#Gold Bars Logistics

[natalminerals]

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[answer2jeff]

when it rolls in like thunder: teaser.

dad!carmy x hispanic mom!reader series teaser!

warnings : dad!carmy x mom!reader, reader is implied female and hispanic, tooth-rotting fluff, mentions of childbirth. obviously.

authors note : guys i know i'm late to the dad!carmy train.. but give me a chance!!! i tried so hard to not absolutely love the idea of carmen being a dad and i failed miserably. take this as an apology. and shout out to my hispanic girlies bc we deserve some fics made specifically for us !

"Levántate, princessa mia," you gently raised her chubby arms and sat Valeria up in her barred crib, the golden finish complimenting her collection of hand-me-down stuffed animals from your childhood.

You reached for her soft beige pants that rested on her little dresser next to her crib. She'd only recently grown into it, going up a size or two now that she finally turned 8 months old. You and Carmen saw them at a thrift shop in Chicago during your, although beautiful, excruciatingly long pregnancy.

He knew he had to see his little girl in them, rocking them beautifully just like her stylish and tasteful mother.

—

"What do y'think, honey? I like 'em. I think she'll look so cute. Cheap for the quality, too. Damn."

Carmen felt the thickness of the fabric with his finger tips, rubbing them together through the cloth. He nodded his head in approval. He raised them up to let you get a closer look as he beamed with a grin.

"Oh, these are adorable! They're gonna take a little while for her to grow into 'em, though, no? Parasen un poco grande, amor."

You raised an eyebrow, unsure if an article of clothing that you weren't even sure would fit would be worth 8 precious dollars in your joint bank account.

"Well, we don't know how big she's gonna be. She'll grow into 'em."

Carmen was pretty convincing. His voice soft and persuasive and his pure excitement for fatherhood was enough to reel you in to every proposal he made. How could you say no when he was just so enthusiastic?

"What about you, sweet girl? Huh? What do y'think?"

Carmen set the pants back down on the clothing rack, kneeling down just to slightest bit as he raised a hand to your belly. You peered down at him in awe, the sight of him already bursting with love for your child making you go weak.

And as if you couldn't be more angelic, Carmen thought you were more beautiful than ever carrying his child. He moved the palm of his hand into a slow and gentle circle.

The kick of your soon to be newborn daughter against his hand was reassuring. The two of you nearly gasped, laughing in unison at her comedic timing.

—

Valeria let out squeals and babbles of impatience as you rolled her little lace socks over her small feet. The hassle of getting dressed in the morning, even after she got the leverage to make an absolute mess of her onesie while she ate breakfast in her high-chair.

Even bibs couldn't catch the sloppy mush of crushed strawberries before she'd wash it down with the liquid gold that was your breast milk. Valeria had a tendency to try and bite down during feeding when her mouth was all gums. But now that her teeth were nearly done coming in, it was an even more frequent offense. It startled you every time.

You tried switching to bottles: the ones with realistically covered and textured silicone nipples with a stopper to avoid the possible spills of milk, but they never sufficed. Valeria had to have the 'real thing,' or she was hardly ever satisfied. Carmen wondered how you did it. Well, he knew how, logistically, but he knew that it had to be emotionally and physically exhausting.

"Yes, yes, I know. I'm tryin' to hurry. Geez, you've been spoiled since birth, mija," you sighed dramatically, nodding your head and placing a kiss on Valeria's forehead, her hair tickling your philtrum.

Suddenly, you could hear the sound of the front door opening and closing. Valeria immediately squirmed vigorously and smiled ear to ear as you scooped her into your tired arms. It was like she could smell him, the way she knew immediately that it was her dad.

"Who's that? Is that Daddy?" you turned to Valeria and bounced her up and down, her little hands already flaying around as giggle after giggle escaped her mouth. Your beloved husband called out for you once or twice, quickly realizing you'd been in the nursery when he heard the sound of his girls.

"Hi, hone—Oh my goodness!" Carmen gasped, peeking his head into the heaven-like bedroom. It seemed like he was immediately drawn to Valeria like a magnet. His white t-shirt stuck to his skin from the summer heat, his baseball cap casting a shadow on his face. He almost looked a little out of breath.

He walked in while gushing at the sight of Valeria all dressed in her mothers arms. The off-white, soft lettuce-cut top paired perfectly with her socks. The white ribbon in her hair literally tying the look together.

"Dada!" Valeria pointed her little finger to him, trying to escape your embrace and jump into Carmen's arms if she truly could. She'd become especially talkative lately. But she hadn't quite figured out to greet you with a sickly sweet 'mama' whenever you came around to pepper smooches on her head and smooth, chubby cheeks. You rolled your eyes playfully as you stood beside him, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Did mommy get you all dressed up this morning? Hm?" Carmen smiled sweetly at his daughter and scrunched up his nose, just to hear her laugh at his expressions. He held her close against him with his right arm so that Valeria could rest her little head against his shoulder.

"Yep, I sure did," you chuckled, letting Carmen wrap his arm around your waist and draw you in for a quick kiss. Your hand lied on top of Carmen's. Every vein and knuckle was caressed by the pad of your thumb.

"Sorry I took a while. Jus' wanted to pick up some groceries down the street,'" Carmen mumbled into your hair before planting a kiss on the top of your head. "Thank you for bein' with 'er, baby."

You only nodded your head, leaning into his touch as your eyes fluttered shut. Last night was quite a riot. But Carmy, being the gracious hero he often was, arose the moment he heard sweet Valeria crying out for touch and attention from her crib. That baby monitor was the only thing that could help Carmen's anxieties calm and let him sleep at night, but was also the only thing waking him up nowadays.

"We got a real princess on our hands, huh?" you smiled at Valeria, her head rested on Carmen's chest and her hand pressed against his peck. She looked just as content. Her curly hair was thick and full of life. Those Italian genes ran strong. With the face of her mothers, friends and family raved about your resemblance everywhere you went with her. But those bright blue eyes and small smile of hers? All Carmy.

"Two princesses on our hands," Carmen corrected you.

With the angelic face of her mothers and fierce, yet tender eyes of her father, she'd be unstoppable.

"My princesses. My girls."

She already was, actually.

[clubdionysus]

[BAD DECISION #11] Perry

warnings: birds! jaykay gets kissed in a club :( paint party! fun!! b and jk then proceed to have a totally platonic shower :) normal friend things!!

soundtrack: better - khalid; & cry! - middle part

wc: 5.9k

bd total wc: 540k (on-going)

minors dni | AO3 | series masterlist 

Jeongguk ignores the look on Taehyung's face as you enter the bar that evening. It's not the hug that Jeongguk greets you with that's unusual, nor your typically sparkling appearance - but the smile on Jeongguk's lips? Yeah. Taehyung hasn't seen one like that in a while.

Still, he doesn't make a big deal of it, for Danbi's following just behind you. He's far more interested in his attempts (and failures) to chat her up, instead.

Namjoon watches on with shallow curiosity. His watchful eyes lounge on you as he takes a sip on his drink, a little more reserved than the others. Taehyung and Jimin greet you and Danbi like old friends, and in a way, it sort of feels like they are.

The club is empty - hasn't opened to punters yet, and won't for another half an hour. The suppliers hired for the paint cannons are still setting up; doing test runs into an empty space where patrons should be. It's strange to see this perspective of a club. Like a liminal space, it feels like you shouldn't be there - but the boys are unphased. Are used to it by now.

"And Hoseok?" Jeongguk questions when he notices the lack of sunshine shadowing behind you.

"Having drinks with the boys," you tell him without much care. You forget Jeongguk isn't as intricately weaved into your social life as he is into your personal life.

"The boys?" 

He doesn't mean to sound so affronted, but he'd always just assumed it was the singular boy; that your little trio was a friendship that existed within a vacuum. Of course, it doesn't. You've an entire social circle that he's none the wiser of.

You pay his confusion no mind. "Yeah. How are you? How have you been?"

The conversation moves on, Jeongguk leading you into the room behind the bar in which they're pregaming.

"It's technically the staff room," he says with a shrug. "But what the boss doesn't know can't hurt him."

There's an airiness to his demeanour; his tipsy brain just as fluffy as the clouds that float around the ends of rainbows. There's safety there. No promises of gold, just certainty of a stable foundation. 

It's a side to him you've never had the luxury of witnessing before, but part of you feels like you always knew he'd be like this. Always knew how he'd smile after a few drinks; how his giggle would sound just that little bit brighter.

"No Seoyeon tonight?" Jimin asks Yoongi as he arrives just a little after you. His cheeks are pink, the clammy heat of the club already getting to him, even when it's empty. Namjoon passes him a bottle of beer, unopened. Yoongi's unphased. Clamps the soft metal cap between his teeth and prizes it off, before he takes a sip and shakes his head.

"Nah, nah, she just dropped me off. Has brunch tomorrow with her friends so doesn't wanna be hungover," he explains as he takes a seat next to Taehyung.

Jeongguk leans over to you, quietly clueing you up. "His fiancée."

"Ah," you nod, before Yoongi turns his attention to you and Danbi.

You're reintroduced, and are quick to learn that Jeongguk and Jimin only ever seem to refer to you as Disco Ball amongst their friends. Yoongi mentions it first - 'you really do look like a disco ball' - but the rest of the boys chime in agreement. 

There's protest from you. Sure, you've got enough glitter to decorate a Christmas card on your eyelids, but your outfit is pretty subdued. Jeongguk had told you not to wear anything fancy - "the paint is water-based, but just in case. Don't want you to wreck your favourite party dress, or anything like that." - and so you'd listened. 

He doesn't tell you, 'cause he doesn't think you'll need it, but Jeongguk brought a spare shirt with him. Just a white one. Big. Wasn't sure if you'd think about the logistics of a paint party - but it isn't your first rodeo. You've been to a handful of events like these in the past, and know what to expect. 

You're in a big white shirt of your own, wearing it like a dress with a flannel layered on top.  Admittedly, the tights are giving disco ball chic - fishnets with teeny tiny gemstones sparkling underneath the dim lights of the backroom. 

Jeongguk can't decide on how the fuck to describe your style. It's not grunge - too sparkly for that. Equally, there's too much of an edge to you for it to be considered 'girly'. He doesn't understand it. Quite likes it, though. Likes that you're still wearing those black hightops you always seem to be in. 

Normally at the club you'd be in heels - but again, it's not your first rodeo. You know better than to tempt the paint party gods with a stiletto and sopping wet floor combination. Learnt that mistake the hard way back in university.

Jeongguk taps his foot against yours. No one else notices, too busy engaged in their own conversations. When you glance down, you realise why - he's in his converse, too. The only shoes he doesn't mind wrecking. They've been through the wars before. A little paint won't hurt them.

You knock his foot back. He smiles. 

There are no words exchanged, just an understanding; you and he are cut from the same cloth.

You pay attention to everyone else's shoes now. Are looking for other kindred spirits. Jimin's in Chelsea boots- black leather, a little tarnished, in need of a polish. 

Taehyung's in brogues for some reason, and you can't think of a worse shoe to have chosen for such an occasion. So many holes. So much to wreck.

Danbi, ever smart, ever stylish, is in a pair of white sneakers. She knows the game she's come to play. It's why she's in all white, too. 

Yoongi and Namjoon are both sporting Nikes, not too fussed about the evening ahead. 

And so it's just you and Jeongguk. You tap your feet against the floor and smile. "Stop copying me."

"I was here first, Byeol," he banters back, but is cut off by Yoongi declaring the need for you all to play a card game. It's one you don't think you've heard of, but make no objection. With the number of drinking games you've played over the last few years, you're almost certain you'll know it.

He deals cards and you quickly come to realise that you don't know the rules. Jeongguk tells you it's fine - "I'll help you out, c'mere." - and encourages you to show him your cards. He organises them; gets them in an order that will work for the game.

"Hey, I'm just as clueless!" Danbi pouts, and so Jimin grabs her cards to redistribute them. 

"We'll work as a team," he says, eyes flicking over to Taehyung, just to check how he feels about it. Danbi is oblivious, but you catch the way Taehyung raises his brows in Jimin's direction. There's a slight smirk on his lips. 

"Don't mind them," Jeongguk mumbles quietly, just for you to hear. "Jimin's just winding him up. Told Tae if he doesn't make a move that he will instead. Think he's just trying to encourage him. Making him be proactive, yanno?"

"He better bloody be," you muse, taking a sip on the drink Jeongguk had put in front of you when he started messing about with your cards. Tequila slammer. Fucking vile. Does get you fucked up, though.

"Jealous, are we, Byeol?" he smirks, swapping one of your cards with his. "Here, it'll help."

You don't dignify him with a response. It's a stupid thing to tease you about, because you know there's no way in hell Danbi would sleep with Jimin. While sharing is caring, sexual partners aren't something the pair of you have ever shared. Hasn't happened before, and won't happen in the future. It's an unspoken rule.

One that Jeongguk would do well to remember.

The evening carries on just as it began; light banter, drinks far too strong, and electromagnetic force somehow keeping you and Jeongguk attached at the hip. You're in the smoking area far more than you are on the dancefloor. You're not smoking, mind you, just talking nonsense. Making bets. Being stupid. 

"Have you read him yet?" You ask when Jeongguk finally presents you with Perry the paper pigeon.

He shakes his head. Bites his lip. "No. You can do the honours."

He watches your hands as you unfold the paper, but the soft laugh you produce draws his attention to your face. 

"Ask for someone's number," you read out, bemused at how shy Jeongguk apparently is.

He groans. "God, that's so embarrassing."

"Nooo," you laugh, drunk body swaying into his a little. He's giggling too, now. Can't seem to help it. "It's cute."

"So lame."

"Shut up," you beam. "It's a start! A good bloody place to start as well. Something easy."

Jeongguk vehemently disagrees. Tells you as such. Says, "imagine asking for a number and getting rejected over something so simple. Would be mortifying. A very valid fear."

"So you go for a girl you know is interested," you say. "Look, this is the best place for it. Remember how many girls find you on Instagram after they come here? It won't be any different now that you're out from behind the bar. If anything, you've got far more chances!"

He spends the next fifteen minutes moaning about it. You decide a drink is the only remedy to his whining.

You order four Purple Starfuckers from Yeonjun. Jeongguk is offended. Insists he can make them, despite the fact he is quite literally covered head to toe in paint. and has a permanent grin from just how tipsy he is. Yeonjun tells him no. Says the bar is off-limits. Jeongguk says he'll fire him, and Yeonjun just laughs in his face. 

"Alright. Bet you 10,000 you won't remember trying to fire me in the morning."

"Deal."

"Disco Ball, you're our witness," the blue-haired menace winks towards you. "Make sure he pays up."

"Aye, aye, captain," you wink back, and instantly regret the rogue pirate shtick because Jeongguk looks at you like you've got three heads. 

"The fuck?"

"What?"

"Captain," he snorts. "Captain."

"Oh, don't get jealous," you tease. "Is this because you want me to call you Daddy, again?"

This time, Yeonjun stops what he's doing. Looks at the pair of you with a slack jaw and wild eyes. Doesn't know what the fuck is going on between you, but knows he wants to watch every second of it unfold. 

When he serves you shots, he smirks. "Here you go. Captain," he nods in your direction, and then in Jeongguk's. "Daddy."

"Never call me that again," Jeongguk gags. 

"Sure thing, Daddio."

"Oh my God." 

Yeonjun walks away laughing to himself, all very amused. Will never stop calling Jeongguk Daddy now that he knows it'll get a rise out of him. Imagines you'll probably get a very different kind of rise out of him when you call him Daddy, but that's neither here nor there.

"I hate you for that," Jeongguk tells you, and you kind of believe him - but God, that broad smile of his is on full display, and the glitter on your skin is reflecting in his eyes like a clear nights sky. Impossible to feel anything remotely close to hatred around him, you think.

"It doesn't matter," you tell him, having noticed the girl behind the pair of you check him out at least three times since you've been at the bar. You kind of recognise her. Think you must have seen her before, whether it be on his follower's list or in the club. She seems like a safe bet. Interested.

"Girl behind you - look, quickly, but don't make it obvious -" Jeongguk turns around like a deer in headlights. "I said don't make it obvious! The girl with the high pony. She's been looking at you for a while now. I think she's into you."

Suddenly, Jeongguk feels very out of his depth. "Maybe we should go outside."

"Nope," you say so sternly that he feels like he's being told off at school. "Perry says you have to ask a girl for her number. Just a number. It's not a big deal. What's the worst that could happen?"

"She'll say no."

"Boo-hoo. Cry about it. It's two letters, Gguk. One word. It won't ruin your life. Here -" you pass him the final Purple Starfucker "- Down it. You've got this. If she says no, fuck her."

"If she says no to giving me her number, I don't think she'll want to fuck."

"Christ, not literally, Gguk." You spin his shoulders around. Give him a nudge. "Go. Do it."

He takes a breath. Psyches himself up. Swallows back the taste of his shot - which is a lot better than the tequila slammers he's been drinking all night - and catches her eye.

You retreat back a little bit, trying to make yourself look busy. Yeonjun watches on from the bar, even more confused than he was before. Were the two of you not just flirting? Are you not definitely boning? He could have sworn you were.

The DJ transitions into a shitty remix of an old Sean Paul song, and you wish you'd have kept Jeongguk around for a little longer to orchestrate a better soundtrack for him. None of the crowd cares how shitty it is though - cannons are launching buckets of neon paint onto revellers, covering every inch of the place in a technicolour haze. 

Your flannel shirt is in the backrooms, as is your bag. Danbi's handprints are on your tits, yours on her ass, but the rest of your shirt is just a haphazard mess of colour. There's no rhyme nor reason; just paint. So much fucking paint. It feels like you're back at work. 

A mirror runs along the back of the bar, and you use it to observe Jeongguk's adventure. You kind of feel like a proud parent as they begin to talk.

"Hey," the girl smiles. Jeongguk thinks she sounds sweet. A lot raspier than he expected. He quite likes that, though - although he can't really hear her all that well above the bass of the speakers. The way her lips curve thanks to his approach makes him feel a lot more secure in his endeavour. "You're normally behind the bar, right? I think I've seen you before."

"Oh," Jeongguk cringes, a little embarrassed. This is why he doesn't go for punters. He hates that there's never a clean slate. Always feels unfair. "Yeah, yeah. I manage the bar. I'm surprised you noticed."

"Well you do a very good job," she compliments, twirling a little hair from her ponytail with her index finger.

"I do?"

"I keep coming back," she shrugs. "So you must do. Could be something to do with how cute the bar manager is, though."

You watch on as he talks to her, bemused by the way his weight shifts from one foot to the other. Clearly nervous, you think it's wild that Jeongguk is so scared of rejection. He's a catch. Sure, his working hours are a bit unsociable, and maybe he doesn't have life figured out just yet, but you don't think he's too far off.

It'll take a little time for him to get where he wants to be in life, but he's actively working for it. He's studying, laying down foundations. Has a great social circle and is yet to present any qualities you think could be problematic for a healthy, enduring relationship. In a room of walking red flags, he's gleaming white.

"Who is she?" Yoongi asks with great intrigue as he comes to stand beside you.

"Not a clue."

"Does he know who she is?" He laughs. Knows that you and Jeongguk have only been hanging out for a little while, but can also read the dynamic between the pair of you fairly well. Knows that your opinion clearly matters to Jeongguk, and is trying to gauge your thoughts. 

"Hopefully he will do soon," you say with a warm smile. The girl is laughing at something Jeongukk has said, making his bashful gaze all the more endearing. "He's getting her number."

Yoongi chokes on his drink. "Holy shit."

It's been months since Jeongguk has even entertained the idea of another girl. Maybe even a year. Yoongi might not have known the ins and outs of his former fling, but he knows Jeongguk hasn't quite been the same since.

"Uh-huh."

"Is this Jeon Jeongguk finally back in the game?"

"Could be."

"Well, I never," Yoongi exhales. "You know how many times we've tried to get him back in the saddle?"

"You needed a woman's touch," you laugh, biting down on your lip slightly as you watch Jeongguk scratch at the back of his head. The girl is laughing, flirting, clearly. She rests her hand on his bicep, and Jeongguk seems all shy again. He looks up. Catches your gaze quickly. Doesn't let it linger, but finds himself thinking he should end the conversation and report back on everything that's happened - but when he looks back to you, he sees you engaged in conversation with Yoongi and decides against it.

"Clearly," Yoongi agrees. "I dunno what you've done to him, but he's finally acting like himself again."

"I'm just a good distraction," you shrug. 

You're right. You are. You make Jeongguk forget all about his inner turmoil, cause he's always worried about yours instead. He's thinking about it now, as the girl's hand lingers on his shirt. Trails down his arm. Reaches for his hand.

"Y'know, I've actually gotta get back to my friends," he says. He's snagged on thoughts about you. Nothing in particular. Just the fact that you exist. That you're there. That he's not hanging out with you, and he feels like he should be.

She nods. "Yeah, me too. Text me, yeah?"

He returns the nod, almost too eagerly. "I will. Have a good night, yeah?"

She pulls a little on his hand. Is aiming for a kiss she isn't gonna get.

But then Jeongguk feels your gaze on him again, and there's pressure to perform; to act as if he's doing well, as if he isn't absolutely shitting himself. He doesn't stop her when she leans in. Doesn't stop her when her palm rests on his chest. Doesn't stop her when her lips press against his. 

He wouldn't say he's encouraging it per say, but he definitely is letting it happen. He's not against it. In fact, he actually quite likes it.

"You're a miracle worker," Yoongi tells you. 

"Miracle workers deserve free drinks," you tease, because you're very much in need of one. 

"Right you are," he agrees, and turns to the bar. 

You let your eyes linger, watching Jeongguk as his awkward arm finally moves from the frigid position next to his body to the small of her back. Wonder if he tastes more like tequila or lemonade. Think it doesn't really matter. You don't like either.

"Stop staring, you perv," Yoongi calls back to you and tells you to choose your drink. Says it's on him, but you both know it's on Jeongguk's tab.

When he finally returns, there's a triumphant smile on his lips. Proud. And you have to admit, you feel a little pride, too. The Jeongguk you met a few months ago would have never kissed a stranger in a bar. 

The night rolls on without a hitch. 

Danbi and Taehyung leave first. Leave together. You don't think anything will happen - you know she's playing hardball - but it's an achievement nonetheless. Also proves that there was nothing to be concerned about when it came to Jimin, who also left around the same time with a random girl none of you knew. 

Yoongi ends up calling Seoyeon, gushing about how much he misses her and is in a taxi no more than five minutes later. Namjoon hops in for the ride, leaving you and Jeongguk to meander back to his place. 

By the time you arrive, the paint is dry on your skin; cracking. It's uncomfortable to say the least, and earned you some questionable looks when you ran into a takeaway to pick up some chips on the way back.

You blabber gibberish together like you so often do. You're both too tipsy for your own good. Jeongguk feels like he's been chewing on a ball of cotton wool. You immediately head for his fridge to retrieve a bottle of water. Just one. You'll share.

"She was pretty," you say softly, sitting on the floor of his kitchen. Side by side, you're watching the sun rise through his windows.

Jeongguk nods. Feels like he's being tested. Doesn't know the right answer, so he goes with the truth. "Yeah."

There's silence. Neither of you really want to discuss it. You're not sure why.

He steals one of your chips. Knocks his shoulder against yours. "The boys seem to like you."

"You think?"

He nods, and says, "you should meet Seoyeon, too. Next time we all do something, I'll let you know. She's always saying how we need more women around. I think you'd get along."

You smile. Yoongi is so easygoing that you're sure Seoyeon must be just as friendly. "I'd like that."

The silence resumes. There's a heaviness. It's probably just the alcohol, and it's probably nothing serious, but Jeongguk hates it. Things with you have only ever been light. Airy. Easy. It's not that it feels difficult now, just... different. Abnormal. Strange. 

"I-"

"Do-"

The jarring nature of your voices speaking over one another is unsettling. You bicker all the time. It's not unusual for you to fully disregard the words he speaks just to voice your own dumb point, and he often does just the same. There's no reason why either of you would stop talking now. 

You're holding back.

So is he. 

He takes another chip. Doesn't eat it. Throws it at you instead. 

"You little fucker," you laugh, and so does he. 

But then the silence settles again. Makes itself at home. Tucks itself into bed, says it going to stay for a little while.

"Byeol," Jeongguk eventually says, so quietly it's almost a whisper. His eyes are wise as he looks at the golden sun that rises on the horizon. 

"Hmm?"

"The longer the paint sits... the harder it will be to get out of our clothes."

"Mmm," you nod. "You're probably right."

"I am," he tells you. He knows he is. It's not his first rodeo, either. "We should..."

His words are weighted so heavily that they become lodged in his throat. He's drunk, and he knows he maybe shouldn't suggest what he's about to but he can't seem to help himself.

"We still have a bird to do."

You know what he's insinuating. Your first bird. The waterpark one. The one that was totally botched because it was more important to try than it was to be faithful to words written on paper.

"Gguk..."

He's not looking at you, just at the sunrise. "It's just a shower. Just to get the paint out. It's nothing like, deep. Doesn't mean anything."

You don't say anything. Truthfully, you think now is a really good time to do it. Things are so much easier when you're drunk.

"You kissed another girl tonight," you remind him.

He nods. "Mhmm."

"Do you not think that maybe it's a bad idea? A conflict of interest?"

He shrugs. "Think about it. Why did I kiss a girl tonight?"

"Because you wanted to?"

"Because I'm trying, Byeol. We made a commitment. Made those damn birds, and said we'd do them. You told me to get her number."

"Actually," you interrupt. "The bird did."

"Exactly. I did what the bird told me to do - but only after you encouraged me to do it, too."

"The bird never told you to kiss her. And the stakes are a little higher, here, no? Showering together surely is... I don't know. More?"

More of what, you couldn't say. Your tipsy brain isn't connecting all the dots. Nor is his. You both know it's a bad idea. You both also confusingly think it's a really good idea.

"No," he says, all rather plainly. "It's no different to the waterpark - it's just that maybe this time we'll need to wash our hair."

You consider the proposal. It's tempting. It really is. 

"Clothes on?" You ask.

"Yeah," he nods. "If you want."

"Y'know, for someone with a fear of rejection, you're pretty forward."

"I'm not scared of you," he laughs. "It's different."

And he really thinks it is. Thinks that it doesn't count. Thinks you're an exception, not the rule.

If you were sober, you'd tell him to fuck off.

But you're not sober.

And you're feeling a little irritated with the fact he's made progress and you haven't. Failure isn't something you enjoy, and being behind feels like failure to you.

So you stand. Kick your shoes off and pick them up. They'll need to go under the water, too. "Are you coming?"

For some reason, he's startled. Doesn't know what he was expecting. Maybe more refusal? Maybe he was looking for you to reinforce the boundaries already established by the pair of you.

But instead, you walk towards his bathroom. Start the shower up. Toss your shoes beneath the falling water, and call for him again. "Am I doing this alone, or what?"

You're standing by the basin by the time he approaches the door. He leans against the frame. Looks at you in a way you don't quite understand. You don't realise he took so long 'cause he had to sort his breathing out first - make sure he actually was still breathing. 

"You go first," you whisper so quietly he almost doesn't hear you above the torrent of water cascading down onto the tiled floor. 

He pauses before he reaches the water. "If you need to tap out, just say the word."

"What word?" You grin, as if anything like that has ever been discussed before. 

"Oh. Shit. I dunno," he smiles back. "Um... Chicken?"

"Chicken?"

"Chicken."

"Alright. Chicken it is."

You think it's fucking ridiculous, and you're right. It is. But it gets you both laughing. Has Jeongguk holding his hand out for you and pulling you into the water with him. Eases the weight on your shoulders as he rubs some of the now wet paint from your cheeks. 

"See, told you it'd be better to wash it off," he says a little triumphantly, his pretty teeth resting down on his bottom lip.

You reach up and reciprocate his kindness. "You're such a mess."

"So are you." 

Well and truly stained, your shirt is peach as the water runs through it. Jeongguk holds the shower head up and lets it run over your body, but there's nothing inherently intimate about it. Nothing sexual. It's platonic in potentially the weirdest way it could be - but most importantly, it feels safe. 

Again, you reciporcate. Let him take the lead. You can follow.

But then he catches you off guard.

"I'm gonna take my shirt off. There's paint underneath it I wanna get off."

The news is delivered so carefully that you almost think you're imagining it. Think that your tipsy brain has run wild - until he says, "okay?"

He waits for you to nod before he does it. 

Once you do, he grips the back of his neck, and pulls the shirt over his head. It falls to the ground with a thud. The water around it runs green. Your eyes are on the trail that seeps into the drain, and not him.

"Should I?" you ask quietly. "Should I take mine off?"

Jeongguk watches you closely. His heart thumps in his chest. He swallows. Studies your eyes; how they're refusing to look at his. Makes note of your shoulders and how they're slightly more curved than usual. You're cowering. Are a shadow of yourself. It really does seem like there's a deep-rooted fear, here. He feels guilty.

"If you want," he says. His voice is gentle. Temperate. Kind. "There's nothing to be scared of, Byeol. It's just me. Just us."

And you know he's right. The stakes are so low with him that it really feels like there's nothing to lose. What's the worst that could happen?

He'd see your body. That would be it. It wouldn't matter if he liked it or not. You're not seeking his approval. You know he wouldn't tell you his thoughts either way. Wouldn't comment on your appearance like that.

When you finally grace him with your gaze, he turns around; back to you, hands up like a white flag. You take in the sight of him; shoulders broad, the dip of his spine running like a river down his back. His efforts at the gym aren't for nothing.

You start to feel bad for evaluating him. It's all complimentary, but you shouldn't be looking at him like that. Not when you've just told yourself he wouldn't do the same to you.

"Tell me something," he says, not favouring the silence.

"Mhmm?"

"Why was this on your list?"

He hears your shirt slap against the floor of his bathroom, and then the soft pat of your feet on wet tiles as you turn around, too. It's only fair if his back is also turned. 

You're still in your fishnets, but you've only got a matching black underwear set on beneath them. Jeongguk's still wearing his trousers - until, pretty soon after your shirt is discarded, so are they.

Now it feels even. You're both are bare as one another.

"No reason."

Jeongguk knows you're lying. "I'll choose to believe you."

You smile. The way he speaks to you makes you want to tell him. Tell him everything. It's just stupid insecurities; nothing obscenely deep-rooted, you think. Chalk it up to a couple bad experiences. Underestimate just how severely Seokjin fucked with your head. 

"It's stupid," you whine.

"I highly doubt that."

And so you relent. "It's my fault, really. I... You ever just have like a gut feeling?"

"Sometimes."

"Had one of those, once. In the shower," your sentence comes out a little staggered. A little awkward. "Was with my ex and I just... His hair had smelt like candyfloss all week. Said it was a new shampoo."

Jeongguk thinks he knows where this is going. You pause. 

"Anyway, I did his hair," you continue a little flippantly. You're playing it off like it was no big deal. "He did mine. Yada yada yada, you know the rest. Realised later that evening that his shampoo was fucking mint scented. No sweetness, no nothing. So... yeah. The candyfloss scent..."

"Was someone else's shampoo?" Jeongguk guesses the end of your sentence, and is correct.

"He still denies it," you say. "I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Found myself in this god-awful cycle of insisting that we showered together - just so I knew he wasn't showering with someone else - only to end up crying halfway through it every single time. He was so fucking fed up with me by the end of it all. Told me I was fucked in the head. Said that if he did do the shit I'd accused him of, then it'd be my fault for driving him to it."

"Christ," Jeongguk hisses. He's heard some manipulative shit in his time, but that really fucking takes the biscuit.

You hum in agreement. Sound small when you say, "he smelt like candyfloss again the week before he ended things."

Jeongguk's at a loss for words. Wants to wrap you up in cotton wool. Can't believe someone would actually do that to you.

"Byeol?"

"Mhmm?" 

"Your ex-boyfriend's a prick."

"Yeah," you laugh, but it's cut short. There's a stutter in your diaphragm. You let out a deep breath. Hold back the pathetic tears you know are just dying to get out of your system. "Yeah, he was. Kind of my fault, though, isn't it? I'm the one who let him lie to me. Should have known better."

The fact you blame yourself is devastating to him.

"I'm gonna turn around," he says. "And I'm gonna give you a hug, okay?"

You nod, not that he can see it. Choke an "okay" out, and within a second, Jeongguk's arms are wrapped around you. He squeezes you tight, skin warm, heat beat firm beneath his ribs. Your back is to his chest, his head resting on yours. "He's such a fucking prick. It wasn't your fault, Byeol. Wasn't your fault at all."

He's never met your ex, but he decides there's no one in the world he despises more. Doesn't like violence; would definitely consider it for him.

You shrug. "Feels like it was."

"It wasn't. You didn't deserve that."

"Shit happens." 

He hates the way you deflect. Knows you'll never change, but dear lord, does he wish you'd realise that it's okay to struggle. 

There's a slight shift in your body, and he knows it means you're done with the hug. Been vulnerable for too long. Wanna get back to the 'normal' version of you.

You're still covered in paint, so Jeongguk tells you as such. You apologise for being such a mess - emotionally and physically. 

"S'cool. We both are, Byeol."

He leaves you to get washed up alone. Thinks you could do with a little privacy, and it means he can get his room sorted before your arrival into it. 

There's a scowl on his face as he organises the pillows. Can't believe how manipulative your ex had been. How dare he make you think you were imagining things, when it was evident he'd been straying. How dare he make you feel like that.

Jeongguk's no saint. He's done his fair share of fucked up things, but never anything like that. It infuriates him. Makes him want to fucking cry - partially out of frustration, but mainly because of how badly it had affected you.

He thinks of the night before you'd made the birds, and wishes you'd have just gone out with Danbi and Hoseok instead of seeing your ex.

You take your time in the shower. Are sad to wash off the feeling of Jeongguk's embrace, but know that you have to. You'd get too consumed by it otherwise. 

He leaves you a spare shirt outside the bathroom door, and tells you to come through to his room when you're ready. Jimin is still out, presumably asleep in some other girl's bed, so Jeongguk doesn't care too much for sneaking you around - not that he has to. You're just friends.

He takes the floor. Doesn't give himself half as many pillows as he gave you the last time. Still leaves his special pillows for you, though. 

"Uh-uh," you shake your head as you come into his room to find him already curled up in the pillow pile. "On your bed. I'm on the floor."

He shakes his head right back, defiant. "Too sleepy to argue. Go to bed, Byeol."

You're about to fight back. About to quite physically move him up onto his bed - but the soft sound of paper against pillows distracts you. 

"Shit."

Jeongguk sits up. "What is it- Oh. Shit."

You both just stare for a moment. Freeze, like you're in some kind of low-budget action movie. Look at his bed, then look at one another.

Another bird has fallen.

And as Jeongguk assesses from how bloody wonky it is, it's definitely one of yours.

AO3 | MASTERLIST | NEXT

[infamous-light]

Captured Part VI

Dark! Wandanat x Villain/Mutant! F! Reader

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3 Ch. 4 Ch. 5

AO3: Captured

Summary: You and your mutant friends have been in hiding due to the havoc you all wreaked over the past few years. One day, you all decided to make your presence known and rob one of the largest federal reserve banks in the U.S.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for you.

Word count: 2.4K

Warnings: Allusion to non-con (it's not explicit), mind manipulation, kidnapping

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the broken windows of an abandoned rowhouse, you slouched in an old armchair, its once plush fabric now tattered and worn. Your fingers idly traced the frayed edges as you listened to the murmurs of your friends surrounding you.

To your left, Caleb paced back and forth, his footsteps echoing in the empty space. He ran a hand through his hair, the strands standing on end with static. Wes leaned against the back wall, idly flipping a switchblade open and closed.

Aria sat cross-legged on the floor nearby, her fingers flying across the keys of her laptop, the screen casting a faint glow on her face. Ellie stood by one of the windows, peering out into the darkening neighborhood, her expression unreadable.

“We need a lot of cash, and we need it fast,” Caleb muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. “We've got debts to some dangerous people, and you know they're not the patient type.”

Wes nodded solemnly. “We could always hit up another drug stash.”

Ellie shook her head. “We've hit up every dealer in Baltimore already. We need something bigger. Something that can last us long term.”

“True. I guess we can't keep relying on small-time gigs.” Wes added, his brow furrowing in contemplation.

The air grew heavy with desperation as everyone racked their brains for a solution. And then, like a beacon of hope in the darkness, Caleb's suggestion cut through the silence.

“What about the Federal Reserve Bank in New York?” He said, his voice tinged with excitement.

Your heart skipped a beat as the weight of his proposal sank in. The Federal Reserve Bank. One of the most heavily guarded institutions in New York City.

Your eyebrows rose as you glanced at Caleb. “The Fed? Seriously?”

“Yeah, think about it,” Ellie chimed in. “All that money just sitting there, waiting for someone to take it.”

“Hold on just a moment,” Aria interjected. “The federal reserve doesn’t actually hold cash.”

A collective sigh rippled through the group, and Caleb threw his hands in the air in frustration.

“Well, there goes my idea.” He grumbled.

Aria held up a hand, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. “But it does hold something far better. Gold bars. Thousands of them.”

That revelation sparked a renewed fervor among everyone.

“We'd just need a solid plan,” you said cautiously, trying to sound practical despite the excitement building inside of you. “If we manage to pull this off, we have to leave the country as soon as possible. We'll need to lay low for a couple of years again. Is that a risk we're all willing to take?”

The weight of your words hung heavy in the stale air of the building. But the lure of the heist, the promise of freedom and wealth, overshadowed any doubts.

“What places are you thinking of?” Wes asked.

“Well, we could stay in Belarus or Slovakia for a start and then go from there.” You replied, giving him a half shrug.

Aria nodded thoughtfully; her expression serious as she considered the logistics. “Yeah, those countries could work. We'd need a safe house, somewhere off the grid.”

You leaned back into the armchair, its worn upholstery creaking beneath you, and gave your friends a grin.

“So, let's hear it then. How do you propose we pull off the heist of the century?”

***

You stirred from your slumber, feeling the gentle sway of someone shaking your shoulder. Slowly, you blinked your eyes open to see Wanda leaning over you with a smile. She was wearing a flowing sundress, the fabric rustling around her as she shifted on her feet.

“Wake up, darling.” Wanda whispered, her voice a soothing melody that pulled you from the depths of sleep.

Groggily, you stretched and yawned. As your senses came back to life, you realized you had dozed off on the couch, the television playing an ad in the background. Wanda leaned in a little closer, her warm breath brushing against your cheek.

“It's almost dinner time,” she said. “Are you hungry? Would you like us to fix you something to eat?”

You nodded mechanically, more out of habit than genuine hunger. Your gaze drifted past Wanda's shoulder to the clock on the wall. Its hands moved steadily, showing the time to be 4:50 PM.

With a small sigh, you realized how much of the day has already slipped by unnoticed.

“I think I'll go take a shower.” You murmured.

The words were heavy on your tongue as you pushed yourself up from the couch. Wanda nodded understandingly, her expression warm and patient as she gave you space to gather yourself.

“Of course, take your time.” Her gaze lingered on you for a moment before she straightened up.

Your eyes shifted across the living room, and you noticed that Natasha sat at a nearby table, engrossed in her laptop. The sight of Natasha on her laptop triggered a sharp pain in your skull, and suddenly, the image of Aria sitting in front of her own laptop in your dream came rushing back to you.

For a moment, you found yourself frozen in place.

You stood there, lost in the whirlwind of your thoughts. Natasha's gaze lifted from her laptop; her expression inscrutable as she met your eyes.

She broke the silence, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of restraint. “Do you need something?”

You hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

“Uh-no, I'm just feeling pretty tired.”  You replied, your voice slightly hoarse.

“Alright.” Natasha said plainly.

She returned her attention to the screen, seemingly unperturbed by the exchange.

Feeling Wanda's light touch on your left shoulder, you looked up to meet her gaze, only to find her giving you a strange look.

“Are you okay?” she asked softly, her voice laced with genuine worry. “You seem... distant.”

You tried to muster a reassuring smile, but it felt forced on your lips.

“I'm okay. I think I stood up too quickly.”

Wanda studied you for a moment longer, her expression unreadable, before nodding slowly.

“Alright,” she said, her tone gentle yet firm. “Go take a shower. It might help you feel more awake.”

You offered her a grateful nod before leaving the room, the weight of uncertainty still heavy on your mind.

With each step toward the bedroom, the remnants of the dream clung stubbornly to your mind, like tendrils of fog refusing to dissipate. The hallway stretched out before you and you soon reached the center where it split into two. You found yourself at a crossroads, both figuratively and literally.

You glanced down the hallway to the right, where the dim light revealed a series of closed doors leading to other rooms. You didn't have the chance to wander down it last time. Your mind flickered with the idea of discovering more about your surroundings, searching for potential escape exits or hidden passages.

As you looked back toward the living room door, you caught the sound of Wanda and Natasha talking, their voices mingling as they discussed what you all should have for dinner.

No.

There wouldn’t be enough time to do what you needed to do. With a heavy sigh, you pushed aside the urge to snoop around and instead made your way to the bedroom.

As you entered, your eyes drifted toward the only window in the bedroom. Memories of examining the window in the storage room flickered briefly in your thoughts. You approached the window, your hand hovering over it. You placed your palm flat against the cool surface, feeling the smoothness of the glass beneath your touch. But as you did, a sense of disappointment built up within you.

It was made of the same tempered glass as the storage window. Despite the discouragement, you wouldn’t give up. You turned away from the windowsill and stepped into the bathroom, intent on taking a refreshing shower to help clear your mind.

***

You sat at the dinner table, your fork clinking against the plate as you absentmindedly pushed the food around. Wanda was to your right, her expression content as she delicately picked at her own meal. Natasha sat across from you, her gaze fixed on her plate.

Despite the palpable atmosphere, Wanda remained unfazed, engaging you in conversation as if everything was normal.

“Are you enjoying your meal, honey?” Wanda asked, her voice warm and inviting.

You glanced at Natasha, catching her eye for a moment before turning your attention back to Wanda.

“Yeah, it's great.” You said, attempting to sound cheerful.

Wanda's smile faltered for a brief moment, a hint of doubt flickering in her eyes before she smoothed it away with practiced ease. You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, wishing for this tension between you and Natasha to end sooner rather than later.

As dinner came to an end, you started to stand, ready to help with the cleanup, but Wanda stopped you with a gentle touch on your arm. “There’s no need to worry about that. Why don't you pick out something for us to watch while we take care of this?”

You hesitated for a moment, but you nodded, grateful for Wanda's gesture to get you out of this situation.

“Sure.”

You headed to the living room, leaving Wanda and Natasha to clean up the remnants of dinner.

Once you entered the living room, you noticed that the couch lacked its usual array of cozy blankets. It seemed oddly bare without them. With a mental note to grab some from the nearby closet, you reached for the remote and scrolled through the options on one of the streaming services.

You paused, your finger hovering over the OK button as you debated between a classic comedy or a gripping thriller. Eventually, you settled on ALF, hoping its humor would help lighten the mood.

With the TV show playing in the background, you made your way over to the closet and opened the door. The hinges creaked as the door swung open, revealing a bunch of blankets and throws neatly folded on the shelves.

You reached in, your fingers grazing the soft fabric as you searched for just the right one to bring back to the couch. You selected a blanket large enough to cover you all, its warmth already promising to chase away the chill that seemed to permeate the room.

Closing the closet door, you sighed, ready to get the night over with. But just as you were about to turn around, the TV suddenly turned off, casting the room into unexpected darkness. Startled, you froze, the blankets slipping from your grasp.

Heart pounding, you slowly turned the rest of the way, your eyes widening as you caught sight of Natasha standing by the couch. You could see the faint outline of her features, illuminated by the glow of the hallway light filtering through the partially closed door.

“Natasha,” your voice trembled slightly, surprised by her sudden appearance. “Is everything okay?”

Natasha's piercing gaze was fixed on you, her eyes burning with a mixture of anger and wounded pride. A cold chill swept through the room, raising the hairs on the back of your neck. With a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, you realized that whatever was happening was far from over.

Without a word, she advanced toward you. You took a step back, your heart hammering against your ribcage.

“You think you can just deny me?” Natasha's voice cut through the silence like a knife, her tone dripping with venomous contempt.

Before you could respond, Natasha closed the distance between you two in an instant, her hand shooting out to grab your arm in a vice-like grip. The suddenness of it all caught you off guard, and you couldn't help but wince as a jolt of pain shot through your forearm. Her grip was like iron, the force of it leaving bruises to already bloom beneath her fingertips.

“Please, Natasha, stop! You’re hurting me!” You cried out, trying to wrench your arm free from her grasp.

Natasha's grip only tightened, her nails digging into your skin with cruel determination.

With a swift motion, she shoved you backward, sending you stumbling against the couch with a startled gasp. Adrenaline coursed through your veins as you braced yourself for another attack. Instead, Natasha loomed over you, her expression twisted into a mask of rage and frustration.

“Why are you being so difficult?” Natasha demanded as she folded her arms across her chest. Her eyes pierced into yours with an intensity that made you squirm internally.

You wanted to resist her control, to break free from this terrible situation. But on the other hand, there was a nagging fear low in your gut, a fear of what she was capable of if you dared to defy her.

“I-I'm just nervous.” You forced out, the lie tasting bitter on your tongue. Your palms felt clammy, and you resisted the urge to fidget under her scrutiny.

“I can tell.” Natasha retorted, her tone dry and devoid of sympathy.

“It’s just-I’m not used to doing this kind of thing.” You confessed, the admission leaving you feeling exposed and vulnerable.

“Well, you'll get used to it.” Natasha said as she stepped closer. Her hand reached out, fingers tracing a path along your jawline. You shivered under her touch.

“You need to relax,” she murmured, her voice low and husky. “You'll enjoy it, I promise.”

A surge of nausea churned in your stomach, bile rising in your throat at the implication of her words. The thought of succumbing to Natasha's desires against your will filled you with a deep, primal dread.

Natasha’s movements were deliberate as she moved to straddle your hips, pinning your body against the couch. Every inch of your body screamed at you to fight back, to push her away, but you forced yourself to remain still. Her lips then curled into a predatory smirk, her eyes alight with desire.

Natasha leaned in, her breath hot against your ear. “You can't stay nervous forever.” She whispered.

Her hands roamed your body with possessive urgency, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Your skin crawled beneath her fingertips, and you fought the urge to recoil. Tears began to well up in your eyes as Natasha's lips brushed against your pulse point.

A wave of revulsion crashed over you, accompanied by a sickening sense of resignation. The line between desire and coercion blurred, leaving you trapped in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape.

[dragonagecompanions]

Companions reaction to the Inquisitor asking them to be their Maid of Honor/Best Man at their wedding? (Cassandra should've been at the wedding with Sera and my Inquisitor tbh)

(Setting this post Trespasser for continuity.)

Cassandra: The air is filled, immediately and impossibly, with hearts. So few of Cassandra's friends are free to promise themselves to a spouse, and so over the years the Seeker had relinquished that childhood dream to oblivion. But now there is such joy among her dearest friends, and no matter how long or short the engagement and planning Cassandra will be there for everything they need.

And on the day will cry more than anyone else. Everyone will be threatened into forgetting this about her.

Solas:

Varric: Now this is the happy ending to a story he can get behind. Promise an open bar and he is in.

For all of his bluster and faked nonchalance, Kirkwall's viscount is deeply touched. Over the course of this inquisition he has made friends to rival the ones in Kirkwall, and the fact that those sentiments are returned enough to merit such an invitation mean the world. Immediately he takes over logistics, and no matter if there is limited time to plan the wedding goes off without a hitch.

His speech is legendary. People cry. He's putting it in his next book.

Blackwall: It's ridiculous. It's a common request, from a friend, to stand up with them at their wedding. After all this time it shouldn't even be a surprise. But the question brings him to his proverbial knees. For so long, even after everyone knew the truth, Thom Rainier had assumed himself to be unlovable. Tolerated in a time of war for what he brought to the table, but not worthy of true regard.

This is a gift the finally unlocks those chains. He might not know much about weddings, but no matter what they need their would be warden does his best. Like Cassandra, he openly weeps at the ceremony.

Sera: Nothin' like love to make a wedding a party! This may be the one time Sera tones down the pranks, too focused on making sure both the little and big people are happy. Dorian is heavily consulted on clothing, and Skyhold's resident Jenny might even submit to a haircut.

The bakers in Thedas weep for her designs. They are perfect. Might go into the cake business, if cookies don't hold out.

Whole thing goes off without a hitch. Well, except for the actual hitch. That goes perfect.

Vivienne: Darling she is thrilled. No matter their venue or plans Madame de Fer is quick to make sure they have the best. Appointments open, caterers are suddenly free, and her tailors are on hand to make sure that everyone in the wedding party looks their best.

There is some distant sorrow later, watching the couple dance the first of the rest of their lives together, but not for all the gold in the world would she have traded her life with Bastien. That was more than enough for one heart-- it is no trial to be happy for her friends.

Dorian: No matter his travel plans or the demands of the magisterium, the moment they ask Dorian is firmly rooted in place. These people have welcomed him like no other, and to be honored with such a role is...he will not cry in public. It is unseemly for a magister.

Instead he make sure everything he touches is made perfect for them and all problems directed his way. Let them relish in the bliss of their engagement-- he will fight the florists until they realize Minrathous roses are the only way to go. And on the day, he sits patiently with both spouses until their cosmetics are perfect. But that time is also spent in quiet friendship, a moment of peace before their special moment.

Later he will refuse to ruin his own foundation with tears in public, and be quietly smug that his knock down brawl with the sommelier resulted in the best vintages at table.

The Iron Bull: There are flowers everywhere. From the moment he is asked Operation: Wedding is a full go for the Chargers. Marriage is unknown under the Qun, and so in true Ben-Hassrath form Bull takes it upon himself to learn exactly what this role will entail.

Three crashed marriages and a lot of cursing later....well, the venue is perfect, Rocky has invented a confetti cannon, and Krem has earned his place at the Maker's side for turning out a formal coat that will fit his shoulders in record time.

He cries at the ceremony. Few guests are brave enough to comment.

Cole: "Stand as a witness, the best man even if you aren't a man. Be there to celebrate, always a good friend and I want him at my side. I want that too!"

Any guest with ill intent conveniently forget the wedding date and location. One of the florists ties a bow on his hat. People cry, but the tears don't hurt. Its confusing, but he's happy to be there.

Turns out cake is something enjoyed on both sides of the veil.

[moonlightspencie]

rewatched the update video, read some posts from both people who like and dislike the update, and just finished charlie’s (mo1stcr1tikal) video about watcher. here are my complete thoughts:

Video Execution

i appreciate that they seem to have consulted with a PR person, or at the very least really sat down and thought through their approach with the video.

they didn’t try to boo-hoo themselves.

they used a lot of positive “you language” for the fans (which i very much appreciate as a media and communication person myself)

they took accountability for their mistakes, and actually uttered the word “sorry”. low bar, i know, but many apology videos still somehow slip under the bar.

they very clearly put the focus on ryan and shane in the video. it sucks a bit that they probably felt they had to since much of that was probably due to the negative comments directed at steven, but it WAS a smart move. fans feel most betrayed by the two the majority connect with the most.

it. wasn’t. overproduced. (again, low bar, but it is what it is).

overall thoughts on execution? it was smart. they look uncomfortable, and whether that’s intentional or their true feelings, regardless of why they look so uncomfy, it makes it easier to watch. they don’t look pissed or smug. they look embarrassed. which, in an apology video, is a good thing. sorry to say

The Solution

i think they came up with the best alternative they could after royally fucking up with the majority of their fans.

the patreon solution… mixed feelings. i understand they don’t want to just go forward with one or the other: the patreon or the streamer. however, as ive seen some patrons say, it doesn’t make all that much sense to have both logistically. i think it’s only set up this way because they can’t go back entirely on watcher.tv now. good on them for giving a bit of a fix with the codes being sent to patrons.

i was still lost on how they weren’t “advertiser friendly”, and that’s where charlie’s video came in to affirm my suspicions. go watch his video for more information, but long story short: watcher is a GOLD MINE for advertisers. huge and loyal audience, engaging ads that make the viewer want to watch the ad, and an ever-growing channel.

on the back of the last point: how on earth were they struggling with money to begin with? it simply doesn’t make any sense. they had so many revenue streams & again, DO get sponsors and appear to be incredibly brand-friendly.

trust is still lost with most fans, and that will be hard as hell to regain. the ex-buzzfeed three-guys-on-a-couch model didn’t even work when the try guys were fucked over by their friend and brand trust was lost a little bit. and this loss of brand trust is fully on all three dudes on the couch this time

overall thoughts on the solution? it’s good for what they can do now that they obviously cannot just fully backtrack. that would arguably be a worse idea than the original idea for the streaming service itself. i think this would have worked much better and they would have retained integrity if they had done this from the beginning, and/or had a slow rollout instead of jumpscaring us like that. ghost files is supposed to spook us, not surprise paywalls.

Final Thoughts

a ton of trust was lost. the parasocial relationship that specifically shane and ryan fans had with them, that was the REASON for so much of the loyalty, is fractured, and for many it will never be the same as it was. i understand their fuck up when it came to the announcement was likely just them needing more self-awareness and a professional to guide them through it, but i still question how it got to that point where they felt like their fans would enjoy this to begin with. not to mention, again, how were they not making enough? why not try other options first?

i hope sincerely that watcher truly learns from this. that they remember their business isn’t about money or ambition (in a positive or negative way), but is built on the backs of their fans’ loyalty. without that fan loyalty, buzzfeed unsolved would have been the only thing we knew ryan and shane for. we wouldn’t have followed them to a new channel if we didn’t care about them and their work to certain degree.

it was a good apology video. genuinely. i’m glad they didn’t jump into it with a bandaid solution. i just wish they had the foresight to know their fans well enough to understand that there is NO way this would be well received by the majority. and there’s no going back on that now, obviously. what’s past is past. i hope moving forward that they gain a little self-awareness and that they gain some FAN-awareness. until/unless they start working on television and movies, they have to keep their fans happy. we are the consumer, not the employee, and it feels like they started somehow blurring those lines with the original video they posted. it felt like one of the corporate ‘training’ videos for my job when we start using a new system.

fans are important in online spaces, particularly. we provide free advertising for our favorite bloggers/youtubers/etc., and willingly give up money to support them through various streams (in watcher’s case: patreon, merch, live shows). you cannot exist as a creator online and think that you don’t need to keep your fans happy when it is your source of income. it’s simply how being a successful internet personality works, for better or worse.

good job to the watcher boys on how they went about the apology/fix. i hope things go better from here on out.

[ghoulsbeard]

tagged by @jiubilant and @everybodyknows-everybodydies to share a few lines from pieces and some comments alongside... challenging... thank you both kindly for the tag :]

passing it to @ghostwise @vakarians-babe @isayashai @ervona @nuwanders @mxssrelay @favoriteblogonthecitadel @tiny-banana-time @arcann @lavampira @nulfaga & anyone who’s interested feel free… @ me if you like ! :)

I pulled some from wips & hope that’s OK

line that made you laugh

enjoy the idea that borgakh has a taste of the infamous black briar brew & is unimpressed.. all this scheming and your mead isnt even good

(it’s “watery and overpriced” in the current draft but idr where i have that version)

line that makes you sad

oblivion wip.. there are probably sadder scenes afoot but this one was hard to write down.. :(

line that you’re proud of

wanted a line that walked the church with her and i think this one got pretty close

line you think could’ve been done better

dont know where i put it but there was some line in a rabbit trail doc of an mfx draft from when id convinced myself the endgame of 3 involved someone plummeting to their death… nice idea but the logistics are a nightmare

line that makes you want to punch a character

he gets worse than this unfortunately i didnt have the heart to dig for something nastier but farwil cannot ever catch a break

line that makes you go “awww”

wee short im working over with ms druzarath if i can get baurus’ voice somewhat right

was playing a little while ago and kept thinking how young they both are

line that contains an easter egg

this is a canonical tavern!!! its real and ZITHER! played there… conceived it as a ye olde gay hookups dive bar with baffling architecture👇

line that’s shocking

this was hard… nothing ive penned down really qualifies (at least nothing that’s readable).. like this isnt shocking at all to me but i put it here bc im hoping the whole scene will be gross and a little disturbing when the next draft is done

line you want to talk about more

I THINK.. steeples my fingers…. the armor that vivienne brings to the winter palace is twofold. some of it is cleverly made so it looks like a part of her formal outfit (accessories boots etc) and for the rest (esp the breastplate, which is worn beneath her dress) she wears it the entire time and has a well woven illusion in place.

i also think she has little glowing gold wisps of ambient magic that follow her around... 1) these keep her battle-ready, in case of an assassin or any other unexpected twist and 2) she is always in perfect dreamy lighting <3

the dress she’s wearing is this floofy sleeveless ball gown with a dozen or more sheer skirts layered over top of each other and a looser (to accommodate for the armor beneath) yet fitted bodice that’s embroidered with celestial and floral patterns in subtle gold thread ... cream at first glance but within the skirts are shades of very pale gold and sky blue and even a little warm rose and when the layers move against each other as she walks or dances, the colors subtly change… its most noticeable when she twirls on the dance floor… but the iron bull was carrying the gauntlets around for her <3

[yakourinka]

emperor's thrilling saga:

years ago emperor had a squirrel-hamster thing (called a musbeast) for a pet that he loved dearly.

after it passed away he got into the habit of getting melancholy drunk and listening to blues around the time it died. texas seems to be the only penguin logistics member aware of this, probably because texas is the only person in there who would approach anything with some solemnity.

emperor is not afraid of "that biznatch" wei yenwu. in fact, I personally think that wei yenwu should be afraid of him, given that emperor seems to be an unkillable penguin, which is scary.

emperor makes penguin logistics employees work overtime and endorses it as "fun." notably, his bar is gaudily decorated in gold.

finally, emperor adopts another musbeast - "mini-man" - and the two drop bars to sickest beats together. I think emperor bonded with this one particularly because it chewed on his limited edition record, which shows that the critter has good taste in music.

[randomthefox]

I was curious about what you mean when you say that there’s no such thing as chaos energy.

I thought chaos energy was short hand for the power given off by the chaos emeralds, master emerald and any other part of the Sonic world that doesn’t seem to conform to natural laws. I thought it’s what Knuckles can sense so that he can locate the chaos emeralds and master emerald. I thought it’s what Shadow and Sonic are controlling when they say “chaos control”. What is Knuckles sensing and Sonic and Shadow controlling if not chaos energy?

I hope I’m not coming off as accusatory. I just find it difficult for my rationalist brain to not try and connect the dots and fill in the gaps.

"Chaos Energy" as a term is never used in the series. It is a completely fan created term (or Archie created I guess). The Chaos Emeralds (and Master Emerald) do have AN energy, which the characters ARE able to detect via various methods either inherent like Knuckles or technological like machines created by Tails or Eggman. But nobody every says the words "chaos energy" in that order as a proper noun.

Referring to the power given off by the Chaos Emeralds as "chaos energy" for the sake of conversational convenience isn't, like, a huge deal or anything. My problem with it is that term is used in other contexts which are very much just fanon inventions that are not appropriate when discussing the logistics of the canon narrative of the franchise. People will say stuff like "Sonic is more attuned to Chaos Energy" to "explain" why Super Sonic turns gold but Super Amy doesn't, or say that "Shadow is imbued with Chaos Energy" to "explain" why he has abilities like Chaos Spear or is naturally adept as Chaos Control. That's the problem I have with it.

People use it to basically transpose this idea of a magic system into Sonic, giving everyone a hypothetical blue mana bar that is based on how much "chaos energy" they have, expend, or are intoned with.

"Shadow has 20 Chaos Energy points. Shadow used Chaos Spear. Shadow now has 15 Chaos Energy points."

it's dumb, I hate it x3 it's just not a THING in the series.

I didn't wanna be a dick or anything that's why I just left it as a nitpick in the tags, because otherwise I very much appreciated the post. "Chaos Energy" as a term just has a lot of baggage in my opinion, and since it is not an official term that is ever used by any character or paratextual sources anywhere in the series I personally feel that it shouldn't be used. Even though I know that's just being petty and objectively there's nothing wrong with referring to Knuckles being able to sense the Emeralds radiation/presence/ect as "energy," it's just one of those things where I fear giving an inch lest people take a mile.

[chosetherose]

Oscar de la Renta. Versace. Alberta Ferretti. Roberto Cavalli. Elie Saab. Christian Louboutin. Zuhair Murad. Ashish. The list of the designers who have made looks for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which began just over a month ago in Arizona and ends in California in August before heading overseas, is like a mini-tour of fashion weeks, replete with sparkles, chiffon and a message tee.

The resulting dress-up extravaganza has been greeted, not surprisingly, with heart-thumping enthusiasm. So many clothes! So much glitter! So fun! There are pages of stories online breathlessly documenting “Every Outfit Taylor Swift Has Worn on Her Eras World Tour” (as Elle Australia put it). And new styles keep emerging, enabling new coverage. As if sheer wardrobe abundance is an achievement unto itself.

It’s possible it is. The logistics alone are daunting: How do you change that much, and that fast, while in the middle of a performance?

Certainly it has raised the bar for the artists who are touring next, as we enter the Summer of the Diva: Madonna, who is embarking on a retrospective tour (just imagine the looks that one could involve), and Beyoncé, who set the bar sky-high in August when she dropped a teaser of sorts via the “I’m That Girl” trailer, which involved at least seven looks compressed into a few minutes, from cyborg goddess to cowboy dominatrix to killer Audrey Hepburn.

But it’s also possible to see in all these Swiftian clothes, all the wardrobe switcheroos, something else. It’s possible that they are, actually, not just a tour down memory lane but a more pointed piece of meta-commentary on the expectation that female pop stars unveil new versions of themselves for our viewing pleasure, one-upping their old image with new wardrobes ad infinitum. And a message that Ms. Swift is, perhaps, calling time on the whole thing.

The promise of reinvention is a core American value: the belief that everyone has the right to a fresh start, that you are limited only by your imagination and abilities. It’s intrinsically linked to the promise of fashion, which likewise dangles the lure of a new you; of allowing you to try on different selves until you settle into one that feels right.

Yet it is also its own kind of prison, as Ms. Swift, who has made a habit of embedding meaning into her wardrobe choices, said in her 2020 documentary, “Miss Americana.”

“The female artists that I know of have reinvented themselves 20 times more than the male artists,” she says in a voice-over toward the end of the film, as various versions of her public personas flash by: teenage Taylor, with her gold ringlets, sparkly blue eye shadow and princess dresses; “1989” Taylor, with her ironed bob and glittery bodysuits; “Reputation” angry Taylor, with snakes crawling up her limbs.

This is necessary, Ms. Swift continues, because otherwise “you’re out of a job.”

At the time she was talking about her newfound political voice as well as her new album, “Lover” (now three albums and at least two Taylors ago: the earth nymph Taylor of “Folklore” and “Evermore,” and the dreamer Taylor of “Midnights”). But in many ways, what she meant is laid bare (so to speak) in her Eras Tour.

Each musical era revisited in the show had — and has — its own look, all 10 or so of them. To watch her go through them in succession is to see not just fabulous clothes worn with purpose, but also the hamster wheel of constant reinvention that has been the model for contemporary female pop stars since Madonna set the tone in the 1980s.

It’s particularly stark in comparison with another musical act now touring to similar response and acclaim: Bruce Springsteen. Mr. Springsteen is 73, and his style hasn’t changed much in 50 years. He’s still in beat-up jeans and a denim shirt, bracelets around his wrist, boots on his feet.

To be fair, there are male rock stars who have made a game out of reinvention: most notably David Bowie but also, to a certain extent, Harry Styles (though he generally dons one statement outfit per night). And there are women — Lucinda Williams, Patti Smith — who bucked the trend.

But it is also true, said Kathy Iandoli, an adjunct professor at the New York University Steinhardt School and the author of “God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop,” that the pressure to dress up and change up falls exponentially on women. “1,000 percent,” Ms. Iandoli said. “There’s a level of costuming that comes with being a female pop star, a way for labels to market creativity. And if you are known as an evolutionary artist you are always held to the standard of ‘what’s the next version of you?’”

Ms. Swift has turned that pressure to her own ends as cannily as anyone. Her makeovers, which coincide with her sonic evolutions, are not the same as the makeover imposed on the main character in the Lady Gaga version of “A Star Is Born,” in which studio bigwigs force their latest discovery into Creamsicle hair, new outfits and new dance moves — a ginned-up version of herself she rejects after her husband’s death.

By contrast, Ms. Swift (with her stylist Joseph Cassell Falconer) has been her own wardrobe mistress, and her fans, many of whom show up dressed as their favorite Taylor, can relate.

But even Gaga, a master of the fashion-music makeover, seemingly rebelled against the imperative at this year’s Oscars when, rather than change into yet another showstopping gown for her performance, she subverted all expectations by donning ripped jeans and a black T-shirt and scrubbing her face bare, as if to say to the watching world: enough.

Fernando Garcia, a creative director of Oscar de la Renta, which made a lavender faux-fur coat with matching crystal-embroidered T-shirt dress and a midnight-blue, crystal-embroidered jumpsuit for the current tour, said that working with Ms. Swift on Eras felt “very much like a full circle moment.” If so, perhaps it’s also a sign that another era is coming to an end.

At one point in the Eras show, when Ms. Swift is singing “Look What You Made Me Do,” all of the old Taylors are embodied by different backup dancers in different outfits in different little glass boxes — all those mini-mes of the past, trapped in their own limited spaces, in their old wardrobes, only to finally break free.

As fashion metaphors go, it’s hard to miss.

[ticktockstuck]

June Update

Big updates today! It’s taken a bit more time than I originally planned but I’m happy to report some of the changes I’ve been working on the last few weeks are now live!

That delay was due mostly to...well...I found out the fun way that user-made Tumblr pages have a maximum character limit for their HTML text of 500,000 characters (and that includes spaces and HTML tags) and I had to take like a week looking over everything to make sure it’d actually fit within those constraints.

New Aspect Page

GOOD NEWS: Our new-and-improved aspect catalog is live! Barring some eventual trimming and slight editing it should even be able to fit within the 500K character limit well into the future. BAD NEWS: Our new aspect catalog is up in only a partial state, because I didn’t want to have to make y’all wait forever for me to be done revising all the old text (it’d be Autumn by the time I’d be done if I did that).

I do intend to eventually get all of the original information back into the new page, just in the form of regular updates instead of pushing it all out at once (and for the preservationists out there, I’ve got the original text safe and sound in case I ever need it). My expectation with that is adding 2 aspects a month, possibly more depending on available time. I’ll be focusing on getting the aspects we already had in there back in there, after which I’ll be getting to work on filling the rest of the catalog out.

In the meantime, you’ll just have to pardon the dust and filler blocks.

Extended Zodiac

GOOD NEWS: Our Zodiac sideblog is now updated with the aspects of Craft and One, including the Omnisearch! BAD NEWS: The Omnisearch was too big for Tumblr, and I’ve had to split the main page into four smaller pages.

Trying to update the Omnisearch in preparation for the upcoming set of signs is how I actually found out about Tumblr’s page character limit in the first place. For those who weren’t around when the sideblog started, the Omnisearch used to exist as thirteen pages (one for each caste grouping) and I eventually compiled the whole thing into one page for convenience’s sake. It’s very disappointing that I have to split it up again but thankfully I’ve done the logistics to minimize the damage, and we should be able to get every single other sign updated into the system with just four pages (and if we can’t that’s not going to be a problem for a LONG time).

The Omnisearch link on the main page for the TTSEZ still works, it just brings you to the first of the four pages (rusts, bronzes, and golds) and you use the links in the header bar to move between the others.

Future Plans

For the immediate future my schedule is going to be looking a little hectic and I may need to put TTS work on the backburner. I still plan to get aspects updated, but the main focus for the next couple weeks is going to be getting the TTS Extended Zodiac back up and running (at whatever pace ends up working out the best).

For the Zodiac, I’m still working on building up a sizeable buffer so I won’t have to stress over uploads once the TTSEZ goes live again. That said, it’ll start posting again next month and, with luck, should be able to keep posting through the end of the year.

This hectic part of my schedule should hopefully wrap up by the time we get to August, and I’ll be able to give more concrete plans for the future at that point.

[finalrespite]

Today's progress: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze

Series progress: 15/15

Total Frontline wins: 75

I hit series level 15 but I was hellsbent on getting this milestone win in the same night (my sub's also about to lapse and I'm on the fence about renewing it straight-away). Unfortunately it also had to be Seal Rock. It was miserable, but it finally happened.

Now I have the logistics node and also I can rest from PvP for a while (barring any short stints if I want the /linkpearl for further alts before 6.4). The Safeguard System doesn't seem so far away either.

[sliebman10]

Find the Word Tag - The Chain Continues

I was tagged to do this by @udaberriwrites... and we all know the drill by now! Look for 5 words in WIPs or published stories and show us your work!

My words: Gold, glass, jump, nervous, call

I'm sticking with an open tag, since I don’t want anyone to feel pressured.

Your words: heat, leave, smart, purple, stripe

Gold: Architect’s Anonymous

He hadn’t been sure what he would do when he saw Remus again, but this result was better than he could have asked for. There was no place he’d rather be on this Rosh Hashanah morning than here, in this flat, with this gorgeous, golden man asleep in his arms, with his hair tickling Sirius’s nose.

Glass:  Lawless

Black was behind the bar with Potter, wiping down glasses when Lupin strode in, flanked by Pettigrew and Longbottom. Black handed Potter the rag and slowly sauntered out from behind the bar.

"You brought muscle?" Black said, amused.

Lupin crossed his arms. "And what do you call them?" He nodded toward Potter and the twins.

"This is my joint. They work here."

Jump: (I used ‘bounced’) Let There be Light

Teddy bounced on the balls of his feet and Remus put a hand on his shoulder, reminding him to be calm. “Teddy, you can’t do that near the candles,” Harry said. Teddy looked up at Harry and his body stilled.

Sirius lit the match and they all said the three blessings together as the light filled their kitchen. He reached around the boys’ backs and found Remus’s hand, which he threaded his fingers through for a quiet moment.

Nervous: Logistics

“Hi.” Remus said, a little surprised. He had been nervous to leave Sirius, but he wasn’t expecting this. “Next time, I’m coming along disillusioned.” Sirius said. “I don’t like being left alone.” “That’s ok. I don’t like leaving you alone.” Remus said, leaning his forehead against Sirius’s for a beat. “Did you get what we needed?” Sirius wanted to know. “I did.” Remus put the bag he was carrying down on the ground and took out his wand. He waved it and the tent they’d been using sprang up into midair and rolled itself up. The sleeping bags did the same. Then he took out the new tent and did the same spell.

Call: The Really Unexpected Task

“I only knew Moody during the war. It seems that he’s changed.” Sirius mused.

“Well…he’d always been a bit paranoid.” Remus said, “but it’s gotten worse in the last few years.”

Sirius nodded thoughtfully. “I feel like…I need to talk to Harry. Like face to face. I want to know what’s going on. How can I…” he trailed off.

“We can find somewhere for you to Floo call…” Remus said, thoughtfully.

“It’s not like I can just walk in anywhere and use a fireplace.”

[shubham0399]

Sustainable Sourcing and Ethical Practices at Vintage Bullion DMCC

In a world where global markets are constantly evolving, metals remain the backbone of industries ranging from finance and electronics to construction and transportation. At Vintage Bullion DMCC, we specialize in trading a wide range of precious and base metals, catering to a diverse client base spanning across the globe. Our deep understanding of the metals markets, combined with our global reach, positions us as a leader in this space.

In this blog, we will explore the strategic advantages of trading precious and base metals with Vintage Bullion DMCC, including our approach to physical and non-physical trading, the role of our global network, and how we stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

A Trusted Name in Precious Metals Trading

A Robust Physical Metals Trade Network

Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum have been symbols of wealth for centuries, and they continue to hold their value as reliable stores of wealth in today’s uncertain economic environment. At Vintage Bullion DMCC, we trade both LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) and non-LBMA grade bars, ensuring that our customers have access to a broad spectrum of high-quality options.

We pride ourselves on our extensive network of local and international partners, which enables us to source and deliver these metals to a wide variety of markets. Our established relationships with globally recognized refineries and trading institutions ensure that we are always able to meet the needs of our clients, no matter where they are located.

Global Logistics and Loco Delivery

One of the key differentiators for Vintage Bullion DMCC is our ability to provide seamless loco deliveries across the world. Thanks to our collaborations with leading secure transportation and logistical agencies, we can guarantee efficient and secure delivery of physical metals to most major cities globally.

Dubai, where we are strategically headquartered, acts as a significant hub for the global precious metals trade. Its proximity to Asia, Africa, and Europe allows us to serve clients with ease, shortening delivery times and ensuring that transactions happen smoothly. The city’s infrastructure, coupled with its regulatory framework for metals trading, positions Dubai as one of the top players in the global metals market, and Vintage Bullion DMCC is a key participant in this ecosystem.

Hedging and Non-Physical Trading Services

While physical trading forms the cornerstone of our business, non-physical trading plays an equally important role in our operations. We understand the dynamic nature of metals markets and how fluctuations in prices can impact investments. To help our clients mitigate risk, we offer advanced hedging services through our non-physical trading desk.

Hedging and Managing Currency Exposure

At Vintage Bullion DMCC, our non-physical trading desk serves as a tool to hedge the risks associated with the volatility in metals prices. Through this platform, our clients can manage their exposure to various risks, including currency fluctuations, which can greatly impact international transactions.

We are proud members of the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX), which allows us to offer clients access to one of the world’s largest gold and commodities futures exchanges. In addition, our participation in other international markets, including the COMEX and OTC markets, ensures that our clients have access to a range of contracts and financial instruments to diversify their portfolios and manage risk effectively.

Strong Financial Partnerships

Trading metals on a global scale requires more than just market knowledge and a strong product offering—it requires robust financial support. At Vintage Bullion DMCC, we maintain close relationships with leading local and international banks, both commercial and investment banks. These partnerships are critical in facilitating our trade finance and currency trading requirements, enabling us to offer a comprehensive range of financial services to our clients.

From providing liquidity for large trades to offering specialized trade finance solutions, our banking partnerships help us meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring that their trading operations are always well-supported.

Base Metals: The Industrial Powerhouses

While precious metals may grab the headlines, base metals like copper, zinc, lead, and nickel are the driving forces behind many of the world’s most important industries. These metals are crucial for sectors such as construction, electronics, and manufacturing, and as emerging markets continue to develop, the demand for these base metals is only expected to grow.

Our Base Metals Trading Operations

At Vintage Bullion DMCC, we source and supply base metals across Asia and Europe, focusing on key markets where demand is highest. All of our base metals products are LME (London Metal Exchange) grade, ensuring that clients receive only the highest quality materials.

The physical trade of these base metals is conducted through LME-approved warehouses, a testament to our commitment to quality and compliance with global standards. Whether clients need copper for electrical wiring or zinc for galvanization, Vintage Bullion DMCC has the resources and infrastructure to meet those needs efficiently and reliably.

Why Location Matters: Dubai’s Strategic Role

One of the key reasons behind our success at Vintage Bullion DMCC is our strategic location in Dubai. The city has emerged as a leading hub for global trade, and its infrastructure is particularly conducive to metals trading. Dubai’s geographical location, positioned between the East and West, offers unparalleled access to major markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. As a result, Vintage Bullion DMCC is able to serve clients on both sides of the globe, providing metals solutions to an expansive range of industries.

Moreover, Dubai’s regulatory framework for commodities trading, including metals, has made it one of the most trusted places to conduct business. The presence of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), under which we are licensed, ensures a transparent, well-regulated trading environment that instills confidence in both local and international clients.

LME Certification and Quality Assurance

When it comes to trading metals, particularly base metals, quality is of utmost importance. The LME certification serves as a stamp of approval, ensuring that metals meet the highest global standards. At Vintage Bullion DMCC, we are committed to dealing only in LME-certified base metals, allowing our clients to trade with confidence, knowing they are receiving products of the highest quality.

This adherence to LME standards extends beyond the products themselves. We also follow strict compliance procedures to ensure that all of our operations meet international regulations and ethical standards. This approach not only protects our clients but also enhances our reputation as a responsible and reliable trading partner.

The Future of Metals Trading at Vintage Bullion DMCC

The global metals market is constantly evolving, shaped by economic trends, technological advancements, and geopolitical factors. At Vintage Bullion DMCC, we are always looking ahead, identifying new opportunities and challenges in the market. Our team of experts continuously analyzes market trends and adapts our strategies to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry.

In addition, we are committed to exploring sustainable and ethical sourcing options for the metals we trade. As environmental concerns take center stage on the global agenda, we recognize the importance of responsible sourcing and are dedicated to ensuring that our products are obtained in an ethical and sustainable manner.

Conclusion

At Vintage Bullion DMCC, our mission is to provide clients with a comprehensive suite of metals trading services that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Whether you're looking to invest in gold, secure base metals for industrial use, or hedge against market fluctuations, we have the expertise, resources, and global reach to meet your needs.

With a robust network of international partners, a strategic location in Dubai, and strong relationships with major financial institutions, we are uniquely positioned to offer a seamless trading experience to clients across the world. Our commitment to excellence and our forward-looking approach ensure that Vintage Bullion DMCC remains a leader in the global metals market for years to come.

For more information on how we can assist you in achieving your trading goals, please contact our team today.

[biowearth1]

The Journey of Upcycled Ingredients in Modern Nutrition

In a world increasingly conscious of sustainability and environmental impact, the concept of upcycling has found a prominent place, especially in the realm of nutrition. Upcycling, in the context of food, refers to the process of transforming by-products or otherwise discarded elements of food production into new, high-quality ingredients. This innovative approach not only contributes to reducing waste but also unlocks a new frontier in nutritional options.

The Rise of Upcycled Foods

The journey of upcycled ingredients began as a response to the alarming rates of food waste globally. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. This awareness has sparked a movement among consumers, producers, and nutritionists to find sustainable solutions, giving rise to the concept of upcycling food.

From Waste to Wellness

Upcycled ingredients turn what would be waste into nutritional gold. These can range from fruit peels rich in antioxidants to spent grains from brewing that are high in fiber and protein. The beauty of upcycling lies in its dual impact: reducing environmental waste while contributing to health and nutrition.

Examples of Upcycled Nutrition

Spent Grains: Breweries often discard grains post the brewing process. These grains are rich in fiber and protein, making them a perfect ingredient for energy bars, bread, and even cereals.

Fruit Pomace: The pulp left after juicing fruits is usually rich in fiber and nutrients. This pomace can be used in snack bars, smoothies, or as natural sweeteners.

Vegetable Scraps: Often, parts of vegetables that are not used in cooking, like stems or leaves, are packed with nutrients. These can be transformed into vegetable powders used in soups, sauces, or as a seasoning.

Nutritional and Environmental Benefits

The nutritional value of upcycled ingredients is often comparable to, or even higher than, their non-upcycled counterparts. Moreover, by utilizing these otherwise discarded elements, we significantly reduce our environmental footprint, contributing to a more sustainable food ecosystem.

The Market and Consumer Response

The market for upcycled foods has seen a significant rise, driven by both environmental consciousness and a growing interest in novel, nutritious food products. Consumers are increasingly seeking out these products, recognizing the value they hold in promoting both personal health and environmental sustainability.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the upcycling movement is growing, it faces challenges in terms of logistics, public awareness, and regulatory frameworks. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and development, both in technology and in market strategies.

The Future of Food Upcycling

The future of upcycled ingredients in nutrition looks promising. As technology advances and awareness grows, the possibilities for what can be upcycled expand, opening doors to a variety of new, sustainable, and nutritious food products.

Conclusion

The journey of upcycled ingredients in modern nutrition is a testament to innovation and sustainability working hand in hand. This approach not only addresses the critical issue of food waste but also enhances our nutritional choices, making it a pivotal movement in the journey towards a more sustainable and healthy future. As we continue to explore the potential of upcycling, we pave the way for a food system that is as nourishing as it is conscientious.

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Case Studies: Brands That Deliver the Perfect Ecommerce Experience

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the ecommerce industry is more competitive than ever. To stand out, brands must offer not just good products, but an exceptional ecommerce experience. This involves seamless navigation, personalized customer service, quick delivery, and easy returns. Here, we explore case studies of brands that have excelled in providing the perfect ecommerce experience.

1. Amazon: The Gold Standard of Ecommerce

Amazon is often the first name that comes to mind when thinking about the perfect ecommerce experience. Their success is built on a foundation of user-friendly website design, comprehensive product listings, and unparalleled logistics. Amazon Prime, which offers fast, free shipping and exclusive content, has set a high bar for customer expectations. The company’s recommendation algorithms also provide a highly personalized shopping experience, boosting customer satisfaction and repeat business.

2. Warby Parker: Revolutionizing the Eyewear Industry

Warby Parker has redefined how people buy eyeglasses online. They offer a Home Try-On program that allows customers to select five frames to test out at home for free. This innovative approach has eliminated the hesitation often associated with buying glasses online. Warby Parker’s website is also designed with simplicity and elegance, ensuring a seamless browsing and purchasing process. Their commitment to customer service, including free shipping and returns, further enhances their ecommerce experience.

3. Zappos: Customer Service Excellence

Zappos has built its brand around exceptional customer service. Their ecommerce experience is defined by a user-friendly website, a vast selection of shoes and apparel, and a 365-day return policy. Zappos’ customer service team is available 24/7, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed. This commitment to customer satisfaction has resulted in a loyal customer base and strong word-of-mouth referrals.

4. ASOS: Fashion-forward Ecommerce

ASOS is a leading online fashion retailer that offers a diverse range of clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Their website is optimized for a seamless shopping experience, with detailed product descriptions, high-quality images, and customer reviews. ASOS also excels in international shipping, making it easy for customers around the world to access their products. Their user-friendly app and efficient return policy further contribute to their reputation for delivering the perfect ecommerce experience.

5. Glossier: Building a Community

Glossier has mastered the art of creating a strong community around its brand. Their ecommerce experience is highly interactive, with a focus on user-generated content and social proof. Glossier’s website is visually appealing and easy to navigate, with detailed product information and tutorials. They also offer a seamless checkout process and excellent customer service, ensuring that every interaction is positive.

6. Nike: Leveraging Technology for a Personalized Experience

Nike’s ecommerce platform is a prime example of how technology can enhance the shopping experience. Their website and app offer personalized product recommendations based on user preferences and browsing history. Nike also uses augmented reality (AR) to allow customers to see how products will look in real life, reducing the likelihood of returns. Their loyalty program, NikePlus, offers exclusive deals and early access to new products, further enhancing customer satisfaction.

Conclusion: ShopperBuild and the Perfect Ecommerce Experience

These case studies illustrate that delivering the perfect ecommerce experience requires a combination of user-friendly design, personalized service, and efficient logistics. Brands that excel in these areas are able to build strong customer loyalty and drive repeat business.

At ShopperBuild, we understand the importance of creating an exceptional ecommerce experience. Our platform is designed to help brands optimize their online presence, streamline their operations, and exceed customer expectations. By leveraging the insights from these successful brands, ShopperBuild aims to help businesses deliver the perfect ecommerce experience.