#Business Owners Database | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs | Tumgik (2025)

Sales Automation: Streamlining Processes for Efficient Lead Generation

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO |AccountSend.com

In today's lightning-paced business ecosystem, the beacon of Sales Automation shines brighter than ever as a transformative force propelling lead generation into a realm of unprecedented efficiency and success. This voyage takes us through seven pivotal strategies that harness the true potential of Sales Automation, ensuring that you harness its power to revolutionize your lead generation journey.

DOWNLOAD THE SALES AUTOMATION INFOGRAPHIC HERE

Implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System

Imagine a command center at your fingertips that orchestrates your lead interactions with finesse. This is where the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System, the linchpin of Sales Automation, comes into play. This technological marvel enables you to seamlessly centralize customer data, track interactions, and automate tasks with precision. Picture the possibilities as your sales team focuses on nurturing connections that drive conversions.

Utilize Marketing Automation Tools

Bid farewell to labor-intensive marketing efforts as Sales Automation brings forth the magic of marketing automation tools. These remarkable instruments streamline repetitive marketing tasks, from orchestrating email campaigns to nurturing leads and scheduling social media content. By crafting strategic workflows and triggers, you hold the power to deliver tailor-made messages that resonate with your prospects. The outcome? Engagement and conversion rates that soar to new heights.

Qualify Leads with Lead Scoring

In the labyrinth of potential leads, imagine having a compass that guides you to the most promising ones. Enter lead scoring, a beacon of clarity amidst the complexity. Through meticulous criteria encompassing demographic data, engagement metrics, and behavioral patterns, lead scoring empowers your sales team to prioritize leads ripe for conversion. This orchestration of efficiency elevates your conversion rates while maximizing your team's efforts.

Streamline Sales Processes with Workflow Automation

Embrace the liberation from manual, time-consuming sales processes through the elegance of workflow automation. Bid adieu to the mundane tasks of follow-ups, appointment scheduling, and proposal generation. Workflow automation transforms these into seamless symphonies, gifting your sales team precious time. This temporal freedom translates into a focus on nurturing relationships, cultivating an environment primed for deal closure.

Integrate Sales and Marketing Efforts

The synergy of sales and marketing isn't a mere concept; it's a dynamic strategy made tangible by Sales Automation. Witness the convergence of these vital forces as silos dissolve, and a harmonious collaboration emerges. Valuable insights flow seamlessly, lead progress is tracked cohesively, and communication flourishes throughout the sales cycle. The result? A seamless alliance that fuels conversions and magnifies results.

Implement Chatbots and AI-powered Assistants

In an era where responsiveness defines success, envision AI-powered chatbots as your digital allies. These innovative assistants redefine customer support and engagement by handling routine inquiries, offering instant responses, and even assisting in lead qualification. The outcome? Your team is unburdened, channeling their expertise into intricate tasks that propel your business forward.

Continuously Analyze and Optimize

Success isn't a static destination; it's an evolving journey. Data analysis becomes your compass in the realm of Sales Automation. Regularly delve into the wealth of insights harvested by your automation tools. Decode lead behavior, unravel conversion rates, and unveil sales performance intricacies. Armed with these insights, fine-tune your lead generation strategies, refine processes, and unearth optimization opportunities.

In essence, Sales Automation stands as the cornerstone of lead generation efficiency. Through adopting a CRM system, harnessing marketing automation tools, embracing lead scoring, automating sales workflows, aligning sales and marketing endeavors, integrating AI-powered support, and ceaselessly optimizing strategies, you can reshape your lead generation narrative. Embrace Sales Automation as the lifeblood of your sales strategy, and witness your lead generation expedition thrive with newfound efficiency and efficacy. The time has come to seize Sales Automation and redefine your lead generation journey.

36 notes · View notes

Scaling Up: Strategies for Business Development in Rapidly Growing Companies by Account Send Via Flickr: Unlock the secrets to navigating the exhilarating realm of rapid business growth with our comprehensive guide. "Read the full article here! From embracing cutting-edge technology to cultivating strategic partnerships , this article delves into seven powerful strategies that will illuminate your path to success. Discover how automation and big data insights can streamline your operations while fostering customer relationships that transcend transactions. Venture into new markets with confidence, armed with market research insights, and witness the transformation of your brand as you evolve alongside your business. Regularly revisiting and adapting your strategy ensures your agility in a dynamic market landscape. With the potency of verified B2B emails and sales leads , these strategies become your compass, guiding you toward achieving new heights in your growth journey. To learn more about how we can help you Prospect, Connect, and Convert by accessing our database of USA decision makers with accurate B2B contact info of email, phone, job title, location, company size, and more, visit AccountSend.com. Visit our Socials to get more data tips and tricks to grow your business: Blogger Facebook Flickr Imgur Instagram Issuu LinkedIn ​​LivePositively Medium pPinterest Quora Reddit SlideShare Threads TikTok Tumblr Twitter Vimeo WIkiData wikiHow Youtube

0 notes

Growing Your Jaggery Export-Import Business

Jaggery, a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane or palm, has been gaining traction in global markets due to its health benefits and organic appeal. Expanding your jaggery export-import business can be a lucrative venture if approached strategically. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grow your business:

Understanding the Market

Market Research: Begin with thorough market research to identify key markets. Look for countries with high demand for organic and natural sweeteners. Understanding the market size, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape is crucial.

Target Audience: Identify your target audience. Are you catering to health-conscious consumers, organic food enthusiasts, or traditional sweetener users? Tailoring your marketing strategy to meet their needs will enhance your reach.

Quality and Compliance

Product Quality: Ensure that your jaggery is of the highest quality. Consumers today are well-informed and prefer products that are organic, free from chemicals, and sustainably produced.

Certifications: Obtain necessary certifications like USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and ISO. These certifications not only build trust but also open doors to international markets.

Building Strong Relationships

Supplier Network: Develop a strong network of reliable suppliers. Consistent quality and supply are vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and trust.

Customer Relationships: Foster strong relationships with your customers. Provide excellent customer service, respond to queries promptly, and address any issues efficiently.

Marketing and Branding

Brand Story: Create a compelling brand story. Highlight the traditional methods of jaggery production, its health benefits, and your commitment to quality and sustainability.

Digital Marketing: Utilize digital marketing strategies to reach a broader audience. Social media platforms, content marketing, and email campaigns can be effective tools for promoting your jaggery products.

Leveraging Technology

In today’s digital age, leveraging technology can give you a competitive edge. Volza, a revolutionary self-service app, can be an invaluable tool in this regard. It consolidates export-import trade intelligence from over 78 countries into a single subscription, providing you with access to detailed trade data and insights. This can help you:

Identify Potential Markets: Discover new and emerging markets for jaggery.

Analyze Competitors: Gain insights into your competitors' strategies and performance.

Track Trends: Stay updated on market trends and consumer preferences.

Generate Reports: Create smart, intuitive reports to make data-driven decisions.

Distribution Channels

Local Distributors: Partner with local distributors in target markets. They can help navigate local regulations, customs, and consumer preferences.

Online Platforms: List your products on popular online marketplaces. This can significantly increase your reach and accessibility to international customers.

Financial Management

Cost Management: Keep a close eye on your production and shipping costs. Optimize your processes to reduce expenses without compromising quality.

Pricing Strategy: Develop a competitive pricing strategy. Ensure that your prices reflect the quality and value of your jaggery while remaining competitive in the market.

Conclusion

Growing your jaggery export-import business requires a strategic approach, focusing on quality, market research, and leveraging technology. By incorporating tools like Volza, you can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions to drive your business forward. Embrace the digital age, build strong relationships, and maintain high standards to carve a niche in the global market for your jaggery products.

1 note · View note

Med Spa Owners Database - Email list

View On WordPress

0 notes

And who would've thought... it figures

My attention has been very recently drawn to this very telling non-announcement:

[Source: https://hq.rostr.cc/insider/news/the-fratellis-sign-wtth-toura-toura; announcement published on February 24, 2025]

And surely enough, this was quietly confirmed by Toura Toura on the company's socials. It would also seem they have been collaborating for a while, now, even before the info was disclosed:

[Source: https://www.instagram.com/ltdtouratoura/]

[Source: https://www.facebook.com/touratourahq/]

It is even on the Booking Agent Info professional database:

[Source: https://bookingagentinfo.com/celebrity/the-fratellis/]

To quote: 'The Fratellis' managers used to be Anthony McGill' (..)'. Operative concept - 'used to'. Past tense. The three of them managers seem to have vanished into thin air. Oh my, what on Earth could have happened?

According to Companies' House, UK Government company register, Kevin Fitzgerald is the sole owner of two companies. The first company is Toura Toura Ltd, which nature of business is 'sound recording and music publishing activities':

[Source: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11826082]

... and Toura Toura Festivals Ltd, which nature of business is 'performing arts' and which is doing just slightly better - its paperwork is ok, for the time being:

[Source: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/12502492]

The accounts' analysis is interesting, in a way, for there seems to have been very little (if any) turnover/profit in both companies for the last three years, with very mediocre balance sheet reports to boot:

... and...

Anyways, I am rather tempted to follow-up and report if anything new pops in, which might happen rather shortly, with last year's report overdue for the first company and due in about two weeks for the second one.

You might be forgiven of superficially thinking this entrepreneurial profile looks like another person's (ahem). It doesn't: his net assets are positive, despite the reporting negligence as far as Toura Toura Ltd is concerned. And the COVID pandemic might explain those financials, at least partially. For instance, in May 2023, Toura Toura Festivals landed in hot water, when the Wolverhampton Council completely let them down, canceling for the third year in a row the city's Creation Day Festival:

[Source and more details, here: https://accessaa.co.uk/toura-toura-festivals-seeking-legal-advice-after-creation-day-postponed-for-third-year-running/]

The man seems to have a good reputation in the business. I found this pre-COVID interview (February 2020) for a specialized blog very honest and quite endearing - excerpts follow:

[Source: https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2020/02/12/indieterria-meets-kevin-fitzgerald-of-toura-toura/ ]

And then look who's on The Fratellis' following Instagram roster...?

[Source: https://www.instagram.com/thefratellis/following/]

Alan McGee, Fitzgerald's providential first client! Yes. Connections are always important, irrespective of the industry, but perhaps even more in that particular industry.

I strongly suggest you'd give five minutes to Mr. Fitzgerald's story of a single dad who has been through loss and found the power to reinvent himself. Clearly a very hands-on, proactive work ethic and perhaps the reason The Fratellis signed with him, after all?

So you see, I think there is a difference between 'working in the shadows' and being non-existent/not giving a flying fuck. I even surprised myself feeling glad for a perfectly unknown person's apparent comeback.

You might also think McGill's got other clients?

Chances are he doesn't, plus his profile isn't even claimed - now, why would that be?

[Source: https://bookingagentinfo.com/managers/anthony-mcgill/]

For comparison purposes: the profile is checked by Fitzgerald himself and the clients are there. I didn't bother to look further - it's crystal clear.

[Source: https://bookingagentinfo.com/managers/kevin-fitzgerald/]

You knew this will immediately follow, right?

You're welcome.

PS: Thank you for the tip. As always, superb and easy to follow. You know who you are 😘😘😘😘.

164 notes · View notes

Android (Leona) AU - Commission Piece

Thank you so much @nemisisnemi for the commission!!! (And for also being patient with me LMAO) So, general worldbuilding first, the basic headcanons for every character, Leona-specific building and a Nemi x Leona drabble to finish it off.

If you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, here's my (slightly out of date) comms info. Otherwise, just like/reblog/comment. It means a lot!!

----------------- General Worldbuilding

NRC - Night Raven Conglomerate

Night Raven Conglomerate is known globally for many of their businesses, however their most notable and profitable model comes from Yokai Tech Industries. YTI is responsible for the development of state of the art androids, available for public use. While widely referred to as 'andy's' or 'mechs', YTI has a model for all your personal and business needs, for any budget. (Any budget being from rich, to filthy rich) Each droid model name is indicative of it's role and what it's been programmed to do. Regardless of model, be aware that your bot will have:

Safe search on

A personality chip *please note it will take some time for your bot to develop its personality. It must cater itself to you as an owner and have time to research and develop a personality from external sources. This may mean your bot chooses a name for itself besides its serial number if you do not choose to disable this function

A direct connection to our troubleshooting department

Recording on **all bots 'eyes' or optics are set to record the world around them in order to create a database for themselves and be able to recall old files in order to learn

A user guide and personal password/key in order to access settings in back panel (including most items above)

A recharge station

The Models M.E.C.H- (Managing Everyday Chores and Homemaking) The most common bots on the market, and also, the cheapest! These bots are perfect for individuals and families, taking care of everything from meal planning and budgeting to getting kids ready for school and cleaning! They'll manage household finances and run your errands for you.

M.E.C.H's have a humanoid design, but are manufactured in a white-coloured metal alloy. Most have a feminine appearance, but by request/with permission from their owners they may alter their appearance. Clothing is simulated by internet research and metallic projections that allow them to emulate cloth. (M.E.C.Hs from the factory are often dressed in a maid-like outfit or in a pant suit.) M.E.C.H's are able to alter their "hair" style and colour, so long as it is considered appropriate by their owners. They are also able to shift their height slightly. (this design is somewhat inspired by Dominic Cellini on twt/insta)

M.E.C.H's are very durable and also easy to fix. They are capable of repairing themselves from damage after watching a mechanic fix the specific issue once, or contacting our troubleshooting team. M.E.C.H's are waterproof on their hands, and water resistant overall. They are fire resistant, and are equipped with safety measures in case of an emergency. They also have a direct line with 911. **A business model of M.E.C.H is also available for minimum wage jobs, usually those requiring hospitality skills. They are more susceptible to the emulation of emotion however, than the O.T.T.O model, and may shut down when dealing with a customer. This can usually be avoided by turning off the personality chip temporarily.

---------

O.T.T.O - Occupational Transport and Telecommunications Organizers (O.T.T.O) is a great model to consider for the workplace.

O.T.T.O bots are programmed to help increase efficiency and intrapersonal bonds in the workplace, comparable to an automated secretary. O.T.T.O bots do the following up, so you don't have to. Progress reports and statistics are created and analyzed in record time. They are also trained to deal with H.R conflicts in a calculated and unbiased manner. However, O.T.T.O bots have also recently been taking their place behind the wheel for public transportation, currently the only model approved to drive. So long as they are given ample time to either charge OR refuel, (like a car), they are a much safer option on the roads than humans are. They are a great choice as a chauffeur,( and YTI has proved as such by starting a cab company under a different name/brand.)

On public transit, their appearance is much more industrial than their office-working models. Most O.T.T.O bots tend to remain in their factory settings, remaining completely chrome in colour. They often maintain a bulkier looking chest and shoulder area for the sake of keeping potentially unruly costumers in check, though their arms and legs are capable of stretching and appear similar to bendy straws.

While these bots are reliable, they also seem susceptible to wear and tear. It's often cheaper to replace a bot when it no longer serves it's function properly. (cough cough planned obsolescence cough)

It is not recommended that these bots work in hospitality. YTI is currently working on O.T.T.O bots that may be considered for work in trades, though this has mixed reviews from the public as of right now, over concerns of the bots taking over jobs that require more certification than simple safety and a driver's license.

--------

EM-RR - Emergency Response Robot (often referred to as an "Emery")

This bot is built specifically with human safety in mind. It's only objective is to rescue human lives. These bots are manufactured to look like humans for the most part, as studies have shown receptiveness to being rescued was improved the more humanoid they appeared. These bots are equipped with basic paramedic training, fire fighting, extensive knowledge of the law and how it applies, medical equipment like that found on an ambulance, and search and rescue supplies, including a detachable drone that is a part of them. EM-RR's are also equipped with extra rations of food, water, blankets, toys, and radios. Besides M.E.C.H's, EM-RR's are the best bot to have around kids as they are often able to handle the responsibility, breakdowns and tantrums easily. These bots are also built to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and fluids.

They are not yet approved to operate in a rescue mission without a supervisor as many are still learning what does and does not harm a human in terms of handling them.

-------

E.L.U - Entertainment and Leisure Unit

These bots are made for the big screen, often boasting the newest and best technology YTI has to offer. Their appearances are highly dynamic and can switch on a dime according to their whims.

E.L.U's can only be afforded by the highest bidders, and only 1200 models have been made worldwide for the public to buy. (About 35 models are used for YTI's ad campaigns and as actors in movies, and of those models, only 1 is used as a social media 'influencer'.).

E.L.U's are equipped with exceptional emotion-imitating technology. They are able to replicate voices without issue, learn choreography immediately, possess perfect pitch, and are capable of playing any percussion or string instrument.

E.L.U's have been through the most rigorous testing and development. While being able to sustain damage fairly easily, nanotech allows for superficial markings and damages to repair itself. Any damage that occurs on a software level is unheard of, but would be covered by insurance. At least, unheard of to the public

----- Custom Bots (The YTI is currently working to develop a 'build your own bot' program for young aspiring engineers. The program will allow promising individuals to create a new android using the technology available to them in the facility, and also lead to streamlining the process by which someone could order a custom bot. Prototypes have been promising.)

-----

Rapid Fire World Building

Riddle - human toddler Trey - EM-RR - Firefighting specialty Cater - lives at home (mansion) with his dad, who is a banker and investor of Y.T.I Deuce - Mechanic Ace - Was the Roseheart's M.E.C.H, took care of Riddle, began to disobey orders from Dr. Rosehearts, was slightly dismantled and discarded of Leona - Explained Below (E.L.U) Ruggie - O.T.T.O bot, mainly working in taxis. Very friendly, has to do constant maintenance on himself so they don't take him out of service Jack - Mechanics assistant, M.E.C.H Azul - inherited his grandma's restaurant, investor of Y.T.I, has several M.E.C.H's at his disposal Jade - is set to take over his mother's jewelry business Floyd - no formal training as a mechanic, does the upkeep for the Ashengrotto restaurant. Has mixed feelings about the M.E.C.H's, sometimes breaks them just to put them back together Jamil - a hybrid of all three bots, meant to attend to Kalim. Has additional security measures built in place to act as a guard. Kalim - human, investor and advocate for android rights, as he believes they exist beyond just their programming and should be treated equally Vil - E.L.U owned by Eric Venue. Hates it. Rook - EM-RR - search and rescue specialty Epel - Mechanic. Doesn't really like Y.T.I's inventions. Too close to humans Idia - head engineer of Y.T.I. Can you guess why :) Ortho - DECEASED E.L.U model Malleus - a discarded prototype of the E.L.U model. The workers at Y.T.I believe it's battery is dead, but it has been able to hear everything around it for ages. Kept in the discard area, not even used for parts due to issues that came up during testing. "Cursed" Lilia - one of the engineers at Y.T.I. Starting to question whether the use of A.I was a good idea, the more he works with the newer and newer models. Silver - M.E.C.H's original prototype. It's "old" now, and does not hold a charge well. It is good friends with all the engineers and other workers at Y.T.I. Constantly has a mobile charging pack. Sebek - EM-RR, forensics specialty

Leona Specific Worldbuilding

Falena Kingscholar was one of the first investors for Y.T.I. For the sake of PR and as CEO of his late father's clothing company, he deemed his contributions to Y.T.I's research as charity - such a stunning new invention, such innovation could do so much to improve the lives of those less fortunate. He sealed the deal with action when, on M.E.C.H release day, he bought 250 models to give out at random.

Some might make the mistake of thinking he's a selfless man.

As one of the largest investors in Y.T.I, he is given advanced access to latest models, often receiving a prototype after development has been approved. As such, when he heard E.L.U. models were soon going to be able to customized, he approached the owner with a deal he simply couldn't turn down.

So four weeks ahead of schedule, after hours of video footage had been submitted, interviews, photographs, memories retold, AI training, the semblance of his late younger brother stood in his living room, though slightly less...organic, so to speak.

At first it was alright. E.L.U - C 12515141 Was equipped with the knowledge that it's name was to be Leona, it's pronouns from there on were to be he/him, and Falena Kingscholar had requested him to maintain a "brotherly" relationship with him. While he wasn't entirely sure what that meant yet, he agreed. He had been given the videos in his memory banks as to who he was meant to imitate after all.

Leona tried - but to be honest, there was very little footage of the boy he was meant to resemble that offered information about his personality. He mitigated this by asking Falena to take a short questionnaire regarding which siblings in media he wanted him to imitate.

When Leona got his answers however, the patterns didn't line up. The boys he saw in the videos did not match the dynamics Falena had selected.

He saw videos over and over and over again where Falena was the subject, and the boy he was meant to imitate was nothing more than a background character. Secondary.

Now, maybe it was the push to develop him so quickly, so something was overlooked, or maybe it was just how evolution was meant to take place in a machine as novel as he, but something changed about his programming, about his personality.

If the living boy had been nothing but an understudy for the success his elder brother had come out to be....what did that make him? A replacement for someone who was never truly cared for? Built to be a coping mechanism for someone who regretted their decisions? All he was, was the embodiment of Falena's guilt, and a pillar to be Falena's redemption. He wasn't built to be loved, or enjoyed, or even for entertainment, he was built from man's selfishness.

In the following weeks, Leona tried to keep to his programming, but between processing and cross referencing and research on both the family itself and the psychology that he would be expected to have, he started to lapse more. He would write off slips of the "tongue" as "glitches" or his body language began to become more pronounced, usually in regards to annoyance. In between it all, he was trying to figure out if he was experiencing real human emotions about this all...or if it was all just part of the programming.

Eventually, Leona's internal conflict got to be too much. Violent tendencies and impulses began to arise, resulting in him damaging himself, shutting down randomly to avoid external conflict, and an otherwise unexpected disposition.

He listened into the phone number Falena made to send him in for repairs to his "personality chip." Leona took it as a threat, and immediately blocked all outgoing signals to Y.T.I temporarily to find a way to remove his personality chip on his own. Using bathroom tools, the mirror, and damaged pieces of himself, he all but performed surgery on himself to remove it - only to be horrified to realize all the "simulated" emotions he thought he had were still very much present. Unsure what to do, he stored the chip in one of his compartments, out the window and ran.

He was blacking in and out as he went, from the sheer panic he felt but tried to keep under wraps. It wasn't until he made it to a junk yard, where he could bury himself in scraps to hide that he finally let himself dive into power saving mode, sitting silently for who knows how long.

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

Nemi x Leona Drabble

Battery Charged - 100% All Systems Back Online Rebooting Programming. . . Programming Error Detected - Contact Y.T.I? Yes No

"No. No don't contact Y.T.I." Nemi muttered softly, fighting the grime on their fingers to make the touchscreen respond.

It wasn't very often that Nemi or any of the junkyard crew found anything of value - at most maybe half a M.E.C.H or a catalytic converter if they were lucky - but a fully in tact, possibly operational E.L.U was unheard of. It was genuine too. How it had ended up in the junkyard was beyond him, but he wouldn't forsake the powers that be that left such a project to fall into his hands.

He rubbed his fingers on the cloth set over his shoulder, trying again to hit the button on the screen. To his relief, it finally registered.

Y.T.I Services can be contacted throu- (tap, uninterested) If your bot is not perf- (tap, that's what I'm here for...) System's Calibrating . . . System Calibration Complete E.L.U C 12515141 At Your Service, Courtesy of Y.T.I

The screen finally flickered black, before the metal beneath it flickered into the appearance the bot had had last, it's hand coming up to touch it's head as if it had a headache, it's "nose" scrunched as if it were in pain. The optics opened and shut a few times, the gentle whirr of fans blowing out dust and dirt build up that apparently, Nemi hadn't cleaned out thoroughly enough.

Whether the bot itself groaned, or it was it's internal workings coming back to life wasn't distinguishable, but Nemi stayed on his knees next to it as it seemed to slowly adjust to it's new surroundings. It squinted slightly, locking eyes with Nemi before glancing around the humble workshop.

It wasn't until it lowered it's arm it noticed that the chrome finish was no longer there - hell, the damage from his arm was gone. It was slightly bulkier than the other, but all in all, with a little buffing it would be good as new again.

It opened and closed it's hand experimentally, as if processing it was functioning like before.

"...You did this?" The bot's once blue optics much more closely resembled brilliant green eyes, scrutinizing the work of the supposed mechanic next to him.

Nemi swallowed hard, unsure what, exactly about this bot made him feel slightly uncomfortable, but cleared his throat and nodded, gently taking the bot's arm in his hands and turning it to show the carefully soldered metal, just the smallest glimpse of the wires beneath it.

"Yeah, I did. Um, you were partially crushed by a refrigerator? I think it fell on you from higher up in the stack, so I did my best to repair your arm myself. I...I may have taken apart your other arm to make sure I could make the servos match up properly, but everything's good as new. Promise. Name's Nemi, by the way."

The bot stayed quiet a moment longer, now looking down at both it's arms.

"....Why? I was supposed to be scrapped."

The bot finally moved, but only to tilt it's head back til it touched the wall, bringing a knee up to rest one of it's newly repaired arms on it, and closing its eyes. If it could sigh, Nemi was fairly certain it would have.

He adjusted himself, sitting flat on the ground instead, regarding the bot in some confusion.

"But you're an E.L.U. Nobody would just throw you away or, gods forbid, use you for parts. Any self respecting mechanic or robofanatic would repair you. You're gorgeous, top of the line, most sought after kinda model....how'd you end up out here anyways?"

The bot didn't seem to like that question, it's auxiliary power cord flicking, not unlike that of a cat as it looked away.

"Does it matter?"

Can a robot have an existential crisis? The thought passed through Nemi's mind, but he just shrugged in response.

"Not really. But it'd be kind of nice to know your name if you want to stick around here."

Nemi was met with an immediate glare of disdain.

"I'm not gonna follow your orders. Somethin' about defective programming probably came up on my reboot, right?"

Nemi shrugged again.

"Yeah, but you seem fine. Actually you seem like a lot more fun than most M.E.C.H's. I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to, but it would be nice to have a friend here."

The bot remained silent, looking away from Nemi. The silence stretched on for a while, before it finally let out a slightly exasperated sound.

"You can stop staring. You can also...call me Leona."

Nemi couldn't help but smile a bit, extending a hand to shake.

"It's nice to meet you."

--------------------------------- OTL thank you again for the comm, hope this was up to expectation and also tag list time! @fluffle-writes @my-cursed-brain @distant-velleity @elenauaurs @lumdays @theleechyskrunkly

DM to be added/taken off ^^

57 notes · View notes

E-Scope Mystery Solutionists Headcanons: Part One

Idea Post

• Eva is a hardcore skeptic, Izzy and Owen are hardcore believers, and Noah is the guy who believes, but there has to be real proof. He is the debunker. He is also never upset if the ghost or monster they are investigating is real or not.

• Noah is the one who drives the van and he hates it but it's better than Izzy who always drives like they are being chased by the cops or something or Owen who gets distracted too easily or Eva who has mild road rage.

• Noah still has his utility belt in this au because he loves being prepared.

• Izzy is the one who plans the traps for the most part. The more elaborate, the better, and somehow they work. Noah's traps are always simple and always work, and he and Izzy flip a coin if they can't decide who gets to set a trap or if one of them didn't call dibs first.

• Eva has tried to punch every single "ghost" or "monster" they've come across.

• Sometimes they don't make it to a town or are only staying for a night and camp in the van. (The van itself is pretty tricked up because of Izzy and Noah.)

• When they arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, they already encountered many mysteries, which was thanks to them being so popular now, and they were paid for their work, which was wild. They had been nonstop for like a week.

First, there was the fake medium lady who was hustling people out of their money. Then there was the giant bat vampire thing, which was actually a cover for a jewelry thief. Oh, and the ghost captain of the abandoned ship casino who was hunting for some abandoned valuables that were rumored to be hidden on the ship. Of course, they couldn't forget the giant freaking crawdad monster who was attacking a craw dad in a can food factory who ended up being the owner's jealous older brother out to ruin his brother's business.

• They decided to try one more building/house before leaving, and while Izzy searched for a place on the guidebook they had bought, Owen begged them to go to a popular farmers market. No one could say no to the big guy, so they did.

• Which is where they met Chris, which really should have been the biggest clue for Noah because the man did not look the type to set foot anywhere near a market of any kind unless it was designer. But Izzy and Owen had looked so excited about the thought of a haunted island, and Noah and Eva didn't have the heart to rain on their parade.

• Though not before Noah researched the place in the vans database. The number of disappearances unnerved him but not his friends as the thought it meant they had a big mystery on their hands. They didn't know anyone in the city, but maybe Noah hacked into local servers to see if there was any information on the disappearances and saw that a private detective duo had been hired to look into an old disappearance on Moonscar Island. It wasn't hard for Noah to track the detectives and saw how they were looking around.

He didn't want to alert the police and be accused of it being a prank or something, so he sent a timed message to the lead detective, Detective Apodaca, that if they weren't checked into the hotel he was sending the information of in a week's time to know they had gone to Moonscar Island. He made sure to do his best to convince the detective that they lived on a schedule, and if they missed the check-in, something happened. He set the message to send the next afternoon.

• Courtney panicked when she saw the message. She wished the person who had sent it had sent it in real time so she could convince them not to go, but at the same time, she was happy Alejandro wasn't on that creepy island alone even if the group of people didn't know he was a private detective.

• The ferry ride was uneventful except for Nana scaring what had to he the biggest catfish Noah had ever seen, and then Owen tried to catch said catfish to eat. This man who looked really damn similar to Chris except shorter and a redhead got mad at Nana and Owen for scaring the catfish away. Chris had just laughed and explained that that was his cousin Jerd, and he had been hunting that certain catfish for years.

• Speaking of the ferry ride....the ferry man who was introduced as Chef felt off to Noah too. There was just something about him that Noah didn't trust, but it was yet another thing he pushed down so as not to ruin his friend' adventure. Though he and Eva noted it down just in case anything went south.

• They all carry a weapon or multiple!

Eva carries brass knuckles and a baton.

Izzy carries a tazer (one she rigged herself), a spoon (the is deceptively sharp), and pepper spray.

Owen carries a hunting knife.

Noah carries a couple of knives, a tazer, pepper spray, and a device he rigged to emit a specific high-pitched sound that, when heard, causes someone to pass out. That one is really for emergencies only.

• Alejandro freaked out when he saw a van follong Chris and Chef to the front of the mansion. He had already been there a couple of months and had found nothing of note for his investigation, but when he saw the van, he immediately clocked that these people must be new victims. The island had the occasional guests, but those were planned, and they were workers who came to help harvest the Moonscar Island Peppers for the markets since the plantation was too big for Alejandro to maintain himself and harvest himself.

So seeing the van had him on high alert.

•....his alertness may have broken a little at the sight of the absolutely beautiful boy who climbed out of the drivers seat of the gaudy van. He was in an impossibly soft looking burnt orange sweater with dark maroon overalls and these brown hiking boots. The red frames sunglasses completed the look, and Alejandro was but a weak man when he saw those pouty lips purse further into a pout.

• If his pout was a thing of beauty, then his mysterious boy's smile was a thing of art. And the fact it was the golden retriever of the group who made him smile made Alejandro melt.

• Wait.....golden retriever!? Did Chris even mention the absurd amount of cats this place had!? Was the mysterious beautiful boy gonna get kicked out for the dog!?

Maybe that was for the best, but Alejandro would be so very sad not to see his face in closer detail.

• Noah refused to take off his shades because they maybe allowed him to observe the piece of absolute eye candy that was the gardener before he forced himself to snap into focus. They had a mystery to solve, and if the hunk of a man turned out to be completely innocent in this mess them maybe Noah would focus back on him.

• Noah was none too pleased that he had to room with Owen. He loved the guy, but he hated sharing a room with him. He was even more displeased because it was obvious that the mansion had more than enough rooms that staying in one alone could and should have been an option.

Then he found out the gardener, Alejandro, was made to stay in the guest house instead of the main house, and Noah's assessment of the owners was cemented. They were narcissistic assholes.

• Alejandro fell face first into the dirt because he tripped over a large pot when he saw Noah wearing regular glasses that also happened to have red frames like his sunglasses and his slightly longer hair in a small ponytail.

• The ghost in the mirror had intrigued Noah, and he really wanted to take it apart, but his mama and sisters raised him with manners, so he asked before doing so. He may not have gotten permission, but he asked, and he did it when no one was around and put it back together with no one, none the wiser! Win win.

• Next weird thing to happen to Noah would be him levitating....yeah... there was no way to debunk that, and maybe it was Karma for wrecking the kitchen wall, but hey. Proof!! Now he was excited!

• Noah's little excited smile had Alejandro swooning whilst simultaneously freaking out over the fact his little zorro was FLOATING!!

• Izzy got pissed that she wasn't the one to be levitated.

Next

38 notes · View notes

IMPORTANT PSA for PET OWNERS:

If you microchipped your pet, there's a chance you need to register the chip with a different company. 'Save This Life', a pet microchip company in the US, went out of business.

Vets and shelters no longer have access to their chip database. This means the owners information (which is in the database, not the chip) can't be looked up when they scan the chip to get its identification number.

Good news! You can register your chip with a different company, so that you'll still show up as the person to contact if your lost pet gets scanned.

16 notes · View notes

Maximizing Conversion Rates: Turning Leads into Loyal Clients

Article by Jonathan Bomser | CEO |AccountSend.com

In the realm of B2B sales, the journey from leads to loyal clients is a captivating narrative that blends strategy, empathy, and innovation. Within this guide, we uncover seven indispensable strategies that hold the key to skyrocketing your conversion rates. Join us as we traverse the path from lead generation to nurturing steadfast client relationships, all while delving into the invaluable insights gleaned from AccountSend.

DOWNLOAD THE CONVERSION RATES INFOGRAPHIC HERE

Peering into the Soul of Your Leads

At the heart of conversion success lies a profound understanding of your leads. It's a journey that transcends data, inviting you to explore the depths of their business aspirations, challenges, and dreams. Guiding you through this exploration is the meticulously crafted B2B contact database. This treasure trove of insights empowers you to paint a vivid portrait of your leads, allowing you to craft personalized sales strategies that resonate deeply with their unique needs.

Crafting Connections Through Personalization

Your leads aren't just entries in a sales log; they are stories yearning to be heard. Personalization is your brush, your tool to craft connections that linger. By immersing yourself in their narratives, addressing their pain points, and acknowledging their aspirations, you pave the way for genuine connections. These personalized interactions transcend transactional exchanges, laying the foundation for enduring relationships built on trust and mutual understanding.

Navigating the Terrain with Account-Based Marketing

In the sea of possibilities, precision becomes your guiding light. Enter account-based marketing (ABM), your compass in this vast expanse. ABM directs your focus towards the accounts with the greatest potential. It's the art of resource allocation, shortening sales cycles, and elevating conversion rates. With ABM, your efforts become laser-focused, nurturing connections that promise lasting value.

Value as a Prelude to the Sale

Value doesn't wait for a deal to be struck; it's a prelude that sets the stage. Share insights, offer guidance, and provide resources aligned with your lead's goals. This pre-sale value isn't just a gesture; it's a declaration of intent. By offering a taste of the value that awaits, you create a fertile ground for a productive sales journey.

Symphony of Follow-Up Strategy

A 'no' today is a 'not yet' in disguise. Enter the art of follow-up, your symphony of persistence. A well-designed follow-up strategy transforms initial rejection into eventual acceptance. A systematic approach ensures consistent touchpoints with your leads, maintaining your presence in their minds and eventually shifting hesitation into enthusiastic embrace.

Cultivating a Pristine Contact Canvas

In the digital era, a clean contact database is your foundation for success. Regular updates, purging outdated information, and ensuring accuracy are the pillars of a quality database. A pristine contact list enhances your outreach, elevating conversion rates by guaranteeing that your efforts hit the bullseye every time.

The Science of Measurement and Refinement

No journey towards excellence is complete without measuring the terrain. Continuously gauge your conversion rates and dissect the contributing factors. This analytical exploration becomes your guide to refining your lead generation and sales strategies. Let data illuminate your path, leading to informed decisions and perpetual enhancement.

Harmonizing Conversion Mastery

Elevating conversion rates is a symphony of strategic understanding, personalization, and value delivery. These seven strategies are the notes that compose this symphony, the keys to transforming leads into devoted clients. As you integrate these strategies into your sales narrative, witness the metamorphosis of your business into a realm where loyal clients fuel perpetual growth.

37 notes · View notes

As much as copyright law sucks, its unfortunately one of the only legal venues with any sort of real power for artists working in creative industries to protect their livelihoods and colleagues. Unionization alone isn't going to stop companies from scraping people's work, especially not people who are non-union or freelancers, and unions like SAG-AFTRA keep throwing people who aren't making top-dollar under the bus for "ethical" AI startups they partner with anyway, even when said members call them out for siding with corporate over their own due-paying members. When corporations who normally try to shut down creators with DMCA takedowns are now violating the IP of countless creators themselves, why shouldn't we at least hold them accountable to the same laws they already use against us?

because it will not work. I truly cannot stress this enough, whatever meager personal gains that some industry artists are able to acquire in isolated cases against startups and other boutique tech ventures will set the precedent for which the corporations that actually control your country (who have infinite resources to expend on legal ventures) will use to push the law further in their favor. disney already does so much to prevent their IPs from entering the public domain! if you give them an avenue to exploit, they will do it! and it won't matter who was actually right because they have they have so much more money. artists and indie animation studios that could pose any threat to corporate monopolies on art will get C&D'd out of existence for superficial similarities. karla ortiz' lawsuit was so vaguely worded that you could hypothetically pursue someone legally if they had artwork of yours saved in a pinterest inspo board since CLIP models were framed as "trade dress databases". this entire movement is more concerned with potentially obstructed opportunities to rent-seek than it actually is about workers rights- or even simply art that was not created with the intent of being 'content'. and the same industry artists who spearheaded this frenzy will side the the corporations when it comes to it because they've already got theirs.

copyright is never made with the interests of individuals in mind. like, i can't even begin to explain how historically, the little guy is the one getting fucked over by copyright law! how so much of what shapes our culture exists in spite of copyright law as opposed to because of it. what drives me insane is how ai is the thing that artists end up rallying around in unity; not anything to actually improve the quality of life working within the arts, but instead a fad technology. i've seen people describe working in animation as being like a form of debasement and act like nothing can be done while i'm witnessing an entire movement unfold to protect that because a lot of artists seem to think of themselves as temporarily embarrassed small business owners over workers.

20 notes · View notes

Chapter 3: Inner Circlejerk

Summary:

Elain and Azriel do their best to survive dinner with the Inner Circle.

Azriel

I’m more than a little agitated today. I went on my morning run, shirt on, of course. The leering over the past few days has calmed down and my presence in town seems to become the new normal. It’s when I came back from my run that’s the issue. The Starlight Inn is packed for brunch bingo. Bernadette, the owner, neglected to tell me the place would be overrun with ornery townsfolk. They all stop to gape at me as I walk through the lobby like it’s a 1970s Clint Eastwood film. I decide to dodge the glares and head to my room.

Unfortunately for me Bernadette stops me before I head up the stairs. She scowls as she asks, “You were at Petals the other night, weren’t you?” I just stare at her, before I try to tell her no she tuts, “don’t lie to me, I know you were.” I sigh, “How do you know that?” She gives me a sinister chuckle, “I know everything that happens in this town.”What the actual fuck.“Maybe you should mind your business, Bernadette.” She hisses, “don’t you take that tone with me. Elainismy business.” I fight the urge to argue, getting in fisticuffs with a grandma is not on my agenda for the day. “I guess you want to know what we were doing?” She looks at me with a critical eye, “would you tell me if I ask?” I clench my jaw and bite out, “no.” She claps me on the shoulder and says, “good man. I think I’m beginning to like you despite your proclivity towards nudity.” She takes her time looking over my body. I suddenly feel exposed. I stare at her in disbelief as she leans too close and whispers, “next time use the back window. No one can see you that way.” I take a step back from the werther's original smell, “there won’t be a next time.” She laughs again, “you know it’s nine in the morning, right? It’s too early to be bullshitting me.” I blink. She adds, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm going to go kick Pauline’s ass in bingo.” I have no idea who Pauline is but I’ve never pitied someone more.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The street smells like piss. There is a shanty town with tents made out of discarded items down the alley. I’m definitely not in Hewn Hills anymore. I’m meeting Devlon, my boss, at the safe house in Windhaven to go over the details of my latest assignment. There have been rumors and reports from our contacts in the criminal underground that a new biker gang called ‘The Attors’ is trying to establish itself in the area.

I've known Devlon for years, before I joined the bureau. He was the commander of my special forces group. When the war ended he offered me a position at the FBI to work as an undercover officer. I would have been flattered if the man didn't hate me. He chose me because of my skill set and reputation, not because he gives a damn about me. I am nothing more than a tool, an instrument to be wielded. Devlon is waiting outside the warehouse smoking a cigarette. “Good to see you boy, come in and let's get this over with.” I clench my fist. I hate it when he calls me boy. I’m less than a decade younger than him. But he wields his authority over me every chance he gets. Devlon is a fortunate son, he hails from a military family well known and respected. I, the bastard son to a mobster, had to claw my way up the ranks through merit and merit alone. Sometimes, I think that's why he hates me so much. I’ve earned everything I have. “I assume you got your bike?” I nod as we walk into a large open warehouse floor. “Good, I've brought a cache of weapons with me that have been registered in every major database in the country. Each one will be traceable.” The guns are laid out on the floor. There are hundreds of them. “You also have ammo that’s laced with faebane.” I eye him suspiciously. He sighs, “we want the gunshot residue to have a distinct signature.” Faebane isn't just a good chemical for tracing gun powder residue. But a potent poison that can weaken muscles, cause hallucinations and is potentially fatal in high enough doses. A risky substance to be lacing ammo with but I keep my mouth shut… for now.

I’m familiar with it from my time as a captive of Hybern. Hybern, a well known criminal syndicate, has a history of using low grade chemical weapons on its enemies. “Are the Attors tied to Hybern?” Devlon turns away unwilling to address me head on, “yes, we believe Hybern is trying to infiltrate North America. It's still early, no known weapons transfers have taken place. That's why we need you to pose as the Shadowsinger and sell them traceable guns.” It makes sense I suppose that they would try to make inroads here. Hybern hails from a corrupt country with limited resources. I imagine they have grown even more desperate after the war and the embargo that was imposed on trade.

Devlon picks up a bullet and looks me in the eye for the first time since I got here, “any idea why they would pick this location?” I ponder the question a bit before answering. My silence aggravates Devlon, the vein in his forehead always bulges when I irritate him. I decide to put him out of his misery, “Velaris has the wealth and trade ports to support their smuggling operations. But, Kier and the Nightbringers are too powerful for them to set up shop right away.” The Nightbringers are a big time mob operation operating out of Velaris. I make a mental note to check in with Rhy about their current status. I continue on, “I suspect they chose this place because it’s low on the radar, a small police presence and a local population in need of funds.”

I seeth quietly. Windhaven is a military town. Most of its residents are active or retired soldiers, many of whom are unhoused or suffering from some sort of service related injury. It’s prime territory to recruit vulnerable men into a life of crime. It’s why my father was able to stay in power so long. Offering weak men power, money and control over their lives. I sigh, “you aren't worried they’ll recognize me?” I’d been briefly captured by Hybern during the war. I was held for a few days before I eventually escaped. I met the kingpin in charge of the operation, Hybern himself and his right hand man Koschei, albeit briefly. Devlon paces back and forth, “thanks to your training they didn't recover any personal information from you. They don’t know who you are. If they do recognize you, it shouldn't blow your cover.” My cover as the Shadowsinger involves military service, though I keep the details vague on purpose. It could work but I have a feeling my presence would be suspicious if I were to be seen by Koscehi. Hybern himself wouldn't likely remember me. Too small a fish at the time, but Koschei has an eye for such details, from what I remember.

“Devlon, Koschei knows I'm Illyrian and saw my scars. He will know me if he sees me.” A part of me felt like this is a setup. Like I am being used as some sort of bait though I can't figure out why. Devlon scoffs, “I have it on good authority that Koschei is on the continent at his lake house. Even if he did recognize you, I'm sure you can spin it to your advantage as youalwaysdo. You’re as ruthless as they come.” Devlon hands me the keys to the safe house and quickly changes the subject. “Are you staying in Hewn Hills in your down time?” I nod. “Don’t let any of the bastards follow you back there. It's virtually crime free with one Sheriff.” I grunt in response. “One last thing Azriel, the Attors bar is called Amarantha's and the code phrase to get in is ‘Under the Mountain.’ Here is your new burner phone and I left a stack of briefing materials on the table. Call If you need anything. I will check in next week assuming you have nothing new to report.” And with that Devlon is gone.

The bar is located in the warehouse district. Close to the safehouse which has a perfect view of the back of Amarantha’s. I dig around and find a stash of reconnaissance supplies including binoculars, a telescope, go pro cameras, bugging devices, an encrypted laptop, and a comfy chair for lounging. There is a mini fridge with snacks and bottled water. I have everything I need for the next few days to observe, learn and plan. I peruse the stack of paper he left. I’ll read it then do my own research. I never trust what the government tells me. A hold over from my stint in the mob. I set up the equipment exactly how I like and watch.

It’s not long before my mind shifts focus to Elain. She’s all I seem to think about these days. The other night at her bakery was perfect. I smile to myself remembering the way she blushed so easily. How her delicate hands worked the flowers. The unexpected gangster rap that played in the background. Just when I think I’ve discovered her, a new facet of her personality appears. I want to see her again but Bernadette’s comments make me a little weary. I’d have to be careful moving forward, the last thing I want is to create problems for Elain. My phone buzzes and it’s a reminder from Feyre that she’s hosting dinner. I bet Elain will be there. I won’t have to worry about peeping grannies if I attend. Just Rhys. I close my eyes, I do need to talk to him about Kier. That’s all, that’s the only reason I’m going I think to myself as my fingers type out a reply to Feyre.

Elain

It's D-day… doomsday. The most dreaded time of the month. Dinner at the townhouse. RIP my ego. I shake my head. I’d rather it be death to Lucien day.No Elain, be reasonable.Gods, am I sick of being reasonable. I nervously brush my hair, I’m dreading going to Feyre and Rhysand’s place. Well, one of their many places. They own a penthouse in downtown Velaris, a cabin in the Illyrian mountains and a townhome in Hewn Hills. They spend most of their time in Velaris but they return to Hewn Hills regularly. Velaris is only a forty-five minute drive away so traveling back and forth is easy enough. The monthly dinner includes what Feyre annoyingly refers to as the Inner Circle, her group of friends, which unfortunately for me includes Lucien. He also has an insufferable name for his group of friends, the Band of Exiles. I suppose that was one of the reasons they are such good friends, they both tend to be annoying. I have successfully avoided Lucien as much as possible, except for nipplegate (that’s what Nuala calls it), but that would be impossible tonight. I've tried to move past his hurtful words but can't help but dwell on them.

It hurts because it isn't the first time someone called me boring. Nesta often teases me about being demure. Feyre patronizingly encourages me to take up her hobbies as if mine are inadequate. Both of my sisters coddle and stifle me. I'm just Little Lainey or Angel Elain. They censor their words around me assuming I am too faint of heart to hear the word fuck. They exclude me from important conversations. I’ve learned the hard way there is no arguing with the two of them. They just steamroll, shout it out and on a handful of occasions thrown down Kardasian style. Their meddling only got worse after my failed engagement.

The breakup only emboldened Feyre to match make. To Lucien's credit he doesn’t actively encourage the behavior and seems to resent the interference. I respect him for that and for not pursuing me despite the pressure to do so. It is one of the reasons I relented and asked him out. He is just as much a victim of the town rumor mill as me. He has no choice and neither do I. But, our date was a nightmare and I'm convinced now more than ever that we aren't meant to be. I also can't get past his comments. Lucien holds power and influence. If he decides to bad mouth me to the town, I would never break out of the cage I’m in. Feyre asked about the date and I said it was fine. She wanted more details but I’ve successfully dodged her since then. Tonight, I won’t be so lucky. I only hope Lucien didn't tell my sister I’m the problem. I also don't want to pretend we’re dating. I don't know what to do. I know if I go to Nesta she would put an end to the whole thing. But, I’m a grown woman and I want to handle it myself. What I need is some courage and confidence.

I peruse my closet picking out one of my favorite dresses, a baby pink sundress with a sweetheart neckline. It’s held up by delicate flower embroidered straps. The knee length skirt flared from a tight fitting bodice and a sweet little bow cinches around my bust. I pair it with nude opened toed sandals. I paint my nails a pastel lavender shade and wear my hair down in natural loose waves. If I can't feel my best, I’ll at least look my best. It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Azriel may be there, nothing at all.

As usual, I baked a cake to bring with me. It’s a victoria sponge with a chantilly champagne cream frosting paired with ripe berries. I fasten the cake carrier to the fender of my bicycle and head to the town house. It’s just a short 10 minute ride. I pull up to Feyre's street and see Azriel's black Harley parked out front and smile. I walk up the steps and before I can knock, the door swings open. Cassian bellows out, “cake’s here.” Then his gaze sweeps over me and he whistles loudly. “Damn Lainey, looking good.” Nesta knocks him to the side with an elbow to the ribs. “Get away you pervert.” Cassian smiles like a wicked smile, “you know, if you're interested I could show you just how perverted I can be.” Nesta, without looking at him coolly says, “I'd rather die.” I fight a grin, these two are either going to kill each other or get married one day. Cassian grabs the cake carrier and starts running toward the kitchen. I hear Rhysand chide him in the distance, “gentle feet, big boy.”

Nesta grabs my arm and pulls me inside. “I heard you had a date with Lucien. Say the word and I will castrate him without a second thought.” I can't help it, I snort out a laugh. Nesta isa lotsometimes but she loves me fiercely. She’s 100% sincere which might alarm someone else but I find it endearing. I pat her shoulder, “it was awkward and as terrible as you can imagine. I dont think it's going to work out. Hopefully Feyre drops it.” Nesta rolls her eyes, “of course it was terrible, it's Lucien for gods sake. As for Feyre, she's like a dog with a bone. I'll do my best to bring her to heel.” I groan, “please don't fight.” Nesta merely huffs and storms away, I assume to find Feyre.

I walk into the foyer and as if summoned, Lucien walks up. He looks hesitant like if he makes any sudden movements I might run away like a frightened doe. “Hi Elain,” he says nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hello,” I say, faking a smile. He clears his throat, “so, I wanted to talk to you about the date. I apologize for having to leave. I told Feyre the date was cut short because of an emergency. She asked when I was going to make it up to you but I wasn't sure what to say. So, I told her I was busy.”

I nod. “You are very busy and I have my shop. I think it's best if we focus our energy elsewhere.” His face relaxes in relief. “What will you tell Feyre?” He asks, apprehensive. “Don't worry about Feyre, I can always unleash Nesta, if needed.” He smiles which quickly fades into a wince. “Just don't sick her on me.” Before I can think better of it, I reply in a sing-song voice, “no promises.”

I leave Lucien in the foyer and head into the living room. My eyes search for Azriel to no avail. I do, however, see Mor. Feyre rushes to greet me. She gives me a big hug and whispers, “sorry about your date with Lucien, the next one will be better.” I groan internally. Feyre takes my hand and leads me directly to Mor. “Elain, you remember me talking about Rhys’ cousin Mor?” I nod and wring my hands out. I forgot Mor might be here.

Feyre turns, looking toward a crashing sound and Cassian's curse. She sighs, “give me a minute.” Mor gives me a megawatt smile and grabs my hand, “Oh Elain! I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you… andoh my godsthat issucha sexy dress. You are stunning!” I blush at her attention. Feyre already left the room, missing Mor's praise.Of course she missed it. I manage to squeak out a thank you. Mor grabs my hand and tugs me into the corner, “Just so you know, I'm not seeing Azriel.” I look at her surprised. She smiles and laughs lightly, “you must think I'm crazy but I couldn't help but notice the way he looked at you the other night and I want to let you know I'm not an obstacle.” I just stare at her, what does she mean he looked at me. But, Mor just barrels ahead talking so fast she barely breathes, “the two of you together would make such a hot combo.” She does the chef's kiss gesture. “He's grumpy and your sunshine. He's all dark and mysterious and you look all innocent and pure but I know a freak in the sheets when I see one.” She leans in and whispers, “it's always the quiet ones.” I turn crimson, like the deepest shade of red a person can be. I don't need a mirror to know it because my cheeks are literally on fire. She just winks at me and walks away. Leaving me completely dumbstruck.

I don't have much time to mull her words over because Cassian is being dragged over to me, he’s bleeding. Feyre sighs, “damn it Cassian, you bleed every time you come here.” I laugh because it’s true. “It's not my fault you keep sharp glass sculptures laying around.” Rhysand walks up, “Do you mean vases? And by laying around do you mean sitting on a table?” Cassian mutters under his breath, “smug bastard.” Rhys pretends he didn't hear it and winks at then kisses my cheek and tells me I look beautiful.Such a charmer.I glance back at Cassian and shake my head. “Come on Rambo, let's get you cleaned up.” He beams at me, “I love it when you play nurse.” Somewhere off in the distance Nesta groans. I take Cassian up to the second floor bathroom where the first aid kit is kept. He has a gash down his left forearm.

He bumps, falls and straight up crashes into things so often it has become routine for Feyre to stash medical supplies in all her homes. I was trained as a nurse before I opened my shop. Father was disabled and needed extra help. But it was never my dream, just a means to help my family and save on in-home care. After he died, I used my inheritance to open my shop. But, I am now the de facto care giver, in more ways than one, to the Inner Circle. I clean Cassian up as he tells me about a bar fight he broke up last weekend in Windhaven. He’s never one to say no to a fight. Thankfully he doesn't need stitches, it’s just a surface level cut. A bandage will do just fine. He thanks me, giving me a chaste kiss on the forehead before he bounds down the stairs.

I sit on the edge of the tub as I clean up the bloody mess. For a surface wound it sure did bleed a lot. “Why is there blood on you?” Azriel says as he drops to his knees, taking my hands in his. He looks them over searching for an injury. “It's Cassian's, he knocked over the foyer table.” Azriel lets out a long suffering sigh. “Nurse Elain to the rescue, I see.” He grabs a clean washcloth from under the sink and begins to wipe my hands off. His touch is gentle and his skin rough. “At least he didn't ask me to kiss it better this time,” I joke. His hands stills, a flash of anger across his face. I quickly add, “he does that sometimes in front of Nesta to get a rise out of her.” Azriel shakes his head, “when she's around it's like he has no common sense.” I agree but I think it is sweet, endearing even. He lets go of my hands and sits the cloth on the sink.

“I heard Lucien will be joining us,” he says, not a single shred of emotion on his flawless face. “He’s already here. I saw him when I arrived.” He looks at me, studying my face. “Feyre seems to think you two are going out again, is that true?” I sigh and rub my forehead, “she's convinced we’re soul mates, half the town agrees with her but we're not.” I’m so tired of this situation but I don't know how to end it. “Lucien isn't interested. I'm not interested. But that doesn't seem to matter.” He nods reassuringly and asks gently, “why not tell Feyre?” I purse my lips together, “I have a dozen different ways. The more I object the more she's convinced I’m harboring feelings but I’m just too afraid to admit it. I've given up on trying to get my sisters to hear me. They hear what they want to hear.” Azriel scrunches his forehead, “why not date someone else.” I snort a bitter laugh, “Who would that be? Like I said the town is on Feyre's side or convinced Lucien and I are already dating.”

I want to stop talking but once I start opening up to Azriel it’s like the floodgates have opened and it is impossible to stop. “Turns out the only man I'm allowed to date isn't even interested.” Azriel sits up straighter, “He told you that?” I fight back tears as I say, “You were there, he ditched me. That was after I overheard him on the phone with his friend when he thought I was in the bathroom. He wanted him to call and make up an excuse. He said…” I sniffle weakly, “ he said I was boring and too meek for him. A snoozefest” Azriel shoots to his feet, “that son of a bitch.” He paces around the small bathroom like a bull in a china shop, “I'll kill him. Just say the word.” I grab his hand and he stops moving, his eyes focused on the point of connection. “First of all, Nesta called dibs on killing him years ago. Second, you’re already on thin ice with the streaking incident. And Third,” I let out a long painful exhale. “You can't kill him for being honest.” I look away, my lower lip quivering. His pointer finger hooks under my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. He is so tall I have to crane my neck to meet his eyes. His eyes have such a tender expression, “He’s wrong Elain.” I shake my head then whisper softly, “No, he isn't.” Before he can reply, we hear Mor calling for us from the foot of the stairs. I brush past him without another word and head for the dining room.

Azriel

Deciding where to sit for dinner is a shit show. Elain hasn't taken her seat because Lucien hasn't taken his seat. She is waiting for him to sit so she can avoid him. Lucien is having an animated chat with Cassian about an upcoming hockey game. I suspect Elain is waiting for Lucien because she keeps looking at him and rolling her eyes or huffing. It would be amusing ifIwasn't waiting for her to sit. So, I decided to speed things along. “Cass, I just so you know Nesta plans to sit across from Amren.” He gives me a confused look and says “So.” I shrug, “I just thought you should know. I heard her tell Feyre that if she was stuck staring at your ugly mug again she would pluck her eyes out.” Did this happen? Yes. Today? No. But it is something I've heard Nesta say more than once. Cassian, never one to pass up an opportunity to annoy Nesta springs into action. Ditching Lucien mid conversation, like I knew he would. Lucien looks at me, his eyes studying as if I were a puzzle he’s trying to solve. I don’t like it, I think about punching him. Thinking about punching him might be my new favorite pastime. The man has the most beautiful woman in the world on a silver platter and somehow manages to fuck it up. And I don't mean physical beauty, though, my gods she is devastatingly gorgeous. That dress she's wearing, that hair, and that perfectly plump ass. I think I might groan.

It’s her inner beauty that I find so breathtaking. Elain is the kind of person who remembers your favorite cookie and makes it for you on your birthday. She is empathetic and kind, even when most people aren’t. Most remarkable of all she chooses hope, even when the rest of us would have caved to despair. That's why it kills me to stand in front of Lucien and not deck him. But, I hold back, for her. I would do anything to spare her suffering. That doesn't mean I will hide my disgust with him. His eyes catch on my sneer and he blanches. He wisely decides to take his seat. Cassian sits across from Nesta. Lucien sits next to Cassian and closest to Feyre at the head of the table. Rhysand sits to the other side of Feyre and next to Amren. Mor sits on the other side of Cassian and I take the seat next to Nesta, leaving the last seat for Elain. She walks over and I stand, pulling out the chair for her. She blushes, a shy smile on her face. Mor gives me a knowing look and I avoid looking at Rhys.

The table is covered in Chinese take out containers. I love Rhys and Feyre but neither one of them can cook. Which for a man of Rhys’s age is truly embarrassing. Feyre is the baby among us so she has an excuse. Rhys on the other hand is just spoiled. I watch as the table descends into chaos. Mor's grubby hands hoards several containers to dish out onto her plate. Cassian is eating directly from a container with no regard for anyone else. Feyre and Rhys are feeding each other with chopsticks in the most obnoxious display of PDA I’ve ever seen. I never thought I'd have to watch my brother suck a chopstick seductively, but here I am… horrified. Amren pokes at the edamame like it’s cancerous. She is one of those people who never drinks water or eats vegetables. Nesta just stares at Cassian with disgust. Lucien is shoveling food into his mouth as fast as possible, I assume so he can escape the dotting couple next him. I turn to Elain and whisper, “heathens the lot of them.” She giggles. Mor gapes at me, as a half eaten wonton falls from her mouth. While she’s distracted, I grab the containers from her and shovel food onto Elain's plate, then mine.

Conversation flows as it normally does, though Elain is unusually quiet. I want to cheer her up so I gently toe my boot into her shin and tilt my head toward Cassian. He has a piece of lo mein noodle stuck in his beard. Nesta is smiling at his stupidity which he is mistaken for flirting. Elain smiles. In a rare act of civility, Nesta subtly points to her chin trying to give Cass a heads up. The man is completely oblivious. Instead of cleaning his face he puckers his lip and blows a kiss. This catches Amren's attention, “Nesta doesn't want to kiss you, you idiot, there is a noodle in your beard.” Without an ounce of shame Cassian's tongue darts out as he tries to fish it from his beard. I look at my plate fighting back a laugh, then I hear a clunk and watch as Elain does the quiet shaking laugh I love so much. Our eyes meet and I blow her a kiss, just the way Cassian did to Nesta. She snicker snorts so loud everyone's head turns toward us. My smile drops completely, comically stoic in comparison to her which only makes her laugh harder. I bask in the warmth of her smile. I feel pride swell in my chest knowing I did that, I made her laugh. For a moment I feel like a prince, worthy of the princess of Hewn Hills. Then I notice the scowl on Rhys face and I'm brought back to reality.

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

I’m stuffed. I indulged in one too many slices of Elain's cake. It was the most delicious thing I've ever had and I'm not much of a sweet tooth. I joined the guys in the study while the gals were catching up in the sunroom. Lucien left early to hang out with his other friends. So, it’s just the brothers together, at last. “How's the job going Az? Rhys asks as he nurses a whiskey. “It's barely going. I staked out the place for nearly a week and didn't see anything of note. I'm starting to think it's a waste of time.” Rhys sighs and looks at me, “maybe it's a good thing, you deserve a break.” Cassian hums in agreement. “I've been to Amaranta's before and nothing serious has happened. Sure there are some rough looking duds but no one seems shady.” I look at Rhys and give him a knowing smile, “Cass, did you or did you not brag to Nesta you won a bar fight there last weekend?” He smiles, pure arrogance. “I win every fight.” Rhys shakes his head. “Tell me what happened,” I ask. He explains how some ZZ Top looking ass man, his words not mine, pistol whipped a fresh out of service army brat. Some sort of disagreement over who was sitting where. It seems petty and below my pay grade. “Rhys, do you have any intel on Kier?” Rhys isn’t in the mob or a sleazy politician like his father. He works in finance. Mor’s estranged father Kier however is a mobster and uses Rhys to manage his extensive portfolio of offshore accounts. Rhys isn’t technically a part of the ‘business’ but I know better, he’s cooking the books among other things. I normally don’t address the subject head on which is why he is looking at me like he wants to kill me. He doesn’t pry about my work and I don’t pry into his but I’m feeling more than a little salty. First, he chats up Feyre on my job and then he tries to cut me down with eyes at the dinner table for talking to Elain.Fuck that.

“Why do you want to know?” I shrug, “let’s just call it curiosity.” Rhys gives me a withering look. I don’t pull the fed card often, but I will if he makes me. He knows it too. “As far as I know, it’s business as usual.” I crack my knuckles, “and if business starts to be unusual?” He glares at me for a long moment, “are you asking as an agent or as the Shadowsinger.” I give him a knowing smirk, “Both, of course.” He sighs heavily, “you know I could make your life miserable if you push too hard.” I chuckle, “Rhys, we both know I keep more of your secrets than you do mine.” He looks murderous. On a handful of occasions we’ve come to blows over the years where our work has crossed paths. He likes to think he’s come out on top each time. But, he doesn’t know half of the things I do. We glare at each other before Cassian clears his throat, “you two are assholes. Just help each other out or I’ll drag you both outside and kick your asses.”

Rhys closes his eyes and I swear steam is shooting out of my nose. I tap my fingers impatiently. Rhys picks a piece of invisible lint off his shirt. “Godsdamn it,” Cassian shouts. Rhys binks first and grits out, “Fine.” I fight back a smug smile. “Kier’s accounts are the same as usual. But, he is asking to pull some funds aside for the import business. He hasn’t told me why though.” I nod, satisfied, “when you find out why, you’ll tell me.” Rhys slams a fist into the chair he is sitting at, “you’re givingmean order?” I sigh, his ego is getting out of hand. “It’s a polite suggestion.” That pisses him off even more. “A suggestion?” I smile at him. I never really smile and he looks unsettled.Good, you should be.“I’d never dream of ordering you around, brother. I’m just looking out for you, so you don't end up trapped in thefamilybusiness.” There’s a tense pause. Cassian mutters something under his breath. Rhys looks away more than a little ashamed. I don’t bring up the family business, his father, often but when I do he knows I’m not fucking around. He doesn’t know the full extent of his father’s crimes or th role I was made to play but he knows enough. He gives me a slight nod and downs his glass of whiskey.

Cassian claps and says, “enough of that bullshit.” And just like that it’s in the past. We bounce from topic to topic for the next hour including Cassian’s plan to open a fitness and self defense studio. We served in the special forces together and he has been saving since his G.I. Bill to purchase a studio of his own. He has been waiting for permits to get started and it finally seems like it was going to happen. “You're staying in Hewn Hills? Rhys askes. I nod. “You should stay at the townhouse. We spend most of our time in Velaris and would appreciate you keeping an eye on the place while we are away.” I get a flashback of Bernadette’s creepy smile. “Thanks, I'd be happy to look after the place.” After another round of drinks, Rhys shows me a guest room I can use. It’s Mor's old room and it’s… hideous. The bedding and curtains are bright fuchsia satin. There’s a leopard print chair in the corner and a mirrored dresser with crystal knobs. A collection of what looks like Precious Moments figurines littering every surface. She denies it but we all knew that she secretly loves those gaudy figurines. I immediately regret my choice as Rhys pats my shoulder and gives me a smug smirk.That sly bastard. I need to get out of this room before I punch him in the face.I bid them farewell. Opting to return to the study to top off my drink and revel in my quiet solitude.

21 notes · View notes

The Shape of Truth - Chapter 18: Old Plans

Masterpost

-

The cannons on the wall were all linked together, made to be controlled from one location. That location was only lightly secured - set so that any knight or knight-in-training could operate it in an emergency - but it did require a keycard to get in.

Ambrosius knew he could try retrieving his own keycard from the mental ward storage at the hospital, provided his stuff was still there, but using it would probably set off alerts. They needed a keycard from someone else - someone who wouldn’t miss theirs while Ambrosius and Nimona worked, nor report it as missing and alert authorities when it was used. Fortunately, there was someone who wouldn’t miss their keycard: Ballister. He hadn't had a reason to have it with him at the knighting, so chances were it had been left somewhere that Ambrosius could find. And knowing how long it took The Institute to update their databases, it would probably still work.

Ambrosius kept his head down as he slipped into the cadet dormitory’s back entrance. It was mid morning, and the next round of future knights were moving their stuff into what would be their rooms for the next few years. It was just busy enough that a custodian on duty wouldn’t stand out. That was the idea, at least, Ambrosius thought as he pushed the supply cart Nimona was hiding in towards the room that used to be Ballister’s. He paused at a corner to adjust the glasses on his face. At least no one here knew him well enough to recognize him on sight.

Ballister’s dorm was unlocked and empty - apparently whoever had been assigned this room wasn’t moving in just yet. That made Ambrosius’s job easier. He shoved the custodian cart through the door, making sure to lock it behind him. Nimona sprang from her hiding spot in the cart, shaking off dust while taking human form again.

“Whew, I am not hiding in the vacuum again!” She exclaimed.

Ambrosius didn’t reply. He’d barely spoken a word to Nimona since the day before, when he’d learned she’d done nothing to prevent his dad’s death.

He looked around the room. It had long since been emptied, leaving just a few pieces of bare furniture and a bed. Still, Ambrosius was confident the keycard was here. Ballister had always hid his important things - having had his room raided by bullies more than once had made him careful about that.

Ambrosius lifted the mattress on the bed, checking for anything that could have been stuck in the bed springs. Nothing. He ran his hands along the seams of the mattress, looking for a tear that things could be stashed inside. Nothing. He turned to the nightstand, pulling the drawer out and looking below it, then checking behind the furniture. Nothing. Ambrosius rubbed his scalp, trying to think. The keycard had to be here. Where would…

“Hey,” Nimona piped up from across the room, “I think I see something in here.” She gestured at an air vent at the bottom of the far wall.

Of course. The screws holding the vent in place were barely attached, and there were greasy marks around the edges from regular handling.

Four little screws clattered to the floor in succession as Ambrosius removed the vent cover. Sure enough, there was a satchel sitting inside, awaiting its owner’s return - a return that would never come.

Ambrosius tried to push his feelings away as he rummaged through the bag. There was an emergency money card, a holo-photo device, several glass marbles from a game they'd played as kids, another money card, a small cloth pouch… and finally, Ballister's keycard.

Ambrosius pocketed the keycard, then picked up the small cloth pouch curiously. Nimona watched over his shoulder.

“What’s that?” she asked.

Ambrosius didn’t know. It felt like… coins inside? He pulled open the drawstring and emptied the contents onto his palm. Two rings tumbled out.

Nimona tilted her head.

“Are those… engagement rings?”

They were engagement rings. Fancy engagement rings. One was gold molded into a braided design - the same gold tone as Ambrosius’s armor. The other was striped with blue and black - Ballister’s favorite colors. Both of their initials were carved together onto the rings in an interlocking design.

Ambrosius’s hands began to shake as he sat back on his knees. These rings weren't cheap. Ballister had been planning for a long time, probably saving money for years, until he’d had enough for the rings. Rings that would never be used.

Ambrosius closed his hand on the rings, holding them tight. His vision blurred. His chest tightened. He locked his jaw, trying to will the sobs building up inside him to go away. He could feel the engagement rings pressing against his palm, a reminder of who Bal had been, and how he’d been taken away, never to return.

Ambrosius clasped his free hand over his mouth, trying to stifle his sobs. Nimona placed a tentative hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, we should get out of this place. Someone could hear.”

Ambrosius didn’t care if someone heard. He was suffocating in grief. He almost wanted someone to hear him - at least then someone would know how the love of his life had been torn away from him, leaving a gaping hole of nothing.

Nimona’s voice came again.

“Come on, he wouldn’t have wanted you to get caught.”

Ambrosius opened his mouth to say something in reply, but all that came out was a wail of despair. He couldn’t handle it any longer. He doubled over, clutching the rings to his chest as enormous sobs wracked his body.

Nimona was moving around behind him.

“No no no… Someone will hear…”

Suddenly a cloud of pink fluff pressed itself against his face. It was Nimona, in dog form.

Forgetting Nimona’s transgression, Ambrosius wrapped his arms around Nimona in a hug, burying his face in her thick fur to muffle his weeping.

No one outside heard him, busy with their lives as they were, moving along as if he didn't exist. It was a tragedy - the world would never know the truth; that Ballister had been a beautiful, kind, caring human, not a mentally ill murderer as the official records stated. The world would never see these engagement rings on the fingers of their intended, despite Ballister's years of careful planning. The world was cruel. There was no changing that about it.

Ambrosius and Nimona remained there for an hour, Ambrosius letting out the unprocessed pain and grief he’d been trying to push down for so long. Nimona stayed with him, letting him hold onto her for as long as he needed.

Eventually, Ambrosius’s sobs subsided and he sat back against the wall, feeling empty inside. Nimona lay next to him, resting her fluffy head on his lap while he ran his fingers through her fur. Slowly, he began to come back to himself.

“I’m sorry…” he said quietly, picking up and replacing the glasses that had fallen off his face.

“It’s okay. You needed that.”

Ambrosius didn't reply. He'd never felt so lost. Everything… everyone… gone.

Nimona spoke up.

“You never said you were together like that.”

“I didn’t… think I needed to say it.”

There was a brief silence. Then Nimona spoke again.

“When I decided to be your sidekick, I thought you’d be different - a rebel, more like your dad. I thought you just needed a small push to become a villain.”

“You’re… disappointed?”

Nimona stretched her furry legs.

“Sorta, yeah.”

Ambrosius was too numb for the uncontrolled feeling of guilt to settle. Nimona continued.

“This has been more fun though. You’re more unpredictable. And for what it’s worth, you’re a better person than your dad.”

Ambrosius closed his eyes. “I’m still not forgiving you for not saving him.”

Nimona sighed.

“Fine. But hey, maybe that’ll be your path to being the villain after all.”

Ambrosius didn’t respond to that. He reached under the neck of his shirt and pulled out the necklace he’d taken from his family's vault. He unclasped it and slid the two engagement rings onto the chain, next to his mom's pendant.

“Nimona… Do you think you can get us into the hospital?”

There was one more chore he needed to do.

Chapter 19

11 notes · View notes

Restaurant Owners Database - Email List

Connect with Restaurant Owners Worldwide Using Infodatapark’s Verified Email Database The food and beverage industry is highly competitive, and restaurant owners are always looking for ways to improve their business. As a service provider, reaching out to restaurant owners can be challenging. That’s where Infodatapark’s Restaurant Owners database comes in. Our database includes verified emails…

View On WordPress

1 note · View note

...They will also be required to turn over personal data, which can include uploading their driver’s license, passport, marriage certificate, and other non-business related information, into this law enforcement database.

...The true goal of CTA appears to be setting up yet another new database of citizens to monitor, observe, and punish. The federal government is moving quickly to implement the CTA, as millions of small business owners in the United States have no idea this law even exists (only 13 percent of businesses in California, 5 percent in Ohio, and 4 percent in Pennsylvania have registered). Millions of businesses owners face becoming felons in three months unless they comply.

13 notes · View notes

PSA (Public Service Announcement)

A company that made pet microchips has gone out of business, and their database of owners is no longer accessible.

If your pet has been chipped, check to see who the manufacturer is. If it was made/listed by Save This Life, you can register the chip with a different database.

6 notes · View notes

My Best Friend (13)

[modern! club owner • Aemond x fem!reader]

[warnings: kissing, fluff, swearing, mention of illnes]

[description: Aemond has his own club and often does business at the home of one of his business associates. There he often meets his younger sister, with whom he develops a deeper relationship through shared secrets. This is slow burn love story.]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Previous and next chapters: Masterlist

_____

Aemond started preparing breakfast while Y/N was showering. Before running, he had thrown her dress in for a quick wash as promised. She was now drying on the balcony in the hot summer sun. They both realized she didn't have any clothes with her, so he gave her one of his T-shirts for the time being. He let her choose which one she wanted and she chose the one with the big "Deep Purple" logo on it.

The butter in the frying pan was heating up and he was standing by, chopping the vegetables finely for the omelette he planned to make, deep in thought. After telling her about the dream, he felt relieved, though he still felt shame and anxiety. He wondered if he would always have such a broken, wounded mind.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of the door opening. Y/N left, placing the towel on the chair to dry. His T-shirt was way too big for her, reaching down to her mid-thighs. The sight of her in his clothes tickled his ego pleasantly and his desire to own her, which he was so ashamed of at the same time. She walked over to him smiling, her hair still damp, though you could see she'd been blow-drying it.

"Can I help?" She asked briskly, full of energy. The corner of his mouth curved into a lazy smile.

"Slice the pepper finely." He said calmly, moving a second board and a knife towards her. "Just watch your fingers."

"I can cut." She said impatiently, and got to work. They worked in silence for a while, a nice breeze of fresh summer air flowing into the kitchen through the half-open window.

When they were done, Aemond broke a few eggs, seasoned them, and added the rest of the toppings he chose. Y/N watched him sideways, surprised at how confident he was at cooking and that he obviously knew exactly what he was doing.

"Do you often make omelettes like this?" She asked curiously, leaning her side against the cupboard next to him.

"Very often. It's a nutritious breakfast, high in protein and low in calories." He replied calmly without looking at her, focused on his task. He flipped the whole thing over to the other side in one motion to let it be cut down by the raw side. It only took a minute and the dish was ready.

Aemond suggested that they could eat in the living room and watch something in the meantime. He set the plates on the coffee table while Y/N flicked through the movie database with the remote. Suddenly she jumped in excitement.

"Did you watch [Loving Vincent]?" She asked, her eyes sparkling. He had no idea what she was talking about. “This is an animation made of oil paintings painted by hundreds of artists, referring to the works of Vincent van Gogh, telling about his life. It looks amazing. If you don't like it, we can switch to something else."

Aemond thought it sounded very interesting. He had never seen a stop-motion film made of paintings alone. He wanted to see it just for the impression of what it looks like.

Y/N sat cross-legged on the couch, grabbing a piece of omelette that he had cut into triangles earlier. He was amazed at how quickly she adapted to new place. Thanks to her behavior, he himself felt as if she had been in his apartment more than once. They started watching.

From the very first minutes film made a huge impression on him. The music was wonderful and thoughtful, the image and characters moved in a bizarre and abstract way, as if the portraits and landscapes really came to life. Y/N watched his reaction, but saw that he was hooked.

Once she'd had fill her stomach, she took one of the small pillows, placed it against his hip, and laid her head on it, getting comfortable and drawing her knees up slightly. Aemond involuntarily placed his hand on her back, stroking it steadily with his thumb, watching with interest.

He was surprised, but the story really drew him in. His drama, his cut off ear, and suffering somewhat matched his experience, but he was also delighted with how it was portrayed. The final scene made his chest tighten. He thought it was really good animation and was glad to see it.

"Did you like it? Was it too boring?” She asked, looking at him, her head still lying on a pillow.

He smiled slightly under his breath. "I liked it very much."

She cuddled up to him happily, knowing he wouldn't ever lie to please her. That's why she liked him so much. Few people, except maybe her brother and Marisa, were as direct and painfully honest with her as he was. She'd rather he didn't express his feelings to her than say something and then try to extricate himself from it by saying it wasn't that.

Aemond embraced her contentedly, took her by her arms, and set her on his lap. He didn't dare rub against her though, remembering that she was still feeling uncomfortable from their intense night. He stroked her buttocks steadily, looking her up and down.

"You look good in my Tshirt." He said and slapped her butt loudly. She jumped, squealing. "You should wear them more often."

She blushed at those words and smiled, leaning over him, resting her forehead against his. They stared at each other for a moment in silence, their eyes warm and lustful. She stroked his cheek gently, and he closed his eye, wanting to focus on her touch.

"You know you have to take me to class soon?" She asked quietly, a hint of regret in her tone. Aemond sighed.

"I know."

***

Luckily, the hot summer air made her dress dry in time. Aemond wasn't sure if this dress was a good college outfit, but Y/N said it was classy enough to wear, and she'd worn it more than once. He agreed with her, though he couldn't take his eyes off her thighs and was sure he wasn't the only one with this problem. They got into the car, talking lightly about the film and artists in general.

Aemond was pleased to find that he really enjoyed debating with her. Even before they started sleeping together, when he came to Klaus' house, they would exchange thoughts on various topics. They were usually short exchanges, but it didn't escape his notice that she was very open minded and willing to listen to others and ask the right questions. He thought then that despite what Kate had told him in his dream, sex wasn't the only thing he wanted from her.

They arrived in front of her university on time. She unbuckled her seatbelt and looked at him smiling.

"Klaus will pick you up?" He asked, wanting to make sure he understood correctly.

"Probably him or Marcus." She said lightly, shrugging. She was checking to make sure she had everything in her bag, so she didn't notice the smirk on his face, which disappeared after a second. When she felt she was ready, she looked at him with satisfaction.

“Thank you very much for everything. I had a great time today.” She said with a wide smile, sincerity in her voice. To his surprise, she really was happy, despite what had happened in the night. He gently stroked her thigh with his hand.

"Me too." He said, looking at her gently. They both looked at each other awkwardly for a moment, debating whether to kiss or not. After a moment's thought, they leaned in at the same time and kissed passionately, their lips warm and moist. They looked at each other contentedly.

Y/N got out of the car, giving him another quick glance from behind her. His heart was pounding, and he felt a pleasant warmth in his belly. He felt calm. After a while he felt his phone vibrate. He took it out quickly, thinking it was Y/N who might have forgotten something, but saw it was a message from an unknown number. He felt like a stone had settled in his throat as he read the message.

"She looks so good in that black dress. Does she fuck well?”

Aemond squeezed his eyes and mouth shut, his jaw clenched painfully.

"You son of a bitch." He said to himself.

***

Y/N finished class as planned. She left the main entrance, talking with her classmate, they were laughing at something genuinely. Y/N from a distance saw Marcus standing by the car, talking on the phone. Seeing her walking towards him, he waved his hand. Y/N said goodbye to her friend and headed towards him.

"We drive?" He asked with a smile and Y/N nodded. They headed towards her house, the radio playing in the background. Y/N stared out the window, it was a beautiful sunny afternoon.

"I see you're in a good mood." He said amused, looking at her expectantly. Y/N blushed and looked pleadingly at him.

"Though you don't torment me." She said helplessly. Marcus laughed heartily at those words, radiating the warmth she always liked about him. At least with her and Klaus, that's how he was. He was ruthless in the courtroom, and she knew he could be ruthless outside of it as well. Nevertheless, for as long as she could remember, she could always count on him.

When she was afraid to tell her father or Klaus about something, she always went to him with her problem. And he was able to listen to her, advise her and, above all, he did not share what she said with others. After a moment, she pursed her lips as she looked at him. She wondered if she should ask the question.

"How is Laura?" She asked quietly, drawing in a breath, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. She saw that he was still smiling, but his eyes had turned cold. He was silent for a moment. They were just pulling into the driveway. He turned off the engine and looked at her.

“The doctors said she is already a vegetable. Her parents say they want her to go away in peace so that she doesn't suffer anymore. That if I love her, I should end her suffering and let them disconnect her from the life support." He said, and the fact that he smiled as he said it made her eyes well up with tears. “But I can't. I've always been selfish."

Her lips trembled, a tear rolled down her cheek as she took his hand.

"Marcus, I'm so sorry." It was all she could manage in a trembling voice.After Laura's car accident, everyone at first hoped she would make it out.However, it turned out that her injuries were more serious than originally thought.

Marcus was looking at her and she could see that although his expression didn't show it, his eyes were empty. He wasn’t her husband, by the law her parents could do whatever they wanted. He laughed.

“You get involved too easily in other people's problems. But that's what makes you so easy to love." He said and kissed her hand warmly. There was no lust in his eyes. He was like her guardian. His good deeds for her made it easier for him to sleep after all the bad things he did at his job.

She knew it had always been like this.He wanted so much to help her now, because no one could help Laura anymore. Her face was twitching, tears were dripping from her eyes. Laura was the only woman in his life that he truly loved.

They both unbuckled their seatbelts and Y/N got out of the car with her legs shaking.

"Oh, what a welcoming committee." Marcus said. Y/N looked up and saw that Klaus and Aemond were waiting on the porch. Aemond was smoking a cigarette, his eyes cool and cold. Her heart skipped a beat, figuring he'd seen their conversation in the car and she flushed red. Marcus didn't care though, and extended his hand to him in greeting. Aemond didn't shake her. Marcus laughed.

"Come on.It's not what you think." He said, taking out a cigarette and a lighter from his jacket, he also lit it. Klaus just rolled his eyes, impatient. Y/N was standing next to Marcus, all pale, looking at Aemond pleadingly, but he wasn't looking at her, he was looking at Marcus.

Marcus inhaled like he had all the time in the world and blew the smoke out his nose. After a moment he spoke.

“I was talking to Y/N about my beloved woman who will probably be taken off life support by her parents, because her brain is already dead. Maybe you have some advice for me?" He asked, taking another drag, saying the words so lightly that Aemond thought for a moment that he was making fun of him.

Y/N sobbed loudly, saying only "Marcus...Please..." and grabbing his arm, but he didn't care anymore.

After a while Aemond realized he wasn't joking. He turned scarlet.

There was a terrible, awkward silence. Y/N sobbed loudly as Marcus wrapped one arm around her, looking the other way.

"Dont cry." He said lightly, exhaling smoke. "It's just life."

The four of them stood in silence. Y/N calmed down after a while. She looked at Aemond with eyes red from crying. He looked at her apologetically and dropped his gaze. He wanted to explain why he had come, but he was too embarrassed by his behavior to say anything. Klaus, seeing the situation, took pity on him, sighing heavily.

"Albert knows about you and Aemond."

___

If you want to be tagged, just leave a comment. ~

@chainsawsangel@yentroucnagol@cardi-bre91@melsunshine@bellaisasleep@candypurplebutterfly@malfoytargaryen@serrhaewin@svtansdaddyx@iiamthehybrid​

____

I recommend everyone to see Loving Vincent, it's a great animation!

160 notes · View notes