#Request for Tender

[findyiot]

Swimming Cats: Municipalities and IoT

A “tick box” tender process often lends validity to the principle of “cheapness,” over long term benefit. Key questions are lost in traffic; Who maintains it? Does it integrate with their current IT stack? What is the 5 year cost? What happens when things break? Cheap cannot be the correct criteria for verifying the worth of an IoT procurement? Many of our customers come to us after spending significant time and money on “money pit” failures, that never net their needs.

On the other side (municipality), by the time an RFP (Request for Proposal) is public, the decision is half-baked, often shaped by outdated vendor recommendations (election flip flops) or consultants with their own agenda. If you lead with protocol specs, edge computing benefits, and LPWAN deep dives, people’s eyes glaze over faster than an Arctic winter.

[samijey]

samijey + beard grabbing

[leal-hound]

in another life i found you sooner

[2222bad]

BABY BE MINE

[an unexpected reunion reignites a deep seeded love] | 2.2k words

WARNINGS: fem!reader , best friends to lovers , fluff , angst , brief mention of child abuse

[1984]

he saw you before he’d even sat down in his seat. he saw you, only a few rows back, reaching across your seatmate’s lap to greet another artist. and even though you’d worn black shades too, it didn’t cover the curve of your lip or the scrunch in your nose when you were confused. nor the tilt of your head when someone said something you didn’t quite hear. he saw you the way he’d always saw you; like a rose. like late night calls. like linking pinkies and swearing on your life. like singing in the rain. like the drum of a wild song. he saw you the way he’d always saw you; like the one he was meant to love. and there you were. here. tonight. the biggest night of his life.

“you alright, michael?” came the warm reprieve of brooke’s voice, her touch feather-light against his elbow. “c’mon. it’s starting.”

your presence kept a thread on his heart. he’d glance back often, wordlessly finding you in the sea of shining faces. it was as if a spotlight had been cast on you and only you. just for him to find. he wasn’t sure if he wanted you to look back at him or if that’d break him more. you hadn’t spoken in months. surely not since thriller had been released. when you had, the conversation had gone sour. both of your plates had been topped full, too little time to give the same care that you once had. he should’ve said hello when he had the chance, it would plague him all night to know you were there, finally there, and his cowardice let you go.

then, he’d won. the excitement, the nerves, the doubt, all of his sweat and tears, all of his ache, all of the time he spent was worth it. his feet held his body upright, carried him toward the stage. he’d have to pass you. he’d have to see. please be looking. he glanced once more, shoulders hunching with an anxious tension, but he caught your head turning to watch him pass, your tiny smile, your clapping hands. an exhale, a smile, he accepted the kiss that came with the trophy, and spoke out, guarding his eyes behind the glasses so his spotlight eyes couldn’t blind you.

the auditorium was a labyrinth after the show concluded. every face seemed to grin, every expression was a congratulation. brooke, notably disappointed by sting’s absence, emphatically chatted with a couple members of culture club who championed smiles of their own. quincy patted mike on the shoulder and slipped him the after party’s address. “that’s it, smelly.”

as michael traipsed on through the lobby, the world was smothering him in the energetic hoopla, but through the cracks of excitement that formed in his view, there you were, and you were getting away.

he passed a row of talking suits, politely squeezing himself through and quickly bowing his head in thanks. he pressed cheeks with a few women that knew him, his eyes never leaving the back of your dress, hiked up with your hands so nobody stepped on the fabric. he had to say something even if it killed him. even if it was just a hello. if he let this moment go, there was no telling when he’d see you again. his sweat dripped all around him, the need was dire. excusing himself, he beelined to you, his breath barely making it out of him as sailed through the rest of the hall and nearly stumbled up behind you, inches from the empty coat check. you tilt your head to the sudden interruption and bite back your smile at the company.

neither of you spoke for a long while. it felt as if decades had stretched between the two of you and, honestly, they had. you could’ve poked the silence stretching up tall between you and made not one dent.

the crowd had migrated to the valets outside, the doors to the theater had been shut and any stragglers still congregating in the lobby didn’t bring enough of a chatter to call it a nuisance. there was just you and michael. there had always been just you and michael. well…

“i guess i’m too late,” you sigh with a defeated smile, flipping your coat ticket between your fingers. “don’t tell me you do the coat check, too.” the joke landed as well as a clipped bird, michael didn’t even huff. and he always laughed at your jokes. you cast your eyes down, unconsciously finding yourself in your perpetual habit of digging your high heel into the carpet.

“how’ve you—“

“congratulati—“

“sorry. you first.”

you concede, a soft smile coming to you.

“congratulations,” you bow gracefully.

“thank you.” he glimmered.

“i meant to call you about it…the record... i was hoping it would be you that took it all home.”

“when is your record coming out?”

“june,” you say, your tone like a gentle song playing smoothly by his ears.

“i’ve always heard great things about rob cavello. i know it’ll sound so electric…cool…”

“yeah, well, he’s no quincy.” you smile, bending your head to take off your aviators.

“i see you’re trying to steal my look,” michael sneers with a chuckle.

you shift the weight in your hips, your eyebrow turning up at his remark. “i don’t recall you inventing sunglasses, mr. for the girls in the balcony,” you tease back, lightly.

“and i don’t recall you inventing beauty, yet i wouldn’t stand here arguing with you if you said you did,” michael replied with that slick wit he’d grown in show business. always one step ahead, always topping the next person. your exhale at his challenge accompanied the heat in your face as you would normally play along, your banter could extend for miles and miles until it tumbled off the edge of the earth, but it felt misplaced now.

“brooke shields?” you question ambiguously, hoping your voice didn’t give away that the sight of her with him stopped your heart flat in your chest. it was as if your memory had driven you through the entire life you’d had with him in that moment. from the very first time you’d met, through the highs of every whispered joke, the lows of scraped elbows and tear stains on his clothes, to the last phone call and the dark corner of the street where he didn’t show up. how could he throw that all away? the feeling of it simply overcame you.

michael’s oblivious smile cut through. “brooke? what about her?”

all these years and i still have to spell it out for you? is what you think to say, but you curb your tongue accordingly. “i didn’t know you two were…”

he laughs as if you’d told him the sky was painted green, his whole body tilting over a little.

“brooke’s just a friend," he assures.

your eyebrows lower. the muscles in your face, the ones they taught you to master at all of the agencies, lost all courage. your sunglasses make a twinkle sound against the rings on your fingers as you fumble with them. “i see.” michael watches you curiously, but you turn away from him, searching through the coat check window. “i should really get my coat.”

“are you coming to the after party?” he asks.

“i didn’t know there was an after.”

“i was just thinking, if you’re coming to the after party, you can have my coat.”

your head whips around, dodging your eyes all around his flickering studded jacket. “oh, i couldn’t take that, everybody would think…i’ll just climb back there and get it.”

michael cuts in, almost desperately, stepping closer and pulling your arm. “what’s wrong with people thinking?”

“michael,” you gasp, your whole body frozen stern. “what are you doing?”

“i’m—“ he breaks away and you both sigh. a part of you wished he could just tell you what you’d always been thinking. but that was too much. clearly, it was too much of a commitment.

“i’m just really glad to see you,” he says instead, his gaze low enough that you could peek at his eyelashes beneath his shades.

“it’s been a while.” you shift your weight again, calm. “i’m glad to see you, too.”

“i’ve missed you. i didn’t realize how much until tonight.”

the two of you must’ve appeared like reprimanded children on the playground. heads bowed, arms around their own bodies for comfort. both at fault for hitting, both fearful of the whip at home. both deeply, deeply sorry for the other one because hadn’t you just been friends a minute ago? what’d we have to go do all that for?

it must’ve been true because michael’s voice quivered out first, unsure of where it would all lead, but sure of one thing. “i’ve been an awful friend to you.”

“an awful friend?” you retort, suddenly ignited. “you—you were my best friend, michael. i was so excited to see you tonight. in spite of everything we’ve gone through in the last year, i was really rooting for you to win. and i get here and you’ve got brooke shields on your arm. i…that was supposed to be me, michael. we pinky swore on it! remember that?” your eyebrows furrow, your shades stick out the end of your outstretched arm. at his silence you retreat, reeling yourself back with folded arms, but not before you spit: “i wish i had that courtesy of being just a friend.”

“it’s been eating me up inside that i let us fall away,” he frowns, “that i let you down with all of my empty promises. i’ve been an idiot. a downright fool. that night in october? that night i didn’t show up?”

“i don’t want to talk about that, michael.” you stomp.

“i was gonna tell you…” his voice trails off, his hands shaking as his fingers reach up to his face, those big bright eyes appearing from underneath his veil. “i was gonna tell you i love you.”

“what are you talking about?” you whisper, tears welling in your eyes.

he wets his lips and sighs, all he’d ever felt now coming to the brim. like his body was tipped over, pouring out the contents of his heart. “i’d been thinking about you and everything we’ve been through together. i don’t think there’s a time of my life i can recall without you in it. you’ve always been here for me, right at my side, like a true friend. like an angel sent down for me. it started to come out in my songs. i could tie every word back to you somehow. when i’d got started, i could fill a whole notebook with all the things i wanted to say. how much i love you…how much i want to be with you. in a way that’s more…more than just a best friend. i…i want you to be mine.”

“i…” your mouth couldn’t grab onto words, any syllable slipped away from you like they’d been coursing down a wild river. his confession stole you from coherence. your heart was left in front of you, flailing its arms in a mad dash to catch a grip of your senses. you were never the best with feelings and love. but with michael there was no need for words, everything could be understood in a glance. he had a grasp on feeling that was unexplainable, it was magical. but he could never see you that way, you thought. he seemed unable to catch your eyes and see what pure adoration you gave. but you’d always loved him. but instead of all that, you said, “i’ve gotta get my coat…”

michael’s expression, left full of longing, dropped into a mortifying grief. his lip quivered, his cheeks a maddening red. “okay.” he nods, feigning resolution and pushing his sunglasses and hands in his pants pockets. “i was really glad to see you,” he murmured again, his sorry goodbye as his body turned away like a skinny, drooping pole.

your mouth twitches, your being struck by the spark of doubt that proceeds a mistake. he turns to go, his jacket still shimmering under the hallway lights. you spot the bright yellow snake, large and curled up on his arm, everything about him shined like the star he'd always been. that was him, your michael, and he was getting away.

“michael!” you call weakly, your hand flew out, reaching for anything and pulling him by the fringe on his shoulder. in your strength, you manage to swing him, the sequins in his jacket nicking your palms as you frantically kiss him. immediately his arms wrap around you, bending your head back as he moves his lips against yours as if he’d done it a million times, owning every movement with expert passion and skill.

your breath shakes as you pull away, watching his eyes and lips. you give a small smile, wiping above his lip with your thumb where some of your lipstick smeared. “sorry…” you mumble sweetly, feeling a giggle come out of you as he held you tight.

“i’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” he says, his heart beating out of his chest.

your smile widens, slowly ironing out under the warmth of your close embrace. “how long?”

“as long as i’ve loved you,” he says, honestly.

“how long is that?”

he smiles languidly, his loving eyes twinkling. “the moment i saw you.”

-

requested by @melodyyybubbles (MWAH!)

[nextgenfoals]

Maybe one of you has done this, but how about Sweetie Belle and Tender Taps?

Pirouette is a ballet dancer, and also teaches younger dancers as well! — Mod Charm 🦋

[unluckiestmember]

can I request mizu with just a very tender and sweet and caring fem reader. Like just giving mizu all of the comfort she never got all these years. Like all the comfort and warmth she lacked suddenly coming all at once and like reader is super patient and just so genuinely kind to mizu

Coming right up!

Mizu (Blue Eye Samurai) X Caring Fem! Reader

Characters: Mizu, Taigen and Ringo.

Tags: Mizu being Mizu, Soft!Mizu, Tender Loving Care, TLC, excessive fluff, Taigen being jealous, Ringo being Ringo, hugging. Just a bunch of cuteness ahead. XD

Warning: SFW. Suggestive Theme.

A/N: Mizu really does need all the love in the world after what she's been through. We love you, Blue Eye Samurai.

With how sweet and caring you naturally were to everyone, Mizu thought one of the following;

You were wearing a facade as a tactic or you were another weak soul in a sea of ignorant and idiotic people.

She didn’t give you the time of day at first, keeping herself away from you, Taigen and Ringo.

But that didn’t stop you from taking care of this woman with all your heart.

When you cared for her wounds from battle, she eased up a bit, thankful for your assistance.

When you held her hand for support, she froze up a bit to the almost foreign concept, but gently held your hand back. She liked that.

When you hugged her, Mizu’s frozen heart found itself thawing.

And when you kissed her, the ice around her heart melted as she kissed you back.

Eventually, she craved your touch. She always needed something from you against her.

Some days she seeped into your arms, picking up your scent and smiling when you kissed her cheek.

Some nights she held you for dear life, cuddling against your body with promises of protecting you from this cruel world.

Taigen couldn’t tell if he should thank you for thawing Mizu’s heart or curse you for being so unnecessarily sweet around him.

Ringo on the other hand thought you guys were the cutest couple he’s ever come across.

Regardless, every sweet action you gave this blue eyed samurai made her become more humane and in tune with her emotions.

Now when you feed her occasionally, she feeds you back.

If you’re checking for injuries and tending to her, Mizu will do the same with ten times more love and care.

If you hug her now, she will hold you and immediately miss your touch when you let go.

Maybe she was happy a long time ago, but nowadays Mizu felt blessed.

You are the source of her happiness and the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

If you got any requests for Blue Eye Samurai, send them my way!

Likes and retweets are always appreciated! I love you all, stay hydrated and have a good day! <3

[gl-saveme]

Oh Geumhui x Kang Taeri // Oh Geumhui x Yoo Bora

Lee Ha-Eum, Kim Pyeong-Hwa, and Seoul Yu-An cast of short form GL drama Tendering Resignation (Request to Resign)

[grimgummies]

Spooky Month: Tender Treats + Hollow Sorrows | Jack

(Requested by @crossover-enthusiast)

[youdisgust]

one more! Sam fluff where we comfort him because he doesn't want to lose us too....!!! ^-^

I'll never leave you

WC: 273

A/N: this is super duper short because i haven't watched spn in like 2 years.

Background Info: this is after dean goes to hell, before cas brings him back. you're sams gf.

You can hear Sam crying again. Two months have passed since Dean got dragged to hell. Sam's been working himself to death trying to find a way to bring him back, but it’s no use. Dean's gone, and Sam can't shake the guilt of it being “all his fault.” 

His tears aren't a surprise, but he'd seemed to be coping better lately. You can't resist going to his room and asking what's wrong.

You sit on his bed, and he pulls you into a hug. "What's wrong, love?" You pull away, wiping his tears. You can’t help but notice how pretty he is when he cries. You cup his face and kiss his jaw. 

"I'm scared to lose you, too," he chokes out through tears. You hate seeing him cry; he's not the type to bawl in your arms over little things. "I worry about you constantly. Every time you leave the motel, I'm afraid you won't come back. It’s bad enough that Deans is gone, but if I were to lose you too–" He looks away, then back. "-I don't know what I'd do."

Tears begin to stream down his face until you wiped them away and kiss him. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise. I'll never leave you," you choked out, tears welling in your eyes. You held him as he sobbed quietly, his trembling body slowly stopped.

He whispers, "Thank you." You hop off, grab the remote, and put on Superbad to lighten the mood. You cuddle and watch until Sam falls asleep. After the movie ends, you turn off the TV, rub his back, and drift off to sleep.

[marstectomy]

i think facing the scar is still tough, even after so many years.

[hotarutheconscience]

One more @rt-gift-exchange entry. One more sweet-sweet art and it was for @fleurderat Hope u like it <3

[shebunie]

hi! heard you're taking requests for mizu... if you're able to, I'd love to see mizu with a y/n that gets super flustered around her! like, she just stutters and fumbles over her words, her face getting all red just because mizu may have looked at her a certain way. she's bad at hiding her obvious crush, but mizu finds it endearing, even cute! she allows herself to be a bit of a tease to y/n, knowing she'll get super red! your fics are super cute, I'd love to see how you'd portray this dynamic!

𝐀 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞

𝗠𝗶𝘇𝘂 𝘅 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗳𝗳, 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲, 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝘀𝗺𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟭𝗸 𝐀/𝐍: 𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹!

In the quaint village nestled amidst the serene snow-covered landscape of Mihonoseki, a delicate dance unfolded in the chilly air, unseen but felt by those caught in its subtle web. Amongst the bustling streets and traditional wooden structures, Mizu, a captivating figure with a mischievous glint in her eyes, held a certain fascination for one in particular—you.

The snowy month painted the village a monochrome masterpiece, the soft flakes of snowfall transforming everything into a serene dreamscape. Mizu, with her flowing dark hair and piercing eyes that mirrored the deep winter night, seemed to effortlessly command attention wherever she went. It was not pleasant.

You, however, found yourself ensnared by more than just the beauty of the season.

One chilly afternoon, as the village bustled with activity, a festival was underway, bringing together children and adults alike to wish for a better year. Hanging their desires, wants, and wishes on a tree was a cherished tradition.

The village was filled with joyous chatter, and laughing children created a symphony of happiness. Various stalls displayed an array of food and trinkets that had you in awe. However, amidst the vibrant festivities, you failed to notice the lingering stare of someone.

“Such a pretty hair jewel! Did you make them?” You asked the owner of a stall, gently picking up a delicate hairpin with their hands.

The stall owner, an elderly woman with a warm smile, nodded and began sharing the story behind each meticulously crafted piece. As you listened intently, a shadow fell over the scene. Mizu had silently approached, her eyes fixated on the interaction between you and the stall owner.

Unbeknownst to you, Mizu had been observing from afar, her curiosity piqued by the genuine interest you displayed in the artisan's work. The mischievous glint in Mizu's eyes intensified as she silently decided to join the conversation.

“Ah, those are exquisite pieces indeed,” Mizu chimed in, her voice like a soft breeze carrying a hint of mystery. You turned, startled by her sudden presence.

Mizu continued, her gaze locked with yours, "I couldn't help but notice your keen eye for beauty. Perhaps," Mizu's eyes sparkled, and with a sly grin, she plucked a delicate snowflake-shaped hairpin from the display.

"This one," she declared, seemingly confident in her choice. "It's like a piece of winter captured in silver and crystals."

With a quick motion, she gracefully slid the hairpin into your hair, her fingers brushing against your locks. The touch sent a shiver down your spine, and you couldn't help but meet her gaze, finding a world of mystery in those deep, piercing eyes.

"It suits you."

The festival's joyful ambience seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in a suspended moment, like snowflakes frozen in midair. The sword wielder’s action caught you off guard, face burst into a flushed tone, you froze. Struggling to voice out a reply.

Grinning at your baffled state she leaned in, beside your ear her voice a soft whisper only you could hear over the festive clamour. 

"You look beautiful." 

You could feel the weight of Mizu's words hanging in the air, the roughness of her voice adding to the enchantment of the moment. The festival's vibrant colours and cheerful sounds dimmed as the atmosphere between the two of you intensified. The delicate snowflake hairpin glistened in your hair, catching the soft glow of the surrounding lanterns.

The flush of warmth spread across your cheeks worsen, you spoke in stammers as Mizu pulled away, her sly grin turning into a gentle smile.

"Than– Thank you, Mizu. You didn't have to buy this for, me." You gazed down at your hands, fiddeling with the digits to keep you distracted from the womans close proximity.

The festival noises gradually seeped back into your awareness, but Mizu's presence remained magnetic. She slyly grabbed a hold of your hand as the other was placed behind the small of your back, gesturing towards the lively stalls and the swirling dancers with a tilt of her head, "Shall we explore the festival together? There's so much more to see, and I'd love your company."

Her invitation hung in the air like a promise of further adventures. With a nod, too stunned to utter a word, you found yourself drawn into the flow of the festival by Mizu's side. The vibrant lights, the tantalizing aroma of festival treats, and the lively music enveloped you both as you meandered through the bustling crowd.

Every now and then, your eyes would meet, which you’d avoid in embarrassment, gaze now fixated on the snow-covered path. Mizu couldn't help but be amused by your bashful demeanour. Her laughter, like wind chimes on a crisp winter day, rang through the air. "You're charmingly shy," she remarked, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. 

"For whatever reason you think it is– stop, stop teasing!”

Mizu's giggle, like a playful melody, filled the air. She leaned back, her gaze meeting yours with a glint of amusement. "Teasing? Me?" she said, feigning innocence, but her eyes betrayed a subtle mischief. "Perhaps a little."

Your playful retort, breaking through the lingering shyness. "You are oddly playful, and I'm getting concerned. Bring my Mizu back." With a turn of your head, facing away from the woman with crossed arms while you huffed.

Her sly grin persisted but now softened with a touch of sincerity. "I can't help but indulge in a bit of fun, especially when your emotions are so effortlessly displayed on your face."

Your heart skipped a beat as Mizu's fingers gently guided your chin, redirecting your gaze to meet hers. The warmth in her eyes seemed to deepen, capturing a sincerity that echoed in her words. The festival's enchantment, once a mere backdrop, now felt like a cocoon enveloping the two of you in a world of shared secrets.

A playful smile played on Mizu's lips as she continued, her voice a whispered melody in the winter night. "There she is," she breathed, as if uncovering a hidden treasure. "You look so endearing right now, how could your Mizu not resist?"

The compliment lingered in the air, creating a moment suspended in time. The festival's vibrant energy seemed to ebb away, leaving only the soft glow of lanterns and the gentle fall of snowflakes. It was as if the world had paused, allowing the connection between you and Mizu to deepen.

Mizu's hand, still cradling your chin, traced a delicate path down, along the veins of your neck, the dip of your collarbone, till she reached the smooth supple skin of your hand, where her fingers interlocked with yours. The touch was tender, a silent promise woven into the fabric of the winter night. As you sat side by side, the festival transformed into a canvas for a shared story, each moment etched with the magic of the unexpected.

The night beckoned with a sense of wonder and anticipation, and Mizu, with a glance filled with unspoken promises, suggested, "Shall we continue our exploration of this enchanting night? There's still so much more to discover, and I'd like nothing more than to have you by my side."

[remyfire]

Feeling a bit unwell about Beej tipping his head up in that particular way. Just btw.

[httyd-art-requests]

Can I request a groncicle? They're my fav game-exclusive dragon bc they look sooo goofy, especially the babies. I miss school of dragons sm 😔 My groncicle was named Eebee 🩵💀

Eebee is such a wonderful name, I'm glad you got to have them while it lasted 🩵 Hopefully you'll like this baby as much as you did the SoD version

Dragon #40 - Groncicle

(Be careful not to wake them though)

[nextgenfoals]

It’s only fair to ask for a ship that any of the mods would like to see. You deserve it guys, your blog is incredible!

Thank you!! Here’s a Applebloom/Tender Taps/Lily Longsocks poly foal! Foxglove is an apprentice potion maker with a mischievous streak. I’m going to keep them for my own next gen c: (~ Mod Ace ♥️)

thank you so much for the opportunity, this was a lot of fun to do!! here's a couple of rarity x princess cadence kiddos for you! fraternal twins marquise & princess cut are both jewelers, though their specialties slightly differ— marquise does engagement rings while princess does the actual wedding bands. i will also be keeping these two! <3 (~ mod honey 🍯)

i chose to do muffindash !! im honestly surprised they havent been requested yet. i would be keeping dribble drop if they werent so similar to my muffins redesign. theyre a free spirit, hopping from job to job trying to find their purpose. — mod bog 🌿

[windydrawallday]

my swindle just so happpens to have his robo pawbs out in display. oooo lockdown you wanna touch them soooo bad oooooooooo

"... I thought those were for his inbuild reader-scanner?"

(I know cybertronian technology is more advanced than an old Earth calculator and that they probably had their own numerical system but I COULDN'T RESIST THE STUPID JOKE)