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bunnytalksf1 · 7 months ago
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Oliver Bearman has a seat in Formula One for 2025
Officially! I had in my notebook that the Silverstone weekend would be good to announce it at, and I was right (even though this is very low hanging fruit at this point, lol).
So let's talk driver market!
I'm now of the opinion that several drivers will lose their seat at the end of 2024. So, who's safe?
Lando Norris / Oscar Piastri - McLaren (Multi / exp. 2026)
Charles Leclerc / Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari (Multi / Heavily rumoured to be exp. 2026, but officially multi)
Fernando Alonso / Lance Stroll - Aston Martin (Multi / Nepotism)
Pierre Gasly - Alpine (Multi)
Yuki Tsunoda - RB (exp. 2025)
Max Verstappen / Sergio Perez - Red Bull (exp. 2028 / 2026)
Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber (Multi)
George Russell - Mercedes (exp. 2026)
Oliver Bearman - Haas (Multi, probably exp. 2026)
Alex Albon - Williams (Multi, probably exp. 2026 or 27)
Most teams will not want rookies or new drivers in 2026 for the new regs, where feedback is key, so they're trying to finalise contracts now for then, hence why so many drivers are locked down in multi-year contracts / until post 26.
This new signing means that every team has at least one of their spots filled. All three of the top teams has both of its seats filled, leaving very little mobility for the midfield drivers. Most of these contracts are multi year, and undisclosed.
The reason I have Perez in bold is because I think that there is a huge possibility of them breaking contract in 2025 if his performance continues to be lacklustre, or if RBR loses the constructors. Tsunoda could go to the main team, or Ricciardo if CH is insane.
Who's most at risk?
Ricciardo
Marko keeps making comments about how RB is a junior team, and the team certainly doesn't want to lose Lawson, who has shown considerable promise and provided insight on the sim. His contract expires in September unless Red Bull offer him a full-time seat in F1, and Audi have shown interest. I wouldn't put it past Williams to put a punt on him, either. It's within Red Bull's best interest to promote Lawson, and Tsunoda is alrady re-signed. There's very little interest in Ricciardo outside the RBR family, and he's still under a long term contract at RBR, preventing him from shopping elsewhere.
Sargeant
His performances just haven't been good enough, and Alex Albon as a benchmark is good, but he's no Max Verstappen. He's had a rough time of it with the chassis drama etc etc but the bottom line is that he's just not been good enough for F1. He has a hand to play at Haas, but with the team in talks with both Zhou and Ocon, I think it's unlikely he finds his feet in the sport. Williams definitely do not want to re-sign him unless he performs miracles the rest of the season.
Bottas
He's aging, and has been hindered by the car for the last little while. He's just not been on the radar. He could land at Audi, or Mercedes, but he's not the first choice for either of those teams - Mercedes want Antonelli, and Audi are reportedly talking to Ocon and Lawson, who both have age on their side.
Magnussen
Not been performing when compared to Hulkenberg, and with the stunts he's been pulling i.e penalties, I wouldn't expect him to land elsewhere. He's another driver that's pretty old now, and not the most marketable either.
So, what about the rookies?
Next year, we are going to have three (or more, depending on what red bull does) rookies on the grid.
Bearman - confirmed - Haas
A well deserved seat, especially after his performance in the Ferrari at Jeddah.
Antonelli - Mercedes or Williams - unconfirmed, but extremely likely
Not sure if the right choice would be to bring him up, considering his performance in F2 hasn't been great and there's a lot of talk about how he's being rushed that isn't unwarranted. Toto doesn't want to lose him, and Williams would get a discount on engine parts.
Lawson - RB, Williams or Audi - unconfirmed, but likely
Another seat that has been long since deserved. He should have been in the RB seat this season. Audi have shown an interest. Will be a late mover, since his contract doesn't release him to other teams until September, but I expect him to be big in the market if he is released, and if Mercedes sign Antonelli.
Aron - ?? - Unlikely
Paul Aron was a Mercedes junior until midway through last year. He's currently affiliated with no F1 team, and is leading the F2 championship right now as a rookie. There's been noise about him getting a seat, but even if he wins F2, its unlikely he'll go anywhere for 2025. He's still one to watch, though, and will likely be snapped up if he wins as a rookie.
Hadjar - RB - unlikely
The ideal scenario for Hadjar would be both Perez and Ricciardo losing their seats, and for Tsunoda to go to the main team, freeing a space for him to drive alongside Lawson. Or, if RB loses Lawson, he's the next redbull driver in line. He's driving car 11 in FP1 this weekend, and sits second in the F2 standings with two race wins.
Other drivers at risk, but less so, include:
Zhou
I think he'll likely end up in Haas, and he is a driver with a huge hand to play in age and sponsorship, where he is comparable to Perez. His performances aren't horrific either. That being said, depending on where Sainz, Lawson and Bottas go, he might end up out of a seat.
Sainz
Never thought I'd be writing his name, but here we are. We've gone from Red Bull and Mercedes taking an interest in the early season to this. His management team should be fird. IN all seriousness, this is a weird one. He could definitely end up seatless if he doesnt kerb his ego, as from rumours, the reason he lost out on RBR and Merc seats was that he wanted longer contracts, i.e. in line with George Russell, and a 2+1 for RBR (both teams offered a 1 year deal). Then there's been a long line of teams interested and NONE of them seem to satisfy him. Most likely destination now is probably Alpine, but even Alpine seem to be losing interest. He needs to sign a contract now.
Ocon
I think he'll land on his feet, and end up in Audi, Haas, Williams, or even Mercedes if Toto doesn't sign Antonelli, as a stopgap driver. He's a solid driver and has a lot to offer. Could end up seatless if a very specific set of things happens, but he has options.
Anyways. Enjoy the race weekend! :3
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darthmatthewtwihard · 10 months ago
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"My boys, don’t believe what they tell you in school. Government is never the solution, but it is almost always the problem. I’m a capitalist. And I believe in effort and progress and the ingenuity of our species. The continuing evolution and advancement of our kind based on fair competition. Fact of the matter is, Gold does not want man to continue to evolve. Since the conquering, they have routinely stifled advancement to maintain their heaven. They’ve wrapped themselves in myth. Filled their grand oceans with monsters to hunt. Cultivated private Mirkwoods and Olympuses of their very own. They have suits of armor to make them flying gods. And they preserve that ridiculous fairy tale by keeping mankind frozen in time. Curbing invention, curiosity, social mobility. Change threatens that. Look where we are. In space. Above a planet we shaped. Yet we live in a Society modeled after the musings of Bronze Age pedophiles. Tossing around mythology like that bullshit wasn’t made up around a campfire by an Attican farmer depressed that his life was nasty, brutish, and short. The Golds claim to the Obsidians that they are gods. They are not. Gods create. If the Golds are anything, they are vampire kings. Parasites drinking from our jugular. I want a Society free of this fascist pyramid. I want to unchain the free market of wealth and ideas. Why should men toil in the mines when we can build robots to toil for us? Why should we ever have stopped in this Solar System? We deserve more than what we’ve been given. But first, Gold must fall and the Sovereign and the Jackal must die. And I believe you are the sign I’ve been waiting for, Mr. Andromedus."
- Regulus ag Sun, Morning Star, ch.21: Quicksilver, p.163
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jazlynriddle · 2 months ago
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Welcome to your life - Pt 3:
It's My Own Design Ch 17:
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Summary:
Ominis fought to control his expression, to keep his hands from trembling. Five years. Five years since he'd seen his parents, and this. This was the reason they'd given him the honour of their time? This was the reason they'd sought him out at Hogwarts?
The bitterness welling up within him was thick enough to gag on.
New year, new allies, new responsibilities, new avenues of revenue, and new aspects of their own Ancient Magic to explore. As the Keeper and their partners enter their last year at Hogwarts, it remains to be seen if the new school year will bring with it new problems or adversaries, but they are confident in the strength of their relationship with Sebastian and Ominis. The three of them would endure, no matter what befell them.
And if they were wrong?
What a joke, they would suffer no alternative.
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Warnings: This chapter contains smut! It's er, finger lickin' good. Just, not fingers.
Warnings: Sebastian x MC x Ominis! Drug Addiction! Spoilers! Slow-burn corruption! Dark content! Fucked up 1800s orphanages! MC has no love for Anne or Solomon! Dubious happy ending (it's happy for MC, Seb and Ominis at least).
You can also read on AO3! (chapter specific warnings below)
Notes:
Warnings: Implied era-appropriate religious abuse. Blowjob!
Okay, now that I think about it retrospectively, they're horny teens, it should have been obvious that smut was going to happen after the angst, but I definitely didn't plan this lol. Oh well, who's gonna complain about more smut anyway xP
And of course, 10,400 words. Damn, that's a really round number. Well, I guess it's fine since I managed to write this chapter pretty fast. I'm better with this in-head type of writing, I suck at descriptive writing so it always takes me forever and a ton of energy.
When I was a kid in school the standard advice given by teachers to the class was always to write descriptive English composition essays and NEVER touch argumentative.
And I was always the one kid who got the opposite advice; please choose argumentative, your description of the world around you sucks balls, surely you have more to say about the trip to the market than “the light was searing my retinas and the long walk made my legs ache but I bought the items successfully”. How was the air feeling? Don't remember. What were you smelling? A lot of things. Who did you see? Human beings I guess?
Though in fairness, now that I know I'm autistic, it's probably because I was constantly experiencing sensory overload and couldn't register my environment without being hit with pain, or the extreme tunnel vision and goal oriented brain xP
Edit: And for my Tumblr-only readers, I deeply apologise, but we have finally caught up to where I am currently writing! So, you'll have to wait for the next chapters like the rest of my readers on AO3, but in the meantime, I'll also be uploading my old artwork and one of my older fics to a separate blog here on Tumblr as well. So, there'll still be some content appearing, just not really HL. Though I do have two other HL short fics in the works that will probably start going up sometime soon on both AO3 and Tumblr.
Anyway, for this fic series, my Tumblr upload time is every second Sat 3pm PST, which is this coming weekend.
The chapters do go up three hours earlier on AO3, at noon PST, just because mistakes and better ways to phrase sentences always pop up after I hit the upload button and it's far easier to edit chapters on AO3 on mobile. Tumblr lags because my chapters are too long lol
Now, although I try my best to keep to that schedule, I often have to skip an upload and I will usually announce that ahead of time on the chapter that I'm uploading. As I likely will for chapter 19 because my next week is literally full, like 9 days filled to the brim. I am so fucked. So, that would mean 4 weeks between uploads if that happens.
Also the end notes for this chapter are really long... but the next chapter's is even longer. OTL
“Darlng.” Ominis murmured around his toothbrush, as the sound of brushing beside him slowed and gradually ground to a halt.
When he got no response, he reached across to prod the Keeper in the side with his wand and they jumped, telling him that they had indeed gotten distracted in the middle of brushing their teeth.
“Mm? O’ righ.” Came the muffled reply and the sound of their brushing resumed.
Honestly, not encouraging. The Keeper had been wearing the armlet since tea and they'd been markedly absent-minded since then.
Trailing off mid-sentence, drifting off while Ominis was talking and missing his words. Which was rather frustrating, truth be told, he'd gotten used to how attentive they always were with him, but at least they hadn't slipped up and accidentally taken some of the Pain energy.
According to them, at least.
“Hey, have either of you seen the newspaper? I wanted to finish the word search before bed.” Sebastian asked, poking his head into the bathroom.
Almost reflexively, Ominis felt the answer, that he hadn't seen it, surface in his mind. However, instead of saying it, he simply spat in the sink and began to rinse his mouth, because he was not speaking to Sebastian and hadn't since their fight in the afternoon.
Does anything even need to change? His boyfriend's words echoed in his head, and Ominis took a deep breath as he dried his hands and face.
How could Sebastian even say that? This whole Pain energy thing was supposed to be a means to an end, when they did what they needed to, the Keeper would stop taking such a dangerous thing. Going through withdrawal alone had been awful for them, surely that was enough indication of its dangers?
With all the experiments, and the ever-increasing amount of Pain energy the Keeper had to take to stay withdrawal, every day where nothing went wrong was a miracle. They just needed to keep winning the coin toss, survive taking it till Dìon castle had been brought to life and Anne was cured, and until then, they shouldn't rock the boat.
Was that not the plan? Why was Sebastian talking like the Keeper was going to be taking that poison even after they'd achieved those goals? When had he decided that the Keeper taking Pain energy forever was worth the risk? To what? Be powerful enough to kill dragons? How long did those two intend for all this to go on?
Ominis wasn't sure he could handle being under that stress for the rest of their lives together.
Even if Sebastian was right and the Keeper was immune to becoming a monster because of their Ancient Magic, as the only Ancient Mage, they could not possibly prove such a thing until they hit a problem. And that problem could easily be death.
Not to mention, if something unexpected happened and they needed to hide or lie low, and couldn't get more Pain energy, they'd be at risk of dying.
What would they do if that happened!? Ominis’ jaw tightened, no, he knew what they'd do, Sebastian would ask Ominis to cast the bloody Cruciatus curse on him, again, just to give the Keeper his Pain. Nausea churned in his stomach, sick and sour with guilt and shame.
The sound of his partners talking hummed in the background as Ominis followed them to bed, climbing onto the right side and lying down on his back tiredly, their words like senseless noise in his ears. How could they be so cavalier? As though neither were worried about the dangers and terrifying quantity of unknowns in this entire venture.
“Love...” Ominis felt a gentle touch against his face and the Keeper's voice, warm in his ear. “Thinking when tired doesn't get anyone anywhere. Try to get some sleep. You'll feel better in the morning, and we can talk more, alright?”
The endless optimism of his partners really was unbearable. Wordlessly, Ominis turned onto his side. He highly doubted that some sleep would magically fix this.
The Keeper sighed as they gazed at his curled up back, before taking a glance over at Sebastian on the other side of them as he laid down, refusing to so much as look in Ominis’ direction. They had no idea how to fix this.
They sort of agreed with Sebastian on the actual issue at hand, there hadn't been evidence so far that taking Pain energy was any worse on the body than coffee, which was also addictive but not harmful unless some idiot overdosed.
Though their confidence was more because the Keeper felt both that the short-term benefits were worth a potential cost and knew that they could weather any ailment in their lovers’ names, rather than the speculative optimism that Sebastian bore.
It was a problem that Sebastian had, being too optimistic, to the point of wishful thinking. What with how convinced he had been that the relic was the answer when there was no discernible link between Inferi and Anne's curse. It's not resolve if you delude yourself into believing that nothing would go wrong and thus never prepare for things to go wrong.
The similarity between him and the Keeper themselves, was that they simply preferred to suffer the consequences of trying their best, over letting fear halt their steps and to go to bed wishing that they had done more. To be resigned and consigned to whatever fate had in store for them, like Ominis often was.
However, they also understood that Ominis simply wasn't as resolved to accept the consequences of his or their actions. That he could not bear the thought of either of his partners coming to any harm, regardless of how worthy the cause, and that came too from a place of love. If a bit short sighted.
That Ominis was, as ever, mired in doubt. A fear that he didn't truly know his partners. A fear that burned Sebastian, the straightforward boy, hurt that someone he loved so deeply would doubt said love, after everything he'd done to prove it. For while Sebastian had few scruples, he carried a naivety that, ironically, the Keeper thought might have come from Ominis.
After all, what greater proof that a good person could use the Unforgivables, than Ominis himself? What greater evidence that exceptions existed, when an heir of Slytherin was the least purist person he knew? A blind boy, yet sensitive enough to see what few others could. If the Keeper had grown up beside a walking miracle, they might have believed in miracles too.
They knew that Sebastian would readily throw his very life away for Ominis and themselves. Though getting Ominis to see that as the selfless love it was in Sebastian's mind, rather than as the selfishness it instead was in Ominis’, was a feat that the Keeper had no clue how to accomplish.
Lying down with a tired sigh, they really hoped that this would be resolved soon, being sandwiched between the two stubborn boys in the middle of a tiff really was the worst place to be. If it were anyone else, the Keeper would have hit them both on the head and left the boys to sort it out themselves a long time ago.
All this really wasn't helping them resist taking a whiff of Pain energy either. The warm fog had been following them around as they finished preparing the third cell in anticipation of their next subject, and they'd taken the opportunity to explain the collars and their theory about the two ways one could consume Pain energy to Ominis, while he did a routine check on Macnair and Selwyn.
Though it had taken a lot of effort to do so when they kept getting distracted, by the enticing warmth of the armlet, especially with how cold the boys were being. Closing their eyes, they let the exhaustion of the day, of resisting their addiction, carry them into sleep. Hopefully they wouldn't accidentally take some while unconscious...
As the Keeper's breathing evened out beside him, Sebastian fought the urge to turn around and snuggle up to them, his eyes burning, ashamed that he couldn’t quite bring himself to apologise for losing his head earlier. He did understand that Ominis was just scared, but he was scared too goddammit.
Did being afraid give Ominis leave to hurt him this way every time he got scared? Did Ominis think it was fine to hurt Sebastian or the Keeper emotionally whenever he got anxious? The possibility was terrifying, and he didn't want to believe it could be true.
Yet, even when Sebastian had done everything he could think of to assuage Ominis’ fears, nothing had worked. If Ominis wasn't willing to meet them in the middle, couldn't even talk about things rationally, how were they supposed to get anywhere?
They didn't have ten years for Ominis to slowly overcome his fear of the Pain energy, the Keeper needed it now, to survive the trials and dangers that lay ahead. If they couldn't hide it from Ominis, and they couldn't tell him about it, what the fuck were they supposed to do!? This was a matter of life and death, why couldn't Ominis just-
Sebastian couldn't help but remember that day in the Scriptorium, when Ominis had literally refused to take an action that would save their lives. It'd been almost THREE YEARS since then, and Ominis still hadn't made a single step of headway in this area. It almost felt like Ominis didn't see anything wrong with this to begin with.
Sebastian was trying to be understanding, but he just couldn't get how Ominis could be so paralysed by fear, that he would choose death.
Just let us protect you! Sebastian wanted to grab Ominis by the shoulders and scream. We all want the same thing, to protect our shared happiness, why are we fighting like this? Why was Ominis treating him like he didn't care about his lovers? Sebastian wouldn't be trying if he didn't care. Hell, it'd be easier if he didn't care!
After all this time, it hurt that Ominis still didn't trust him.
Sniffing and scrubbing at the moisture in his eyes with his hands, Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut and tried to shove the feelings aside with his Occlumency meditation.
The Occlumency that Ominis had taught him.
Ugh, fuck it. Sebastian gave in and turned around to cling to the Keeper, pressing his face into their shoulder and taking a deep breath of their comforting scent.
Almost immediately, he felt the stress ease and his body relax. The Keeper was right here, warm and safe, and on the other side, bathed in the moon's cool glow, was Ominis, and even if he was still upset, it was assuring to know that he was here and safe too. Yeah, definitely worth it, a relieved smile formed on Sebastian's face and his tears finally ceased.
He always woke up wrapped around one of his partners anyway, he could just pretend it happened in his sleep.
On the other side of the Keeper, this whole time, Ominis’ eyes were wide open, and he lay there frozen with shock, was Sebastian crying?
He listened carefully, yeah, no doubt about it, but... why? For all his emotional tendencies, Sebastian had only ever cried during or after nightmares and that one time he had a breakdown in the Feldcroft cottage.
Was it what Ominis said? It was hard to believe that Sebastian would care enough about his words to cry, when he didn't care enough about Ominis’ feelings to stop his reckless behaviour.
Ominis had spoken truthfully, but pointing out how selfish and reckless Sebastian and the Keeper were being... perhaps he should have done that more carefully. Did Sebastian not even realise what he was doing?
The continued sniffles ate away at Ominis, he'd done that, he'd made Sebastian cry... and the guilt only worsened when he realised that it didn't just feel awful, it also felt good. To hear the effect he had on Sebastian, to feel the power he had over the proud and stubborn boy's heart, to feel some sort of control.
Bile rose in the back of Ominis’ throat, no no no no- he shook the thought away, recoiling from it in horror. That was the darkness speaking, the evil his parents were steeped in, that they'd implanted in him. He couldn’t let the poison in his veins taint the people he loved. Controlling other people with force and hurting them, that was not acceptable.
No matter how selfish they were being, no matter how much he wanted that to change, no matter how stressed Ominis was, he knew that Sebastian and the Keeper were not evil. Neither of them, no matter how frustrated he was with them, deserved to be hurt, the way Ominis had been by his family.
Nobody deserved that, period. Least of all the two people he loved so dearly that he was beset with such fear to begin with.
What am I doing? Ominis asked himself ruefully. I'm not even succeeding in stopping them, I'm just hurting them. But if I don't try to stop them, I might as well sign their death warrants. But what else could I possibly do? Leave? Threaten to break up?
That would probably hurt everybody involved, himself being the only one he would be sure to devastate, but if it got them to stop, at least it wouldn't be only hurt dealt with no progress made. Ominis bit back his own sob as he felt the bed bounce ever so slightly, listening to the now familiar sound of Sebastian turning on the bed, before his sobs and sniffles turned into snores.
I can't, Ominis wailed in his heart, mourning his own cowardice and selfishness, I can't give this up. The very thought of not having the Keeper or Sebastian as his, was nauseating. It was the catacombs all over again, how could he stand by and let this happen again?
A good friend, a good lover, would love Sebastian and the Keeper enough to sacrifice his bond with them, if it would save their lives. What a horrible person he was, Ominis lamented, then and now, he was still too selfish to do the right thing, to be a good person. He'd told the Keeper in the tomb that he might be willing to sacrifice his friendship with Sebastian, but he hadn't been.
What right had he, to be enraged at their selfishness, when Ominis himself was so hopelessly self-serving too?
We're all sinners here. It was so difficult to fight the temptation to throw all conscience to the wind. To give in to the urge to just force the Keeper and Sebastian to do what he wanted, whatever that entailed, and Ominis was tired, so tired of resisting his vile instincts.
He wanted to wake the Keeper, beg them to do it again, help him stop thinking, stop feeling, manipulate his mind into silence once more, but a part of him knew that this was too much for them to suppress. Their words had worked when they first started dating, when he had been more concerned about what they were doing with Pain energy, than what it was doing to them.
When he'd still seen them as impossibly invincible, an unbelievable creature that had powers beyond imagination, had power over both him and Sebastian. When he hadn't yet come close to losing them or seen how human and vulnerable they really were. How they too, could be wrong.
Loving them, accepting them, flaws, failures and all, had cost him the ability to uncritically leave everything up to them, to surrender reality into their hands. The irony that the more he loved them, the more terrifying the thought of losing them and the harder to trust them when they tried to soothe that fear with assurances that they couldn't guarantee. Promises they couldn't keep.
He wanted- no, needed them, the Keeper and Sebastian. Wanted to hold them both close, protected, safe.
Compelled by his need and unable to resist, Ominis turned as well and wrapped himself around the Keeper, stretching his hand across their chest to find Sebastian's and entwine their fingers together. His heart aching in his chest when he felt traces of wetness on his boyfriend's fingertips.
I'm sorry, Seb... I just don't know what to do... Ominis thought mournfully to himself as he closed his eyes.
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“I've decided to open the Repository. Its power cannot lie dormant for centuries more.”
Thank you, Fig... I wouldn’t have this without you.
“After everything you've seen? What about Isidora's fate?”
Isidora's fate? A fool chasing a hopeless dream, she and I are not the same.
“Isidora wasted her ability trying to save people from themselves. I will not let others dictate what I do with this- my power.”
I have been robbed of so much. A family, a home, my dignity, my agency, Lodgok, the first friend who understood what it was like to be crushed under heel.
I will not surrender anything to anyone else ever again. Please, understand.
“You cannot possibly mean that. You, of all wizardkind, are wholly aware of the misery and pain that that could cause!”
Fig... I'm sorry, but I can't give this up. Can't you feel it? That power, I need it, I need power. I’ve finally found something worth protecting. Worth my life. Worth every life. I can't lose them. I won't let anyone take what is mine ever again.
Not even you.
“I answer to no one. Avada-"
The Keeper gasped, their eyes flying open, heart pounding a mile a minute, feeling somehow restrained, and for a moment, they tensed in fear. Before noticing the faint snores by their ear and they remembered that they were in Dìon, sleeping in their new bedroom with Sebastian and Ominis... who had been fighting.
They cast their gaze over themselves and smiled, and yet, both boys were not only cuddled up to them, but also holding hands loosely across their chest. The soft rays of dawn lay gentle on the two, their faces peaceful and the Keeper was rather relieved to see that their partners, at least, were getting a restful sleep.
They released a slow breath, it'd been a long time since they'd dreamt of Fig, let alone a nightmare of killing him. The Keeper honestly wasn't sure why they'd had such a dream, was it what Ominis had implied the evening before? That Sebastian, and by extension themselves, were monstrous for wanting to continue using that energy. An energy created by human pain.
But would they have? If Fig had survived, if he'd decided that he needed to stop them, would the Keeper have fought him? Killed him?
They'd like to think they wouldn't have, that they would have found another way, but they weren't sure that was true. Perhaps the reason they weren't as offended by Ominis’ framing, unlike Sebastian, was because they felt it was warranted. They were no saint, they'd stolen, killed, sinned, anything to survive, to win.
Demonspawn. Sinful whore. Devil.
God, if he existed, had only hellfire for the Keeper's kind, and they'd come to terms with that a long time ago. Spat their defiance on Matron's precious cross, they hadn't been able to walk for a week after that, but they'd do it again. Forgiveness? How was it their fault that they had to suck dick to stay alive? Grace? Her God could keep his fucking grace, neither she nor He had protected them a whit.
Finding out that they weren't even human, that they were what those pathetic powerless muggles called heathen pagans, one of the witches and wizards they'd burnt at the stake, none of it had been a surprise. Of course they weren't a mere muggle, of course they hadn't fit in. They were never one of them to begin with.
Coming from a place that called all their kind demonic, made Ominis’ desperate wish to be accepted by society rather pointless in the Keeper's eyes. If in a separate group of humans, their very existence was evil, then what meaning did the term ‘evil’ even have? It was arbitrary and meaningless, a popularity contest that they refused to take part in.
They gazed at Ominis’ beautiful countenance, his cheek pressed sweetly against their arm, all curled up like a cat. Still, they couldn't find it in themselves to force him to face this, it was something he would have to come to terms with on his own, they could only protect him till then.
With a tired sigh, the Keeper considered closing their eyes and going back to sleep, when they realised that something was missing.
Frowning, they cursed under their breath, the armlet peeking out from between Ominis’ arms... wasn't glowing. Fuuuuuuck.
Ominis was going to be pissed. The Keeper sighed, well, that explained the dream at least, and the reason they felt a bit warmer than usual. Trying to get a good look at the armlet, they attempted to slip their arm out of Ominis’ grasp, but unfortunately, he didn't seem very happy about that.
“Mnm, warm...” Ominis grumbled, gripping their arm tighter and rubbing his cheek against their shoulder.
The Keeper smiled softly, cute. Well, at least until he frowned and mumbled. “Why are you so warm?”
Aaand so it begins, the Keeper sighed again, not a moment more peace to enjoy. “Well, love, it seems... that, while I was unconscious, I unintentionally took today's dose-”
Ominis shot upright immediately, though he seemed to have forgotten, or not noticed, that his hand was still attached to Sebastian's and the brunet was promptly awoken, as he was yanked halfway across the Keeper by his arm.
“Wha de-” Sebastian mumbled, blinking blankly at thin air with an adorably confused expression as his hand was dropped.
Patting the messy bush of hair on his head, the Keeper gave him a soft smile too and a kiss on the forehead. “Morning, Seb.”
He blinked at them with doe-eyes for several moments, his brain visibly struggling to catch up, before he yawned and dropped his head onto their chest with a barely audible. “...mor...in...”
Ugh, why is he so cute- the Keeper couldn't resist slipping a finger under his chin to lift it and leaned down to capture his chapped lips in a proper kiss, which he returned with a dazed moan.
“Can the two of you be serious for once?” Ominis sighed irritably as he raised his wand. “I can't cast diagnosa if you're in close contact.”
“Gimmieasec-” The Keeper gave him a mumble, pressing their lips to Sebastian's one last time before withdrawing, leaving him looking as confused as he did when he first woke up, and they nudged him upright with a bemused smile. “There, just sit still and look pretty.”
“Pfft... eashy.” Sebastian gave them a dopey grin, before yawning and stretching. “Whaz goin’ on anyway...”
“Ominis is upset that I accidentally took some Pain energy while asleep.” The Keeper answered, lying back down as Ominis cast Diagnosa on them.
“Oh.” Sebastian blinked, freezing in the middle of scratching his head. “Well, that blows.”
“I'm not upset.” Ominis snapped, and both Sebastian and the Keeper stared at him sceptically. “I'm worried.”
“Well, don't be, they kiss just fine.” Sebastian waved a hand at them with a grin. “Feel free to try for yourself.”
“Sebastian.” Ominis bit out through gritted teeth.
Not wanting to test his patience, the Keeper quickly sat up and slipped their fingers around his hand, clenched tightly around his wand. “And I'm sure you found that I'm quite alright, yes?”
“Well-” Ominis paused, pursing his lips together. “That's- that's the problem, I can't tell!”
The Keeper blinked and frowned as he shook their hand off, standing from the bed and pacing across the carpet in a fit of agitation. “Healers don't just magically know what it looks like when something is going wrong! All I see are elevated adrenaline levels, increased blood flow, heart palpitations, heightened activity in parts of your brain-”
He stopped and ran his hands through his hair, voice strained and eyes almost crazed. “And I don't know what any of it means for you!”
The pain and fear in his voice seemed to have blown the sleepy fog from Sebastian's brain and he tumbled from the bed, stumbling towards Ominis, before hesitating as though uncertain if an embrace would be well received. Which was probably reasonable, especially after Ominis rejected the Keeper's comfort.
“I'm sure we'll figure it out.” Sebastian tried, approaching Ominis like he was a wild animal. “That stuff is so powerful, if it were doing something bad, it'd be obvious even to us, and- and to them, who's experiencing it, right?”
“Merlin's balls, Sebastian.” Ominis groaned, so hard that it came out more like a sob. “They've already told us that it feels good to take! We can't trust their experience of it, do you think cancer patients realise they're dying till they're halfway there!? Do alcoholics know they're destroying their liver? And by the time it's obvious, it'll probably be irreversible!”
“Well, I've been taking it for two years already, surely that's long enough to be certain of its effects.” The Keeper reasoned, joining Sebastian in trying to soothe Ominis, who looked worryingly close to a breakdown. While he seemed to be more coherent after a good night's sleep, he was clearly no less distressed than the night before.
“We don't know how it works!” Ominis exclaimed. “Any negative effects could be something that culminates with consumption, compounding and building over prolonged use! Even if you're fine now, this constant energy use could have long-term effects!”
And there he goes again with the most extreme what-ifs, the Keeper gave him a helpless smile. “Well, that's not right now, and so that's something I'm willing to risk. To protect and preserve us , and to cure Anne. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
“How can you say that!?” Ominis shook his head.
“Because I'll do whatever it takes to protect our happiness.” The Keeper answered honestly.
At their words, Ominis bristled, his fear and stress turning to anger. How did they not understand what they were doing? Saying that they were hurting him for him. How cruel, was he supposed to feel grateful for this fear and pain?
“That's bullshite! My happiness necessitates both of you! You can only say that because you're not the one who'd be left behind!” Ominis burst out, fists tight and hot tears forming in his eyes against his will. Like aunt Noctua, it was so bloody worth it to die down in the Scriptorium, chasing the betterment of our family, at the risk of leaving me all alone in that house.
“The two of you can throw your lives away because you don't have to be the one left here alone!” Selfish, they were both so selfish, Ominis thought bitterly. Sebastian had been fine risking his life to save Anne, if he died, at least he wouldn't have to live through Anne's death, but he would leave me to mourn both of them.
“That's not-” Sebastian's voice cracked, and he took a shaky breath. “That's not the reason! We do what we have to because we don't want to leave you alone! How can you think that we- that I'd care so little about them, about you!?”
Ah, I'm doing it again. The sound of Sebastian crying, a few hours ago, echoed in Ominis’ mind. I'm hurting him again. Why is this coming out so wrong every time?
“...I'm sorry...” Ominis whispered. “I just don't know if I can keep doing this.”
“This?” The Keeper echoed warily.
“This! Us! All of it! I'm so scared that something will go wrong! Maybe we should just-” Ominis covered his mouth with a sob, his throat closing up around his words.
“A- are you saying you want- want to break-” Sebastian asked faintly, sounding like he couldn’t comprehend how this was even on the table.
“I don't know!” Ominis shouted, brushing tears from his eyes. “I can't help, but I can't not help. I don't want to know what you're doing, but I want to know so I can stop you, but I can't even do that! If I do nothing, I'm complicit in your demise, if I do something, I'm responsible if I fail. There's no winning anywhere in this!”
“I'm powerless.” Ominis murmured, a hysterical laugh bubbling up from within his chest. “Powerless then, powerless now. Nothing I do changes anything, I just want that feeling to stop. It would be better if I'd never been bor-”
His words were knocked right out of his mind, and his ears rang with the sharp bite of a slap. The impact reverberated through his skull, so all-encompassing and shocking that he barely felt the sting spreading across his cheek.
Then there were hands gripping his shoulders tightly and the Keeper's voice, more broken than he'd ever heard before, hissed in his ear in a harsh whisper. “Never go there. Nobody takes something that belongs to me, not even you. Without you, I'd easily make Gnarlak and Ranrok look like saints.”
The Keeper's words were heavy with dark promise and Ominis’ breathing was shallow, mind still rattled and uncomprehending as they cupped his burning cheek, the gentleness of their touch contrasting the force with which they'd slapped him.
“And you're wrong.” The Keeper continued, and he felt a strange sense of relief, of surrender at their words, he wanted to be wrong, yes, please- “You are not powerless in this relationship, you just can't see the power you have over us, because you can't compare it to how we would be without you here.”
There was a smile in their voice as the Keeper pressed their forehead against his. “I've told you before, we need someone sane in this relationship. Do you really think I could have overcome my addiction without your control and guidance? You know how greedy I am when there's something I want.”
A pair of warm arms embraced him from behind, wrapping firmly around Ominis’ waist, shaky breaths in his ear and wetness on his nape, Sebastian's chest firm against his back. “And I wouldn’t have been able to stay sane when Anne got cursed, if you weren't reminding me to eat and forcing me to sleep. If you weren't curled up next to me while I read forbidden tomes in the Undercroft. I'd have lost my mind.”
Their words sank slowly into his mind, as his breathing calmed, and Ominis couldn't help but release a soft huff. “I thought you were doing homework.”
“Well, sometimes.” Sebastian gave him a trembling laugh and without thinking, Ominis followed it with his own.
“If I cared more about my own feelings, I wouldn’t have stayed with you while the Keeper was off with Poppy last year.” Sebastian murmured after a moment's thought. “I'm not good at it, but I do try to think about how my actions affect you.”
“Even though I hurt you?” Ominis whispered, reaching up to touch Sebastian's cheek where it rested on his shoulder, damp with drying tears. “Even though I can't slow either of you down without hurting you every time. Even though I can't just be a good boyfriend and remind you to be careful and wait patiently for you to come home?”
“How dare you call our boyfriend anything less than perfect.” The Keeper prodded him in the chest. “And I don't know what you've been smoking, but what you're describing isn't easy. Not by a long shot. I wouldn’t be able to sit by and do nothing.”
“Sebastian did, he was worried too but he didn't try to stop you from taking more jobs, or try to... hurt you into stopping.” Ominis protested weakly.
“Excuse me.” Sebastian huffed. “Did you miss the second half of that? I didn't stop them, but I went with them, because doing nothing but waiting is agony. That's why I went with them to the pub, that's why I'm going with them on their next job. It's why I made the dagger for them and why I tried so hard to find a cure for Anne.”
“Doing nothing is torture for me.” Sebastian pressed a kiss to Ominis’ neck. “I'm sorry I didn't realise it was becoming torture for you too.”
“It... it didn't use to be.” Ominis admitted, a bitter chuckle emerging as he traced the shape of Sebastian's hands on his waist. “I used to feel better if I gave someone else responsibility. It doesn't work anymore. I don't know why, but I haven't been able to do that for a while, I can't escape this fear. I don't know how to handle it.”
“I'm sorry that we've made you feel alone in worrying, but you don't have to carry that alone.” The Keeper murmured, a sweet kiss of their lips against his. “We can help you find a way to manage it, together.”
Ominis felt his breath catch, tears welling in his eyes. “I- I don't, after every time I hurt you both in my fear, how can you forgive me? I don't deserv-”
“If you think anyone else could be in your position, could do any better in your position, you couldn't be more mistaken.” Sebastian interrupted. “It's enough that you know you've hurt us and don't want to, are trying not to, because we can help with that.”
“Sebastian...” Ominis turned in his arms, tracing his fingers across Sebastian's brow and cheeks to see his expression, chest tightening at the unmistakably gentle crinkle around his eyes.
“We shouldn't dwell on things we can't change, instead we can look to the future and consider ways to prevent bad things from happening again.” Sebastian pressed a kiss to his palm, and Ominis’ eyes widened at his words, the same words he'd spoken to Sebastian himself a little over a year ago, after his breakdown in Feldcroft.
“I've hurt you so many times over the years too, and you've always forgiven me and stayed by my side... and I loved you for that.” Sebastian's voice was a quiet whisper now. “Loved you since third-year.”
A small smile lifted Ominis’ lips. “And I've loved you since the end of our first-year.”
“That long?” Sebastian sounded surprised and Ominis nodded shyly.
“Well, I can't beat either of those.” The Keeper sighed, dropping their chin onto Ominis’ shoulder, now that it was free. “Between the two of you, I'm starting to feel left out.”
The familiar words got a laugh out of Sebastian, and Ominis could hear the wry smile in his voice. “A lot has changed since the first time I said that, hasn't it?”
“Really?” Ominis huffed dryly. “I feel like I'm still getting led around by you two.”
“I disagree.” The Keeper chuckled. “Have you forgotten how you kept me from killing the woman living just outside our territory?”
Ominis blinked, that's right, he'd felt it then, the hope that he had the ability to change the minds of Sebastian and the Keeper. To change their course of direction, that's why he'd tried to do it again, but it hadn't worked.
“Didn't manage to change your minds this time.” Ominis murmured bitterly, moving reluctantly when the Keeper tugged him towards the bed to sit down on its edge.
“Ominis, that's the problem, back then, we agreed on the goal and then discussed ways of getting there that satisfied all of us.” They pointed out. “This time, you jumped straight to changing our minds.”
“What else could I change, besides your minds?” Ominis asked, feeling a tad defensive at the implication that there was any option besides that. If he could think of one, he'd have suggested it by now.
“Well, we can discuss the facts of the situation and try to find something that we can change. You don't have to think of a solution alone.” Sebastian pointed out as he took a seat beside Ominis, while the Keeper remained standing.
“I want to keep taking the energy, but we have possible unknown negative effects to account for that would make it dangerous.” The Keeper hummed. “I feel like all we need to do is make the unknowns known.”
“But it's a fact that I can't know what a warning sign looks like, the point where I can tell that something is wrong would already be too late.” Ominis sighed, before pausing. Wait, too late? Would not then all he need do, be to see the effects accelerated, to see what ‘too late’ looked like?
But... that meant involving himself in the Keeper's human experiments. Worse still, finding his answers would require that they actively try to turn a subject into a monster or kill them by Pain energy overdose. Could he really do such an inhumane thing? Then again...
His mind returned to the scans he'd done on Macnair last evening. The boy's body was wasting away, frail and weak, his amygdala had completely ceased to function, and his endocrine system seemed to be damaged so severely that Ominis felt that he had no hope of recovery. Did Macnair even deserve it? He couldn’t imagine being in that condition, what suffering was the boy experiencing?
At the same time, Pain energy felt good to take, with his will empty, it would be safe to give him that energy without him trying to break out using its power, rather than injecting it painfully with the collar. Would that not be a mercy instead? To let the mindless boy experience one last taste of pleasure, ending his suffering with bliss.
“Macnair is not doing so well, what do you two plan to do with him?” Ominis asked tentatively.
Having been watching him deeply immersed in thought, the Keeper quickly caught on, quite surprised that Ominis would consider experimentation to overcome this obstacle. No, he wouldn't be able to do that, not consciously at least, they knew his mind well enough to know that. What was his angle?
Bringing up Macnair’s health... perhaps he was trying to frame his participation as charity, after all, the subjects were scum that were already in perpetual suffering, maybe he wanted to contextualise being a grim reaper as mercy. They did wonder how he would justify the pain of collar injection, but they could always help him out there.
Well, those were quite some mental gymnastics he was hoping to do, but hey, any effort from him to cooperate was welcome.
“He doesn't provide any energy thanks to his ripped aura, so I was considering attempting to stitch it up. Which would require pumping him with energy, like finding a leak in a cup by filling it.” The Keeper answered. “I don't have much other use for him, but I would keep him alive, just in case I have need of him.”
The Keeper smiled as they laid forth the bait for Ominis to take, and was satisfied when he frowned, saying. “I think it's quite cruel to keep him in a suspended state of suffering...”
The Keeper silently raised a finger to quieten Sebastian when his expression became indignant, mouthing a simple ‘wait’.
“...it would be kinder to end his suffering. I know you want to have more than one subject at a time, but you'll be acquiring a new one, yes?” Ominis asked, as though he were bargaining with the cruel cruel Keeper to entertain his benevolent petition on poor little Macnair’s behalf.
The Keeper gave him a fond smile, he was so cute, still clinging to those paper-thin illusions that only they could provide. “Yes, and I suppose since I'll be getting another shortly, Macnair’s death won't be too much of a loss, but I'd rather make use of him, even on his way out.”
They would give him what he needed.
Ominis smiled. “I was thinking that I could monitor his condition as you feed him energy, preferably C-Pain in the same manner you consume it. That way, I can compare its effects on a regular wizard to its effects on you as an Ancient Mage.”
As Ominis explained his suggestion, understanding began to dawn on Sebastian's face and his expression became slightly conflicted.
“Same manner, hm.” The Keeper frowned. “That runs the risk of making him too powerful for even myself to defeat. I would also need to find out what distinguishes a painful injection of Pain energy from regular consumption.”
“It has to be the same manner you do it. Otherwise, we can't be certain that our findings would apply to you.” Ominis insisted. “Without mind and willpower, surely he wouldn't be as much of a threat as Ranrok was, and you defeated him without the aid of Pain energy.”
He had a point, the Keeper folded their arms thoughtfully, though it was amusing to hear Ominis defending their strength when it was convenient for him, and Sebastian was staring incredulously at him for likely the same reason. Still, to what ends was he pushing so hard for this?
...it would be kinder.
He'd said ‘kinder’, not more merciful, perhaps that was it? Did Ominis think it would absolve him of being Macnair’s executioner if the boy got to die in power rather than in pain? That dying in pain was ‘cruel’? Well, the Keeper didn't see any particular difference, after everything they'd done to him, murder was murder regardless, but if it made Ominis feel better, boy did they not fucking care.
“Fair enough, I'll see if I can figure out what the difference between collar injection and consumption are, and if I can feed him C-Pain energy.” The Keeper nodded and both boys sagged in relief.
“Thank Merlin, we finally have a plan.” Sebastian groaned, flopping backwards on the bed. “I'm bloody exhausted.”
“I- well-” Ominis cleared his throat and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear sheepishly. “I suppose, I'm sorry... for- well, making this more difficult than it maybe had to be.”
“Nah.” Sebastian shook his head, reaching out to take Ominis by the arm and tug him down, while the Keeper reclined on the bed beside them.
Catching himself on his arms, Ominis blinked in surprise, hovering over Sebastian as the brunet grinned and lifted his head just enough to give Ominis a peck on the lips.
“It's good that you got it all out. I mean, I could do without getting hurt.” Sebastian chuckled when Ominis gave him an annoyed look. “But it happened how it needed to happen, we can always do better next time. I could've handled it better too. I just- you drive me crazy.”
“Do I?” Ominis murmured with a small smile, folding his arms on Sebastian's chest and resting his head on them with a peaceful expression.
“Obviously.” Sebastian rolled his eyes and propped his head up on an arm, brushing his fingers through Ominis’ messy blond strands.
There was a soft, and undeniably loving crinkle around the corners of Sebastian's eyes, as he gazed at Ominis, idly caressing his cheek for several minutes, fingers brushing across the little uneven patches of peach fuzz that were growing.
As he did, Ominis basked in the gentle soothing touches, until they stopped, and Sebastian released something between a huff and a sigh. Tipping his head curiously to the side, Ominis asked. “Sebastian?”
“Nnnngg, how long are you just going to stare at us like that!?” Sebastian suddenly burst out, his cheeks quite red, and the Keeper gave him a low chuckle.
“I'm just enjoying the view, don't mind me.” The Keeper assured with a broad and amused grin, continuing to observe the sweet scene as they lay casually on their side, head propped up on an elbow.
“Right. Ominis is the one who's blind, not me. Merlin knows what's going on in there.” Sebastian eyed them suspiciously, and at their silent, unflinching grin, gave an aggravated huff. “Fine, might as well give you something to look at then.”
Sebastian propped himself up on his elbows and pressed his lips against Ominis’, who chuckled softly as Sebastian rolled them over, so he could pin Ominis to the sheets.
“Sebas-” Ominis’ exasperated sigh was quickly smothered by Sebastian, the brunet straddling his thighs, eagerly slipping his tongue between Ominis’ lips to swallow his words.
Coaxing a quiet groan from Ominis as he ran his fingers down the blond's neck, and the Keeper would readily admit that this was indeed a much better show, and one they would most certainly never tire of watching. The brief flashes of heated muscle entwined within the spaces between their lips, the way Sebastian shuddered when Ominis’ hands travelled down to his hips, gripping firmly as he ground their waists together.
Exquisite.
Cheeks aflame, Sebastian's mouth left Ominis’ to gasp as the blond's hardening length rubbed against his, releasing a low moan at the sensation and pressing his lips to Ominis’ throat as he rocked back eagerly. Only for Ominis to make a soft sound of discomfort and crane his face away.
“Merlin's bea- your beard, Sebastian, is getting too much for this!” Ominis complained, shoving Sebastian's head a distance away with a hand. “Are you trying to sandpaper my jawline into shape?”
“Please don't, I think it's perfectly shaped as it is.” The Keeper snickered.
“Oh, come on, Ominis, it's just a bit of fuzz.” Sebastian grumbled, his words muffled around the palm pressed against his cheek.
“You call this a bit of fuzz!?” Ominis exclaimed, running his nails along the bristles on Sebastian's jaw and producing an amusingly loud scratchy sound. “I've no doubt you look like a vagabond right now.”
“The kind of handsome, roguish vagabond that will steal your heart and make off with your virginity?” Sebastian grinned and the Keeper burst into laughter at the unamused glare Ominis levelled at him.
“The kind of vagabond that is homeless and in dire need of a razor.” Ominis retorted.
“Well, I've been busy the last two mornings, and I wasn't exactly in the mood to shave last night, now was I.” Sebastian grumbled, and Ominis’ eyes immediately darkened.
The Keeper quickly interjected, before the atmosphere could sour. “Why don't you go brush and shave then? That way, you'll be able to give Ominis a blowjob if he sees fit to grant you the honour.”
Sebastian immediately brightened and he grabbed Ominis by the shoulders. “Alright, I'll clean up and then I'm finally gonna get to see what they're always raving about.”
“Wha- wait- I didn't agre-” Ominis stammered, his face completely red as Sebastian nearly flew off the bed and into the adjoining bathroom, before turning towards the Keeper with an incredulous expression. “You rave about my- my-”
The Keeper gave him an unrepentant grin. “You do have a lovely pecker, darling. Rather outstanding really, few are quite as fortunate in that regard.”
“Salazar save me.” Ominis muttered, covering his face and climbing out of the bed to follow after Sebastian. “Sebastian, I never agreed to anything!”
“Wai ‘ot?” Sebastian mumbled around his toothbrush.
“It would give him some incentive to take care of himself. Pups need something to strive for when in training.” The Keeper chuckled as they slipped around Ominis and into the bathroom to get their own toothbrush.
“Exac'ly!” Sebastian spat in the sink before pausing. “Hang on train-”
“My dick is not a carrot!” Ominis exclaimed.
“Of course not, it's closer to a lollipop.” The Keeper grinned, very much amused by this line of discussion.
Idly collecting their toothbrush, they began cleaning their teeth at the porcelain sink that stood on the left of the entrance to the large alcove bathtub, while on the right of it, stood Sebastian at the second sink, slathering his face with cream.
Ominis groaned and ran a hand over his face.
“Look, it's annoying!” Sebastian exclaimed as he quickly slid the razor over his jaw. “I have to waste ten minutes every morning or I'll start looking like my uncle. Surely, I deserve a reward when I actually do it.”
“Well, you're not the only one that has to shave. See there, I need a shave too.” Ominis gestured at the patches of fuzz on his chin and upper lip.
“Those tiny things?” Rolling his eyes, Sebastian strode over and took Ominis’ chin, rubbing some of the leftover cream into his skin with a thumb. “Alright, hold still.”
Ominis obediently stilled, and allowed Sebastian to deftly whisk off the few bristles that were present, the brunet complaining the whole way. “Come on, these are so fine and easy to shave... and you can go a whole week without shaving before they show up! See? Done.”
Sebastian wiped the remaining cream off with a towel and beamed proudly at his handiwork, before returning to the mirror and his own shaving. “Why are you so reluctant anyway? Don't you always complain about me talking too much?”
Ominis’ cheeks flushed, the sheer thought of Sebastian's mouth around him making it difficult to think through the swarm of feelings that that idea conjured. “It's just- it's hard to imagine I suppose.”
Finishing up with their morning routine, the Keeper stepped aside for Ominis to use that sink. “Don't you feel bad for Sebastian? He even helps you shave, such a good boy deserves a reward.”
Ominis sighed as he washed his face, and the Keeper handed him his toothbrush. “Fine, I suppose if you nutters want it so much.”
“Yes!” Sebastian hissed with excitement as he washed the cream and hair from his face.
Several minutes later, a rather adorably embarrassed Ominis was seated on the edge of the bed, looking like he was on the verge of passing out. While Sebastian knelt on a pillow, that the Keeper had passed him, between Ominis’ knees, lowering his sleeping pants to reveal his partially erect member.
Despite his earlier bravado, Sebastian seemed equally embarrassed as he ran his fingers lightly along the fine blond hairs that Ominis’ length was nestled in. Eyeing it with an almost resolute gaze for several moments, Sebastian leaned forward and gave his tip a firm lick, making Ominis jolt with surprise and release a soft moan, covering his face shyly a moment later.
The Keeper sighed, what was with this blushing maiden atmosphere? Somehow even after everything they'd done together, the two boys could still get all flustered like virgins. Was it because the Keeper wasn't involving themselves and just watching? Or because they weren't leading?
Now that they thought about it, every time the three of them had been together, it had been mostly propelled by the Keeper. Perhaps their partners had simply been emboldened by their unabashed attitude towards sex. With that in mind, it might be better for them to let the two boys explore at their own pace for once.
As the Keeper pondered this, Sebastian licked his lips nervously, quite encouraged by how quickly Ominis had hardened fully, before placing them tentatively against Ominis’ crown, and allowed it to slip past his lips.
At the warmth and sensation, Ominis released another shaky moan, Salazar save him, he really wasn't going to last very long. Just the idea that Sebastian, his proud Sebastian, was on his knees and taking his cock, was enough to make his head swim. His hands twitched, gripping tightly at the blanket he was sitting on, as he felt himself touch the back of Sebastian's throat.
He still remembered how good it'd felt, to thrust into the Keeper's throat, it had been almost scary, how quickly he'd lost control, but their confidence and skill had made it easy to get swept up in the heat, to forget his inhibitions. Sebastian wasn't nearly as confident or experienced as them and Ominis wasn't sure how far he could go. He didn't want to hurt Sebastian.
With a pinch of frustration, Sebastian lifted his head to take a breath, before trying again, pushing Ominis deeper into his mouth, but was once again unable to swallow enough to reach the base. He pressed on anyway, but quickly found himself gagging on it and had to lift his head again to cough. Goddammit, why was this so much more difficult than when he'd serviced the Keeper with his mouth?
“A- are you alright? Don't overdo it, Sebastian.” Ominis asked, trying desperately to hide how good it had felt when Sebastian's hot and wet throat closed around him uncontrollably, how much he wanted to shove the brunet's head back down to feel it again.
He'd never had the Keeper choke on him before, how could something so bad feel so good? The way Sebastian’s throat had rippled around him, pulsing and tightening, and Merlin- the sound. The sound of Sebastian choking, he could hear the wetness of his saliva clinging to his throat, feel it rolling down his cock to touch the sensitive skin of his balls.
“It's-” Sebastian cleared his throat, tears beading in his eyes. “It's fine, I'm alright.”
Without another word, he took Ominis into his mouth again, trying once more to take him further into his throat. The Keeper had done it, surely he could too. So, he struggled to hold his instinct to gag and pressed his head down harder, when Ominis’ hips bucked, and he promptly choked again.
“Sorry! I'm sorry!” Ominis immediately exclaimed, lifting Sebastian's head himself, and baulking at the tears he could feel against his thumbs.
However, as Ominis’ hands moved automatically to clean the fluids from Sebastian's face, he couldn’t stop himself from shuddering at the expression the brunet was wearing. Sebastian looked absolutely wrecked, eyebrows slanted upwards, his mouth hanging open, lips stretched wide from his cock. As guilty as he felt, Ominis knew he'd never forget the image his hands had shown him.
“‘S fine.” Sebastian mumbled, coughing and swallowing, a little dazed by how hot that had felt, his prim and pompous Ominis ramming his cock into his mouth like that.
Sebastian was starting to see why the Keeper liked blowing Ominis. Though, the choking he could probably do without, at least for now, while he still didn't know what the fuck he was doing.
With that, he turned slightly to ask the Keeper, who had been suspiciously silent the entire time. “How do you do it?”
“Do what, love?” The Keeper asked absently in return, a tad occupied committing everything they'd just witnessed to memory, especially Sebastian's fucked out expression. So, Ominis actually liked choking, good to know.
“Well, take Ominis... all the way.” Sebastian replied with an adorable squirm of the hips, likely rubbing himself against the tent in his sleeping pants.
The Keeper chuckled fondly, ever the overachiever of course. They paused to think, well, they did have the bed, it'd certainly be far more comfortable to start with, and it wasn't like Sebastian had to worry about how vulnerable the position was, unlike they had, and it'd give Ominis more control.
“You want to straighten out your throat. Here.” The Keeper stood and helped Sebastian to his feet. “It'll be easier if you lie down on your back, with your head hanging off the edge.”
Sebastian obediently followed their instructions as the Keeper also took Ominis’ hand and guided him to stand, wrapping their arms around his waist and pressing against his back as they whispered into his ear. “And you can stand here and fuck his throat.”
“Isn't this a little dangerous? He can't move away.” Ominis asked worriedly, though his expression and the way his length twitched made it obvious how much he liked the idea.
“It's alright, I can just tap your leg if I need to breathe.” Sebastian patted Ominis’ thigh, his half-lidded eyes heated as he regarded Ominis’ erection, hanging just inches from his lips, and his tongue darted out to lap at it.
Ominis gasped at the sensation and offered no further protest as the Keeper held his length in position and used their own hips to nudge Ominis’ forward, watching in delight as his hardness slid smoothly into Sebastian's throat.
“Oh-” Ominis moaned as he buried himself in, all the way to the base. The Keeper took his twitching hands, and placed them on the bulge in Sebastian's throat, before letting go as he began, of his own accord, to trace the shape of his own erection stretching Sebastian's skin.
“Doing alright down there?” The Keeper asked, and Sebastian flashed them a thumbs up, making an affirmative sound around the obstruction in his throat and getting another moan from Ominis as a result.
Chuckling, the Keeper murmured into Ominis’ ear, lapping teasingly at the shell. “There, you can let go, love. Stop thinking and do what feels good.”
With a keening sound in his throat, Ominis tentatively moved his hips, drawing back slightly, before pushing in again, shuddering as his sensitive tip rubbed against the back of Sebastian's tongue. The hollow squelch of his cock sealing the inside of Sebastian’s throat, creating a vacuum, a space where only he could pass through, the thought of pouring his seed inside Sebastian making his mind melt.
Ominis couldn’t help but rock harder into him, panting from the heat that was building in his body, the Keeper's warm chest against his back, their hands slipping under his shirt to rub and tug at his sensitive nipples. It feels so good-
He felt a few taps against his thigh, as Sebastian's throat closed around him again, and for a moment, it failed to register in Ominis’ mind, but as the Keeper tugged his hips backwards with a firm grip, he recalled its meaning. The air felt cold on his dick, after being inside Sebastian's warmth, but he was grateful that the Keeper had helped him stop.
“T- thank-” Ominis muttered as he turned his head to the side, and the Keeper captured his lips with their own, while Sebastian coughed and gasped for breath.
Releasing Ominis’ lips, the Keeper murmured gently. “Try to keep a consistent rhythm and pull out every four thrusts to let him breathe.”
Swallowing thickly, Ominis nodded, while Sebastian gave a weak laugh, and asked. “You were counting?”
“I was.” The Keeper chuckled, taking Ominis’ length and guiding him back into Sebastian's mouth, purring into Ominis ear. “Aren't you two lucky to have me.”
Moaning softly, Ominis nodded automatically, as they gripped his hips and guided him in at a languid pace, his fingers wrapping around their wrist and spasming as he fucked Sebastian's throat at their coaxing. It was a struggle to keep counting through the haze of pleasure and it helped to have their guidance, especially when it became more difficult to stop every time Sebastian choked.
Though, he was actually rather glad for the need to keep track of his thrusts, it was probably the only reason that he hadn't come yet. The feeling of Sebastian's hot and tight throat around him was amazing, the knowledge that he couldn’t do anything but lie there and take his cock, insane.
This was the same Sebastian who never stepped back from a fight, letting Ominis use his body for his pleasure, groaning around his cock, the taut skin of his throat stretching under his palm with every thrust.
“He's touching himself.” The Keeper's voice murmured into his ear and Ominis released a confused sound, having a hard time processing their words with his lust clouded mind, and they chuckled. “Sebastian, he's touching himself as you fuck his throat, he's so hard just from this.”
The moment he understood, Ominis released a loud moan, reaching his peak immediately, and his erection throbbed in Sebastian's mouth as his seed spurted down his throat. Unable to stop himself from burying his length as deep as he could go and holding himself there for a shuddering moment. Feeling ecstasy flood his body as Sebastian choked on his cum, before remembering that he was stopping Sebastian from breathing and quickly pulled out.
“Sor- sorry, I should- should have warned you-” Ominis gasped, leaning against the Keeper as his knees went weak.
“No, no. I take full responsibility for that.” The Keeper chuckled from behind him, flicking their wand and casting a quick Anapneo charm to clear Sebastian's throat quickly.
After panting for a few seconds, Sebastian gave them a small pout from where his head still hung upside down, his voice rough and thick. “Aw, I wanted to swallow that.”
Ominis released a sound that was somewhere between a squeak of surprise and a moan, while the Keeper laughed and reached down to pat Sebastian on the cheek. “There's always next time.”
He nuzzled at their hand with a hum. “How do you just keep going without needing to stop to breathe?”
“It's possible to breathe while giving a blowjob, it takes some... practice to get the right timing. But not everyone can, so don't feel bad if you don't manage it.” Straightening and placing a kiss on Ominis’ flushed cheek, the Keeper flashed Sebastian a wide smirk. “Now, my turn.”
Seeing it from his spot on the bed, Sebastian swallowed, and his erection twitched in his grip.
“How long will he have us play the villain so he can be the saint?”
“However long he needs it.”
“Does it not hurt?”
“A tad, but I take comfort in knowing that it's an illusion and that he needs it. Are you willing to deny him an illusion so vital to his mental wellness? We all know what it is, even him, somewhere deep down. And now that you understand that he believes it for his own sanity, not because he really sees us as despicable, does it not hurt less?”
“I suppose so...”
“Chin up, my love. I'm sure it won't be forever, he just needs time, and this will keep him with us and happy till that day comes.”
“...you're right, it just- it does still hurt, and it'll take time to get used to remembering that it's an illusion for him. That he doesn't actually think we're cruel. But you're right, it's worth it. He's worth it.”
“Good, I'm glad you agree. Now go get the bottle to feed Shai.”
“Ugh, Ominis is worth getting hurt for, but I'm not sure this one is...”
Notes:
Ominis: I'm a bad person? *cries* The Keeper: I'm a bad person? You're right bitch. Sebastian: I'm not bad, you're bad, fuck you.
I hope no one gets offended by the Christian abuse stuff, I mean, it's historically accurate and I think the Keeper's response is a rather common response to aggressive religious abuse. Particularly considering the circumstances.
In a way, the Keeper's mentality is a progressive/globalised perspective, in one country's culture, A might be “good” but in another culture it's “bad”, once we realise and understand that neither are right nor wrong, just different ways of living and doing things, we actually become more accepting and kinder towards ourselves and each other. Plus, if you call someone bad even when they try their best, why would they keep trying?
FYI, the amygdala is the part of the brain that processes emotion and the endocrine system is responsible for releasing hormones like dopamine, that manage our emotions as well.
Here's a thing about decision making. Our human brains are super defensive and (like with anxiety) tend to overcompensate to keep us from making mistakes, and often, its arguments are not even rooted in reality to begin with.
Studies have shown that when trying to decide if we should take an action or not, our brains simulate the worst case possible and we get hit with the pain of that worst case scenario immediately. Like, on the spot. Whereas when simulating the potential good result, we don't experience the joy/satisfaction/achievement from it.
And on top of that, the pain of failure is multiplied by 2 (or more) during simulation while positive results are halved in emotional value. This means that we're not making our decisions objectively, they're vibes based rather than looking at the reality of the situation.
To make things worse, when stressed or fatigued, our amygdala gets even more sensitive and we can become even more ridiculously pessimistic and afraid to take any action.
That's why when someone is going off on a panic attack, you need to calm them down first before trying to reason with them. (Preferably not with a slap.) People need to feel good in order to think rationally, which sucks when the decision that needs to be made is the thing causing stress xP
In this chapter, Ominis basically chooses whether he wants to be like his parents or not. Victims of abuse, especially children, tend to either become like their abusers or swing the opposite way.
His parents were very black/white simplistic in their logic, “if you don't obey us and be a muggle torturing evil person, it means you don't love/respect us”. So by default he's like that too, “if I ask you to stop because you're upsetting me and you don't, it means you don't care about me”. Rather than considering that there might be other options if discussed or that people could have reasons they can't stop that don't mean you matter less, but that those other reasons matter more.
He understands, deep down, that his parents hadn't manage to force him to become like them, all they ended up doing was hurt him. The problem is that Ominis genuinely doesn't know what to do if someone doesn't do what he wants, all his examples were either his parents’ “hurt them till they do it”, or Solomon and Anne's “cut ties”. He doesn't have good examples of the correct option “compromise and discussion”. So this chapter, was him understanding that there was always a third option there.
I wonder if anyone caught that the Keeper's last line in the dream “I answer to no one.” Mirrors Ranrok's line “Goblinkind shall answer to no one.” The classic fear of becoming the monster you beat xD
So, if a dick is too big, breathing through the nose in the brief flash of pull-out-for-next-thrust, won't be possible, but if anatomy allows for it, the dick wielder needs to is keep a stable rhythm and the blower can breathe in-between. Or just pause to let the blower breathe, yo. This work will not be responsible for death by dick.
Also, wow that blowjob scene was hard to keep gender neutral for the Keeper, but I'm pretty proud of it xD
Making it ambiguous if Sebastian found the Keeper easier to blow because they aren't as long/thick as Ominis or because licking pussy is easier than not choking on dick. Leaving it up to readers if the Keeper's “my turn” refers to them taking a go at Sebastian's throat themselves or if they're afab and take Sebastian's place to let Sebastian have a go at their throat or even sit on his face.
Whatever answer you chose, it's the right answer. That's what progressive means xD Just kidding, sort of xP
P.S. Isn't Sebastian shaving Ominis so cute?
Also the outward appearance versus internal sexual dynamic here is so funny; Ominis: looks like an angel - has the filthiest mind Sebastian: cheeky bastard - wears a romantic rosy filter over his eyes Keeper: stoic - non-stop maniacal "mine mine mine" chant
Many thanks once again, to my Patreon, cheeky_idler, for naming Shai as a Paid member with voting & suggestion power! ;)
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8bitsupervillain · 2 months ago
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Higurashi When They Cry Hou Ch. 8 Matsuribayashi pt. 59
I seem to recall reading somewhere that there’s a sequel of sorts to this series that they released for iOS and Android. I assume it’s just a straight purchase, and not somehow a gacha riddled free to play game. I wonder how that would work? Anyway, it got me thinking about why don’t the various VN makers make their series available on mobile devices? Seems sort of like an untapped market, plus it would be great for me personally, so that way I can read a bit of one of these when I go to bed. Because despite it being a capital idea I’m not taking my laptop to bed with me.
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This was meant to be in part 58, but had to be cut because I don't know how to count.
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It’s kind of odd they only react to Rika, and not Hanyuu’s teasing. At the time when I first read this I had come up with a rather nonsensical conspiracy theory about the whys and wherefores about what this could mean. I’m fairly confident I was just overthinking it.
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Just introduce him as your man, easypeasy.
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Satoko seems kind of easygoing about all of this I must say. It’s particularly odd given her alleged distrust of any and all adults. I suppose she’s just extremely trusting about everything Rika has said about what’s going on with her life recently.
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A lesson so important Rika’s had to learn it twice across these last two chapters.
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I always enjoy the trope of an unflappable character getting hopelessly embarrassed and overreacting to things. It’s just one that never fails to amuse me.
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Of course it’s also funny seeing Rika just bully poor sweet dog girl. It's funny how every character seems to get a chance to play the straight man and also the butt of the joke at one point of another.
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plasticfangtastic · 2 years ago
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Can we Be Lonely Together? Ch. 2
A Homelander x Stalker!Reader fanfic
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This is a gender neutral fanfic but deep down its just a Homelander X Joe Goldberg fic do with that as you wish. This is a slow burn fic btw
PLZ FORGIVE ME I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PUT A READ MORE OPTION ON MOBILE SO SORRY IF THIS LOOKS LENGHTY.
Summary: We were two mices pretending to be cats, weren't we?
We Didn't expect to find ourselves int his situation, But John... Homelander... You were perfect... none of this was a lie, these feelings are genuine! So I don't know why you're using such words... stalker... pyschotic bitch? Insane... Liar!? to describe me, after all I've done for you-- Us!? all I done to help you!?
You were wrong.
I just yearned to get closer so what if I did my homework? After all you played along. I knew you knew... you were so loud
R18: TW murder mention, CSEM mention.
Chapter two
Financial Advice for Crooks.
I had my vices.
Life hadn’t been easy, I had limited options and limited paths for the longest time so when I finally had a taste of anything but misery I sank my teeth in its throat, I settled my nest in a corpse of my past– I found my calling. Got my groove on, and began to move up in my way to hell. I made my money, and I made connections, and eventually I got used to this lifestyle.
I thought you would’ve been impressed by how good I was at my job… 
So I came to New York for business. It wasn’t cheap, but unlike the usual dreamers… they didn’t come to this city with a terabyte of crap to blackmail their landlord to lower their rent seventy-five-percent below street average. So I treated myself to the finer things, expensive things… short lived things… so all the meals and wine money could offer, material things didn’t last, but I wanted to feel good… the sort of good where sex doesn’t compare, beside I could never be loved or love… until I met you.
So I devoured with gusto all the Michelin stars, critics recommendations in the Times, highest rated Yelp! review joint, hidden gems, and anything that failed to include the price on the menu... I lived for once. 
For I was starved… until now.
So there I was in some bloody fucking warehouse tied up, my left arm dislocated and a five inch nail adhering my palm to this facebook marketplace find of a chair.
Let’s not even discuss the state of my face.
“You think you can rob me!? I gave you my trust! I welcome you into my family! I let you babysit my fucking kids! And this is how you repay me!? Stealing from me!?” His voice was louder than any thought around me.
I could hardly see or hear anything, my eyes swollen and my ears throbbing, hot, stiff, my shoulders burnt, my hand itching, and screaming.
“I’ll… I’ll pay…”
“Doesn’t change anything, kiddo. If I let you live then word gets out in the streets that you can disrespect me, and sail smoothly!”
“I’ll pay you double the interest! Come on Roman! I fucked up!” I can barely think, my mouth is dry and wet– I can get you something good!” My throat rips itself apart trying to speak to this suited hooligan.
“Like I care… get this bitch out my face.” he said to some goon behind me.
“Vought! I can get you Vought!”
It's always on your mind. You become a petulant child when it comes to Vought– your biggest competitor.
“Excuse you?”
“Edgar is on his way out. The market is going to be in a panic, no?” I spit drool and my teeth– word is that Homelander will take the helm… you think that homeschooled twat can manage to run one of the biggest companies in the world? I’ll get you the trading secrets… I’ll get.. you anything…”
“How do you know Edgar is out? What are you saying?”
“My FBSA contact… they didn’t pay up, so I gave them a visit… and that Neuman chick was so fucking loud. Something about a big press release in a couple days, they’re gonna arrest Edgar. The Homelander wants him out.”
“Why do you have a contact in the FBSA?”
“I wanted to pay you… needed some Supe to blackmail…”
“You’re lying.”
“Keep me alive until you see the bitch on the news. Help me get a job at Vought. I’ll get you something worth more than One-Hundred-K.” I plead, my voice a tire running out of air– please… Roman… please I beg you… believe me one more time! even I wouldn’t lie about this.”
It might’ve been the fantasy that gave him the capacity to hand mercies for he kept me alive in that warehouse for two days, for your new girlfriend was on the TV hitting Edgar like an avalanche.
Cut to, three weeks later, there I’m in business attire sitting across an exhausted HR rep who can’t believe his boss is making him do this, behind the almost perfect smile, and the mundane questions he had already hired me, my resume was perfect and seeing the urgency pulling at his leash even if my resume hadn’t been finely crafted, your company would’ve given me the job. The department was stressed while being examined closely by the shareholders, the whole company was frantic.
I got the call by the end of the week.
By Monday there I was walking into that massive hundred plus storey behemoth of a tower, worse than any fugly billionaire row structure. I saw why people were impressed by this butt-plug of a building, just sucking on the land around it, hogging all the air space with its glass ‘Seven’ and its name illuminating the airspace, big enough to have its own gravitational pull and New Yorkers were the moons running laps around it.
Before I knew it I was dragged around by security to receive my special keycard with my fake name and all, then met the highest qualified person in this department, some sweet anxious thing called Anika, you know her– if not the smell of adrenaline she gives off when you’re around.
It seems people here were allergic to sunlight– any light actually! This couldn’t be good for anyone's eyes.
She handed me a desk, and well everything after that must be quite boring for you, so let me TDLR…
There was a reason why I chose this department. I could’ve aimed to be an assistant, worked in any other department, even been the fucking janitor and I would had been able to fulfil my task, but I knew that Vought had all the resources and cutting edge technology to get the fuck away from Roman Ban and Banvision Global. In here I’d forge a new name, destroy all trace of my existence, what little there was of my digital fingerprint, and above all… I could make money.
It wasn’t difficult. 
So I started with Kevin… sorry I meant… The Deep (ugh) his mind was easy to navigate, behind the mountain of cetacean erotica, self-loathing, bisexual worries, genuine environmental worries, his abs and octopussy fantasies– it didn’t take me long to find out his social security number, his bank account passwords and numbers, social media passwords, both private and public– did you know he had an account in the Jeremy Renner app? Anyhoo… I had all I needed written in sparkly ink, and swirly cursive. 
I simply had to sell some tabloid his web search history, or transfer small amounts at a time to an offshore account, small enough to go unnoticed disguised as his usual transactions, he had several trials and memberships he had yet to cancel-- I pitied Deep to a degree we both had been bad with money. I just didn’t spend most of my money donating to cults and environmental causes. 
As the days went by I collected passwords and keys from all suits worth a damn, and did my job to cancel those memberships diverting them to me, and taking small amounts, collecting and crafting packages to blackmail them, sending personalized emails demanding ransom, etcetera.
But I had a guy ready to kill me to prove a point, so I kept working.
The more I saw my plan coming together, the more brazen I became. I thought I’d be there for a month at most… so there I was staying till late. My mind still assaulted by the discovery of the depth of the Deep’s depravity, and his annoying wife, this wasn’t my first introductory lesson into bestiality… that had been in the fifth grade at a Wendy’s parking lot when my powers were at their worst– and he wasn’t the only person on this floor that indulged in filth, not even the worse kind, the worse was that lady in IT storing a hard-drive with the sort of shit, that will have the FBI shutting down Vought for a couple days to investigate why there’s kids stored in the company servers– which… I did… tell Roman about.
“Excuse me?”
I had forgotten till now.
“Yeah… Joanne in IT… you should… keep Ryan away from that floor, just saying ‘cuz she ain’t ugly and he’s vulnerable.”
I’ve never seen you so pale, almost as pale as the corpse next to the couch.
“Anyways I was saying…”
I love how family oriented you are. The way your heart was racing just now, the way your jaw twitched for a second, it was sweet how much you cared.
“There’s also that guy in security who’s been stealing shit to roofie girls.”
Your pretty blonde locks felt to the side of your forehead, as you cocked your head confusedly.
I sat in that screen lit room, waiting for the building to get as quiet as it possibly could. There were always people in this place, sleepyheads and night shifts. This place had become less phallic and more a living organism, every hallway and room serving a function to keep it erect non-stop.
Curiosity won over me and I love obscene indulgences, I have an appetite for things that do me no good. So I knew a place I had to see So there I’m in the elevator knowing the floor is mostly empty, and knowing I had the floor all for myself, knowing where every soul was placed and the password to erased the security footage (plus I had already blackmail the right security guard) I headed upstairs to a special place.
The ninety-nine floor.
Walking across the golden marble, crossing the wooden frames and the gallery of greatest hits with no artistic value intrinsic to them– I saw the statues guarding the Seven’s boardroom, and found an unlocked sliding door. The silvery "Seven" table, with all its sharp edges, the famous chairs every supe in the world wanted to sit down on– not me. 
I wasn’t pretty enough for the pageant circuit, my parents were… disappointed… to say the least… found me creepy, repulsive even! saying I kept them hostage in their own home, unable to keep anything hidden. I tried to control my powers until they could forgive me, anyone…could forgive me, so I never imagined myself in this room, much less in spandex.
So I sat on your chair, at the helm turning to see the best view of the big city.
Your statues and your painting staring down on me, you were unbearable, just a pretty blond in tights, with a padded suit even for your dick as if you needed protection from upcoming kicks to the balls. Everybody feared you, and if they didn’t they wanted to be you, you seemed so far up your ass– and all your staff simply indulged you, afraid that even an atomic bomb couldn’t stop your tantrums. Too afraid to tell you… even if your name was on the door, you weren’t running shit. All the actual work was done by your former assistant it seemed, just delivered dumbed down to your level by the time it reached this table for you to play pretend, and feel like a big boy. 
I was surprised you could even read, but then again you could shoot lasers out of your eyes and if rumor was true your piss was acid– so Jesus knows I wasn’t going to question it.
Your chair was comfy, and I bet all those numbnuts wished they could sit on it.
The view was worth it, I could see why people liked this stupid city– did my job and ate quickly but I wanted more… so thankfully I had a good book on my kindle and a juicy chapter to unfold.
Looking at the clock I cleaned myself and began heading out, my mind finally shutting down, it was the only way I could sleep, Soon I would’ve been awake trying to hold my head together… I know you were at my house so I know you saw the valium next to my bed, and the mix-and-match bags of sleeping pills.
I should’ve looked at the clock better, I should’ve hung in there, freely disrupting my routine willingly. It was nice to hear nothing, just the sound of my wispy breath and my loafers squeaking, in this silence I failed to notice you.
I failed to notice you had entered this place at all. Did you find it hard to sleep? Did you step outside your enclosure looking for enrichment? I wasn’t thinking that when I stepped into the elevator with my eyes glued to my phone, you weren’t on my radar. 
My heart nearly burst out of my chest at the sight of red gloves holding the door.
My bladder nearly emptying itself.
When your frame came into my general vicinity. I swallowed hard. Still had some cheese caught behind my teeth.
Nervously I looked up, catching the back of the American flag and your shoulder pads. Golden eagles caging me, frosted tips right before my eyes, and your hand pressing on the elevator going up.
My hand still hovering near the control panel aching to press down, your collar creeked as you turned to look at my insignificant presence.
“What floor?”
How polite, your voice so quiet, guess you hadn’t noticed me either.
“Ground… thank you.”
Your perfume was virtually non-existent, you were warmth, sunflowers and cotton. I had cats to kill it seems for I looked up catching your disturbed reflection in the chrome. Your eyes somewhere else, something about that picture made me too curious.
I turned it back on: feeling the burst, holding a wince behind my teeth. I found myself leaning against the wall, your ear picking up as I held my head lightly.
You found me annoying, dramatic, loud. I held back my breath as I fixed myself in the corner, just out of fear.
“You should be ashamed of yourself!” 
I’m dead. I thought
“Do you have any idea how embarrassing you are!”
I…I…I am sorr– I began to mumble.
You weren’t saying anything, but it was you speaking. Screaming at yourself. 
That voice so rough and you became so meek, I took a quarter step forward-- in this small box I could do more than just listen, in the chrome your face moved, it spoke and walked in his few feets of space looking down on you, taunting you, remind you of today’s failures listing them as if he was your mother in the middle of math homework.
You could cry.
You wanted to cry.
You were a wave, a wave pulling me further into the sea and I had no idea how to swim any longer. How? How could you see yourself like this? Why do you let him act like this? 
When had you turned to see me? Had my leaning been too noticeable, could you smell the provolone in my tongue? My lips shakily pursed upwards.
It seemed the voice faded away.
“Did you get lost?” You looked directly at my badge.
“Heard they had mints in this floor’s bathroom.” where’s my fucking oscar!? 
Homelander mouth half open, too tired to react just shaking awkwardly but your half closed eyes watched me curiously.
And finally I saw your face.
Your eyes were so tired, everything about you looked exhausted, your posture kept straight by your suit pulling you up, but when your lip indulged in the joke. 
Magic.
My heart sang a song made in your honor, my cheeks so flushed it made me itchy. 
The elevator stopped but you didn’t leave when the doors opened, your finger pressed lightly on the right command.
“Who are you?”
“A corporate spy sent to steal trading secrets for your competitors”
You bombarded me with a singular warning “Don’t lie.” I lived in a world where nobody could lie to me, it got boring, it got insulting, hateful, cruel, so I wasn’t going to lie to you, not when I knew you wanted to decompress… with my spine.
You laughed.
It was so cute– you moved in slowmo.
You took a step back, listening to my unfazed heartbeat, I told you the truth but you heard a joke, maybe you needed a laugh for that voice was back to pestering you.
“I’m new. I was curious about the Seven’s gallery… sorry.”
“Don’t do it again.” You said with a jovial tone so threatening it reverted to being sweet– got it?”
Not a single picture, drawing, GIF, fancam, etcetera. Did ya justice, I could see it now… why everybody fawned over you, but I saw something else.
Behind those blue eyes.
Was the loneliest man in the world.
Your mind I wanted to peek more. I wanted to speak and decipher that voice in your head, I wanted to see why you hated those people under you, I wanted to understand what made you so upset that no matter how much you tried threatening me, it wouldn’t… it wasn’t making you feel any better.
“I’m sincerely sorry.” I said barely whispering but you heard it crystal clear– hope you have a goodnight Mister Gillman.”
The doors began to close as your eyes widened and your lips shaped an ‘O’.
I could’ve sworn your cheeks turned pale and pink.
Mine were candy apples, for once… I regretted saying Good night.
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kelasmotivasi · 4 days ago
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Ginanjar Budhiraharja Ahli Hypno Branding dan Digital Marketing
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Di tengah persaingan bisnis yang semakin ketat, membangun merek yang kuat dan berkesan menjadi tantangan utama bagi banyak perusahaan. Ginanjar Budhiraharja, MM, CH, CHt, CI, hadir sebagai pakar Hypno Branding yang mampu membantu bisnis menciptakan citra merek yang tidak hanya dikenal, tetapi juga dicintai. Beliau merupakan bagian dari Digital Creative Consultant, sebuah perusahaan konsultan terkemuka yang berkomitmen membantu bisnis sukses di era digital.
Digital Creative Consultant: Partner Tepat untuk Inovasi Bisnis Anda
Sebagai perusahaan konsultan yang bergerak di bidang kreatif digital, Digital Creative Consultant berdiri di bawah naungan PT Cipta Esa Kreasindo. Dengan tim profesional yang berpengalaman, perusahaan ini menawarkan berbagai solusi inovatif yang dirancang khusus untuk mendukung pertumbuhan bisnis di berbagai sektor.
Layanan Komprehensif untuk Semua Kebutuhan Bisnis
Strategi Bisnis yang Efektif Kami membantu klien dalam pengelolaan pendapatan, pengembangan merek, peluncuran produk, dan analisis ROI untuk memaksimalkan keuntungan.
Teknologi Digital yang Mendukung Pertumbuhan Dari pembuatan website hingga aplikasi berbasis mobile, layanan kami meliputi internet marketing, dukungan IT, dan solusi managed services yang terintegrasi.
Pelatihan Digital Marketing Program pelatihan kami, “Tips Banjir Order dari Internet: Cara Sederhana, Hasil Luar Biasa”, memberikan panduan praktis bagi pelaku usaha untuk memanfaatkan teknologi digital secara optimal.
Hypno Branding: Kunci Keberhasilan Citra Merek Anda
Hypno Branding adalah metode unik yang memanfaatkan teknik hipnosis untuk menciptakan koneksi emosional antara merek dan konsumen. Ginanjar Budhiraharja, sebagai pakar di bidang ini, membantu klien membangun merek yang mampu meninggalkan kesan mendalam di benak pelanggan.
Keunggulan Hypno Branding untuk Bisnis
Citra Merek yang Lebih Kuat Dengan Hypno Branding, merek Anda akan lebih mudah dikenali dan diingat oleh konsumen.
Keterikatan Emosional yang Mendalam Teknik ini membantu menciptakan hubungan emosional antara pelanggan dan merek, meningkatkan loyalitas konsumen.
Meningkatkan Efektivitas Kampanye Pemasaran Pendekatan berbasis psikologi konsumen ini memastikan kampanye pemasaran Anda lebih efektif dan tepat sasaran.
Industri yang Dilayani oleh Digital Creative Consultant
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Ekspedisi: Membantu perusahaan logistik meningkatkan visibilitas merek dan menarik lebih banyak pelanggan.
Ritel: Mendorong pertumbuhan penjualan dengan strategi pemasaran omnichannel yang inovatif.
Mengapa Memilih Digital Creative Consultant?
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dbmrmark · 4 days ago
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websoptimization · 23 days ago
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Why Cross-Platform App Development is the Key to Rapid App Deployment
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Imagine being able to reach a global audience with a single app while cutting down both development time and costs. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it? This isn’t just a dream for app developers, it’s a reality, thanks to cross-platform development. 
In a world where speed-to-market can define success, businesses are turning to cross-platform frameworks to build apps that work seamlessly across devices and operating systems.
But why is cross-platform app development so crucial for rapid deployment? 
It’s not just about saving time or budget—it’s about staying competitive. From startups launching MVPs to enterprises scaling their digital presence, cross-platform development has emerged as a game-changer.
This blog dives deep into how cross-platform development is reshaping app deployment strategies. We’ll uncover its benefits, explore leading frameworks, and help you decide when it’s the best fit for your project. 
Let’s get started.
Understanding Cross-Platform Development
Cross-platform development is more than just a buzzword, it’s a progressive mobile app development approach that empowers developers to build applications for multiple platforms with a single codebase. 
Instead of developing separate apps for iOS and Android, you write one code that works fine on both. Efficient, streamlined, and incredibly powerful, it’s like hitting two targets with one arrow.
Here’s how it works: Tools in hybrid app development frameworks link the shared code with each platform’s respective APIs, making the app behave exactly as a native app. This means you get all the functionality users expect but with less effort. Plus, updates and fixes are faster to roll out since there’s only one codebase to manage. 
How Cross-Platform Development Accelerates App Deployment
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—why cross-platform development is a speed booster. Here are the key reasons:
1. Single Codebase Efficiency: Developers don’t need to write separate code for iOS and Android. So instead, they create one codebase that works for both. It drastically reduces the time spent on coding and testing out bugs.
2. Faster Iterations and Updates: With a unified codebase, it becomes easy to roll out updates or solve bugs. It makes maintenance faster and more efficient as all platforms are updated with a single change.
3. Reusable Components: Frameworks like Flutter and React Native already come with pre-built UI components that developers can use as they are straight out of the box. It saves time and guarantees design consistency by using these reusable elements.
4. Streamlined Testing: It can be time consuming to test an app for multiple platforms. This is made simpler with cross platform development, as the app can be tested once and the results can be applied across the platforms.
5. Collaborative Development: Since cross-platform frameworks use popular programming languages like JavaScript (React Native) or Dart (Flutter), they’re accessible to a broader pool of developers. Teams can collaborate more effectively, speeding up the process.
Popular Frameworks for Cross-Platform App Development
Not all frameworks are created equal, so let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular ones:
1. Flutter: Developed by Google, Flutter is known for its hot reload feature, which lets developers see changes in real-time. Its performance is almost on par with native apps, making it a top choice.
2. React Native: Backed by Meta (formerly Facebook), React Native is one of the most widely used frameworks. It allows developers to use JavaScript, a familiar language, and has a massive community for support.
3. Xamarin: Owned by Microsoft, Xamarin integrates seamlessly with the .NET ecosystem. It’s a great option for developers who prefer C# as their programming language.
Each of these frameworks has its strengths, so the choice depends on your specific project needs.
When Cross-Platform Development is the Right Choice
Cross-platform development isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the scenarios where it shines:
1. Tight Deadlines: Cross-platform development’s speed allows you to beat the clock when you’re rushing to launch your app.
2. MVPs for Startups: Startups often need to test their ideas quickly without breaking the bank. A cross-platform MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is cost-effective and fast to build.
3. Apps with Broad Audience Reach: If your app targets both iOS and Android users, cross-platform development ensures you reach everyone without doubling the workload.
4. Budget Constraints: For businesses with limited resources, developing a single codebase is more economical than maintaining separate teams for different platforms.
When Not to Use It
If your app requires heavy platform-specific features, such as AR capabilities or advanced hardware integration, native development might be a better choice.
Conclusion
Cross platform development isn’t simply a time and money saver, it's about creating applications which are flexible, future ready, and provide a great user experience for different devices. Cross-platform development allows the businesses to quickly scale up, and therefore experiment with all the risk mitigated, while still maintaining quality. If you are looking for speed, efficiency and innovation, hybrid app development services are for you. 
Are you ready to transform your app idea to reality?
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namantogwe · 1 month ago
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The Most Popular Online Gaming Apps Right Now
Online gaming apps have become a major part of how people unwind, compete, and connect with others around the globe. These apps have transformed gaming into a mobile-first experience, allowing players to enjoy immersive worlds and competitive arenas anytime, anywhere. In this post, we’ll explore the most popular online gaming apps dominating the market in 2024, what makes them stand out, and why they’re the go-to choice for millions of gamers worldwide.
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Why Online Gaming Apps Are So Popular
The rise of mobile technology and faster internet connections has fueled the success of online gaming apps. Unlike traditional gaming consoles or PCs, these apps allow gamers to play on their smartphones or tablets, making gaming accessible and portable. Whether it’s a casual puzzle game or a high-intensity battle royale, there’s something for everyone in the world of online gaming apps.
Let’s dive into the top apps and what makes them exceptional.
1. PUBG Mobile: The King of Battle Royale Games
PUBG Mobile remains one of the most popular online gaming apps, thanks to its intense gameplay and realistic graphics. This battle royale game pits up to 100 players against each other on a massive map, where strategy, quick thinking, and teamwork are key to survival.
Why It Stands Out:
Stunning visuals and detailed maps
Multiple game modes, including classic battle royale, team deathmatch, and zombie survival
Regular updates introducing new maps, weapons, and skins
With millions of active users worldwide, PUBG Mobile sets the standard for competitive gaming apps.
2. Fortnite: A Game for Gamers and Creators
Fortnite’s mobile version brings the same vibrant and action-packed experience as its PC counterpart. Known for its unique combination of shooting, building mechanics, and colorful aesthetics, Fortnite has carved out a niche in the gaming world.
Why It Stands Out:
Cross-platform play lets you connect with friends on other devices
Regularly changing maps and live events keep the game fresh
The creative mode allows players to build and explore their worlds
Fortnite isn’t just a game; it’s a social space where players hang out and experience interactive events.
3. Genshin Impact: Adventure Meets RPG on Mobile
For fans of open-world adventure games, Genshin Impact is the ultimate online gaming app. Set in the stunning fantasy world of Teyvat, players explore breathtaking landscapes, solve puzzles, and engage in real-time battles.
Why It Stands Out:
Beautifully designed open-world environments
A compelling storyline with unique characters
Cross-platform support for seamless gameplay
Genshin Impact’s combination of exploration and combat has earned it a dedicated fan base.
4. Call of Duty Mobile: Console-Level Action on Your Phone
Call of Duty Mobile (CODM) brings the fast-paced action of the iconic franchise to smartphones. With classic maps from the franchise and exciting modes like Battle Royale, CODM appeals to fans of first-person shooters.
Why It Stands Out:
High-quality graphics and smooth controls
Variety of multiplayer modes like Domination, Search and Destroy, and Sniper-only
Seasonal content updates with new weapons, maps, and operators
For those seeking adrenaline-filled gameplay, Call of Duty Mobile delivers.
5. Roblox: A Universe of Games Inside an App
Roblox isn’t just a game; it’s a platform where users can create and play games designed by others. With endless possibilities, Roblox offers something for everyone, from obstacle courses to role-playing adventures.
Why It Stands Out:
A vast library of user-generated games
Opportunities to create and monetize your own games
A friendly and active community of players
Roblox’s creativity and versatility make it a favorite among younger gamers.
What Makes These Apps Successful?
The success of these online gaming apps boils down to a few key factors:
Regular Updates: Developers constantly add new content to keep players engaged, from new maps and characters to seasonal events.
Multiplayer Experiences: Whether you’re teaming up with friends or competing against strangers, the social element keeps players coming back.
Cross-Platform Play: Many of these apps allow players to connect with friends using different devices, making them accessible to more users.
Easy Accessibility: With just a smartphone and an internet connection, anyone can join the fun.
Frequent Engagement Opportunities: Events, challenges, and leaderboards ensure there’s always something new to strive for.
Why Players Keep Coming Back
Online gaming apps offer more than just entertainment—they provide a sense of achievement, community, and escapism. Features like leaderboards, ranking systems, and unlockable content motivate players to keep playing. Additionally, many of these apps offer free-to-play options with in-app purchases, allowing players to enjoy the game without spending money unless they choose to.
The Future of Online Gaming Apps
The future looks bright for online gaming apps. With technologies like 5G, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) becoming more accessible, the next wave of gaming apps promises even more immersive experiences. For example, imagine playing a battle royale game where you can physically move around your environment or an RPG where your surroundings transform into a fantasy landscape.
Additionally, as gaming apps continue to integrate with social media, players can expect even more ways to connect and share their experiences.
Conclusion
The most popular online gaming apps today—like PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Roblox—offer something for every kind of gamer. Whether you’re into fast-paced action, creative exploration, or immersive storytelling, there’s an online gaming app for you.As these apps continue to evolve, they’re not just changing how we play games—they’re redefining how we connect with others and experience digital entertainment. If you haven’t already, download one of these apps and dive into the exciting world of online gaming today!
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krunnuy · 2 months ago
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What is White Label Poker Software and Why Your Business Needs It?
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The rapidly changing sphere of online gaming has led to the emergence of white-label poker software as an effective solution for businesses seeking to get on the poker bandwagon quickly and efficiently. These pre-built, customizable packages help entrepreneurs set up a professional poker platform with the functionality, time, cost, and complexity of developing one from scratch. White-label poker software provides players with access to the competitive online poker world with minimal effort on the part of a business. It involves letting a software provider handle the development and backend aspects so that a business can focus on developing its brand and customer experience.
Let's see what makes white-label poker software such an important tool and what it might bring to your doorstep.
Understanding What White Label Poker Software Is
White-label poker software is, essentially, a pre-designed and fully functioning poker platform that businesses purchase or lease from a third-party provider. The software is specially branded to fit the buyer's requirements for branding and operation, providing, as such, a plug-and-play solution to get on the market sooner rather than later.
Unlike custom development, which takes months and sometimes years, white-label poker software is more of a quick road to launch. It also comes pre-equipped with all the essential features, from multiplayer functionality to tournament settings and even payment integrations.
Why Use White Label Poker Software?
There are many reasons why white-label solutions become highly sought after by businesses:
Cost Efficiency
Creating a proprietary poker platform can be very cost-intensive. White-label solutions mean no heavy resource use and no development cost.
Time-Saving
Provided that the framework is pre-built, this means that weeks, rather than months, are taken to launch.
Reliability
White-label poker software has undergone enough testing, which makes it stable, therefore limiting technical issues.
Important Features of White-Label Poker Software
Customization and Branding Options
One of the biggest advantages of white-label poker software is that it is completely customizable. From the logo to the interface, businesses can customize the software to suit their branding and give players a unique experience.
Payment Integration
For a smoke-free user experience, most white-label poker software incorporates payment gateways. This feature will assist players in making convenient deposits and withdrawals of funds with a variety of payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
Gaming Features
A good white-label poker software provider makes sure that the software carries advanced gaming features such as:
Multi-poker variants, such as Texas Hold'em and Omaha.
Real-time analytics for tracking the activity of the players.
Cross-platform compatibility, which allows access through both desktop and mobile devices.
Why Your Business Needs White Label Poker Software
Quick Ingress to Market
Opening a poker site takes lots of work and time. Even when starting from ground zero, businesses can jump over the hurdles of development by using white-label poker software to gain fast entry into the market. The fast speed can be useful in the online gaming industry, as a delay may mean losing a competitive edge over others.
Scalability and Growth Opportunities
Another good reason to invest in white-label solutions is the scalability. When your user base grows, so will the traffic as well as the added features of the software. The flexibility allows businesses to expand without reinvestment.
Technical Support and Maintenance
A reliable white-label poker software provider not only offers powerful software but will also provide continuous technical support. This ensures the platform runs smoothly, is secured properly, and stays up to date so that you can focus on customer acquisition and retention.
Choosing the Best White Label Poker Software Provider
Key Consideration
Selecting the right provider is mission-critical when it comes to your poker website. Here are some considerations:
Reputation and Experience: Opt for a provider with a proven track record in the gaming industry.
Feature Set: Ensure the software includes essential and advanced features that align with your business goals.
Security Measures: A reputable provider will implement strong security protocols to protect player data and financial transactions.
Evaluating Cost and ROI
While white-label solutions are cost-effective, it’s essential to evaluate their return on investment (ROI). Compare the upfront costs with the potential revenue the platform can generate. A well-executed poker platform can deliver substantial profits, making the initial investment worthwhile.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, white-label poker software is a reliable means of launching an online poker platform. It saves both development time and expenses. By leveraging this solution, one can easily establish his presence in the competitive gaming industry.
So, partnering with an efficient white-label poker software provider will always ensure that your poker platform is adequately equipped with its emerging features, scalable infrastructure, and continued support. Get going on your poker platform journey with the help of AIS Technolabs. We are game solution development experts, and our job is to provide you with the most effective tools to achieve your desired ambitions. Drop us a line today and set off toward building your poker empire!
FAQs
Q1: What is white-label poker software?
A1: White-label poker software is a pre-built and customizable platform for poker that allows businesses to swiftly launch their web-based poker websites at relatively low costs.
Q2: How can a white-label poker software provider assist a business?
A2: A provider offers a ready-to-use solution with all the main features and customization options combined with technical support, which enables businesses to concentrate on branding and customer acquisition.
Q3: Can white-label poker software be customized?
A3: Yes, most solutions are highly customizable, which means businesses can brand the platform to their identity.
Q4: Is it possible that white-label poker software has scalability?
A4: Yes. White-label solutions are built to handle growing user bases and changing business needs, making them highly scalable.
Q5: Why AIS Technolabs for white-label poker software?
A5: AIS Technolabs is a trusted provider with experience in gaming solutions that can offer strong software, massive scalability, and dedicated support to deliver business success.
Blog Source: https://app.writestellar.com/post/cm3ty9v6a0001jy0c68qifldx
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idigitizellp21 · 3 months ago
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Should you buy or rent an office space in 2024?
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Buying or renting a commercial premise? Keep these critical points in mind, as it’s one of the most significant financial decisions for any business owner. Entering 2024, the real estate market is evolving, influenced by emerging economic trends and new business practices. With factors like fluctuating interest rates, hybrid work models, and market volatility, it’s essential to evaluate what best suits your business needs.
Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of buy versus rent an office space to guide your decision.
The Benefits of Buying Office Space
1. Long-Term Investment
Buying office space is often seen as an investment. By owning your property, your monthly payments contribute to equity in the building rather than paying off someone else’s assets. Over time, property values tend to appreciate, providing you with a valuable asset that may increase in value.
2. Control and Stability
Owning office space gives you control over design, layout, and branding, allowing you to tailor the space to reflect your company’s identity. Ownership also shields you from sudden rent increases, providing more predictability in your budgeting.
3. Tax Benefits
There are tax advantages associated with owning office space. Mortgage interest and property taxes are often tax-deductible, which can reduce your overall tax liability. Depreciation deductions can also provide further savings over time.
4. Additional Income Potential
If your office space has additional rooms or areas, you could rent them out, creating an extra income stream. This approach works especially well in high-demand commercial areas, where small businesses or freelancers may be looking for short-term leases.
Drawbacks of Buying Office Space
1. Upfront Costs
Purchasing property requires a significant upfront investment, including a down payment, closing costs, and additional fees. This initial expense can be a considerable financial strain for smaller businesses.
2. Maintenance and Management
As a property owner, you are responsible for all maintenance, repairs, and management tasks. These can be time-consuming and costly, detracting from the funds and focus you might otherwise direct toward growing your business.
3. Lack of Flexibility
Real estate purchases tie you to a specific location. If your business needs to relocate to another area or expand rapidly, selling or renting out the property could take time. This is especially challenging in a fluctuating real estate market.
The Benefits of Renting Office Space
1. Lower Initial Investment
Renting an office requires significantly less upfront cash compared to buying. Many leases require just a security deposit and the first month’s rent. For businesses looking to conserve cash or allocate funds to growth initiatives, renting is an attractive option.
2. Flexibility and Mobility
Renting gives you flexibility. If you anticipate that your company might multiply or need to pivot locations, a lease offers the freedom to change your setup with minimal hassle. This is crucial in 2024, where adaptability is essential to business success.
3. Maintenance-Free
In most leases, the property owner is responsible for building maintenance and repairs. This is a significant advantage, especially for small to medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources or desire to manage property upkeep.
4. Access to Prime Locations
Some prime business locations may be financially out of reach to buy, but renting offers access to these premium spaces. By renting, you can position your business in a high-traffic, prestigious area, boosting your brand visibility and networking opportunities.
Drawbacks of Renting Office Space
1. No Equity Building
Rent payments do not build any equity for your business. Unlike buying, where mortgage payments contribute to property ownership, rent is an ongoing expense with no return on investment.
2. Lack of Control Over Property
Renting comes with limitations. Changes to the space often require landlord approval, and some leases may restrict your ability to customize the property to suit your brand or business needs.
3. Variable Rent Rates
Many commercial leases are subject to rent increases, which may be affected by market conditions or inflation. A sudden increase could disrupt your financial planning, especially if rates rise significantly.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying or Renting Office Space.
When deciding whether to buy or rent office space, consider these factors:
Cash Flow: Do you have enough upfront capital to buy, or would you prefer to allocate funds to other aspects of your business?
Business Stability and Growth: If your business is still growing, renting might be a better choice for flexibility. Established businesses with stable cash flows may benefit more from buying.
Long-Term Plans: How long do you plan to stay in the same location? Renting may be ideal for short-term occupancy while buying could be more cost-effective if you plan to stay put for a decade or more.
Market Conditions: Research local real estate trends in 2024. Are property prices on the rise, or is there a potential for better deals in the rental market? Knowing your market will guide your decision.
Renting or Buying — What’s Right for You?
At Horizon Consultants, we recognize there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Renting often works best for businesses that need flexibility, lower upfront costs, and minimal maintenance responsibilities, while buying is ideal for companies aiming for long-term investment, stability, and customization options. Ultimately, the choice depends on your company’s financial position, growth prospects, and strategic vision for the future.
As 2024 progresses, staying on Top Real Estate Trends Shaping the Market, and assessing your unique business needs will be essential for making the right office space decision. Horizon Consultants is here to help you navigate these factors to ensure the ideal choice for your business.
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tamanna31 · 4 months ago
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Telecom Services Market Key Vendors, Manufacturers, Suppliers and Analysis Industry Report 2030
Telecom Services Industry Overview
The global telecom services market size was valued at USD 1,805.61 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030. Rising spending on the deployment of 5G infrastructures due to the shift in customer inclination toward next-generation technologies and smartphone devices is one of the key factors driving this industry. An increasing number of mobile subscribers, soaring demand for high-speed data connectivity, and the growing demand for value-added managed services are the other potential factors fueling the market growth. The global communication network has undoubtedly been one of the prominent areas for continued technological advancements over the past few decades.
Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of theTelecom Services Market
The industry’s product offering evolved in the late 19th century from only voice and visual signals in terms of facsimile or telegraphs over wired infrastructure to the current scenario of exchanging audio, video, and text content over numerous wireless infrastructures. The market for telecom services has also witnessed significant improvements in data speeds, from Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to Third Generation (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), and now the commercialization of Fifth Generation (5G) networks. The advent of data connectivity has made possible the reduction in the duration of transferring large chunks of data from days to hours and now to a few seconds.
In today’s digital age, customers favor Over-The-Top (OTT) channels for a variety of reasons, among which the number of viewing options, and the pricing offered are the most prominent ones. The OTT solution providers offer video, audio, and other media content over the internet. Usually, they are not bound to price agreements with limited viewing choices to pick from. Common instances of OTT applications are Netflix, Amazon Video, Roku, Hotstar, HBO, and others.
Consumers and marketers alike are getting more acquainted with OTT applications and content. Furthermore, smartphone display and sound quality, open-source platforms, and super-fast Internet Protocol (IP) networks among other innovative services act as mobilizing factors to draw more consumers to the OTT providers 'freemium-based' business models, thus witnessing an ever-growing adoption rate and boosting the market growth.
As people worldwide struggle with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital entertainment platforms as well as the global telecom service providers have benefitted from the current scenario due to their industry type and business model. In a current worldwide lockdown scenario, a shift among masses to remote working will fuel the demand for network connectivity and infrastructure. Similarly, the temporary shutdown of multiplexes and other outdoor entertainment avenues due to strict social distancing has shot up the usage of various digital platforms, including social media, gaming, and OTT applications. The mobile voice traffic has also witnessed an upsurge during this period with prominent communication operators reporting an enormous escalation in their voice traffic since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Browse through Grand View Research's Communication Services Industry Research Reports.
The global managed services market size was estimated at USD 299.01 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2023 to 2030.
The global 5G infrastructure market size was estimated at USD 16.69 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Key Companies profiled:
AT&T Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc.
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)
China Mobile Ltd.
Deutsche Telekom AG
SoftBank Group Corp.
China Telecom Corp Ltd.
Telefonica SA
Vodafone Group
KT Corporation
Bharati Airtel Limited
Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited,
KDDI Corporation
Orange SA
BT Group plc
Comcast Corporation
Key Telecom Services Company Insights
Key market players are strategically focused on mergers and acquisitions in order to expand their geographical presence and overall product portfolios. For instance, in April 2020, T-Mobile US, Inc. acquired Sprint Corporation, a U.S.-based telecommunication company. The strategic merger was aimed to build robust 5G network infrastructure in the U.S. and capture the maximum market in rural as well urban areas. The merger will make a proposed investment of nearly USD 40 billion into its business, network, and others over the next three years.
Moreover, key market players are investing a significant amount in acquiring the necessary spectrum for offering next-generation services. Having an adequate spectrum would allow the market players to strengthen their overall portfolios and expand their subscriber base across various countries. For instance, in Feb 2021, AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications spent around USD 70 billion combinedly on the 5G spectrum to provide improved network connectivity to their customers. 
Order a free sample PDF of the Telecom Services Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.
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kickrtechnology1 · 5 months ago
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Top Mobile App Development Company in Noida : Kickr Technology
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In the fast-paced world of technology, mobile applications have become an integral part of business growth and user engagement. From startups to established enterprises, every business seeks to provide seamless experiences to its users through apps. As Noida emerges as a technology hub, it has seen a rise in companies offering high-quality app development services. Finding the top mobile app development company in Noida is crucial to ensure your app stands out in a competitive marketplace.
This article explores the key aspects of mobile app development, focusing on Noida’s best companies, particularly in Android and iOS app development.
The Growing Demand for Mobile Apps
Mobile applications have revolutionized the way businesses interact with their customers. The convenience of mobile apps allows users to access information and services anytime, anywhere, leading to increased engagement, customer satisfaction, and retention.
In Noida, a significant number of businesses, from e-commerce and finance to healthcare and education, are investing in mobile apps to stay ahead of the curve. Kickr Technology in Noida is equipped with the latest tools and technologies to deliver custom app solutions tailored to a business’s unique requirements. Whether you need an app for Android, iOS, or both, finding the right app development partner is the first step to success.
Choosing the Best App Development Company in Noida
Selecting the right app development company can make or break your app’s success. Noida is home to several leading companies that specialize in creating mobile apps for various industries, ensuring top-notch quality, security, and user experience. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best app development company:
1. Expertise in Platforms: Look for companies that excel in developing apps for multiple platforms. A top mobile app development company in Noida will have expertise in both Android and iOS app development. This versatility ensures that your app will be available to a broader audience, maximizing user reach and engagement. 2. Portfolio: Review the company’s portfolio to understand the types of apps they have developed in the past. A strong portfolio showcases the company’s ability to handle complex projects and deliver innovative solutions.
3. Technical Proficiency: A great app development company will use the latest technologies, frameworks, and programming languages to build secure and scalable apps. Ensure that the company you choose is well-versed in Swift, Java, Kotlin, React Native, and Flutter, depending on your platform preference.
4. User-Centered Design: The success of a mobile app hinges on user experience. The top companies focus on designing user-friendly interfaces that are intuitive and visually appealing. Apps should be easy to navigate, responsive, and offer a seamless experience.
5. Post-Launch Support: A reputable android and iOS app development company in Noida will provide continuous support and updates after the app’s launch. Bugs and issues may arise, and having a team that offers ongoing support ensures that your app runs smoothly over time.
Android App Development in Noida
With Android holding a significant share of the global mobile market, businesses in Noida are eager to create Android apps that cater to a vast audience. The best android app development company in Noida will offer solutions that are not only high-performing but also secure and scalable. Android apps are developed using Java or Kotlin, and developers need to ensure that the app functions seamlessly on a wide range of devices and screen sizes.
Noida-based companies are leveraging the power of Android to develop apps across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, gaming, healthcare, and education. These apps are designed to solve specific business problems, streamline processes, and enhance user engagement.
Some of the advantages of choosing Android for app development include:
Open-source Platform: Android is an open-source platform, which makes it more flexible for developers to experiment and innovate. This is why many startups and SMEs prefer Android for their mobile app needs. Wider Audience Reach: Android has a much larger user base globally. By investing in an Android app, businesses can tap into a massive market.
Customization: Android offers endless customization options, allowing developers to build unique, feature-rich apps tailored to business requirements.
iOS App Development in Noida
Though iOS has a smaller global market share compared to Android, it is known for its premium user base and high-quality standards. The top mobile app development company in Noida will also excel in iOS development, using Swift and Objective-C to build secure, high-performing apps for Apple devices.
iOS apps tend to have a more loyal user base, and they often generate higher revenue through in-app purchases and subscriptions. Businesses targeting high-end customers often prefer iOS app development to provide an exclusive, refined user experience.
The benefits of iOS app development include:
Security: iOS apps are known for their robust security measures, protecting user data and ensuring safe transactions. Optimized Performance: Apple devices have consistent hardware, which allows developers to create apps that are optimized for high performance without the fragmentation seen in Android devices.
User Loyalty: iOS users are known to be more loyal and tend to spend more on apps, making iOS a lucrative platform for businesses.
Why Noida is an App Development Hub
Noida is rapidly becoming a technology hub, attracting some of the best tech talent in the country. With its proximity to Delhi, excellent infrastructure, and a growing number of IT companies, it has become a prime location for businesses looking to build mobile apps. Android and iOS app development companies in Noida offer competitive pricing, high-quality services, and timely delivery, making Noida a preferred destination for businesses across India and beyond.
The city also offers a favorable environment for startups and SMEs, with many app development companies offering scalable solutions that can grow with the business. Noida-based app developers are known for their innovation, creativity, and technical proficiency, ensuring that businesses receive the best app development services in the region.
Conclusion
Choosing the top mobile app development company in Noida is crucial for businesses looking to make a mark in the mobile app space. With expert teams proficient in Android and iOS app development, Noida offers a range of companies capable of delivering advanced solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to develop an Android app, an iOS app, or both, kickr technology’s best developers ensure high performance, security, and user satisfaction, helping your business thrive in today’s digital landscape.
For the need of mobile app development services in Noida, visit us at www.kickrtechnologies.com
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creativeera · 5 months ago
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Turbine Drip Oil Market Anticipated to Witness High Growth Owing to Increasing Military Spending
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The turbine drip oil market includes oils that are used for lubrication inside gas turbine engines. Turbine drip oil provides essential lubrication to critical engine components such as bearings, gears and seals. It protects vital engine parts from damage due to friction and wear. The demand for turbine drip oil is driven by rising aviation activities and increasing military budgets across countries.
Global Turbine Drip Oil Market is estimated to be valued at USD 2.21 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.31 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways Key players operating in the turbine drip oil market are Chevron, Royal Manufacturing, Cenex, Archer Lubricants, Mystik Lubricants, United Lubricants, Magnum Manufacturing, Texas Refinery Corp, Apar Industries Ltd, Behran Oil Co., BP Plc, Castrol Ltd., CHS Inc., CITGO Petroleum Corp, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Shell India, Penrite Oil Company, Paras Lubricants. These players are focusing on new product development and global expansion strategies to gain competitive advantage. The key opportunities in the Turbine Drip Oils Market Growth include growing demand for lightweight and high-performance aircraft turbines as well as increasing MRO activities. The global turbine drip oil market is expanding rapidly as major players seek to tap opportunities in emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil through joint ventures, partnerships and acquisitions. Market Drivers and Restrain The primary driver for the turbine drip oil market is the rising global defense budgets. Many countries are increasing their defense spending to modernize their militaries with new aircraft, helicopters, warships and other equipment requiring turbine engines. For instance, the US defense budget stood at $778 billion in 2022, creating strong demand for turbine oils. However, stringent environmental regulations pose a challenge for the Turbine Drip Oil Market Size and Trends. Regulators are enforcing stricter norms on emission levels from aircraft and turbine engines to control air pollution. This is increasing the pressure on oil manufacturers to develop bio-based and environmentally acceptable lubricant solutions. Continuous innovation is needed to meet the dual objectives of performance and sustainability.
Segment Analysis The turbine drip oil market is dominated by the industrial segment, as turbine drip oil is widely used in manufacturing industries for lubricating machinery. Turbine drip oil finds major applications in various industries like power generation, oil & gas, chemicals, and others where large turbines and other heavy machinery are used. Within industrial segment, power generation sub-segment holds the largest share as continuous operations of turbines in power plants requires effective lubrication and cooling provided by turbine drip oil. Global Analysis North America region holds the largest share in the global turbine drip oil market currently. The region has presence of developed industrial sector with numerous power plants and oil & gas installations where turbine drip oil is highly consumed. Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period owing to rapid industrialization and growing energy demands in emerging economies of China and India. Countries like China, Japan and India are witnessing rise in power generation through coal based plants, thus driving the adoption of turbine drip oil.
Get more insights on Turbine Drip Oil Market
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.
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kelasmotivasi · 4 days ago
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Ginanjar Budhiraharja Pakar Hypno Branding dan Konsultan Digital
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Dalam dunia pemasaran yang terus berubah, branding menjadi aspek penting untuk membangun kesan yang kuat di benak konsumen. Salah satu figur yang telah memberikan kontribusi besar dalam bidang ini adalah Ginanjar Budhiraharja, MM, CH, CHt, CI, seorang ahli Hypno Branding yang bekerja di Digital Creative Consultant. Dengan pengalaman yang luas, beliau menawarkan pendekatan unik untuk mendukung transformasi bisnis di era digital.
Mengenal Digital Creative Consultant: Mitra Strategis Bisnis Modern
Digital Creative Consultant adalah perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang konsultasi kreatif, didirikan di bawah naungan PT Cipta Esa Kreasindo. Perusahaan ini hadir untuk membantu pelaku bisnis dalam mengatasi tantangan pemasaran digital dengan solusi yang efektif dan inovatif.
Solusi Digital yang Ditawarkan
Konsultasi Bisnis dan Strategi Pemasaran Kami menyediakan layanan seperti manajemen pendapatan, pengembangan merek, peluncuran produk, dan analisis ROI untuk memastikan bisnis Anda memiliki strategi yang berdaya guna.
Pengembangan Teknologi Digital Mulai dari pembuatan website hingga aplikasi mobile, layanan kami meliputi internet marketing, dukungan IT, dan layanan managed services untuk meningkatkan performa digital bisnis Anda.
Pelatihan Bisnis Online untuk Pemula Pelatihan eksklusif kami, “Tips Banjir Order dari Internet: Cara Sederhana, Hasil Luar Biasa”, dirancang untuk membimbing pelaku bisnis dalam memaksimalkan potensi internet.
Keunggulan Hypno Branding oleh Ginanjar Budhiraharja
Hypno Branding adalah pendekatan strategis yang menggabungkan hipnosis dengan pemasaran untuk menciptakan koneksi emosional yang kuat antara merek dan konsumen. Dengan kepiawaian Ginanjar Budhiraharja, teknik ini telah terbukti memberikan dampak besar dalam membangun loyalitas pelanggan.
Mengapa Hypno Branding Efektif?
Menguatkan Identitas Merek Hypno Branding membantu menciptakan kesan yang mendalam di benak pelanggan, sehingga mereka lebih mudah mengingat produk atau layanan Anda.
Meningkatkan Kepercayaan Pelanggan Teknik ini membangun hubungan yang lebih personal dengan pelanggan, mendorong rasa percaya dan keterikatan.
Mengoptimalkan Penjualan Dengan pendekatan yang fokus pada psikologi konsumen, Hypno Branding dapat memotivasi tindakan pembelian secara efektif.
Industri yang Didukung oleh Digital Creative Consultant
Kami melayani berbagai industri dengan solusi yang dirancang khusus untuk memenuhi kebutuhan mereka, antara lain:
Sektor Perhotelan: Meningkatkan tingkat reservasi melalui strategi pemasaran digital yang terukur.
Perbankan: Membantu bank membangun kepercayaan dan menjangkau nasabah baru.
Usaha Kecil Menengah (UKM): Memberikan dukungan kepada pelaku UKM untuk bertahan di pasar digital yang kompetitif.
Ekspedisi: Memaksimalkan brand awareness untuk meningkatkan daya saing di sektor logistik.
Ritel: Mengintegrasikan saluran digital untuk mendorong pertumbuhan penjualan.
Keunggulan Kami dalam Dunia Konsultasi
Sebagai konsultan terkemuka, Digital Creative Consultant memiliki pendekatan unik dalam menangani klien. Kami percaya bahwa setiap bisnis memiliki potensi untuk berkembang, asalkan didukung oleh strategi yang tepat.
Mengapa Anda Harus Memilih Kami?
Tim Berpengalaman Kami terdiri dari para profesional dengan latar belakang di berbagai bidang, seperti pemasaran digital, pengembangan teknologi, dan strategi bisnis.
Pendekatan yang Berorientasi pada Hasil Fokus kami adalah memberikan hasil nyata yang dapat diukur oleh klien.
Solusi Terintegrasi Dengan layanan yang mencakup konsultasi hingga pelatihan, kami memberikan solusi menyeluruh untuk memenuhi kebutuhan Anda.
Cara Menghubungi Digital Creative Consultant
Jika Anda tertarik untuk meningkatkan strategi branding dan pemasaran digital Anda, silakan hubungi kami melalui WhatsApp di +62 878-3887-2777. Kami siap membantu Anda mencapai kesuksesan di dunia digital.
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