#PURCHASING MANAGER INDEX | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jeancavant · 2 years

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What are the risks of inflation for retirees?To Learn More about the harmful effects of inflation read: https://www.goldhillretreat.com/econo... This video will discuss inflation and how it affects retirement savings. This is especially important to retirees who are about to retire. For retirees, it's important to create a budget that accounts for all their expenses. This includes things like healthcare and expenses associated with retirement. Creating a budget can help ensure that money is available for other needs, like saving for a rainy day or caring for loved ones when they need assistance. How does inflation affect your retirement portfolio? 1. How does inflation affect the value of money? Inflation is a general rise in the prices of goods and services. When this happens, the value of money decreases over time. As a result, people are less likely to be able to buy items that were once affordable with their original currency. 2. How does inflation affect the cost of goods and services? When prices increase, the cost of goods and services rises. This can make it more difficult for consumers to afford the same things they were able to before, as well as weaken businesses' profitability. 3. How does inflation affect your ability to save for retirement? Inflation erodes the purchasing power of your checking and savings account deposits over time, making it harder for you to save for retirement. As a result, inflation affects how well your money will grow when you invest it in securities or certificates of deposit over time. 4. How does inflation affect your investments? Inflation affects all investments, but it negatively impacts fixed-income securities such as bonds and treasury notes. As the price of these securities declines due to inflation, their returns - which are paid primarily in interest - become smaller and smaller over time. This can have a big impact on your overall portfolio return. 5. What are some examples of things that have increased in price due to inflation? Cost of a gallon of gasoline, basic necessities, groceries, rent, and medical costs. Follow us on social: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Ni... Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GoldHillRetreat Twitter https://twitter.com/GoldHillRetreat Pinterest www.pinterest.com/goldhillretreat1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goldhillret... Pocket: https://getpocket.com/@goldhillretreat Blogger: https://goldhillretreat.blogspot.com/ Daily Motion: https://www.dailymotion.com/goldhillr... To Learn More about the harmful effects of inflation read: https://www.goldhillretreat.com/econo... Increasing Medical Costs can drain your retirement savings. It's no secret that medical costs are rising, and this trend is only expected to continue. According to a report from Bankrate.com, the average American household will be affected by escalating health care costs in their lifetime at an estimated cost of $17,654. That doesn't even include coverage for long-term care! Even if you're not planning on leaving money to your heirs after you die, there's every reason why increasing medical expenses could quickly deplete any savings. You might also like these other videos: Best Gold IRA Companies 2022 Protect your Retirement From economic ruin. https://youtu.be/JczzEPImrWg Best Gold IRA Companies 2022 Protect your Retirement https://youtu.be/6DoGyMMPh_s High Inflation or Recession Gold Has your Back https://youtu.be/QXSCJXmapVE Protect your Retirement Hedge against inflation with Augusta Precious Metals https://youtu.be/tAfVpJXVUKY Senior Gold IRA Portfolio Diversification -Augusta Precious Metals; https://youtu.be/iUiwdr4HcEQ Best Gold IRA Companies 2022 Protect your Retirement https://youtu.be/6DoGyMMPh_s High Inflation or Recession Gold Has your Back https://youtu.be/QXSCJXmapVE

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philiprross · 2 years

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kathygnegron · 2 years

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monicasharmalove · 2 years

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Manufacturing sector sees faster growth amid high inflation in Apr: PMI

India's assembling area exercises saw quicker development in April in the midst of faster expansions underway as well as manufacturing plant orders, and reestablished extension in worldwide deals, a month to month study said on Monday.

The occasionally changed S&P Global India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose from 54.0 in March to 54.7 in April, as a retreat of COVID-19 limitations kept on supporting interest.

The April PMI information highlighted an improvement in by and large working circumstances for the 10th consecutive month. In PMI speech, a print over 50 methods development, while a score under 50 signifies withdrawal.

"The Indian assembling PMI stayed well inside certain region during April, recuperating a portion of the ground lost in March. Industrial facilities kept on increasing creation at an above-pattern pace, with the continuous expansions in deals and info buying, recommending that development will be supported in the close term," said Pollyanna De Lima, Economics Associate Director at S&P Global......Know More

#Purchasing Managers' Index India Inflation Manufacturing sector Indian economy activities

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toruro · 5 months

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chasing that feeling

pairing: beomgyu x f reader

tags: smut (18+), toxic relationship hehe 😿, semi public sex, pet names (baby, angel)

w/c: 770+

all of your friends hate your trashy boyfriend beomgyu.

you can't really blame them though ... he kinda sucks. canceled on you last minute two weeks ago; soobin was the unfortunate soul who had to console you over the phone, watching you as your eyes watered up in your pretty pink dress, fat tears rolled down your blush painted cheeks.

beomgyu tried to make it up with you with flowers the next day, 'cept he forgot that your favorites are daisies and got you roses instead. you keep telling yourself that it's the thought that counts.

taehyun's always asking you why you keep goin' back ... you don't have the heart to tell him the real reason.

you don't have the goddamn dignity to admit that it's because after everything—all the tears, all the shut doors, all the "gyu, i'm done's"—you always manage to end up in the same position—

"oh fuck, angel," beomgyu grunts from behind you, pelvis slamming into the softness of your ass. "this cunt's s'tight—shit, angel you're suckin' me in," he murmurs, sinking his fat cock in so deep you gasp loudly, lurching over the bathroom sink.

you don't even wanna think about how you got here; you were standing in front of the pub for almost half an hour, waiting for beomgyu who promised he'd be there fifteen minutes earlier, and right when you made the decision to take the high road and head home in defeat, he was running down the street with sweat beading down his forehead.

maybe you shouted at him a little. cried a little. tried to walk away. told him to go home aline. told him you don't deserve this.

beomgyu thought different, of course, and a hand on your wrist soon turned into a tug and suddenly you find yourself pressed against the counter in the tiny bathroom of the pub, skirt pushed over your ass and panties shoved to the side.

"love this pussy so fuckin' much," he groans, pulling his hips back so his cock slips out halfway before sloppily shoving it back in. one of his hands holds a steady grip on your hip, the other trailing up your back and finding purchase on your neck, just below jaw so that his index and middle fingers can hook upwards and into your mouth.

unconsciously, your lips wrap around them, tongue swiping over the pads of his fingers as you try not to lose yourself in the feeling of all the pretty veins and curves of his cock pressing up against your hot, tight walls.

"beo-beomgyu we can't—oh," you moan quietly, closing your lips around the rough pads of his fingers once more in hopes to keep your noise level down when he jams his cock further inside of you, grinding into you so that his balls rub against your clit. "can't be loud," you manage to gasp out when he gives you a second of peace, stilling inside of you once he's bottomed out.

"'nd why's that baby?" beomgyu mutters, fingers around your hips digging in further when he gifts you another powerful thrust. "seems like we're both havin' fun ... aren't we?" his voice is low and raspy, and you're trying—you're trying so fucking hard not to get lost but it only takes you a few seconds to give in and relent.

beomgyu's ramming into you now; fingers slipped out of your mouth a few moments ago so he could situate both hands on your waist and pull your warm, dripping back into him so the tip of his dick kisses your cervix with every messy thrust.

there's a mix of both your arousal every where now, but as your eyes begin to roll to the back of your head and beomgyu begins moaning your name in small huffs—telling you that you're the "best fuckin' angel alive ..,,, prettiest thing in the world when you're being fucked with his cock ...,," that he "can't get enough of you" ....

you don't even know why you bother trying to fight it anymore. no matter how many tears, no matter how many long nights of arguments where you tell yourself it'll be the last, no matter how many hours you waste waiting for him ... you'll always chase the feeling of his hot breath fanning down on your neck when he finally leans over, murmuring 'bout how he's "gonna cum baby, cum w'me please ..."

and of course you do, because beomgyu might be a trashy boyfriend, but he's your boyfriend, and you have no plans on letting him go.

#beomgyu smut #beomgyu x reader #beomgyu imagines #choi beomgyu x reader #choi beomgyu smut #txt x reader #txt smut #💌 drabbles

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fanaticsnail · 3 months

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"Mister Beckman"

Masterlist Here

Word Count: 1,113 Drabble

(Image Source a:)(Image Source b:)

Synopsis: The first mate of the Red-Hair pirates is attempting to relax and enjoy his evening with you, but is rudely interrupted by Shanks' tinkering and clanging within the Captain's quarters.

Themes: First-mate x crew, established relationship, lounging, drinking, smoking, gentle touches, sweet domesticity.

Notes: The Beckman brain rot got me. This beloved first-mate lives rent free in my head, and I adore him.

Tag List: @sordidmusings @writingmysanity @gingernut1314 @feral-artistry

Echoes of clangs of metal meeting wood reverberated throughout the hallway of the Red Force. The ship shook against the metal banging, its source within the Captain’s quarters beginning to crescendo upwards in volume and the drawn out clangs became more erratic and frantic with each shattered bash.

Benn Beckman sat on the wooden deckchair, closing his eyes and furrowing his brows at each of the beaten clangs ringing in his ears. Reclining against your own deckchair, your legs comfortably rested over his thighs and secured beneath the heel of his left palm. He drew up his right hand and pulled the cigarette from his lips, blowing the smoke away from you before slyly raking his eyes over your body from the corner of his eyes.

Your brows knit in concentration as you read over the itinerary to be completed within the next port. He gave your calf a gentle squeeze before slowly dancing his index finger over your shin up to the point of your knee. Pursing your lips and arching your left brow, you refused to break your eyes away from raking them over the itinerary as he continued to trail his digits over the cap of your knee.

“Mister Beckman,” your warning tone rising at the end of his name, your tongue clicking in a small reprimand, “I am trying to read.” His fingers end their small dance against your skin, his firm hand cupping over your knee as he leans forward. The clangs continue to pick up their rapidity and volume, before halting all together with a murmur of angry words strung into loose sentences.

Beckman hums in response, placing the butt of his cigarette within the glass ash-tray and pressing it beneath the pad of his thumb to extinguish it. He joins his right hand against your skin by cradling your calf and moulding the flesh beneath it. The angry vocal murmur continues to rise alongside the recommencing clanging and clashing within the Captain’s quarters.

“Mister Beckman,” you sighed, turning over the page of the itinerary and glaring at the pages, “Are you going to check on our Captain?” He grunted at your question, a lengthy sigh pulling itself from his chest immediately following. Leaning down in a deep stoop, he placed his lips against your shin, cradling your calf against his chest as he drew his lips up. Pressing several fluttered kisses against your flesh, he continued to trail his lips upwards with his smile felt in each flurry.

“Darlin’,” he muttered against your skin, “It’ll take nothin’ short of-.” A particularly loud clang of bashed wood meeting metal broke his words away from his lips, his head snapping over in the direction of Shanks within his quarters.

“Beckman! Becks!” Red-Haired Shanks yelled at the top of his voice. The booming anxiety had Beckman removing your legs from his lap, and rising immediately to his feet to sprint towards the direction of the Captain’s quarters.

You sighed at his warmth disappearing from beneath your legs, your ears pricking for any indication of the source of the clanging and banging.

Managing to scribe several notes over the itinerary, you glanced up to see Beckman re-emerging from the Captain’s quarters with a look of defeat over his face. Eyes closed, a deep frown found purchase against his brows, with his jaw both tense and slack at the same time. You could tangibly see the pulsation of a vein beating against his temple, his pulse elevated and aggressive in its rapidity.

He withdrew a cigarette from his pack and rose it to his lips, igniting the end and inhaling a deep gulping lungful of the nicotine-riddled tobacco. His exhale was heavy, the weight of what occurred within the Captain’s quarters falling from his exasperated breaths.

Brows upturning with empathy, your lips pouted at the sight of the first-mate in such a sorry state. You rose to your feet, walking slowly over to him as he allowed a small hushed growl depart from his lips on his next exhale.

“Why is it always me?” his raspy rumble mixed with his chagrin, prompting a small smile to elevate to your lips. You raised your right hand up to collect his left cheek, his eyes opening at the soft impact. The gruffness of his silver grained stubble danced with the softness of your palms as they drew his face closer to you.

“Because it’s what you do,” you offered him your response, gazing lovingly into his eyes, “And we all love and appreciate you for it.” He allowed a softness to dance in his eyes as he gazed into your orbs, the love dancing tangible within your rounded globes. He removed his cigarette from his lips and hung his hand limply to his side, stooping down to meet your face with his.

“We?” His lip ticked up at the corner as he continued his descent to meet your face with his own.

“Of course ‘we’,” you praised him with your wide and innocent eyes floating between half-lidded eyes, “But we know I love you most.” You gave him a small wink, prompting a rumbled chuckle to rise within his chest.

“Thank you, Darlin’,” he leant his forehead against yours, ensuring his cigarette was far enough from both of you to not dance its ignited end against your skin. You closed your eyes, humming at the kiss of your foreheads meeting, before pulling apart from him and gazing once more into his grey orbs.

“You going to tell me what that was all about, Mister Beckman?” You asked him. His smirk danced over his lips, his hand collecting fallen strands from your forehead and hooking it behind your ear.

“There you go again. Sayin’ ‘Mister Beckman,’ like it doesn’t rouse somethin’ in you,” his voice growled in a subtle purr down into ear, the follicles on the back of your neck rising to attention. He chuckled into your ear before rising himself away to press a chaste kiss against your temple with a small promise of, “I’ll tell you about it later. For now, let's go sit back down. I need a drink.”

“Aye, sir,” you offered him a two fingered salute, shooting a small wink at him before turning and walking back to assume your prior position reclining against the chairs. He sighed deeply, watching the small swing of your hips in front of him and shaking his head. He whispered below his breath to vocalize his thoughts.

“This is why I went grey before fifty.” You turned and glanced at him over your shoulder with a sly smirk dancing at the corner of your lips.

“And what pretty grey hair you have, Mister Beckman.”

#one piece #x reader #op beckman #benn beckman #benn beckman x reader #op benn beckman #red hair pirates #benn beckman drabble #op drabble #op x reader #one piece x reader

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hsr-texts · 9 months

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find your cinderella

꒰‧₊˚✩彡‧꒱ ┊ ━━━━ prologue

꒰⸝⸝₊ʚ♡ɞ ┊ streamer!reader x mystery hsr character ꒱

꒰⸝⸝₊ʚ♡ɞ ┊ otome event ꒱

꒰ ☰ WORD COUNT ┊1.4k ꒱

꒰ ☰ DESCRIPTION ┊ ━━ When you do an unboxing livestream for your subsribers, you find an invite to an exclusive event called the "Find Your Cinderella" masquerade gala where you are guaranteed to find your supposed true love, as a rather enthusiastic manager told you. ꒱

꒰ ☰ NOTES ┊HIII omg you guys THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT!! Getting 1k followers is so crazy for me because I've never had a blog be received with this much love and support before so I've decided to make an extra special otome game style fanfic! ꒱

“Guys, look! The package just came in!”

You rushed into your studio, holding a sizable metal box. Inscribed on the sides was a logo of two masks, resembling a certain Aeon. Placing it down on the floor, you gave a sigh of relief. “Aeons, that was heavy!”

Your eyes glanced at the live chat and saw all the messages, curious about the package.

“Seems like you guys are more excited than I am,” You couldn’t help a small chuckle leaving your lips. “It took me quite a lot to get a hold of this limited edition package from LumiPro. Like, do you guys know how much it cost?”

A few comments popped up trying to guess the price.

You shook your head. “100,000 credits.”

The chat then flooded with shocked emotes and comments. It was more than a fair reaction. You found yourself silently thanking the stars that your current occupation as a streamer granted you a steady income. Otherwise, you probably would’ve had to eat the same type of cup noodles for months.

“Anyway!” You clasped your hands together. “Let’s open it up already! I’m dying to see what’s inside. What could possibly warrant such a steep price?”

Your index finger pressed on the button at the top and heard a voice.

“Vocal identification. Please state your name.”

You uttered your name. It was a good thing you added an auto-censor to your setup so that any sensitive information that could get you doxxed would be redacted in the stream. You didn’t want stalkers showing up at your home after all.

“Permission granted.”

Faint clicks of metal against metal could be heard as the mechanisms worked to unlock the box. A hissing noise came from it as the lid opened. You watched, feeling anticipation and eagerness bubble within your chest.

A hologram was projected from the box, showing a person wearing professional attire. They smiled.

“Thank you for purchasing from Luminous Productions. We’ve curated a package that we believe would be of most use to you. For further questions, you may contact support on our site. We hope you enjoy it to the fullest.”

You took a peek and gasped at the sight. “Guys, oh my god, they just gave me a new PC!”

They must’ve done their research because you did mention in your stream a month ago that you were looking for a better PC.

The chat seemed to be as excited as you were, knowing this meant you’d be able to go back to your regular streaming schedule.

You could tell this was a real high end PC after seeing the graphics card and CPU model. Not only that, but it came with a new headset, keyboard, and mouse. You took out the stuff and gently placed them on the floor, letting the viewers see it.

After noticing that there was more in the package, you rummaged around for the other objects. Your hand made contact with some sort of fabric so you pulled it out.

Your eyes widened as you realised that it was a fancy outfit. Upon looking, you could estimate that it was your size too. Was this tailor made?

“Holy shit…”

It seemed like it was for a real special occasion, not even just your run-of-the-mill party that regular people go to. This outfit would probably fit right in with a red carpet event for rich folks or celebrities. Well— One may say, “Hey, aren’t you a celebrity too?” but you weren’t cocky enough to claim the same status as those with inter-galactic levels of fame.

A slip of paper fell out of the outfit’s pocket and you turned to see what it was.

You squinted in confusion. A ticket…? After picking up, you couldn’t help but notice the holographic shine to it first. How pretty.

“Find Your Cinderella Masquerade Event?” You mumbled in confusion. Who was Sugo? You couldn’t recall knowing anyone that went by that name.

Suddenly, the screen flickered for a moment and a new window popped up next to your stream.

A person showed up, wearing what you could only describe as a pink clown outfit that somehow combines cuteness and gaudiness in one. They grinned at you with amusement.

“Heya to all those viewers watching at home!” Even the way they spoke seemed to have a theatrical ring to it. By the way the chat was going insane, the people watching the stream could also see them.

“My name is Sugo and I’m the event organiser of the Find Your Cinderella Gala, or the FYC Gala for short,” they introduced themselves with a flourish. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Uh… hi?” You didn’t know how to respond. This was quite a bizarre experience to have someone hijack your stream to introduce themselves. Was this legal…?

They chuckled. “Yeah, sorry for the sudden appearance but I figured that it would shake things up a little. I’m sure your dear fans appreciate having two exciting things happening at the same time. You can bet that this’ll go viral too~”

“Right… So what exactly is this Find Your Cinderella Gala?”

“Glad you asked, dear anomaly!” They beamed. Eh? Why were they calling you anomaly?

“See, I’m doing a collaborative project with LumiPro. I proposed to them a large-scale event with celebrities from all over the galaxy, which would be broadcast to every streaming platform out there. The premise is simple, all attendees are there to find their one and only, their true love, their Cinderella, you get the idea.”

“So it’s a speed dating event for rich people?” Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It sounded like a stupid idea. And yet, a part of you was intrigued.

“Right on the money! What a clever streamer, it’s no wonder you got such high compatibility ratings with the other attendees~”

“A what?”

Their eyes gleamed with amusement. “So, we didn’t just pick the celebrities at random. I bet you’re wondering why a small time streamer is getting an invite to such an exclusive event, right?” They tilted their head, leaning on their desk.

You nodded slowly. It was still a mystery to you why you’d be invited when there are far more famous people in the galaxy.

“Behind the scenes, we’ve been developing an advanced algorithm that can find your best match in a group. How it works is that we pick a participant, feed it available information on said participant, then it calculates how well the person would get along with those within the group,” they explained, “What’s interesting for your case is that your average compatibility score with the group is 90%. Most folks that got tested only came up with a 60% average compatibility rating.”

You raised an eyebrow at this in skepticism. “Don’t you think that’s just a bug or something?”

They shrugged. “It could be, but we’ve done several tests and it always came out the same. We were hoping to add you in to act as an outlier to our pool of data.”

“So I’m just a guinea pig for your weird little experiment?” You gave them an unamused look.

“It’s just to see if your results were really true or if it was just a mistake on the algorithm’s part.” They shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll be a fun time for you regardless of my motives. A win win for all parties involved, don’t you just love that kind of thing?”

“I guess but doesn’t this come with strings attached?”

Sugo whined. “Ughhh, you’re gonna make this way less fun if you go in already knowing what you’re getting!”

“What kind of sane person would do something without knowing the full details?!”

A groan came from them. “Booo, that’s so boring! Life needs a special surprise factor that keeps things fun and interesting.”

They sighed after. “But fine. If you’re so skeptical, then I can throw in a 500,000 credit compensation if you end up not enjoying it. So even if you do lose, you still gain something!”

You stayed silent, trying to figure out if this was really worth the trouble of dressing up and going to a party.

“Anyway, that’s all the information I’m contractually allowed to give out. It’s your choice whether you want to go or not.”

“Can I have some time to decide this?” You asked them.

Sugo nodded, smiling in amusement. “Of course! It’s not good for a show to spend too much time on exposition, after all. Let’s give the player some time to shine, hm?”

“I have no idea what you’re saying.”

They giggled, ignoring what you said. “Bye bye! I’ll see you at the gala!”

Their window disappeared, leaving you with your viewers again.

You sighed. What a strange person. Did you really wanna go? It’s not like you had much to lose. Plus, you would be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t want to find out what that compatibility rating was all about.

“What do you think, chat? Should I go?” You turned to the screen, waiting for their input.

#honkai star rail #hsr #honkai star rail x reader #hsr x reader #jing yuan x reader #dan heng x reader #gepard x reader #sampo x reader #blade x reader #welt x reader

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taylorswiftstyle · 5 months

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The 25 Best Taylor Swift Gifts Will Never Go Out of Style

Curated with the help of a Taylor Swift style expert

With every Taylor Swift sighting in 2023—out to dinner, at a football game, out to dinner with the guy from the Chiefs—the singer gives fans a window into her personal style and inspiration for holiday shopping. According to Sarah Chapelle, creator of the fashion identification site Taylor Swift Style (@taylorswiftstyled on Instagram) and author of a forthcoming book on Swift's relationship with fashion, Taylor Swift's style is defined by three pillars: a high-low mix of luxury designers and more accessible, high-street brands, a habit of rewearing the same pieces multiple times, and a love of supporting small businesses alongside globally recognized brands. "This trifecta works in tandem and, I believe, supports her natural inclination and taste in style but also helps to project [her] friendly, approachable image," Chapelle explains.

It's also highly shoppable. The high-low mix in Swift's wardrobe and beauty routine means there are plenty of Swift tested-and-approved gifts to purchase ahead of the holiday season. "In addition to official merchandise—there are a few rare pieces that have their own cult-like status—Swifties are typically motivated when one of Taylor's fashion exacts is priced more accessibly than the haute couture designer goods," Chapelle says.

...

If you really want to put in the research for your favorite Swiftie, consider shopping secondhand for a piece Swift wore in a past era. "[I]f someone managed to find a secondhand exact piece from Taylor's fashion archives that I've loved," Chapelle notes, "that would be such a great gift for someone like myself who has a highly detailed fashion index going back years." (For any friends reading, Chapelle's most wanted are a green Elie Saab bag and a Topshop coat Swift wore in 2014.)

...

Ahead, shop the 25 best Taylor Swift gifts for fans of every era, onstage and off. The lineup ahead includes Chapelle-recommended pieces worn by Swift, my personal favorites from Swift's recent street style, and items inspired by Swift's expansive musical catalog.

#tss news

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sky-kiss · 5 months

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Raphael x F!Tav: 18+ : Woops. Hand Slipped Again.

_________

The gods will see her damned for this, she thinks.

She doesn’t care; she’s not sure how to care anymore. Tav turns her face into the pillow, her sharp filling the boudoir. It joins the debtors' chorus. Her fingers curl in the sheets, searching for purchases, searching for anything to keep her from coming untethered. She doesn’t manage it. He’s pure heat at her back, claws biting at her hips. His wings fan the air around them, and she is trapped.

His sheets are silk (of course) and black (of course), contrasting with Raphael’s red skin. The adventurer’s thighs ache, spread wide to accommodate the breadth of his hips. He leans forward over her, his chest pressed to her back, and she has rarely been more aware of the disparity in their size. The weight of him at her back leaves her dizzy.

The cambion catches the shell of her ear between his teeth, purring, dark. “Tsk, already wet for me, mouse? You make this too easy.” She chews the inside of her cheek, fighting not to rock her hips as his fingers dip between her legs. He strokes her once, circles her core, and gathers her slick. She is dripping for him; so much of their relationship revolves around the hunt, and he has left her wanting since just after dawn. He brings his fingers to his lips and then sucks them clean. “In this, at least, you never disappoint, pet. Here, have a taste.” As if to reward her, he strokes her again. She’s rewarded with two fingers pressed deep into her heat, thrusting lazily before he slides them out. He brings them to her lips; she sucks them clean without thinking, reveling in his low moan.

He thinks she’s powerless in these games. She knows better. She digs her tongue between his index and forefinger, swallows around his fingers, and is rewarded by a shift of his hips, digging at her ass. Raphael presses forward until her breasts are crushed against the mattress. There’s nowhere left to shift. She can only rock back against him, the thickness of his cock pressed between her legs.

“Should I expect anything more than talk from you, Raphael?”

It’s a challenge. He smirks, gold eyes glittering, wolfish. He leans over Tav's shoulder to catch her lips, guiding himself to her entrance. Her groan is low and reverent. That first press is intoxicating and empowering. It is as if he is too big to fit, struggling to push inside.

And then he’s there, stretching her, just this side of too much. Tav drives her hips back, wanting every inch. She wants to ache from this. Raphael canted her hips higher, rocking forward to catch her lip between his teeth.

“Greedy little mouse.” He licks the corner of her mouth. “Far be it from me to extol any great virtues. But patience...you would benefit from a study in patience."

She wants to laugh, but the sound dies on her tongue, lost in a breathy yelp. Raphael grips her waist hard enough to bruise, all that infernal strength brought to bear. She finds she prefers it. Raphael treats her with no kindness and no respect for any perceived fragility. He fucks into her with centuries of pent-up hunger, and Tav rallies to meet him.

One of his hands teases between her legs to stroke her in time with his thrusts. It’s unnecessary; Tav is already close, but she knows he likes this. He loves to feel her clutch at him, tight and hot and entirely his. Raphael stills within her, head thrown back, panting as he rides out her orgasm. He is still hard inside her, and she whines.

The devil noses her ear. “Ask for more, sweetling. Beg me for it.”

She knows this game too well; if she begs him, Raphael will pull out of her, leave the boudoir, and leave her wanting.

She pushes at his shoulders, shoving him until he’s flat on his back. The correct answer is to ride him until they're both screaming.

#bg3 raphael #raphael x tav #my writing #sorry this was my warmup this morning lol #im burdening yall with it #BACK TO THE LORE MINES #smutttttt #but like #not extreme

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wannaeatramyeon · 10 months

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Word quantity: high. Word quality: low. You have been warned.

Goo Kim x Reader: School Days with Princess & the Delinquent

Epilogue - can be read as a standalone?!

A few months later-

For someone that prefers their skin to be flawless and smooth, Goo is awfully fascinated with yours. His hands constantly wander, tracing over your blemishes and imperfections.

"Hmm, I like your skin," his fingers run along your ribcage, taking his time, as if he's counting each one.

"What, to wear?" you ask him one evening, after he spent far too long pouring over your body.

He looks up from caressing a freckle on your hip and chuckles.

Well, that's comforting.

“Are you still mad, Princess?”

Damn this guy. He knows to pick his battles with you at your weakest. When you’ve spent the whole day in bed together, him drawing constant moans and whimpers from your lips until your mind is completely blank and your whole body is quivering.

Well. What does he think?

To be honest, after the shine of your reunion and your kiss had worn off, you had been filled with rage. Honestly, you never would have thought you would see a delinquent such as Goo Kim cower because of you.

It took weeks, months of work. Of peaks and troughs to get over the way he treated you. How he heartlessly ghosted you and tossed you aside and then reappeared in your life again as if that was fine.

Goo learnt the consequences to his actions, hated every moment, and had some eye opening lessons.

So no. You’re not mad anymore. Although-

“What if I still am?”

Your boyfriend grins at you with an insatiable hunger, ready to make you black out from pleasure.

Late nights are usual for Goo. He often comes home to find you fast asleep on his side of the bed, burying yourself in his scent like a safety blanket.

Tonight, while he undresses, the moonlight peeps through the gap in the curtains and illuminates your face.

Even seeing you lifts his spirits.

Especially tonight, as unfortunately, it also highlights your drool.

He laughs to himself, swiping it away with his hand, you stirring in your sleep when he does so.

A little gesture, that is really quite ordinary and meaningless but so desperately intimate is how the realisation comes crashing down on Goo that he is deeply in love with you.

That even as he felt his feelings blossoming, he never really managed to put the words to it until now.

How, before you, he never thought he would be someone that could fall in love but now there is no denying it.

Love is the only way to describe how he feels about you.

And another few months later-

Goo waits outside a small cafe, leaning against his eye-wateringly expensive car and fiddling with his phone.

A handsome blonde in a designer suit catches the eyes of many but he ignores them all, fixated on the mobile game.

And actually, a very happily taken man.

Knowing these pretenders would never be able to keep up with him. Not like you do.

He senses your presence before anything else, and looks up to catch you waving goodbye to your college study group.

As soon as you’re alone, you slump. The weariness of the day taking its toll on you; the demanding pace of your prestigious university course maybe being a bit too much.

Goo waits for you to spot him and it doesn’t take long. As soon your eyes meet, your face transforms, lighting up and your smile is brighter than the sun.

“Let’s go home hmm, Princess?”

“And this is the partner that I don’t hate,” Goo smirks, gesturing at you and happy with his backhanded words.

Gun doesn’t say anything, just studies you from the other side of the counter as you bag up their purchases.

“Hi,” you say, then look to your boyfriend for an introduction.

He flaps his hand in your direction, “He’s a nobody. Don’t worry about it.”

“Gun Park,” the other man says, letting the insult slide off him and extending his hand out.

This Gun is intense, matching that of your boyfriend, just in very different ways. But luckily, you may be the best person on earth to handle Goo Kim. You’re sure you can handle Gun Park too.

Not flinching from his black eyes, you hold his gaze as you reach out and shake his hand. Firm grip, brief, professional.

When they both leave, Goo blows you a kiss and Gun gives you a small nod.

You tilt your head at the dark haired man. Something about that nod feels like him approving of you.

And a lot more than a few months later-

Goo staggers in, reeking of alcohol, loud and headache-inducing.

“This is your problem now.” Gun dumps him in the doorway and leaves without a second glance.

“Huh?” Goo looks around, glasses askew, trying to place exactly where the fuck he is.

“Good night?” You ask, diverting his attention to you as a far off voice in his brain tells him this is his home.

“Y/N!” He slurs, suddenly hit with a burst of energy and throwing himself in your direction. Boy is he pleased to see you. Although, now he thinks about it, when is he not.

Goo grins, lopsided and with heart eyes, “I want to see you everyday.”

You must be cursed. Because even though Goo is an absolute nuisance when he's drunk, even more so than usual if that is possible; at the same time, his sappiness comes out in droves and you can never find it in yourself to be mad at him.

“You do,” you reply, handing over a glass of water.

“No. I want to spend all my time with you.” He frowns down at the drink that has appeared out of nowhere in his hand.

“You do.”

“No,” he pouts, on the verge of a tantrum because why on earth are you being so dense and not understanding him right now.

“I’m not dense, you’re just drunk!”

Oops. Goo giggles to himself when he sees you glaring at him. He was supposed to just think that.

“Princess,” he says, puppy dog eyes appearing after you force him to down the water in one go, “You don’t get it.”

“Tell me then.”

“I want to marry you.”

“Is that it?” You pluck the glass from his hand and replace it with another full one.

“Yes!” Goo is this close to stomping his feet. Can you please stop handing him water. That is not a reasonable response to him pouring his heart out over here.

“You tell me that all the time too.”

A frown. “I do?”

“Yes. But babe…”

“Hmm?”

“We’re already married.”

Goo looks impossibly confused until he glances down, and spots a shiny band around his ring finger. “Oh!”

He gives you another grin and your heart melts.

Goo used to think you would be an idiot marrying his high school sweetheart but turns out, he’s one and the same.

#lookism #lookism headcanons #lookism x reader #lookism hc #lookism webtoon #lookism manhwa #goo kim #goo kim x reader #kim joongoo #kim joongoo x reader #wannaeatramyeon #school days with princess and the delinquent

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jeancavant · 2 years

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Protecting Your Retirement: How to protect your retirement savings from inflation?To Learn More About How to protect your retirement savings, read: https://www.goldhillretreat.com/econo... In today's video, we will discuss how you can protect your retirement savings from inflation. Doing this will ensure that your money will last for a long time, no matter what happens in the world economy. We'll speak with our expert, Ms. Shelby, a financial planner and certified public accountant. She will discuss different strategies you can use to protect your money and ensure that it grows over time. So if you're worried about the future of your finances, watch this video and find out some great ideas on how to safeguard yourself! Inflation is a general rise in prices across the board, including those for goods and services people use to live their lives. As such, it's important to understand how inflation affects retirement savings because it can greatly impact how much money you can draw down from your 401(k) or another retirement account when you retire. In this video, we'll discuss the different types of inflation and their effects on retirement savings. We'll also give you tips on minimizing the risks associated with inflation and protecting yourself against its negative effects on your retirement savings. Causes of inflation Inflation is a process in which prices of goods and services rise over a period of time. There are many reasons for inflation, but some common causes include the following: 1) Increased demand for goods or services: When people have more money, they are likely to spend it on things they think will make them happy or need. This increased demand can lead to high levels of inflation. 2) Increased production: Companies may decide to produce fewer items to purposefully not meet increased demand, which can also lead to higher inflation levels. 3) Changes in tax rates: When the government imposes new taxes or reduces old taxes, this can cause businesses to increase prices to pass along some of the costs associated with these changes (the so-called 1Cprice stickiness 1D effect). 4) Oversupply and overproduction: Sometimes, when companies produce more items than consumers are willing or able to buy, they end up selling at a loss YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Ni... Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GoldHillRetreat Twitter https://twitter.com/GoldHillRetreat Pinterest www.pinterest.com/goldhillretreat1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goldhillret... Pocket: https://getpocket.com/@goldhillretreat Blogger: https://goldhillretreat.blogspot.com/ Daily Motion: https://www.dailymotion.com/goldhillr... To Learn More about the harmful effects of inflation, read: https://www.goldhillretreat.com/econo... Inflation affects retirement savings in a few ways. First, your retirement savings' purchasing power will decline over time if inflation increases. A major reason your retirement savings will lose purchasing power is that inflation will increase over time. When prices rise, the value of a dollar decreases. This means that items bought with your retirement savings in the future will be worth less than what you paid for them. Second, as your nest egg gets smaller and smaller relative to what you could have saved had inflation been lower, your ability to live comfortably in retirement may become harder and harder to achieve. You might also like these other videos: Best Gold IRA Companies 2022 Protect your Retirement From economic ruin. https://youtu.be/JczzEPImrWg Best Gold IRA Companies 2022 Protect your Retirement https://youtu.be/6DoGyMMPh_s High Inflation or Recession Gold Has your Back https://youtu.be/QXSCJXmapVE Protect your Retirement Hedge against inflation with Augusta Precious Metals https://youtu.be/tAfVpJXVUKY Senior Gold IRA Portfolio Diversification -Augusta Precious Metals; https://youtu.be/iUiwdr4HcEQ

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philiprross · 2 years

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kathygnegron · 2 years

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theambitiouswoman · 1 year

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How To Get Started Investing In The Stock Market

Educate yourself: Before investing in the stock market, it's important to educate yourself about the basics of investing, including the different types of investments, the risks involved, and how to build a diversified portfolio. There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and investment blogs.

Determine your investment goals: It's important to have clear investment goals before investing in the stock market. Are you investing for retirement, a down payment on a house, or to generate passive income? Your investment goals will help determine the types of investments that are appropriate for you.

Open a brokerage account: To invest in the stock market, you'll need to open a brokerage account with a reputable brokerage firm. Some popular options include Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab. When choosing a brokerage firm, consider factors such as fees, investment options, and customer service.

Build a diversified portfolio: Diversification is key to successful investing. By investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, you can reduce your risk and increase your chances of long-term success. Consider investing in a mix of large-cap and small-cap stocks, domestic and international investments, and bonds with varying maturities.

Start investing: Once you have a brokerage account and have determined your investment strategy, it's time to start investing. Consider starting with a small amount of money and gradually increasing your investments over time.

WAYS TO INVEST

There are several ways to invest in the stock market, including:

Individual Stocks: This involves buying shares of individual companies on the stock market. You can buy shares through a broker or an online trading platform.

Mutual Funds: Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors and invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks. This allows you to invest in a variety of companies with a single investment.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but they trade like individual stocks on an exchange. This allows you to buy and sell ETFs throughout the trading day.

Index Funds: Index funds track the performance of a specific index, such as the S&P 500. This provides exposure to a broad range of companies and can be a good option for long-term investors.

TOOLS TO START INVESTING

Online Trading Platforms: Many brokers offer online trading platforms that allow you to buy and sell stocks and funds. These platforms typically provide research tools and stock charts to help you make informed investment decisions.

Robo-Advisors: Robo-advisors are digital platforms that use algorithms to create and manage investment portfolios for you. They can be a good option for beginner investors who want a hands-off approach.

Investment Apps: There are several investment apps available that allow you to buy and sell stocks and funds from your mobile device. These apps are often designed for beginner investors and offer low fees and user-friendly interfaces.

PLATFORMS

A few popular options:

Robinhood: Robinhood is a commission-free trading app that offers stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency trading. It’s designed for beginner investors and offers a user-friendly interface.

Acorns: Acorns is an investment app that automatically invests your spare change. It rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference in a diversified portfolio of ETFs.

TD Ameritrade: TD Ameritrade is a popular trading platform that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, futures, and forex trading. It offers a variety of trading tools and research resources.

ETRADE: ETRADE is a popular online broker that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and futures trading. It offers a variety of trading tools and resources, including a mobile app.

Fidelity: Fidelity is a full-service broker that offers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, and futures trading. It offers a variety of investment tools and research resources, including a mobile app.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

Value Investing: Value investing involves buying stocks that are undervalued by the market and holding them for the long term. This approach requires patience and a thorough analysis of a company’s financial statements and growth potential.

Growth Investing: Growth investing involves buying stocks in companies that are expected to grow faster than the market average. This approach often involves investing in companies that are at the cutting edge of technology or have innovative business models.

Dividend Investing: Dividend investing involves buying stocks in companies that pay a dividend. This can provide a steady stream of income for investors and can be a good option for those looking for more conservative investments.

Passive Investing: Passive investing involves investing in a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds or ETFs. This approach is designed to match the performance of the overall market and requires minimal effort on the part of the investor.

Real Estate Investing: Real estate investing involves buying and holding real estate assets for the purpose of generating income or appreciation. This can include investing in rental properties, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or crowdfunding platforms.

Options trading: is a type of trading strategy that involves buying and selling options contracts, which are financial instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as stocks, at a specific price within a certain time frame. Options trading can be used to generate income, hedge against risk, or speculate on market movements.

Swing trading is a type of trading strategy that aims to capture short- to medium-term gains in a financial asset, such as stocks, currencies, or commodities. Swing traders typically hold their positions for a few days to several weeks, taking advantage of price swings or "swings" in the market. Swing traders use technical analysis to identify trends and patterns in the market, and they often employ a combination of charting tools and indicators to help them make trading decisions. They look for stocks or other assets that have a clear trend, either up or down, and then try to enter and exit positions at opportune times to capture profits.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS TOOLS

There are many technical analysis resources available for traders to use in their analysis of financial markets. Here are some popular options:

TradingView: TradingView is a web-based charting and technical analysis platform that provides users with real-time data, customizable charts, and a variety of technical indicators and drawing tools.

StockCharts: StockCharts is another web-based platform that provides a wide range of technical analysis tools, including charting capabilities, technical indicators, and scanning tools to help traders identify potential trading opportunities.

Thinkorswim: Thinkorswim is a trading platform provided by TD Ameritrade that offers advanced charting and technical analysis tools, as well as a wide range of other features for traders, including paper trading, news and research, and risk management tools.

MetaTrader 4/5: MetaTrader is a popular trading platform used by many traders around the world. It provides a range of technical analysis tools, including customizable charts, indicators, and automated trading strategies.

Investing.com: Investing.com is a website that provides real-time quotes, charts, news, and analysis for a wide range of financial markets, including stocks, currencies, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Yahoo Finance: Yahoo Finance is a website that provides real-time stock quotes, news, and analysis, as well as customizable charts and a variety of other tools for traders and investors.

Finviz: is a popular web-based platform for traders and investors that provides a wide range of tools and information to help them analyze financial markets. The platform offers real-time quotes, customizable charts, news and analysis, and a variety of other features.

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simply-ivanka · 2 months

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Germany Should Have Listened to Trump

Tuesday 2.27.2024 Wall Street Journal

By Walter Russell Mead

Trump was right about Berlin’s self-defense and risky energy dependence on Russia.

The lower house of Germany’s Parliament voted to legalize the recreational use of cannabis last week. It was a timely move. Germany’s leadership class is going to need all the mellow it can find in a world that isn’t going Germany’s way.

Russian advances in Ukraine and American paralysis over the next aid package are reinforcing the reality that Germany needs to defend itself but lacks the power to do so. So are developments in the Red Sea, where German manufacturers must cope with shipping delays as the Biden administration fails to keep the vital waterway clear.

Forget the 2% of gross domestic product that Germany has repeatedly promised and failed to spend on defense. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius shocked many observers this month when he said that in the new world situation, Germany may have to spend as much as 3.5% of GDP for defense.

The economic news is also grim. Last year Germany’s GDP shrank 0.3%, and last week the government slashed 2024 growth estimates to a pitiful 0.2%. Economists expect negative growth during the first quarter of 2024, placing the country in recession. The outlook for housing is bleak, with business confidence reaching all-time lows. The news in manufacturing is little better. This month the widely followed HCOB German Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 46.1, the eighth month in a row that the index has pointed to decreasing economic activity.

Energy prices are a particular sore spot. The chemical giant BASF announced €1 billion in spending cuts in its German operations, blaming a mix of weak demand in the German market and “structurally higher energy prices.” Enormous U.S. subsidies under the so-called Inflation Reduction Act are leading German companies to look across the Atlantic.

Chinese competition is another massive worry. China long ago passed Germany as the world’s largest car producer. Increasingly, especially in electric vehicles, it is challenging Germany as both a low-cost and high-quality manufacturer. Beijing aims to marginalize German capital goods and automobile companies in China while Chinese exporters challenge German dominance in world markets.

With the associations representing the small and medium-size Mittelstand firms that make up the heart of the German economy warning in a rare joint open letter about Germany’s loss of competitiveness, Economy Minister Robert Habeck isn’t mincing words. The economy is in “rough waters.” The “competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location” is in doubt.

It isn’t all doom and gloom. The outlook for the service sector is brighter than for manufacturing, and as the Journal reported last week, the Ifo Institute’s business-climate index improved slightly this month. The best that can be said for the outlook? “The German economy is stabilizing at a low level,” according to Ifo’s president.

Meanwhile, Germany’s dysfunctional three-party coalition government is paralyzed by internal struggles. The largest party in the coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), is deeply divided over foreign policy, with many nostalgic for good relations with Russia and allergic to military spending. The SPD also wants Biden-like government spending initiatives to revive the German industrial machine and expand social benefits. The Greens, the next-largest party, are by German standards foreign-policy hawks but continue to press for a rapid energy transition that drives up costs for business and consumers. The third party in the coalition, the Free Democrats, wants to hold the line on government spending. As if this weren’t enough trouble, the conservative opposition parties have a blocking minority in Parliament’s upper house.

This is not where Germans thought they would be. Sixteen months ago, I visited Berlin and heard from a stream of government officials, think tankers and economists that everything was working fine. Russia was failing in Ukraine. The energy transition would boost German competitiveness and employment. Germany’s Mittelstand would handle anything China could throw at it.

Under the circumstances, it’s no surprise that antiestablishment parties are growing in Germany. The far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) currently has more support than any of the governing parties, with one recent poll showing the AfD at 19%, the Social Democrats at 14%, the Greens at 13%, and the Free Democrats at 4%.

The most bitter pill of all for Germany’s establishment may be the realization that on the most important issues facing Germany, Donald Trump was right where they were wrong. Getting in bed with Vladimir Putin for cheap energy was both foolish and deeply disloyal to the West. German defense policy was self-defeating and dangerous. China wasn’t a reliable partner.

“Ich bin ein Berliner,” was President John F. Kennedy’s message to Germany. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, his message will likely be “Das habe ich gleich gesagt,” or “I told you so.”

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phoenixfl3009 · 5 months

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Decided to do a warm up by writing a fun little “Fizzarozzie first kiss” scenario 💋💙💚

- - -

Fizz was understandably nervous.

Sweat beaded along his pasty white temple as he stared headlong into what remained of his breakfast. A single raspberry adorned his plate, desolate and destitute amidst a sea of syrup. With a dour frown, he continued to poke and prod and press at the glistening red berry with the end of an ornate-looking fork, trying vainly to suppress a shout of frustration at the maddening flutter of wings inside his lower stomach.

Do it, he thought. Just rip the band-aid off.

Naturally, predictably, Fizz remained as still as stone; his metallic fingertips a vice over the ivory utensil.

At his side, a discontented hum could be heard, followed by the familiar crinkling of paper. “Another gala?” Asmodeus intoned wryly, incredulity and exasperation weighing in equal measure as he regarded the news article. “Didn’t Luci just hold one’a these last week?”

“Actually, it was three days ago.” Fizz answered, surprising even himself as the words poured freely from his mouth, unbidden. He vehemently tamped down on the urge to slap a hand over his own mouth and instead settled for reaching across the length of the table for the pitcher of coffee, only too eager to drown his anxieties beneath the brunt weight of caffeine. He swallowed greedily, even as the ebony liquid scalded his tongue.

Fortunately, Ozzie didn’t appear to notice, having been too engrossed in his own thoughts to notice how skittish his jester was behaving. The chimera uttered a disbelieving scoff and proceeded to set the article aflame with a plume of cyan-imbued heat. “Yeah, that tracks. Knowing him, he’s probably using it as an excuse to celebrate his marriage, like always.” Ozzie conceded with a sigh. He brought his chin to rest in the center of a colossal palm and seemed to stare listlessly into space. “I can’t say I blame him. If I had someone like Lilith, I don’t think I could resist bragging neither.”

Fizz nearly choked on his mouthful. Nearly. Miraculously, he managed to save face and swallowed past the burning itch that had taken root in his throat.

Then, Asmodeus turned and offered Fizz a devilish grin. “What do you think,” He drawled in a tone as sweet and as spellbindingly heady as mead, drawing his index along the scope of Fizz’s spine. “My queen?”

This time around, Fizz does, indeed, choke spectacularly. His throat constricted tightly mid-swallow, lending the sensation that he was being drowned before he inevitably proceeded to hack his lungs up.

Satan’s balls, why refer to him as that, of all things? Of all days?

This was arguably not how Fizz imagined any of this would go; he was fucking this up left, right, and center.

A hand found purchase along the line of his back, the fingers drawing soothing circles as Asmodeus crooned softly. “Take it easy, babe. That’s it, breathe slowly,” He instructed as Fizz struggled to steady his breathing. Ozzie frowned, his features rife with concern as he regarded the red-faced imp. “You feeling okay? You’re usually not so jumpy.”

Despite himself, Fizz feigned a toothy grin. “I’m fine! Just, uh, a tickle in my throat.” He played it off with a wave of his hand, wondering if perhaps there was any conceivable way he could possibly salvage the situation. He had been thinking about this moment for so long already, and he feared if he waited any longer, the opportunity would pass him by completely and he would never have another chance, ever. It was inevitable, after all; how long could the Sin of Lust allow himself to be limited to just one demon? Really, it was a miracle Ozzie hadn’t grown tired of him after the first month, let alone three months.

Despite his assurance, Ozzie remained nonplussed and continued to look to Fizz imploringly. “Is there anything I can do to make it better?” The Sin inquired, sounding so genuine and so sincere, Fizz’s heart seized momentarily and the butterflies that had taken root inside of him tripled in their efforts; every velvety pass of their wingtips sending shivers throughout his entire body.

Fizz didn’t know what compelled him to speak, but when he did, the words felt foreign on his tongue, as if they weren’t entirely his own. “You could kiss it better,” He said, his voice ringing clearly in his ears.

He wasn’t sure what he expected. Dismissal and flat-out rejection being the two most obvious contenders, followed by pity, disgust, and disbelief. Asmodeus represented lust in its purest form; wild, unkempt, and untamed, and while kissing could be construed as lustful to some, for Asmodeus, it was tantamount to blasphemy. He didn’t kiss anyone, ever, and no one was permitted to kiss him. It simply wasn’t done.

Fizz knew that, had known that since the beginning of this arrangement, and yet, had the absolute gall to voice his request anyways, knowing full well that if it backfired, he could very well lose what he had with Ozzie in the here and now.

He continued to wait with bated breath, anticipating only the worst as Ozzie continued to stare coolly at him. Neither the ram nor the bull betrayed him, each having adopted a surprisingly neutral expression as Ozzie mulled it over. Then, with a slight incline of his head, he said, simply, “Okay.”

Fizz blinked, mouth agape, his mind racing a mile a minute as it struggled to process what the other had said when suddenly, he felt a mouth being pressed against his own.

Despite the stark difference in size and height, Ozzie’s mouth slotted perfectly with Fizz’s own. His beak was smooth to the touch and inexplicably warm, sending waves of molten heat throughout his entire body. He couldn’t help but compare the sensation to that of the circus, except unlike those flames that had only sought to inflict pain and suffering, these flames were gentle and kind and promised only safety and security.

It was heavenly.

It was otherworldly.

It was everything.

The kiss seemed to span lifetimes, and at the same time, mere seconds, ending far, far sooner than Fizz would have liked. His mind swam and a pleasant buzz entered his lips as he contemplated just how and why Ozzie would think to do something as wildly out of character as kiss him without wanting anything in return, sexually or otherwise.

The answer, astonishingly, came from none other than Ozzie.

The Sin smiled warmly at him, the expression reflected neatly across all three heads as he continued to gaze at Fizz as though he was the most precious thing in the entire world—as though he was Ozzie’s entire world. “Whatever my queen desires.”

#helluva boss #fizzarozzie #fizzmodeus #helluva boss asmodeus #helluva boss fizzarolli #fizz x ozzie

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