#bfsi testing

[tonymattblog]

Comprehensive BFSI Software Testing Services for 2025: Ensuring Stability, Security, and Efficiency

The financial landscape is evolving rapidly. Robust software testing services ensure stability, security, and efficiency in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector. ideyaLabs offers a comprehensive suite of BFSI software testing solutions tailored for 2025’s challenges. This blog explores the significance and advantages of BFSI software testing in detail.

Importance of BFSI Software Testing

Software testing is critical due to increasing cybersecurity threats, regulatory compliance, and evolving consumer expectations. Testing prevents disruptions and ensures the smooth functioning of financial operations. ideyaLabs’ BFSI software testing services address these challenges with precision.

Security Testing

Security in BFSI software is paramount. ideyaLabs employs advanced security testing techniques to identify vulnerabilities, ensuring data protection and compliance with international standards. Stringent security measures safeguard against potential breaches.

Functional Testing

Functional testing ensures software applications perform as intended. ideyaLabs conducts exhaustive testing to validate that all functionalities are operating correctly. The meticulous approach prevents functional errors that could disrupt financial transactions.

Regression Testing

The BFSI sector frequently updates its software applications. ideyaLabs provides robust regression testing to ensure new updates do not affect existing functionalities. Continuous testing maintains system integrity and addresses any issues promptly.

Performance Testing

Performance is crucial in BFSI software. ideyaLabs performs rigorous performance testing to evaluate application robustness under high load conditions. This testing ensures applications operate seamlessly during peak times.

Compliance Testing

Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable in the BFSI sector. ideyaLabs offers compliance testing services to ensure software meets all regulatory requirements. Thorough testing prevents legal issues and ensures adherence to industry standards.

Usability Testing

User experience is pivotal in BFSI applications. ideyaLabs conducts comprehensive usability testing to ensure applications are user-friendly and intuitive. Enhanced user experience attracts and retains customers more effectively.

Automation Testing

Automation in BFSI testing accelerates processes and ensures accuracy. ideyaLabs leverages cutting-edge automation tools to perform repetitive tasks efficiently. Automated testing guarantees consistent results and reduces human error.

Mobile Application Testing

The BFSI sector increasingly relies on mobile applications. Mobile application testing by ideyaLabs ensures apps function seamlessly on various devices and operating systems. Enhanced mobile application performance boosts customer satisfaction.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance in BFSI software is non-negotiable. ideyaLabs’ comprehensive QA processes ensure the highest quality standards. Rigorous testing and validation processes guarantee software reliability and robustness.

Integration Testing

Integration testing in BFSI software ensures seamless interaction between different modules. ideyaLabs conducts thorough integration testing to ensure coherent functioning of the entire software ecosystem. Accurate integration prevents operational disruptions.

Data Migration Testing

Data migration in the BFSI sector requires precision. ideyaLabs performs meticulous data migration testing to ensure seamless transition without loss or corruption of data. Reliable data migration preserves data integrity.

Real-Time Testing

Real-time testing in BFSI software evaluates applications under live conditions. ideyaLabs ensures applications can handle real-world scenarios efficiently. Real-time testing guarantees software reliability in practical use.

Benefits of ideyaLabs’ BFSI Software Testing

Enhanced Security: Safeguarding sensitive financial data with rigorous security testing protocols.

Improved Efficiency: Optimizing performance through detailed testing procedures.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to international and regional financial regulations.

Customer Satisfaction: Enhancing user experience through meticulous usability testing.

Operational Reliability: Preventing system disruptions with continuous integration and real-time testing.

Case Study: Enhancing BFSI Software Performance in 2025

A leading financial institution partnered with ideyaLabs to enhance software performance. The institution faced issues with system outages and security vulnerabilities. ideyaLabs implemented an extensive testing regime, including security, performance, and real-time testing. The result was improved system robustness, enhanced security, and significantly reduced downtime. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive testing in maintaining operational continuity.

Expanding BFSI Software Testing Horizons

In 2025, the BFSI sector will continue evolving. ideyaLabs remains committed to expanding the horizons of BFSI software testing. With advancements in technology, ideyaLabs integrates new methodologies and tools to address emerging challenges. Continuous innovation ensures the highest standards of software testing for the BFSI sector.

Contact ideyaLabs for Expert BFSI Software Testing Services

Ensure stability, security, and efficiency of BFSI software with ideyaLabs’ expert testing services. Contact ideyaLabs for tailored solutions that address your specific requirements. Enhance your software robustness and reliability with ideyaLabs’ comprehensive testing approaches.

Conclusion: Investing in Reliable BFSI Software Testing

Investing in reliable BFSI software testing is essential for sustained success. ideyaLabs offers a suite of comprehensive testing services designed to meet the unique needs of the BFSI sector. Rigorous testing ensures security, compliance, and operational excellence. Partner with ideyaLabs to navigate the complexities of BFSI software testing efficiently.

ideyaLabs remains committed to delivering top-notch services, ensuring your financial software applications are secure, efficient, and compliant. Enhance your software performance and reliability with ideyaLabs, your trusted partner in BFSI software testing.

Further Reading on BFSI Software Testing

Explore additional resources on BFSI software testing. ideyaLabs provides in-depth articles and case studies to help you understand the nuances of software testing in the financial sector. Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in BFSI software testing with ideyaLabs.

Why Choose ideyaLabs for BFSI Software Testing

Expertise: Decades of experience in BFSI software testing.

Innovation: Use of advanced technologies to ensure comprehensive testing.

Tailored Solutions: Customized testing strategies to meet specific requirements.

Customer Support: Dedicated support to address client queries and concerns.

Proven Track Record: Successful partnerships with leading financial institutions.

Advancing BFSI Software Testing into the Future

In 2025, BFSI software testing continues to be crucial for operational success. ideyaLabs will advance testing methodologies to stay ahead of emerging threats and challenges. Continuous improvement and innovation ensure ideyaLabs’ testing services lead the industry standard.

Engage with ideyaLabs for Unmatched BFSI Software Testing

Engage with ideyaLabs for unmatched BFSI software testing services. Invest in robust and reliable testing protocols that guarantee the highest quality standards. Contact ideyaLabs today to enhance the performance, security, and compliance of your BFSI software applications.

Final Thoughts on BFSI Software Testing by ideyaLabs

Comprehensive BFSI software testing is indispensable for ensuring the operational integrity of financial institutions. ideyaLabs provides expert testing services to address the sector’s unique needs. Rigorous testing protocols safeguard against potential threats and ensure regulatory compliance. Invest in ideyaLabs BFSI software testing services for reliable, secure, and efficient financial applications in 2025.

[whiztekcorp]

Software Development Company in USA and India

[devopsenabler1-blog]

Driving Innovation: A Case Study on DevOps Implementation in BFSI Domain

Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), technology plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. However, for one BFSI company, the journey toward digital excellence was fraught with challenges in its software development and maintenance processes. With a diverse portfolio of applications and a significant portion outsourced to external vendors, the company grappled with inefficiencies that threatened its operational agility and competitiveness. Identified within this portfolio were 15 core applications deemed critical to the company’s operations, highlighting the urgency for transformative action.

Aspirations for the Future:

Looking ahead, the company envisioned a future state characterized by the establishment of a matured DevSecOps environment. This encompassed several key objectives:

Near-zero Touch Pipeline: Automating product development processes for infrastructure provisioning, application builds, deployments, and configuration changes.

Matured Source-code Management: Implementing robust source-code management processes, complete with review gates, to uphold quality standards.

Defined and Repeatable Release Process: Instituting a standardized release process fortified with quality and security gates to minimize deployment failures and bug leakage.

Modernization: Embracing the latest technological advancements to drive innovation and efficiency.

Common Processes Among Vendors: Establishing standardized processes to enhance understanding and control over the software development lifecycle (SDLC) across different vendors.

Challenges Along the Way:

The path to realizing this vision was beset with challenges, including:

Lack of Source Code Management

Absence of Documentation

Lack of Common Processes

Missing CI/CD and Automated Testing

No Branching and Merging Strategy

Inconsistent Sprint Execution

These challenges collectively hindered the company’s ability to achieve optimal software development, maintenance, and deployment processes. They underscored the critical need for foundational practices such as source code management, documentation, and standardized processes to be addressed comprehensively.

Proposed Solutions:

To overcome these obstacles and pave the way for transformation, the company proposed a phased implementation approach:

Stage 1: Implement Basic DevOps: Commencing with the implementation of fundamental DevOps practices, including source code management and CI/CD processes, for a select group of applications.

Stage 2: Modernization: Progressing towards a more advanced stage involving microservices architecture, test automation, security enhancements, and comprehensive monitoring.

To Expand Your Awareness: https://devopsenabler.com/contact-us

Injecting Security into the SDLC:

Recognizing the paramount importance of security, dedicated measures were introduced to fortify the software development lifecycle. These encompassed:

Security by Design

Secure Coding Practices

Static and Dynamic Application Security Testing (SAST/DAST)

Software Component Analysis

Security Operations

Realizing the Outcomes:

The proposed solution yielded promising outcomes aligned closely with the company’s future aspirations. Leveraging Microsoft Azure’s DevOps capabilities, the company witnessed:

Establishment of common processes and enhanced visibility across different vendors.

Implementation of Azure DevOps for organized version control, sprint planning, and streamlined workflows.

Automation of builds, deployments, and infrastructure provisioning through Azure Pipelines and Automation.

Improved code quality, security, and release management processes.

Transition to microservices architecture and comprehensive monitoring using Azure services.

The BFSI company embarked on a transformative journey towards establishing a matured DevSecOps environment. This journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, underscores the critical importance of innovation and adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. As the company continues to evolve and innovate, the adoption of DevSecOps principles will serve as a cornerstone in driving efficiency, security, and ultimately, the delivery of superior customer experiences in the dynamic realm of BFSI.

Contact Information:

Phone: 080-28473200 / +91 8880 38 18 58

Email: sales@devopsenabler.com

Address: DevOps Enabler & Co, 2nd Floor, F86 Building, ITI Limited, Doorvaninagar, Bangalore 560016.

[godmadeaterribleerror]

Chapter 24 - You'll Never Be Alone

Series Masterlist

Author's Note: Big chapter for fans of character development paying off. Chapter Title from Ready For It...? by Taylor Swift

Word Count: 22.7k

Chapter Summary/Warnings: You, Ben, and Butcher meet with Stan Edgar, and everyone adjusts to a new dynamic. Usual warnings, plus some extra smut.

Tags: Soldier Boy/Supe!Female Reader, canon divergence, enemies to friends to lovers, canon divergence, smut, fluff, light angst, established relationship

Read on A03!

Chapter 23 - Chapter 25

“What the fuck are you doing in my garden?” 

Ben turned to find MM glaring at him—arms crossed and eyes narrowed—in the doorway of the room. First off, garden was a generous fucking exaggeration. They were in a sad little greenhouse with peppers, tomatoes, and a weird fucking green thing Ben didn’t recognize. There weren’t even flowers. Gardens should have fucking flowers. And this was a goddamn public space, not MM’s. Ben was fucking allowed to be here, and if he wasn’t, they shouldn’t make it so easily accessible.

“Test,” Ben grunted, scowling at MM and not moving from his place at the wall. “What the fuck are you doing here.” 

“Like I said, this is my motherfucking garden. I’m here to check on the cucamelon,” MM pointed to the green thing, still glowering at Ben. “Whatever weird fucking test you’re doing, get the hell out so I can work.”

“No.”

“Soldier Boy, if you don’t get your ass out of my garden-“

Ben rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to fucking stomp on your cuckamelon-“

“Cucamelon-“

“And this isn’t your fucking garden. It’s the BFSI’s, so I’m allowed to be here.”

“It is my fucking garden,” MM sneered. “And until I see any of you assholes stepping up to take care of it, I get the whole monopoly over it. Out.”

Ben scowled, glaring around the plants. “If it’s only you, you’re doing a fucking dogshit job. This looks goddamn pathetic-“

“I’d like to see you do fucking better-“

“I am not a pussy who gardens,” Ben snapped. “I’m a fucking man, and I’ve got other shit to do beside whine about plants-“

“Like your secret test?” MM looked Ben up and down, taking in his rigid stance at the edge of the room. “What the fuck are you testing in here, if you’re too much of a masculine asshole to garden.”

“That’s none of your goddamn business-“

Ready?

Ben paused, keeping his eyes trained on MM as he answered Her in his head. Ready. Be fucking fast. And for the record, I still think this is stupid-

It is not stupid, it’s important. We need to know the limits of this, Ben, and it’s not like we can just google “what to expect when you’ve planted your brain in someone,” we have to figure it out ourselves-

I’m doing it, Sunshine. But it’s fucking stupid.

Cunt.

Brat. Hurry the fuck up, I’m stuck with-

Shut it, Pretty Boy, the whole point is you don’t give me any hints-

“What the hell is happening with your face.”

Ben blinked as MM cut through Her scolding. “My face looks the exact fucking same-“

“You got all puppy-eyed and just stopped talking.” MM scanned Ben’s face with a frown. “Where the hell is the only likable part of you, why’d she leave you unsupervised-“

“I am not a goddamn child, I’m allowed to walk around by my damn self-“

“But you don’t.” MM muttered. “She went to the bathroom at dinner last night, and you looked like you’d gotten goddamn lost. So I’ll ask one last fucking time, why are you in my garden-“

MM’s words were cut off as the door slammed into his back, and Her eyes widened as he stumbled forward.

“Shit, MM, I’m sorry, I didn’t think anyone would be in here except Ben-“

“What the hell is going on-“

“How the fuck did you do that so fast.” Ben grunted, ignoring MM’s glare. “Did you cheat-“

“I didn’t cheat, Benjamin.” She wrinkled Her nose at him. “And you fucking told me to go fast-“

“You barely took a minute, so unless you were running-“

“I was running,” She shrugged. “I wanted to win.”

MM blinked. “Win what-“

“You can’t fucking win this-“ 

“The fuck I can’t,” She grinned. “You took seven minutes, and I took barely forty-five seconds. I win.” 

“I went first, that’s not a even playing field-“ 

“I offered to go first, and you said,” Her voice dropped into that terrible fucking impression of Ben, a smug look still dancing in her pretty eyes. “No. I’m first, or I’m not doing this stupid fucking test. And I asked why, and you said because I’m not a fucking pussy. I’m first. And I told you that those two things have absolutely no correlation-“

“What the fuck are you two doing?” MM’s voice had risen to a shout, and She and Ben frowned at him. “And why does it have to happen in my garden?” 

“Test,” She muttered, looking around the room with a frown. “I didn’t know we had a garden.”

“You don’t-“

“Did you know there’s a fucking pool?” Ben gave MM a glare. “Why the fuck didn’t you pussies tell how huge this place it-“ 

“It’s not a resort.” MM snapped. “And if one of you doesn’t start answering my question right fucking now-“

“We’re trying to see if we’re like pigeons-“

Ben scowled. “I vetoed calling us pigeons-“

“Shut up. They have a homing instinct, this is a homing instinct. And pigeons are cool, Ben, they’re international and both the males and females produce milk-“

“I am not producing fucking milk-“

“Can you idiots stay on topic for just five goddamn minutes?” MM ran a hand over his face, giving Her a flat look. “Why the hell do you think you have a homing instinct?”

“The Ben Thing,” She tapped her chest, sighing when MM gave her a blank stare. “The part of me that’s in Ben. I have a theory that it’s like a beacon, because I can always tell when he’s near me and I think I used it to figure out how to get home after the whole tower thing-“

“And why,” MM grunted. “Does that mean you have to be in my garden.”

“We’re taking turns hiding, to see if we can just follow the instinct to find each other.” She crossed her arms with a shrug. “Ben found me in one of the empty apartments, and I found him here, I guess.” She gave Ben a grin. “In forty five fucking seconds.”

“Shut the fuck up.” Ben narrowed his eyes and reached out an arm to try and prompt Her over to his side. Her grin grew—spreading across her perfect face and lighting up her eyes—and she took his hand, letting Ben tug her forward and spin her to lean against his chest. “I didn’t know it was a goddamn race, I would’ve walked a whole lot faster-“

She tilted her head back, smiling up at him. “Did you forget your cane, old man-“

Ben swallowed Her words with a kiss, squeezing her body in his hold and sitting in the comfortable, easy warmth that spread through him when she sighed into his mouth.

Brat.

Cunt. Old, grumpy, cunt.

You know better than fucking anyone that I am not old-

“Can you not mind-fuck each other in front of me?” MM cut through their conversation, and Ben glared up at him as Her face flushed.

“Sorry, MM-“

“Just get out of my garden,” MM sighed, gesturing to the door. “I’ll see you in a few hours for the meeting.”

She nodded, twisting out of Ben’s grip and pulling him to the hall—calling another string of apologies to MM over her shoulder as they left—and when the door closed behind them, Ben leaned down to mutter in Her ear.

“What fucking meeting do we have later.”

“Pre-Edgar, at 2.”

“I thought it was just us and Butcher-“

“It is,” She shrugged, falling a pace back to walk at Ben’s side. “But we’re doing a quick briefing about what to expect with everyone. We don’t know what Edgar wants yet, and if it’s something bad-“

“Doesn’t matter what he wants,” Ben grunted, glaring at the walls ahead of them. “I’ll fucking do it, and that will be the end of this shit.” 

She sighed. “What if he tells you to kill Singer, Ben? Or break him out of prison, or traffic something for him? Something illegal-“

“I don’t give a fuck-“

“And that,” She wrinkled her nose at him. “Is why we’re doing the meeting. So you don’t commit a crime.”

“I’ve committed a fuck ton more crimes being payed by the CIA, don’t know when it got taken over by a bunch of fucking spineless pussies who are all uptight and selective about doing their goddamn jobs-“

She snorted. “I don't think anyone has ever called the CIA uptight. They’re just more subtle about their crimes now. And allowing Soldier Boy to assassinate the president for a former corrupt CEO isn’t exactly going to go under the radar.”

Ben rolled his eyes. “Smartass.”

“Uh huh.” She paused her steps, frowning at him. “Ben.”

He grunted, watching Her examine his face, listening to her heart hum in her chest.

“Promise me you won’t just do whatever Edgar asks. I know you made a deal, but it could be dangerous-“

“I can handle some fucking danger-“

“I know you can,” She sighed. “I just, I don’t want to lose you because you’re such a weirdly honorable asshole. If Edgar’s demand is something unconstitutional or illegal or borderline impossible to do, please promise me you won’t do it.”

He couldn’t promise that. Ben had sworn on Her life, on her safety, that he’d come through when Edgar called. But he also wouldn’t lose Her. That option wasn’t even on the fucking table, because not matter what Edgar told him to do, Ben wasn’t going to let himself lose her over it. He’d take care of it, fast and quick and brutal, and find his way back to Her. That’s what this whole goddamn pigeon shit was about. Always fucking finding each other.

But Ben couldn’t lie to Her. It made him feel a little fucking sick, and She always knew he was lying, and that made him more sick. Like the part of Her inside him knew he was doing something he wasn’t supposed to, and pushing up his throat until he swallowed it with the truth.

So he settled on a truth.

Ben said Her name, holding her gaze. “You aren’t going to fucking lose me. Swear it on my goddamn life.”

“That’s not what I asked you.” Her eyes narrowed, the chew of her mouth turning her lips red, and Ben knew he hadn’t gotten out of this so easy. He wasn’t sure why he’d even fucking bothered. “I’m not fucking losing you to something so stupid, Benjamin, so promise me-“

“No.”

She shoved at his chest. “God fucking dammit, you asshole, just promise me-“

“I am not making you a promise I don’t intend on keeping,” he snapped, catching Her hands. “If Edgar asks me to kill Butcher, right fucking there, I’m doing it. But you will not lose me.”

Why? Her voice was strangled in his head, and Ben felt an ache around his skull. You don’t have to do what Edgar tells you, he’s can’t hurt you-

Ben's jaw clenched, and he forced himself to hold Her sad gaze. He can hurt you. I’m not going to fucking let him hurt you.

He won’t hurt me, Ben. She blinked at him, tilting Her head. He can’t hurt me.

He’ll try-

And he won’t succeed. She gave him a small smile. I’m okay. I’m not losing you either, Pretty Boy.

Ben scowled. It’s a fuck ton more complicated than that-

It’s not. You burn, I burn. She leaned up, kissing Ben’s cheek and pressing her brow to his. Please don’t be a fucking dummy and promise me you’ll draw a line with Edgar.

He scanned Her gentle face, and loved Her even fucking more. Ben got to draw the line. She never misused words—everything she said was carefully calculated and designed, every word stupid deliberate and impossibly weighted—and she was making sure Ben knew she trusted his judgment. That no matter what the team told them, it would be Ben’s call what to do, and She’d stand with him. It was insufferable, how understanding and kind She was, even as she was being a pain in his goddamn ass.

I’ll draw a line. He kissed the top of Her head, and her heartbeat slowed. Swear it.

Thank you. She sighed. I love you, you huge fucking dumb dumb.

I love you too, brat.

She pulled back, giving Ben a smile that was so fucking happy and comfortable it made the whole goddamn world a little easier. It was a little insane, how Her loving him and smiling at him and linking their arms together—dragging him back to their apartment—made Ben’s whole fucking life better. How over the past four days—biding time until Singer got off his fucking ass to give them some V or Mallory got the meeting with Edgar set up—Ben had never been fucking happier. He didn’t know it was possible to be this happy. This was the type of fucking high he’d been chasing his whole goddamn life, and now it was in him.

He could feel it now. She’d insisted on running test after fucking test of their own, telling Ben—with sharp, pretty eyes and a pout that made him want to eat Her—that they needed to figure out how to use this properly. He’d argued that they’d just fucking work it out through trial and error, because it wasn’t like this was a goddamn emergency. They were immortal, they had all the time in the fucking world to work out how this brain bond shit worked. She’d told him that was fucking dumb, but if he need an incentive, She’d let Ben fuck her right after they finished every test as a reward for good behavior.

She’d have let him do that anyway, and they both fucking knew it. Between how She’d been squirming under him in the mornings, climbing on top of him every night, and had almost tackled him to the floor after he’d finished training with Ryan, Ben was starting to think she was hornier than he was. It was fucking impressive, how She didn’t ever seem satiated. She was satisfied, always smiling at him after with glazed, fucked-out eyes that made Ben almost goddamn explode with pride—he’d done that, she was so beautiful and content and blissful under Ben because Her loved her, so he’d worshipped her and touched her right—but she was never satiated. She watched Ben at the dinner table like she’d been wandering the desert for a thousand fucking year and he was oasis, before dragging him into one of the goddamn dining hall bathrooms, dropping to Her knees, and moaning as she wrapped her lips around his cock.

He fucking loved Her. And he’d never be sure how he’d gotten so goddamn lucky, that She loved him. So Ben had agreed to Her terms, and used them to his best fucking advantage. She’d made them stand on opposite ends of the compound to test if there was a distance limit—there wasn’t—and Ben had fucked Her against the door of their apartment. She’d made them sit across from each other and practice selection of what thoughts they shared—it was purposeful, and Ben wasn’t sure how, but he was able to share and withhold thoughts like lowering or raising his voice—and he’d fucked Her on the table.

And, though he’d never fucking admit it to Her, but the more they tested the connection, the more Ben could feel it. More than just a pure instinct of Her, Her, Her, pounding in his chest and guiding his heartbeat, but something fucking tangible. When they’d started the pigeon test—she also could never fucking know Ben had called it that—there had been a strange feeling of go. Something good is calling you forward, so follow it, in Ben, so he’d done just that. It hadn’t wavered or faded in and out, only grown stronger and stronger the closer he’d gotten, and it had felt like home. It had been a magnet, carving out a path he couldn’t see but still understood, singing a bright, powerful song in his head that had been reduced to a hum when he’d found Her. A natural, steady hum that was in key with Her heart, and ran through Ben’s mind whenever he was awake.

There wasn’t any other fucking way to put it. It was Her, it felt sharp and infinite and alight and Her. It blossomed whenever She touched Ben, and left something sweet that lingered on his tongue all the time.

And there hadn’t been a fucking chance he was going to describe it to the team like that.

She’d explained the connection a few nights over dinner, looking to Frenchie for confirmation on the science shit and letting Ben sit—rigid with Her tucked perfectly against him—in silence while she handled questions.

“What the fuck you mean you planted yourself in Soldier Boy?” MM had snapped, shaking his head like they hadn’t all seen much weirder fucking shit over their lives. “Did you put a parasite in him-“

“She’s not a fucking parasite,” Ben had grunted, and shot MM a glare. “It’s just her brain in me, you dumb cock-head-“

“The fuck did you just call me-“

“Ladies,” Butcher had drawled, looking between MM and Ben with narrowed eyes. “You’re both real fuckin pretty, and your balls are massive, but can we answer some real fuckin questions? Like if we,” he’d gestured around the rest of the table. “Are all in danger of gettin a fuckin Anomaly brain infection. No offense, Love, but I’ll shoot my skull in before I feel you all the bleedin time-“

She’d given Butcher a flat look. “There’s literally no way for me to not take offense to that, but no. You don’t have to worry about that. Frenchie said it was surprising it even happened once.”

“It is fucking bananas,” Frenchie had nodded in agreement. “I would even call it batshit crazy-“

“We get it, Mate, don’t need to worry-“

“I have a question.” Hughie had blurted over Butcher, face red as he made an apologetic flinch. “What does, um, feeling each other mean? Like, is it in your head, or physical-“

“It’s both,” She’d shrugged. “It’s sort of an additional sense, I guess. Like I can hear and taste and smell and Ben. It just is. Sorry, I know that’s not helpful, but-“ 

“And pathetically fuckin sappy-“ 

“Shut it, Butcher.” She’d shot the man a glare, before turning back to Hughie with a shrug. “It’s all I can offer. I mean,” She’d paused, voice resuming in Ben’s head. Do you want to try to describe it?

Fuck no.

Ben had seen Her lips twitch with a laugh, and counted it as a triumph as she’d resumed. “Sorry, yeah. That's all I’ve got.”

There had been other questions. A truly stupid amount of them, for a bunch of people who were in no way actually fucking part of this. It was for Her and Ben, this connection, and not a single other pussy fucker on the planet. This was about how She curled on his lap every night when they watched TV, making mumbled comments and jokes as Ben traced patterns on her skin, resting his chin on the top of her head. It was about how she kept smiling at him, all fucking day, and Ben got to dance her around their kitchen until she was all pretty and flushed in his arms. How they were still showering together, but now it ended with Ben pushing her against the tile, kissing her neck as he seated himself deep in her pretty cunt and her moans mixed with the steam. How there were still tears and screams in the dead of night that woke Ben up, the scorching heat twisting his skin, but She came down quickly and never tried to tell him that it didn’t matter, or made any attempts to fucking apologize to him.

This was about how Ben could feel Her pain as she sobbed in his arms, and it was grueling and fucking horrible—freezing his blood and lungs and mind to a white-hot fever, running through some deep part of Ben’s head and making something snap around in his gut—but when it faded Ben could hear the steady sound of Her heart and kiss the top of Her head, let her fall asleep with a soft sigh. Her perfect face peace, buried against his chest, and her body relaxed into his. It was about how—for all that fucking torture as the cracks he could feel in Her closed—he also got to feel the best parts of Her. Ben got to watch Her grow wrecked under his touch, feel her nails dig into his skin and listen to her pleas and moans and whine, and feel it. Feel the way She loved him, how he was fucking everything to her. Her love made Ben feel eternal and strong and so fucking alive. It made something in him light up, how this was all them. It was all just Her, scratching his back and moaning his name and looking at Ben like he was good.

It was about how Ben fucking believed it. How, when she smiled at him and teased him and loved him, Ben thought he might be good. That he wasn’t just not Homelander, not Butcher, not a complete fucking waste and failure, but good.

“Do you think we have a movie theater as well?” She was looking up at Ben as they walked, and he frowned.

“We fucking might, at the rate these damn things are popping up. Christ, what the fuck do we need a garden for, they feed us.”

“Seems to make MM happy,” She shrugged. “And gardening can just be to like, relax. I wouldn’t have thought gardening would relax MM-“

“Because he’s a fucking man-“

“Because he’s OCD, dumbass.” She slapped his arm, and Ben scowled. “Gardens are mostly dirt, and dirt is full of, well, dirt. It’s not exactly hygienic. And men can garden, Pretty Boy. You can grow some very masculine potatoes.”

“If you’re about to try and talk me into fucking gardening with you-“

“Not a chance in hell,” She wrinkled her nose at the air. “My mom used to try and make me garden, it was awful. You get all sweaty and dirty, and then you have to wait for months just to pull a sad little carrot out of the ground. Pass.”

“Maybe we should try gardening,” Ben winked at Her, tugging her closer into his side. “I like you all sweaty and dirty, and my carrot isn’t sad or little. It’s huge, and all fucking yours.”

“Shut the fuck up,” She mumbled, trying to hide her perfect flush in Ben’s chest, letting him guide their steps. “Horny cunt.”

Ben leaned down to whisper in Her ear, smirking at the shiver of her spine under his hand. “I think you’ve got the horny cunt, Sunshine. I think you’re already fucking hot and wet, just thinking about how I’m going to fuck you when we get home. Want me to tell you what we’re doing, or you want it to be a surprise?”

She made a small sound, muffled against Ben’s body. Highlights, please.

Of course, my love. That got a high whine, and Ben grinned. Every single fucking time he called her that, the reaction got better. A part of him wanted to see if he could say that in the right tone, at the right moment, and make Her cum on the spot. I’m thinking I fuck you fast. Rough and hard, until we break the fucking bed. I’ll eat you out first, have to take care of you, see if we can finally get you to fucking squirt all over my face, but then I’m going to fucking split you open on my cock. Make your pretty eyes roll back in your damn head, see if I can get you so fucked out you forget your own goddamn name.

She swallowed, leaning further into his body. That it?

He snorted. You want more? So desperate for me that my tongue and cock aren’t enough? Need my fucking hands as well?

Yes.

Who’s fucking horny now-

Shut up, you have nice hands.

Ben grinned. What about my hands do you like, Sunshine?

Fuck you.

Tell me about my hands, and I’ll fuck you till you can’t damn walk.

She sighed against him. They’re big. And rough. And strong. And, fuck- Ben had started to trace his finger over Her collarbone, and smirked as she moaned into him. You’re such a fucking asshole-

Finish telling me about my hands, beautiful. You imagining them inside your pussy? In your mouth? Rubbing on your clit until you make that perfect fucking whine when you cum-

Ben-

Want me to make you all sweaty and dirty with just my fucking fingers? Want them to fuck you until you’re squeezing around me-

Fuck, Ben, you dick-

You are inpatient, Ben chuckled as she started to tug at his shirt. Of course you hate fucking gardening, you love me and you’re calling me a cunt for just damn teasing you. Can’t imagine what you’d do to something you hate, like a slow fucking plant that won’t grow- 

I don’t hate plants, Her voice was breathless in Ben’s head, and her heartbeat was so fast it might burst right out of her chest. I like flowers.

Ben made a note—filed in the part of his mind that was completely designated for Her, caring about her and tending to her and loving her—to ask MM to start planting flowers in his pathetic little garden. If MM said no, Ben added some ideas for graphic threats that he—probably—wouldn’t actually follow through on. He’d have to do it later though, because right now She was half slumped against his body, breath heavy and hot on his skin, and they were right in front of their apartment door.

She fumbled with the keycard, and Ben pulled her through the door before it was even half fucking open. She gave a squeal as he hauled her up in his arms, and they were upstairs before the door was even fucking closed behind them.

He’d seen the clock on the stove. They now had an hour until the meeting, and Ben was going to make the fucking most of it. He’d been planning on having them do some training—practicing some punches and working on Her fire until she made a smart fucking comment and he’d pin her under him and fuck her until she was drooling—but now he had to prioritize. They’d been training every goddamn day, and Ben had made himself hard from teasing her, so he made the call that fucking Her was a whole lot more important.

They didn’t make it to the bed. The door slammed behind them, She started squirming in Ben’s arms, and he turned them around to push Her against the wall.

Ben dropped his head to the crook of Her neck, biting and sucking at that spot on her neck, blinding grabbing at her jeans to rip them away.

“Want me to fuck you with my fingers first?” Ben said Her name, grinning against her as she moaned, starting to grind on his torso. “Use my hands like you’ve fucking fantasized about? Fill you up-”

“I have not fucking fantasized-“

Ben shoved his hand between Her legs, running two fingers over her pussy as he kissed along her collarbone. Liar.

Fuck you-

Tell me all the things you’ve wanted me to do with my hands, beautiful. Tell me how to fuck you.

I, fuck, She took a ragged breath, and Ben’s hand stilled over her, pressing against her warm cunt with no friction. Want you to tease me.

Ben smirked, and resumed his movements. Careful strokes over the wet spot on her underwear, light touches up and down until she was soaked through the fabric. Keep going, Sunshine. I’ve got you.

Ben-

Tell me what you want.

Please-

He stopped moving again. Words, my love.

She whined, throwing her head back as Ben nipped at a pulse point. I, God, I want you to play with my clit until I’m close, then finger fuck me until I scream.

He hummed, gliding his hand over Her clit, flicking it once, then resting his hand at the hem of her panties. That it?

You fucking asshole-

Ben grunted Her name, aloud against her skin, and she moaned.

Fuck, I, good. Call me good, please, Ben, fuck-

He didn’t waste another goddamn second. Ben pushed his hand under Her underwear and pressed two fingers against her clit, rubbing slow, large circles. Was that so fucking hard?

You dick, fuck, Ben-

My dick is hard as well, Ben angled his hips up, pressing his erection against Her core and smirking at the whimper that escaped her throat. But you just look so fucking good, all wrecked on my hand. Gets me fucking going, when you say my name-

Ben-

He groaned on her skin, and tore off her panties, slapping her dripping pussy once before running his thumb over her clit, dropping it to trace between her folds, over her slit. Good, beautiful, just like that.

She made a loud, strangled sound and Ben chuckled, rubbing his palm against her, faster and faster until she was panting, clawing at his neck.

So fucking good. Love how fucking wet you get, love how you sound, Christ, I fucking love you-

Please, close-

Ben pushed two fingers in Her at once, and started to pump as fast as he fucking could. Her pussy was contracting around him already, her arms around his neck loose, and when Ben pulled his head up to meet her eyes, She looked fucking ruined. Eyes unfocused and fluttering, pretty lips parted with tiny moans, whole face slack with pleasure. She was so fucking perfect, so fucking beautiful, a goddamn work of art-

Benjamin, Her head dropped forward, nose bumping with his as her lips brushed across his beard. You, need you, need to cum-

Scream, beautiful. You’ll have to fucking scream-

Ben almost came in his fucking pants when—just as his fingers hit the deepest part of Her—She let out a deafening, high and needy scream of his name.

“Good girl,” his voice was hoarse, and Her hands were tugging at his head, trying to move his mouth to hers. “Want to cum?”

“Please-“ Ben slammed Her head back to the wall with a bruising kiss, and she moaned down his throat. God, yes, Ben-

He scissored his fingers in Her pussy, pressing on that button inside her, and groaned as she dribbled down his palm, the most sinfully wet sounds echoing in his head as he fucked her through her release, only drawing away when she gave an airy, happy sigh.

Ben looked down, between their bodies, and examined his hand. “Closer.” 

“That one wasn’t even that small-”

“You can do more,” he grunted, reaching up to press his thumb against Her lips, smirking at soft whine that escaped her. “Taste.”

She opened for him, and Ben felt his jaw clench when her tongue ran over him, sucking long and hard, humming around his fingers in her mouth.

“Fucking Christ,” he shook his head as she pulled off of him with a pop. “You’re perfect. Fucking love you-“

Ben groaned as she leaned forwards, hands curling on his head as she kissed him. Long and rough, and he could fucking taste Her in her own mouth. Proper fucking pussy, the best thing in the goddamn world, all Her, and what Ben fucking did to her.

They pulled apart with quick, uneven breaths, and Ben felt something soft and bright swell through his chest at She smiled at him. “Hi.”

“Hi, Sunshine.”

“That was,” she took a deep, slightly ragged breath, and Ben could hear Her heart, still running in her chest. “Fuck.”

He snorted. “I know. You like me calling you good girl, huh.” Ben winked at Her. “That do it for you more than brat?”

She whacked his arm. “Shut up, Mr. Say My Name and Beg.”

“You like fucking begging-“

“And you like calling me a good girl. And brat.” She ground against him, and Ben hissed as she rubbed right over his cock, straining through his pants. “Want some help with that, Pretty Boy?”

Ben didn’t need to be asked twice. He didn’t really fucking care for these pants anyways, and certainly wasn’t going to mourn them after he ripped them off his body—boxers gone in the same movement—and angled himself against Her.

She gasped—nails digging into his skin and eyes wide—as Ben ran his cock between her still dripping pussy, holding Her gaze. “Want me to fuck you, beautiful? Want to get my dick all fucking wet in your pretty cunt? Make you fucking scream again?”

Yes, please, fuck yes-

He bite Her lip as he pushed into her, eating her moan and squeezing her perfect fucking ass until she was melted against him. Until Her body was fucking falling forward, letting Ben support her carefully against the wall as he bottomed out. He couldn’t move yet. She kept goddamn squeezing him, and all her moans were rolling down his throat, so if Ben started moving now he wouldn’t fucking last.

Relax, he grunted Her name in his head, and she whimpered. Need you to fucking relax, my love-

She squirmed around him, and Ben groaned, pushing her further against the wall.

Christ, Sunshine, you’re going to fucking kill me-

Ben, please, just move-

He took a long breath, pulling Her tongue between his teeth and smirking at her moan. Not until you fucking behave and stop moving, brat. Be fucking good for me-

It was amazing how fast She listened. Every bit of tension left her body as she relaxed against him, her heart running out of Her chest, and when all her love pushed into Ben’s body it was like he’d been fucking shot. Everything in his body became boundless, and the world felt sharp and safe and warm. Everything was Her, wrapped around him and fucking perfect.

Please, Her voice in Ben's head came in time with a soft, small, needy sound that fell from her lips. Fuck me.

He swallowed, kissing her once, gentle and careful to ground himself in Her body. Want it fast, beautiful? Want to me to fucking break you, make your knees fucking weak, make you fucking dizzy-

God, yes-

Ben couldn’t deny Her if he tried. Not when She was molded against him like she belonged there—which she fucking did—or when she was so fucking beautiful. Not when She loved him like this, and he got to fucking feel it. So he braced an arm against the wall, pushing her further up his body, and started ramming himself into her with a fucking purpose.

He’d known he could die like this for a while. Go fucking insane from how beautiful she was, how She touched him and moaned Benjamin in his ear. He’d been real fucking certain that She’d be the end of him, of his fucking sanity, and that he was more than goddamn okay with it.

He still hadn’t fully anticipated just how correct he’d been. How, when she threw Her head back and whined, when she started to roll Her hips around Ben’s cock and a hazy, golden smoke started to fill the room around them, he felt like he’d found fucking heaven.

“Like that?” He grunted Her name in her ear, emphasizing every word with another rough thrust of his hips into her. “Tell me how it feels, how much you fucking love my cock wrecking your perfect fucking pussy-“

Ben, fuck-

“Aloud,” he sucked on Her low lip, drawing one of those perfect fucking whines from her throat. “Use all your smart fucking words, beautiful, talk to me-“

“Feels good,” Her words were choked, breathed into Ben’s mouth. “Feels so good, you’re so fucking big, feel so full-“

“Like being full of me?” He muttered, giving her ass a gentle slap, and she nodded frantically against him. “Think you can be real fucking good for me, fucking drench my cock, fucking squeeze me-“

She moaned, cunt tightening around him, and Ben almost fucking lost it.

“Good girl,” he growled Her name, smirking at Her whimper. “You’re real fucking closer, aren’t you. Ready to fucking cum, darling?”

“Fuck,” She gasped, and Ben leaned back to see her fucking glowing. Burning and burning without flame, Her love coiling tight in his gut as she watched him with pretty, glossy eyes. “Close, Ben, I’m close, need more-“

“I know, can fucking feel it.” Ben grunted, dropping his head to Her shoulder as he started to lose control, but fuck she was perfect, felt like fucking paradise around him, moaning his name all desperate and fucking loving him, and fuck-

“Please, Ben-“

He groaned, tracing his tongue over her teeth, and felt release slam into him like a goddamn train. She screamed again—fucking screamed, loud and desperate and perfect—and Ben almost fell over as Her own orgasm pushed his further. Everything was blinding, his vision growing blurred as he twitched inside of her, holding her carefully until they both came down.

She hummed softly in his ear. “Darling?”

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say it was bad.” Ben pulled back to glower at Her, and found her pouting at him, light dancing in her eyes. “I liked it.”

He nodded slowly—adding darling to growing list of things he, and not a single other fucking person, got to call Her—and looked to where he was still sheathed inside Her. “You didn’t squirt.”

She shrugged. “I don’t always squirt, and it usually requires some clit stimu- Fuck-“

Ben had pressed his thumb over Her, rubbing small circles and examining her perfect features. “That better?”

“We,” Her breath hitched as Ben moved faster, and he chuckled at her glare. “Benjamin, we’ve got the, fuck, we’ve got the meeting-“

“They can wait-“

The door slammed downstairs, and Ben’s body moved faster than his brain. Pulling himself out Her, tossing her—carefully, but quickly—onto the bed, and ducking down to grab his gun from under the mattress.

“Ben, slow down-“

“Stay there,” he snapped, shooting Her a glare as she started to scoot off the bed. “Don’t move until I come back.”

“You are not my boss, you cunt-“

He didn’t have the fucking time to argue. Whoever was in their apartment—heavy steps, even, almost lazy heartbeat—had climbed upstairs, moving closer to their room. Ben drew up, pointed a finger at her, fucking stay, and raised his gun.

Benjamin, you paranoid asshole-

He yanked the door open, clicking the safety off, and slammed the door behind him as he stepped into the hall.

“Bloody Christ, Gov, where the fuckin hell are you trousers?!”

Ben looked Butcher up and down, and lowered his gun with a scowl. “Why are you in my house.”

Not a house, Pretty Boy. And I fucking told you-

Shut the fuck up. He paused, hearing Her shuffle around in the bedroom. What are you doing.

Getting dressed.

I told you to fucking stay-

It’s just Butcher-

And we don’t know why the hell he’s here-

“Oi,” Butcher gave Ben a sarcastic wave. “I can see your fuckin semi, mate, stop sending each other nudes and bloody pay attention-“

The door opened behind Ben, and She stopped at Ben’s side with her arms crossed, frowning between him and Butcher. “We weren’t sending each other nudes, Butcher. Answer Ben’s question, why are you here.”

Butcher looked Her up and down—her lips still slightly swollen, face still flushed, and her shirt, Ben’s shirt, inside out—and smirked. “I’m sorry Love, was I fuckin interrupting somethin-“

“Yes-“

She stomped on Ben’s foot, Shut up, and glared at Butcher. “Not your business-“

“It’s my business if Soldier Boy’s flashin me his half-hard dick-“

She sighed, side-stepping in front of Ben, blocking him from Buchter’s view. “Tell us what the fuck you’re doing here.” 

Butcher scowled. “We’re takin off now. Need you twats at the elevator in five.”

She blinked. “What about the briefing-“

“Mallory fucked up. Got the wrong time for Edgar’s transport. He’s gettin there at 2, not leavin from the fuckin penitentiary.”

“Oh, shit,” She swallowed, and Ben heard the tapping begin. “We’re supposed to be there before him-“

“So we’re leavin now. Get some bloody pants on your fuckin idiot, and meet me at the elevator.”

She nodded, not bothering to say goodbye to Butcher as she grabbed Ben’s arm and tugged him back into the bedroom.

When the door closed behind them, She marched over to the dresser and fucking chucked Ben’s supe suit at his face.

“What’s wrong with you-“

“Nothing.”

Ben scowled. “You’re lying,” he grunted Her name, watching her take off his shirt and flip it to the right side. “Your going to fucking bite through your mouth, and won’t goddamn look at me-“

“That’s because you’re being an asshole.” She snapped. “You are not my boss, Benjamin, and I am not a child-“

“What the fuck are you talking about-“

She turned to him with a look that almost made Ben flinch. “I love you, and I trust you with my life, but you are not allowed to tell me what and what not to do. I’m fucking serious, Ben, I can take care of myself-”

“But you don’t,” he held Her glare, narrowing his eyes. “You don’t fucking take care of yourself, and I’m not losing you again-“

“I keep telling you’re not going to lose me.” She sighed, and a flash of something sore and sour and rotten ran through Ben’s body. “I just, can you please fucking trust me? I’ve got a handle on my fire, and Homelander doesn’t even know where I am. I’m okay. I’m really okay.”

Ben’s fists curled at his sides, and he scanned over Her face. Her gaze was sharp, edged with something hot and pained, but her heart was even. And he didn’t feel sick. He felt a little fucking bitter, that rotten feeling growing, but Ben didn’t feel like something was wrong. Fundamentally wrong. She was fine.

“Fine.” He grunted, picking up his shield from the door and extending his hand for Her to hold. A silent gesture of peace that, fuck him, he goddamn needed Her to take. If she didn’t, he’d probably spend the whole stupid fucking meeting with Edgar trying to figure out how to make this shit up to her.

She tilted Her head at him, examining Ben for the longest fucking minute of his life. I do love you, Benjamin. You’re just an overprotective dick sometimes.

I know. He gave a small nod, and flexed his outstretched hand. I love you too.

Her smile was soft, and something loosened around Ben’s lungs when her fingers folded through his. She was wearing the sunglasses on her brow, so Ben had lean over her slightly to kiss the top of her head and coax a small, easy sigh from her pretty mouth.

Ready? She let Ben loop his arm over her shoulders, and he pulled her—safe and content and perfect—into his side.

I was damn born it. He winked down at Her, and everything got a little better when she grinned back. Let’s feed Edgar his own fucking balls.

Gross, Ben. Her nose wrinkled at him, but a small giggle escaped her throat, and she was letting Ben guide her downstairs, out the door.

His body was relaxed, eased by Her presence at his side, but Ben still felt fucking sore. As She and Butcher exchanged short words about the drive and plan before they stepped into an incredibly fucking awkward elevator ride, Ben’s head was circling around Her words.

You’re not going to lose me.

He wouldn’t fucking lose Her. That wasn’t even in the goddamn cards. Ben wouldn’t lose Her because of his sheer fucking dedication. Because if Homelander came for her again, Ben would beat his fucking face bloody and raw, make him beg for mercy and offer none. He did trust Her, but that wasn’t the issue here. No matter what She said about the tower or the Believe Expo, Ben had still lost Her. Left Her alone. She’d been put in danger because he’d failed, and stayed in danger because nobody was willing to step the fuck up and protect Her.

She’d never be in that godawful fucking position again. Ever. Ben would never let Her break and crack under Homelander’s hands, never make her fight on the front fucking lines alone. Ben wouldn’t lose Her because he’d resolved not to. And now he had to figure out where the line was between protecting Her, caring for Her, never, ever fucking hurting Her and respecting that She was, and always fucking would be, a piece of work.

He loved that She was a piece of work. She was a shattered, marred, clever fucking menace and threat to Ben’s sanity, and every part of Her fit perfectly in with him. He wouldn’t want to love someone who was boring. Who didn’t smack him and yell at him and match his every step without even breaking pace or falling behind. Fuck, sometimes Ben couldn’t keep up with Her. He had the time of his goddamn trying to, and loved Her at every bullet the world shot at them, every hurdle they had to burn through, together.

But Ben wouldn’t let Her stubborn, perfect fucking ass take her away from him. If She walked away, left Ben a million steps behind and took off to where he couldn’t follow, he’d find a way to keep living. He had to keep telling himself that, because he’d technically fucking lived before Her. A hundred goddamn years.

He didn’t want to live without Her, though. Not when he could feel Her like a crown on his head. Something beautiful and perfect that had chosen to stay within him, that he had to keep safe. Wrapped around him, resting within him, curled into his side in the backseat of Butcher’s car as they violated several traffic laws. She was relaxed and warm and happy in his arms, leaning Her head on his chest and turning his fingers over in her hands, and Ben didn’t ever want to live without this again. Ben couldn’t ever really breathe again—not in a way that fucking mattered—if he lost Her because he’d made the part of her that lived in him wither and die. He’d live, but he wouldn’t breathe. 

And if he lost Her because of another fucking failure, the world wouldn’t survive his wrath. Ben wouldn’t survive it.

So he had to find the fucking line. 

The safe house looked the same. Ben wasn’t exactly sure what the fuck he’d been expecting—it wasn’t like the CIA was going to budget a new paint job—but it was still deceptively suburban, generic, and easily ignorable.

“Huh,” She mumbled, looking around the street with a frown as Ben helped her out of the car. “This is weird.”

Ben grunted an agreement, half draping his body over hers. If it’s too weird, we can just fucking go home-

She gave him a flat look. We’re already here, Benjamin. And Butcher won’t let us get away that easily.

I’ll hot wire his stupid fucking car, all you’ll have to do is stand guard and punch him if he gets to close- 

I am not punching Butcher. She stuck her tongue out at him. Head in the game, Pretty Boy. We’ve got an old man to wine and dine.

He snorted, and let Her pull him to the door, where Butcher was waiting with a scowl.

“Takin our sweet fuckin time, ain’t we-“

“Shut up and open the door, Butcher.” She snapped, ignoring Ben’s pointed smirk and not punching Butcher. “We can’t be outside for too long.”

Butcher rolled his eyes, but entered the code—same one as before, which was probably some sort of security risk that Ben couldn’t be fucked to point out—and pushed the door open.

Neuman was waiting for them in the hall with crossed arms and a glare. “You’re late.”

“Blame Mallory, Vicky-“

“Don’t call me that.” Neuman cut Butcher’s sneer off with sharp words, attention turning to Her and Ben. Ben got a short nod and mutter of, “Soldier Boy,” and She got a tight smile, and less venomous greeting of Her name. “I suppose you two are to blame for Zoe and I not having a dining room?”

She flushed. “Sorry. We used to use it for training-“

“And not the living room?”

“Not enough space,” She mumbled with a shrug. “And we’d already broken most of the chairs. It felt like a good idea at the time-“

“It was a good fucking idea.” Ben snapped, shooting Neuman a glare. “She’s a fuck ton stronger now, and it’s not like the CIA pussies can’t just buy more goddamn chairs-“

“Can we try to keep you asshole’s trademark swearing to a minimum?” Neuman snapped. “Zoe’s upstairs-“

Butcher scoffed. “You ain’t able to ask us to stop swearing and call us assholes in the same bloody sentence, and then expect us to listen-“

“Just,” Neuman sighed, shaking her head. “Tone it down. No pussies or cunts or bitches-“

She raised Her hand. “Is shit still on the table?”

“Does it have to be-“

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking.“ 

Neuman frowned, looking their group over, and gave a curt nod. “Fine. Shit is allowed, along with minimal assholes and fucks. I would say use your best judgment, but you’re all idiots.”

Butcher frowned. “Oi-“

“Actually, I amend that.” Neuman pointed at Her, still pressed into Ben’s side. “She’s smart. You two,” She glared between Ben and Butcher. “Are dumbasses.”

She leaned back, grinning up at Ben. Take that, Pretty Boy. I’m the smart one.

I could’ve fucking told you that-

“Are we just gonna be fuckin standin here until Edgar comes knockin, or are you gonna let us out of the hall?”

Nueman rolled her eyes—with a mutter under her breath of asshole that only Ben heard—but nodded. “Follow me, I turned the spare bedroom into an office. It has chairs,” Ben and Her received sharp glares, and Ben sent one right fucking back. “So we’ll be meeting Stan there.”

Apparently, Neuman’s spare bedroom wasn’t the same as Her and Ben’s spare bedroom. Their spare bedroom was currently Zoe’s, and Neuman had taken Her room—it had become Ben’s as well, but that wasn’t really important to point out right now—which meant that the office was Ben’s old room.

It looked clean, and he couldn’t smell any lingering cum, so Ben figured he was in the clear as they settled around a small table. Ben squished himself at Her side, Butcher took the head, and Nueman dropped across from them with a frown.

“So.” Neuman watched them carefully, voice clipped. “Is anyone going to tell what’s going on outside of Mallory’s very helpful you’re hosting Stan Edgar for the Boys, non-negotiable?”

She sighed, finger’s tapping against Ben’s knee as she spoke. “We made a deal with Edgar for evidence of what Homelander did to me-“

“I remember,” Neuman’s voice was dry, expression flat. “I thought blasting Zoe and I was the deal with Edgar. What, are you here to finish the job with all three of us?”

“No,” She mumbled, and Ben pulled her a little closer against him. Neuman noticed—eyes flicking with a frown to his arm over Her shoulder—and he felt his jaw clench. “I’m sorry about that, really, but we were backed into a corner-“

Neuman shook her head, gaze moving back to Her. “I know. I’m mostly just being a bitch about it, but I think I’ve earned that.”

“I thought bitch ain’t allowed in the kiddie zone-“

“I can say whatever the fuck I want, Butcher.” Neuman snapped. “You’re a guest in my house, and, from what I understand, you don’t have to be here for the meeting. Be quiet, or wait in the car.”

“You ain’t gonna want to do that, head-popper.” Butcher drawled, leaning back in his chair. “Those two cunts will start fuckin on the table if I ain’t here to stop ‘em.”

“Stop calling me head-popper, I’m not-“ Neuman paused, head snapping the Her and Ben. “What does he mean you two will fuck on the table.”

“We won’t fuck on the table,” She shot Butcher a glare, and the pussy winked back. “We have self-control Butcher, I think we can keep from jumping on each other for a few hours-“

“Tell that to Soldier Boy’s fuckin boner in my face-“

“You were in our apartment, that’s where sex happens-“

“Holy shit,” Neuman shook her head, voice filled with a disbelief that Ben did not fucking appreciate. “Are you two dating?”

“Um, we haven’t-“

“Yes.” Ben snapped, and felt a warm, strong feeling explode across his ribs as She swallowed, but didn’t correct him. “You’ve got a fucking problem with that?”

“I mean,” Neuman gave a sarcastic, incredulous laugh. “Yes? Even if you ignore the whole age thing, you’re Homelander’s dad-“ She paused, looking at Butcher. “How did you let this happen?”

Butcher shrugged. “Ain’t a night gone by where I don’t ask myself that, but you adjust. Better than when they were by their bloody fuckin selves, and once you get over how gross they get, fuckin in the bathroom and makin heart eyes-”

“Can you stop talking about us like we’re not here?” She snapped, leaning out of Ben’s hold just enough to glare between Neuman and Butcher. She looked murderous. Ben loved Her so fucking much. “I am aware, Neuman, of how fucked up it is. But I’m also about to meet with the adoptive father of the woman I blasted with my,” She paused, and Ben caught the split second frown that crossed Her perfect face, before vanishing as she continued. “Ben’s bomb, which was put in him by Russian scientists after he was sold to them by the same man we’re about to have lunch with. Over lunch, we’re going to talk about the favor we owe Edgar for providing evidence of my rape and torture to prove to Ben’s grandson that his dad is a piece of shit. Also, that asshole,” She jerked her head at Butcher, and he shrugged. “Is the step-father of Ben’s grandson. Side-note, Ben did try to kill his grandson once, but everyone is kind of over it. We’ve all tried to kill each other at least once, it keeps life exciting.” She took a heavy breath, holding Nueman’s gaze. “So, with that in perspective, being in love with a hundred year old grump, who loves me back and treats me well, isn’t really that big a deal, right?”

She loved Ben. That warmth spread through his whole body—growing bloody and hot from how he did fucking love Her, he did fucking treat her well—as he gave Neuman a smug grin. She loved him. He’d never get tired of hearing it, but every time She said it again it was like someone was shooting ecstasy right into his fucking body. He wanted to fuck Her. Butcher could suck Ben’s dick, because he loved Her and he needed to fucking prove it, to whisper adoring praise in her ears and hear her whine as he showed her how good she was. How fucking perfect and beautiful, how she was a goddamn force of nature and Ben would always fucking love Her. How, with Her face flushed—twisted in anger and sneering at Nueman—and her hands on his leg were starting to smoke, she was a fucking miracle and deserved the goddamn world-

Someone was knocking downstairs. It was terrible timing for Ben—who had been seconds away from finally fulfilling a handful of fantasies about fucking Her on the wall behind them, or on the bed Neuman had somehow turned into a damn couch—and amazing timing for Neuman, who was still gaping at Her with a dumb fucking look of surprise.

Neuman shot to her feet, giving Her a weary glance and walking in wide steps around Her and Ben’s chairs, muttering something about greeting Edgar, and checking on Zoe.

Butcher coughed. “I ain’t ever seen Neuman speechless before. Bloody good work, Love.”

“Shut the fuck up, Butcher,” She muttered, face falling to a look that Ben knew meant guilt.

He’d be fucked backwards if he was going to let her sit in it. No apologizing to Neuman, Sunshine. She doesn’t fucking deserve it.

I wasn’t going to. She looked up at Ben with pretty, gentle eyes and a soft smile. I meant everything I said, and I’d probably say it again. I just, I’m tired.

He frowned. If you need to go home, we can take Butcher’s car. I’ll knock him out and we’ll just go-

No. We’ve got to do this. I’ll be okay.

Ben grunted Her name in his head, scanning her features for some sort of fucking clue for how he could fix this. I’m fucking serious-

I know you are. She sighed, leaning back into Ben’s arms. So am I. I’ll be okay, promise.

He didn’t get to push it. She was okay—her heart was steady and Ben didn’t feel that sense of wrong that wracked his body when she was in pain—but Ben needed to know why she was tired. He needed to ask what she needed, why she was being so goddamn vague about it, maybe just remind Her that he loved her and would stay right fucking here until she needed him. He didn’t get the chance to do any of that, though, because footsteps sounded up the stairs, and Ben barely had time to tuck her further against him before Neuman was pushing the door open, and Edgar was following her into the room.

“Victoria,” Egdar hummed, surveying Ben, Her, and Butcher as he sat down. “I thought I was attending lunch with friends, not sitting at a table with William Butcher.”

“I’m part of the fuckin decor,” Butcher leaned back in his chair with a shrug. “Pretend I ain’t even here.”

“Or, you could simply not be here. I am sure Zoe would be absolutely entranced by your adventures-“

“Do not go near my daughter,” Neuman snapped at Butcher, before turning to give Edgar an exasperated look. “Please just make this easy for me, Stan. I’m not exactly thrilled by it either.”

“I can promise I will not be the issue here. As for our company,” Edgar turned to give a snake-like smile to Her and Ben. “I hope we can all remain civil, but they are not known for their manners.”

“You can eat my civil fucking asshole-“

Ben cut himself off with a grunt as Her elbow slammed into his gut, and she shot him a glare before turning to Edgar. “We’ll be civil. Are you going to be a cryptic fucking James Bond villain?”

Edgar made a small huff of amusement. “I will do my best to make my intentions clear, but forgive me if there are gaps you’ll have to fill in for yourself.”

“Awesome,” She mumbled, heartbeat stuttering, and Ben pressed his thigh into hers, keeping his glare trained on Edgar. She took a slow, steady breath, and tilted her head at Edgar, voice bored and even. “So, Edgar, how was your day? Anything fun happen?”

She was playing the game. Ben glanced down at Her—sharp eyes, narrowed on Edgar and paired with a too sweet smile—and knew whatever the fuck She and Edgar were about to do was Her battlefield. If Homelander crashed through the roof, or the Deep crawled out from under the fucking bed somehow, Ben could take care of it. His shield was exactly a half step away, and he could call the drums in three seconds if he needed to. But right now, Edgar’s cold, skin crawling smile was spreading across his face—Neuman and Butcher silent in their seats—and this was Her place to tear Edgar’s still-beating heart out of his evil fucking chest.

Metaphorically. Ben was pretty damn sure it would be metaphorically.

“Well,” Edgar hummed, holding Her gaze. “I did get up earlier than I would have preferred, but there is only so much one can do in prison. However, I was able to get a fairly decent nap on the drive, even with the two brutes Grace sent watching my every move. And you? Any exciting news from the Merry Band of Savage Imbeciles?”

“Nothing I’d write home about, or share with you.” She shrugged. “MM has a garden, he’s growing cucamelons. I made twenty dollars on a bet with Frenchie that he couldn’t get Hughie to say a bad word about Billy Joel, and thirty dollars on a separate bet with Annie that I could switch my food with Frenchie’s while he was focused on Hughie, and nobody would notice. I’m going to buy some new underwear, all of my old ones,” She kicked Ben under the table. “Keep disappearing under suspicious circumstances.”

Ben coughed. I don’t see you fucking complaining-

I’m not. But don’t expect fancy wrapping paper when you’re just going to tear it off.

“And how are things between you and our beloved Benjamin? I called you quite early last week, and despite what he may think,” Edgar nodded at Ben. “I was able to hear your riveting argument and pillow talk.”

Ben was going to break Edgar’s fucking face. Slam it on the table, rip his heart in a way that wasn’t at all a damn metaphor-

“We’re good.” She gave Ben a smile of don’t kill him, it’ll be gross, and said, “He’s an idiot sometimes, but I love him.” She turned back to Edgar with narrowed eyes. “But something tells me you knew that.”

Edgar didn’t spare Ben a glance, giving Her an innocent shrug. “I had suspected for quiet a while that your relationship was no longer just business. I would be lying if I said I didn’t expect better from you, though-“

“You shouldn’t,” She shrugged. “I’m only a woman, Edgar. Look at his face, you’d have come around on him as well.”

Ben scowled as Edgar gave him an overdramatic once over. I am not a piece of fucking meat-

Yes, you are. You’re a very handsome, grumpy piece of meat whom I love very much.

I’m hot as fuck, Sunshine, but I did not come here to be talked about like a common fucking whore-

She kept her eyes on Edgar, but Ben could see her lips twitch up. Objectified, Benjamin. The word you're looking for is objectified.

I don’t give a fuck what word-

“And is it his sparkling, warm personality that makes you share his bed outside of disappearing underwear?”

Her face didn’t lose its amused, casual expression, but Her voice became venomous. “It really is. I have a lot of nightmares, Edgar, and he’s like a Teddy Bear.”

“It may only be the way he’s glaring at me,” Edgar’s voice was fucking bored, and Ben glared harder. More fucking violent, more furious, and maybe Edgar might just explode. “But I would have called him just a regular bear. Although I will acknowledge my bias, we have not been on the best of terms since his return from Russia.”

“Yeah, well.” She narrowed her eyes. “I wouldn’t call either of us your biggest fans. Forty years off his life, three off mine, overall we’re looking at about a combined 50% decrease in years of our lives where we weren’t being tortured. I’d glare as well, but Ben’s better at it.”

Edgar didn’t even goddamn flinch, just offering them a fake fucking simper. “He was unstable, a liability. I would make the same call again in a heartbeat, and not have a single regret. You, however,” Edgar looked Her over, and Ben heard the table crack under his fist. “I must offer my most sincere apologies. If I could’ve stepped in, I would have, but controlling Homelander is a delicate surgery, and sacrifices must be made. What happened to you was, is, tragic, but, as I have told you before, you are the greatest weapon I have ever seen. And I’d would like to strongly encourage you to take advantage of your gifts, so we can all be out of this circus before the fourth of July.”

Ben could feel the cracks in Her along his skull and twisting in his gut as She swallowed. I can just fucking kill him, and we’ll go home-

I’ve got this. Her voice was measured and smooth in his head, but Ben still felt fucking sick. She was leaning across the table, tilting Her head at Edgar with a glint in her eyes that would’ve made Ben fucking flinch, and her voice was syrupy. Slow, calculated, and fucking furious. “Do you know why I was at that Vought party, Edgar?”

“I am afraid not-“

“I was celebrating. I’d just gotten my PhD, that day, and I’d finished it in record time. I paid for it all myself, and it had been so much work, but I’d done it. I was officially a doctor. I already had offers from Columbia and Sanford, but I’d still scheduled a meeting with a rep from the UN on Monday. I’d been recommended to him by one of my favorite professors, so I was a shoe-in for the job, and I wanted it so bad. I’d get to travel the world and help people. Maybe I’d meet someone, and we’d settle down somewhere peaceful to have a family. My friends were proud of me, and one of them worked for your analytics team. She had an invite, to this real fucking fancy Vought party, and brought me as a plus one. She paid for my dress, and drove me home after I got drunk. She said, even though I’d started flirting with the bartender to try and get extra drinks when I got cut off, that I’d still managed to sing Moon River perfectly. Said I hit every note, and even Homelander looked impressed. I woke up in a cell the next day. Missed the meeting with the UN rep. Missed three years of my life, being locked up in the name of controlling Homelander. So I don’t want your apology, unless it’s that time back. Unless you can make Homelander un-kidnap me, fucking save it.”

The room was silent—even fucking Butcher had gone pale—and something was ringing in Ben’s ears and eating at his lungs. He hadn’t know that. He hadn’t know half that she’d been celebrating, or that she’d literally just gotten the fuckin degree. And it was rattling around inside him like a fucking bomb. This wasn’t Ben’s bomb, driven by drums and wrath and fury. This was Her, screaming in his head with a voice that was starting to grow raw and cracked.

Edgar looked surprised. Like She’d just shot him, but he’d manage to recover without thought. There wasn’t a hint of fear in his cold eyes, but there should be. He should be fucking shaking, because She was forgiving. The part of Her in Ben was wailing and twisting in pain, but she’d kept controlling every breath as her eyes glazed over, and the fabric of Ben’s suit under her hand started to blacken. She was angry, but clever and kind, so she wouldn’t kill Edgar.

Ben would. He’d do it for Her, because there wasn’t a single thing in the world worse than this fucking pain that Homelander had festered inside Her, planting fear in her like a goddamn parasite, and all Edgar had done was stand by and watch.

Now wasn’t the time to kill Edgar. His gaze was still locked with Hers, Ben merely an observer, but the moment the chance was offered he’d take it. Bash Edgar’s brains in on his shield, make him fucking hurt in repentance, then never let a single fucking pussy hurt Her again. All She’d be was loved, and Ben would hold Her against his body until all that fucking pain faded into something that ached, but didn’t burn.

Later. Now, Ben just had to squeeze Her hand, remind her that he’d never fucking lose her again, and stay at her side.

“May I ask,” Edgar’s voice was slow, like she’d exploded if he treated her like anything less than a feral fucking animal. “How you plan to make up for those three years in the infinite amount of time now available to you? I cannot offer the time you’ve lost back, but I imagine immortality will have its perks in the years to come.”

“Save the riddles, Edgar.” She snapped. “Tell me what you want.”

“I simply wish to know your plans for when this is over, should you emerge victorious. If Singer hands over the V, and you can outmaneuver Sister Sage and her gas, will you have a family with Soldier Boy? Travel the world? Perhaps both, or contract with the UN, maybe get a book deal? I’d like to hope peace for you, as a world without Homelander is an exciting prospect, but I don’t doubt there will be quite a mess to clean up after him. Will you be picking up a shovel, or leaving it to people such as myself?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Yourself.”

“Indeed. I am well versed in handling the many insecurities and reckless behaviors of the super-abled. If my services to the clean up effort, when it comes, were needed-“

“Is this the favor?” She cut Edgar off with a glare, and Edgar chuckled.

“It is only an offer. I’ve found it is never too early to throw one’s hat in the ring.”

“Keep your hat,” She leaned back against Ben, and her breathing relaxed into a more easy, natural state. “We’ll pass.”

Edgar shrugged. “My hat will remain on the table indefinitely, and it will be there when you realize you need it. I suppose all that remains is business, though I was hoping to discuss official matters over lunch, Victoria.”

Neuman rolled her eyes. “The kitchen is downstairs, Stan. You’re not so old I have to walk with you.”

“When I do reach that age, I expect a nice retirement home.” Edgar gave Neuman a smile, and it might be the only genuine one Ben had ever seen on the man’s callous face. “Nothing with golf, I am afraid I never quite got the appeal.”

“I think prison will do that shit for her, Stanny.” Butcher grinned from across the table. “Government funded retirement. Comin right out of Neuman’s bloody paycheck either way.”

“It’s tax funded, asshat.” Neuman shot Butcher a glare. “And I’m not the Vice President anymore-“

“I ain’t an American, popper, not my fuckin problem-“

“I know you’re a dual citizen, you dick-“

Ben coughed—as loud as he fucking could—and all eyes turned to him. “The fuck do you want from us, Edgar. Now.”

“Well, Benjamin, I never pegged you as someone to be driven by urgency-“

“You ain’t ever pegged ‘im at all, he’d be a lot less fuckin uptight- Fuck!” Butcher’s mocking was cut off by a lick of flame, flying past his ear. “Bloody hell, Love, coulda takin my fuckin head off-“

“But I didn’t.” She shrugged. “Shut up and listen, or I won’t miss next time.”

Edgar sighed, giving Ben an exasperated look like they were fucking buddies. “As I was saying, I understand your urgency. Anticipation can be tantalizing. But I promise, this is nothing that will cause you any grief.”

“Christ, you pussy, just spit it fuck out-“

“There is something I need collected,” Edgar said, attention entirely on Ben. “Some possessions I left in the care of someone I trusted, who will have them should you ask. I would like you to retrieve them.”

Ben frowned. “That's it.”

“It is. Straightforward, and relatively simple. Despite what you think, I am not a total monster-“

“Where are they.” She interrupted Edgar with a glare, her body tensing under Ben’s arms. “The possessions. Where are we going.”

Edgar hummed, giving Her an amused look. “I have said it before-“

“Yeah, nothing gets past me, I know. Where.”

“Red River.”

Neuman’s mouth fell open. “What? Stan, why the fuck are you keeping something at Red River-“

“It is an impressively safe storage space. It is kept almost entirely off the record, most of those at Vought are not made privy to it, and those who are have almost no interest in sparing it a thought. I have always thought that to be a waste, but I would not let my opinion get in the way of an opportunity.”

“What the fuckin hell would you need to be hidin at Red River,” Butcher snapped, leaning forward with a glower. “That you ain’t able to just hide in a villa in the bloody Caribbean.”

“The CIA raided almost all my villas, Butcher.” Edgar’s voice was dry, and his gaze turned back to Ben. “All you’ll need to do is pay Red River a visit, ask for Vanessa, and tell her you are collecting the Cornucopia. She will provide my property, you will return it to me, and our transaction will be complete.” 

She blinked. “Is it a weapon?”

“I’m afraid,” Edgar said Her name with a small, cold smile. “You will have to find that out for yourself.”

“Stan, it’s not a weapon, right?” Neuman’s heart was fast—Ben had never heard her heart move fast, it was a little fucking weird—and her eyes were wide as she watched Edgar. “It can’t be a weapon-“

Edgar patted Neuman on the arm, his smile a little less snake-like than usual. “It is not dangerous to Red River, Victoria, nor its occupants.”

“But everything is dangerous at Red River-“

Ben nudged Her shoulder, keeping a careful eye on Neuman and Edgar. Is anyone going to tell me what the fuck Red River is.

It’s like a supe orphanage. She blinked. Actually, it is a supe orphanage. It’s literally a supe orphanage. Neuman was there, it’s where Edgar adopted her from.

Is that why she looks like she’s about to explode?

Probably.

The fuck happened to her parents.

She killed them. You and I became supes in adulthood, Pretty Boy. We had the luxury of motor control and a developed prefrontal cortex to learn how to control ourselves. She didn’t.

Ben frowned, but didn’t have time to dwell on the image of tiny versions of himself and Her—exploding and burning down buildings before fucking nap time—because She was talking to Edgar again.

“Is there a time limit on this? If we don’t get your shit by the end of the week are you going to explode New York?” 

Edgar chuckled. “New York will remain intact. I would prefer that the package be returned to me as soon as possible, but I also recognize that our lives are quite hectic. Let’s say, before June ends.” 

“Hm,” She examined Edgar, crossing her arms over her chest. “And what about that generosity you mentioned. For our time.”

“That is also something you will have to wait for, I’m afraid. But, this has been a lovely trip, so I give you my word that it will arrive. And be fruitful.” 

Her nose wrinkled. “Gross. Is that it?”

Edgar sighed. “I am afraid so.” He turned to Butcher with a frown. “Though, I was promised the afternoon with my family, for good behavior-“

“That ain’t my fuckin problem,” Butcher snapped, rising to his feet. “Call Mallory. You two,” he pointed a finger at Her and Ben. “Let’s hit the bloody road. I want to be home for dinner, and bein here makes me fuckin itch.”

She hummed in agreement and stood, pulling Ben with her as they followed Butcher out of the room.

Butcher was—thought Ben would never fucking tell him—not entirely wrong about the safe house. It was goddamn weird to be here, to see most of the same furniture they had used, but rearranged or in no danger of being accidentally set on fire. There was still a scorch mark on the wall downstairs, from when she’d almost taken off Butcher’s head, and the kitchen had been clean when they’d passed it, but that felt wrong. Ben had almost never seen that kitchen spotless, and it made him feel all fucking bitter and soft. He didn’t want to come back here—not in a single goddamn universe—but he’d be lying if he didn’t look at the couch and feel something stab at him. He’d kissed Her on that couch for the first time. She’d punched him a lot in that dining room, and it had been fucking hot. She’d cried in almost every single fucking room, and Ben had held her. 

He’d kiss Her on other couches, though. And She’d probably punch him in a lot of different locations. She’d keep crying, and Ben would always fucking hold Her. The house didn’t matter that much, Ben decided, because She was the only reason he was being a pathetic fucking pussy about it. And he still fucking had Her. She was right at his goddamn side, leading him down the stairs, and giving him a small smile over her shoulder as they exited the safe house.

Ben opened the car door for Her—he loved Her, and no matter what she said, he was a goddamn gentleman—and had barely sat down himself when She grabbed his face between her hands.

“What the fuck-“

I need to tell you a secret, Ben.

He blinked. The hell do you mean, a secret.

I mean you can’t tell anyone. Not Butcher, not MM, not Mallory or Annie.

I don’t tell those pussies shit. I love you, not them-

You don’t have to love someone to tell them things-

Good thing you’re also my best fucking friend, and they’re not. He winked at Her, and she relaxed slightly. What’s wrong.

Edgar is playing both sides.

What.

He’s hedging his bets. He’s working with us and Sage.

How do you-

He said Sage has gas. Did you, Annie, or Hughie tell Mallory about the gas?

Ben frowned. They hadn’t. They’d lost Her, and in the chaos nobody had thought to bring it up. It hadn’t seemed that fucking important, when She was in danger. No.

Sage, Homelander, and I are the only other people that know about it. And Edgar didn’t just say gas. He said Sage and her gas. So he defiantly knows about it, and I sure didn’t fucking tell him.

So he’s a cowardly fucking pussy backstabber-

No, he’s a cowardly fucking pussy liar. He said if Singer hands over the V. Nobody knows we’ve asked for that but Singer, his cabinet, Mallory, and the rest of the team. No one in the Boys would trust him enough to tell him, so Singer or Mallory must have. Her eyes narrowed, and her fingers began to tap along Ben’s jaw and beard. She was thinking, her brow drawn in that pretty fucking glare at nothing, and Ben had still his body and wait for her to finish.

Her eyes widened, and Ben frowned. Sunshine-

Or, Her eyes focused on Ben’s. There’s a leak. And someone told Sage. And Sage told Edgar.

Ben glanced at Butcher in the driver's seat, and looked back at Her with a frown. You think one of us-

No. She shook her head, teeth peaking over her lips. Not one of us. We’ve been on lockdown, in close confines, with CIA monitored phones. It would have to be a leak in the CIA. Or within Singer’s cabinet.

Fuck. 

She sighed, slumping on Ben’s chest. Fuck.

—————————

You were starting to equate your life to a hydra. Whenever you solved one horrible problem, two even worse ones would pop up to replace it. 

Ben found a way to knock Homelander down, but now you have to actually get the V, and figure out to bide time and keep the world from erupting as you search. And once you manage to find some V, you’ll have to figure out how to physically get it into Homelander, and how to outmaneuver Sage so the whatever plan you make goes right.

You got Ryan out, but now you have to keep him out. You have to never let Homelander near him again, and come to terms with the fact that Butcher’s probably going to be in your life forever now. You’ll get over it—and it will make for several entertaining thanksgivings—but it’s still weird.

You told Ben you love him, and he loves you, and that’s that. He’s a protective asshole, but he’s trying. Ben’s trying, he’s always trying, and you can feel how all his resolve and rough adoration stems from his love. The hydra isn’t Ben’s love—that within itself is a haven, an oasis within the sandstorm of the world—but how you have to love Ben and keep your head on your shoulders. Have to deal with the fact that, when it really comes down to it, you will burn the world and blow the mission for him, and he’ll do the same for you. And, second head, the fact that you now have to justify your love to everyone. You have to keep yourself together when Nueman or Edgar sneer about your poor decision making, like you’re not a full grown woman who’s well aware of her actions. You’d meant what you told Neuman, every last word of it. It was fucked up to be in love with the biological father of your abuser, who was old enough to be your great-grandfather, didn’t know how emails really worked, and had definitely killed a lot of people. But you’d come to terms with that a long time ago, and in the grand scheme of things it was just another Tuesday. A really fucked up Tuesday, that you loved so much it made you feel high, and that gave you the best orgasms physically possible.

You’d escaped Vought, gotten back to Ben, and now you have to try to fix the parts of you that had broken and deal with all the fallout of your actions. You’re working on the former—it’s slow, but you’re only cold in the dead of night now, and it’s easier to mend the cracks when you’re surrounded by Ben’s warmth, when you can feel safe and loved as the pain starts to leak out of your body—but the latter might take a long time. Edgar had been right about that. Even when you kill Homelander, the world won’t heal. He’s not just a symptom, but he’s also not the virus. You’ll have to burn that bridge when you get to it, though, because right now there are other heads to fight

Like how you’d finally managed to get rid of Neuman as a danger, but Ben had still owed Edgar and there’s a very dangerous vacancy in Singer’s cabinet. Edgar’s called in his favor, and now you have to figure out if it’s just as simple and easy as it sounds—it’s probably not—and keep an eye out for a federal leak.

You and Ben had agreed in the car not to tell Mallory, and to keep it from the rest of the team until there was some more solid evidence. That was another Hydra head. You’d managed to get everyone to trust you, but now you had to figure out how and when to share game-changing news with them and feel the guilt of withholding it.

This had become a pattern, and it was fucking exhausting.

Butcher had barely spoken on the ride home, only grunting that you’d be going straight to a debrief, and that Mallory was finally back from wherever she’d gone off to.

Ten bucks that she was at a fucking orgy.

You blink at Ben as you both follow Butcher into the elevator. There’s literally no way that’s where she was.

Fine. Thirty bucks.

You don’t have thirty dollars, Benjamin.

He scowls. You don’t fucking know that-

Okay. You shrug, leaning against his chest and tugging his arms to rest across your stomach. Where did you get these thirty dollars from? Are you running a side hustle I don’t know about?

What the fuck is a side hustle.

A smaller job to make some extra money. It’s a byproduct of the gig economy-

I don’t need an extra fucking job, this one is already too goddamn complicated-

Well, as you’ve bitched and whined about many times, we don’t get paid. So unless you’re selling feet pics on the internet-

The fuck are-

Pictures of your feet. For masturbation, I assume.

Nobody is jerking it to pictures of my feet, that’s fucking disgusting-

Then where are you getting thirty dollars from?

When you tilt your head back to grin at him, you catch the tail end of his eye roll. Shut the fuck up.

You giggle, leaning up to press a small kiss under his jaw. Grumpy.

Ben’s hand shoots up, angling your chin further back, and begins to leave light kisses everywhere but your mouth. You’re real fucking lucky I love you, Sunshine.

Not luck, you smile at him, and he pulls back to meet your eyes. It’s just my magnetic and irresistible personality. 

He snorts, and you were being sarcastic, but when Ben brings his lips to yours the kiss is tender and sweet. Soft, long, making your knees start to shake as all of Ben’s love slams into your body and he holds you upright, smirking against your mouth as you start to squirm. Not just that, darling. I love your smart fucking mouth, and all those pretty sounds you make, and that adorable little pout you do when you’re being a fucking brat.

Darling. That’s good. You like darling, and maybe a little more than my love. It sounds so right, rumbling around your head in Ben’s deep voice, and it makes something gooey and molten spread through your stomach. Molds you like putty in his hands, clears your head to a breathless song that isn’t just Ben. Ben, I love you, but something deeper. It’s in a harmony with his love, with the fact it’s such an overly-sweet pet name that Ben probably would have scoffed at before—or called a stripper in a condescending tone, if you’re being truly honest with yourself about the man you’ve chosen to love—but he’s using it for you so genuinely. He says darling in such a low, hungry and fond voice, and it makes you want to do something domestic and stupid and easy with him. To forgo the meeting, completely ignore Butcher’s glowers and muttering about no bloody respect for his refined fuckin sensibilities, horny fucking cunts, and drag Ben back to your apartment so he can spin you around until you’re dizzy and you can sing to him while you make dinner together. Then you’ll let him carry you upstairs, and you’ll finally convince him to let you wash his hair in the shower—you’re pretty certain you’ll be able to sneak conditioner in there, and the results might give you a heart attack in the best way possible—and when he carries you to bed you’ll let him fuck you until you’re so blissfully wrung out from pleasure you pass out in his big, warm arms.

You can’t do that. But you will. Right now you’ll wiggle out of Ben’s hold as the elevator doors open, looping your arm through his and following Butcher to the dining room to deal with the many, many problems life has presented for you to fix. And after, when Homelander is buried deep underground in an unmarked grave—a small bullet hole is his horrible fucking brain and his body rotting into a flower that will bloom on the grass and never cause anyone pain—you’ll dance and laugh with Ben, and he’ll call you darling, and it will be everything.

After. You make a promise to yourself, that after this is over, you’ll entertain a world where you’re just happy, and make up for all those lost years. Until then, you have a lot of work to do.

Everyone is waiting for you when you enter the dining hall. There’s no A-Train—he rarely attends these meetings unless Annie or MM make him—but Ryan is here, looking up from a book with wide, hopeful eyes.

“You’re late, William-“

“You’re back!” Ryan’s smile makes your heart ache a little. It’s so weightless and bright, purely the kid he’s supposed to be. Even Mallory doesn’t push her scolding, just sighing and shooting you, Ben, and Butcher a sharp look as you reach the table.

“Keep your head on, lad.” Butcher stops behind Ryan, giving him an impressively awkward shoulder pat as he returns Mallory’s glare. “And Jersey traffic delays ain’t my fuckin fault, Grace. We’re all in one bleedin piece, and we got news.”

Mallory starts to chide Butcher about proper planning, and something wired and shy shoots through your body, causing you to jolt and blink. 

Ryan’s tapping your arms—resting on the table as you lean forward to see past Ben, hale-hunched over you and blocking your view of half the table—and mumbling your name.

You’ve tried to tell him not to touch you, explaining your empathy in the most layman’s terms you could manage—emphasizing how you can’t control it, and aren’t quite sure what it’s fully capable of—and Ryan had told you he didn’t care. He’d looked eerily like Ben in that moment, frowning at you in an almost frustrated confusion and telling you—in a manner much nicer than Ben had—that he didn’t really care what you felt from him. That he wasn’t afraid you’d feel anything you shouldn’t, that as long as you were comfortable with it, he was as well.

You’d put an end to it there. Ryan was allowed to tap your arm, and hug you, and he should never have to deal with feeling unwanted again. So you smile at him, and he gives you a nervous grin in return.

“What’s up?”

Ryan matches your whisper, shooting Butcher and Mallory a weary look as their argument continues. “I finished Frankenstein.”

“Did you like it?”

“I think so,” Ryan frowns. “I, um, I want to talk about it. If you want to, MM says the meeting is important-“

“I’ll still be here after the meeting, we can talk then.” You glance down at the book, turned over on the table. “What’s next?”

“Catcher in the Rye, Aunt Grace says it’s classic-“ Ryan pauses, and you realize you’d started to involuntarily scowl at the book. “Do you not like it?”

You sigh. “I’m not a catchall for literature opinions, but no, I don’t.”

“Why not?”

You glance down to the end of the table—MM and Frenchie have joined the argument, and you’re not even sure what it’s about anymore—before you continue. “It’s a very,” you paused, choosing your words carefully. “Pointless book. It says things that many other works say, loss of childhood is frightening and society is fake, but it offers the reader to believe that it’s okay to be an asshole, because you have issues and nobody cares. Salinger might have intended the book to be a critique of that idea, but it's still a common interpretation, and I think that within art, the artist’s intention becomes irrelevant once it’s in the hands of the public.”

Ryan nods slowly. “Okay, I just, um,” he glances down at the book on the table, then sheepishly back at you. “I don’t have any other books to read. I’ve finished everything in Butcher’s apartment.”

“Everything?”

“Yeah, I’ve been bored-“

“Oi, Ryan.” Butcher snaps, and you realize the fight has concluded. “She’ll be here for fuckin dinner, you can talk all you bloody want then. We got a meetin. ”

Ryan nods, scrambling out of his seat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-“

“I ain’t mad, kid.” Butcher sighs, shaking his head. “Just the sooner we finish, the sooner you two can chat about,” he glances at you with a frown. “Whatever the bloody hell you chat about. I’ll drop out and get you when we’ve got all our ducks in a neat fuckin line.”

As Ryan leaves and Butcher takes his vacant seat, you decide you’re going to get Ryan some more books. A few off Mallory’s CIA-approved middle school reading list, some that are just good books that you think he should read, and some that are just entertaining. Ryan should be allowed to read the Hunger Games, a few comics that aren’t about his family members, and Twilight. You could even try and rope Ben into that last one, just for your own entertainment-

You’re a fucking marvel, Sunshine.

You blink, frowning up at Ben. I didn’t do anything-

I was listening to you. You’re real fucking hot when you talk all smart.

That’s how I always talk-

And you’re always fucking hot.

You roll your eyes. Kiss ass.

If you’ll let me. He winks, and you stick your tongue out at him.

Horny cunt.

Smart fucking brat.

Grumpy old man-

You’re into it. He shrugs, pulling you closer to his side. If I get turned on by how goddamn brilliant you are, you get turned on by how fucking grumpy I am.

You don’t manage to suppress the flush of your face. Fuck you.

You’d like that, wouldn’t you, his voice mutters your name in your head, and everything is suddenly very warm. You love it when I fucking toss you over my shoulder and-

“If you two motherfuckers want to come back down to Earth and contribute to the fucking conversation, I think we’d all appreciate it.”

You give MM a mumbled apology, cover Ben’s mouth with a hand to stop any sneers of pussy or suck my hairy fucking balls, and turn to watch Mallory at the head of table.

“Now that we’re all paying attention,” Mallory shoots you a thin-lipped glare, and at this point they’re just starting to bounce right off of you. “The only thing currently on the table is the meeting with Edgar. Soldier Boy, I’d like to speak to you after this, alone, about your jurisdiction and reckless-“

In an act of mercy to Mallory—you can hear the grinding of Ben’s teeth as his jaw clenches, see his fists start to curl on your shoulder—Butcher interrupts. “You ain’t got nothin for us about the V? Been almost a fuckin week-“

“The President,” Mallory’s words are clipped, glower redirecting to Butcher. “Is busy, and still working on our request-“

“He can just take it, non?” Frenchie frowns, looking around the table for affirmation. “There is no need for him to ask for permission, nor forgiveness, he holds the highest office-“

“Not that simple, Frenchie.” MM sighs, shaking his head. “We’re asking for something that’s probably buried in classified documents and locked behind a titanium door. Singer can’t just walk in and take it, and I doubt his Defense Secretary loves the idea of contracting some V out to us, of all fucking people.”

Butcher scowls. “Fuck that cunt then, we’re a bloody delight-“

“You,” Mallory glares around the table. “Are not known within the government for cleaning messes up. You're known primarily for causing them, and costing us millions.”

“That’s not fair, we try really hard.” Hughie frowns. “And it’s not like Vought-“

“Vought lines half of congress’ pockets. Pays for their kids to go to college. All you do is raise their blood pressure, and make them take an early retirement.” Mallory sighs, and her voice becomes the closest thing to sympathetic you’ve heard. “I don’t like it either, but there’s nothing I can do. I’ve backed you up to Singer, but if Muller keeps pushing-“

You blink. “Muller?”

“Singer’s defense secretary,“ Mallory’s voice is almost toxic, and you have a sickening feeling you know why. “He’s an eel of a man, no military experience, but he managed to charm his way into the position. And he doesn’t trust your intentions-“

“Todd Muller? Governor Todd Muller?”

“Secretary Todd Muller, he resigned the governor position in favor of Singer’s cabinet.” Mallory narrows her eyes at your gaping expression. “Why.”

“I, um,” you swallow, searching through your pockets with frantic movements. “Fuck, where’s my phone-“

Ben nudges you. You gave it to me in the car, said your pockets were too small. What the fuck-

I’m fine. You reach into Ben’s pants, grab out your phone, and ignore the traded looks of concern over your head as you type.

Annie says your name slowly, and you barely hear it. “Are you okay-“

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” You mutter, scanning over the article on your screen before looking up to meet the concerned eyes of your team. “That’s my step-dad.”

The table is dead silent, and if you weren’t about to start crying or breaking things, you’d be proud of yourself. It’s not easy to shut everyone up, let alone for ten, long, painful seconds.

MM breaks the silence. “Your fucking step-dad is Singer’s defense secretary.”

“Evidently, yeah.” You snap, turning the phone around for everyone to see. “Spouse, Monica Muller. That’s my mom.”

Ben’s arm tenses over your shoulders. The bitch?

The bitch.

Hughie coughs, scratching the back of his neck. “Are you, um, are you sure? I mean, I believe you, but the chances are a kind of fucking crazy that-“

“It’s him. Positive.” You mutter, leaning back into Ben and frowning around the table. “Has Muller been briefed on, uh, me? I mean, I bet he watches the news, but does he know I’m here?”

“Do you believe it would matter if he had?” Mallory asks, words tight and cautious. “If you’re implying a bias-“

You sigh. “Not implying it. I’m outright suggesting it. If Muller knows I’m on the team, that the V is my plan, our chances are lower and we’re going to need to adapt.” 

“If he is a professional-“

“He’s not.” Mallory blinks as you cut her off, and you realize you’re half-shouting. “He’s just,” you take a long breath, and feel Ben’s foot press against yours. The world grows sharper, you become a little warmer, and your voice returns to normal. “Muller’s not my biggest fan, and he’s an asshole. I wouldn’t put it past him to block us just because of me.”

MM frowns. “Not your biggest fan how.”

“We haven’t spoken in thirteen years.” You mutter. “And last time we did speak he called me a leech, and told me he was changing all the locks on the house. So, when I realized that independence wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be, I couldn’t come crawling back.”

“Holy shit,” Hughie mutters, giving you a sympathetic frown. “Sorry, none of us knew-“

You shrug. “I didn’t tell you. I was dead to him and my mom for ten years before Homelander. We don’t have the same last name, I’m not in the will, and they didn’t even release a statement when I ‘died’. As far as I was concerned, there was nothing to tell. It didn’t matter.”

Ben frowns at your side, but any grunts of didn’t fucking matter, my ass, are stopped by Mallory’s clipped words.

“But you would say it matters now.”

“If Muller knows that I’m involved in this,” You swallow. “Yeah. It does.”

“And you were completely unaware of his position in Singer’s cabinet.”

Your skin starts to itch—smoke rising under your fingers on Ben’s leg—and you give Mallory a sharp glare. “Fucking obviously.”

“How.”

“What do you mean, how. I just didn’t know.”

“You have been out of Homelander’s captivity for over a year,” Mallory holds your glower. “But you have never managed to notice-“

“This is a new cabinet! I’ve had bigger things to worry about since January, sorry I wasn’t googling Robert Singer Defense Secretary pick while I was being fucking kidnapped-“

“Grace,” Butcher grunts, shooting Mallory a glare. “Lay of her. Just a shit fuckin coincidence.”

“William, you of all people know that we don’t deal in coincidences-“

Butcher shrugs. “Once in a blue moon. All we can do now is figure out how to stop the cunt from screwing us and the rest of America over cause of a bloody little family spat.”

Mallory relents with a long, pained sigh, but her eyes on you don’t soften. There are no apologies, or offerings of peace.

She still doesn’t trust you. Mallory is glaring at you, and you know that you’ll never be able to fully prove yourself to her. You can make sacrifice after sacrifice, throw yourself in front of every train and under every tower, but you’ll always be an unstable liability. You’re not weak to her, but you are dangerous. Still a weapon, still barely within her control, now with compromised judgment. You hadn’t missed Mallory’s scowl at Ben—at his arm over your shoulders and the way you’re resting your head back on his chest—or how her lips had curled in disgust.

The feeling is mutual. You don’t trust her. And you think, to a degree, that Butcher doesn’t either. If he did, he’d have told her about the V. Told Malloy you’d lied, the V hadn’t broken, and that you’d given it to him for use.

But he hadn’t. And when you meet his eyes briefly, he gives you a small nod. You don’t know what it means, but you know it’s for you. Butcher’s backing you up. Siding with you over Mallory.

And, strangely, it doesn’t shock you.

“I can speak to Robert about a possible,” Mallory swallows, lip twitching. “Issue with Muller’s judgment. Until then, our hands remain tied. Now,” she looks between you, Butcher, and Ben, crossing her arms. “What did Edgar want.”

You sigh. “Surprisingly little. We need to get a package for him, and that’s all.”

“A package.” Mallory repeats, doubt dripping from her voice. “From what I understand, Soldier Boy’s incredibly ill-conceived deal was that Edgar could request anything, but all he wants is a package.”

Butcher snorts. “That ain’t it. Tell ‘er where the package is, Love.”

You shoot Butcher a glare, before muttering, “Red River.”

“Red,” Hughie swallows. “Red River? What could Edgar need from Red River?”

“Wish I could tell you, Lad, but Old Stan was bein a real fuckin mysterious asstwat. Wouldn’t say anythin but Red River and pick up the package.”

Now you know Butcher doesn’t fully trust Mallory. It’s not just a package, it’s Edgar’s property. Purposefully hidden, away from federal and corporate eyes. You’d said it passively, without thinking, but Butcher’s words were purposeful. You’re picking it up. It’s not there now.

You won’t be correcting him. Mallory might override the favor, raid Red River and just take what Edgar wants. Ben would still owe him, and you don’t think losing whatever the fuck the Cornucopia is will do Edgar’s generosity any favors.

“He said it was being delivered there in a few days, and we just needed to pick it up and bring it to him.” You double down, holding Mallory’s gaze. “That’s it.”

That’s not what he fucking said, Ben grunts in your head, and you can feel his glare peeling you apart. The hell are you up to.

Can’t trust Mallory.

Butcher-

Doesn’t either. Trust me-

“I assume,” Mallory’s glower turns to Ben. “Soldier Boy will have to deliver it himself.”

“Would seem like it,” Ben drawls, giving your shoulder a small squeeze. He’s in. You’re pretty sure he doesn’t know why or what he’s in, but he trusts you, so he’s in. “Be a little fucking pointless if I didn’t.”

“Did he say anything else?” Annie cuts in with a frown. “Edgar could just have the package delivered to the prison, why Red River? What if it’s a weapon-“

“Ain’t a weapon, Starlight.” Butcher grunts. “Like I said, we ain’t got a clue about anythin but our instructions.”

Mallory shakes her head at nothing. “And yet you intend to go through with this, William. Despite our lack of intel.”

Butcher shrugs. “What’s the worst that could bloody happen.”

“It could be a large bomb-“

“It ain’t gonna be a bomb, Frenchie, how the fuckin hell would that even work-“

“He’s got a point Butcher, it could easily be a fucking trap-“

“MM, if it’s a trap, it’s a real bloody stupid one-“

“Traps don’t have to be smart, they just have to work-“

“It, uh, it could be a set up? No Homelander, but Edgar’s trying to frame us for something-“

“Petite Hughie, we are already very much criminals, Edgar would not need to frame us-“

“We aren’t all criminals-“

“Oui, just half of us. Myself, Butcher, Kimiko, and Soldier Boy-“

“I am not a fucking criminal you pussy-” 

“You might be the most criminal motherfucker here-“

Even if we ignore all the outright war crimes and murders, I’ve seen you steal a car, Ben. You nudge his shoulder, pulling his attention from MM. That’s not exactly law abiding citizen behavior.

I’ve been fucking pardoned for everything-

Mallory slams a fist on the table, and the arguments die off. “This is not,” she snaps, glaring around at your team. “Winning you any points to make me approve this. Give me one good reason that I shouldn’t just let Soldier Boy deal with the consequences of his horrible, stupid actions.”

“Because we ain’t got another option.” Butcher leans back, hands in his pockets. “I’m not the biggest fuckin fan of this shit either, but we’re in a corner Grace. And we don’t got much else to do, what’s the worst a little bloody field trip could do. Get us some fresh air-“

“This would not be a field trip, William-“

“He’s right, though.” MM mutters. “We’ve got to back each other up on this, and Edgar’s a conniving dickhead, but he’s also not reckless. I don’t think he’s a sick enough motherfucker to put a bunch of kids in danger by sending us there.”

“And he adopted Vicky from there,” Hughie looks around the table with wide eyes. “I mean, they have a super fucked up relationship, but he does care about her. I don’t think she’d forgive him if he put kids like her in danger.” 

Frenchie shakes his head. “It may not be a trap for the Red River, mon amie. Edgar plays a long game, we may think we are out of the woods, and then,” he smacks his hand on the table, and you flinch slightly. “Bomb in our ass.”

Hughie frowns. “How would the bomb have gotten in our ass?”

“I do not know, but Edgar has ways-“ 

“Of putting a bomb in our ass?”

“It is a metaphor-“

Kimiko whacks Frenchie’s arm. We can’t live our lives in the service of metaphorical ass-bomb.

Frenchie shakes his head. Mon Coeur, I am not in service of the ass-bomb, I am working to avoid it so I may continue to live. 

There are ass-bombs everywhere, Kimiko shrugs, turning to you. Do you think it’s a good idea?

I do. You sigh, signing slowly. But I’m probably bias, I just want to help Ben-

But you want to do it?

You nod. I don’t think it’s a trap. I think there might be an ulterior motive, but we’re not marching to the gallows if we go.

“Oi,” Butcher snaps, glaring at you and Kimiko. “We ain’t all fluent in fuckin crazy sign language. Someone translate.”

You glance at Kimiko, and she gives you a small smile, signing, I am on your side. Frenchie too.

Frenchie sighs, but nods, and you turn to Mallory.

“I’ve got five votes pro-Red River-“

Mallory scowls. “I don’t see five-“

“Ben and Myself are givens,” you shrug, and glance up to see Ben’s gaze locked on Mallory with a murderous glare. You okay?

I’ve got your back. Keep talking, Sunshine.

You take a long breath, and return your attention to Mallory. “And Butcher’s already said he’s with us. Frenchie and Kimiko make five.”

“I’m in,” Annie says, shaking her head at nothing. “I don’t trust Edgar, but this could’ve been a lot worse. We should take advantage of the fact that he’s just being suspicious, and not an outright psychopath.”

Hughie nods. “I’m in too. That’s seven-“

“Eight,” MM grunts, and Mallory blinks at him.

“Marvin, you can’t be serious-“

“You’re outvoted, Grace.” MM sighs, saying your names as he frowns at you and Ben. “You’re sure about this?”

You don’t hesitate. “Positive. It’s our best move. If Edgar wants that package, he’ll get it. We might as well let him cash in the favor.”

MM nods. “Then I’m all in. We’ll need a few days to make sure we can go to Red River without Vought noticing, but-“ 

“I still haven’t approved this.” Mallory snaps. “It could still be a trap, and I don’t see any benefit to complying with whatever Edgar really wants.”

“I don’t like it either, but I’d rather we do it with those two idiots,” MM gestures to you and Ben, and when Ben goes rigid, you feel something heavy wrapping around his lungs. “Then let them turn around and do it alone.”

Mallory’s eyes turn to you. “What would you do,” she says your name in a cold voice, and your eyes narrow. “If I vetoed this.”

“You won’t.” You make your voice flat and bored, even as your blood starts to feel cold, moving faster in time with the scratch of flame under your skin. “If it was MM, or Annie, you wouldn’t fucking hesitate, on this. But we’re still a part of this team, whether you like it or not, and Ben being in debt to Edgar isn’t doing anyone any favors.” You raise your chin, holding Mallory’s glare with a sneer. “You are outvoted. Unanimously. We’re doing this.”

“Understand that you’ll be taking the fall, if this blows up in our face-“

Your blood is white hot, pushing around your lungs and wrapping over your heart. “I always do.”

Mallory’s face twitches. “You don’t get the whole team-“

“Don’t need the whole team. It can be Ben, me, and Kimiko.”

“Please,” Mallory scoffs. “I’m not sending you with just Kimiko-“

Hughie raises his hand. “I can, uh, I can go too. I’ve been there before, and I’m kind of responsible. Not that you and Kimiko aren’t responsible,” he gives you an apologetic grimace. “But I think I’ve killed the least people here, besides Annie, and she can’t go because of security-“

“I get it, Hughie,” you offer him a small smile, and he nods as you turn back to Mallory. “I’ll take Hughie as well.”

You feel something jerk in your chest, and look up to find Ben scowling at you. You’re not fucking going.

Ben-

No. You can’t go out in public, Homelander-

Homelander won’t be looking for me at Red River.

You don’t fucking know that-

Benjamin, I’m going. That’s the end of it.

The hell it is-

I’m so fucking serious. Your glare at him, and that broken part of you twisting and curling inside your gut. You are not doing this shit alone.

I can handle my goddamn self-

I fucking can as well! You’re half screaming in silence, the fire mixing with your blood and clawing out of your hands and tongue. I’m going with you! Stop trying to bench me-

Ben grunts your name, and you can’t tell if it’s in your head or not.

I’m not delicate! Why don’t you fucking trust me-

I do trust you, but I’m not putting you in fucking danger for this-

For what?! To help you like you’d help me! Can you honestly fucking tell me, Ben, that if I was in debt you wouldn’t do whatever it fucking took to help me pay it?!

That’s not the same goddamn thing-

It is! It’s the exact same fucking thing. Your eyes are stinging, your whole body is stinging. Aching and stabbing at that flailing piece of you, slamming on the cracks inside of you and splitting them further, aching and stabbing at everything. Everywhere. I want to help you, I need to help you, just let me fucking help, you fucking asshole-

Big, warm hands are cupping your face, and Ben starts to drag everything in you back together. Your fury at him doesn’t lessen, but falls back into your blood. Only your blood, twining with the familiar feeling of Ben. Still a part of you, still loving you, and full of a weighted, almost painful force. Sheer, grounded will, covering over something bitter, taut, and rabid that lived everywhere in his body. Breathe.

You swallow, everything coming back into focus. I’m still fucking mad at you-

I know. He’s watching you. The world is clear, and Ben’s eyes on yours are tearing you open, the sore, bitter thing eating him alive. But you still need to fucking breathe.

It’s quiet, you realize. Dead quiet.

When MM speaks, his voice is hoarse. “What the fuck just happened.”

Your tongue still feels a little numb, but you can’t punch and scream at Ben, or fall forwards into his chest and cry. Your voice is a little too flat when you speak, but you let the words push themselves out. “Sorry, it was, um.” You take a shaky breath. “It was the empathy. I think it’s getting stronger, and I still can’t really control when that happens. I’m working on it, I’m really sorry.”

An apology doesn’t feel like enough. As you scan the faces of your team, everyone is bloodless and frozen, and you know they felt you. Felt the cracks, felt the sting, felt all of that cold, burning fear and anger and pain that always sits somewhere inside you like a sickness.

“What happened to the suppressant.” Mallory hisses, and you flinch. “To avoid this very problem affecting us.” 

“I’m not taking it anymore,” you mumble, staring at the table. “It felt, it felt wrong. I couldn’t do it-“

“This is not about you.” Mallory snaps. “It’s a precaution for everyone’s safety-“

“Mallory,” Ben grunts. “Shove it up your fucking ass and eat my dick. She’s not taking it.”

He’s pulled you a little closer against him and, as furious at him as you are, some instinct in you still goes Ben. Safe. You think it’s because you can still feel that weight on his chest, and how it’s been dropped there by his love. Because you know that none of that fear was fear of Ben. That you’re going to have time to shove his chest and yell at him later, but right now you’re just tired again. You’re cold again—unable to look your team in the eyes, unable to control yourself, weak—and right now Ben is warm. And he’s got your back.

“You do not speak for her, or control her actions-“

“I am well fucking aware of that.” Ben drawls. “But she already said her damn self that we’re working on it. You’re fine, you bitch, so fucking shove it.”

Mallory says your name, and that rabid ache in Ben flares. “I do not care what Soldier Boy has told you, this is a security measure. Do not compromise yourself for whatever this is.”

That makes your head snap up, gaze landing on Mallory as your exhaustion morphs back into fury. When you speak, your voice is careful, venomous. “Whatever what is.”

If Mallory senses the danger in your voice, it doesn’t show on her face. “I recognize that you and he,” she gives a dismissive gesture to Ben, and you see Butcher wince in the corner of your eyes. You have a feeling everyone but Mallory knows where this is headed, and none of them are stepping in to stop it. “Have developed an odd kinship. But you are a smart woman, do not lose sight of the mission or your team for it.”

“This had nothing to do with the mission.” You’re not in danger of losing control again. This isn’t prodding at something broken or cracked in your body, it’s only measured anger. “The suppressants were detrimental to my health-“

“Did he tell you that?” Mallory snaps, giving Ben another jerk of her head. He’s still silent, still there, still letting you handle this. “Did Soldier Boy tell you they were detrimental-”

You’re not entertaining this. “He did. Because we live together, and sleep in the same bed. He was bound to notice that I wasn’t exactly doing well, what with all the nightly mental breakdowns.”

“And you trust his judgment-“

“Always.” You hold Mallory’s glare, leaning across the table. “I always trust him.”

It might not be entirely true, but this isn’t about the truth. Ben is an asshole—a loud, abrasive, infuriating piece of shit—but you’re still going to defend him to the end of the earth. You’ll stand by his side always, even when you’re angry at him. You’ve earned being angry at him. And Ben might not be allowed to tell you what to do, but he’s also earned his own lenience. He still grounds you when you’re spiraling, and loves you all the time. Mallory isn’t a part of your fight with Ben. Mallory isn’t a part of any of this.

“You are not as intelligent as I thought,” Mallory hisses. “If you are willing to forsake everything for Soldier Boy. It would recommend you re-evaluate, if you truly believe that he is worth risking your lack of control.”

Your vision is red. Not your vision. Ben’s vision.

Can I fucking kill her-

No. “Is that it? I should call things off with the only person in my life who loves me, and take the experimental drug?” 

Mallory scoffs. “He does not love you, girl. He may be infatuated, but-“

“He does.” You’re done with dancing around it. It’s been a long day of playing the game, so this has to be plain and brutal. This has to be the last time Mallory questions your judgment, the last time she pretends that she’s in charge of you. That she has any idea what you’ve gone through—from Homelander, from Vought, from her—or any authority over your choices. She doesn’t even fucking pay you. “Ben does love me. You’ve even used it to your advantage, with that fucking stay in line and you’ll put me in danger shit. I also love him, and if you actually viewed us as people, you probably would’ve noticed it. Everyone else certainly did. I am not a child, Mallory, with a school girl crush. I am an adult, who is allowed to make my own medical decisions, and fuck and love whomever I chose. And I chose Ben.”

“I would not endorse that choice-“

“I don’t fucking care. And it is truly insane to me,” you drawl. “How everyone is so incredibly comfortable telling me what to do with my life. I’m getting a little fucking tired of it, but I’m getting tired of a lot of this. Maybe I’ll let Ben steal Butcher’s car, and we’ll just leave. Maybe we’ll go to Canada. Maybe Mexico. But no matter what, we’re going together. And I don’t think you want to lose your two most valuable weapons at the finish line, Mallory. So watch it when you try to tell me how to think, or what to do outside of the mission.”

You don’t wait for her response, standing to your feet, taking Ben up with you, pausing only to glance at MM.

He speaks before you can ask the question. “Three days.”

You nod slowly. “That’s it?”

“Should be. I’ll have a more concrete number by breakfast tomorrow, I’ll tell you then.”

You hear the implication. You’ll be welcome at breakfast. You’d exploded—at Mallory, by pushing your blood into everyone else—but you’re still part of the team. They might be afraid of you, and you understand that, but they don’t hate you. They still trust you, and if you want to come to breakfast tomorrow, you can.

“Thank you,” you give MM a weak smile that’s mostly just a grimace, and when he returns it with a small, curt nod, you leave. Pull Ben behind you—both of you silent, his sore, bitter, rabid weight still in your chest and lungs and gut—not looking back. Your team, somehow, isn’t trading you for Mallory. And you have an odd feeling that after you leave, they’ll back you up. Ben does love you, your judgment isn’t compromised, and they trust you.

When Mallory leaves, you’ll have to share the Edgar news with them. They won’t turn around and tell Mallory—you’re sure of it—and they should know. Maybe this hydra head won’t grow back.

You have a different one to deal with now, anyways. Ben does love you. If you know anything, you know Ben loves you. You’d cut off the head of judgement, and now you have to deal with the fact that you’re going to fucking kill him, and that—in the end—you don’t want to. You don’t want to fight with Ben, you want to fall apart just a little in his arms, but you can’t. You have to fight with him now, so you can crumble into him later and only think about how warm he is. About how much, even in the wrath eating at your muscle and heart, you love him.

You wouldn’t be this angry if you didn’t. You’d just stomp upstairs when the apartment door closed behind you. Instead, you whirl around, and slam your fists into his chest.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

Ben doesn’t stumble, glowering down at you. “What the fuck is wrong with you,” he hisses, the words pushed through his teeth. “If you seriously fucking think I’m going to put you in any goddamn danger for something so fucking stupid?”

You scoff. “You’re not putting me in danger, I’m telling you that I’m going, and there’s not a single fucking thing you can do about it.”

“The fuck there isn’t. Christ,” Ben growls your name, holding your glare. “What if it is a goddamn trap? What if Homelander’s waiting for you?”

“I know the risks, Benjamin, and that’s why I’m going. I’m not letting you do this alone-“

“I can fucking take care of myself for an afternoon, you’re not going-“

“You would never let me do this alone-”

“I told you, that’s different-“

“It’s not!” You scream, shoving at his chest again. It’s futile, he’s built like a fucking mountain, and when he catches your hands you almost sob. You don’t want to fight, and you can feel that rabid ache in him, making everything so focused and loud, making something blister in your chest. “Why are you being such a dick about this?!”

“Because I can’t fucking lose you again!” Ben’s roar cuts through your ribs, and suddenly the sore feeling is unbearable. It’s not just eating him, it's spreading through him and taking root like a mold. “It fucking killed me, I failed you and it fucking broke you. I’m never fucking failing you again-“

“You didn’t lose me-“

He doesn’t hear the softening of your voice, and you’ve only felt him like this once. With everything in him wrathful, but inverted to tear apart his guts and nerves. Beating him until everything is his body is in a horrible, sunken agony. His face looks just like it had the first time as well—clouded and heavy, every feature looking like it’s uncertain of how to express the pain you can feel within him—but you can’t lean forwards and take his face in your hands like you had at the Believe Expo. You can only let Ben’s hands hold yours, grip tight but his strength controlled, his thumb running over your knuckles in a way that you’re not sure he’s fully aware of. Like it’s an instinct for him, pushing through the haze of his wrath.

“I did fucking lose you! It doesn’t matter how forgiving you are, I didn’t fucking protect you and you got hurt! Homelander fucking hurt you, because I failed you, and I’m never letting that happen again!”

“Ben-“

“I’ll never lock you up, I’ll fucking throwing myself in front of a goddamn bomb before I do that shit to you, but you’re not allowed to be in danger. And this is fucking dangerous-“

“Ben-“

“I’m never losing you again, I’m never failing you again, and there’s not a goddamn chance in hell I’m letting you get hurt again-“

“Benjamin!” You raise your voice, and heat your hands just enough to make his skin raw, to get his attention. “I’m okay, I’m really okay. Homelander wasn’t your fault-“

“It was,” he’s not shouting anymore. It’s worse, to hear the hopelessness in his voice, and the mold is spreading further and further, over his bones and into his muscles. “I fucking failed you-“

“You didn’t fail me,” you whisper. “You couldn’t fail me. You won’t always be able to protect me-“

“Not if I have a goddamn say-“

“You don’t.” You give him a sad smile, slowly moving your hands out of his grip, up to cup his face. “Our lives are really dangerous, and that’s just the way it is right now. And you won’t always be there to protect me, because there will be things we can’t handle together. But we can do this one together, and if it goes south, I’ll come back. I’ll burn the whole fucking world to get back to you, if I need to.” You run a hand over his beard, feeling the wrath fade, leaving only the ache. “And you’ll be waiting.”

“Of course I’ll fucking wait.” His voice is low, hoarse, and sad. It’s so sad, rotting inside of him and making your heart turn in your chest. “I’ll always wait, I fucking love you-“

“And that’s enough,” you tug him a little closer, keeping his eyes on yours. “It’s more than enough that you love me, and that you’ll wait. I literally live in you, Ben. You’re the safest place in the world to me, and I’ll always come back. But I need you to let me do this with you. To trust that I can take care of myself.”

“I trust you,” he mutters, hands moving up to hold your wrists. “But I can’t fucking help you. I need to fucking help you, to make sure you’re safe-“

You tug his head down, pressing your foreheads together. “I’m safe. If you’re staying here, I’m safe.”

He lets out a ragged breath, but doesn’t keep pushing.

“You’re hurting yourself.” You say, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. Narrowed on yours, so fucking sad. “You’re really hurting yourself, Ben.”

“I’m fine, I’m not a fucking pussy, this shit isn’t about me-“

“You’re not a pussy,” you trace a hand over his cheekbones, down to the line of his jaw, and he stills. Watching you with wide, reverent eyes as the mold starts to melt, burning away as a pious warmth blooms from his skull, down his spine. “But you’re still allowed to be in pain.”

“I’m fucking invulnerable-“

“Emotional pain, Ben.”

“I’m fine-“

You give him a flat look, and he rolls his eyes, voice still heavy and tired.

“It’s not the fucking same.”

“Because I’m a woman.” You raise your brows at him, and he scowls. 

“No, because you have an actual goddamn reason to be in pain. You-“ 

“I know what happened to me,” you sigh. “And I know you, Ben. You didn’t fail me, but no matter how much I tell you that you’re never going to not blame yourself for what happened.”

“Who fucking cares, I’m more than goddamn capable of feeling a little fucking sad and pushing through it-“

“It’s killing you. I can feel it. Right,” You point to his chest, where the mold has almost overtaken his lungs and heart in a suffocating, lead-like feeling. “There. And I care. I love you, and I hate that you’re doing this to yourself. It’s hurting me.” You swallow the lump in your throat, running your hands through Ben’s hair as the warmth starts to ache as well. It’s a better ache, like rain or sparks landing on bare skin, but it’s being pushed around inside him, as if his body doesn’t know what to do with it. Like it’s been thawed out and is unsure what it’s supposed to do within him. “Even when you’re being an ass, I still love you. And I don’t want you to kill yourself to protect me, Ben. I just want you.” 

His head falls to your shoulder, arms wrapping around your body and pulling you half off of the ground, and the ache washes over your body like a wave.

Ben’s first sob is choked, against your skin and strained. His whole body tenses, the ache tightening around your lungs, and you think he expects you to push him away. 

It’s okay, you hold him against you carefully, gently, and start to hum. You’re not sure it will help Ben, but he always does it for you, so you hum and run your fingers through his hair, letting a hazy, rainbow light fill the room, a warm breeze drifting around the apartment. Everything smells like flowers and honey and chocolate, and Ben’s relaxing against you, so you keep going. It’s okay, Ben. We’re okay.

It’s the same sound again. Pushing itself out of him, muffled in your neck as he tugs you closer, and you let him. You keep humming, let Ben hold you as tight as he needs to, and stay.

You’re not leaving. Nothing can take you away, and you know Ben realizes that when the wave turns into a storm. Crashing from Ben into you, all that aching, caring warmth. He almost falls forward, and his sobs are desperate as he shakes against your body. There’s an occasional, strangled roar, but it’s mostly just tears. Wet against your skin as Ben folds further down over you, like maybe he can pull you into him and keep you safe like that. 

It takes slow, careful steps, but you guide him across the room and onto the couch without ever disturbing him. When you lower your bodies down—Ben’s head now buried in your sternum, half slumping onto and half on his knees—his arms drop to your waist, and he screams. It’s loud, echoing through the room and racking his whole body as he chokes on his tears.

I can’t fucking lose you. He’s still crying, his voice barely a croak in your head. Not again. Not when I could’ve fucking done something to stop it-

You couldn’t have done anything- 

I’m supposed to fucking protect you. Ben’s hold on your body is almost bruising, but you don’t flinch. Nothing he does will ever hurt you, not really. Not permanently. I promised you I’d fucking protect you- 

I don’t need you to protect me, Ben. You sigh, half-petting his head as the tears start to slow, and the storm begins to pass. I just need you. 

You fucking trusted me. You shouldn’t fucking trust me, you shouldn’t keep forgiving me, you shouldn’t love me, I goddamn failed you- 

You didn’t fail me. And I don’t love you because you protect me. 

Ben looks up, and your humming falters. His eyes are red, and his expression is slack, and tired, and sad. Just so, so fucking sad, even as the warmth starts to spread once more. Why. 

You understand what he wants. His love for you is almost cowering in your chest, and for once you know exactly how to feed it. I love you because you’re safe, Ben. Not because you keep me safe, but because you’re safe. I trust you because you don’t lie to me, and you don’t treat me like I’m a problem, and you stay. I’m not easy either, but you stay. You put up with how intense and reckless I can be with myself, and you never stop pushing against my worst decisions with my own life, and you make me feel important. You make me feel valued and heard and cared for in a way that I didn’t know was possible. Even when I didn’t think you loved me, I knew you cared. You always care, and you always stay, and I love you. I’ll alway crawl back to you because I know you’ll pick me up and take care of me, and I won’t be afraid because you’re there. And everything is better when you’re there.

The tears are gone, and his voice is hoarse. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” you whisper, brushing hair away from his brow. “I love you, Benjamin. And I’m not mad.”

He huffs a dry laugh, resting his head onto your stomach as the tension starts to leave his body. “Of course you fucking aren’t,” he mumbles into you. “You should be.”

You smile down at him. “Don’t tell me what to do.”

Ben chuckles, and even though it’s still low and gruff, it’s warm. “Couldn’t if I damn tried. You’re a piece of fucking work, Sunshine,” one of his hands find its way to yours, squeezing it once. “You’re fucking perfect.”

I love you.

Ben smiles against you, and all his care and affection hums in your body. I love you too, darling.

Your heart flutters a little bit, and you decide that, as long as Ben wants to stay molded against you—his chest rising and falling with ease, every part of him only love—you’re going to let him. He’d been right, you probably should be mad at him, but you’re not. He’d apologized. He wouldn’t do that if he hadn’t understood, because Ben didn’t do things he didn’t mean. And he was trying. He was always trying. And you can’t blame him for the fight, because you'd be lying if you said you’d be any better—if Ben went back to sleep, you hadn’t been there to stop it, and all you could do was wait for him to wake up—and it wasn’t like either of you were winning any emotionally stable and well-adjusted awards. All that really matters is he’s here, and he’s trying. You’re both always trying. Loving each other and losing your mind and burning together and trying.

Ben’s love is alive and content in your chest, easy and warm as you hold him, and it’s still so holy. It feels inevitable, loving each other. Not like soulmates, but something bigger. Something that’s made of more teeth and blood, and had been feral and lonely for so long, wanting for something it didn’t know was missing. A deep craving that had been there so long it felt natural, and you'd both learned how to live with it stuck in your bodies, and didn’t really want or need it to be satisfied. 

You’re satisfied now. Both you and Ben have melded yourselves together, against every single odd and force trying to pull you away. And you did it. Nothing made this happen, you love Ben because of him, because of you, and because you don’t want to ever be wanting again.

And when you look at Ben, his face still buried in your stomach, chest rising and falling in a steady pattern, big hands rubbing circles on your skin, you know you won’t be.

Ben is here. He’s safe, he’s everything, and you love him, and you’re never going to be craving for anything again.

End Note: I know it’s far too late to turn back now, but I hope all the OCs and reader lore doesn’t throw you guys off. It’s hard not to do, just for this story, but let me know if it’s hard to track and/or read.

Thank you for reading!! If you like this story, please reblog, share, or leave a comment! <3

If you want to be tagged, just ask!

Taglist

@lordofthunderthr @kritara @sukunassfinger, @justiceforquentin @acciditties

@c1gs-coffee @manicjk @artemys-ackles, @a-cup-of-nightshade, @bitchykittenconnoisseur

@fghj18 @n-o-p-e-never @deanspinsterwitchs-readinglist @marisha-3 @stvrniolo

@deansbbyx @s0urw00lf @ciuguapa @ilyaasansaif @whimsicalcherry

@sadpods @ahoytothestorm @silverwingxox @criminalyetminimal @solsborg

@generalmoonpolice @ifyouwerethemoon @leavli

[intelmarketresearch]

Software Testing Market Growth Analysis, Market Dynamics, Key Players and Innovations, Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

  According to a new market analysis, the global Software Testing market was valued at USD 103.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 243.78 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.0% during the forecast period (2025–2032). The growth is driven by rising demand for high-quality software, digital transformation across industries, and adoption of agile/DevOps methodologies.

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is a critical quality assurance process involving verification and validation of applications through manual or automated methods. It ensures products meet specified requirements while identifying defects before deployment. The testing landscape encompasses methodologies including functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and compatibility testing, becoming increasingly vital with rising cyber threats and complex software ecosystems.

Key Market Drivers

1. Acceleration of Digital Transformation

The rapid shift to digital platforms across banking, healthcare, and retail has increased testing demands by over 60% since 2020. Major banks like HSBC increased test automation investments by 60% in 2023 to support cloud migrations. Telecom providers such as Verizon adopted AI-based testing frameworks, reducing time-to-market by 30% for 5G applications. This reflects an industry trend where testing is embedded throughout development pipelines, especially in regulated sectors where compliance and uptime are critical.

2. Mobile Application Explosion

With 255 billion mobile app downloads annually, specialized testing for functionality, UI/UX, and cross-device compatibility has become essential. Flipkart reported a 45% reduction in production bugs after implementing continuous mobile testing. The emergence of progressive web apps (PWAs) and 5G applications further drives demand for advanced network simulation and edge computing tests.

Market Challenges

The high cost of AI-driven testing tools and global skills shortages in advanced methodologies remain key restraints. Effective utilization requires professionals skilled in both testing and machine learning - a rare combination facing a 40% talent gap. Integration challenges with existing ecosystems further slow adoption, despite clear long-term benefits in test automation.

Opportunities Ahead

Asia-Pacific presents the fastest growth (18.7% CAGR) with mobile app testing demand in China and outsourcing growth in India. The rise of Testing-as-a-Service models offers on-demand infrastructure access, while AI applications enable predictive test case generation and self-healing scripts. IoT expansion also creates new testing markets for connected device validation.

Regional Market Insights

North America leads with 35% market share, driven by stringent compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI-DSS) and $18B+ automation investments.

Europe shows strong security testing demand post-GDPR, with Germany/UK accounting for 60% of regional spending.

Asia-Pacific growth is fueled by digital transformation initiatives valued at $178B, particularly in China's mobile app ecosystem.

Competitive Landscape

Accenture and TCS dominate with 20% combined market share, serving enterprise clients across BFSI and healthcare.

IBM and Capgemini lead in AI-powered solutions, while specialists like Tricentis focus on DevOps testing.

Market Segmentation

By Testing Type:

Functional Testing

Non-Functional Testing

By Deployment Mode:

On-Premise

Cloud

By Application:

Mobile Applications

Web Applications

By Region:

North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

Report Scope & Offerings

This comprehensive analysis includes:

2024-2032 market forecasts with 14.0% CAGR projections

Competitive intelligence on 14+ key players

SWOT and trend analysis across testing types and regions

Access Full Report: https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/Software-Testing-Market-Report

Download Sample: Software Testing Market Sample Report

About Intel Market Research

Intel Market Research delivers actionable insights in technology and infrastructure markets. Our data-driven analysis leverages:

Real-time infrastructure monitoring

Techno-economic feasibility studies

Competitive intelligence across 100+ countries Trusted by Fortune 500 firms, we empower strategic decisions with precision.

+91 9169164321

Website: https://www.intelmarketresearch.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intel-market-research

[tonymattny]

BFSI Software Testing: Unlocking Secure, Reliable & Future-proof Financial Solutions

Delivering Peace of Mind through Proactive BFSI Software Testing

The banking, financial services, and insurance sectors have always operated in a demanding environment. High transaction volumes, sensitive data, stringent compliance requirements, and customer expectations for seamless digital experiences dominate this landscape. The stakes soar higher each year. Even the smallest software flaw can trigger catastrophic consequences. In this scenario, rock-solid BFSI Software Testing holds the key to a secure, reliable digital transformation journey.

ideyaLabs builds uncompromised trust in all digital BFSI platforms. Each solution aligns with business mandates, regulatory compliance, and evolving consumer needs. ideyaLabs stands as a frontline guardian by employing specialized BFSI Software Testing strategies. This brings the confidence needed for organizations to deliver innovative financial services without risk.

Why BFSI Software Testing Demands Special Attention

BFSI software environments are complex. Microservices architectures, multi-channel interfaces, data lakes, and integrations with third-party services create unique challenges. Organizations rely on rapid releases to address market needs. Testing in this context requires a razor-sharp approach. Regular software testing techniques can create blind spots. Advanced threats, fraud attempts, and compliance standards like PCI DSS and GDPR add further layers to the challenge.

ideyaLabs recognizes every nuance that makes BFSI sector software unique. The comprehensive BFSI Software Testing methodology scrutinizes platforms from every angle. The result is resilient products that withstand real-world threats while delighting users.

Comprehensive BFSI Testing Services by ideyaLabs

ideyaLabs empowers BFSI organizations with a wide array of tailored testing services:

Functional Testing: Guarantees all banking and financial functions work flawlessly across portals, apps, ATMs, and APIs. Fast response times and seamless workflows become standard.

Security Testing: Identifies and closes malicious vulnerabilities. Protects customer and organizational data from external and internal threats.

Compliance Testing: Assures that products always stay in sync with financial regulations, including KYC, AML, data privacy laws, and fraud prevention.

Performance Testing: Monitors system stability under heavy loads, spikes during peak hours, and large batches of transactions.

Automation Testing: Accelerates validation cycles through intelligent test automation. Reduces manual errors and supports continuous delivery.

Regression Testing: Safeguards existing functionalities from being compromised after updates or integrations.

Integration Testing: Checks interactions among diverse APIs, gateways, core systems, and external service providers.

Usability Testing: Focuses on customer-centric designs for frictionless digital journeys.

ideyaLabs always prioritizes real-life scenarios, customer journeys, and domain-specific risks.

Emerging BFSI Challenges Addressed through Expert Testing

Today’s BFSI space faces game-changing challenges:

Surge of neobanks & fintech disruptors

Mass adoption of mobile wallets, UPI, and contactless payments

Explosion of cloud-native core banking platforms

Ongoing evolution of cybersecurity threats

Dynamic customer lifecycles across devices

Traditional banks and financial institutions compete with digital-native players. ideyaLabs uses BFSI Software Testing to empower legacy brands and digital-first enterprises alike. With deep domain expertise, ideyaLabs ensures creditor platforms, insurance portals, trading apps, and payment gateways perform without a hitch.

BFSI Software Testing for Seamless Customer Experience

Modern financial services prioritize customer experience. Interruptions in mobile banking, delays in payment processing, inaccurate fund transfers—all can erode trust instantly.

ideyaLabs adopts a customer-centric approach to BFSI Software Testing. Every testing cycle mimics real-world conditions. All possible use cases—from onboarding and KYC e-verification to loan disbursement, claims, investment analysis, and support chats—undergoes rigorous checks. Organizations deliver smooth, intuitive, and robust digital experiences that keep customers happy and loyal.

Fraud Protection and Risk Mitigation through Strong Testing

Digital fraud and cyberattacks take sophisticated forms in the BFSI sector. Revenue loss, data breaches, and compliance violations create high-profile headlines. With ever-changing threat vectors, BFSI institutions must shield systems proactively rather than reactively.

ideyaLabs integrates deep security best-practices in every BFSI Software Testing phase. Penetration tests, vulnerability scans, and ethical hacking efforts combine with business logic validation. Fraud prevention features—from OTP generation to real-time transaction monitoring—get thoroughly validated. Security checks never rely on assumptions. ideyaLabs transforms risk into resilience.

Powering Regulatory Adherence Every Step of the Way

Global financial regulations shift constantly. New government frameworks, data privacy laws, anti-money laundering regulations, and evolving compliance demands require constant vigilance. Non-compliance can cost millions in fines and reputational damage.

ideyaLabs features specialized compliance testing for BFSI. Built-in checks ensure software always aligns with regulatory standards set by RBI, SEBI, IRDA, global banking authorities, and cross-border policy makers. Regulatory gaps stand identified early and addressed before launch. Organizations always operate with confidence and peace of mind.

Accelerating Digital Transformation with Test Automation

The BFSI sector races ahead with digital transformation strategies. Automation becomes critical to keep pace. Fast rollout of new services, bug fixes, and regulatory changes demand continuous integration and delivery pipelines.

ideyaLabs implements modern test automation within its BFSI Software Testing framework. Automated regression suites handle repeated validations for every release. AI-driven test scenarios tackle large data volumes, transaction scaling, and new interface launches. Time-to-market shrinks dramatically. Efficiency skyrockets, and product reliability never gets compromised.

Dedicated Domain Experts Deliver Results

Successful BFSI Software Testing goes far beyond technical skill. It demands deep knowledge of banking workflows, financial products, insurance systems, lending lifecycles, and financial data structures.

ideyaLabs brings together teams of banking domain experts, test architects, automation engineers, data specialists, and security analysts. Each project receives personalized attention. Stakeholders get transparent reporting and recommendations. Software quality moves from a checkbox to a clear competitive advantage.

ideyaLabs: Your Partner for BFSI Excellence

Financial organizations need a partner with the vision, skills, and track record to keep them future-proof. ideyaLabs builds client relationships on results, not promises. BFSI clients rely on ideyaLabs for reliable, scalable, and secure software testing that eliminates risks before products reach critical users.

ideyaLabs stands ready to address the digital challenges of banks, lenders, insurance providers, wealth managers, trading platforms, and emerging fintech disruptors. With customized BFSI Software Testing, institutions can launch new services with confidence and set fresh benchmarks for reliability.

Redefine BFSI Success with ideyaLabs

In an era where financial technology drives brand reputation, regulatory survival, and customer loyalty, BFSI Software Testing becomes non-negotiable. ideyaLabs brings a proven framework, an experienced team, and a relentless focus on quality to every engagement. Institutions can focus on customer growth and innovation without distraction.

[siddhesh7011]

Software Testing Market Growth Analysis, Market Dynamics, Key Players and Innovations, Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

  According to a new market analysis, the global Software Testing market was valued at USD 103.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 243.78 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.0% during the forecast period (2025–2032). The growth is driven by rising demand for high-quality software, digital transformation across industries, and adoption of agile/DevOps methodologies.

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is a critical quality assurance process involving verification and validation of applications through manual or automated methods. It ensures products meet specified requirements while identifying defects before deployment. The testing landscape encompasses methodologies including functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and compatibility testing, becoming increasingly vital with rising cyber threats and complex software ecosystems.

Key Market Drivers

1. Acceleration of Digital Transformation

The rapid shift to digital platforms across banking, healthcare, and retail has increased testing demands by over 60% since 2020. Major banks like HSBC increased test automation investments by 60% in 2023 to support cloud migrations. Telecom providers such as Verizon adopted AI-based testing frameworks, reducing time-to-market by 30% for 5G applications. This reflects an industry trend where testing is embedded throughout development pipelines, especially in regulated sectors where compliance and uptime are critical.

2. Mobile Application Explosion

With 255 billion mobile app downloads annually, specialized testing for functionality, UI/UX, and cross-device compatibility has become essential. Flipkart reported a 45% reduction in production bugs after implementing continuous mobile testing. The emergence of progressive web apps (PWAs) and 5G applications further drives demand for advanced network simulation and edge computing tests.

Market Challenges

The high cost of AI-driven testing tools and global skills shortages in advanced methodologies remain key restraints. Effective utilization requires professionals skilled in both testing and machine learning - a rare combination facing a 40% talent gap. Integration challenges with existing ecosystems further slow adoption, despite clear long-term benefits in test automation.

Opportunities Ahead

Asia-Pacific presents the fastest growth (18.7% CAGR) with mobile app testing demand in China and outsourcing growth in India. The rise of Testing-as-a-Service models offers on-demand infrastructure access, while AI applications enable predictive test case generation and self-healing scripts. IoT expansion also creates new testing markets for connected device validation.

Regional Market Insights

North America leads with 35% market share, driven by stringent compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI-DSS) and $18B+ automation investments.

Europe shows strong security testing demand post-GDPR, with Germany/UK accounting for 60% of regional spending.

Asia-Pacific growth is fueled by digital transformation initiatives valued at $178B, particularly in China's mobile app ecosystem.

Competitive Landscape

Accenture and TCS dominate with 20% combined market share, serving enterprise clients across BFSI and healthcare.

IBM and Capgemini lead in AI-powered solutions, while specialists like Tricentis focus on DevOps testing.

Market Segmentation

By Testing Type:

Functional Testing

Non-Functional Testing

By Deployment Mode:

On-Premise

Cloud

By Application:

Mobile Applications

Web Applications

By Region:

North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

Report Scope & Offerings

This comprehensive analysis includes:

2024-2032 market forecasts with 14.0% CAGR projections

Competitive intelligence on 14+ key players

SWOT and trend analysis across testing types and regions

Access Full Report: https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/Software-Testing-Market-Report

Download Sample: Software Testing Market Sample Report

About Intel Market Research

Intel Market Research delivers actionable insights in technology and infrastructure markets. Our data-driven analysis leverages:

Real-time infrastructure monitoring

Techno-economic feasibility studies

Competitive intelligence across 100+ countries Trusted by Fortune 500 firms, we empower strategic decisions with precision.

+91 9169164321

Website: https://www.intelmarketresearch.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intel-market-research

[eduvantec]

Top Python Programming Jobs in India: Skills, Salary & Scope

Python has quickly become one of the most in-demand programming languages across industries in India. Its simplicity, versatility, and vast ecosystem make it the backbone of jobs in data science, web development, automation, and artificial intelligence. Let’s explore the top Python jobs in India, the skills you need, and the salaries you can expect.

🔍 1. Python Developer

Role: Build backend systems, APIs, and applications using Python frameworks like Django or Flask. Skills Required: Core Python, web frameworks, REST APIs, databases (SQL, MongoDB), Git. Salary Range: ₹4–10 LPA (entry to mid-level), ₹12+ LPA (senior roles). Industries Hiring: IT services, startups, fintech, healthcare.

📊 2. Data Analyst

Role: Use Python to clean, analyze, and visualize data for decision-making. Skills Required: Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, SQL, Excel, statistics. Salary Range: ₹4–9 LPA (entry), ₹10–15 LPA (mid to senior roles). Industries Hiring: E-commerce, BFSI, retail, consulting.

🤖 3. Machine Learning Engineer

Role: Design and deploy ML models using Python libraries. Skills Required: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, Python, data preprocessing, cloud platforms. Salary Range: ₹6–20 LPA (varies by experience and company). Industries Hiring: AI startups, IT giants, research labs, finance.

🌐 4. Web Developer (Python Stack)

Role: Develop full-stack or backend web applications. Skills Required: Django, Flask, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, PostgreSQL, APIs. Salary Range: ₹3–8 LPA (entry to mid), ₹10–18 LPA (lead roles). Industries Hiring: Edtech, SaaS companies, product-based firms.

📈 5. Data Scientist

Role: Extract insights from big data using Python and ML techniques. Skills Required: Python, statistics, ML algorithms, SQL, data visualization, Big Data tools. Salary Range: ₹6–25 LPA depending on expertise. Industries Hiring: Banking, telecom, ecommerce, research & analytics.

📉 6. DevOps Engineer (Python Scripting)

Role: Automate infrastructure tasks, CI/CD pipelines using Python scripts. Skills Required: Python, Bash, Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes, AWS/Azure. Salary Range: ₹6–15 LPA. Industries Hiring: Cloud service providers, tech enterprises, IT consultancies.

🎮 7. Automation Test Engineer

Role: Create test scripts and automate test cases using Python. Skills Required: Selenium with Python, PyTest, APIs, debugging. Salary Range: ₹4–10 LPA. Industries Hiring: QA firms, software development companies, mobile app developers.

📌 Future Scope

With continued growth in data-driven decision-making, automation, and AI adoption, Python skills are only becoming more valuable in India’s tech job market. Remote work, international freelance gigs, and cross-discipline applications further expand the scope for Python professionals.

🚀 Want to Learn Python Faster?

If you're a student or working professional looking to build these in-demand skills, visit AllHomeworkAssignments.com for expert-led Python help, project guidance, and personalized tutoring.

[controlservice81]

Mystery Audits India Elevating Business Standards Across Sectors

In today’s hyper-competitive market, customer satisfaction is the key to brand loyalty and sustained growth. Companies across India are constantly searching for ways to improve their customer service, store standards, and employee performance. One of the most effective and unbiased ways to do this is through Mystery Audits India. But what exactly are these audits, and why are they so crucial for your business?

What are Mystery Audits India?

Mystery audits, also known as secret shopper programs, are anonymous evaluations conducted by trained individuals posing as regular customers. Their job is to observe, interact, and assess various aspects of a business such as staff behavior, cleanliness, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), product availability, and overall customer service experience.

With Mystery Audits India, businesses can gain real-time feedback from the ground level, enabling them to identify service gaps, employee training needs, and areas of improvement. These audits provide objective insights that are often difficult to gather through traditional internal reviews or customer surveys.

Why Mystery Audits India are Essential for Businesses

India’s diverse customer base and evolving market demands have made it necessary for brands to maintain high standards consistently. Here’s why Mystery Audits India play a vital role:

Unbiased Customer Experience Feedback Mystery audits give businesses a candid look at the real-time customer experience without any filters.

Compliance Monitoring They help ensure that SOPs, safety protocols, and brand guidelines are being followed diligently across locations.

Training and Performance Evaluation Mystery audit reports highlight areas where staff training may be required, thereby improving service delivery.

Brand Consistency Whether it's a retail chain or a restaurant franchise, audits ensure that each outlet maintains the brand’s promise to customers.

Industries Leveraging Mystery Audits India

The scope of Mystery Audits India is vast and spans across several industries:

1. Retail Mystery Audits India

Retail stores rely heavily on foot traffic and customer satisfaction. Mystery audits help evaluate factors such as:

Staff courtesy and knowledge

Store layout and cleanliness

Stock availability

Billing experience

A well-executed retail audit can enhance customer retention and drive more conversions.

2. Hospitality Mystery Audits India

Hotels and restaurants need to offer top-notch service to attract and retain guests. Mystery audits in hospitality cover:

Reservation experience

Food quality and presentation

Ambience and cleanliness

Staff interaction and promptness

Such audits are critical in maintaining service excellence and boosting online reviews.

3. Banking and Financial Mystery Audits India

In the BFSI sector, customer trust and efficient service are non-negotiable. Mystery audits assess:

Queue management and waiting time

Staff behavior and knowledge of products

Branch infrastructure

Adherence to compliance norms

These audits help banks ensure regulatory compliance and customer-centric services.

4. Automotive Mystery Audits India

For automotive brands, both sales and service centers need to uphold certain standards. Mystery audits check:

Product knowledge during inquiry

Test drive experience

After-sales service quality

Timely communication and follow-ups

Such insights help companies improve their sales funnel and post-sale satisfaction.

How CTRL Services is Redefining Mystery Audits India

At CTRL Services, we specialize in customized Mystery Audits India that are tailored to your business model and industry-specific requirements. Our team of experienced auditors uses a data-driven approach to deliver actionable insights that can transform customer experience and operational efficiency.

Our Mystery Audit India Process Includes:

Audit Design and Customization We define clear audit parameters based on your business objectives.

Trained Mystery Shoppers Our shoppers are trained to identify service gaps and provide detailed, unbiased reports.

Real-Time Reporting Our digital dashboards allow you to monitor results, trends, and compliance in real-time.

Feedback Loop and Recommendations We don’t just point out issues — we suggest improvements for long-term success.

Whether you run a single outlet or a nationwide chain, our comprehensive mystery audit solutions help you stay ahead in the game.

Benefits of Partnering with CTRL Services for Mystery Audits India

Choosing CTRL Services for Mystery Audits India comes with several advantages:

Pan-India audit network

Industry-specific audit modules

Scalable solutions for all business sizes

Confidentiality and professionalism

In-depth reports with actionable insights

We take pride in being one of India’s most reliable partners when it comes to enhancing service quality and brand performance through mystery audits.

Future of Mystery Audits India – A Data-Driven Evolution

With increasing digitization, Mystery Audits India are evolving. Real-time analytics, AI-based reporting tools, and mobile audit apps are making audits quicker, more accurate, and incredibly insightful.

As consumer expectations rise and competition intensifies, mystery audits will not just remain a quality check tool but will become a strategic business necessity. Businesses that invest in regular mystery audits today are likely to be the market leaders of tomorrow.

Ready to Transform Your Customer Experience?

If you're serious about improving your service quality, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, it's time to embrace the power of Mystery Audits India. At CTRL Services, we’re committed to helping businesses like yours achieve excellence through professional and data-backed audits.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your first audit. 📧 Email us at info@ctrlservice.in 🌐 Visit https://ctrlservice.in/

🔍 Discover the difference that only Mystery Audits India can make – with CTRL Services by your side.

[tonymattblog]

Superior Testing Solutions with ideyaLabs BFSI Software Testing

In the fast-paced financial industry, precision and reliability hold paramount importance. The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector incorporates vast amounts of sensitive data requiring rigorous testing protocols to ensure smooth operations. At ideyaLabs, we provide innovative and reliable BFSI software testing services. Our expertise ensures that your software remains secure, efficient, and compliant with global standards.

Unmatched Expertise in BFSI Software Testing

The BFSI sector faces complex challenges including regulatory constraints, security concerns, and system integrations. ideyaLabs offers specialized services designed to tackle these challenges. Our team consists of experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the BFSI domain and high proficiency in handling intricate testing processes.

Tailored Testing Services for BFSI Sector

Every BFSI institution has unique needs. We offer comprehensive testing services customized to fit these exact requirements. We cover all aspects of software testing from functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and compliance testing. Our goal is to increase your software's reliability and boost user confidence.

Functional Testing for Seamless Operations

Functional testing verifies that your banking software performs all its intended functions correctly. ideyaLabs executes rigorous functional testing to identify defects and ensure flawless functionality. We simulate real-world user scenarios to validate the software's behavior under various conditions.

Performance Testing for Optimal Efficiency

BFSI applications must handle substantial loads without compromising performance. ideyaLabs conducts in-depth performance testing to evaluate your software’s responsiveness, scalability, and stability. We stress-test your system to detect and address any performance bottlenecks.

Security Testing to Protect Sensitive Data

The BFSI sector deals with highly sensitive information, making security a top priority. ideyaLabs offers robust security testing services to identify vulnerabilities and protect your software from potential threats. We employ state-of-the-art tools and techniques to safeguard your data against breaches and cyber-attacks.

Compliance Testing for Regulatory Adherence

Regulatory compliance is crucial in the BFSI sector. Our compliance testing ensures that your software meets all global and industry-specific regulatory standards. ideyaLabs maintains an updated knowledge base on various compliance requirements, aiding you in avoiding legal complications.

Automated Testing for Efficiency

To meet the high demands of the BFSI industry, we employ automation in our testing processes. Automated testing improves efficiency, reduces manual errors, and speeds up the testing cycle. ideyaLabs utilizes advanced testing tools and frameworks to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

User Acceptance Testing for Client Satisfaction

Ensuring the end-user’s satisfaction is pivotal. ideyaLabs conducts comprehensive User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to certify that your software delivers an exceptional user experience. We gather feedback from real users to make necessary adjustments before the software's final release.

Proactive Performance Monitoring

Post-deployment, our work continues. ideyaLabs provides continuous performance monitoring to detect and rectify issues early on. This proactive approach helps in maintaining uninterrupted services and adapting to evolving requirements swiftly.

Quality Assurance and Control

Quality is non-negotiable in BFSI software testing. At ideyaLabs, we adhere to strict quality assurance protocols and quality control measures. Our systematic approach ensures that your software is of the highest quality, providing consistent performance under all circumstances.

Innovative Testing Solutions

Stay ahead using ideyaLabs' innovative testing solutions. We incorporate the latest technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance our testing processes. Our intelligent testing methods predict potential issues and optimize testing strategies for the best outcomes.

Client-Centric Approach

At ideyaLabs, we prioritize our clients. Our client-centric approach ensures that we understand your unique challenges and requirements. We work closely with you to develop tailor-made testing strategies that align with your business objectives.

Extensive Domain Knowledge

Our team’s extensive domain knowledge sets us apart. With years of experience in the BFSI sector, we possess an in-depth understanding of its intricacies. This expertise enables us to deliver precise and effective testing solutions.

Reliable and Efficient Testing Process

We pride ourselves on our reliable and efficient testing process. ideyaLabs employs a structured and systematic approach to ensure comprehensive testing coverage. Our transparent reporting system keeps you informed at every step, ensuring that you are always aware of the testing progress.

Responsive Customer Support

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond testing services. ideyaLabs offers responsive customer support to address your queries and concerns promptly. We believe in fostering long-term relationships with our clients through dependable and supportive service.

Proven Track Record

Our proven track record in BFSI software testing speaks volumes about our capabilities. We have successfully delivered top-notch testing services to numerous clients in the BFSI sector, helping them achieve their business goals.

Invest in Quality Testing

Investing in quality testing services translates to smooth and secure operations in the BFSI sector. ideyaLabs delivers this quality consistently. By choosing our testing services, you ensure minimized risks, enhanced performance, and robust security for your software.

Partner with ideyaLabs for Success

Partner with ideyaLabs for all your BFSI software testing needs. Our expertise, innovative solutions, and client-focused approach make us the ideal choice for your business. Let us help you achieve optimal software performance, security, and compliance.

In conclusion, ideyaLabs stands as a leader in BFSI software testing services. Our comprehensive, customized, and highly effective solutions ensure your software's success in the competitive financial sector. Trust ideyaLabs to safeguard your software's future.

[pathshalah31777]

NMAT low fees colleges Bangalore/CMAT low fees colleges in India

NMAT & CMAT Low Fees Colleges: Affordable MBA Options in Bangalore & Across India

Are you considering pursuing an MBA or PGDM but are concerned about the high tuition fees and your entrance test score? Don’t worry! Suppose you’ve taken the NMAT or CMAT and scored lower than expected. In that case, there are still excellent low-cost management colleges in Bangalore and other parts of India where you can build your career smartly and affordably.

NMAT Low-Fee Colleges in Bangalore

Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is not just home to top IT firms but also affordable MBA colleges that accept NMAT scores and offer excellent value for money. Here's a list of NMAT low-fees colleges in Bangalore:

Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore

Fees: ₹7.2 Lakhs (approx)

Known for: ROI-focused PGDM, good placement support

NMAT accepted

Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore

Fees: ₹4.5 Lakhs – ₹6 Lakhs

NMAT/CMAT accepted

Excellent academic atmosphere

Acharya Bangalore B-School (ABBS)

Fees: ₹4.3 Lakhs

Affiliated to Bangalore University

Offers good internships & corporate exposure

ISBR Business School, Bangalore

Fees: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹6 Lakhs

NMAT/CMAT/Other scores accepted

AICTE approved with good industry linkage

CMAT Low-Fee Colleges in India

For aspirants across the country, CMAT offers a gateway into many reputed low-fee B-schools. Here are some CMAT low-fee colleges in India known for quality education and affordable MBA programs:

PUMBA (Pune University), Pune

Fees: ₹1.5 Lakhs – ₹2 Lakhs

Highly affordable

Government institute with excellent ROI

Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

Fees: ₹2 Lakhs – ₹3 Lakhs

CMAT accepted (for MMS)

Ranked among the top public B-Schools in India

K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

Fees: ₹7 Lakhs (considered low among Tier-1)

CMAT accepted

Top placements in BFSI and Consulting

Nirma University, Ahmedabad

Fees: ₹5 Lakhs – ₹6 Lakhs

Accepts CMAT

Strong alumni network & industry connections

SIMSREE, Mumbai

Fees: ₹2 Lakhs

Government-run, excellent placement record

Accepts CMAT/MH-CET

Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad

Fees: ₹4.5 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs

CMAT/NMAT accepted

Well-known for public policy & business programs

 Why Choose Low-Fee Colleges Through NMAT/CMAT?

Affordable MBA: Get quality education without burning a hole in your pocket

AICTE/UGC Approved: Most colleges are approved & affiliated with reputed universities

Good Placements: Reasonable placements with high ROI

Low Risk, High Return: Ideal for students from middle-income backgrounds

Still Confused? Let Pathshalahub Help!

Fill out the form now and let Pathshalahub guide you to the best MBA/PGDM colleges in Bangalore and across India accepting NMAT/CMAT scores at affordable fees.

Call or WhatsApp: 9792662662 Apply Now: https://pathshalahub.com/course/B.Sc-In-Hotel-&-Hospitality/32

[globalindustrypulse]

Automation Testing Market Size Expected to Reach USD 63.05 Bn By 2032

The global automation testing market size was valued at USD 17.71 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow from USD 20.60 billion in 2025 to USD 63.05 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.3% during the forecast period. With the accelerating shift to DevOps, agile development, and digital transformation, automation testing is becoming essential to reduce release cycles, improve test accuracy, and support CI/CD pipelines.

Key Market Highlights:

2024 Market Size: USD 17.71 billion

2025 Market Size: USD 20.60 billion

2032 Market Size: USD 63.05 billion

CAGR (2025–2032): 17.3%

Market Outlook: Strong growth trajectory fueled by AI-driven automation, cloud-based testing platforms, and the rising need for quality-at-speed

Leading Players in the Global Market:

IBM Corporation

Micro Focus (OpenText)

Capgemini

Tricentis

SmartBear Software

Parasoft

Keysight Technologies

Cigniti Technologies

Sauce Labs

Katalon

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Accenture

Infosys

TestProject (by Tricentis)

BrowserStack

Request Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/automation-testing-market-107180

Market Dynamics:

Growth Drivers:

Increasing Adoption of DevOps & Agile: Automation testing plays a pivotal role in continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) environments, enabling faster feedback and release cycles.

Demand for AI-Based Testing: Machine learning algorithms are being integrated to enhance test case generation, defect prediction, and self-healing capabilities.

Rising Complexity of Applications: With mobile-first, cloud-native, and multi-platform applications on the rise, automation is key to managing diverse testing needs.

Cost Efficiency and Time-to-Market: Automation significantly reduces regression testing costs, allowing enterprises to focus resources on innovation.

Cloud Testing Adoption: Scalable, on-demand cloud testing environments are helping enterprises run large-scale test scenarios efficiently.

Key Opportunities:

AI-Driven Test Automation Tools: Emerging platforms that use generative AI to create test scripts, simulate user behavior, and optimize test coverage

Codeless & Low-Code Automation: Rapidly growing market for tools that enable QA teams to write tests without deep programming skills

Test Automation for IoT and Embedded Systems: Expanding scope in automotive, healthcare, and industrial domains

Mobile App Automation: Increasing need for automated testing tools tailored to Android/iOS ecosystems and responsive design

Integration with RPA Platforms: Automation testing integrated with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to streamline back-office workflows

Trends Shaping the Market:

Shift-Left and Shift-Right Testing Strategies: Earlier and later testing phases integrated with DevOps lifecycle

Digital Experience Testing: Increased focus on user journey simulation and UX performance in real-world conditions

AI-Based Self-Healing Tests: Use of ML to automatically detect changes in the UI and adjust test scripts accordingly

Test Data Management (TDM): Sophisticated tools being used to generate, mask, and manage test data across environments

Open Source Tool Adoption: Rising popularity of community-driven platforms for flexibility and cost reduction

Speak to Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/automation-testing-market-107180

Technology & Application Scope:

Testing Types:

Functional Testing

Regression Testing

Performance Testing

API Testing

UI Testing

Security Testing

Deployment Modes:

On-Premise

Cloud-Based

Hybrid

End-Use Industries:

BFSI

Healthcare

Retail & E-commerce

Manufacturing

IT & Telecom

Government

Media & Entertainment

Tools & Frameworks:

Selenium

Appium

TestComplete

JUnit

Cypress

Ranorex

Robot Framework

Playwright

Recent Developments:

April 2024 – Tricentis launched Tricentis Testim, an AI-powered test automation platform for browser-based and mobile apps with self-healing capabilities.

January 2024 – Microsoft added enhanced automated testing features to Azure DevOps, enabling developers to embed AI-assisted test execution and visual bug tracking.

October 2023 – BrowserStack acquired Nightwatch.js, boosting its automation testing toolkit for full-stack JavaScript developers.

Conclusion:

The global automation testing market is experiencing rapid growth as businesses prioritize speed, quality, and innovation in their software development lifecycles. With emerging AI tools, robust cloud infrastructure, and the growing complexity of digital ecosystems, the future of automation testing is intelligent, adaptive, and deeply integrated into business workflows.

[communicationblogs]

Automation testing market

Automation testing market size is forecast to reach $72501 million by 2030, growing at CAGR 14.50% during 2024–2030.

🔗 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐎𝐈-𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟏 → 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐰

Automation Testing Market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing demand for faster software development cycles, improved quality assurance, and the adoption of DevOps and Agile methodologies. Automation testing uses tools and scripts to execute tests automatically, reducing manual effort, minimizing human error, and accelerating time-to-market. Key technologies like AI, machine learning, and continuous integration are enhancing test coverage and efficiency. Sectors such as IT, BFSI, healthcare, and retail are major adopters.

🚀 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬:

𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐎𝐩𝐬 & 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬

– Continuous integration and delivery require fast, reliable, and repeatable testing processes.

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭

– Automation reduces test cycle duration, enabling quicker software releases.

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 & 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

– Modern applications require testing across platforms, devices, and environments — automation ensures consistency and scalability.

𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 & 𝐑𝐎𝐈

– Although initial setup is high, automation reduces long-term testing costs and resource dependency.

𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

– Enterprises are automating QA processes to support large-scale digital initiatives and customer-facing applications.

𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬:

Amazon | Alibaba Group | Accenture | IGE/Affinity Media (acq. Tencent Holdings Ltd.) | Cognizant | IBM | Huawei | América Móvil | Cisco | SoftBank Group Corp. | JD.COM | DXC Technology

#AITesting #MLInTesting #SmartTesting #NextGenTesting #DigitalQuality #QAasAService #TechTrends #DigitalTransformation #SoftwareQuality #TechInnovation

[markettrendsus]

Comprehensive Analysis of the Hybrid Cloud Market 2025-2034

The Hybrid Cloud Market has emerged as a pivotal component in the global digital transformation journey. As organizations increasingly demand flexibility, scalability, and enhanced security, hybrid cloud solutions offer a balanced combination of public and private cloud environments. This article offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the Hybrid Cloud Market, focusing on its current size, growth projections, key drivers, trends, and challenges, while answering the most frequently asked questions.

Market Overview

According to recent research, the Global Hybrid Cloud Market size is projected to reach USD 142.3 billion in 2025. From this base, it is expected to grow at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.3% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034, eventually reaching a staggering USD 1,164.9 billion by 2034. This exponential growth highlights the rising adoption of hybrid cloud models by enterprises globally.

What is Hybrid Cloud?

The hybrid cloud is an IT architecture that combines at least one public cloud and one private cloud, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. This infrastructure enables businesses to leverage the advantages of both environments—flexibility and scalability of the public cloud along with security and compliance of the private cloud.

Core Components of Hybrid Cloud

Public Cloud: Services provided over the internet by third-party providers (e.g., compute, storage, applications).

Private Cloud: Dedicated cloud infrastructure exclusively operated for a single organization, either on-premises or hosted.

Hybrid Management Platform: Orchestration tools that allow seamless integration and management across both environments.

Get More Info: https://dimensionmarketresearch.com/report/hybrid-cloud-market/

Key Drivers of Hybrid Cloud Market Growth

1. Increased Need for Business Agility

In a rapidly changing business environment, organizations require IT infrastructure that can quickly adapt to market demands. The Hybrid Cloud Market fulfills this need by offering on-demand scalability while maintaining control over critical data.

2. Data Sovereignty and Compliance Regulations

As governments enforce stringent data protection laws, enterprises must ensure sensitive data remains within specific jurisdictions. The hybrid cloud allows businesses to store regulated data on private clouds while utilizing public clouds for less sensitive workloads.

3. Rising Demand for Cost Optimization

Enterprises seek cost-effective solutions without compromising performance. Hybrid cloud solutions help optimize IT expenditure by balancing workload distribution between cost-effective public cloud services and secure private clouds.

4. Increasing Cloud-Native Application Adoption

The adoption of microservices, containers, and DevOps methodologies has fueled the hybrid cloud model's growth, enabling organizations to build, test, and deploy applications efficiently across multiple environments.

5. Enhanced Security & Disaster Recovery

Hybrid cloud solutions offer robust security features and backup capabilities. Organizations can maintain business continuity by replicating data and applications across environments, reducing risks associated with outages or breaches.

Market Segmentation

By Component

Solutions: Cloud management platforms, orchestration solutions, hybrid integration platforms.

Services: Managed services, professional services, consulting, and support.

By Deployment Model

On-Premises

Hosted/Managed Hybrid Cloud

By Organization Size

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Large Enterprises

By Industry Vertical

Healthcare

Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)

Government and Public Sector

Retail and E-commerce

IT and Telecom

Manufacturing

Energy and Utilities

Get Free Sample PDF: https://dimensionmarketresearch.com/report/hybrid-cloud-market/request-sample/

Regional Analysis

North America

North America dominates the Hybrid Cloud Market, driven by early technology adoption, strong IT infrastructure, and the presence of major cloud providers. Regulatory compliance and cybersecurity concerns are also pushing U.S. enterprises toward hybrid solutions.

Europe

Europe is witnessing significant hybrid cloud adoption due to GDPR and other regional compliance standards. Enterprises are strategically using hybrid models to maintain data sovereignty while accessing global cloud resources.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest growth, fueled by rapid digital transformation, growing SME sector, and government-led cloud-first initiatives in countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

These regions are gradually adopting hybrid cloud solutions as enterprises seek cost-effective, scalable IT infrastructure to support modernization efforts.

Emerging Trends in the Hybrid Cloud Market

1. AI and Machine Learning Integration

Hybrid cloud solutions are increasingly integrating AI and ML capabilities to enhance analytics, automate operations, and improve decision-making processes across industries.

2. Edge Computing Synergy

The convergence of hybrid cloud with edge computing enables real-time data processing closer to the data source, reducing latency and improving operational efficiency for IoT and industrial applications.

3. Multi-cloud Strategies

Many organizations are implementing multi-cloud strategies, combining services from multiple cloud vendors within their hybrid environment to avoid vendor lock-in and enhance resilience.

4. Containerization and Kubernetes Adoption

Container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes are central to hybrid cloud deployments, simplifying workload portability across public and private environments.

5. Zero Trust Security Frameworks

Zero trust security models are becoming integral to hybrid cloud architectures, ensuring identity-based access and continuous verification of users, devices, and data flows.

Have any Query Ask? Talk to Analyst: https://dimensionmarketresearch.com/report/hybrid-cloud-market/download-reports-excerpt/

Challenges Hindering the Hybrid Cloud Market

1. Complexity of Integration

Seamlessly integrating legacy systems with modern cloud platforms remains a challenge, requiring significant expertise and investment.

2. Skill Shortages

The lack of skilled IT professionals proficient in hybrid cloud architecture and management often hampers successful implementation.

3. Interoperability Issues

Ensuring interoperability between diverse platforms, APIs, and cloud providers remains a technical barrier for many enterprises.

4. Hidden Costs

Unexpected expenses such as data egress charges, third-party software licensing, and ongoing maintenance can inflate total cost of ownership (TCO).

Competitive Landscape

The Hybrid Cloud Market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering innovative solutions across various sectors. Key competition drivers include pricing strategies, technological advancements, service portfolio diversity, and strategic alliances.

Key Market Participants

Public Cloud Providers (e.g., large hyperscalers)

Private Cloud Solution Providers

Cloud Orchestration and Management Vendors

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

Cloud Security Firms

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Hybrid Cloud Market promises unprecedented growth opportunities. As enterprises continue to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, pursue digital transformation, and manage hybrid workforces, demand for flexible and secure hybrid cloud solutions will continue to surge. By 2034, with a projected market value of USD 1,164.9 billion, hybrid cloud will become a cornerstone of global IT infrastructure strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is driving the growth of the Hybrid Cloud Market?

The key growth drivers include increasing demand for scalability and agility, rising data privacy regulations, cost optimization benefits, growing adoption of cloud-native applications, and enhanced security capabilities.

2. How does hybrid cloud ensure data security?

Hybrid cloud enables enterprises to store sensitive data in private clouds while leveraging public clouds for less sensitive operations. This dual architecture allows organizations to maintain compliance, control access, and implement advanced encryption and zero-trust security frameworks.

3. Which industries are adopting hybrid cloud solutions the most?

Industries such as healthcare, BFSI, government, retail, manufacturing, and IT & telecom are among the leading adopters due to their complex regulatory requirements, need for secure data management, and demand for scalable computing resources.

4. What role does edge computing play in hybrid cloud?

Edge computing complements hybrid cloud by processing data closer to the source, improving latency, and enhancing real-time decision-making. Hybrid cloud provides centralized management and scalability while edge nodes handle localized data processing tasks.

5. Are SMEs adopting hybrid cloud solutions?

Yes, SMEs are increasingly adopting hybrid cloud solutions to gain enterprise-grade IT capabilities at affordable costs. The flexibility, scalability, and pay-as-you-go pricing models offered by hybrid cloud are particularly attractive for resource-constrained businesses.

6. What are the major challenges in implementing hybrid cloud?

Common challenges include integration complexity, interoperability issues, skill shortages, hidden operational costs, and evolving cybersecurity threats. However, these challenges are being addressed through innovative tools, managed services, and growing industry expertise.

Conclusion

The Hybrid Cloud Market stands at the forefront of the evolving digital economy. As organizations increasingly seek to optimize their IT infrastructure for performance, compliance, and cost-efficiency, hybrid cloud solutions are becoming the preferred choice. With a projected CAGR of 26.3% leading to a market value of USD 1,164.9 billion by 2034, the hybrid cloud revolution is poised to redefine the future of enterprise computing. Enterprises that strategically embrace hybrid cloud models today will gain significant competitive advantages, ensuring agility, innovation, and resilience in an increasingly dynamic business environment.

[tonymattny]

Superior BFSI Software Testing Solutions for Your Financial Success in 2025

Introduction to BFSI Software Testing

BFSI Software Testing shapes the backbone of digital banking and financial solutions. Precision, efficiency, and security are essential for your business to gain a competitive advantage. The industry faces constant regulatory changes, rapid digitalization, and complex user expectations. BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) organizations cannot afford errors in their applications. Reliable BFSI Software Testing by ideyaLabs ensures systems work as intended, safeguard sensitive information, and deliver seamless user experiences.

The Imperative of Rigorous Testing in BFSI

Financial institutions store and manage sensitive customer data. Even a minor flaw can result in financial losses or regulatory penalties. ideyaLabs delivers comprehensive BFSI Software Testing to protect your business and reputation. Testing solutions detect vulnerabilities, performance bottlenecks, and security loopholes. This proactive approach guarantees uninterrupted banking and insurance operations. Customers trust your services knowing their transactions remain secure.

Comprehensive BFSI Application Coverage

BFSI environments depend on a large ecosystem of software. Core banking, digital wallets, insurance management, loan origination, trading platforms, and payment gateways form critical components. ideyaLabs tests each module to meet the highest industry standards. Seamless integration interoperability between systems ensure a consistent user experience. Our validation processes include functional, security, performance, compliance, and usability perspectives.

Industry-Leading Functional Testing

Functionality drives the success of BFSI applications. ideyaLabs validates all user journeys, from account creation to transaction completion and report generation. System functions produce accurate and expected results. We execute detailed test cases, identify defects at early stages, and accelerate your go-to-market speed. Our BFSI Software Testing covers both front-end interfaces and back-end processes for reliable operations.

Robust Security Testing for Data Protection

Security stands as a top priority in BFSI Software Testing. ideyaLabs protects applications from cyber threats including data breaches, identity theft, and fraudulent activities. Our experts conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. We identify weak spots and security misconfigurations early in the SDLC. Encryption, authentication, and authorization controls remain thoroughly checked. This ensures only authorized users access sensitive information.

Performance Testing for Uninterrupted Services

BFSI applications must handle large volumes of transactions, especially during peak times. ideyaLabs introduces rigorous performance and load testing methodologies. Systems sustain high throughput without latency or failures under stress. Bottlenecks, memory leaks, and resource constraints get detected before production rollout. Optimizing application scalability becomes possible through our systematic approach.

Compliance Testing to Meet Regulatory Requirements

Regulations change frequently. Your business cannot fall behind in adapting to new mandates. ideyaLabs remains updated with the latest financial standards and compliance norms. BFSI Software Testing verifies alignment with global and regional industry regulations. Our team helps you achieve consistent regulatory compliance and avoid penalties. Automated test suites ensure you stay ahead of audits and inspections.

End-to-End Digital Experience Assurance

Customer experience in BFSI now happens predominantly on digital channels. ideyaLabs tests interfaces for usability, accessibility, and responsiveness. Omnichannel user flows across web, mobile, and wearable apps remain smooth and reliable. Our goal is to enhance your brand reputation by delivering intuitive, bug-free user experiences. We reduce digital drop-off rates and drive higher customer satisfaction for your business.

Agile Testing Strategies for Fast-Paced BFSI Markets

Banking and finance companies innovate continuously. ideyaLabs incorporates Agile and DevOps principles in BFSI Software Testing. Testing activities seamlessly integrate into your continuous integration and deployment pipelines. Early feedback, dynamic test planning, and rapid releases become a reality. You accelerate product launches and stay ahead of market trends without sacrificing quality.

Automated Testing for Faster Time-to-Market

Speed matters in financial technology. ideyaLabs automates repetitive and critical test scenarios for BFSI applications. Automated test scripts run daily cycles to identify regressions quickly. You minimize manual efforts and cut down time to market. Our frameworks scale effortlessly as your application portfolio expands. Consistent quality remains standard, even with frequent updates and new features.

API and Integration Testing for End-to-End Assurance

Open banking, third-party integrations, and microservices define modern BFSI ecosystems. ideyaLabs focuses on API testing as a core service. Our experts validate data flows, authentication protocols, and business logic via automated scripts. You experience seamless system interactions, zero data loss, and uninterrupted workflows across platforms.

Mobile Application Testing for BFSI On-the-Go

Customers access BFSI services primarily through mobile devices. ideyaLabs tests across Android and iOS devices for performance, usability, and security. Applications adapt smoothly across device models, screen sizes, and network conditions. Our approach covers both native and hybrid mobile apps. Customers stay connected to your services from anywhere at any time.

Data Migration and Validation Testing

Migrations and upgrades occur regularly within BFSI infrastructures. ideyaLabs validates data transfer processes between legacy systems and modern platforms. We ensure data integrity, accuracy, and completeness. No transaction gets lost during migration. System transitions remain reliable and risk-free.

Custom Reporting and Analytics Validation

BFSI decisions depend on data analytics and reporting tools. ideyaLabs evaluates the accuracy and performance of dashboards and report generators. We verify data sources, business logic, and output formats. Decision-makers receive reliable insights that support growth and compliance. Our BFSI Software Testing keeps your analytics robust and trustworthy.

Continuous Improvement With Real-Time Monitoring

Problem resolution does not end after deployment. ideyaLabs offers post-release monitoring and support. We integrate real-time analytics and alerting tools into your workflows. Application health checks detect issues quickly. Continuous improvement elevates the resilience and reliability of your systems.

Domain Expertise and Industry Experience

BFSI software solutions need a specialized approach. ideyaLabs employs domain experts with years of experience in financial and insurance systems. Our professionals understand workflows, compliance requirements, and customer expectations. Industry best practices and proven methodologies shape every BFSI Software Testing project.

Proven Track Record in BFSI Software Testing

ideyaLabs has delivered success stories to global banking and insurance customers. Our end-to-end services cover digital banks, fintech startups, traditional lenders, insurance aggregators, and more. We adapt to the unique needs of each client. Our testing accelerates digital transformation and enhances business agility.

The Future of BFSI Demands Reliable Testing

BFSI institutions tackle fierce competition, emerging technologies, and evolving risks in 2025. ideyaLabs enables you to address these challenges with reliable and scalable BFSI Software Testing. Integrating AI-driven test automation, cybersecurity best practices, and continuous delivery models keeps your operations one step ahead.

Partner With ideyaLabs for BFSI Software Testing Excellence

The success of your financial products depends on systematic and thorough testing practices. ideyaLabs empowers your business to deliver secure, compliant, and user-friendly applications. Partner with us to enhance customer trust, meet regulations, optimize performance, and innovate rapidly.

Conclusion: Secure Your Position in 2025 with Trusted BFSI Software Testing

BFSI Software Testing by ideyaLabs provides the foundation for success, trust, and sustainable growth. Invest in comprehensive validation, security evaluation, and performance optimization. Reach out to ideyaLabs today and embrace a future where your financial solutions lead the market with confidence and reliability.

[marketinsightt]

Employment Screening Services Market Size, Share, Trends, Demand, Growth and Competitive Analysis

Employment Screening Services Market Segmentation, By Services (Background Check, Verification, and Medical & Drug Testing), End-Use Industry (IT & Telecom, BFSI, Government Agencies, Travel & Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare, and Others), and Organization Size (SMEs and Large Enterprise) – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2032

Global employment screening services market size was valued at USD 5.52 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9.56 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.10% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032. 

Employment Screening Services Market report has been designed by keeping in mind the customer requirements which assist them in increasing their return on investment (ROI). The report also endows with the information, statistics, facts and figures which are very helpful for the companies to maximize or minimize the production of goods depending on the states of demand. This market research report is formulated with the most excellent and superior tools of collecting, recording, estimating and analysing market data of  industry. The insights provided in this market research report are based upon SWOT analysis on which businesses can rely confidently. The Employment Screening Services Market business report describes CAGR (compound annual growth rate) values and its fluctuations for the specific forecast period.

This Employment Screening Services Market report underlines the consumption of market, key players involved, sales, price, revenue and market share with volume and value for each region. Significant industry trends, estimations of market size and market share are analysed and discussed in this report. It presents top to bottom examination of the market for estimating income, return on investment (ROI) and developing business strategies. Furthermore, competitive analysis gives a clear idea about the strategies used by the major competitors in the market that perks up their penetration in the market. The data collected to structure this Employment Screening Services Market report is based on the data collection modules with large sample sizes.

Discover the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic insights in our comprehensive Employment Screening Services Market report. Download Full Report: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-employment-screening-services-market

Employment Screening Services Market Overview

**Segments**

- Based on services, the global employment screening services market can be segmented into background screening, verification, and drug testing. Background screening includes criminal background checks, employment verification, education verification, and credit checks. Verification services involve the verification of credentials provided by job candidates such as employment history, educational qualifications, and professional licenses. Drug testing services typically involve testing for illicit substances as a part of the employment screening process. These different segments cater to the diverse needs of organizations to ensure they are making informed hiring decisions.

- Geographically, the market can be divided into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is a significant market for employment screening services due to strict regulatory requirements and the need for maintaining a compliant workforce. Europe is also a key market with increasing emphasis on employee background checks and verification processes. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing growth in the adoption of employment screening services as companies strive to mitigate risks associated with hiring.

**Market Players**

- Some of the major players in the global employment screening services market include First Advane, Hireright LLC, Employment Screening Services, Inc., DataFlow Group, Sterling, Accurate Background, Paychex, Insperity, GoodHire, InfoMart, and Capita PLC among others. These companies offer a range of services to help organizations in vetting potential employees, ensuring a safe and trustworthy workforce. With technological advancements and the increasing focus on compliance and risk mitigation, these market players are continuously innovating to provide efficient and comprehensive employment screening solutions.

The global employment screening services market is experiencing a significant shift towards more comprehensive and technology-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of organizations in verifying the backgrounds and qualifications of job candidates. One of the emerging trends in the market is the increasing focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to streamline the screening process and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of background checks. By leveraging these advanced technologies, market players can offer predictive analytics to identify potential red flags or discrepancies in candidate information, thereby enabling organizations to make more informed and reliable hiring decisions.

Another key trend shaping the market is the rising demand for global screening services, especially in multinational companies that operate across borders. With the globalization of businesses and a diverse talent pool, there is a growing need for employment screening services that can provide comprehensive checks on an international scale. Market players are expanding their service offerings to include cross-border verifications, compliance with different regulatory requirements, and cultural considerations to address the challenges of global workforce screening.

Moreover, data privacy and security concerns are becoming paramount in the employment screening services market. As organizations handle sensitive personal information of job candidates during the screening process, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring data protection and compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. Market players are investing in secure data management systems, encryption technologies, and adherence to strict privacy standards to build trust with their clients and safeguard candidate information.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a profound impact on the employment screening services market, prompting a shift towards remote and contactless screening solutions. With social distancing measures and remote work becoming the new norm, there is a growing demand for virtual background checks, online verification services, and digital drug testing options. Market players are innovating to adapt to these changing dynamics by offering scalable and flexible screening solutions that can be conducted remotely while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the screening process.

In conclusion, the global employment screening services market is witnessing rapid evolution driven by technological advancements, increasing globalization, data privacy concerns, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Market players are adapting to these trends by offering sophisticated screening solutions that combine automation, AI-driven insights, global capabilities, and stringent data security measures to meet the complex needs of modern organizations in vetting their workforce effectively. The future of the employment screening services market lies in continuous innovation, collaboration with regulatory bodies, and a proactive approach towards addressing the evolving challenges in the recruitment and hiring landscape.The global employment screening services market is undergoing significant transformations driven by various factors shaping its landscape. One notable trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in the screening processes. These advanced technologies not only streamline the screening procedures but also enhance accuracy and efficiency in conducting background checks. Market players are deploying predictive analytics to identify potential discrepancies or red flags in candidate information, enabling organizations to make more informed and reliable hiring decisions. This shift towards technology-driven solutions emphasizes the market's focus on innovation to cater to the evolving needs of organizations in verifying job candidate backgrounds and qualifications.

Another crucial trend influencing the market is the growing demand for global screening services, especially among multinational companies operating across borders. With the globalization of businesses and a diverse talent pool, there is a rising need for comprehensive employment screening services on an international scale. Market players are expanding their service offerings to include cross-border verifications, compliance with varied regulatory requirements, and considerations for cultural differences to address the challenges associated with global workforce screening. This trend underscores the market's response to the increasing complexities and demands of organizations in conducting employment screenings on a global scale.

Furthermore, data privacy and security concerns are emerging as paramount considerations in the employment screening services market. As companies handle sensitive personal information of job candidates during the screening process, ensuring data protection and compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA have become critical. Market players are investing in secure data management systems, encryption technologies, and stringent privacy standards to establish trust with their clients and safeguard candidate information. This focus on data security and privacy reflects the market's commitment to ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the screening process amidst evolving regulatory landscapes and increasing concerns around data protection.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has witnessed a notable shift towards remote and contactless screening solutions. With the adoption of social distancing measures and remote work arrangements, there is a growing demand for virtual background checks, online verification services, and digital drug testing options. Market players are innovating to meet these changing dynamics by offering scalable and flexible screening solutions that can be conducted remotely while upholding the accuracy and integrity of the screening processes. This adaptation to the pandemic-induced changes underscores the market's resilience and ability to evolve in response to external disruptions, highlighting a shift towards more digitally driven and flexible screening solutions.

In conclusion, the global employment screening services market is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, globalization trends, data privacy considerations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Market players are at the forefront of these transformations, offering sophisticated screening solutions that combine automation, AI-driven insights, global capabilities, and robust data security measures to meet the complex needs of organizations in vetting their workforce effectively. As the market continues to evolve, collaboration with regulatory bodies, continuous innovation, and a proactive approach towards addressing emerging challenges will be key in shaping the future of employment screening services.

The Employment Screening Services Market is highly fragmented, featuring intense competition among both global and regional players striving for market share. To explore how global trends are shaping the future of the top 10 companies in the keyword market.

Learn More Now: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-employment-screening-services-market/companies

DBMR Nucleus: Powering Insights, Strategy & Growth

DBMR Nucleus is a dynamic, AI-powered business intelligence platform designed to revolutionize the way organizations access and interpret market data. Developed by Data Bridge Market Research, Nucleus integrates cutting-edge analytics with intuitive dashboards to deliver real-time insights across industries. From tracking market trends and competitive landscapes to uncovering growth opportunities, the platform enables strategic decision-making backed by data-driven evidence. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, DBMR Nucleus equips you with the tools to stay ahead of the curve and fuel long-term success.

Key Benefits of the Report:

This study presents the analytical depiction of the global Employment Screening Services Marketindustry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.

The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the global Employment Screening Services Market share.

The current market is quantitatively analyzed from   to highlight the Global Employment Screening Services Market growth scenario.

Porter's five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market.

The report provides a detailed global Employment Screening Services Market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years

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