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B2B Marketing Unleashed: Pioneering Growth in the Corporate Landscape
Introduction
In the dynamic landscape of modern commerce, B2B marketing services have emerged as the guiding light for businesses seeking sustainable growth and success. The realm of business-to-business (B2B) interactions is vastly different from traditional consumer-centric marketing strategies. It requires a distinct approach that addresses the unique needs, challenges, and dynamics of businesses operating within intricate webs of interdependencies. In this blog, we delve into the world of B2B marketing services, uncovering the strategies that power them and their profound impact on business growth.
Understanding B2B Marketing Services:
B2B marketing services encompass a range of strategies and activities designed to connect, engage, and convert businesses. Unlike business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing, which targets individual consumers, B2B marketing focuses on nurturing relationships between businesses as clients and providers. These services involve intricate processes that span lead generation, relationship building, and brand positioning within the B2B ecosystem.
1. Lead Generation and Nurturing:
At the heart of B2B marketing services lies lead generation. Generating qualified leads is the first step toward establishing a strong client base. Through targeted campaigns, businesses identify potential clients who exhibit genuine interest in their products or services. This process often involves strategies like content marketing, email marketing, and social media outreach. However, B2B lead generation doesn't stop at acquisition; it also includes nurturing leads through personalized communication and providing valuable insights, aiming to guide them through the buyer's journey.
2. Content Strategy for Thought Leadership:
Content marketing is a pivotal component of B2B marketing services. High-quality content serves multiple purposes, such as showcasing expertise, building credibility, and addressing the pain points of prospective clients. B2B businesses can leverage blogs, whitepapers, webinars, and case studies to position themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. This not only attracts potential clients but also establishes trust and authority, making the conversion process smoother.
3. Account-Based Marketing (ABM):
Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is a personalized approach that tailors marketing efforts to individual target accounts. This strategy involves in-depth research to understand the unique challenges and goals of a specific business, allowing for the creation of highly personalized content and interactions. ABM focuses on building lasting relationships by addressing the specific needs of each target account, thus increasing the likelihood of conversion and long-term collaboration.
4. Relationship Building:
In the B2B realm, relationships are paramount. B2B marketing services emphasize the development and nurturing of strong client relationships. This involves continuous engagement through personalized communication, regular updates, and even face-to-face interactions. Effective relationship building transforms clients into partners, leading to repeat business, referrals, and mutual growth.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making:
B2B marketing services rely heavily on data-driven insights. Analyzing data allows businesses to understand the effectiveness of their strategies, identify pain points in the buyer's journey, and optimize their campaigns for better results. Through tools like analytics platforms and CRM systems, B2B marketers can measure key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust their approaches accordingly.
6. Multi-Channel Engagement:
B2B marketing services leverage various channels to engage potential clients. These channels include not only digital platforms like social media, email, and search engines but also offline channels such as networking events, industry conferences, and trade shows. A cohesive multi-channel approach ensures that businesses meet clients where they are, creating a more seamless and impactful experience.
lets connect for more insight: Â https://ventesb2b.com/contact-2/
The Impact on Business Growth:
The adoption of B2B marketing services can have a transformative effect on business growth. By tailoring strategies to the unique needs of B2B interactions, companies can experience a host of benefits:
Enhanced Visibility: Effective B2B marketing services elevate a company's visibility within its industry, positioning it as a reliable solution provider and attracting the attention of potential clients.
Increased Lead Quality: The focus on targeted lead generation and nurturing leads to higher quality prospects, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
Long-Term Partnerships: Relationship-focused strategies foster long-term partnerships, resulting in repeat business, upsells, and referrals.
Thought Leadership: Thought leadership content establishes a company's authority, boosting credibility and attracting clients seeking expertise and solutions.
Personalization: Personalized approaches like ABM create a deeper connection with clients, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.
Data-Driven Optimization: Data analysis allows for continuous improvement, optimizing strategies for better results over time.
Conclusion
 B2B marketing services are a crucial element in the growth journey of modern businesses. By embracing strategies that cater to the distinct dynamics of B2B interactions, companies can forge meaningful relationships, showcase expertise, and drive sustained growth. As industries continue to evolve, the power of B2B marketing services will remain a steadfast beacon guiding businesses toward success in the complex landscape of B2B commerce.
Aniket Deshpanade
Sr.Digital Marketink Associate
www.ventesb2b.com/ New York, USA
#Revolutionizing#Business Growth#B2BMarketingServices#Unveiling#Power#Transformation#Enterprises#Strategies#Lead Generation#Relationship Building#Content Strategy#Thought Leadership#Account-Based Marketing#Data Driven#Multi-Channel Engagement#Success#Modern Commerce#Connections#Conversion#Personalization#Innovation#Industry Evolution#Sustainability#Business Expansion#ventesb2b.com
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Mastering Lead Follow-Up: Nurturing Online Marketing Campaign Leads for Business Success
Crafting Connections: The Blueprint for Expert Lead Follow-Up In the dynamic realm of online marketing, generating leads is just the initial step. The true power lies in the follow-upâthe art of turning potential prospects into devoted customers. In todayâs competitive landscape, where attention spans are short and choices are vast, mastering the skill of lead nurturing is indispensable forâŚ

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#automated follow-up sequences#building lasting customer relationships#business growth through lead follow-up#educational content delivery#effective lead nurturing tactics#expert lead engagement techniques#lead conversion methods#lead follow-up strategies#leveraging social proof#multi-channel engagement#nurturing potential customers#online marketing leads#persistent yet respectful communication#personalized communication#segmentation techniques
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Im wishing you luck in the coming weeks with all the nocturne bullshit
you as well, fellow gamesfan warrior.
#ill be okay i only engage in cv fandom via my server that all hates nfcv#the show talk is all condemned to a hidden channel that i have muted. multi-layer protection spell
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The Shift in Consumer Engagement Strategies
The way consumers engage with brands has undergone significant evolution. Gone are the days when a simple television ad would captivate an audienceâs attention. Nowadays, consumers prefer personalized, interactive, and engaging experiences that resonate with their lifestyles and values. For example, consider how often you browse social media for product recommendations or reviews before making a purchase. This shift highlights a few key trends in consumer engagement: Desire for Authenticity:Â Consumers are drawn to brands that show genuine personality and transparency. Preference for Instant Gratification:Â With the rise of e-commerce, immediate access to products has become a standard expectation. Community Engagement:Â Many consumers seek a sense of belonging by engaging with brands and other customers online. The importance of relationship-building instead of mere transactions cannot be overstated. By using interactive strategies, brands can meet consumers where they are and cater to their evolving preferences.
#Adaptive Marketing#Agile Marketing#AI and automation#authenticity#broadcast advertising#community engagement#consumer behavior#consumer engagement#Data Insights#digital age#direct mail#instant gratification#mobile shopping#multi-channel marketing#personalization#personalization strategies#print advertising#technology impact#telemarketing#Traditional marketing#two-way communication
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#Customer Communication Management#CCM Solutions#Digital Communication#Customer Experience#Multi-Channel Communication#Customer Engagement
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Explore the benefits of multi-channel marketing campaigns to expand reach, enhance engagement, and improve customer insights. Learn how to integrate different channels, maintain consistent messaging, and track performance for better results. Contact Koobr today to elevate your marketing efforts and drive growth.
#multi-channel marketing#expanded reach#customer engagement#marketing strategy#consistent branding#cross-promoting content#marketing automation#personalised messaging#tracking performance#Koobr#digital marketing#integrated marketing#customer insights#conversion rates#marketing goals
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Integrating Print Marketing with Digital Campaigns for Music Promotion
In today's digitally-driven world, music marketing is often synonymous with social media posts, streaming platform placements, and email newsletters. However, the tactile and visual impact of print marketing should not be overlooked. By integrating print marketing with digital campaigns, musicians can create a multi-faceted promotional strategy that reaches audiences in diverse and engaging ways. This article explores how combining print marketing with digital efforts can enhance a music marketing campaign and highlights the benefits of using flyers, posters, and mailers alongside social media and email campaigns.
The Power of Print in a Digital World
Print marketing possesses a tangible quality that digital media often lacks. The physical presence of a well-designed poster or flyer can leave a lasting impression, making the message more memorable. This physicality can be particularly impactful in the music industry, where visuals and aesthetics play a crucial role in an artist's brand.
Flyers and Posters
Local Visibility: Flyers and posters are perfect for promoting local gigs, festivals, or album releases. Placing them in strategic locations like cafes, record stores, and community centers can capture the attention of potential fans who frequent these spots.
Artwork Showcase: High-quality prints can showcase album artwork or concert photography, adding an artistic element that resonates with fans. This not only promotes the event but also strengthens the artist's visual brand.
Mailers and Postcards
Direct Engagement: Sending mailers or postcards can create a personal touch. A beautifully designed postcard announcing a new album or tour can make fans feel valued and directly connected to the artist.
Targeted Reach: Mailing lists can be segmented based on fan demographics, ensuring that the right people receive relevant information. This targeted approach can lead to higher engagement rates compared to broader digital campaigns.
Combining Print with Digital Strategies
Integrating print marketing with digital efforts can amplify a music marketing campaign's reach and effectiveness. Here are some ways to create a cohesive strategy:
Consistent Branding
Ensure that print materials align with digital branding. Use the same color schemes, fonts, and imagery across all platforms. Consistency reinforces brand identity and makes the campaign easily recognizable.
QR Codes and Short URLs
Incorporate QR codes or short URLs on print materials to bridge the gap between offline and online. These codes can direct fans to exclusive online content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, ticket purchase pages, or streaming platforms.
Social Media Integration
Use print marketing to drive social media engagement. For example, include social media handles and hashtags on posters and flyers, encouraging fans to share their experiences online. This can create a buzz around the campaign and expand its reach.
Email Campaigns
Enhance email marketing efforts by including digital versions of print materials. Attach a PDF of a concert poster in an email newsletter, or use high-quality images of flyers to capture attention. Additionally, use email to announce the arrival of physical mailers, building anticipation.
Benefits of an Integrated Approach
Combining print and digital marketing offers several advantages that can elevate a music promotion campaign:
Broader Audience Reach
Different segments of the audience may prefer different types of media. While some fans are highly active on social media, others may be more responsive to physical mail or posters. Using both mediums ensures that the campaign reaches a wider audience.
Enhanced Engagement
Print materials can create a sense of exclusivity and value. Limited edition posters or personalized postcards can make fans feel special, fostering a deeper connection with the artist.
Increased Memorability
The physical presence of print media can make a lasting impression. A striking poster or a well-designed flyer can be kept as a memento, serving as a constant reminder of the artist and their music.
Multi-Channel Synergy
An integrated approach allows for cross-promotion between print and digital channels. Each medium can amplify the other, creating a cohesive and powerful marketing strategy.
Conclusion
In the competitive world of music marketing, standing out requires creativity and a multi-channel approach. Integrating print marketing with digital campaigns can enhance visibility, engagement, and memorability. By leveraging the strengths of both print and digital media, musicians can create a comprehensive promotional strategy that resonates with fans and drives success. So, donât just stick to the screenâembrace the power of print to take your music marketing to the next level.
Have you been spending all your money and time on making music and shooting videos, but still not getting any exposure? Tired of just spinning your wheels? You know to get exposure you need to get featured on blogs, radio stations, playlist, and get your music e-mail blasted out to the masses. Need help getting all that done? Then check out the Package weâve made available for you below!
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#trapLA#music marketing#print marketing#digital campaigns#flyers#posters#mailers#social media#email campaigns#local gigs#festivals#album releases#branding#QR codes#short URLs#social media engagement#email newsletters#audience reach#fan engagement#promotional strategy#cross-promotion#multi-channel marketing#music promotion#artist branding#concert promotion#exclusive content#physical media#digital media#marketing synergy#memorable marketing
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Choosing The Right Marketing Mix: Digital & Traditional Strategy
In todayâs fast-paced digital age, businesses must choose between traditional marketing methods and digital strategies. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the decision-making process more complex than ever before. In this blog, weâll delve into the intricacies of traditional marketing versus digital marketing, helping you understand which strategy might be the best fit for your business.
Traditional marketing relies on methods that have been around for a long time and are widely recognized and trusted. Imagine flipping through a magazine and seeing eye-catching ads, or driving down the highway and noticing a huge billboard that grabs your attention. These offline strategies have stood the test of time because they feel real and dependable. They give people something tangible to see and experience, which goes a long way in building trust and making a lasting impression.
In the ever-changing world we live in, digital marketing has become a major force. It revolves around using algorithms and data to reach people online. Businesses leverage social media, optimize their websites to appear in search results, and run targeted ads to engage specific audiences. Digital marketing offers precision and speed, allowing businesses to track the performance of their campaigns in real-time. This dynamic approach enables companies to adapt quickly and effectively to market trends and consumer behaviors.
The best way to market a business today is to use both traditional and digital methods together. Digital marketing reaches lots of people and shows clear results. By combining both approaches, companies can create strong plans that work everywhere and easily adapt to changes. This mix helps reach more people and stay effective in a fast-changing world.
Digital Marketing:â
Digital marketing is crucial for businesses because it helps them connect with customers online. Through tools like social media marketing & SEO companies can reach people where they spend a lot of time: on the Internet. Digital marketing lets companies advertise specific targeted audiences, track how well their ads are doing, and engage with customers directly. Itâs an essential way for businesses to stay competitive and grow in todayâs digital world. With digital marketing, companies can choose exactly who they want to talk to. Now everyone is active in the internet online world so we can promote our products and services digitally.
Also, digital marketing enables businesses to leverage various content formats such as blogs, videos, infographics, and podcasts to engage with their audience in more interactive and compelling ways. This diverse range of content allows companies to cater to different preferences and consumption habits, ensuring that their message resonates with a broader audience.
The Timeless Approach of Digital Marketing
Precision Targeting: Digital marketing excels in its ability to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors with precision. Platforms like social media and Google Ads enable businesses to tailor their messages to highly segmented audiences, maximizing the efficiency of their marketing efforts.
Measurable Results: Using digital promotion for products and services can bring excellent outcomes. With digital marketing, marketers can keep an eye on important numbers in real time. This helps them quickly adjust and improve campaigns for better results. Digital platforms are flexible, allowing businesses to adapt fast to market changes and what customers prefer. By using digital marketingâs flexibility and responsiveness, companies can keep up with trends and make their marketing efforts better over time, leading to growth and success.
Interactivity and Engagement: Digital platforms have transformed marketing, enabling direct communication between brands and consumers. SEO enhances online visibility through optimized content and interactive elements like polls and quizzes. Social media engages with live streams and Q&A sessions, Google Ads targets traffic with interactive formats and remarketing. Integrating SEO, social media, and Google Ads amplifies their impact, creating meaningful interactions and driving brand growth.
Global Reach: In the world of marketing, which is often limited to specific regions, digital marketing has the potential to reach an international audience. Through online platforms and social media channels, businesses can connect with customers around the world, expanding their market reach exponentially.
Cost-Effectiveness: Digital marketing campaigns often offer a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to traditional methods, especially for startups, entrepreneurs & enterprises with limited budgets. With tools like advertising & digital marketing, businesses can reach large audiences at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising channels.
Instant Feedback:Â Digital marketing allows businesses to gather immediate feedback from customers through comments, reviews, and social media interactions. This real-time feedback loop provides valuable insights into consumer preferences and allows businesses to adapt their marketing strategies accordingly.
Traditional Marketing:
Traditional marketing encompasses all the conventional methods of advertising and promotion that existed before the digital revolution. This includes print advertisements in newspapers and magazines, billboards, television and radio commercials, direct mail, and more. While traditional marketing techniques have been the cornerstone of advertising for decades, the rise of digital marketing has forced businesses to reassess their effectiveness in todayâs landscape.
The Timeless Approach of Traditional Marketing:
Tangible Presence: Traditional marketing offers a physical presence that digital channels canât replicate. Whether itâs a billboard on a busy highway or a well-designed brochure handed out at an event, traditional marketing materials provide a tangible connection with the audience.
Trust and Authority: A brand in a respected publication or on the radio can build trust and authority with consumers. Mixing Digital methods like graphic design, video ads, and print media with traditional marketing creates a well-rounded strategy. This not only grabs attention but also nurtures lasting trust and loyalty from customers.
Reaching Offline Audiences:Â Traditional marketing helps businesses reach these audiences, ensuring they connect with a wide range of potential customers. Even with the rise of digital marketing, some people still prefer offline methods. Long-standing businesses trust traditional marketing, while younger ones favor digital but still resort to traditional methods when needed.
Local Targeting:Â Traditional marketing methods like flyers, pamphlets, newspaper ads, and local radio spots are particularly effective for targeting specific geographic areas. Local businesses can use these methods to build a strong community presence and attract nearby customers effectively.
Brand Visibility:Â Traditional marketing channels such as billboards (Hoarding) and signage offer continuous visibility to passersby, helping to reinforce brand awareness over time. When it comes to choosing between indoor and outdoor marketing, think about what youâre offering and who youâre targeting. Both indoor and outdoor marketing help in business but it depends on your products and services.
Personal Touch:Â Face-to-face interactions at trade shows, events, and brand promotions not only create memorable experiences but also help trust and loyalty in a way that surpasses the digital realm. Moreover, the positive word-of-mouth generated from these interactions amplifies a brandâs credibility and extends its influence even further, solidifying its position in the market.
The Power of Integration:
Consistent Brand Experience:Â By integrating digital and traditional marketing efforts, businesses can ensure a consistent brand experience across all channels. This cohesive approach reinforces brand messaging and strengthens brand recall among consumers.
Expanded Reach: Combining digital and traditional channels enables businesses to reach a broader audience than they could with either approach alone. This multi-channel approach ensures that no potential customer goes unnoticed, maximizing the impact of marketing efforts.
Adaptability and Flexibility: In todayâs rapidly evolving landscape, businesses need to be agile in their marketing strategies. By leveraging both digital and traditional channels, businesses can adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences more effectively, staying ahead of the curve.
Cross-Promotion Opportunities:Â Integrating digital and traditional marketing opens up opportunities for cross-promotion and synergy between channels. For example, a traditional print ad can drive traffic to a website or social media page, where customers can engage further with the brand and make purchases online.
Brand Consistency:Â By maintaining a consistent brand message across both digital and traditional marketing, businesses can strengthen brand identity and recognition. Consistency builds trust and credibility with customers, regardless of how they interact with the brand.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Digital marketing, like optimizing websites for accessibility and mobile use, helps businesses reach and engage diverse audiences, including those with disabilities or limited access to traditional ads.
Conclusion:
In todayâs marketing landscape, the marriage of digital and traditional strategies isnât just beneficialâitâs essential. Traditional methods offer tangible presence and local targeting, while digital platforms provide global reach and cost-effectiveness. By integrating both approaches, businesses create a balanced strategy that maximizes reach, engagement, and impact. Itâs not about choosing one over the other; itâs about harnessing the synergy between them to drive success in a dynamic marketplace.
By folding both worlds, businesses start on a journey of versatility and adaptability. Itâs not a question of either/or but rather a celebration of bothâand the magic that happens when they intertwine. Combining digital and traditional methods helps businesses reach new markets, build stronger connections, and achieve lasting success in a changing world. So, letâs raise our batons to the power of integration, orchestrating a symphony of growth, innovation, and prosperity.
Read More: https://alpesamedia.com/knowledge-center/
#Integrated Marketing#Audience Targeting#Brand Visibility#Multi-channel Approach#SEO and PPC#Print Advertising#Social Media Engagement#Direct Mail Campaigns#Marketing Analytics#Customer Loyalty
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Durch Multi-Channel-Engagement kĂśnnen Unternehmen eine breitere Zielgruppe ansprechen und eine tiefere Bindung zu ihren Kunden aufbauen, indem sie ihnen die MĂśglichkeit geben, auf die fĂźr sie bequemste Weise zu interagieren.
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#UNICEF UK#job opening#Head of Marketing Delivery#London#part home#part office#fixed-term#ÂŁ65#000 per annum#marketing campaigns#supporter engagement#multi-channel#marketing funnel#team leadership#inclusive culture#digital marketing#training#development#recruitment#performance management#apply online#closing date March 18#2024#interview date March 28#flexible working#benefits#open plan office#diversity#equality#inclusion
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"Thief." Poly!DanBert, Herbert West And Dan Cain X GN! Reader. SFW.
Hey, hey, hey! It's Multi-May and this idea just hit me yesterday, so I wrote this up while the inspo was fresh, it'd feel strange not doing a little Poly!DanBert something, and no one had directly asked for anything with them, so I took it upon myself! This is a silly, fluffy kinda thing, I hope you all love it, there IS plenty of smut to come this month, so don't worry.
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Rating. SFW. Length. 2.9K. Poly!DanBert, Herbert West And Dan Cain X GN! Reader. They/Them Pronouns. No Parts Specified. Warnings: Nothing. Fighting? Baking. Herbert Being Herbert. Date. Reminder In The Novelization Herbert Is Canadian. It Is Important To ME.
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People all like to handle stress and unwind in different ways, some smoke, others drink, gamble, engage in casual sex with strangers, a vast number of avenues exist to help ease the difficulty of the mundane every day, and you? Channel it into baking.Â
You have an inordinate amount of stress in your life, between your job, school, and your roommates slash boyfriends and their âworkâ, you find yourself in the kitchen baking something roughly three days a week at minimum. You love to lose yourself in the motions, creaming together butter and sugar, working dough, whipping cream and of course decorating. Usually you canât eat it all, so you promise a portion of your treats to study groups, college clubs, bake sales, or your workâs break room. You naturally enjoy a few too, you love to enjoy the fruits of your labour, you just love to share your hard work with others a bit more.Â
Dan is known to enjoy your treats, you often see him running out the door with a blueberry muffin or a cinnamon bun in his hand on his way to the hospital. On a rare day off, you are pressing a kiss to his temple as he has his coffee on the kitchen table, as you slide a plate with a cherry cheese danish, you joke, âDanishes for Dan.âÂ
He exhales amusedly through his nose, a kiss placed on your cheek in return as he says, âTerrible.â Until he takes a bite of the confection you presented to him, and cannot help the moan he lets out, âI take it back, you can tell as many corny jokes as you want when you bake like this.âÂ
âGee, thanks for your permission, Dan.â You tease as you take the seat across from him, warmth and happiness curling in your chest as you cradle your own mug.
There is a small problem with you offering your amazing baking services to so many people, at times you can get a tad overwhelmed when you are overly needed, pulled in multiple directions. You have a week coming up where you will need to bake more than average, it isnât an all the time thing, so you try to enjoy it as much as possible, because what a problem to have right? Getting to do your favourite hobby a little more than usual because people love the result so much, getting a ton of appreciation for it on top of it, really youâll make it out just fine.Â
You are so consumed with your extracurricular stress buster that you donât have the time to help Herbert or Dan with their basement activities, Herbert is less than happy about this, a scoff and an eye roll, âReally? You canât help at all?âÂ
Currently, you are wrist deep in a bowl as you are mixing, you respond, âI canât Herbert, by the time I get out of classes, get home from my part-time shifts in the afternoon, do dinner, I have time to bake, shower and then go to bed before I do it all over again.âÂ
âWhy do you have to do it in the first place?â He bites, and you laugh, unable to help it, âBecause I like it! Isnât that reason enough to do anything?â You donât defend yourself further, not bothering to outline all the other benefits, because you donât feel like you need to. Either way, you are sure if Herbert has decided to be a bitch about this, nothing you can say will change that.Â
Dan cuts in, hands on his hips as he shows that you didnât need to say anything further, because he is taking up the task of convincing Herbert dearest, âItâs a one week, Herbert, they told me all about it, and they are doing it to help some events-â
Herbert cuts in with a sneer, âIâm sure that if we unlock the secrets of beating death itself, that would be a lot more helpful than baking cupcakes.âÂ
You sigh as you stop your current task, a look over your shoulder to see Herbert staring you down, you tell him, âYeah, I am sure in the long run but for right now? Immortality will have to wait another week, cakes and cookies will just have to do.âÂ
The staring contest continues for a minute before he gives up and leaves, walking off to the basement, calling to you, âFine, have fun with your baked goods.âÂ
You laugh again, only Herbert can put so much venom into those last two innocent words, God he can be so annoying at times, but unbearably hilarious at others, you cannot help loving him. Dan says, âIgnore him.âÂ
âI am, have fun working with him in this mood.â You say, flashing him a grin, and he rubs at his eyes, âYeah, Iâm in for a real treat.âÂ
Dan plants a kiss to your forehead as you start to mix again, he says, âHave fun for me.âÂ
You promise easily, âI will.â Then Dan breaks off and makes his way down into the basement.Â
By the time the night is over, you had made these fantastic chocolate cupcakes with this whipped vanilla bean icing, peanut butter cookies and fruit explosion muffins. You clean as you go while things are in the oven, so the cleanup is spread out, you only have to wash the muffin pans, and then head upstairs. Dan had already gone to bed, Herbert is still in the basement, you have a shower and fall onto your own mattress happily.Â
You had already packed the tupperware of baked goods last night, to make your departure this morning easier, you just have to eat and head out. When you do go to leave, you pick up the tupperware of the peanut butter cookies, and it feels a bit lighter, you open it and discover roughly ten of the cookies you made were gone, and they were not small cookies. It was so late last night you didnât have any, and Dan usually never takes that much, weird.Â
You brush it off, closing the container, maybe you are wrong, no time to continue to think on this, you have to go.Â
The thought leaves your mind easily, that night you bake a few more things, mini strawberry cheesecakes, chocolate coconut macaroons and double chocolate brownies, but curiously, when you wake up the following day? You find a third of the brownies you made were gone, and it is much harder to brush off, but you still somehow do. That night, you donât have to bake anything, but you have to get back into it full force the following day.
That next day, you finally have a moment with Dan in the morning, and ask, âHave you had a larger than usual sweet tooth this week?âÂ
He gives you an odd look, he shakes his head and tells you, âNo, not at all, I know these were spoken for, so I didnât touch them. Why?â
âHmm, because a bunch of my peanut butter cookies were missing the morning after I baked them, and the following day my brownies had been raided too.â
âWeird, and you havenât been sleep eating?â He inquires in a tone that makes you laugh, âNo, I havenât.â
Dan hums for a moment before he offers up, âWell, it is obvious, I didnât do it and neither did you, so process of elimination, it was our third roommate, Herbert did it.âÂ
That of course makes sense, but it was odd, youâd been baking for a long time and Herbert always turned down when you offered, so him eating such a large amount, especially after giving you a hard time, essentially out of nowhere, is strange. Why is he partaking now?
You verbalize some of your frustration, venting to Dan, âAfter him busting my balls the other day, ugh, where does he get off?âÂ
âI dunno if you want the answer to that one.â He jokes and you crack a small smile.Â
When you come home later that night, you see Herbert and you confront him, asking in a lighter tone than he probably deserves, âPretty good treats, huh?âÂ
Herbert throws a look towards you like you are insane, proceeding to ask, âHow would I know?âÂ
Denying it, interesting. You press, âBecause a not so small amount of my sweets have been pilfered, I havenât partaken and neither has Dan, sooo-âÂ
âSo you think itâs me?â Herbert laughs, âI can assure you, itâs not.âÂ
âIf isnât you, then whom? One of the re-animated corpses?â You bite out, and he gets up from the table, âI have no idea, have you considered perhaps you simply have been miscounting?âÂ
Oh how infuriating, you respond in a tone dripping with sarcasm, âYes, sure, that is the solution, I canât count.âÂ
âGlad we are in agreement.â He says in that tone that you swear to whatever God exists only Herbert can, and makes his way to the basement, signalling this conversation is over. You decide to let it go, now that youâve shown him you have noticed his excessive snacking, surely he will stop.
The new desserts on the docket are cream puffs, fudge, and a rich German chocolate torte, they come together perfectly, and you go to bed very pleased with yourself. Thank God you confronted Herbert, no way will he touch any of these.Â
When you wake up the next day, the fudge has been obviously rifled through, a few cream puffs eaten and nearly half the torte was gone.Â
You were going to kill him.Â
That nightâs fight was loud, Dan had to get involved and yet Herbert kept refusing that he had anything to do with it, hadnât had a single bite, and he wouldnât hear of anything else and oh my God you cannot deal with him right now. Herbert storms off, and you want to scream into a pillow, Dan can do little to calm you down.
If he isnât going to own up to it, you need to do something drastic, if you catch him in the act, there will be no more room for debate.Â
You make a late grocery store run, you buy a large swath of supplies, and once home, you set to work, you bake peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, a lemon thyme cake with thick vanilla frosting, blondies, and chocolate hazelnut croissants, a bunch of the things you make best. You are confident that this menagerie would be irresistible to anybody. Â
The house layout is in your favour, you are able to set up and go to sleep in the living room and be hidden from view to anyone in the kitchen, so when Herbert comes up from the basement it does wake you up. You lie still and wait it out, can hear him in the kitchen, messing around, and when you are positive the timing is right, you find yourself getting up and coming into the kitchen, finding Herbert with his hand in the literal cookie jar, of in this case, tupperware.Â
âI fucking knew it!â You say far too loudly for how late it is, and Herbertâs head swings to look at you standing in the doorway, two cookies in one hand and one with a bite missing in the other, eyes wide behind his glasses.Â
Storming into the kitchen and right up to Herbert, you spit at him, âHerbert! What the fuck?!â
He chews for a moment and swallows, and once his mouth is empty, he says simply, âI was hungry.âÂ
âAre you serious?â You ask in disbelief.Â
âYes!â He insists, and you scoff at him, âUN-fucking-believable!âÂ
Herbert now caught isnât hiding it, he takes another bite of the cookie in his hand and asks defensively around his mouthful, âOh what?âÂ
âYou! You are so unbelievable! You give me shit for my hobby, steal my hard work, eat it in secret and when I confront you about it? You deny, deny, deny, saying, all oh I would never, and I catch you in the fucking act and all you have to say is I was hungry!â You scold him and then tack on, âSeriously, you need to explain yourself better, cuz I was hungry isnât a good enough reason!â
He sighs and makes a move for the table, about to bring the tupperware with him, and you stop him, your tone leaving no room for argument, âLeave it.âÂ
Reluctantly Herbert does so, he slumps down in a seat and tells you that the other night, when he was headed to bed, he saw all the treats laid out, and it bothered him, he was thinking about the earlier conversation and what a waste he thought it all was. Further, he had the thought that what you made couldnât be that good, so he attempts to prove his hypothesis and tries some.
Herbert is the kind of guy who is able to ignore his bodily needs for a long time, able to file them away and into the background while working, but when he starts to sate one, it is like it becomes a compulsion. So when he took that first bite he realized two things, one, it was delicious, and two, he was fucking starving after working late into the night, leading to him eating ten cookies in a row.Â
The next night he saw everything new you made, and he thought maybe the first night was a fluke, so he tried some more, and the same thing happens again, he starts eating and stopping was hard. He had to accept that you are a stellar baker, and he kind of regrets waiting for so long, another very stubborn part of Herbert doesnât ever want to admit he is wrong, so when you comforted him, he doubled down that he had never even eaten a single bite. You tell him laughing and balking at the very idea the way he had was a bit harsh and he continues, saying now that you have caught him there is nothing else to hid behind.
You let him dangle for a moment, allow the silence to stretch between you both, let him sit in this mood for a minute, turning it all over in your mind before you speak up. âWell, youâre an idiot.âÂ
Meeting his eyes you canât stop yourself from starting to smile, âI donât appreciate you stealing this stuff when itâs for other people, I know you have a bad habit of it with all those fucking bodies and parts you take, but these things were spoken for and IF you wanted some and asked I would make whatever you want, so next time? Just speak up.âÂ
âYouâd make anything I wanted?â Herbert asked clearly very interested and you sigh out, drawing from your never ending supply of sarcasm, âWow, what a great apology, a real all timer.â
He scoffs and brushes over it very rushed, âFine, Iâm sorry, but you are serious?âÂ
You laugh, really the anger has melted because oh my God this situation is so ridiculous you cannot continue to give him shit, the previous emotion instead is bleeding into mirth, âYes! Fuck, I am serious. What do you want?âÂ
He thinks for a moment and says, âNanaimo bars?â
You blink in surprise and ask, âWhat are those?âÂ
âA Canadian dessert, a favourite, no one makes them down here, and Iâd like them.â He says in a tone that rings as sincere, you reach out and take his hand and say, âAlright, Iâll look into a recipe and do it.âÂ
The kiss you share so late at night over the kitchen table acts as his âThank youâ.  Â
It was a very sweet moment, the sweeter one came the following day however, you purchased everything needed and upon seeing Herbert you throw an apron at him and tell him, âCâmon, get suited up.âÂ
Herbert looks at the blue gingham print apron in his hand as if it has personally offended him, âWhatever for?âÂ
âTo help make your Nanaimo bars.â You chirp and Herbert laughs as if the idea is the most ridiculous thing he has ever heard, âAbsolutely not.âÂ
âNo? Donât think you can do it?â You tease as you are trying up your own apron, and he says, âHardly, itâs simply beneath me.âÂ
âFuck off and take the stick out of your ass, Herbert, you want these? Youâre helping, and this is also to help make up for your frankly piss poor apology and all the food you stole.â You assert and with perfect timing, Dan sweeps into the room, in comfortable clothing and his own apron, âIâm ready.âÂ
âDaniel is helping?â Herbert asks, and you tell him, âOf course, when I mentioned this, he wanted to.âÂ
âYeah, figured itâd be a fun date night.â Dan shares with a grin, and Herbert groans, his head tipping back, you and Dan laugh, and you watch him start to tuck his tie away and put on the apron, âAwe Herbie, come on, baking is really just chemistry, lighten up.â
A decidedly different science based date, but one that is sorrily needed, though Herbert would never, ever admit it, you think he gained a newfound appreciation for your favourite hobby and the work involved. The dessert takes a good amount of time, but when you are on the couch, TV on, and the pan on the coffee table for sharing, you have to admit, they are divine.Â
#Poly!DanBert x reader#Herbert West x Reader#Dan Cain x reader#Slasher x you#Slasher x reader#Multi-May#Multi-May 2025#BHF writing#ENJOY
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BREAKING NEWS: Papergames finally issued statement on the stylists protest!
Promise to keep 5-stars outfits at max of 11-pieces.
Mira Crown to reset at fixed date, on every 1st and 16th day of the month.
Optimise dye workshop in future update
As compensation, they will be giving stylists x10 resonite crystals, x10 revelation crystals, and 1,200 diamonds.
UPDATE: Infold has also issued an English version of the statement on twitter. https://x.com/InfinityNikkiEN/status/1917238176168677669 For those that prefer not to read on twitter, here is the copy pasta:
1. Number of Pieces in the 5-Star Outfits [Snowy Ballad] and [Crimson Feather] In Version 1.5, the Bubble Season update introduced multiplayer gameplay to create a richer, more engaging adventure for Nikki and all stylists. This idea also shaped the design direction of the new outfits. From the early design stage, we intended the 5-star outfits to embody themes of collaboration and companionship, symbolized by the story of the ever-blazing bird sacrificing herself to save the iceborn mermaid. Thus, we introduced dedicated dynamic effects, transformation animations, and unique music compositions for these outfits. In [Snowy Ballad], we introduced highly dynamic special effects for the pieces and special aurora effects for the hair. The [Crimson Feather] outfit was designed around the core concept of "rebirth," featuring a unique ash form appearance and different transformation effects depending on whether Nikki is in the air or on the ground. In addition, to align with the theme of the new version, we introduced multi-player features in the design of both the decoration item and dance move. The [Eternal Snowdew] decoration now features a special co-op interaction, and for the [Everlasting Hope] dance move, we attempted to create a co-op dance mode based on the original dance move. Both the versions were developed with dedicated custom music compositions. To enrich styling combinations, the total number of pieces for these outfits was set at 11. We sincerely apologize for the lack of prior communication regarding this adjustment. Moving forward, we guarantee that the number of pieces in 5-star outfits will not exceed 11, and major changes will be communicated in advance through official channels. 2. Duration Changes for the Mira Crown Pinnacle Contest To offer a richer and more diverse styling experience, the Mira Crown Pinnacle Contest and the Special Effects are periodically refreshed and updated. As each version varies in duration, the duration of each Mira Crown Pinnacle Contest has also differed accordingly. We have taken note of the community's discussions regarding the contest's duration. In response, we are planning to end the current contest at 03:59:00 on May 16 (Server Time), with the next contest starting immediately at 04:00:00 on May 16 (Server Time). Starting from the next cycle, the Mira Crown Pinnacle Contest will be held twice a month, starting on the 1st and 16th of each month (Server Time). 3. DIY Workshop Design Intentions and Future Plans The original intention behind the DIY Workshop was to provide stylists with greater freedom in outfit design and styling combinations. We have received all of your feedback and are carefully reviewing the current designs to further optimize the DIY Workshop experience. In addition, for fully evolved outfits, we plan to introduce a more advanced dyeing system in the future, offering expanded customization options and richer visual effects.
#not a big W for stylists but it is a start for now... 11-pieces still suck... mira crown is still not 14 days long...#infinity nikki#infinity nikki protest#nikki cn
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Pairing: Olivia x Fem!Hunter/Reader
Synopsis: In the aftermath of a hunt gone horribly wrong, you're forced to confront the ghosts of your past and a feeling youâve been too afraid to name.
Genre: Action, romance, angst, hurt/comfort
CW: Canon-typical violence, reader has PTSD
Notes: This was inspired by a hunt with the AT Rey Dau in which I spun a little too close to the rail gun and got blasted lol. Thank you to my dear friend @rahuratna (also an amazing writer) who encouraged me to write something! I intended this to be something short but became infected by the Obsessed With Olivia virus and now it's going to be multi-chapter lol.
Divider by: @strangergraphics
Also on AO3!
Electricity crackled through the thick air, making your hair sticky with static as you rolled across the scorching sand. The Rey Dauâs massive left wing dragged through the ground, dust and fulgurite crystals following your form closely as you did your best to stay out of its way.
From the opposite flank, Olivia charges in. Both hands gripped the handle of her weapon, her steps measured and purposeful. She moved with the precision of a seasoned hunter, channeling her entire body into the hammerâs rising arc. The impact landed with a resounding thud, smashing into the Rey Dauâs face. The creature recoiled with a piercing screech, head snapping back as it staggered.
It was just enough time for you to scramble to your feet. You seized the opening and slashed your glaive in a diagonal strike across the beastâs wing, hoping to keep it grounded just a few moments longer.
Alma had warned you about this particular Rey Dau being arch tempered. That was the technical term, but to put it simply, this monster was throwing the mother of all tantrums. For over an hour, you, Olivia, and the palicos had been locked in a relentless battle. With each passing minute, the Rey Dauâs rage only deepened. In comparison to a less enraged monster, its movements were faster, its strikes harder, and its attacks more unpredictable.
At this pace, the quiet afternoon tea you'd planned with Olivia would definitely be delayed by a couple hours, if you were lucky. Not that either of you minded. There was a certain thrill in a drawn-out hunt, a kind of shared chaos that made your blood pump and the world narrow to a sharp, exhilarating edge. You also couldnât deny that the way Olivia looked in the heat of the battle had you weak in the knees. In truth, this was your kind of date. After all, it was the hunt that brought the two of you together in the first place.
Despite preferring to work alone, hunting with Olivia felt effortless from the start. When you engaged the Uth Duna together in the Scarlet Forest, you were surprised by how easy it was to fall into step beside her. Over time, you had memorized the way she moved, able to anticipate her strikes as easily as your own. You trusted her judgment in the heat of battle and she placed the same faith in your execution. Your strengths filled in where the other faltered, the two of you moving with a kind of synchronicity that few hunting pairs ever achieved.
More than that, Oliviaâs experience in the field gave you the freedom to focus on what you had to do. She knew when to push forward and when to fall back. She understood the importance of timing and more importantly, the patience that some hunts required. It wasnât just a test of pure strength or strategy, it was a test of endurance as well. Defeating monsters that could swallow you whole demanded time, grit, and the ability to outlast.Â
Against the Rey Dau, you werenât just battling the monster, you were fighting the terrain and weather too. The air bristled with static as the lightning surged overhead. The sand made moving a tiring effort, your boots slipping and sinking with nearly every step. To top it all off, high winds whipped those pesky grains into your eyes.Â
âKeep focusing on the wings! We canât let it fly off toward the village!â Olivia shouted, her voice nearly drowned beneath the rolling thunder.
You acknowledged her command with a shout, jabbing your glaive forward and launching your kinsect toward its battered wing. The insect buzzed ahead, trailing an amber streak as it searched for an opening to widen the existing wound.
The Rey Dau lurched in annoyance, talons digging deep into the sand as it launched itself skyward with a defiant roar. Its body coiled mid-air, folding in on itself like a spring wound too tight. Sparks danced dangerously across its scales. A vortex of sand and debris spiraled upward as the creature gathered electricity for what could be its strongest attack yet.
Without hesitation, you stabbed your glaive into the ground and vaulted upward. The air rushed past your face as you soared toward the wyvern. If you could mount it, there was a chance you could steer it toward the cliff wall and force a collision. Disorienting it enough to land might give Olivia a clean shot at its horns which would be weakened from the heat of each discharge.
Just as you closed in on the Rey Dau, a streak of lightning split the sky, headed directly for you. With a desperate twist, you shifted to the right, narrowly dodging the bolt. Relief lasted only a second before you saw that you were about to land directly inside one of the previous blast zones where residual electric energy still crackled intensely.
As you touched down, pain exploded through your body, every muscle seizing up at once. You dropped to one knee, barely catching yourself on your glaive as convulsions overtook your limbs. The shock grounded you in place, electricity racing up your spine in sharp, burning pulses. You tried to stand, but your muscles refused to listen, twitching and locking with every jolt.
Grimacing through the pain, you could hear your palicoâs panicked voice shouting at you to get out of the way. His voice was accompanied by a low hum- the unmistakable signal of the build up for a charged rail gun attack.Â
The creature had already folded its massive horns inward, pointed directly at your position. Its horns strained to contain the charge building between them.Â
You looked up, trying to gauge the damage youâd probably endure. The armor you wore was light, optimized for mobility and the aerial nature of your primary weapon, not raw defense. Even with all the defensive charms and decorations Gemma made for your gear, you had no idea if it would be enough against a point bank blast from an arch tempered apex predator. All you could do was wait for the inevitable impact.
But then, Olivia was there. She moved faster than you could fully register, skidding through the sand, hammer discarded in favor of sheer speed. You felt all the blood rushing to your head as you caught sight of her face. The desperation and reckless determination of her expression as she crossed the distance between you made your blood run cold.Â
A violent pulse of force and light erupted across the field just as you felt her whole weight barreling into you. Your body was forced into the air both from Olivia and the pure energy of the blast. The world flipped, spun, and everything went white for a brief moment.
You hit the ground a beat later, sliding several feet before coming to a jarring stop. The charge zone sparked wildly beside you, its center a molten scar in the earth. You coughed, lungs burning. There were stars in your eyes. The static still clung to you in a way that made your limbs feel like they were on fire from the inside out.Â
You forced yourself to your feet, legs trembling as you staggered forward trying to regain your bearings. You needed to know if Olivia was alright. She knew your limits, knew the risk your armor posed against attacks like that. And she had made a split-second choice to take the hit herself.
âLivvie!â Athosâ worried mews alerted you to where she landed.Â
Several feet away, Olivia was sprawled within a streak of charred sand. As your eyes focused, it became evident that she wasnât moving. Shit. You felt your gut twist in an awful way as you stumbled towards her.Â
The Rey Dau was still airborne, roaring and thrashing wildly with adrenaline.Â
âHey ugly! Over here!â Your palico shouted, detonating a flash bomb near its tail. The distraction gave you time to reach Olivia's side.Â
You dragged Olivia behind a nearby boulder as Athos fired up an SOS flare. She was barely conscious, glassy eyes fluttering as she tried to keep herself awake. Leaning her back on the rock, you quickly scanned her from head to toe.Â
She was obviously concussed from the whiplash, and her right shoulder seemed to be dislocated. You also suspected she might have also broken a few ribs, but that wasnât the most pressing thing. It was the metallic smell of blood and burnt flesh that drew your attention. With horror, you realized the blast broke her through her armor. Some of the metal layered beneath the white fabric of her mail had melted from the heat of the blast, a sharp piece of one of the edges bent inward, tearing through her abdominal muscle.
A cold sweat broke over youâ it was a lot of blood. Quickly, you pressed down around the wound to staunch the bleeding. You were vaguely aware of Oliviaâs raspy breathing in between your own shaky breaths. She was fading, fast. Your hands trembled as you tried to focus on Athos bringing a healing potion to Oliviaâs lips. You spoke to her, tried to wake her, anything to stave off the crushing fear you felt overtaking you.Â
But the world had already gone soft around the edgesâ blurring, tilting, spinning just as fast as the beating of your heart slamming against your ribs.
When you looked at Olivia again, you saw the face of someone long gone.
#my writing#hammer wife#had to contribute since we have like 5 writers in this fandom#idk i was possessed#mhwilds olivia#monster hunter olivia#olivia monster hunter#olivia mhw#mhwilds#monster hunter#monster hunter wilds#monhun
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Explore the benefits of multi-channel marketing campaigns to boost your reach, engagement, and brand consistency. Learn how to integrate different channels, craft cohesive messaging, and track performance for effective strategies. Contact Koobr today to elevate your marketing efforts and drive growth.
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The Size of a Hug pt.1
Hey lovelies! Itâs been a while since my last fic post-
Well, hereâs that rich teen with a size shifter bodyguard idea written out, courtesy of @brick-a-doodle-do for the groovy inspiration! (And Iâve decided to make this a multi chapter thing too)
Also I totally didnât just realize I made the bodyguardâs name âRaiderâ instead of âRaidenâ like the poll saidâ
Anywhoo, I guess Raider it is then⌠welp⌠hereâs the fic!
Word count ~ 1.5k
tw ~ kinda bratty teen, mention of killing people, smidge of conflict, unintentional fear play
Salem groaned internally as he thought of what awaited him for the next few months. It had already been a boring past few days. His parents had paid some big, serious guard to watch his every move. Not that he needed to be babysat. The teenager thought of himself as mature enough to not burn their mansion down.Â
That didnât stop his parents from never trusting him. Or caring about him.
Salem was surprised when they had told him a personal bodyguard would accompany him everywhere while they traveled who knows where and left him alone. During the first few days, he despised this guy, taller and intimidating, and often tried slipping away from under his guard.Â
Salem still did this, just less than before, after realizing that this guard, Raider, was freakishly good at tracking him down. He would find Salem in under fifteen minutes every time without fail.
The teen had a feeling that his skills, along with his odd scars and intimidating demeanor, were a result of him coming from the CIA or something equally as crazy. Leave it to his parents to get him a babysitter that has probably â most definitely â killed people.
It had now been about a week since his overly serious warden had shown up, and the week had not been easy. Granted, Salem often prided himself in making things purposefully difficult⌠but this was just awkward.
Having a bodyguard, specifically this one, meant doing whatever was deemed safe around the house while a guy easily a foot taller than him loomed over his shoulder, silently watching him. Even when Salem would attempt to engage in small talk â a thing he hated â it would be met with that tense silence.
He knew his guard could speak. Raider had spoken to his parents before they left and would occasionally remind him of whatever homework or activity he was meant to be doing. However, any other time was like talking to a brick wall.Â
ââââââââââââ
With a pointed side eye, the teenager stood from the dining table after picking at his breakfast. It was hard to keep an appetite while being stared at. Instead, he opted to walk over to one of the various television rooms of the house, knowing heâd be followed close behind.
Flopping down onto the couch, he flipped through channels on the large screen. Eventually he settled on a movie he had seen a couple times before, starting the movie as he saw Raider just standing behind the couch, looking at him.
It sent a shiver of unease down the teenâs spine for some odd reason. Being watched after spending years out of his parentâs gaze was jarring, like whiplash every time he thought he was alone.Â
Soon, it was very hard to focus on the movie. Salem could only feel Raider's eyes on the back of his head like some kind of horror movie killer, silently waiting behind him for a moment to strike. Even though he knew Raider was paid to do the exact opposite, he still felt exposed.
With a sigh, Salem turned around to face the guard with a glare that was too nervous to seem at all threatening.
âAre you going to keep staring at me like that all night? Itâs all you ever seem to do, anyway.â
Salem crossed his arms expectantly, waiting for something other than the quiet looks.
âLast I checked, that was the job.â
Raiderâs tone was sarcastic, his voice sounding rough like he hadnât used it much, which wasnât a surprise. Salem was almost shocked by the remark, the audacity of sassing his charge. Immediately, he became defensive.
âWell, maybe I just want something called âprivacyâ, have you heard of it? Look, your staring is unsettling and I canât relax. Go be a guard elsewhere if you must.â
âNo can do⌠I was paid to watch you, so might as well get used to it, kid.â
The nickname was completely unappreciated by the teen, who looked very ticked off at being told no. Unfortunately, there was no denying Raiderâs statement, as it was true. It was unfair, but Salem could tell that no amount of words and arguments would sway this no nonsense watchman.
â⌠Fine, just⌠at least sit on the couch, act like a normal person.â
At the mention of the word ânormalâ it seemed that for the briefest moment Raider bristled slightly. Salem wasnât even sure if heâd imagined it or not, but regardless, it went as soon as it came.
Raider walked to the other side of the couch and sat, back straight and unrelaxed, but at that point Salem didnât care as long as he didnât have someone so tall looming behind him.
They both sat like that on the couch for the duration of the film, wasting a couple of hours, not that Salem was in a rush to do anything else that day.
After the movieâs end, he got up and stretched his limbs with small cracks and pops from joints. The spoiled boy hadnât bothered to look at Raider as he walked out of the room, knowing that heâd just be followed inevitably anyway. He made his way to his room and stood in the doorway facing Raider once more.
âYou arenât allowed in my room. I donât care what my parents said.âÂ
Then he not-so-gently pushed his door shut. Well⌠he tried to at least because right as it was about to close, it hit something.
Looking down, Salem saw the guards shoe in the doorway, blocking it from shutting all the way. He glared at the man, but Raider simply looked back at him with indifference.Â
For an uncomfortable five seconds, they stared at each other. Then, slowly, Raider closed the door all the way with a sigh.
The teen smirked, having won that battle despite it being a small victory.
ââââââââââââ
As Salem relaxed in his room doing whatever rich sheltered kids did, Raider walked down the hallway.
He was slightly annoyed that the kid decided he was going to wait outside despite orders from his parents to have him watched at all times. Raider let him though, because he knew that Salem would only get more defensive if he didnât have a place for privacy. Like a kitten. A feral one at that.
Raider chuckled to himself at the comparison. Then, he wondered what he should do in the meantime while waiting for his charge.Â
After spending a week in this house, he had a fairly good idea of the layout, opting to go to the kitchen for a snack or something. Watching the teen eat breakfast earlier had made him hungry and now that he was technically on break, it wouldnât be a problem to grab something to eat.
This was a big kitchen, everything was large enough to rival industrial sized appliances. The fridge, wide with a height that made him feel small, was what drew his attention. The parents had mentioned that snacks were on top of the fridge, how it had been a tactic to stop Salem from eating too much junk. They had said he would need to ask a butler to grab a ladder for him in order to reach them.Â
This, coupled with a boy that hated him for doing his job, pissed him off. Raider just wanted a snack and an easier life. Is that too much to ask for?
Either way, the snack was much more attainable. Though, wandering around trying to find a butler or a ladder seemed needlessly complicated, especially when it would be so simple for him to grab it himself if he justâ
But he couldnât. Though, even with the years of training on and off the field⌠the urge the size shifter had to just use his ability for mundane things was strong. It made him want to just grow a couple feet taller, just enough to see the top of the fridge for the snacks.
It was a liability issue if anyone spotted him while not the height he should be.
However, no one was here⌠there wouldnât be butlers and cooks in the kitchen for another few hours, and his charge would be cooped up in his room for however long until then, for food most likely.Â
He supposed now would be as good a time to just let his cover slip a little bit.
So he closed his eyes, focusing on that constant tug inside him and a tingling pins and needles feeling encased his body.Â
When he looked around, everything was distorted looking, smaller, and the top of the fridge was at chest level. He was about 10 feet tall at this point.
Except⌠right as he began to reach his arm up to grab a snack, he heard a stifled gasp. A chill of shock ran down his spine as his head snapped to the doorway⌠and there stood his charge, staring up wide eyed at his form, now only at hip level to the mini giant.
ââââââââââââââ
ahh! Cliffhanger!
wow, my first time writing and posting OC g/t⌠thatâs crazy. Hope you all enjoyed and Iâll try to get the next chapter out soon! :D
Tag list:
@da3dm @i-am-beckyu @lunar-but-little @Phoenix-on-the-run
#giant/tiny#g/t community#g/t#<3#size shifter#size difference#Bodyguard g/t#The size of a hug au#Tsoah au#Loved writing this honestly#Just wait til next chapter đ
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