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cainanders · 1 year

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wildfire 003

[001] [002]

warnings: more dirty talk, choking, jealousy, angst

A/N: this part is really long and for that I’m sorry. There’s really only going to be one maybe two more parts for this anyway. Please enjoy.

Two days later, you find yourself in Puerto Rico. You spend the first day photographing all of the arrivals, managing to take some scenic shots in between. Cody arrives some time in the middle of the day, and the fact that he’s wearing the blue suit isn’t lost on you. You discreetly take a few extra photographs of him, specifically of his hands, and just how snug his jacket is around his biceps.

After the arrivals and press conference, you have free time to sightsee. You make every effort to stay near the venue, in case you are needed for any last minute photo opportunities. Taking a break from your journey, you pull your phone from your back pocket to check your texts, finding one from Ziggler.

Have fun tonight. I’ll call you later.

You let out a sigh, unsure of how to respond. He was awkward via text messages, much better in person. On top of that, you felt bad that he wasn’t able to make the show in Puerto Rico. As you contemplate an answer, you receive a text from Cody. You type a quick response to Ziggler of two yellow heart emojis, and switch to the message thread from Cody.

Been trying to find you all day. What’s wrong? Scared to be alone with me?

With a chuckle, you begin to type a response, but another message quickly pops up.

I know it must be hard to keep your composure around me, what with how wet I get you just by fucking talking.

You’re tempted to tell him off, just to knock him down a peg, but he’s not wrong — it’s difficult not to give in to Cody when he flirts with you. Especially with the way your feelings had developed over the time you’ve been friends. That’s the other thing Cody was right about: the way you feel about him. It snuck up on you, and the exact feelings weren’t clear to you until he had brought it to your attention earlier in the week. No matter what you feel, you weren’t prepared to admit it yet, not to yourself and certainly not to Cody.

Shaking your head clear of the thoughts, you reply with three eye rolling emojis. You switch to your email account and scroll through, noting a follow up email from another employer that you had been conversing with.

A few weeks prior, you had received an email from a headhunter in regards to an open photographer position for a football club in Scotland. Initially you ignored it, having no desire to uproot your life and move to another country, but the idea is alluring. You let out a sigh, reading through the director’s newest offer, for more pay than you are currently receiving, and find yourself once again tempted. Still, you stash your phone in your pocket and switch your mind to Backlash.

You return to the venue to prepare for the start of the show. You try your best to avoid Cody most of the night, busying yourself with photographing others, and conversing with some superstars you’d not had the opportunity to meet before. You catch Cody staring at you every so often when you would cross paths, but he would make sure he didn’t look long enough to draw attention from others nearby.

Halfway through the show, you step outside of the venue to get some fresh air, the warm breeze much different than the air conditioning in the arena.

Checking your phone, you see a few texts from your friends along with another from Cody from earlier in the night. After quickly replying to your friends, you open the message from Cody.

Do you want to hang out tonight after the show?

Generally, you would spend time with Cody after big shows, watching a movie in the hotel or getting dinner with others. Tonight, something feels off, and you can’t place why. You figure it has to do with your blossoming feelings for Cody, but as quickly as the thought appears, you push it back.

You send a reply letting him know you can meet with him later, before you duck back into the entrance of the venue. Mindlessly, you pause every so often to take photos of the groups of superstars congregating around the backstage area.

As you aim your camera towards the locker rooms, you spy Cody speaking to a woman. She’s not someone that you recognize, and you assume she works for the venue or the press. You lower your camera, glancing around to see if anyone has noticed you, but resume studying Cody’s interaction when you’re satisfied no one is paying attention to you.

Cody is grinning as the woman speaks, and you try to convince yourself he’s just being the polite man that you know. When the woman leans in towards him, letting out an exaggerated laugh at whatever Cody said, you scoff.

“He’s never said anything that fucking funny,” you mumble to yourself.

The pair continue to chat, the woman discreetly moving closer to Cody as they speak. Wishing you could read lips, you take note of the way she bats her eyes at him, and how he brushes his hand on her arm in response. The contact being initiated by Cody makes you clench your teeth, and you lower your camera again.

“Fuck,” you mutter, feeling an overwhelming sense of jealousy at the sight. You absentmindedly fiddle with the lens of the camera, leaving the area to find another photo opportunity that wouldn’t make you feel quite so frustrated.

As the night comes to a close, and you begin to pack your belongings, your phone vibrates from where you had stashed it in your bag. Seeing Ziggler’s name across the screen, you quickly answer.

“Hey, you. What’s up?”

“Nothing,” he replies. “Just saw the end of the show, it was over pretty quick, huh?” You let out a light laugh at the brevity of Cody’s match with Brock.

“Yeah, well, you know Brock,” you sigh, zipping your bag closed. “Honestly though, I’m surprised he took a bump like that.” You hear him let out a small chuckle on the other line. “I wish you could have been here,” you say. “I tried to do some sightseeing earlier, but I barely knew where I was.”

“I can imagine,” he answers. You straighten your back, scrunching your nose slightly — his tone is off.

“Is everything alright?” you ask, quietly.

“I think we should talk.”

“Oh,” you say. “Like…now?”

“I think it’s best,” he says. There’s a pause, as if he isn’t ready to say what he knows he needs to say.

“It doesn’t have to be a big deal, Nic,” you speak. “I know what you’re going to say.”

“I’m sorry,” he answers. “I mean, I care about you a lot.”

“You don’t have to explain.”

“I think I do,” he continues. “I know we aren’t officially a couple, but I hoped we could have changed that. Only I’ve been feeling you get more distant when I try to get closer. And I think it’s because of Cody.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you two are close. And I can see how much you care about him. I just don’t think that I can keep hanging around when you’re obviously not interested in this relationship evolving.”

“I’m sorry,” you reply. “I don’t know what else to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Ziggler replies. “I promise, it’s okay. Have a nice time tonight, and we can always talk more when you get back.”

“Okay,” you sigh. “Have a good night, Zig.”

———————

When you found Finn as you were preparing to leave the venue, the conversation started simple enough, and you had no intention of going anywhere with him. Two years prior, when you first started with WWE, you had a few drinks on a night out, and ended up going down on Finn at the hotel. It wasn’t your finest hour, and the two of you had managed to avoid the topic — until tonight.

You did not intend to follow Finn back to an abandoned locker room, and you certainly had no plans of recreating your previous incident, but here you are. You’re washing your mouth out at the bathroom sink, looking at yourself in the mirror as you do. You write it off to the emotions — from Ziggler ending your relationship to the vision of Cody flirting with someone else. Realistically, you know it’s neither.

Exiting the bathroom, you invite Finn to share a taxi to the hotel with you, and he accepts. As you walk from the venue, you pull your phone from your pocket and see a missed call and three texts from Cody.

“Fuck,” you say, reading over the messages.

Washing all of the blood off of me and then heading to the hotel. Meet you there?

Are we still hanging out?

Call me when you get a chance.

Placing your belongings into the trunk beside Finn’s bag, you both climb into the backseat and make the short journey to the hotel.

“Third floor?” Finn asks, as you both retrieve your bags from the trunk.

“I think so,” you reply.

“Me too,” he nods.

The conversation feels too friendly for what you had just done with Finn, and it gives you an odd, unwelcome sensation. Still, you remain polite with him as you take the elevator to your floor, and trek down the hallway in search of your rooms.

Once inside your room, you send a text to Cody letting him know you had just arrived, and ask for his room number. After brushing your teeth and changing into a shirt and sweatpants, you head to Cody’s room.

“It’s about fucking time,” he laughs, pulling the door open and yanking you into the room by your arm. “I watched an entire season of CSI while I was waiting.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” you reply. “I wasn’t that long.”

“Are you alright?” he asks, watching you sit on the bed beside the window.

“Yeah, I guess,” you answer, rubbing the bridge of your nose. “I think I’m getting a headache. It was a long night.”

“What happened?”

“Don’t worry about it,” you sigh. “Sorry I was late, I got caught up at the venue.”

“Finn, too, huh?” he asks. You look up at him too quickly, and narrow your eyes.

“What?”

“I saw you guys in the lobby,” he shrugs. “I took a walk while I was waiting to hear from you.”

“Oh,” you say. “Yeah, we were…busy.”

“You guys hook up?” Cody’s voice sounds casual initially, but you can hear the note of agitation peeking through in his tone. You let out a sigh and wave your hand dismissively at the question.

“I mean,” you begin. “I went down on him or whatever.”

“Sure,” Cody nods. “No big deal, right?”

“Why the fuck are you acting like this? It’s not like me and you are together.”

“No, we aren’t. But you’re with Ziggler, right? At least that’s what you tell me every fucking day.”

“Oh, come the fuck on,” you groan. “Grow up, Cody. I don’t fucking owe you anything.”

“No, you don’t, you’re right,” he says. “But you know what’s crazy to me? The way you get upset because you think I was flirting with some woman, or with Becky, who, in case you forgot, is married and, beyond that, is nowhere near my type…but you have fucked how many of my co-workers exactly?”

“Some of us didn’t have our pick of the litter our whole lives.”

“So, you’re making up for lost time by fucking anyone who shows you the slightest bit of attention?”

“Well, I haven’t fucked you, so I guess that’s not accurate, is it?”

“I’m probably the only guy you haven’t fucked at this point.”

“Y'know what?” you say, standing up quickly and walking towards the door. “I don’t have to sit here and listen to this shit.”

“Don’t forget your phone,” Cody calls out. “I saw you drooling over Carlito earlier. Wouldn’t want to miss him calling to ask for a blowjob too.”

You spin on your heel, facing him again to see him standing in the same spot with your phone in his grasp. Stomping back towards him, you snatch the phone from him and throw a punch that, much to your surprise, connects with his jaw hard enough to jostle him to the side and make him lose his step.

“You fucking asshole,” you mutter, storming out of the room and slamming the door shut behind you.

————————

It has been a week since your argument with Cody, and in that week, you have done everything to avoid him. His comments about you were incredibly hurtful, and even if you knew why he said them, you didn’t expect him to speak to you like that. Still, the more you think about it, the more you realize what he was saying wasn’t wrong: you were flirting with Cody and hooking up with others, and it certainly wasn’t fair to him. In reality, you forgave him in your mind days ago, but you weren’t going to be the first one to talk.

You arrive at the hotel at the same time as a few other cars from the airport. You make your way to the front desk to retrieve your key, before heading to the appropriate floor.

Walking through the corridor in search of your room, you spot Cody exiting the stairwell at the opposite end of the hall. He flips the keycard in his hand mindlessly as he looks at the numbers on the doors, but after a moment, his gaze finds yours. To your surprise, he gives you a small smile, and stops in front of what you assume to be his room. With his eyes still locked with yours, he nods his head towards his door, his eyebrows knitting in question. Returning his smile, you nod, slipping your keycard into your pocket and heading towards Cody.

“I need to take a fucking shower,” Cody laments as you reach him.

“Yeah, I was just about to say,” you agree, as Cody opens the door.

“How kind of you,” he mutters, gently shoving you into the room. You laugh as you regain your footing, and move to drop your belongings on the bed nearest the window. “Hungry?” he asks, setting his bags down as well.

“Nah, I ate at the airport,” you sigh, stretching your hands over your head. When Cody doesn’t respond, you glance over to him, finding his eyes on you. “Can I help you?” you ask.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit,” he says. “Something’s off.”

“Uh, Nic ended things.”

“Ah, fuck,” Cody sighs, dropping his shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” you shrug. “It’s not like I was in love with him or anything. We were just having fun.” You pause, biting your lip as you stare at the floor. “It’s fine,” you nod, looking back into Cody’s eyes. “I’m good.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” For a moment you don’t answer, simply pull in a deep breath and then let it out in a sigh.

“Yeah, okay.”

Cody nods and pulls a change of clothes from his duffel bag, before making his way to the bathroom. You follow behind him, hoisting yourself up onto the counter and leaning against the mirror while Cody meddles with the shower taps.

“How’d he break the news?” Cody asks, taking a step away from the shower and pulling his shirt over his head.

“He called me after right after Backlash ended,” you reply, covering your eyes with your hand to allow Cody the privacy to get undressed. “I know he’s been in a funk the last few months.”

“Makes sense,” Cody replies. “He hasn’t been getting a push like he used to.” You hum in agreement, lowering your hand from your face when you hear the shower curtain pull closed. “So, he broke up with you because he’s not over?” Cody asks from inside the shower.

“No, it’s not like that,” you reply, noticing that Cody had folded his dirty clothes in a neat pile on the toilet seat. “I think he…wanted something that I couldn’t give him.”

“Oh, so like you didn’t wanna do anal?” Cody jokes, his tone serious.

“Maybe so,” you laugh in response. “He asked once but I wasn’t interested.”

“Yeah, that’s definitely it then.”

“All jokes aside, we’re just in different places, we want different things.”

“Is that what he said?”

“Something like that,” you sigh, finding yourself no longer interested in the conversation. “Why do you fold your dirty clothes? Wouldn’t you end up getting them mixed up with your clean clothes?”

“I keep them in a different part of my bag,” he answers. “That’s a weird question. Are you uncomfortable with the conversation now?”

“I don’t know,” you sigh, knocking your head back against the mirror harder than you intended. The shower curtain pulls back just enough for Cody to peek his head out so he can look at you.

“Hey,” he says, getting your attention. You tip your head to the side to look back at him, one of his eyes closed to avoid the shampoo that was rolling down from his forehead. “Ya’know, we don’t have to talk about any of this,” he says, wiping the shampoo back into his hair. “We can talk about anything you want.”

“Oh, yeah, like what?” you mumble, eyes cutting down to his jaw, his neck, and his collarbone that was just visible past the shower curtain.

“Maybe whatever it is you’re thinking about right now,” he rasps. You look back into his eyes with a quick grin, looking away as you feel the heat in your cheeks.

“Trust me, you’re not ready for that,” you chuckle.

“God, such a fucking tease!” Cody groans, ducking back into the shower.

“I thought this was just a joke thing that we have,” you laugh. “A witty little back and forth.”

“Your cute little jokes give me a hard-on sometimes,” he laughs.

“Sorry, I’ll ease up on the teasing, then.”

“No way!” he says, loudly. “I love it!”

The water turns off and you slip from the counter, giving Cody his privacy in the bathroom. You plop onto the chair on the opposite side of the room and pull your phone from your pocket. Mindlessly scrolling through your apps, you hear Cody enter the room and glance up briefly to see him stuffing the dirty clothes into a smaller compartment within his duffel.

You stare at him from the side for a few moments, noticing the black eye he had likely obtained during the match with Brock. It reminds you of the argument the two of you had that same night. You let out a sigh, turning your gaze from him.

“Sorry about punching you the other day,” you say, pulling your legs into the chair with you. “It wasn’t cool.”

“Don’t be, I deserved it,” he assures you, moving his belongings onto the desk beneath the television. “I was way out of line. What you do is your business, and it’s not my place to make comments on it. I mean, as long as you’re being safe, then who cares. I’m sorry I got you to that point.”

“You weren’t wrong,” you sigh. “I think I took the ‘sexually available, empowered feminist’ thing to an extreme.”

“No, not at all,” Cody chuckles, collapsing onto his bed and propping himself up on his pillow. “It was only, what, two guys? That’s not bad at all.”

“Three,” you reply, shifting in your seat to get a better view of him.

“Tell me.”

“It’s tacky to kiss and tell,” you respond.

“It’s just me,” he says, with a laugh. “You tell me everything.”

“Can I be totally real with you?”

“One hundred percent,” Cody nods.

“I’ve only ever had sex with two men,” you say.

“No way,” he responds.

“Yeah,” you nod. “A guy I worked with in my twenties, and Nic. When it comes to Finn and Punk, I just gave them head.”

“Wait, you hooked up with Punk?!” he asks. “When?”

“Last year, before the fight,” you say. “Honestly, I just wanted to get it out of my system. I wanted to see what it was like.” Cody laughs and stares at you expectantly.

“And?” he asks.

“It wasn’t bad,” you nod. “I expected more.”

“Oh, my God,” Cody laughs. “Rank them, please. I am begging you.”

“Between us?”

“Always. Smallest to biggest.”

“Ziggler, Punk, Finn.”

“So, Ziggy’s got a small dick, but you stuck with him,” Cody laughs, as though he is astonished by your claim.

“It’s not always about the size, moreso how you use it.”

“No, that’s not true,” he replies. “Guys just say that to gaslight women.” You laugh, shifting to hang your legs over the arm of the chair and rest against the other arm.

“I don’t know,” you sigh, toeing your shoes off of your feet so they fall to the floor. “I think I’m just gonna stay away from all of it for a while.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” he agrees, putting his arms behind his head to relax further into his bed. “How many other guys have you hooked up with? Like apart from the ones you mentioned.”

“Oh, none,” you say.

“What?”

“I didn’t lose my virginity until I was twenty-five, Cody. Needless to say, I wasn’t doing much else either.”

“So, when I met you,” he begins. “You were a virgin?” You nod your head, mindlessly picking at the tear in the knee of your jeans. “Goddamnit,” he sighs. “If I would have been your first, you wouldn’t have needed to go anywhere else.” You laugh loudly, glancing over to Cody to see him laughing in return. “I’m just kidding,” he says, through his chuckles. “At twenty-seven, I was more concerned with getting myself off.”

“I believe that,” you grin. “How many women have you been with?”

“More than two,” he says.

“How many?”

“Six. It’s been a few months though.”

“No way,” you reply. “You were talking to that girl in Puerto Rico, she was really pretty”

“I was talking to her, yeah,” he nods. “Not flirting.”

“Why not?”

“I wasn’t interested.”

“So, you’re gonna be abstinent until you find someone you’re interested in?”

“I’m already interested in someone,” Cody says.

“I know, Rhodey.”

You both remain silent for a few moments before you get out of your seat to grab some clothes from your bag. When you pull out the shorts and t-shirt, you glance at Cody, finding him watching you. You jokingly give him the finger, before heading to the bathroom to change clothes. You expected Cody to have put a movie on for you both to watch as you frequently do, but the television is still off when you enter the room.

You lay on the bed beside Cody, giving a quick sigh as you snuggle deeper into the blankets. He grins and watches you get comfortable, but you notice him staring and give him a glare as if to tell him to stop.

“I’m just happy you’re here,” he chuckles, as you settle on your side. “I thought you’d never want to talk to me again. Ya’know, after you punched me.”

“I don’t have a lot of friends, ya’know. My bench isn’t that deep, not a lot of options.”

“Sorry about Ziggler,” he answers, staring up at the ceiling. “Really. Even if I don’t like the thought of the two of you together…I don’t like you being upset either.”

“It’s alright,” you shrug, as Cody tips his head to look to you. “We weren’t really together, just wasting time.” You watch Cody fight the slightly irritated look that threatens to tear through his pleasant grin. “Still I’m going to miss some of it,” you add.

“Like what?” he scoffs. “I mean, he didn’t make you squirt.”

“Neither did you, Cody,” you laugh.

“Ooh, touché.”

Cody bites his lip for a moment, a conflicted look in his eyes, as if he wants to say something but doesn’t know how. You take his hand that lays on his chest and you flip it so his palm is up. Gently, you trace your fingertips along his hand, around his palm and up to his fingertips.

“What’s the deal with you and my hands, hm?” he asks, softly. You shrug, avoiding his gaze as you feel your cheeks warm from the question. “Do you want to know what I can do with these hands?” he whispers. “I promise it’ll be worthwhile.”

“I’m sure,” you reply, pressing your fingers to his pulse momentarily.

You shift into your back, your fingers still barely touching Cody’s hand, but he scoots his body closer to lay on his side next to you. He props his head up on his hand, elbow resting on the bed, and lays his other hand palm side up on your stomach, allowing you to continue tracing along his hand.

You grasp Cody’s hand and cut your eyes to look into his face as you bring his hand to your throat, pressing it there and awaiting his reaction. For a moment, Cody doesn’t react, but you see his eyes darting around your face, looking for something. You bite your lip, setting your hand on top of his and pressing his fingers to urge him along.

“I just want to see what it feels like,” you whisper.

“You never asked your boyfriend?” You have known Cody long enough to understand his emotions. As he speaks, you can tell he’s teasing, but there’s also a certain aggravation to his words and in his eyes that makes you second guess involving him in this situation.

“I trust you more than him,” you admit. This softens his gaze, and his thumb rubs gently along your jaw and your pulse. “And he wasn’t my boyfriend,” you add, knowing that Cody loves to hear this.

The tips of Cody's fingers begin to press more firmly against your throat, and you pull in a small gasp. Cody’s eyes cut between your mouth and your eyes, giving you every drop of his attention as he tightens his grip.

Your eyes begin to slip closed, thinking about your current situation. Asking one of your closest friends to choke you wasn't what you had in mind when you climbed into bed next to him. You’d expected to fall asleep watching a movie as you’d done many times before. The feelings that have developed within you regarding Cody have overwhelmed you, causing you to act on your impulses without even thinking twice.

“Open your eyes.” Cody’s voice drags you out of your thoughts, and you do as you’re told, looking into his eyes. “Does it feel good?” he whispers, his eyes on your mouth.

“Harder,” you reply. His eyes lock with yours again in an instant, and he licks his lips, tightening his grip on your throat. You struggle to pull in a breath, and immediately want more, hoping that your eyes are telling Cody just that.

“More, huh?” he grins.

As soon as you nod, Cody’s hand tightens again, completely cutting off your air. Your mouth opens in an attempt to breathe, and Cody’s eyes flash with panic, but you clamp your hand on his to keep it in place. You begin to grow restless, eyes slipping closed as you instinctively try to pull in breaths, wiggling around on the mattress.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” Cody mutters, pressing his lips to your ear. “In my fucking bed, begging me to choke you for the first time. I’ll bet you’re fucking soaked right now.”

You feel the tip of his tongue graze along the shell of your ear, followed by his teeth tugging at your earlobe. Cody’s grip on you loosens for a moment, and you let out a squeak, causing him to release his grip entirely and pull back to look at you. Quickly, you pull in breaths quickly, and let out a cough, your eyes finding Cody’s.

“Are you okay?” he asked, cupping your jaw, his voice dripping with concern.

“Yeah,” you reply. “It felt good.”

“Yeah?” he smirked, turning your head to get a better look at your neck. “I hope it doesn’t leave a bruise. We’ll match.”

You take hold of his hand and bring it to your lips, giving a quick kiss to the palm of his hand. Cody lets out a sigh, lacing his fingers with yours and pinning it down onto the mattress. When he leans in to kiss you, a grin pulls at your lips, and you close your eyes in anticipation. His lips press to yours softly, testing the waters for a moment, until you let out a soft whimper. Cody groans in response, deepening the kiss.

The sensation of Cody’s mouth on yours makes your head spin more than when he was choking you, the build up to finally kissing him being overwhelming. You tighten your grip on his hand, and he squeezes your fingers in return, finally pulling back to allow you both some air. You pull both your and Cody’s hands back to your mouth, pressing his knuckles against your lips. For a moment, you stare into one another’s eyes in silence, your heart pounding in your chest as you realize what you’re about to say.

“I love you,” you mumble, hoping your words get lost against his knuckles.

“What was that?” Cody asks with a grin, pulling your hands away from your mouth. You don’t respond, but keep your eyes on him. “Say it again,” he whispers. “It’s just me.” Your eyes begin to well as you feel scared and overwhelmed, so you turn your head to avoid Cody’s gaze. “C’mon, baby girl,” he says, squeezing your hand. “It’s okay. You can say it.”

Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath to calm yourself. Cody remains silent, soothingly rubbing his thumb against your hand that he still holds. You try to reason with your mind, the more rational side of you saying that it’s okay to repeat it, to tell Cody how you feel. You feel the fear through your whole body, and you realize that you aren’t afraid of what Cody will say or what he will do, but you’re afraid that you aren’t ready.

“I can’t,” you whisper.

“That’s alright,” Cody says. You can hear in his voice that he is disappointed, but when you turn to see him again, his eyes light up, a smile on his face. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything,” he says. “Consider it erased from my mind.” He pulls your hand to his mouth, kissing your knuckles one at a time. “Can I ask you something?” he whispers. You swallow hard, and reply with a nod. “That night I called you, and you were getting off—”

“Cody,” you sigh, biting your lip.

“Hear me out,” he chuckles, putting your hand on his cheek. “You said you were thinking about when we first met. What did you mean?” You pull in a deep breath, rubbing your thumb gently along his black eye.

“Your mustache. It was really sexy.”

“Oh, God,” he rolls his eyes, beginning to pull away. “Forget I even asked.”

“No, wait,” you chuckle, rolling over onto your side so your back is to him. “I’m joking, that mustache was awful.” Cody curls up behind you, resting his chin on your shoulder as he waits for an answer to his question. “That night after I met you in that stupid arcade, I kept playing the fucking coin pusher for like another hour,” you continue. “I was just on autopilot because all I was thinking about was you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Don’t be so smug,” you laugh, elbowing him playfully. “I kept replaying our stupid conversation over and over, thinking about how pretty your fucking smile was.”

“Pretty?” he echoes, an edge to his voice.

“Yeah,” you smile to yourself. “And bright, too.” Cody’s arms tighten around you, pulling you closer against him and taking hold of your hands. “I couldn’t stop seeing it,” you continue. “All I could think about was what could have happened if you weren’t engaged.” You leave the comment on the air for a moment, but Cody doesn’t respond so you continue. “I dreamt about you that night,” you breathe out. “That you followed me to my hotel room.”

“Is this gonna make me hard?” he asks.

“You’re already hard, I’m just ignoring it.”

“C’mon, it’s like a semi, at most.”

“I dreamt that you kissed me,” you continue. “And we danced to some stupid song that you played on your phone. It was a slow dance but your hands were all over me.”

“That’s what you got off to?” Cody chuckles, lacing his fingers with yours.

“Not quite,” you chuckle. “But I’ll keep that to myself for now. I’m too tired to talk about it tonight.”

“Fair enough,” he replies, kissing the top of your head. “Get some rest. We can talk in the morning.”

—————————

You awaken at 4:30 in the morning, finding yourself still in bed with Cody. He had rolled onto his stomach in the night, and you hear him snoring softly.

You replay the night before in your head, feeling your stomach tighten at the thought of Cody choking you. Quietly, you slip from the bed and sneak towards the bathroom, looking at yourself in the mirror. There is a very light mark on your neck from Cody’s hand, and as you trace your fingers over it, you can almost feel the sensation of him choking you once again.

The excitement you feel at the thought is immediately overshadowed as you remember what you said to him. You admitted your feelings to him, and he didn’t run. Granted, you mumbled the words, and refused to repeat them when he asked, but you feel your heart begin to race nonetheless.

Things are going to be different when Cody wakes up. From the choking, to the kissing, to the cuddling, and finally the admittance of feelings, you know that you aren’t going to be able to weasel your way out of the conversation that Cody will inevitably want to have. You swallow hard, and exit the bathroom, seeing Cody still asleep. Creeping across the room, you pick up your belongings, and quietly exit to head towards your own room.

You hurriedly get ready for the day, your mind filled with regret for your night with Cody. You think about the last week, from your breakup with Ziggler to your hookup with Finn, you feel overwhelmed. The last six months with WWE were a whildwind, and you barely had a moment to think about what you were doing.

As you lament, your phone buzzes from its spot on the bed and you quickly check to see a text from your boss.

Heard from a football club in Scotland, they’re desperate to get you on board. Saw the offer, and I know it’s better than what you’re getting now. Should I schedule a meeting?

For the text to have come through at that time, while you were questioning your decisions, you feel it must be a sign. You quickly type back a response letting your boss know that you’re interested in the position, and would like to meet to go over the next steps. You hit send before thinking and throw your phone back onto the bed. Briefly, you wonder if you should have had a talk with Cody before agreeing to meet, but you push the thought from your mind, convincing yourself it’s the right decision.

——————

You exit the office, making your way down the hall towards the locker rooms. Your heart pounds in your chest, mind racing with the right words to say when you break the news to Cody. As you near the locker rooms, you spot Cody talking to Sami, both of the men smiling and laughing. It gives you pause, thinking about how he’s going to take the news you’re about to give him.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt, but can I steal Cody for just a moment?” you ask, approaching the two men quickly. “I’ll give him right back.”

“You can have him,” Sami teases. “I don’t need him.”

You step into a nearby hallway with Cody, out of earshot but still in the light. You toil for a moment, trying to think of how to start your sentence, but Cody quickly becomes impatient.

“Let me guess,” he begins. “‘Gee, Cody, I’m really sorry for sneaking out this morning, and I loved making out last night. Maybe we can try it again tonight?’ Absolutely, babe, I’m more than happy to accommodate.”

“My contract was transferred,” you say. “To a football club in Scotland.”

“Wait, what?” Cody asked, furrowing his eyebrows. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“They reached out last month,” you continue. “The manager is a wrestling fan, he likes my photographs, and floated an offer.” You pause, avoiding Cody’s gaze as you look at anything else in the hallway. “I wasn’t going to accept at first,” you mumble. “But I just got out of a meeting with the big bosses…and they agreed to transfer it over.”

“Why?”

“I need to reset,” you say, finally looking at him. “It all got out of hand, so I just think some time away is best for everyone.”

“Okay,” he nods, slowly. “We’ll be in London a few times this year, so I can come visit. And I’m sure I’ll have some time off to be able to—”

“I’ll be hours away from London, Cody,” you interrupt. “And I don’t…I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“What’s not a good idea?” he asks. When you don’t respond, Cody realizes. “You need time away from me.”

“After last night…” you trail off. “I know I said it was you, and that I was scared to get serious because I didn’t think that I’d be enough for you, but I don’t think that’s true. I don’t know if I’m ready.” You pause briefly, looking down at the ground. “I think it’s a little bit about the attention,” you continue, softly. “I never got attention from guys when I was younger, and I like it. But I also feel too scared to try this. It’s like you said, I’m just doing what I can to avoid something real.” You pull in a breath that surprises you with how shuddered it is. “I’m gonna do like I said last night,” you say. “I’m taking a break from all of it. So I can get my head on straight.”

“I don’t want you to go.” Cody’s words are sincere, but not pleading, as if he’s accepting your choice, no matter how much he doesn’t want to — and your heart breaks at the sound.

“I’m too fucking selfish, Cody,” you breathe out, glancing up to him. “I can’t hurt you. If we get into this now, I don’t think it’s going to end well.” He nods his head slowly and lets out a choked laugh.

“I get it,” he says. “When are you leaving?”

“Next Monday. They’ve got housing set up for me, and the team has preseason stuff. It’s going to take me a while to get used to how they do stuff, I think.”

“Well,” Cody speaks. “We’ll have dinner before you leave and, uh, ya’know….I’ll see you before you go. I’ve got to get out to the, uh, ring. I’ll talk to you later.”

Cody turns and walks away from you, leaving you alone in the hallway. You lean back against the wall, letting out a sigh and feeling the tears welling at your eyes. You wonder if you’ve made the right decision.

#cody rhodes imagine #cody rhodes smut #cody rhodes x reader

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terrence-silver · 1 year

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What would Terry’s reaction be to finding Beloved with another man?…

---

Of course his first instinct was to kill. Maim.

Avenge. Mainly himself.

Settle scores.

Achieve prime control by digging his fingers into your neck until your ligaments snapped in half and then deal with the lowlife punk schmuck you were shacked up with at The Montrose, downtown West Hollywood. Destroy their mediocre little life, one bit at a time until they begged for release he wouldn't give them. Margaret, by extension of his private investigators told him exactly where to find you. The location to where you were tracked. Followed, when you thought you were being clever, unseen, outsmarting everyone, never realizing his many eyes were always on you.

He takes the Rolls Royce there.

Has his chauffeur driving him out. The aesthetic choice was deliberate. He'd go down there calmly, in high style, a man of the world, well dressed, poised, like he was doing no more and no less than attending some high stakes business meeting. A conference. And he was, in a sense. Revenge was business and his business was revenge, today of all days, as he calmly strides of the stairs on the third floor, polished leather shoes against the floorboards, adjusting his golden cufflinks, the puzzled front desk receptionist at the dingy hotel eyeing him like he just saw the fucking Pope enter the venue premises. Yeah, it is simple as knocking on the door marked AB19 and you open, thinking he's room service undoubtedly, find yourself in a state of partial undress, wrapped in a bathrobe, looking pale. Terry was convinced it was a far greater fright to come face to face with him than being caught cheating. But he's cool, simply grabbing the door's frame from the top, using his height to his advantage once you try to close it shut in front of him and he strides past you with ease, looking for a chair to sit down on, inviting himself inside, never asking for permission, pulling a monogrammed silken handkerchief under himself as he does, sprawling it out, as not to get sullied, the keys to your room promptly tossed on a nearby end table with a metallic, resounding clamor that shook the foyer.

There's a creature on the bed, just like Terry knew there would be, rolled in post-coital bedsheets, looking even more befuddled than you were; an emotion clearly replaced by fear once the door shuts behind his stride and two realize you were just caught. What? Did he interrupt something? Terry crosses his legs, nonchalant. He would deal with this punk later. It would be a pleasure.

-"C'mon! Don't stop on my account."- He fishes a golden cigar box out of his inside pocket, ensuring that the suit he wore was the picture of flattery on him, looking for a cutter and a lighter, pushing the tobacco between his lips, nonplussed. He already broke half of the furniture back at the mansion earlier today when his detective handed him the photographs of you with this...thing, staring at him from the mattress, shaken. He got ahold of himself by the time he arrived here, hot waves of wrath rolling off of him until there was nothing left but stony determination. Now was the time to play his frosty disposition and play it masterfully. -"I wanna watch."- Terry utters that line like it was nothing at all, and it wasn't anything at all. He's watched people fuck before. People watched him fuck before too. He's just never watched someone that was his fuck someone else before, was all. That's why all his discipline is employed, never to show an emotion. Never show mercy. Not now.

-"Terry, I, how..."- You stutter uncomfortably, finally able to muster a word or two, still processing he was here at all. Least of all, that he was asking what he was asking.

-"I said, I wanna watch."-

He repeats, matter-of-factly, feeling himself grow icy cold at the idea his explicit order was being questioned at all, letting the smoke bellow out of his nostrils in floating circles, pointing a ring finger vaguely at the nobody fucktard you choose to do him in with. How your standards have fallen. You wanted to learn a thing or two about humiliation? Fair enough. Terry Silver was here to do the teaching. This would be one of many demonstrated lessons. The first one. The prologue. Round one in the ringer.

-"So? Put on a good live performance."-

He twirls his hand in the air for emphasis, relishing in your embarrassment, so thick he could practically cut it with a knife and eat it for breakfast with an entrée followed by the main course in the form of your bleeding heart, feeling his jaw tighten to the point he could imagine himself capable of biting through the concrete walls of the room filled with cold anger, eyes searching for an ashtray and in finding none, he simply allows the searing residue from his cigar to fall on the carpet along with a curtain of red embers. He could burn this whole place down and he'd be fully justified in doing so. But, no, Terry didn't deal in impulsive anger. Terry only got angry when he decided it was time to --- deciding when it was useful --- and now wasn't the time. He ironically needed to be perfectly level headed now. And so, he was.

-"Terry, listen, we can go outside and I can explain ---"-

You try desperately to placate him and your creature scurries nervously, collecting their shit from strewn over the floor, ready to run. Make a dash for it. -"I'll leave, man."- They make a pathetic attempt and fail. -"Bullshit you will. Class isn't dismissed and recess hasn't started."- Terry doesn't raise his voice, refusing to blink. Doesn't give anyone in the room the satisfaction of finding him affected and out of control. Instead, he adjusts himself and sinks deeper into the trusted old cuck chair --- of course every hotel had one, but this time, he tended to see it as the seat of command, pointing at the bed, refusing to address the creature personally, instead, doing it through you as mouthpiece, courier and vessel. -"You tell them, they'll be a good robot. Do exactly as programmed."- Terry instructs, never taking his eyes off of you. Sure, yes, he considered violence as his first incentive, but this? This was so much better. You wanted to be an adulterer and now it was your chance do to what an adulterer did best, with him as witness and coordinator, learning a lesson you'd never forget; that regardless what you did, you belonged to him. Now and always. -"And after you're done,"- He warns, wagging his finger. -"You'll pack all your crap up and you're coming home with me."- Disbelief. Terry reads disbelief in your eyes when faced with those words. Like a part of you thought that fucking someone else would finally liberate you from him as your last way out. That you'd get rid of him. That he'd be disgusted, angry and done with you to the degree you'd walk free, even if walking free came with certain amounts of pain stemming from his ire, truly showing how desperately you wanted freedom at any cost. If that was your reason behind tactically doing this then you were dead wrong --- you grossly miscalculated --- because giving you exactly what you wanted was too damn easy.

No.

You'd stay right where you belonged --- with him.

Denied of the very thing you were reaching for forever.

And Terry would enjoy that so much. That would be his revenge.

-"Chop-chop! Get to work."- Terry claps his hands, balancing his cigar between his index and middle finger, mustering a dry chuckle, feeling himself like spectator at the Kentucky Derby bidding on a race horse from the jam-packed audience, watching you exchange silently horrified glances with the schmuck on the bed who was still trying to figure out if this was real or an elaborate joke. Was no joke. Didn't you tell them about him? No? Terry wanted to watch you fuck the prick. He wanted it to last long. Torturously so. Terry wanted you to feel his gaze on you as you did, unable to escape. Feel every bit of discomfort, unease, objectification and suffering you could until you finally tapped the fuck out and found that this was only the beginning. That there was his car waiting downstairs and that you'd be going back with him. That you would pay for what you've done. That you'd realize what 'nothing is for free' really meant. That he would ensure your paid your dues for this betrayal with every inch of your being until it left a mark on your very soul. When you refuse to move, Terry decides, now's the time to raise his voice and his tone is laced with crude laughter as he does once both you and the shmuck nearly jump out of your skins. -"With conviction!"- Terry yells, as you reluctantly approach the bed, finally moving, even if it was at a snail's pace, wholly shaken and shivering. He smiles. Good. Perfect. This would hurt you, sure. But, no more than it would hurt him.

He takes another long, hard drag out of his cigar, filling the room with smoke.

#i think this level of sadism is very much possible for terry silver #terry silver #kk3 #cobra kai #terry silver x reader #terry silver x beloved #tw; cheating #tw; cuckholding #tw; power dynamics #tw; sub / dom #tw; sadism #tw; revenge #tw; dubious consent #tw; noncon

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aarushi-random-radar · 6 days

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Top 10 Must-Have Qualities of a Leading Event Management Agency

It's critical to look for companies that specialize in crucial areas that guarantee event success when selecting the ideal event management partner. The ability to tailor every element of an event to your brand's goals, a strategic vision, and in-depth industry knowledge are among the top 10 qualities of a remarkable event management company. They concentrate on producing quantifiable ROI, cultivate excellent vendor relationships, and pay great attention to detail. A top agency also has the reach and resources to manage events across multiple locations with ease, embraces a tech-savvy approach, encourages creativity and innovation, and is ready for any crisis. These characteristics are what distinguish the top event management companies, enabling them to craft remarkable experiences customized to their clients' objectives and needs.

Top 10 Must-Have Qualities of a Leading Event Management Agency

Choosing the right event management agency can make all the difference in crafting an unforgettable experience. Here are the top 10 characteristics that set the best agencies apart:

Strategic Vision Top agencies don’t just execute events—they develop strategies that align with your brand and objectives. They take the time to understand your goals, audience, and desired outcomes to deliver a comprehensive plan.

Industry Expertise A hallmark of top agencies is their deep industry knowledge. They’ve likely handled a wide range of events, from product launches to corporate conferences, giving them the insight to anticipate challenges and ensure smooth execution.

Customization Tailored experiences are key to impactful events. The best agencies customize everything—from branding and messaging to entertainment and hospitality—to reflect your unique identity and objectives. For instance, for a tech company’s product launch, they might design a futuristic theme and use augmented reality demos to wow the audience.

Attention to Detail From planning to execution, top agencies are meticulous in ensuring every detail aligns with the client’s vision. This attention to detail extends to event designs, décor, branding, and overall delivery.

Strong Vendor Relationships Top-tier agencies have access to a network of trusted vendors, which gives you access to high-quality services and competitive pricing. Whether it’s caterers, AV techs, or venues, these strong partnerships make your event exceptional.

ROI Focus Agencies that prioritize ROI help you measure event success through data-driven methodologies. By tracking KPIs like lead generation and brand exposure, they demonstrate how your event contributes to business growth.

Crisis Preparedness Leading agencies are always prepared for the unexpected. They have crisis management plans and trained personnel to address potential disruptions, ensuring the event runs smoothly no matter what arises.

Tech-Savvy Approach In the age of digital transformation, top agencies embrace technology like interactive apps, virtual reality, live streaming, and more. This tech-forward approach amplifies engagement and extends the event’s impact.

Creativity and Innovation Great agencies are always pushing the envelope to make each event unique. From interactive experiences to unconventional venues, they innovate to ensure your event stands out.

Reach and Resources Top event management agencies have the resources and connections to execute events anywhere, ensuring smooth operations regardless of location. Their ability to manage logistics and adapt to different cultural contexts is a huge advantage for global events.

Conclusion When looking for a top event management agency, consider one that goes beyond just executing events. The best agencies offer creative, strategic, and tailored solutions that align with your brand and business goals. If you're seeking an experienced event management company in Delhi NCR, Channel Technologies is here to help craft unforgettable corporate experiences.

Get in touch with us today to elevate your next event!

#Channel Technologies #CT #Marketing Agency #Event Marketing Agency #Event Management #Corporate Events #B2B Events Management

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wndaswife · 2 years

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We the people need more bottom Wanda blurbs

i really did like writing that one! here's another since im working on my bottom milf wanda fic rn and am in a certain mood..

you’ve set a strict schedule for wanda as you know she’d be hopeless without your instructions. you’ve designated when she’s allowed to go out to see her friends and when she’s supposed to be back home. she’s neglected the schedule you set out for her, perhaps even thought that your rules wouldn’t apply in the new city you both moved to. you’re quick to show her differently. you bend her over your lap and spank her ass until her creamy skin turns purple and red, repeatedly, until she’s trembling atop your legs and sobbing, tears running down her reddened face. “please, master! it was just a mistake, i wasn’t thinking,” she’d beg, hoping for your mercy. but you wouldn’t give her it until you’ve passed her limits several times over. you run the top of your index finger through her sticky folds. you eat her out, placing her down on the bed gently. you run your nose through her pussy, inhaling her scent as you ate her out. when she came, you kiss her raw ass and lull her to sleep, her tear-soaked face buried in your chest.

you like stretching out her little pussy when she’s busy at home. when she was sick, she had conference calls at home during which you shoved her over her work desk, pens and papers tumbling to the floor as she spoke to her boss. wanda loves being yours during meetings, phone calls, during cooking and while you were eating dinner she made, all the while she was on her knees under the table, deepthroating your faux cock so she choked on it. you’d buck hips up so the back of her head slammed against the table, gagging noisily when you did, but she always knew not to accidentally use her teeth with you

after arguments, wanda would always try making up with you first, cooking in the kitchen with nothing but an apron on or trying to give you a blowjob sporadically during the day

as a rule, wanda never wore panties and you always wore your strap

she’s very loud during sex, not only because she knew you liked it but also because she just was. you fucked her violently so her head banged against the headboard of your shared bed, until her pussy was too sensitive to take anymore dick, waiting painfully as you thrusted in and out of her for the next time you’d let her cum

wanda loves showing you off to her friends, a pristine woman with a perfect partner. you find it annoying to have it as you bring attached to her arm rather than the other way around, but you tolerated it because on nights like those, wanda made a deal that you were able to fuck her wherever, whenever. during karaoke nights with her friends, she sits on your lap with your dick buried in her tight cunt. you finger her under dinner tables as wanda was forced to talk about how well her garden was doing and what new recipes she discovered

she has a huge breeding kink- the idea of being yours forever, and the idea of having children with you, a family. “i want your babies, daddy!” she would beg while you fucked her. “please put your puppies in me, i want to have your baby.”

it‘a more of a hidden interest, but wanda loves piss play. she loves getting on her knees while you pissed in her mouth, on her face and on her tits like she was no more special than trash was.

most importantly, wanda is such a softie. she loves imagining having children with you, always pointing out cute baby clothes and talking to you about what it would feel like to drive the kids to school and have a family with you. family was forever, and she wanted eternities with you. when you finally propose, wanda’s in tears, jumping up and down so rapidly and harshly that you nearly topple over. she gushes about the dress she wants to have, people she wants to invite and the cakes, the desserts, the venue and the vows. she wants it all with you.

#rae responds #anon #sub wanda

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oppvenuz · 1 month

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The Best Event Venues in Mumbai: Elevate Your Celebration to New Heights

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is a hub of culture, business, and entertainment. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or a social gathering, the city offers a plethora of venues that cater to every style and need. From luxurious hotels to unique spaces, Mumbai's event venues provide the perfect setting for memorable celebrations. Here’s a guide to some of the best event venues in Mumbai, each promising to make your occasion truly special.

Click Here For More Deatils:https://www.oppvenuz.com/vendors/venue/?city=mumbai

1. Luxurious Hotels with Grand Ballrooms

- The Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba: A symbol of luxury and heritage, The Taj Mahal Palace is one of Mumbai’s most iconic venues. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers several grand ballrooms and elegant spaces that are perfect for high-profile events. Whether it's a wedding, corporate function, or gala dinner, the Taj Mahal Palace ensures an experience of grandeur and impeccable service.

- The St. Regis Mumbai, Lower Parel: Known for its opulence and sophistication, The St. Regis Mumbai offers versatile event spaces, including grand ballrooms, terraces, and private dining rooms. The hotel’s event planning team specializes in creating bespoke experiences, making it an ideal choice for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate events. With stunning views of the city and top-notch amenities, this venue is a favorite among Mumbai’s elite.

2. Boutique Venues with Unique Character

- The Royal Opera House, Girgaon: For those seeking a venue with historical charm and architectural beauty, The Royal Opera House is a magnificent choice. This restored heritage building, with its stunning interiors and grand stage, is perfect for cultural events, weddings, and exclusive gatherings. The venue's regal ambiance adds a touch of old-world charm to any celebration.

- The Great Eastern Home, Byculla: Housed in a former industrial warehouse, The Great Eastern Home is a unique venue that combines vintage elegance with modern amenities. The space features a mix of antique furnishings, art, and contemporary décor, making it an ideal setting for creative and artistic events. Whether it’s a wedding, product launch, or fashion show, this venue offers a distinctive and memorable backdrop.

3. Open-Air and Scenic Venues

- Dome at NSCI, Worli: Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Dome at NSCI is one of Mumbai’s most sought-after open-air venues. With its retractable roof and panoramic views, this venue is perfect for large-scale events such as concerts, weddings, and corporate parties. The versatile space can be customized to suit different themes and requirements, ensuring a spectacular event experience.

- Marine Drive Promenade: For a truly iconic Mumbai experience, the Marine Drive Promenade offers a breathtaking setting for outdoor events. With the sea on one side and the city skyline on the other, this venue is ideal for intimate gatherings, photo shoots, and cultural events. The natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Marine Drive make it a popular choice for those looking to create unforgettable memories.

4. Versatile Banquet Halls and Convention Centers

- Nehru Centre, Worli: A versatile venue that can accommodate a wide range of events, Nehru Centre is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and convenient location. The venue offers several halls and auditoriums, making it suitable for conferences, exhibitions, weddings, and social events. With ample parking and professional event management services, Nehru Centre is a reliable choice for large gatherings.

- Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon: As one of India’s largest exhibition centers, the Bombay Exhibition Centre offers vast spaces that can be tailored for various events, from trade shows and exhibitions to large corporate events and concerts. The venue’s expansive halls and modern infrastructure make it a go-to destination for hosting large-scale events in Mumbai.

5. Cultural and Artistic Spaces

- Prithvi Theatre, Juhu: Known for its intimate setting and artistic vibe, Prithvi Theatre is a beloved venue for cultural and artistic events. While primarily a theatre space, Prithvi also hosts weddings, private parties, and corporate events that seek a creative and unconventional atmosphere. The venue’s café and garden add to its charm, making it a unique choice for those looking to infuse their event with a touch of culture.

- Mehboob Studios, Bandra: A historic film studio with a legacy of Bollywood magic, Mehboob Studios offers a creative and versatile space for events. The studio’s large sound stages and outdoor areas can be transformed into stunning venues for weddings, product launches, fashion shows, and more. With its rich cinematic history and spacious environment, Mehboob Studios is a favorite for those looking to create a cinematic experience.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s diverse event venues offer something for every occasion, whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering. From luxurious hotels and open-air spaces to cultural landmarks and creative studios, the city has it all. By choosing one of these top venues, you can ensure that your event in Mumbai is not only successful but also unforgettable.

#Mumbai’s diverse event venues

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jaideepsingh23 · 2 months

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Excellence in MICE Practices at a Leading Hotel in Toronto

Welcome to the world of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) at one of Toronto's top hotels, the Grand Maple Hotel. Discover how we create memorable event experiences.

Dedicated Professionals

Our team includes expert event planners, AV technicians, and catering staff who ensure seamless presentations and perfect dining experiences.

Versatile Venues

Located downtown, our hotel offers elegant ballrooms, functional conference rooms, and serene outdoor spaces with modern amenities.

Types of Events Hosted

We host meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and incentive trips, adapting our spaces for each event's needs.

Overcoming Challenges

From scheduling to technical needs, our experienced team handles event challenges with expertise.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: Excellent facilities and top-notch service.

Weaknesses: Limited availability during peak times.

Opportunities: Expanding digital event offerings and partnering with local businesses.

Threats: Economic changes and strong competition.

Lessons from Hospitality

Comparing our event operations with other businesses shows how we manage operations and compete effectively.

Overall

Our commitment to excellence in event planning at the Grand Maple Hotel is evident in our meticulous planning and dedicated team.

#MICE #Meetings #Incentives #conferences #art exhibition #eventplanner #hospitality #torontohotels

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khanayesha1 · 3 months

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Exploring Top Coworking Spaces in: Lower Parel, Andheri East, Thane, Mumbai

Mumbai, also known as the "city that never sleeps," is well known for its vibrant economic scene and varied professional population. Professionals in the city may now discover adaptable and creative work settings that meet their specific demands thanks to the growth of coworking spaces. Leading coworking space provider FLEXO offers modern spaces in desirable districts of Mumbai, including Thane, Lower Parel, Andheri East, and other important areas. We examine what sets FLEXO's coworking spaces apart in these busy neighborhoods in this blog post.

Coworking Spaces in Lower Parel The hip and busy neighborhood of Lower Parel is well-known for combining upscale retail establishments, elegant dining establishments, and business offices. Its central position and lively atmosphere make it a great place for coworking spaces.

FLEXO Lower Parel: Located in Lower Parel, FLEXO provides a polished, yet artistic workstation meant to stimulate creativity and productivity. The venue features chic common areas, private meeting rooms, and fast internet. Members may easily interact and work together thanks to the frequent networking events and workshops held by FLEXO Lower Parel. You will always be close to important business centers and transportation hubs because to its excellent position.

Coworking Spaces in Andheri East Major business district in Mumbai, Andheri East is well-known for its close proximity to the international airport and good connectivity. For companies looking for a strategic and easily accessible office space, this is the perfect place.

Hot workstations, dedicated desks, and private cabins are just a few of the working options offered by FLEXO Andheri East.

Coworking Spaces in Thane Thane, often known as the "city of lakes," is quickly developing into a major business hub. Its blend of business ease and peace of mind draws coworking spaces to this desirable location.

FLEXO Thane: FLEXO Thane provides contemporary coworking spaces outfitted with all the necessary conveniences for a flawless workday. Professionals are provided with everything they require to remain productive by FLEXO Thane, including high-speed internet, fully furnished conference rooms, and ergonomic furniture. In order to promote a feeling of community and cooperation among its members, the area regularly holds networking activities and community gatherings.

Coworking Spaces in Mumbai Coworking spaces are widely available in Mumbai's numerous areas, each meeting a range of professional demands and tastes. FLEXO’s presence across the city ensures that there is a perfect workspace for everyone.

Conclusion:

Whether you are a freelancer looking for a vibrant community, a startup in need of flexible office solutions, or a corporate team seeking a professional workspace, FLEXO has a coworking space in Mumbai that meets your needs. With locations in Lower Parel, Andheri East, Thane, and other prime areas, FLEXO is redefining the way professionals work, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth.

#flexo #coworking #space #thane #mumbai #andheri

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accio-victuuri · 2 years

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from an article published by GQ Lab

Accidentally spoiled the exclusive behind-the-scenes of the press conference of "Hidden Blade"? ?

Yesterday, we were invited to participate in the creative conference of the film "Hidden Blade" which will be released on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Reportedly, there will be no movies at the event, but there are spoilers.

In the cinema hallway where the press conference was held, every two steps you can see a wheat ear flower basket. Judging from the information on the greeting cards, most of them come from fans who hope that the idol's new movie will sell well.

The staff said that from the day before yesterday to yesterday, the theater had received almost 300 golden wheat ear flower baskets, and there was really no room for them, so the flower baskets delivered later had to be placed at the door.

We are vaguely puzzled by the wind blowing wheat waves from fans and friends:

We will not be the only viewers of this press conference who will write articles when we go back, right?

We asked the theater staff, these flowers will not be lost in a few days, right? What a waste.

The theater staff said, how can I be willing to let it go for at least a month.

The theater hasn't been this vibrant in a long time.

Before entering the venue, the organizer asked us to send a one-inch photo with a white background, saying "you need an electronic work permit". No one thinks much.

When we entered the venue, we discovered that this method of checking documents is also very characteristic of the movie: the scribbled ID photos we found randomly appeared on a large horizontal screen of 16:9 with a width of one to one.

It turns out that this is the feeling of being on the big screen, which is wonderful and even a little cruel.

But everyone knows that there is IMAX here.

The press conference was only open to the media, and the audience was not satisfied with an IMAX screening hall, but 150 security guards came. The person in charge of security at the press conference said that it wasn't even considered that the artist had brought it himself.

The bodyguard standing guard at the entrance of the press conference has worked in this company that specializes in security for performing arts events for eight years. He introduced that today’s well-ordered work is the easiest and cheapest, with an hourly wage of less than 100; the highest earning is for top-tier pick-up and drop-off, with an hourly wage of 200.

We are curious: Who are the top players now?

He broke his hands and said, there are 8 of them.

While the scene was (generally) orderly, they were really busy.

At the very beginning of the event, there were scalpers leading dozens of fans to fight guerrilla attacks, trying to rush into the theater through various safe passages. The big security guards could only rush passively like whack-a-mole, temporarily blocking the escape doors one by one with moving barbed wire and wooden bolts.

like this:

The uncle in the cinema marketing department is used to this situation. He said that every time a theater comes to stars and holds events, the same scalper will lead the fans to the entrance of the safe passage. Over time, he can be said to be the most familiar stranger to the theater staff.

The uncle sighed after finishing speaking: I haven't seen him for a long time.

In general, the theater staff is still a little excited. It's been a long time since they've seen a battle like this: this is the fifth time in the Year of the Tiger that a star has come to promote a movie. In last year, there were five press conferences, that is, one month's worth.

As the only main creator who appeared without makeup in the audience, Wang Chuanjun was a little edema visible to the naked eye. We asked cautiously: Yes, did you have a drink last night?

Wang Chuanjun said, hey.

After the press conference, the main creators still have various materials to shoot, except for Huang Lei.

He left after the press conference and wanted to go home to make soup for the children.

The main creators greeted each other with "Are you thinner again" and "Have you crowned yet?" and exchanged in-depth infection experiences. Dapeng came out on top with 40.4 degrees.

The atmosphere at the scene was relaxed, but everyone still turned on their mobile phones to check the pre-sales, and found that the pre-sales had already reached 5600w, temporarily ranking as the champion of the Spring Festival pre-sales.

Cheng Er also took a look, and said "Oh—" very calmly.

A man who has seen great storms.

The press conference started and the main creator entered the venue. Wang Yibo did not cause a commotion, which shows that everyone at the scene is still a very professional media personnel.

But judging from the Weibo forum later, everyone just endured it very well.

There was a link at the scene, each main creator drew a red envelope, and the red envelope contained the crew's New Year's greetings to the main creator.

Cheng Er received a blessing of "cure obsessive-compulsive disorder", although everyone at the scene said "qiáng obsessive-compulsive disorder", Cheng Er still chanted "qiǎng" obsessive-compulsively.

Cheng Er said: Thank you for your blessing, but I will not change it.

Forced to recite qiǎng. Cheng Er is right.

Wang Yibo received the "thrilling" entry, he said "not only the fighting scene, but also my kissing scene is thrilling", the scene was silent.

But this caused an uproar in our work group. We all said that Wang Yibo dared to say it too much, and this was too exciting. Wouldn't everyone give a little reaction? Sure enough, he is a media person who has gone through a lot of troubles.

Half an hour later we realized that what he should have said was, Literary drama.

Our expressions are like Tony Leung who is connected remotely:

The actors are very relaxed and tell a lot of truth.

Huang Lei: I am a special actor, which means that there are not many roles.

Wang Chuanjun: The films I come to direct are usually for burying people.

Dapeng: The props of the crew are all real ingredients. The Japanese ingredients are really amazing. I eat them like crazy, and I drink real wine. The wine is very precious.

Chief Producer Yu Dong: I just found out that you all really eat those Japanese ingredients!

Director Cheng Er's previous work "Frontier" invested less than 10 million yuan, "Romantic Disappearance History" invested more than 100 million yuan, and this time "No Name" invested 300 million yuan. It is still Bona's key film, with both producers and directors.

But the producer Yu Dong was still attracted by Cheng Er's talent, and the only request this time was to "add a little more commerciality". In order to prevent everyone from seeing Cheng Er and mistakenly think it is a literary film, a large watermark of "super commercial film" was specially made on the poster when it was announced.

We have another task on this trip, which is to help shoot a group of films that are vaguely related to the plot for today's press conference.

We have prepared the largest portion of freshly baked popcorn as a prop to help you enter a state of enjoying the movie.

10 minutes later after the group photo was taken, we got the popcorn back to find it was a third missing.

When looking back at the group photo, an artist agent commented: This popcorn looks delicious.

Very sincere evaluation.

Here you can enjoy this group of live photos of eating popcorn. In fact, they are based on the relationship between the characters in the movie. As for the relationship between the characters, everyone is welcome to figure out freely.

We asked everyone to look up at the screen when these few photos were taken. Wang Chuanjun asked: What movie should we pretend to watch?

We said: That must be "Hidden Blade ".

Cheng Er said: It may also be "The Wandering Earth"!

The staff said that this might not be appropriate, but Cheng Er said happily: There is nothing wrong with helping others to do publicity.

For various reasons, the press conference to promote the movie did not show the movie.

But when we walked out of the theater, we were all happy.

It's been a long time since there was a Spring Festival that made people enter the cinema so impatiently.

However, if you walk into the screening room of "Hidden Blade" a few days later and see such a scene, don't be surprised:

Please believe that we are not the only ones who can't wait to sit in front of the big screen.

In fact, not only "No Name", we also hope that "The Wandering Earth 2", "Man Jianghong", "Deep Sea", "Bear Infested 3" (in no particular order)... In short, all Spring Festival movies this year will be big sellers.

Because good movies are the small but sure joys of our lives.

Please believe that this is very important.

#wang yibo #hidden blade #hidden blade movie #i think yibo is trolling everyone lol #i wanna see this film on lunar new year too 😭😭😭😭

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travelersadventure · 1 year

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hummusandpeeta · 2 years

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BruClark Week Day 7: Free Space

@bruclarkweek

Title: I Think I Know You

Synopsis: While in Metropolis for a conference, Bruce Wayne runs into a man he thought he knew.

Happy last day of BruClark Week! It was so fun to read and look at everything submitted. Thank you to the organizers for running this! I’m using the Free Space prompt as well as the Identity Porn prompt from day one because I missed it!

This story can be read as a sequel or a standalone to my other story Have We Met Before. It’s inspired by the song Have We Met Before by Sarah Barrios with Eric Nam.

Bruce had been stuck in a business conference since the early hours of the morning and as the evening drew near, exhaustion settled in. He wished he could just get into his car, drive home and crawl into bed. To say his week had been hectic was an overstatement. Between patrolling Gotham, attending meetings for Wayne Enterprises, and helping the Justice League with an urgent mission, Bruce was more than ready to clock in a couple of hours of sleep. He wouldn’t even fight Alfred on the matter like he normally did.

Unfortunately, what he wanted wasn’t a possibility yet. The business conference was in Metropolis and it was far from being over. Lunch and dinner had been provided by the venue, but Bruce chose to only stick around for the lunch. With an hour of free time before the final leg of the conference, Bruce jumped at the opportunity to leave the venue and all the guests in attendance. Everybody wanted to talk to Bruce Wayne and if he wanted to maintain his joyful playboy appearance, he needed to leave. Bruce feared that he would lose his patience if one more rich, old man tried to tell him how to run his own company. A lot of them thought he was wasting money by giving so much of it to charities.

Instead of mingling with the other guests during the provided dinner, Bruce left the Metropolis Convention Center and started walking around the city. Once the cool autumn air had calmed him down and he felt the tension leave his shoulders, Bruce decided it would be a good idea to grab a small bite to eat before heading back to the venue.

It was Friday night and with only forty minutes to spare, Bruce knew he wouldn’t have enough time to sit down for a full-course meal at a fancy restaurant. A fast-food joint would solve the time issue, but he didn’t enjoy most chains; the only one he frequented was native to Gotham and had yet to expand to Metropolis.

As he aimlessly walked around and pondered where to grab a bite to eat, Bruce spotted a typical All-American diner across the street. It seemed busy, which Bruce took as a sign that the food was edible. Luckily the restaurant wasn’t overcrowded to the point of not having any available seats.

The bell above the door rang as he entered the establishment, but the sound was slightly drowned out by the chatter of patrons and the music flowing out of the nearby jukebox. Still, one of the waitresses noticed him enter, even as she was busy serving another customer.

"Take a seat wherever, I’ll be with you in a moment," she told him, her loud voice carrying across the room.

Bruce nodded in reply. There were two unoccupied booths at the back of the diner, but Bruce felt rude taking up all that space when he could just as easily sit at the counter. It was a small counter and there were already four other customers sitting down and enjoying their dinner. The stool at the end was empty and although Bruce didn’t normally enjoy sitting close to strangers, he decided that it was a sacrifice worth making if it meant the diner wouldn’t have to turn down a large party of clients simply because Bruce wanted a booth all to himself.

He would also draw less attention to himself if he blended in with the other patrons.

Bruce walked over to the counter and sat down on the only unoccupied stool. Within seconds, the waitress who’d spoken to him earlier approached with a menu in hand. She was an older lady, with long locks of gray hair tied into a bun on the top of her head. Just by the way she had expertly weaved her way through the tables and by the flick of her wrist as she handed Bruce the menu, he could tell she’d been working at this diner for a long time.

"Here’s our menu, sugar," she said as she handed him the plastic-coated sheet of paper. "Can I get you started with something to drink while you decide what you want to eat?"

"I’ll take a coffee, black," Bruce answered. He would need the caffeine to get through the rest of the evening. Bruce quickly glanced over the menu, spotting what he wanted near the bottom of the page. "And I’ll take the BLT, please."

"Sounds good. It shouldn’t be too long. My name is Bridgette, flag me down if you need anything else," she explained as he handed her the menu. She walked over to a window in the kitchen wall to relay his order to the chef.

Bruce watched as Bridgette then grabbed a large mug from one of the shelves on the wall and went to the coffee machine. She took the pot of freshly brewed coffee and walked back to Bruce. She placed the cup in front of him and poured the hot beverage, filling it to the brim.

"Thank you," Bruce told her as he slid the mug closer to himself.

"No problem," she replied before shuffling over to the customer beside him. "Need a refill, honey?"

"Yes, please," the man replied. Until now, he’d had his nose buried in a book. The plate in front of him was empty, meaning he’d already finished eating. Out of habit, Bruce had taken the time to analyze everyone sitting at the counter; especially the one he’d be sitting beside. Bruce had hoped that the empty plate meant the man on his left would be leaving soon. But based on the refill, Bruce’s assumption had been proven false.

"Your usual dessert?" Bridgette asked after she’d finished pouring him a fresh cup of coffee.

"You’re the best, Bridgette," the man replied. He was evidently a regular customer.

"And don’t you forget it," she answered, winking in response. They shared a smile before she turned around to presumably get him his dessert. She grabbed the empty plate in front of him as she left.

From the corner of his eye, Bruce watched the man. He’d placed his book facedown on the counter while he’d been talking with the waitress. Bruce recognized it as an early edition of The Hobbit. The book looked beat up, meaning the customer had most likely read it before or he’d bought it used.

Bruce took a sip of his coffee, pretending to be lost in thought. But he couldn’t stop glancing at the man beside him. The man was also drinking his coffee. Bruce couldn’t stop himself from noticing every little detail about the customer. Like how his large hands made the regular-sized mug seem like it was made for kids at a teacup party. After taking a couple of sips, the man placed the mug back down and grabbed his book. He continued reading, adjusting the glasses on his face as he did.

Maybe the reason why Bruce couldn’t stop staring was because the man was attractive.

The suit he was wearing did the man no favors. It was the ugliest and ill-fitting suit Bruce had ever seen. Luckily, the horrible fashion statement couldn’t hide the fact that Bruce seemed to be sitting beside a literal Greek God. From the perfectly coiffed hair to the pearly white teeth he’d flashed at Bridgette, there was no denying how good-looking the man was.

Disregarding his sexual attraction, there was something else about the man that captured Bruce’s focus. Bruce had a strange sense that the man looked familiar. But, much to his frustration, he couldn’t quite place the face. He often came to Metropolis for business, so maybe that was why the man looked familiar. Maybe they’d crossed paths at one point?

If Bruce knew this man from his work as Batman, he was positive he would have picked up on it. As Batman, he made great efforts to memorize the faces of anyone he came in contact with. He also had a very good gut feeling when it came to deciding if someone was a threat or not.

But Bruce didn’t currently feel in danger sitting beside the man. Surprisingly enough, Bruce felt comfortable, not at all intimidated.

As he pondered why that was, Bridgette returned with his food. She placed the plate with the BLT sandwich and a side of fries in front of him.

"Enjoy," she said, flashing him a smile.

"Thank you," Bruce replied as he placed his mug back down on the counter.

"Here you go, Clark," the waitress said as she placed the other plate that had been in her hand on the counter. It was a slice of apple pie. With disgust, Bruce realized that the pie was covered with a piece of cheddar cheese. Bruce knew that some people liked to eat apple pie with cheese, but he refused to try it; it seemed wrong. The combination certainly didn’t meet Alfred’s culinary standards.

Bruce turned his attention to his own meal. He needed to hurry up and finish eating if he wanted to get back to the conference on time. The sooner he got that over with, the sooner he could head back to Gotham for a short patrol, and then he could finally get the sleep he’d been dreaming of all day.

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

Long after the business conference concluded and halfway through his regular route in Gotham, Batman received a call from Wonder Woman. She asked if he could join her on the Watchtower once he was done with his patrol. She needed his opinion on a case she was working on.

Bruce wanted nothing more than to ignore her request and crawl into his bed. He could always visit the Watchtower sometime tomorrow. But Wonder Woman had, on countless occasions, done favors for him; the least he could do was help her when she needed it. Hopefully, his detour to the Watchtower would be quick and eventless.

Also, no intelligent being who valued their life would ignore Wonder Woman’s request for assistance.

So, when Batman finally arrived at the Watchtower, he expected to find Wonder Woman waiting for him. But to his surprise, the main room was empty, which meant she was somewhere else in the space station. Instead of randomly walking around in the hopes of finding her, Bruce decided it would be wiser to check the video feeds in the monitoring room.

On Fridays, Green Lantern was normally scheduled for monitor duty, so Bruce was a bit confused at the sight of Superman sitting in front of the computers. But when Superman turned around to greet him, Batman acted like he’d been expecting to find the Man of Steel there.

"Hi, Batman," Superman said. He flashed Bruce a smile. "Wonder Woman mentioned you would be visiting sometime tonight."

"Do you know where she is?" Bruce asked, ignoring the warm feeling he got every time Superman smiled at him.

"She left not too long ago with Green Lantern; there was an emergency. She told me to tell you that she was sorry. She also wanted me to ask if you could wait for her," Superman explained.

"You weren’t available to help?" Batman asked skeptically.

"GL got a tip about a hidden stash of Kryptonite. I was benched and Wonder Woman volunteered to help him."

Bruce grunted in response. It made sense for Superman to stay behind in this kind of situation. But the situation itself didn’t make much sense. But for now, Bruce filed the information away for later. There would be a better time to figure out who the tip was from and why Bruce hadn’t known about the Kryptonite. He kept track of any and all sightings of the green substance; so how had Green Lantern found out about it before him?

"You’re welcome to stay here with me while you wait," Superman offered once again. "I can hear Wonder Woman and Green Lantern; they’re updating local authorities right now, so it shouldn’t be long"

Good. Bruce didn’t want to be stuck here forever waiting for the Amazonian Princess. He didn’t normally enjoy loitering around; he preferred to remain productive at all times. But he figured it would be pointless to start working on a task if Wonder Woman was bound to return momentarily. Plus, Bruce was tired. It wouldn’t be so bad to sit down for a small break. And as long as Superman didn’t ask too many questions, it could be a bearable, maybe even a comfortable, experience.

"How was your day?" Superman asked as soon as Bruce sat down in the chair beside him.

Of course, Superman couldn’t go for more than one second without talking. Bruce chose to ignore the question. All of the Justice League members were well aware that he preferred to keep his personal life separate from his work life.

"Oh. Right, sorry," Superman mumbled when he realized why Batman wasn’t answering him.

Silence quickly filled the room. Good. Superman remembered that Batman was here on business, not to exchange pleasantries.

Bruce’s eyes wandered over the multiple screens in front of him. There were video feeds showing all the rooms on the Watchtower as well as different news channels so the League could keep track of any worldwide emergencies.

"How was your patrol of Gotham?" Superman chose to ask after a couple of beautiful seconds of silence.

"Fine. It was quiet," Bruce replied, throwing the poor man a bone. But he wasn’t about to reciprocate and ask Superman about his patrol of Metropolis. Bruce had been in Metropolis all day; he already knew how quiet and danger-free it had been.

"That’s good," Superman acknowledged. He must have gotten the memo that Bruce wasn’t going to ask him about his day because he didn’t try to salvage the one-sided conversation.

Bruce returned his attention to the screens in front of him. On one of them, he could see a reporter talking about the police raid that had been done at a coffee shop in Moldova. Thanks to Wonder Woman and Green Lantern’s intervention, they’d discovered it was a front for a small company trying to manufacture Kryptonite.

Bruce made another mental note to investigate the origins of this coffee shop. He also wondered if Green Lantern or Wonder Woman had the sense to collect a sample of the Kryptonite. It would be a good idea to test the substance in order to make sure it wasn’t a new or modified kind of Kryptonite with different effects. As he mentally made a list of all the things he needed to do, Bruce suddenly noticed a rhythmic tapping sound that had overtaken the silence of the room.

Batman’s focus switched from the monitors to Superman’s fingers which were drumming against the desk. Bruce was about to tell Superman to cut it out when his gaze landed on a book on the edge of the desk. Superman must have been reading it before Bruce arrived.

As Batman, he should have reprimanded Superman for not paying attention during his monitor duty. But as Bruce, all he could think about was the fact that he recognized that book. He’d just seen it in a diner in Metropolis.

Bruce knew it was the same book because the handmade bookmark and the dog-eared pages were identical. What were the odds that Superman and the man named Clark from Metropolis were both reading the same battered copy of The Hobbit?

"Batman?" Superman suddenly asked, his head whipping around to look at Bruce. "Are you okay? Your heart rate just spiked."

He knew Superman, or should he say, Clark, was waiting for him to reply, but he needed a moment to collect his thoughts. He needed to perfectly plan his response; the secret identity he’d spent so long protecting was at stake.

It was just hitting him how similar Superman and Clark looked. How had he managed to not be recognized over the years? It seemed like such a basic and risky disguise to only rely on glasses and differently coiffed hair. Was it really enough to conceal an identity as large and public as Superman’s? Bruce was somewhat disappointed to admit that it did seem enough to fool others; until now, he’d been fooled as well.

But that wasn’t entirely true. Bruce replayed his visit to the diner and how he’d felt sitting beside Clark. That nagging feeling he’d felt had been right. He had, on a certain level, recognized Superman. That explained why he felt so comfortable beside a "stranger".

It wasn’t often that Bruce found himself admitting that he felt comfortable around someone other than Alfred. But then again, this also wasn’t the first time that Clark had made Bruce feel things he didn’t normally feel. Was it dangerous that Clark seemed to hold so much power and control over him?

Bruce focused his gaze on the man in question. He studied Clark’s features. When had Superman gone from being Batman’s tentative ally to someone Bruce felt comfortable around?

Bruce wasn’t oblivious. As he studied Clark, he could tell that Superman knew something was wrong; Batman never took this long to answer a question. Clark would be suspicious and would probably be able to see right through any lies Bruce came up with if he tried to explain his sudden change in heart rate. But Bruce also knew Superman would be too polite to call out any lies he detected.

Bruce needed to decide, right here and now; did he trust Superman with his secret identity.

Yes, he thought with a strange amount of certainty.

"Batman?" Superman prompted again. He sounded slightly more panicked now.

"Did the diner always serve cheese on their apple pie or did you somehow convince Bridgette to add it just for you?" Bruce asked. He knew he was completely ignoring Clark’s concern and question, but it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. It wasn’t often that someone was able to catch Superman off guard.

The look of pure confusion that crossed Clark’s face almost made Bruce laugh, but he had better self-control than that. He patiently waited for Clark to answer his question, staring the man down to encourage him to reply.

"What? Um, no, it’s always been a staple on their menu, that’s why I eat there every—" Clark stopped mid-sentence, cutting himself off. Bruce could see the gears turning in his head as he tried to process what was going on and what Bruce’s question meant.

Bruce continued to wait, giving Clark the time to collect his own thoughts.

"Were you spying on me today?" Clark whispered even if they were the only two in the room. "But why? I thought you trusted the League now?" Clark asked, sounding hurt by Batman’s betrayal.

But then Bruce saw the exact moment Clark remembered he hadn’t gone to the diner as Superman. "Wait... You were the handsome man sitting beside me in the diner?" This time his voice rose as he realized exactly who Batman was.

Clark thought he was handsome? Bruce wasn’t oblivious, he knew that others found him attractive; he often graced the covers of magazines as the "sexiest man of the year". But it had never crossed his mind he’d be faced with a scenario where Superman casually confessed that he found Bruce Wayne attractive.

The pair stared at each other, unsure of what to do or say now that their secret identities were out in the open.

As it seemed to be the theme tonight, Bruce had to correct himself. Once again, that statement wasn’t entirely true. Clark knew what he looked like without his cowl on, but he hadn’t seemed to recognize that he was Bruce Wayne. He could fix that.

"I’m not sure about handsome," Bruce replied, slipping into his persona’s sultry voice. "I normally go by Bruce. Bruce Wayne." Clark seemed to be trying to defy the laws of physics as his jaw dropped. "Wayne?" he stuttered as he placed the name to the face. "Dear Lord! Uh, I mean... I’m Clark Kent."

An alarm suddenly rang, forcing Bruce to bite his tongue; he’d just thought of the perfect response and it involved seeing just how much he could make Superman blush. Unfortunately, the sound had been an alert notifying them that Wonder Woman and Green Lantern had returned. That was Bruce’s cue to leave.

He stood up, his cape fluttering around him at the sudden movement. Bruce could feel Clark’s eyes on him.

"I’m off to find Wonder Woman," Bruce said. He normally didn’t announce his intentions to others, but he didn’t know how else to snap Clark out of his confused daze.

Clark suddenly rose from his seat, taking a few steps forward to chase after Bruce.

"But wait," Clark said, an almost frantic tone to his voice. "Why would you... What changed..."

Despite Clark’s lack of complete sentences, Bruce knew what he was trying to ask. Why would Batman suddenly reveal his identity? What changed? Did he now trust Superman?

Bruce wasn’t entirely sure he knew how to answer those questions. Scratch that, he could answer them, but it only made sense in his head. He didn’t know how he could voice his thoughts out loud to Clark. How did you tell someone you’d made an effort to not get close to that you now found their presence comforting? How could he explain the sudden realization that he not only felt comfortable around Clark but that he was also attracted to him?

It wasn’t the time or place to get into any of that. And if Bruce was being honest, he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to voice these feelings out loud.

So, for now, Bruce chose to go with the simplest version of the truth.

"When I saw you at the diner, I thought I knew you. And just now, I realized I don’t know you. I know Superman, but not Clark. I thought it was time to change that."

"Oh," Clark replied thoughtfully before smiling softly at him. "Well, I’m glad you changed your mind. It’s nice to meet you, Bruce."

#bruclarkweek2022 #superbat #fanfiction #batman in metropolis #secret identity reveal #bruce wayne #clark kent

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