#Getting Started With Cloud Computing : AWS

[gmatechnologi]

Getting Started With Cloud Computing : AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform

Are you ready to soar high in the ever-evolving realm of cloud computing? 🌥️✨ Look no further, as we embark on an exciting journey into three of the most prominent players in this field: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast seeking to expand your knowledge or a business owner considering leveraging the power of these platforms,

this blog post is your ultimate guide to successfully navigate through the clouds and kickstart your cloud computing adventure! Let’s buckle up and explore how these giants can propel us towards innovation and efficiency like never before. 💻🚀

Introduction To Cloud Computing

If you’re new to the world of cloud computing, you might be wondering what all the hype is about. Cloud computing is a way to use technology to make it easier for businesses to work together and share resources over the internet. It’s a way of working that’s becoming more and more popular, as it offers a number of advantages over traditional methods of working.

In this section, we’ll introduce you to the basics of cloud computing, so you can decide if it’s right for your business. We’ll start by explaining what cloud computing is, before moving on to look at the different types of cloud services that are available. We’ll also explore some of the benefits of using cloud services, so you can see why they’re become such a popular choice for businesses.

Overview Of The Different Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, And Google Cloud Platform)

There are three major cloud providers in the market today: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to understand the different offerings before deciding which one is right for your needs.

AWS is the most popular cloud platform on the market, with a lead of nearly 50% over its closest competitor, Azure. AWS offers a comprehensive set of services and features, making it a good choice for businesses that want a one-stop shop for all their cloud needs. However, AWS can be more expensive than other options, so it’s important to compare pricing before committing to a platform.

Azure is a close second to AWS in terms of market share, and it offers many of the same features as AWS. Azure is a good choice for businesses that want access to Microsoft’s extensive ecosystem of products and services. However, Azure can be more difficult to use than other options, so it’s important to consider your team’s expertise before choosing this platform.

GCP is the third major cloud platform on the market, but it lags behind AWS and Azure in terms of market share. GCP is a good choice for businesses that want access to Google’s extensive ecosystem of products and services. However, GCP can be more expensive than other options, so it’s important to compare pricing before committing to a platform.

The Benefits Of Using Each Platform

Cloud computing platforms offer many benefits, including the ability to scale elastically, pay for only what you use, and enjoy increased collaboration and productivity. Each platform has its own unique benefits that can help your business achieve its goals.

AWS provides a comprehensive set of cloud computing services that are easy to use and scalable. AWS offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model that allows you to only pay for the resources you use. AWS also offers a wide range of services, including storage, computing, networking, and database.

Azure is a cloud computing platform that offers both Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Azure offers a variety of services, including storage, databases, networking, and compute. Azure also offers an extensive worldwide network with high availability and security.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a cloud computing platform that offers both IaaS and PaaS. GCP offers a variety of services, including storage, databases, networking, and compute. GCP also has an extensive global network with high availability.

Comparing AWS, Azure, And GCP

There are three major cloud service providers (CSPs) today: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to understand the differences before choosing a provider.

AWS is the most comprehensive and widely adopted cloud platform, offering more than 175 services including compute, storage, database, networking, analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT). AWS is also the most mature of the three CSPs, with the largest number of customers and the broadest range of services.

Azure is a close second to AWS in terms of market share and capabilities. Azure offers 170+ services including compute, storage, database, networking, analytics, AI, and IoT. One key difference between Azure and AWS is that Azure includes first-party managed services from Microsoft—such as Office 365—whereas AWS does not offer any first-party managed services.

GCP is the smallest of the three major CSPs but is growing rapidly. GCP offers more than 160 products including compute, storage, database, networking , analytics, AI, and IoT. GCP’s competitive advantages include tighter integration with big data (it powers Google Search) and advanced machine learning (ML) tools.

When comparing the three CSPs, consider your specific needs for compute, storage, networking, AI/ML, and other services. All three offer comparable pricing based on pay-as-you-go models, though AWS has more options for upfront payment discounts. Ultimately the best choice depends on which platform best meets your specific requirements.

Choosing The Best Platform For Your Needs

When it comes to cloud computing, there are three major platforms to choose from: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.

AWS is the most popular cloud platform, and for good reason. It’s feature-rich and scalable, making it a good choice for businesses of all sizes. However, it can be expensive, and some find its interface confusing.

Azure is a close second to AWS in terms of popularity. It’s a bit cheaper than AWS and offers many of the same features. However, Azure can be difficult to learn and use, which may not make it the best choice for small businesses or those new to cloud computing.

GCP is the third major player in the cloud computing space. It’s not as widely used as AWS or Azure, but it has its fans. GCP is known for being easy to use and having excellent customer support. However, it doesn’t offer as many features as the other two platforms.

So, which platform should you choose? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich platform that can handle anything you throw at it, AWS is a good choice. If you want a cheaper option that’s still pretty good, go with Azure. And if you’re new to cloud computing and just want something that ‘s easy to use, GCP is your best bet. No matter what platform you choose, make sure you take the time to evaluate your needs and research each option before making a decision. That way, you’ll be sure that you select the best platform for your business.

Setting Up Your Account And Getting Started

Assuming you’ve never used cloud computing before, this guide will walk you through the basics of setting up an account and getting started with the three major providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Creating an account with a cloud provider is similar to signing up for any other online service. You’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your organization, including a credit card or bank account so that the provider can bill you for services used. Some providers may also require you to verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID.

Once you’ve created an account, you can start using cloud services immediately. Most providers offer a free trial period with some limited services so that you can explore what they have to offer without incurring any charges. After the free trial period ends, you’ll be billed according to the plan you choose. The three providers all offer different pricing models, so be sure to review each one carefully before selecting a plan.

AWS, Azure, and GCP all offer a wide range of services, so it can be helpful to consult their documentation or talk to someone who’s familiar with them before getting started. That way, you can better understand what each service does and how it might be useful for your needs. Once you have a general understanding of the capabilities of each platform, you can begin experimenting with the various services to see how they fit into your workflow.

No matter which provider you choose, cloud computing can provide a great way to increase the scalability and reliability of your applications. With the right plan and an understanding of how the different services work together, you can get up and running in no time.

Common Mistakes When Moving To A Cloud Infrastructure

There are many potential pitfalls when moving to a cloud infrastructure. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

Failing to properly assess workloads: One of the most common mistakes is failing to properly assess which workloads are best suited for the cloud. Not all workloads are created equal, and some are more resource intensive than others. Make sure you have a good understanding of your workloads before making the switch to the cloud.

Not taking advantage of autoscaling: Autoscaling is one of the key benefits of a cloud infrastructure. Don’t make the mistake of not taking advantage of this feature – it can help you save a lot of money in the long run.

Underestimating data security needs: Another common mistake is underestimating the importance of data security. When you move to the cloud, you lose some control over your data security. Make sure you have a strong security plan in place before making the switch.

Failing to properly plan for costs: One of the biggest mistakes companies make when moving to a cloud infrastructure is failing to properly plan for costs. Cloud computing can be very cost-effective, but only if you know how to use it effectively. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your company’s needs and budget before making the switch. Not researching the right vendor: Do your research when choosing a cloud vendor. You want to find one that has experience and offers quality services at a reasonable price. Taking shortcuts here can lead to costly mistakes in the long run.

Security Considerations For Cloud Computing

Security is a top concern when moving to the cloud. By its very nature, cloud computing means entrusting your data to a third party. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your data is secure in the cloud.

When choosing a cloud provider, be sure to do your research and select a reputable company with a strong security track record. Once you’ve selected a provider, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the security features they offer. For example, most providers offer data encryption and access control measures that you can use to further secure your data.

Always remember that security is a shared responsibility between you and your cloud provider. Be sure to keep your own systems up-to-date and secure, and never hesitate to contact your provider if you have any questions or concerns about their security measures.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is a rapidly growing technology and can provide an organization with incredible advantages. The three biggest providers- AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform- all have excellent features that make them attractive choices for cloud deployment.

Knowing the key differences between these providers and how to get started is essential in order to determine which one best meets your needs. With a bit of research and planning, you should be able to quickly find the right cloud solution for your specific business scenarios.

[theotherbuckley]

Tommy’s dad dies on a Monday.

He checks his emails on a Wednesday. There’s an email from his aunt. It’s only a few sentences. She was always very succinct and to the point.

His dad is dead.

It was a heart attack.

Bastard didn’t even suffer. 

He stares at his laptop screen until the words start to blur together. For an hour, he just sits there, looking at his computer but not really seeing anything at all. His coffee is long since cold. He never even took a sip. 

His mind feels empty, like there’s this fog that’s settled inside, clouding over his thoughts. He’s stuck. His brain doesn’t know how to process this, and neither does his body.

So he stays frozen. Just staring.

He doesn’t notice the time until he feels large arms wrap around him from behind.

“Tommy?” Evan asks. It doesn’t sound like the first time he’s spoken.

“I—“ The words are stuck in his throat. 

Tommy turns around from his chair, blinking a few times, until he manages to say, “My dad died.”

“Are you okay?”

That’s all it takes for Tommy to break.

He opens his mouth, closes. Shakes his head. 

And he just—

Cries.

Full body-wracking sobs overcome his body as he slumps into Evan’s open arms. He shakes, tears streaming down his cheeks as he burrows his face into his boyfriend’s neck. He’s getting snot and tears all over Evan’s shirt but his boyfriend doesn’t complain, just squeezes him tighter as he continues to be overwhelmed by his emotions.

He doesn’t even know why he’s crying. He just can’t seem to stop. 

He cries and trembles in Evan’s arms until he’s run out of tears left to shed. Evan murmurs sweet nothings into his ear, holding him tight and never letting go. 

“I’ve got you. I'm here,” Evan whispers in his ear. 

He feels like he’s run a marathon by the time he’s calmed down enough to pull back from Evan. His hands shake as he wipes the tears from his eyes, Evan’s own warm hands coming to hold his. 

“I don’t— I don’t even know why I’m cry—crying,” Tommy hiccups. He’s sure he must look a mess, red-faced and covered in tears.

Evan gives me a soft look, a small comforting smile on his face as he presses a kiss to Tommy’s forehead.

“You lost your dad. You’re allowed to cry,” Evan says kindly.

Tommy just shakes his head. “But he wasn’t— he wasn’t good.” He has an awful, vile human who never gave two shits about him. Only cared about him being a man, enlisting, stepping up. He doesn't understand why his chest still aches like his loss matters. It doesn't. It doesn't.

Evan wraps his arms around Tommy. He’s practically sitting on him, but Tommy doesn’t mind. Not when it’s Evan.

“He— He was a big part of your life, Tommy,” Evan says, running his fingers through Tommy’s hair. “And now he’s not. You’re allowed to be upset.”

Tommy just nods, collapsing back into Evan, who rubs gentle circles on his back in comfort, pressing a kiss to his forehead. He lets his boyfriend soothe his pain with his touch. He wishes it didn't hurt in the first place. Still doesn't understand why it does. He hated that piece of shit.

He's glad he's dead.

He hiccups as another tear makes it's way down his cheek. Evan squeezes tighter.

“Is there a funeral?” Evan asks softly.

Tommy almost laughs. “There’s no one who cares enough to give him one. He doesn’t even deserve one.”

“But you do,” Evan says sincerely.

That gets Tommy to look up, eyebrows raised in question.

“You deserve to have the closure,” Evan continues. “It’s a lot better than trying to pretend you’re alright when you're not. Trust me.”

“You lost someone?” Tommy asks. Evan’s never talked about it, but maybe—

“No, no. I just know what it feels like to— to bottle your emotions up when it comes to the people who are supposed to love you.”

“I’ll speak to my aunt about a funeral,” Tommy says. Evan gives him a soft smile and a chaste kiss to his lips before pulling him close again, Tommy wasting no time to burrow into the corner of Buck’s neck, soaking up the comfort of his boyfriend.

“I love you,” he murmurs into his shoulder.

“I love you,” Evan repeats back. 

[goldenempyrean]

Do you think you could write a fic where we’re sick and our work place makes us show up to work, knowing fully well we are sick because we tried to call in but they denied us. Anyways Nat ends up wondering where we are because she came back from a mission and sees that their are utensils and tupperware around and medication bottles and just in general clues that we weren’t feeling well, so she goes to find us because she wants to see us and make sure we’re fine. Only to walk in on one of our managers yelling at us (in a public area) because we were slacking off at “our job” (a task that they told us to do for them but it’s not in our job description) when we were simply putting our head in our hands for a few minutes because we didn’t feel well. Anyways Nat swoops in, saves the day, and the manager miraculously gets fired, and we somehow have a better job.

If you write this thank you :) and if you don’t it’s fine

Too Good To Me

〚 Notes - Hey anon! God, let's not talk about how long this was sitting in my inbox. I wrote this while rewatching supergirl so I may start getting some of my old Alex requests done soon! :D 〛

〚 Pairing - Natasha Romanoff x Reader 〛

〚 Summary - Your boss wont let you take a sick day from work. Natasha isn't going to be happy when she finds out. 〛

〚 Wordcount - 1620 〛

〘 Check Out My Masterlist! 〙

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“Sorry Y/N, there’s nothing we can do. You’re just going have to suck it up and get yourself into work I’m afraid. We can’t afford any missing staff.” 

“But I-“ Your hoarse objection was rudely cut off by the call clicking off. You stared at your phone in disbelief, a sinking feeling of dread settling in your stomach. The fever was making you lightheaded, and every muscle in your body ached, but you had no choice. You had to go to work today. 

It was ridiculous honestly. Your boss knew you were sick, in fact the whole office was slowly coming down with whatever virus had been circulating. But it was coming to the end on the month meaning deadlines were approaching and it seemed meeting targets was more of a priority than employee wellbeing. 

Dragging yourself out of bed felt like an insurmountable task, but you managed to get dressed and somehow make your way to the office - the only thing keeping you upright was several more doses of DayQuil then the recommended standard. Even though it was short the walk from the parking lot to the front door left you breathless, and by the time you sat down at your desk, a cold sweat had broken out across your forehead. 

“Damn, you look awful.” One of your colleagues looked up over their desk at the sound of a series of sneezes you couldn’t quite hold back. They gave you a sympathetic glance and pulled out a packet of tissues and chucked them over. 

“Thanks,” You mumbled, catching the tissues clumsily. You wiped your nose and tried to focus on your computer screen, but the words blurred together, and your head throbbed with each keystroke. 

Meanwhile, Natasha had been having a fairly good day. Her mission had ended significantly earlier than she’d been expecting meaning she’d get to see you sooner. Of course, the two of you always kept in close contact whenever possible when she had to go on missions, but facetime was nowhere near as good as seeing you in person. 

Nat couldn't wait to surprise you. She had picked up some of your favourite takeout and decided to swing by the apartment. However, as soon as she stepped inside, her smile faded. 

The place was a mess. Not just a few stray cups or plates strewn about. The sink was piled up with unwashed pots. In the living room, the curtains were still pulled closed clouding the room in a dull haze. Meanwhile tissues and cough drop wrappers littered the coffee table amongst several half-empty medicine bottles. 

Nat felt her heart melt a little at the thought of you being sick and alone. Keeping her movements a little quieter now, she crept towards your shared room, pulling open the door carefully. Natasha had expected to see you curled up beneath the blankets, but she frowned and flicked on the light in surprise when all she saw was an empty, unmade bed. 

What the- wait, if you weren’t here then where were you? 

Hunched over, coughing miserably at your desk. That was where. Around midday, your manager approached you with a stack of papers, slamming them in front of you. “I need you to handle these reports. They need to be done by the end of the day,” He ordered, barely sparing a glance to look at you. 

“Sir, I’m really not feeling well,” You began, but he cut you off with a dismissive wave. 

“Not my problem. Just get it done.” He walked off, not willing to waste another moment on you. 

You stared blankly at the stack of papers, the text blurring in and out of focus. As time dragged on, you couldn’t stop yourself drifting in and out of a feverish haze, your productivity taking a swan dive. 

Every so often, you caught your colleagues shooting you concerned glances, but no one dared to speak up. Everyone was aware of the hostile nature of your manager, and no one dared to speak up incase that temper of his was thrown their way. 

Once an hour had passed, you could hardly keep your eyes open. You rested your head in your hands for just a moment, hoping to stave off the waves of dizziness. It was then that your manager reappeared, his face twisted with anger. 

“What do you think you’re doing? Slacking off again?” he barked, drawing the attention of the entire office. Heads turned, and conversations halted as everyone watched the scene unfold. 

“I-I’m just not feeling well,” you stammered, lifting your head to meet his furious gaze. Your vision swam, and you had to blink several times to focus. 

“Excuses! Always excuses with you! If you can’t handle the workload, maybe you should find another job!” 

“Excuse me, what exactly do you think you’re doing?” Natasha’s stern voice cut through the room like a knife. Everyone turned to see her standing in the centre of the room, her posture radiating quiet fury. 

“Scolding an incompetent employee,” Your manager blinked, momentarily taken aback. “And just who do you think you are?” 

“Natasha Romanoff.” She kept a quick pace as she walked towards him, her eyes narrowing, “The Black Widow, Superhero, Avenger and Wife.” 

Your manager's face drained of colour as Natasha's words sank in. He opened his mouth to argue, but no sound came out. The entire office watched in stunned silence as she closed the distance between them. 

Nat’s voice remained cold and steady. "If you have a problem with my spouse, you'll answer to me." She turned her attention to you when you ducked into your elbow was a stifled sneeze. 

“Bless you sweetheart,” She murmured softly, swiping a tissue from a box on a nearby desk and handing it to you, “Come on, get your things, we’re going home.” 

You stood shakily, relieved and grateful, but still a bit dazed at how Nat could even be here. The redhead wrapped an arm around your waist, steadying you as you stumbled. "Lean on me baby," She murmured gently. 

Nobody else said a word as the two of you made your way out the building. Once outside the fresh air hit your face, and you took a deep breath, feeling slightly more grounded. Natasha led you to her car, helping you into the passenger seat before getting in herself. 

"Thank you," You murmured, leaning back against the headrest before curling into your side with a harsh cough. 

"Don't mention it sweetheart,” She replied as starting the engine, but you didn’t miss the way her brow crinkled as at the sound of you, “I'm sorry your boss is such a dick. How are you feeling?” 

"Terrible," You mumbled, closing your eyes as you let your head rest against the cool glass window, “I’ve had a fever all day…. But you- you’re meant to be on a mission-“ Your voice was hoarse and cracked as you spoke. 

“I’m not surprised,” Nat raised a hand to your forehead before gently cupping your cheek, “And I finished my mission early, I swung by the apartment and well, you can guess the rest.” She kept one hand on the wheel and the other lightly resting on your knee as she drove. 

The rest of the drive was fairly quiet, Nat didn’t want to force you to talk, and it was obvious from the way your head kept periodically bobbing forward that you were exhausted.  

By the time she’d pulled up to the parking lot, you had dozed off against the window, small stuffy snores letting her know you were out for the count. Of course, it would’ve been easier to wake you, but she just didn’t have the heart. Instead, Nat carefully made her way to the passenger door, unbuckled your seatbelt and pulled you safely up into her arms. 

Trying her best to jostle you, Natasha carried you up towards the apartment, opening the door with ease and stepping inside. “Mm?” You gave a groggy mumble as you slowly blinked awake. 

“Shh, we’re home sweetheart.” Nat soothed you quietly, keeping her arm around your waist as she lowered you to be standing up by yourself. 

Your eyes slowly adjusted to the light in the room, and you made an audibly confused noise as you took in the surroundings. The place was spotless. The pots from earlier washed and stacked away. The stacks of tissues and wrappers had been thrown in the trash, the whole apartment looked fresh and clean - nothing compared to the absolute mess it had been several hours ago. 

“You cleaned? You didn’t have to-“ You began but 

Natasha cut you off with a gentle smile, her fingers brushing a stray hair from your forehead. “I wanted to,” she said softly. “You’ve been working hard and dealing with that jerk of a boss while feeling awful. You deserve to come home to a clean space.” 

You leaned into her touch, feeling a wave of gratitude and relief. "Thank you," You murmured again, your voice still raspy as you sniffled quietly. 

“Come on, let’s get you into bed.” Nat led you to the bedroom, her arm still securely around your waist. She helped you sit down on the edge of the bed, then knelt to untie your shoes, “Now you best believe I’ll have your manager fired for how he behaved earlier.” 

“You’re too good to me,” You murmured, watching her with tired eyes as you tried to hold back a yawn. 

“You’re my world Y/N,” she replied simply, slipping off your shoes and guiding you to lie down. She pulled the blankets up around you, tucking you in with care. “Now get some rest, you need it.” 

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[kivino]

PROBLEM I || HIGURUMA HIROMI X COWORKER!READER

sum. You have quite a crush on your coworker, but don’t know how to approach it. The opportunity to do something presents itself when you both get invited for drinks after not-so-voluntary overtime. 

tags. Suggestive themes, so MDNI; Canon divergent; Higuruma and reader work at a law firm; Japanese work culture is a warning in itself; Reader is a foreigner in Japan but it’s a little glazed over; fluff; cigarettes; alcohol consumption, obviously; Higuruma is a lightweight and a dork, I stand by that.

w.c. 3.4-ish

a.n. I’ve been having this Higuruma itch that needed a scratch (save me overworked lawyer disappointed in the justice system, save me), so I wrote this little fic! Plus forced myself to omit all the Japanese honorifics used cause apparently you kids find it cringe (/lh). Enjoy, and please, reblog/leave a comment, I really want to know what you all think and if I should continue writing for JJK. I’m planning to make a part two for this, so stay tuned!

jjk masterlist || cod masterlist || ao3 link to this fic || ko-fi

You feel completely lost. Not even lost, abandoned by your consciousness. And not in the tall pillars of paperwork on your desk, that threatened to fall over with a single blow of air from the AC blasting over your desk, as you should be. No-no-no, you’re lost in Hiromi’s deep, almost pitch-black eyes, so mesmerizing that you felt like you were falling right into their endless, warm void. Well, you were not supposed to be calling him Hiromi, it was Higuruma for you. “For now.” – you encouraged yourself. You’ll get there with him. Eventually. 

It only occasionally occurs to you that you were behaving like a dreamy-eyed middle-schooler…again. All that development of your frontal lobe goes right smack-dab into the trash when you notice those tired eyes stop on you for a split second as Higuruma gives you a polite nod with his lips twitching upwards, almost attempting a smile. Even in spite of the sheer exhaustion he is exuding all around. 

You don’t even have to look at him to notice how tired the man is – when you come into work, fifteen minutes earlier, just like everyone else in your firm, you see him sitting in his chair already, reading endless police reports, typing away on his computer, arranging for meetings with witnesses or clients. Even when you are heading for the elevator, calling out “Good job today” to the last people left in the office, hurrying for your last train home – Hiromi is glued to his visibly uncomfortable chair, his head almost bumping into keyboard as he wrestled with the sleep clouding his eyes. And even if you don’t see him around his desk – he is probably out somewhere, hounding for evidence on the case. 

Or in the smoking room. God, after you realize where Hiromi spends at least thirty minutes a day, you consider picking up smoking just to have an excuse to get to know him better. He’s definitely a bad influence on you.

But how can he not be? You physically can’t stop yourself from staring at him when you see him through the glass door of the smoking room, leaned on the wall, droopy half-lidded eyes looking up at the ceiling, dark long lashes pretty as a picture. You can’t help but imagine these puffy eyes tearing up or rolling into the back of his head along with his mouth falling open in a delicious silent plea; or looking down on you with mad fixation that would make liquid heat pool between your thighs. 

And you won’t even get started on his nose. The graceful arch of it, the perfect angle to…You stop before you stray too far, instead letting your mind wander to those beautiful eyes once more, intense and overwhelming, picturing desire clouding them until there is nothing but scorching fire burning up your skin, accompanied by Hiromi’s soft sighs, raspy whines or gentle praise, with those incredible voice cracks he would develop when he was oh-so-exhausted after a long day… you wonder how he would sound, as you grasp and store away in your memory each time your name is called by Higuruma.

Your eyes find your coworker once again at his desk, his deft hands are typing something out on the computer. You can see the way Hiromi’s fingers move, and your thoughts immediately settle on the image of them gently running over your thigh, hooking at the belt loops just to pull you into his warm, frail, charmingly pathetic form. You сan practically melt into a puddle, when your mind gets to his warm, large palms settling on your hips, setting electric currents running right to you brain, when the object of your fantasies suddenly catches your eyes on him. You can feel your heartbeat fall down somewhere to your feet – you’ve been caught! But before you can see how Higuruma reacts…

“Ah, Shimizu! Well done today!” you say with a polite nod to your coworker who emerges right in front of your desk, visibly ready to go home after yet another day’s grueling overtime – cute, mindful bag in her hand, work costume wrinkled after hours of sitting in one place; interrupting your session of staring at your higher-up. Which is probably for the best, you think. You are new compared to everyone else, you are supposed to be working twice as harder, not dedicating your time to undressing the poor, exhausted Higuruma with your eyes. All of a sudden, you feel shame burn at your cheeks. Just a tiny little bit. 

“Oh, not at all, you’re too kind!” Shimizu denies the praise with the dismissive wave of her hand, but you can see that she’s just being polite because you don’t know each other too well. “Yet” – You add in your mind. You’ll be accepted here, you just need a little time. “How are you settling in? Everyone’s nice to our cute kouhai I hope?” 

“Oh, yes! Everyone’s very kind! I’m looking forward to working and getting along with everyone in the future!” You say and add another small bow for emphasis – even though you are already hired it was instrumental to make the right impression on your coworkers. 

“That’s great to hear! About that actually…” You tense up for a moment, already running millions of possible scenarios through your mind. Did someone write you up or complain? That would be very typical for what you were used to here – no direct confrontation with you, instead an anonymous complaint made to HR and you’re out of here faster than you can apologize. Or maybe it’s a complaint from Higuruma himself, fed up with being stared at like he was a piece of meat, by “the foreigner” of the firm no less. You can feel your legs shake under a flimsy desk. “We’re going out for drinks! You’re going, right?”

Okay, false alarm. You are prepared for something like this. Shimizu was obviously putting you in a position where you’re not supposed to decline…But you were so tired, and the workload this week was just horrible, along with all the hours of overtime you did-

“Oh, and Higuruma’s going too.”

Come to think of it, you actually feel pretty energized and ready to go. You don’t catch the cheeky smile Shimizu sends over her shoulder to the previously mentioned man, and the most precious, thankful look he gives her in response.

“I-I suppose it wouldn’t hurt...” you mutter, trying your hardest not to seem as desperate as you are in actuality, to have an opportunity to finally get to know Hiromi somewhere outside work. This work crush has been driving you up the wall for too long, might as well start acting on it, if it’s here to stay. Maybe you’ll get to be friends with Hiromi, and that will resolve your yearning for him. It always dissipates when the person you desire is right by your side. 

However, you don’t get an opportunity for a one-on-one with Higuruma that you hoped for until much later in the night. You caught stray looks from him multiple times, but each time Hiromi met your eyes he would look away in an instant, with his neck turning so hard you were half-sure you could hear it crack. It felt pretty discouraging, looking at him silently pour the drinks down the hatch from the other side of the table, without even attempting to talk to you, while others were trying their best to make you feel welcome. Hiromi just made you so…confused.  

So, you decide to step out for a moment, lost in your thoughts. Lo and behold, there is the man of the hour himself, leaned up against the wall with a cigarette between his fingers. You are surprised at how he can stand up straight, after all these drinks he consumed without eating anything (and you’re pretty sure you didn’t see him eat lunch either), but you just settle on the fact that Hiromi might just be like that – a mystery to you. His face is barely illuminated by the low light pouring out of the windows of the izakaya, a slight flush on his tan cheeks making your mind travel places. 

“Can I have one?” You blurt out, before you can stop yourself. Oh, this is so stupid. You can feel your face heat up, and not even a gentle autumn breeze is able to cool you down at the moment. Oh, you were so about to screw up all of this. Nevertheless, you slowly approach him, as Hiromi’s head slowly turns to you and you can see a corner of his mouth twitch when he registers it’s you speaking. Huh. Interesting. 

“I didn’t know you smoked.” Hiromi mumbles, taking a pack out of his pocket, clumsy fingers struggling to pull out a cigarette for you. Well, he wouldn’t have the opportunity to see you smoke, since you only did that if you were drunk or stressed out. “I never saw you in the smoking room. Though, saw you pass by. Quite a lot.” Higuruma continues rambling, his head tilted forwards, eyes unsure and watery, staring up from under his eyebrows, focused solely on you. You can practically feel yourself getting hypnotized by the absolutely charming puppy dog eyes Hiromi is giving you, to the point of not noticing the man offering you the cig you just asked for a couple of seconds ago. 

“Uh, yeah. Guilty as charged.” You chuckle, not finding anything better to say, as you gently take what you’re offered. The silence falls over both of you, as your lips squeeze the “cancer stick” between them, Higuruma now fumbles to find a lighter. Well, it’s your chance to talk, but you, sadly, find yourself lost for words. 

Hiromi, much like yourself, cannot find the courage to speak up, as his eyes keep trailing back to your face, now more stunning than ever, surrounded by the blue air of the night instead of synthetic fluorescent lights of the office that rarely do justice to your beauty. He definitely overdid it with the liquid courage. Now he can’t muster up a thought to strike up a conversation with you. And it was supposed to be a chance for him to get to know you better, in an informal way. Way to go, you absolute nutjob. 

“You seem to be a very hard worker, Higuruma. I thought you’d stay for overtime instead of going out for drinks.” You finally say what’s on your mind, when you see Hiromi can’t seem to find the lighter he’s been looking for, for the past minute, maybe. 

“Well, first I was staying so long because of work, and now it’s because of you.” Hiromi blurts out with his eyes looking right at you. When the man finally realizes what he just said, his eyes are immediately drawn downwards, avoiding yours.

“What?” You look at him, for a moment thinking that your hearing gave up on you. Higuruma didn’t just say what you heard him say, right?

“What?” Hiromi’s tone is neutral and even calm, but behind it he was panicking. Why in the hell did he just say that?! He definitely weirded you out and now everything will fall apart, all thanks to his absolute inability to handle his liquor better. “I mean, you need someone to look at while you work, right? Might as well be me.” What was he talking about? If you weren’t standing right in front of him, so perfect and beautiful in the dim lights, with your hair exquisitely disheveled, and his eyes getting drawn to your figure in all the right places, his hands would definitely fly up to his face in exasperation at his sheer stupidity.

“You’re funny.” You finally chuckle out in a hushed tone, like you were saying something absolutely scandalous, and not just bashfully stating your opinion.

“No, I’m just drunk.” He states rather bluntly, and you’re taken aback for a moment. “I’m actually a lightweight. Without...” Higuruma makes a vague gesture with his hand, which you take as him referring to the copious amounts of alcohol running through his blood at the moment. “…I’d be too scared to talk to you.”

“Huh? Why would you be scared to talk to me?” You respond with yet another breathy laugh, feeling an incredibly strong surge of confidence, hearing that the whole time this grown man was scared of approaching you – polite and shy newbie, deeply infatuated with…everything about him. Which, Hiromi was so luckily and obviously unaware of.

“You’re just…” The unintentional pause is much shorter than it feels like, as a sudden hiccup interrupts his heartfelt confession. “Very…gorgeous. But uh…in a professional sense.” You can hear an uneven crack in Higuruma’s voice, and if for someone else it would’ve been a turn-off, you can already feel how breathing suddenly becomes a thing you need to be aware of. “Or whatever.”

“Or whatever?” You echo, with an amused smile tugging at your lips, as an idea dawns on you out of the blue. “Higuruma, could you…” you trail off, immediately bringing his attention to whatever you were about to ask of him. Oh, he was ready to do anything you’d ask. Jump? With pleasure. Drop down to his knees? Gladly. Kiss you? Please.

He freezes in place, as you lean closer to him, a surge of previously known, but supressed feelings rising with a tremble in his chest. The end of your cigarette touches a little burning cherry at the end of his, your eyes slowly drift up to his own, producing an incomprehensible, fiery spark when your gazes meet. Higuruma almost thinks the ground disappeared from under his feet right that moment, because in little less than a second of staring into your eyes like that, alluring, precious gemstones pulling him in with a siren’s song, he’s falling. Hard.

Hiromi’s face doesn’t hide even a sliver of what he’s experiencing at the moment, as he looks at you in awe, half-way sure that his heart is about to burst in a million of pieces while you’re lighting your cigarette with his. He wishes this moment would go on forever. He wished you’d reach out to him, throw out the damn cigarettes, close the miniscule distance that felt like kilometres and kiss him, so hard he’d surely loose his mind for you completely.

The seconds feel like hours, electricity and warmth bouncing inside of him, while cold air blows on his skin, failing to cool him down from the mad high he was experiencing just from your presence, so distant and at the same time, close.

“Thanks.” You mutter a short response, tactfully making a point not to mention the way his face got even redder (which you didn’t think was possible, yet here you are). Your lips wrap around the cigarette, inhaling the smoke, the slight hit of nicotine dulling your senses for a moment making you flutter your eyelashes in pleasure.

“You’re always…a problem.” He responds, quietly, and you arch your brow at his strange response. Higuruma immediately looks horrified as it dawns on him just what exactly he said in his…rather unsuccessful attempt to articulate his thoughts, as you mumble out an unsure “excuse me?”. Hiromi’s hands fly up to meet his face, exasperated sigh leaving his lips. Why did he always had to be…like this? He was confident and easily able to keep a cool head in the courtroom, faced with people representing and facing justice. Why, why was he losing face in front of you of all people? It was frankly frustrating, and he…

“Ha-ha-ha…I am, aren’t I?” You return playfully, seeing the sheer distress on Hiromi’s face and deciding to play off his probably unintentional slip-up as a joke. He didn’t, couldn’t mean what he said, right? He was always friendly (even if a little distant, but who weren’t like that to new, unfamiliar people, right?), polite…Unless?

“No! No! That’s not what I was trying to say…” Hiromi immediately corrects himself, a little too eager to fix the mistake he’s sure might cost him your precious attention at the moment. He can’t lose it. He absolutely cannot wait until the next drinking party to get close to you. It already feels like too much - keeping himself in reigns, containing the burn that threatens that spill over from the mere gaze that felt too intimate for his drunk consciousness.

Well…not that you aren’t an actual problem. It’s hard to concentrate whenever you are in the room. Higuruma’s eyes would inevitably drift over to you, observing every motion of your form, desperate for any sliver of attention from you. Didn’t matter if it was a polite nod, a quick half-bow or a smile, he always felt a dull ache in his chest, because that was not enough to satiate the hunger for you, cramping up in his insides, making him feel like he was utterly starved. And he definitely was. For affection, for gentle touch, for a soothing hand and for tenderness that came with it. Yeah, you were definitely a problem. One that needed an immediate solution.

“I was trying to say that…you’re always welcome and it’s not a problem. At the same time.” He finally managed to mutter out, explaining himself. A smile grazes your lips at that, and he can’t help himself but think how he wants be graced by the beauty of that smile first thing when he wakes up the morning. That would make going to sleep at night so much easier.

“Well, I’m glad that you don’t think I’m a problem then.” You say with a tiny laugh. Well, Hiromi didn’t exactly say that, but….

“Of course not. You’re…” Higuruma stops for a moment, before a sudden hiccup shakes his form. You stifle a chuckle from how cute for some reason it was, to hear a frown man hiccupping much like an overfed kitten. “Very hard-working. A good addition to the team.” He gives you a verdict with a nod, further solidifying his words. At that point, he wasn’t even sure what he was talking about, but that’s the first chance he ever got to talk to you informally, and by God, he’s going to make use of it. “If you ask me, you’ve got what it takes to be a great permanent addition.” To him, a sudden thought rushed through his mind, but he managed to keep his lips sealed.

“I appreciate what you’re saying, Higuruma.” You say with another one of your pleasant smiles and nods to him, taking another drag of your cigarettes and blowing the smoke out to the side, blissfully unaware of how Hiromi’s droopy, desperate eyes fixated on the pout of your lips. You were truly thankful he had this opinion, but life-time contracts? Here? As a foreigner? It would be easier for you to get to the moon and back, than receive an offer like that.

“You know you can just call me Hiromi, right?” He almost whispered, not daring to meet your eyes after such a bold move on his part. You felt your heart leap inside your chest. If you weren’t right in front of the man, you’d start kicking your feet, giggling, then you’d scream in a pillow, run a couple of laps, high-five yourself and finally face-plant into the asphalt victoriously, but you were a responsible adult, so you had to keep those teenage-esque urges inside of yourself. Despite how much you wanted to let them out at times.

“Alright then…Hiromi.” You knew what you’re doing to him. You had to, right? Because how can your voice can get so alluring and sultry all of a sudden while saying his name? Why did you whisper it, rolling it around between your pretty lips, almost like you were tasting a candy? Higuruma was a goner, that’s for sure.

Higuruma can’t help, but look into your eyes, marvel at you smile and the way your eyes glimmer in the low lighting, how the perfect curve of your lips calls for him, and how your hips beg to rest his hands on them. In that moment he only can think with nothing but his heart, that keeps shoving the thought that rest like honey on his tongue.

He needs you. Utterly and completely.

“So…do you want to have another drink? On me, of course.”

Hiromi takes his shot, and he’s not going to miss it.  

check out this masterlist for more jjk fics or send me a request/comment! you can also support me on ko-fi

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Amazon’s financial shell game let it create an “impossible” monopoly

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me in TUCSON (Mar 9-10), then San Francisco (Mar 13), Anaheim, and more!

For the pro-monopoly crowd that absolutely dominated antitrust law from the Carter administration until 2020, Amazon presents a genuinely puzzling paradox: the company's monopoly power was never supposed to emerge, and if it did, it should have crumbled immediately.

Pro-monopoly economists embody Ely Devons's famous aphorism that "If economists wished to study the horse, they wouldn’t go and look at horses. They’d sit in their studies and say to themselves, ‘What would I do if I were a horse?’":

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/27/economism/#what-would-i-do-if-i-were-a-horse

Rather than using the way the world actually works as their starting point for how to think about it, they build elaborate models out of abstract principles like "rational actors." The resulting mathematical models are so abstractly elegant that it's easy to forget that they're just imaginative exercises, disconnected from reality:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/03/all-models-are-wrong/#some-are-useful

These models predicted that it would be impossible for Amazon to attain monopoly power. Even if they became a monopoly – in the sense of dominating sales of various kinds of goods – the company still wouldn't get monopoly power.

For example, if Amazon tried to take over a category by selling goods below cost ("predatory pricing"), then rivals could just wait until the company got tired of losing money and put prices back up, and then those rivals could go back to competing. And if Amazon tried to keep the loss-leader going indefinitely by "cross-subsidizing" the losses with high-margin profits from some other part of its business, rivals could sell those high margin goods at a lower margin, which would lure away Amazon customers and cut the supply lines for the price war it was fighting with its discounted products.

That's what the model predicted, but it's not what happened in the real world. In the real world, Amazon was able use its access to the capital markets to embark on scorched-earth predatory pricing campaigns. When diapers.com refused to sell out to Amazon, the company casually committed $100m to selling diapers below cost. Diapers.com went bust, Amazon bought it for pennies on the dollar and shut it down:

https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/13/18563379/amazon-predatory-pricing-antitrust-law

Investors got the message: don't compete with Amazon. They can remain predatory longer than you can remain solvent.

Now, not everyone shared the antitrust establishment's confidence that Amazon couldn't create a durable monopoly with market power. In 2017, Lina Khan – then a third year law student – published "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox," a landmark paper arguing that Amazon had all the tools it needed to amass monopoly power:

https://www.yalelawjournal.org/note/amazons-antitrust-paradox

Today, Khan is chair of the FTC, and has brought a case against Amazon that builds on some of the theories from that paper. One outcome of that suit is an unprecedented look at Amazon's internal operations. But, as the Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Stacy Mitchell describes in a piece for The Atlantic, key pieces of information have been totally redacted in the court exhibits:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/amazon-profits-antitrust-ftc/677580/

The most important missing datum: how much money Amazon makes from each of its lines of business. Amazon's own story is that it basically breaks even on its retail operation, and keeps the whole business afloat with profits from its AWS cloud computing division. This is an important narrative, because if it's true, then Amazon can't be forcing up retail prices, which is the crux of the FTC's case against the company.

Here's what we know for sure about Amazon's retail business. First: merchants can't live without Amazon. The majority of US households have Prime, and 90% of Prime households start their ecommerce searches on Amazon; if they find what they're looking for, they buy it and stop. Thus, merchants who don't sell on Amazon just don't sell. This is called "monopsony power" and it's a lot easier to maintain than monopoly power. For most manufacturers, a 10% overnight drop in sales is a catastrophe, so a retailer that commands even a 10% market-share can extract huge concessions from its suppliers. Amazon's share of most categories of goods is a lot higher than 10%!

What kind of monopsony power does Amazon wield? Well, for one thing, it is able to levy a huge tax on its sellers. Add up all the junk-fees Amazon charges its platform sellers and it comes out to 45-51%:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/25/greedflation/#commissar-bezos

Competitive businesses just don't have 45% margins! No one can afford to kick that much back to Amazon. What is a merchant to do? Sell on Amazon and you lose money on every sale. Don't sell on Amazon and you don't get any business.

The only answer: raise prices on Amazon. After all, Prime customers – the majority of Amazon's retail business – don't shop for competitive prices. If Amazon wants a 45% vig, you can raise your Amazon prices by a third and just about break even.

But Amazon is wise to that: they have a "most favored nation" rule that punishes suppliers who sell goods more cheaply in rival stores, or even on their own site. The punishments vary, from banishing your products to page ten million of search-results to simply kicking you off the platform. With publishers, Amazon reserves the right to lower the prices they set when listing their books, to match the lowest price on the web, and paying publishers less for each sale.

That means that suppliers who sell on Amazon (which is anyone who wants to stay in business) have to dramatically hike their prices on Amazon, and when they do, they also have to hike their prices everywhere else (no wonder Prime customers don't bother to search elsewhere for a better deal!).

Now, Amazon says this is all wrong. That 45-51% vig they claim from business customers is barely enough to break even. The company's profits – they insist – come from selling AWS cloud service. The retail operation is just a public service they provide to us with cross-subsidy from those fat AWS margins.

This is a hell of a claim. Last year, Amazon raked in $130 billion in seller fees. In other words: they booked more revenue from junk fees than Bank of America made through its whole operation. Amazon's junk fees add up to more than all of Meta's revenues:

https://s2.q4cdn.com/299287126/files/doc_financials/2023/q4/AMZN-Q4-2023-Earnings-Release.pdf

Amazon claims that none of this is profit – it's just covering their operating expenses. According to Amazon, its non-AWS units combined have a one percent profit margin.

Now, this is an eye-popping claim indeed. Amazon is a public company, which means that it has to make thorough quarterly and annual financial disclosures breaking down its profit and loss. You'd think that somewhere in those disclosures, we'd find some details.

You'd think so, but you'd be wrong. Amazon's disclosures do not break out profits and losses by segment. SEC rules actually require the company to make these per-segment disclosures:

https://scholarship.law.stjohns.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3524&context=lawreview#:~:text=If%20a%20company%20has%20more,income%20taxes%20and%20extraordinary%20items.

That rule was enacted in 1966, out of concern that companies could use cross-subsidies to fund predatory pricing and other anticompetitive practices. But over the years, the SEC just…stopped enforcing the rule. Companies have "near total managerial discretion" to lump business units together and group their profits and losses in bloated, undifferentiated balance-sheet items:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/public-purpose/publications/2021/dec/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragons

As Mitchell points you, it's not just Amazon that flouts this rule. We don't know how much money Google makes on Youtube, or how much Apple makes from the App Store (Apple told a federal judge that this number doesn't exist). Warren Buffett – with significant interest in hundreds of companies across dozens of markets – only breaks out seven segments of profit-and-loss for Berkshire Hathaway.

Recall that there is one category of data from the FTC's antitrust case against Amazon that has been completely redacted. One guess which category that is! Yup, the profit-and-loss for its retail operation and other lines of business.

These redactions are the judge's fault, but the real fault lies with the SEC. Amazon is a public company. In exchange for access to the capital markets, it owes the public certain disclosures, which are set out in the SEC's rulebook. The SEC lets Amazon – and other gigantic companies – get away with a degree of secrecy that should disqualify it from offering stock to the public. As Mitchell says, SEC chairman Gary Gensler should adopt "new rules that more concretely define what qualifies as a segment and remove the discretion given to executives."

Amazon is the poster-child for monopoly run amok. As Yanis Varoufakis writes in Technofeudalism, Amazon has actually become a post-capitalist enterprise. Amazon doesn't make profits (money derived from selling goods); it makes rents (money charged to people who are seeking to make a profit):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/28/cloudalists/#cloud-capital

Profits are the defining characteristic of a capitalist economy; rents are the defining characteristic of feudalism. Amazon looks like a bazaar where thousands of merchants offer goods for sale to the public, but look harder and you discover that all those stallholders are totally controlled by Amazon. Amazon decides what goods they can sell, how much they cost, and whether a customer ever sees them. And then Amazon takes $0.45-51 out of every dollar. Amazon's "marketplace" isn't like a flea market, it's more like the interconnected shops on Disneyland's Main Street, USA: the sign over the door might say "20th Century Music Company" or "Emporium," but they're all just one store, run by one company.

And because Amazon has so much control over its sellers, it is able to exercise power over its buyers. Amazon's search results push down the best deals on the platform and promote results from more expensive, lower-quality items whose sellers have paid a fortune for an "ad" (not really an ad, but rather the top spot in search listings):

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/29/aethelred-the-unready/#not-one-penny-for-tribute

This is "Amazon's pricing paradox." Amazon can claim that it offers low-priced, high-quality goods on the platform, but it makes $38b/year pushing those good deals way, way down in its search results. The top result for your Amazon search averages 29% more expensive than the best deal Amazon offers. Buy something from those first four spots and you'll pay a 25% premium. On average, you need to pick the seventeenth item on the search results page to get the best deal:

https://scholarship.law.bu.edu/faculty_scholarship/3645/

For 40 years, pro-monopoly economists claimed that it would be impossible for Amazon to attain monopoly power over buyers and sellers. Today, Amazon exercises that power so thoroughly that its junk-fee revenues alone exceed the total revenues of Bank of America. Amazon's story – that these fees barely stretch to covering its costs – assumes a nearly inconceivable level of credulity in its audience. Regrettably – for the human race – there is a cohort of senior, highly respected economists who possess this degree of credulity and more.

Of course, there's an easy way to settle the argument: Amazon could just comply with SEC regs and break out its P&L for its e-commerce operation. I assure you, they're not hiding this data because they think you'll be pleasantly surprised when they do and they don't want to spoil the moment.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/01/managerial-discretion/#junk-fees

Image: Doc Searls (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/docsearls/4863121221/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

Hey, how are you ? I wanted to request a scenario that reader has the starry eyes of Ai hoshino, and the cast of bungou stray dogs see pictures and videos of reader as a child. Can you please?

Have a great week and take care ok?

Hello! I am doing good. I hope, you enjoy the scenario. I will take care of myself, thanks for your concern ☺️

Starry eyes

Self-Aware! BSD Characters x GN! Reader

Description: BSD cast can't wait to finally see your face. One day, they saw pictures of you. And your eyes.

Warning: OOC. English is my second language.

🐾 For BSD Cast, you are Little Light, a shapeless light blob. Embodiment of your emotions, that floating above them, sometimes snuggle to them and purr.

🐾 For BSD Cast, you are a figure of light. Always changing presence, that came to them, when their emotions were at the lowest.

🐾 For BSD Cast, you are Guiding Light. Human from other world. Reader, who were with them during important moments of their lives. Reader, whose emotions made them feel alive. Reader, whose words made them whole again. Reader, who show them light in this dark, chaotic situation.

🐾 For BSD Cast, you are one of the reasons to get into Real World.

🐾 You are many things to them. And BSD Cast wish, that they knew how you look like.

🐾 Every day, Elise draws a picture of you. And every day you have a different appearance.

🐾 And one day, while still been in their world, they saw you.

_____________

"Okay, I have finished scanning my old photos and almost finished with saving my old videos on my computer. Time to store them in cloud drive."

BSD Cast feel exited. Finally, they will see you.

The moment the first photo was stored in cloud drive, Fyodor, Katai and Ango start working on getting it.

Thirty minutes later, BSD Cast gathered in a Meeting Room. Main Screen was lit up. Ango clicked on first file.

The photo appeared on the screen.

Your baby photo.

Melville chuckled.

"They were a cute baby."

Then everyone heard Kenji's gasp. Miyazawa looked at your picture in awe.

"Their eyes are so pretty!"

Everyone finally paid attention to your eyes.

Kenji beamed.

"They have starts in their eyes!"

The next few hours were full of photos and videos. Of a child, of a teenager. Of Their Guiding Light with Starry Eyes.

________________

🐾 Everyone are mesmerized by your eyes. They are so unique. They already knew that you are unique, and your eyes just a future-proof of you been unique.

🍰 💉 Elise immediately drew a 'correct' picture of you. Despite all his pleads, she didn't drew a second picture for Mori and keep the first one for herself.

🚬🐋 Each member of BSD cast had a few copies of your cutest child photos. Melville and Hirotsu already bragging about how cute you were as a child. Like proud grandfathers.

⭐⭕ Kyuusaku feel that you two a somewhat similar, with one of their eyes also a starry. Feel spiritual connection to you. Feel proud of themselves.

🐾 BSD Cast want to see you face to face even more now.

🐾 They want to make sure that stars in your eyes will always shine brightly.

[fandomnerd9602]

Square Dance: Allemande Left

Part Four of Square Dance Series

Country!Wanda x Male Reader

You woke up the next day in total bliss. Your country girl, Wanda, was in your arms asleep. The two of you had made love on your last night there. You didn’t want to let go.

She stirred awake and batted her eyes at you, “morning, city boy” she said her voice filled with that southern country twang that you loved so much.

“Morning my country girl” you gave her a quick kiss to her hairline.

“Can I tell ya somethin’?” She look at you a little nervous.

“Of course”

“Last night…was my first time. I-I never been with someone before and I just wanted to let ya know how special it was for me and I hope it was-“

You silenced her with a full on kiss, holding her even closer to your chest. She wrapped her slender arms around your neck.

“It was my first time too” you whispered back.

“Aww shoot” she giggled. “I wish you could be my only.”

“I want to be your only too.” You said, voicing a silent hope, a prayer that you’d be able to come back to her.

“Can we have one last go around?” She asked you nervously. “Do we have time?”

“We can make time.” You smiled at her as she giggled and crawled back on top of you. The two of you enjoyed one last morning of happiness together.

She walked you and your bags to Piet’s pick up truck. It was almost like no words were needed to be said.

You held her close, not wanting to let go of her. But this was it.

“When you can,” she whispered in your ear, “please come back to me”

“I promise” you whispered back before kissing her one last time. She held onto your neck. Yours were locked firmly on her waist.

You got in Piet’s truck and he sadly started the engine. Wanda called out to you, “come back to me” she said it like it was a command.

The truck began to pull out on the homestead’s driveway. “Come back to me,” she said one last time. This time it felt more she was begging. Begging for you to stay.

You collapsed in the passenger seat. Your eyes were filled with tears.

“Hey now” Piet said with a gentle stern tone, “I want you to know that my door’s always open. That guest room, or if sis wants, her room is always open to ya”

You could only offer a small head nod.

That was two months ago. Two long months. That's how long its been since you left Wanda and the homestead behind.

Getting back into the monotonous routine of corporate life, set in the pale white office space, lost among the sea of office cubicles; it all felt like torture.

You couldn't do this anymore. Just a splash of freedom, a splash of the fiery intensity that love had to offer made your heart yearn for more. You put in a request to work remotely. Why not? All of your work was on a computer anyway, why not be with the people you loved?

You loaded up your own car and drove. You drove the route that you heart memorized as Piet drove you there. You drove all the way back home. Your car roared to a stop outside of the old homestead. Wanda sat there on the wooden porch, strumming her guitar. Her eyes locked with yours, tears began to flow from her doe-like eyes.

She set her guitar down as you got out of your car. "Tell me you didn't come back all this way for little old me" she tried to say thru her tears.

"I could say that. But then I'd be lying" you said as your eyes became clouded with their own tears.

"You gave up that fancy city job for me?" She walked closer and closer to you.

"Switched to remote" you replied, taking another step towards her. "I should've done that a long time ago. I-I can't live without you, Wanda."

"Aw shoot" she giggled, tears in her eyes, "you're gonna make me cry"

"Well come here then" you smiled at her. Wanda ran forward and jumped into your arms. She wrapped her legs around your waist and kissed you repeatedly.

"I love you, Wanda" you whispered against her lips.

"I love you, (Y/N)" she whispered back, "my city boy"

Piet came out a split second later, "what's all the--oh hey (Y/N). Welcome home"

Welcome home indeed.

TWO YEARS LATER...

A lot can change in two years. You and Wanda tied the knot in a small intimate ceremony. Piet was your best man and gave away the bride. You were so happy when the preacher pronounced you and Wanda husband and wife.

Wanda and her band, the Good Witch Scarlett, became a popular viral hit after you posted the video of Wanda singing Bless the Broken Road. You passed it to some of your friends who passed it to some of theirs which somehow reached the desk of a major record label back in the city. You left that desk job behind and became the band's manager. It may have paid a little less but you got to spend all the time in the world with your country girl and that's all you really needed.

And so that brings you to now. The crowd was cheering at the last concert of Good Witch Scarlett's nationwide tour. The band was getting ready as you and Wanda were getting ready in the dressing room.

Wanda kissed you gently, "Thank you, city boy" she giggled, "now let's end our first tour on a high note."

You smiled and kissed her fingertips, "you got this, my country girl"

Wanda bit her lip and set down a little wrapped gift before you. "Open it when we play our last song." She topped it off with a little wink, and with that she went off to join her band on the stage.

The crowd was ecstatic throughout the whole set of songs. Wanda was enjoying herself the whole time. You were just happy cheering her from the sidelines.

"Y'all been a mighty wonderful crowd" Wanda said into the microphone, "but I got one last song I'd love to dedicate to my one and only, my city boy"

Wanda's pal Nattie began playing the piano as the song began.

(More Hearts than Mine - Ingrid Andress)

I can't wait to show you where I grew up Walk you 'round the foothills of my town Probably feel like you've been there before After hearing all the stories I've been telling you For six months now

We'll probably have to sleep in separate bedrooms Pack a shirt for church because we'll go I'm not trying to scare you off but I just thought that we should talk a few things out Before we hit the road

You looked at the little gift Wanda had left you. A little note said, "For the love of my life." You opened the little gift and immediately you gasped.

If I bring you home to mama I guess I'd better warn ya She falls in love a little faster than I do And my dad will check your tires Pour you whiskey over ice and Take you fishing but pretend that he don't like you Oh, if we break up, I'll be fine But you'll be breaking more hearts than mine

You made your way to the stage, still partially hiding behind the curtains. You locked eyes with your country girl. She smiled at you, still singing the song. You hold up the gift: two little baby blue cowboy hats.

If I bring you home to mama I guess I'd better warn ya She feels every heartache I go through And if my dad sees me crying He'll pour some whiskey over ice and Tell a lie and say he never really liked you Oh, if we break up, I'll be fine But you'll be breaking more hearts than mine You'll be breaking more hearts than mine

Really? You mouth to her. She gives a wink and nod as the song ends and the crowd cheers for her and the band.

"Thank you all so much" Wanda giggled, "y'all been a lovely crowd." She gestured to you, "But I'm nothing without my band or my hubby, my city boy."

You came out onto the stage and hugged your country gal tight. She kissed you and held onto you.

It didn't matter how many people were cheering or screaming her name. All Wanda needed was you, her city boy.

THE END.

Tags: @lifespectator @ma1egamer @multi-fandom-enjoyer @holiday-house-of-m @canvascoloredin @family-house-of-m @jacenradio7 @aloneodi @revanshand @russianredassassin @sapphic-s1mp @pinklawyerwinnerzonk @supercorpdanbeau @scarletquake-n7

[whisperingthorns]

(Yandere Ticci Toby x Reader)

Chapter 4: Unseen Care

Find chapter 3 Here:

Toby was at the library, a bit pissed off at the slow system and outdated computers. Also, the dirty looks he was getting due to his tics. He knew it was only so long before someone kicked him out. He was also annoyed his target seemed so elusive. He couldn’t find them anywhere. He gave a quiet whine before looking up at the ceiling and brainstorming ideas on how else to get information on this guy.

That’s when an idea came to mind, but not one for his target. He’s never thought of it before but why didn’t he just….

He pulled up the search engine, fingers typing quickly. “(Y/n) (L/n)” Surely she had some sort of social media or-

Holy shit. Why hadn’t he? It felt like such an obvious way to know more about her, to see parts of her life that she hadn’t told him about.

His heart skipped a beat when a YouTube channel appeared with her name. The thumbnail showed her smiling, holding a guitar in her lap. He clicked on it, and her voice flooded his headphones. It was soft, melodic, and mesmerizing. As she sang, Toby’s pulse quickened. She was perfect. She had to know she was perfect, right? But then he glanced down at the comments, and his stomach twisted.

"Your voice is amazing!"

"You’re so talented! Please post more!"

“I could listen to you all day."

Toby’s jaw clenched. Who the hell were these people? All these strangers showered her with compliments like they had the right to be close to her. They didn’t *know* her. Not like he did. How dare they think they had a claim on her attention, on her voice? *That* was his. She was his.

Anger surged through him, clouding his judgment. Before he could stop himself, he typed a comment.

"You’re not that good. Maybe stop singing and spare us all."

His finger hovered over the enter key. Nah it would take more than that. He wondered whose account he was even on because he couldn’t comment without an account. Whoever used the computer last would just have to deal with it….no. There was nothing he could do or say that would get her to stop making videos. Unless he broke all her instruments. Awe. But then she was crying…and come to him…and cry about it…and let him hug her.

Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea…nah. Too much hassle. Hm. He got out of his phone searching the video for himself. He couldn’t comment or anything on it, but it was nice. Maybe if the power was back on at his house the service would be up. Maybe he could set the video to loop…get it to play him like a nice lullaby.

More irritated looks. His time was up. Toby clicked off and left.

⦻

Toby frowned at your door. It felt weird to not have to sneak up on it. To be so close while the sun was still out. He looked down at the flowers he bought nervously. He twitched more nervously. He can’t stand at the door forever. He rang the doorbell. Seconds passed. Maybe this was a mistake, maybe he just turned back around and-

“Toby!” Too late, you had opened the door. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t show!” Her eyes shifted to the flowers. “Ooh! Those are lovely.” She gave a smile and opened the door. “Come on, don’t be shy!” Toby blushed and stepped in.

The scene before him made his heart sink. The room wasn’t empty. Kai is who his eyes landed on first. Next to him was a girl who looked pretty similar. With golden brown skin and full lips. She was very pretty. Of course not as pretty as his angel. Nobody was as pretty as his angel. Her face seemed to sit in a sort of natural smirk. Mischievous if you will. Her hair was dark and straight unlike Kai’s though and her eyes were a subtle green.

The other girl kinda scared Toby. She had hard short black hair that stopped at the bottom of her ears. The ends curled slightly, giving it a bit untamed look. Her skin was pale like she never went outside much. Not the sickly gray his was though. She had dark circles under her eyes which were steel gray. They held a sense of mischief as well, but the wrong kind. As they could see right through Toby and instantly knew all his secrets. A giddy of knowing something he didn’t almost.

The final girl, Toby noticed sat a bit away from everyone else. She looked almost…guilty. Like she was somewhere she really shouldn’t be. She had long wavy hair that was dyed a bubblegum pink. Big blue eyes with long lashes and a red gloss shined her full lips. She looked very made up. Like she took extra good care of herself. The kind Toby knew boys looked twice at down the street.

Other than Toby and Kai, there was one other male. This one, Toby recognized. He was at the claw machine. His name was ‘Moon’. If that was his real name anyway. Moon had a very boyish face if that made sense. He had sandy blonde curly hair. The texture was a bit like Toby’s. Now that Toby was closer he noticed the light dusting of freckles on his face, heavy eyebrows over grey eyes that had slight circles underneath.

Somehow, other than Kai he honestly gave a slight air of maturity. “Toby, this is Brook, Kai, Jaga, Moon, and April!”

What a weird set of names. Toby wanted to say something but for some reason, he couldn’t speak. He felt like he was back at school, watching all the kids hide their snickers as the teacher introduced him and reminded them to be nice. He shuffled closer to you. You took the flowers and went to set them on the counter in the kitchen.

“Woo! Toby!” Moon said throwing his arms up. “Just in time. We still haven’t decided what to watch.”

Noooooooooo! NO NO NO NO!

You were supposed to be alone! This was supposed to be his chance! It was supposed to be a date! Not an intro to all your useless friends nobody cared about! Toby forced a slight smile. His bandage crinkled and he felt self-conscious.

Where did you go? Why did you leave him here?! Kai was smiling pleasantly at him and even moved aside. “Here Toby, take a seat. I’m sure (Y/n) won’t mind.”

The last person Tobias Rogers wanted to sit by was Kai of all people. He didn’t know why he hated Kai so much. Couldn’t place it. Why did he feel that way about Kai but with Moon…Toby wasn’t sure. There wasn’t the same need to carve into Moon’s skull with his hatchet as Kai’s.

Toby felt like his skin was on fire as he glanced around the room. Each of these people seemed to have a role in your life that he wasn’t a part of. Yet. His teeth clenched, forcing a smile. “Th-thanks f-for inviting me.”

Kai nodded. Toby hated the way his cologne smelt. It was too strong. Surely you thought so too. “So Toby.” The girl next to Kai, with the subtle green eyes, spoke up, to Brook as she was introduced. “How do you know (Y/n)?”

Toby was trying hard not to twitch, and ignoring the way Kai moved slightly away to avoid getting hit. ‘Good. Get away from me. Freak.’ Toby thought. “Uh. I s-saved her from a falling t-tree.” Toby’s eyes narrowed slightly. He hated that smirk on her face. It was like she was mocking him, daring him to say something embarrassing. “Sh-she was in the woods o-out back…d-down the p-path.”

Brooks's gaze didn’t waver. “Really? You didn’t strike me as an outdoorsy sort of guy.” Referring to Toby’s pale appearance.

If only she knew.

Toby forced out a chuckle, though his grip on the couch tightened. “Y-you’d be s-surprised.”

Moon jumped in, saving him from further questioning. “We’re just glad you could make it, man. (Y/n) talks about you a lot.”

Toby’s heart raced. Did she talk about him? *A lot?* He wanted to press Moon for more details, but the girl with the short black curly hair (Jaga as she was introduced) voice cut in.

“I hope you’re not shy, Toby,” she teased, her eyes glinting mischievously. “We’re a loud bunch.”

“Shy?” April scoffed. “No, he’s just quiet. There’s a difference.” She gave Toby a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. He didn’t like her much either. She reminded him of those girls in school who were all makeup and lies. The ones who would laugh as their boyfriends beat the shit outta him.

He wanted to get out of here. He wanted to take you by the hand and run far away, somewhere where these people couldn’t get between you. His thoughts spiraled, but then you returned, settling beside him on the couch with a smile. Toby visibly relaxed.

“So, what are we watching?” you asked, looking at everyone expectantly.

“Something scary, I hope,” Kai said, leaning back and stretching. “Toby doesn’t look like he scares easy.”

Toby’s jaw clenched. That was a bait, right? He was pretty much just trying to piss Toby off by even speaking to him. Make him snap so he would scare his Angel away and then Kai could have her all to himself. Well, Toby wasn’t gonna fall for it!

He watched Kai pull out his phone real quick to check a text, and an idea formed in Toby’s head, he felt you shift closer to him, and Toby’s breath hitched. He forgot you were practically cuddling up to him. I mean, you were sitting normally, but you were an inch closer to him the Kai! That was a win in Toby’s book if anything.

“I-I’m d-down for any-anything,” Toby said, trying to calm his heart.

“Perfect,” you said, your hand brushing his arm as you reached for the remote. Toby almost shivered at the contact. “Then let’s start with this one.”

As the movie began, Toby’s mind was only half on the screen. The other half was fixated on Kai’s phone. If I can get it, what could I do? Go through his messages? Make sure he stays away from her. Toby’s heart raced at the thought.

He glanced over at Kai, who was leaning back, his eyes on the screen. Careless. Stupid. It’ll be easy to take it. All he had to do was wait for the right moment.

For now, he’d play along, smile when he needed to, laugh when it was expected. But his mind was somewhere else entirely. Focused. Calculating.

Tonight, he’d make sure that Kai knew who belonged in (Y/n)’s life.

⦻

They were halfway through the movie Toby kept his eyes on the screen but his mind was right with you. Feeling you brush against him with every laugh or gasp. You didn’t seem all that scared though. It seems horror movies just weren’t enough to jostle you.

His.

But every time he tried to at least pretend you were alone with him, pretend that it was what he so desperately wanted it to be, his eyes flicked back to Kai on your other side. He seemed all too comfortable, too relaxed, too familiar with you. It made Toby’s blood boil.

Toby forced a smile. “Y-yeah, just n-not used to b-being around so m-many people.” Moon nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, I get it. But don’t worry, we’re cool. No one’s gonna bite.” He offered Toby a grin, his expression friendly. Toby found himself softening slightly. Moon was different. He didn’t have that smug arrogance that Kai did.

Though he didn’t like how Kai and (Y/n) could hear. Great. Now she knew he was uncomfortable. He looked at you briefly, and thankfully you were engrossed in the movie, unaware of the hurricane in Toby’s head that he was desperately trying to contain.

As the movie progresses, the tension builds in the story. Now and then, Brook or Jaga would make a snarky comment, breaking the atmosphere with laughter. Toby felt out of place, like a shadow in the corner of a picture that didn’t belong.

“So Toby,” Jaga spoke in a more boring part of the film. “(Y/n) says you into like, nature right?”

‘Nature? What the hell is (Y/n) making him sound like a tree hugger or-’

“S-something like th-that.” He responded.

“That’s cool,” Brook added, leaning forward, her eyes studying him. “Are you into anything else, or…”

“U-uh mostly like, video g-games.”

At least that used to be a hobby of his. It still kinda is in passing when he wants the noise in his head to stop, or if Ben was around. Toby felt his face heat up. He wasn’t good at talking about himself. “Mostly e-easy stuff I’m n-not competitive…”

“Video games?” April piped up. “Like what kind?”

Toby glanced at you, your eyes were bright and happy with your big smile like you were so pleased he was getting along with your friends. He didn’t wanna embarrass himself in front of you.

“Uh…sandbox. Wh-whatever I feel l-like.”

“Ooh, sandbox! What like Minecraft?” Brook teased, leaning forward more. “Are you a Minecraft kid, Toby?”

Toby’s grip tightened on his knee. “M-maybe.” He tried to play into the joke.

“Come on, don’t be shy!” Jaga pushed, her eyes gleaming with that unsettling amusement. “You could probably help (Y/n) with her Minecraft house. She loves that sandbox game stuff.”

The others laughed, but Toby felt a wave of annoyance wash over him. They were mocking him. He could tell. You were too kind to see it, but he could feel their disdain, their condescension. They think I’m a joke.

You seemed to sense his discomfort, because you leaned closer, your voice soft. “Hey, don’t let them get to you. They’re just messing around.” Your voice tickled his ear. “They do it to me too.”

Toby’s heart fluttered. You’re defending me. He gave you a small, grateful smile. “Th-thanks.”

Kai suddenly stood up, stretching. “Gonna grab a drink. Anyone want something?”

As he moved, his phone slipped from his pocket, landing softly on the couch. Toby’s eyes locked onto it, his mind racing. This is it.

“I-I’ll g-go with you,” Toby blurted out, standing up as well. He was surprised at himself. He didn’t wanna be alone with Kai, but even that seemed better than having all this attention on him.

Kai shrugged. “Sure, man. Let’s go.”

As they left the room, Toby glanced back, seeing you watching him with a curious expression. He forced a smile before turning away, following Kai to the kitchen.

Once they were out of sight, Kai opened the fridge, grabbing a couple of drinks. “You doing okay, Toby?” he asked, his tone annoyingly friendly. “You seemed a bit tense back there.”

“I-I’m fine,” Toby muttered, his eyes darting around. Kai had set the drinks on the counter, his back to Toby as he rummaged through a drawer for something.

“Here you go,” Kai said, turning back around and handing Toby a soda. “Let’s get back before we miss too much.”

As they headed back Toby was quick to sit down while Kai passed out drinks. He used the opportunity to quickly swipe Kai’s phone while everyone was distracted. He stuffed it in his sweater planning to hide it better in a minute.

Kai sat back down, completely oblivious. Toby felt a dark satisfaction and felt free to enjoy the warmth of you next to him again. You leaned into him slightly. As if you knew he needed it.

As the night went on, Toby found himself gradually relaxing. Moon and Jaga kept up a steady stream of jokes and banter, and even though he didn’t feel completely comfortable, he found himself laughing along with them at times. Brook asked more questions about his hobbies, (Toby had to start making some up on the spot, realizing he didn’t have much pleasure in anything anymore) seeming genuinely interested, and April shared a few stories about her hobbies, which were mostly makeup and fashion and oddly enough roller skating?

By the end of the movie, Toby was feeling strangely calm. You were smiling at him, your eyes bright, and for a moment, he felt almost normal. Almost like he could be a part of this world you lived in. He could earn your heart the right way. Maybe buy you flowers. Ask you out on dates…treat you right. Ask you to be with him.

If he wasn’t a proxy. If he wasn’t a murderer employed and marked by a demonic entity and forced to do his bidding. What was he even doing? Trying to win you over? Even if he did it’s not like-

But then he caught sight of Kai, who was looking around with a frown, patting his pockets. Toby’s heart rate spiked again. He knows.

“Hey, has anyone seen my phone?” Kai asked, standing up and looking around the couch.

“I’m sure you just dropped it somewhere,” Brook said, rolling her eyes. “You always lose it.”

Kai’s frown deepened, but he nodded, starting to search the cushions. Toby felt a surge of satisfaction. He’ll never find it. He glanced at you, who was watching Kai with a concerned expression. For a moment, Toby felt a pang of guilt. But then he remembered the way Kai had looked at you, the way he’d smiled like he had any right to be close to you. And the guilt disappeared.

“Maybe you left it in the kitchen?” Moon suggested, standing up to help look.

“I-I didn’t see it,” Toby offered, his voice steady. He felt a strange thrill at the lie, the way it rolled off his tongue so easily. It was almost too easy, how he could manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Kai looked around one last time before sighing. “Yeah, maybe.” He shot Toby a look, one that made Toby’s skin prickle with unease. “Guess I’ll have to check when I get home.”

“I’ll look while you are gone too!” You piped up.

Toby had no idea what he would do with the phone now that he had it, but for now, he had gotten away with it.

“Maybe we can call it?” Brook suggested, pulling out her phone.

“Nah I got it on silent.”

“The vibrate will still make noise”

“No, because I turned that off too.”

“What why?!”

“Because we were watching a movie and your friend is blowing up my phone! She’s like convinced we have something together because I gave her my number for business reasons!”

Brook giggled at this. “Sounds like her.” Kai nodded in annoyance still looking. “Yeah well, tell her, your cousin has a life.” Brook rolled her eyes.

As the night wound down and everyone started saying their goodbyes, Toby felt a strange sense of satisfaction. This was just the beginning. Soon, he’d make sure everyone knew who you belonged to. And no one—not Kai, not anyone—would stand in his way.

⦻

He didn’t know what he would do with the phone, though he had spent the rest of the night making sure all location sharing was off. Then scroll under your name. Which he couldn’t find. He found you under “🩷” which was irritating, to say the least. He only found out it was you because in some group chats, you were called out by name, and snooping through his private messages with you he used his context clues. Then after doing some more snooping and looking through other chats, he quickly realized his suspicions were true:

Kai Isaac. (As he learned his last name now) Had quite the crush on you. Gushing to his friends about you, saying that you were just the perfect girl. That any guy would be so lucky to have you.

His friends pushed him on, but Kai insisted he wasn’t ready to confess his feelings to you just yet.

Well, he got that right. But you weren’t meant for Kai Isaac! You were meant for him! Toby! Ugh! It made Toby hate Kai even more! He shoved the phone in a drawer and slammed it shut.

Kai didn’t deserve you! He didn’t have dreams about you for months before meeting you! You guys were not tied by the red string of fate! You and Toby were! You guys were meant to be together. You were meant to make it all better.

Maybe he was the hero in your story. Saving you from Kai who was quite obviously the villain. He would ignore you, not take the time to learn everything about you, and just be on overall bad boyfriend. Yeah. He wouldn’t be able to please you either! Toby bet his dick was small!

Toby crossed his arms and pouted. Stupid Kai. With his stupid phone.

Toby grabbed his hatchets.

He needed to go let off some steam.

⦻

(Y/n) (L/n) was tired. She shuffled into her house and flicked on the light, toeing her shoes off and kicking them away from her she’s struggled with her apron for a moment, panicking slightly when she felt it do the knot of death. ((Y/n)’s way of saying when the apron didn’t come undone and instead made a tighter knot and you couldn’t get it off) It fell though, and she yanked it off. She almost took her pants off too before realizing she should probably wait till she was in her room. Not that she lived with anyone. It’s just this watching feeling has gotten a bit worse since then.

She made her way to the kitchen, going to get her well-deserved snack, and went to open the pantry door, being careful. A while back, (Y/n) doesn’t know how it happened, but her friends had gotten drunk along with her. Locking Moon, the only sober one in the pantry as a joke. Moon wasn't playing when he broke the door off the hinges to get out. Fair enough. She really should just put the door in her garage and settle for the now walk-in pantry, however (Y/n) still wanted to convince herself that she would eventually be able to fix it herself. When she opened the pantry the door didn’t fall forward like it usually did. It swung open, almost as if…

Looking at the hinges she saw shiny new pins had been put in place. What? When had she gotten the time to do that? Did she remember doing that? Surely she would recall finally fixing her pantry door? Maybe her friends were messing with her. They were over earlier this week. Surely she would have heard them messing around in the kitchen fixing her door though?

She picked up her phone.

Haha! Very funny guys! Thanks for fixing the door! Means a lot! 🩷

Moon: ?

Moon: We did not fix a door. At least I didn’t.

(Y/n): Stop lying. You guys fixed the pantry door. Looks great!

Brook: Girl fixed her door and doesn’t even remember 💀

(Y/n): Stop messing with me!

Nobody responded after that. Probably giving up on trying to convince her it wasn’t them right? Cause it's them. Surely (Y/n) would remember going to the store and buying new pins for the door right? Surely (Y/n) would remember grabbing her tools and fixing the door right???

However, she was tired lately. Maybe she did. Who cares it was fixed! Tossing the thoughts away in a dark corner of her head she grabbed what she wanted and started to head upstairs, pausing at the landing when she realized the stairway light was on.

The stair light light blew out during the storm last week. Didn’t it? Or did it? She searched her memory, remembering the panic she felt when a clap of thunder woke her along with a series of popping sounds. That happened. (Y/n) had been meaning to get that fixed but she needed to go buy a stool. Maybe it fixed itself? She doesn’t know how electricity works! Maybe it could happen! Okay, whatever she’s being so ridiculous it’s not even funny. Go upstairs! It’s bedtime!

You felt uneasy.

Tobias had been in your house. Of course, he had. He had cleaned up and went around with some tools he found in your garage to fix things. He even did your dishes. He could just imagine how grateful you would be! You’d appreciate it for sure right? Like a guardian secretly taking care of you. Cause that’s what he was right? Your guardian. Maybe you hadn’t mentioned these things. Maybe you just dealt with it. Broken latches and flickering lights. Mm. Maybe these things didn’t bother you. They bothered him. Poor baby. Living in a run-down house with nobody in the world to help her keep it up.

Tobias scrubbed the stains out of your counters while the washer ran with your clothes. Feeling like he was directly taking care of you as he poured dish detergent and started the dishwasher as well before continuing to scrub. A clean environment was important for not getting sick right? He would hate for you to get sick. Or maybe he would. That way you could call him. Then he could take care of you. The smell of disinfectant filled his nose. Oddly familiar. From where?

⦻

“Tobias.” Toby rolled over to look at Lyra, snot running from his nose. The smell of disinfectant in the air. He spied the spoonful of medicine in her hand. “Oh ew n-no.” He rolled back over. “Y-you already m-made me get up so y-you can wash my sheets and fucking sh-shit. Just let me l-lay down!”

Lyra Rogers, however, was more concerned for another reason. None of the medicine was working. Just like she thought it wouldn’t. She was giving it one last go but after feeling around Toby’s face, her eyes widened. She dropped the spoon, not caring for the mess it made as she practically yanked Tobias out of bed and forced him down the hall and into the tub. She turned it on the coldest setting and disappeared. Toby reluctantly undressed and went in, curling up. This was stupid. He felt fine. As fine as he could anyway. Lyra came in and dumped an entire bowl of ice in the tub and on Toby’s head.

Toby couldn’t feel the temperatures, nor could he sweat. Lyra’s reaction meant his fever must be very high. Sometimes, Lyra was the only reason Toby didn’t go into a seizure due to heat stroke. Toby was always sickly though. With CIPA not only was his body not able to feel pain, but it also struggled to regulate his immune system since it honestly couldn’t tell when it was sick. At least that's how Toby thought of it. Lyra left the bathroom, handing him a rag and telling him to keep putting cold water all over him. If it wasn’t for Lyra Toby’s body would have killed him awhile ago. His mom didn’t care enough to check his temperature 59 times a day as his worrying sister did. Lyra was the only one who could take care of him.

⦻

Just like Toby is the only one to take care of you, right? Nobody ever checked in on you, to make sure you were okay. He was gonna make sure that he at least cared. Finishing the chores he left the house and locked it up.

He was taking care of you, protecting you. And one day, you’d understand.

You’d realize how much you needed him.

[roanofarcc]

A TRIP TO THE MIDWEST

pairing: kate carter x platonic reader ( requested)

summary: you take a trip to visit your best friend Kate. 

warnings: written to be platonic but could also be romatic if you squit. tornados & shit! 

word count. 1.1k | masterlist

The Midwest was much different than New York, but you took those differences in stride. A breath of fresh air was exactly what you needed. Kate had been hounding you to come visit her during tornado season and meet her group of storm chasers she had told you endlessly about over the phone. Your schedules had never aligned until now. 

Kate’s team was friendly and a little rowdy, but you saw how fond Kate was of them; it made you fond of them too. 

It seemed a little crazy, picking up to chase tornadoes instead of doing normal weekend getaway activities, but you were excited. You had met Kate at work and shared a similar love for the weather. But you hadn’t grown up or lived around tornadoes, only studied them. They weren’t your area of expertise. You were excited to see one up close, though a bit nervous too. 

“Don’t worry,” Kate said, tossing you a look from the passenger seat. “I made Tyler promise no funny business.” 

Tyler Owens grinned in the rear-view mirror. “Just your average chase today, ladies and gentlemen. Buckle up now.” 

You obliged, your heart drumming with anticipation. Down the lone roads, you observed the plains, growing crops, and darkening clouds. Tyler drove you and his team right into the bruised sky, heavy with eerie cloud cover. Through the rolled down windows, you could smell the oncoming rain. 

Kate checked on you every so often, her own excitement glowing on her face. “You know, there’s an open spot on the team if you ever feel like leaving New York,” she said. 

You bit your lip, eyes set on the changing color of the sky from a dark gray/blue to a slight green tint. “Let me actually see a tornado with my own eyes first.” 

In the backseat next to you sat Boone, who was fiddling with his camera until you spoke. “Wait, you’ve never seen one of these bad boys before?” You shook your head, and he let out a low whistle. “You’re in for a treat, city girl.” 

And that you were. You had studied nearly every weather phenomenon. But there was a difference in living it. Radars, computer models, and even textbooks only showed you so much. 

As the tornado touched down across the expanse of a field, you were awe-struck. There was something deeply beautiful about such destructive forces of nature. No numbers or graphs could properly showcase a feat of Mother Nature.

The tornado was a skinny one, kicking up dust as it plowed through the field. Tyler parked the car on the side of the road, and everyone clamored out with cameras in hand to capture it. You simply stared in awe as it swept across the road a good distance away before it fizzled out, retracting back into the sky. 

It was a quick one, not causing too much damage in its wake, but it was enough to show you just why Kate had left New York. 

Later that night, the Wranglers sat in the parking lot of a motel. Tyler and Kate were fixing up the truck for more intense storms that were set to roll in the following day, while you chatted with the other team members, listening to them recall storms of past and how they all found their passion for storm chasing. You talked until yawns started to spread through the group, and you all decided to turn in for the night. 

Kate tiredly flopped onto her bed in your shared motel room, a soft smile on her face. “Was it everything you hoped it would be?” 

You laughed at her dreamy tone, getting comfy in your bed. “I can see why you like it so much.” 

Rolling onto her side, Kate faced you. “It’s not always easy, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.” 

You were happy for your friend; you had never seen her so at peace and in her element. When you met Kate, she was closed off and kept to herself. She was a head-down, work-focused kind of woman, which wasn’t unusual in New York City, but you had lived in the city long enough to know when someone was running from something. As you worked your way into a workplace friendship with Kate, you noticed it more and more, a heaviness she tried to carry. You eventually wore her down with water cooler conversations that turned into weekend coffee dates. Coffee dates became shopping and deeper conversations shared over takeout in one of your apartments. You two had gradually become friends, shoulders for the other to lean on. 

Kate eventually opened up to you about what she was running from, a tragic accident in college resulting in the loss of three friends and her boyfriend. She fell out with another friend, who had survived and ran away from tornado chasing, abandoning what she had once dreamed about. 

You encouraged her to follow that friend back home, just to see if that dream was still there under the rubble of loss of grief, and it was. Of course, you were bummed your best friend no longer lived just blocks away from you in the city, but you were happy to see her so happy. Storm chasing was in her blood. 

“It probably helps that your teammate is totally smitten with you, huh?” you teased. Kate rolled her eyes, but there was an undeniable blush that spread across her cheeks, which caused you to laugh. 

“Shut up,” she muttered before her gaze turned more sincere. “I wasn’t kidding about you joining us. We could use another brain on the operation.” 

“I don’t know, Kate,” you said. It would be a new adventure, that was for sure, but you weren’t sure if you fit in with the Wranglers. You didn’t want to shake up their group too much, and you weren’t sure if you were cut out for that kind of work. You were the kind of person who worked in the office, watching the weather from behind a screen, not witnessing it firsthand. 

She sighed. “It’s a lot, I know that. It’s not exactly fair of me to ask you to uproot your whole life. I just miss havin’ you around. I love my team. I love that I’ve reconnected with Javi. But you made me believe in myself again and I feel like I owe you something for that.” 

You frowned. “You don’t owe me anything. That’s what friends are for.” 

“Just…think about, okay? Because I know you’d be great here. You’re great in New York too. I just don’t want us to stop being close, even if we’re halfway across the country from each other.” 

You reached out across the space between the two motel beds and held out your pinky finger. “I promise, you’re stuck with me no matter what.” Kate hooked her pinky with yours, promising that too, before turning out the lights for the night. You fell asleep to the sound of distant thunder, trying to imagine yourself taking that leap, embarking on a new adventure.

[falloutfangrell]

So recently an anon asked me to rewrite an old fanfic I wrote years ago. I haven’t written anything for about 3 years, so I apologise if it’s awful. NSFW, minors DNI! Danse x Female Sole Survivor, Fallout 4.

Sole and Danse were on their way back to Sanctuary after clearing a building of synths when yellow-tinted clouds began to gather overhead.

“Damn it, we’re going to have to stop for the night,” Sole said, glancing at her Pip-Boy to find a nearby location. Before Danse could respond, the irradiated rain started pouring down, drenching them in seconds.

“Crap, come on, in here!” Sole shouted, her voice barely audible over the storm as she pointed to an old cargo truck. Grateful he wasn’t in full power armor that would’ve cramped their space, Danse quickly followed her, lifting the shutter and clambering into the back of the truck.

After a moment for their eyes to adjust, Sole rummaged through her rucksack. Danse could make out her white button-up shirt, clinging to her figure from the rain. Damn, he wished he could keep his thoughts from wandering. “Ah ha!” she exclaimed, holding up a small candle and a lighter. The rain eased just enough for the pounding on the tin roof to become bearable, allowing for a comfortable conversation—though Danse hadn't said much since everything happened, unsure of how to proceed.

“Hey, you alright? Here.” She tossed him a RadAway before injecting her own. Danse sighed, setting down his pack and his sleeping bag to sit on, finally getting comfortable as he administered his own RadAway. Silence enveloped them, the tension palpable.

“Danse,” Sole began. He looked up, bracing himself for the conversation he knew was coming.

"Please, Sole, I just..." he faltered, burying his face in his hands as he struggled to summon the courage to voice the turmoil that had been eating away at him for days. "I don't know what I am anymore. I'm the very thing I swore to destroy, and yet you won’t let me. I've lost my home, my family, everything... and I can't even tell if it was my life, mapped out on a piece of paper. I just don’t know anymore." He averted his gaze, as if looking at her would sear him.

"It doesn’t matter who or what you are. You’re still Danse, and no matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side. I don’t care what you are; I know who you are," she replied gently, and he felt tears welling in his eyes.

"But what if I hurt you, Sole?! I could never live with myself! I don’t know what I’m capable of. I don’t even know what I am, for God’s sake!" He fought to keep his voice steady, desperately trying to maintain the façade he had built for so long.

"You are you," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "You have your own ways, your own personality... your own feelings." She looked away for a moment, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"But how can I be sure they’re mine and not just programmed for me?" he asked, his voice cold enough to make Sole flinch slightly.

"Because computers can’t love," she said, meeting his gaze with unwavering sincerity.

Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, Danse pulled her close by her shirt collar and kissed her—a kiss that was both strong and tender, pouring all his emotions into every moment. She was taken aback, lost in the unexpected intensity of it.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were blushing fiercely, caught in the whirlwind of their shared feelings.

Sole moved closer, and Danse lifted her onto his lap, where she straddled him, both of them flushed a bright crimson as their kiss deepened. Sole ground her hips against him, a playful test, and she was pleased to hear a slight moan escape his lips in response.

As their kiss continued, Danse untangled his hand from her hair, letting it glide up the back of her shirt. His palms explored her curves, savoring the warmth of her skin as he smoothed his hands up and down her sides. Sole pulled away just enough to look him in the eyes, a serious expression crossing her face.

"Danse, do you want this? I don't want to take advantage of you while you're feeling this way; you mean more to me than that," she said, concern lacing her voice.

"Sole... I've wanted this for so long. All those times you fought for the Brotherhood, the days and nights we spent traveling and getting to know each other—when everything went to hell, you chose me over the Brotherhood and even risked your life to save mine... yes, I'm sure."

In an instant, their lips were tangled together again, and Danse's hands slipped under Sole's shirt to unclasp her bra, wondering why she even bothered wearing one in the wasteland. She smiled into the kiss and reached around to help him, and once the bra fell loose, Danse eagerly undid her buttons, rolling her damp shirt down her shoulders.

He paused for a moment to admire her, taking in her beauty with hungry eyes. Sole, feeling emboldened, began unzipping his flight suit and rolled the top half off, revealing his undershirt that clung tightly to his chiseled torso. He chuckled, almost nervously, as he helped her lift the shirt over his head, exposing his prominent muscles, covered in dark, wiry hair. The sight made her pulse quicken, and she felt herself growing even more excited.

She nodded quickly and began helping him tug her tight jeans down, her impatience causing him to smile and stifle a chuckle. He removed her jeans and her laced panties and sat up for a moment to admire her laying there looking up at him, longingly.

Her hair was a perfect mess, sprawled out delicately around her head, her breasts were the perfect size for her body, so perky and soft, her curves so alluring. She covered herself, suddenly feeling very shy and vulnerable but he quickly pulled her hands away. "You're beautiful, beyond beautiful." He said as he spread her legs and proceeded to lick her pussy, causing her to whimper. "And you taste amazing" he said through a whispered breath.

He moved up to lick her sensitive clit, using one hand to play with her breasts and the other to finger her, causing her to clench the sleeping bag below her with all her might, moaning and cursing uncontrollably. It felt incredible; the last time she had been intimate was with Nate, and that seemed like forever ago. Now, here was Danse, the man she had fantasized about being with for months. It was all too much, she was getting so close when he suddenly pulled away, causing her to whimper and thrust into the air desperately.

"Now now" Danse said wiping his face, his tone suddenly very seductive, a side of him she'd never seen before but definitely wanted to see more of.

Danse pulled off the rest of his flight suit, leaving him in just his boxers which seemed far too tight right now. He slowly took them off, exposing his rather large member, causing Sole to get even wetter somehow.

Danse positioned himself over her, arms by her sides, he looked into her eyes with such a caring gaze, making sure it was okay to continue, before slowly sliding his member into her, causing them both to hiss in pleasure, it had been a really long time for him too.

He stayed still for a moment, not knowing if Sole was ready yet or not until she thrust against him. "Please, Danse." she begged, making him twitch inside her. He had always been good at following orders.

He began a steady but fast pace, causing them to both moan in pleasure. Danse lent into Sole for a heated kiss, their warm melting into one, like two matching pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

The heat was too much, having Danse so close, it felt so good. "Danse I'm..getting close." Sole gasped between thrusts. "I am too…” Danse thrust hard and Sole practically screamed in pleasure, digging her nails into his back as he hit a spot she never knew she had. Danse focused on that area, her moans making it almost too much for him. He felt her get tighter around him and he knew she wouldn't last much longer, and neither would he.

"Danse!” She screamed as she clenched around him, soaking him in her warmth, writhing in pure ecstasy. "Shit, Sole." he said, gritting his teeth as he reached his own mind shattering orgasm inside her. He thrust a few more times before pulling out of her and collapsing on top of her, making sure not to crush her under his weight. They lay like that for a few moments before Danse rolled onto his side on her sleeping bag and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Danse... no matter what happens, I'm here for you, and I'm yours. Whatever you face, you'll always have me by your side... I love you." Sole buried her head in his chest, trying to hide the deep blush that spread across her cheeks. "I love you too, Sole. No matter what happens, that's one thing I know for sure is real." They drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, listening to the soothing sound of rain on the tin roof above.

[mariacallous]

More US workers will soon be free to leave their employers to work for rivals, thanks to a new federal rule that will block the long-standing practice of locking in workers with noncompete agreements.

The US Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday issued a final rule that bans most noncompetes nationwide. The agency estimated that by allowing people more freedom, the change would lead to the creation of 8,500 new businesses annually, an average annual pay increase of $524 for workers, lower health care costs, and as many as 29,000 more patents each year for the next decade.

The FTC says about one in five US workers are bound by contract clauses that prevent them from taking new jobs from a competitor, or starting their own competing businesses, for some period of time. The agreements can trap workers and slow career advancement and wage increases—two things workers often achieve by hopping jobs.

The agreements also disproportionately affect workers in tech and certain other roles: 36 percent of engineers and architects work under noncompetes, as do 35 percent of workers in computer and math fields, according to research from the Universities of Maryland and Michigan.

Under the FTC’s new rule, “tech workers will probably experience a rise in the outside opportunities that they face,” says Evan Starr, an associate professor of business at the University of Maryland who worked on the research. “They’ll have more freedom to work where they want; they will be more likely to be paid higher wages.”

Opponents of noncompetes say they hurt workers by keeping them in lower-waged jobs and also stifle innovation, preventing people from starting their own businesses or putting innovative ideas into practice. Noncompete supporters argue that the arrangements encourage investment in staff and protect trade secrets. But recent research from Starr indicates that banning noncompetes hasn’t led to an increase in trade secret litigation.

The new FTC rule has a carve-out to keep existing noncompetes for senior executives in place. But it blocks companies from creating new noncompetes for these high-level workers. The rule is due to take effect in about four months, but it’s expected to face challenges. Two commissioners who voted against the rule saw it as overstepping the FTC’s power. The US Chamber of Commerce quickly announced after the rule passed that it will sue to try to block it.

Several states, including tech hub California, have already banned enforcement of noncompetes. But a recent tidal shift has seen the issue resonate in dozens of states. In the 2023 legislative session, 38 states introduced 81 bills that sought to ban or restrict enforcement of noncompetes. California’s long-established law is seen as part of the reason Silicon Valley became a hub for innovation, while Massachusetts’s once-similar tech corridor didn’t soar in the same way.

Tech executive Daniel Powers has battled noncompetes twice in his career. In 2010, IBM tried to delay his move from New York to Seattle to work for Amazon Web Services, the online retailer’s cloud division, by a year. The parties settled on Powers taking six months off. Fortunately for Powers, Amazon agreed to pay him even while he couldn’t work.

Two years later, the tables turned. When Powers attempted to take a job with Google Cloud, Amazon sued him, saying he had agreed not to work for one of its competitors within 18 months of leaving. The incident drew headlines as the first noncompete case Amazon had brought against someone inside fast-growing AWS, Powers recalls.

Powers had to move to California—where noncompetes aren’t legal—for the new gig, and his attorney told him to get there as soon as possible. By living in a different state, the lawsuit could be tried in federal court, where his attorney felt Amazon had less of an advantage compared to Washington state court. A federal judge ended up siding with Powers, and he lost only about three months of work at Google while the case played out.

Amazon, IBM, and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Had Powers not received discounted legal help over the years, he says, he could have easily spent over $100,000 battling noncompetes. “It’s just not fair to the employees,” says Powers, who now runs cloud advisory firm What's Next Consulting. “When I won, I got hundreds of emails and texts from Amazon employees thanking me for beating them.”

People in Washington state who want to leave one of the tech giants often must have difficult conversations with their families, advisers, and potential new employer about the risks of litigation and potentially being without a paycheck for a long stretch. Powers estimates that he has aided over 200 former Amazon and IBM colleagues in the process. California workers have no such concerns. “It’s just, ‘OK, goodbye,’” Powers says. “There’s nothing companies can do about it.”

If the new FTC rule ends up in front of the US Supreme Court, he says, his message to the justices will be simple. “Taking away a person’s ability to work in an industry they are trained in, have skills in, and have been in is a massive disservice to the employee,” Powers says. “It’s not the right thing to do to have these agreements.”

[tenebraevesper]

Shatter Me, Entry 2: The Reason I'm Here

''Shiny the recog! The story we continued to draw, shine light now! Wandering through time, a place where absurdity swirls. I had a blue and sad dream, the figure that was temporarily hidden. The meaning of this world is intertwined. I run through, hoping to meet up sometime, a view of the far, far future. Shiny the recog! When I wake up, the story that continues tomorrow! Grab it with these hands, the strength to believe will become a miracle! If it's the despair that resides in you, I'll cut through everything in my sight. The reason I'm here is because I want you to smile.''

– Recognize by MegaMan X DiVE

xXxXxXx

''Hey, Tails! Have you seen where the picnic blanket it?''

Tails looked up from the device he was working on, a bit surprised to see Sonic holding a picnic basket. ''Uh, sure… It's on the shelf, over there.''

''Thanks, little bro,'' Sonic replied, going over to the shelf and grabbing the blanket.

''You're going out for a picnic?'' Tails asked curiously.

''Yeah, with Shadow. I finally managed to find him and convince him to have a victory lunch since he had helped us save the Paradox Prism,'' Sonic replied, placing the blanket into the basket.

''I'm surprised that he agreed to it,'' Tails said.

''Well, what can I say? I'm quite persuasive when I want to be,'' Sonic replied, walking out of the workshop. ''Once again, thanks for the help Tails! You're the best!''

''Uh, huh, thanks, but…'' Tails sighed when he saw Sonic already speeding off. He hummed in thought, wondering what had happened to Sonic. Ever since they had saved the Paradox Prism, Sonic started to act weird… Well, perhaps ''weird'' wasn't the right word. Instead, he actually became more attentive, paying close attention to what others said before giving his own input. Not only that, but when it came to Tails, Sonic had started to praise him even for the most mundane stuff, reminding him how he would always be there for his little brother and to ask him if he ever felt bothered by something. While Sonic being a supportive big brother was welcome, Tails didn't understand what had triggered this change.

To add to it, Sonic would also keep running off to find Shadow, noting how he needs to thank him properly for his help and talking about how he was glad to have Shadow around. While Tails agreed that it was good that Shadow helped them to save the Paradox Prism, he wasn't really sure why Sonic made such a big deal out of it. He tried to ask Sonic about it, but the azure hedgehog had already ran off to his next adventure.

''I guess I'll ask him next time he stops by,'' Tails muttered, only to turn to his computer, surprised to see a change in the weather pattern. ''This is not good. I hope Sonic won't get caught in the approaching rainstorm.''

xXx

As per their agreement, Shadow was already waiting at the beach, observing the waves crashing against the sand and staring ahead at the sky. He took note of the thick dark grey clouds approaching Green Hill, feeling concerned about a possible storm. His ears flicked when he heard the familiar sound of Sonic running up to him, skidding to a halt as he held the picnic basket tightly in his arms.

''Sorry for being late, but it took me a bit to get all the spices right… Uh, is something wrong?'' Sonic followed Shadow's gaze, now seeing the drearily dull sight before him. ''Aw, com'n! I thought we'd have nice weather today!''

''It seems like we would have to postpone the beach picnic,'' Shadow said, glancing at Sonic. The azure hedgehog's ears drooped as he stared at the oncoming clouds in disappointment, with the wind picking up. He was looking forward to this so much, only for all of his effort being for nothing. Shadow then turned back to the horizon in thought, already feeling the rain droplets on his fur. He did feel bad for Sonic and him wasting his time and energy to arrange this only for the weather to ruin it.

''I guess we should go home then…''

''Wait.''

A dispirited Sonic, who had already turned on his heel to leave, was caught off guard when Shadow grabbed him by the hand and revealing the green Chaos Emerald in the other. ''I know a place where we can take shelter from the storm. Do you want to come along?''

''Of course!'' Sonic perked up, feeling Shadow tightening his grip on his hand as he held up the Chaos Emerald. There was a flash of light and both disappeared from the beach, just as the rain had started.

This was followed by a flash of light in what appeared to me some kind of alcove close to Hedgehog's Pass. It wasn't too shallow, but not too deep either to even be considered a cave, providing the two hedgehogs with enough space to shelter them from the wind and rain, but also keeping them close to each other. Shadow turned to Sonic, still holding his hand. ''I suppose we could have the picnic here instead on the beach, if you're fine with it.''

However, before Shadow could even finish his sentence, Sonic had already let go of him and grabbed the blanket out of the basket, setting it down on the ground and took out the sea dogs, offering Shadow one, having a wide smile on his expression.

''You never miss a beat, do you?'' Shadow couldn't help but smile at Sonic's optimism, taking the sea dog and sitting down next to Sonic.

''Heh, I'm just glad that we could have a picnic, no matter the place,'' Sonic replied, before taking a huge bite out of his sea dog. ''Nothing beats a good meal, especially when you're sharing it with your friend.''

''Friend?''

Sonic almost chocked on his sea dog when he heard Shadow's tone. It was strangely serene and inquisitive, as if Shadow was questioning the very nature of their relationship without even asking anything. Sonic wasn't sure why, but something about it struck a nerve and he was suddenly worried that maybe he said something that might've offended Shadow, so he decided to quickly elaborate on it.

''Well, yeah… I mean, at this point, being rivals and friends is practically the same,'' Sonic said, remembering all those times people beat him up before becoming his friends. Somehow, this way of making friends was becoming more and more common, much to his amusement and exasperation.

''If it's the same thing, why did you get so nervous?''

Sonic gave him a blank look, only to take note of the slightest of smirks Shadow gave him as he ate the sea dog. It took a moment for his brain to process that Shadow was just teasing him. Shadow couldn't help but snort in amusement when Sonic pouted in annoyance, reaching for the basket for another sea dog, a faint tint of pink spreading on his fawn muzzle. He ate it in silence, trying to figure out how to quip back to Shadow's comment, but all that came to his mind was a rush of adrenaline and fear when a memory flashed in his mind. He tried to shake it off, sighing instead as he continued to eat.

Shadow raised an eyebrow at Sonic's sudden silence. Usually, he appreciated it when Sonic actually shut up for once, but for some reason, he felt a little concerned about the lack of response. He felt an urge to reach out for him, even lifting his hand on instinct, but stopped himself, resuming to eat in silence and watching the downpour outside.

xXx

''I hope that Sonic is fine…'' Tails muttered as he observed the downpour outside from his workshop. The weather really took a turn for the worse and it was fortunate that it didn't turn into a full-blown thunderstorm. While Tails had figured that Sonic would be able to find shelter, it didn't make him feel less worried about his older brother. Suddenly, he heard a knock on his window, surprised to see Rouge flying outside, gesturing at the closed entrance to his workshop. He quickly walked over and opened it, letting the bat inside. Rouge flapped her wings, shaking off the rain droplets. Tails then walked over with a towel in his hands, tossing it towards Rouge. She used the towel to dry herself off, placing it over her shoulders.

''Ugh, the weather outside is horrible! Good thing I was close to your workshop,'' she said, looking around. ''Isn't Sonic with you?''

''No, he went out for a picnic with Shadow,'' Tails replied. Rouge's eyes widened in surprise.

''Really? I'd never expected for Shadow to actually agree to socialize with anyone, let alone Sonic,'' Rouge said. Tails shrugged.

''That's what Sonic had told me,'' he replied. ''As a matter of fact, he had been talking a lot about Shadow lately.''

Rouge tilted her head, humming in interest. ''Yeah, I had also noticed a change in Blue's attitude… Well, I hope their date didn't get ruined by the rainstorm.''

''D-Date?'' Tails stared at Rouge in surprise. She just gave him a nonchalant look.

''I mean, what else would you call these two going alone on a picnic,'' she said, a sly grin spreading on her lips. Tails was still baffled by Rouge's take on the situation, wondering if she was being genuine or just messing with him. Rouge didn't seem to be interested in giving him an answer, instead just starting to walk around the workshop and looking at the tools and devices on the shelves and desks. ''In any case, thanks for letting me stay here until the storm stops.''

''You're welcome, but please, don't touch anything,'' Tails replied in a deadpan tone, well aware of Rouge's treasure hunting reputation.

''Do you have any gems here?'' Rouge asked, with Tails shaking his head. She then gave him an assuring smile. ''Then you have nothing to worry about.''

Tails just sighed, walking back to the device he was working on, but it was hard for him to focus, as his mind was still replaying the conversation he had with Rouge in regards to Sonic and him supposedly being on a date with Shadow. He tried to shake it off as Rouge just making a wild assumption, but for some reason, the thought just wouldn't leave his mind.

Sonic, you really have some explaining to do.

xXx

''Man, I haven't seen a rainstorm this bad in a while now,'' Sonic commented, leaning against the wall of the alcove. He and Shadow have just finished their meal and were watching the constant downpour of rain that somehow had gotten stronger. ''It feels like someone is just dumping buckets of water all over the place. I just hope there won't be any flooding.''

''Once the rain stops, we can go and make sure that there isn't any,'' Shadow said, sitting next to Sonic, with one elbow propped on his knee. Sonic just nodded.

''I hope there won't be, because the last thing I need is to fall into water… again. I don't even have the kicks I had in No Place to keep me afloat,'' Sonic replied, wiggling his feet as he stared at the sneakers. ''Those really came in handy. I wish I had them when we fought Chaos.'' Sonic shuddered at the memory of Station Square being flooded. ''Man, I know everything went well… but that guy was made out of water! I was lucky I didn't drown.''

''Chaos?''

Sonic turned his gaze towards Shadow, who gave him a genuinely confused look. Sonic stared at him, wondering why the dark hedgehog looked so puzzled, until he realized it. ''Oh, right! You weren't there when we fought Chaos and Eggman. Sorry, my bad!''

''What did the Doctor do this time?'' Shadow asked, furrowing a brow when Sonic namedropped Eggman.

''Well, he unleashed this water deity named Chaos after shattering the Master Emerald, and Chaos went on to just destroy everything in his way because he was really angry and hurt because of what Knuckles' ancestors did to him in the past. You'd have to ask Knuckles for more details about this though, he knows this stuff better than I do,'' Sonic explained. ''Fortunately, we managed to calm him down and he left with Tikal.''

''Should I even ask you who Tikal is?'' Shadow asked in a dry tone, having gotten used to Sonic just namedropping people in a context that only made sense to him. ''Or should I ask Knuckles for an explanation?''

''Eh, heh…'' Sonic smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. He then leaned over, holding up his finger and thumb as he got an idea. ''You know, if you want me to, I could tell you all about my past adventures so you can get up to speed. What do you say?'' His ears then drooped as his eyes flickered to the side, adding, ''I mean, I know you're not exactly into small talk, but we're kind of stuck here… But you also have the Chaos Emerald, so you can just leave…''

''I'll listen to you talk,'' Shadow said, his eyes closed as he let out a soft sigh, his arms folded across his chest. He understood Sonic's desire to spend time with him, especially when there really wasn't any emergency to attend to. While he typically avoided small talk in favor of keeping things concise and to the point, he figured that he could humor Sonic for the time being.

''Really?! That's great!'' Shadow's attention snapped back to Sonic, being caught slightly off guard by just how happy Sonic looked, his emerald green eyes almost sparkling. Shadow couldn't help but stare into his eyes, feeling once again that weird sense of warmth spreading through his body. This strange sensation was both scary due to its unfamiliarity, and captivating, and Shadow felt a desire to lean into it.

Sonic then started to talk, telling him tales about his adventures, which were mostly exploits against Dr. Eggman, usually in the company of his friends. Shadow listened intently, taking note of just how animated and excited Sonic got as he talked about what had happened, going into details about the events and battles he had been through, showing pride in his heroism and assurance that, no matter how bad things got, he always found a way out. It was quite a fascinating experience, as the stories were detailed enough for Shadow to be able to imagine them in his head, and the only times he interrupted Sonic to ask him questions about something particular. He took notice of Sonic's mannerism whenever he asked a question, with the azure hedgehog being always eager to explain things and basking in the attention he got from Shadow. It was as if the world around them had slowly faded away and it was just the two of them remaining.

''…never told you about it, but I'm really glad that I met you,'' Sonic said, only to suddenly pause, his expression changing to a more somber one. Shadow could see the lack of focus in his green eyes, now dull as he seemed to have been reminded of an experience he wanted to forget.

''Sonic?'' Shadow grew concerned, well aware that if Sonic ever went silent, it was obvious that things were bad. He lifted his hand instinctively, although he didn't make any further moves due to his own hesitance. Even though he had found himself feeling genuine worry for Sonic, going so far to comfort him, he could never make that crucial final step, no matter how much he tried.

''You know, when I saw you falling into The Void, it reminded me of…'' Sonic trailed off, guilt being reflected in his eyes. Shadow's ears drooped and his eyes widened when he realized what Sonic was referring to. Sonic took a deep breath, trying to continue the conversation, despite feeling as if someone placed a boulder on his chest, pressing him down, ''I thought I would lose you again. I couldn't save you when you fell to Earth, no matter how hard I tried, and I refused to let it happen again. I couldn't let it happen again, especially not when I had already lost so much because of my own mistakes.''

Sonic lowered his gaze, clearly still haunted by the memories of the past. He actually felt guilty for being unable to save Shadow after he had lost his Super Form and fell down to Earth, seemingly dying, and it was a burden he carried with himself for a while, even though he tried to push it out of his mind. He was glad that Shadow turned out to be alive, but this was something that still lingered on his mind, to the point that he had a full-blown panic-inducing flashback when he saw an unconscious Shadow falling into the darkest depths of The Void. Sonic placed his hand on his chest, his breath fast and shallow at the memory played out once again, and he could feel his heart beating rapidly. He could still hear his own desperate screams echoing in his head.

''No! No no no no! Shadow! SHADOW!''

''Sonic!''

Sonic gasped as he snapped back to reality, feeling as if he had been running for miles, his heartbeat as fast as back then. He registered a sense of weight on his shoulder and turned to Shadow, realizing that the dark hedgehog had placed his hand on his shoulder, trying to get his attention and break him out of his memory.

''I… I'm sorry…'' Sonic said, holding his breath as he tried to calm down, and forced a smile. ''I-I'm just glad that I had managed to save you this time. Heh.''

''Sonic, you're not fine,'' Shadow stated, his eyes narrowed in concern. He too remembered the moment he had tried to enter the gateway in the mistaken belief that the tech he stole from Sonic would grant him entrance to the Shatterspaces, and while he couldn't remember what happened after he fell unconscious, he did recall being in Sonic's arms, at least before the inevitable collision with one of the crystals. Even back then, Sonic tried to just blow it off as nothing, but it was clear now that this was something that weighted heavily on him.

''No, really, it's nothing…'' Sonic tried to assure him, but Shadow shook his head, giving him a firm look.

''I know what you're trying to do, and it's not working,'' he stated. Sonic's forced smile disappeared and he lowered his gaze.

''I guess that messed me up more than I thought,'' Sonic muttered.

''Even though my fall after the battle with Finalhazard was none of your fault,'' Shadow added. Sonic looked up back at Shadow, his eyes wide.

''No, I was trying to reach out for you. I was trying to save you! If I had only-'' Sonic protested, only to get cut off by Shadow.

''Sonic, I still remember that moment when you reached out to save me before I fell to Earth from the ARK, but it seems that what you have forgotten is that I had waved you away,'' Shadow told him. Sonic stared at him, speechless, trying to recall the moment as well. ''If I hadn't done that, you would have fallen with me. I appreciate your determination, even if you frustrate me to no end, but this was not your fault. I had chosen to let go, especially after all of the trouble I had caused because of my own mistaken beliefs.''

''Shadow…''

''I promised to myself that I would never forget that. Until I did,'' Shadow added, placing his hand against his temple, gritting his teeth and letting out a frustrated groan at his own issues with his memory. There was so much that was wrong with him, no matter how hard he tried. There was so much he tried to understand, but he felt like he'd always find himself at a dead end, always taking the wrong path. It felt so incredibly infuriating, despite all of his attempts to do the right thing. He then lowered his hand, sighing. ''So, as I said, don't ever think that any-''

Before Shadow could even finish the sentence, Sonic threw himself against him, burying his muzzle into Shadow's shoulder and wrapping his hands around torso, hugging him tightly. Shadow remained stunned and speechless at this move, unable to process what had just happened. His eyes darted towards Sonic as he tried to formulate a coherent thought, but nothing except a warm sensation of comfort filled his mind.

''Then, how about we avoid such scenarios in the future,'' Sonic said, still feeling the weight pressing against his chest. In that one moment, he couldn't think of anything else but to reach for Shadow and keep him close to himself, fearing that, if he let go, he would lose him again. What he didn't expect was that Shadow would wrap his hands around his back, pulling him closer.

''Yeah… The same goes for you,'' Shadow muttered, with Sonic lifting his head, still in Shadow's arms and meeting his stern gaze, crimson eyes observing emerald eyes intently. ''Your stunt with the Prism Energy, while necessary, was still idiotic beyond belief. You were lucky I was there to get you home before you vanished into nothingness.''

''Heh, so you were worried about me,'' Sonic said, cracking a soft smile. He tried to tease Shadow, but it was clear that the emotions between them were so raw that even acting as if what had happened wasn't a big deal was impossible. They had simply reached a point where any barrier they had built up between them was completely shattered. Any emotional vulnerability they wanted to hide from each other was now laid out for the other to see and it seemed to have sparked something inside them, something they still needed to process fully.

''Yeah, I was…'' Shadow said, his gaze fixed on Sonic. He still didn't understand why he allowed himself to show this side of him, the side that craved for someone he could trust, someone who could comfort him, but he knew that it was too late to back down. All the walls he had put between himself and Sonic were torn down, and he couldn't care less. Sonic was the reason he was still here, and he would be forever grateful for that.

Shadow's ears then flicked when Sonic snorted, giving Shadow a mischievous look. ''I always knew that you were a hugger.''

Shadow narrowed his eyes, feeling the familiar rush of frustration coursing through his body. He closed his eyes, speaking through his gritted teeth (with Sonic imagining an anime-like cross-popping vein appearing on his forehead), ''If you tell this to anyone, I swear I will kick your ass and throw you off the ARK with my own hands.''

''Yeah, you would,'' Sonic said casually, causing Shadow to look at him, only to notice a sly smirk on Sonic's lips. ''But, you would also catch me afterwards.''

Shadow just sighed, not wanting to answer that, as he and Sonic knew that this was the truth. It amazed and frustrated him to no end just how easily he lost his composure in Sonic's presence, becoming more and more open with his emotions. His rival really had knack for driving him up the wall with his constant antics and, to make it worse, Sonic was fully aware of it. Nevertheless, that was part of the charm of their rivalry and Shadow knew that things would not be the same without that aspect of their relationship.

He then snapped out of his thoughts when Sonic just pressed his head against the white fur on his chest, nuzzling it. ''Dude, you never told me that you had a cloud for chest fur. It's so soft!''

''You're really bold for someone who is about to get punched in the face,'' Shadow said in an irked tone. Sonic lifted his head, a sly smile appearing on his fawn lips.

''Oh, really? Then, why are you still holding me like you're afraid that I'm about to fade away?'' Sonic asked in a teasing tone, drawing attention to the fact that they still held each other in a tight embrace, with Shadow's hands being placed just under Sonic's back quills.

''Shut up,'' Shadow growled, clearly irritated by Sonic's smugness, but nevertheless, he pulled him even closer, digging his muzzle into Sonic's collarbone and enjoying the warmth that kept him comfort. Sonic was still smiling, although his expression became more soft as he understood that, despite everything that just transpired, Shadow still had trouble being honest about his emotions, putting up that intimidating look that kept most people away. Fortunately, Sonic wasn't like most people and he knew what kind of buttons to push to get a reaction from Shadow. He simply leaned into it, taking in the faint scent of lavender he came to associate with Shadow and listening to the faint sound of rain outside.

It seemed that the storm had finally lessened.

xXx

Shadow squinted, slowly blinking before opening his eyes. He was still in a daze, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. The first thing he took note of was the scent of freshness in the air, the kind that appears after rain. He gazed outside, realizing that the rainstorm had stopped and that the sky was dotted with stars. It was probably late in the night.

Shadow then turned his attention to the weight on his shoulder, realizing that it was Sonic. The azure hedgehog was still fast asleep, his head leaning against Shadow's collarbone, with Shadow having placed his arm around his waist to keep him in place. The dark hedgehog sighed, realizing that they had somehow fallen asleep like this, leaned against the wall. Shadow didn't feel too uncomfortable about this position, but he did wish he had been leaning against a pillow or something similar. Sonic, obviously, was quite comfortable using Shadow as a pillow.

How did we end up like this?

Only a few days ago, Shadow was furious at Sonic for his lack of awareness and reckless behavior in the face of danger, reprimanding him for not listening to anyone in a critical moment, which led to their reality fracturing. He never expected that their forced teamwork would lead up to them starting to understand each other better, to the point of being comfortable enough in each other's presence to open up to each other. He understood that their relationship was way more than just a simple rivalry and that there was a level of deep understanding between them, a rare relationship that can enter one's heart.

Shadow knew that this was a relationship that he couldn't let go of.

He took a look down at his lap, having just realized that Sonic had placed his own hand on top of his, his gloved fingers curled slightly over Shadow's knuckles. Shadow couldn't help but smile softly, shifting his hand so he could intertwine with fingers with Sonic's and leaned his head against Sonic's forehead. He then closed his eyes, drifting off to a peaceful sleep while holding Sonic's hand in his own.

Links:

#Previous Chapter

#Current Chapter

#Next Chapter

#Sonic Cyber Revolution (Masterlist)

[squishranger]

AT LAST SEVERAL MONTHS OF BRAINROT COME TO FRUITION

here's a carrd for all tptmers who want to meet some Fun New Girls That I Made (it defaults you to the first girl, but the button leading to the second one is at the bottom... and at the bottom of the second girl's page... is a button leading back to the first! careful not to get stuck in an infinite loop.)

EDIT: OH GOD ITS SO UGLY ON MOBILE. USE YOUR COMPUTER PLEASE

the full designs, transcripts and screenshots of the carrd for mobile users, and other such ramblings are under the cut

REVERIE GIRL , she/they/cloud/dream/star/whatever suits your fancy, wants the world to spin both faster and slower than it does... if she had the gumption, they'd have everything she wanted by now, but they tend to only have the energy to lay in bed and think about lost times. she's a nostalgiacore girlie and she has little else to go off of in terms of defining who she is. (star's... basically just a self-insert.)

PAGE:

JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT: ohhhh my god what am i doing . i cant keep living like this. like its not even living im not even doing anything every morning i wake up and i regret i regret waking up i dont want to wake up but how am i ever supposed to live if i cant do anything other than stare at the ceiling and pretend things are better than they are ??? at this point i'd rather give up. live in my daydream forever with my friends and my cat whos been dead for like two years now i think but i wanna go back to her i wanna go somewhere else. i havent given a shit about reality in fucking forever im so done with it but some part of me wants to live. maybe even get out of my fucking parents house. get a job learn to drive be a person or something. but i'm so stuck. i just hurt all the time. i dont know what part of my heart to follow. i dont know what to do. i can't just go back to bed this time i can't…. i can't…. i always tell myself that and then i do. i need to make up my mind.

CARRIER GIRL, she/he/they/it, has been abandoned by everyone who ever loved her. though she lives a generally stable life, it's a distinctly lonely one, and it isn't enough for her. there is something yet to be fulfilled. some kind of desire. she only wants to feel as loved as she once was.

PAGE:

JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT: hello blog!! i got myself an iced matcha latte from my favorite local cafe today! it was really good. but it like, it got me thinking… will any little treat i buy myself ever make me feel better about how freakin' lonely i am?? man, i dunno why i started thinking like that… i get matcha all the dang time. so often they're starting to feel more like breadcrumbs. i think it'd taste like something again if i shared it with someone. i think i peaked in high school. that was when i had friends and before all that awful stuff happened and yeah maybe i wasn't doing great but i had people. and then they all went to college or got married or had babies or something and… augh!! i can't be bitter!! they're living their best life… just… without me. and now every time i reach out i get brushed off, pushed away… i want someone who won't leave me. will i ever have someone who won't leave me? maybe i won't. maybe i should just accept that. everyone always leaves. i've been nothing but kind to people, i really think that, so what am I doing wrong? ohh boy this one really spiraled outta control didn't it… sorry ;-; i'm just gonna save it and go think for a bittt….

THIS WAS A VERY FUN EXERCISE for character design and branching out with my art style (i did in fact draw both of these characters.. it's probably pretty obvious but i tried to make them look like they were sorta drawn in different styles like the canon girls bc it's cool i think. if that makes sense JSDFJSDF) and coming up with metaphors, i actually had so many other girl ideas that got scrapped for one reason or another, and only two came out unscathed... there may be more... in the future... as for songs, i don't know if that'll ever happen. i have most of the tools, aside from voice synth, so i'd probably just use my own voice. which might be CRINGEEE (ironic statement) so we'll see how that goes!! ^^' don't... don't count on it...

[agileseen24]

"From Passion to Profession: Steps to Enter the Tech Industry"

How to Break into the Tech World: Your Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the tech industry is thriving and full of opportunities. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or someone passionate about technology, you may be wondering, “How do I get into the tech world?” This guide will provide you with actionable steps, resources, and insights to help you successfully navigate your journey.

Understanding the Tech Landscape

Before you start, it's essential to understand the various sectors within the tech industry. Key areas include:

Software Development: Designing and building applications and systems.

Data Science: Analyzing data to support decision-making.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding systems and networks from digital threats.

Product Management: Overseeing the development and delivery of tech products.

User Experience (UX) Design: Focusing on the usability and overall experience of tech products.

Identifying your interests will help you choose the right path.

Step 1: Assess Your Interests and Skills

Begin your journey by evaluating your interests and existing skills. Consider the following questions:

What areas of technology excite me the most?

Do I prefer coding, data analysis, design, or project management?

What transferable skills do I already possess?

This self-assessment will help clarify your direction in the tech field.

Step 2: Gain Relevant Education and Skills

Formal Education

While a degree isn’t always necessary, it can be beneficial, especially for roles in software engineering or data science. Options include:

Computer Science Degree: Provides a strong foundation in programming and system design.

Coding Bootcamps: Intensive programs that teach practical skills quickly.

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer courses in various tech fields.

Self-Learning and Online Resources

The tech industry evolves rapidly, making self-learning crucial. Explore resources like:

FreeCodeCamp: Offers free coding tutorials and projects.

Kaggle: A platform for data science practice and competitions.

YouTube: Channels dedicated to tutorials on coding, design, and more.

Certifications

Certifications can enhance your credentials. Consider options like:

AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Valuable for cloud computing roles.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Great for cybersecurity.

Google Analytics Certification: Useful for data-driven positions.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio showcases your skills and projects. Here’s how to create one:

For Developers

GitHub: Share your code and contributions to open-source projects.

Personal Website: Create a site to display your projects, skills, and resume.

For Designers

Design Portfolio: Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work.

Case Studies: Document your design process and outcomes.

For Data Professionals

Data Projects: Analyze public datasets and share your findings.

Blogging: Write about your data analysis and insights on a personal blog.

Step 4: Network in the Tech Community

Networking is vital for success in tech. Here are some strategies:

Attend Meetups and Conferences

Search for local tech meetups or conferences. Websites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite can help you find relevant events, providing opportunities to meet professionals and learn from experts.

Join Online Communities

Engage in online forums and communities. Use platforms like:

LinkedIn: Connect with industry professionals and share insights.

Twitter: Follow tech influencers and participate in discussions.

Reddit: Subreddits like r/learnprogramming and r/datascience offer valuable advice and support.

Seek Mentorship

Finding a mentor can greatly benefit your journey. Reach out to experienced professionals in your field and ask for guidance.

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is often more valuable than formal education. Here’s how to gain it:

Internships

Apply for internships, even if they are unpaid. They offer exposure to real-world projects and networking opportunities.

Freelancing

Consider freelancing to build your portfolio and gain experience. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you with clients.

Contribute to Open Source

Engaging in open-source projects can enhance your skills and visibility. Many projects on GitHub are looking for contributors.

Step 6: Prepare for Job Applications

Crafting Your Resume

Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Align it with the job description for each application.

Writing a Cover Letter

A compelling cover letter can set you apart. Highlight your passion for technology and what you can contribute.

Practice Interviewing

Prepare for technical interviews by practicing coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. For non-technical roles, rehearse common behavioral questions.

Step 7: Stay Updated and Keep Learning

The tech world is ever-evolving, making it crucial to stay current. Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow tech blogs, and continue learning through online courses.

Follow Industry Trends

Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in your field. Resources like TechCrunch, Wired, and industry-specific blogs can provide valuable insights.

Continuous Learning

Dedicate time each week for learning. Whether through new courses, reading, or personal projects, ongoing education is essential for long-term success.

Conclusion

Breaking into the tech world may seem daunting, but with the right approach and commitment, it’s entirely possible. By assessing your interests, acquiring relevant skills, building a portfolio, networking, gaining practical experience, preparing for job applications, and committing to lifelong learning, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in technology.

Embrace the journey, stay curious, and connect with the tech community. The tech world is vast and filled with possibilities, and your adventure is just beginning. Take that first step today and unlock the doors to your future in technology!

contact Infoemation wensite: https://agileseen.com/how-to-get-to-tech-world/ Phone: 01722-326809 Email: info@agileseen.com

[itcareerblogs]

Top 10 In- Demand Tech Jobs in 2025

Technology is growing faster than ever, and so is the need for skilled professionals in the field. From artificial intelligence to cloud computing, businesses are looking for experts who can keep up with the latest advancements. These tech jobs not only pay well but also offer great career growth and exciting challenges.

In this blog, we’ll look at the top 10 tech jobs that are in high demand today. Whether you’re starting your career or thinking of learning new skills, these jobs can help you plan a bright future in the tech world.

1. AI and Machine Learning Specialists

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and Machine Learning are changing the game by helping machines learn and improve on their own without needing step-by-step instructions. They’re being used in many areas, like chatbots, spotting fraud, and predicting trends.

Key Skills: Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, data analysis, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).

Industries Hiring: Healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing.

Career Tip: Keep up with AI and machine learning by working on projects and getting an AI certification. Joining AI hackathons helps you learn and meet others in the field.

2. Data Scientists

Data scientists work with large sets of data to find patterns, trends, and useful insights that help businesses make smart decisions. They play a key role in everything from personalized marketing to predicting health outcomes.

Key Skills: Data visualization, statistical analysis, R, Python, SQL, and data mining.

Industries Hiring: E-commerce, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.

Career Tip: Work with real-world data and build a strong portfolio to showcase your skills. Earning certifications in data science tools can help you stand out.

3. Cloud Computing Engineers: These professionals create and manage cloud systems that allow businesses to store data and run apps without needing physical servers, making operations more efficient.

Key Skills: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), DevOps, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

Industries Hiring: IT services, startups, and enterprises undergoing digital transformation.

Career Tip: Get certified in cloud platforms like AWS (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect).

4. Cybersecurity Experts

Cybersecurity professionals protect companies from data breaches, malware, and other online threats. As remote work grows, keeping digital information safe is more crucial than ever.

Key Skills: Ethical hacking, penetration testing, risk management, and cybersecurity tools.

Industries Hiring: Banking, IT, and government agencies.

Career Tip: Stay updated on new cybersecurity threats and trends. Certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) can help you advance in your career.

5. Full-Stack Developers

Full-stack developers are skilled programmers who can work on both the front-end (what users see) and the back-end (server and database) of web applications.

Key Skills: JavaScript, React, Node.js, HTML/CSS, and APIs.

Industries Hiring: Tech startups, e-commerce, and digital media.

Career Tip: Create a strong GitHub profile with projects that highlight your full-stack skills. Learn popular frameworks like React Native to expand into mobile app development.

6. DevOps Engineers

DevOps engineers help make software faster and more reliable by connecting development and operations teams. They streamline the process for quicker deployments.

Key Skills: CI/CD pipelines, automation tools, scripting, and system administration.

Industries Hiring: SaaS companies, cloud service providers, and enterprise IT.

Career Tip: Earn key tools like Jenkins, Ansible, and Kubernetes, and develop scripting skills in languages like Bash or Python. Earning a DevOps certification is a plus and can enhance your expertise in the field.

7. Blockchain Developers

They build secure, transparent, and unchangeable systems. Blockchain is not just for cryptocurrencies; it’s also used in tracking supply chains, managing healthcare records, and even in voting systems.

Key Skills: Solidity, Ethereum, smart contracts, cryptography, and DApp development.

Industries Hiring: Fintech, logistics, and healthcare.

Career Tip: Create and share your own blockchain projects to show your skills. Joining blockchain communities can help you learn more and connect with others in the field.

8. Robotics Engineers

Robotics engineers design, build, and program robots to do tasks faster or safer than humans. Their work is especially important in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.

Key Skills: Programming (C++, Python), robotics process automation (RPA), and mechanical engineering.

Industries Hiring: Automotive, healthcare, and logistics.

Career Tip: Stay updated on new trends like self-driving cars and AI in robotics.

9. Internet of Things (IoT) Specialists

IoT specialists work on systems that connect devices to the internet, allowing them to communicate and be controlled easily. This is crucial for creating smart cities, homes, and industries.

Key Skills: Embedded systems, wireless communication protocols, data analytics, and IoT platforms.

Industries Hiring: Consumer electronics, automotive, and smart city projects.

Career Tip: Create IoT prototypes and learn to use platforms like AWS IoT or Microsoft Azure IoT. Stay updated on 5G technology and edge computing trends.

10. Product Managers

Product managers oversee the development of products, from idea to launch, making sure they are both technically possible and meet market demands. They connect technical teams with business stakeholders.

Key Skills: Agile methodologies, market research, UX design, and project management.

Industries Hiring: Software development, e-commerce, and SaaS companies.

Career Tip: Work on improving your communication and leadership skills. Getting certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner) can help you advance.

Importance of Upskilling in the Tech Industry

Stay Up-to-Date: Technology changes fast, and learning new skills helps you keep up with the latest trends and tools.

Grow in Your Career: By learning new skills, you open doors to better job opportunities and promotions.

Earn a Higher Salary: The more skills you have, the more valuable you are to employers, which can lead to higher-paying jobs.

Feel More Confident: Learning new things makes you feel more prepared and ready to take on tougher tasks.

Adapt to Changes: Technology keeps evolving, and upskilling helps you stay flexible and ready for any new changes in the industry.

Top Companies Hiring for These Roles

Global Tech Giants: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM.

Startups: Fintech, health tech, and AI-based startups are often at the forefront of innovation.

Consulting Firms: Companies like Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC increasingly seek tech talent.

In conclusion,  the tech world is constantly changing, and staying updated is key to having a successful career. In 2025, jobs in fields like AI, cybersecurity, data science, and software development will be in high demand. By learning the right skills and keeping up with new trends, you can prepare yourself for these exciting roles. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your skills, the tech industry offers many opportunities for growth and success.

[scariusaquarius]

blood, guts, and transformers.

Chapter Six: Old Truth, New Lies

Winchester! Reader

William sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, his chair swiveling back and forth. He couldn't remember the last time that he had been so stressed out, but ever since (Y/n) had came into his life, his blood pressure was always higher than the clouds. Will's eyes strayed to his computer, frowning deeply.

On the screen was a picture of Dean Winchester, (Y/n)'s father. However, the thing that puzzled him the most about the picture of Dean was the police report beneath it labeling him as deceased as of years ago. If he was truly deceased, then why did (Y/n) continuously insist that Will find him? Will bit his lip and enlarged Dean's picture, staring at the man. Will could definitely see him in (Y/n).

Her eyes, nose, and lips were of Dean's. Her hair was of the same color as well. Nevertheless, Will could tell that the same 'don't mess with me' attitude was in Dean. Will doubted that he would miss this guy in a crowd since Dean looked so much like (Y/n). Or was it the other way around? Will minimized the window as a soldier walked in with a thick file, saying as he stood at attention.

"Sir, General Morshower asked me to bring this to you, sir."

William frowned, grabbing the file from the man, and the man nodded as William thanked him. Opening the file, William blinked in surprise. In the file were more reports of Dean, of his brother, Sam, and their parents. Nevertheless, a report of the mysterious man, Castiel, and of (Y/n)'s mother, Lisa Braeden. William's eyes softened at the picture of Lisa. She was beautiful, and again, he could really see her in (Y/n).

A drop of water hit the desk, and William widened his eyes, realizing he was crying. Why? Why was he crying? Was it because of the fact that these people might be dead, and (Y/n) might not get her parents back? William took a deep breath, calming himself down, and wiped his eyes.

He had to stay strong, if not for himself, then for (Y/n). As Will prepared to close the file, he was confused when he saw the corner of a CD case poking out beneath some papers. Grabbing it, Will widened his eyes.

Video Surveillance - Camera 1394-1400

If this was what Will thought this was, then this was the answer to (Y/n)'s question as to whether or not her parents were alive or not. However, even though it would be best to watch it right then and there, Will was too nervous to. Even he was not ready to be shown the answer to the impending question that hung in the air like an icicle over his head.

Slipping the folder closed, he stood up and shook his head. He was going to need some very much needed sleep after this. Walking out, Will was surprised to see (Y/n) and Sam out with the Autobots, Bumblebee currently entertaining the two teenagers. Leaning against the door frame, William couldn't help but smile when Bumblebee started to dance, making (Y/n) laugh as Sam became embarrassed. Epps walked up and paused beside Will, saying quietly.

"I've never met a stronger woman than (Y/n) Winchester."

Will grinned.

"She gets it from her father."

"How do you know that?"

Epps looked at Will with a curious look in his eyes, and William just smirked.

"If Dean is anything like (Y/n), then I'm sure that's where she gets it from."

Epps chuckled and shook his head, crossing his arms.

-READERS POV-

Staring up at Bumblebee, I laughed as he let the song 'Can't Touch This' play, hilariously dancing as he purposely embarrassed Sam. Sam, who was redder than a tomato, grabbed my hand and started to gently, but firmly, drag me away. Sam muttered under his breath as Bumblebee cried 'Baby, come back!'

"I can't believe him. He does this every single time. After everything we've been through...!"

I snickered at the blushing boy.

"Aw, someone seems to be a bit embarrassed."

Sam gave me a look, and I snickered once more as Sam paused. Looking ahead, I could see Will and Epps staring back at us, and I rolled my eyes.

"You know, for someone who shoved the Cube into the chest of Decepticon, you can be a bitch when it comes to Will."

Sam gasped, whipping around to look at me.

"What, you're going to betray me too? Is that what this is now? A team up? I thought this was the great start of a great friendship."

"It is."

Sam's eyes widened as he gawked in horror.

"That is not how you begin a friendship!"

I rolled my eyes.

"You obviously don't know me, then. Will had to go through the same thing, and now look at us. Best pals to ever walk the Earth! Ain't that right, Lennox?"

Will's eyebrows shot up, and he shook his head.

"Whatever you say, Winchester. Now, come on. It's time for you to get back into bed like you should be."

I huffed, glaring at Will, before allowing Sam to help me back to my room. Laying down carefully, I sighed, closing my eyes. Sam shifted on his feet, and I gave him my farewell.

"It was nice meeting you, Sam. You should probably get going, though. Wouldn't want your parents to worry about you."

Sam blinked and then nodded, replying back.

"Y-Yeah. Same to you! I-I mean...night!"

He shuffled out, and I said to myself.

"That kid is so anxious, it almost breaks my heart."

Will replied, hanging up the top of his uniform on the handle of a cabinet.

"Well, he's been through a lot, so I can imagine why he would be like that."

I shook my head, staring up at the ceiling.

"I doubt that it's because of the war, or whatever he's been through because of the Autobots. It feels like it's natural for him to be so awkward."

William shrugged as he laid down, his eyes closing right as he laid himself down. It was quiet for a moment before I whispered, cursing myself for getting emotional.

"Will...do you...do you think my parents are alive? Do you think we'll find them?"

William stayed quiet before saying truthfully.

"I don't know, (Y/n)...but I'm going to try my best to find them."

I sighed and whispered once more.

"Sometimes, I can hear him in my dreams...calling out to me. Even though I try to find him...I can't. I can't find him in the darkness."

My lips pursed as tears fell from the corners of my eyes, and I sniffled, still staring at the ceiling.

"It makes me hate sleeping...or even closing my eyes because I'll see or hear him, but I know it's not real. I know he isn't there, and it fucking sucks."

The sound of rustling caught my attention, but I didn't bother to look over to watch Will walk over to me. Will carefully climbed into the bed, gathering me up into his arms. Hugging me, he laid his chin on the top of my head, and he whispered as I cried, squeezing my eyes shut.

"I know it's hard, and I'm sorry that I can't do more to help you. But I promise that we're going to find your parents. I won't stop looking until I do."

Biting my lip, I choked out.

"Will, I don't know what to do."

Will held onto me tighter, though he was careful not to aggravate my wounds.

"I know, sweetheart, I know."

Allowing myself to be vulnerable, I let my head fall to the side, my nose gently brushing against his chest, and allowed the wave of exhaustion that washed over to me bring me to sleep.

It was hot. Wherever I was, it was undeniably hot. Was this hell? Did I die in my sleep? Looking around, I noticed that I was in the desert, the sand white and difficult to look at. The sun was bright, beating down on me, seeming to burn my skin. Where was I?

"Hello?"

I called out, hoping to find someone within the dunes of the desert. A quiet voice called back to me as it always did.

"(Y/n)!"

I widened my eyes, trying to run through the sand.

"Dad! Mom!"

However, the dunes suddenly grew as the sand shifted beneath my feet, causing me to slip and tumble down the sand dunes. Farther away from my parents' voices did I tumble, my cries of frustration and pain becoming louder with each hit I took. As I came to a stop, and slowly got up onto my hands and knees, a pede stomped right in front of my face, causing me to freeze and look up. However, it was not of a Decepticon.

In fact, it was Optimus who had stepped over me. Right as I looked up at his face, a jet came at him, and they began to fight. Over the sand dunes, more Cybertronians began to fight around me, and I was afraid. What did this mean? Why was I seeing this? The sand began to create tornados and storms around me, my fear picking up as my parents' voices became more fearful. Standing up, I tried to navigate to them, running as the fighting around me became more violent.

A blue glowing within my hands made me pause, and I widened my eyes as my parents' voices surrounded me, whispering at some moments, shouting at others.

"You have to fight with them, (Y/n)."

"Don't you dare give up!"

"You're stronger than this."

"They need you!"

"We need you!"

"Please find us."

I cried, collapsing as the glowing seeped into my veins, igniting them into an iridescent, electric blue.

"How? How do I help you? How do I find you?"

My fathers' voice whispered to me.

"You know how to find us. Follow your heart, (Y/n). Trust them."

Just as the blue seemed to consume me, a face with a pair of green eyes I knew all too well seemed to manifest itself from within the sandy storms before I woke up.

I gasped as I awoke, the sudden intake of air making my chest hurt. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I looked over at Will, who was still sound asleep and still holding me. His nose was buried in my hair, his hand over my heart as if to subconsciously reassure himself that it would still beat during the night. Looking at the clock on the wall, I read it to be at least a quarter past two in the morning and sighed. Knowing that trying to get up would wake up Will, I just laid there, listening to the sounds around me.

Will's breathing, the clock ticking, the whirring of the transformers that weren't sleeping yet. The dream suddenly flashed into my mind, and I involuntarily shivered. Why did I dream of such a thing? Why did it feel so real? Seeing my fathers' eyes like I did had unsettled me more than it comforted me. It was strange to think that my father didn't bring me comfort, even though I missed him more than anything in the world.

Why was it always my father? How come my mother wasn't actively in these dreams like he was, other than just to be a voice? Where was Uncle Sam and Cas? Biting my lip, I closed my eyes, trying hard to not let the invasive thoughts get to me.

'It's too late to be thinking about this. Get some rest. You'll be able to find them more efficiently with a well-rested mind than one that's sleep-deprived.'

Sighing, I turned my head back into Will's chest, inhaling his comforting scent. In a way, as fucked up as it sounded, it was like he had become my dad for the time being. In fact, some of the things Will did reminded me of my father. Finding comfort in the strange thought, I closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax once more, sleep slowing closing in on me once more.

-TIMESKIP-

In the morning, I was awakened by the sounds of metal footsteps falling onto the ground. Will was nowhere to be found, but the bed was still warm, signaling that he had just gotten up. Sparing a glance at the clock, I almost groaned when I realized it was shy two minutes of six in the morning. Why I was up so early, I would never know. Sighing, I sat up, grunting slighting as my bruises became irritated. Glancing at my arm, I huffed and looked around.

Spying my duffel bag, I stood up carefully and walked over to it. Grabbing a pair of my jeans and undergarments, I slipped them on. As I slipped on my shirt, my eyes strayed to Will's desk and I looked away before doing a double-take. On his desk was a thick-looking folder, a paper hazardously slipping out of the opening of the folder. However, it wasn't the slipping paper that made me pause. It was the description on the page.

DOB: January 24, 1979 POB: Lawrence, Kansas Height: 6' 1" Weight: 175 lbs. Hair: Brown Eyes: Green

There was only one person that I knew with that kind of description and that birthday. Walking over to the desk, I looked up to make sure no one was watching me, and opened the file. What I saw inside almost made me gasp. It was a simple biography of my father's life, speaking of things that I didn't know about. As I read, I was shocked to find out that my grandmother had died in a fire. How come my dad never talked about that? Maybe it was too hard for him? As I read on, I was shocked to see the biography end with 'Dean Winchester was presumed deceased at the age of 27. His cause of death is unknown.'.

What the fuck.

How was my dad presumed deceased at 27, when he was clearly alive and well today? Well, hopefully. Glancing to the side, I noticed there was a CD labeled as 'video surveillance' and grabbed it, slipping it into the file.I looked up, making sure no one was watching, before grabbing the file, stuffing it into my duffel bag. Sneaking out of the office, I made sure to not come off as suspicious to the random soldiers that I passed. As I exited the N.E.S.T Base, I was quick to run to the corner and hail a taxi. Getting in, I rushed out.

"I need you to take me to Winchester Automotive as fast as you can while still abiding by the rules. Think you can do that?"

The man just nodded before speeding away. As we went down the road, the guilt of leaving so suddenly made my heart sink. However, deep down, I couldn't think of a reason why I shouldn't have taken the file. It was my right to know...wasn't it? Dean Winchester was my father, and I deserved to know. Not only that, but if there was a person in the world who could find him, it was me.

'You know how to find us.'

As the cab stopped, I threw a twenty at the driver and got out as fast as I could without injuring myself. The dream version of my father was right. I knew exactly how to find him and Mom. It was just the matter of where to look. All of a sudden, the voice from the first strange dream I had ran through my mind.

'Do not fear the path your destiny calls for, (Y/n).'

I paused as I walked into the garage. Something about the first dream and second dream didn't seem to sit well with me. It was as if they were connected. How was that possible though? I wasn't a psychic, and there was no such thing as prophecies or anything like that. Was there? I bit my lip as I made it seem like I wasn't in the shop.

Before half a year ago, transformers were just something a little kid might have made up in some dream. However, now, they are real. They walk our Earth, they live among us, and fight among us...and even fight with or against us. So, why couldn't magic be real as well? I swallowed thickly.

Could that be an explanation as to why I survived the car crash when doctors were so sure I wasn't going to?

Shaking my head, I growled.

'Don't be so damn ridiculous, Winchester. You're getting way ahead of yourself. Stop fantasizing about magic, and start focusing on getting your family back.'

Grabbing the computer that sat on the greasy, stained counter top of the metal table in the corner, I plugged it in. Wiping the dust from the screen, I allowed it to load before grabbing a flashlight from the bottom shelf, turning it on and holding it above my lap. Grabbing the thick file, I opened it once more, setting my father and Uncle Sam's pages to the side. When I saw Castiel's page, I gawked. The government was even keeping tabs on Castiel? How? Why?

This was getting stranger and stranger. Deciding that the CD might be of more help to me, I slipped it into the CD Player in the computer. Was I ready for what I might see? If this was what I thought it was, then this was going to be life-changing. As the video player came up, my heart dropped. It was, in fact, video surveillance of the area that my parents were in at the time the war began in Chicago.

My eyes watered and my hands came to my mouth as I spied my parents. Their happy faces, my fathers love-struck eyes, my mother's smile. I almost began to feel sick to my stomach as my father seemed to turn as if he heard something. That's when the chaos began. I could see the Cybertronians falling into the area, explosions and falling buildings creating large clouds of dust.

The camera glitched, and I switched it to a different feed of the cameras, seeing my parents freak out and begin running away the best the could. However, they were blocked by a fallen transformer, and forced to turn back. When the feed for camera 1395 stopped working, I began to filter through all of the other cameras, becoming increasingly frustrated as none of the recorded videos gave me a clear answer on whether or not my parents escaped the carnage.

However, when I got to the final camera, I could see my parents running through the debris as the transformers fought, my father skillfully maneuvering the two of the through, and I was filled with hope as they disappeared into a cloud of dust, the feed from the camera ending. Even though it wasn't a direct answer, it was still something that I could work with. Looking at the surroundings, I committed the buildings to my memory, hoping that I would have an opportunity to go to that area of town as soon as I could.

Ejecting the CD, and putting it back in its case, I was quick to slip the CD back into the folder, and put the whole folder back into my duffel. Grabbing more clothes from my dresser, I covered the folder discreetly before running out, hailing a cab once more. In my heart, I was hoping that Will hadn't noticed my absence, nor the absence of the folder.

How long had he had this, anyway? There wasn't a visible date on the papers, nor on the folder itself. So, I had reason to believe that he's had this folder for a while. However, Will would have told me, wouldn't he? I had specifically asked him to start being truthful with me...so maybe he had just gotten this folder? As the cab came to a stop, I game the driver a twenty before rushing out. Inconspicuously slipping back inside, I was paying attention to my surroundings more than I was to what was in front of me, and almost ran into Epps.

"Whoa, tiger, slow your roll. What are you doing up?"

His eyes glanced at my duffel bag, and his eyebrow quirked up. Fuck. Shit. This was bad. What do I say? Epps was trained on how to pick up on when someone was lying, as if he was a walking lie detector. How would I get away with this?

"Well, I was running out of clothes, and decided to go and get some real quick. I figured a small trip to the Winchester Automotive wouldn't hurt. Besides, nobody was going to miss me within the twenty minutes I was gone. If they did...they need to get a boyfriend."

Epps rolled his eyes and pushed me gently into the direction of my room.

"Get out of here, Winchester."

I grinned, walking to the office, but not before grimacing and breathing out in relief. Thanking whoever instilled the gift of deception to me, I quickly ran into the office, taking my duffel and opening it. Grabbing the file, I put it back onto Will's desk before sighing in relief. Sitting on my bed, allowing my duffel to slip to the floor, I sighed.

What did I do now? Did I tell Will, and ask for his help? Did I go my own way? Even though asking Will would prove to be helpful, since the more people on the case would mean the more grounds we would cover, I didn't want to put him in any potential danger. Sighing, I bit my lip.

'I really wish I could talk to Uncle Cas. I could really use some of his guidance right now.'

A shiver ran down my spine as my father's voice ran through my head once more.

'Follow your heart, (Y/n). Trust them.'

Could I really trust the people of N.E.S.T? Will had only broken my trust once, and that was because he wanted to protect me. That was a man of good faith, right? Why was I still stalling?

'It is because of the fact that a transformer might have been the reason your parents were killed, autobot or not.'

Startled by the thought, I couldn't help bite my lip. Is that what was holding me back? For all my life, I never relied on anybody else but my immediate family. I never trusted anybody else but them. Would trusting Optimus and his friends be a good idea? Sighing, I figured there was only one way to find out.

Standing up, I walked out of the room and into the large area where are the transformers were, soldiers bustling about. Bumblebee was nowhere to be found, but I could see Optimus talking to someone on a high platform that was made to be level with his face. Not seeing Will anywhere, I was too shy to ask any of the soldiers roaming around. So, I began to walk up the platform. Optimus, seeming to notice my presence, nodded at me as he watched me walk up the stairs.

"It is great to see that you are in good health, (Y/n)."

I nodded, saying slowly.

"Thanks, Optimus. I...I had a question. Well, lots of them, actually."

Optimus nodded, and replied.

"I'm sure that you do. I will answer your questions to the best of my ability."

I nodded, and sighed as I got up to the platform, standing right in front of him. Now that I was face-to-face with Optimus, I could clearly see just how wise yet...leader-like he looked. Shaking my head slightly, I asked.

"Why are you fighting? What started all of this?"

Optimus hummed, and he replied as if he's said it a thousand times.

"Our planet was once a powerful empire, peaceful and just, until we were betrayed by Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. All who defied them were destroyed. Our war finally consumed the planet, and the All Spark was lost to the stars. Megatron followed it to Earth, where Captain Witwicky found him."

I frowned and asked

"Captain Witwicky? Like...Sam Witwicky?"

"His grandfather, to be exact."

I nodded, awed by how connected Sam was to all of this. Optimus continued.

"He accidentally activated Megatron's navigation system, which in turn imprinted the location of the Spark onto his glasses. We thought the All Spark had been lost to the stars, but Bumblebee was able to locate it when he came to Earth."

"And then the whole war began with the Autobots and the Decepticon's once the Decepticon's learned of the All Spark being here."

Optimus nodded. I let my head fall and shook my head, frowning.

"Why was it so important to Megatron?"

"The Allspark has the capability to give life to your planets machines to turn them into what we are. If he had succeeded, it would have meant the end of the human race."

Damn. Why would someone create something that powerful? Ironhide's voice caught our attention, causing us both to turn and look at him.

"Optimus...you need to come see this."

Ironhide's eyes strayed to me, and after a moment, he added.

"I believe (Y/n) should know about this as well."

Optimus nodded, and then turned to me. His hand came up to the platform, and I asked, suddenly nervous.

"Wait, you want me to hitch a ride on your hand?"

"Would my shoulder suffice?"

I couldn't help but grin and shrugged.

"I don't know. I guess I can't say I haven't lived until I've ridden on the shoulder of a transformer, so."

Optimus' eyes lit up in amusement as I climbed onto his hand. Steadying myself, he slowly brought me to his shoulder, where I perched myself. We began walking, and turned a corner into another room. I gasped when I saw my car.

Baby was bent in so many ways, the glass of the windows all shattered, the tired busted. Different parts of her were on the floor, such as the doors, and the hood. What had me in awe, however, was the fact that the engine was in perfect condition. How was that possible? Will was greasy, sweat running down his face, and he shook his head.

"I can't explain this, Optimus. The only thing that isn't wrecked is the engine. It's like it wasn't even touched."

Something was pulling me to the car, and I practically cried out.

"I want down. I want my car."

Optimus, seeming to pause, stared at me before handing me to Ironhide, who carefully let me down. I bit my lip as I was let down on the ground, immediately walking to the car. My hand came down onto the black frame of the door, my eyes filling with tears as my hand rested on the glass that was still shiny. I whispered, just allowing my emotions to run free.

"There are so many memories that I have with this car...my father driving us down the road when I couldn't sleep, the two of us singing at the top our lungs..."

I got down on my knees, resting my head against the frame right above the area where the wheel was supposed to be. I whispered, whether to myself or my father.

"I need you...I can't do this without you...I don't know what to do. This is the only thing directly connecting me to you, and I don't know what I'll do if I lose this...please don't leave me."

The voice of Ratchet interrupted my thoughts as I began to feel a sudden warmth in the spot where my head was resting against the car.

"Optimus...you're never going to believe this."

Just as Optimus began to speak, the sound of electricity whirring through the air sounded, a blue light flashing right before my eyes. I gasped as the frame of the car healed itself, the scratches becoming smooth black. The different parts of the car that were on the floor flew back, causing me to yelp as I jumped out of the wheel's way. The grinding of metal sounded, and I was in awe as Baby transformed right before my eyes.

I gawked as I stood up, watching as a fist formed, slamming onto the ground in front of me, a head forming as it began to stand. The buff build of the transformer formed, and I noticed that it looked like a cross of Hugh Jackman and Clint Eastwood. The Autobots had drawn their weapons, cautious, but I was not afraid, strangely enough. My car's optics opened, revealing a brilliant green, and it muttered in a deep voice, amusingly sounding like a cross of Hugh Jackman and Clint Eastwood as well.

"I ain't going anywhere, bub."

I was too in awe to speak, dumbstruck by the fact that my car was a transformer. What had created him? What had awakened him? Was it me? The transformer simply blinked.

"What, transformer got your tongue? Say something, bub. You're making me nervous."

I shook my head, and sputtered.

"I..I, um...you're...Baby?"

The transformer shrugged.

"Eh, most would have called me Custos before your father got his hands on me, but Baby's kind of grown on me."

The word custos made me pause, and I whispered as my Uncle Sam's language lessons ran through my head.

"Custos? I'm pretty sure that's Latin for guardian..."

Baby, or Custos, shrugged.

"I don't know. Don't ask me. I don't make the rules or the names."

I shook my head, my voice raising with hysteria as it finally hit me.

"Oh my god. My fucking car is a transformer. My car is a transformer!"

Baby's eyes widened, and he held his hands up.

"Now wait a minute, bub. It isn't that much of a big deal."

Will whispered to himself.

"Uh oh, wrong thing to say, buddy."

Immediately, I snapped.

"Isn't that much of a big deal?! You're a fucking transformer. A giant robot that nobody fucking told me about! How the fuck is that not a big deal?"

Baby just shook his head, pinching the bridge of his...nose?

"Well, to be fair, nobody but your grandfather knew about me."

"That makes it even worse!"

Optimus piped in.

"(Y/n), we have been walking your Earth for many years. We have just now come out of hiding. His explanation is very plausible."

Baby held his hands up in a 'see?' gesture. I shook my head, my hands running through my hair.

"Why? Why now? Why do you show yourself to me now?"

Baby frowned, his optics looking down at the ground.

"I don't know. I'm pretty confused about it myself. I don't know why I would be brought back, but my duty is still the same no matter what year it is."

I frowned, confused.

"And what is that?"

Baby said with a serious look on his face.

"To protect you with my life."

I was in awe. Why was it his duty to protect me? Baby seemed to sense that question, and he explained.

"I met your grandfather in 1973, when he thought that I was just a car. Around 1975 was when he found out about me. To say he was shocked is an understatement. I can still remember his face."

Baby chuckled before shaking his head.

"In 1979, when Dean was born, he asked me to promise him something. He asked me to promise him to protect his son with everything I had, and he would do everything he would to protect me. I couldn't refuse John. After all, the guy just wanted his son to be protected. I couldn't refuse that. So, I made the pact with him, and I did as I was asked. In 1983, when Sam was born, John asked me if I would protect him as well."

Baby looked down and smiled softly, an expression that made my heart swell.

"I told him that instead of just protecting his boys, I would protect the Winchester lineage with my life, whether it be his sons, or future sons, or his grandchildren, or great grandchildren. The Winchester lineage would be under my protection until the day I offlined. Unfortunately, that came a bit too soon, in my opinion. In 1987, I was offlined by a decepticon. I guess he was having a bad day, cause I remember just cruising down the road, minding my own business. Fucking bitch."

Baby shrugged, but I was confused.

"Wait, what do you mean by that? Why would a decepticon just randomly kill you, unless you're an autobot?"

Baby shook his head, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair.

"Sweetheart, I'm not an autobot, nor a decepticon. I guess you can say I'm more of a neutral party, so to speak. I fight for what I think is right."

I couldn't help but think about how much he sounded like my dad. Looking down, I whispered.

"Why would my grandfather not say anything about this?"

Baby shrugged.

"I guess he didn't want his sons to freak out."

I looked up at Baby and asked.

"Wait, why do you know who I am if you were killed in 1987? You've been dead for years...you shouldn't know me."

Baby grinned.

"Just because I was dead does not mean that I didn't have the ability to watch over you three."

"Wait, that's possible?"

Ratchet confirmed as he checked on Baby's vitals.

"Yes. Just like humans, we have souls as well. Well, our sparks double as both our life force and our souls. When Cybertronians offline, the energy from our sparks gets sent to the Allspark realm, where it then is housed within the Well of All Sparks. In theory, a spark will still be conscious, even in death. We just would not have bodies."

"So, basically you guys are ghosts?"

Optimus nodded. He added, making sure I understood.

"That is why Megatron would have been able to turn Earth's machines into an army."

I shook my head, sitting down on the ground.

"This is getting weirder and weirder. I need a fucking nap."

Baby piped up as Ratchet finished checking his vitals.

"I'll say. Hey, where's your dad, anyway?"

Will winced, and I paused, staring at him. Baby frowned, and I replied quietly, becoming irritated.

"Shouldn't you know that? You were conscious, weren't you?"

"Eh, I might have been sleeping most of the time, bub."

I snapped at him.

"Mom and Dad...Uncle Sam and Cas...they're gone. I don't know where they are...but I've been trying to look for them for a while now. I've gotten a pretty good lead, though. So, that's something."

Baby paused before he frowned, becoming serious again. He sat up straight, stating.

"I will do whatever I can to help you find your family, (Y/n). You are presumed to be the only Winchester, so be reassured that I will protect you with my life."

His declaration eased my anger slightly, and I sighed as Will sat down beside me, gently patting my back. Will whispered to me.

"This is overwhelming you, (Y/n). You should get some rest. Optimus and I will take it from here, alright?"

Biting my lip, I nodded, allowing Will to pick me up. He walked to my room, and laid me down, saying.

"Well, at least you and Sam have something in common, now."

"You say that like I'm proud of it."

I gave Will a look, and he sighed.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry, (Y/n). I'm just as surprised and confused as you are. The chances of something like this happening are so low, yet it's happened to you. I...I'm just trying to make you feel better, I guess."

I sighed and looked at Will.

"I know, but this is beyond me, Will. My car is a transformer, and my grandfather knew about it. Why would he keep something like this from my family?"

Will sighed, and whispered.

"There's something else you should know, as well."

I furrowed my brow, and Will shook his head, sitting down.

"I don't even know where to start, but I guess I should start with...Baby."

He shivered, almost seeming to gag, and I couldn't help but chuckle. He smiled at me before pursing his lips.

"Before the whole resurrection thing happened, and I was trying my best to work on him, I found a whole cache of hidden weapons in the trunk...and some other questionable things too. Jars of blood...salt...some weird looking symbols. I don't know what it was, but there was a lot of stuff in there. I...I don't want to assume things about your dad, but I don't know why he would have that stuff in there."

I was in awe. Was this true? If it was, then why did my dad have all of that? What was he hiding? I covered my face and whispered.

"My dad is a good man, Will. There's an explanation for this, I know there is."

Will sighed and replied.

"I hope there is. There was another thing that I got as well. A folder full of reports about your family. There was a CD that was labeled 'video surveillance'. I'm pretty sure that...that the CD has the answer to our question...whether or not your parents are alive."

I bit my lip and whispered, not being able to hide the fact that I stole his folder.

"I know. I watched it."

Will sighed before pausing, looking at me.

"Wait, what? You looked at it?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry. I saw a piece of paper poking out from it, and it had my dad's description and birthday. I knew what it was when I saw it. I had to look at it."

Will pinched the bridge of his nose, and muttered.

"You know, sometimes you can be a pain in my ass. I was trying to make a moment here."

"You should know you can't ever have moments with a Winchester. We don't believe in chick flick moments."

Will shook his head.

"Yeah, I see that."

He smiled, nonetheless.

"Well, if I'm honest...I'm beginning to believe that maybe I should let you take the reigns on this investigation."

I shook my head.

"I'm really not sure if that's a good idea. I was taught to shoot first, ask questions later."

Will paused before nodding.

"Yeah, maybe that wouldn't be a good idea...but I'm going to stop excluding you. Dean is your father, and I can't keep him from you. That includes anything about him."

I nodded in agreement, and Will kissed my forehead.

"Just...get some sleep. We'll talk more about this in the morning."

Will left, and without a fight, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

Chapter Seven