#robot rental

[fortunerobotic]

Robot rental options in UAE

The UAE has emerged as a center for robotics and artificial intelligence due to its innovative technology and future outlook. Among the expanding trends, renting robots has become a viable option for companies and event planners looking to include cutting-edge technology without having to worry about complete ownership. Robot rentals are changing how businesses use technology, whether it's for improving customer service, increasing event participation, or simplifying operations.

Why Opt for Robot Rentals?

Cost-Effective Solution: Hiring robots makes it unnecessary to make large upfront investments, which is particularly advantageous for temporary requirements like events or seasonal advertising.

Access to the Newest Technology: Rental companies frequently update their stock, guaranteeing that you may use advanced robotics.

Flexible Usage: Rental durations are customized to meet specific needs, ranging from a single day to several months.

No Maintenance Difficulties: In order to save time and money, rental companies usually take care of software upgrades, repairs, and maintenance.

Popular Types of Robots Available for Rent in the UAE

Robots for Reception

Robots such as BellaBot and KettyBot are ideal for improving front desk interactions. These clever robots provide a futuristic touch to customer service by welcoming guests, giving them information, and even guiding them to their destinations.

Robots for Telepresence

Temi and Double 3, two telepresence robots, are perfect for remote help, virtual meetings, and live event coverage. They bridge the gap between virtual and real presence by enabling users to roam through areas and engage remotely.

Robots for Service

Service robots are made for sectors like healthcare and hospitality, and they efficiently and precisely supply necessities like food and medicine.

Robots for Events

Events frequently hire robots like Promobot and Alice to draw and interact with guests. These robots can entertain, conduct interactive sessions, and respond to frequently asked questions.

How to Rent Robots in the UAE

Define Your Needs

Contact Providers

Customize Features

Set Up and Operate

A creative and useful approach to getting cutting-edge technology without the commitment of ownership is through robot rentals in the United Arab Emirates. Renting robots is a wise choice for companies trying to stay ahead in a cutthroat industry since it may streamline operations and create memorable experiences. The future of automation is just a rental away thanks to a variety of robots, customizable alternatives, and knowledgeable providers.

To know more, click here.

[homoeroticvillain]

michael afton halloween costume 🎉🎉

[kishorxox]

Hospital Beds Market to Reach $7.09 Billion by 2031

Meticulous Research®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled ‘​​​​​​​Hospital Beds Market—Global Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast to 2031.’ According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the Hospital Beds Market is expected to reach $7.09 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2031.

The increase in the elderly population and the subsequent rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, the proliferation of hospitals, the increasing number of surgeries performed globally, and technological advancements in hospital beds are driving the growth of the hospital beds market. However, the growing preference for minimally invasive and outpatient surgeries, which reduce the need for traditional hospital beds, restrain the growth of this market.

The increasing popularity of smart beds and robotic beds, the rising demand for home care solutions, rising healthcare expenditures in developing economies, and the rise in medical tourism are anticipated to create opportunities for market players.

Furthermore, the adoption of automated beds aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, a rising demand for nurse call systems integrated into hospital beds, and the increasing need for beds designed to facilitate infection control are prominent trends in the hospital beds market.

Key Players:

The hospital beds market is characterized by a moderately competitive scenario due to the presence of many large- and small-sized global, regional, and local players. The key players operating in the hospital beds market are Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Hill-Rom Holding, Inc. (Part of Baxter International Inc.) (U.S.), Invacare Corporation (U.S.), Getinge AB (Sweden), Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan), Medline Industries, LP (U.S.), Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), LINET Group SE (Czech Republic), Joerns Healthcare LLC. (U.S.), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (U.S.), Savaria Corporation (Canada), Midmark Corporation (U.S.), Amico Corporation (U.S.), Famed Zywiec Sp. z o.o. (Poland), and Malvestio Spa (A Subsidiary of Malvestio Group) (Italy).

Among the types studied in this report, in 2024, the beds segment is anticipated to dominate the hospital beds market, with a share of 86.8%. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the rising prevalence of acute & chronic diseases, outbreaks of infectious diseases, an increasing number of hospitals, a growing demand for long-term care, and supportive government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare in emerging countries.

Among the types of care studied in this report, in 2024, the curative care segment is anticipated to dominate the hospital beds market, with a share of 75.8%. This segment’s large market share is attributed to an increase in hospitalization rates due to disease outbreaks, the high prevalence of infectious diseases, and a rising number of hospitalizations resulting from road accidents.

Among the healthcare facilities studied in this report, in 2024, the critical care units segment is expected to account for the largest share of the hospital beds market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the increasing number of accidents leading to high admission rates in ICUs, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and the rising costs associated with critical care hospital beds.

Among the sectors studied in this report, in 2024, the public sector segment is anticipated to dominate the hospital beds market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to increasing government initiatives that promote large-scale investments in public health infrastructure, the proliferation of public hospitals, and a growing number of patient visits to these facilities due to lower costs compared to private hospitals.

Among the regions studied in this report, in 2024, Europe is anticipated to hold the largest share of 35.2% of the hospital beds market, followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe. Europe’s major market share is due to the substantial number of maternity hospitals, high healthcare spending, and government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

Key Questions Answered in the Report-

What is the revenue generated from the hospital beds market globally?

At what rate is the demand for hospital beds projected to grow globally for the next five to seven years?

What are the historical market size and growth rate for the hospital beds market?

What are the major factors impacting the growth of this market?

What are the major opportunities for existing players and new entrants in the market?

Which offering, application, and end-user segments are expected to create major traction for the players in this market?

Who are the major players in the hospital beds market? What are their specific product offerings in this market?

What are the recent developments in the hospital beds market? What are the impacts of these strategic developments?

Download Sample PDF @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5091

Contact Us: Meticulous Research® Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Contact Sales- +1-646-781-8004 Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research

[squiziefranchi23]

 The Future of Events: Embracing Technology with AI and Robotics

In the fast-evolving event industry, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing experiences, improving efficiency, and elevating engagement. One of the most exciting advancements is event technology rental robots powered by AI. From smart check-ins to automated assistants, AI-driven robots are revolutionizing the way events are managed. Whether it’s a corporate conference, trade show, or entertainment event, these intelligent machines ensure seamless execution and enhanced attendee interaction.

 The Rise of AI-Powered Event Technology

AI has transformed event planning by automating tedious tasks and improving event experiences. AI-powered robots are now commonly used in various event functions, including:

Guest Registration & Check-ins – AI-driven kiosks and robots streamline entry procedures, reducing long queues.

Information Assistance – Interactive robots provide event schedules, directions, and real-time updates.

Security & Surveillance – AI-powered robots can monitor crowds, detect security threats, and ensure a safe environment.

Catering & Hospitality – Some events employ robotic servers to deliver food and beverages efficiently.

 Advantages of AI Event Rental Robots

1. Enhanced Efficiency: AI-powered event technology rental robots handle repetitive tasks efficiently, allowing human staff to focus on critical aspects of the event.

2. Improved Guest Engagement: Interactive AI assistants provide personalized recommendations, answer attendee queries, and create a more immersive experience.

3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Instead of hiring large teams, event organizers can leverage AI robots to reduce operational costs while maintaining high-quality service.

4. Scalability & Adaptability: Whether hosting a small gathering or a massive conference, AI robots can be customized to cater to different event needs.

 The Future of AI and Event Technology Rentals

As AI continues to evolve, the demand for event technology rental robots is expected to surge. Future innovations may include advanced machine learning capabilities, facial recognition for personalized experiences, and enhanced multilingual support. AI-driven event solutions will soon become indispensable, offering smarter, faster, and more engaging event experiences.

Conclusion

The integration of AI event accessories and robotic assistants in events is a game-changer, improving efficiency and engagement while reducing costs.

[danieldavidreitberg]

The Green Revolution: How AI is Influencing Eco-Friendly Leasing

Daniel Reitberg Explores the Impact of AI on Sustainable Leasing Practices

In the era of environmental consciousness, Daniel Reitberg delves into the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping eco-friendly leasing solutions. This article unravels how AI is revolutionizing leasing, making it not only efficient but also sustainable.

AI-Powered Sustainability in Leasing

Reitberg commences by highlighting the pressing global need for sustainability. Traditional leasing methods often fall short of eco-friendly standards. However, AI-powered solutions are leading the way, aligning leased assets with sustainable practices, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint.

A Swift and Informed Eco-Leasing Process

In today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence. Reitberg emphasizes how AI expedites the leasing process. It provides swift access to a range of eco-friendly leasing options, enabling customers to make well-informed, environmentally conscious decisions quickly and efficiently.

The Personalized Approach to Sustainable Leasing

One size no longer fits all, as Reitberg discusses. AI tailors eco-friendly leasing solutions to individual preferences and environmental priorities. Whether you're an urban dweller in need of an electric vehicle or a business looking to adopt sustainable logistics, AI ensures that your leased assets align seamlessly with your sustainability goals.

AI: Fostering Ethical and Transparent Eco-Leasing

AI isn't just about efficiency; it's also a guardian of ethical leasing. Reitberg explains how AI prioritizes sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices. It ensures that eco-leasing benefits not only businesses and individuals but the planet as a whole.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Eco-Leasing

As eco-leasing with AI evolves, Reitberg acknowledges the importance of addressing ethical considerations. He discusses the need for transparent, eco-friendly practices in the leasing industry, emphasizing the elimination of algorithmic bias and the creation of a fair and sustainable environment.

The Future of Eco-Friendly Leasing

Looking ahead, Reitberg envisions a future where AI-driven eco-leasing becomes even more advanced. Improved algorithms, better risk management, and broader access to sustainable options are on the horizon.

Daniel Reitberg: Pioneering AI-Enhanced Eco-Friendly Leasing

Daniel Reitberg emerges as a passionate advocate, championing the integration of AI in sustainable leasing practices. His insights underscore the transformative potential of AI technology in the quest for eco-friendly and sustainable leasing. With AI, the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future in leasing becomes not just a possibility but a reality.

[justalittlebluetiefling]

What are some of your favorite anime (outside of Bleach and DBZ)? Were there any that were formative for you growing up that you might attribute to your personal preferences in storytelling?

Hmm this is a really good question! And one that's a little hard to answer, only because I fell out of anime for such a long time that I have vague memories of why I love the anime series that I own, but not a lot of specifics.

I was talking to my partner about it and I did realize that a common theme in a lot of them is dark sci-fi/fantasy, which is something I still tend to prefer in a story. Or it's something that will shoot something up to the top of my list. Things like Fullmetal Alchemist and Elfen Lied. RahXephon was actually very big for me for a while, because music and "alien" invasion and giant mech fights. I've watched RahXephon so so so many times, but it's been years and I should probably do it again. It is possibly still my favorite. But like, looking at the other sets I own, I think dark and/or based in our actual world but something Fucked Up happened tend to be my favorite types of stories.

Two other anime that were really big for me growing up were Sailor Moon and Fushigi Yugi for different reasons. When I was very young and it was still on "cable" TV, I used to record episodes of Sailor Moon while I was at school and watch them when I would get home. I've still never actually watched the series all the way through. Maybe that should be my next attempt. And I loved Fushigi Yugi before I ever saw it, because it was still very hard to access (less common) anime when I was younger and the only thing I had of it were printouts and synopses and character info from various websites. But one day, I saved up enough money and got my mom to buy me the series on ebay and I watched it like three times in a row before I switched to something else because I was so excited to finally have it.

[fortunerobotic]

Robot rental options in UAE

By adopting the newest developments in robotics across a range of industries, the UAE is emerging as a major center for technological innovation and digital transformation. Robots are revolutionizing a number of industries, from improving customer service to expediting deliveries. Renting instead of buying is one of the most sensible options for companies interested in robotics since it offers flexibility and affordability.

Key Features to Consider When Renting Robots

Customization

Ease of Use

Integration Capabilities

Support and Maintenance

Battery Life and Charging Needs

How to Get Started with Robot Rentals in the UAE

Identify Your Needs

Choose a Provider

Request a Demo

Negotiate Terms

Finalize the Agreement

Why Choose Robot Rentals?

Cost-Effectiveness

Flexibility

No Maintenance Hassles

Access to Latest Technology

Businesses can use advanced robotics in a creative and economical way by renting robots in the United Arab Emirates. Robots are revolutionizing business operations and customer interactions by engaging customers and providing efficient services. UAE businesses can now take advantage of this modern technology without having to make large expenditures thanks to a range of solutions and flexible rental plans, which will help them remain competitive in a market that is changing quickly.

To know more click here

[ranchevents]

Caterers in San Diego - Ranch Events Says Happy Fall Y'All

Autumn has officially arrived; the signs of the seasonal changes are all around us—it is the season with the warm colors of summer’s end and winter’s cool breezes beginning.

In the fall, it’s so nice to enjoy a hot cup of coffee, herbal tea, hot apple cider, or a mug of hot chocolate with a marshmallow on top. Ranch Events can turn your thoughts of autumn into an enjoyable and exciting experience.

This time of year also marks the start of many schools; baseball ends with the World Series and football plus tailgating begin. Oktoberfest celebrations are teeming, and pumpkin carving is a top priority signifying Halloween is close at hand. Then, before we know it, Thanksgiving is upon us with family gatherings, celebrations and all of the holiday’s mouth-watering foods abounding; stuffed roasted turkey, candied yams, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, green beans, fruit salad, homemade dinner rolls and many other family traditions. Ranch Events has delicious menus and exciting ideas for hosting your Autumn Company meetings, family gatherings or for any other celebration you are planning this time of year.

A big pot of chili or beef stew, popcorn and popcorn balls, gingerbread and pecan pie are also customary during this wonderful season. Ranch Events culinary experts will dazzle you with their expertise in preparing these traditional dishes and desserts.

So don’t wait any longer, time is a-Westin’, call Ranch Events today to start planning your Autumn Event. There is no budget too small to have a fun filled gathering and Ranch Events will make your ideas come to life. Call us now!!

[dwaekkicidal]

𝖪𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗍𝗈𝖻𝖾𝗋: '𝖱𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖨 𝖶𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝖸𝗈𝗎.' ༄࿔ L.K.

⤷ Dubcon/Noncon | Knife Play | Spanking

♱ word count: 2.3k

♱ warnings: this has darker content!! dont like? dont interact: dubcon/noncon, fem!reader, ghostface!minho, reader switches up during the ending but during the smut minho has control, knife play (1 small nick and he carves his name into readers back but its shallow), light mentions of blood, spanking, p in v with no prep or condom (be safe about this irl pls), open ending?

♱ notes: this was so self indulgent because im slowly becoming obsessed with slashers again 🥴

not properly proofread! i will go through it later in the day after i sleep <3

Kinktober Schedule

DO NOT republish or translate+post my work!

The cabin you were staying at was eerily silent as you sat in the dimly lit living room. It was a rental that you had planned to stay at for a week to spend your vacation off of work and it was absolutely beautiful during the day. Though, the forest surrounding it combined with the knowledge of just how far the nearest area with people made for a rather scary experience during the night time.

Part of you was on edge as you made your way past the floor-to-ceiling windows towards the kitchen and chills ran up your spine as you stared out those same windows only to be met with complete darkness. Not even the moon was enough to cast light on the tall trees.

‘Maybe a glass of water will help.’ You had been tossing and turning in bed for hours before you gave up and settled in the living room, only to discover that there was no signal on the TV. You were lucky to have even 1 bar as you opened your phone to check the time; 2:46 AM.

It wasn’t a horrible time to be awake, but the promise of sleep would have helped with the paranoid itching in the back of your head. Anybody could break in and nobody wouldn’t know until it was too late. And even if you knew, you were a long way from any means of help-

A sudden creak in the floorboards catches your attention. Your neck snapped towards the dark hallway, then again to the huge windows as your heart raced. The Airbnb host stated that it’s an old house so it’s known to make many noises, so ‘It was probably nothing’. You repeated this to yourself over and over again as you chugged the rest of your water and turned to clean the glass, hoping the distraction would help with the anxiety.

But just as your hand wraps around the tap handle, another creak is heard and a hand wraps around your mouth. Another slides around your front and pushes a long kitchen knife against your neck. The intruder uses his whole body to roughly push you into the counter and your heart drops as you let out a scream in surprise.

The feeling of the cold counter is almost soothing as his deep, nearly robotic, voice meets your ears. “Haven’t seen you around here before… If I take my hand off your mouth, you won’t make me angry and scream for help, right?” He slides the knife along your neck, nicking the skin there slightly as a warning.

Your lack of a response makes him chuckle and he traces the tip of the knife along your cheek, “It’s not like anybody will hear you anyway, but I wouldn’t want this pretty face to get hurt. So what do you say?” You nod as best as you can in this position and let out a quiet sob when his palm releases your face.

“P-Please…Don’t kill me.” Your plea comes out in a quiet whisper, hoping the hushed voice won’t upset your attacker. If it does, he doesn’t let it be seen in the slightest.

“Shhhhh” He tuts at you and rolls his hips forward, rubbing his hard-on against your ass and forcing your hips farther into the countertop. The pinching of your skin between your bone and the marble top makes you hiss in pain, but he ignores you and rubs your hip with his now free hand.

“Let’s play a game~” He doesn’t give you time to respond before he flips you around, wrapping a hand around your neck as he roughly pins you to the counter again.

You’re finally met with his face- or what would be his face, but is instead a long, white ghost mask that would be comical if you didn’t notice the feeling of a drop of blood running down your neck from where he nicked you.

“I’m a little stressed out, so I’m gonna fuck this sweet cunt of yours. If you play nice, I’ll let you live. But if you act like a bitch, I'll kill you!”

The joyful tone in his voice causes your skin to crawl and you let out a quiet sob of fear at the deadly ultimatum. Your choices are quite slim, and you can’t deny the ache that’s starting between your legs, so you don’t take long to nod in agreement.

“Mmmm… Smart girl. Let’s get this off of you then, yeah?” He tugs at your pajama shorts and finally moves the knife off your skin, giving you just enough leeway to move around and pull your shorts down. Once they’re far enough down your legs to drop to your ankles on their own, the unknown man behind you spins you around and immediately pulls your shirt up and over your head.

He sighs almost dreamily against the mask and you watch his head tilt down as he takes in your naked torso. You can feel his stare on you for a while longer until his head tilts further and he’s met with the sight of your pretty panties- the ones that are keeping him from his “prize.”

He curses under his breath and snakes his empty hand to the back of your neck. He grasps you tightly and uses his grip there to lead you to the huge windows, pushing you against them roughly.

“What a pretty piece of ass you got here, baby.” The hand on your neck moves down in favor of grabbing a handful of your ass cheek, landing a teasing slap there as he finishes his sentences. “Might have to go home with you- make you my little pet.” You moan both at the implication of him following you home as well as the delicious sting on your ass.

The masked man chuckles darkly and lands a harsher slap on your other ass cheek. “Call me crazy but I think you like that idea. Hmmmm? Wanna be my little kitty- my little toy for me to fuck whenever I feel like it?” You were starting to get too comfortable, and he seems to realize it. So he brings you back right to where he wants you by sliding his free hand around to your tummy. 

The occupied hand runs the sharp side of the knife around your back, leaving shallow lines that you can’t quite make out. But none of that matters. Not when he’s sliding his hand into your panties, rubbing his gloved fingertip through your soaked folds.

You’re almost thankful that he can’t tell through the gloves, but the stinging pain of the knife almost carving into your skin is diverting your attention from the rough circles on your clit. Thankfully, though, he finishes his “design” faster than you thought he would.

The feeling of a thick finger entering you grabs your attention, making you moan loudly and buck your hips against his hand. A muffled laugh is heard through the mask and his voice is husky as he speaks again, “Gonna be good for me and let me fuck this pretty pussy now, yeah?”

You don't respond right away and he pulls his finger out of you, pinching your clit meanly. “I asked you a question.” His partially wet glove comes down harshly on your ass and leaves a red mark in its wake.

You let out a squeak at the pain and apologize profusely before responding to him. “Y-Yes!”

“Good girl. You almost lost the game there, baby.” He laughs to himself and you watch in the reflection of the glass as he brings the knife down between your thighs. Part of you is horrified at what he might try, and the other part is rather aroused at the possibilities that run through your head.

But he shuts them all down when he slides the dull side against your thigh and leads it to your underwear. He runs his hand along your spine and leans you forward, pushing your ass out for him as the knife dips into your underwear- dull side up.

With this he slices downwards in one swoop, slicing your panties and causing you to gasp in surprise. You can almost hear the smile on his face as he shushes you and slices one of the sides next.

Your arms shake as they rest against the cold glass of the window and you sit there helplessly as he rids you of the ruined fabric. Once you’re left completely bare, he whistles in satisfaction and leans back.

His hand squeezes your ass cheek appreciatively as the hand with the knife rests at your hip, itching to touch you as well but knowing better than to let his guard down so easily. No matter how well-behaved you've been for him so far.

“Such a pretty thing. I really should keep you to myself.” He hums and bites down on your ear. You hear the knife get tossed beside you onto the wood floor before one of his hands slides into your hair, tangling with the strands there and tugging your neck backward. 

All of a sudden the sound of metal hitting wood meets your ears and you see the knife lying on the floor, a couple of feet from where you two stand. Then his hands are removed from you for mere seconds as he hooks his thumbs into his pants and pushes down, hurriedly shoving his boxers down alongside his jeans.

The sound of his jeans hitting the floor makes your thighs clench and he takes notice immediately. He coos from behind you and you can almost hear the smile on his face through the mask as he slides himself through your folds a few times, teasing you and testing how far gone he’s got you.

Your desperate grinding gives him the only answer he needs and he finally pushes in, groaning at the feeling of your tight cunt wrapped around him.

“Shit… You feel so good.” The cool plastic of the ghost mask meets your shoulder as he lays his forehead down against it.

You can’t hold back the whine that builds in the back of your throat and your nails scratch into the glass as much as they physically can as he starts to move already.

“P-Please…” You’re not so sure what you’re asking for. Maybe it was mercy. Or maybe, just maybe, all those months of research about some local town's serial killer were finally paying off.

But who needs to know that? The man behind you is completely oblivious as he pulls his hips back just to drive them back into you. You barely remember it yourself from the way his tip, thick and pulsing, rams into your G-spot.

So much so that you can feel your orgasm sneaking up so much sooner than it usually would. It eventually wracks through your body like a train as the hand in your hair tightens, holding you close to him as he slows his hips to a slow grind.

“Fffuck.. Tight little cunt, baby. But I’m not done just yet.” He picks up his pace once more and uses his free hand to caress your hips, squeezing the flesh there appreciatively before landing a slap against the same area.

He soothes it with another rub, though short-lived before his hand finds its home on your ass cheek. There he lands a series of slaps paired with his muffled moans as you clench around him incessantly.

The hand in your hair finally releases its grip only to find another on the back of your throat again. He uses this one to hold you in place, keeping your cheek pressed flush against the window as he fucks into you with no care.

He continues to use you like his personal fleshlight as he grunts behind you, legs shaking from his oncoming release. The same release that is left deep in your walls, swimming around before dripping out onto your abused folds.

You both moan in unison as you cum around him again, whining at the sharp thrusts that were meant to fuck his seed further into you.

He finally pulls out once your cunt is done milking him and he pulls out a phone from his jeans, snapping a quick photo with flash on before laughing to himself behind his mask.

While he’s occupied with his delusions, you decide it’s time to make your move. 

You push his chest lightly and watch as he collapses onto the couch, head tilted up at you in amusement while his arms settle on the back cushions.

“Yeah?” His voice is deep and breathy, it goes straight between your thighs and you almost moan at simply hearing him like that as well as the confident stance he’s taken. But you have a mission on your mind.

One that includes rushing to pick up the knife from the floor and not giving him a chance to respond before you’re straddling his thick thighs and pressing the knife to his throat.

His arms stay in place on the cushions and he huffs out a laugh in pure amusement, waiting patiently for you to make your next move.

What he didn’t expect was the grinding of your now leaking cunt on his now hardening cock. He moans lowly at the feeling and goes to rest a hand on your hip, only to be met with your hand slapping it away and the other digging the knife into the skin of his neck. Karma.

“I won your game fair and square. So let’s play my game.” Your hand reaches up under the mask and tears it off his face. 

He’s not sure why a potential survivor seeing his face doesn’t worry him. But when his tip catches onto your clit and you hold the knife steady against his neck, he thinks he’s just fallen in love.

Taglists: (red=can't be tagged)

@valkyriexo @lunearta @jabmastersupriseee @rylea08

@yaorzu-blog @amararosesblog @jiminssluttyminx @clemissleepy

@miss-daisy04 @kittyxnoa @dwaekkiiracha @bubblerizz

@mariteez @fun-fanfics @honeyybbuubblleess

@dreamingaboutjisung @everythingboutkpop @velvetmoonlght

[foldingfittedsheets]

I sent my beloved and Buck out into the world to tour a rental and I got a call that sounded like a robot ate my wife telling me no one’s there to meet them. The cell quality is atrocious and texts aren’t going through. Genuinely don’t know if they’re on a tour right now.

[kishorxox]

Hospital Beds Market to Reach $7.09 Billion by 2031

Meticulous Research®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled ‘​​​​​​​Hospital Beds Market—Global Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast to 2031.’ According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the Hospital Beds Market is expected to reach $7.09 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2031.

The increase in the elderly population and the subsequent rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, the proliferation of hospitals, the increasing number of surgeries performed globally, and technological advancements in hospital beds are driving the growth of the hospital beds market. However, the growing preference for minimally invasive and outpatient surgeries, which reduce the need for traditional hospital beds, restrain the growth of this market.

The increasing popularity of smart beds and robotic beds, the rising demand for home care solutions, rising healthcare expenditures in developing economies, and the rise in medical tourism are anticipated to create opportunities for market players.

Furthermore, the adoption of automated beds aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, a rising demand for nurse call systems integrated into hospital beds, and the increasing need for beds designed to facilitate infection control are prominent trends in the hospital beds market.

Key Players:

The hospital beds market is characterized by a moderately competitive scenario due to the presence of many large- and small-sized global, regional, and local players. The key players operating in the hospital beds market are Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Hill-Rom Holding, Inc. (Part of Baxter International Inc.) (U.S.), Invacare Corporation (U.S.), Getinge AB (Sweden), Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan), Medline Industries, LP (U.S.), Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), LINET Group SE (Czech Republic), Joerns Healthcare LLC. (U.S.), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (U.S.), Savaria Corporation (Canada), Midmark Corporation (U.S.), Amico Corporation (U.S.), Famed Zywiec Sp. z o.o. (Poland), and Malvestio Spa (A Subsidiary of Malvestio Group) (Italy).

Among the types studied in this report, in 2024, the beds segment is anticipated to dominate the hospital beds market, with a share of 86.8%. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the rising prevalence of acute & chronic diseases, outbreaks of infectious diseases, an increasing number of hospitals, a growing demand for long-term care, and supportive government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare in emerging countries.

Among the types of care studied in this report, in 2024, the curative care segment is anticipated to dominate the hospital beds market, with a share of 75.8%. This segment’s large market share is attributed to an increase in hospitalization rates due to disease outbreaks, the high prevalence of infectious diseases, and a rising number of hospitalizations resulting from road accidents.

Among the healthcare facilities studied in this report, in 2024, the critical care units segment is expected to account for the largest share of the hospital beds market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the increasing number of accidents leading to high admission rates in ICUs, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and the rising costs associated with critical care hospital beds.

Among the sectors studied in this report, in 2024, the public sector segment is anticipated to dominate the hospital beds market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to increasing government initiatives that promote large-scale investments in public health infrastructure, the proliferation of public hospitals, and a growing number of patient visits to these facilities due to lower costs compared to private hospitals.

Among the regions studied in this report, in 2024, Europe is anticipated to hold the largest share of 35.2% of the hospital beds market, followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe. Europe’s major market share is due to the substantial number of maternity hospitals, high healthcare spending, and government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

Key Questions Answered in the Report-

What is the revenue generated from the hospital beds market globally?

At what rate is the demand for hospital beds projected to grow globally for the next five to seven years?

What are the historical market size and growth rate for the hospital beds market?

What are the major factors impacting the growth of this market?

What are the major opportunities for existing players and new entrants in the market?

Which offering, application, and end-user segments are expected to create major traction for the players in this market?

Who are the major players in the hospital beds market? What are their specific product offerings in this market?

What are the recent developments in the hospital beds market? What are the impacts of these strategic developments?

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[barabaraoranges]

welcome to your new life!

ft. gn!reader, sam, dorian, mentions of dishy

brief mentions of reader's "microflora" in relation to washing sex toys in dishwasher. does not specify what microflora. reader is called "dude" by Sam

explicit content: none. there's an anal joke, discussions of fucking dishy, discussions of arson, and brief imagery of fucking dorian but nothing explicit. regardless, please remember this is a primarily 18+ nsfw blog when interacting and scrolling.

wc: 2.2k

written before game release. this is a laundry list of the author's initial thoughts and immediate sex jokes when it came to this game. will probably be inaccurate to canon. reader has also not discovered everything is alive. this is also straight up the first i've written in upwards of half of a year so apologies if it's rough.

"Do you think my dishwasher knows I looked up if I could wash my sex toys in it—I mean, him?"

A stranger turned their head as you walked down the sidewalk. You, oblivious to the mortified stare, continued your pitiful attempt at a calming stroll through the neighborhood, loudly chatting with Sam on the phone.

"First, gross. Microbiome flora and stuff," Sam replied. You could hear water running in the background. Dishes, probably. "Second, why would it know that?"

"Oh, he's, uh… He's connected to the—uh—the wifi."

It had been a week since that the thing. The glasses. The thing that made you question every single thing in existence, that made you look into the trees and ask, are every single one of these leaves secretly alive? And do they die each winter? appeared in your life. A single item that introduced a level of existential horror and dread you could have never dreamed of.

You were thankful for your friend Sam and the fact that the outside, well, still existed. Even if the outside consisted of family homes snatched up by corporations that butchered them into grayscale or beige per-the-room rentals for semesterly college students. Or became a revolving door for GroundInn users, shutting out any potential families to settle down. There was at least somewhere to debrief that didn't feel like there were a million things watching, listening to you at all times.

Briefly, you wondered if the HOA had a human form. An image of a businessman popped in your head—grayscale, beige, lifeless like the homes that filled your street. Your grass is too tall! No native wildflower habitats! Your house color is too bright! The bylaws, the bylaws, pay the fine!

A sweat pearl rolled down your face.

"… Okay, that's fucking weird and super intrusive. So like, yeah, he probably does know. But like, dude-"

She paused.

"-I think you're edging your dishwasher."

So casual. So passive with the delivery. And yet, it felt like a truck with how tight your chest felt. You needed somewhere to sit to process.

Thankfully, at the end of the neighborhood was a small café, its windows shuddered and door boarded up. Café au Café had been an established, family owned café that you remembered fondly from childhood. It'd grown with you over the years, in all the good and bad ways. It's where you celebrated many birthdays, had many of breakdowns in over college work, and celebrated your eventual graduation. Its croissants warm and flaky, buttery and to die for. The pastries delicate, a work of art to brighten even the dreariest day. The coffee and drinks, always perfectly tailored to fit your mood, like the machines had a magic in them to make everything right.

And much like your job, it was shut down thanks to the robot cafe that had opened just down the street. Its croissants arriving frozen and simply needing thrown in the oven, the coffee bland and prone to triggering a depressive episode. But it was cheap and that was enough for everyone to overlook the lifeless husk serving them their morning meal. The family owned Café au Café was no match for it. In less than a year, your childhood had shut down permanently.

It did, however, make the perfect narrative backdrop for a Pastel Revelations Catholicism level mental breakdown. A last moment of comfort and reassurance from an old friend. You sat down on the once welcoming metal chair, now rusted from time and neglect. Elbows on your knees and hunched over, you rubbed your face with your free hand.

"Or is it foreplay?" Sam wondered, not giving you a moment of rest. "Like, dirty talk and shit. 'Oh, I'm gonna do all these dirty things I said I was gonna do to you' but with like, the weird shit you search."

"Sam." It took a moment for words to come out. "I'm not fucking my dishwasher."

"Okay, but like… It'd be an experience."

"Sam." You sighed, exasperated. "He's got two human legs and his upper body is a dishwasher. I'm not fucking a dishwasher with legs."

"Ugh, boring."

You thumbed through your mental archive of dishwasher anatomy. There was a drainpipe and something to let the water in, obviously. But what about the inner parts? The little squirting parts, the racks, the dish tab spot.

None of those seemed particularly pleasant.

Or was the dishwasher part just a mascot? Something he put on over himself? Maybe he was just, some guy underneath it all? No, that wasn't possible. The top half was your dishwasher, through and through. There was no mistaking it, not with how intimately you knew his inner workings from deep cleanings in the past. Clearing his drains, snaking out the clogs, scrubbing the gunk buildup away with a Father Scrub and a thick, heavy squirt of milky Dusk dish detergent…

… Had you been teasing your dishwasher this entire time? Did he expect you to…?

"I don't think whatever hole he's got would be fun to fuck," you concluded, shutting that down. "I think it'd be painful."

"Okay, but like… You don't have to be the one topping."

"… Didn't you just lecture me about microbiome flora stuff?" You retorted, exasperated. "I think getting fucked by the dishwasher would be considerably worse for my microbiome than fucking myself with dishwasher cleaned sex toys."

In the call background, you could hear the telltale signs of dishwashing. Water running, hard scrubbing. I guess that's an option, you thought. Or would he start getting weird about not using him? Would he understand? Does he have an ego? If he did know that you had searched if you could wash sex toys in home, it would be a bit less awkward.

You made a mental note to start cleaning your toys in your basement bathroom.

It never fully struck you exactly the gravity of your situation. So many people with different personalities. You had Dorian who stressed the importance of friendship and getting along with everyone. You had Dishy who seemed to be on the verge of a mental breakdown. Admittedly, you'd been avoiding using the glasses to find out exactly what all was alive, with Dishy being a complete accident. You didn't really want to know exactly what all was alive, with those two being enough to rattle your entire view on the world. But with the way Dorian stressed friendships and getting along with everyone…

How expensive would it be to move? The housing market was in shambles and renting seemed miserable. Shelling out a few thousand dollars would eat into your emergency savings you needed to live out the newly unemployed, single life. Plus if all your furniture was alive, you'd have to get all new furniture too. Or would the new furniture come alive too? If you got rid of the glasses before moving, you'd probably be able to avoid everything coming to life. Just toss it in the trash can, put it out for trash, and good-bye to all your problems!

Wait, the trash can's probably alive too, you thought, remembering Dorian's lecture on friendship. Shit, there goes that plan… Maybe…

"Ya know, I could just commit arson," you concluded rather reasonably, "claim it with insurance, then move and start a new life somewhere else."

A splash of water, followed by swearing and clattering dishes in the sink. You could feel the disappointment radiating from the other end of the phone.

"Well, now you can't because you just told me-" More muttered swearing. "-And I'm not getting involved in the investigation."

Mentally, you crossed a life of crime off of your "new career path" list. You wouldn't be able to shut your mouth, evidently.

"Besides, wouldn't you feel guilty burning everything down, knowing everything is alive?"

Now that… That was a question you could dwell on. Something to distract you from everything. What were the metaphysical properties behind your furniture? Did they have a soul? Did they exist in some quantum realm? Mentally you thumbed through an extra dusty, cobweb covered, steel filing cabinet drawer labeled "philosophy 101". Or was it a question of quantum physics. A pity you didn't study physics in college, that might have saved you from being taken over by AI.

But the possibilities. The possibilites of discovering a new philosophical concept that will stump the future generations to come. Something to leave your mark on the world. A question of "can something temporarily have a soul if you are specifically focusing on it through certain lenses?" How would this apply to court rulings? Legal proceedings? Would these glasses be required in court cases to determine damages to a living human being? This discovery could be groundbreaking and generation defining.

Triumphant in finding a proper course for your life that couldn't possibly be taken over by AI, you stood from the abandoned chair. Pride swelled in your chest, your chin held high.

"… Sam."

She groaned at the pride in your voice. She knew that tone of voice all too well.

"Would I be legally on the hook for killing them if I commit arson?"

"… Dude."

"Would the courts consider furniture that comes alive only when you wear specific glasses as human beings, thus making it murder if I commit arson?"

"Dude!"

"I should go back to school and become a lawyer. Or a philosopher. Think about it!"

"I think…" She sighed, audibly shaking her head. "I think you should go home and start applying for jobs before you completely lose it."

It was probably high time for you to head home. You hadn't been out for extended periods of time after losing your job, and you didn't want your now alive front door to worry too much about you. Idle conversation accompanied you as you walked home, consisting of Sam talking you down from going back to college to becoming a lawyer, explaining that people would probably think you'd lost if you tried to argue that furniture had souls. You wondered aloud if you needed to start getting more food, if your grocery budget would go it, if you could claim them on taxes.

Again, a stranger looked back in horror and concern as you had these conversations. Once again, you were oblivious to it.

You'd taken to saying goodbye a block before you got home, not wanting Dorian to overhear what was said in private. You deserved at least the briefest moment of privacy, knowing it ended the minute you put your key in the door.

At least it was useful, to a degree, having a front door that could tell you everything that happened while you were gone. Even if everything else felt like a weird, vaguely panopticon level of surveillance. Closing the door behind you, you slipped your glasses on and looked at Dorian.

The man had a… Puzzled? Puzzled look? Quizzical? Was he even capable of showing confusion? Whatever it was, it was clear he had a question on his mind.

"What's up?" you nervously asked, tensing instinctively.

The last thing you needed was someone casing your house.

"I've noticed something." His voice was straight, reliable. As usual. "If you don't mind me asking."

Stalker? You prayed for a brief moment it wasn't that.

"… Go ahead."

"Do you prefer coming in the back door?"

Such confidence. Such, nonchalance. Such poise. You looked at his face, desperate for an indication of what he was meaning. Was this a joke? An innuendo? Was this a statement about all the hookups and dates you brought to your house? Was this a genuine observation about your door using habits?

Mentally, you thumbed through everything he could possibly mean by that statement. You didn't have many reasons to use the front door nowadays, outside of grocery runs. Admittedly, you'd also been sneaking out the back to avoid any… Conversations with your now very alive door. So the statement wasn't exactly wrong, but-

…. Wait. Was the back door also alive?

"This is the first I've seen you in a while. You've been spending more time with the back door. I wanted to make sure everything was going smoothly between you two."

The back door was, in fact, alive. Because of course it was. Of course it was! Why wouldn't it be alive?

"Well, I, uh," you stumbled, searching for the proper words that wouldn't make this possibly not innuendo an actual innuendo. "I enjoy sitting out in the backyard. Sun is good for the uh, health and stuff. The vitamin D, ya know."

Would a door know about the benefits of sunlight? Does a door know what vitamin D is?

Does a door know about anal?

"Very well. I'll make sure his hinges are lubricated weekly and his knob stays clean. Smooth, easier entrance for everyone."

Lubricated. Smooth. Easy entrance. You thought about the first time you bought lube in college. Something about bullets? You figured a masc like Dorian would know all about that brand.

"I wouldn't want anyone to have a painful, unpleasant entry."

Somewhere in the background of your brain noise, the squeaks from your backdoor turned into moans, into groans, into heated gasps. The banging became actual banging, Dorian bent over in one way or another. His face flush, sweat dripping on his brow.

You weren't sure if you enjoyed the thoughts or if they simply happened because of the conversation's nature. All you could do was stare at him, your face as blank as you could possibly manage.

"… Thanks, Dorian."

"Anytime."

barabaraorange 2025

i only post on tumblr. if you see this posted elsewhere, it is not me. if you find this on ao3 or wattpad, please let me know if you find it so i can report it.

[ahyuanwrites]

HOMETOWNS (Caleb x reader)

Caleb is selected to be a contestant on a popular dating show. You’re devastated.

Modern day AU. Caleb lost his arm and does not have a high-tech replacement. Longing. A bit of angst. Fluff. Jealousy. No beta.

——

Six months ago, when the accident took Grandma, you remember collapsing from relief when you found out Caleb had survived. But now, as you watch Caleb stuff essentially his entire closet into a suitcase, you realize just how wrong you were. Because apparently, you’ve lost Caleb too.

He’s been distant since he was discharged from the hospital — ignoring your texts, dodging your calls, finding excuses not to visit — and the first time you see him in months, he’s sitting you down to tell you that he’s leaving to be a contestant on a fucking dating show?

“It’s not a big deal, pipsqueak.” He sounds completely unbothered. “I told you, Gideon signed me up as a joke. I’m pretty sure they only picked me ‘cause of the arm…” He flexes the robotic prosthetic at his side — more advanced than the prosthetics of years past, but the fingers move slowly. He folds his shirts with difficulty. The ease in his smile grates against the tension in your chest. “Most contestants don’t even make it past the first night, y’know?”

Of course, you know. You’ve watched The Bachelorette before. But Caleb wasn’t most people. What woman in their right mind could resist him? The mirth in his eyes, his boyish smile, the high slope of his nose, his warmth…

“You don’t honestly expect her to fall in love with me, do ya?”

Of course I do, you want to say. Because I love you. I’ve always loved you. Instead, you leave without saying anything at all. You don’t leave your room for dinner that night, not even when he makes your favorite braised wings, and you pretend to still be asleep the next morning when he leaves for the airport.

—

You spend the next two weeks alternating between uncontrollable sobbing and hopeless delusion. Maybe the very pretty, very likeable bachelorette had terrible taste. Maybe she was the only person on earth immune to your charming not-brother. These delusions crumble when you see a post from the show’s official Instagram account — Caleb and the bachelorette, smiling after a one-on-one date. His left arm is around her shoulders. She looks radiant, and he’s painfully handsome, wearing the old suit you remember picking out for him for graduation.

You throw your phone across the room, and the screen shatters. The next day, you get a new phone and a new number, and you don’t bother texting Caleb about it. 

—

After that, you successfully avoid anything to do with Caleb or the show for another four weeks, until a TV producer literally comes knocking at your door. He apologizes, because he couldn’t reach you by phone and had no choice but to come in person. Caleb made it to the top four, he says, and next week will be the hometowns episode, where each contestant brings the bachelorette back to meet their family.

“I’m not interested.” You grit out as you slam the door in his face. First, Caleb abandons you for months, and now, he wants to broadcast your heartbreak on national television? You think you’re going insane.

“Wait!” You hear the producer yell from the other side of the door. “Look, if you don’t agree, he’ll be the only contestant who doesn’t have family there next week. A few of his friends agreed to come on the show, we’ll be filming at a rental house on Tuesday at six.” He slides an address under the door. “Please come.”

—

In the end, you go anyways, driven by morbid curiosity and the visceral ache of missing him. There are cameras everywhere in the room, surrounding you, Gideon, Zayne, and Zayne’s parents. A microphone is clipped to the front of your shirt under the collar, and the rest of it is taped down your back. You feel like an animal in a cage. 

“Okay,” the producer from last week calls from the corner of the room. “Caleb and the bachelorette enter, in three, two…” He silently mouths “one” and points at the door.

She comes in first, and everyone stands to greet her. She’s smiling wide, so pretty, and when she gives you a hug, you note that she smells like flowers. Great. She turns to Zayne’s mom, shyly handing over a colorful bouquet and a bottle of wine. “This is for you, Auntie, I’m so glad to meet you!”

You briefly consider leaving the room to throw up, but when you turn around to make your escape, your entire vision fills with Caleb. He looks exactly the same, which isn’t surprising considering he was only gone for a few months, but for some reason, you expected to see a stranger. He brings you in for a hug, left arm winding around your back to crush you to him, and buries his face into your nape. When you part, he guides you to sit on the couch, completely ignoring everyone else in the room.

“Hi, pipsqueak. Still mad at me?”

“Yeah.”

He chuckles at your response, but there are storms in his eyes. It seems as if he doesn’t know what to say, and you don’t either, but you also don’t want to look away. So you stare at him, trying to memorize his face, in case this is the last time you’ll ever see your Caleb before he willingly gives himself to someone else. Caleb stares right back.

—

You stay in a trance until Caleb is suddenly tearing his eyes away from yours, arm reaching out to grab Zayne’s wrist as it hovers above your shoulder, before it actually touches you.

“Keep your hands to yourself, yeah?”

Zayne looks between the two of you contemplatively, almost suspiciously, the way he did during your childhood when you would cling to Caleb too closely, or kiss his cheeks, or cry when you had to let go of his hand. 

“Excuse me. The producer asked me to sit here, since you’re supposed to be on the other couch with your girlfriend—”

Caleb springs up, pushing Zayne back, his eyes flashing and fist curling at his side. “She’s not my—”

He doesn’t get the chance to finish before the producer is yelling again. “Let’s get ready for the second shot!”

—

When Caleb finally sits down beside her, the anger has been erased from his face and he’s all smiles. They're holding hands, leaning into each other, and telling everyone in the room about their 'once-in-a-lifetime romantic journey’. You think it’s a load of bullshit. 

“Caleb is really special to me,” she says, as if he wasn’t already the most important person in your life, looking up at him with stars in her eyes. “I’m so lucky to be here with him tonight, and I can’t wait to get to know each of you!”

You want to set her on fire.

—

You end up talking to her first. You learn she’s a nursing student, that she’s passionate about helping people. It hurts more that she’s genuinely nice, clearly making an effort to be kind to you and make sure you’re comfortable in front of the cameras. 

Eventually, she starts getting into the details.

“Caleb’s really great." She seems a bit nervous, twirling one perfect strand of shiny hair between her fingers. “He really is, it’s just that I’m worried we’re not as far along in our relationship as I am with some of the other guys.”

For a second, you’re hopeful. “Why?”

“He’s not really open with his feelings. I know that the accident — losing his grandma and his arm — really impacted him, so it’s understandable that he’s closed off. But I’ve already told him that I’m falling in love with him and well,” her long lashes are a bit wet. “He hasn’t said it back yet.”

Then, she’s grabbing one of your hands in both of hers, looking at you with a hopeful smile. “Will you talk to him about it? Get him to open up? Ask him how he really feels?”

Suddenly, want to set yourself on fire instead. 

—

Before you can talk to Caleb alone, the producer pulls you aside for an 'important chat'.

You learn from him that the night wasn’t necessarily going well, because Caleb spent his entire conversation with Gideon talking about sports, and his entire conversation with Zayne trying to figure out how many times the two of you hung out while he was away, what you did, where you went. It was hardly good material for the show.

“Please,” the producer begged, looking as if he were asking you to spare his life. “You gotta help me out here. Please focus on his relationship with the bachelorette and for the love of God, please, do not bring up Zayne, alright? I can’t handle another hour of whatever that was”. 

—

And that's how you end up on the balcony swing outside the house, interrogating the love of your life about some other girl. 

“So,” you ask, trying to sound casual, “how’ve you been?”

“It’s been wild, pips. We went to France and Italy — you’d love it, I’ll take you — and I got you souvenirs.” He doesn't sound as excited as he should be. One hand holds yours, stroking the back of your hand with his thumb. The prosthetic hangs limply from his other side. “I’ll give them to you later.”

“And how’s it going with, uh… with her?”

“She’s nice. You met her, what do you think? Was she nice to you when you talked?”

“Yeah, she said she really liked you.” You clear your throat. “But she didn’t know if your relationship was as far along as with the other guys.” You try not to read into the way eyes follow your tongue as it pokes out to wet your bottom lip. 

There's silence. And then Caleb seems to deflate before your eyes. “I’m not surprised. I have some tough competition, you know.” He sounds defeated, and it hurts you more than the thought of losing him to someone else.

“Not like that, Caleb.” You scoot closer to him, so that your knees are touching, and bring his hand into your lap. “I’m sure she likes you the most. Loves you, even. She’s just waiting for you to tell her you like her, too.”

“Does she?” His eyes are intense, searching yours, and he gestures to the mechanical limb on his right side. “What woman would want this?”

It hits you suddenly - after the accident, you were so overwhelmed with grief, and then relief that Caleb wasn’t dead, that you never stopped to consider how he felt. How painful it must’ve been, how lonely. How debilitating, to go from being capable of doing anything to suddenly losing a part of yourself and having it replaced by a slow, metal imitation of what was once flesh and bone.

You hated yourself for being so selfish about the accident, the show, everything. 

Without realizing, fat tears are rolling down your face and splattering on your lap. Caleb removes his hand from yours and starts to rub under your eyes—the right, and then the left, and then the right again. He’s still smiling in that wry, sad way that you hate. “Protecting you is my life’s mission. Look at me now, princess. I can’t even wipe your tears away.”

Your chest hurts, and you start to sob. He pulls you onto his lap by the fat of your hip, and you bury your face into his nape, shaking.

“Gege can do anything,” you get out between hiccups. You feel so small, as if you’re a kid again, crawling into your brother’s arms for comfort after scraping your knee. “There’s no one better in the whole world. She's an idiot if she doesn't want you."

When you calm yourself down enough to look up at him, he's wearing an expression you’ve never seen before; face flushed, ears red, eyebrows turned up, looking as if you held his whole heart in your hands.

“I love you, Caleb,” you say, and before you can clarify— add ‘as a sister,’ or something, anything, to make the moment less intimate—Caleb is responding, his grip on your hip bordering painful.

“I love you, too.”

—

Two days later, Caleb shows up at your doorstep looking sheepish. He didn't make the top three. You don’t ask for details. He doesn't pretend to be upset, and you don’t pretend to be upset for him.