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quickspinner · 5 years ago

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Month of Miracles Day 22 - Rush

Rather than try to catch up, I’m just gonna jump right back into the prompts, and we’ll get back to the hallmark thing when it’s ready instead of trying to--haha--rush it. Personally I’ve been rushing to finish gifts I had planned to make before that unexpected delay last week, so I admit I might be channeling a bit here!

Marinette cursed herself for an idiot for the fiftieth time, darting a quick glance up at her schedule and then to the clock before focusing back on the fabric she was moving through her sewing machine.

She knew, she knew that it was stupid to make gifts for all her friends. She knew that the smart thing to do would be to pick two or three people each year for handmade gifts, and just buy presents for the rest, but somehow she could never help herself. There were always so many ideas swirling in her head and when she thought of something just so perfect for someone, she could never convince herself not to make it—even when she knew it was too much, even when she knew it wouldn’t be appreciated the way she wanted it to be, even when she knew it was going to cost more than she really ought to be spending at the moment…

And so here she was again, a few days before Christmas, cancelling plans so that she could stay home and get things done. Her calendar was carefully marked and color coded. She’d had to finish Adrien’s present over a week ago, since his schedule meant she wouldn’t see him again before Christmas. She had made plans to meet up with Alya on Christmas Eve, so she had until then to finish hers, but Nino was leaving with his family for vacation tomorrow, so she had to finish his gift tonight. The Couffaines actually had their annual Christmas party the day after Christmas, so she had a little extra time for theirs, and while she had missed the deadline she had been aiming at for Rose’s gift, she could deliver at the Couffaines’ party, she was sure. She still had a little bit to do on her parents’ gifts but she could spend extra time working on those Christmas Eve, and—

A familiar hand landed—not on her shoulder, as usual, but on her hands, keeping them in place so that when she jumped and screeched, she didn’t get her fingers in the way of the machine’s needle.

“Hi,” Luka said near her ear, and she could hear the smile. “Sorry. I knocked, and I called, but—” He drew his hands back, squeezing her shoulders lightly before he stepped back so she could turn around. He tossed his hair out of his eyes and smiled down at her. “Guess you were busy.”

“You could say that,” Marinette tried to laugh, looking around at the mess that was her room. Oh no, she hadn’t left his present out anywhere had she? She gasped and jumped up. “Don’t look!”

She needn’t have panicked. Luka’s gift, already finished, was folded neatly in a box labeled Saturday, exactly where she’d left it. Marinette breathed a sigh of relief and replaced the lid, tucking it a little farther under her chaise.

She turned back to see Luka standing where she’d left him, with his hands over his eyes. “Okay, you can look now,” she said, feeling stupid that she’d panicked for nothing.

Luka split his fingers and peeked at her through them. “You sure?” he grinned.

“Yes,” Marinette huffed, getting up off the floor and brushing loose strands of hair back from her face. She probably looked a mess. Her pigtails were coming out from all the tugging on them she’d been doing, what makeup she was wearing was probably smudged, and—

And Luka had dropped his hands and was still looking at her the way Luka always did. “You look busy,” was all he said, and Marinette’s face flooded with heat.

“Yeah,” she admitted in a small voice. “I maybe bit off more than I could chew this year. Again. B-but it’s fine, you know,” she tried to smile. “I’ll get it done. Um, so what did you—I mean, I’m happy to see you but did you need something, or…?”

“I just wanted to see you,” Luka shrugged, and Marinette’s blush darkened even though he showed no sign of embarrassment at all. “I was sorry you couldn’t come to practice.” He waved a hand to encompass the whirlwind of projects in her room. “I can see why you did, though. It looks like you have a lot to do. I hate to see you so stressed out about it, though.” Luka stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. “Are you doing okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Marinette tried to smile. “I’m sorry I had to bail, it’s just…”

“Marinette,” Luka said gently, and Marinette lowered her head slightly in shame. She waited for the the gentle scolding, the lecture on taking care of herself, the admonishment to slow down and relax and take things one step at a time and enjoy the season and—

“What can I do?”

Marinette’s eyes shot up to his and she blinked disbelievingly. He looked the almost the same; calm, slightly amused, but now he also looked expectant, eyes slightly raised as his fingertips lingered on her elbows.

“S-sorry?” she stammered, still staring at him.

“What can I do to help? I’m all yours, just tell me what you need. I can wrap or run errands or whatever helps.” He grinned. “I can even sew a little bit if it’s not too complicated. I’m slow but I can make it look neat.”

Marinette stared at him for one moment more, and then threw herself forward, wrapping her arms around him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she mumbled into his chest, trying not to cry.

Luka had grabbed her upper arms reflexively when she pitched forward, but now he relaxed and moved his hands around to her back, patting gently. “Of course, Marinette. I was honestly just hoping to spend some time with you, but if I can help you get some of this done so you can relax a bit, that’s even better.”

Marinette hummed acknowledgement into his shirt and squeezed him a little tighter. “You’re the best,” she sighed.

His fingers flexed on her back, but he didn’t say anything, just leaned into her slightly.

She still had a lot to do, but Marinette held on to the hug a little longer. Some things, after all, just shouldn’t be rushed.

#quickspins #monthofmiracles2020 #lukanette #endgame lukanette #lukanette endgame #luka couffaine #marinette dupain-cheng #miraculousladybug #miraculous ladybug #ml fics #promptfic #quickfic

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pahrak-the-sinnoh-slizer · 4 years ago

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Right of Law, Section XXVI

(The kolhii tournament is about to begin in Civitas Magna, and the arrival of a certain team sparks some controversy. Meanwhile, in Ga-Koro, Kojol receives a visit from one of the last people she ever expected.)

“After a series of heart-stopping qualifier matches, the 8585th District’s Kofo-Jaga have earned the privilege of representing Civitas Magna in this week’s kolhii tournament! The dynamic duo of Bour and Keahi won over hearts from all across the city, stunning us all when…” Tarduk looked up. “Gaaki? You still there?”

The Ga-Matoran snapped to attention. “O-Oh, yeah, sounds good!”

Tarduk set down the paper he was reading from and leaned forward. “C’mon, Gaaki, we’ve got a deadline to meet.”

“Sorry...it’s just hard to focus.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I mean, is this really what should be on the front page? There are much more important things going on.”

“You mean the things we were explicitly told not to write about?”

“Not just those, no. What about that art that’s been circulating? We’re allowed to cover that as long as we don’t make it sound like we sympathize.”

“Perditus is already doing an article on that.”

“He is?”

“Yeah. Page 10.”

Gaaki ran a hand over her mask. “No one reads to page 10…”

“Exactly. Haven’t you figured Ahkmou out yet? He wants to discourage people from buying and selling any suspected Nynrahn art, sure, but he knows that if he puts too much effort into it, people will get curious. A short afterthought of an editorial, though? A casual dismissal like that will plant the idea to avoid it much more effectively.”

Gaaki’s eyes traced a crack in the ceiling.

“Look...I’m not happy about it, but this is the situation we find ourselves in, Gaaki.”

“So we should just play along? Ignore our responsibility to inform the people? Is that right?”

Tarduk sighed. “...It sure doesn’t feel right. But what would we accomplish if we made a push right now? We’d disappear, and the Chronicle would carry on as is--the people would be no better off.”

A long silence passed.

“We may be in a position to do some good...but if so, we’re only likely to get one good shot. Aim carefully, Gaaki.”

The Ga-Matoran veered to one side. Her attempts at forming a response were abandoned when the door swung open, letting in a frantic-looking De-Matoran wearing a Hau. He rushed across the room, stopping only when Gaaki rose from her seat to say, “Woah, slow down there! What’ve you got, Krakua?”

“I was at the wall,” the other Matoran panted, “interviewing teams as they arrived...the Mahri-Nui Hydruka showed up…”

Tarduk leaned back in his chair. “Oh, that does sound like a scoop. From what I hear they almost weren’t approved to participate.”

Krakua waved his hands. “It’s even bigger than that! Hahli and Dekar are here, as expected, but Dekar’s the substitute! They’ve got Hewkii on the team now!”

Everyone looked up from their desks. Gaaki gaped a moment before asking, “From the Atero Scarabax? That Hewkii?”

“Exactly! I’ve got to run this interview by the editor right away!”

Krakua took off once again. Tarduk glanced at Gaaki, who remained perfectly still, eyes practically bulging out of her mask. Time seemed to freeze in the newsroom as everyone collectively held their breath, until the silence was shattered by footsteps coming through the open door. Gaaki was first to see who it was, and immediately returned to her seat, the shock on her face now mixed with copious dread.

“Slow news day,” Ekimu said, tools jangling in his apron pockets as he strode across the floor.

“I am certain they are merely stunned by your arrival, Lord Ekimu,” Yarion said, the scuffs on their armor still faintly visible despite its recent polish. “We are all humbled by your presence.”

At the back of the room, another door opened; Krakua quietly slinked out, and behind him stormed Ahkmou. The Turaga froze mid-step when he noticed the Great Being.

“Ah, Lord Ekimu,” he said, quickly smoothing out his disposition. “It is an honor to meet you in person at last.”

“Something’s wrong,” Ekimu said. It was not a question.

“Ah...not to trouble you, my lord, but I did just receive some concerning news. It seems that someone with ties to Xia has arrived as part of the Mahri-Nui kolhii team. I was just on my way to deal with the issue.”

Ekimu inclined his head. Turning towards Krakua, he said, “You saw this?”

“Y-Yes, my lord,” Krakua answered. “Hewkii from the Scarabax--”

“I’ll have him detained at once, Lord Ekimu,” Ahkmou said. “Please, there’s no need to worry yourself over the matter.”

Ekimu’s head swiveled back to regard Ahkmou. “I don’t worry.”

“O-Oh, of course.”

“Leave him be.”

Ahkmou raised an eyebrow. “...Ah...not to question you, but are you sure, my lord? I have it on good authority that Hewkii assisted in defending the rebel-held Xia against Atero, and we already had some suspicions toward Mahri-Nui. This is probably a rebel ploy.”

“I don’t care.” Ekimu walked forward. “I came to watch a tournament. Make a mask for the winner. Cause a stir now, and it may as well be cancelled. And what’s the worst he can do? Talk? Who’s gonna listen when I’m here?”

Ahkmou bowed. “Excellent point, Lord Ekimu. Please forgive my rudeness.”

Ekimu passed the Turaga, saying, “Have Vamprah keep an eye on him. Find out what he knows. After the tournament, I’ll take him back to the Maze.”

“Of course, my lord.” Ahkmou nodded to Yarion, who walked back outside. Running after Ekimu, he said, “Now then, on to other matters!”

They disappeared into Ahkmou’s office. Tarduk looked again to Gaaki, who was staring hard at the paper in front of her. Quietly, he repeated, “Aim carefully.”

Gaaki locked eyes with him. “I will.”

***

Dekar carefully peeked through the blinds. Nothing stood out as suspicious, but it was hard to pick out faces in the large crowd gathered outside the hotel.

“Please stop checking every few minutes,” Hahli said. “You’re driving me crazy.”

“Sorry,” he said as he stepped away from the window. “Just a little on-edge.”

“I understand. But if someone was coming for us, I’m sure we’d know.”

Hewkii lay on one of the beds, casually tossing a kolhii ball up and down. “Be at ease, friends. If we’ve made it this far, I doubt we have anything to fear.”

“Is everyone from Atero so laid-back?” Dekar asked, tone flat as the pavement outside.

“Dekar,” Hahli mumbled.

Hewkii sat up. “Oh...sorry, maybe it looks like I’m not taking this seriously.”

“No, no, we know you are. But...how are you able to stay so calm?”

“I guess I’m just a little more prepared for being surrounded by enemies. Not that Atero’s forces see that much battle, but I imagine it’s more than Mahri-Nui’s used to.”

Dekar crossed his arms. “You’d be surprised. If this is how you approach battle, I’m amazed you’ve survived this long.”

“Hm? You’re a warrior?”

“A hunter, at least. I also spend a lot of time surrounded by things that want me dead.”

Hewkii hopped to his feet, gently tossing the kolhii ball to Dekar. “I see! That must be exciting work!”

Dekar caught the ball in one hand, instantly stopping all its momentum. “It’s necessary work. I wouldn’t call it ‘exciting’.”

Hewkii frowned. Turning to Hahli, he said, “So, what is it you do when you’re not playing kolhii?”

“Oh, a little of everything,” Hahli said. “Errands, deliveries, even hunting with Dekar every now and then.”

“Not really sure what it is you want to do?”

“Well…I’ve always been curious about reporting, but, there isn’t much need for that on an island as small as Mahri-Nui.”

“Is that so? Need or not, you could always give it a try.”

Dekar shot the ball straight back at Hewkii, the other Toa bouncing it off his chest, rolling it down his arm, and then spinning it atop one finger. Unimpressed, Dekar said, “If you know something isn’t necessary, then doing it anyway is a waste of time. Time you could spend doing something else.”

Hewkii tilted his head. “...You have quite the work ethic, Dekar. I’m a bit jealous!”

“Is playing kolhii ‘necessary’, Dekar?” Hahli asked. “You need to have fun every once in a while.”

Dekar’s arms crossed once again. “I need something to occupy myself. Kolhii at least keeps me in good physical shape. It’s practical.”

Hahli rolled her eyes. “Oh, alright.”

Hewkii began juggling the ball with his foot. “Dekar my friend, I think it would benefit you to relax a bit. Once this is over, I’d be happy to lend you a hand.”

“There’s no guarantee any of us will be alive when this is over,” Dekar said. “Have you forgotten? Did you even understand that risk when you agreed?”

Hewkii balanced the ball on his toe. “I understand, and I haven’t forgotten. But what’s the harm in a little optimism? Plans falling through is better than seeing a day you never planned for, I think.”

“I’ll stay focused on the present.”

Finally, Hewkii set the ball down, resting his foot atop it. “...You don’t like being a part of this operation, do you Dekar?”

Dekar paused. “Honestly? I think it’s a bad idea. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have agreed to come.”

“It was up to you. You were given a choice in whether you wanted to come or not.”

“Hm...I guess I should say ‘if it were just about me’. But it isn’t. Mahri-Nui has allied with Zaekura, so we all have a responsibility to do what we can to make her vision a reality.” His voice dropped a bit. “It’s a good vision.” Returning to normal volume, he finished, “I’m prepared to do my part, whether I think it’s the best move or not.”

Hewkii grinned. “I understand now. You’re a good Toa, Dekar.”

Dekar grumbled something, going to throw himself onto a bed. Hahli said, “Well, I like the plan. Not everyday you get to save the world with kolhii, right?”

Hewkii laughed.

“I’m prepared for whatever might happen. Hearing about what you saw in Xia made me ready to fight.”

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. Hewkii approached, asking, “Who is it?”

“Garan.”

Hewkii’s face lit up. Opening the door, he said, “Garan! I’m so glad to--”

He was greeted by a punch directly to the mask. Stepping inside, Garan asked, “What do you think you’re doing here?”

Dekar and Hahli leapt forward, each grabbing one of Garan’s shoulders. “We should ask you that,” Dekar said.

“Ow…” Hewkii rubbed his jaw. “I see you haven’t gone soft at your new desk job!”

“Why did they let you in?” Garan asked. “Your treachery isn’t a secret, Hewkii. It’s only a matter of time until you get shipped straight to the Maze.”

“Well, if this is going to be my last game of kolhii, you’d better make it a good one.”

Garan glared at him in silence for a few seconds.

“Please, Garan--”

“Why? Why did you have to betray us?”

Hewkii shook his head. “I didn’t choose to fight against you, Garan. I chose to fight for the people.”

“What’s the difference?”

“Don’t you know?”

Garan huffed. He took a step back, shaking himself free of Hewkii’s teammates’ grips. “The people will only be safe once Zaekura’s defeated. So I’m going make that happen as quickly as possible.”

Hewkii gave a single, slow nod. “So that’s what you think.”

“What else can I think? That it’s possible to defy the Great Beings? That a system that’s controlled this planet for a hundred thousand years can just come toppling down, and that no one will suffer in the process? You’re all just causing pointless chaos--can’t you see that?!”

He waited a long time for an answer. Finally, Hewkii said, “I doubt there’s anything I can say that you haven’t already heard, Garan. Let’s get some rest for tomorrow, alright? Play well.”

Garan left without another word.

***

Using her powers of Magnetism, Kojol gently raised a new Peace banner, the old, weathered one now in a pile in the corner. As she set it in place, she heard someone enter the cathedral. She paid them no mind as she made sure the decoration was aligned properly.

“Kojol.”

She blinked. Turning, she confirmed what she thought she had heard. “Hmph...seems there truly is a first time for everything.”

Gorast growled, taking a seat in one of the pews. “That how you treat your visitors?”

“You’re a special exception. Isn’t that how you prefer it?”

“Pfeh. You’re one to talk.”

“Much as I enjoy catching up, Gorast, why don’t you simply tell me why you’re here?”

Gorast eyed the Suva at the center of the room. “...I don’t really know. I was just passing by.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.” Kojol continued replacing the banners.

After a very long pause, Gorast said, “I never liked you.”

“The feeling is mutual,” Kojol said, not slowing in her work.

“You always ignored what the Great Beings wanted and did things your own way. I could never understand that. We exist to serve them.”

“Perhaps. The way I look at things, I have a more specific role--not that it need clash with the will of the Great Beings.”

“But you’re harboring rebels. That idiot reporter interviewed Zaekura right here, didn’t he?”

“I am merely carrying out my role as I understand it. Aren’t you doing the same?”

Gorast dug her claws into the pew in front of her. “Don’t give me that! The will of the Great Beings is absolute, not something you can twist however you want!”

Casting a glance over her shoulder, Kojol said, “Such narrow thinking. Are you wholly dependent on the Great Beings, unable to make any decision for yourself?”

“I don’t need to decide for myself!” She slowly rose to her feet. “You may think you know better than the Great Beings, but I’m not that stupid!”

Kojol beat her staff against the floor. “Calm yourself at once! This is a place of peace, and I shall see it remains so!”

“Hah! You really think you could stop me?”

“You may be a peerless warrior, Gorast, but even you could not face down the whole of Ga-Koro single-handedly.”

Gorast clicked her claws together. “You sound awfully sure of that.”

“Are you prepared to learn why?”

They held each other’s gaze for a minute. Then, Gorast snarled and turned aside. “You all sicken me. I’m the only one who deserves the title of Makuta.”

“You are certainly the only one who views it the way you do. You’re like a child, proudly ignorant of the outside world, clinging to your parent’s leg so you cannot miss a single of their acts to perfect your mimicry. At least the child does not know anything else.”

Gorast whirled. “What did you say?!”

“I’ve no intention to repeat myself.” Kojol returned to work. “Will you be staying long?”

“...I need to escort Lord Ekimu back to the Maze in a few days. Maybe I should just stay here until then.”

“Very well. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

Gorast paused. “You’d really let me stay?”

“Of course. Ga-Koro welcomes all.”

She wished she had an answer, but she couldn’t even process what she was being told. With a low grumble, Gorast sat back down, angrily watching Kojol work as she waited for some kind of retort to come. As she waited, many came and went, offering prayers at the Suva or briefly conversing with Kojol about something--they all seemed wary of Gorast, but none were deterred by her presence. She wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about that. Eventually, she got up and left the cathedral; she was only just down its steps when she bumped into a Guurahk wearing a beret.

“Oh...Makuta Gorast,” he said. “W-What a surprise…”

Gorast sneered. “It talks...one of Bitil’s, I take it?”

“Ah...yes. My name is Ulwin.”

“I don’t care.”

Ulwin nodded and turned to leave.

“...Wait.”

Ulwin stopped, half-turning to face her. “Yes?”

“Is Bitil here?”

“No, he isn’t.”

“...And you’re willing to tell me that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Gorast clenched her fists. “One of your enemies is right here. Doesn’t that worry you?”

Ulwin glanced up the steps for a second. “...It does, yes. But I know that I’m safe here.”

Some unfamiliar emotion pulled at Gorast. Ignoring it, she said, “You really think Kojol cares enough to protect you? Bitil’s the only one who can stand you mutant slugs. I’m surprised you’d go anywhere without him.”

Ulwin’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I admit...it has been difficult. And we knew it would be--that’s certainly part of why we were always so reluctant to leave father’s side. But, slowly, people are coming to understand us, to accept us. Makuta Kojol has welcomed us just as she would any other, and I have complete faith that she would protect us as any other. We’ve come to realize we don’t have to be dependent on father forever.”

For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, Gorast felt a sickly flame rising within her.

“I quite look forward to venturing to other cities, getting to know more people. I look forward to the safer world Zaekura is fighting for.”

“Zaekura,” Gorast spat. “She won’t win.”

Ulwin shrugged. “I suppose we shall see. Good day, Makuta.”

He made his way into the cathedral, leaving Gorast to stew. Just as she was about to take her anger out on whatever was within reach, Kojol emerged, eyes immediately locking onto her. Gorast hesitated. And that made her disgusted in herself.

No...I won’t be swayed, she thought, turning and walking off. I’m only holding back because the Great Beings told me too.

Her thoughts shifted to Ulwin.

Stupid slug. Rahkshi aren’t meant to talk back. Everyone...just keeps stepping out of line.

The crowds parted as Gorast made her way down the street, not a single soul eager for the misfortune of getting in her way. She barely noticed.

But I won’t. I’ll stay loyal, even if I am the only real Makuta left. Questions and doubts are for the weak. I won’t give into that weakness.

#Bionicle #fanfiction #Melding Universe #Right of Law

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wevegottogetaway · 6 years ago

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The one where the night turns sour but then it turns sweet

Y/n’s kitchen is a mess. Pots and pans queuing up to be washed. Crumbs from her morning toast lingering on countertops. Veggies peelings from her infamous zucchini/ground beef lasagna she’d made for lunch still hanging out on the cutting board. But no matter how bad the battlefield in her kitchen, y/n herself is an even bigger mess. A proper wreck she would say if she wasn’t so absorbed by the problem at hand. Pacing her small apartment, phone clutched by her ear, she is one nerve away from having a mental breakdown.

She doesn’t have the time to take care of the deplorable state of her kitchen though. Not when her boss is scolding her like some punk kid caught stealing from the till, about a work catastrophe that she didn’t even cause. And that’s without saying that it’s fucking Sunday past 6pm and her best friend Harry is meant to be arriving anytime soon (the thought makes her hiss each time she so much as glimpses at the pile of dishes still dwelling besides the sink). It’s been a good 30 minutes since the screaming had started now, but y/n has yet to get a word in edgeways. Instead she silently implores her boss to stop swamping her with his unrelenting fury for both her sanity’s sake and the fact she’s expecting company.

"This is unacceptable y/n, your stunt just might have put our most precious client’s account in jeopardy and you aren’t even present to fix this fucking mess." Of course I’m not present you dumbass, it’s Sunday she wants so desperately to yell back. She will most certainly get fired if she levels her tone to her boss’ though, so she takes a long breathe and answers in the most put-together voice she can muster.

"Mr Griffith, I still have Mr Nicholson’s file on my computer. I promise I will do all that’s in my power to rectify this situation." Technically it’s not her concern. She knows she didn’t do anything wrong, but she’s fairly new to the company and fairly young and in today’s society that fairly accounts to having to prove yourself. Maybe saving the day will be the small push she needs for her hard work to get legitimate recognition.

"If it’s not fixed by tomorrow 10am you’ll regret ever footing step in my company y/n."

"Duly noted Mr Griffiths, enjoy the rest of your week-end," she retorts before hanging up. It is probably way to abrupt as a farewell, but y/n feels like her ears would have started bleeding had she not cut it short. Shoulders hunching in a dejected manner, she merely has the time to reach the kitchen before her doorbell rings.

"It’s open!" she says barely loud enough.

Then Harry serenely strides in, having already discarded his coat in the closet by the front door. As soon as he takes in her sight though, he knows something’s wrong. It’s not so much that y/n is an open book (the first time they met he thought she was quite the enigma), but Harry likes to think he’s been around long enough by now, to be well versed in decoding y/n’s kinetics. So instantly he recognizes the stiffness in her posture, can discern her usual in-thoughts frown from the migraine one she’s wearing right now, and already forecasts some kind of bad news just by the way she’s fiddling with her fingers.

"’S wrong, love?" he inquires with concern, and y/n absolutely hates that she’s about to put a damper on his night too. Loathes it even because of how soft he looks, standing a few feet from her, wearing a cozy navy blue jumper. His cheeks are slightly pink-tinted from the sharp weather raging outside, and she can tell he refrained from taking her hands in his when he voiced is worry because he knows they’d feel like icicles on her skin at the moment. Y/n sighs as she finally plunges her tired eyes in his shining emerald ones.

"God, I’m so sorry Harry, you have no idea how much I want to just hang out with you but something came up at work and-"

"At work? But it’s Sunday!" he cries out somewhat indignantly.

"Trust me, I know… But apparently there was a huge screw-up and now the office is in some kind of uproar, my boss is this close to kicking my butt out of the company and now I have to fix it-" Y/n explains frantically. She’d surf on the wave of anger during the phone call with her boss but now that she’s off the adrenaline high, she’s just a massive bundle of nerves ready to implode.

Lowering her head in her hands defeatedly, she flinches at the sudden contact of Harry’s freezing hands on her arms (just like he’s predicted but he decides the moment really calls for it). "Slow down, angel. Can’t be working yourself up, ’s bad fo’ your ‘ealth. ‘Sides, I’m sure we can work summat out" he adds while rubbing his thumbs over her shirt soothingly. Y/n then tilts her head back up and makes eye-contact once again as she paces her breathing in long inspirations. Once she’s recuperated, she brings her own hands under Harry’s forearms and gives him a morose smile.

"I really need to do this Harry, I don’t have much choice." Seeing how distraught she looks, Harry simply nods and swallows his disappointment. "I don’t know how long it’s gonna take, I have to make a few phone calls and that might be all there needs to be…or it might take the whole night. I don’t know, we can raincheck or if you want to wait around for a bit… It’s up to you." She knows it’s not fair to keep him around if she’s gonna spend the next few hours rubbing elbows with her computer and her phone instead of him. She knows she should let him go for the night and reschedule but she misses him so much. They haven’t seen each other in a while and, well, y/n’s heart always has a mind of its own when it comes to Harry (against her better judgement). So instead she leaves it to his choice.

He doesn’t have to think twice before agreeing though. "‘Course, love. I got nothin’ to do anyway so might as well do nothin’ ‘ere."

He makes it sound like it’s whatever, but truth is, he’s been looking forward to this for days. The last couple of weeks have been filled with so many work commitments and deadlines to meet, now that he has the next few off he’s just yearning for a casual night of take away, rom coms and cuddles if he’s lucky. And maybe his resilience has also something (a lot) to do with the pang lashing out at his heart at the thought of postponing their reunion. He won’t relay that information to her though.

"How ‘bout you go ‘head an’ do what it is you need to do, and I, can go buy some sweet an’ sour chow mein from that Chinese place ya always raving about?" he offers softly.

"It’s okay Harry you don’t have to do that, you’re supposed to be enjoying your time off, not run other people’s errands."

"No, none o’ that, angel. It’s no bother, I promise" he reassures her. "That way we’ll have more time for a movie or summat."

Typically, y/n wouldn’t give up that easily. She can be quite a stubborn feisty little thing when pushed too far. However, tonight she’ll have to pick her battles if she wants to have all her wits to clean her colleague’s goddamn mess. So she lets out a small ‘fine’ and drops her arms back at her sides. Harry gives her one last smile for moral support before he’s turning back towards the front door. As she hears him shuffling his coat and boots back on, she bites back a small smile of her own. She’s really lucky to have him, she thinks, not for the first time. All the more reasons to keep her blossoming feelings in a secret box, never to be opened by a certain 6 foot curly-haired British brunette who wears his heart on his sleeve and never fails to make her feel warm.

The sound of the door shutting is what pulls her out of her trance, before she despondently makes her way to her coffee table where lays her laptop and cellphone. Bracing herself for the upcoming crusade awaiting her, y/n puts her work glasses on and gets down to business with a small glimmer of hope that her night will end as originally planned.

When Harry comes back — not only holding dinner but also bearing a family-size package of M&M’s (he knows it’s her guilty pleasure and he thinks she really deserves it tonight) — the first thing he hears is y/n’s stern but diplomatic voice. He never really gets to witness this side of her, all professional and ‘takes no shit from nobody’ attitude, so he’s a little curious when he finally makes his way to her living room. And well, God helps him if he doesn’t find sweet y/n pacing her place head high, shoulders back and fiery eyes, to be really hot. Quite the contrast to her usually warm and relaxing aura, but still, the pang in his chest resumes with greater intensity.

"Mr Nicholson, your reluctance to further collaborate with Lyon Investment Factor is absolutely understandable considering we’ve played a part in the precarious situation that just transpired. I fully acknowledge the newfound mistrust you might feel towards our company, but if I may point out to you - and with all the respect that I owe you - despite its misstep, Lyon Investment has demonstrate its ability to operate quickly in the face of a critical emergency."… "Mr Nicholson, I was hoping the past 24 hours would have comforted you with the knowledge that you can rely on our company to deflect any other foreseeable complication that may occur."…"Thank you Mr Nicholson. This goes without saying that I offer you my most sincere apologies on the behalf of Lyon Investment."

Harry thinks she’s genius. Using the very own mistake of the company to show its impeccable response to crisis and problem-solving abilities…that is downright brilliant. A really coup de maître of sure. Whilst it’s true they fucked up, they (or more like y/n) also managed to efficiently resorb the problem at hand. Mr Nicholson’s company is not in any harm’s way anymore, all thanks to her fighting long and hard to right the wrong that had been done. Harry’s heart is bursting with pride and awe as y/n smoothly wraps the phone call up, comforting Mr. Nicholson times and times again to rest assured that Lyon Investment wouldn’t let anything bad happen to his company.

It’s only once she half-throws away her phone on the couch that y/n takes in Harry’s return. She’s usually really good at sensing his presence but the last 30 minutes drained her to the bone. He looks even softer if it’s even possible. Head tilted on the side as if he’d been observing her this all time, he seems somewhat thoughtful. And for a few one too many seconds they just gaze at each other and bask in the silence. Then Harry finally breaks the intensity with a soft chuckle and a smile.

"Jesus, angel, ya look like ya need a hug," he says while putting the bags of food on the kitchen counter.

"Ugh. I’ll be honest, not my best night so far."

"Good thing I’m ‘ere to make it all better then. I even gotcha M&M’s to end things on a sweet note. Know ya can resist ‘em," he proudly announces and y/n might as well turn into to a puddle as his feet with how sweet he is. Sweeter than the stupid candy without a doubt.

"God, Harry you’re the best. I’m so glad you decided to stay" she admits while getting close to him. She could really use a hug, he knows her so well. And a hug it is, as she doesn’t even need to say anything before he engulfs her between two strong arms and a soft chest. Reveling in the feeling of his hands running down her back supportingly, she just breathes him in the most inconspicuous way she can. She doesn’t know it, but he does just the same.

"You work so ‘ard, angel. I’m so proud o’ you." The sentiment makes her smile in his neck, and when she leans back out of his embrace and takes a look at him, she thinks her night is not totally ruined.

"Thank you Harry, it means a lot" more than you know, she could add.

Finally ready to let the festivities begin, they are then making their way to the kitchen. Harry helps pulling out the plates and cutlery since by now he’s just as familiar with her kitchen as she is (despite it being a few months since the last time they did something at hers).

"So, what ‘appened at the office that they had you kickin’ asses on a Sunday evenin’?" Harry asks while serving them both some of the sweet and sour he’s bought.

"Barely kicked anyone’s ass" she grumbles. "If anything, I’d be lucky not to get mine kicked tomorrow at work."

"Didn’t sound like it. You were so…" Harry starts saying as he tries to find the right words, "…confident and intransigent when I ‘eard ya on the phone." She smiles once again at the dripping fondness in his voice.

Plates in hands, they revert back to the living room and make themselves comfortable on the sofa, cautiously sitting not too close but not too far either from each other.

"Nah, you just caught me when I was tired, frustrated and frankly? angry. I’m just glad I didn’t go ballistic on him…then we would have truly lost Mr Nicholson and this time it would have been entirely my fault," she says before shoving a piece of sweet and sour pork in her mouth.

"Wait, you mean you ‘ad nothin’ to do with what ‘appened?"

Y/n lets out a long sigh at Harry’s confusion. First, because yes, technically she could have stepped out of the problem — though her boss could probably care less about her innocence in the matter — and just enjoy her Sunday evening as arranged. Second, because somehow she knows Harry will disapprove. He already thinks she’s working to hard and despises her office for not acknowledging how absolutely brilliant she is (granted, he’s probably a bit more than biased on the subject).

Now that he asked though, she can’t get out of it. "Technically speaking? No. I was the one investigating Mr Nicholson’s new investors and when I noticed something odd with one of them, I wrote a note on the file so that Shirley would take matters into her own hands. When I came by her office to pass on the file though, she was distant and barely listened or looked at me. I mean you know how she’s always been with me…" Harry slowly nods as he recalls many a night where y/n would rant to him about Furie Shirley whose only purpose is apparently to turn her time at the office into her own personal purgatory. "I still told her about the note, but apparently she failed to do something about it because next thing we know, Mr Nicholson’s account is missing a few pennies."

"Jesus y/n, why dyou go through all that stress ‘f you weren’t even responsible for it?" Harry does’t understand. Is it because her kindness is so, that she couldn’t say no to those who need her help? He’s seen that happen quite a few times in his time with y/n. Once they’d been walking to the cinema when some old lady asked y/n if she could watch her dog while she was grocery shopping. They’d waited for over 30 minutes outside the store and barely made it in time for the movie… It was just one of those things that made her y/n and that always left Harry endeared.

"I just…Harry you don’t understand how hard it is to make a place of my own in that office. I’m young and new, and people are still not completely trusting my competences…so yeah, sometimes I have to go the extra mile to show them; make them see that I deserve to be there, because I love my job and I worked hard to get in that company in the first place. But I’ll be damned if I don’t put my whole in what I do, it’s the only way I’ll get recognition for it. I just owe it to myself."

At this point they’re both facing each other on the couch, food abandoned on the coffee table. There’s a pregnant pause but none of them are willing to put an end to it. Y/n, because she’s trying to decipher what’s going on in Harry’s head, her eyes going back and forth between the two of his. Harry, because, well, the butterflies in his chest are so strong he can’t act like a functional human being right now. She’s just so beautiful: chapped lips, disheveled hair, eyes circled with exhaustion and all. She’s the cutest mess he’s ever seen and he can feel his heart winning over his reason. Can’t resist the magnetic pull he’s always experienced when near her. Can’t stand by his initial inhibition anymore.

Ever so slowly as to not set her off, he leans in, lips slightly opened because breathing through his nose is too complicated of a task at the moment. He’s got the smallest frown like a remote part of him realizes what he’s about to do and braces itself for the aftermath. He comes to a halt millimeters from her lips as a silence way to give her one last out, but when her own lips part to let a shaky breathe out, he just closes the infinitesimal distant remaining between the two of them.

Then it’s just lips tenderly waltzing to an unchained melody of unraveling secrets and muted feelings set free. The kiss is a silent conversation between two relieved souls who can finally be unconditionally honest with each other. Harry can’t believe it’s really happening as he cups her jaw in his hand, thumb delicately brushing over her cheek. As soon as their lips made contact he’d closed his eyes to fully soak up the moment. He just can’t get enough. He loves the softness of her skin under his fingers, the feel of her irregular breathing against his face and the way her hands have moved to rest around his neck and clutch at his sweater. He’s never felt more connected to her in that moment.

Alas, every good thing has to come to an end, and all living beings need to breathe. Reluctantly so, they both lean back an inch playing with the idea of going for a repeat, before coming to the realization of what that kiss means. The shift that will undeniably result from it and the necessity for them to talk it out. Harry decides he should speak first since he was the one to initiate it all.

"Umm, I’m sorry…but not really" he finally says huskily with swollen lips and flushed cheeks (and this time the weather has nothing to do with it).

That’s enough to break the tension as they both start laughing softly, foreheads touching. After their laughters die down Harry gives a small push to her head, to which y/n responds with one of her own. Her mind feels fuzzy, her self-control slipping away bit by bit. She can’t tone down the smile that’s tickling her eyes, can’t prevent the goosebumps from erupting all over her body and can’t get her fingers to stop fidgeting. She’s taking comfort in the fact that Harry’s not doing much better body language wise.

"You kissed me" she states after clearing her throat.

"I did."

"Sooo, what was that all about?" she inquires quietly but still beaming. He chuckles at that, desperately trying to find a way to buy himself time in order to formulate a proper answer; one that conveys how much he likes her without scaring her off.

"Well, we get on really good, don’ we? From the beginnin’. An' it’s like, you became really important to me so fast, an’ I value our friendship. So much, angel. An’ because o’ that, I could never get myself to make a move because the worst case scenarios always ou’weighed the best one. I just couldn’t, an’ still can’t afford to lose ya."

Y/n is amazed. First because his words are music to her ears. It’s what she’s been craving to hear from him for months. Second, because she’s never seen Harry quite so…shy. After confessing his feelings, he looks down at his lap as if still not a 100% convinced that she reciprocates the sentiment. So y/n gingerly takes his hands in her, threading her fingers between his.

"Harry…I don’t think I could ever cut ties with you. Feelings or not." Realizing how that may sound, she adds frantically. "Not that I don’t have feelings for you, because I do." She pauses. "I really do."

There was a rawness in her voice that wasn’t there seconds before. Now it’s her turn to feel the weight of months of secrets taken off her shoulders. And when she feels him squeezing her hands and takes in the radiant smile on Harry’s features, she thinks this is the right this to do.

It seems Harry’s confidence has returned as well, if the small smirk making it’s way on his face is anything to go by. Then he’s wrinkling his nose and slowly shaking his head from side to side. "Damn, we’re just bloody idiots, aren’t we."

"Apparently so, yeah" y/n answers before they start giggling in unison.

"So, where do we go from there?" she asks once they settle back in a more serious mood.

"An’ where ’s it that we are, darling?" Well, not serious per se for Harry who’s apparently still hanging on the banter.

"Ugh, Harry you’re a pain."

"Ohhh, so 3 minutes ago you were kissin’ the hell out o’ me an’ now I’m a pain? Can’t find the logic in tha’, love."

"What?! I wasn’t kissing the hell out of you! And may I remind you, you started kissing me, not the other way around."

"’S right, love. I kissed you heaven, ‘cause ya were just too damn beautiful." She can’t help the blush coloring her cheeks, as she listens to his charming words. "The way I see it, I like you, an’ ’t seems like you like me back…so let’s just be together an’ see where it goes. No pressure, no expectations. Just what feels right, ‘kay? An’ no more hiding what we feel from the other. An’ I got unlimited access to your lips"

"Yeah okay, I think I could live with that." Y/n answers before kissing him again.

This time there is more playfulness involved; they know this will be far from the last. Hands are also more curious and less hesitant as they tug at hair and jaws, and just overall roam the new surface they were given to explore. It gets to the point where their smiles are getting in the way, but they have a hard time parting anyway. They are just basking in the kind of moment where wishful thinking becomes tangible reality and the longing for mutual affection is finally sated.

When they finally lean away with unsteady breaths, they are still grinning like fools. Then their eyes align and they are struck by the two fold nature of the moment. Everything has changed whilst everything is the same. They hold the same adoration for each other, share the same kind of banter, use the same techniques for moral support (this isn’t the first sweet and sour emergency procedure Harry has had to perform). And yet, they now flaunt smiles wide enough to annoy bystanders, transparent eyes that no longer hold mystery and unrestrained movements led by the simple desire to be closer to the other.

"Wanna watch a movie then?" Harry asks absentmindedly as he's caressing her cheek.

"Think I wanna go for something more stimulating actually." That draws back his full attention faster than she can say ‘hands off mister'. She wants to wipe the smugness off his face (tough she secretly loves it), but decides she can beat him at his own game as she leans forward until her lips are brushing the tip of his ear. "I’d rather kick your ass at Scrabble again if you don’t mind."

And really Harry wasn’t expecting that and he has to close his eyes and pinch at his nose to rein himself back in. "That was one time, love. You beat me one time. By 5 points. An’ I was down wit’ the flu. Besides, wit’ the stunt you just pulled I wonder whose ass needs reshaping…" He counters while taking a bite of his own at her earlobe.

"Behave, Styles."

"Yes ma’am" he obeys but not without leaving a tender kiss to her neck. "So, you get the game, I get us tea?"

"Atta boy" y/n can’t help but teasing before dismounting the couch and heading for her living room closet.

30 minutes later, they are both sitting, facing each other on the floor, sides resting on the front of the couch. The Scrabble board is wedged between their legs, half completed and it’s y/n’s turn to place her letters. She’s got a giant smirk on her face that Harry has yet to notice in his imperturbable concentration. He’s determined to prove her wrong, she knows. Y/n has always found his competitive nature to be quite adorable. Especially when things are not looking in his favor and he gets that deep frown on his face and maybe even pouts a little if he’s trying to impress a certain someone in that moment.

That’s why once he finally looks up at her, his face changes color radically. There is no doubt she’s onto something, and by the look of it, her next move might be signing his defeat.

"Nuh uh, you don’t ‘ave a Bingo." It’d be the only reason for such a reaction on her part. He just knows her so well.

"Oh what was that again Mister Scrabble King? I’m sorry, I got distracted because, I, have a Bingo, all thanks to that S you just put down. Amazing, no?" All the while, she starts putting her letters down sporting a shit-eating grin. Harry doesn’t know what to say as his eyes fall on the songbird she’s just spelt, so he pouts just like she knew he would.

"’S fine, sweetheart, just givin’ you a head start. Don’t want the defeat to hurt too bad." He’s such a sore loser, but that’s no flash news for y/n. She’s quite use to it actually, and has learnt by now to just roll her eyes.

"Sure thing, Styles, sure thing. Just play if you can’t except defeat."

They keep playing, sipping tea every now and then, y/n watching him like hawk over the rim of her mug. Because she knows he’s planning mischief. He’s playing far too innocent and being far too okay with the fact he’s only got two of her three-digit score.

It happens merely ten minutes later. Y/n is pondering over her choices, she’s got letters do spell both rate and tear but she can’t decide what’s best. (She can’t figure out that double and triple letter score nonsense like Harry does. He just always placing 2 letters in odd places that give him 34 points in one go, while she wastes her gray matter away trying to come up with seven-letter words just to end up with 12 points. It’s infuriating, really.)

The place has been eerily quiet for the past few minutes and with that thought she pauses her internal debate. It’s been quiet for too long. When she looks up at Harry, he’s sporting the same smirk she was a few moments ago.

"What?" she asks incredulously. "What!?"

"Got a bingo, darling." And really, she hates it when he calls her that because he always uses it in a patronizing tone (always meant for teasing, it goes without saying).

For a moment, y/n is overcome by the same feeling of discontent she’s had to deal with at the beginning of the evening. She really thought she was about to beat him this time. Now if he wins, she’ll be twice as bummed because she would have been so close and Harry will never let her live this down. Instead he’ll be constantly raving about how no-one can beat him at Scrabble even the strongest of contenders (and y/n sure is one of them, even he will admit)

But then Harry starts laying down the letters on the board and she has to blink twice to make sure she’s reading right. Damn, this is a first. She never thought he would revert to this.

"Um, Harry?" He hums in acknowledgement. "That’s not a word."

"Sure is, pet. I use it all the time." He answers so nonchalantly, like everything is normal and he’s just so right about this.

"Alright. Use it in a sentence then." He looks up at her with the same smirk.

"Throwin’ me under the bus, love? ’S not very nice. I didn’t question you when you nailed ya bingo." She’s seeing right through his stall-the-conversation game though.

"That’s because I had an actual word, you ass!" She exclaims outrageously. However, her smile hasn’t vanished from her face, because this means she’s still winning. He’s just being a sneaky little shit about it, is all. "Come on Styles, I wanna hear you use that stupid word of yours!"

"Damn, you’re a lioness tonight. Didn’ know I outta bring me some bodyguard to save me from your claws." Once he sees the deadpanned look she’s giving him, he puts on a fake thinking face, right hand around his chin and left arm crossed over the other. "Fine, let’s see… Hum…I…"

"Harry" y/n says in a stern voice. She can’t believe he’s still trying to get out of this.

"This situation is grootling? I am grootled?" He can’t even take himself half-seriously, knowing he was busted the moment she first read it. As they share a look, they’re like two pressure-cookers on the edge of explosion: eyes creased and cheeks puffed out from trying to rein in the fit of laughter that is begging to be relieved.

There’s no avoiding it though, boisterous cackles filling up the room, it feels like a massive relief for y/n. Relief from the work pressure she could still feel in her joints. Relief because she wouldn’t change the night for the world. Relief for the fact that Harry’s still her best-friend and can still make her laugh harder than anyone ever. Relief at the thought that she’s found her person. One that supports her in every thing she does no matter what; that is there for casual (at least in her book) Scrabble games but who doesn’t shy away when she’s at a vulnerable point and needs someone to hold the pieces back together.

So without a care, she crosses the game board, completely disrupting the pieces, and kisses him. Knees against his thigh and fingers messily tangled in his hair, she presses her soft lips to his with vibrant intention and Harry, albeit surprised, is embracing her blazing affection to the fullest. Circling her waist with one arm to bring her down and forward on his lap and carefully holding her neck with his other hand, he surrenders himself to the warmth and pleasure running thought his bloodstream. All too willingly succumbs to the flames licking at his heart and tingling the tips of his fingers. And lets his instinct guide him through the kiss, as he pours his feeling into it unabashedly.

After making their lungs starve for oxygen once again, they break the kiss in one last giggle.

"So, if only for future anecdote purposes, what does grootle mean?" Y/n asks before capturing her lower lip between her teeth. The game is screwed now, pieces all over the place except on the board; but she doesn't regret screwing it up herself even when she was that close to finally shut his bragging cake-hole. She’d rather do it with her lips anyway.

"Fuck, gimme a mo’ angel. Just kissed me breathless, an’ this time ’s true." A blush immediate creeps up her cheeks at his words, so she dives and hides her face on the crook of his neck. The action has him chuckling as he runs his hand up and down her back and thinks of his next answer.

"Ya see, grootle is a fascinating word. Can be an adjective, like in ‘I’m so fucking grootle to have you, I can’t believe you’re lettin’ me be yours’. But it can also be a verb as in ‘you’re amazing an’ I wanna grootle the shit out of you’ if ya know what I mean," he adds with a smirk and raises his eyebrows twice flirtingly.

"God, you’re such a dork, Harry."

"Just shut up and come kiss your dork." He simply answers while pulling her to his lips and y/n thinks she’s had worst nights.

➪ Masterlist

#Harry styles writing #harry styles #one shot #harry styles one shot #creative writing #+5k #sorry it wasn't supposed to be this long

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jaysontaylor7619 · 5 years ago

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The corporate world is going digital and remote working is on the rise. While permitting employees to work from home, away from a corporate office, has been around for a while, remote working is now becoming mainstream. One may see more and more companies not investing in huge office spaces and employing resources who can work for them from home. While this may seem like a pro-employee practice, it is a game-changer for the employer. The business world is obsessed with millennial’s right now. The generation come-ups with a new corporate ideas everyday, and aren’t afraid to express them in a creative way.

What is remote working?

Benefits of remote working

Misconceptions about remote working

How can you transition to remote working easily for your organization?

How to define remote working policy in your company?

Top 10 companies in India that offer remote working

You could be running a media company, a tech studio, a production house or a retail model, having your employees working remotely means fewer cost heads and more productive work culture. So, what do you mean by remote working? Are you considering it for your setup? If the answer is yes, you need to know a few things before you go for it.

What is remote working?

Remote working is the flexibility given to an employee to work at his/her own pace and space. So, when you hire someone, you don’t have to worry about making him/her sit in your office. You could have them work from home or from a co-working space or coffee shop, whatever suits you. Also, if you don’t have to pay competitive market salaries. A lot of remote employees work on an hourly basis or as consultants for multiple companies, hence, their fees are not what it would be if they were working in a single corporate set up.

You could have a system where your employee works from home for most of the week and meets you once a week for updates and meetings.

One may see a sudden rise in co-working spaces too. These places act as centers to facilitate organic working without worrying about unwanted guests, connectivity issues and a not so conducive working environment. Co-working spaces also give your employees a chance to network. Since a single center holds multiple organizations across industries, it is possible that your employee can get you business deals, prospective hires and also act as promotional channels for you.

‍Now that you are clear about what remote working essentially is, you might want to understand how it can benefit you.

There are plenty of benefits of remote working for employees and employers, ranging from higher productivity to happier, healthier work cultures.

Benefits of remote working

Flexibility

This is one of the most obvious benefits, and it seems more in favour of the employee than anyone else. But, if you think again, you are also working remotely as an employer. You don’t need to sit in an office with your team to get your work done. You could be vacationing with your friends or spending quality time with your family, your work does not suffer and you don’t have to face the brunt of Monday Morning Blues and a deadline on Friday. Flexible working means flexible lifestyle, and that gives you as well as your employees the chance to live their dream of travel, pursue a hobby of cooking, follow their passion for dance and still work and make money. Since travel to work does not apply to you or your team members, you can start your day early and finish in good time to take your dog for a walk, run errands or just be present at home when your children come back from school. Since physical presence is not required, it is the perfect setting for pursuing a Master’s degree, a language course or a training program that just doesn’t happen in a 9 to 5 scenario.

Better Health

One may have never heard of remote working employees getting stressed out with work. They have high motivation and higher morale to work which means more productivity and lesser chances of attrition. In India, most big cities come with the havoc of long-distance daily travels and pollution, a huge matter of concern and the number one cause for stress and fatigue. There is also no stress of dressing up and fitting in. You can work in your pajamas in your balcony with a pedicure happening on the side, and you’re still more productive than your in-house counterparts. Less stress and fatigue also leads to lesser absenteeism. Your employees are so comfortable and at ease with this setup, they don’t feel the need to skip work unnecessarily.

New Passion and Drive

Remote workers work better than the 9-5 force. They are more inspired, motivated and comfortable working with lesser distractions and counterproductive meetings. It brings with it a new passion, perspective and drive to perform and make time for other things. These employees excel in their work, achieve goals and even go the extra mile since they perceive their work to be more like a reward for themselves.

Higher productivity

Studies reveal that remote employees love the perks of their work so much, that they don’t mind putting in a few extra hours or go beyond their scope of work because they are highly motivated. One study stated that 65% of full-time employees had increased productivity when asked to work from home.

‍Cost-Effective

If you are running a company of products and services, you can do away with the cost of office rent, electricity, supplies and furniture. Employers can save a substantial amount of money per remote worker per year, even if their entire team is not working from home.

‍Engaged employees

If a highly motivated team with better productivity isn’t enough of a carrot, one can offer remote work opportunities to keep their employees happy and engaged. More and more people today are quitting their jobs to work remotely and some are even willing to take a pay cut to work from home. Remote employees have reported being happier than non-remote employees, which means you have a consistently performing team always.

Misconceptions about remote working

There could be a myriad of benefits of remote working, but it also comes with its setbacks and misconceptions.

Miscommunication

A very common misconception about remote working is that it creates miscommunication. While remote workers don’t bond over coffee breaks and don’t indulge in water cooler conversations, one can have a good team-building exercise done over video calls, offsite meetings and team lunches. With the present-day set up of video conferences and WhatsApp calls, no team member is far behind in communicating their needs and requirements with others. Nothing gets missed out unless the intent isn’t there. Since remote workers have major FOMO (fear of missing out) they tend to take extra effort in establishing a bond with their team members.

Remote workers always work

Remote working means no fixed schedule. While this is the biggest plus of working from home, it could have a setback of constantly being nudged for work by colleagues and superiors. One must strike the right balance and manage time well, so the employee does not under-work or overwork themselves. You can chart out a time slot most suited for you, set expectations about deadlines and stay committed to it to avoid work-related issues.

‍Remote workers don’t work

While remote workers are not valued by every organization, some still feel remote workers don’t work. Since there is no monitoring of time and productivity, people live under the impression that a remote worker wiles away his/her time in doing nothing since he/she is not watched upon. On the contrary, remote workers work better. They have their own special time schedules. Some prefer early mornings, some are more productive at night, but whatever they do, they get the job done. Some interesting statistics about remote working as per global surveys and studies:

More than 50% of the Indian working population work remotely half of the week and about 11% work outside their main corporate office.

53% of remote workers were shown like to work overtime beyond the call of duty as compared to the 28% of 9-5 office goers.

80% of remote workers reported improved morale.

37% of men and 31% of women worked from home at some point in their lives.

66& of workers stated that working from home led to increased productivity and output.

Almost 69% of the workforce in India agreed that flexible working hours means a greater work-life balance.

How can you transition to remote working easily for your organization?

You can begin by talking to your team and analyzing each employee and set a fixed scope of work.

Identify potential remote workers in the organization and talk to them personally.

Come up with a carefully thought out strategic plan to organize the process of transition from a 9-5 force to a remote group.

Ensure you have the essential tools, technology, resources and software to fit a remote working culture.

Build a culture of mutual trust and understanding to have better efficiency, seamless communication and higher productivity.

Create an online communication system where all members can participate freely and effectively.

Train your remote workers to be responsible for their own tasks and provide them with training sessions and all the required resources to do their jobs effectively.

Create a well suited remote working policy for your company, compliant with Indian working laws.

How to define remote working policy in your company?

Now that you’re convinced you to want to hire remote workers in your organization, you need to understand a few things before you define your working policy. Each individual works differently, so before you chalk out your do’s and don’ts, have a good chat with them. You can cover the below-mentioned points in your conversation and then on your legal document.

1. Frequency

While some of your employees may want permission to work remotely for the entire week, some might like to come to the office on a few days every week. You could leave it to them to decide their convenient time or define a time slot that works for you. Whatever the work may be, you must get time management issues out of the way before you move any further.

2. Model the policy

If you want your employees to work from home comfortably, do it yourself. Once they see everyone doing their job well from the comforts of their home, they are more likely to do so with better results.

3. Don’t seek explanations

If you’re giving them the flexibility to work from home, don’t devalue it by asking your employees to give you an explanation for it. There could be someone with a medical issue or with personal problems, small kids, ailing parents, etc that makes them want to work from home, but talking about it regularly with them can be a little stressful. Instill faith, build trust and strengthen your relationship with your team to reap benefits from your remote workers.

Top 10 companies in India that offer remote working

If you’re looking for remote jobs or want to understand how the best in the industry work with their teams not being in office, here’s a list for you to feel inspired.

Symantec

Dotdash

Facebook

VMware

UnitedHealth Group

Axelerant

Xerox

RiseSmart

Intel

SAP

To conclude, telecommuting, remote working or working from home is a tried and tested model of work that is currently widely practiced and is high on demand. It is effective, beneficial and a win-win situation for employees and employers.

#What is remote working #define remote working policy

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thisdaynews · 6 years ago

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BREAKING:IPPIS October deadline: No pay, no work, union tells FG