#some auction items of real value

[saltminerising]

It shouldn't be that hard for staff to add even a miniscule amount of nuance to the multi situation, right?

If they're so worried about that account advantage, just ban players who multi'd for a long period of time and permanently lock all their extras. For example, temporarily ban them for a year or two, or longer depending on the severity. I think that would deal with any setting up for success and advantages over the rule-abiding players, because a year or more of a ban would absolutely undo any real advantage funneling ages ago may have given.

If that's not enough, maybe they could just further lock a player out of using the auction house and crossroads for a while, like six months or another year or so. Drain a player's account of a decent amount of gems or treasure or both. Take some valuable item away. Take away everything gained with cheating, or whatever the closest monetary/value-wise equivalent is?? And then if they multiaccount again, all accounts can be locked, as they took advantage their second chance.

Idk, it just sucks that it's all treated the same. Sure you can remake, but it's not the same.

❄️

#multi accounting

[writingintheshadowsforever]

Yelena Belova x Reader Steal Your Heart Part 8

Summary: Its time for the Auction Party, and your target is a high-valued item worth millions. You meet a new friend and run into trouble

Warning: This is a long one guys

"How do I look?" You asked twirling around in front one of your fellow thieves.

"Why Shadow I must admit you are the fairest of them all." Alan said going into a low whistle as he sat up from his position on the black sectional sofa.

You were currently getting ready for the Black Market Auction Party at the home base of the Thieves Guild. You didn't really come here that much anymore. After being rescued you were raised and lived here but it was hard to call it home. Your contract with Thieves Guild felt like handcuffs, and the fact that you were required to return to this place after each mission. Made home base feel like a prison once you turned twenty. Remy was able to pull some strings and convince them to let you get your own place in the city.

Your dress of choice was shoulder length dark green with a low cut sleeve on the left sleeve showing skin. The dress was long enough that it went all the way down touching the floor, but there was a slit cut in at right side revealing your legs.

"Do you think I could get that date now?" Alan asked getting to his feet to walk over to you. He held his hand out for you to take which you did letting him spin you around again.

A little laugh escaped your lips as your body was pulled towards his. "While I will admit you do remind of Prince Charming unfortunately I'm going to have to turn your offer down again." You told him patting him on the chest with both hands.

"Oh you wound me" he said throwing his head in exaggeration.

Alan was one of the first thieves you had really befriended besides Remy when you got here. The two of you were around the same age with you having a year on him. He was a street kid who managed to successfully pickpocket one of the leaders of the Guild, and that action led to his life being changed forever. He always had a crush on you but knew his feelings weren't reciprocated, so in time he let them fade away. The friendship stayed strong as ever and till this day the two of you would often joke about that crush.

"I'm sorry my dear prince but that date already belongs to someone else" You whispered in his ear with a grin.

Alan pulled his head to look you in the eyes and saw the dreamy haze in them. He knew that look better than anyone especially on you, because in the beginning. You had it bad for Remy after he saved your life and made his mission to keep you safe. Eventually you would come to see him as a big brother, but you use to be in love. But that was a puppy crush this was something real.

"Who is it?" He whispered quietly as if you two weren't the only ones in this lounge.

You bit your lip as the face of the blonde woman flashed in your mind. "I'll tell you when I get back promise."

Alan groaned "that's not fair y/n."

"I know but I really need to get going" You said dancing away from him, and grabbing the green clutch bag on your way out the door.

"Remember I'm on standby if you need me" he yelled after you.

"No comms allowed" you shouted back.

"Get creative" he managed to throw in before you were out of ear shot.

The Auction Party

There were hundreds of items on sale tonight. Some were collectives of stolen art, some were artifacts discovered all over the world, and others were pieces made specifically for this event. Some were worth more than others and your bosses wanted the item with biggest market price.

This was probably the most risky mission of your life because if you did get caught. There would be no prison cell waiting for you only death. But stealing this item would literally cut sixty percent of your debt to them. The margin was too big for you to ignore. The vintage stopwatch hung around your neck resting on your collarbone like a necklace somehow. It matched the tone of your dress pretty well. You wouldn't start the timer till you were inside and the dancing began.

The limousine finally came to a halt after a forty-five minute drive, and your door was opened by a lean and muscular man dressed in a suit and tie. He had a machine gun strapped to his shoulder hanging off to the side.

"My lady" he addressed you holding out his hand.

You placed your hand in his with a smile showing teeth, as you stepped out the car. The mansion sat on a hill with an impressive amount of silver marble stairs leading up to the doors. It was a massive building with a low roof in the front but the back half was made up of taller buildings. It had a number of windows and was white as snow. Little lights lit up the stairway path to the double doors that were wide open with more guards. Multiple people dressed up in a high class suits, dresses, and jewelry were spread out doing their own thing, and chatting with each other. There were a few people present in more business casual clothes.

You gave the guard a curtsy nod as he left you at the stairs and began the climb. Most of the women were guests of a powerful man, or were women in power themselves with their own eye candy. You were the one of the few here on your own, and the eyes following you and boring into your back. Long after you had passed them told you that everyone was trying to figure out. Exactly who you were? And more importantly how do you fit into their world? Some of the items here had indeed been stolen by bandits of all kind. But they were never invited to these events. These spots were reserved for filthy rich upper class who earned their riches with blood and death of the innocence.

You wanted to burn the whole place down on your way out, and maybe one day you would return and do just that. But today your job was to blend in and make them believe you were one of them. If the dress and high heels with diamonds embedded into them didn't do the trick. Then the diamond bracelet on both of your wrists should do it, and when it came to attitude. You had no problem giving off a aura of pure darkness.

A handsome light brown-skinned man held out his arm for you to take when you reached the top. He had on a burgundy suit with no tie and visible white undershirt. A diamond Rolex shined on his wrist sparkling in your eyes. He gave you a dashing smile. "Need some arm candy?"

"That depends which one of us is complimenting the other? You asked with a devious smile of your own.

"I think we compliment each other nicely but you are definitely stealing the show tonight-" The man's voice trailed off as he waited for your name.

"Call me Shadow" You told him.

"Mysterious and beautiful did I just win the ultimate prize tonight?" he continued.

"Sweetheart can't you tell that I'm priceless." You shot back locking your arm into his and resting your other hand on it.

"I'm Daniel."

Now that the introductions were out of the way the two of you entered the mansion together. The inside was ever bit of glamorous as the outside. The entrance opened into a huge room with white marbled floors with a wide staircase in the center of the room. Leading up to the upper level that broke off into two different directions. Led lights were installed into the ceiling shining brightly. On the left side of the stairs below was a doorway leading to another room, and the two of you followed the rest of the crowd into the room.

It was bigger with a higher ceiling that was lit up by the giant golden chandeliers hanging. Little hightop round tables were positioned all over the room with black cloths thrown over them. People were gathered around them mingling with one another. Men and women of all ages were dressed up expensive tuxedos and dresses walking around with trays of appetizers and drinks offering them. One part of the room was vacant of all people. A decent size square space in the far right corner.

"That spot is reserved for dancing which will commence in about another thirty minutes" Daniel whispered in your ear. He was positioned behind you keeping his hands rested on your waist.

You leaned your head back to catch his eyes. "These guys go really all out here huh? Food, dancing, will there be a show as well?"

"Well this man in particular believes in keeping his guests fed and entertained. You know ease some of the tension in the room, get everyone to relax, and stop thinking about how they want to kill one another. Every single person here wants something, and not everyone will be able to walk out with it. They see each other as competition and that can lead to a messy bidding. He wants to avoid that the best way he can."

"Hmmm how many of these things have you been to?" You asked him.

"A few here and there" Daniel told you with a small shrug. He shot you that dashing smile again reminding you of Remy a bit with the mischief glint in his eyes. "How about you?"

"I usually sit these things out but one of the items for sale tonight as been on the wishlist for a while now. I couldn't possibly miss out on the opportunity."

"What item would that be?"

"Freedom" You whispered stroking his chin lightly.

"Now that truly is priceless" he replied back quietly. For a second his facial expressions shifted from the usual playful demeanor to one of longing. Before you could think too much of what it meant. Daniel began to nudge forward as people started heading towards the dance floor.

You went with it deciding to participate, and after a few minutes you would lie saying you needed a break. Giving you the perfect opportunity to slip away upstairs, and make your way to the other wing of the mansion. Where the items were being kept under lock and key. You had to be quick and efficient knowing the time limit would be a bit tighter than usual. Even if everyone here did buy you were truly one of them. You were still a stranger, and your absence would be noticed.

Pairs started taking their on the more smooth tiled dance floor waiting for the music start. A few minutes later it did filling the room with a soft and classical melody. You were suddenly grateful for Alan dragging you to all of those dancing classes. The Thieves Guild provided a number of skill courses in a variety of different fields. Some were mandatory like lock-picking, climbing, and stealth. Others were optional like languages, dancing, and hacking. You thought the later would be mandatory, but it turns out some liked to keep it old school. Not to mention some systems just couldn't be hacked in time.

"May I have this dance my lady?" Daniel asked taking a step forward with his hand extended out.

You didn't give him a verbal answer instead you just placed your hand in his. Letting him lead you out and pull you into his arms. Both of his hands gripped your waist a bit lower this time, and you rested yours on his shoulders as your bodies swayed back and forth. This type of dancing would hardly wear you out, but just as expected the beat did start to pick up into something a bit more fast-paced.

Daniel sent you spinning you and his grip on your released leaving you to catch yourself. You let out a soft gasp as your feet continued to twist over each other. With your body already in motion there was no way for you to slow down in time. In order to not bump into the pair dancing only a few inches away. The distance between you and them was getting smaller by the second.

Right before impact could be made someone intercepted your body. A pair of strong arms wrapped around waist and pulled you to their chest. They spun in the opposite direction taking you with them, and then pushed you back out. Before bringing you back in keeping an arm around your waist, and moving the other to your shoulder.

You looked up to see who your savior was expecting it to be Daniel with that dashing smile on his face. But instead of his warm brown eyes it was familiar green eyes that locked onto yours. Her blonde hair was done up in nice bun, and she was grinning at the shock on your face. Daniel passes by with another woman in his arms shooting you a quick wink.

"Your new friend was nice enough to let me take over." Yelena said as if that explained her presence here. "Close your mouth people are starting to notice."

You did close your mouth gritting your teeth, and tightening your grip on her waist. "What are you doing here?"

"Would you believe me if I said it was a coincidence?"

"No" You answered sharply

"Okay so maybe I took a look at the mission file you left laying around on the kitchen counter-" Yelena began

"I left the file in my room on the nightstand Yelena" You corrected her. More irritated than angry.

"Okay but in my defense you told me I could sleep in your bed while you were gone. If I stayed over so I took advantage and the folder was just there. I couldn't resist y/n and you should be glad I did" Yelena admitted.

"Oh yeah and why is that?" You exclaimed making sure to keep you voice down.

"Because the guy that you're stealing from he's dangerous-"

"I already know that Yel" You said cutting her off.

"No this guy is different y/n. He doesn't just sell fancy paintings, and old artifacts. He sells people like you" she insists. A tone of urgency in her voice hoping it would help convey her message.

You jerked your head in shock to catch her eyes again, and her hardened eyes mixed with subtle worry washed all your doubt away. The Thieves Guild had failed to mention that crucial piece of information in the file. But then again that could've been the result of them having so much faith in you, and that felt as if the info would do more harm than good. If you were aware you were walking straight into a hunting zone. It might have made you extra paranoid, and paranoia tends to lead to sloppiness in this line of business.

"If your reputation as the best thief in the world truly does perceive you. This guy might be able to pick you out of a crowd. I couldn't just stay home knowing this." Yelena whispered in your ear her grip on your waist tightening. As she pulled your body closer to hers.

This was going to be the biggest payday of your life, and so much was going on right now but. The only thing that truly registered in your mind was the way Yelena referred to your apartment as her home. You thought back to when she suggested the two of you would one day become roommates. And even though the topic wasn't ever brought up again. She practically lived there these days only leaving to do secret agent stuff, or to go out.

"Y/N are you listening to me" came her voice in your ear. Yelena pinched your hip to get your attention.

You jumped at the small stinging feeling but hid your face into the crook of her neck. "Yeah what's wrong?"

"The dance is over which means the auction is going to be starting soon. They're going to be moving the items soon you need to go now" Yelena said in a hushed voice.

The music had indeed stopped and the surrounding crowd was giving the dancing couples a round of applause. You caught a glimpse of Daniel bowing over and over again in exaggerated fashion. He glanced at you out of the corner of his eye with the same gleam of mischievous. You shook your head with a smile, and finally pulled away from Yelena who placed her body in front yours. In such a way no one would be able to see your retreating form as she merged with the crowd. Everyone's attention was now on the stage, and the curtains were being drawn back.

You slipped out of the room just as the host finally made an appearance for the first time tonight. A guard hovering by the doors threw a hand out making you come to a halt. He didn't say a single word just raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Just going to the lady's room James Bond after all I'm still a lady with a time of the month. All the money in the world and yet mankind still can't find a solution for Mother Nature" You told him. Your body was starting to slip into go mode with adrenaline running high. But you made sure to keep your tone light and indifferent. Not wanting to the guard to pick up on anything and suspecting you of something.

Your excuse seemed to work because the guard dropped his hand and moved to the side. "The bathroom is located on the other side of the stairs. It's the door on the right" he directed you. His gaze darkened sending one more silent message.

Go straight to the bathroom and come back. No detours or wandering off.

You gave him a nod walking at steady pace, and went straight to the bathroom. You checked every single stall too make sure no one else was in there. Before putting your plan into action you looked around the ceiling hoping to find your escape. Indeed there was a very small vent with small little holes letting the cold air seep out keeping the bathroom cool. It wasn't nearly big enough for a person or a small child to fit through. Obviously this guy planned for everything, but your powers gave you a advantage. Your body dissolved into tendrils of darkness seeking out the dark cold vent merging with it. You traveled through the vents taking all the necessary turns to reach the treasure room. The Thieves Guild were able to provide you a map of the mansion. Which you made sure to memorize, to know the route like the back of your hand.

A few minutes you pushing your way out of the vent to drop down into a large dark room. Landing in a crouch as your body took on its human form. The room was filled with numerous display cases holding all of the items up for sale tonight. Well almost all of them some of them were being held in a vault, and if your calculations were right. The vault should be right behind you, and you couldn't help the joyous smile on your face. At the sight of the medium size steel vault built into the wall.

The vault was sealed shut and secured with a complicated password system. A mixture of numbers and letters that were programmed to change every five seconds. The only person with access to the ever-changing code was the host. The updates on the code was automatically sent to his phone. You were planning on swiping it on your way out, but you were able to sneak in a flash drive that was built too look lipstick. Well it actually did have a lipstick end but the other end was a flash drive with a code breaker installed. A goodbye present for Remy because apparently the New Orleans Guild got technology upgrades earlier than New York.

You pulled the device from your clutch bag and pushed in to the dock. The keypad lit up with red letters and numbers dancing across the screen. Five seconds later and the screen lit up green granting you access. The vault door popped open by itself, and you grabbed the door handle pulling it all the way open. There it was resting on a stand in the center of the vault floor. A big oval shaped egg made out gold with a pattern of pure cut diamonds and other gems dancing across it. Your fingers brushed across the smooth surface feeling the material. It was the real thing while it wasn't the most beautiful art piece in the world. It was pretty and worth two-hundred and fifty million dollars.

Rumor has it the real treasure was actually on the inside of the egg, and in order to reach it the owner would need to metal the gold down. After carefully popping out all the precious gems of course, and there you go. You didn't know how much truth there was to the story, but some of people here did believe it. Word on the street was some buyers here were even willing to pay double what the egg was initially worth to take it home and do just that. Obviously the host had no problem with that. You wouldn't be surprised if he started the rumor himself.

There was a red cloth between the cloth and the stand. You wrapped the treasure up in it and tucked under your arm. After shutting the vault and resetting the code you were ready to make your leave. Instead of going out the way you came in you decided to use the real door. And that's where you screwed up as soon as the door opened a black ball rolled and hit your foot. You looked down in confusion until a purple gas was released into the air. Hitting you right in the face unfortunately you weren't able to hold your breath in time, and you inhaled the strange gas. It was odorless but still the alarm bells were going off in your head. You stumbled forward out of the purple cloud coughing, and three armed guards stood in front of you blocking the pathway to freedom.

Behind him you spotted a head of messy brown hair, and one of them turned his body sideways to reveal the host of the party. He was about the same height as you, skinny, with blue eyes, and a baby face. This man couldn't be any older than twenty-five probably the kid of some drug lord or mobster.

"Mmph mmph mmmm" He hummed shaking his head eyes boring into yours. He turned to address his henchmen. "Isn't a shame boys here is the infamous Shadow breaking into my vault thinking that. She is stealing the most valued item in the auction tonight, unaware that she herself is the real prize."

You wanted to do nothing more than puke in that moment as your stomach dropped. Yelena had been right about everything how did you keep finding yourself in these situations. This was the second job you had taken where you ended up becoming the target from the person you was hired to steal from. As much as you wanted to think this was Valentina, you knew this kid was just a cocky prick acting on his own.

"Alright so say I let you have the egg I mean you can even deliver to your bosses. Would that be enough to make you surrender?" The kid asked.

"Did I get to keep my freedom?" You shot back.

He acted as if he was really going to consider for five dramatic seconds before shaking his head. "Nahhh you're going to make me more filthy rich than I already am Shadow."

You shrugged your shoulders and placed the egg down on the floor. Leaned up against the wall "then let's get this over it."

He nodded his head in your direction and his three henchmen swarmed.

You called out to the darkness ready to blind them with it, only to discover your powers weren't answering. Your eyes widened in shock and worry as you looked up to see the kid smirking. Then a fist slammed into your right cheek knocking you back into the door.

"Don't worry its only temporary Shadow your powers will return in a few hours or so. I only disable if they were gone permanently you would be of no use to anyone sweetheart."

"I beg to differ" came a familiar voice.

You were too busy trying to dodge the onslaught from the guards to see who it was, you could make a solid guess. You threw your elbow back connecting with the guard's nose. He released the hold on your arms with a cry of pain as blood gushed from his nose. You dropped down to sweep his legs out from under him sending his body crashing to the floor. Another guard wrapped his arms around your waist hauling you in the air. You were sent rolling to the floor before your back met the wall. The second guard drew his leg back to kick you in the face. While you trying to regain your bearings and before his foot could meet your face. A foot slammed into his gut making him double over with a groan.

Yelena leapt towards the other guard as he approached both of you wrapping her legs around his neck, and twisting her body around till she was on top of him bringing him down. The last guard had recovered at this point and was back on you.

You spun your body around kicking both of your legs upward landing a harsh double kick to his chin. His head snapped up till he was looking at the ceiling with a sickening crunch. His body fell to the floor, and you let out of a sigh of relief.

"I told you so" Yelena said standing right above you with her hand held out. You accepted letting her pull you back to your feet ready to joke with her. Until you saw how serious and upset she looked.

"What's wrong?" You asked a bit thrown off. Usually whenever she tagged along on your escapades. The blonde had this fun and carefree demeanor about her, and her body language was all off right now. She was tense like you were in a real danger or something.

"We'll talk about it later let's go" she demanded heading towards the window.

"Yelena we're on the third floor the drop is too far, and I can't use my powers right now. We have to use the doors" You told her.

"No we don't unlike you I came prepared did I not tell you to stop relying on your powers too much." Yelena replied opening the latch to the large sized window and pushing it open. She held out her hand for you to take.

You wanted to defend yourself but figured it was best not to argue with her under the circumstances. You accepted her hand taking in her outfit for real for the first time. She was dressed in black skin suit with a matching black vest, black boots, and a black belt wrapped around her waist. She must have changed once you left the dance floor.

Yelena let pulled you into her side securing her arm tight around your waist. You wrapped yours around her neck in return feeling her tense in your hold. She threw a circular disc with a wire attached to it onto the floor. It latched on and without warning Yelena threw herself out of the window with you in her arms. The wire expanded as your bodies went into a free-fall approaching the ground below. Both of you landed on your feet but your legs wobbled a little bit.

"Now you know my pain" Yelena muttered but didn't sound any happier.

"Do you want to talk now?"

"No my car is parked out front let's move" she denied you again, but your arms were still around your neck. You moved your hands cupping the on her cheeks. "Hey you can talk to me you know that."

Yelena pulled away from your hands and took a few steps back. Anguish in her eyes as she grabbed fistfuls of her hair. "You could've died tonight or even worse. Those men were going to take you, and sell you stop acting like that's okay."

"Yelena I never said it was okay I'm just not stressing because nothing happened." You said softly as you could manage.

"But what if it did y/n? I would've lost you and I can't lose you becau-" Yelena stopped short of finishing her sentence too look up at the night sky. Tears were glistening in her eyes nows.

Your heart fluttered as your brain anticipated what she was going to say next. You closed the distance between the two of you letting your hand graze her cheek. Then gripping her by the chin bringing her face back down to meet yours. "Why can't you lose me?" You whispered your heart thumping loudly against your chest.

"I never felt this way about anyone except you y/n, and I don't know how to deal with it." She admitted resting her hands on your waist. All of worries faded away as her eyes softened. "I love you" she murmured leaning forward letting her lips brush yours.

"And here I was thinking I was thief here you stole my heart a long time ago Yel." You told closing your eyes as her lips crashed upon yours for a real kiss. This time as you brought your other hand up to cup her face again. As your lips moved in sync with hers in a slow and sensual kiss. Fireworks exploded in your head, somewhere out there angels were singing, because this was a match made in heaven. You were sure of nothing else right now with at the feeling of her lips on yours.

Breathing was no longer a concept either of you cared for as the two of you got lost in each other. Yelena pulled your body closer constricting her arms around you. Her lips parted from yours for a millimeter of a second before she connected again. Her entire body was lit a flame with emotion. She needed you more than anything else in the world. She kissed you like you were dying, and when the thought of you being sold into some enhanced human trafficking system crossed her mind. Her arms tightened nearly cutting off your breathing, but you weren't complaining.

The thing that ultimately brought you back down to Earth, and the situation at hand was the egg. You jerked away from her without warning eyes flying open. "Yelena my mission we left the egg" You exclaimed.

"Are you serious right now" she whined.

"We have to go back" You insisted but her grip didn't relax. "Come on please."

"Go back for this you say" said an voice from behind Yelena, and you could barely make out a large figure hiding in the shadows of the woods.

Yelena finally released you to whirl around to face the mystery person. "Come out now or I will kill you" she warned pointing a gun the direction the voice came from.

You hovered behind her being defenseless without a weapon of your own, and your powers still suppressed from the poison.

The person walked out from underneath the trees, and into the moonlight revealing themselves to be. None other than Daniel with his signature smile and look of mischief. The one he had been sporting all night with the egg tucked under his arm still wrapped in the red cloth.

You frowned moving to stand behind Yelena now no longer fearful. "Okay now I have to ask who the hell are you?"

His smile got even bigger unfazed by your hostile tone. "I'm just going to say it is nice to finally meet the infamous Shadow, and boy does your reputation perceives you. I didn't think you would be able to do it."

Yelena glanced at you out of the corner of her eye asking if you knew him. You shook your head.

"What you thought you were the only thief here tonight?" He asked.

"The Guild sent in someone else" You seethed. That was a huge no-no if a thief wanted a job assigned to you. Then they had to either ask or compete for it, and you never lost.

"Oh no I don't work for the Guild I work for another party that shall remain unknown. Don't worry they're no one for you to worry about" Daniel reassured you.

"They are if you trying to take the egg" You warned.

Daniel took the egg into his hand and walked closer to both of you. "I saw it in the hallway and grabbed it. You know I figured it was the least I could do to since you two did all the heavy lifting for me." He extended his hand out to you.

Your eyes flickered back and forth between him and the egg in disbelief. You weren't sure if this was a trick or not.

"Go on take it I have no need for it" Daniel encouraged.

Yelena nudged your shoulder making you look at her. She gave you a nod letting you she had your back. You reached out and took the egg out of his hand with both of yours. Nothing happened.

"See we're all good now" he said turning to Yelena eyeing the gun. She slowly brought it down to point the barrel at the ground, but her finger stayed on the trigger. He knew she could kill him in a blink of an eye.

"So I ask again who are you?"

"A fan and now after tonight hopefully a friend."

"That's not a real answer" You argued.

"Are you going to give me your real name?" He shot back with a raised eyebrow. You stayed silent making him chuckle. "I thought so no one knows Shadow's real name."

"Hmph and you called me mysterious and beautiful" You replied.

Daniel shot you a wink and turned around to head back in the direction he came from. He threw a hand up to wave goodbye "hopefully we meet again."

You and Yelena watched him disappear into the dark woods continuing to stare long after he was gone. Just to be sure none of it was a ruse of some kind. "I thought he was with you" You finally said breaking the silence.

"No I came alone but I'll look into him" Yelena told you.

"No just leave him be I think he's alright." You said eyes boring into the golden egg. Your ticket to halfway freedom.

A Few Hours Later

As much as it pained you and Yelena the two of you had to go your separate ways. Once you were back into the city with a high-valued item like this in your possession. There was no way you could risk not turning it in to the Guild right away. The leaders seemed genuinely surprised that you actually managed to pull it off, and that let you know. They indeed did know about the kid selling enhanced individuals, and even though it killed you on the inside to not let them have it. You got your earnings and left the base. Alan had left not too long after you did on his own assignment. You figured you would catch up with him later.

Right now you were just ready to get home to climb into your warm bed, and the safety of your new lover's arms. Yelena was already fast asleep when you arrived to your apartment. And she was in your bed having showered and changed into more comfy clothes. You stripped out of the ruined green dress, drew a hot shower, and hoped in. Usually after a long mission you enjoyed nothing more than to stand under the water stream letting it hit your body for thirty to forty minutes. Tonight you washed your body down, and let the water cleanse your body in ten minutes.

You threw on a plain black t-shirt and some cotton shorts before jumping into bed. Yelena was jolted awake upon impact and her eyes scanned the room until they landed on you smiling at her. "C'mere please" she murmured sleepily.

There was no way you could resist you scooted over into her awaiting her arms letting her cage you into her embrace. She moved closer snuggling up to you, and burying her face into the crook of your neck.

"Yel"

Yeah" she barely whispered.

"I love you too" You whispered into the night.

Tag List: @danveration @yelenabelovasgf @romanoffomixam @xxromanoffxx @emril-osvigne @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @mellowladyangel @musicinourlips @natashasilverfox @catswag22 @be-missed @lizlil @jeyramarie @chloe7076 @here4thegayships @ohmy-godyes @wh0reforwanda @blue-because-no-yellow @yelena-beloved @supercorpdanbeau

#mcu imagine #marvel imagine #black widow imagine #yelena belova imagine #yelena belova x reader #yelena x reader #yelena belova #yelena

[chockmatsu]

chockie’s exhaustive guide to the merch-buying mercari jp rabbit hole

(this is a much more extended + standalone post version of a reblog i wrote a couple months ago! includes a step by step guide for dummies with explanation of paying, shipping, glossary of search terms in japanese etc)

as someone who has just god awful terminal karamatsu merch hoarding disease i am often asked how the hell i have just so much merch and that i surely must be very rich to afford it. nah i just budget really carefully and hunt for great value bulk deals on the GODSEND that is.... secondhand japanese sites like mercari jp (this post will focus on that), yahoo auctions, etc. 

i am down abysmal for mercari jp. it’s a few more hoops to jump through compared to buying from international english merch platforms like goodrespublic, but you save SO MUCH MONEY in comparison. THE PRICES ARE NUTS.

for context, this is the last haul of stuff i received in one order just a couple months ago. total value was 17,370 yen ($142 USD) not including shipping which was ouchy… but still worth it af.

i bought mostly bulk sets that were basically all sub 1000 yen (~$8.20 USD) each. the single most expensive thing was that kabedon towel which is kinda hard to come by at 3400~ yen. here is a terrifying collage of all the merch i’ve hoarded so far since nov 2020 to aug 2021 and no exaggeration like 90% of it is from mercari jp. 

what is mercari jp? 

mercari is a secondhand sales platform, and mercari jp (not to be confused with mercari.com, which is for international sellers) is pretty much one of the biggest ones used in japan! the great thing is that japanese secondhand sales are (generally) a walk in the park, at least compared to buying secondhand locally where i am. they take good ass care of their stuff and most of it isn’t even truly “used” as we understand it bc a lot of the time they straight up left the stuff in its original packaging, maybe just a little dusty. and mercari sellers will include adorable handwritten notes thanking you. you might even get a drawing if you’re lucky! it’s amazing

the thing is that sites like goodrepublic and surugaya that are selling secondhand merch are literally just listing listings from sites like mercari or yahoo auctions jp but at a crazy markup. don’t even get me started on the scalping on ebay. it’s kinda reminiscent of what sites like devilinspired do with lolita fashion, like a 200%-400% markup. you’ll need a shopping/proxy service to buy from mercari jp if you’re not based in japan, but do not be scared because the savings are SO MUCH BETTER. here is a comparison of a listing for the exact same product on mercari jp that i bought vs listed on goodsrepublic. 700 yen is $5.74 USD. marked up to $25.29. that’s deadass a 5x markup. and the goodsrepublic listing doesn’t even have a real photo of the thing so you can’t check the quality yourself lmao or the reputation of the individual seller. nvm them charging absurd prices like $10-20 for a single keychain. you guys deserve better than this. THERE ARE BETTER OPTIONS OUT THERE GUYS AND THEY’RE ALL ON MERCARI

some notes on shopping services:

DO NOT use the shopping service built in to mercari jp (buyee). they charge absurd extra fees for doing stuff that is typically expected of SSes like checking you even received your items period or packing them into 1 package to ship to you. even though they give you mega discounts on your first order, it STILL ends up being way more expensive than using a different SS. do not recommend.

my go-to japanese SS is jpshopping.jp. you can use them to buy from mercari as well as literally any other japanese site that sells stuff (e.g. i bought my kara season 3 varsity jacket new from rakuten through there). their site is a little jank, but all you really need is just order > online shop and then fill the form accordingly. you basically just copy paste the link to the thing(s) you want, type the price in, then pay for it, they buy all the stuff for you, get it shipped to their warehouse, and then ship all of it in 1 phat packidjge to send to you internationally. they only accept payment via paypal! other proxies may provide other options; this is what i use the most tho and will be the basis of the tutorials in this guide

(at least with jpshopping) you’re responsible for declaring duties and taxes on your stuff yourself. for legal reasons, this is definitely not a suggestion to commit tax evasion, because that is illegal! just because you have the ability to declare the value of the items in your order yourself as low as you like which in turn will determine how much you pay in custom fees and import taxes, and all mercari items are used/secondhand which means that there’s no way for customs officers to really determine their true value since it’s all weeb stuff that looks like junk toys to them anyway, DOESN’T MEAN YOU SHOULD COMMIT TAX EVASION! you’re welcome to dm if you need more information on how you should Definitely Not Do This

if you’re using an SS like jpshopping, you can literally ignore the “sorry! this item is only available in japan” thing bc the SS is based in japan. that’s a buyee problem. that’s not your problem anymore. you are free. just order it through the order form like you would anything else. the world is your oyster

jpshopping (and most proxy services) will require payment in whatever currency works for them, which is often JPY (or if it’s based in china for example, CNY or HKD or whatever). so keep the currency conversion in mind as well as the currency conversion fee that paypal charges you.

some proxy services like jpshopping will actually have a built in mercari browser as an option on their own site. it’s up to you if you want to use this. personally, i prefer browsing on the mercari site itself and just copying/pasting the links into the order form

understanding the layout of mercari and jpshopping:

here’s a quick guide to the layout of mercari jp and how to browse it. it’s that simple! and yeah, THOSE ARE THE REAL PRICES. remember to convert from JPY to whatever currency is relevant to you. here’s a quick guide on the order form at jpshopping

a step by step detailed breakdown of how to place an order:

search for whatever you want on mercari.com/jp/ in japanese and find the listings you want to buy. make sure to google translate the page to check the listing title and description. i have made a glossary list of common search terms down below!  

copy and paste the link to that listing into the URL box of the jpshopping order form at jpshopping.jp/chkoutoss. if you have more than 1 item you wanna order in one go (recommend this- i call it mercari HAULS bc economically makes most sense to ship stuff in bulk rather than just a single small item. the first kg of your haul hurts to ship the most), you can click the dropdown next to number of items. jpshopping lets you order 10 things at a time. if you want more than 10 listings, you’ll have to do a new order form and when everything’s arrived, choose to merge these orders into one package later. if you wanna do something like split or take a specific thing from a big bundle, write that out in the enquiry/item comments section

write the exact price of the item as listed on mercari in yen in the item value box. this is the price the system will charge you when you place your order, so if you mess this up, they’ll have to refund the difference (or you pay the difference, depending on how u mess up). not a big deal, but kinda annoying to deal with

(can leave all this as default usually) - select shipping method: i recommend the default option, “select after jss receives item”, especially if you’re ordering a buncha stuff in a haul. - also recommend default packing option for the same reason. - if it’s something you think might be bought up REALLY quick (like those cute new retro pop things, listings get bought up within hours) or hotly bidded on as an auction, choose the “buy it now” option for jpshopping to buy it instantly with the system. otherwise, generally recommend “buy during business hours” so that an actual human working at jpshopping will manually buy it themselves. especially needed if you want to split up a bundle or something. 

it will show you a page confirming all your items, prices, and options, and importantly, the total item costs at the bottom plus the commission fee they charge. you can see a detailed breakdown on JSS’s site here but basically, if the total cost of all items is less than 3000 yen, there’s a flat 300 yen commission fee. more than 3k yen, and the charge becomes based on percentage (10%, down to 5% if you get 10k, 20k yen worth of stuff). make sure everything looks good to you

click the paypal checkout button, pay via paypal. afaik, jpshopping only lets you pay via paypal (so paypal balance, credit/debit linked via pp, or direct bank transfer via pp). other proxy shopping services may have other options available, but otherwise, this is what you got

the waiting game: ~1-2 weeks or less usually. less if you have fewer items, longer if you have a lot of items - you will first receive an email with an order confirmation and another confirming your first payment. - when they officially purchase whatever listings you requested (~1 business day or less), you will receive an update email telling you what they purchased. sometimes due to individual mercari seller issues (or if you wanna split bundles, etc) they may have to speak with them which can delay this email. ordering outside of business hours with the “buy during business hours” will also delay it. so, keep in mind it’s a possibility another person might buy the listing before JSS gets to it. (that’s what the buy it now automatically option is for) - you will receive an update email when the mercari seller ships out the item to JSS domestically within japan (1-7 business days). - you will receive an update email when JSS receives the item. these usually get staggered out over time since that’s how mail works and diff sellers send at diff times/speeds. they will hold the items for you for free for a while but will charge a storage fee if you leave them too long. see their site for more info - when all the items in your order have arrived or otherwise been accounted for (e.g. if it gets bought up/deleted before JSS gets to it, they cancel it from the order and refund you accordingly), you will receive a “select shipping/packing option” email. this means that JSS is ready to put everything into 1 big box and send it to you internationally

you can now log in to jpshopping and click “select and pack” either on the homepage or in your order history tab. this will take you to a page where you can check boxes for which orders you wanna merge into 1 box that gets shipped to you. if you only have 1 order of stuff, then just check that. i love JSS cuz unlike buyee etc they don’t charge you for doing this pretty basic thing (or confirming that they even received everything lol)

declare your items for customs/border control. there will be an area on the page where you’ll have to write an itemized list of what exactly each item is, quantities, and how much it’s worth. the description of what the items are should be very specific (e.g. “used anime PVC statue”, “secondhand cotton polyester tshirt”. “used aluminum anime pin badge”) and list the fact that it’s used, the material, and a clear description of what it is. a criminal might commit tax evasion by entering item costs as lower than they actually paid for it because it’s so hard to accurately judge the value of a secondhand toy, resulting in a reduced amount to pay for duties/import tax, possibly even so that the total value of all the items in a haul is below their country’s item import tax threshold ($100 in the US, CAD$60 in canada, google your own country’s) to be considered a “gift” and thus bypassing the need to pay duties/import tax entirely. so, make sure not to do this! everything on mercari counts as used/secondhand, however if you buy something new from a different site in your order then you actually should list the actual cost just in case. 

choose your shipping option and click “calculate” for shipping cost. as of 2022, the options available to you are dependent on your country and what restrictions japan postal service has shipping to it. for example, if you’re based in canada like me, fuck you absolutely no options available to you except fedex which is absurdly expensive and also awful :’) but other countries may have different options! you can read more about the specific options available to you either on the page you’re on or here. JSS will also be able to tell you how much shipping will cost you depending on the option you pick, which is 99% of the time calculated based on weight usually with a flat base cost for the first kg or less (for fedex, it’s volumetric weight). that’s what makes it wiser to do hauls rather than buy single items. personally, pre-covid i recommended EMS as the best value for the price shipping (fast, 2 weeks ish or less, tracked, safe) but EMS prices have skyrocketed since covid :( so use your best judgment

pay for shipping via paypal! you will now receive a confirmation email of your payment going through, and then when they ship your pakijj to you, an email notifying you your box has shipped out with tracking number if applicable. 

the waiting game 2: electric boogaloo, and paying duties/import taxes if applicable. if the total cost of your haul is above the import tax gift limit, you may have to pay import taxes depending on your shipping method. private couriers like fedex or DHL will pretty much ding you and make you pay, guaranteed (as well as awful extra fees for even using them on top of everything else), and you’ll receive an email and a snail mail letter with an invoice of how much you owe your gubmint in taxes. they’ll have a way for you to pay online by card usually. 

receive pakijj and simp! you did it!

some helpful search terms in japanese for you to copy/paste!

set/bundle: まとめ売り or セット 

official: 公式

osomatsu san おそ松さん | osomatsu おそ松 | karamatsu カラ松 | choromatsu チョロ松 | ichimatsu  一松 | jyushimatsu 十四松 | todomatsu トド松 | dog: 犬

figure: フィギュア (nendoroid)（ねんどろいど） 

plushie/stuffed toy: ぬいぐるみ  

badge: 缶バッジ 

acrylic keychain: アクリルキーホルダー  (acrylic keychain (short form))（アクキー） 

rubber keychain ラバーストラップ 

acrylic stand: アクリルスタンド  (stand (short form)（アクスタ） 

plastic file/folder: クリアファイル  (file)（ファイル） 

hoodie: パーカー 

shirt: シャツ 

manga: 漫画 

cushion: クッション 

mug: マグカップ 

plastic cup: コップ 

sticker: ステッカー or シール 

dakimakura/body pillow cover: 抱き枕 カバー 

wallscroll: タペストリー 

towel: タオル 

pouch/purse: ポーチ

coaster: コースター 

bag: バッグ or カバン  tote bag: トートバッグ 

backpack: リュック 

(phone) case: ケース 

i hope this helps! i’ve dragged so many people into the mercari rabbit hole. may this bring even more into the fold. jpshopping and most other SSes will have easy ways to communicate with them directly like email or chat clients, so don’t be afraid to contact them with questions about items before you buy or about your order after it’s been placed. and if you have questions or need help with this stuff my DMs and asks are open anytime!! 

SEPT. 3 2022 EDIT: some additional FAQ/issues

it’s actually been bugging me for a while that i forgot to include these in this tutorial, so i’m doing a quick edit to it now! 

i placed my order, but haven’t received any emails yet? you should get an automatic confirmation of payment email literally immediately after you place your order, so if you haven’t gotten that, please check your spam inbox and whitelist/allow emails from jpshopping, because the email updates are important and will tell you when they’ve received your stuff/when it’s ready to go out! you get emails in this order: 1. automatic email right after you’ve paid and placed your order 2. email after the people at jpshopping have bought your item. this is usually manual and won’t be immediate bc they’ll buy it during their work hours, unless you chose the “buy it now”/automatically option in which case it comes immediately. 3. email after jpshopping receives the order at their warehouse in japan 4. email after everything in your order (assuming you got multiple things at one go like i suggested) has arrived and you can now choose to combine packages/orders into one big thing to ship to you and pay for shipping. 5. automatic email confirming you’ve paid for shipping 6. email after jpshopping has shipped out your big package to you!

but do they ship to my location? the good thing about using proxy/shopping services like jpshopping is that their whole thing is shipping stuff from japan worldwide. so yeah, whether you’re in europe or south america or southeast asia, they’ll ship to you. the question is what shipping options are available to your country from japan. in the absolute worst case scenario, all standard national post services are NOT delivering from japan to you, because fuck you lmao (full disclosure, as someone usually based in canada, this is the boat i’m in :’) i don’t know why we are still stuck like this when our neighbors down south got it back last year but oh well). in this case, ABSOLUTE worst case scenario, you will still have private couriers such as fedex and/or DHL (depending on the SS. jpshopping only offers fedex i think). the cost will hurt because this is both the fastest but also the VASTLY more costly option.... but at least it delivers no matter where you are in the world?  if you are lucky, then you may have some other options to try! yamato, EMS, surface, etc. they’ll all be cheaper than fedex and have their pros/cons like being slower, or no tracking number, or there’s a weight/size limit. it’s up to you. EMS tends to be the best value for your buck, if that’s available to you. otherwise jpshopping will give you a breakdown on the details. 

#osomatsu san #merch #mercari #tutorial

[swiftcry]

Thrift Shops aren't the problem, convienance is.

Woke up last night remembering some post bitching about how thrift shops suck now because they are all full of crappy shein fast fashion garbage and for some reason placing the blame on the shop and saying it has something to do with them being for profit. Which is both illogical and blatantly dosen't understand how thrift shops work. I worked for Savers years ago; I wasn't a sorter but a floor associate. But they made sure we knew how the process worked because people would ask us questions. So lets say you donate a shirt; it gets checked over by the sorters to see if its good enough to go on the sales floor- that is if it has any tears, stains, etc. If it is good enough, it gets a price tag and goes out onto the floor. If it isn't good enough, it either goes in the trash or into the send out bin. Basically items that are not good enough for americans to buy but are still technically wearable get sent off to 3rd world countries as donations. Because in some places a pair of shoes, even a worn pair, is still a pair of shoes. High value items are tagged and at least at savers placed in a special area near the registers. I know that goodwill has like an auction site for their high value items- so they definately send theirs out. But like one time a bridal shop closed and we had like 30 wedding dress samples all in that spot. In order to have enough merchandise, because sometimes donations are slow, savers ships the sorters unsorted pallets of donations from elsewhere to go through. Admittedly I don't remember where those come from. Items usually took a couple days to a week to get from the donation bin to the sales floor.

What does this tell us? Well the obvious actually, everything in the store is donated for the most part by the local population. They aren't picking out the namebrand items and sending them who knows where- in order to make money savers needs to sell those just the same. What this means is that people are donating more fast fashion items then they are donating name brand items. Why? Convienance. Who buys fast fashion items? 2 types of people generally. 1. Poor people who cannot afford name brand clothing who will likely wear the items until they fall apart. 2. Moderately wealthy people who want to be fashionable in the short term or even only want to wear an item once and want the items fast and cheap. They cannot afford the real garments the clothing is based on or cannot be bothered to look for them since SHEIN seemingly has it all and for cheap the number two person is our problem. They buy an excess of cheap clothing bc it is so cheap and after wearing it once or twice donate it all.

in the past this type of person would have purchased long term use clothing from brick and mortar stores or name brand websites; they owned fewer outfits and what they donated was well made and either didn’t fit them or despite being used was well enough made it didn’t matter.

Which is where we get to the other ugly part of a shirts lifespan. So let’s say you buy a shirt on Amazon. You realize you don’t like it- so you return it. In the old days that might have required proving why you don’t want it or going through some hoops. Now it’s easy as a click of a button and you just have to go to your local kohls or staples who deal with everything for you. It’s become wildly convenient- so that where in the past it might have been so inconvenient that you donate the shirt instead. See I work at staples now. I see so many consumerist returns I want to go and live in the woods. Yesterday I had a woman return 10 nearly identical yellow skirts because she wants one of a particular shade. Those 10 skirts go back to the Amazon warehouse where they will be place in a palette and sold and auction; entirely skipping the thrift store level. That shirt you returned will never make it to the thrift shop.

and the name brand stores in order to compete with Amazon follow suit with easy returns- the parent company that owns old navy/banana republic/gap/fabletics literally made its own type of returns service called express returns in order to compete. Staples processes these too so I see them. So much perfectly good clothing gets returned with it. One woman told me she bought it just for a baby shower photo shoot thing and because it’s so easy to return it’s no big deal.

and I’m sure you’ve noticed that name brand items are also being cheaper and less good quality. In some cases that’s because they realized that people will buy crap so they can make crap. In other cases it’s in order to compete. Depends on the brand. fast fashion items notably usually can’t be returned or it’s a hassle but bc they are so cheap, a lot of people don’t care leading to them being in thrift shops.

The presense of fast fashion items in thrift shops is a symptom of a suffering economy that has been pushed to the edge by a “now now now” mindset. And it sucks ass.

#thirfting #long post #savers #thrift shop #Fast fashion

[dreamer213]

Broken Machines: Lights the Dark

Chapter 32: Free Fall

For the next two weeks, Whitley was strikingly productive in all areas. Working hard to keep up with his new schedule and following orders flawlessly with a pep in his step, his previous gloominess seemingly disappearing overnight. Jacques was quite satisfied with this outcome while the staff and Willow still worried for the young boy’s well-being. Little did they know Whitley had plenty to be happy about, not that he would let any of them know that as he stealthily carried out his plans. The first of which was to gather the resources he’d need for his little “trip”, starting with a phone. With his father busy with prepping for his campaign Whitley was tasked with managing the cleaning out of the old things as Jacques bought new clothes and electronics for his up-and-coming political career. This meant he had to organize the removal of all the family members' old clothing and swiping out older tech for the latest models without losing any data.

Whitley chose to start with the electronic for a medley of reasons. He purchases the technology, supervises their delivery, and handles the data transfers himself. When no one’s looking he copies files that could be or are incriminating to different drives and has Mary hide them in an old dresser in the back of a nearly abandoned storage room, one of their many hiding places for evidence. As he looked through a stack of burner phones, Whitley noticed some were still in their packaging unused.

Whitley: Perfect.

He thought before pocketing a couple of them for himself and disposing of and replacing the rest. With step one out of the way step two begins. What is step two? Money. Getting anywhere in any city always required some money and for what Whitley had planned he’d need a lot of it. Taking advantage of the clean-out Whitley gathers together all the clothes, shoes, and accessories he’s outgrown and calls Julia in for assistance. She comes into his room a bit confused but willing to help in any way she can. Whitley greets her warmly as he finishes separating the clothes into piles.

Whitley: Thank you for coming Julia. I know your section has been busy recently.

Julia: It’s nothing, Young Master. Now, what did you need my help with?

Whitley: It’s a bit of an odd question but I’d like to know what the market value would be for some of my old things.

He says gesturing toward the neatly stacked piles of apparel. Julia steps forward and looks over the items carefully. Being a Mantle-born fashionista, she’d thrifted or bargained for most of the high-quality goods she owned so she knows the discount and resell market like the back of her hand. And from what she could see these piles could easily be gold mines. The clothes were of great quality, from good brands, and very lightly used, they’d turn a quick profit if sold to the right thrift shops or an even bigger profit if sold separately online. As for the bit of jewelry in the mix, last season's cufflinks, watches, and the like could easily be pawned for a hefty price. Yes, this could be a good hall if sold correctly the type that could feed a small family for a month or two if they budget well.

Julia: Yes, yes.

She states nodding as she picks up a shirt and inspects it closely, trying to calculate just how much it could sell for at this very moment.

Julia: Honestly, this shirt alone could sell for at least 10000 lien give or take a few thousand depending on the store. And the jewelry could be up to 50000 a piece if pawn off and maybe double that if put up for auction.

Whitley: I see.

Whitley walks to her side and picks up the piles closest to them, gently placing a few pieces of jewelry on top before revealing the real task he needs her to do.

Whitley: Then would you mind selling these off for me?

Julia: Excuse me?

Whitley: Instead of disposing of these clothes I want you to sell them. Quickly and quietly if possible.

Julia: Ookay? But may I ask why? What would you have to gain from selling some old clothes for what amounts to chump change to someone of your prestige?

Whitley: Oh, it’s not about the money I just wanted to research the topic a little for the sake of the Father’s campaign.

Julia: For Master’s campaign?

Whitley: Yes, with him running for a role that affects not just Atlas but the entire kingdom we'll be in the public eye more than ever, and as you know my father doesn’t have the best reputation with people outside high society.

Julia: Indeed. Though that’s the understatement of the freakin century.

Whitley: So, I’m looking into ways to help him appeal to the working class. But with him buying himself a new campaign wardrobe and this cleanup I realized this all could seem extremely wasteful to the general public and put him at an even greater disadvantage with Mantle voters than he already is. So, I decided to try a few different methods of disposing of old goods firsthand before proposing anything to Father.

Julia: I see, but wouldn’t donating be more-

Whitley: And because of this is out your usual duties I’ll give you 40% of the profit for your assistance.

Julia: Pardon?

Julia’s eyes widen at bit as she pauses her questions at the offer of extra monetary gains. Whitley doesn’t change his expression but gives her a second to calm down from her surprise before he continues.

Whitley: I’ll give you 40% percent of the earnings as a handling fee while I hold on to the rest for future donation if things start looking grim. This way I can create a trail of reselling and have a nice mint to drop on whatever cause is most influential when the time is right. So, will you help me?

Julia: O-of course! It would be my pleasure!

Whitley: Thank you, Julia. Please try to get it done as soon as possible.

Julia: Yes, sir! I’ll get it done before the end of the week!

She says cheerfully while taking the stack and rushing out of the room to go find a good box to store them in. Whitley waves her off before getting back to work and to planning. With step two in motion, step three would be his focus until the funds were secured. Step three was simple, figuring out transportation. Living in a large city, especially the capital of the kingdom, meant that transport was both public and private were commonplace. A ride between cities, either way, was just a phone call and cab fare away, and the vast subway situation was easy to navigate if you had a map and train pass. Whitley only had to do was doing some research between paperwork and indirectly asking Godfrey what station he use to pick Penny up from, disguising the question as gathering information about the transportation system for one of his father’s campaign speeches. Now that he had a route, funds were coming in and he had the means to communicate all Whitley could do now was wait. Wait until he found an opening, a chance to make his move and get to the hard part of his plan.

Meanwhile, Penny was managing her return to normalcy decently well. There had been some fallout coming from the theft situation, lowering trust in officials, more bar brawlers on weekdays and street thugs moving away from the factory routes to around the subway to find easier prey, but she handle it all gracefully. Penny still performed her job with the same efficiency as before and was less tired because of her newly scheduled break times. Ten minutes in the morning, a lunch break after patrol, and ten in the afternoon. The last break happening after her duties of overseeing training sessions or once she’s done checking in on the Maiden with Winter. That part being the newest and only addition to her schedule that she was aware of before it happened. Monday and Friday she would join Winter and help care for Freya, making sure she takes her medication, checking her for bed sores, helping her do light exercises to keep her fit, and overall, just making sure she’s comfortable as she approaches the end of her days. It was a little outside Penny’s field of expertise but being ever the quick learner Penny picks up the care task quickly. The only real drawback was Freya’s attitude, she was often quiet but quick to grumpiness when upset, and when Freya got upset her powers would go haywire. Which was only made worse by the fact she doesn’t particularly like Winter enough to be calmed by her presence. So, it was up to Penny to mitigate these outbursts in the stead of the Winter Maiden’s actual successor.

By the second Friday after her reassignment, Penny had a good understanding of how to handle Freya. After finishing her lunch in the cafeteria, she meets up with Winter in the connecting hallway and heads to the Maiden’s room. Penny avoids looking directly at Winter as her features only reminded her of the person her heart still aches for. Just the thought of him still made her chest burn with a deep pain strong enough to make her sob. But she couldn’t fall into that pit of despair right now, not when there was work to be done.

Since it’s Freya’s lunchtime, Winter, plates her meal while Penny prepares Freya some tea. The elderly woman was always more manageable when she’d had her tea and Penny had figured out just the right way to make hers. The steps change a little with the type she’d have that day, but the jest was she liked the temperature just below boiling due to the cold surrounding her, three teaspoons of sugar put in before the water, so it dissolves quickly, and a few drips honey and lemon to add a soft natural taste. It wasn’t the proper way to make tea but if this simple thing made a dying woman a little cozier then what’s the harm?

Penny walks out first, giving Freya her tea with a sweet smile, the aged Maiden taking the cup silently while looking directly into Penny’s eyes. Penny averts her gaze from her to avoid making awkward eye contact and her sight falls to the same painting that caught her eye last time. Though now something about felt different from her last viewing as she stares at it. The light the girl was holding up seemed so heavy the more she looked at it, the spirals at the edges making it seems like a drain sucking the light into one large mass. And the girl, even though she was just a silhouette seeing her among the vast mountains by herself holding such a heavy light gave Penny an odd sense of loneliness.

Penny: She looks so young and small. I wonder why she’s out there on her own, holding something so heavy.

She muses to herself, not noticing Freya’s gaze on her. But her thoughts are soon halted by Winter approaching with Freya’s lunch. Quickly breaking out of her daze, Penny helps set the track table and clean up the dish when Freya has her fill of it. It’s not long until she’s done for the day and on her way to make her daily reports before going home.

At around that same time, Whitley’s plan was coming together nicely. Julia had come through with thrifting and sold the first stack for a nice profit, the phone was set up to a billing account he had access to as part of taking on some of the household duties and his route to get to Mantle by taxis then by train was set now that he had cash in hand to pay for the fares. And lastly but most importantly his father was leaving for the weekend for a stay at a colleague’s hotel to talk over possible campaign donations and policies with a few titans of the labor industry. As Jacques was headed out the door, he reiterated his expectations for the weekend to Whitley.

Jacques: The paperwork should be done no later than tomorrow night, and I expect this house to be clean and tidy when I return. This that clear?

Whitley: Of course, Father. Leave everything to me.

Jacques nods at his obedience before turning around and heading out the door toward the waiting limousine. Whitley waves him off and watches him leave from the doorway, a fake smile plastered on so metal it be impossible to tell that it was purely for show.

Whitley: He’s getting in, sitting down, he’s barking orders at the driver again, aaaaaaand-

Soon the limousine shifted into gear and drives off the property, Whitley waits until the vehicle is completely out of sight to grab the front door handles then slams them shut. He turns to face the near staff members he can find and with a calm smile as he issues a simple order.

Whitley: Tell the cooks not to bother with making my dinner tonight, I’d like to go to bed early.

Those who heard him nod in compliance, one goes off to relay the message to the kitchen as Whitley walks back to his room. Once alone he’s quick to finish his work at lightning speed, it wasn’t anything difficult, so it wasn’t too hard to get through it fast without making any mistakes. He double-checks his work before getting up from his desk and walking to his wardrobe. He retrieves the money and phone from their hiding spots at the bottom and then changes into the outfit he’s chosen for his little outing. A long black coat with no branding on it, a plain white dress shirt, black pants, navy socks, a pair of dark gray winter boots, and gloves. This was the most casual set of clothing he owns; they were also some of the most well-lined and warm. Even though both cities had city-wide heating systems Mantle’s was far weaker from the higher weather damage and Grimm wear and tear. And judging from the weather report this week had been a little colder than usual. Knowing this Whitley also grabs a winter cap and scarf for extra warmth and wind protection as well as a face mask he’d swiped from a supply closet to hide his face. He couldn’t risk being recognized by anyone while he was out, less his father hears of it.

He up a pillow dummy in his bed and takes the pocket watch out from its hiding spot, kissing it for luck before sliding into his pocket. Whitley waits by the door for a bit until he knows the night rotation has shifted out of the way then makes his exit. Being stuck in the manor for most of his life had given Whitley one advantage in this endeavor, he knew this house like the back of his hand. When things had gotten rough between Weiss and Jacques and the during the fallout of her going to Beacon Klein had made sure Whitley knew every secret passage and hidden room in the manor in case of an emergency. Sometimes, during Jacques’s more destructive tantrums, Whitley would warn the staff to take cover and then hide himself in a crawl space until the situation had calmed down enough for him to interfere. It was all he could do to prevent further harm during those rampages. But now the knowledge would serve a different purpose, as a means to escape.

Quietly dashing through the halls, Whitley sneaks into the east wing and opens the secret passage behind a faux bookcase. Making his way through the tunnels and outside, he takes a moment to breathe the cold night air and shake off the dust from the unused space before making a b-line for the driveway. With the road ahead of him clear Whitley takes a look back at the manor, fear, and hesitance creeping, but he pulls his gaze back quickly. Turning his head down and shutting his eyes tightly, as the reality of what he’s doing sets in.

Whitley: I shouldn’t be out here. If I get caught there’s no telling what he’ll do! This could end bad, really bad. Can I really risk everything I’ve worked so hard for over-

As he starts to second-guess his decision an image of Penny passes through his mind, and he pauses. He takes a deep breath and exhales with a sign before opening his eyes, a look of determination glimmering in the blue of his irises.

Whitley: Yes, I can. She’s worth it. And I know I won’t feel whole again until I see her again.

He thinks steeling his resolve as he marches down the driveway and onto the open road. He walks until he’s a good distance from the manor and pulls out the spare scroll to call a taxi. He waits by the road until he sees the light from the sign atop the cab approaching and waves the driver down with the flash from the scroll. He gets in, keeping his head down he doesn’t say a word to the driver and shows him the directions to the station with the scroll. The driver groans at his impersonal style of communication but pulls off towards the station, nonetheless. The drive feels extremely long, the sounds of top-ten music blaring from the cab’s radio barely registering to Whitley as he tries to stay calm and focused. Once they arrive at the train station rain begins to fall. Whitley pays the fee before getting out and walking into the station. It was quite busy being the night before the weekend, young people were coming up to splurge their cash at Atlas bars and nightclubs, and working-class people of ages were heading home to rest after a hard week of work. The place reeked of dust, sweat, bodily odor, and cleaning solution, thankfully Whitley’s mask provided enough filtration for to breath it in without gagging as he walks to a counter to buy a train pass. Around this time Whitley considers calling his contact in Mantle before getting on the train but quickly dismisses the thought. Knowing how he’d react if he called now, he’d do everything in his power to convince Whitley to go home before anything could happen to him, but he’d come too far to turn back!

Whitley: Better to ask forgiveness than permission in this case.

He thought as the teller at the counter hands him his pass. Whitley nods in thanks as he takes his pass and heads to the platform his train would be arriving at. The wait for the train his more nerve-wracking than the drive as the hustle and bustle of the people around giveWhitley some sensory overload. But still he just keeps breathing. He wasn't going to be shaken, he was a man on a mission and he damn well would see it through to the end! He takes out the pocket watch to check the time, the shine of his beloved trinket easing his anxiety ever so slightly.

Whitley: It shouldn’t be long if the schedule’s right.

He thought before closing the watch back, rubbing his finger over the snow lily imprint on its front before putting it away. As if on cue the train to Mantle finally pulls into the station, and as the doors open to let the passengers out Whitley files into the crowd of people entering the nearest train car. He stands instead of taking a seat, holding onto a standing pole to secure himself as the conductor announces their destination before closing the doors and pulling the train out of the station. Whitley gets lost in the sounds of chattering people and the feeling of weightlessness as the train begins to make its descent into the lower city.

Back at the manor Mary has grown anxious after thinking over Whitley’s recent behavior. She knew he’d fall into a depression after losing Penny, it was obvious that her departure would devastate him, especially with how Jacques went about it. No, what worried Mary was just how fast Whitley had rebounded from that depression. The light in his eyes had deemed so quickly but returned just as fast and burned even brighter than before. He seemed more driven, so full of purpose but with the position, they were in it made no sense. Sure, the cleanup had provided them an opportunity to look through some of Jacques’s more sensitive documents and make backups to add to their evidence log but the path to the goalpost was still far ahead. Jacques was seeking political power now and depending on his success, it could be a good thing or bad thing for them in the long term. Whitley still had a couple of years until legal adulthood and with no trusted adults capable of combating Jacques on their side Whitley was still stuck in his position. Until he comes of age, he wouldn’t be able to make a claim on the SDC without a proxy.

Mary: So, what’s gotten him so riled up?

Mary thought as she turns a corner, marching down the hallway to Whitley’s room. She knows he should be asleep by now and if she was quiet, she could check to see what’s been going through his head with her semblance without him knowing. Unlocking the door with her master key, Mary can feel something was off immediately. She doesn’t bother looking around, walking straight to his bed, and the moment her hand touches the mass through the blankets she knows he’s slipped out of the manor somehow.

Mary: God damnit.

Mary swears under her breath, she sits down on the bed and holds her head in frustration. What was he thinking? Why would he pull a stunt like this when he knows what could happen if he’s caught?

Mary: The hell was he thinking? What could’ve possibly driven him to-Oh shit, don’t tell me-

Thinking about everything that’s happened Mary realizes there’s only one reason Whitley would have does this for. She covers her face with both hands as anger and annoyance begin to cloud her vision.

Mary: Ugh, Unbelievable! This is a straight off tragic romance novel!

She grumbles, her foot tapping anxiously as she tries to think of what to do. She pulls out her scroll and calls his scroll but hears it ringing in the room, spotting it on his desk. Getting up and grabbing the scroll Mary is growing angrier by the second. She takes a second to breath and collect herself while she tries to concoct a plan of action. The answer comes to her as she recalls her dealings as a youth, she’d written plenty of teenage romantic fluff off the memories of her peers and she knew well how stories like these played out. Looking down at Whitley’s scroll Mary wonders if he’d ever deleted Penny’s contacts.

Mary: If he’s going act like a tragic male lead then let’s see how his leading lady feels about his dramatic escape.

She says sarcastically, seating down while she attempts to lock his scroll.

Down in the lower city Whitley’s train finally reaches its stop, the train car jerks to a stop as the conductor announces the station and opens the door. Whitley’s swept up with crowd as he gets off, moving with the sea of people until he manages to break away by the gates. Stepping to the side he takes out his scroll and daily the number of the only people he trusted to help him find his way through the city.

In the upstairs apartment of the Little Cave Antiques Klein’s getting ready for bed. He’s putting on his pajamas when his scroll starts to ring. He picks it up off the nightstand and looks at the caller ID and though he doesn’t recognize the number Klein still answers the call like the gentleman he is.

Klein: Good evening, this is Klein Sieben. How may I help you?

Whitley: It’s me, Klein.

Klein’s eyes go wide and turn a bright shade of yellow at the sound of his former young master on the line. He taps his feet, and his voice is full of joy as he replies to the young men’s statement.

Klein: Young Master? Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise! To what do I know the pleasure of this evening call!

Whitley: I need your help, I’m in Mantle.

Klein: Excuse me?

Whitley: I’m in Mantle, Klein. I snuck out, took the train from Atlas and now I’m waiting by the gate at the station.

Klein: You did, what?!

Klein is completely dumbfounded, taking almost half a minute to fully comprehend what he just heard. When the words finally click in his head, Klein lets out a shriek as his eyes cycle through several colors as he flips out! Whitley turns down the volume on his scroll to save his hearing and lets Klein have his moment of shock uninterrupted. When the older man finally calms down his eyes turn bright red, and his voice lowers to a grumble as he scolds the boy for his irresponsible actions.

Klein: WHAT IN THE WORLD DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING! SNEAKING OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AND TO MANTLE OF ALL PLACES! WHAT IN GOD’S NAME POSSESSED YOU TO THINK THIS WAS ANY KIND OF GOOD IDEA! MUCH LESS GO THROUGH WITH IT?!

Whitley: I’m sorry Klein but I was desperate. There’s someone down here I need to see, and I need your help to find them.

Klein sighs, he was used to Weiss’s strong emotional outbursts but this was completely out of pocket for Whitley.

Klein: Couldn’t you have found a better way than doing something this risky?! If your father hears of this there’s no telling what he’ll do to you!

Whitley: I know but I couldn’t wait anymore.

Klein: You couldn’t wait? You couldn’t wait so you snuck away from home to another city at this late hour?! What could possibly be so important that you’d risk his wrath for this?!

Whitley: Because-Because I couldn’t take it anymore more!

Whitley’s voice strains causing Klein’s eyes flash back to brown and his anger to disallow. Whitley grits his teeth, his voice was so weak and hurt, like a tiny, injured animal as he explains himself.

Whitley: I’ve spent my whole life trying to keep that man’s fury at bay. I’ve watched him drive my mother into endless alcohol binge and run my sisters off in his vain attempts to control everything. But for once..for once in my life, I had someone who made me feel happy! I had someone whose smile gave me the strength to actually try to live, to just be okay with…being me. And he tossed her out as soon as he saw that I wasn’t miserable!

Klein: Whitley.

Whitley: I..love her, Klein. I love her so much it feels like I’m rotting without her. My heart’s ached every single day since she left, and it gets worse and worse with every day she’s not here. I dream about her, I think about her every day, and the fact I couldn’t be with her hurt so much it feels like my chest going to cave in! So, when I saw an opportunity to go find her, I couldn’t resist.

He admits, fist clenched tightly against his chest as he holds back tears. Despite his venture being carefully planned and researched Whitley had honestly acted on impulse from the moment he knew his father would be out of the manor long enough for him to make a run for it. Even in his moments of doubt his desire to see Penny outweighed all relational thought. And Klein could hear it, the yarning and years of raw pain spilling out of the child he’d watched over for so many years. He knew just how lonely and broken Whitley had become but was powerless to do anything for the boy. No one and nothing could ever truly better the dreadful condition Whitley lived in, until now. With a heavy sigh, Klein takes off his nightcap and goes out to the living room to grab his coat, hat, and shoes.

Klein: Which station are you in right now?

Whitley: Sovereign Central.

Klein: Alright. Stay put, I’ll come pick you up.

Whitley: Thank you, Klein.

Klein can hear Whitley’s smile through the phone as he tucks his umbrella under his arm and opens the apartment's front door.

Klein: You're welcome, Whitley. Now please just stay safe until I get there.

He asks before hanging up and heading out into the pouring rain, trudging through the storm to go find his young master.

Later at the Polendina residence, Penny was lounging on the couch while her dad made dinner. She’s watching tv, gloves off and kicking her feet the bunny’s ears on her house shoes flopping with every motion when suddenly her scroll rings. She’s shocked to see that Whitley’s calling her! Confused but delighted and terrifyingly nervous Penny fumbles to grab her scroll and once she’s got a firm grip on it, she takes a big deep breath before answering. After the disaster that was the last time they met, Penny has no idea what to say so she just blurts out the first thing that comes to mind.

Penny: H-hello?

Mary: Ms. Polendina.

With that one utterance, all of Penny’s hope instantly evaporates and is replaced with annoyance.

Penny: Mary.

She states rather coldly. Penny didn’t how to feel about the woman since they spoke in the library. Despite Mary making her intentions clear Penny couldn’t find it in herself to trust her as she was the first to acknowledge that her and Whitley’s love was doomed to fail. And the fact that her prediction turned out to be correct only made Penny feel more conflicted. Hearing her talk again filled Penny with a deep rage even though she had nothing to do with what happened. Still, Penny couldn’t help the irrational anger Mary’s voice induced, but she tries to suck it up as she probes for the reason behind her call.

Penny: Mary, why are you calling me and why are you doing so from Whitley’s scroll?

Mary: Because he left it here after he decided to so daringly ran off to Mantle to find you!

Mary states equally as annoyed as Penny. It had taken her far too long to unlock Whitley’s scroll as he had changed the password and added security blocks that triggered every few failures. After nearly two hours of trying, she’d finally opened the damned thing only to not find any clues to where he could possibly be and have her call for help be met with hostility. Though Penny’s animosity died off as soon as Mary told her what Whitley’s done as her mind clouds with confusion and worry.

Penny: He did what?

She asks in disbelief, not wanting to think that Whitley would actually sneak off to an unfamiliar place like that, especially at night when the city was at its most dangerous!

Mary: He snuck out of the manor and is probably somewhere in Mantle looking for you!

Penny: Ar-are you sure?

Mary: Yes! There’s no other reason he would do something this stupid unless it was for you! Now, I need you to find him before anyone else notices he’s gone.

Penny: I-Okay! But where would I even start to look?! Do you have any idea where he could be in the city?!

Mary: No, but Whitley’s an intelligent child so if he left behind anything that could track him then he’s probably went incognito. My best guess is public transport, or he found someone to pick him-Oh God, dammit all!

Mary clutches her head as she recalls a possible point of contact Whitley had in the ground city. Her sudden cursing confuses Penny, and she asks anxiously asks for clarification.

Penny: What? What happened?

Mary: It’s nothing, just go check the train stations first and I’ll call back if I find anything else.

Penny: Okay! I-I’ll try the one closest to me first! Bye!

She hangs up and pockets her scroll then rushes towards the front door. Pietro calls out to her, but Penny doesn’t hear him as she dashes out of the door and into the pouring rain. She runs towards the station; her slippers get drenched by the rainwater on the street, but Penny doesn’t care about the coldness of her feet, the dirtying of her shoes or rain soaking her clothes. Right now, her only focus is finding Whitley and making sure nothing bad happens to him. She’s going full throttle when she stops at the crosswalk for a red light, while she’s waiting for it to go green Penny watches a short man heading in the same direction slip and fall on the next street. He tries to pick himself up but slips again on the pavement. Knowing time is of the essence but being unable to turn her back on a person in need, when the light turns green Penny runs up to the man, pucks in his fallen umbrella and helps him to his feet only to find she recognizes him.

Penny: You’re the man from the antique store, Klein.

She says while handing the umbrella back to him. Said man looks at her a bit bewildered by her appearing in from him and his odd luck in this tricky situation.

Klein: Little Miss? Oh, thank goodness I ran into you! I’m in desperate need of your help right now.

Penny: What happened?

Klein: Young Master Whitley snuck out and is waiting for me at the Sovereign Central train station!

Penny: Sovereign Central-Wait Young Master! Why did you- how do you-

Klein: Because I am a former butler of the Schnee family.

Penny:…What? You used to work at the manor?

Klein: Yes. Young Master told me of you long before you came into my shop. I didn’t know it was you at first but when you deserved the boy you fancied, I know you and the girl he’d grown close with were one and the same.

Penny: But why didn’t you tell me?

Klein: It wasn’t my place to tell you. Young Master should have-Never mind that now! What matters is that Whitley is waiting at the station and came here to look for you!

Penny is gobsmacked by this information, she was too wound up with worry when Mary told her to fully process the fact Whitley really had made such a dangerous decision just to come see her. It had been less than a month since they last saw each other so it was oddly flattering but also extremely concerning that he’d go this far for her, she’d blush if it weren’t so distressing.

Klein: We need to go to him right away before some ruffians do!

Penny nods and the two start back on their rush to the station but Klein barely takes two steps forward before falling over again. Penny turns back and while helping him up she notices a rip in his pajama pants and a fresh wound on his shin.

Penny: You’re hurt!

She cries but Klein waves her off as he forces himself back onto his feet.

Klein: It’s nothing, just let me-OW!

His sentence is cut off with a yelp as Klein tries and fails to put pressure on his injured leg, forcing him onto his knees. Being no stranger to injured people Penny picks him up off the wet pavement and into a fireman’s carry, throwing his umbrella over her shoulder with him.

Klein: Wait, what are-

Penny: You’re in no condition to be out or running in this weather. I’m taking you somewhere safe to rest.

Klein: But what about Whitley?

Penny: I’ll find him after I drop you off.

Klein: But-Whoa!

Penny doesn’t give him a chance to protest and takes off running back the way she came. Once she’s back at her house Penny comes through the door and sees her dad on the phone trying to reach her only to turn around and see her carrying a man over her shoulder and drenched head to toe in rainwater. He strides over to her, face full of trepidation as he confronts her sudden actions.

Pietro: Where have you been?! I’ve been calling and calling but you won't answer?!

Penny: I’m sorry Dad, I was in a hurry and didn’t hear my scroll!

Pietro: What the-what do you mean a hurry?! You ran out of the house out of nowhere and now you come back with a man over your shoulder and all you can say is you’re in a hurry?!

Penny: I’m sorry but it was an emergency! An ongoing emergency that I need to get back to right now!

She explains while setting Klein down on the couch, the shift in position allows Pietro to see that the smaller man’s wounds.

Pietro: Is that blood- Alright what the hell is going on?! What happened to him and where-Is this the man from the antiques store?!

He asks pointing down at the wounded man, completely confused by the situation unfolding around him. Klein tips his hat in greeting before trying to better explain their current predicament.

Klein: Evening, Sir, and apologies for the sudden intrusion. Your daughter and I seem to have stumbled into quite the dilemma involving an unfortunate young man and she insisted I not go any further on an injured leg.

Pietro nods, not filling understanding what he meant but getting enough of it to know why he was currently on his couch.

Pietro: Okay but that doesn’t explain why-

His sentence is cut off by the front door slamming shut, both men look up only to see that Penny’s run off again. Pietro stares at the door stunned and confused by his dear daughter’s actions and still out of the loop of this absurd crisis he’s found himself in.

Pietro: Good God, what is happening tonight?!

He groans, rubbing his temples as a stress fueled headache coming in. His confusion is interrupted by Klein holding a hand up and waving it to get his attention.

Klein: Excuse me, but if you could be so kind as to procure me a first aid kit, I think I can clear things up for you.

Klein offers, Pietro signs and turns his chair around to go find the emergency medical kit. Whatever was going on it was bad enough that Penny was acting rashly and not thinking clearly enough to even clarify what she was doing. And that worried her dad at no end but with his physical limitations, there was no way he could stop her. All he could do was try to piece the situation together and call for help if things got out of hand. While Pietro looks through the cabinets Klein pulls out his scroll to call Whitley and update him on what’s happened only to discover his scroll practically in pieces, shattered by the fall.

Meanwhile, Whitley is still at the station waiting for Klein to arrive. He tries calling him but never gets through to the line. After multiple failed attempts to get in contact with him, Whitley puts his scroll away and contemplates what to do next. Suddenly he feels a twinge of pain in his stomach and it lowly growls in hungry. He chose not to eat earlier to keep the staff away from his room for his escape and now he was paying the consequences for that choice.

Whitley: Ugh, I should’ve grabbed something from the kitchen when I had the chance.

He laments, holding a hand to his stomach as it continues growling from its emptiness. With no way of knowing when his old friend would arrive and feeling a little fatigued from the stress and waiting Whitley decides to go grab a quick bite to eat before it gets too late.

Whitley: There should be a few places nearby that are still open at this hour.

He muses, before walking to the gate and out onto the street. Rain pouring overhead as he marches along down the street scanning the area for a restaurant, food stall, or even a convenience store to stop at. As he’s passing by an alleyway a large arm comes out from the darkness and grabs him by the shoulder, quickly pulling him into the ally way from the main street. Within a matter of seconds, Whitley’s pinned to a walk and surrounded by five thugs, a large dusty red-haired man holding him in place. The man looked like a hooligan, he was tall, balky, and has definitely seen a lot of fights, his tan face was covered in scars most of which looked like crawl marks. But those were just small pickings compared to red fox tail clipped to his leather jacket. Why you may ask? Because firstly Whitley could tell it was real fur not synthetic, secondly there were no red foxes in the frozen kingdom to hunt and lastly, it was too big to be from any sort of wild fox. With a twisted glint in his dark gray eyes and a cruel grin painted on his face, he looked at Whitley dead on as he tries to intimidate him.

???: ‘Ello there, little man.

He greets him mockingly, Whitley doesn’t talk back, nor does he break eye contact, maintaining a neutral expression as best he can while he tries to think of a way out of this mess. He’d been a victim of physical violence before, and he knew one wrong move could be the difference between grave injury and death. He didn’t know how this thug might act if he screamed or said the wrong thing so for now silence was the safest option. The thug is baffled by the lack of fear in Whitley’s eyes but kept on grinning. It was always easy to ring cash out of people when they were scared for their life but breaking down a little snot’s bravado then robbing him was much more satisfying. And so, this game intimidation continues.

Jack: Me name’s Jack, Honest Jack. Lovely night for a stroll through the city ain’t it?

Whitley says nothing, he just stares at Jack and listens hoping for an opening to flee.

Jack: I don’t think I’ve seen you ‘round here before and you look a little too fancy to from these parts neither. So what are you doing on our turf?

He asks playfully but forcibly, Whitley still doesn’t respond half out of stubbornness and half out of fear. Jack doesn’t take too kindly to his idleness this time and grips the boy’s shoulder tighter, a sickly acid aura bubbles from his hand and onto Whitley’s shoulder. It crawls across his skin to this his throat resting in his larynx and voice box like a thick mucus. Jack smiles darkly and resumes his questioning.

Jack: Alright, let me ask you again. What are you doing here?

Whitley tries to stay quiet but the bubble of mucus starts to raise, pulling his voice out of his mouth violently.

Whitley: I..Came..Here…To..Met…Some..One!

Each word comes out choked, carried up by the bubbles, and pops in the air. It hurt so much, that sentence alone made Whitley’s throat feel raw and dry. Jack marveled at the boy’s disposition, most would cry or puke halfway a few words through due to the effects of his semblance but this kid, he had one helluva pain tolerance. Wanting to see how far that tolerance went Jack keeps pressing Whitley with more questions.

Jack: Is that right? So you must’ve come from the upper city then, huh?

Whitley: Yes..I…Am!

Jack: Woah, a rich kid! Guess we’re eating good tonight boys!

He says to other thugs who cheer excitedly, delighted to have caught such bountiful prey.

Jack: That is if he’s got money on ‘em. You do have money on you, don’t cha boy?

Whitley tries again to keep quiet but bubbles dragging his voice are too strong to stop.

Whitley: Yes…I…Do!

The hoodlums murmur in joy, knowing they’d luck out with a wealthy mark. But the merriment pauses as Whitley continues to talk.

Whitely: But..I..Have..No..Inten..Tion..Of…Giv..ing..Any…Of..It...To..You!

The thugs look at him baffled by his sharp attitude, Jack especially so. This was one of the problems with his semblance, it forced honesty from people but couldn’t sugarcoat what came out. Those who weren’t stricken with fear could get a little cocky with him but he could always hear a little terror underneath it. But this one, this one had way too much moxie for the situation he was in. So Jack pressed him again, forcing more of the acid-like bubbles into the boy’s aura.

Jack: What did you say to me?

Whitley: I..Said..I’m..Not..Giv.Ing...You..Any…Thing!

Jack: Is that so? Well, aren’t you a cheeky little bastard? You think you're in any state to be acting all tough like that, huh?!

This toxic back and forth soon devolves into an argument with Whitley being unable to hold his tongue. As the two kept squabbling the commotion gets loud enough to hear from the edge of the alley. It’s this noise draws Penny’s attention as she finally closes in on the station.

She’s rushing down the street to her destination, Sovereign Central was literally within sight, but the sounds of fighting coming from a nearby ally cause Penny’s protector instincts to kick in again. She turns on her night vision and slowly down as she passed by the alley, but times seems to freeze when looks into the darning and sees a group of thugs harassing a young man. The glow in her eyes turns harsh and poisonous when she locks in on the young man’s features, specifically his snow-white hair and blue eyes. Not even thinking Penny turns on her heels and launches herself directly at Jack just as he raised his fist to punch Whitley.

The lead gangster doesn’t have time to process what’s happening as one moment he’s about to pummel a snot-nosed brat then the next he’s been pushed away with enough force to knock them a few feet away. He lands on his back, and the pain from the impact knocks him out before he can face his attacker. Seeing their boss laid out on the cold wet pavement the four remaining hooligans charge at Penny, aiming to get revenge for their fallen leader. Unfortunately for them, it’s a pointless fight. The one closest tries to lunge at Penny, she grabs his arm and pulls his stomach into her fist hard. He retches as the wind is knocked out of him out and falls to the ground. The next three go down just as easy with the second thug falling after two punches to the gut and a kick to the stomach. The third comes in right behind him and gets a kick to the face and a knee to the side, throwing him to the wall as he passes out. And the last tries to get the jump on her by rushing her from behind but he’s nowhere near fast enough or skilled enough to outmatch Penny. His attempted punch doesn’t even get to contact before she turns head and grabs his arm. Her face was cold and neutral but her glowing eyes radiated rage as she throws the large man over her shoulder then onto the pavement. In what felt like hours but was only a couple of minutes all five crooks were laid out on the alley floor, rain drenching their unconscious bodies. Throughout all this Whitley had stood frozen in the same spot he was pinned in, rubbing his sore throat and watching Penny in silent awe as she beat the daylights out of those men.

When the fight is finally over Whitley reaches out to touch her but is soon pinned to the wall again, this time by Penny! With her hands on the wall and her body less than an inch away Penny had him completely locked in place. Her expression was unreadable, and her eyes were still aglow as the gazed into Whitley’s. They stand in silence for a few seconds as the adrenaline from the altercation wears off. Whitley opens his mouth to speak, unsure of what to say in this position, but Penny bests him to the punch.

Penny: Whitley...What the…

She tries to stay calm but soon all the worry and fear she did been holding in since Mary called her. The glow in her eyes fades and her lips begin to quiver as she tries not to lose her cool.

Penny: What…the FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!

But she fails, the combination of heavy emotions throwing her mind into disarray. She couldn’t hold back the anxiety, frustration, and dread she’d been holding back since she last seen him. Knowing he was in the city alone so late at night was bad enough, but to find him getting mugged too? That was Penny’s limit, she couldn’t think straight after seeing him in danger like that.

Penny: WHY THE HELL DID YOU THINK THIS WAS OKAY TO DO?! WHAT PART OF COMING TO MANTLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT SEEMED OKAY TO YOU?! AND ALL ON YOUR OWN TOO?! DO YOU KNOW HOW SCARED I WAS WHEN I HEARD YOU RAN AWAY?! HOW COULD YOU WORRY PEOPLE LIKE THAT?! HOW-

She pauses her screaming rant as tears blur her vision and trickle down her cheeks, blending in with the rain pouring over them.

Penny: How could you do that to me?

She whimpers out, her face full of sorrow as she has a total meltdown from the emotional roller coaster this night had taken her on. Whitley looks at her concerned; he attempts to speak again but gets choked up as his own emotional wall comes crashing down. Three weeks, for three weeks he’d been without the person who’d given him more joy than he’d ever known before, and the first thing she does is save him from harm.

Whitley: How did I get so lucky to meet someone so extraordinary?

He thought before wrapping his arms around her and pulling Penny into a tight embrace! He holds her as close as possible and nuzzles into her neck, breathing in her scent as much as he can. He couldn’t help the tears of joy that fall as after almost a month he finally, finally felt whole again! He didn’t mind her soaking wet hair or clothes, or the cold rain drenching both of them, or the fact their reunion had taken place in a dingy alley of all places. No, none of that mattered as long as she was in his arms again.

Whitley: Sorry that I worried you, I just wanted…No, I..needed to see you again.

He says softly, voice sweeter than Penny had ever heard him talk before. Her anxiety born breakdown turns to a moment of comfort as she wraps her arms around him. Melting into the embrace, Penny lets out all the negative emotions she’d stored up and takes in all the love Whitley was pouring out. God, she missed him, she missed his voice she missed his scent, his touch, she missed everything about him so damn much. She’d been so sure she’d messed up her chance to be with him and love him, but this night had proven her wrong, so very wrong. As they continue holding each other Whitley puts his forehead to Penny’s, glancing deeply into her with all the love his battered heart could muster.

Whitley: I missed you so much, Penny. Please..never leave me again.

He pleads, Penny opens her mouth to reply but Whitley doesn’t give her a chance. Taking a hand off her Whitley pulls down his mask and closes the distance between them, kissing her right on the lips. Penny is stunned by the sudden kiss, her teary eyes wide in shock from sudden contact. But with a second her shock fades into joy edge melts into it quickly, closing her eyes and completely relaxing in his embrace. Despite the cold rain, Penny felt so warm, so safe, and happy. Her head felt fuzzy in a way she’d never felt before but instantly loved.

Love, real romantic love. That was something Penny could only have dreamed of not so long ago. Everything she’d been through in the last few months had seemed so impossible but strangely wonderful in ways she couldn’t have ever predicted. But now she had someone she was willing to fight any evil for without hesitation and who’d throw himself into a dangerous situation just to be with her. It was almost like a dream, one neither ever wanted to wake up from.

The moment ends when Penny’s scroll rings, breaking the warm atmosphere the young lovers had built on their reunion. Penny pulls it out and sees it’s her dad. The reality that Whitley had technically run away from home and that there were five unconscious criminals at their feet soon dawns on both and they decide to clean up the mess. Penny and Whitley assure the older men wanting a home that they’re fine and will be there shortly then Penny calls for backup to come get the thugs. It takes almost an hour to resolve things but once the police arrive, they arrest the thugs on outstanding warrants before Penny can even explain what she caught them for. The most they ask her is if she caught them trying to hassle someone again and Penny says yes. That’s enough cause to get them dragged away and give Penny and Whitley a chance to head back to her home. As they begin the long walk back Whitley takes off his coat and offers it to Penny. Penny smiled and wrapped the coat around both their shoulders.

Penny: Now, we’ll both be warm.

She says with her usual cheerful smile. Whitley smiles back at her and they walk shoulder-to-shoulder and hold hands all the way to her house, fingers intertwined as if they couldn’t be close enough. When they arrive at the house and open the front door they are greeted by the sight of Klein, bandage up and helping Pietro in the kitchen. Klein hears the door open and power walks over to welcome them back, throwing an arm around Whitley as he tries to hold back tears.

Klein: Thank the stars, you’re finally here! I was so worried you might’ve been hurt or mugged or-Gods I don’t even want to think about I’m just glad you’re alright!

Klein cries as he hugs his mischievous young master, who pats his back reassuringly.

Whitley: Sorry for worrying you. I-What happened to your leg?

He questions, pointing out the banged wound on the elder butler’s leg. Klein laughs off his concerns and regales the circumstances of this little misfortune.

Klein: Oh, this is nothing just a little scratch. One I got rushing to find you.

Whitley looks down in shame. He had never meant to cause anyone any harm in his endeavor, especially not the man who’d treated him kinder than his own father had. Klein once again waves this off and proceeds with his story.

Klein: But thankfully I had the luck of running onto the sweet young lady you came here to see.

He states pointing at Penny, who smiles at the acknowledgment, before getting back to his tale.

Klein: She helped me, carried me here for treatment, and continued the search in my stead. To great success, it would seem!

He jocks before laughing at the absurdity of events that had unfolded over the course of this memorable night. Whitley also laughs, both in absurdity and happiness at how the two nicest people he knew had met in such a preposterous way!

Whitley: Unbelievable! I was hoping to introduce you to her later, but it looks like fate beat me to it.

He jocks back, a bright smile on his face as he marvels at his good fortune. Seeing a chance to cut into the conversation, Penny tugs at Whitley’s hand forcing his gaze onto her and Klein’s follows suit.

Penny: Actually, I haven’t told him my name yet, so we haven’t technically formally met yet.

She quips, Whitley and Klein immediately realize she’s just creating an excuse to do the introduction and play along.

Whitley: Is that so? Well, why don’t we rectify that right now? Penny, this is Klein. He was my family’s butler for years and practically raised me.

Whitley states while gesturing to Klein who tips his hat in greeting to Penny.

Klein: Pleased to meet you.

The short says cheerfully to the sweet redhead who waves to him in response, this promotes Whitley to let go of her hand and place it around her shoulder as he introduces the lovely girl to his old companion.

Whitley: Klein, this beautiful girl here is…my love Penny.

He pauses and pulls her closers before bestowing the title of his love. It’s simple but perfect as it describes just what he felt for her, she had shown him love and made him love deeper than he could ever imagine. Penny blushes when he utters those words, though she had a few titles, soldier, daughter, protector, and so on but she’d never been given a romantic one before. It made her head feel fuzzy again and reminded her of their moment in the alley. Her face glows brighter from the memory and she covers her face in embarrassment, barely able to vocalize her signature greeting.

Penny: S-S-Salutations.

She stutters out causing both men to chuckle.

Klein: Well now that we’ve gotten introductions out of the way, why don’t you two go clean up before dinner?

Penny and Whitley look down and remember they’re absolutely soaked from the rain and definitely need to dry off or change. Whitley hangs his coat by the door and Klein helps him dry his clothes with a blow dryer while Penny goes to her room to change into dry off and change clothes. After getting her hair dry and wiping off Penny looked at her closet stumped. She honestly doesn’t know what to where in this situation like this, what with the person she loved and recently shared her first kiss with staying for dinner. Scanning through her clothes, she can’t find anything that feels casual enough to wear for only a few hours at most before changing to go to bed, so she ops to wear her pajamas and put the pink cardigan she’d received so long ago on over to cover up her shoulders and back. Once she’s ready Penny head back downstairs and sees that Whitley, sans winter hat and mask, had pulled up chairs at the dining table for him and Klein while Klein helps her dad plate the food. She rushes over to help, grabbing the utensils to set the table, and soon dinner is served.

It's a classic for rainy nights in Mantle, a hearty beef stew with a side of mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. Penny was delighted by the spread, but Whitley seemed a little cautious, not because of the meal's content but the presentation. Unlike his usual meals, this food wasn’t present in the prettiest way, the scent off was much stronger, and the serving size itself was far bigger than he’d gotten in years. It was actually a bit intimidating, being offered some much at someone else’s home. Could he really eat this? Even though he was starving from the journey here Whitley couldn���t help the unease he felt as he looked at his bowl. But his thoughts are interpreted by Pietro setting the pot of leftover stew in the center of the table.

Pietro: Go ahead and dig in everybody! It’s been a long night and we got plenty to go around!

Pietro cheers before grabbing his own bowl and chowing down. Penny and Klein also start eating eagerly, this encourages Whitley to have a taste for himself. He takes a spoon full of stew and sips just a little before immediately shoving the whole spoon into his mouth. It was rich and warm, the beef, though tougher than he was used to, paired perfectly with the vegetables and spices. He has to stop momentarily due to the heat of the stew, so he switches to mashed potatoes while the stew sat to chill. Since he had only one spoon, Whitley set his spoon on the rim of the bowl, lets then digs into the potatoes. They’re soft and creamy with a hint of butter and the residue from of the stew only enhanced the flavor. Once he’s done with mashed potatoes, Whitley’s about to go back to the stew but catches Penny ripping her dinner roll into pieces and dipping them in the stew before eating them. Curious, Whitley tears up his dinner roll in half and dips it in the stew, letting soak for a bit before eating it. It has a nice mushy texture, and the flavor of the stew is mellowed by the soft bread. He keeps ripping and dipping until he’s out of bread then goes back to eating the stew. Despite his graceful manners, Whitley finishes his food first but even with his bowl and plate empty he was still not satisfied. Penny, Pietro, and Klein look at him in awe as Whitley wipes his mouth with a napkin before articulating his delight to Pietro.

Whitley: Thank you for the meal, Mr. Polendina. It was delicious.

Pietro: Uh, thank you, glad you like it. Honestly, I thought I’d given you a little too much but looks like it was just right.

He says while rubbing the back of his head, confused and impressed that such a skinny kid could eat so much. However, his confusion wanes as Whitley goes on.

Whitley: Actually, I’m still a bit peckish. Do you mind if I have another helping?

He asks politely, Pietro smiles and reaches over to grab the ladle from the pot. He knew his daughter had described the boy as princely but didn’t think he’d be this polite, especially since he was the from highest of the upper crust. But here he was, breaking bread and minding his manners in a little Mantle like a little gentleman. And being so sheepish over something as simple as asking for seconds at the dinner table? What a charming young man his sweet pea had fallen for.

Pietro: Of course you can, hold out your bowl!

Whitley has another bowl and a few more dinner rolls, after which he starts to feel lethargic but cozy from the first truly filling meal he’s had in ages. After they clear the table Pietro suggests he settles in on the couch for the night. Wanting to stay but also feeling guilty for inconveniencing his old friend Whitley looks to Klein who gives a reassuring nod.

Klein: My taxi should be arriving soon. I’ll be back to pick you up tomorrow.

He says happily before gathering his things and heading home. Now alone with the Polendinas, Whitley pulls the pillows to mon side and Penny brings him some blankets to keep him warm. They make a bed for him on the couch while Pietro makes a pot of hot chocolate and puts out some ginger snaps as dessert. He takes his holding and retires for the evening while the two love birds relax on the couch. Sipping on hot chocolate between bites of ginger snaps and watching tv with Penny by his side, the only thing that grounds the fact this is really happening to Whitley was the small aches from his sore body. Said sore body eventually calls out for rest in the form of a yawn. It’s a small yawn, surprisingly high-pitched and soft like a cat’s meow. Penny giggles at the cute sound and clears away the empty mugs and plate, giving Whitley space to lie down. He fluffs his pillows and tries to maneuver himself into a comfortable position. While washing the dishes Penny hears him tossing and turning and goes back to help him after putting every away. She grabs one of the blanks and covers him with it just as Whitley finally settles in. As she drapes the soft fabric over him Penny spots a hand-shaped bruise forming around his shoulder and collarbone between the open buttons of his shirt. A small twinge of guilt hits her as she wonders just how much Whitley had stuffed to be with her again.

Penny: I’m sorry we couldn’t give you better sleeping accommodations.

Whitley: It’s fine, it’s my fault for doing all this out of nowhere.

Penny: Still-

Penny reaches out and ghosting the tips of her fingers over the still-forming bruise.

Penny: you went through so much to get here.

She laments. Whitley notices her shifting mood, sighs and grabs her hand, pulling it up to his mouth and kissing her knocks. This stuns Penny out of her guilty thoughts and back to the reality of her love sitting before. Said love sits up and rests his forehead on hers as he intertwines their fingers again, not a hint of the cold, uncertainty, fear, or suffering from his long journey in sight. Instead, his gaze was filled with warmth and affection, all pointed at her and her alone.

Whitley: And I’d do it all again if it means I get to be here with you.

He declares lovingly before kissing Penny’s cheek and laying back down, hand still interlocked with hers. Penny stays with Whitley until he falls asleep. She knows they should’ve talked about how this happened and what to do next. About what happened in the alley before she showed up, what they’d do if his father found out he left the manor, and how they were going to keep in contact without getting caught. But that all could wait til morning, after breakfast they could talk about everything they needed to make sure this wasn’t a one-time thing. But for now, it was time to sleep and rest well in the comfort that despite all the odds against them their love had refused to die.

In the coldest kingdom on a dark rainy night, a unique love had faced every challenge in its path only to flourish beyond what anyone who witnessed it would have imagined. A true burning light in the sea of the city’s darkness.

#whitley schnee #penny polendina #rwby fanfiction #klein sieben #pietro polendina #rwby #beta testers #broken machines #fanfic #angst #cute #fluff #fanfiction #oc #last chapter #grande finale

[freespeechwyngro]

(Free to post off anon) This is probably boring business jargon but the likely reason YCHs were on Patreon is for artifical scarcity; something perceived as rare/harder to get tends to come as being viewed as more valuable, and if people are willing to pay the price for it that way then it is often kept that way as a means of earning profit. I can't say that is is the precise reason why thay is, but I know Wyngro fell into being run like a business due to how large it got and that is what would make more sense from a business perspective to one who wishes to garner more money.

It's a lot like the Imp auctions; due to their artifical scarcity created by the owner it was easy to have their auctions sky rocket in price due to the wants and desires it put into a variety of the memberbase of the group. This could also be seen when Finns and Quills first dropped as auctions, but their value diminished as people discovered they could breed them from standards. Gorge also went the way of the Imps due to their artifical scarcity and how their bio sex and stance were pre-determined.

Ad someone who financially supported Wyngro for quite a while, and only speaking on behalf of myself, it was a bit of a "Oh I have this cool rare thing!" feeling getting something perceived as rare, and it made me want to spend more on the "rare" thing because, to me, it had that value. It wasn't to have some sort of superiority complex over others, but a sense of having something most others did not. Sometimes, for some people, it's a nice feeling to have something few to no others have, regardless of if that thing is tangible or not.

Many businesses use that to their advantage (limited items, skins, timed events and unique prizes, etc) as a means of earning extra/surplus money from consumers. It's all a means of earning profit.

Source: Majored in business, understand various business workings.

Cannot confirm if this is the real reasoning for it as I am not the owner nor ever spoke to her about such things, but it’s a likely guess and explanation for it given the circumstances.

.

#patreon #ych

[kazewhara]

forgive the messy typing but ... spidey!kazuha and black cat!reader... no cause that anon was onto something..

in which kazuha feels a real connection with you, an antihero who keeps up a robin hood-like mentality or swipes high value items from auctions and museums and stuff like that...

spider-man's relationship with the black cat ultimately ends with the black cat pining over him, but you know me, i'm not letting that happen.

what i WILL do though, is play on the video game's interpretation of their relationship, in which kazuha truly believes you have some good in you, which you really do, but you can't exactly turn away from crime -- it's almost genetic, seeing as your father was a high profile criminal himself... that and the reader likes to tease spider-man and start chases across the city ...

...hold awn, my brain is working.

#z spam #z hcs #CAUSE I'M SIMMERING RN I'M SIMMERING #NO ONE TOUCH ME. THERE'S SMTH HAPPENING HERE

[greyssquare]

Car mechanic simulator 2021 updates

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Since then, we’ve won 183 Formula 1 grands prix and 20 world championships, with champion drivers Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton. Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 Work your way to a service empire. All Discussions Screenshots Artwork Broadcasts Videos Workshop News Guides Reviews. All of the updated items and graphics will be a welcome addition to past players. We contested our first Formula 1 race in 1966 and won our first F1 grand prix in Belgium in 1968. Overall Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is a solid upgrade to the CMS series. Here are the following things that you need to know: In total, there are 30 missions, and when completing all you get the achievement time for holidays.

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Specifically, engine overheating bugs, incorrect engine temperature in the workmen dialog, vehicles not showing up in. How to edit save files in car mechanic simulator 2021 (cheat) car mechanic simulator 2021 cheats.

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Depending on their release year, some of them can be bought new in a car salon, others only during auctions, from junkyards or barns. 0.10 The update is focused on bug fixing. In 1963, Bruce McLaren founded the McLaren team. The cars in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 are real models of many known brands, but their names and logos are fictional due to licensing reasons. Welcome to the official website of McLaren Racing, home to the McLaren Formula 1, INDYCAR, Extreme E and esports teams.

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[watchfreeone1]

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Throughout this article, you'll also gain inspiration from success stories and real-life case studies. Discover how fellow shoppers have found incredible deals and learn from their tips and strategies. The world of liquidated stock is waiting for you—start your journey and elevate your shopping experience!

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[brennan42connor]

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[mathiassen48mccoy]

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Its brick-and-mortar locations are a playground of quirky variations, as well as Soho retailer even has a key Hermès vault crammed towards the ceiling with colourful Birkins. We couldn't find the webpage you ended up looking for. Be sure to utilize the navigation or perhaps the button below to go back to our website. With top-notch replicas, you'll be able to curate a whole luxury wardrobe with a price range. The quality and workmanship rival the actual offer although the prices are much friendlier. Elevate your total hunt for significantly less. The choice of which platform or support to use is depending on the reader, matter for their preferences, demands, and objectives. Consumers should study prior to using any replica internet site or platform. It is a Repeated event when online buyers location a Chanel bag on an online auction that is various hundred dollars lower than the standard legitimate Chanel bag. Believing them selves to have discovered the deal in the lifetime, they can purchase a retail-priced $one,seven-hundred Chanel bag For under $a hundred and fifty online, unaware that they may have bought a fake handbag. Should you stumble upon a offer on the designer bag that appears to be as well good to generally be correct, it almost certainly is. Replica designer bags are a great way to receive the designer’s seem without the designer’s price tag. But with countless selections around, it might be challenging to know where to start. I assumed she was going to recite a fragment of the ancient poem, or to synthesise the Pleasure and genius of superfakes into some amazing proverb that would reconcile our collective appreciate of duplicity with our human insistence on realism. CleanTalk sets this cookie to forestall spam on remarks and varieties and work as an entire anti-spam Option and firewall for the internet site. You will also come across other replica Hermes products at their website. There are actually distinctive leather-based characteristics including crocodile, ostrich, epsom and so on. The Birkin replica is among the most popular Hermes handbags. There are many fake Birkins to pick from on their own website. Regardless of whether they've somewhat high cost, the quality in their items is excellent. Most people can most likely value the effort that goes into producing a designer bag. However, many buyers only can't pay for or pick out not to pay these types of rates in an effort to get hold of the standing of the designer handbag. This is often where replica makers come in. At the end of the working day, should you’re a Westerner, in many circumstances you gained’t get the best possible value because a lot of retailers would prefer to lose a sale than have their ultimate price become regarded to travellers. Although US officers consider valiantly to smell out impostor goods, far too, seizing greater than 300,000 fake bags and wallets in fiscal yr 2022, the sheer quantity of counterfeit imports – fakes on the whole are believed to get a bustling, multi-billion-greenback sector – means that authorities can easily inspect, on some estimates, as tiny as 5 per cent of what comes in. For superfake sellers and buyers, These are great odds. So she went on Alibaba and acquired two low-priced replicas. “ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/discover-best-knockoff-handbags-online-your-ultimate-shopping-khan-h9y3e was extremely Bizarre,” Thurman suggests. “There was an aura to the real factor which the fake didn’t have. And when you talk to me what does that signify, I actually Pretty much can’t say. Portion of it had been the spirit of visiting the shop and having to pay extra money than I could manage.” This cookie is placed by CleanTalk Spam Shield to stop spam also to keep the referrer web page address which led the person into the website.

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[dobsonwollesen3]

The Single Best Strategy To Use For high copy bags online replica alexander mcqueens

The selection at ABag is limitless. Discover your best fake designer bags in close proximity to me, regardless of whether that's a realistic tote, chic clutch or maybe a luxe logo duffle bag. Consider your time and efforts searching the site's expansive stock of replica luxury bags to find out your new wardrobe essential. We couldn't discover the page you had been in search of. Please use the navigation or even the button under to go back to our website. If https://sites.google.com/view/loveyouseo/home come about and you'll find discrepancies about the product or service’s description, the business will allow you to and the vendor haggle the value down, as well. It may still be winter, but spring will be in this article before you know it—which means now could be the proper time to get started on organizing your warm-weather conditions wardrobe. Louis Vuitton’s bright pink bag will be perfect for in the event the Sunlight is shining all day, each day. Also, that matching hairclip! This is a Repeated event when online shoppers place a Chanel bag on an online auction that's quite a few hundred pounds under the normal genuine Chanel bag. Believing on their own to have discovered the deal of your lifetime, they will purchase a retail-priced $1,seven-hundred Chanel bag For under $150 online, unaware that they have got acquired a fake handbag. For those who come across a deal on a designer bag that would seem way too good being true, it likely is. This page stands out with its meticulously crafted designer dupes created from quality components. Each depth mirrors the originals, with the buttery leather-based to the signature hardware. But one authenticator I spoke with confesses that it’s not constantly so apparent-Slash. The fakes “are acquiring so excellent, to The purpose that it comes down to inside etchings, or 9 stitches in place of 8”, he instructed me. “At times you truly don't know, and it turns into a time-consuming egg hunt, comparing shots on other websites and stating, ‘Does this components appear like this one particular?’ ” (He requested to remain nameless due to the fact he's not permitted to talk on behalf of his organization. In relation to paying for fake designer bags, brand, and tag placement are necessary. Don't just does a very well-placed symbol or tag make your bag glimpse much more real looking, but Additionally, it allows make certain that no person suspects you’re carrying a knockoff. Should you’re on the hunt for replica designer bags in Seoul, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places where you can find them. Among the list of best places to get started on will be the Namdaemun Current market, where you’ll obtain a wide variety of stores marketing everything from clothing to handbags. An alternative choice may be the Gangnam district, which is recognized for its upscale purchasing and trendy manner. For a few, design is a vital factor In regards to carrying all over a bag. Nonetheless, there are specific components of bags that should be taken into consideration before making a purchase. Individuals whose business enterprise it can be to confirm luxury bags insist, not less than publicly, that there’s generally a “notify” to some superfake. With the RealReal, where designer handbags undergo rounds of scrutiny, like X-rays and measuring fonts all the way down to the millimetre, Thompson advised me that “from time to time, an item is usually much too great, way too exacting, which means you’ll look at it and know one thing is up”. By far the most dependable sellers don't just emulate high-stop fashion—they've perfected it. These sellers meticulously study Just about every initial structure, recreating every single depth with specialist precision. But as amazing replica bag describes it, “187 Manufacturing unit” appears like a branding ploy for what’s definitely only a properly-organised chain of blocks, functionally indistinguishable from other miniature businesses generating premium knock-offs from exactly the same buckles and designs. Secondhand searching is more preferred than ever before—Which relates to the luxury current market, as well. The best section is, for A few of these concealed gems, you don’t even have to go away the ease and comfort of your respective couch to find an elegant bag you might not usually find. Having said that, it's possible you'll problem how to mark the authenticity of those designer products; You should use your best judgment—and The truth that some sellers are applying AI technologies—to generate your ultimate decision.

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[willpaul229]

Reasons To Choose Online Auctions Over Traditional Auctions

Online auctions in MN have gained immense popularity in recent years, revolutionizing the way people buy and sell goods. While traditional auctions have their charm, online auctions offer several compelling reasons that make them a preferred choice for many. In this era of digital advancement, here are some key reasons why individuals and businesses are increasingly opting for online auctions over traditional ones.

Global Reach and Accessibility:

Online auctions break down geographical barriers, allowing participants from around the world to engage in the bidding process. This global reach opens up a vast market for both buyers and sellers, creating a more competitive and dynamic environment. Unlike traditional auctions that are limited to a specific location, online auctions provide accessibility to a diverse pool of potential buyers, increasing the chances of achieving better prices for the items on auction.

Convenience and Flexibility:

One of the most significant advantages of online auctions is the convenience they offer. Participants can engage in bidding from the comfort of their homes or offices, eliminating the need to travel to a specific location. This level of convenience attracts a wider audience, including busy professionals and individuals with time constraints. Online auctions also operate 24/7, providing flexibility to bidders across different time zones, making it easier for them to participate at their convenience.

Cost-Effective:

Hosting traditional auctions involves various expenses, such as venue rental, staffing, and promotional materials. Online auctions significantly reduce these costs as they don't require a physical space or a large staff to manage the event. Sellers can also save on transportation and storage fees since items can remain in their possession until sold. These cost savings often translate into lower fees for both buyers and sellers, making online auctions a more economical option.

Enhanced Privacy and Anonymity:

Some individuals prefer to keep their purchases or sales private. Online auctions provide a level of anonymity that traditional auctions cannot match. Bidders can participate without revealing their identity, and sellers can maintain confidentiality about the items they are auctioning. This enhanced privacy is particularly valuable for those dealing with high-value or sensitive items.

Real-Time Bidding and Dynamic Pricing:

Online auctions allow for real-time bidding, creating a sense of urgency among participants. This dynamic environment can lead to competitive bidding, ultimately driving prices higher. Additionally, online platforms often incorporate features like proxy bidding and automated increments, ensuring a fair and efficient bidding process. This real-time and dynamic nature of online auctions adds excitement and engagement to the buying and selling experience.

Diverse Inventory and Specialized Markets:

Online auction platforms cater to a wide range of categories, from art and antiques to electronics and collectibles. This diverse inventory attracts a broad audience with varied interests, creating specialized markets for niche items. Traditional auctions may have limitations in terms of the types of items they can handle, whereas online platforms provide a platform for almost any conceivable product.

Detailed Information and Transparency:

Online auctions typically offer comprehensive information about the items on auction, including detailed descriptions, photographs, and sometimes even inspection reports. This transparency provides potential buyers with the necessary information to make informed decisions. In contrast, traditional auctions may have limited information available, making it challenging for bidders to assess the value and condition of the items.

In conclusion, the shift towards online auctions is driven by a combination of global reach, convenience, cost-effectiveness, enhanced privacy, real-time bidding dynamics, diverse inventory, and transparency. While traditional auctions still hold sentimental value for some, the practical advantages offered by online platforms have undoubtedly positioned them as the preferred choice for many buyers and sellers in the modern marketplace.

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[deckerdavidson75]

Women's Luggage And Small Leather Goods

Hermès rare mini Evelyne shoulder bag in black taurillon clemence leather-based with gold tone hardware. Shoulder drop, 22"L. Comes with original duster, bo... Hermes model new in field picotin 18 cm small in black taurillon clemence leather and palladium hardware. replicabags.to hermes replica Comes with authentic field. Hermès Kelly retourne 32cm in capucine togo leather and gold tone hardware. Handle drop, 3.5"L. Strap, 35"L. Letter Z for 2021. Comes with strap, clochette, tirett... NWOT Hermes Etoupe Togo Birkin 25 GHW in mint unused situation. As the world made the swap from horse to car, the bag adapted, changing into a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a delegated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for a variety of the house’s different iconic luggage. For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather-based equestrian goods for European noblemen would ultimately develop into one of the most storied trend labels on the planet. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Madison Avenue Couture is the world’s most trusted independent dealer and curator of Hermes and Chanel purses and accessories. This Hermes lengthy wallet additionally doubles as a clutch. Signature H with stra... Hermes Picnic Clutch Bag Osier rare Limited Edition created in very limited portions. The Hermès Birkin and Kelly purses are the ultimate statements of refinement, style, and class. Are created in strict compliance with CITES. With models ranging from the mini to the journey dimension, we're happy to introduce you to the purse that finest fits your needs and elegance. The interior is lined with Nata chevre... The interior is lined with Gris... The interior is lined with White... The inside is lined with White leather-based... A 2017 examine revealed that the value of Hermès Birkin baggage has increased 500% within the last 35 years, an increase of 14% per 12 months. One of probably the most coveted models comes from Hermès' Himalaya collection, which is available in three sizes. Mycelium, the foundation construction of fungus, has become a favourite in the luxurious industry. In recent years the value of lizard items at public sale has increased substantially. The ombré lizard Birkin 25 was only produced for 3 years, making it some of the coveted bags at auction. The delicate gradation and the circular raindrop sample of the pores and skin add to its desirability. That identical yr, French police cracked down on a world crime ring that was manufacturing counterfeit Birkin baggage. The crime ring reportedly included actual Hermès staff. Established in 1837, Hermès discovered its roots in the sport of horse using and has grown to be the world’s foremost luxury French home. The company’s notable eye for craftsmanship provided a seamless transition into other areas of design and Hermès shortly rose as essentially the most coveted handbags on the planet. The luxury brand’s legacy continues to this day with the Birkin, Kelly and Evelyne, proving its label and purses are worth lusting after, time and time again. Only two workers were arrested, but Hermès believed that a quantity of different workers may have been involved. And despite all their efforts, fake merchandise continue to flood the market. The high quality of counterfeit bags has also vastly improved through the years, making it difficult to inform whether a bag is real or pretend. However, there are a few tips to recognizing a pretend Birkin. Named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, the iconic bag is handcrafted and strictly unique, which drives the worth of the Birkin 12 months after 12 months. Thanks to a new puzzle-like design, the enduring and much-coveted Hermès carryall can now be worn three different ways. It is feasible, however not beneficial, that when you don’t get an appointment the primary time you request one, to go to the shop, introduce yourself and try to see if an appointment as been cancelled. Living in Paris for the past 4 years, I’ve met a wide range of people in working in varied positions. Some have labored at Hermes, and have provided me with suggestions and tricks on how to purchase a Hermes Birkin bag in Paris. wikipedia handbags Below I’ve outlined steps that will assist you successfully buy the Birkin bag of your dreams.

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[davidjamesk]

Antique Bulova Watches: Navigating the Path to Market Value

Antique Bulova watches have an important place in the hearts of both enthusiasts and collectors alike. They are renowned for timeless designs, precise manufacturing, and historical significance; these watches have been regarded as sought-after art pieces that bridge the old and new. Finding out the best way to understand the worth of Antique Bulova watches involves exploring their rich past, the unique characteristics, and the elements that give them their collector appeal.

Historical Significance of Antique Bulova Watches

Bulova Watch Company Bulova Watch Company, founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova, quickly rose to fame due to its genuine approach to making watches. As the years progressed, Bulova became a pioneer, introducing new technology and design features. One of the highlights was creating the first complete line of men's wristwatches in 1919, bringing about an important shift in timekeeping.

Through the twentieth century, the Bulova watches changed and reflected every period's trends and technological advancements. Starting from the Art Deco influences of the 1920s to the bold styles from the Space Age in the 1960s, Each timepiece from Bulova tells its tale, making them not just watches but real links with the past.

Distinctive Features of Antique Bulova Watches

Bulova watches are distinguished by their focus on detail precision movements, their attention to detail, and distinct design components. One of the most notable features is the Bulova Tuning Fork Logo, symbolizing the brand's dedication to precision. Another distinctive aspect is the use of high-end materials, from stainless steel and gold to precious stones, in some of their most luxurious models.

The precision in Antique Bulova watches value  is evident in their movements, and numerous timepieces feature cutting-edge technology. For instance, the Accutron, launched in 1960, was the first electronic watch using an adjustable fork rather than the conventional balance wheel. 

Factors Influencing Market Value

Determining the market value of antique Bulova watches involves weighing several aspects. The watch's rarity is a major factor since Limited editions and discontinued watches and models with distinctive features are often priced higher. The watch's condition, which includes its movement, the case, and the dial, determines its worth. Watches with original components and little wear are more attractive to collectors.

Navigating the Market

For collectors or enthusiasts looking for Antique Bulova watches, navigating the market is satisfying but also challenging. Auction houses, antique dealers in watches, and online marketplaces are all common ways of buying these classic watches. But, knowing the intricacies of the marketplace and carrying out thorough research is vital to making educated buying choices.

In the age of technology, the internet has become essential for connecting sellers and buyers of old timepieces. Bidsquare is a trusted auction site specializing in antiques and art and provides a carefully selected collection of Antique Bulova watches for discerning collectors. With an easy-to-use interface and a dedication to transparency, Bidsquare offers a safe space for collectors to browse and bid on these rare watches.

The website offers a broad assortment of Antique Bulova watches, allowing enthusiasts to find rare, distinctive items from various times. Descriptions of each watch, high-quality photos, and provenance details accompany each listing, allowing buyers to make informed choices. Bidsquare's auction structure creates an open, fair, and competitive marketplace, which ensures that antique Bulova watches make it to the homes of people who value their historic importance.

Antique Bulova watches are iconic icons of quality, innovation, and fashion. Finding out the best way to understand their value in the market requires delving into their rich past, identifying distinct features, and analyzing the various factors that determine their value. If purchased through traditional channels or online platforms such as Bidsquare, Antique Bulova watches remain awe-inspiring to collectors and preserve the history of an iconic brand that made a mark on the world of horology.

Visit Bidsquare's Auction Near Me page to discover upcoming auctions near you. Bidsquare facilitates a global audience, allowing art lovers worldwide to participate in the excitement of the auctions hosted at this venerable institution. 

If you are interested in auctions, you can explore the auction house near me to discover even more exceptional auction venues.

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[freenba2k24mtgenerator]

Free Nba 2k24 Mt Generator Without HuMaN Verification

Nba 2k24 Mt Generator 2024 No Survey Without Any Verification.VC stands for Virtual Currency, which you can earn throughout the various game modes in NBA 2K24 to spend on a wide variety of content throughout the game. MT is short for MyTEAM Points, another type of coin you can earn and use in game.This post originally appeared on Gmemo.

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VC is spent within the game store, on things like (just to name a few items):

MyPLAYER attributes

Virtual goods (such as uniforms and equipment)

Apparel

Animation packages that grant your character new moves to perform

VC can be spent in many game modes, including MyCAREER (for apparel, signature animation packages and more), MyTEAM (for opening packs and more), and MyGM.

There are several ways to earn VC, including playing online matches or progressing through the MyCAREER mode when you’re connected to the internet.

MT can be earned from completing challenges, agendas, or completing tasks throughout the MyTeam game mode. MT can ONLY be spent within the MyTEAM game mode since this is a game mode specific currency.

MT can be used on things like (just to name a few items):

Player Cards

Cards packs

Specific Card Boxes

Grading MyTeam cards

You are also able to spend real money on VC and MT, if you are looking to score these in-game currencies at a faster rate. That’s right, you can purchase MT as a new feature this year, making it even easier than ever before to use! There are multiple options for purchasing VC or MT based on the amount you would like to gain.

It’s important to note that you must be connected to the internet for VC or MT to be accrued.

As the Player Market replaced the Auction House, the primary method of earning MT coins in NBA 2K24 is through playing the game. To help you maximize your MT earnings, Evan Tanaka has created a guide that highlights the game modes that yield the most MT.

Salary Cap

The first way is a new multiplayer game mode called Salary Cap, which allows you to build a team of players with a limited budget. The mode consists of three rounds that last two weeks each season, and each round has its own leaderboard, salary limit, and rewards. You can earn points based on your performance in each game, regardless of whether you win or lose.

As one of the best ways to make MT in NBA 2K24, the Salary Cap allows you to quickly earn a ton of MT for winning and gives you many other rewards for each game.

Domination

The second best way to make MT in NBA 2K24 MyTEAM is Domination. It is a single-player mode where you can play against NBA teams and earn rewards based on your performance.

Although Domination is a longer game mode, you will also get many MT points for winning the All-Time Domination. The higher the difficulty, the greater the reward.

Card Grading

Card grading is a new feature that allows you to enhance the value of your cards in the MyTEAM mode. Note that compared with the previous two methods, Card grading is risky when it comes to earning MT.

Card grading is a process of sending your cards to a service that evaluates their condition and assigns them a grade from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. Higher-graded cards have higher sellback MT value, which means you can earn more MT by selling them in the Player Market. You can also upgrade a card up to three times, increasing its value even further.

Card grading costs MT and takes some time, depending on the card’s value and the number of cards you send. But if you get back a card with a score of 10, you will profit by selling it.