#Database Connectivity Assignment Help

[reidsflwr]

it’s been a long time coming ; spencer reid.

pairing: spencer reid x fem!reader

summary: back in high school you used to have a crush on spencer and now you got to work together.

warnings: nothing really but english isn’t my first language so it might have some writing mistakes (sorry) and i didn’t really like how i finished this so if you guys like i might write a second part.

Your first day at the BAU was a whirlwind. As the newest profiler, you felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. You had spent weeks preparing for this moment, but nothing could have truly prepared you for the reality of stepping into the office for the first time. The team welcomed you warmly, though you couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance of your new colleagues.

Spencer Reid, in particular, caught your attention. He was everything you remembered from high school: intelligent, slightly awkward, and undeniably endearing. Despite your attempt to stay composed, you felt the same fluttering nerves you had back then.

When Spencer introduced himself, you found it hard to maintain eye contact. “Hi, I’m Spencer,” he said with a friendly smile. “Welcome to the team.”

You managed a nervous smile. “Thank you, Spencer. It’s nice to meet you.”

Spencer’s smile widened, and he seemed eager to make a connection. “If you need any help with the databases or anything else, just let me know.”

You nodded quickly, avoiding his gaze. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As the day progressed, you tried to focus on your work, but every time you glanced at Spencer, your heart raced. You could tell he was making an effort to be friendly and supportive, but you were too nervous to engage with him properly. It was clear he noticed your reluctance but didn’t push it, giving you space.

⌢୨୧⌢

The days following your first encounter were a struggle. Spencer’s attempts to be friendly and helpful often ended in awkward silences. He would offer to explain things you might not understand or bring you coffee, but every time you tried to respond, you stumbled over your words or offered a rushed, one-word reply.

One morning, Spencer approached you at the coffee machine. “Hey, I’ve been reading this fascinating book on criminal psychology. Would you like to borrow it? I think you’d find it really interesting.”

You forced a smile, feeling the familiar flush creep up your cheeks. “Thanks, but I have a lot of research to catch up on.”

Spencer’s face fell slightly, but he quickly recovered. “No problem. If you change your mind, just let me know.”

Later that week, you found yourself alone in the break room when Spencer came in, carrying a stack of papers. “I noticed you were working on the same case. I thought you might need some additional resources,” he said, placing the papers on the table.

You took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to speak. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Your voice was barely above a whisper, and you quickly retreated to your desk, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration at your own behavior.

Despite Spencer’s best efforts to reach out, you continued to shy away, struggling to hide your feelings. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to interact with him; rather, every interaction left you more flustered than the last.

⌢୨୧⌢

The day came when Hotch assigned you and Spencer to interview the mother of a victim. You were grateful for the change of pace but also anxious about spending extended time with Spencer. As you drove together to the victim’s home, you focused on the task at hand, trying to push your nerves aside.

Spencer’s attempts to make conversation during the drive were met with brief, hesitant responses from you. “So, how are you finding the BAU so far?” he asked, his eyes occasionally flicking toward you.

You shrugged, feeling the weight of your own silence. “It’s… it’s good.”

Spencer’s brow furrowed. “You know, you seem a bit distant. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve done something to upset you.”

Your heart sank at his words. “What do you mean?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been avoiding me,” Spencer explained. “Whenever I try to be helpful or friendly, you… well, you seem uncomfortable. I assumed maybe I did something wrong.”

Feeling a pang of guilt, you decided it was time to explain. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. Actually, it’s the opposite.”

Spencer’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Oh? What do you mean?”

You took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. “Well, it’s a bit complicated. We knew each other in high school. We even had a few classes together.”

Spencer looked puzzled. “Really? I don’t remember you from high school. I think I would have remembered.”

You nodded, your cheeks flushing with a mix of nostalgia and embarrassment. “I actually had a crush on you back then and i guess now that we’re working together, those old feelings are resurfacing, and it makes me a bit awkward around you.”

Spencer’s eyes widened. “Wait, you mean you had a crush on me!?”

You nodded, a soft blush creeping onto your cheeks. “Yes, I did. I thought you were incredibly smart and cute. I was too shy to ever talk to you. I remember how you used to come into class with these fascinating books and how you were always so focused. I just thought you were amazing.”

Spencer’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. “I was so awkward back then. I mean, I’m still a bit weird, but not as much, I hope. I didn’t think anyone would ever see me that way, especially back then.”

You shook your head with a smile. “No, I thought you were adorable. You were this brilliant, quirky guy who seemed to be in his own world, and I found that really endearing.”

Spencer looked at you, clearly flustered. “I had no idea you felt that way. I always thought you were avoiding me because you didn’t like me.”

You smiled reassuringly. “No, I just didn’t know how to act around you. I didn’t want to make things awkward.”

Spencer’s mind raced as he processed your words. “Wow, I’m kind of speechless. I never imagined…”

Before he could continue, you gently cut him off. “Let’s just focus on the interview for now. It’s important that we get this right.”

Spencer nodded, still processing the revelation. “Right, of course.”

As you both approached the victim’s mother’s home, the air between you felt lighter, charged with a new understanding. Spencer, though still surprised, was clearly intrigued and more attentive than ever. The tension that had once been present seemed to dissolve, replaced by a newfound curiosity and connection between you.

[pintadorartist]

KEEP UP THE PRESSURE: CONTINUE TO FIGHT AGAINST THE TRUMP-MUSK COUP

I'll start with the Bad news since there's a lot of it here:

*Although all of the Democrats voted no, By a margin of 53-47, Russel Vought, one of the leading Architects behind Project 2025, has been confirmed

*Musk's Coup is still ongoing:

*Despite the mounting privacy lawsuits, His DOGE group has gotten access to the NOAA, Department of Labor, and Department of Education, EPA, and the Department of Health and Human Services

*USAID, the foreign aid agency of the US that provided life-saving funding for education, medicine, healthcare, and other foreign aid has been shuttered; it's been absorbed into the State Department with Marco Rubio acting as head of the agency with entire agency's numbers slashed from their original 10,000 to only 300 employees

*As of writing this post, Democrats from the House have been unable to communicate with the heads of the EPA and DOE(Department of Education)

*Even after asserting their credentials, Democrat legislators were denied access and even had federal authorities called on them

Ok, here's is some Good news to help ease you:

*19 Democratic attorneys general sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s "Agency" from accessing Treasury Department records that contained sensitive personal data such as Social Security and account numbers for millions of Americans.

*Thanks to everyone calling so much, the Democrats actually woke up and held up the Senate floor all night, buying time for lawsuits. This led to a judge issuing an order preventing Elon Musk and any additional DOGE-connected people from accessing sensitive Treasury data while the lawsuit proceeds to a two-week hearing.

*The judge’s order restricts two Musk-connected men already housed at Treasury to “read-only” access — meaning they are not permitted to modify or copy anything.

*In response to the gutting of USAID and the firing of its employees, a legal challenge filed on behalf of the employees, the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia will issue a temporary restraining order regarding various aspects of the Trump-Vance administration’s attempt to shutter the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

*A California Student group is suing the Department of Education over reported DOGE access to financial aid databases

JUST TO REMIND YOU. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE FIGHTING TO STOP THIS COUP AND FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS. HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1.Call your Senator/Rep Using 5calls: https://5calls.org/issue/elon-musk-opm-gsa-takeover/

Alongside using the script that 5calls provides, mention these actions. Despite Democrats being the minority, they still have tools and options to resist and oppose

If your senator/rep is a Republican, give them as much shit as possible, they are complicit and are willingly giving up Congress' power and responsibility.

2. Contact your State Attorney General by using 5 Calls: https://5calls.org/issue/musk-doge-data-lawsuit/

Here's an alternative script:

By using 5 calls, you probably already know who your State Attorney General is; another way to reach your AG is by searching their name, going to their website, and filing a Complaint form,

3. Contact the Secretary of the Treasury Department! – 202-622-2000

Minimal script for Secretary Scott Bessent: I’m calling to demand that you remove Musk’s access from all systems under your control, that all his equipment is confiscated, that his team is interrogated as to all actions they took under his direction, and that a computer forensics team is assigned immediately to check the system for integrity of its security systems.

After doing all of these, spread this around, not just on Tumblr, but all over the place. People need to know what's going on

and Remember, Do not obey in advance; yes, these are scary times; it's okay to feel afraid, but do not let it paralyze you; you are not alone.

More info on: https://indivisibleventura.org/2025/02/01/the-guy-nobody-trusts-with-a-full-security-clearance-now-has-access-to-all-your-private-data/

[macabresymphonies]

Are we dealing with alchemists looking for The Philosopher's Stone?

(I will be referencing partially to the ARG, most importantly to the so called Klaus sheet that has german version on categories the OIAR team is using, and some light spoiler to The Magnus Archives, so beware).

We're four episodes in and cross-referencing each episode so far, there seems to be few things that connect most of them:

an orchestrator

a medium

an obsession

a transformation

Each episode so far mentions some type of third party being involved in the incident: Harriet Winstead mentions a "consultant" that was supposed to help her see Arthur, RedCanary mentions getting harrased by an anonymous stalker, Daria commissions Ink5oul for a tattoo, Dr Samuel Webber mentions seeing his dead wife "Maddie" who stops him from tampering with the transformation (could be a hallucination, but could also be somebody using his delirioum to impersonate her) and today we've got a mention of a "giftgiver" who gave The Violinist the Violin.

Additionally each incident mentions some type of specific medium the characters came into contact with: The Box, The Violin, The Ink (cross referenced in Klaus sheet from the ARG), The Garden (as in plants in the garden). The exception being the Harriet, but we don't know yet what "caused" ressurection of Arthur. This is important, because in TMA items and "mediums" weren't actually all that common, it was very often stressed that relics were medium for the fears to use directly (with people only doing their bidding), not to be handled by others as a medium.

Lastly each episode talks obsession and/or transformation and oh boy, let me tell you about bunch of guys historically obsessed with tranforming stuff through different mediums:

"It's not very suprising, alchemical symbols are everywhere throughout the podcast!" you might say. True, but let's take into consideration, what excactly is a goal of an alchemist? Well the answer is quite simple and there is actually three of them. The Three Goals of Alchemy are:

To turn base metals into noble ones

To discover the recipe for a Philosopher's Stone

To find the Elixir of Life that gives eternal youth and defies death

All of them refer to some type of recipie of method, so where are the recipies? Under our own noses. The recipies are the DPHW catalogue and the database Freddie is sending the incident reports to is an alchemical cookbook! Each entry is categorized something like that:

CAT$$$R&&#### - theme (specification) -/- subtheme [medium]

Some specifications:

$ - are a conbination of numbers 1, 2 and 3. They do not always appear in threes, sometimes it's just 3, sometimes 12 (as in 1 and 2) so forth. These has been widely theorized to be related to the The Tria Prima, a group of three materials which occupy a position of prominence in alchemy: Sulphur(🜍), Mercury(☿) and Salt(🜔) or as they are also characterized Soul, Mind and Body. If we assign each of them a number with 1 being Soul, 2 being Mind and 3 being body, they so far align with the main "components" of each incident or realms they deal in.

R - either appears or not, it was theorized this is a RANK and that previous files were simply misfiled by Sam, but to me it also could be REGIA as in Aqua Regia (🜆) where we are to assume the R was added to the previous element (Aqua (🜄) + Regia (R)). The meaning behind assigning some some incidents the rank of regia has yet to be explained though.

& - these are letters C, BC, B, AB, A and S signifying a rank (or rang in the Klaus sheet) . Lets ignore that S for a second, but they seem to be stages and half stages, well there can't possibly a concept of four stages in alchemy? Let me introduce you to the Magnum Opus (Great Work). Basically each alchemical project went through four stages: nigredo (black), albedo (white), citrinitas (yellow) and rubedo (red) with rubedo specifically signifying a great discovery was made and Magnum Opus was a success, but it does not necessairly mean an alchemical goal was reached.

To summarize, numbers one C-A signify stage of the project, with S, that appears once on mostly redacted cell in the Klaus sheet, signifying that not only the final stage was reached, but the project has been a success.

This could mean a finished Magnum Opus is out there, developed in the field of the Soul and related to the mysterous Mr. B.

# - these numbers are still a mystery, I do have some theories myself, but to summaries I think they are grades and some type of combination (I think it's either 9999, 0000 (as in all 10s) or perhaps 7777 (7 being the most important alchemical number)). Basically a specific combination could imply the specific discovery could be categorized as a Philosopher's Stone. What that could mean for the narrative? We will see, but I suspect it's an alchemical equivalent to an eldritch nuke in this universe.

Last thing to support my theory, the OIAR logo. The lion and the unicorn are obviously symbols for the United Kingdom, as this is a government office, and the words undearneath are "we will not falter" (probably reference to the paranormal incidents they deal with) the rest though?

Alchemical symbols for Salt, Mercucry and Sulphur are right there, all encompassed by an upside-down version of The Philosopher's Stone symbol; The Greatest Magnum Opus:

As to what the Magnum Opus are in TMAGP, each incident has an item associated with it, I noticed that the characters do not get corrupted by people directly this season, but through the use of items like ink, instruments, plants.

[frankys-wife]

all your franky thoughts are soo adorable 🥺♥️ puts a smile on my face nod nod !!

if u wanna you can use this ask to spill wtv thoughts your having of him rn, messy rants or sweet rambles idm at all . . >_< 💌

AHHH ROSE HI!!!

I appreciate that sm 🥺 💕💕

In the spirit of your ask, sometimes I think about Franky's assigned MBTI personality type (that's a lie, I think about this a lot)

But Franky is an ESTP. I use this (and the Personality Database website) to find characters that have a similar personality or vibe as him, and also to help me find couples throughout media that reflect us. I'm an INFP.

This connects to you and Maui because, funny enough, this is how I found out that your Maui is also apparently an ESTP like Franky! Which is really funny to me bc it's almost like I can see Franky singing his own cover/version of your f/o's song "You're Welcome" with like changed lyrics to fit him (love that song btw, your guy is a fantastic singer)!

In relation to other Disney characters, even though this isn't really a "couple" per se, Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is also an ESTP, and Belle is an INFP like me. Sometimes I jokingly imagine us cosplaying/dressing up as Gaston and Belle for Halloween because of that.

I can see a very big Belle and Gaston vibe within me and Franky's relationship bc I started out not liking Franky AT ALL (before he proved me wrong <3) and yet, with how present he is in my life, it feels like he's obsessed with trying to impress me like Gaston with Belle. The only difference being that Franky, unlike Gaston, DOES actually care about my well-being and doesn't view me as some sort of trophy to be won, but he's just in love!

TYSM FOR THE ASK!! This one's been on my mind for a while!! 💕

[black-emporium-exchange]

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR BLACK EMPORIUM!

Yes sweet nuglets, it’s that time of year again: Time to sign up for Black Emporium!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP!

↳ Helpful Links:

Rules & Assignment Requirements || Participation Walkthrough Guide || FAQ || Requests on Ao3 || Tagset || Nominations Spreadsheet || Request Database || Parent Collection (All Past Years) Signups end: July 13th @ 9 AM US Pacific / 12 PM US Eastern / 4 PM UTC+0 || Countdown

↳ Reminders

RULES & ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS: Please take the time to re-read our Rules and the requirements for assignments before signing up. RATINGS: If you are interested in receiving or creating Mature/Explicit level works (see Ao3 rating(s)), you must "opt in" by checking the "E" box for both offers and requests. Please note you must be 18+ to offer/request/create Mature or Explicit level gifts. For a more detailed explanation, click here. TREATS: If you are open to receiving treats, or a specific type of treat (single-recipient, multi-recipient, fanart, fanfic), you must "opt in" by saying so in the sign up description box. This field does not apply to your offers. For a more detailed explanation, click here.

For a how-to-guide of the whole exchange that includes all of the information in this post, please take a look at our Participation Walkthrough Guide and FAQ.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SIGN-UPS BELOW THE CUT:

1. SIGN IN TO AO3

If you don’t have an Ao3 account, contact the mods for help!

2. GO TO THE BLACK EMPORIUM SIGNUP FIELD (LINK)

3. SCROLL TO THE “REQUESTS” FIELD

Once nominations are finished, you'll be able to sign up. In your sign-up, you'll specify the works you'd like to receive and the works you're willing to create. (They do not necessarily have to be the same!)

You must fill out at least three requests and three offers. You may only select each pairing once, but may give multiple ideas per pairing in your prompt.

If you are interested in receiving Mature- or Explicit-rated works, you must be at least 18 years old and opt-in by checking the appropriate box ("E"); this is not a guarantee you will receive a higher level.

You will have to fill out several fields on the sign-up form:

↳ Relationships

Here you can write in the relationships that you wish to request. As long as it is part of the tag set/eligible nominated pairings, it should be able to be selected here.

If your chosen relationship is in the tag-set but isn't auto-completing, this is unfortunately a bug on AO3's end that we cannot fix -- but if you copy and paste your relationship from the tag-set into this field, you should be able to submit. (Please contact moderators via email at blackemporiumexchange@gmail.com if you get an error and let us know what the error was.)

You may list between 1-3 pairings in the same Request field. That does not (necessarily) mean you want all three ships in the same fanwork. We allow multiple pairings in the same Request Field because it allows participants to request up to 30 unique pairings, rather than just 10. Some people group thematically, or by character.

Example of someone requesting three, non-connected pairings. The participant here loosely grouped their "platonic" ships together into one Request Field.

Example of someone requesting a pairing.

↳ Additional Tags

This field is to mark if you're open to receiving fanfiction, fanart, or both (check both boxes), for this request.

Example of someone requesting ONLY fanart for any pairings listed in this Request field.

↳ Ratings (Requests)

If you are open to receiving Mature- or Explicit-rated works, please check the box to indicate your interest. We use the AO3 ratings guide as far as judging what each rating entails.

Any participant under 18 should NOT indicate interest in M or E works, as those are intended for 18+ audiences only.

Please choose your ratings carefully! Indicating interest in receiving higher rating works does not mean you are guaranteed to receive them, just that other people will be allowed to gift them to you in this exchange. If you're not comfortable with that possibility, do not check this box.

This recipient did not check the "Explicit" box; they will not receive any Mature or Explicit level works.

↳ Letter

This is a place to put a link to a letter, if you have one. A letter generally is a completely optional, longer version of the description field, and might include more details you'd like your creator to know, or things like pictures that are hard to paste into the description box.

Letters are commonly hosted on Dreamwidth, Tumblr, Google docs, or other such freely accessible websites.

Please note that the moderators cannot enforce any DNWs you put only in your letter.

Completely optional field. Leave blank if you don't have a letter.

↳ Description

Please feel free to use this field to go into some detail about what you would like; this helps give the creator of your work some different ideas about what they could make for you.

If you are open to treats, please indicate interest. See "Treats" for more.

Examples of prompts or helpful information you could share with your recipient (reminder, your creator is not required to follow your prompts/likes):

General trope likes, e.g., Fluff, First Kiss, Dwarven lore, There Was Only One Bed, Enemies to Lovers, etc.

Stylistic likes, e.g., 2nd person writing, Tarot Card art, chat-fic, etc.

World state options you favor that are relevant to your prompt, e.g., Anora is Queen/Alistair is King, Canon Divergent - Multiple Wardens, Modern AUs, etc.

A sentence or two about why you like the pairing, e.g., "I love Cassandra being flustered around people she likes!"

"What If?" prompts, especially open ended ones, e.g., "What if Blackwall did the Joining ceremony with the Hero of Ferelden in DAO? Or met HoF in the Deep Roads during the Jaws of Hakkon DLC in DAI? Would they have similar perspectives, or different?"

Rating restriction clarifications, e.g., interested in E rated smut, but not E rated violence

Be sure to list your Do Not Wants (DNWs) — if they're not listed in the Description box of your sign up, then the mods cannot enforce your DNWs. If your DNWs are poorly worded or go against exchange rules, they will also be considered unenforceable.

Example Description. This person has NOT opt into treats and cannot receive any. Please see here for more help formulating your DNWs.

4. CONTINUE TO THE “OFFERS” FIELD

The process to Offers is similar to Requests when it comes to pairings and denoting interest in creating fanart and/or fanfic. However, there are a couple differences one should make note of:

↳ Ratings (Offers)

If you are interested in creating Mature- or Explicit-rated works, please check the box to indicate your interest. We use the AO3 ratings guide as far as judging what each rating entails.

Any participant under 18 should NOT indicate in creating M or E works, as those are intended for 18+ audiences only.

Please choose your ratings carefully! You will be matched on this field; if you're not comfortable with receiving prompts that may include NSFW or "E" elements, do not check this box.

↳ "Notes to mods" Field

If you want, you can write notes to the mods, but this isn't required. Some things you might want to include:

If you are under 18 or do not want to receive any "E" requests/prompts from your recipient, please put a simple "No 'E' requests" or in your sign up. This will not disclose your age as we have adult participants who have asked this of mods over the years.

If you're attempting to avoid all spoilers related to Dragon Age: The Veilguard, including any details that may be included in a prompt sign-up, please write a note to alert mods.

The AO3 username of any individual(s) you don't want to be matched with. You don't have to provide a reason as to why you don't want to be matched with someone, but we will rely entirely on the name(s) you enter; if you ask not to be matched with FanficWriter69 but you meant FanficWriter96, we can't guarantee you won't get matched. For the sake of everyone's stress level, triple check any names and make sure you're giving us their AO3 username.

Please do not use this field to ask to be matched with a specific person.

↳ "Any Relationship" Box

If you would like, you can offer to create a work for "Any Relationship."

PLEASE ONLY CHECK THIS BOX IF YOU TRULY MEAN ANY RELATIONSHIP.

The only qualifications you can make are the category of pairings (i.e. F/F, F/M, M/M, Other, Gen, or Multi) or by DA game (i.e. DAO, DA2, DAI). You cannot differentiate by any other qualification or request.

An example of someone offering to draw fanart for any F/F pairing.

An example of someone offering to create fanart and/or fanfiction for the pairing "Fenris & Donnic Hendyr," but requesting not to be matched with a specific user.

5. A NOTE ON MATCHING

After sign-ups are completed, creators and recipients are matched based on their sign-ups. Matches are one-way; that is, while it is possible A may write for B and B may write for A, you are more likely to have A writing for B, and B writing for C, and C writing for A.

You will be assigned to someone who has at least one request that matches at least one of your offers for the below two fields: relationship pairing and type of fanwork.

You will be matched with someone who requested:

at least one of the pairings for which you offered to write or draw ("Relationship" field), and

at least one type of fanwork you offered ("Additional Tags" field aka fanfic, fanart, or both — if both, you can create an assignment in either format; you are not obligated to create two assignments), and

whether or not you've both indicated interest in Mature- or Explicit-rated content ("E" checkbox)

You are guaranteed to have a match by the end of the date listed under "Assignments" in the schedule. If you do not have a match by then, please contact the mods via email at blackemporiumexchange@gmail.com.

[hexpea]

Ch. 25 - White Carnations ⚠️NSFW BELOW⚠️ Carnations symbolize love and gratitude, and just so happen to be the Mother's Day flower. Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day in the United States, gifted her own mother with white carnations.

The next afternoon, while Naoya was preoccupied with his usual duties, you seized the opportunity to delve deeper into your investigation. You weren't going to let Naobito's threats and Naoya's attitude stop you from finding his mother. After finishing up your usual chores, you slipped on Naohiro's sweater, armed with your laptop and pen and paper, and you began your research in earnest.

You meticulously combed through online databases, poring over information about Koga. You saw that it was situated in Ibaraki Prefecture, just about an hour and a half away. Begrudgingly, you paid for an online service that gave you general information on all of the 'Nakamura Mizukis' that could be found residing in Koga. There were only a few listed which made it promising to simply show up at each address and politely ask if they...just so happened to have a son that they abandoned twenty-one years ago.

With the list of 'Mizukis' written down in your notebook, and a meditative sniff to Naohiro's sweater, you found yourself sneaking into Naoya's office, your heart pounding in your chest as you stepped into the dimly lit room. Your eyes scanned the room, taking in the disorganized chaos that adorned Naoya's desk. Stacks of mission reports and pending missions littered the surface, his assignments for the Hei. With a sense of determination, you approached the desk, your fingers tracing the edges of the papers as you searched for any mention of Koga.

As you sifted through the pages, your heart skipped a beat when you finally stumbled upon a pending mission in Koga. You were going to assign the mission to yourself, forging Naoya's signature using the stamp on his desk. But before you could finish your own signature, the sound of footsteps echoed through the room, signaling Naoya's unexpected arrival. In a panic, you scrambled to hide your intentions, your heart racing as Naoya entered the room with his usual sense of arrogance. Suppressing some of his usual temper, he regarded you with a mixture of surprise and suspicion, his sharp gaze piercing through your facade.

"What the fuck are you doing in here?" His voice was laced with venom though the tone came out more skeptical, his brows furrowed in disbelief at the sight of you perched awkwardly on his desk with a sheepish smile plastered on your lips.

Your mind raced with some kind of excuse and settled on the most obvious choice. With a coy grin, you leaned back slightly, the mischievous glint in your eyes matching his intensity. "Well, Naoya," you purred, your voice dripping with false seduction, "I was just thinking of a way to surprise you. You know, because I'm...in the mood..." you trailed off suggestively, your cheeks flushing. You inwardly scolded yourself for being such a terrible actress.

Naoya's lips curled into a sardonic smirk, his gaze smoldering as he stepped closer to you. "Surprise me, huh? Well, consider me intrigued," he retorted, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down your spine.

Before you could respond, he reached out and tilted your chin toward his lips, his touch sending a jolt of heat straight to your core. Your breath hitched in your throat as his lips met yours. As the kiss deepened, you felt yourself melting into his embrace, your hands curling around his neck before tangling into his hair, pulling him closer. The taste of him was intoxicating. Wait...no...what?!

Despite the heat of the moment, you couldn't help but notice how much worse his wheezing had gotten, a pang of worry shooting through you. Briefly pushing aside your concerns, you focused on the raw connection between you, losing yourself in the pleasure. As your lips fervently met in a desperate embrace over his desk, your fingers deftly worked on the buttons of his crisp, white shirt, each one releasing with a soft pop. With each button undone, his breath hitched, his chest rising and falling with increasing urgency.

"You're driving me crazy," he growled between heated kisses and tiny wheezes, his hands roaming over your curves with a possessive intensity.

Your heart raced at his words, your own desire suddenly matching his as you whispered back, "that's the idea."

With a fierce hunger, his hands moved to your waist with a bruising grip, his tongue tangling with yours. As things were starting to reach a peak, his breaths grew labored, the strain of his illness making itself known.

"Naoya," you gasped between kisses, your voice laced with concern as you felt him struggling to breathe. "Are you okay?"

His eyes met yours, a flicker of vulnerability shining through that haze of desire. "I'm fine," he insisted, though his voice was strained with effort. "Don't worry about it."

You didn't question him further, his lips fervently meeting yours once again as his hands wasted no time in untying the knot of his hakama, the fabric sliding down his legs and pooling around his ankles with a soft thud. With a primal hunger burning in his eyes, he grabbed your hips roughly, pulling you closer to the edge of the desk, the papers beneath you crinkling or falling to the floor. His touch was commanding, his fingers digging into your flesh with an intensity that bordered on pain. But you welcomed it, craving the roughness of his touch as much as he craved the softness of your skin. After he let his hakamashita fall to the ground, he pressed his body against yours, the heat of his skin searing.

As his lips started to trail down your neck, gentle nipping leaving tiny red marks, you couldn't help but moan softly, your hands desperately grasping at his remaining shirt as you finally undid the last of the buttons. With a low growl of approval, Naoya's shirt fell to the floor, revealing the toned expanse of his chest that you'd come to know so well. He pressed you further against the desk, his arm wrapped around your waist to give you stability. His lips devoured yours with a ferocity that matched the intensity of his touch, you couldn't help but surrender to the primal desire coursing through your veins.

You parted from the kiss briefly to toss Naohiro's sweater over your head, crossing your arms in front of your body and pulling upward. Just as you tossed the fabric away, he yanked you to the very edge of the desk, your back falling against the surface. With a dangerous look in his eyes, he ripped your shorts and panties down and tossed them aside. With your legs spread open and him between them, the heat of his body radiating against yours only fueled the need you felt pooling between your legs. His fingertips touched you lightly, as light as a feather, causing your thighs to twitch at the tickling stimulation of your precious bud. He let those gentle fingertips move down your thigh, the tickling sensation following.

"You like that, don't you?" He purred against your neck as he felt your legs quivering against his hips. "You're such a fucking slut for me, Y/N..."

"Naoya..." you gasped between his heated kisses. "Please..."

His lips curved into a wicked smirk as he trailed his fingers back down along the curve of your thigh, getting teasingly close to where you needed him most. "Please what, princess?" He taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance between ragged breaths.

You bit your lip, frustrated by the way he always seemed to pull you in. You couldn't deny that your physical needs were satisfied while being married to the bastard. "Please, I need you," you pleaded, your voice cracking above its whisper as you met his smoldering gaze.

Naoya's smirk widened, a predatory gleam in his eyes as he brought his digits to his lips and put them into his mouth, lubricating them well with his spit. Then, with a sudden surge of intensity, he pressed his fingers against your core, the sensation sending a jolt of electricity up your spine. You couldn't help but arch into his touch, a moan escaping your lips as he began to move his fingers with expert precision, curling and twisting them in just the right way. Each movement was calculated, each touch sending you closer to the edge he'd bring you to.

"Fuck, you're so wet for me," he growled, his voice rough with desire as he continued to finger you relentlessly, his own need driving him forward despite the strain of his illness.

You could feel the tension coiling inside of you like a wound up spring, building to an unbearable crescendo. "Naoya, please..." you whimpered, your breaths coming in ragged gasps that matched his wheezing as you teetered on the brink of release.

With a wicked grin, Naoya pressed his lips to yours once more, swallowing your moans as he drove you over the edge, his fingers never relenting in their ministrations. As pleasure washed over you in a tidal wave, you clung to him desperately, lost in the intensity of the moment.

You both breathed heavily, Naoya's wheezing loud and labored as you came down from your high. He grinned despite his heavy breathing. "My turn," he declared gruffly, standing up straight to let his boxers drop to the ground with the rest of his clothes.

He positioned his cock against your cute little folds, slowly sinking into you as you let out a drawn-out moan, your voice sweet like music to his ears. His eyes darkened with desire as he filled you, inch by agonizing inch. The feeling of your warmth enveloping him sent shivers down his spine, the sensation almost overwhelming in its intensity.

"Oh, fuck..." he groaned, his voice strained with pleasure as he buried himself deeper inside you, relishing in your tightness that gripped him.

He set a slow, deliberate pace, each thrust driving him deeper into you as his hands gripped your pelvis at the edge of the desk. He looked down at you with a breathy smirk as he moved fluidly against your body. Your knuckles turned color as you gripped the edge of the mahogany desk. You arched your back away from the polished wood, meeting his every movement with a soft cry of pleasure. You reached up for him with grabby hands, a lewd expression painted on your face. He closed his lips, still smirking, as he leaned slightly forward. Your nails dug into his shoulders as you pulled him closer, your lips meeting once more. The coolness of the dainty chain he wore lightly stung your sticky skin as he continued thrusting.

"God, you feel so good..." he grunted, breaking from the kiss for just a moment, his hips snapping against yours with an increasing urgency.

He leaned down, capturing your lips once again, bruisingly, as he lost himself in the rhythm of your bodies coming together. Your moans grew louder, your body trembling with each powerful thrust. You clung to him desperately, your fingers digging deep red lines up his back. His thrusts became more frenzied as you felt the tension coiling inside of you tighter and tighter, like a spring ready to snap. His ragged breaths mingled with your own as you both neared the edge, completely lost in one another. Your nails dug deeper into his shoulders, your grip bordering on painful as you surrendered completely to the overwhelming pleasure coursing through your veins.

"Naoya," you gasped, your voice barely a whisper amidst the cacophony of your moans, "I'm gonna..." But before you could finish your sentence, a wave of cramps washed over you, threatening to derail the ecstasy of the moment. You'd felt it earlier that morning, too, but brushed it off. You decided to ignore the painful stabbing sensation in your stomach, swallowing it down, determined to ride out the climax that was building inside you.

Naoya's wheezing escalated as sweat dripped down his forehead, his pounding relentless as the desk scratched the floor beneath it. His movements were erratic, desperate, as his cock swelled with need for release. "Here it comes..." he gave a guttural groan as he succumbed to the tight, tingling sensation building between his legs.

As his body tensed against yours, you felt the heat of his release spilling into you as your own climax ripped through you like a bolt of lightning. You clung to him as you felt the aftershocks begin to calm down, bodies pulsing against one another as if made to be together. With Naoya still catching his breath, you gathered your thoughts, suddenly deciding to come clean about your true intentions.

"Naoya," you murmured, your voice barely a whisper amidst the heavy panting, "I need to tell you something."

He pulled back slightly, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at you with low lids. "What's that, princess? Regretting our little rendezvous already?"

You shook your head, swallowing the lump in your throat from your lingering cramps as you met his gaze head-on. "No, it's not that," you admitted, your hands delicately placed on his chest as he remained buried within you. "I was in here because I found something. There's a mission in Koga, and I want to take it."

Naoya's smirk faltered for a moment, his brows furrowing in confusion. "A mission in Koga?" He echoed, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone. "What for? Women don't need to go on missions, and certainly not my wife."

You gritted your teeth, pushing past his misogynistic remark as you locked eyes with him. "I haven't seen action in a while," you countered, your voice tinged with frustration. "And that mission looked interesting."

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing through you as if searching for the truth behind your words. But instead of pressing further, he simply nodded, a smirk curling on his lips once more. "Fine," he relented, "go ahead."

You blinked in surprise at his sudden acquiescence, stunned the he was actually letting you go on the mission. Before you could voice your gratitude, he was already moving, pulling from you and grabbing tissues from the box on the desk to clean up any traces of your encounter. He quickly placed one between your legs and helped you move off the desk before getting anything on the scattered papers. You stood there awkwardly, feeling exposed as you watched his efficient movements. He looked to be all business as he sifted through the disorganization, searching for the Koga mission amidst the chaos.

Finally, he found it, and his sharp eyes narrowed when he saw your signature scribbled on the sorcerer's name line. There was a flicker of something in his expression, a mix of annoyance and amusement, as if he wasn't surprised by your audacity but still found it irritating. Without a word, he grabbed his stamp and pressed it firmly onto the page, leaving the bold kanji of his name imprinted in black ink. The sound of the stamp hitting the paper echoed in the room as the rubber met the paper.

Handing you the mission, he gave you a look that was equal part smug and part challenging. "Here," he said curtly, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "The mission is yours."

You hesitated for a moment, feeling a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through you. Part of you wanted to thank him, but another part resisted the urge to show any vulnerability especially when in his 'domain.'

"Thanks," you mumbled, feeling strange to be standing there naked, clutching a mission assignment while he watched you with that well-known infuriating smirk on his lips.

Naoya quickly dressed himself, the sound of his small, rough coughs filling the room. His movements were slightly strained as he put on his boxers followed by his white button-up shirt. Despite the discomfort, he maintained his stoic facade, refusing to show any weakness, especially in front of you. Meanwhile, you shamefully picked up your panties and shorts, sliding them on as you avoided his gaze. You hurriedly pulled Naohiro's sweater of your head, trying to ignore the sense of longing as you inhaled deeply, the faint scent of him lingering on the fabric.

Naoya's gaze flickered over you for a moment, jealousy and frustration twisting in his chest at the reminder that you still harbored feelings for his dead brother. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow, knowing that even after everything you'd been through together, you still held a place for his brother who was now nothing but ash. And because of all of that, his time alive was short.

As you finished dressing, Naoya took a seat at the desk, his expression hardening as he began to organize the mess you'd created. He moved swiftly, stacking papers and arranging folders. Despite his best effort to maintain composure, the occasional cough escaped him. You, on the other hand, wasted no time in grabbing the mission assignment, your determination shining through as you prepared to embark on your quest to track down his mother.

The next day, you boarded the train to Koga, your mind filled with determination and a touch of apprehension. You'd take down the cursed spirit and then go on your hunt to find Naoya's mother...Nakamura Mizuki... Her name echoed in your mind over and over, the list of addresses folded in the pocket of your uniform skirt.

When you arrived in the small village, you wasted no time in locating the cursed spirit that had been reported in the area. With your usual practiced efficiency, you eliminated it. It was a routine task, and the minute it was over you began your search. Armed with your list of addresses, you began knocking on doors, each encounter starting with hope only to end in a let down. As the hours passed and the sun began to dip below the horizon, your hopes dwindled with each door that closed in front of you. After countless dead ends and rejections, you found yourself standing in front of one last address before you were going to take a break. You were exhausted from so much socialization, but you didn't want to give up just yet. Steeling yourself, you raised your hand and knocked on the door.

A woman in her fifties answered, her expression wary as she eyed you standing on her doorstep. You took a deep breath, summoning the last reserves of your energy as you began your familiar spiel. "Good evening, I apologize for the intrusion," you started, your voice steady despite the weariness that tugged at you. "My name is Kamo Y/N. I'm looking for someone by the name of Nakamura...Nakamura Mizuki. I was wondering if you might know her."

The woman nodded slowly, her eyes searching yours for a moment before she quietly speaks, her voice as quiet as a mouse. "That's me." You noticed the hint of sadness in her voice, as if she had dealt with years of abuse and regret.

You stood up a bit straighter, hoping to give yourself some strength to continue your spiel. "Nakamura-san, I'm here on behalf of Zenin Naoya," you began, watching her closely for any reaction. "Are you familiar with a Zenin Naoya? Twenty-seven years old now, son to Naobito."

Her eyes widened, her face slightly paling at the mention of Naoya's name. She seemed taken aback. "Who want's to know?" Her fingers trembled slightly as she nearly hid behind the door to her apartment.

You took a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. You'd never gotten this far, so it felt a bit off script at that point. You felt the cramps that had been plaguing you as of late return with your nerves. "I'm...married to Naoya," you explained, your voice soft but resolute, "and I'm looking for his mother."

Mizuki's gaze softened as she let out a breath she had seemingly been holding. "My little boy is married now?" She murmured, more to herself than to you. Then, with a small smile, she stepped aside, gesturing you to enter. "Come in," she said warmly."

The woman disappeared into the kitchen as you took a moment to observe the room around you. It was simple, worn furniture and faded curtains that let in the soft glow of the setting sun. The atmosphere was peaceful, a total contrast to the busy estate and bustling city that you came from. You took a seat on the sofa, feeling a bit of sympathy for her, imagining the pain of being away from her son for so many ears.

She joined you with tea. You accepted it gratefully, the warmth soothing your fraying nerves. You took a sip, gathering the courage to begin asking the questions you so desperately wanted answers to. "Thank you for having me," you began, your voice gentle yet determined. "I know this might be difficult to talk about, but I'm hoping you can help me understand why you left Naoya all those years ago."

Her expression softened, her eyes clouding with sadness and regret. "It's not an easy story to tell," she admitted, her voice still hardly above a whisper as she sighed. "What have you heard?"

You took a deep breath and began to recount what Naoya told you while in the Maldives. "He told me that you couldn't accept his power, that it frightened you. He was told by Naobito that you had left fearing the pressure of being his mother. That you couldn't handle it..."

Mizuki's eyes widened in disbelief, a flash of anger flickering in them. "Of course he would say something like that," she scoffed bitterly. "That man has always been more concerned with his own prestige than with the well-being of his son." She suddenly dropped her eyes into her lap where her hands were folded, her fingers twisting nervously. "The truth is," she began, he voice slightly shaking, "I didn't leave because I couldn't handle him. I left because I had no choice."

You leaned in slightly, your heart pounding in your chest as you listened intently. You were about to find out the truth of what had really happened. Mizuki had no reason to lie to you.

"Naobito..." she hesitated, the name leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. "He forced me to leave. He said that he couldn't risk Naoya being influenced by me." Her voice wavered with both anger and sorrow as she recounted painful memories. "I was just some concubine to him, nothing more than a pawn in his game of power and control. He didn't want Naoya to have any connection to me because it would weaken his hold over him."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. You quickly reached toward the tissue box on the coffee table, ripping a few out before handing them to her. She quickly accepted and dabbed her eyes and gave you a thankful yet tearful smile.

"I begged him to let me stay, to let me be a part of Naoya's life, but he wouldn't listen. He threatened to kill the boy if I didn't leave willingly -- saying how he'd find 'another obedient whore to birth a brat who'd carry on his technique.'" She used weak finger quotes as she referenced what he'd said to her directly, sniffling as she did so. She took a shuddering breath before continuing. "I had no choice but to leave, to protect Naoya from his father's cruelty -- or at least the worst of it."

Your heart ached for her as you heard the truth. It all made sense to you now. Naoya was never meant to be this cruel, arrogant bastard. It was what his father had turned him into, obsessed with power and control. Without the compassion of his mother, Naoya had turned into a stone-cold prick.

"And all these years..." She continued softly, "I've lived with the guilt of leaving my son behind, of abandoning him when he needed me the most."

You reached out as she wiped her tears with the used tissues you'd given her earlier, placing your hand on her shoulder. She leaned against you, shaking with silent sobs as she let herself release years of pent-up anguish and regret. In that moment, you realized just how much pain Naoya had carried with him all that time. He had thought his mother abandoned him only to then be raised by a cold, calculating asshole of a father.

"You did what you thought was best," you murmured distractedly, your mind busy with the painful cramps you were briefly experiencing. You quickly shrugged off the pain and turned your attention back to Mizuki. "You protected him the only way you knew how."

Mizuki sniffled as she composed herself, wiping away the tears that lingered in her eyes. "Thank you for saying that," she murmured, her voice still quivering with emotion. "I just wish I could've been there for him, to protect him."

You nodded in understanding, offering her a sympathetic smile. "I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must've been for you," you replied softly, squeezing her shoulder gently in a comforting gesture.

She took a deep breath, her expression shifting as she glanced at you with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. "Tell me," she said hesitantly, "what is my son like now? How has he grown?"

You sighed, knowing that your answer would be a difficult one to give. "Naoya..." you began, choosing your words carefully, "he's grown into a man who's...who can be...a bit cold...arrogant, distant." You paused, the truth painful to speak. "He's inherited his father's traits, if not worse."

Her face fell at your words, her heart sinking with disappointment. "I'd hoped he wouldn't become like Naobito," she whispered, "but it was an empty hope."

"But..." you added, trying to inject a note of optimism into the conversation, "since our marriage was arranged, I've noticed subtle shifts in him." You hesitated, searching for the right words to convey your observations. "There are moments where he can be...kind, even sweet. It's rare, but it's there."

Mizuki's eyes brightened slightly at the glimmer of hope in your words, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Maybe the little boy I knew isn't entirely lost," she mused optimistically.

You nodded in agreement, a sweet smile joining hers. "I'd like to believe that, too," you admitted, not realizing the slight blush to your cheeks. But then the gravity of the situation came back into your mind, and you felt compelled to share the harsh reality with Naoya's mother. "There's something else you should know," you continued, your voice tinged with sadness. "Naoya...he's sick. And it's serious."

She swallowed hard as her brows furrowed with worry. "What's wrong with him? Is it...cancer?" She asked, her voice trembling with fear.

You shook your head slightly, chewing on the inside of your cheek. "I'm not entirely sure," you admitted reluctantly. "Naoya hasn't told me what's wrong, but..." you trailed off, not sure how to broach the topic of his strange symptoms.

It was Mizuki's turn to reach out, placing a hand on your knee in a gesture of support. "It's okay," she reassured you, her voice gentle and understanding. "You can tell me, I want to know."

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself before continuing. "He's been experiencing some strange symptoms...coughing up blood and...flower petals of all things."

Her eyes widened in shock, her hand shot back as she gasped. "Flower petals?" You gave her and understanding look of the absurdity of such a symptom. "How is that possible?"

You shook your head and continued chewing on your cheek. "I'm not sure, but I don't know how much time he has left...it seems to only be getting worse."

Tears welled up in her eyes once more, her heart breaking at the thought of her son suffering from such a cruel fate after such a horrible upbringing. "Oh, my poor Naoya..." she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.

As the conversation lingered in the weight of Naoya's illness and his mother's sorrow, you felt a sudden wave of nausea wash over you. You swallowed it down, hoping Mizuki didn't take notice. As you composed yourself, her voice broke the silence, her question catching you completely off guard, concern evident in her eyes.

"Do you and Naoya have any children?" She asked gently, her voice tinged with the slightest bit of hope.

You felt a lump form in your throat as you shook your head, a reminder of your failure to conceive with Naohiro. "No, we don't," you replied quietly. "Not yet, anyway," you added to not entirely break the woman's heart regarding your general infertility -- not that you had any plans to conceive with Naoya anyway.

She nodded, her expression sympathetic as she processed the new information about her son's life. The silence that followed was heavy, both of you lost in your own separate thoughts. After a moment, you decided to seize the moment.

"Nakamura-san," you began tentatively, "I know it's a lot to ask, but...would you consider visiting Naoya? I think...I think it would mean a lot to him to see you again, especially now..."

Her eyes widened in surprise at your request, her head shaking nervously. "Oh, I don't know..." she murmured uncertainly, her gaze flickering back into her lap with hesitation.

You felt a pang of disappointment at her response, but you pressed on, determined to convince her. "Please," you pleaded softly, your voice filled with genuine emotion. "I can't promise that he'll be receptive, but I know deep down he wants to see you. He's just too stubborn to admit it."

Mizuki looked torn, her heart warring between her desire to see her son again and the fear of the consequences that could follow. "I...I can't," she shook her head again. "It would be too risky..." she gave you a knowing stare which you returned.

"Naobito's threats aren't to be taken lightly," you acknowledged with a deep sigh. "I understand your concerns, Nakamura-san."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly at your reassurance, a small smile of gratitude forming. "Thank you, Kamo-san," she murmured softly.

"Please, call me Y/N," you gave an awkward chuckle, your mind still at war with your own family drama. With a gentle smile, you stood from the sofa, a sense of finality settling over you as you prepared to take your leave. Her eyes followed you as you stood, standing after you. "It was a pleasure to meet you, truly," you said sincerely, bowing respectfully.

As you reached for the door, Mizuki's voice stopped you in your tracks. "Y/N, please..." she began, her tone filled with a quiet urgency. You turned back to face her, curiosity evident in your expression as you waited for her to continue. "Please, if something happens to Naoya..." she hesitated, her voice trembling slightly as she struggled to find the right words. "Please promise me that you'll let me know. I may not be able to be there for him in person, but...I want to care for him from a distance."

Your heart clenched at her plea and you gave a solemn nod. "I promise," you vowed with a steady voice, "if anything happens to him, you'll be the first to know."

Dates: July 19, 2018 - Y/N secures her ticket to Koga. July 20, 2018 - Y/N finds Naoya's mother.

[starlessleep]

— Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that SELENE SWALLOW is a a PROSTHETIC ENGINEER that works in SECTOR 7. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of CLAIRVOYANCE. That must be why they’re INSIGHTFUL and ERRATIC. If you ask me, they remind me of pulsating lights, broken cds, & soda can tabs. They are the leader of THE JAGUARS.

basic information:

character name: selene swallow face claim: lily gladstone mutation status: gen ii mutant birthday: sexuality: pansexual moral alignment: chaotic neutral occupation: prosthetic engineer work sector: sector 7 affiliation: the jaguars 3 positive traits: efficient, farsighted, patient 3 negative traits: disruptive, faithless, irritable

biography (tw for medical mentions ):

the oldest daughter of a disgraced doctor. selene only had herself and her twin brother, roman, to rely on. her mother abandoned them both at a rather young age

she also has two younger sisters

her father used to be a grand doctor...but during the days before the cure was administered, he became disgraced after it was revealed he illegally harvested organs from several of his patients. he was fascinated by the mutant virus, especially to individuals who mutated to be immortal

mechanical parts aren't necessarily cheaper than human body parts...but they're not quite as messy to obtain and can be more easily manufactured. selene was pushed by her father to study bio engineering and cybernetics

her father has always been critical of her actions and everyone in her life. in turn, selene would regularly do things against his wishes purely to make him mad, including getting married at the young age of nineteen. she didn't really love him, but her father was angry, and that was enough

a few short months later, her husband became comatose and was eventually pulled off life support. she never had any proof of such, but had a feeling her father had to do with it

her father unexpectedly passed away, and the following day selene discovered a hard drive in her home. some digging uncovered that he had, miraculously, managed to install all of his memories onto the hard drive - or at least so selene believes

equally upset and angry with their father, her brother attempted to burn down their father's lab, which resulted in him being injured in the process

selene hates her father and all he stood for...but recognizes his talent and intelligence, and understands his fear of dying. she pulled some of his old contacts to help form the jaguars, initially so that she could build her father a new body, or at least understand his technology better, and try to save her twin brother.

questionnaire:

how do they feel about living in sol city? have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement?

selene has always lived in sol city, but she doesn't feel any particular attachment to the settlement

do they trust the council’s leadership? why or why not?

definitely not. but selene typically follows her own rules and guidance anyway. she prefers they turn a blind eye to their activities, so her jaguars can continue on without much worry

if they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? if they didn’t, why not? were they happy with their assignment or not?

her career was chosen by herself, after quite a bit of studying, and influence, from her father

what’s one object that they always keep on their person?

two heart shaped necklaces

what is your character’s ability (or abilities)?

selene is clairvoyant, but she always describes it as getting gut feelings on things. its essentially an extra sense. sometimes she has intimate knowledge on something without being told, or can see connections between two things that aren't obvious

are they gen i or gen ii?

gen ii

what can your character do? what are their strengths?

selene can get gut feelings on different moves or tactics. typically, if something is a bad idea or dangerous, a wave of nausea often rushes over. if something is a good idea, or even just important, she might feel light headed or like there are butterflies in her stomach

what can’t they do? what are their weaknesses?

just because she has a gut feeling about something doesn't mean she knows what specifically the gut feeling is about. sometimes the plan itself is good, but something unrelated spells disaster. things that are bad are often easier to tell than things that are good. also, she can have difficulty determining the difference between what is her gut feeling and what is just normal bodily reactions to things

for strong reactions to things, selene can also become physically ill, including stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting

she doesn't know specifics, but knows where to look. she may not know the winning lottery numbers, but out of a stack of lotto cards, she could pick a winning ticket, even if the prizes are only a few dollars

[jirozilla]

( sota fukushi/godzilla, unknown, cis man, he/him ) — Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that GODZILLA / JIRO is a DEMOLITIONS EXPERT that works in SECTOR 3. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of RADIATION EMPOWERMENT. That must be why they’re RESILIENT and DESTRUCTIVE. If you ask me, they remind me of the dust of broken buildings scorched by fire and fury. They are affiliated with THE UNBURDENED.

Character Name: Godzilla/Jiro Nicknames: Gojira, King of the Monsters, Giant Lizard Beast Face Claim: Sota Fukushi/Godzilla Mutation Status: GEN I Birthday: unknown Sexuality: fuck around and find out (but totes has a crush on 'mothra' potential WC?) Moral Alignment: chaotic neutral Occupation: demolitions expert Work Sector: Sector 3?? ((I THINK??!!)) Affiliation: the unburdened unburdened 3 Positive Traits: protective, resilient, resourceful 3 Negative Traits: vengeful, destructive, solitary

Biography: Jiro was never exactly 'human' before the XIBALBA II meteor hit—there's a suggestion that he lived long before the mutations themselves happened, existing as a prehistoric creature in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. It was the X-virus that seemingly reversed his DNA into a more humanoid form as seen today. Scientists speculate that the radiation levels at the deeper depths of the ocean contributed to his mutation. During the days of his 'mindlessness,' he was the fierce creature known as 'Godzilla,' a beast empowered by radiation. His overwhelming urge to protect the ocean his home led to his enraged destruction of anything and anyone in his path, including entire cities. Though, of course, those details are hardly discussed nowadays. The 'cure' allowed him to control his strength and form at will, instead of being fixated in a permanent monstrous state.

Questionnaire:

How do they feel about living in Sol City? Have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement? Jiro feels more at home towards the ocean, what he now calls 'the coast' in the Wastelands. While he can peacefully exist within the city walls, he can still sense the storms brewing far off in the ocean. This constant tug of his home unsettles his temperament, making it difficult for him to fully control his emotions when he's far from the one place he considers his true 'home.'

Do they trust the council’s leadership? Why or why not? Jiro can never fully trust the council's leadership, knowing what he is. He can either be their tool or something that needs to be destroyed.

If they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? If they didn’t, why not? Were they happy with their assignment or not? Jiro finds the irony in his sector and profession. On one hand, it’s a form of retribution using his mutation for the greater good rather than wreaking havoc. As an expert in demolitions, he can create destruction with precision, using explosives instead of relying on his monstrous physical strength. It’s a way to control his power while remaining more reserved, rather than being the uncontrolled beast he once was. Despite the irony, Jiro finds some satisfaction in it, as it allows him to channel his energy in a more controlled manner.

What’s one object that they always keep on their person? A seashell something to remind him of the ocean and where he belongs. It's a grounding object, something that helps him feel connected to his past and his true home, especially when the pull of the ocean grows stronger within him.

Mutant-Only Section

What is your character’s ability (or abilities)? Radiation Empowerment

Are they Gen I or Gen II? Gen I

What can your character do? What are their strengths?

The ability to absorb, generate, and control radiation

Generate energy blasts (atomic breath)

Physical strength/durability

Control his form at will

What can’t they do? What are their weaknesses?

Energy drain leaves him weak, lethargic, and needing to sleep

[buriedwithit]

INTRODUCING: KALI

⸻ ( various cgi bears, 130, cis woman, she/her ) — Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that KALI is a PAINTER that works in SECTOR 10. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of ANIMAL SAPIENCE. That must be why they’re CURIOUS and QUICK-TEMPERED. If you ask me, they remind me of canvases strewn about every corner, summer nights spent in front of a fan, and mourning what once was and can never be again. They are affiliated with THE MUTANTS' SOCIETY.

basic information:

character name: kali

alias (es): n/a (if you know what's good for you!)

face claim: various cgi polar bears (golden compass/hdm/red one)

mutation status: gen i mutant ( animal sapience )

distinguishing mutations: is a polar bear. just a regular polar bear.

birthday: december 24th

sexuality: lesbian (only interested in other bears, sorry)

moral alignment: chaotic good

occupation: painter, philosopher, bounty hunter/warrior-poet

work sector: sector 10

affiliation: the mutants' society

3 positive traits: playful, loyal, affectionate

3 negative traits: aggressive, overly protective, stubborn

character summary:

born-in-captivity zoo animal gains sapience and becomes a respected public figure.

questionnaire:

how do they feel about living in sol city? have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement?

although kali often wishes she could make the trip to what used to be the arctic, overall sol city is where she's most comfortable.

do they trust the council's leadership? why or why not?

yes and no. she trusts that it was created with the best of intentions but knows that humanity is often... fallible.

if they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? if they didn't, why not? were they happy with their assignment or not?

she did choose, originally starting as a bounty hunter (warrior-poet, in her words) pre-sol city days, she then became a transport guard in sector 1 and later, a painter in sector 10. she's known for her arctic landscape artwork.

what's one object that they always keep on their person?

her reading glasses. she's far-sighted!

what is your character's ability (or abilities)?

animal sapience.

are they gen i or gen ii?

gen i.

what can your character do? what are their strengths?

through the mutating power of the meteor, kali gained sapience and longevity. in all other respects, she is just a normal polar bear.

what can't they do? what are their weaknesses?

physically, she can't do anything a normal polar bear can't. mentally, she's limited to human-level intellect. being smart doesn't mean she isn't instinctual, either.

is there anything else you'd like to specify about them?

even though painting is her actual job, she also considers herself a philosopher and a poet in her spare time. she loves a good haiku.

possible connections:

other society members: she has been there since the start, so they would know her!

gallery workers: obviously, since she's a bear... she needs a little help with dexterity-based tasks. she is not going to hang those canvases herself!

drinking buddies: (ladies only, sorry) she likes to go sit and drink at a lesbian bar. not for romance (she is a bear) but because she just prefers to spend her time with ladies, especially ladies who like ladies.

[deltawebservices]

10 Web Hosting Terms You Should Know Before Building a Website

If you're planning to create a website, understanding web hosting is essential. If you're looking for a website hosting company in Gurgaon, knowing these terms will help you choose the right provider. Web hosting provides the server space and technology needed to make your website accessible on the internet. However, the world of web hosting can be full of technical jargon that might seem confusing at first. To make informed decisions, here are 10 key web hosting terms you should know:

Control Panel A control panel is a user-friendly interface that allows you to manage your server settings without needing extensive technical skills. It simplifies the process of managing your website, offering tools to configure domains, emails, databases, and security settings. Popular control panels include cPanel and Plesk, which let you handle server tasks through a graphical interface rather than typing complex commands.

Bandwidth Limit Bandwidth refers to the amount of data your website can transfer to and from the server each month. Hosting providers, like a Web hosting company in Gurgaon, set a bandwidth limit to ensure resources are distributed fairly among customers. If your site reaches this limit, your hosting provider might slow down access (throttle it) or even temporarily suspend your site until the next billing cycle. Knowing your bandwidth needs can help you choose the right hosting plan.

Managed Hosting Managed hosting is a type of service where the hosting provider handles essential maintenance tasks for you, such as software updates, security monitoring, and backups. This can save time and effort, especially for those who are less experienced with server management. Managed hosting is an excellent option for businesses that want to concentrate on their main activities while entrusting technical tasks to professionals.

IP Address An IP address is a unique set of numbers assigned to each device connected to the internet, including your hosting server. It acts as an identifier, allowing computers to locate and communicate with each other. When you purchase a hosting plan, your server will be assigned an IP address, which you can use to access your website files, manage the server, and set up remote connections.

Uptime Uptime is a measure of the reliability of your hosting service. It represents the percentage of time that the server is online and accessible. Most reliable providers aim for an uptime of 99.9% or higher. A high uptime rate is crucial because frequent downtime can result in lost traffic and frustrated visitors. Some hosts offer an uptime guarantee, promising compensation if their service falls below the agreed uptime rate.

Shared Hosting

It is an affordable hosting option where multiple websites utilize the same server. Since the cost of running the server is divided among all users, shared hosting are generally inexpensive. However, because resources are shared, high traffic on one website can affect the performance of others on the same server. This makes shared hosting ideal for small websites or those just starting.

VPS (Virtual Private Server) A VPS, or Virtual Private Server, provides a more dedicated portion of server resources compared to shared hosting. Although multiple users still share the physical server, each VPS operates independently, with allocated CPU, RAM, and storage. VPS hosting is a good middle-ground option for websites that need more power and customization than shared hosting can provide, but without the higher cost of a dedicated server.

Dedicated Hosting With dedicated hosting, you have an entire server reserved solely for your website. This means you have full control over all resources, including CPU, memory, and storage, without any competition from other users. Dedicated hosting is the most powerful but also the most expensive option. It’s often used by large businesses or websites with high traffic that require top performance and customization.

Disk Spaced

Disk space, or storage space, refers to the amount of space on a server available for storing your website's files, databases, and other content. The two main types of storage drives are HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives), with SSDs offering faster performance. When choosing a hosting plan, consider the storage needs of your website, especially if you plan to host high-resolution images, videos, or large files.

11. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) SSL is a security protocol that encrypts data transferred between your website and its visitors, keeping information secure. To activate SSL, you'll need an SSL certificate, which enables HTTPS for your website, signifying a secure connection. This is particularly crucial for websites that manage sensitive data, like login credentials or payment information. Many web hosting providers in Gurgaon now offer SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages

Conclusion Understanding these web hosting terms will help you make better decisions when setting up your website. Choosing the right hosting plan and knowing the features available can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Whether you’re just starting with a small website or launching a large-scale project, familiarity with these terms will make the process smoother and more manageable.

If you want to know more about our services, please feel free to contact us at:

Mobile: 08826196688 or 9910248322

Email: info@deltait.co.in

Website: www.deltait.co.in

[animusvenenatus]

( quannah chasinghorse, 22, cis woman, she/her ) — Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that AIYANA PESHLAKAI is a HUNTER-TRAPPER that works in SECTOR 2. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of CROW MANIFESTATION / CROW SCRYING. That must be why they’re ADEPT and COMPETITIVE. If you ask me, they remind me of black feathers found beside shattered glass, battered combat boots covered in dust and dirt, a faint scent of copper. They are affiliated with MONTELL SYNDICATE.

basic information:

character name: aiyana peshlakai

nickname(s): yana

mutation status: gen ii

birthday: february 23rd

sexuality: bisexual

moral alignment: true neutral

3 positive traits: demure, intuitive, people-smart

3 negative traits: daydreamer, indecisive, pessimistic

biography (optional): tba!

questionnaire:

how do they feel about living in sol city? have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement? she has lived in sol since she was a few months old. her parents moved there after their old settlement fell into disarray and they wanted to keep their baby safe. she doesn't care much for sol city, but it's the only home she's known, so it's a strange kind of comfort to her.

do they trust the council’s leadership? why or why not? she's been raised to not question them, but she's indifferent. politics has never been her thing; she leaves that stuff to her dad.

if they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? if they didn’t, why not? were they happy with their assignment or not? her father and mother taught her how to hunt from a young age, and they pushed her to take a job in sector 2. she's helping to keep people fed and alive, so she can't really complain about her work. it's better than shovelling shit or burying the dead.

what’s one object that they always keep on their person? her naja pendant.

mutant only section

what is your character’s ability (or abilities)? crow manifestation/crow scrying

are they gen i or gen ii? gen ii

what can your character do? what are their strengths? she can spawn and project crows from her body. she can also see through the eyes of her crows, using them to scope out her surrounding, and for inside knowledge.

what can’t they do? what are their weaknesses? when she's using the sight of her crows, it renders her temporarily blind. she's also emotionally/mentally connected to all of them. whenever they feel distressed or are in pain, she also feels it.

is there anything else you’d like to specify about them? she's the pigeon lady from home alone but with crows.

[itsahotminuteinbetween]

loop de loop <333 i think Loop Doop and Slumber would absolutey be friends but maybe thats just me

what is Loop Doop's role in the plex? :0 and by extension Bloo's and Pulsar's as well?

(also i love their names ahhhh <33 they sound like characters i'd be obssessed with as a kid)

OC ASKS LET'S GO (hoping this triggers my brain into making more stuff about them)-

OH Loop Doop and Slumber would probably absolutely be friends (as soon as she recovers from having to interact with someone who isn't Bloo, of course-most of the other animatronics don't talk to her)!

Loop Doop didn't originally have a role in the Plex, as she was kind of thrown into it as a result of the company merger-she kind of just wandered around for the first few months and followed the staffbots for a little bit before accidentally being thrown into an act (haven't thought of exactly how-most likely some kid started acting up and she pulled some trick to cheer them up). She's sort of her own little attraction in the halls or on the ground floor, doing some tricks or juggling acts or whatever she feels like to entertain wandering kids. She does occasionally do little performances on the side at the Daycare's theatre-comedy bot wasn't creating enough revenue and the DCA was busy, so she's assigned shifts every now and then. She doesn't really like the theatre much, though, too bright and too high up from the audience for her tastes.

Pulsar is a semi-sentient wifi router, an embodiment for the security system, for lack of better terms. It was originally created for its company's smaller locations, but because Fazbear did not care enough to rebrand it, he's plugged into the main server for the building. He has information on guests and staff, doubles as a moving security camera around the plex, and is connected to the plex's database. He also patrols the building at night because frankly, there's nothing else for it to do. Fazbear tried to give it more voicelines so it could give little snippets of information to guests, but none of their technology is compatible with the other company's design (and tinkering with the company's animatronics is in violation of their contract). Pulsar doesn't really do much except flick through the camera feeds and turn off the router or electricity to the building for laughs-he can't get in trouble for it, and he's bored, so why not have a little fun?

Bloo doesn't actually have any function, to be honest. His only core design purpose is to be a water bottle dispenser and storage unit, but someone at the original company gave him an ai chip, and there's no jobs for him to carry out at the plex. Not only that, but he has the mental capacity of a child, so not much they can employ him for. He helps Loop Doop with their act sometimes, but he mainly just wanders around the main attractions and helps guests with directions. Other than that, he hangs out with the more popular animatronics and helps out at the daycare-which is how he meets the DCA and introduces them to Loop Doop.

[infosanjay]

Top Tools for Staying Productive: A Guide to improve Workflow

Productivity is crucial for success in work, study, or personal tasks. Many people struggle to stay productive due to distractions, poor time management, or a lack of effective tools.

The Problem: Overwhelmed and Inefficient

Feeling overwhelmed by a growing list of tasks can lead to missed deadlines, increased stress, and lower quality of work. The issue often lies not in the effort but in the absence of the right productivity tools.

The Solution: Top Productivity Tools

To enhance productivity and streamline your workflow, consider these top tools:

Lorem Ipsum Generator A useful tool for creating placeholder text for design and development projects. It helps you visualize layouts without the distraction of real content.

Key Features:

Various text options

Easy copy-paste functionality

Customizable text length

YouTube Playlist Length Calculator This tool calculates the total length of any YouTube playlist, helping you plan breaks or allocate time for learning and entertainment.

Key Features:

Accurate playlist duration calculation

User-friendly interface

No subscription required

Notion Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, and databases. It's perfect for organizing projects, tracking goals, and managing team workflows.

Key Features:

Customizable workspace

Integration with various apps

Collaboration tools

Asana Asana is a project management tool designed to track tasks, manage projects, and ensure deadlines are met. Its features help keep you organized and focused on your goals.

Key Features:

Task assignment and tracking

Project timelines

Integration with other productivity tools

Zapier Zapier automates repetitive tasks by connecting your favorite apps. It helps you streamline workflows by creating "Zaps" that trigger actions between different tools.

Key Features:

Automation of repetitive tasks

Integration with a wide range of apps

Easy-to-set-up workflows

Conclusion

Being productive isn't about working harder but working smarter. By using the right tools, you can enhance your efficiency and reduce stress. Whether you're generating placeholder text with the Lorem Ipsum Generator, managing playlists with the YouTube Playlist Length Calculator, organizing tasks with Notion, tracking projects with Asana, or automating workflows with Zapier, these tools can help you stay productive and achieve your goals.

[wcrldend]

ARMAGEDDON’S TASK 001: INTRODUCTIONS

( laura harrier, 35, cis woman, she/her ) — Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that ODETTE "ODIE" SIKORA is a a CYBERNETICS SPECIALIST that works in SECTOR 7. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of INVISIBILITY. That must be why they’re STEADY and UNREMARKABLE. If you ask me, they remind me of quiet footsteps in the din of night, the overlooked detail, whispered secrets in the night. They are affiliated with THE MONTELL SYNDICATE . . . written by yvvy

basic information:

character name: odette sikora

nickname (s): odie, sikora, sik (whatever your muses might call her)

face claim: laura harrier

mutation status: invisibility

birthday: march 13th

sexuality: demisexual

moral alignment: true neutral

occupation: cybernetics specialist

work sector: sector 7

affiliation: the montell syndicate

3 positive traits: steady, attentive, reliable

3 negative traits: unremarkable, bias, hyper-independent

biography (optional): wip

questionnaire:

how do they feel about living in sol city? have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement? odette travelled from another settlement to escape raiders who took one of her father's (gen i mutant) and other mutants of that settlement away to serve some nefarious purpose. she arrived with other refuges at the door step of sol city and was raised by someone (wc) in the montell syndicate who helped her develop her love for cybernetics. her ability did not manifest until in her mid twenties and that was when she was officially inducted into the syndicate.

do they trust the council’s leadership? why or why not? odette believes whatever her mentor (wc) has told her to believe so it would be dependent on that. most likely she does trust the council's leadership but because she is part of the syndicate she is in opposition to them on principle.

if they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? if they didn’t, why not? were they happy with their assignment or not? it was by choice that she found her sector and profession, the cybernetics field something she's been interested in ever since arriving in sol city.

what’s one object that they always keep on their person? she keeps a family portrait drawn by a friend in her old settlement, it depicts her and her fathers. it is etched on palm sized sheet of metal and it is always in the breast pocket of her jacket.

(mutant only section)

what is your character’s ability (or abilities)? invisibility

are they gen i or gen ii? gen ii

what can your character do? what are their strengths? she and any natural fiber that's on her person becomes invisible at will. her strengths include her ability to blend in, her unremarkable-ness, and her attention to detail/memory.

what can’t they do? what are their weaknesses? she may be able to be invisible but she still leaves marks such as footprints in dirt, or sounds. she is more an observer than a fighter, more the impassive bystander which may be good for survival but it does not fair well in making and keeping connections.

is there anything else you’d like to specify about them? will edit this later.

[black-emporium-exchange]

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR BLACK EMPORIUM!

Yes sweet nuglets, it’s that time of year again: Time to sign up for Black Emporium!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP!

↳ Helpful Links:

Rules & Assignment Requirements - Updated for 2023! || Participation Walkthrough Guide || FAQ || Requests on Ao3 || Tagset || Nominations Spreadsheet || Request Database || Parent Collection (All Past Years) Signups end: July 16 July 15, 2023 @ 9 AM US Pacific / 12 PM US Eastern / 4 PM UTC+0 || Countdown

↳ Changes This Year

RULES & ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS: Please take the time to re-read our Rules and the requirements for assignments before signing up. RATINGS: If you are interested in receiving or creating Mature/Explicit level works (see Ao3 rating(s)), you must "opt in" by checking the "E" box for both offers and requests. Please note you must be 18+ to offer/request/create Mature or Explicit level gifts. For a more detailed explanation, click here. TREATS: If you are open to receiving treats, or a specific type of treat (single-recipient, multi-recipient, fanart, fanfic), you must "opt in" by saying so in the sign up description box. This field does not apply to your offers. For a more detailed explanation, click here.

For a how-to-guide of the whole exchange that includes all of the information in this post, please take a look at our Participation Walkthrough Guide and FAQ.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SIGN-UPS BELOW THE CUT:

1. SIGN IN TO AO3

If you don’t have an Ao3 account, contact the mods for help!

2. GO TO THE BLACK EMPORIUM SIGNUP FIELD (LINK)

3. SCROLL TO THE “REQUESTS” FIELD

Once nominations are finished, you'll be able to sign up. In your sign-up, you'll specify the works you'd like to receive and the works you're willing to create. (They do not necessarily have to be the same!)

You must fill out at least three requests and three offers. You may only select each pairing once, but may give multiple ideas per pairing in your prompt.

If you are interested in receiving Mature- or Explicit-rated works, you must be at least 18 years old and opt-in by checking the appropriate box ("E"); this is not a guarantee you will receive a higher level.

You will have to fill out several fields on the sign-up form:

↳ Relationships

Here you can write in the relationships that you wish to request. As long as it is part of the tag set/eligible nominated pairings, it should be able to be selected here.

If your chosen relationship is in the tag-set but isn't auto-completing, this is unfortunately a bug on AO3's end that we cannot fix -- but if you copy and paste your relationship from the tag-set into this field, you should be able to submit. (Please contact moderators via email at blackemporiumexchange@gmail.com if you get an error and let us know what the error was.)

You may list between 1-3 pairings in the same Request field. That does not (necessarily) mean you want all three ships in the same fanwork. We allow multiple pairings in the same Request Field because it allows participants to request up to 30 unique pairings, rather than just 10. Some people group thematically, or by character.

Example of someone requesting three, non-connected pairings. The participant here loosely grouped their "platonic" ships together into one Request Field.

Example of someone requesting a pairing.

↳ Additional Tags

This field is to mark if you're open to receiving fanfiction, fanart, or both (check both boxes), for this request.

Example of someone requesting ONLY fanart for any pairings listed in this Request field.

↳ Ratings (Requests)

If you are open to receiving Mature- or Explicit-rated works, please check the box to indicate your interest. We use the AO3 ratings guide as far as judging what each rating entails.

Any participant under 18 should NOT indicate interest in M or E works, as those are intended for 18+ audiences only.

Please choose your ratings carefully! Indicating interest in receiving higher rating works does not mean you are guaranteed to receive them, just that other people will be allowed to gift them to you in this exchange. If you're not comfortable with that possibility, do not check this box.

This recipient did not check the "Explicit" box; they will not receive any Mature or Explicit level works.

↳ Letter

This is a place to put a link to a letter, if you have one. A letter generally is a completely optional, longer version of the description field, and might include more details you'd like your creator to know, or things like pictures that are hard to paste into the description box.

Letters are commonly hosted on Dreamwidth, Tumblr, Google docs, or other such freely accessible websites.

Please note that the moderators cannot enforce any DNWs you put only in your letter.

Completely optional field. Leave blank if you don't have a letter.

↳ Description

Please feel free to use this field to go into some detail about what you would like; this helps give the creator of your work some different ideas about what they could make for you.

If you are open to treats, please indicate interest. See "Treats" for more.

Examples of prompts or helpful information you could share with your recipient (reminder, your creator is not required to follow your prompts/likes):

General trope likes, e.g., Fluff, First Kiss, Dwarven lore, There Was Only One Bed, Enemies to Lovers, etc.

Stylistic likes, e.g., 2nd person writing, Tarot Card art, chat-fic, etc.

World state options you favor that are relevant to your prompt, e.g., Anora is Queen/Alistair is King, Canon Divergent - Multiple Wardens, Modern AUs, etc.

A sentence or two about why you like the pairing, e.g., "I love Cassandra being flustered around people she likes!"

"What If?" prompts, especially open ended ones, e.g., "What if Blackwall did the Joining ceremony with the Hero of Ferelden in DAO? Or met HoF in the Deep Roads during the Jaws of Hakkon DLC in DAI? Would they have similar perspectives, or different?"

Rating restriction clarifications, e.g., interested in E rated smut, but not E rated violence

Be sure to list your Do Not Wants (DNWs) -- if they're not listed in the Description box of your sign up, then the mods cannot enforce your DNWs. If your DNWs are poorly worded or go against exchange rules, they will also be considered unenforceable.

Example Description. This person has NOT opt into treats and cannot receive any. Please see here for more help formulating your DNWs.

4. CONTINUE TO THE “OFFERS” FIELD

The process to Offers is similar to Requests when it comes to pairings and denoting interest in creating fanart and/or fanfic. However, there are a couple differences one should make note of:

↳ Ratings (Offers)

If you are interested in creating Mature- or Explicit-rated works, please check the box to indicate your interest. We use the AO3 ratings guide as far as judging what each rating entails.

Any participant under 18 should NOT indicate in creating M or E works, as those are intended for 18+ audiences only.

Please choose your ratings carefully! You will be matched on this field; if you're not comfortable with receiving prompts that may include NSFW or "E" elements, do not check this box.

↳ "Notes to mods" Field

If you want, you can write notes to the mods, but this isn't required. Some things you might want to include:

If you are under 18 or do not want to receive any "E" requests/prompts from your recipient, please put a simple "No 'E' requests" or in your sign up. This will not disclose your age as we have adult participants who have asked this of mods over the years.

The AO3 username of any individual(s) you don't want to be matched with. You don't have to provide a reason as to why you don't want to be matched with someone, but we will rely entirely on the name(s) you enter; if you ask not to be matched with FanficWriter69 but you meant FanficWriter96, we can't guarantee you won't get matched. For the sake of everyone's stress level, triple check any names and make sure you're giving us their AO3 username.

Please do not use this field to ask to be matched with a specific person.

↳ "Any Relationship" Box

If you would like, you can offer to create a work for "Any Relationship."

PLEASE ONLY CHECK THIS BOX IF YOU TRULY MEAN ANY RELATIONSHIP.

The only qualifications you can make are the category of pairings (i.e. F/F, F/M, M/M, Other, Gen, or Multi) or by DA game (i.e. DAO, DA2, DAI). You cannot differentiate by any other qualification or request.

An example of someone offering to draw fanart for any F/F pairing.

An example of someone offering to create fanart and/or fanfiction for the pairing "Fenris & Donnic Hendyr," but requesting not to be matched with a specific user.

5. A NOTE ON MATCHING

After sign-ups are completed, creators and recipients are matched based on their sign-ups. Matches are one-way; that is, while it is possible A may write for B and B may write for A, you are more likely to have A writing for B, and B writing for C, and C writing for A.

You will be assigned to someone who has at least one request that matches at least one of your offers for the below two fields: relationship pairing and type of fanwork.

You will be matched with someone who requested:

at least one of the pairings for which you offered to write or draw ("Relationship" field), and

at least one type of fanwork you offered ("Additional Tags" field aka fanfic, fanart, or both — if both, you can create an assignment in either format; you are not obligated to create two assignments), and

whether or not you've both indicated interest in Mature- or Explicit-rated content ("E" checkbox)

You are guaranteed to have a match by the end of the date listed under "Assignments" in the schedule. If you do not have a match by then, please contact the mods via email at blackemporiumexchange@gmail.com.

[fund2edu-blogs]

Top 20 Tech Tools and Apps to Enhance Your Study Abroad Experience

Studying abroad is an exciting and transformative experience. However, adapting to a new environment, managing studies, and staying connected can be challenging. Fortunately, a plethora of tech tools and apps are available to make this transition smoother and enhance your overall experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how and which tech tools and apps can be beneficial for students studying abroad.

Language Learning Apps:

Duolingo

Duolingo is a popular app for learning new languages. It offers courses in multiple languages with a gamified approach to make learning fun and engaging. Daily practice and interactive lessons help you quickly grasp basic conversational skills.

Babbel

Babbel focuses on conversation skills and offers lessons created by linguistic experts. Its structured courses cover vocabulary, grammar, and cultural nuances, helping you become proficient in the local language.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a must-have for instant translations. It supports text, voice, and image translations, making it easier to understand signs, menus, and conversations in real-time.

Study and Organization Tools:

Evernote

Evernote is a powerful note-taking app that helps you organize your study materials. You can create to-do lists, save web pages, and take notes in various formats. Its synchronization feature ensures you can access your notes from any device.

Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, and database functions. It’s highly customizable and perfect for managing projects, assignments, and class notes.

Google Drive

Google Drive offers cloud storage for all your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. It’s ideal for collaborative work, allowing you to share and edit files in real-time with classmates and professors.

Time Management and Productivity Apps:

Todoist

Todoist is a task management app that helps you keep track of your assignments and deadlines. Its clean interface and intuitive design make it easy to prioritize tasks and stay organized.

Forest

Forest is a unique productivity app that encourages you to stay focused. When you need to concentrate, you plant a virtual tree that grows as you work. If you leave the app, the tree dies, promoting uninterrupted study sessions.

Trello

Trello is a project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize tasks and collaborate with others. It’s particularly useful for group projects and managing multiple assignments.

Communication and Connectivity Apps:

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a widely used messaging app that offers free text, voice, and video calls. It’s essential for staying in touch with family and friends back home, as well as connecting with new friends and classmates.

Skype

Skype is another reliable option for video calls and international communication. Its robust features and cross-platform compatibility make it a staple for long-distance communication.

Slack

Slack is a communication platform designed for teams. It’s perfect for group projects, allowing you to create channels for different subjects and communicate efficiently with classmates.

Travel and Navigation Apps:

Google Maps

Google Maps is indispensable for navigating your new city. It provides detailed maps, directions, and real-time traffic updates. You can also discover nearby restaurants, attractions, and public transportation options.

Citymapper

Citymapper is a comprehensive transit app that offers detailed information on public transportation routes, schedules, and real-time updates. It’s especially useful in major cities with complex transit systems.

Airbnb

Airbnb is great for finding affordable accommodation when traveling during breaks. It offers a variety of lodging options, from shared rooms to entire apartments, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your budget and preferences.

Financial Management Apps:

Revolut

Revolut is a digital banking app that offers multi-currency accounts, making it easier to manage your finances abroad. It provides competitive exchange rates, budgeting tools, and the ability to send money internationally.

Splitwise

Splitwise helps you keep track of shared expenses, making it ideal for group outings and shared accommodation. It ensures everyone pays their fair share and helps avoid awkward conversations about money.

TransferWise (now Wise)

Wise offers low-cost international money transfers with transparent fees and competitive exchange rates. It’s perfect for sending money home or receiving funds from family.

Health and Well-being Apps:

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is a comprehensive health app that tracks your diet and exercise. It helps you maintain a balanced lifestyle by monitoring your calorie intake and physical activity.

Headspace

Headspace offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to help you manage stress and maintain mental well-being. It’s particularly useful during exams or when feeling homesick.

7 Minute Workout

7 Minute Workout provides quick, effective exercise routines that you can do anywhere. It’s perfect for staying fit without needing a gym membership.

Studying abroad is an enriching experience, and these tech tools and apps can help you navigate the challenges and make the most of your time. From language learning to financial management, there’s an app for almost every aspect of your journey. Embrace these technologies to stay organized, connected, and productive, ensuring a smooth and successful study abroad experience.