#Jewelry Market Opportunity | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

marketdevelopment · 19 days

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Jewelry Market: Forthcoming Trends and Share Analysis by 2030

The Global Jewelry Market size is expected to grow from USD 344.84 Million in 2022 to USD 592.50 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

The jewelry market is a vibrant and dynamic sector encompassing a wide array of products ranging from precious gemstones to fashion accessories. Globally, the market for jewelry has seen steady growth over the years, driven by factors such as increasing disposable income, changing consumer preferences, and evolving fashion trends. From traditional gold and diamond jewelry to contemporary designs incorporating unconventional materials, the market offers something for every taste and budget. Online retailing has also emerged as a significant channel for jewelry sales, providing consumers with convenient access to a diverse range of products from around the world.

Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/request/16305

Updated Version 2024 is available our Sample Report May Includes the:

Scope For 2024

Brief Introduction to the research report.

Table of Contents (Scope covered as a part of the study)

Top players in the market

Research framework (structure of the report)

Research methodology adopted by Worldwide Market Reports

Leading players involved in the Jewelry Market include:

Tiffany & Co.(US), Harry Winston (US), Cartier (France), Van Cleef & Arpels (France), Buccellati(Italy), Mikimoto (Japan), Graff (UK), Pandora (Denmark), Chow Tai Foo (China), Louis Vuitton SE (France), Richemont (Switzerland), Piaget (Switzerland), Bvlgari (Italy), Chopard (Switzerland), Signet Jewelers Limited (Bermuda), Malabar Gold & Diamonds (India), Swarovski AG (Austra), Tanishq (India), Queen (China), Wallace Chan (China)

Moreover, the report includes significant chapters such as Patent Analysis, Regulatory Framework, Technology Roadmap, BCG Matrix, Heat Map Analysis, Price Trend Analysis, and Investment Analysis which help to understand the market direction and movement in the current and upcoming years.

Market Driver:

One key driver fueling the growth of the jewelry market is the rising trend of personalized and customizable jewelry. Consumers today seek unique pieces that reflect their individuality and personal style. Customizable jewelry allows customers to tailor their pieces according to their preferences, whether it's incorporating birthstones, engraving initials, or creating bespoke designs. This trend has been particularly popular among millennials and Gen Z consumers, who value self-expression and uniqueness in their accessories. Jewelry brands and retailers that offer customization options stand to capture a significant portion of the market by catering to this growing demand for personalized products.

Market Opportunity:

An emerging market opportunity within the jewelry industry lies in the integration of sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. With increasing awareness about environmental and ethical issues, consumers are becoming more conscious of the origins of their purchases, including jewelry. There is a growing demand for sustainably sourced materials, ethically produced pieces, and transparent supply chains within the jewelry market. Brands that prioritize sustainability and responsible sourcing have the opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Embracing sustainable practices not only aligns with ethical values but also presents a chance for businesses to tap into a growing segment of socially conscious consumers.

If You Have Any Query Jewelry Market Report, Visit:

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/inquiry/16305

Segmentation of Jewelry Market:

By Product Type

Earring

Necklace

Ring

Bracelet

By Material

Diamond

Gold

Platinum

By Gender

Female

Male

Market Segment by Regions: -

North America (US, Canada, Mexico)

Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)

Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC)

Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

What to Expect in Our Report?

(1) A complete section of the Jewelry market report is dedicated for market dynamics, which include influence factors, market drivers, challenges, opportunities, and trends.

(2) Another broad section of the research study is reserved for regional analysis of the Jewelry market where important regions and countries are assessed for their growth potential, consumption, market share, and other vital factors indicating their market growth.

(3) Players can use the competitive analysis provided in the report to build new strategies or fine-tune their existing ones to rise above market challenges and increase their share of the Jewelry market.

(4) The report also discusses competitive situation and trends and sheds light on company expansions and merger and acquisition taking place in the Jewelry market. Moreover, it brings to light the market concentration rate and market shares of top three and five players.

(5) Readers are provided with findings and conclusion of the research study provided in the Jewelry Market report.

Our study encompasses major growth determinants and drivers, along with extensive segmentation areas. Through in-depth analysis of supply and sales channels, including upstream and downstream fundamentals, we present a complete market ecosystem.

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

Acquire This Reports: -

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/checkout/?user=1&_sid=16305

About us:

Introspective Market Research (introspectivemarketresearch.com) is a visionary research consulting firm dedicated to assisting our clients to grow and have a successful impact on the market. Our team at IMR is ready to assist our clients to flourish their business by offering strategies to gain success and monopoly in their respective fields. We are a global market research company, that specializes in using big data and advanced analytics to show the bigger picture of the market trends. We help our clients to think differently and build better tomorrow for all of us. We are a technology-driven research company, we analyse extremely large sets of data to discover deeper insights and provide conclusive consulting. We not only provide intelligence solutions, but we help our clients in how they can achieve their goals.

Introspective Market Research

3001 S King Drive,

Chicago, Illinois

60616 USA

Ph no: +1-773-382-1047

Email: [email protected]

#Jewelry #Jewelry Market #Jewelry Market Size #Jewelry Market Share #Jewelry Market Growth #Jewelry Market Trend #Jewelry Market segment #Jewelry Market Opportunity #Jewelry Market Analysis 2023 #US Jewelry Market #Jewelry Market Forecast #Jewelry Industry #Jewelry Industry Size #china Jewelry Market #UK Jewelry Market

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marketinsight1234 · 1 month

Text

Jewelry Market: Forthcoming Trends and Share Analysis by 2030

The Global Jewelry Market size is expected to grow from USD 344.84 Million in 2022 to USD 592.50 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

The jewelry market is a dynamic sector characterized by its diversity in products, styles, and consumer preferences. It encompasses a wide range of items including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more, crafted from various materials such as precious metals, gemstones, pearls, and alternative materials. Over the years, the jewelry market has witnessed steady growth globally, driven by factors such as evolving fashion trends, increasing disposable incomes, and the cultural significance attached to jewelry across different societies.

The jewelry market represents a diverse and dynamic sector within the global consumer goods industry. Comprising an array of products such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more, jewelry is crafted from various materials including precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, as well as gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and alternative materials. This market is driven by a combination of factors including evolving fashion trends, cultural significance, changing consumer preferences, and economic factors such as disposable income levels.

Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/request/16305

Updated Version 2024 is available our Sample Report May Includes the:

Scope For 2024

Brief Introduction to the research report.

Table of Contents (Scope covered as a part of the study)

Top players in the market

Research framework (structure of the report)

Research methodology adopted by Worldwide Market Reports

Leading players involved in the Jewelry Market include:

If You Have Any Query Jewelry Market Report, Visit:

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/inquiry/16305

Segmentation of Jewelry Market:

By Product Type

Earring

Necklace

Ring

Bracelet

By Material

Diamond

Gold

Platinum

By Gender

Female

Male

Market Segment by Regions: -

North America (US, Canada, Mexico)

Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)

Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC)

Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

What to Expect in Our Report?

(1) A complete section of the Jewelry market report is dedicated for market dynamics, which include influence factors, market drivers, challenges, opportunities, and trends.

(5) Readers are provided with findings and conclusion of the research study provided in the Jewelry Market report.

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

Acquire This Reports: -

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/checkout/?user=1&_sid=16305

About us:

Introspective Market Research

3001 S King Drive,

Chicago, Illinois

60616 USA

Ph no: +1-773-382-1047

Email: [email protected]

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industry-reports-data · 2 years

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Demi fine jewelry Market 2022 Recent Trends, In-depth Analysis, Size and Forecast To 2029

The report covers comprehensive data on emerging trends, market drivers, growth opportunities, and restraints that can change the market dynamics of the industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the Demi fine jewelry Market segments which include product types, applications, and competitor analysis. The report also includes a detailed study of key companies to provide insights into business strategies, company summary, trading summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments adopted by various players in order to sustain competition in this highly competitive environment.

Demi fine jewelry Market is envisaged to record an expansion at the CAGR of 16.6% over the forecast period, 2022 – 2027.

Read the full report:

The study objectives of this report are:

-An overview of the global market for Demi fine jewelry Market and related technologies. -Analyses of global market trends, with data, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022-2027. -Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for Global Demi fine jewelry Market.

-Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.

#Demi fine jewelry Market Opportunity #Demi fine jewelry Market Size #Demi fine jewelry Market Growth #Demi fine jewelry Market Research

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kirti-srinivas01 · 2 years

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Jewelry Engraving Machine Market Worth Observing Growth | Gravotech, Trotec, Hai Tech Lasers

The Jewelry Engraving Machine research report provides a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The data thus presented is reliable, comprehensive and the result of extensive research both primary and secondary. The analysts have presented the various facets of the market with a particular focus on identifying the key industry…

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#Jewelry Engraving Machine market analysis #Jewelry Engraving Machine Market forecast #Jewelry Engraving Machine market growth #Jewelry Engraving Machine market opportunity #Jewelry Engraving Machine market size #Jewelry Engraving Machine market trends

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manoj-07 · 2 years

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Luxury Jewelry Market with Top Leading Players like to Witness Astonishing Growth During Forecast 2028

Coherent Market Insights has released a new research study on the "Luxury Jewelry Market" which aims to provide a thorough examination of the factors influencing global business introduction and outlook. The Global Luxury Jewelry Market Report detailed information and overview highlight the most recent trends in various regions. Leading market participants will benefit from the trading insights provided in this report. The Luxury Jewelry Market research report is an intelligence report that includes precise and valuable data on market size, development countries, market share, and revenue forecasts through 2028. It also provides information on the market's development and capabilities.

Get Quick Access To PDF Brochure @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/2278

Moreover, it will also include the opportunities available in micro markets for stakeholders to invest, a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, and product services of key players. Analysis of Luxury Jewelry companies, key tactics followed by Leading Key Players: Gucciogucci S.P.A., Harry Winston, Inc., Societe Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, Buccellati Holding Italia SpA, Graff Diamonds Corporation, Bulgari S.p.A, K. Mikimoto & Co., Ltd., and Chopard International SA

Global Luxury Jewelry Market, By Material:

Gold

Silver

Diamond

Platinum

Others

Global Luxury Jewelry Market, By Product Type :

Necklace

Ring

Bracelet

Hair Ornaments

Earring

Leg & Feet Ornaments

Others

Global Luxury Jewelry Market, By End User :

Men

Women

Global Luxury Jewelry Market, By Distribution Channel :

Mono-brand Stores

Multi-brand Boutiques

Departmental Stores

Online Stores

Others

The Study Objectives are:

✔ A comprehensive insight into key players operating in the Luxury Jewelry Market and their corresponding data.

✔ It includes product portfolio, annual revenue, expenditure on research and development, geographical presence, key developments in recent years, and growth strategies.

✔ Regional analysis, which includes insight into the dominant market and corresponding market share.

✔ It also includes various socio-economic factors affecting the evolution of the market in the region.

✔ The report offers a comprehensive insight into different individuals from value chains such as raw materials suppliers, distributors, and stockholders.

Sample Copy of Research Report @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2278

Key Opportunities:

The report examines the key opportunities in the Luxury Jewelry Market and identifies the factors that are driving and will continue to drive the industry's growth. It takes into account past growth patterns, growth drivers, as well as current and future trends.

Regional Analysis: The Luxury Jewelry Market report is highly structured into a region-wise study. The regional analysis comprehensively done by the researchers highlights key regions and their dominating countries accounting for substantial revenue share in the market.

Following are the various regions covered by the Luxury Jewelry Market research report:

North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Nigeria, UAE and Rest of MEA)

Key Questions Answered:

1. What is the market size and CAGR of the Luxury Jewelry Market during the forecast period?

2. How is the growing demand impacting the growth of Luxury Jewelry Market shares?

3. What is the growing demand of the Luxury Jewelry Market during the forecast period?

4. Who are the leading vendors in the market and what are their market shares?

5. What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the APAC Luxury Jewelry Market?

To Purchase Report, Click Here -

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2278

About us:

Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We are known for our actionable insights and authentic reports in various domains including aerospace and defense, agriculture, food and beverages, automotive, chemicals and materials, and virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients.

Mr. Shah

Coherent Market Insights

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#Luxury Jewelry Market Luxury Jewelry Market Growth Luxury Jewelry Market Trend Luxury Jewelry Market Opportunity Luxury Jewelry Market Analy

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feirceangel · 5 months

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Imagine | Harassed (Shanks)

Imagine doing some shopping when a strange man won’t leave you alone.

Warnings: some violence, reader is harassed and threatened, reader is a badass

Word Count: 1143

(Not my gif)

You couldn’t remember the last time you stayed on an island this long. It must’ve been years ago, long before you met him.

Traveling had always been a desire of yours. To traverse the world, discovering different cultures and landscapes, that was your dream.

And you’ve been living it gratefully for years.

Of course, it’s always nice to spend more than a few days ashore once you have the opportunity.

Your Captain has business on this tropic island, and you’ve been enjoying the leisure time that this gives you.

Right now, you’re shopping at the local markets, admiring the bright jewelry and clothing that the various vendors offer.

A raucous laugh sounds off behind you. You ignore it, minding your own business, even as you hear a loud whistle.

“Hey, pretty lady,” a man’s voice says.

You continue ignoring it, instead reading the price of a beautiful red jewel.

This apparently aggravates the man trying to get your attention. He grabs your shoulder roughly, expecting it to be easy to turn you towards him.

You remain in place, stronger than the man anticipated.

After he removes his hand, you turn to him with a frown, “May I help you?”

He’s a tall man in a nice suit, not too shabby looking. Too bad his personality is rotten. Behind him are five more men in similar fashion. You take clear note of the weapons strapped to their sides.

“I was talking to you,” he growls. “I don’t like being ignored.”

“I don’t like being hassled,” you retort, crossing your arms.

“I was just saying how gorgeous you are,” he explains with a slimy grin.

You turn on your heel, “Thanks.”

“Hey!” He shouts, getting closer to you so that you can feel his breath. “Don’t you know who I am?”

“Do you know who I am?” You ask pointedly.

“You’re a pretty piece of ass that needs to be taught a lesson,” he scowls, stepping back. “And we’ll gladly be your teachers.”

Disgust washes over you.

“Are you trying to hit on me? Because you’re doing a poor job of it. And you’re wasting your breath- I’m already taken.”

“I could take you better than he ever could,” he tries to argue.

Your laughter is impossible to hold back, “You’re delusional, you aren’t even near his level. You should stop talking now.”

A smirk forms on your lips as you watch the man shake with anger. His eyes are alight with rage at being shot down and humiliated in front of his friends.

Meanwhile, you’ve mentally checked out, comparing the red of the jewel to your man’s hair. He loves seeing you in his colour.

A loud click goes off near your ear, the kiss of cold metal on your temple a warning not to move.

“You’re gonna regret speaking to me like that.”

You step back from the market stall, shooting an apologetic look towards the owner. The poor girl looks terrified.

One of the man’s lackeys has pulled his gun on you, standing much too close for comfort.

Unimpressed, you shake your head, “How immature.”

“I’m going to-“

He stops as a malevolent aura suddenly appears, causing sweat to form on his brow.

“What exactly are you going to do?” A deceptively calm voice speaks out, followed by footsteps as a red-haired man approaches.

The man in front of you has gone paler than a corpse, shaking just like the man holding the gun against your head.

“Red-Haired Shanks,” a man near you whispers in terror.

They seem to be grasping the situation now. Although, you could have handled the situation just fine on your own.

You smile at your man, who raises a quizzical brow.

“These guys bothering you?”

Before you can reply, the hassler interrupts, “Please, sir we had no idea-“

A gunshot rings out and the gun pressed against your head suddenly falls as the man collapses in a display of bright red blood.

Infuriated, you kick out, knocking the guy to the floor next to his dead buddy.

“Shut up. You should have respected me regardless of who I associate with,” you deliver a harsh kick to his side before pressing your foot on top of his chest.

“Scum like you are less than worms to me,” you grit out, adding more pressure until you hear a sickening crack of a broken rib and the man cries out in pain. “You never know when to quit.”

You reach out a hand towards Shanks and he hands you his sword without hesitation. None of this dimwit’s posse do anything to try and help their leader.

They know it’s a battle they could never win.

With a graceful flick of your wrist, the man below you is impaled through the heart. A clear message to anyone watching.

You fix your gaze on the remaining losers, “Don’t harass people, okay?”

They nod profusely, muttering nonstop apologies as they retreat quickly.

You crouch down to wipe the blood off of Shank’s sword, handing it back with a smirk.

“Darling,” he sheathes his weapon, moving closer to you and pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. “That was stunning.”

“Shanks, I was handling it just fine before you showed up,” you say, passing a glance over his shoulder to offer a smile to Benn Beckman. “But thanks for the assist anyways.”

“I know, but you know how I get seeing someone get so close to you,” Shanks says, looping his arm around your shoulders. “Especially when they threaten what’s mine.”

You grin, pressing your lips against his and nipping at him playfully.

“Why didn’t you deal with them sooner?” He inquires once you break away.

“Maybe I wanted to play the part of the damsel for once,” you tease. “Seeing you all protective and possessive gets me riled up.”

“Vixen,” he laughs, “You knew I was watching.”

“I always know, Shanks,” you wink at him. “Just like I know you’ll buy this for me.”

You show him the jewel that perfectly matches the shade of his hair.

He laughs, handing the money over to the shopkeeper, “I could never deny you, Y/n.”

He embraces you again and you lean into his warmth, inhaling the familiar scent of sake and sea breeze.

“I think I’ll have it made into a ring, that way everyone will know you’re mine.”

The grin that breaks onto your face is enough to brighten his whole lifetime.

He hugs you closer and presses a chaste kiss to your head.

He’d never let anyone else touch his treasure, he’d destroy anyone if they tried.

But he also knows you can fend for yourself, one of the many qualities that he adores about you.

You take his hand, leading him down the market, “Now you’re stuck shopping with me~”

He can’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.

#female reader #imagine #reader insert #x reader #one piece #one piece x reader #shanks x reader #shanks #akagami no shanks #red haired shanks #one piece imagine #one piece shanks #op #op x reader #red haired shanks x reader

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malusokay · 2 years

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30 things to make life more memorable

Making memories is such a beautiful thing; what I had to understand is that those memories don't have to be major things like vacations or events. Small things, happy moments, and loving interactions are enough to make life more memorable. <3

Going for walks in the rain. I recently got caught in the rain while on a long walk with my dog, and we had so much fun!!

Exploring cozy coffee shops and cafes. One of my favorite weekend activities you can also read or study while there.

Turning off your phone. reconnecting and focusing on yourself.

Learning about things that you care about. Even if other people say it's a waste of time.

Celebrating the holidays more. I used to be a holiday hater until I just decided to go all out on holidays and celebrate them to the extreme; now I really look forward to them and love the planning process!!

Baking your own bread. Tried and failed many times, but when I succeed, the bread feels special and makes me a little bit proud.

Visiting museums and art galleries. You can also bring a sketchbook and collect inspiration (and look mysterious hahah).

Saying 'yes' to spontaneous ideas. Spontaneous adventures are always the most exciting ones.

Making a Bucketlist for each season. I'm currently working on my autumn bucket list, so stay tuned for that!! :)

Trying something new. I recently made ravioli from scratch and had such a good time; they also were delicious.

Watching sunrises and sunsets. A great way to catch a calm moment; I prefer sunsets.

Learning to be alone. Enjoying your alone time is so important; I love doing my skincare, writing my blog, watching cozy shows, and reading when I'm alone.

Going to a farmers market on the weekend. I have a tradition of having brunch with my dad on weekends, so I like to buy some fruits at the market for that!

Lighting scented candles and wear cozy knitted sweaters. I'm all about the cozy vibe; it makes me feel safe and comfortable.

Annotating books. Annotating while reading really helps to focus; you can also write down your thoughts while reading and look back at them later!

Cooking your own meals. It's such a simple and sweet act of self-care. You can also try making your own Jam or something.

Doing things that you enjoyed as a child. My favorites are horse riding, swimming, baking, and bubble baths.

Buying flowers for yourself. It doesn't have to be an expensive e and fancy bouquet, just some pretty flowers for your room.

Taking more Photos. You can also buy a cool vintage camera (I recommend looking on eBay!) to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Trying crochet, knitting, or sewing. I'm trying to crochet a sweater for my dog right now, haha.

Planting a plant. I already told you about my avocado plant, but I really recommend it!

Making plans with your friends like going on a picnic. You could plan some themed picnics like cottagecore, homemade, food from your culture, strawberries, and so on; also a great opportunity to take some pictures!

Do volunteer work. You could help out at a shelter, for example.

Writing a diary. Writing down things that have happened and looking back at them feels really lovely to me.

Writing letters to your friends. Letters just feel more personal than text; you can also keep them as a memory.

Dressing in a way that makes you feel happy. Wearing outfits that make you feel confident will definitely make life better.

Petting stray cats. I love cats.

Starting to collect something. You could collect something small like jewelry or postcards!

Playing music in the background while doing stuff. I can't stop listening to the lofi girl stream on youtube, haha.

Going on gloomy walks in the Forrest. Name something more comforting. I will wait.

Please feel free to add more suggestions in the comments! <3

✩‧₊*:・love ya ･:*₊‧

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livwritesstuff · 2 months

Note

I love steddie doing all these TikTok trends and having the kids just be general gremlins about trends I need more!!!!

ask and you shall receive, my friend

okay the exxon mobile trend on tiktok is literally everything. for those who haven't seen it - you basically call a loved one and tell them you got a job doing underwater welding for exxon mobile and listen to whoever you called flip out because that job is basically a guaranteed early death sentence. it's usually girls calling their dads and their reactions are so delightful.

Obviously, Hazel sees this trend and has to try it. Problem is - she's seventeen, in high school, lives at home, and isn't in the market for a job. Steve and Eddie would immediately see through her BS in a second.

She asks Moe and Robbie if one of them wants to try. They decide amongst themselves that Robbie should do it because she is actively looking for a job at the time, and Moe films Robbie as she makes the call.

Eddie, picking up the phone: Hello Robert.

Robbie: So you know how you're forcing me to get a job if I want to stay in New York over the summer?

Eddie: Don't love your choice in words there, but yes.

Steve: You got a lead?

Robbie: Yeah, actually. Have you heard of a company called Exxon Mobile?

ex-mechanic Eddie in disbelief that he's being asked this question: Uh, yeah.

Robbie: Okay, so they're offering this program where you go out on an oil rig and do underwater welding.

Robbie: And, I dunno, I did swim team for, like, years, so I figured it wouldn't be too hard.

Eddie: Yeah, absolutely not.

Steve, who knows nothing about this: What's the deal with underwater welding.

Eddie: It's literally the most dangerous job on the planet, pretty sure.

Steve: Jesus Christ, yeah, that's a no.

Eddie: Hon, there is a big world of opportunity out there for you.

Eddie: But it is nowhere near big enough to include this.

Robbie: But why?

Eddie: First of all - you don't know how to weld. Not a great place to start.

Robbie: I mean, I'm taking a jewelry-making class where we learned how to solder metal. That's pretty similar, right?

Eddie: About as similar as walking in a park and climbing Mount Everest.

Eddie: This one's not for you, babe.

#robbie: it pays a lot of money #eddie: yeah it would have to if you're gonna be dead by thirty-five #liv’s steddie dads verse #steddie #steddie dads #steve harrington #eddie munson #hazel's tiktok page

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zapreportsblog · 10 months

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In Love With The Same Cat

➥ summary : There’s no Spider-Man without the Black Cat just like there’s no Black Cat without Spider-Man. But what if we had a multiverse dimensional traveling jewelry stealing burglar Black Cat (try saying that seven times fast aye) that traveled across dimensions not only stealing the worlds finest jewels but also the hearts of four unlucky, or lucky depending on how you see it Spider-Man’s and Spider-Women’s hearts.

➥ chapter 1: The Daughter of Shadows

In the bustling city of Brightville, a young girl named (y/n) grew up in the enigmatic embrace of her father, Walter Hardy, a renowned and elusive cat burglar. From a tender age, (y/n) was immersed in a world of shadows and secrets, a life that few could comprehend. Under her father's watchful eye, she learned not only the art of thievery but also the invaluable lessons of confidence and seizing life's opportunities.

Walter Hardy was a figure shrouded in mystery, his exploits whispered in hushed tones among the criminal underworld. But to (y/n), he was simply her loving father—a man whose presence both comforted and challenged her. Despite the unconventional nature of their lives, Walter was determined to raise (y/n) to be a strong and confident individual, encouraging her to embrace the world with fearless determination.

From an early age, (y/n) became Walter's protégé, accompanying him on various heists and observing his every move with wide-eyed curiosity. The dark alleys and high-rise rooftops became her playground, where she learned the art of agility and the thrill of outsmarting the odds. Walter, recognizing her natural talent and thirst for knowledge, nurtured her abilities, teaching her the intricacies of the trade while instilling in her a strong moral compass.

One sunny afternoon, as (y/n) carefully observed her father's nimble maneuvers, he paused and turned to her with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "My dear (y/n)," he said, his voice laced with warmth and conviction, "life is a grand heist waiting to be seized. Do not fear the unknown, but rather embrace it with confidence. Only then can you truly discover the treasures hidden within."

With those words etched into her young heart, (y/n) embarked on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. She learned to navigate the intricate webs of deception and subterfuge, honing her skills in the art of illusion and misdirection. But more importantly, she learned to believe in herself—to trust her instincts and to never back down from a challenge.

Walter encouraged (y/n) to explore beyond the confines of their nocturnal escapades, exposing her to a multitude of experiences that would shape her worldview. They attended art exhibitions, where they marveled at the strokes of a master's brush, and visited bustling markets, where (y/n) haggled with vendors and embraced the vibrant tapestry of cultures. Through these experiences, Walter instilled in her the importance of a well-rounded education, cultivating her intellect and expanding her horizons.

But it was not just the thrill of adventure that defined their relationship. In the quiet moments, when the city slept and the moon bathed the world in its ethereal glow, (y/n) and Walter would sit beneath the starry sky, sharing stories of their past and dreaming of the future. It was in these stolen moments that (y/n) discovered the depth of her father's love—a love that transcended their clandestine activities and embraced the essence of family.

As the years passed, (y/n) grew into a confident young woman, her spirit untamed and her resolve unyielding. She possessed an uncanny ability to blend seamlessly into any situation, her nimble fingers and quick wit serving her well in the world her father had introduced her to. But it was her unwavering confidence that set her apart—a quality that Walter had nurtured from her earliest days.

With each heist they embarked upon, (y/n) faced challenges head-on, her unwavering confidence shining through the darkness that surrounded them. She reveled in the adrenaline rush, the thrill of outsmarting her adversaries, and the satisfaction of retrieving the treasured artifacts they sought. Through it all, she carried with her the lessons her father had imparted—the importance of self-belief and the courage to seize every opportunity that presented itself.

As (y/n) stood on the precipice of her own journey, she carried the legacy of her father's teachings within her heart. The world awaited her, full of untold adventures and uncharted territories. With Walter's lessons guiding her, she knew that she had the tools to carve her own path, to embrace the shadows and emerge victorious.

In the heart of Brightville, (y/n) stood as a testament to her father's unwavering belief in her potential. She was more than the daughter of a cat burglar; she was a force to be reckoned with—a beacon of confidence and resilience in a world that often sought to overshadow her. And as she prepared to step into the spotlight, she did so with the knowledge that she was the culmination of her father's love and guidance—a testament to the indomitable spirit that Walter Hardy had instilled within her.

#spiderverse x reader #black cat #miles morales #miles morales x reader #spider gwen #spider gang #ghost spider #ghost spider x reader #hobie brown #hobie brown x reader #pavitr prabhakar #Pavitr Prabhakar x reader #In Love With The Same Cat #In Love With The Same Cat series

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cariantha · 2 months

Text

Friends Again

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Fluff Word count: 2.2K Summary: Ethan loses something important. Prompt: Imagine your OTP where both of them have a piece of jewelry that symbolizes their friendship, and it was just for fun and definitely not serious. But when one of them loses their jewelry, they start to realize that it (and their relationship) meant more to them than they thought. A/N: This is a prequel of sorts to Bad Dream. Some of the dialogue used is taken directly from Open Heart: Second Year.

A week before the conference in Miami…

The hour-long drive seemed to pass in the blink of an eye with conversation flowing easily between the attending and his intern. They had reached their destination, the Boston Medical Library, situated on the University of Massachusetts campus.

“Thanks again for coming and helping me with this research. I’m sure you had better things to do this weekend,” Ethan said, parking and turning off the engine.

“You. Are. Welcome,” Sawyer playfully chimed as she unbuckled her seat belt. "And what’s better than solving a medical mystery and saving a man’s life?”

She didn’t have to add “duh” to the end of that sentence. Ethan heard it in her tone and it made him smile on the inside. “God, where have you been all my life?” he thought to himself.

As they headed towards the library, they couldn’t help but notice the large farmer’s market set up in the adjacent parking lot.

“That looks fun,” Sawyer remarked as she eyed the various booths from a distance. A variety of vendors sold everything from fresh produce, to homemade baked goods, to arts and crafts.

Knowing it would make her happy, Ethan couldn’t resist. “Do you want to check it out?”

“You wouldn’t mind?” she asked, surprised.

“Not at all. Believe it or not, I enjoy going to the farmer’s market. My dad and I would go when I was young. There’s a good one at Copley Square you should check out sometime,” he recommended, guiding her toward the first row of tents.

The pair strolled from booth to booth, inspecting all the different goods for sale. Along the way, they laughed at the silly products, exchanged personal stories, and sampled some of the food and drink.

“Ohmygod,” Sawyer moaned, the chocolate melting on her tongue. “You have to try this,” she insisted, holding a sample to Ethan’s lips. Naturally and without thinking, he leaned forward eating the morsel right out of her hand, his lips brushing softly against her fingertips.

“It’s good, right?” she watched as he chewed and nodded affirmatively.

“Would you like me to pack up a box for you?” an older gentleman approached.

Ethan reached for his wallet, “We’ll take two boxes.”

“Happy wife, happy life! Am I right?” the vendor chuckled as he filled a container with chocolate truffles.

Seizing the opportunity to have a little fun at Ethan’s expense, Sawyer quickly replied. “Oh, he’s not my husband… yet. Two years of dating and he still hasn’t put a ring on it,” she waved the back of her ringless left hand.

Ethan snapped his head to Sawyer and with bulging eyes silently asked, “What are you doing?”

“Back in my day, you took a test drive and either made the purchase or kept looking… none of this leasing business,” the outspoken elder shook his head. “I proposed to my beautiful Margie one month after our first date, and I married her three months later. When you know, you know… you know?”

“That’s what I’ve been telling him!” Sawyer continued the act, gently backhanding Ethan in the gut.

Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose and whispered under this breath, “For Christ’s sake.”

Sawyer burst out laughing, finally breaking character. When the vendor looked at her puzzled, she confessed. “Sorry, we’re not actually together.” Elbowing Ethan in the side, “I just couldn’t resist messing with him. We’re just friends.”

“Well, in my experience, that's a good place to start,” the man winked, handing Ethan his purchase.

As they walked away, he shoved a box of truffles towards Sawyer with feigned annoyance. “Friends? Ha! More like a giant pain in my ass,” he contended.

A short while later they found a fresh produce booth. Ethan quickly occupied himself, inspecting and sniffing different fruits and vegetables. If Sawyer had been paying attention, she might have learned how capable he was with all the beautiful ingredients, but she was distracted by another nearby vendor. When Ethan struck up a conversation with the produce farmer, she slipped away to make a quick purchase.

“Where’d you go?” Ethan asked when she returned.

“I got you something. Hold out your hand,” she urged.

Ethan raised a skeptical eyebrow, but reluctantly did as she said.

Sawyer looped a braided leather bracelet around his wrist and fastened it.

He took a closer look, examining the metal charms. One with the letter E, and another with the letter S. “What’s this for?”

“It’s a friendship bracelet,” she explained, “and since I'm giving it to you, it's official now. We are definitely friends.”

“Is that so?”

“I don’t make the rules,” she shrugged.

“I’m pretty sure you just did.”

Ignoring his snark, “Oh, and it’s tradition that when someone gives you a friendship bracelet, you get to make a wish.”

Ethan just rolled his eyes. But as juvenile as it seemed, he knew exactly what he would wish for. “I’d wish for you,” he said to himself.

“Hey,” she took his hand and held it for a moment. “In all seriousness, you know I’m here as a friend, right? I mean… I’m learning a lot working with you on this case, and I’m grateful for the experience, but that’s not why I volunteered to help. I’m not here as an intern kissing your ass.”

Ethan knew from the very beginning that Sawyer was someone he could trust. Unlike other interns who would expect something in return, like a leg up in the competition, he knew she had no ulterior motives. Just the kindest and most genuine heart.

He looked her in the eye and squeezed her hand. “I know, Sawyer.”

Five months later…

Alone in the beer garden at Donahue's, Sawyer sat on her tucked leg, facing Ethan’s glowing profile. He stared straight ahead, transfixed by the firepit's dancing flames.

Having mustered the courage to confront the elephant in the room, Sawyer broke the somber silence that had settled between them. “Ethan, why didn’t you keep in touch?” She watched him take a deep, anticipatory breath. “No word from you at all for two months? After everything that happened between us?”

Ethan took a moment to find his words, then turned his head to meet her eyes. “Everything that happened between us is exactly why I didn’t contact you,” he began to explain. “Sawyer, if we’re going to work together on the diagnostics team, we need a fresh start.”

Resisting every urge to reach out and take her hand when she looked away from him, he pressed on. “Your professional development is too important to jeopardize it with whatever… whatever it was that we had.”

Sawyer snapped her head back to face him, “‘Had’, past tense.”

Ethan reached for the whiskey bottle that he had grabbed from inside and poured himself another glass. The sleeve of his green leather jacket rode up just enough for Sawyer to notice a braided bracelet wrapped around his wrist. The same one she gave him a week before their relationship went from friends to forbidden fruit.

“Yes. And the past is where it has to remain,” he added. Ethan’s eyes bored into hers, searching for understanding and begging for forgiveness.

After a long moment, Sawyer broke the connection, looking down at his wrist again. She thought it ironic that he would wear a reminder of “whatever they had,” while insisting that they must now ignore and bury their feelings for one another. That cheap piece of jewelry meant something to him. And the fact that he wore it now, meant that she did too.

So without concern for the consequences, she tested her theory. Surging forward, she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and kissed him. A long and gentle kiss. An act of forgiveness, and one that he seemed willing to accept since he hadn’t pulled away. But when she leaned back, she saw the turmoil written across his face. Just as she had months ago in Miami.

“Dammit, Sawyer.”

A few weeks later…

As much as he hated to admit it, Ethan desperately missed Sawyer. He missed their easy friendship. The way she always seemed to know what he was thinking. The way he could talk to her about anything. The way he could be himself around her. Not Dr. Ramsey, but just Ethan.

Though they saw each other almost everyday, their interactions were mostly transactional. It had been difficult to let their guards down around each other. Ethan found it too tempting to cross the line, and Sawyer grew tired of the knock-backs.

The night that she helped him set up his Pictagram account reminded Ethan of the way they once were, before he left for the Amazon. It felt normal again. The friendly banter, the trust, the laughter… everything seemed right in the world for those few hours.

After she had gone home that evening, Ethan opened his desk drawer, finding a cherished item. It was something that he’d kept near and dear since the day he left for the Amazon.

“...how are you supposed to know when you’ve met the right person?”

“It’s love, Ethan… you just feel it…”

He slipped the leather over his fingers and rolled the charms with his thumb, as their conversation echoed in his mind. Then he thought back to the day Sawyer gave him the bracelet.

“When you know, you know…” he recalled the old, outspoken man saying.

There was no doubt he felt something for Sawyer, but was it love? Not having much experience with the feeling, he allowed himself to consider the possibility. But how to know for sure? That’s when Ethan remembered something else the vendor at the market said, when Sawyer told him they were just friends.

“Well, in my experience, that's a good place to start.”

A few days later, Sawyer approached the diagnostics team’s office. She spotted Ethan through the glass windows and paused to watch his odd behavior. He was searching for something, lifting up files, checking around the coffee station, and rummaging through the pockets of his outdoors coat. He was on his knees looking under his desk when she finally entered the room.

“Shit…” he muttered, unaware of her presence. When she cleared her throat, he startled and stood up.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

Ethan tried to act normal, organizing items on his desk. “Nothing.”

“You sure? It looked like you were searching for something. Can I help you look?”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” he clipped. Fortunately, June and Baz joined them for the start of their meeting, and the rookie team member didn’t press any further.

A couple hours later, Sawyer bumped into Bryce as he stepped out of the men’s restroom. “Oof!” he grunted.

“Sorry!” she quickly apologized as he caught her shoulders.

“Geez, Brooks, I know how bad you want to hit this, but at least buy me a drink first,” he teased, soliciting a roll of the eyes from Sawyer. “Whatcha up to?” he asked.

“Just a quick bathroom break, then off to check on our DT patient. You?”

“I’m on Ortho this week. On my way to scrub in for an ACL reconstruction.”

“Niiice. Well, have fun. I’ll catch you later,” she said, putting her hand on the door to the ladies room.

“Oh hey, do you know where the lost and found is? I found this bracelet on the floor.”

Sawyer instantly recognized the accessory. The personalized charms featuring the letters “E” and “S” were undeniable proof. Then it hit her. Was this what he was searching high and low for earlier?

“Luckily, I know who that belongs to, and I’m more than happy to return it to them.”

“Cool, catch you later,” he waved.

That afternoon, Sawyer returned to the diagnostics suite. There she found Ethan standing in front of the smartboard, studying MRI results.

Acknowledging her presence with a side eye glance, “Did you need me for something?”

Sawyer demanded that he hold out his hand.

“Whatever for?” he asked, turning and giving her his full attention.

“Just. Give me. Your hand,” she insisted.

He yielded and held out his hand.

Sawyer fished the leather band from her pocket and wiggled it in front of his face with a satisfied smirk. "Could this be what you were desperately searching for in the office earlier?"

Ethan hesitated, contemplating what he should admit. He finally decided on, “Maybe.”

She took his hand in hers. But before sliding the bracelet onto his wrist, she looked him in the eyes. “Will you, Ethan Jonah Ramsey, be my friend again?”

He rolled his eyes, cracking a big smile as she batted her eyelashes and eagerly awaited his answer. Then he twisted his lips playfully, as if he had to think about it.

Sawyer squeezed his hand hard, letting him know there was only one acceptable answer.

“Okay, okay,” he begged for relief, “I’ll be your damn friend.”

“Good…” she said, her tone more serious as she slid the bracelet over his hand, “because I’ve really missed that lately.”

“Honestly… me too,” he confessed quietly.

“There. That’s a much safer place for it. Wouldn’t you agree?” she asked, making sure the reminder of their friendship was snug and secure.

“I suppose you’re right,” he agreed, giving his wrist a twist.

“Well, friend, maybe we can talk later tonight and catch up a little?”

“Sure, call me,” he started, but then, “No, wait–”

Sawyer’s face fell immediately, assuming he suddenly remembered that he was trying to maintain those infuriating professional boundaries.

“What are you doing right now?” he asked. “How about a walk to Derry’s for a coffee break?”

Sawyer’s happy smile returned. “I would love that… bestie.”

“Let’s not push it, Sawyer.”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn

#open heart #open heart choices #open heart fanfic #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x sawyer #choices stories you play #choices open heart #playchoices #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

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sulumuns-dootah · 4 months

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16.12. Amon - Festival market

༺☆༻

⟡ Masterlist ⟡

₊˚⊹.* The Yule festival of Hell *.⊹˚₊

༺☆༻

It was really cold an dark already, yet you still clung to Amon's gloved hand. The holiday festivities were already in full swing in Abyssos and today the festival market was the place to be. Amon would normally try to find an excuse to stay inside and sleep, but this time you manage to persuade him. Mentioning that Beelzebub is going to be there, helped too.

Nearing the small square filled with stalls, you've noticed how crowded it was. It was hard to recognise who is the seller and who was just visiting. Seeing how much demons there were, you gripped Amon's hand even tighter so you don't loose him amongst all the other bodies.

As you're being blindly led through the crowd, you try to see at least some of the goods being sold. If you've noticed correctly, there's some demon from Gehenna selling copies of Satan's necklace and other dupes of the kings' jewelry. And another stall has some good looking snake ribs on pain sauce. You even think you recognised some demons, but you're tugged along by Amon, who is trying to get somewhere less claustrophobic.

Eventually he succeeds and you two find yourself in the middle of the square, underneath a tree with benches around it. Only now you can fully take a breath.

“I'm not sure His Majesty would like being squashed by crowds like this.” Amon tiredly sits down despite the thin layer of snow on one of the benches.

“Maybe he changed his mind.” you shrug and sit down on Amon's thigh.

“You think I don't know what you're doing, woman? You've lured me here under false pretenses.”

“Me?... Yes, you're right. But how else can I get you to do anything?”

“You could ask, you know? I admit, I have been declining as of late, but that's because of the weather.”

“Okay then. I won't ask you to do anything else this week if we can enjoy this market at least.” you cup his face with you frozen solid - despite wearing gloves – hands. Amon nods and you both get up. Looking around for all the possible stalls to check out.

A stall selling hot beverages catches you eye, since you're slightly freezing to death. The seller even seems to be offering some human drinks. An opportunity to warm your frozen hands and have Amon try your favorite drink. Maybe if you're lucky there's also gonna be a seller with human food.

The stall staff recognises Amon and give you your drinks for free. The drink in nicely warm and it even seemed to wake Amon up. He offers you his hand and the two of you weave between other demons, who only now seem to recognise one of His Majesty Beelzebub's closest subordinates.

“See, this is nice.” you take a sip of your drink.

“I admit, this is bearable, but I'm still mad at you.” he looks down on you and attempts to glare despite smile glinting in his eyes.

“I can live with that.” you shrug and start weaving between demons faster to force Amon to chase you.

“Hey, get back here!” he starts treading after you.

༺☆༻

But wait, this demon also has a gift for you!

"His Majesty Beelzebub gave me a choker to remind me of him. I figure I could give you one too."

#what in hell is bad #what in “hell” is bad?#whb amon #the yule festival of hell

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marketinsight1234 · 2 months

Text

Jewelry Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2023 – 2030

The Global Jewelry Market size is expected to grow from USD 344.84 Million in 2022 to USD 592.50 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

Form thousands of years, humans are wearing jewelry to enhance their beauty. It is one of the most ancient and creative forms of personal expression, and care. Jewelry is accessories or decorative items which are typically worn on different parts of the body like the ear, neck, finger, or hand to look good and feel good also jewelry wore as attached to clothing.

The jewelry market is a dynamic and vibrant sector that encompasses a wide range of products, including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches. In recent years, the global jewelry market has experienced steady growth, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and a growing emphasis on personal adornment.

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The latest research on the Jewelry market provides a comprehensive overview of the market for the years 2023 to 2030. It gives a comprehensive picture of the global Jewelry industry, considering all significant industry trends, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and market analysis tools such as Porter's five forces analysis, Industry Value chain analysis, and PESTEL analysis of the Jewelry market. Moreover, the report includes significant chapters such as Patent Analysis, Regulatory Framework, Technology Roadmap, BCG Matrix, Heat Map Analysis, Price Trend Analysis, and Investment Analysis which help to understand the market direction and movement in the current and upcoming years. The report is designed to help readers find information and make decisions that will help them grow their businesses. The study is written with a specific goal in mind: to give business insights and consultancy to help customers make smart business decisions and achieve long-term success in their particular market areas.

Leading players involved in the Jewelry Market include:

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Segmentation of Jewelry Market:

By Product Type

Earring

Necklace

Ring

Bracelet

By Material

Diamond

Gold

Platinum

By Gender

Female

Male

Market Segment by Regions: -

North America (US, Canada, Mexico)

Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)

Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC)

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South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

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soap143 · 4 months

Text

I had these two similar requests, so I decided to combine them into one. Whoever saw the other post… No you didn’t. Enjoy!

•• ━━━━━━━ •• ❖ •• ━━━━━━━ ••

3 “aww, you’re blushing”

6 “ are you…? oh my god. you are.”

69 “i don’t think i’ve ever seen your face so red.”

•• ━━━━━━━ •• ❖ •• ━━━━━━━ ••

Revenge

Lee!Han, Minho

Ler!Han, Minho

•• ━━━━━━━ •• ❖ •• ━━━━━━━ ••

“We have plenty of pictures on your phone! And plus, digital images are not fun.” Minsung were arguing over something dumb again. What could it be this time…

Han kept on insisting on taking more pictures together, because there is no such thing as too many. Minho, on the other hand, disagreed.

Jisung really wanted to go out that day. Like a mini date. They could grab some food, discover some new photo spots and just spend quality time together. But the main thing on his mind was to buy a camera. One that prints pictures right after taking them, to be specific.

Minho, obviously, wasn’t a big fan of the idea. He just wanted to completely waste his free day by watching TV and eating snacks all day long.

“Come onnn, hyung~ This is our only chance to go out, and you just wanna throw it away just like that?” the quokka bribed the older “I already said no. There is absolutely nothing that would make me change my mind.”

“Please, please, please~ I’ll literally do anything!” the leader of danceracha definetly underestimated his weakness againts whiny Jisung “No.” Minho really tried denying the offer. Even in his mind. But he was already convinced. Han only had to pull his arm up and down and complain childlishly to change the cat lover’s principles.

“So first we’re gonna go to the market and get some beutiful matching bracelets. Then I’m thinking about taking you to this super cute anime-japanese store, where we can buy delicious snacks and lastly we can eat at that fancy restaurant that we saw last week!”

“Hm… Sound like a lot of work…” Lee Know complained “More like a lot of fun! This is gonna be the best date ever!” the squirrel happily smiled, showing his toothy smile.

•• ━━━━━━━ •• ❖ •• ━━━━━━━ ••

“Minho hyung, come look at this!” Han exitedly called the older over “What is it?” “Just look at these necklaces! This one has a little cat, see? This one is going to be yours! And look at this cute quokka! I’ve never seen one on a piece of jewelry…”

Minho, once again, tiredly hummed, murmuring something under his breath. He just wanted to go home…

After paying for their new pendants, Minsung made their way to the anime shop. Jisung was very much looking forward to visiting this place. He had always wanted to go there, but always felt too nervous to go alone.

The whiny cat followed his owner for a while. The all-rounder kept on stopping and checking out different figurines, flipping thru mangas and begging the older to buy him some cute stickers and keychains.

Finally, after what felt like years of wandering around the massive building, the couple reched the exit. Minho was so exited to go buy some snacks and finish off their hang out with some delicious dinner. But one last thing caught the curious boy’s eye.

“Look, hyung. A photo booth! And it’s anime themed. Is this heaven?” the rapper exitedly walked towards the mentioned place “Wait, we’re not actually stopping here, are we?” Lee Know stood there with his mouth wide open.

“Why not? There are no people around. And it’s also an opportunity to get some more pictures together!” Jisung gripped the other boy’s arm and dragged him towards the dreaded place.

“Come on, you go first!” the squirrel like boy pushed his hyung into the tight space. When both them both entered the photo booth, Lee Know noticed how little space there was. He felt like a sardine with how close Han was. They were not just touching shoulders. They were basically sitting on eachother. Jisung was sitting on him to be specific.

“Now smile, hyung!” the maknae of 3racha encouraged the older as he inserted a coin into the machine. A loud clicking noise was heard and the lights set up inside shone bright into the boys eyes. Suddenly, a long piece of paper slid out right into Jisung’s hands.

“Look, it’s us!” the younger shoved the pictures into Minho’s face “Yah, I see them. Can we go now?” Han was about to agree, but then he looked closer into his souvenir.

“Wait… Did you not smile?” the spark in the boy’s eyes dissapeared. Minho almost felt bad “Well, you forced me to come with you, so why should I smile if I’m not happy?” “You little- I’ll make you smile!”

“YAHAHAHAHA DOHOHON’T!” the mischevious bunny was no longer worried about making his friend sad. He was now busy fighting Jisung’s long, tickly fingers off his ticklish sides.

“Aww, you’re blushing!” the quokka teased, only pressing his fingers deeper in “NOHOHOHO SUHUHUHNGIE PLEHEHEASE!” the worst part was that Minho was completely immobile. The tickler’s body weight combined with the tight space made it imposible to move any more than he was able to at the moment. Which wasn’t much.

“FUHUHUHUCK PLEHEHEASE NOHOHO!” Once the rapper reached his armpits, he knew it was over. Tears had started running down his cheeks by now. Lee Know definetly underestimated his sensitivity.

Ji on the other hand was very much enjoying himself. Not only did he get to have the most amazing day, but he also got to wreck the shit out of his hyung.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen your face so red.” the dancer’s toothy smile seemed to be permanently stuck on his beet-red face. But once the ler reached his preciou’s lee’s deathly ticklish thighs, Minho could tell that he was near his limit.

“H-HAHAHAHAN MEHEHEHEECY PLEHEHEHEASE…!” the poor boy was struggling to breathe. But he’d be dead wrong if he denied liking this.

Jisung wanted to check one last thing before finishing off with the older by lighly stroking his neck “are you…? oh my god. you are.” his theory was proven right when his victim elicited some of the sweetest giggles and scrunched up the sensitive body part.

“How many more places are you ticklish on!” Before Lee Know could push the younger off, Han had already dug his fingers into the older’s neck and collarbone area.

“Smilee, hyung~” the all-rounder threw yet another coin into the machine while scratching the cat mom’s neck. This time, he would most definetly be smiling.

After a few more seconds and some posing, the final and most perfect pictures came out “We look so cute! Look, Minho hyung. See, you’re smiling this time~” Han teased.

“Yah! Don’t think you can get away with this!” the bunny used both hands to poke Hannie, succesfully forcing him out of the photo booth.

•• ━━━━━━━ •• ❖ •• ━━━━━━━ ••

Minsung had filled their stomachs up and were sitting comfortably on the couch. Lee Know decided to visit the 3racha and Hyunjin dorm to watch a movie with Han.

They had already chosen the perfect movie to watch. About 30 minutes had passed and both of them were pretty invested. Especially Jisung. Which is exactly what Minho wanted.

“Are you enjoying this movie?” the cat man asked “Shut up, please” oh he was so going to make him regret that. The dancer listened to the younger. He seemed to really like the film, so the second oldest felt obligated to be nice for at least a little while. That was until he got bored.

“Remember what happened at the photo booth today?” this sentence made Han’s face redden up as he shyly nodded “Y-Yeah, of course I do…” Minho smiled hearing his bandmate’s shaky voice.

“You know, I might just want some revenge…” of course, the quokka knew this would happen. He has actually been anticipating it all day long “Um… I think that you might not need that.”

Jisung crossed his arms against his chest, trying to hide how flustered he was, the dark room making it pretty easy. To his disadvantage, the bunny knew him far too well “No need to pretend that you don’t want this, Sungie~” Lee Know teased, sliding closer to his future victim.

“I’m actually not t-ticklish” Han scoffed, turning his head cockily “Oh? Since when? Last time I checked you were the most ticklish person I know” Minho’s eyebrows raised upon hearing the statement “Well, you’ve got the wrong person, ‘cause I am not one bit… Y-You know what I mean” the maknae of 3racha evetually got far too shy to even say the dreaded word “Aww, how cute. You can’t even say it~ Let me help you with that.”

Soon enough, the leader of danceracha was wrestling with the other boy “Get ohohof mehehe! I already told you-ugh, I’m nohohot,- Yah! I tohold you to stop!” Both of them were equally as strong, but Han could be managed much easily when he was in a lee mood.

“Ohohok you win…” the shorter admited. I mean, he had to accept the truth, considering that the older had him completely pinned. He was stuck under his hyung, whom was sitting on hips, crushing his thighs with his. Not to mention that both his arms were also in the hands of the scary ler.

“Hmm… Now, where shall we start…? I have an idea! How about you tell me!” Minho had come with the most amazing idea. This was going to make the younger so shy “W-What do you mean…” “Stuttering already? Just tell me where and how you wanna be tickled! Not that complicated.”

“WHAT?! I cahahan’t do that!” “Sorry, but you mistake me for someone who cares. Now do what I told you or… I’m going to do that thing.” Han’s eyes widened in fear. Just a day or two ago, Minho had found Sung’s ultimate death spot. It was on the inside of his thigh, closer to his knee. When the older sat on his hips, with his back facing Jisung’s face, and vibrated his fingers into the dreaded spot, the rapper felt like he could confess his darkest secrets just so the ler would slow down.

“…” The younger simply did not respond. Both things were equally as flustering, he could’t choose “Well, looks like you prefer the second option”

Without a warning, Minho streched his hand behind his back, searching for the lee’s ticklish thigh “Stop squirming so much, I can’t get anything done like this…” Jisung was really testing his patience with all the movements he did just to avoid the scary fingers that creeped closer to his sensitive body part every second.

When the older finally reached his limit, he decided to turn his body to face Han’s lower half “Just say stop if it gets too much.”

Jisung gulped in fear. Soon enough, he felt Minho’s hand searching for the dreaded spot. Once they did, Han could only pray his ticklishess had gone away over night.

“Look, let’s talk about this like smart, elegant gentle-MEHEHEHEHEN” the wicked bunny wasted no time, digging his fingers in mercilessly into the ticklish flesh “We already did, Hannie.” the olders calmness was getting the quokka really badly.

“PLEHEHEHEASE HYUHUHUHUHNG DOHOHOHOHON’T!” Han whined in ticklish agony, thrashing around like a madman “I didn’t hear a stop~”

The younger’s current state looked rather… concerning. His whole face was a nice, deep cherry-red, with a vein popping out of the ticklish boy’s neck(which was equally as red). His upper body was swinging side to side. Han kept on slapping Minho’s back, but the tickler seemed to be nonchalant about it.

As ler continued the action, tears started streaming down Jisung’s neck, signaling that he was near his limit “P-PLEHEHEASE MIHIHIHINHO S-STOHOhohop…-“ As soon as Sungie’s wild cackling could no longer be heard, Lee Know stopped.

“Are you ok? Do you want to continue?” the concern in his voice was real “Y-Yeheah, j-just maybe not there anymohore…” the worry in the cat’s lover’s face quickly melted away and was replaced by mischeviousness “Then we should switch back to the first option…”

“W-What was the first option…” Jisung stuttered “Oh please, I know you remember~ Now tell me, where and how” Lee Know sweetly smiled down at the shorter “Do what?” Han tried to sound clueless “You’re being annoying. Where. And. How. Tell me this very moment or we’re going back to square one”

The rapper closed his eyes, hoping this was all a dream. He was not about to do a tutorial on how to tickle him “Look, we really don’t have to do this…” Minho gently placed his hand back onto the younger’s thigh “OKAY. Okahahay, I will do whatever you want, hyung…”

The bunny’s mouth extended into a wide grin “Oh no, Sungie! It seems to be that I’ve absolutely forgotten what tickling was! And how to do it! Can you show me? Please”

A sudden wave of heat attacked the lee’s face, rushing blood up into it “Um, so. Fuhuhuck I can’t. Hyung, I cannot do this.” Han covered his red face with his hands “Can’t do what? I don’t understand… Can you please answer my questions?!” Minho teased the younger by placing his skillful fingers onto his victim’s sensitive sides.

“Look, you’re doing great already. Juhuhust squeeze now and you will have t-tickled me” Jisung flusteredly instructed after seeing the older’s hand placement “Oh, like this?” the ler obeyed, pushing his fingers deeper into the flesh “Yehehehes, j-juhuhst like t-that”

“Are you sure, Jisung? Or should do it like this, or that, or maybe-“ Lee Know suddenly started poking, squeezing and wiggling at Han’s sides “NOHOHOHO MIHINHO DOHON’T!” said man just smiled “Where else are you… How do you call a person that very sensitive to tickles anyway, Sungie?” “YOU KNOHOHOW THAHAHAT ALREHEHEDY, STOHOHOP TEHEHEASING!”

“Just tell me~!” Minho whined, squeezing Jisung’s sides even faster “YAHAHAHA I-I WIHIHILL! JUHUHUST STOHOHOP!” with that, the taller slowed down “ticklish” the quokka mumbled under his breath “What? What do you call it?” the cat lover teased, inching his face dangerously quickly to his bandmate’s incredibly sensitive ears “Lee. Minho. Don’t get any closer!” Obviously, the ruthless tickler did not listen. Why would he?

“What did you say, Hannie~ What do you call it~” the way that Minho ticklishly blew air into the poor boy’s ears made him giggle like a maniac “Mihihinnie plehehehehehease stohohop i’ll tehehel you, juhuhuhst stohohop~”

Lee Know absolutely adored how Jisung didn’t even try stop him. He just firmly gripped his shoulders, lighly twitching his head.

He did stop, wanting to hear the “unknown” word “T-ticklish. That’s the word.” Han finally pushed the term out “Wow, that’s so interesting! You’re very ticklish, Jisungie, I wonder where else are you ticklish, you ticklish boy~” the quokka rolled his eyes. Minho was milking the hell out of that new word.

“Well, answer me. Where else are you ticklish?” the younger snapped out of his flustering thoughs after hearing his hyung’s request “W-what. Umm… I-I dohon’t know…” “How about… Here!” the ler’s sneaky fingers found their way to his lee’s soft tummy “Ehehehe thahat’s pretty bahahad…” Han snickered.

A sudden wave of confidence washed over the rapper’s mind. He could ask for any kind of tickles right now. No matter how much he denied it, he could’t hide how much he loved raspberries. And now was the perfect time to ask.

“Uhm, Minnie…” Han asked “What is it?” Minho slowed his movements down to hear the boy “I-I want you to g-give me rasp-raspberries… Can you?” Jisung have the best puppy eyes he could “Sure, we can go to the store to get some later!” the maknae of 3racha rolled his eyes at the second eldest’s obliviousness.

“Not those raspberries. The other ones. You know, the ones that you give me… Blowing them on my sides…” the squirrel like boy tried to guide the cat mom back to his skillful mind “I still don’t understand. You’ll have to explain it step by step~” Ji was getting more and more red by the second. He was so frustrated and fed up with the older’s teasing. Could’t he just give him what he wanted?

“Look, hyung, if you don’t stop teasing I swear I’ll lock in a photobooth with Chan-hyung!” Minho’s smile dropped for a second remembering what had happened just last week. Ever since then, he’s become photoboothphobic(i made that up btw).

To clear things up, he got wrecked really badly in there. He had been in an incredible lee mood all day long, and Chan just wanted to give what he wanted. He did satisfy the younger, but Minho didn’t want to be around the older for the next 48 hours.

“Alright, I’ll get to the point.” Lee Know shrugged. That’s when the real torture started. Minho wasn’t called the most skillful tickler of Stray Kids for nothing.

With one hand on Hannie’s hip and another wrapped around his sensitive thigh, the bunny knew what he was doing “OHOHOHO MAHAHAHA GOHOHOHSH PLEHEHEASE” “Nu-uh, you told me to stop teasing, so I won’t”

The most mischevious member combined all of his tickle knowledge into that one session. He definetly knew that Jisung’s knees were a really bad spot. So, he decided to focus on that.

“NOHOHOHOHO PLEHEHEHEASEE!” Han exclaimed, gripping onto the pillow that was on the couch. Lee Know did not stop. He used both hands, one squeezing the top and one concentrated on the top. This made the quokka absolutely mad.

“M-MIHIHIHNHO HYUHUHUHUHNG JUHUHUST LIHIHSTEN FOR A MIHIHINUTE!” for your information, the dancer didn’t even bat an eye, only switching spots. He went from mercilessly attacking the younger’s kneecaps to… His new invention, if you can call it that.

“Sungie, hide your arms behind your back for me. I have an idea” Although the rapper wasn’t so fond of his hyungs future idea, he decided to trust his next moves.

He learnt a very valueable lesson that day - never trust Lee Minho.

As soon as Jisung trapped his hands under his own torso, Lee Know laid on his exhausted body. The next thing he did made Sung regret everything.

“You ready?” Han innocently nodded. Soon enough, he felt the tickler showing all 10 of his fingers in his armpits, wiggling them around into the sensitive flesh “NAHAHAHAHA WHYYY HYUHHUHUHUHG PLEHEHEHEASE MEHEHERCY” the shorter quickly regreted believing the elder.

The cat man shoved his fingers deeper into the crevice with every. Single. Wiggle. His thumb was also massaging the area above the armpit, making the process much more agonizing.

When Jisung thought it couldn’t get any worse, Minho lowered his head and started nibbling at his neck. Not mention that the dancer’s hairs were also taking part in the ticklish process.

“M-MIHIHIHINHO PLEEHEHEHEASE TH-THIS IS TOHOHOHO MUCH!” the mischevious bunny simply shrugged. Since the younger’s laughter hadn’t gone silent and he also hadn’t used the safeword, he wasn’t worried “Just say the safeword, and it’ll be over, honey~” Han blushed at the nickname. Not like you could tell, because basically every single body part that was visible was completely red.

After some more time, the cat charmer got bored. Since Hannie seemed pretty tired and close to his limit, he wanted to satisfy one last request of his.

“How many ribs do you have?” Jisung knew what this meant. His ribs were about to be counted “Twelve! I-I hahave twelve rihibs…” Minho malevolently smirked, slowly getting off the shorter “That is how many raspberries you’re getting”

The brown-eyed boy’s face dropped. Yes, he wanted some raspberries, but that many.

“Oh? Afraid you can’t handle it? Well, I have this big machine. It’s my newest invention.” Lee Know smiled, doing the infamous finger guns “Oh god, what is it this time…” “The i-dont-care-in-ator! It showcases how I don’t care how ticklish you are. That is your problem.”

With that, Minho lowered his “tool”. He vibrated his finger-guns into Jisung’s ribs. If that wasn’t enough, he also decided to add some of the requested rapberries to the mix.

“One…Two…Three” the leader of danceracha painfully and slowly counted, as he blew one ticklish air bubble after another “I-I LOHOHOHOHOVE YOU HYUHUHUHUNG PLEHEHEHEASE STOHOHOP!”

Just as those words left Sungies mouth, Minho’s i-dont-care-inator lifted up from his body “I love you too, Ji!” Lee Know playfully peppered the younger’s face with kisses. Not directly onto his face, obviously.

“Thahahat was… A lot.” Jisung blushed, covering his face as a very flustered scream left his mouth “Well, did you like it?” Lee Know pondered “…Is it wrong that I did…?” the older jumped onto his favourite lee “That is the cutest thing ever! Please don’t ever change.”

“But please, go take a shower before bed. You’re very sweaty and stinky” the mischevious bunny sheepishly pointed out “Yah! That is your fault!”

“… So can you guys, maybe explain?”

Minsung were too busy having the most insane tickle fight to notice that the rest of the people living in the dorm were watching everything…

•• ━━━━━━━ •• ❖ •• ━━━━━━━ ••

Merry Christmas! Super long one for ya’ll. Took me long enough… At least some of you you got a teaser! Happy holidays, I hope you enjoy this very long fic as a special gift!

#tickle #rough tickles #stray kids #han jisung #lee know #lee!jisung #tickle community #sfw tickle community #ler!know #ler!minho #kpop tickle

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tenshiblogposts · 10 months

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Hawks x reader

Character: Tamaki Keigo / Hawks

Fandom: my hero academia.

Warnings: yandere themes, mentions of drug usage, minor character death, the pic at the end is related to said death so please proceed with caution.

Additional note: This is set in the Ancient Greek era. Might be historically inaccurate.

Also I feel like I half assed this but idk🤷🏻‍♀️

Yandere general!Hawks who from the moment he laid his eyes on you, while you were washing clothes in the river, he couldn't think about anything else.

Yandere general!Hawks who changed his ways when it came to women, he stopped sleeping around, and tried his hardest to be faithful. Although you didn't even know about his feelings for you.

Yandere general!Hawks who built a fantasy, that he so believed it was a reality, about you being madly in love with him, waiting for him every time he went to war and giving him as many children as your tantalizing body could handle.

Yandere general!Hawks who kept a very close eye on you stalking you, making sure that nobody was trying to make a stupid move on you. Nobody touches what's his.

Yandere general!Hawks who wiggled his way into your family's heart, and hopefully yours.

Yandere general!Hawks who made his presence known in your life. He stuck to you like a shadow, you must be grateful for him.

Yandere general!Hawks who had a lot of opportunities to take you away from this cruel world, to keep you safe and to himself, but decided against it. For now.

Yandere general!Hawks who brought war trophies with him for you, ranging from golden jewelry to the hearts of his enemies. He know that you'll keep them close to your pretty little heart.

Yandere general!Hawks who noticed a suspicious guy around you,smiling and laughing about one thing or another and you responding back, but you would never betray him. He knows it, he's sure of it.

Yandere general!Hawks who spotted the same guy hovering around your home in the middle of the night.

Yandere general!Hawks who saw red once you climbed down your window to meet with said guy, even daring to kiss him! Oh no! Was the guy forcing you to be with him? He can't have that!

Yandere general!Hawks who nearly abandoned his duties to make sure that you were safe, there's no way in hell he would let that scum control you! You were his and his alone!

Yandere general!Hawks who tried harder to keep tabs on everyone and everything you interacted with, from the old guy managing the food stall, to the street cat you kept feeding everyday.

Yandere general!Hawks who returned to his senses. He wouldn't abandoned his position for you, no, he will use it for his own benefit.

Yandere warrior!Hawks who had decided that enough was enough, you would be his, whether you liked it or not.

Yandere general!Hawks who saw your worried pretty face when you didn't find the old guy at the same place like every day, and saw his wife crying, saying something about someone framing him and he was going to be executed the following day.

Yandere general!Hawks who felt satisfaction when the cat you oh so cared for wasn't there. The dogs will get extra treats today.

"I am the only one deserving of your attention, my Dove"

Yandere general!Hawks who was ready to kill anyone and anything, as long as he could gaze into your pretty eyes for as long as he wanted.

"And now, for the last obstacle"

Yandere general!Hawks who formed a solid plan.

Yandere general!Hawks who "accidentally" stumbled upon you in the market, and invited you for tea at his house.

Yandere general!Hawks who was giddy the entire way back to his house once you accepted his offer.

Yandere general!Hawks who drugged you, and tied you to a chair.

Yandere general!Hawks who waited patiently for you, to show you his great achievement. You'll surely appreciate it!

Yandere general!Hawks who had his biggest gift for in the confinements of his hands, and once he saw those captivating eyes of yours fluttering open, he presented the gift to you

"Don't worry, My Dove, I took care of your pesky problem, he will never hurt you again"

#tamaki keigo x you #keigo tamaki #tamaki keigo x reader #tamaki keigo #mha tamaki #mha hawks #bnha hawks #hawks bnha #hawks x reader #hawks #yandere #bnha #mha #bnha x reader #mha x reader #tamaki keigo x yn #I don't own the art

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themidnightleo · 2 months

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Stalking Prey

DWC- Day 1- Flirt

Leo had ascended far in his career as an escort, mastering the art of discerning people's desires and effortlessly weaving himself into their lives. Serving as the coveted trophy on the arm of nobility had not only earned him a reputation but also a substantial fortune, ensuring his comfort and style. Now, he reveled in his sense of power, feeling capable of manipulating anyone to fulfill his whims.

His latest target was a formidable businesswoman, the mistress of an extensive trading empire. Enthralled by her strength, cunning, and beauty, Leo saw her as the ultimate challenge. Standing nearly as tall as him, with a gaze that could intimidate the most confident man, she presented the perfect opportunity to test his skills.

One day, he made his move in the bustling market, shadowing her as she discreetly made mundane purchases. Leo observed her every move, analyzing her demeanor and mannerisms to devise his approach. Her effortless grace and poise were qualities he had spent years honing, yet she seemed to possess them effortlessly.

As he prepared to approach her, she preempted him with a cutting remark, piercing him with her steely gaze. Leo, dressed as a nobleman but far from it, sensed her judgment, perhaps aware of his profession and the façade of charm he maintained. "Done stalking me? Finally found the courage to speak to me?"

With a respectful bow, Leo offered a fabricated apology, "I apologize for having such an uncouth way of coming to you but I had to ensure you were the owner of this piece of jewelry that I suspected fell from you." He then presented a stunning ruby necklace he had skillfully liberated from her possession. It was a gorgeous marquise shaped ruby necklace in silver, feathers appearing to spring from the gem itself. Her finger had a ring that matched it's likeliness. Her surprise momentarily softened her icy demeanor as she accepted the necklace, her mind racing to comprehend how it had been returned to her.

Lifting it slowly from his palm she muttered, "Thank.. you." Her eyes remained on him in thought. Leo tilted his head, "Is something wrong?" She observed the necklace. It was very much real and it was hers. "How- when..." Leo smoothly deflected her inquiries with a fabricated tale of happenstance, masking his true actions behind a veneer of chivalry. He smiled at her, "Sometimes their latches can come loose. That goes for -any- piece of jewelry. Fortunately I was nearby to see when it fell from your neck."

A lie. He had stolen it straight off her neck masterfully without her noticing the weight of it lifted from her body.

The businesswoman, grateful yet suspicious asked, "How do I repay a kindness such as this? This is a custom set that no other owns. You could have very well made your way home with it."

"And what sort of gentleman would I be had I done so?" Leo smiled softly.

"Oh so you are a gentleman now?" That judgmental glare returned with a perk of her brow.

"Suppose it is a matter of perspective. But I like to think I am. But never mind paying me back. It was nothing but a simple gesture of kindness I suppose." Dismissing any notion of repayment, Leo maintained his façade of gallantry, deflecting her skepticism with a charming smile. As he gracefully took his leave, a sly smirk danced upon his lips, knowing he had successfully intrigued her.

In a twist of fate, the businesswoman, intrigued by Leo's charisma, extended an unexpected invitation, unwittingly falling into his carefully laid trap.

The woman asked, "Are you free for lunch?"

@daily-writing-challenge

#februarydwc2024 #februaryday12024 #themidnightleo #moon guard #roleplay #world of warcraft #leo #ithilios #wow oc

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sephyathredon-writing · 7 months

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Whumptober #4: Shock to the System

Summary: After Ambrosius' mess up at the marketplace, the Director decides to take matters into her own hands. He's allowed to keep heading the expedition to arrest Ballister, but now there's a new piece of jewelry around his neck. What seems like a new piece Ambrosius added to his wardrobe turns out to be a shock collar which the Director will not hesitate to detonate, should she feel he's straying too far from Gloreth's light.

An Entry for Whumptober under the prompt "Shock".

____

Ambrosius was nervous to say the least when the Director called him into her office. He fidgeted with his fingers as he walked down the hallway. He had an inkling of an idea what this all was about.

Todd had gone and ran his mouth again. He wouldn’t put it past him to tell the Director about the incident at the market where he failed to put an arrow into Ballister’s back. He’d told just about everyone else about it and how unfair it was that Ambrosius was the only one with a clear shot and he just froze.

Ambrosius’ anxiety kicked in as he faced the large wooden doors that led into the Director’s office. He breathed unevenly as he pushed them open and strode inside. The Director bid him close the door behind him to give them some privacy, he did as he was told.

He approached the Director’s desk, but she held up a hand for him to stop halfway there. He did as he was told. She stood from her desk and approached him.

“Sir Goldenloin, I take it you must have some idea of why I’ve called you here, correct?”

He nodded his head, avoiding her gaze like a child who knows he’s done something bad.

But he didn’t, he was sure of it. He let Ballister live. He refused to injure him.

“Say it,” she demanded.

Ambrosius directed his gaze at his feet as he spoke. “I had an opportunity to capture Ballister and I let it slip through my fingers.”

The Director paced around him as she spoke. “Exactly. Now, I know the academy didn’t train their knights to hesitate like that.”

“But he’s-” Ambrosius started to retort, but bit his tongue.

The Director leveled him with a stare that told him not to interrupt again. “Perhaps I should have you taken off the mission if he means so much to you. After all, you aren��t thinking clearly when it comes to him, your inaction at the market proves that.”

Ambrosius bit his tongue hard this time, fighting the urge to interrupt. He waited a minute and then spoke. “With all due respect, Director. I don’t think that’s necessary,” he responded, showing every courtesy he could, as he had been taught. “Without me leading this investigation, it falls into the hands of Sir Thoddeus Sureblade, and both of us know he won’t do it right.”

Even worse, he’ll hurt Ballister, possibly even kill him to make the Director happy. He wasn’t sure if Todd was capable of that, but he didn’t want to find out.

The Director was silent for a few moments, she stopped her pacing to go over to her desk and pull something from a drawer. Ambrosius watched her, trepidation showing clearly on his face. She approached him with the item behind her back.

“Sir Goldenloin, I am entirely aware of your relationship with Blackheart,” the Director spoke.

Blackheart. The name that Ballister had been rebranded with. Ambrosius refused to call him that.

The Director reached out and placed her fingertips under Ambrosius’ chin, making him look her in the eyes. It was not strong, she was gently guiding him to look at her. Her expression held kindness and understanding

“It is only natural for you to have worries and doubts about this investigation, to still have feelings for him even after he’s been branded a monster. However, you are our beloved descendant of Gloreth. It is your job to lead the people and to make an example of people who make a mockery of our golden order, of Gloreth’s legacy.

“I know it is hard,” she continued, speaking softly, “that is why I have something to ease the burden.”

Ambrosius was so hypnotized by her eyes that he failed to notice the director snapping something around his neck until it was too late.

“I… huh?” Ambrosius asked, confused. He looked down but he couldn’t see the thing around his neck. Instead he removed a glove and reached a hand up, brushing it against what felt like cool metal all the way around except for a gem that was inset into the front. It seemed ornate and detailed.

Ambrosius’ eyes met hers again.

“Director, I’m not sure I understand. What is a new piece of jewelry going to do to help me?” Ambrosius asked.

“It is not just a piece of jewelry, Sir Goldenloin. Sorry to say it but I have been forced to take precautionary measures. What I have just put around your neck is a shock collar.” She revealed a small controller with a dial in the hand that had been holding the collar previously, “Should I see you straying too far from Gloreth’s light, giving into the monster’s temptations, I will rectify that.”

Ambrosius felt panic rising in his chest at the prospect of the collar shocking him, but he kept hiding his true feelings behind the same old mask he was used to.

“I’m not sure I understand, Director. This is such a drastic measure for one little mistake. Why are you doing this to me?” Ambrosius asked, some slight pauses in his breathing being an indication of his panic.

“It’s for your own safety, Ambrosius. I promise.” The gentle tone was laced in her voice once again. “Normally I would let you off with a warning, but with your inaction at the market, I see you walking down a path that will lead you away from us. The call of a loved one is too tempting for even the strongest man to resist. This is for your own good. If Blackheart got his hands on you, the kingdom would be doomed.”

Ambrosius was quiet for a while, taking this all in. He willed himself to calm down. He came away from his thoughts putting on a determined face and nodding. He understood where the director was coming from, that she meant well.

He was the one to blame for the collar, not the Director.

The Director continued, “You mustn’t tell anyone about it, they might think I’m being unfair. Should you slip and tell someone, I will have to punish you with it. To the public you are just wearing a new piece of jewelry. I pray on Gloreth’s name that I never have to use it for its intended purpose.”

“I do too,” Ambrosius responded, his voice strained.

“You are dismissed,” The Director ordered, going to sit back at her desk.

Ambrosius nodded and turned in place, making his way out of the room.

“Oh, and Ambrosius…” The Director’s voice stopped him in his tracks before he could reach the door.

“Yes, Director?” Ambrosius kept his voice even as he replied without looking back at her.

“You may not take it off until I say you can. If I catch you with it off, you will be subjected to a worse punishment than it can give you, understand?”

“Yes Director.”

“Good. You are dismissed.” she said, sitting at her desk and resuming her work.

As soon as Ambrosius was out of the Director’s sight, he ran.

Ambrosius didn’t stop until he was in the safety of his own room. He passed by Todd on the way who didn’t even have time to ask him about the new piece of jewelry around his neck.

Once he closed the door behind him, he curled up on his bed, his emotions finally showing on his face. Tears fell and as hard as he tried, he couldn’t stop them.

He’d messed up, and now he wouldn’t have the opportunity to mess up again. If he were to go face to face with Ballister again, he couldn’t hesitate, not if he wanted to avoid getting hurt.

Ambrosius tried to slip a few fingers under the collar, but it fit so snugly on him that he couldn’t, almost as if it were made exactly to fit him. As if the institute was worried about their Golden Boy straying from his leash all this time.

Her words about straying from Gloreth’s light echoed in his head. Was she really disappointed in him?

“Gloreth… I’m sorry…”

He waited a few moments.

“Ballister… I’m sorry…”

The last one broke him and he buried his face in his pillow with a sob.

He didn’t know what was going to happen next time he encountered Ballister, but it wasn’t going to be good.

Eventually, he willed himself to get out of bed and prepare for sleep. After brushing his teeth, he got a text.

[The Director of the Institute: Sir Goldenloin, tomorrow you are going to accompany me to the Institute. I have reason to believe that Blackheart may attempt to take my life next.]

The next text had the time and place they would meet up. It was early, even before sunrise. He was used to getting up early, but he didn’t think he could sleep with the collar on, it was too new, too uncomfortable.

The Director had told him not to take it off, though, so he would have to try.

Just as he thought, it took him a while to get to sleep. He was in his own head chasing his thoughts around and around for most of the night. Normally this was when he’d text Ballister and talk it out with him. He knew that Ballister wouldn’t mind being woken up in the middle of the night, if he could ease Ambrosius’ anxiety.

But he didn’t have Ballister around, an unfortunate truth he’d have to live with.

He fell asleep with tears still in his eyes.

His morning routine was the same as usual since he’d lost Ballister. He had to drag himself out of bed, and then he was obligated to spend hours in the bathroom getting his look just right, so he had to wake up before dawn. The biggest difference was the feeling of the shock collar around his neck. Once or twice in the middle of the night he woke up, swearing he was being choked, only to realize it was the collar.

He grabbed a granola bar, eating it on the way to meet up with the Director. He had no time for anything other than a quick breakfast.

He ruminated in his thoughts as he walked, wondering for how long he’d have to keep the collar on for, if he’d be allowed to take it off once Ballister was caught. He tried not to dwell on what would happen if he should come face to face with Ballister again like he had at the marketplace. Hopefully after that incident, he knew to stay away.

And just what had he been doing at the marketplace? He’d been kidnapping the squire that had been there on the day where everything went wrong. This wasn’t the Ballister he knew.

These thoughts continued even as he helped the Director into her carriage, only picking up in volume and internal panic, but he kept them to himself. It wouldn’t do to blow up in front of the Director, she didn’t deserve that.

His fingers traced the gemstone inset into the collar as he sat across from her looking out the window. He caught sight of a billboard as he passed, the faces of Ballister and himself as children staring back at him.

They were painting over Ballister.

They were trying to erase him.

“Something on your mind, Ambrosius?”

He could have said something here, but he didn’t. Like Descendants of Gloreth do, he hid his emotions. Instead he formulated a reply to her in his head.

‘My mind? I’ve lost my mind. I’ve lost everything. The man I love. My best friend. Although now apparently, he’s got a new best friend, what’s that about? What else is he hiding? Who's the real him? Who am I? A direct descendant of Gloreth? I didn’t ask for that.

And now I have this collar on because you can’t even trust me to do this right. Because without it, I’m going to hesitate, like I did at the market. I’m going to fail you, I’m going to fail Gloreth and her legacy.

Everyone expects me to arrest Ballister. If I don’t I’m a traitor to you, and this thing is going to shock me. If I do, I’m a traitor to him.

OH and on top of that, I chopped off his arm. HIS ARM. Who chops off an arm? Because I was trained to? Arm chopping is NOT a love language!’

He would have said all of this directly to the Director if he didn’t fear her response.

“I’m fine, Director,” was what Ambrosius told her instead. A bold faced lie, but it’s not like he hasn’t lied about how he was feeling before.

It wasn’t long before the carriage pulled up to the Institute and the two of them stepped out.

“Stay strong, Ambrosius. The blood of Gloreth runs through your veins.”

----

Ballister wasn’t sure what to expect when he got up to the Institute’s roof. He watched as Ambrosius and the Director stepped out of the carriage. Immediately he noticed an oddity in Ambroisus’ outfit.

Internally, he scoffed. Just a fancy piece of jewelry gifted to him by the Institute..

Except… he knew Ambrosius wasn’t much of a jewelry guy, the man didn’t even wear earrings. There was something almost sinister about the presence of the gold collar around his neck.

Still, he approached Ambrosius and he and Nimona tried to talk things out with him and the Director. All hope was quickly lost when his only evidence was shot out of his hand by Todd Sureblade, who seemed so proud of himself for it.

Their hopes were dwindling as knights filed into the courtyard. They were surrounded on all sides and in the air. The only thing left was to beg for Ambrosius to listen to him.

“It doesn’t matter, you don’t need proof. You know I’m not a murderer,” he tried to reason with Ambrosius.

“What are you waiting for, captain?” There was an edge to the Director’s voice as she spoke and a look of fear flashed across Ambrosius’ face as he glanced over to her before looking back at Bal.

There was a side comment from Todd that Ballister barely heard something about a whale, and then Nimona spoke up, telling Ambrosius to do the right thing.

“Who is she, Bal?” Ambrosius asked as Nimona’s eyes flickered in the bright light, revealing just how different she was. “What is she?”

“This is Nimona, she’s my friend,” Ballister responded, not liking the unsure expression Ambrosius made in response.

“But… aren’t I more than that?” Ambrosius responded, his hand hadn’t moved from the hilt of his sword.

“Of course you are. Ambrosius, I still love you. I just need you to trust me right now. Neither of us are your enemies.”

Ballister knew what a thin line he was walking. One wrong move could dissuade Ambrosius. He had to be careful. He had to get Ambrosius on his side with logic.

He saw Ambrosius’ grip loosen on the hilt, just a little.

“I don’t understand how any of this is relevant, Captain,” the Director responded from beside him. “Did you forget that you’re looking at a monster and his sidekick? She could be a monster too.”

Ballister glanced at Nimona. She didn’t seem to flinch, but he could see it in her eyes, the word ‘monster’ really hurt her.

‘Do NOT call me that.’

Nimona’s words rang in his ears.

“Ambrosius, you know me. You know I am not a murderer. I loved the Queen, and had no reason to kill her.” Ballister locked eyes with him, holding out his prosthetic hand, “You told me you’ve always wanted an escape from this life. Come with me, help me prove that the Director is the one responsible for the Queen’s murder.”

“Ambrosius…” The Director’s tone was clearly a warning. She was facing straight ahead but her gaze was to the side, looking at Ambrosius. Her hands were behind her back.

Ballister saw minor changes in Ambrosius’ posture and expression. His nose scrunched up and he closed his eyes halfway. His jaw clenched too, a sign that he was gritting his teeth. Ballister had known Ambrosius for years, he only ever showed these signs when he was in some kind of physical pain.

Ballister’s eyes went to the collar around Ambrosius’ neck.

“The monster is tempting you, Ambrosius. You are straying from the light, you must resist.” The Director’s tone was commanding.

Ambrosius was frozen in place, his body shaking for a moment before he attempted to hide it by tensing his muscles. He couldn’t hide it from Ballister though.

“Ambrosius, is something wrong? Where did that piece of jewelry around your neck come from?”

Ambrosius opened his mouth to answer and then closed it again, looking at the Director.

“What are you waiting for, captain?” She repeated what she said earlier, “Arrest them.”

Ambrosius closed his eyes, something seemed to hit him hard as he stumbled where he stood. He looked at Ballister and drew his sword. His expression relaxed and all signs of what had affected him previously were gone.

He took a few deep breaths as he stepped toward Ballister.

“Ambrosius, please…” Ballister begged. Despite that, he didn’t step back, he stood his ground. An arm went up in front of Nimona protectively. She didn’t say anything but her eyes were on Ballister, a worried expression on her face.

Ambrosius’ expression was unreadable, just a blank stoic expression. He made eye contact with Ballister and stared so long and hard that it almost felt like the man was staring into his soul.

The look in Ballister’s eye was genuine. He was telling the truth. Ambrosius knew him, so Ambrosius knew the tells that Ballister would inadvertently show when he tried to lie.

“Ambrosius. I am innocent. I am not a murderer.” Ballister made direct eye contact back, holding his ground, a determined look on his face. He wouldn’t flinch, not when Ambrosius was so obviously searching for a reason to believe what he was saying.

Time stopped and the moments where their eyes met seemed to drag on for hours, even though it was likely only a few minutes.

Soon Ambrosius pulled away and nodded his head at Ballister, taking the man’s prosthetic in his hand and standing beside him.

Ballister almost couldn’t believe it, Ambrosius was standing with him.

It made his heart swell with emotion, it made him feel like their love was strong enough to weather even something as disastrous as this. With Ambrosius by his side, he felt like he could do anything.

“I believe him.” The words from Ambrosius, said to the Director, almost brought Ballister to tears. Talking to Ambrosius had actually worked.

The expression on the Director’s face was one of frustration.

“Sir Goldenloin,” Her voice was cold when she spoke to him, eyes not quite staring at Ambrosius, “We talked about this. Should you ever stray from Gloreth’s light, I will rectify it.”

“What does she-” Ballister barely had time to formulate a response.

Ambrosius let go of his hand and crumpled to the ground beside him. He saw the director’s hands, now out from behind her back, in one of them she was holding a little remote control with a dial.

With a dawning sense of dread, Ballister realized what it was.

“It’s a shock-” Ballister started, but was interrupted again, this time by Nimona.

“Really? A shock collar!? Just when I start to think you people can’t sink any lower, you go and do this to one of your own!?” she responded, clearly outraged despite only knowing Ambrosius as an antagonist.

Ambrosius was on the ground, hands grasping at the collar around his neck, hunched over. Cries escaped his lips, one after another in quick succession as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. Sparks jumped off his armor.

Ballister was by his side in a second, placing his prosthetic hand to Ambrosius’ back, something he immediately regretted as electricity shot up his arm and burned the flesh of his shoulder where it connected. Ballister let out a cry, reeling back.

“Go!” Ambrosius shouted through the pain, “Get out of here!”

“Not without you,” Ballister responded, gritting his teeth as he realized the knights that had them surrounded were getting closer.

“Knights,” the Director began, “Arrest them all.”

They didn’t have much time. They had to act. First priority was getting that collar off of Ambrosius, but they didn’t have the time.

“Boss… what do we do?” Nimona had her fists out in front of her, prepared to fight her way through these knights.

“We need to get him out of here.” Ballister gestured to Ambrosius who was now fully on the floor, curled up on himself. What had once been shouts, now turned to whimpers and cries for help.

Ballister grabbed him, gritting his teeth against the feeling of the electricity flowing through his body. If it lessened the amount that Ambrosius was affected, he didn’t mind.

“Nimona! I need something that flies. NOW!” Ballister shouted.

“You got it!” she responded, and her form grew. Wings, a snout, claws, a tail, but… soft features, big eyes, and that pink coloration that was so Nimona.

A laugh that Ballister sorely needed escaped his lips. He recognized the form. It was Kwispy the Dragon, from the commercial that had been playing the day before on the train.

Somehow, he felt like this had something to do with her not wanting to be perceived as a monster.

Using her tail, she knocked over several of the knights and the Director, being careful not to send them over the edge of the roof to their deaths. As much as Nimona talked about murder, Ballister picked up quickly that she never actually meant it.

She bent down and placed her head on the ground near Ballister. She didn’t even need to tell him to get on before he scrambled up it as best he could while holding Ambrosius. It was awkward to stay seated on top of her neck, but luckily little spikes jutted out that he could keep a hand on while he held Ambrosius with the other.

Just as Nimona took off, Ballister heard the voice of the Director.

“Oh no you don’t!”

Ambrosius jumped in his hold and grabbed on tightly to any handhold he could find in Ballister’s armor, body shaking from the amount of electricity flowing through it. Ballister assumed that she turned the collar’s dial up to max. If the collar didn’t come off, he could easily die.

Ballister could hear the sounds of Hoverbikes in hot pursuit, Knights shooting bolts at Nimona. While Ballister was worried for her, his focus was entirely on his boyfriend suffering in his arms.

“Bal… Ballister… it hurts… I’m sorry… I couldn’t… I couldn’t go against you… like that…” The mumbling continued like that, it sounded like Ambrosius just said anything that came to mind. Words were often interrupted by little whimpers as he spoke. Tears escaped the corners of his eyes, rolling down his cheeks.

Ballister responded in kind, answering his replies, “I know it hurts… You don’t have to apologize… I can’t believe she’d do something like that…”

The mere act of holding Ambrosius was causing him to share the other’s pain. Something he just had to deal with, for now. He wondered if Nimona could feel it too.

Shock collars hadn’t been used in the Kingdom in a long long time. The general consensus was that they were barbaric and inhumane. For the Director to use one on Ambrosius only proved that she was ruthless enough to have murdered the Queen.

It’s not going to settle well with the Knights, and they will talk. It might be a way for his claim to gain credibility, he just wished it didn’t have to happen like this.

This and many thoughts raced through his mind as he searched for a latch on the collar. There was one, but it seemed like it was designed to lock once the collar was activated. There wasn’t any way to get it off. Ballister made a noise of frustration before addressing Nimona

“We need to land somewhere nearby, preferably in the forest. Not near our hideaway, got it?”

A big pink dragon was a little too easy to follow for Ballister’s liking.

“Got it,” she responded, dipping down into the trees. Once she touched the ground, several trees bending around her, she reached her arms up and swatted at the hover bikes circling her. Ballister noticed that she aimed carefully so that the fall would be minimal by the time she let go and they’d land on the forest floor. It wasn’t so much a swipe as it was that she was batting them down.

When the skies were clear, she shrunk, but changed into a larger version of her human form with big arms, so she could carry them both. She set them down on the forest floor before changing into her teenage girl form. She gently plucked out several bolts stuck in her while watching Ballister and Ambrosius. Ballister let go of Ambrosius and stood, unhooking his arm and placing it on the ground. Smoke emitted from under his pauldron, a clear sign of the scarring that was sure to be there.

Ambrosius had spread out on the forest floor, on his back, the cries starting up again as his hands grasped the shock collar in a death grip. His whole body was shaking and his breathing was labored. Tears turned into full on sobs. He was begging for the pain to end now. His voice was raspy. Whether it was from all the screaming or the electricity, Ballister couldn’t tell.

“Nimona.” Ballister called her to his side, looking at her with a sad expression and teary eyes, “Please. There must be some animal you can turn into that’ll get that off of him. Please… I don’t want to lose him…”

Nimona nodded and turned into a crab, scuttling over to Ambrosius and placing a claw to the collar. She could hear Ambrosius suck in a breath in anticipation.

Nimona let out a pained noise as her claw touched the collar, but she squeezed it with all the strength she had and was happy to hear the sound of the collar breaking off of him.

Ballister acted quickly, grabbing it and tossing it away.

Nimona responded by running toward it and shifting into a rhinoceros, stamping over it with her feet. One or two shocks ran over her, but she hardly felt it. The electric field died down as the machine was sufficiently destroyed. When Nimona turned back to herself, she spit on it before returning to the other two.

Ballister had Ambrosius in his arm, holding him close. Aftershocks wracked the man’s body and there were burn marks on his neck. Ballister’s left hand pressed against the back of the other’s head, pushing it against his shoulder. Ballister’s posture was protective.

Before Nimona could get over to the two of them, there was a rustling in the bushes in front of them. Nimona turned into a wolf, anticipating an upcoming fight.

Sure enough, it was a knight that burst through the foliage. It seemed to be one of the ones that had previously been on a hoverbike, but they just stood there. Their helmet was pointed at Nimona at first, but then it looked at Ballister and Ambrosius. Ballister didn’t doubt that their eyes were focused on the angry red burn marks going up and down Ambrosius’ neck.

“Will… the captain be okay?” he asked, sheathing his sword to show that he wasn’t going to attack.

Ballister pulled Ambrosius back and looked at him, trusting Nimona to have his back. He forced himself to look at the burns before looking back up at the Knight.

“Truthfully, I don’t know,” he responded.

The Knight took a step back, “She shouldn’t have done this… especially not to him. I don’t… understand why she would do this.”

“Good. Question that,” Nimona responded, turning back into her human form, “Question the Institute, get others to question it. If they’re willing to do this to their golden boy, what do you think that makes you in their eyes?”

She approached the Knight and they took another step back. They looked over at Ballister and Ambrosius again.

Ambrosius was looking straight at them. His voice was destroyed, but he still spoke.

“She’s right.”

“I…” The Knight looked between the two of them and Nimona, “I’m sorry.” And with that, they left.

In the next moment, Ambrosius’ head fell back and his body relaxed in Ballister’s grip. It caught the other Knight by surprise, but he quickly reassured himself that Ambrosius had fainted, likely from the pain.

Ballister responded by holding him close again, looking over at Nimona.

“You okay?” he asked, concern clear in his voice.

“Me? Pfft, of course I’m okay. Just got a few bolts from the Knights, no biggie.”

“Nimona, You know I’m going to want to wrap those wounds, right?”

She nodded, “But you should worry about him first.”

“You’re right…” Ballister looked at Ambrosius again, feeling a wave of emotion passing over him, almost making him tear up, when he saw the scars. There was a few moments of silence, and then, “Nimona, could you, um, hand me my arm.”

She nodded, “On it boss.” She picked up Ballister’s arm from the grass and handed it to him.

He braced himself when he put it on, gritting his teeth as residual electricity from it flowed through him. Something was definitely wrong. He was surprised it hadn’t overloaded or short circuited yet. Either way, it would really need repairs.

Ballister stood, Ambrosius in his arms. His breathing was shallow and he clung to Ballister as if his life depended on it. His eyes were still closed, indicating that he was still unconscious.

“Let’s just go home.” Ballister’s voice sounded defeated. It had been a long day.

He could feel Nimona’s eyes on his prosthetic.

“I know you’re worried about that, Nimona, but it can wait until we get home.”

She nodded, but didn’t say anything.

The walk back to the hideaway was quiet. Neither of them really felt like talking after having been through all of that. The only thing that was said was the few times when Nimona offered to carry the both of them, or to take Ambrosius off his hands so that Ballister didn’t have to use the prosthetic that was so clearly hurting him.

His response was usually a stubborn “I’ve got him.”

Once they all got home, Ballister removed each and every piece of Ambrosius’ armor, something he’d practically memorized by now with how many times he’s put it on the other. Then he placed Ambrosius gently on the couch and pulled off his prosthetic arm, placing it on his robotics bench for repairs.

Nimona took the blanket from the back of the couch and placed it over him. It was too small for him so it just covered from his mid chest area to his ankles. Ballister knew it wouldn’t do much, but it was a nice gesture.

And here he thought Nimona hated Ambrosius for the whole arm chopping thing. He wondered if maybe she was being so polite because she knew how much he meant to Ballister, or because she sympathized with the shock collar thing.

That last option had some very dark implications.

Luckily for Ambrosius, Ballister had some salve on hand that he had been using for his arm. He groaned when the other Knight began applying it, with his left hand so that he could be gentle.

He was about to put it away when Nimona cleared her throat to get him to look at her and pointed to his right pauldron.

“Ah, right,” Ballister replied.

It stung a lot, but his worry for Ambrosius encompassed his worry over the burns on top of his already healed arm.

He began to shrug off all his armor, deciding he should be out of it as well. His right pauldron and chestpiece were the last to go. He heard Nimona audibly gasp at the sight of the burns directly over the part that had previously been cut by Ambrosius’ sword.

Quickly, she grabbed the salve and began to apply it to Ballister’s arm.

“Thank you for the sentiment, but I can do it myself, you know.”

Nimona shook her head, “I’m doing it for you.”

That was the end of that conversation.

Hours passed until Ambrosius woke up, and even then he wasn’t awake for long, only long enough to gently reach up and cup Ballister’s face, whispering an apology to him. It ached to hear his voice. It was so hoarse because of his throat scars.

Ballister’s mustache curved into a smile and his hand went up to gently hold Ambrosius’, letting him know that there was no reason for him to apologize.

Ambrosius fell unconscious once again.

----

A day passed, Ballister kept applying the salve. He and Nimona caught the news on Ballister’s computer. Though he hated for it to happen this way, it had worked. Knights were questioning why their Director would use such a barbaric device on one of Gloreth’s sacred descendants. It was a ripple effect that led to everyone questioning the institution, the wall, and painting the Director as the person that really killed the queen, just as they had wanted. Ballister’s name was cleared.

He looked back at Ambrosius, He wished it didn’t have to happen like it did.

“Look at that! They’re finally starting to see!” Nimona gestured at the computer and smiled.

Ballister nodded, “Now we just got to get them to see you, for who you really are. I think it might be difficult after you turned into a dragon on top of the institute, but I think we can do it.”

Nimona nodded, tears in her eyes.

----

That night, in the middle of the night, was when Ambrosius finally woke up, fully coherent for the first time since the collar had been used on him.

“Bal!” he called out into the night air, voice scared.

An arm gently enveloped Ambrosius in a hug, and as his eyes adjusted to the dark, he could see Ballister there by the couch. He’d pulled up a rolling chair and clearly had been waiting for him to wake up.

“How are you feeling?” he asked

“Ugh, my throat hurts.” His voice was still hoarse, but that was to be expected. “But I think I’ll be okay… I just… I can’t believe…” he trailed off.

“That she would do that? Me neither.” He could hear Ballister walking away, and moments later the string lights within the hideaway were turned on. He returned to his seat after.

“Bal, she told me that she had to do that, it was punishment for my hesitation at the marketplace. She made me believe I deserved it.”

“How awful… I can’t believe that happened to you…” Ballister replied, finding one of Ambrosius’ hands and holding it tightly. He squeezed back.

“It’s okay. My neck might still hurt, but I am here and I am alive… and I feel like I’m free from the weight of Gloreth’s legacy, from the pressure of everyone expecting me to arrest you. It was… not the preferred way to find freedom, but well… The sting of the shock collar has definitely ensured I won’t be going back to the Director any time soon… As ironic as it seems, this might just be the best thing that happened to me.”

Ballister smiled, “Look at you, always finding the positives.”

Ambrosius laughed, sitting up and grabbing Ballister, much to his surprise. He pulled Ballister into a kiss that lasted as long as he had air for.

“Wow… I uh… I missed that,” Ballister responded.

“Me too.” Ambrosius then grabbed Ballister from the chair and pulled him onto the couch, on top of him. He was careful not to let Ballister’s head touch his neck, instead letting it rest on his chest where he could hear his heartbeat.

“I take it I’m not going anywhere soon, then?”

Ambrosius laughed, “Not a chance, we’ve been apart for too long.”

Nimona found them like that an hour later, fast asleep.

#whumptober2023 #no.4 #Shock #Nimona 2023 #fic #electrocution tw #burns tw #ballister boldheart #ambrosius goldenloin #Nimona #goldenheart

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