out a bit of a yawn, but just when she was about to get cosy…

"Wh-" The instant Deoxys appeared, Bijoux's whole body jumped to all four sets of her tiptoes and seized up involuntarily, the taur yelping with a high-pitched squeal. Fur on end, frazzled looks, glasses dissheveled… It might have been from the absolutely devilish speed at which he arrived, or the rapid-fire, all-caps level of yelling he did… maybe even the complete incoherence of his words? Whatever it was, it had her mind working overtime to try and comprehend anything of what was going on. She heard "Sunkist" and "goldfish" and something about a moustache? What moustache? Anyway… Harmonia? He went there too? No, just something about skateboarding. A roommate, he asked about a roommate, didn't he… She was about to try and stammer up a haphazard response when a familiar voice saved her.

"Bijoux, mon ami! You didn't tell me you kept such presitigious company!"

Bijoux turned her gaze over to the left, carefully keeping the loud, dominance-asserting Deoxys' shape in the corner of her right eye, just in case he had more to say. Or any more to do, for that matter. She relaxed… slightly, but a lot of that voluminous fluff was still quite on end. She adjusted her glasses back to the proper position, then let out a little squeak.

"M-millie, what are you doing here?" the Cinccino-taur hissed, ears perked. "How did you know where I lived, anyway? Why is your family out here all the way from Kalos?"

"I didn't know the exact spot in White Forest, just that you said White Forest…" the Dachsbun explained, idly brushing at her shoulders. "But... Mom and Dad came to the forest to pick up a large floral arrangement for my cousin Madeleine's wedding, and brought me as, and I quote, their 'humility belt.' Actually embarrassing." Millie even did the air quotes thing, with her tongue lolled out in a disbelieving huff.

"Oh no, that's almost as bad as the jokes Mom makes…"

"I'd bet. Oh, speaking of her! She's the florist! Isn't that crazy?" Millie's eyes lit up somewhat. "I know you said your Mom was a gardener but I'm impressed she has such a strong business with selling her flowers!"

"Yeah, she's pretty- Wait, you're the clients that rush-ordered forty-five dozen flowers in a one-day span and pushed like four orders back by a day or two?" Bijoux was taken aback by this discovery. "The nerve of your parents…"

"Blame my mom," Millie replied flatly. "If it's anything obnoxious from a Carême, she definitely did it. Dad's too far gone to stop her from being a full-on nightmare. Anyway… when I talked to your mom, she said it would be good to visit you while they closed the transaction, so she gave me a map and told me where you'd be. Then I sighted your speedy orange friend and he so happened to lead me right to you."

"Orange fr-" Bijoux's eyes narrowed slightly. "Millie, I don't know this guy! He came in here yelling about being a sunkist, twirling non-existent moustaches and that he used to skateboard up and down Harmonia back in the day! I think I heard something about a roommate in there…"

"Oooh, how eccentric. I'm sure glad Mom and Dad weren't here to see that. They'd probably wonder what's gotten into the gods if they're acting with such frivolity and carefree whismy. Me, I don't care. I seem to remember the legendaries weren't always so serious, myself."

Bijoux let out a chuckle and nodded lightly. "Well, I mean, this is more a case of 'mythical' versus 'legendary' Pokemon, if we're going to be entirely truthful, but yes, it's true that there tends to be wiggle room for a bit of… um, whimsy." She rubbed at her arms bashfully. "I'm not sure though… I don't remember any of the mythical Pokemon being quite so… loud and random."

Millie took a stride toward the Cinccino-taur, the fairy type gently craning her neck to the right, then to the left, in a casual stretch. "Deoxys with his several formes, doesn't surprise me that he's prone to burst forward and be a bit vocal with all that going on around him. Just take a deep breath, slow down, and… wait, did you say he asked about a roommate?"

The taur nodded softly. "I… think so?" She looked over at Deoxys and let out a nervous smile. "Uh, m-mister Deoxys, this is my roommate at college… I'm never going to remember all this, but I think she said her name was… Mille-Feuille Bonaparte Carême. Something like that."

The Dachsbun laughed heartily. "Bijoux, my dear… just Millie is more than sufficient. Unless you're talking to my parents; they'll throw you out of the house for getting it wrong. Sadly, Bijoux, I don't think she'd even let you in the house at all. But yes, that's absolutely correct; I'm shocked you remembered it so well after just a couple of times being told! Such sharp memory…"

Bijoux blushed at this. "Psh… I only remember it because you told me the name when we first met, and I remarked that I thought your parents were playing some sort of high-class game naming you so pointedly themed around the Napoleon dessert. You didn't answer me back then; is making up joke-ish names like that some sort of rich-Pokemon game that I just don't understand?"

Millie blinked briefly, then shook her head. "They kind of were," she admitted. "I have no idea if they think it's a game, mon ami. I think that's just how rich Pokemon's brains tend to work. And with a last name like Carême, I can't exactly do a whole lot around it that isn't going to sound like some sort of weird, even sicker joke. I thought about going by Millie Bonne, but that sounds a bit like Milk Bone, and even though I don't think that sounds all that bad, I'm sure someone out there is going to connect the dots and turn that into a joke because I'm a Dachsbun."

Bijoux stuck out her tongue playfully. "Well, you are a treat to be around… even if your Mom sounds more bitter than a kale and collard green smoothie."

Millie rolled her eyes. "Don't push your luck, souris pelucheuse," she growled, playfully giving Bijoux's shoulder a shove. "Anyway…" The Dachsbun looked up at the sky, noting the slight change in the colours and tints. "I think by now your mom and my parents should have arrived in Undella with the arrangement. Loki… only said she bought me until sundown, after all. I'm not going to look that gift Ponyta in the mouth."

"She told you to call her by her first name, huh? Typical Mom…" Bijoux let out a soft chuckle. "Why call her 'my mom' earlier, though?"

"I guess I just… internally wrestled with the idea before I actually did it around you. Maybe I just didn't want you to feel like it wasn't approriate to do it?"

"What, calling my mom Loki? You might as well; most of Undella High knew her as 'Aunt Loki' in the years before I graduated with all of the time she spent there supporting the students and teachers. Heck, one day she even managed to get enough food together to make a giant luncheon for everyone on the campus; over seven hundred between students and faculty combined!"

"It's… refreshing, to see someone so invested in community," Millie remarked, a warm smile on her face. "And a bit of an honour to be able to address her so informally. I don't get a lot of the whole 'casual' friendships when I'm in my family's hot-to-trot world of high finances and ideally preened bodies. She seems extremely genuine and sweet, if a little bit on the impish side, when she has to be."

"Yeah, she didn't exactly take the name of the trickster god without borrowing a few of the more… clever, sneaky tactics said tricksters would employ," Bijoux replied. "That's pretty much just how Mom is. Family and community mean everything to her, but she's not afraid to be nasty if she needs to pull punches."

"You're a lucky girl to grow up under her care." The Dachsbun blushed some. "But uh… I'd better stop gushing about Loki's kindnesses and get going so I don't miss the rehearsal dinner. Mom would die if everything wasn't perfect. And as tempting as causing my mom to melt down is, she's paying for my tuition, books and board and such. I'd better… wait until I get my degree before I do anything too risky. It was nice to see you, mon ami. Give Loki my best, and I'm sure I'll see you at school soon, oui? Au revoir~"

Bijoux bowed a bit toward the Dachsbun in acknowledgment. "Of course, Millie… I'm sure she'd be glad to hear you feel so favourably about her. Au revoir, mon ami," the Cinccino-taur replied, earning a bit of a playful smirk from her roommate and friend. But before the fairy type disappeared…

"Oh!" Millie turned back briefly, to address the taur. "Could you hold onto this for a bit?" The Dachsbun handed Bijoux the Gracdiea bloom Loki had given her. prompting a bit of confusion from the normal-type.

"A Gracidea… this is one of Mom's! She clearly wants you to have this if you have one; why are you giving it to me?"

"Because… I think if my parents knew I had it on me, they'd make me get rid of it. Well, Mom would, at least. Dad would just silently stand there and let her rip it from my paws and light it on fire or something." Millie seemed apologetic, something Bijoux definitely took to heart when the Dachsbun made her request. "Can you keep it for me until we get to Harmonia for the year?"

"Of course," Bijoux agreed immediately, gently tucking the bloom into her sweater. "I'll make sure it gets safely to school so your parents don't get suspicious." She let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry; I hope Mom wasn't too mean to them…"

"I'm sorry she wasn't meaner," Millie barked, a statement that caused both girls to let out sharp cackles, though they stopped guiltily before long. "But, quite really, I wouldn't have blamed your mom for smacking mine across the face. I wouldn't even be surprised if my mom tried to hop on Loki's back and ride her like some sort of Ride Pokemon, thinking she'd just trot her over to Undella Town!"

"Millie, if your mom tried to ride on my mom's back, she would have a severe concussion from being bucked and kicked off, and that's the best case scenario." The Cinccino-taur let out a long sigh. "And that's saying a lot the one taur that would offer a ride on her back to just about anyone."

"She'd kind of deserve it, if we're being honest… I don't think she had a single nice thing to say about your mom, Bijoux. She kept making fun of her appearance, her being a mythical hybrid, trying to doubt her abilities…"

"You're just lucky words don't bother Mom anymore," Bijoux answered casually. "Seriously, one time an Absol tried to roast her and she just laughed them off. She saves all her anger for direct disrespects like attacks, touching her without permission, stuff like that, you know? Though I've heard teasing her friends and family will rile her up a bit…"

"Ah, yes, a classic protective mother… anyway, I think your acquaintance has heard enough of us bantering. I should take my leave. Oh! And a tip, Bijoux; my family is staying at a beautiful little villa in Undella Town, just north of here. So I'll try and sneak down here when I can to get away from their… them-isms, if I can."

"Isn't that-" Bijoux was cut off before she could even complete her thoughts.

"Was their villa, mon ami," Millie countered. "That family actually decided to move to a villa in Alola last year. Malie City, to be more specific. Did you know they had a deep love of the Malie Garden? I'm surprised they would choose to go there when something as expansive and gorgeous as White Forest is just a short southward walk away! But, as they say, the heart wants what she wants. Their loss is our good fortune. Again, au revoir~"

And as Millie left, Bijoux waved good-bye, then turned back to face Deoxys, if he hadn't left by then. "Oh… and uh, Mister Deoxys… no, I don't think you're going to fit in my backpack. You're taller than I am. Sorry to disappoint you."

(( @askdeoxys ))

[foodlovers01]

Innovations Shaping the Ornamental Fish Feed Market: Growth Projections (2025-2034)

The ornamental fish feed market was valued at USD 3.19 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly from USD 4.12 billion in 2024 to USD 6.22 billion by 2032. This represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.55% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Key drivers propelling this market include the rising popularity of aquariums with innovative designs and the growing interest among millennials in vibrant ornamental fish for home and commercial spaces.

Key Market Drivers

Innovative Aquarium Designs: Advancements in aquarium technology and aesthetics are increasing the demand for ornamental fish, thereby boosting the need for high-quality fish feed.

Millennial Interest in Ornamental Fish: The younger generation's fascination with colorful, exotic fish as a hobby or decorative element is significantly contributing to market growth.

Rising Disposable Income: Increased spending power allows consumers to invest in ornamental fish and premium fish feed products.

Key Market Dynamics

Technological Advancements in Fish Feed: Development of nutritionally balanced, species-specific feed that enhances fish health and color vibrancy.

E-commerce Growth: Online platforms are making ornamental fish feed more accessible to a broader audience.

Sustainability Trends: Growing awareness about eco-friendly and sustainable fish feed options is shaping consumer preferences.

Key Market Opportunities

Expansion in Emerging Markets: Increasing interest in ornamental fish keeping in developing countries offers substantial growth potential.

Product Diversification: Opportunities exist for introducing specialized feeds tailored to specific fish species and dietary requirements.

Collaborations with Aquarium Designers: Partnerships between fish feed manufacturers and aquarium designers can enhance product visibility and demand.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type:

Dry Feed: Includes flakes, pellets, and granules, widely preferred for their convenience and long shelf life.

Frozen Feed: Offers high nutritional value, often used for specific species requiring protein-rich diets.

Live Feed: Provides natural nutrition, typically used by advanced hobbyists and breeders.

By Fish Type:

Freshwater Fish: Dominates the market due to the popularity of species like goldfish and bettas.

Marine Fish: Growing segment driven by the demand for exotic and vibrant species.

By Distribution Channel:

Offline Stores: Pet shops, specialty aquarium stores, and supermarkets remain primary purchase points.

Online Platforms: Rapid growth driven by convenience, variety, and home delivery options.

Segment Insights

Dry Feed holds the largest market share due to ease of use and affordability.

Freshwater Fish segment dominates, reflecting the widespread popularity of freshwater aquariums.

Online Platforms are witnessing rapid growth, reflecting the shift towards digital shopping trends.

Key Players in the Ornamental Fish Feed Market

Tetra GmbH

Hikari (Kyorin Food Industries)

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

Ocean Nutrition

API Fishcare (Mars, Incorporated)

Cargill Incorporated

Sera GmbH

New Life International, Inc.

JBL GmbH & Co. KG

Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.

Regions Covered

North America: Strong market presence driven by a high number of hobbyists and advanced aquarium setups.

Europe: Growth supported by increasing disposable incomes and a well-established aquarium culture.

Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing region due to rising interest in ornamental fish keeping in countries like China, Japan, and India.

Latin America: Expanding market with growing awareness about ornamental fish as home decor and hobby.

Middle East & Africa: Emerging interest in luxury aquariums and ornamental fish is contributing to market growth.

In conclusion, the ornamental fish feed market is poised for significant growth, fueled by technological advancements, rising interest among millennials, and expanding accessibility through online platforms. Market players are focusing on product innovation and tapping into emerging markets to leverage growth opportunities.

Discover more Research Reports on Food and Beverages Industry, by Market Research Future:

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Ornamental Fish Feed Market Research Report Information By Type (Processed Feed and Live Feed), By Fish Type (Tropical Fishes, Goldfish, Koi, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Store-Based and Non-Store-Based), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest Of The World) – Market Forecast Till 2032

About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis about diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.

[chemicalresearchupdates]

Ornamental Fish Feed Market Forecast: Assessing Future Growth Opportunities and Challenges

Ornamental fish feed is the feed used to provide nutrition to ornamental fishes such as betta, koi, goldfish and tropical fishes for maintaining health, reproduction, and improved coloration. It enhances metabolism, enhances immunity, promotes proper growth and development. The global ornamental fish feed market is driven by the rising popularity of ornamental fish keeping as a hobby. The global ornamental fish feed market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3.47 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period between 2024-2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Opportunity:

Improved fish production efficiency presents a key opportunity for the ornamental fish feed market growth. Ornamental fish feed formulated with balanced nutrients and live feeds helps in maintaining optimum health and improves growth rate and survivality of fishes. It also enhances reproductive efficiency leading to higher birth rates. Fish feed with specific nutrients as per different life stages such as fry feed, growing feed and broodstock feed supports consistent production. This significantly boosts the supply and lowers production costs, making ornamental fish farming a profitable business. The development of specialized nutrition-rich ornamental fish feeds catering to improved production efficiency can present lucrative prospects.

Porter's Analysis

Threat of new entrants: The threat is moderate as ornamental fish feed is a growing market requiring significant capital investments and R&D. However, newcomers can leverage advanced feed technologies.

Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have moderate power due to presence of many feed brands but demand for specialized feeds increases their dependence on key brands.

Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers of raw materials like fish meal and plant proteins have low to moderate power due to availability of substitutes.

Threat of new substitutes: Threat is low as specialized diets suitable for different ornamental fish species are difficult to substitute.

Competitive rivalry: Intense as major players compete on innovation, quality, branding and distribution.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: Established brands have extensive R&D and product portfolios catering to diverse fish types. Strong distribution networks globally.

Weakness: Smaller players have limited resources for new product development. Imports depend on global commodity price fluctuations.

Opportunity: Growing aquarium hobby and pet fish keeping is spurring demand. Online sales platforms expand reach.

Threats: Strict regulations on additives and genetically modified ingredients. Economic slowdowns impact discretionary pet expenditures.

Key Takeaways

The global ornamental fish feed market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period driven by the increasing number of aquarium owners and growing popularity of fishkeeping as a hobby worldwide. The global ornamental fish feed market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3.47 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period between 2024-2031. The North America ornamental fish feed market holds the major share currently owing to high fishkeeping participation rates and consumption in countries like the US. The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace led by emerging markets of India and China where ornamental fish keeping is gaining popularity aided by economic development and rising disposable incomes. Key players operating in the ornamental fish feed market are Alltech Inc., Ocean Star International, Inc., Cargill Incorporated., Hai Feng Feeds Co., Ltd., Taiyo Group, Sera GmbH, AlgaSpring B.V., PT Central Proteina Prima Tbk, and Tianjin Dongjiang food co., LTD. Players are focusing on differentiated formulations targeted at specific fish species and life stages to gain an edge.

[themoneyguru1]

Decoding the Gig Economy's Financial Challenges and Fixes

Venturing into the gig economy offers a tantalizing world of flexibility and independence. But amid the freedom lies a maze of financial challenges. Fear not, for I am here to decode these hurdles and provide you with fixes hotter than your favorite street-side chaat. Let's dive in!

Riding the Gig Wave: The Financial Adventure Begins

With a laptop and an internet connection, anyone can dive headfirst into the gig economy. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a coding ninja, a graphic design maestro, or a culinary artist whipping up fusion delicacies, platforms like Swiggy, Upwork, and UrbanClap have opened up a world of possibilities.

No more nine-to-five shackles, no more battling the traffic – it's work on your own terms. But, hold your horses, or should we say, hold your auto-rickshaws, because the gig economy’s road isn’t always smooth.

Also Read: The Digital Loan Guru’s Guide: Mastering the Art of Safe Borrowing

The Budget Roller Coaster: Feast or Famine

In the world of gigs, predicting your monthly income can feel like forecasting the weather in the monsoon season – highly unpredictable. One month, you might be rolling in the big bucks, feeling like the Maharaja of Moolah; the next month, you could be counting your pennies like a thrifty grandparent. This feast-or-famine income cycle can make budgeting feel like solving a complex math problem after an all-nighter.

Fix It Tip #1: The Grand Emergency Fund

Picture this – you’re sailing smoothly on your gig ship, and suddenly, a storm of unexpected expenses hits you like a gust of wind. What do you do? Panic? No way! This is where the grand emergency fund steps in, your trusty lifeboat. Set aside a portion of your earnings each month into a separate emergency fund. This fund will be your shield in times of financial storms. So, the next time your laptop crashes or your pet goldfish needs emergency medical attention, you won't be caught in the deep sea without a paddle.

Tax Troubles: The Haunting Specter

Ah, taxes – the two constants in life, the other being change. When you're a gigster, sorting out your taxes can feel like solving a cryptic puzzle in a dark room. Income tax, GST, filing returns – it's enough to make your head spin faster than a Bollywood dance move. And let's not even get started on the quarterly advance tax payments that can blindside you like a plot twist in a suspense thriller.

Fix It Tip #2: The Tax Jar Trick

Here's a little secret – open a dedicated savings account fondly named the "Tax Jar." Each time you receive a payment for your gig, toss a small percentage into this jar. When tax season comes knocking, you won't be scrounging for funds like a squirrel looking for its buried acorn. Your Tax Jar will have your back, and you'll waltz through tax season like a confident dancer grooving to your own financial rhythm.

Lonely Retirement Island: No Employer Benefits

Remember those days of salaried jobs when your employer had your back with cushy benefits like health insurance, retirement funds, and bonuses that sparkled like Diwali fireworks? In the gig economy, you’re the master of your ship, which means waving goodbye to those comforting perks. Retirement planning becomes a solitary voyage, and health emergencies can feel scarier than a ghost story around a campfire.

Fix It Tip #3: The Solo 401(k) Adventure

Introducing your new sidekick – the Solo 401(k)! Just because you're your own boss doesn't mean you can't plan for a comfortable retirement. The Solo 401(k) lets you stash away a chunk of your gig earnings for the future while enjoying potential tax benefits. It's like planting a money tree that will shower you with golden leaves in your golden years. So, while you're rocking your gigs today, your future self will be dancing a jig of gratitude.

Also Read: Why Opt for Professional Loans Instead of Regular Personal Loans

Conclusion

In the dynamic gig economy, financial challenges are a reality, but armed with savvy fixes like these, you can conquer them all. So, seize the opportunities, embrace the journey, and gig your way to a brighter and more secure future.

[skippygoldfish]

I'm sure that everyone has different experiences, and allegedly goldies can handle very cold temps for the winter, just with less feeding. When I tried that it didn't go well for my dear Pumpkin, so I wouldn't risk it again. My girls seem to be okay down to the 50s, as long as it is a very gradual change, and for a short while. Just be sure to check the weather forecast for the nighttime temps- earlier here it suddenly got cold (low 50s) for a few nights after being in the 70s/80s all summer, and Skippy didn't like it. Now they have a heater in the basement set to about 70 and they seem to enjoy that. Basement goldfish gang!!

question. how cold do you all think is too cold 4 fancies? the water in the pond (up until this week since its been hot asf) has been in the 60s recently and im sure its dipped below that at night but i havent had like any problems. dont get me wrong theyre still going in the basement but if theres not any problems im debating on when the right time to pack it in is

[show300]

[jewlwpet]

CHITOSE WASN’T LOOKING WHERE SHE WAS POINTING, SO NOW CHIEKO THINKS HER BROTHER IS IN LOVE WITH A CHICKEN

[vamp8291]

wapiko is rlly rlly cute qwq

[evenstargws-attic]

The Fishy Tales - Chapter 3

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER 2

AND HERE FOR CHAPTER 1

===

In Chapter 2 Patience discovered Paka'a had left a little present and she is uncertain what to do. So she went back to the ocean to have a good night's sleep and decide how to handle the situation.

"So that night I went to the deep water and just slept there and and be one with the ocean once more."

The next morning, the sun had just peeked above the horizon and the surface waters slowly warmed a little, Emerald woke me up playfully splashing me. I played with her for a while until she pushed her nose to my belly and asked me what was wrong, and I told her I was expecting a young.

If dolphins could have facial expressions hers would be very confused at that point, she did not understand why that would make me sad. She circled me and whacked the water with her tail, creating what I call "Happy Waves" and showed me her own tummy which was also a little swollen, it seems she was expecting too and very happy about it.

But I wasn't unhappy because I was expecting, quite the opposite I told her, … I tried to explain it to her that it was the timing and the complicated situation, but animals think differently, they don't make an orca out of a goldfish. So in her own way (by squirting me with water) she told me to just put on my big girl fins and stop talking and thinking so much… then she brushed me off and swam away.

Feeling refreshed and up for the challenge I went ashore the next morning and dressed warmly. The weather had turned a bit so it was quite windy and it looked like a storm may be coming in, dark clouds threatened on the horizon. I walked onto the market-square and noticed people boarding up their houses for the weather forecast told them this was probably a good idea... A lot of people ran to and fro their houses and the market was being packed up as well... I saw a lot of people, but he was nowhere to be seen while normally he would be hanging around the market stalls and chatting to people.

Procrastinating once again I didn't look for him to thoroughly, I walked slowly (or would you call it waddled by now?) to the beach where I stood for a while, trying to come up with words on how to explain this to him. It wasn't needed, the explanation, it seems. His arms went around my body and he nuzzled my ear, he whispered "You have something to tell me?"

"We are pregnant" I blurted out, and I gasped at my own words.

"So you're gonna make me a papa then ?" he knelt before me and started humming very familiar nursery-song, one that my mother used to hum to me too, at my belly.

That made me tear up real fast and when he looked up in confusion at my sniffles I tried to hide my tears but … He stood up and gently wiped my tears after which he softly kissed my lips while there was such gratefulness in his eyes. He didn't ask why there were tears, and I didn't tell… It seems communication was not our strongest trait, but he seemed to know me so well already, it was amazing.

"I'm glad I've given you your first baby, that way you'll never forget me" he said "Does that make me sound selfish? Maybe,… but I'm just a fool in love…"

He sat down in the sand, and looked out over the ocean. Sitting down in the sand with some decorum was decidedly less easy for me now that my tummy was so swollen, so I sat behind him and leaned on his shoulders. Together we sat there for what seemed like hours but was probably more like a few minutes. So I figured to just bite the bullet and ask him.

"What have you decided…?"

He started talking at exactly the same moment

"It's gonna be difficult to stay away from you both at certain times, but I hope you'll allow me to be there for you when you need a helping hand in the future"

I couldn't believe my ears .... I had assumed this would be the moment we said goodbye, or maybe he'd swim off in anger after I told him I was expecting. But so it seems you can never really know up front what someone else will do in a certain situation.

"Does that mean you'll stick around even though... "

"Yeh , I will, but don't be telling me all that happens to make your babies, it's difficult enough as it is."

I was stunned, and relieved at once,... Once again this man proves you can never assume just what's gonna happen. I was still afraid one day he would wake up and tell me he didn't want to be with me anymore, our relationship was so new at this point and we knew hardly anything about each-other.

We sat there for a few hours more, just..., not talking but enjoying each-other presence nearby, both of us deep in thought, until suddenly thunder boomed and the lightning flashed up in the sky and we were soaked through in minutes.

===

And that's another chapter finished.

How will this tale continue? I can imagine this is gonna be very very difficult for Paka'a, having to see the love of his life being pregnant with babies by other men. And Patience, let's not forget about her… can you imagine the hell she is going through having to be with others while she knows her soulmate and love is relatively nearby? Hopefully their connection is strong enough it can withstand and survive all this turmoil.

Chapter 2 / Chapter 1

[missmollybloom]

Forget Me Not - Final Chapter!

Thank you for all the kind words as I shared my anxieties about writing and posting this final chapter. It’s up on Ao3 as well. 

Thanks again for all who have encouraged me along the way with this fic. I hope the ending does it justice.

Mycroft was stood in the corner of Barts basement lab when she arrived, three-piece suit as impeccable as always. His umbrella stored securely at his side despite the fact there was no rain forecast that Molly knew of.

“You promised me answers,” Molly started. She didn’t want to waste the greeting.

Mycroft needed no social graces. “What do you know about my brother, Doctor Hooper?” He asked.

Molly exasperated, repeated, “Answers, Mycroft. No more questions.”

Her head was already full of questions, and had been every day since her accident in the lab.

Mycroft paced the length of the long lab-bench, his hand running along the aluminium countertop.

“The question is the answer, Doctor Hooper,” Mycroft replied, as obtuse as ever.

She didn’t want to play along with the elder Holmes’ game, but he had her cornered. She had been given no other choice.

“What do I know about Sherlock?” Molly closed her eyes, trying to recall all she’d discovered about Mycroft’s strangely familiar brother in the last week or so.

“I’m-“ she stumbled, “ I’m not sure,” she admitted.

And it was true. What she knew and what she had been told were not necessarily one and the same. But how could she explain to this man that she was starting to think there were two Sherlock Holmeses – one, the man she had just met, and another, a man with a rich history she was only just beginning to learn.

Mycroft’s eyes bore into her.

Molly continued. “I mean, I know the parts he’s told me, and what John has shared, but I can’t help thinking that I’ve only got-“

“Part of the picture?” Mycroft offered, his eyes reading hers although not with the same intensity of his brother. Mycroft never gave anything away.

“What does this all have to do with Sherlock, anyway?”

A fleeting gesture ghosted over Mycroft’s features then. On anyone else, Molly would have assumed it was sadness – but Mycroft Holmes didn’t do emotions.

“Unfortunately, I can’t provide anything more than you already know.”

Molly wanted to scream, she wanted to grab him and shake him. “But you know everything! You’re the fucking government, Mycroft!”

Mycroft nodded solemnly. “Indeed, I do know it, but what I know, I can’t share with you.”

“This isn’t the time for being delicate, Mycroft!” She was almost yelling now.

Mycroft remained his still stoic self. Yet there was something in the tightness of his mouth that hinted at a wellspring of emotion. Was the ice-man melting, Molly wondered.

“Doctor Hooper, believe me when I tell you that your mind is fragile, more fragile than you know.”

His tone was so dark, the implication so grave, she believed him.

“Since my accident in the lab,” Molly added by way of confirmation.

Mycroft nodded, but he didn’t entirely agree.

“Since the night of that incident. But you already know it wasn’t a lab accident, don’t you, Doctor?” He was using her title to draw out her analytical rather than emotional side.

It worked.

Molly had an image of the glass vial that she saw in her dream.

“I took something. Something you had given to me to use in an emergency.”

The dream, Molly was beginning to realise, was reality. “What was it?” she asked him.

“I can’t tell you what it was, but I can tell you what it does. But surely you know that, too?”

Molly closed her eyes, concentrating.

The gaps, the confusion, the fact that nothing in her world made sense.

The images, impressions and dreams of a man she had just met.

It could only mean one thing.

“It erases memories.”

“Indeed.” Mycroft nodded. One word that brought her present struggles into sharp focus.

“So what did I erase?” said to herself, rather than to her companion.

“I can’t tell you that, Molly.”

He’d never called her by her first name before, and as he said it, she saw Mycroft the man, rather than the unfeeling thinking machine.

“But, you do know?” Molly checked.

“Indeed I know. But as I said, your mind is fragile.”

“If no one can tell me what memories I’ve erased, then what hope do I have?”

“Somewhere inside of you is a keystone memory. If you find it, you will find everything.”

Molly searched her mind. How could she find a memory that had been erased?

“Nothing makes sense, I’m so sick of-“

Molly started crying, her head leaning into Mycroft’s shoulder, tears staining the sleeve of his suit.

He placed an arm awkwardly around her with the unfamiliarity of a man who had never been in such close proximity to a woman.

Which was precisely when Sherlock arrived.

---

Sherlock had told himself that he needed to check on some lab cultures, but truth be told, he was worried about Molly. The fact that her sleep had been so affected by the Elosia treatment gave him equal parts hope and concern. Hope, that somewhere in her dreams her memories were returning, but concern, because he didn’t know what might happen when she did remember.

But what he found in Barts lab was a sight he never expected in all possible versions of reality: Mycroft with his arms around Molly.

Sherlock had never seen his brother express sentiment, let alone affection, before.

The rational man would tell him it was nothing – Mycroft was no threat. But Sherlock’s newly unlocked emotional side had all the maturity of an eight-year-old. The sight of Mycroft and Molly turned the rational man into a possessive monster.

“It’s not enough to fuck up my life and mess with my-“ he caught himself, “with Molly’s mind, now you have to swoop in and be her big saviour, too?”

“Sherlock!” Molly exclaimed, pulling away from Mycroft and walking towards him, reaching out a hand in placation.

“I think you’ll find Molly came to me for some answers,” Mycroft supplied.

“I think you’d best be calling her Doctor Hooper, brother” Sherlock growled through gritted teeth. His transformation into a feral monster almost fully complete. “And what answers do you think you could possibly give her without endangering her?”

A barb from Sherlock.

“And what have you done, Brother? Other than cause her to doubt the nature of her reality?”

A riposte from Mycroft.

“And whose fault is it that her reality got so messed up?”

Sherlock’s return volley.

“And who coopted a civilian into an Mi5 operation in the first place?”

Mycroft’s back-hand.

“And who blabbed my whole life story to Moriarty, giving me no other choice?”

Sherlock’s turn, taking a step back into adolescence.

Molly had had enough with their childish games.

“Stop it, both of you, stop it!” She yelled, placing herself firmly between the brothers. One hand on each of the men’s chests – holding them apart.

“See,” Sherlock mocked his brother, “She’s had enough of you, Mycroft.”

He placed a hand on hers, “Time to go, Molly.”

He started leading her away by the hand. Molly didn’t move.

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Sherlock was hurt. He had been hurting for almost a week now. Ever since he realised his Molly was gone. But there was no excuse for what he said next.

“Oh, I see.” He said, “Serves me right for trying to take on a Goldfish.”

He spat the term at his brother.

What he didn’t realise was how much it hurt Molly, not until-

One slap. Two slaps. A third.

His cheeks stung the familiar sting of Molly’s full ire.

“I’ve done that before,” Molly said, her eyes meeting his, moments before she fell to the floor, unconscious.

 ---

The lab disappeared. All that Molly could see was a white, formless void and a circle of women.

“Where am I?” She asked the circle of faces that looked like her, but weren’t.

“Wrong question,” said the stoic face of a woman who wore all the hurts of her past around her like an invisible armour, and matched said hurts with a black dress of mourning.

“What?” Molly asked again.

“I think she means, there’s a better question to be asking,” came the innocent, smiling face of a woman who had a naive crush on the mysterious and sexy detective who had just started frequenting Barts.

“What’s the question then?” Molly turned to face yet another version of herself.

“Who are you?” the in-control, efficient doctor clad in white lab coat supplied.

“Fine,” Molly said, playing along. “Who am I?”

“Are you a pathologist so good at your job that you’ve had offers from all the best hospitals in the country, but you turn them down because…” The doctor trailed off.

“Because of me,” the idealistic, young Molly supplied. “Because of how much I love him. Do you love him like I love him?” She asked.

“Or are you me?” came the black-clad mourner. “Because he’s hurt me – hurt us,” she gestured to the other women. “He’s used us, disparaged us, discarded us. And we let him.”

The mourner gestured to the other two women.

“Because I love the work,” Doctor-Molly explained.

“Because I love him,” Moonstruck-Molly added.

“And I’m the one who gets to slap him when we’re fed up with his shit. So, which one are you?” Asked the mourner.

“You’ve forgotten one,” Molly said to the three women.

They looked at each other in confusion.

“Me. What about me?” Molly explained.

“You don’t exist,” said the doctor, pity in her tone.

“But I do!” Molly persisted. “I just met a man. I think I like him. I know he likes me. He’s flawed and fascinating and the whole situation is completely fucked. But don’t I get a say about what I get to do next?”

That silenced them – for a time.

---

He wouldn’t leave her side, not while they attached her to the monitors, not while they ran all the tests they could in emergency.

Brainwaves normal. Bloodwork normal. Heartrate and blood pressure, all normal.

But Molly wouldn’t wake up.

The sting stayed in Sherlock’s cheeks, a feeling too familiar, a reminder of his failures – past and present.

Misreading her invitation to coffee.

Manipulating her for morgue access.

Complementing her if it would help him solve cases.

Sabotaging every chance of success for every date she went on through a series of stinging observations.

Humiliating her on Christmas, his misplaced hatred at a man she had dressed up for, wholly overlooking the possibility it could have been him.

Placing her life in peril when he convinced her to help him fake his death.

Then the drugs, the disappointment writ large on her face as she declared how dare he throw away the beautiful gifts he had been born with.

She slapped him then. She slapped him now. She had remembered. She said she’d done it before.

What did it mean?

John joined him after a time, although Sherlock couldn’t tell how long it had been, lost as he was in contemplation of their past and how it had led to this present moment at Molly’s bedside.

Later, Sherlock would realise that Mycroft was the one who had sent for John, wanting his brother to have the emotional support that he himself couldn’t possibly provide.

“How’s she doing?” John asked.

“No idea.” He didn’t dare glance up at his friend, afraid to miss any sign that Molly was on her way back to him.

“What happened?” John asked as he sat down on the vinyl visitor’s chair next to Sherlock.

“She remembered something,” Sherlock said, idly rubbing his cheek. Hours may have passed, but it still felt raw, fresh.

“That’s brilliant!” John’s beaming smile froze when he saw it wasn’t matched by his friend’s expression. “Isn’t it?” John asked.

“She remembered slapping me.”

“Oh.” John’s face fell.

They’d both been there that morning in the lab. They’d both witnessed the intensity of Molly’s fury when Sherlock failed his first drug test in more than 5 years.

“What does it mean?” John asked.

“The treatment, it can be reversed if the patient finds their core memory, the one key event that unlocks all others.” Sherlock explained.

“How do you know?”

“Redbeard,” Sherlock supplied.

It was one word, but John knew precisely what it meant.

“Jesus! They did it to you, too?”

Sherlock nodded. John lapsed into silence while the new facts sunk in, yet another puzzle piece to explain the brokenness of his friend.

The monitors’ rhythmic beeps punctuated the passing of time between the men as they kept their vigil for Molly.

After a time, Sherlock spoke again.

“Can I ask you a question, John?”

“Anything.” John, always faithful to a fault, Sherlock reflected with thankfulness.

“When you remember Mary, what image comes to mind first?” Sherlock asked.

John closed his eyes, willing his wife back through image and recollection. “She’s singing to Rosie, holding our daughter in her arms. She didn’t know I was there, stood in the doorway, but I was, I’m so glad I was. She was so happy.”

If he believed in the supernatural, if wishes could be granted by some unseeing power, Sherlock would have given everything he had in that moment to bring Mary back.

The love between his friend and his departed wife brought the flaws in his fledgling relationship with Molly into stark contrast.

“Molly’s first memory is of slapping me. Her first impression is of a relapsed junkie. What could I possibly offer her if all she remembers is the pain I’ve caused her?”

John put a hand on his friend’s shoulder, steeling him.

“You can offer her the one thing that Mary and I don’t have.”

Sherlock met John’s eyes in silent question.

“Time. You can give her all the time you have.”

John left soon after.

It gave Sherlock more time to think.

John and Mary only had a past.

He and Molly could have a future, if she was willing.

Sherlock didn’t know how much later it was when he started talking.

“I don’t know if you can hear me Molly, but I’d like to tell you a story. It’s not your usual story. I’m going to start at the ending. Because in the end there’s only me, sitting here, hoping you’ll wake up.

But here’s the problem with endings, Molly. If you knew the ending before the story began, would you listen to it again?

I don’t want our story to end, Molly. Not yet.

When you took that pill, I think you thought we were finished. I think you thought the story was done. What you didn’t realise, what you couldn’t have known, was that for me, it was just beginning.

I wish you were awake right now, so I could tell you I meant what I said in that phone call.

I love you, Molly Hooper.”

He left then, walking the streets for hours and hours until arriving at the empty shell of his Baker Street flat.

Sherlock walked upstairs and sat among the ruins.

Soon sleep took him and he let it.

---

Molly was arguing with herself again when she heard him, his voice echoing through the void, filling every fiber of her being.

“Molly remembers slapping me,” he said.

“Do you?” the other three Mollys turned towards her in shock.

“I can see me slapping him,” she began, “but I don’t know why.”

His voice returned. “What could I possibly offer her if all she remembers is the pain I’ve caused?”

“He’s got a point there,” the mourner said.

“Shut up,” Molly, and her other two doppelgangers snapped.

“He’s still talking!” Exclaimed the love-sick Molly.

Doctor-Molly nodded. “It’s something about stories.”

“But here’s the problem with endings, Molly. If you knew the ending before the story began, would you listen to it again?” He asked.

“Yes!” Molly cried out into the silence.

“I want to know why I deleted you! Please, tell me,” she screamed so loud her throat ached with the effort of it.

His voice continued. “When you took that pill, I think you thought we were finished. I think you thought the story was done.”

Molly could feel the pain, the hurt, the red-hot rage from his latest manipulation as the phone line went dead.

Sherlock kept speaking. “What you didn’t realise, what you couldn’t have known, was that for me, it was just beginning. I meant what I said in that phone call.”

The phone call. The last memory. Fitting that in their new story it would be her first memory, too.

At that thought all versions of Molly disappeared, leaving her alone. But of course, they’d never really disappear. All of them were her.

And she could remember the call, could remember how emotionally raw she was already that day, the tenth anniversary of her father’s death. She had only just stopped crying, stifling a sniffle as she made her tea and ignored his name on the screen when it rang the first time.

But he persisted, his name appearing again.

And so the game started.

And if he wanted a game, she’d give him one. “Say it like you mean it,” she goaded.

And he did.

And now, as it all came back, she heard those words again, although not on the phone line.

“I love you, Molly Hooper.” Sherlock said and in the depths of her dream-like state, she knew it was true.

---

It was early afternoon when Sherlock woke to John, shaking him to consciousness.

“Not a good place to sleep, Mate.”

“Eurus blew up my bed,” he said in his not yet fully awoken state, neck and back aching from his night spent on the floor.

“Still, a kip among the ashes won’t help things. I’ll get you a coffee.” John headed downstairs to the miraculously-unscathed kitchen in Mrs Hudson’s flat.

Sherlock stood, surveying the wreckage. It would take months to rebuild, and years to replicate his collection, if that is, the collected treasures and discoveries of his former life could ever be replicated.

He reached into the ashes and found a small red box, a Christmas gift from another time, one he’d spectacularly mis-read by assuming wouldn’t be for him.

Inside was a bee preserved in amber. The red box had kept it safe in the blast.

She was the only one he’d ever told about his love for bees.

His fingers traced the smooth, cold surface of the stone.

“I can’t believe you kept it,” came a voice from behind him.

“Molly,” was all he could manage. Molly, awake. Molly, out of hospital. Molly, with a memory.

“Fancy some chips?” She asked, gesturing to the chips in her hand.

The food soon dropped to the ground forgotten as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace.

“How?” he asked, eyes raking over her to see if it was real.

“I heard you,” she explained.

“Say it again,” she asked.

“I love you,” he complied.

“You mean it,” she said. And there was no doubt from either of them that it was true.

---

In a flat in Kensington, the man lives the same day every day. Although he created the technology, he has no idea that it now enslaves him.

But today is going to be different. Today, one man is going to set him free.

The detective had snuck in, changed the Wagner LP for something else, something that once heard will bring back the man’s homeland forever.

The clue was there all along, in the small white flours that decorated the man’s window frames.

Edelweiss.

His keystone memory.

And the moment the voice of the captain broke into song, the man broke back into the world.

Across the street, the detective watched, knowing that soon a tranche of long-awaited documents would be set free online. State secrets revealed, ensuring never again would an innocent fall afoul of Elosia.

But a greater freedom was won for the man who unlocked something more precious for the detective. Although London was Sherlock’s homeland, Molly was his home.

And without Blevins she would have been lost to him forever.

---

Weeks had passed since Molly had returned to him. They had begun rebuilding from the rubble, clearing out the detritus of the past, and making all things new, together.

She kissed him by way of greeting when he came home, a domesticity he knew he’d never tire of.

“Is it done?” she asked, knowing what mission he’d been tasked with.

“It’s done,” he nodded.

Her hand gently traced the contours of his cheek.

“You did a great thing today, Sherlock,” she said.

“No,” he said. “Only a good one.”

She smiled, taking his hand and leading him into their bedroom.

“Let’s make some new memories,” she said.

[whiterbone-a]

      whistling  a  tune  to  himself  and  foot  tapping  against  the  wooden  floor,     crayons  are  scattered  among  the  desk.      some  are  red,    blue,     silver,     even  pink.      i’m  hard  at  work!      he  would  claim,     raising  a  hand,     signaling  them  to  leave.       an  explanation  is  that  even  the  higher  -  ups  would  get  something  as  elementary  as  this,      since  they  refuse  to  listen  to  the  sorcerer’s  of  now.      it’s  honestly  aggravating  and  if  treating  them  like  children  rather  than  self  respecting  proclaimed  elders,      than  so  be  it.      he  perks  up  when  he  feels  an  all  too  familiar  presence;      he  smiles,     pointing  behind  him  while  hunched  over.       “      excellent  timing,    hibiki!      would  you  mind  getting  the  rest  of  the  crayons  on  that  table?     i  don’t  want  to  ruin  my  creative  process!      i’m  onto  something  big.     ”        he  looks  all  too  proud  of  himself,     however  pausing  at  the  command,       brows  raising  behind  the  blindfold.

“     oh?~     are  we  playing  this  game  now?     ”      fingers  still  as  he  tilts  his  head  over  his  shoulder.      “     you  know  being  still  isn’t  how  i  operate  but  you  seem  insistent.     i  won’t  move  a  single  muscle.     ”      he’s  taunting  now,     dropping  the  crayon on  the  table  and  leaning  to  let  his  arm  rest  on  the  back  of  the  chair,      legs  spread  as  he  waits.      “     you  know,      the  weather  said  it  was  going  to  rain  but  here  it  is ——    sunny.      you  think  they  would  have  more  accurate  forecasts.     ”     and  he  feels  them,     arms  hanging  over  his  shoulders.      warmth   .   .   .   they’re  warm.     behind  the  blindfold  it  shows  a  devoid  of  emotion,     but  eyes  are  narrowed  and  soft.      head  lowers  a  bit,     sensing  the  soul  run  from  its  core  to  the  tips  of  their  fingers.      it’s  yearning  and  a  sense  of  longing.       “     what,     did  your  goldfish  die  or  something?     whatever  happened  to  it,     it  wasn’t  boone.     ”

stay.

and  stays  he  does.

doesn’t  move  as  he  takes  a  deep  breath,     as  his  head  tilts  to  the  side  to  allow  them  more  room.      it’s  a  quiet  scoff  hinted  as  a  breathy  chuckle,      “      jeez,    you’re  being  this  secret  for  what?      you  wish  you  were  007.     he’s  the  greatest  secret  agent  of  all  time.     ” 

don’t  speak.

well,    a  little  late  for  that  but  at  least  it’s  the  thought  that  counts.      there  he  stares  at  his  poorly  crafted  art  on  the  table,     one  being  volcano  head ——   jogo  and  the  other  being  field  o’  flower ——   hanami.      well,     poor  to  the  untrained eye  but  him,     it  deserved  to  be  in  a museum  at  least.     slowly,     he  relaxes  in  their  grasp,     head  leaning  against  their  own.     solemn  and  silence,     it  wasn’t  all  that  bad;     especially  ones  that  you  care  for  most.

i  wonder    .   .   .     what  are  you  thinking  about?

" don't move . " from the void, they emerge. the usage of their warping is unneeded, unnecessary - but the element of surprise always exists in it. it allows them a moment of anonymity, secrecy ; quiet, as they require it, arms wrapping around satoru, wide palms setting themselves across dark fabric. " stay . " they don't understand the desire. the need. for closeness, for attachment. for the warmth as they bury their face into his shoulder. caging him in. " ... don't speak . "       ——   @muekura​

[chemicalresearchupdates]

Emerging Trends in the Ornamental Fish Feed Market: A Future Outlook

The Ornamental Fish Feed Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3.47 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. The Ornamental Fish Feed Market provides nutrition and enhance the visual appearance of ornamental fish. Proper nutrition enhances the immunity, coloration and vitality of ornamental fish. Increase in popularity of ornamental fish keeping as a hobby has been driving the demand for ornamental fish feed products. Market Overview: Ornamental fish feed includes dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, plankton, freeze dried krill, flakes and pellets. These feeds contain proteins, vitamins and minerals important for growth and health of ornamental fish. The rising adoption of aquarium keeping as a recreational activity has been boosting the sales of ornamental fish feeds. Market key trends: One of the key trend in the ornamental fish feed market is the rising demand for premium and specialized feeds. Fishkeepers are increasingly willing to spend more on premium feeds containing natural ingredients and targeting specific fish species or life stages. For example, flake feeds fortified with carotenoids are used for enhancing coloration of fish. Manufacturers are innovating specialized feed products for different types of fish like goldfish, betta, koi, tropical fish etc. to provide balanced nutrition as per their needs. This trend of utilizing premium and tailored feeds is expected to drive the ornamental fish feed market growth over the forecast period. Porter’s Analysis

Threat of new entrants: The ornamental fish feed market has high barriers for new entrants due to high capital investment required to set up manufacturing facilities. However, the market offers opportunities for new companies to offer innovative and customized feeds.

Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers in the ornamental fish feed market have moderate bargaining power due to wide availability of feeds from different brands. Switching costs are low for buyers to change suppliers.

Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers of raw materials like wheat bran, soybean, corn, fish meal and vitamins have moderate to low bargaining power due to availability of substitutes.

Threat of new substitutes: New aquaculture feed substitutes pose low threat as ornamental fish have specially formulated dietary needs. Competitive rivalry: High as major players competing on pricing and new product innovations.

SWOT Analysis

Strength: Wide product portfolio and global presence of key players. Innovation in formulation benefits fish health.

Weakness: Seasonality in demand impacts production planning. High R&D costs to develop customized feeds.

Opportunity: Growing aquarium market in developing nations offer new customers. Premium feeds segment presents opportunity.

Threats: Strict regulations on fishmeal sourcing impact costs. Competition from local aquaculture and pet feed players.

Key Takeaways

The global ornamental fish feed market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period, due to increasing popularity of aquarium and adopting ornamental fishes as pet. The Asia Pacific dominated the market with highest market share in 2023 attributed to large Chinese market. Region wise, Asia Pacific is expected to remain the fastest growing market over the forecast period. Key players operating in the ornamental fish feed market are Alltech Inc., Ocean Star International, Inc., Cargill Incorporated., Hai Feng Feeds Co., Ltd., Taiyo Group, Sera GmbH, AlgaSpring B.V., PT Central Proteina Prima Tbk, and Tianjin Dongjiang food co., LTD. Alltech and Cargill have broader product portfolio catering to shrimps, salmon farming in addition to ornamental fish feeds. Taiyo and Ocean Star specialize in ornamental fish feed categories.

[makeyourfantasydreamscometrue]

Falling for Hoseok chapter 2

Staying at home was boring, but it sure was nice to sleep in some extra days and not have to worry about anything.

Well. It was quiet.

Too quiet, that in your silence your mind started to drift. Maybe you needed to get a pet cat or something. There seems to be a depressing stillness to the air and you don't remember the last time you brought company over. You think about the guy that knocked into you. He was so sweet and handsome, a passing thought made you wonder what he was doing now. The way he looked at you when your bus drove away... The feeling of being cared for... You've haven't felt someone do that for you in a long time. Not since...

Your ex boyfriend.

You shake your head. I dont want to think about him, you say to yourself, he will spoil the mood.

You must be that lonely to be reading too much into every detail of a mere stranger who simply did an act of kindness towards you. You felt silly. Still, you remember his eyes, the tone of his voice. They told you that if it they were a story book, it would be the most moving of stories, filled with depth and care and love, the most gentle of them all. Something about him was filled with honesty.

You're crazy you chuckled to yourself. Time to get ready for bed, Y/N.

~~~

Days pass in your home slowly, but it gives you time to rest and recover your back, and soon, you're well rested for the next week of work. Your coworkers were happy to have you back, especially since the work pilled up on their desks when you left, so when you return to the office, you stay very busy and skip lunch trying to catch up with everything you missed.

It starts to rain and some of the lights click off, letting you know mainly everyone is leaving home, but of course, being the workaholic that you are, you stay overtime, where its just you and the clicking sound of the keys on your computer, and the cleaning lady who occasionally came in the mop around your feet while you sip your can of soda that you got from the vending machine in the office, an extra boost of caffeine in your blood to help give you energy.

Your eyes get tired and you yawn and rub them, stretching back in your rolling chair, and you take a minute to rest them and look out the window. Cars are passing by seldomly and the orange of the streetlights get blurred by the fat droplets dragging down the pane, playing their own competitive game and racing with each other to see who gets to the end of the glass first. You suddenly remember something that makes your heart sink a little.

Flashback

The streets are filled with laughter as you and him walk hand in hand, soaked to the eyelashes without an umbrella. Thunder roars from the sky.

"This is crazy, I love it!" you scream, doing a little twirl as he spins you around and you dance foolishly, not a soul in the streets around as everyone hides from the downpour in their houses.

"Why do you like the rain so much?" He yells over the sound of puddles being formed around you.

"Don't you feel free?" You say, making him smile widely as he looks at you, throwing your hands up. "Like the stress is left from your body and you're alive again?"

He chuckles and shakes his head at you, raking a hand through his hair to look at you better. "I feel like I need to run inside and take another shower, my shoes are soaked!"

You giggle and poke fun at him, sticking out your tongue. "Party pooper! You're no fun!"

He pulls you close to him and pushes the hair out of your face as his breath warms you. "No, but I can make it fun," he says slyly.

"And hows that?" you say, raising an eyebrow.

He smiles and leans in and kisses you, your heart soaring. He pulls away and locks eyes with yours and hands on your waist.

"You're beautiful, Y/N. I've never been this happy. Stay with me forever," he breaths over your lips, making you smile.

"I promise," you whisper, receiving his kiss.

End of flashback

You swallowed in your seat. Ouch, that wasn't what you wanted to think of right now on this peaceful night. You remember how much you guys liked each other, how it felt to be in his arms, kissing him. Now hes in the arms of another, and I'm the only one left with these stupid memories.

You remember it started slowly, the phone calls. The secrecy. Not wanting to spend time with you unless it was at home. Missing dates. Hanging out with his friends. You were started to lose him more and more. Until that fatefully heartbreaking day when you saw him in the streets, his arms around another girl, kissing against his car. He kissed her like he should have kissed you. He licked her lips and pulled on her body in the most intimate of ways, and said the same words you thought were only for you.

Stay with me forever, you're so beautiful.

You started to feel sick and thought Maybe its time to leave home now. I hate the rain.

Saving your work and turning off the computer's monitor, you decided to pack up your things and head for the train ride home. ~~~

As more weeks pass by it's the same as always, and you're okay, healthy, busy and quiet. You do what you have to do to get through the day, and your coworkers are more louder and excited then usual because it's Friday. You try not to get into too much conversation, looking at the screen monitor and avoiding eye contact as much as possible. When your boss dismisses you early, you run to get your purse and jacket and the sound of your name immediately being called behind you makes you cringe as you shut your eyes.

"Y/N! Where are you going?" They start to say collectively.

You prepare your face with a tight smile and turn around. "Hmm?"

"Don't you know what day it is? Its Friday!! Remember we said we were gonna check out that new club that just opened up downtown?"

"Oh, I Uh, I have a prior arrangement, sorry."

"Aww, it'll be fun though!!"

"C'mon, what could be more exciting then clubbing?" said while throwing his arms around two female coworkers as they giggled, another sleazy guy coworker that allot of the girls were crushing on. You tried not to roll your eyes, you honestly couldn't understand what they saw in him, to you he was annoying.

Sleeping. Reading my book away from all the noise. Being left alone. Not being around pointless make out sessions in the bathrooms and drunks. Sleeping.

"Sorry guys, but my... my goldfish is sick and I have to take it to the vet."

They all raised an eyebrow and you knew you had to come up with another excuse quick. "A-And my friend is in town and I have to help her get situated with her... her new apartment. She's coming now."

"How did she know you were getting off early when the boss just announced it now?" they said suspiciously.

You bit your lip. "I just texted her! Yes shes coming now. Gotta go but have fun for me and have a good weekend!" Before they could say anything else you scurried the hell outta there and made a run for it, rounding the corner of the block and suddenly wondering where you would go next. Your stomach suddenly was craving a warm coffee in this fall wind. You walked to the nearest bakery and bought a crepe and a coconut cream latte, then headed for your favorite park.

It was a little chilly and you hugged your latte cup closer to you for warmth as you looked up to the blue sky, the time already making it evening as the sun set to sleep. You felt so much peace but at the same time you felt alone. It was really silent and no one else was in the park, but at the same time, you wished for a little bit of change. Something exciting. You saw how those girls around you had best friends and the energy they had talking about just about anything. You kind of wished you had a chill best friend to talk to and hear you out and have laid back conversations and someone to sit on the bench with and have coffee and talk about their day. You closed your eyes and smelled the sense of rain in the air. You looked up and immediately remembered that the weather forecaster this morning mentioned a shower late evening. Sigh. Why does it always rain like this your heart dropped a little bit whether you wanted it to or not.

You sipped the last bit of your coffee and decided it might be best to start heading home. The clouds were quickly stirring up together and getting darker grey in color. Getting up from your seat, you headed for the nearest trashcan and chucked in your cup, but spinning around you saw a man standing before you, making you shriek.

"Eek!" you stumbled backwards, and he reached out and caught your elbows just in time.

"Whoa, that was close. Are you alright? I'm sorry for the scare."

The moment you locked eyes realization hit you, making your mouth drop at recognizing him as the guy who took you to the hospital months ago. The look on his face told you he remembered you to, and he broke out into a warm smile.

"Hey, aren't you the girl I bumped into before? The one I spilled coffee on?"

You chuckled a little at the memory. "Yeah, and you're the guy who was nice enough to take me to the hospital. How are you?"

"I should be asking you that question. How's your health and your back?"

"Oh, I'm fine," but you could tell he wasn't looking at you, but searching your body until they found your hands. He quickly picked them up, looking around and on your palms to see if the scratches were healed. You blinked at the sudden contact.

"No scars, that's good." He smiled a toothy grin before looking back at your face, and your heart squeezed suddenly.

He's more handsome then I remembered.

He suddenly realized he was holding onto your hands and softly but quickly let go. "I... I'm sorry. Sorry for that."

"Why are you sorry?" you said, smiling at him a little.

He chuckled, looking down to the ground and rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm naturally a touchy and friendly person. I hope that didn't make you feel uncomfortable."

You shook your head immediately. "Don't worry about it."

There was a small amount of tension and awkwardness as you both looked around the park, until you spoke again. "How did you know about this park? Not many people come by here."

"I know right? It's in the middle of nowhere." He said with excited eyes. "I found it because I saw you coming in here a few moments ago."

"You... You followed me here?" you said curiously.

He quickly fidgeted and looked for the next words to correct his sentence. "I... Not. No. I mean I, you looked so familiar, and then you disappeared behind the bushes so i was curious. It was like you evaporated in thin air! I'm not a creep I promise please don't think I'm weird," he mumbled with a cringed face at himself, and you laughed out loud.

"Don't worry, I don't think you're a creep," you whispered, making him smile in return. "I um, I come here sometimes to help me unwind in the day. I like it because it's quiet. It's kind of a secret though," you said bashfully, looking down at your feet.

"Don't worry, I'll keep your secret," he whispered sweetly with a playful wink, and you felt a little lighter instantly.

He has a pretty smile you thought. It immediately makes me want to smile back.

"I never got your name by the way. I'm Hoseok," he reached out his hand hesitantly, wondering if it was okay for you to take it. You reached out and took it warmly.

"Im Y/N," you said, and though the handshake was short,something about him made you want to connect your skin with his again and got slightly disappointed the moment he let go so soon.

"I um, thank you so much for all that you did to help me at the hospital. I know you felt like it was your responsibility or duty or something, but I still really would like to thank you somehow."

He shook his head and suddenly thought of an idea. "I know how you can pay me back. Let me take you out for coffee?"

Your heart thudded.

"Wait, how is that me paying you back?" you laughed.

"Fine, you can pay for the coffee then. Deal?"

"Deal."

"So, where shall we go?"

~~~~

You didn't mind going for another coffee with Hoseok even if you just drank one. He mentioned a cafe that was opened 24 hours, where he sometimes goes to when he cant sleep at night. When you arrived, it was beautiful, vanilla colored walls and honey brown trimmings, homey booths and the smell of warm caffeine and pastries and bread, little fairy lights that lined the windows and walls, a nice transition from the chilly air outside.

He was the perfect gentleman and pulled out your chair, gave you extra napkins and cutlery first before himself, and soon you were eating red velvet cake and coffee and asking about your day and personalities and things you liked to do for fun.

"I don't know, but I'm actually a much more of a boring person then you might think," you said to him, stirring sugar in your coffee.

"Try me,"he said in confidence.

"Well, my coworkers invited me to a night of clubbing, but i turned down their offer to go home, put on soft music in my pajamas and read a book."

You were afraid to look up at him after the little moment of silence, but when you finally did you saw him looking admirably while leaning his chin on his hand. "I like that."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Who wants to go meeting random strangers in the dark and drinking till you throw up? I think we're past the age of fooling around now. I'd much rather have meaningful conversations while making real relationships with people and getting to connect on an emotional level, like this."

"Me too. I guess its because I'm more quiet, but i value talk about this stuff then 'who did who last night' or what kind of Louis Vuitton bag did so-in-so get," you said, taking a sip of your coffee.

He nodded. "You're an old soul. I like it. I feel that we are more mature in our time then other kids."

You laughed at the term "old soul", but you had to agree that he was right. Maybe that's why you preferred to go to the park or the beach alone. You didn't quite find many people who "got you."

"So, what's something surprising about you that many wouldn't think by seeing at first glance?" you asked.

"That behind my tough guy persona I'm really emotional."

Your mouth dropped open and you weren't expecting him to say that.

"Really? Like how emotional?"

"Like, crying at sad movies, liking allot physical affection and comfort and feeding stray cats on the street emotional. I cant help it. I got more of my mother's side of the DNA."

You smiled. "That's actually pretty cute. I hate macho men who hide their emotions."

"My friends would all poke fun at me for it. But, I mean, why hide them? We're all human. I couldn't hide it if i tried anyways."

"I find that to be even more charming then those who wouldn't admit that! You're a real one," you giggled.

"See, this is why the universe thought we should be friends. You get it."

You must've talked for hours and it was getting late into the night now, the stars were coming out.

"Wow, we've talked for a while now. Look at the moon!" he pointed outside the window.

"It's so bright. Good thing I don't work on the weekends or I would've been dead tired."

He smiled. "I'm really glad you didn't go to that club tonight," he said honestly. "Then we wouldn't have met like this and talk like this. I feel like I've known you forever!"

You blushed. "I feel like that to, oddly."

"So," he looked at his watch. You felt sad that the day was over, but then he said:

"When are we doing this again?"

And that was when you met your best friend, Hoseok.