#Mixture-of-Experts system

[iammannyj]

What is DeepSeek and the $6 Million Side Project - Causing a Stir in the AI Industry

DeepSeek AI and the $6 Million Side Project That’s Causing a Stir in the Industry

So lets talk about DeepSeek. I couldn’t believe it was developed on just $6 million. In a world where AI projects routinely burn through hundreds of millions, here was this “side project” that was outperforming tech giants like ChatGPT and Gemini. A David and Goliath story? For movie fun it kind of reminds for of this scene from Tron Legacy, when Flynn dumped the ENCOM OS online for…

[risuola]

VII — WHAT IF...? // F. READER x TOBIRAMA SENJU

Tobirama never wanted children and not one of you ever brought the topic up, but now, as you grow more and more intimate and comfortable with each other you wonder, what if...?

contents: smut, reader discretion is advised — 2,1k words

a/n: i need to tell you guys that i'm so incredibely grateful for the positive feedback i got from you readers! i know that Tobirama isn't the most popular character in Naruto and i chose him to make this series about (because I love him, that's why) and it makes me so happy that you enjoy his little persona too! ❥ also, i'm very sorry for posting so rarely for this series, i was stuck in where to take the story now.

POLITICALLY LOVELESS || SERIES MASTERLIST

“God, I’m so damn busy.”

Tobirama’s low, deep voice rumbled against your skin as he kept latching his lips along the edges of you. You let your nails gently run across the pale flesh of his sides, your hands long gone underneath the dark ink-blue fabric of his blouse, yearning for the warmth of a man that has your heart in a tight grip for way longer than you’d ever suspect. The marks he was leaving at his wake matched the color to the ones you were painting on his back and you couldn’t help but grin with satisfaction when he hissed near your ear. The stinging sensation of your scratches fueled his fire even more and only seconds passed before your pants were pushed down and underwear got ripped into pieces. The heat of your core now exposed to his whims, starved tremendously for any touch of his, and you whimper – the sound nearly pathetic, as he moved his fingers along your dripping slit, spreading the slick and making their way around the pulsating bud.

“My love,” you breathed again, leaning your head against his peck, inhaling the subtle, fresh scent that always stuck to his body. A mixture of tangerine and pepper, a hint of sandal wood hovering above the soft undertone of morning dew and rain. “My god, I missed you.” You spoke, but what was leaving your mouth was incoherent, it was airy and broken; stuttered between the expert circles Tobirama was massaging right into your nervous system.

“I missed you too,” he replied, quiet against the crown of your head, taking in your aura and impatiently moving his fingers a little bit further, making them slip right into you. One by one, he was focused on stretching you out, the tight ring of muscles clenching around his digits as he moved them back and forth.

“Tobi, please–“ you whined, gripping onto his sides with enough force to ground yourself.

“You think you are ready for me?”

“I do, please,” there was no hint of uncertainty when you begged for him to fuck you. Right there, on his desk, in his office in the hokage tower. There was no worry in you, no thought about his brother few doors further down the hall, no nothing that could convince you that it wasn’t the best idea and it seemed your husband has just as little concerns because it didn’t take him long to be inside you.

A low, gravelly groan escaped his throat, vibrating against your lips that glued to his throat marked their way across the sensitive skin over his Adam’s apple. It’s been too long since he felt you that close, it’s been too long since he was able to just lose himself in you, be vulnerable in the loving embrace of your body, be the person he never got to be publicly and instead of thinking and analyzing, just letting himself feel. And then, he was sure, that if ever he wished to feel anything, it was you he wanted to experience. It was you since the day he saw you for the first time, led by a servant in your family palace, blinded and obedient but bearing a beauty that tainted his thoughts perpetually.

Tobirama will always remember the feeling of your body – the soft curve of your shoulder he kept his hand on to lead you out of your village, the gentle brush of his fingers against your cheekbones when he took the blindfold off your face, revealing the eyes in which he got lost with no return. You were nothing more than a girl he just met back then, a wife-to-be but someone unknown and yet, his heart knew on the spot that things will change. And they did, he knew it’ll happen, but he wouldn’t dare to wish his life to turn out so dramatically different to what he predicted. Love was a feeling as foreign as fear to his heart. A heart he thought was frozen and nothing more than a dot in the constellation of organs that kept him alive. The beat in his chest has never had any more meaning than to keep his body going and the very same beat now goes crazy, rumbling against his ribs whenever he sees you. Tobirama knew his life will change, the very moment his head was filled with terror and uneasiness when Hashirama passed him the decision regarding the arrangement. He knew about all the shifts in his day to day life he will simply have to commit to and yet, the most vibrant of his dreams, the most brave and perverse could have never created what he had now. You.

You, on the desk he’s used to work at. You, with your plush thighs wrapped around his waist, your hands gripping onto him for just a fraction of support, panting out moans, so light and breathy, against his lips, quietly escaping only for his ears to hear. With your core clenching, aching to accommodate him whole and yet, greedy enough to take everything, to want more. Senju would never imagine he will be blessed enough to hear his name spoken with so much love he could actually feel it seeping through the sound of it.

You kept squeezing him and he kept losing his mind over every twitch your walls did around him. You were a work of art, he thought as his eyes followed the lines of your body. An arch of your back now prominent, and the only thing that kept you from falling flat onto the desk was a pair of his hands, strongly holding your waist to himself. Your eyes were absent, your mind long gone into the realm of pleasure and yet, your fingers stayed on his biceps, squeezing the flesh and wandering, hungry to have more of him.

“Tobi–“ you breathed out, the name just barely sliding on top of the air you were panting out and you pulled yourself closer to him. Your palms now found their way to his back, stretching the fabric of his blouse to feel the skin underneath it and you leaned into him, as he leaned into you. Your foreheads touched, noses squeezed together as the final moves of his hips brought both of you over the edge. Your breaths mingled together, a soft, broken sounds made for a cacophony of love you just shared and you shut your eyes to just feel him fully.

“Welcome back home,” your husband whispered finally, kissing your lips shortly after your smile acknowledged his words. The gesture was soft, languid and though you knew it was carrying much more than just concluding the sex. There was love that it carried, emotions unraveling with each movement of his mouth against yours and you felt the warmth spreading all over your body.

“I missed you too,” you replied, softly and quietly, slowly breaking the kiss off but not shying away from marking the line of his jawline with few more wet spots. “Let’s get cleaned, shall we?”

* * *

Watching Tobirama fight was one of your favorite things to do ever since you got to marry him. It amazed you every time you had a chance to witness his training and your husband never failed to take your breath away with how skilled and precise his movements are, how much control he has over nature releases and how well he wields the sword. Of course, the moment he offered you to join him while he trained with Kagami, you said yes without a second thought.

The boy from the clan of fire has become a part of your family in a way. Ever since you gave him a hand, helped him go through the traumatic events that happened with his biological parents, you kept an eye on him. With regular visits at his new home, you got to know his new parents – lovely people – and you really attached yourself to the little kid. He was growing so fast, warming your heart and soul as you watched the smile on his face and pinched his cheeks every time you had a chance, because soon he’ll be too big for you to do so any longer (you’ll try anyway). Kagami was a constant guest at your house, spreading his warm aura across the place where you and your husband live and making you smile every time you saw him, because the few days you got to take a close care of him were the sweetest memories you held onto. You’ll never forget the way he clung onto you, with trust and a kind of love that a child gives an adult that it feels safe with.

Tobirama grew to love the boy rather quickly – though he was reluctant to admit how fast it happened, but you knew he felt the intense need of care in just few days of little Uchiha in his life. Now it wasn’t a secret anymore – your husband openly treated the kid as if it was his own and even though he strongly believed that kids shouldn’t be exposed to war and violence, he was very supportive when it came to trainings. Even on the busiest days of his schedule, he always found a moment or two to spare for the cheerful child that came to visit the hokage tower every time he was around.

“Tired already?” Senju asked, watching the brunette gathering up from the green grass on one of the meadows that were more of a training field than a piece of greenery. An open space so big in comparison to the almost eight-year-old tiny human and yet he bravely raised up to his little feet, clenching his fingers around the handle of his kunai.

 “No!” He called out, panted and a small smile tugged on your husband’s lips as he got into his stance yet again. It was a spectacle of trust and power and you admired your man for being able to perfectly calculate how much strength he can put into every move of his body to make the little one hustle just enough.

You, as you sat on the side, resting on the soft blanket and surrounded by homemade food you prepared to feed both boys after they’re done and some bandages and first aid supplies that you knew will be needed to tend scrapes and cuts that Kagami will most likely be covered in after the session. All those little, harmless wounds you’ll later kiss and wrap around, tickling the child and basking in the sweet sound of his giggles muffled by the pieces of rice and meat you’ll give him.

You smiled, then sighed, feeling a sentiment washing over you. A slight tension made your muscles twitch and soon you found yourself pressing a hand onto your belly. You wished to have children, not always – but now, as you found love in the village that confidently you call your cherished home, more and more often you catch yourself thinking.

Tobirama didn’t want any offspring, at least that’s what he told you few days after the wedding – as he was explaining to you the mechanisms of the arrangement and briefing you through his visions of the future between you and him, he mentioned that his brother will secure the bloodline, therefore he has no wish to have kids himself. It’s something you agreed on, then slightly intimidated by his cold and calm persona, but three years had passed since you and him got bonded by knot of matrimony and as you think of it, none of his predictions came to life.

Sometimes you chuckled mentally, knowing how far off is what you have now to what he told you he think will happen. It was meant to be loveless, it was meant to be dry and distant. He told you that he’s sorry for the future you were given to, that he’s not going to love you just like you deserve but then, he did just that. He swore he’s cold, that his heart isn’t capable of sharing feelings as romantic as love but Tobirama loves, and he loves hot. Every kiss and stolen touch with him burns right into your soul, warms you from the inside, makes you happy and cherished, and you knew, deep inside of your heart, that his mind changed long time ago. You knew, deep down, that he’s content with what you built together, that he’s happier than he ever would be if your marriage turned out as he thought it will.

And so, you wondered if his will to have children changed as well? You never talked about it with him, never asked and he didn’t as well. Lost in the constant rush of his busy schedule, from meeting to meeting and from fight to fight, Tobirama stayed quiet about the issue and you, now leading the anbu, never had guts to bring it up either. But now, as you sat there, basking in the warm rays of the summer sun, you wondered what if…?

taglist: @garouaddict @bluebreadenthusiast @nelivv @drthymby @humongousdreamlandbear @darlingxoxo15 @gaozorous-rex-blog

[maliciouscottonball]

Hear me out on the platonic Autobots what if someone or something was trying to break into the little one's House what would the reaction be 🤔!

Surprise Houseguests (Part 2)

Platonic Yandere! Autobots x GN! Human! Reader

Wordcount: 3255

AN: Thank you so much for the ask!!! It’s my very first one!!!! I wanted to write something fitting for the occasion so it took a bit longer than expected. I decided that a second chapter situation would be best to explain because I’m a certified yapper. It's a bit darker than the first part but I like it. I’ve been learning how to read and write in Cybertronian so I know for sure what I’m talking about. 😎 I like to think of the sound of Cybertronian engines as being like cat sounds. There are purrs, soft hums of life, startled silences, and roars and the scientific explanation is that it’s actually because they’re all my little meow meows. This hasn’t been beta read so please forgive any mistakes!

TW: Soft yandere behavior that turns significantly less soft at some points, the home offense system, robot violence, murder, medium stalking instead of light stalking, Optimus loving grammatical accuracy, silly alien robots being silly and significantly more creepy than last time

♡♡♡

Your Cybertronian lessons were going very well and you were learning quite a bit. You were progressing much more quickly than you expected. It was probably helped by the fact that since your mouth physically can’t pronounce anything in the language, you didn’t have to worry about that aspect. You were able to read simple stories and understand sentences with the words that you were learning. It certainly helped that you had a team of native speakers thrilled to help any time you called. 

Optimus was especially pleased with your progress. He would wait for your call every Friday evening, the day your schedule allowed you to finally stay up later than usual. It wasn’t like you had much else to do in such a small town in the middle of nowhere. His brutality in battle increased a hundredfold on those days, to the point where after watching him tear apart soldiers with his bare servos because he was angry that he might be late for your call, many Decepticon teams simply refused to fight any Autobots every seven solar cycles. Megatron was not happy but after reviewing recovered battle footage, understood and scheduled accordingly. It was better that way for everyone involved. Optimus was always very excited to teach you the meaning of new words and phrases and slowly transitioned his stories from English to Cybertronian. A former Iacon archivist was probably one of the best language, history, and culture tutors that you could’ve dreamed of. Optimus was an expert and it was the reason that he always spoke so formally. You remember during one of the visits that the team made to your home, he told you, “Even in the face of grave danger, there is always a place for eloquence, proper grammar, and correct syntax.”

You thought that he was joking. He, in fact, was not. He would affectionately correct your grammar and spelling in the messages that you would send him and always encouraged the others to do the same. He kept multiple copies of your messages in his hard drive, as did the rest of the team with their messages from you. Even though they were horribly spelled and sometimes borderline indecipherable in the beginning, they were deeply cherished. The younger and less mature bots would show each other each message before recharging, gushing about how cute and sweet you were, even when you were trying to have serious conversations with them. The older bots denied it but they listened in and found it endearing.

You had started making memes in a mixture of Cybertronian and English and sending them in a group chat to Bumblebee, Windblade, Jazz, and Wheeljack. You had tried to explain why they were funny to Ironhide, Optimus, and Ratchet but most of the time, they just looked at you with the most perplexed, mildly concerned, and very supportive expressions imaginable. Most of the time when you showed Ratchet your memes, he just stared at it for a little bit, patted you on the head, told you that he was glad that you were enjoying yourself, and started teaching you how to do a new type of basic repair on a Cybertronian. Ratchet was good at redirecting you into more familiar territory and the old mech was much more gentle about it with you than anyone else. You’d get the occasional chuckle from Ironhide and Optimus when you showed them but they seemed to enjoy just listening to you talk about anything and everything.

Something that both Optimus and Ironhide enjoyed significantly more than memes was playing games. You would play simple Cybertronian strategy games with them. It was rare that you won and the occasions that you did win were usually based on luck. That didn’t mean that you didn’t enjoy it. Quite the opposite, actually. You loved having them give you tips on what to do next and sometimes you would play as poorly as possible, just to get a reaction from them. You liked the stories about who Ironhide used to play the games with on Cybertron before the war. His voice would get soft and nostalgic. He seemed much more relaxed. It reminded you of how Optimus spoke when he was telling you a bedtime story. You enjoyed listening to Ironhide’s war stories while he drove you around but there was something so calming about his stories from before the war.

You liked Windblade’s stories too. You hesitated to go on rides with her at first because of how much she liked doing tricks to impress you but cruising at a steady altitude through the clouds with her was nice. You’d get much less nauseous that way. She did that quite a bit when she figured out that you liked it. You liked hearing about the titans and how she spoke to them. You thought that it was amazing that she could talk to such massive beings and that they’d understand her. Her perspective on the war was different than that of the mechs on the team and you liked hearing about what she had to say. She was the only femme that you knew and you liked spending time with her once she figured out how to handle you properly without scaring you.

Bumblebee and Jazz both loved goofing off with you. You’d watch movies and TV shows together and make plenty of commentary on the characters. You’d mostly end up laughing through whatever you were watching and making even more memes to go with them. You liked spending one on one time with each of them too. Bee would go racing with you through backroads and empty streets, keeping you buckled up tight as he sped around with you squealing and laughing in delight. He loved hearing you laugh and seeing you happy. Jazz would only occasionally speed around on your drives together. He would get you a treat to eat before he cruises around with you sitting in the luxurious interior of his alt mode, listening to old and new favorite songs with him. You would spend time finding new songs for each other every day and saving them up for when you inevitably went for another drive. You had playlist upon playlist of music to choose from with every genre imaginable. Jazz was who you went with if things were busy and you needed to escape from your worries for a while.

The Autobot team had been in contact with you for eight months before something went wrong. It wasn’t what was expected. The raccoons continued rummaging through your trash, even after the improvements made to the cans by Wheeljack and Ironhide. It had actually gotten worse after a month. You complained about it to Jazz while you were chatting with him on a call and he decided to see how they managed to do it that night while he was on watch. Jazz contentedly watched the feeds of each camera in your house while monitoring the surrounding area. He was watching your leg twitch in your sleep and recording it to show to Ratchet (just in case it was cause for concern, he rationalized) when there was abnormal movement detected outside where you kept your trash cans. He stopped recording you and then started watching the live footage from outside while starting a new recording.

There was a man digging through your trash.

A human man.

Unacceptable.

To his horror, the man went around your entire house and tried to open every door and window.

Something had to be done.

Jazz immediately woke Optimus and Ironhide and showed them the footage. The enraged roar of the Prime’s engine, the blaring of his horn, and the smell of the ominous black smoke billowing from his exhaust pipes were enough to startle the entire team awake, as well as the vast majority of the inhabitants of the town they were staying in.

The team abandoned their mission and immediately started driving back to your house at first light. It could wait. You could not. Optimus had wanted to start driving immediately and not stop until they had arrived but Ratchet had convinced him to reluctantly let the team finish their recharge. He sat in his alt mode and seethed the entire night. He couldn’t recharge. How could he ever recharge in that kind of situation? Someone was bothering his little one. Someone was creeping on you and he and his entire team were too far away to protect you. The flamethrower at the front door was disabled and the rest of the defense systems were made for raccoons and Decepticons. You were defenseless. The rest of the Autobots didn’t recharge all that well either. It was understandable. Trying to relax feet away from a Prime ready to eviscerate a member of the species that he swore to protect is not an easy task. 

On the familiar road back to your home, it was eerily quiet on the comms. The only time that anything was said was an hourly report of your whereabouts and activities, plus the occasional update when you messaged a member of the team. Optimus’s spark ached when you sent him a message about how you picked up some of the oil that he likes at the auto store. You really had no clue how much danger you were in and were just going about your day like usual. You really did need the Autobots to protect you.

When the team finally made it to your town after a few solar cycles, Optimus sent Windblade, Bumblebee, Wheeljack, and Ratchet to your home to guard you. As much as Optimus wanted to see you as soon as possible, he had something to deal with first. Ironhide and Jazz were going with him to help handle the situation. There was also the added benefit of you not being able to see him while he’s angry. He knew that his size made him intimidating under the best circumstances and he didn’t want to scare you with how upset he was.

Jazz had been tracking the man bothering you from the second that he showed Optimus and Ironhide the footage. He may be a more laid back bot but that didn’t mean that he let things like this slide. The man was going to hurt you. Jazz was not going to let that happen. If the angry energy radiating off of the Prime was bad for team morale, the cold energy from Jazz was worse. They were used to the mech being friendly even in life or death situations. 

Ironhide wasn’t about to let anything happen to you either. He had been teaching you self defense and would always affectionately refer to you as his little cadet. He would only let you use a low power blaster under the strictest supervision but he called it your training time. When you were done, he’d give you one of the treats he found during his missions and tell you how well you did. It was a nice change of pace for him. In his eyes, you were already an Autobot and he was known for keeping his team safe. He was less angry and more determined to eliminate the threat so that everything would go back to normal.

The rest of the team didn’t know the details of what was going on but they knew that you were under threat and the cause was a human. That was all they had to know while keeping a careful watch over you. Bumblebee figured that you didn’t know about the danger you were in and kept you close. He would peek through the windows as you got things from your house and make sure that you were no more than fifteen feet away from an Autobot at all times. You didn’t know why your friends were being so clingy but you were happy to be around them.

Windblade didn’t take you on any flights that day. You found it strange but you figured that she was just shaken up after a particularly bad mission. You were happy to try your best to comfort her and the rest of the team. You pulled up some funny videos that you had watched while they were gone and watched them on a data pad with her while she worked on one of her blasters and you worked on a small craft. You both giggled at some of the funniest parts and you were proud of yourself for making her smile when you gave her the necklace that you made for her. Her spark melted when you talked about putting felt on the back of the pendant so it wouldn’t scratch her finish. It was impossible for her not to smile around you but she didn’t tell you that. She wanted you to feel special.

Wheeljack occupied himself by improving your home defense system. There were going to be no more silly features that allowed you to turn them off outside of an extreme emergency. He sat you on his shoulder during less dangerous parts, explaining the intricacies of Cybertronian engineering to you. He spoke in Cybertronian for some of it and it was clear that he thought that you were further along in your studies of the language than you actually were. You didn’t understand most of what he was saying but you were happy to be included. After a few hours of intensive engineering lessons, he playfully shooed you away when he had to get advice from Ratchet on which weapons system would be the most effective against organics. 

Ratchet was surprisingly calm about everything. He gave you a check up and made sure that you hadn’t been hurt while they were gone. He was concerned about the random small bruises that regularly showed up on your legs and even more so about the fact that you didn’t know where they were from. He quickly realized that they were simply from your clumsiness and made you take an iron supplement while you watched him make small repairs on the team’s equipment. It worried him a bit that you were so prone to becoming damaged. He would have to research methods to keep you safe from yourself.

Jazz gave the location of the man to Optimus and Ironhide. The man lived in a cabin much deeper in the woods than you. Ironhide figured that living away from other humans was the man’s only redeeming quality. It would make neutralizing him much simpler. The three mechs transformed into their bipedal modes, not bothering to conceal themselves from the man. They could see his startled face peeking out from one of the windows and Ironhide and Jazz were equally startled when Optimus tore through the cabin like it was tissue paper to get to the man.

He snatched up the man, engine roaring once more and internal temperature rising to the point where he could smell flesh cooking in his servo. 

“You dare treat our little one like a creature to be preyed upon?” His voice boomed.

Optimus’s digits were crushing the man. It was difficult to tell at first but the man’s ears were bleeding. The sheer volume of the Prime’s rage had burst his eardrums. Ironhide and Jazz simply watched. They had all lost so much. They had sacrificed everything for their cause. It was okay to be selfish for once. It wasn’t even that selfish, Jazz had told Ironhide on the way back. They were taking care of you. You needed them to protect you from a threat to your life and happiness.

Squish.

Optimus crushed the man in his grip with a twitch of his digit. He then dropped the man onto the forest floor. The man had somehow survived and was simply staring up at the bots. There was a satisfaction in the Prime’s eyes that made the man even more afraid. The man couldn’t hear anymore but he could see. He could see the pleasure that the mech took in watching the life drained out of his body and all he could do was look up at him. Optimus stepped back and Ironhide took his turn standing over the man. Ironhide raised his blaster and glared down at the man.

BANG.

Suddenly, the problem had been solved.

The man hadn’t even left behind a corpse. He was incinerated by the shot and there was only a smear of carbon on the forest floor. Jazz stomped out the flames licking at the edges of the blast and seemed content. You were safe again and he was very happy with that. He gave a friendly smile to the other two mechs. He made sure that all of them were clean of any blood or unpleasant smells before they made their way back to your home. It was important that you didn’t know anything about their methods of protecting you. It was for your own good and none of them wanted you to be afraid of them. They wanted you to still want to be around them.

Optimus hummed a Cybertronian lullaby on the way back to your house. His mood was lighter as he walked back through the woods, back to you. You looked up from where you were sitting with Wheeljack when you heard the song rumbling from in the trees and your face lit up. You recognized the tune when you heard him from the times that he sang you to sleep with it and you eagerly ran up to him while telling him how much you had missed him and the others. That cheered his spark even more. He lifted you up in his servo, listening to you chatter at him and loving every second. He carefully ran a digit along your head and back, watching how you relaxed while he rubbed your back and smiling down at you. It was all that he could do to not coo at your cute behavior. He would never allow any harm to come to you. You were their perfect little one. 

You enjoyed your standard routine of learning and relaxing with the Autobots for the duration of their visit. They were even more doting than usual. You didn’t find it strange. You were just happy to hang out with them. You followed them around like a little duckling and acted very sweet towards them, just like always. You were such a wonderful human and they all adored you. The team had to leave after a few days and seemed much better off after their mini vacation with their favorite human. They resumed their regular communications with you and got back to their missions.

Optimus was a quiet mech outside of battle. His tendency to quietly look at and organize data hadn’t changed, even after millennia of war. He was reading a report while half listening to you and Bumblebee chatting over a call. It was comforting and gave him a sense of normalcy. He loved hearing your thoughts and ideas. You were so young and naive, especially compared to them. It was so refreshing to him and his team. Optimus smiled when he heard you excitedly tell Bumblebee that the raccoons were finally leaving your garbage alone. He gave Ironhide and Jazz a knowing look. Ironhide was doing maintenance on his blaster and Jazz was checking over the surveillance cameras in your home. They both returned his look with smiles. He and the Autobots were keeping you safe and they would continue to do so.

[winxanity-ii]

⌜I Love, Robot | Chapter 04 Chapter 04 | locked in⌟

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Silence filled the hauler, broken only by the rhythmic beeping of the system monitors. Rain and Kay, left to their own devices, sat quietly; Navarro remained focused on manning the controls, her fingers gliding over the panel with expert precision.

Your eyes, however, were glued to the monitor displaying the live feed from Tyler's headset. Every pixel flickered with tension as you watched the three figures standing in the narrow chamber that connected the hauler to the derelict space station.

Tyler and Bjorn, both clad in bulky space jumpsuits with oxygen masks and gloves, were preparing for the transition. The suits clung to their bodies, designed to protect them from the frigid vacuum outside.

Only Andy, with his synthetic skin, stood without such gear, his face expressionless as always, though you could sense an undercurrent of anticipation in his movements.

Tyler extended a pair of thermal gloves toward Bjorn. "Put this on," he instructed, his voice calm but firm.

Bjorn, examining the gloves with a mixture of disdain and necessity, quips, "Why? Planning to freeze my nuts off?"

"So your nuts don't freeze," Tyler retorts with a slight smirk, trying to lighten the mood despite the gravity of their situation.

Bjorn chuckled, his voice crackling through the feed, a low, mocking sound. "You think too much about my dates, Tyler," his eyes twinkling with mischief behind the mask.

"Just shut up and put the damn gloves on," Tyler muttered, turning to hand another set to Andy. "Andy, here," he added, more gently this time.

Andy took the gloves, his movements deliberate but slightly awkward as he struggled to fit them over his synthetic hands. The fabric was tight, designed for human fingers, not his more refined construction. You could see the effort it took for him to maneuver his fingers into place.

Bjorn glanced over, his lips curling into a sneer. "Hey, stop fiddling and put that shit on already," he barked, impatience lacing his tone. His words cut through the air, harsh and dismissive.

Tyler shot Bjorn a warning look. "Now, leave him alone. Andy, don't worry about him. He's an idiot," he reassured, his tone softer, almost paternal. "Hatch ahead. I'll connect," he continued, shifting focus back to the task at hand.

Bjorn, still grumbling, adjusted his mask. "It's cold as fuck in there," he muttered, rubbing his gloved hands together. "What is it?"

"A temp scanner," Tyler replied, checking a handheld device clipped to his suit. "It'll lead us to the capsules. The compression is tolerable, but there's too little oxygen to breathe."

Bjorn nodded, his eyes narrowing as he glanced around the chamber. "Andy, you're up. Show us what you're good at."

With the hatch to the station just before them, Andy stepped forward to the control panel by the door. His synthetic finger found its way to the scanner integrated into the panel. He stuck it inside, interfacing seamlessly with the station's security protocols.

The light on the scanner flickered from red to green, accompanied by the soft click of locks disengaging. The door hissed as it began to slide open, granting them entry to the station.

Tyler gave Andy an encouraging nod. "That's right, Andy. Well done."

Bjorn, couldn't help but snort, rolling his eyes. "Congrats, you're not a virgin anymore," he jeered, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Come on."

Andy, unfazed by the comment, moved forward with calculated precision, ready to perform his duties. You watched him closely, feeling a mixture of pride and apprehension.

Despite the tension and the biting remarks from Bjorn, Andy remained focused, his synthetic composure unshaken.

As the three of them boarded the derelict Romulus, the air felt heavy with anticipation and the faint hum of dormant machinery.

The station was dimly lit, its narrow corridors stretching into darkness. The flickering emergency lights cast an eerie glow, and the low hum of the station's failing systems filled the silence.

Every step echoed hollowly, a reminder of how empty and abandoned this place truly was.

They moved cautiously, navigating the winding halls. Suddenly, the artificial gravity gave out, sending them all into a momentary weightlessness.

The station's interior was now chaotic mix of floating debris—tools, chairs, crates, and other loose objects drifted aimlessly in the zero-gravity environment, casting long, eerie shadows under the dim emergency lights.

The air felt thick with disuse, each breath carrying the metallic tang of stale, recycled air.

Tyler braced himself against the wall, his grip tight and focused. Around him, wrenches and screwdrivers, once confined to toolkits, now spun lazily in mid-air, bouncing off the walls and each other in slow motion. An old chair drifted past, its legs barely brushing against Tyler's shoulder as he maneuvered to avoid it.

Bjorn, however, wasn't as lucky. He reached out to grab hold of a support beam but missed, his fingers slipping on its cold metal surface. His body drifted upward, twisting awkwardly as he collided with a floating crate. "Fuck..." he muttered, a grimace forming on his face as he felt his stomach churn from the sudden lack of gravity. "There is no gravity here. I can feel it in my stomach."

Tyler glanced over his shoulder, his brow furrowed. "What was that?"

Andy's voice came through clearly, unbothered by the disorienting conditions. "The gravity generators. The control starts at intervals. So the whole place doesn't explode."

Tyler nodded, absorbing the information while carefully avoiding a drifting toolbox that floated between them. "We continue straight ahead, then," he directed, gesturing towards the corridor that lay ahead, partially obscured by more floating debris.

Tyler turned his head slightly toward Andy, his expression softening with concern. "Andy, are you okay?"

"Yes," Andy replied, his tone unwavering. "I have located the capsules." Andy's gaze remained fixed on the scanner in his hand, his synthetic eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "According to the scanner, the capsules should be in there," he announced, pointing toward a heavy metal door at the end of the corridor, past a cluster of slowly spinning wrenches and bolts.

Just as they continued through the corridor, the artificial gravity suddenly kicked back on with a heavy jolt. Everything that had been floating in mid-air—tools, chairs, crates—plummeted to the ground with a series of loud crashes.

Bjorn fell hard, landing awkwardly on his back with a sharp thud; the breath knocked out of him. A metal wrench narrowly missed his head, clattering noisily next to him.

"Damn it!" Bjorn cursed, pain evident in his voice as he lay sprawled on the cold, hard floor. "I think I've leathered the arsehole," he groaned, wincing as he tried to sit up. "Shit, those control launches are no joke."

Tyler, still gripping a rail tightly to keep his balance, glanced over at Bjorn with a mix of frustration and concern. "You alright?" he called out, trying to maintain focus despite the chaos around them.

Bjorn grunted in response, rubbing his lower back. "Yeah, yeah, just peachy," he muttered sarcastically, clearly irritated by the sudden drop.

Andy, who had managed to brace himself against the wall just in time, turned his attention to Bjorn. "Bjorn, are you okay?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of synthetic concern.

Bjorn waved him off, though the annoyance was clear in his tone. "I'm fine," he snapped. "Just keep doing what you're doing. I'll manage."

Tyler moved quickly to check the status of the station's systems. "SYSTEM STARTUP MOTHER 9000," he read aloud from the flickering console nearby, which was partially covered in debris from the gravity shift. "Thank God there is still current in the old story," he added, his tone both relieved and cautious.

Andy moved to the control panel, his fingers deftly navigating the interface, bringing the systems back online. "Watch out," he warned, his voice steady amidst the chaos. "Here comes one more purge." He gave them a moment to prepare before the gravity purged again.

They all braced themselves, grabbing onto fixtures and railings as the station's gravity generators fluctuated once more. The objects around them, previously scattered on the floor, began floating in the air once more.

Andy flipped a switch, and a low hum filled the room as the station's systems came fully back to life. Once again, all the floating objects clattered to the floor, the gravity stabilized.

"Good job, Andy," Tyler said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Let's get to those capsules and get the hell out of here."

Bjorn, still rubbing his sore back, muttered under his breath but nodded in agreement. With a determined look, they pressed onward, deeper into the station, knowing the mission was far from over.

Shortly after, the three of them reached the cryo-chamber room. The metal doors groaned open, revealing a series of pods lined up against the wall, illuminated by the dim emergency lights.

Tyler immediately moved to the control panel, his fingers flying over the keys as he checked the status of each chamber.

Bjorn stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight. "Damn it! Well, let's see here," he muttered, clearly agitated.

Tyler squinted at the screen, frowning. "YEARS: 3.20," he read aloud, his tone flat.

Bjorn's head whipped around, confusion turning quickly to frustration. "Shit. What's wrong?"

Tyler's face was grim as he explained, "The capsules do not have enough fuel. There is enough for three years of hibernation."

Andy, standing close by, quickly calculated the implications. "It takes appoximately nine years to reach Yvaga," he pointed out in his usual calm, matter-of-fact tone.

Bjorn, his face twisted in irritation, threw his hands up in exasperation. "I know that. Fuck! I knew it. I fucking knew it. This shit was for nothing!"

Tyler turned to him sharply, his expression determined. "No, we're not giving up now. Yvaga is the closest system. What do you want us to do? Now shut the hell up."

Andy, still focused on the scanner in his hand, spoke up. "There seems to be a cryo-depot somewhere. There must be fuel."

Tyler nodded, his mind racing. "Navarro, I'm disconnecting the EEV. You can pick it up while we get cryo-fuel. Held," he spoke into his intercom, his voice steady despite the tension.

Navarro's voice crackled through the intercom, calm and composed, "Heard."

As the Corbelan maneuvered to pick up the ejected cryo-chambers, back on the ship, Kay suddenly rushed to the toilet, her face pale. Rain quickly moved to help her, guiding her into a nearby bunk as Kay began to retch. The noise caught your attention, but you remained at a distance, watching quietly.

In the bunk, Rain leaned closer to Kay, her voice soft and concerned. "...You're pregnant?" you overheard her whisper, her tone a mix of surprise and concern.

Kay nodded, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Yeah," she replied softly, a hint of excitement in her voice. Rain's face lit up with a supportive smile, and the two exchanged a quiet laugh.

From where you stood, you caught Kay's eye for a moment. Her smile faltered slightly, an awkward tension settling in the air between you. You returned a small nod, trying to convey understanding, but Kay quickly looked away, turning her focus back to Rain with a nervous giggle.

Out of everyone in Rain's old friend group, Kay had always been the most distant with you, a fact that had always puzzled you. You never quite understood why, but it had always left a lingering discomfort in your interactions with her.

Deciding to give them space, you turned your attention back to the three men on the station, tuning into their ongoing conversation through the intercom.

Bjorn's gruff voice came through first, laced with skepticism. "What is all that military piss for?" he asked, glaring at Tyler.

"It's effective."

Bjorn snorted derisively, unconvinced. "Is it?"

Tyler's lips twitched into a half-smile. "And cool."

Bjorn rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "You sound dumb," he shot back, his tone dripping with disdain.

As they continued walking, Bjorn, distracted by his annoyance, nearly missed a deep hole in the floor. He stumbled, teetering dangerously on the edge.

Without hesitation, Andy reached out and grabbed Bjorn's arm, pulling him back just in time.

Despite being saved from a potentially deadly fall, Bjorn's anger flared even hotter. He stormed up to Andy, getting uncomfortably close to his face, his eyes burning with a mix of rage and frustration. He jabbed a finger into Andy's chest, his voice low and menacing. "What's your fucking problem, clown?" he snarled, glaring at Andy with open hostility.

Andy, ever calm, replied, "Sorry," his voice soft, almost apologetic despite the aggressive confrontation.

Tyler quickly intervened. "Relax, guys," he said, trying to keep the peace.

But Bjorn wasn't done. He shoved Andy harder, his anger barely contained. "Next time I'll smash you in," he threatened, his voice dripping with contempt. He then turned to Tyler, his expression dark and demanding. "Keep that fucking piece of Synth-trash away from me."

Tyler nodded slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his face as he glanced between the two of them. He knew they needed to keep moving, but the tension was clearly getting to everyone. "Let's just focus on finding that fuel," he said, trying to steer the conversation back to the mission at hand. "Navarro, airlock 5-B is our exit once we find the cryogenic fuel."

Your teeth gritted in your mouth as you listened to everything unfolding over the hauler's intercom. The hostility in Bjorn's voice, the constant antagonism—it made your skin crawl.

You tried to focus on the task at hand, tinkering with the Reboot Key, but it was hard to ignore the rising tension.

Navarro took a moment to walk over to you, leaning against the console with a curious glance at your tinkering. "What are you working on there?" she asked, her voice carrying a casual interest.

You shrugged slightly, trying to keep your focus on the task at hand. "Just making sure I'm ready for anything," you replied, not wanting to delve too deeply into the details.

Navarro nodded, her eyes trailing back to the screen momentarily. "It's good to be prepared," she said thoughtfully. After a pause, she added, "Hey, I'm sorry about Bjorn's actions earlier. He can be... intense, but he's got his reasons."

Overhearing this, Rain snorted. "Yeah, right," she muttered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'll bite. What's his deal with Andy? Why is he so angry with him?" she asked, her gaze shifting between Navarro and the monitor displaying the men's location.

Navarro glanced over at Rain, her expression tight with a mix of sympathy and understanding. "Because of the thing with his mother a cycle ago," she said softly.

Rain furrowed her brows, clearly puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Kay, still pale but feeling a bit better, spoke up softly from her spot in the back. "There was a gas leak in the mines. The synthetic supervisor overhead the entire operation gave the order to close them while Bjorn's mother was down there."

"But... Synthetics—they cannot harm people," Rain countered, her voice wavering slightly as she tried to make sense of the story.

"Well, it sacrificed three miners to save half a dozen."

Rain's face twisted in a grimace. "How gruesome," she muttered under her breath. She saw Kay get up suddenly and rush to the back, clearly feeling unwell again.

Rain stood to follow, concern etched across her features, while you stayed seated, still fidgeting with the tiny components in your hands, counting down the minutes until this whole ordeal could be over.

A chill ran down your spine as you listened to Kay's explanation, triggering a long-buried memory from one of your past hacking jobs.

You recalled retrieving files that exposed a chilling directive: in moments of crisis, Weyland's synthetics were programmed to prioritize the company's assets over human lives, all under the guise of logical probability.

Even back then, the discovery had left you feeling sick, a stark reminder of the company's cold, calculating nature.

While you could understand why Bjorn harbored such deep hatred for synthetics, knowing this didn't change your opinion of him. He was still an asshole, his anger misdirected at those who were just following their programming—much like the workers following orders.

If anything, you thought, his anger should be aimed at the Weyland officials who made those ruthless directives, not at every synthetic he came across. His blind rage only perpetuated the cycle of resentment and pain, when the true culprits remained hidden in their ivory towers, untouched by the consequences of their decisions.

You tightened your grip on the Reboot Key, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on you. The sooner they found that cryo-fuel and got out of there, the better.

"Welcome to the space station Renaissance. Weyland-Yutani's Center for Research and Development whose efforts are to improve the human role in space."

Bjorn's response to the artificial voice crackled through the intercom, his tone tinged with discomfort. "This place gives me goosebumps," he muttered, a shiver running through his voice.

Andy, ever the peacemaker, tried to inject some humor into the situation. "Have you heard the one about the bowler who only has one ball? It always takes cones. Did you get it?" he offered, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Please turn yourself off," Bjorn snapped back, irritation clear in his voice.

"You said you were nervous, so I tried—"

"You know what? I'm looking forward to getting into a capsule and never seeing your ass again," Bjorn interrupted sharply, his voice harsh and cutting.

"See you at Yvaga then."

"You are not going to Yvaga." You were taken aback by Bjorn's revelation.

Tyler's voice intervened, a note of warning in his tone. "Bjorn, stop."

But Bjorn was relentless. Turning to face Andy with a manic grin, he sneered, "Didn't Rain tell you? The system is anti-Weyland-Yutani, so fake people are prohibited."

Andy's reply was measured, his voice steady despite the insult. "I prefer the term 'artificial person.'"

You felt a surge of confusion and concern, unable to believe Bjorn's claim that Andy wouldn't be allowed into Yvaga. It didn't make sense; why would they exclude Andy?

As you processed Bjorn's words, your thoughts were abruptly pulled back to just a few hours earlier, which now seemed to carry even more weight given the current tension.

🇫‌🇱‌🇦‌🇸‌🇭‌🇧‌🇦‌🇨‌🇰‌:

The next half an hour in the room felt like a slow crawl through tension, thick enough to cut with a knife. You stood by the door with Andy at your side, ready to leave at any moment. Across the room, Rain and Tyler spoke in hushed tones, their conversation drowned out by the hum of the machinery around you.

Every now and then, Rain would glance your way, her expression a mixture of uncertainty and determination.

You straightened up as Rain finally pulled away from Tyler and started walking toward you. For a brief moment, you felt a flicker of hope—maybe she’d seen the flaws in this whole plan, the danger and the reckless gamble it represented. But instead of heading for the door, she stopped in front of you, her eyes searching yours.

"Can I talk to you privately?" she asked softly. Her tone wasn't commanding but pleading, and despite the frustration and worry bubbling inside you, you gave in.

With a small nod, you followed her down to the transport area, Andy trailing just a step behind. The enclosed space below was quieter, the hum of the engines muted but still present—a constant reminder of the colony around you.

"I'm not sure about any of this, Rain," you started, the words tumbling out in a rush, but she cut you off gently.

"I know," she said, her voice soft but steady. "But what if they're right? What if we can actually get out of here?" Her question hung in the air between you—a heavy, unspoken challenge.

You fell silent, unable to meet her gaze for a moment. Because deep down, you knew she was right. There was no telling if what Tyler and his group had found would actually be the escape they all needed.

But what if it was?

What if this was the chance to finally leave this hellhole behind, to find freedom and a future that wasn’t dictated by Weyland-Yutani's greed?

You looked into Rain's hopeful eyes, and your mind spun with images of a possible future if you walked away now—Rain wasting away, trapped here like so many others you had cared for.

You couldn't subject her to that. Not when there was a chance, however slim, to change it.

A loud, harsh sigh escaped your lips as you turned, rubbing a hand down your face. The weight of your decision pressed down on you, but there wasn’t much choice, not really. "Fine. Fine... fine."

Rain let out a small, happy shriek, throwing herself into your arms. She wrapped you up in her lithe embrace, her joy so palpable it was almost infectious. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," she repeated, her voice a breathless rush of gratitude.

You couldn't help but smile, hugging her back, though the smile quickly faded into a serious line as you pulled away. "Okay, but how exactly is this supposed to go down?"

Rain's excitement didn't falter as she launched into an explanation, her words tumbling over one another in her eagerness. "Tyler and Navarro think there are at least half a dozen, maybe even ten, cryo-pods on board the ship, judging by the size of the aircraft. The plan is simple: Andy helps us gain access to the ship, then he, Tyler, and Bjorn find the pods, release them, and Navarro grabs them with the hauler. Then, bam! The six of us float peacefully away in cryo-sleep for the next nine years until we reach Yvaga."

You listened, taking it all in. Sure, it sounded simple enough on the surface. But your mind couldn’t help conjuring up all the setbacks and issues that could arise—the things that could make the entire mission fall apart.

But instead of voicing your doubts, you decided to give it a chance. Rain's hope was too bright, too desperate to extinguish with your own pessimism.

Still, one concern gnawed at you—something that hadn't been addressed. "What about Andy?"

Rain blinked, taken aback for a moment by your question. But then she answered, her voice steady, "Since Andy is synthetic, he won't need to be placed in a cryo-pod. He'll oversee everything; make sure we don't run into any issues during the journey."

You nodded slowly, her reasoning making sense.

Andy didn't need sleep; he didn't need to worry about the passage of time in the same way you all did.

And if there was anyone you trusted to watch over things, it was him.

Looking over Rain's shoulder, your eyes met Andy's. He stood there, his synthetic gaze soft, head tilted slightly as if saying without words, 'What's best for Rain.'

A small smile crept onto your lips at the sight of him. Without a second thought, you reached out a hand, and he immediately came over, his grip firm yet gentle.

You pulled him into a small hug, and together, you and Andy surrounded Rain, her small frame nestled between the two of you. You held on tight, feeling the warmth of Rain’s body against yours and the steady, reassuring presence of Andy beside you.

Yes, you thought, holding them both close, What's best for Rain.

Snapping back to the present, you shook your head slightly, memory burning away like charred earth now that you knew the truth.

Feeling a mix of anger and urgency, you rushed over to the monitor, your hands trembling slightly as you watched Bjorn continue his verbal assault. His words cut through the tense air, exacerbating the frustration building up inside you.

Bjorn's voice was harsh, filled with disdain as he continued to antagonize Andy. "Andy, listen. Rain can go to jail if she takes you. And if you stay at Jackson, you will be eventually scrapped by the company. Are you in? I need you on board to protect the capsules. To protect Y/N's capsule, remember? She's coming too..."

Andy, his voice steady yet tinged with uncertainty, replied, "But when we get there..."

Bjorn interrupted with a cold sneer, "Scrap. Farewell and bon voyage."

Tyler, looking exasperated and visibly stressed, rubbed his face. "Are you done?" he interjected, his tone weary.

Bjorn shrugged with a cackle, "I'm just saying it like it is."

Andy's response came softly, reflecting his unwavering loyalty, "It's okay. If it's what's best for Rain, it's what's best for me."

As Bjorn clapped Andy hard on the shoulder, walking past him with a patronizing air, he said, "You're a nice guy, Andy. We will miss you. And don't worry, I'll look out for Y/N, for you, yeah?"

You stood there, watching the scene unfold on the monitor, your emotions a whirlwind of frustration and concern.

Unable to contain the growing sense of betrayal, you turned to stare at Rain. Your steps toward her were tentative, each one heavier than the last as you noticed her pale face, her eyes watering slightly as her mouth opened and closed without forming words.

"Rain..." you could only whisper softly, the disappointment heavy in your voice.

"Y/N... I... I-I can explain, please let me explain—"

"No," you cut her off sharply, turning away and rubbing your eyes with your finger to hide the tears welling up in them. "I don't want to hear it, please just stop. I-I—" You had to take a shuddering breath, stopping just a foot before her, "Just... it doesn't matter. Not right now."

With that, you turned your back to her completely, your heart breaking further as you caught the devastated look on Andy's face from the corner of your eye. He seemed clueless, as if unsure what Bjorn’s words truly meant.

Navarro's voice cut through the tense air, disbelief evident in her tone as she asked Rain, "Y/N didn't know??"

Your head snapped back, eyes blazing with anger and hurt. "Me?" you spat bitterly, "Forget about me knowing; why didn't Andy know?"

Your question was directed sharply at Rain, demanding an answer.

Rain ran a hand through her hair, her hands trembling. "He... I didn't bother to tell him," she finally said, looking off to the side, her voice filled with guilt.

Before you could respond to Rain's admission, Kay stood up with a nasty snarl curling her lips. "Rain doesn't have to feel bad about anything. Why should she risk her life for Andy? He's not even alive! It's not gonna matter to him whether he's kept here rotting on this floating rock or scrapped for spare pieces! He. Is. Not. Real!" Her voice escalated with each word, breathing coming out in sharp pants as she finished her long-winded spat.

The hauler was plunged into complete silence following her outburst.

You turned to look at Rain, hoping she would say something—anything—to defend the situation or at least to soften the harshness of Kay's words. But Rain just looked off to the side, her expression unreadable, her silence more telling than any words could have been.

You watched as all three women—Rain, Kay, and Navarro—stood next to one another, their proximity seeming to wordlessly state their solidarity on the issue.

Inside, you could feel the seething anger and fury burning, but you knew lashing out wouldn't help. "Fine," you said curtly, your voice calm but ice-cold. "Andy and I will finish helping you all with this mission, but after it's complete, you don't have to worry yourselves with figuring out what to do with him..."

Rain's face crumbled in heartbreak, her eyes widening as she already knew where you were going with this. "Y/N, please don't. I need—"

"Because he and I will be returning to Jackson Star," you interrupted, turning your back on the group, done with the entire conversation.

As you walked back towards the monitor, Kay let out a sharp, scornful laugh. "I'm not sure what Bjorn sees in you when you're clearly a synth-lover. Rather stay behind and die on this dying planet with a machine instead of heading into a new beginning with your remaining family."

You only spared the girl an uncaring, bored look over your shoulder. "I don't care. He's family, and you don't leave family behind."

With that, you walked back into the captain’s bridge, plopping yourself back next to the monitor, shutting out the bitter words and focusing on what truly mattered—completing the mission and safeguarding Andy.

A/N: heheh hopes you guys enjoyed the update. if a few lines don't match from the movie, know i changed a few things up to fit the fic. other than that: THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING THIS! The engagement i've been recieveing is so amazing, still cant get over that people want/like to read the trash my mind spit out😩 yall make me wanna write everyday frfr ❤️❤️ see you next update...

Tag List: @dreamsarenicer sadslasher13 ravenswife

[tinietaehyun]

Forsaken [XII]

[Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader] [Series] [Chapter Twelve]

Pairing: Sorcerer!Taehyun x Royal!Reader

Genres: Romance, royal!au, fantasy, enemies to lovers, fluff, action, thriller.

Contains: Profanity, description of injury, mentions of blood, suggestive themes, dialogue-heavy.

Links: Forsaken Masterlist || Masterlist

Summary: Having teleported successfully out of Prince Beomgyu’s palace, you were left with Taehyun bleeding out. You had to save him at all costs! Thankfully for you, you haphazardly manage to bandage his wound and can only hope he will wake up soon!

Though when he does, you find your time with him going quite a bit different than you expected. Not that you would ever complain of course. Not when it felt so right to have his lips against yours.

Your gaze pierces Taehyun’s unconscious figure who you have managed to sit up against the wall. With nimble fingers, you unbutton his shirt as you analyse the extent of his injuries. Fortunately, you managed to find the bandage wrap, disinfectant and some other useful items.

With widened eyes, you spot the medium size slice into the side of his torso just under the ribs. His smooth expanse of skin now marred with a soon to be scar, not that it mattered, his physique spoke for itself.

Blood had soaked into his shirt and cloak; it was a clean slice clearly done with a blade; most likely Beomgyu’s doing. A gruesome mixture of fresh blood dribbles down his side dripping onto his trousers and the floor with flakes of dried blood now forming around the wound. You wince feeling slightly nauseous at the sight of the wound.

You weren’t an expert healer, but you had quite the many falls as a child and watched how he would bandage up your wounds or the wounds of Fortuna’s soldiers; particularly Kai’s. Biting your lip in hesitation, you crouch down beside him. You’d try your best. You had to.

With a wet towel you clean the surrounding blood. You clearly see the clear laceration making you wince at the thought of receiving such a wound. With the disinfectant, you begin sanitising the wound, to which you were extremely thankful he was unconscious, you knew it would hurt terribly. You continue to use pressure to stop anymore excess bleeding.

Haphazardly, you lean over and wrap the bandages around his torso. You weren’t sure if the way you were doing it was correct, but you didn’t care. All that mattered to you currently was Taehyun’s well-being. You wanted him alive.

With a fatigued sigh, you finish up your pitiful bandaging attempt as you sit back resting on your hands peering at your handiwork. You rejoice at the colour rushing back to his cheeks; his paleness seeming to dissipate as the minutes pass. Relief floods your system, noticing his breathing was more stable.

You hope he will wake up soon. A frown graces your face; he risked his life for you. He made you go first. What if he didn’t make it in time? Goodness, you couldn’t even imagine the possibility. You scan his unconscious body as your eyes glaze over, “Taehyun,” you mutter shakily.

“Please wake up soon,” you whimper. You hoped that you did something to help. Taehyun had done so much for you, he comforted you. He himself had been wronged, yet he helped you, a royal. You wanted to return the favour. Give him back his rightful position as the true Royal Sorcerer of Fortuna. To recall his exile. To let him be by your side.

Your gaze drifts to the string with which your ring hangs. Your heart flutters; he truly kept it safe. You found this fact ever so endearing. A shaky chuckle escapes your lips as you wipe away the tears. Oh, Kang Taehyun…

To think that bratty, uptight sorcerer you met would be the one to risk his life for you. The person who you had grown to love being around, to bicker and tease with, with whom you felt like you could truly be yourself. He didn’t treat you like a noble, no, he treated you like a normal individual. Albeit, it first irritated you, now you cherished it deeply. You yearned for it even.

Standing up, you yawn loudly. Coincidentally, your stomach grumbles. You take in your surroundings as unease settles in. It was rather dark as the sunset was near its end. You scramble to light up the candles outside the door and within the rooms.

With the flickering candlelight, you felt much better. Your mind flickers back to Taehyun’s tidbit about Bloodmoths; a reminiscent smile lingers on your lips. You were hungry, and you definitely needed something to energise Taehyun whenever he woke up.

Deep in thought, you finally remember the first soup Taehyun made. It was the easiest meal he had made and you remembered making it so visibly since you grumbled and whined about the chopping, stirring and boiling. The soup would do then! This was the least you could do.

You remembered that Taehyun kept extra vegetables in some glazed crocks soaked in vinegar and wrapped in some leather to keep them from spoiling. With a grimace, you begin making the soup. You were sure it would taste rather grim due to using the preserved vegetables instead of fresh ones but also the fact you have barely cooked throughout your life. You just hope what you were making would at least be edible.

As the soup simmers, you sprinkle some pepper in. A grunt resounds out as you peer over seeing Taehyun’s head twisting and turning as he writhes waking up. A low hiss leaves his lips as he realises he was still injured.

“Taehyun!” You call out as you rush over and crouch right beside him. He squints briefly, his eyes adjusting to the environment before meeting your gaze. He croaks out, “Mm, we made it.”

Your eyes begin to water, “We did. All because of you, Taehyun! Goodness, I’m so thankful you’re alive!” He scoffs weakly, “As if that pitiful wound would kill me,” he coughs.

Glaring, you respond, “Oh shut it, sorcerer. You scared the living soul out of me! Don’t be cocky, you may have sorcery, but a wound is a wound! Especially if you can’t heal yourself afterwards!”

Taehyun groans, raising his hand frailly dismissing your whining, “Yes, yes, princess, I get it. I overexerted myself, used too much mana, and put myself at risk.” You huff, “Indeed. But…” you resume with a pout, “But it was necessary, I was just…”

“Scared?” He murmurs with an amused twinkle in his eyes. You nod, “Mhm.” Taehyun’s lips form a lazy smirk, “Poor sweetheart, worried about little old me? Who would have thought, hm?” You refrain from smacking him (just this once!) and huff, “Just keep quiet, save your energy.”

He merely smiles at you as you stand back up keeping an eye on the steaming soup. He sniffs the air and his brows furrow, “Wait, you’re cooking? Shit, how have you not burned down my home yet? What have I told you about cooking without my supervision?”

Crossing your arms, you glare, “What was I supposed to do, ask you whilst you were unconscious?” Taehyun snorts weakly, peering away with a smirk, “Mm, fair point. Anyway, you’re making, ah, it seems to be vegetable soup. You still remember it? Impressive.”

You huff stirring the pot, “Don’t underestimate me, Taehyun. Of course I do,” you resume with a snarky smile, “I remember how you tirelessly nagged me through every step.”

Taehyun merely smirks, saying nothing as he peers down at his bandaging. He muses dryly, “You did all this? Huh, not bad. It certainly feels better this way.” Taehyun’s gaze meets yours with a mischievous glint, “It would be unfortunate if your soup would poison me after you worked so hard to heal me up, no?”

You huff, glaring at him, “You ungrateful imbecile! Here I was worried to pieces about you and yet you’re talking away and teasing me as if nothing happened! Oh, what a fool I was!” To think, your soup could not be that bad right?

A snicker escapes his lips at your dramatic response. He coughs feeling a shot of pain bolt through him. Taehyun loved teasing you like this; for some odd reason it made him feel warm inside whenever you’d cutely berate him back. He missed it dearly.

He was talking to you to take his mind off the discomfort of the wound and the extreme exhaustion from the overuse of mana. Taehyun’s eyes continue to observe you as you mediocrely make your way around his kitchen finishing up the soup. The way candlelight illuminates your face and your body, makes his heart flutter. The crease between your brows as you put your all into such a simple meal made him feel whole, even enthralled by your endearing behaviour.

Taehyun was indeed captivated by you nonchalantly cooking away. A scene oddly domestic, if it was not for the blood soaked clothes he had on and the bandages he wore. It made him incredibly happy inside that you looked after him. You were compassionate, caring, willing to try even if you didn’t know what you were doing. This fact alone separated you distinctly from any other nobles he recalled.

A heaviness appears in his heart as his thoughts become captured by you. You notice his intense gaze. “Are you scrutinising my technique? Don’t worry, I am sure it will be edible.” Taehyun dryly muses, “Good to know, sweetheart.”

After a few minutes, you pour the soup into a bowl and grab a spoon. Sitting beside him you hold out the spoon, “Here.”

“You’re going to feed me?” He asks slightly surprised. You glare, “Surely it will hurt if you raise your arm each time?” You had a point, he was also not going to complain about you feeding him. In fact he’d relish this moment of vulnerability.

With each spoonful, both your eyes meet. His gaze feels electric, looking at you with a new fiery intensity that leaves you breathless. This tender gesture of you feeding him made you feel warm inside. You had countless maids who catered to your every whim. You always had others to do things for you. This time, you did something for someone else. It felt good. It felt human.

Finishing up the soup, he hums, breaking the silence, “You know, if you added a little more pepper and a pinch more salt, it would have been perfect. But for a first attempt, it was rather delightful, good job.” You smile at him, “Thank you, Taehyun.” He muses, “Also it was indeed edible.” Rolling your eyes, you try to hold back a grin, “Yes, yes quite the feat, I know.”

You both chuckle before settling into a comfortable silence. The crickets and other insects chirp and buzz outside accompanied with the rustling of the trees and brush of the breeze. His rustic cabin groans and creaks.

The silence is broken as Taehyun murmurs, “Thank you,” he peers at you with genuine sincerity, “For getting me patched up, I mean. For believing in my sorcery,” he pauses for a moment, “Believing in me.”

For a second, you’re taken aback by his rawness and you return a sincere smile, “Why? I don’t need to be thanked. What you did for me, far surpasses my haphazard handiwork?” You avert your gaze, “In fact, I should be thanking you, Taehyun. Your skill, your power. The fact you risked yourself so boldly.”

Taehyun’s gaze never once leaves you as you speak with pure honesty. His heart raises upon hearing the praise leaving your sweet lips.

“Thank you for putting up with me, staying beside me. For…for not betraying me like so many others. I hope I’m not too unbearable to be around,” you awkwardly laugh.

Another moment of silence passes and your gaze meets his, leaving you breathless. He smirks, “I always knew you were the sappy type.” You groan as he shatters the sentimental atmosphere. “Oh come on, I am being honest,” you whine.

Taehyun hums, “Oh I know, I appreciate it.” His gaze softens as his lips morph back into a smile, “I really do. It’s just…endearing, seeing you not bickering with me for once. Being so sincere.” You clear your throat embarrassed, “A-Anyway, just don’t let the praise go to your head.”

“Oh princess, it’s far too late for that,” he grins. You huff placing the bowl and spoon in the sink not being bothered to wash it as you sink yourself back down onto the floor beside Taehyun.

You peer back down at his torso at the bandages now slightly stained pink with the remainder of the blood which had oozed out.

“Mm, admiring me so brazenly? Goodness, princess, how crude to place your gaze upon a topless man.” You glare, “Hold your tongue, you vain sorcerer. I was looking at your bandages, you fool.”

Taehyun snickers at your outburst of indignation. He wouldn’t mind if your pretty eyes eyed him for a bit. Not that he’d ever admit such a crude notion out loud. He’s also has his fair share of admiring your features, subtly of course. You were indeed a sight for sore eyes, particularly tonight under the candlelight where your skin glows golden and your hair glistens.

For some reason, he felt content away from the palace, just you and him. It was a strange feeling; he was someone who enjoyed his solitude and initially rebuked any hint of company. Though, the minuscule thought of being alone again in these woods hurt his so-called icy heart deeply. What was this feeling? No, he was denying the obvious. He didn’t want to cave in and make things awkward.

You were a royal, he was a mere sorcerer. So why was his heart still fluttering at your close proximity, your words, your mannerisms. Why were you so nonchalant, did you not see him in such a manner?

“Taehyun? Are you listening?” Your voice drones back in as he leaves his headspace, ���Huh?” He asks, confused.

Groaning, you repeat, “I said are you listening? I asked whether the bandages hurt, are they too tight? I need to change them before morning, no?” Taehyun peers at you for a moment before replying, “No, no, you did a good job. They feel secure.” You sigh in relief, “Okay, I’m not exactly a healer so…”

He muses, “Well from your technique I figured. But, I suppose for a life or death situation you did a decent job.” Your expression becomes deadpan. What a brat!

You scoff, “Despite being injured and fatigued, you still remain irritating, a skill indeed. Not a good one, but a skill nonetheless.” Taehyun hums amused, “Why, thank you sweetheart. You still remain as fun to irritate as usual.”

Your mind begins to churn its gears as you think about everything that has happened. You ponder, what was the current situation in Luna? Beomgyu must be beyond infuriated. He had lost and he had no diplomatic grounds to enter Fortuna angrily unless he wanted to initiate a war, which would break the treaty. Ironically, you were safer in Fortuna, even more ironic, in the Woods of Mors.

“What’s your pretty head thinking about, hm?” He breaks your train of thought. “Mm? Oh, just Luna. Beomgyu, everything really.”

“Forget about that bastard, focus on what to do next. We’ve already made humongous progress by even being back here,” he reassures. “Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s not willing to start a war or dispute.” You nod slowly, “Yes…well I hope not for the sake of the people.”

Taehyun gives you a small smile, “You’ll get your crown back, then you’ll really be untouchable.” His remark and smile causes your heart to jump around in your chest. He had said it so cutely, that anyone would find themselves grinning like a fool. Your cheeks begin to hurt from smiling so frequently; you hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. Being here together felt like your own pocket of time and space.

Your eyes gaze back at the dried blood on his trousers, unbuttoned shirt. “You should probably change clothes,” you suggest. He peers down and grunts, “Yes, it is rather grotesque, isn’t it?”

You muse, “Stay, I’ll grab a shirt for you.” You scramble around in his large wooden trunk amongst the clothes and select one.

“You have an awful selection of clothes. They’re pretty but they’re all different shades of black or brown,” you grumble settling back beside him. He snorts, “What about it? A muted colour palette never harmed anyone. Furthermore, it helps me blend better here in the woods.”

Rolling your eyes, you hand him the white shirt with ruffles near the collar, “I found this at the bottom,” you murmur. He scoffs, “Of course you’d choose that old thing.”

You glare, “Put it on, sorcerer.” With a groan he grabs the shirt and you notice for a moment a flash of a pained expression crosses his visage. You lean forward, “Wait- wait let me help.”

He is slightly startled by your proximity and the offer before he concedes handing you back the shirt. With shaky hands you slide down the arms of his stained black shirt carefully pulling the shirt off him revealing his strong built shoulders.

With shaky hands you guide his arms through the sleeves as he grunts in slight discomfort. Clearing your throat from being flustered, you mumble, “There. You can button up your shirt, I’m sure.”

Taehyun’s eyes twinkle as his lips twitch momentarily before speaking, “But, my wound hurts from moving it around just now.”

“You barely moved it, I did most of the guid-“ He interrupts, “What if I make it worse? The top button too, I’d have to raise my right arm and well, who knows how much that would hurt?” You glare unimpressed with his explanation but you decide not to argue back purely on the basis that he saved the both of you.

Leaning forward, you begin buttoning the buttons one by one. Your heart races at the closeness as he gazes intensely at your hands and back at your concentrated face. You didn’t want to meet his gaze; or look at his chest. Rather, you focus on the tiny button alone. Goodness! Why were your hands suddenly so clumsy?

Your hands begin to feel clammy as you clumsily put on the buttons. Why did you feel nervous? His breath lightly brushes against your ear and then your neck as you work your way down. The silence gave way to a tension between the two of you which had built up over a long while; seeming to now reach the brim.

You were nervous; so was he. You briefly raise your gaze to his and a shaky breath escapes your parted lips at the sheer intensity of his stare. His pupils had dilated and were trained on you. Both of you were locked in an intimate staring contest as your hand hovers over the last two buttons of his shirt over his belt.

“You stopped, why’s that?” His voice startles you; it takes on a rougher, lower edge - almost restrained in a way.

“I-“ you stammer, “Sorry, I’ll continue,” you fluster buttoning another button. He suddenly grabs your wrist making your heart reach your throat.

“Do I make you nervous?” He asks. You can’t meet his gaze. Truly, this once you can’t; you feel a warmth inside you - one you’ve never felt before. He did make you feel nervous, he made you giddy. Something about his presence, you yearned for it.

“Answer me sweetheart,” he murmurs. “Yes, yes you do,” you whisper. “Hm,” he airs back. You can’t bring yourself to face him; this was just too embarrassing. You didn’t even know what could be used to describe this moment.

His voice takes on an amused tone, still raspier than usual, “Can’t look me in the eye? Not going to bite back at me? I’m teasing you, no?” No, it was different this time. How could you bicker with him when you feel your cheeks grow so hot?

Feeling overwhelmed, you go to get up abruptly but you’re stopped as he pulls you down by the wrist and you yelp as you brush against him; he hisses in pain as you press against his wound.

You begin to assert, “See- this is why…” you falter upon seeing how close his face was to yours. Oh, how he was so incredibly pretty. Charming, ethereal, chiseled features which would make even the reluctant damsels faint.

“This is why- what? Finish your sentence,” he muses. Taehyun wished to ascertain your reaction. You tempted him for far too long, he wanted to control himself, keep his delusions at bay as usual, but something about you tenderly caring for him, being so close to him where he could see you up close, feel your body heat, your soft hands brushing against his body. It was intoxicating.

“You’re being crude, having a noble lady so close to you like this, what’s g-gotten into you?” You breathlessly stammer. Taehyun’s lips form a coy smirk. Perhaps, this was a dream. It felt unreal, of course.

“You’re right, my apologies. You’re free to stand then,” he peers at you challengingly. Your heart pounds in your chest; why weren’t you rushing to get up? Why were you taking the time to hesitate?

The tension between you two was palpable, on the verge of breaking over the brim. Neither of you wanted to cave in, gaging each other’s reactions simultaneously, afraid of the consequences but far too gone to stop now and come to your senses.

“Y/n,” he calls out. Your name, he said your name for the first time; it felt intimate, making your lips tremble. “Get up,” he shakily warns, “I…I think we both know what’ll happen otherwise.”

As much as he wanted to, he had to hold himself back from kissing your sinfully tempting lips right here and now.

“What if I want it to happen?” Your voice breaks momentarily at your sudden remark. Taehyun stiffens letting go of your wrist; did he think of you as undignified? Instant regret floods your senses. This was far too crude for a noble lady of your standing. How could you give into instinct so easily?

A breathy chuckle escapes his lips as he leans slightly forward, “You never fail to surprise me,” his hand tentatively brushes against the side of your neck before sliding his fingers to the back of your neck pulling your face closer to his.

The tip of his nose brushes against yours as his breath caresses your lips making you shiver. He gages your reaction, noting you’re not pulling away, rather you’re peering at his lips. He smiles for a second before finally pressing his lips against yours.

The kiss is brief, clumsy even. After all, you haven’t ever kissed anyone. Taehyun didn’t mind at all, neither did he. Being exiled certainly didn’t help, though reading his mother’s romance books that he shouldn’t have and garnering a few novels from the occasional merchant, gave him sufficient knowledge.

Well, the most useful was human instinct, carnal desire itself. A dangerously tempting guide. A breathless laugh escapes his lips, “Wait, wait, tilt your head a little more,” he tilts your head upwards slightly and to the right before leaning in; you feel incredibly embarrassed.

“Mm, your lips are soft,” he chuckles, “Don’t worry; I’m not an expert if it helps,” he leans in further once again brushing his lips against yours, “All I know is I want to do it again.” So did you. Your lips ache to meet with his soft ones.

You shakily grip his forearm as you close your eyes once more. With that, he pushes his lips against yours and he breathes out, “Move them with me, not against me, with me, sweetheart,” you nod, beginning to move your lips with his.

You had read an enormous array of romance novels; even some of the more erotic nature (not that anyone should know of course), but this, this was something you could truly never be prepared for.

As initially clumsy as the first kiss was, this one was far better. It is longer, you both find yourselves settling into a comfortable rhythm as your lips dance delicately with each other. The world around you was but a blur as Taehyun’s lips moved with yours tugging and pressing against them sending sparks through you.

Your hands slide up to his shoulders as you push yourself closer, finding yourself chasing his addicting lips. You would never admit it, you wanted this, just as much- no, more than he did.

Both of you part from each other, breathless, hot, it was a mere heated kiss, nothing too major yet it left the both of you desiring more.

“Fuck,” he sighs, leaning his head back against the wall with a dazed expression and shut eyes. Your fingers brush against your lips processing what had happened. You kissed him- he kissed you.

If this left you all hot and bothered, then what if you both- you shake your head abruptly getting up. No, no.

Taehyun peers up at you with a pitiful expression, almost as though he were a scolded puppy, “Y/n- princess, wait.” You regard him flustered; here he was acting as if he didn’t just press his lips to yours so salaciously. “You’re leaving?”

“I-“ you begin. Taehyun frowns, “Do you regret it? Please tell me you don’t.” It wasn’t an in the moment kind of thing was it? He wasn’t that type. Not a scoundrel to brush it aside?

You find yourself smiling at this; this hint of panic on his expression. You find the urge to tease him but refrain, “I don’t, Taehyun.”

His shoulders ease in relief and rather a subtle hue of red dusts his cheeks. Taehyun murmurs, “Well, that’s good to hear. I don’t either.” His words send your heart spiralling further. You didn’t know what this would develop into. It seemed that neither of you would admit to your feelings.

Taehyun muses, “Mind helping me up? I’ve been sitting here for over an hour. With a shake of your head, you walk over helping him up towards his bed and lying him down.

“Where will you sleep?” He asks. After all, he had let you sleep on the bed during your brief time here, last month.

“The floor,” you mumble awkwardly. You’ve never slept on the floor; how dreadful the idea was to you, but you were not willing to be selfish. Taehyun was injured, after all.

“No, you can sleep on the bed,” he insists. “You’re in pain, Taehyun,” you huff. He pushes himself to the other side of the single bed just before the edge with a pained grunt. “Goodness, what are you doing?” You groan exasperated.

“Making room,” he hums. Your heart races. For you. “That’s absurd, a man and woman in the same bed-“

He looks at you bewildered for a moment before cackling. “You are so…” he muses, “Why? Afraid you cannot resist me?” You snap, “Mind your words, sorcerer.”

He grins lazily, “Don’t be a brat, get in here. You won’t last even a minute on the floor. Be realistic.” You bite your lip as your brows furrow. How irritating; he was right! Crossing your arms, you huff, “Well- I just have to manage-“

“Okay, well, take the floor then,” he relinquishes insistence, quickly making you gawk at him. That quickly?

You peer down at the grim wooden floor. You spot a few nails bent out of the floor. A grimace paints itself onto your face. How did he sleep on this whilst you were here before? You frown.

You mumble pathetically, “Mm…Taehyun.” A smirk laces his lips with his eyes shut, “Mm?”Awkwardly, you mutter, “I’ll sleep on the bed. With…you.”

He opens one eyes peeking at you with a coy smile, “You want to sleep with me, sweetheart?”You gasp mortified, “You-! Heathen! That’s not what-“ Why did he phrase it like that?

“-You meant? Yes, yes, I know,” he grins, “Come here.” You couldn’t believe him. No, you couldn’t believe this was actually happening. This felt unbelievable.

You lie down beside him stiffly; his body heat resonates. “You’re going to fall off the bed at this rate,” he muses. “Move closer,” he hums. “That’s just-“ You splutter.

“If you can kiss me, mouth to mouth, you can’t sleep beside me?” He hums amused. With a glare you shift closer with embarrassment flooding you.

“Don’t get cocky, I’m merely humouring your insistence,” you mutter. Taehyun muses, “I’m sure you are, why thank you, princess.”

You scoff at his sarcasm. You feel the weight of his arm on your waist from behind, “Just so you don’t fall, of course. It’s a small bed.”

A smile plays on your lips; thankfully you were facing away from him, “…I see.”

You wonder when the both of you will get the courage to face your intertwined hearts?

However, for now, you were content.

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[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Laser ultrasound used to reveal the elasticity of space rock for the first time

Scientists and engineers at the University of Nottingham have measured the stiffness of space rock for the first time. Many meteorites are made of crystalline materials, formed under exotic conditions that cannot be replicated on Earth. The stiffness of the crystals that make up these materials has historically been difficult to measure and normally this requires scientists to grow a special single crystal, which in this case is not possible.

Published in Scripta Materialia, using a new technique developed and patented at the University of Nottingham, experts have measured this important property for the first time.

Lead author of the study, Wenqi Li, from the university's Optics and Photonics research group, said, "These materials have evolved in unique conditions over millions of years to form these amazing structures and patterns.

"These conditions cannot be reproduced on Earth and meteorites have amazing large-scale microstructure and phase mixtures which give mechanical and elastic properties that are quite different to the man-made iron-nickel alloys we can produce on Earth."

Meteorites provide access to information on the formation and evolution of planetary bodies which is otherwise difficult to study. The unique nature of these samples and their relative scarcity means that non-destructive analysis techniques are needed to study their properties. Understanding their properties develops the understanding of the formation of the solar system and the planets.

Studying these samples can also help develop an understanding of alloys used for aerospace and industrial applications, suitable for constructing extraterrestrial structures, making meteors a suitable source of material for future manufacturing in space.

This study uses the laser ultrasound technique spatially resolved acoustic spectroscopy (SRAS++), which was invented at the University of Nottingham, to measure the properties of the Gibeon meteorite.

Associate Professor Richard Smith explained, "The SRAS++ machine uses lasers to make and detect acoustic waves that travel on the surface of the material. This means that we do not need to touch the sample and do not damage the sample in any way. This is really important for samples where there is limited supply.

"There are no published values to directly compare the results of this study, as non-destructive measurements of the single crystal elasticity on granular material has not previously been possible.

"So, we compared our results with theoretical values for man-made iron-nickel alloys. We also calculated the bulk properties from our single crystal elasticity measurements and compared them to published measurements on the Gibeon meteorite and they also agree well."

Professor Matt Clark, Faculty of Engineering, says, "We're incredibly excited to gain access to larger pieces of these precious samples in the future so we can use the SRAS++ method to image the changes in the local elastic properties from the center to the periphery of the meteorites to understand the formation of these complicated materials."

TOP IMAGE: Graphical abstract. Credit: Scripta Materialia (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116666

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 28, 2024

Hierarchical control over foraging behavior by anterior cingulate cortex. Alejandro, R. J., & Holroyd, C. B. (2024). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 160, 105623.

Dissociable encoding of motivated behavior by parallel thalamo-striatal projections. Beas, S., Khan, I., Gao, C., Loewinger, G., Macdonald, E., Bashford, A., … Penzo, M. A. (2024). Current Biology, 34(7), 1549-1560.e3.

Active reinforcement learning versus action bias and hysteresis: control with a mixture of experts and nonexperts. Colas, J. T., O’Doherty, J. P., & Grafton, S. T. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(3), e1011950.

Alignment of brain embeddings and artificial contextual embeddings in natural language points to common geometric patterns. Goldstein, A., Grinstein-Dabush, A., Schain, M., Wang, H., Hong, Z., Aubrey, B., … Hasson, U. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 2768.

Optimal reaching subject to computational and physical constraints reveals structure of the sensorimotor control system. Greene, P., Bastian, A. J., Schieber, M. H., & Sarma, S. V. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(14), e2319313121.

Maturation of cortical input to dorsal raphe nucleus increases behavioral persistence in mice. Gutierrez-Castellanos, N., Sarra, D., Godinho, B. S., & Mainen, Z. F. (2024). eLife, 13, e93485.

Antipsychotic drugs selectively decorrelate long-range interactions in deep cortical layers. Heindorf, M., & Keller, G. B. (2024). eLife, 12, e86805.4.

Perceptual learning changes the amplitude not the shape of the temporal window of visual processing. Lin, L., Ruan, X., Liu, R., Zhu, J., Zhang, W., Lu, Z.-L., … Hou, F. (2024). Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 50(4), 523–534.

Learning leaves a memory trace in motor cortex. Losey, D. M., Hennig, J. A., Oby, E. R., Golub, M. D., Sadtler, P. T., Quick, K. M., … Chase, S. M. (2024). Current Biology, 34(7), 1519-1531.e4.

A role of frontal association cortex in long‐term object recognition memory of objects with complex features in rats. Masmudi‐Martín, M., López‐Aranda, M. F., Navarro‐Lobato, I., & Khan, Z. U. (2024). European Journal of Neuroscience, 59(7), 1743–1752.

Predictive coding networks for temporal prediction. Millidge, B., Tang, M., Osanlouy, M., Harper, N. S., & Bogacz, R. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(4), e1011183.

Unravelling the multisensory learning advantage: Different patterns of within and across frequency-specific interactions drive uni- and multisensory neuroplasticity. Paraskevopoulos, E., Anagnostopoulou, A., Chalas, N., Karagianni, M., & Bamidis, P. (2024). NeuroImage, 291, 120582.

Collective sensing in electric fish. Pedraja, F., & Sawtell, N. B. (2024). Nature, 628(8006), 139–144.

Stochastic attractor models of visual working memory. Penny, W. (2024). PLOS ONE, 19(4), e0301039.

Brain mechanism of foraging: Reward-dependent synaptic plasticity versus neural integration of values. Pereira-Obilinovic, U., Hou, H., Svoboda, K., & Wang, X.-J. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(14), e2318521121.

Space as a scaffold for rotational generalisation of abstract concepts. Pesnot Lerousseau, J., & Summerfield, C. (2024). eLife, 13, e93636.3.

A midbrain GABAergic circuit constrains wakefulness in a mouse model of stress. Ren, S., Zhang, C., Yue, F., Tang, J., Zhang, W., Zheng, Y., … Hu, Z. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 2722.

A machine‐learning tool to identify bistable states from calcium imaging data. Varma, A., Udupa, S., Sengupta, M., Ghosh, P. K., & Thirumalai, V. (2024). Journal of Physiology, 602(7), 1243–1271.

Ocular surface information seen from the somatosensory thalamus and cortex. Velasco, E., Zaforas, M., Acosta, M. C., Gallar, J., & Aguilar, J. (2024). Journal of Physiology, 602(7), 1405–1426.

Causal functional maps of brain rhythms in working memory. Wischnewski, M., Berger, T. A., Opitz, A., & Alekseichuk, I. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(14), e2318528121.

[geleynugvc]

Key Considerations Before Removing a Mature Tree from Your Property

When deliberating the removing of a mature tree from your private home, one may well suppose an unpredicted mixture of feelings—sadness, nervousness, or even reduction. Trees serve as silent witnesses to our lives, bearing witness to celebrations and demanding situations alike. However, the decision to get rid of one isn’t purely an emotional choice; it’s a gigantic project that consists of distinct explanations. In this text, we are going to discover the Key Considerations Before Removing a Mature Tree from Your Property, guaranteeing that you just make an informed decision that aligns along with your necessities and values.

Key Considerations Before Removing a Mature Tree from Your Property

Removing a mature tree is not really as ordinary as it is able to appear. Here are several necessary concerns to prevent in thoughts earlier taking motion:

Understanding the Health of the Tree

Before making any selections, check the wellness of the tree. A expert tree provider can assistance overview even if your tree is diseased or broken past recovery.

Signs of Tree Health Issues Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning leaves may also indicate rigidity. Bark Condition: Cracks or peeling bark may also be symptoms of degradation. Fungal Growth: Mushrooms at the bottom should imply internal rot. The Role of Trees in Ecosystems

Mature timber play an a must-have position in putting forward ecological stability. They present shelter for flora and fauna and guide purify air and water.

Environmental Benefits Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb CO2, aiding fight climate difference. Habitat for Wildlife: Birds and bugs rely on timber for cuisine and nesting web sites. Soil Erosion Prevention: Roots stabilize soil, minimizing erosion negative aspects. Local Regulations and Permits

Many municipalities have legislation governing tree removing. Familiarize your self with local laws to sidestep fines or authorized issues.

Permit Requirements May Include Proof of ownership Documentation of wellbeing and fitness assessments Detailed plans for alternative landscaping Assessing Property Value Implications

Did you understand that mature trees can extensively improve assets price? Understanding how their removal may perhaps have an effect on your house’s price is vital.

Potential Value Increase Factors Curb enchantment enhancement Shade for cooling homes Improved backyard spaces Safety Concerns Related to Tree Removal

Consider safe practices implications professional tree service whilst opting for mature tree elimination. Leaning trees or these as regards to systems pose titanic dangers.

Common Safety Risks Falling branches at some point of storms Root platforms damaging foundations Power line interference Costs Involved in Tree Removal Services

Engaging a knowledgeable tree service is on the whole worthwhile for safe removal, but

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DeepSeek-R1: A Technical Analysis and Market Impact Assessment The release of DeepSeek-R1 represents a watershed moment in artificial intelligence development, challenging the dominance of closed-source commercial models while demonstrating comparable or superior performance across key benchmarks. This analysis examines the technical architecture, performance metrics, market implications, and broader impact of this groundbreaking model. Technical Architecture and Innovation Foundation and Evolution DeepSeek-R1 builds upon the DeepSeek V3 mixture-of-experts architecture, representing a significant evolution from its predecessor, DeepSeek-R1-Zero. The model’s development path illustrates a sophisticated approach to combining multiple training methodologies, resulting in a system that rivals or exceeds the capabilities of leading commercial alternatives. Core Architectural Components Base Architecture: Leverages DeepSeek V3’s mixture-of-experts framework Training Pipeline: Implements a hybrid approach combining reinforcement learning with supervised fine-tuning Model Distillation: Successfully incorporates distilled versions of Llama and Qwen models Scaling Strategy: Employs dynamic resource allocation for optimal performance Training Methodology Innovation The training process represents a notable departure from traditional approaches, implementing a multi-stage pipeline that addresses common limitations in language model development: Initial Development Phase (R1-Zero) Pure reinforcement learning implementation Self-evolution through trial-and-error mechanisms Demonstrated significant performance improvements AIME 2024 score increased from 15.6% to 71.0% Enhanced Training Phase (R1) Integration of cold-start data for initial fine-tuning Reasoning-oriented reinforcement learning Implementation of rejection sampling for SFT data creation Incorporation of DeepSeek-V3’s supervised data Comprehensive prompt scenario training Performance Analysis Benchmark Comparisons DeepSeek-R1’s performance across standard benchmarks demonstrates its competitive positioning: Mathematics and Reasoning Benchmark DeepSeek-R1 OpenAI o1 Delta AIME 2024 79.8% 79.2% +0.6% MATH-500 97.3% 96.4% +0.9% MMLU 90.8% 91.8% -1.0% Programming Proficiency Codeforces Rating: 2,029 (96.3rd percentile) Exceeds human programmer average performance Comparable to OpenAI o1’s 96.6% benchmark Cost-Effectiveness Analysis The model’s pricing structure represents a significant market disruption: Token Pricing Comparison Token Type DeepSeek-R1 OpenAI o1 Cost Reduction Input $0.55/M $15/M 96.3% Output $2.19/M $60/M 96.3% Market Implications and Industry Impact Democratization of AI Technology The open-source release of DeepSeek-R1 under an MIT license represents a significant shift in AI accessibility: Academic and Research Impact Enables broader research participation Facilitates reproducibility …………

Read more ........

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[fels-fantasy-hoard]

Tales from the Aether TTRPG System: Spells and Magic

Masterpost // Previous // Next

This is a peak at some design elements of my TTRGP Tales from the Aether. This is not dnd. If you think some of these ideas are interesting, check out my Masterpost linked above and feel free to send me feedback :D

Everyone can learn magic and spells in this system very easily as every player can choose to know 1 novice Spell at level 1 regardless of whether or not they are trained in any of the Magic Skills. However, beyond character creation, it takes a bit more work to learn Spells.

The number of spells a character can learn is equal to their Magic Attribute but they may learn more depending on Ancestry or Feats. This may seem restricting but Spells work a little differently in this system. Learning a Spell is only the first step on your magical journey as every Spell has a plethora of Upgrades that you can learn to make a single spell multi purpose and escalate in power with you.

In order to learn a new Spell, it must be of a Rank you can learn. For example, my Abjuration Skill is Journeyman Rank but I want to learn an Expert Abjuration Spell. Well, I can't. I would have to hold onto the spell until I reached the proper skill level.

Now, there are four ways to learn new Spells and to gain upgrades and it may vary for your character on a Spell by Spell basis. These are: Innate Spells, Faith Spells, External Spells, and Learned Spells.

Innate Spells are Spells you just know. No on taught you them as they seem to be a natural part of you for what ever reason. These spells are thus more volatile than others and have a 1 in 20 chance of either doubling the strength and effect or failing entirely (rolling a 20 and a 1, respectively). As you grow in power, new spells and spell upgrades will reveal themselves to you - and your character may have no idea what spells or upgrades they will learn until you give it to them.

Faith Spells are Spells you harness through faith. This could be faith in a religion, faith in the self, faith in an ideal, etc. Your faith is so powerful it can literally move mountains but if it wavers, you may lose your ability to use these spells all together. Faith spells are a bit of a mixture of the three other types. Your character can strive to learn specific spells that are influenced by their faith but do not need to do research persay to learn. The spells come more naturally but can also be lost far more easily as faith can be fickle. If your character is losing faith or struggling to maintain their faith, there is a 50% chance their spells will fail. If your character has lost faith entirely, they cannot use their faith spells. If your character’s faith is strong and unwavering, their spells are as well.

External Spells are Spells given to you from an external force through a pact, parasitic relationship, or residue from an encounter with a creature or location. These spells leave a physical mark on your body when you learn them and will continue to change you the more you use them. This could be a change in hair color, tattoos or markings that appear overnight, a change in eye color or shape, or whatever you want it to be. This change represents the physical toll of channeling power that is not your own and the mark of whatever entity has given you these spells. Additionally, your character may not have a choice in what spells are bestowed upon them and the entity can remove your ability to use these spells whenever it pleases or if the contamination has naturally worn off over time.

Learned Spells are Spells you learn through research and study. These spells are the most consistent out of the three. Once you learn a spell, it is yours. However, in order to improve these spells, you will need to continue studying and experimenting with them which may involve keeping “spell books” or notes of some kind that detail your experimentation. If your notes are destroyed or stolen, you will need to start over with what you remember if you wish to continue improving the spell.

The different schools of magic are technically arbitrary constructions as magic is magic but so is violence. It takes different technique to wield a shield, a dagger, and a war hammer just as it takes a different skill set to protect, destroy, or create.

Abjuration is the school of protection and wards. This includes increasing one's Defense Bonus (will explore when discussing combat) and Resistances or creating wards that prevent creatures from approaching.

Alteration is the school of change. These spells alter the world around you such a levitating objects, transforming one creature into another, and manipulating time.

Conjuration is the school of summoning and transportation. These spells summon spectral weapons and armor as well as creatures to fight for you. It is also the key to traveling across the world or to different planes.

Evocation is the school of curses and the spirit. Oftentimes shunned, this school delves into dark places and is far more volatile than others.

Glamor is the school of the mind. These spells alter the minds of creatures to give them hallucinations that allow you to manipulate them like puppets on a string.

Mysticism is the school of knowledge. These spells allow you to see the truths of the world around you as well as what was, what is, and what has yet come to pass.

Necromancy is the school of healing and undeath. Necromancy is well known for its penchant for keeping allies up and fighting regardless of the shape they may be in.

Primal is the school of elements. These spells allow you to manipulate and invoke the power of nature through fire, plants, and more.

Next week I'll discuss equipment and durability

See ya later gamers :D

[uncomplicatedbookreviews]

Jurassic Park

Author: Michael Crichton

Series: Jurassic Park (#1)

Rating: 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads: 4.1/5

Date Read: October 2023

'Because the history of evolution is that life escapes all barriers. Life breaks free. Life expands to new territories. Painfully, perhaps even dangerously. But life finds a way.' ----------------------------------

Plot Summary: A large cast of characters including archeologists, mathematicians, lawyers, and a computer expert are invited to an island owned by an eccentric millionaire. Using preserved dinosaur DNA he has recreated magnificent extinct species of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life. the island is under strict security control and all of contingencies have been planned for. Nothing can go wrong. Until it does and hungry carnivorous T. Rexes and Velociraptors escape captivity and start hunting the human visitors. A mixture of bravery and cunning is the only thing that can save the visitor's lives and some are luckier than others.

TL:DR: A book perfectly at the intersection of hard science fiction and action-adventure thriller. The fame and success of the movie, has this book to thank for a solid plot full of action and characters that you love to love and love to hate. The occasional philosophical/scientific rambling can be intimidating, but is balanced by the constantly evolving story.

Characters

John Hammond - the eccentric elderly founder of InGen and Jurassic Park, Hammond is blinded by his ambition to create the biggest spectacle in history by bringing back dinosaurs. He is determined to open an elite amusement park that will attract wealthy patrons. He single mindedly believes that the systems on the island cannot possibly fail and that his experiments are completely safe.

Ian Malcolm - a cynical and biting sarcastic mathematician famous for his teachings on chaos theory a concept that claims that nature is essentially uncontrollable and unpredictable due to the complex systems underlying the natural world. He has made the trip to Jurassic Park to see if his theories are true and to watch John Hammonds 'perfect system' fall. He's surprisingly charismatic for a mathematician and he is an iconic character for a reason.

Alan Grant - famous archaelogist who is known for huge discoveries that uncovered some of the complex group behaviors of ancient dinosaur species. He doesn't see himself as a particularly brave or heroic man, but ends up proving himself to be one of the most reliable, intelligent, and brave visitors on the island.

Ellie Sattler - a paleo-botanist who studies the fossils and records of plant life, she works closely with Dr. Grant She is a woman of action and is always ready to make decisions. She is cool under pressure and willing to take risks

Tim and Lex Murphy - the grandchildren of John Hammond, invited to Jurassic Park as props for Hammond to prove that the park is perfectly safe. Unfortunately they suffer from annoying child character syndrome. Lex screams at the hint of danger. Tim does his best and is a very intelligent boy, but he's a kid and he's useless.

Thoughts and Feelings: This is one of the most iconic science fiction thriller books for a reason and it is one of my favorite books of all time for the same reasons. Crichton's books can swing widely from amazing to terrible, but with Jurassic Park he found a perfect balance between realistic scientific detail and action packed sequences that leave you flipping pages late into the night. I have a special place in my heart for this book because I'm an animal geneticist and this book expounds at length about the genetics of creating dinosaurs and the kind of veterinary care and consideration that would go into making sure they stayed alive. I live with a veterinary student and several times she would ask me something along the lines of "But do they think about how they would vaccinate dinosaurs against modern diseases?" and I had the pleasure of turning to her and saying "In fact, they do." Is it all 100% right. No of course not. It's a book about using DNA found in mosquitoes, slapping some other random animal DNA in there and creating living breathing extinct animals. It's never going to be 100% right. But that's what makes it fun. It's about imagining a world that feels possible. Like the existence of dinosaurs is just around the corner of scientific discovery. If you have never read this book and you loved the movie or you like books that lean more towards hard science fiction than you should absolutely give this book a try.

The characters are enjoyable (for the most part. Children characters in these crisis books are always a bit of a disaster, but what can you do). The action is good. The science is good. There's corporate espionage, dinosaur hunting, dinosaur vet care, high stakes and no holding back when it comes to the vicious strength of top predators.

Ian Malcolm really likes to wax poetic and go on philosophical rants. IF that's your sort of thing than this book has plenty of it for you. If you find yourself zoning off while he talks about chaos theory and the state of humanity in the world, I encourage you to just skim a little bit and get back to it. Just let him ramble.

[auto-technician]

Understanding the Throttle Body: Function, Maintenance, and Tips

The "Throttle Body" is a critical component of your vehicle's air intake system, controlling the amount of air flowing into the engine. It plays a significant role in determining engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Connected to the accelerator pedal, the throttle body adjusts airflow in response to your driving demands, ensuring optimal air-fuel mixture for combustion.

Why Is Throttle Body Maintenance Important?

Over time, carbon deposits and dirt can build up inside the throttle body, causing it to become less efficient. Symptoms of a dirty or malfunctioning throttle body include rough idling, reduced power, stalling, and poor fuel economy. Regular cleaning and inspection can prevent these issues, extending the life of your engine.

Tips for Throttle Body Care

1. Regular Cleaning

Use a throttle body cleaner every 30,000–50,000 miles to remove deposits.

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Check the throttle position sensor (TPS) and other electronic connections for wear or faults.

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If you notice symptoms like hesitation or surging, inspect the throttle body promptly.

4. Professional Servicing

Seek expert assistance for advanced diagnostics or electronic throttle bodies.

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[dr-octavio-kalev]

MOTHRA Institution, The Eleven Counselors — 11, Dr. Enéas Carneiro

"If you want peace, prepare for the Apocalypse. Only a well-placed atom separates civilization from barbarism!"

HIGH-RANKING FILE — MOTHRA INSTITUTION

The Eleven Counsellors — 11 | "Dr. Enéas Carneiro"

Name: Enéas Ferreira Carneiro

Position: Director of Nuclear and Armament Research, Archivist, Sergeant, Cardiologist, Mathematician, Professor, Scientist, Counsellor 011 of MOTHRA

Access Card Level: Omni Level

Biography:

From a young age, Enéas Carneiro demonstrated uncommon intelligence and an indomitable spirit. Graduating in Medicine with a specialization in Cardiology, he quickly expanded his knowledge into the exact sciences, becoming a self-taught mathematician and physicist. His interest in national defense led him to independently study nuclear technologies, reaching within a few years a level of knowledge comparable to the world’s greatest centers of armament research.

During the peak of his public career, he was secretly recruited by MOTHRA, which recognized in him a unique potential for extreme security and deterrence projects. After his death on May 6, 2007, MOTHRA resurrected him through ANM-110, and the Council elevated him directly to the position of 11th Counsellor, granting him unrestricted authority over weaponry, nuclear defense, and emergency destruction protocols.

Dr. Enéas designed, coordinated, and deployed MOTHRA’s Final Deterrence System: weaponry capable of eliminating anomalous threats or, in extreme cases, wiping entire cities or countries off the map to prevent information leaks.

Despite his eccentric and fiery behavior, he is considered one of the pillars of the Institution's survival during critical situations.

Extremely cultured, explosive in speech, and constant in gestures, Dr. Enéas is recognized for his frightening intelligence, total lack of social filters, and his unwavering belief that "the ends justify the means." He is a fanatical advocate for nuclear power as a tool of absolute control, both to ensure MOTHRA’s sovereignty and to eliminate internal or external threats without warning.

Physical Description:

Height: 1.51m

Build: Thin but robust for his stature, shoulders slightly hunched from the weight of years and responsibility.

Hair: Balding at the top, with sparse dark hair around the sides.

Beard: Thick, black, and long, carefully maintained.

Face: Oval-shaped, with strong features and thick, square-rimmed glasses that magnify his intense gaze.

Eyes: Intense, vibrant, almost hypnotic.

Clothing: Always wears a dark suit and tie (even in highly dangerous containment zones). He appears to carry small metallic devices hidden in his sleeves and jacket.

Posture: Keeps his head held high and speaks with dramatic, sweeping gestures, like a general in the midst of war.

Additional Notes:

His voice is deep, fast-paced, and almost theatrical, making every speech of his a mixture of lecture and wartime oration.

Despite his advanced age, he possesses an energy difficult to match even by younger staff members.

He is known to resolve internal scientific debates either through mathematical challenges or veiled threats about the "consequences of obstructing the evolution of civilization."

Estimated IQ: 160–185 points according to experts.

[faroreskiss]

The Power of Understanding / Part 9

Revised to v2 on: 2023/09/10

Non-Trivial Matters - Part 2

Read on Ao3 Cheat Sheet Chapters: Part 8, Part 10 In this chapter: You seem to be the expert in alienating Links. Now you touched a nerve. What are you gonna do? More Twilight fluff, along with some moments with Wild in private. You reveal Twilight's other secret. Longer chapter yay!

After the events that took place that almost cost you the friendship of the Sky (thanks to your big mouth, literally blabbing that his deity might not exist and the whole hero cycle is actually pretty great), you all called it a night not long after, going up to your rooms.

Sure, the Captain had plenty of rupees to buy you lodgings in an inn in the middle of the city, but that did not mean the inn had enough rooms for ten travelers. Ultimately, you ended up rooming with Wild. The group was somewhat aware of your... unique connection, but that was a matter for another time. Four was with Wind, Twilight was with Sky, Warriors were with Time, and Hyrule stayed with Legend.

You took a very big jug of water, maybe around 5 liters, from the bar before you went upstairs, knowing you would feel thirsty in the middle of the night after that much alcohol got into your system. This caused the innkeeper and the other Links to give you a weird look as you requested it, but hey, hydration was important. Twilight gave you another look, a bit more enticing one if you dare say, as you were carrying the jug. His gaze was laced with a flirtatious energy, his cheeks tinged with a subtle blush from the ale.

As you started to ascend the stairs, the weight of the water jug reminding you of your responsible choice, Twilight's voice followed you, dripping with playful charm, "Gearing up for a wild night, (Y/N)? That's a whole lot of hydration you've got there."

His flirtatious remark caught you off guard, and you couldn't help but chuckle in response. "Well, someone's got to make sure we're all in fighting shape tomorrow, right?"

Twilight's mischievous grin widened, his gaze lingering a moment longer before you disappeared up the stairs, though you could swear you felt a hint of… jealousy in there? With a mixture of exhilaration and a hint of uncertainty, you continued your ascent, feeling the warmth of Twilight's attention echoing in your mind. With that much alcohol in your system, it was hard to keep your mask on.

As you exchanged flirtatious banter with Twilight, you couldn't help but feel a subtle pang of awareness. You knew that your connection with Wild was something special, laden with unspoken emotions and shared moments that transcended simple friendship. However, the circumstances had yet to allow for a proper discussion about the depth of your feelings for each other.

When you reached the room you were going to be sharing with Wild, the atmosphere was still vibrant with the remnants of laughter and alcohol-induced vibes, though you still felt like you messed up badly with Sky. And amidst the somewhat hazy revelry, your exchange with Twilight most likely hadn't gone unnoticed. Most likely. Wild's usually observant eyes seemed a touch clouded by the drinks, but they held a hint of curiosity as he entered the room with you. He made a casual comment, his voice tinged with playful teasing and… possibly jealousy, as if he needed one up the Hero of Twilight  "Didn't know you were trying to win the 'Most Hydrated’ award tonight." It sounded a bit bitter, for some reason. 

Honestly, you were just too restless and feeling too guilty for that conversation right now, so you decided to focus on another topic in your mind. 

So you chuckled instead, trying to keep the mood lighter, placing the water jug on a nearby table as he closed the door. "Someone's got to be the responsible one, right?" Then your lips formed a straight line for a moment before you continued. “It felt more like I’m trying to win the ‘how to hurt your friends and insult their beliefs the worst way possible’ award, if we’re being honest.”

Wild settled onto the inn bed, removing his boots with a hint of detachment in his voice, as if he were shielding his emotions. His words held a certain flatness, a veil over his vulnerability. "I mean… honestly speaking, (Y/N), you know he had a point… Especially that part about ‘the cycle working just fine’," he said, avoiding your gaze as he spoke. It was clear he was wrestling with his own feelings, and your heart ached in response.

A pang of guilt surged through you, his words hitting home. He was right, and you knew it. Your logical side often clashed with the more emotional aspects of your interactions, and you were well aware that there were certain topics that needed to be handled with greater care. These weren't just characters from a video game; they were real individuals with their own thoughts and feelings. The fact that you had access to information about them only added to the complexity of your situation.

"I… I know my apology should have included not only him, but all of you," your words carried a weight of remorse as you spoke. Regret laced each syllable, and you felt your heart squeeze. "I understand that these aren't just stories for you; they're your lives, your sacrifices. I'm sorry for trivializing that." Wild's gentle smile held a mixture of hurt and understanding, and you took a seat, pouring a glass of water as you contemplated your own insensitivity.

"I can't always keep my thoughts to myself, especially when I've had a few drinks," you admitted with a self-deprecating chuckle. You gazed into his eyes, your expression pleading for him to understand the depth of your remorse.

His response held a mixture of empathy and honesty, his words tinged with a newfound assertiveness. "We know you never intend to harm us, but sometimes your words hit close to the heart. And even after spending almost two years together, I can't always figure out how you have insight into certain matters," he stated firmly. There was a confidence to his words that took you by surprise, his usual reserved nature giving way to a more direct approach. The alcohol seemed to have emboldened him.

You acknowledged his observation with a nod, recognizing the truth in his words. "I've never lied about not being from any Hyrule. I told you, Purah and Zelda, that Hyrule doesn't exist where I come from, yet information about it does exist. I didn’t know that anything I knew could even be relevant, if we were to never meet with the rest of the Links… I just, I just thought I would be living the rest of my life there in my cottage in Hateno," you admitted, your gaze thoughtful as you struggled to find the right words. His directness invited a level of honesty you hadn't shared before.

He took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "It's just… I can't help but feel you're keeping something from us," he confessed, his words hanging in the air. The truth of his statement struck you, and you found yourself speechless in the face of his insight.

"Link..." you said softly, your voice a mix of vulnerability and reassurance.

He pressed on, his gaze unwavering. "I know you're not lying, but there's more to it. Some things you know can't be explained by mere research or history. And I think you're aware of that," he said, his words direct and unyielding. You would not expect this from him, at all.

You struggled to find a response, your mind racing to catch up with the intensity of the conversation. "I... You're right. There's more that I haven't shared, things that go beyond what I can easily explain," you admitted, your voice tinged with a mixture of reluctance and honesty. The weight of your unspoken secrets hung heavily in the air between you.

The vulnerability of the moment shifted as he rose from the bed, pulling a chair closer to you. He cupped your face gently, his touch both comforting and electrifying. For a fleeting moment, his eyes searched yours, and you sensed an unspoken connection. It was as if the emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface were finally breaking free.

"One day, I'll share everything with you all. I promise. Just... give me time," you pleaded, hoping that he could understand the complexity of your situation.

He pulled away with a tender smile, his gaze filled with affection and understanding. "Just be careful with your words, my little bookworm. They have a way of impacting me in ways you might not realize, even more than just me, from what I noticed…" he teased, a warmth in his tone and the way he used silly terms sent a shiver down your spine. He cleared his throat, a feigned cough masking his growing embarrassment. With a final exchange of glances, he made his way to his bed, leaving a sense of anticipation lingering in the air.

"Good night, (Y/N)," he murmured softly.

"Night, Link." Your heart swelled with a mixture of emotions as you watched him settle in, the weight of unspoken truths and burgeoning feelings hanging over the room like a delicate secret waiting to be unveiled.

 You just couldn’t sleep. 

Possibly hours passed since you and Wild got into bed, mind you, separate ones, he seemed to be sleeping soundly, his chest slowly rising and falling. You remembered the time where you woke up next to him after the night you spent with him and Zelda, and felt your ears reddening. Maybe you could just go snuggle up to him now? You were sure he wouldn’t mind. You did it every now and then…

It wasn’t the time for that now!

You were feeling restless, what happened between you and Sky weighing heavily on you still, especially after Wild’s words about being careful with your words. And then you went ahead and PROMISED that you would explain it. Another art piece out of your great big mouth. Oh, and he was totally aware of how Twilight was looking at you as well. Lovely.

Since you promised, maybe you should just get answers to some of your questions at least, you thought to yourself. About Links, each of them. Then you sighed, why were you so evil? 

After you turned left and right in the bed and shifted for the hundredth time, you decided to get up. You were so thirsty anyway, and were glad that you had that jug in the room. You got a glass for yourself and slowly opened the door, and went towards one of the balconies of the inn on your floor.

It was the cool summer breeze that welcomed you, with cicadas chirping around and of course the beautiful and clear sky, free from light pollution. Silent streets of the Castle Town lay below you, bathed in the soft moonlight. This whole conversation with Wild had stirred up feelings of nostalgia for your own world. Even the stars and their alignments looked completely different over here, unfamiliar constellations dotting the sky. But at least the sun and the moon remained consistent, providing a sense of continuity. It was a small comfort in a world of uncertainty, and as you stood on the balcony, you couldn't shake off the melancholy that had settled in your heart.

The door to the balcony creaked open behind you, and you turned to see Twilight standing there, a soft smile on his lips. "Couldn't sleep either, huh?" he asked, his voice carrying the warmth of camaraderie. His presence was unexpected, yet strangely comforting.

"Yeah, something like that," you replied, taking a sip from your glass. "Just needed some fresh air and... space to think."

The rancher… Twilight. He also was an odd one. Sure, he had what the others called the Ordonian drawl, but not always. The others were most likely more perceptive than you and they noticed it as well. But after his close brush with death and at least some of his secrets being spilled, nobody would think to probe him more. He definitely was an adopted Ordonian, and adapted himself into their traditions, and the way they speak, how they act. He also had the carefree vibes of a rancher, and the experience of it. No matter what though, you couldn’t help but notice, when the situation called for it, he spoke like someone who is educated in a very particular way, without a trace of that drawl.

Like a noble knight.

“What’s on your mind? If you don’t mind sharin’…” Twilight's voice was soft and inviting, his concern evident in his expression.

Ah, what the hell… Of course you knew the reason why. 

“Just thinking about what happened this evening, with uhm, you know,” you just added idly as you leaned to the rails of the balcony, feeling the weight of your guilt resurface.

“Ah that…” he pursed his lips, he was about to continue but you interjected before he could.

“I guess I need to apologize to you as well, I really made light of a situation that I have no experience being in, other than reading about it.” You turned to him, with sadness and regret in your eyes.

He scratched the back of his head, looking a bit puzzled about what to say next. Then he had a reassuring look on his face, firm yet gentle. 

“Yeah, apology accepted. I know you meant no harm,” he put a hand on your shoulder. “But not gonna lie, each time I think I finally got used to your trivia queenin, you somehow manage to surprise me.” 

You grinned, his lightheartedness contagious. “Well, can't let you get too comfortable, can I? Gotta keep you on your toes.”

Twilight chuckled, a sparkle in his eyes. “Oh, trust me, you've definitely succeeded in that.”

You leaned closer, your shoulders brushing against his. "I'm just trying to keep up with you all. It's not easy, you know? Especially when you've got that farm boy charm going on."

He laughed, a rich and warm sound that sent a pleasant shiver down your spine. "Farm boy charm, huh? I'll have you know, there's a lot more to me than just that."

You raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on your lips. "Oh, really? Do tell, Mr. Mysterious."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, teasing tone. "Well, for starters, I've got a knack for herding very stubborn Ordonian goats. And if you're ever in need of a thrilling adventure of sumo with Gorons, I'm your guy."

You let out a mock gasp, placing a hand over your heart. "Herding goats and thrilling adventures? My, my, you really are the whole package, aren't you?"

He chuckled, the warmth of his laughter wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. "I like to think so. But you, my dear, are a mystery I'm still trying to unravel."

There it was, he could be as goofy as he wanted, but you could hear his drawl disappear and him actually hinting at something else about you, very carefully.

Regardless, you couldn’t help but feel a blush creep onto your cheeks, his words sending a delightful flutter through your chest. "Is that so?”

Twilight's eyes held a mixture of playfulness and something deeper, a curiosity that seemed to reach beyond the surface. "Absolutely. You're not like anyone I've ever met, and that's saying something considering the bunch we've got here." he winked.

Your heart skipped a beat, his gaze and words making you feel seen in a way you hadn't experienced before. "I could say the same about you, ‘Rancher’. You've got this enigmatic knightly aura that keeps drawing me in."

You were playing a dangerous game here. You really haven’t learned your lesson after what happened with Sky, have you? You weren’t even exactly subtle about it. Blunt flirting wasn’t going to hide what you knew. You had to get it out as well so you could at least sleep. Maybe.

He chuckled softly, then for a moment his expression darkened.

“Now now, whatever might you mean? I’m but a humble country boy~” he was trying to keep it light, but you could see that it was nothing but a mask in this situation. 

You got into a serious mood now. There was no need to play games anymore, and you did promise that you would slowly start telling the full truth to all of them. Why not start now? 

“Hey, Link… It’s okay, I know.” you said softly, touching your shoulder to his. He raised an eyebrow, not realizing what you meant at first. Then he tensed. 

“What… do you know?”  he asked, not looking at you but towards the streets, you could tell he had a stern expression on his face, from his voice alone. You gulped. Here goes nothing.

“About your hometown….” you said carefully. 

He was silent. He didn’t seem that surprised, you were the trivia queen after all, yet it still looked like he was taken off guard. But…

“My hometown is Ordon.” he said firmly. You really, really knew you shouldn’t press on, but you just couldn’t help yourself.

“Bordering the Gerudo desert,” you continued, as you saw him close his eyes and take a deep breath, trying to compose himself. It was almost like you were torturing him, but you couldn’t stop. 

“Where the Gaurof sword was…” 

He froze for a second. Then he turned to you once again, with an unreadable expression. You could swear you saw his eyes shine golden for a split moment. He put a hand on your shoulder, quite rougher than you expected, and squeezed it a bit too much for your comfort. 

“Enough,” he said very sharply. 

Now his face had the expression of pure pain. Pain of memories. 

You really messed up this time, didn’t you?

His grip on your shoulder slowly loosened, noticing your expression of terror, his eyes shifting away from yours. "You should be careful, (Y/N). Some things are best left untouched."

You swallowed hard, feeling a pang of regret for pushing the boundaries too far. "I'm sorry, I have no excuse. But for what I’m about to reveal later, it’s better that you understand the extent of my knowledge… and that it is not just books and history research.” You had to stand your ground, you opened Pandora's box after all.

Twilight's gaze remained distant, his thoughts seemingly far away. After a moment, he finally turned to you, his eyes a mix of curiosity and wariness. "And what are you suggesting? That there's more to this than you've let on? More than just being an outsider who knows a bit too much?"

You nodded solemnly, feeling the weight of the truth pressing down on you, feeling the stress on the word outsider like a little stab in your heart. He was bitter, rightfully so. 

"Exactly. But there's something you need to understand, Link. My intentions are not to exploit or deceive. I've been trying to piece together the right time and place to share everything. It's just... complicated."

He let out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Complicated is an understatement. You've been a box of secrets since you and the Champion arrived, (Y/N). But I've seen the way you interact with the group, the genuine concern you have for all of us. That counts for something."

A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over you. Maybe you hadn't irreparably damaged your relationship with him. "I appreciate your understanding, I don't take your trust lightly."

He offered a faint smile, the tension between you slowly easing. "Just... be cautious, all right? There's more at stake than you might realize."

You nodded in agreement, appreciating his sincerity. "Believe me, I've come to understand that more and more with each passing day. And already got another lecture from Link, erhm, Champion…” You scratched the back of your neck, slightly embarrassed. At the mention of his name, you felt him twitch a bit. But you decided to leave it for now. I guess it is also a little bit awkward when somebody uses your name when they refer to someone else.

“Hey…” you spoke softly. “If you want to talk about, you know, what happened in the past, I’m here for you. And yes, with the knowledge I have, I know none of it, none of it was your fault. I’m sorry you had to carry that burden alone.” 

He just stayed silent, hopefully appreciating your words. You were playing with fire.

Then Twilight's expression softened, a mixture of emotions flickering in his eyes. "Thank you," he finally said, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "It's... not something I've spoken about with anyone in a long time. But hearing that you understand, even a little, it means more than you realize."

You were just glad he didn’t rip your throat right there and then, since you thought it would be well deserved at that moment. You collected yourself, took a deep breath and just wrapped your arms around him, trying to give him a comforting embrace. 

As you wrapped your arms around Twilight, you felt a slight hesitation from him, as if he wasn't entirely sure how to respond to this sudden display of affection. But slowly, tentatively, he allowed his arms to encircle you in return. His embrace was gentle yet warm, as if he was afraid to hold you too tightly, as if he was afraid of breaking something fragile.

You could feel his heart beating against yours, a rhythm that seemed to mirror the complexity of his emotions. There was a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and a hint of sadness in the way he held you. It was as if he was letting down a guard he didn't even know he had, allowing himself to be vulnerable for a brief moment.

The night around you seemed to stand still, the world hushed as if holding its breath. In that quiet embrace, you could sense the weight of his past, the burden he had carried for so long. It was a bittersweet moment, one that held both comfort and pain.

As you finally pulled away, his eyes met yours, and there was an unspoken understanding that passed between you. 

"Thank you," he repeated, his voice a little softer this time, his gaze holding a mixture of gratitude and something else you couldn't quite decipher. But you could tell that this moment meant something to him, something he perhaps hadn't expected.

You gave him a reassuring smile, squeezing his hand gently before letting go. "We're in this together, remember?"

He nodded, his lips curling into a small, genuine smile. "Yeah, we are." And with that, you both turned back to the balcony, leaning against the railing as you continued your conversation, the night around you carrying a sense of newfound connection and understanding.

[ahenvs3000w24]

05: Finding my "Footing" as a Nature Interpreter through Environmental Education

Over the past several weeks of this course, I have spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on my own relationship with nature. Through this self-reflecting process, I have flipped through photo albums of family trips and journals that I’ve kept from camping excursions. I decided for this week’s topic, I would share my experience in Tanzania, Africa and how the educational journey combined learnings about both science and the environment.

To begin, I feel it’s essential to provide some context. Science education refers to the teaching of scientific knowledge and core concepts (Wals et al., 2014). Science education is often supported by environmental education (Wals et al., 2014) Environmental education refers to the teaching of knowledge in addition to the incorporation of values (Wals et al., 2014). The two disciplines support one another despite differences in their approaches (Wals et al., 2014). Science is most often taught in an academic setting, at a desk, with an expert delivering the material. They may reference the natural world, but the values are absent (Wals et al, 2014). There is a gap embedded in the educational system that, in recent years, has separated scientific education with environmental education (Wals et al., 2014). The values and hands-on experience I had while in Tanzania have been the most impactful lessons I have had in my lifetime thus far.

In 2018, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the mission trip program my high school offers students in their grade 11 year. The program consisted of local community initiatives, classes on global development, and team-building activities. In addition to the humanitarian aspect of the program, my teacher emphasized the importance of the natural world and sustainable practices that the Western world could adopt. Tanzania and the greater continent of Africa offer vastly different climates, landscapes, and more diverse wildlife than what we are accustomed to. The people of Tanzania, specifically the village I spent my time in, rely on the land and their natural world out of necessity for survival. 

One of the activities through which we learned from some of the residents of the village was the concept of boma smearing. Boma smearing is essentially the insulation of homes using a mixture of cow manure and sand. This concept was clearly very foreign to young Canadians; however, the experience was eye-opening in how the natural world can be used in the absence of modern technology. It would be naïve to ignore the fact that most often this was necessary due to the lack of income and resources. While being exposed to a vastly different socioeconomic community, this exercise provided invaluable perspective as we witnessed this community’s ability to use something as simple as manure to fulfill a need as important as insulating their homes. I utilized previous knowledge from science courses of materials and biological compounds and the sensitivity I had acquired in working with the village residents to contextualize this. I will always carry this humbling and intimate experience with me through my life in the Western world.

I believe that this experience was integral to my ability to interpret the nature around me. The experience both in class and in country, was the perfect synergy between science education and environmental education. I was encouraged to internalize and interact with the world around me through artistic exercises and scientific discussion (Hooykaas, 2024). The delivery of information I experienced was conducive to all learning styles (Hooykaas, 2024). Although my words cannot fully bring justice to the experience I had, the feelings that remain have motivated me to become a contributing member to the protection of our natural world. The local people of this Tanzanian village completed simple tasks of everyday life with such joy. This observation pushed me to do some personal reflection and signified to me that it is truly how you interact with the world around that can help dictate your quality of life.

I am curious if any of my readers have been doing some of their own reflecting on past experiences and whether your outlook has changed through establishing "footing" as a nature interpreter? 

P.S. We had the opportunity to attend a safari! I wanted to share some of my favorite shots from this day. This Safari was in the Tarangire National Park and was approximately five hours long. The impact the wild landscape can have on the behaviours of these creatures was breathtaking and undeniably powerful.  

References

Hooykaas, A. (2024). Unit 2: Teaching learners. University of Guelph. https://courselink.uoguelph.ca/d2l/le/content/858004/viewContent/3640016/View

Wals, A. E. J., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Science education. Convergence between science and environmental education. Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.125051

[thefudge]

Hello! I believe you are Romanian?? Do you have any recommandations on what to see/do in Bucharest? (if you ever visited there??)

i am! and i have visited the capital quite a few times. i'm not an expert on Bucharest, since it's so big and there's so much to explore (i still have so much to see myself), but depending on how much time you have on your hands, here are some recs (and even a non-rec, you'll see lol):

the "Old Town", also known as "Centrul Vechi", there's some lovely belle epoque architecture, mixed in with some byzantine elements, west meets east kind of thing, really narrow detours and zig-zaggy alleys (you'll see this mixture throughout Bucharest: try the big, pretty boulevards like Calea Victoriei and Lipscani)

the Atheneum is also very pretty (near the Roman Square - "Piața Romană") and i'd also recommend the "Suțu Palace" (Palatul Suțu).

the "Village Museum" (Muzeul Satului), this really cool open-air museum all about traditional village life throughout the centuries in Romania, it's quite lovely

the National Art Museum (Muzeul Național De Artă) which is HUGE and wonderfully stocked, but you'll need like...almost a whole day to see all of it. the building is also really beautiful. if you have more time, you should also check out a smaller branch called "Muzeul Colecțiilor de Artă" (museum of art collections), where you'll find really interesting art donated by important Romanian families

definitely try to see the Stavropoleos Monastery, one of the oldest places in the city. it is a jewel. you'll love it there (and it's right next to the national history museum). if you visit Romania there will be no shortage of churches and monasteries to see. i'm def biased but we have some of the most beautiful monasteries in the world. you'll see a lot of cool churches/monasteries in Bucharest.

"Hanul Lui Manuc" (Manuc's Inn) is one of those big historical sites you should cover (and it's also a restaurant!); it's a very old inn going back to the beginning of the 19th century and some fascinating stuff went down between its walls (we were still under Ottoman rule when it was built, and it hosted an important peace treaty between the Ottomans and the Russians). i haven't dined there in ages, but i hear the food's still good!

you should check out some of the big parks like Cișmigiu and Herăstrau. there's also this tinier park i'm really fond of called IOR (also called Titan), but that's if you have more days to spare.

on that note, and because this is turning into an eclectic list, try to get to "Lacul Morii" if you can (literally the "mill lake"); it's this lovely and eerie lake that has this very 'abandoned Greek temple' feel to it, due to the architecture and the wilder vegetation on its one island/peninsula (called the island of angels). if you're into spooky/eerie vibes, i highly recommend it, since in order to engineer this lake, a church and a cemetery had to be demolished during the communist regime and uhhh, you definitely feel a vibe when you walk around that area.

speaking of communism, there will be plenty of museums and national houses that you can visit which will tell you about that era in Romanian history if you're interested, but err, you can see it as you walk around town; the eastern bloc soviet architecture is everywhere in the city planning and the grey apartment blocks. most towns in Romania have this overlapping architectural style and most of us have a hate/love relationship to it. since Bucharest is one of the safest capitals in Europe, you can explore neighborhoods and streets outside the big tourist centers, just to get a taste of that. you'll see really lavish streets, and then really industrial-looking, kinda grundgy areas and sometimes there will be combos of really old and really new, or really beautiful and really ugly. it has its own charm. don't stray too far tho

i'd recommend using the pretty good subway system to get to various places (buses and trams are usually super-packed and while there's not so much pickpocketing going on here as in, say, a much more touristy place like Rome, it helps to be vigilant). if you use the subway system, try to see the "Piața Romană" platform (in sector 1) because it's one of the strangest subway platforms in the world. it was basically built in secret during communism, because the dictator's wife didn't understand the purpose of that particular area having a subway line, and so the architects and engineers had to do a very hush-hush hatchet job, which resulted in a place with really narrow platforms and this unique look to it. it has those eerie/spooky vibes i love

DON'T, imo, waste your time on the Parliament Palace, infamously known as "Casa Poporului" (the people's house). you'll hear a lot about this building and how it's the second largest in the world, but it's an ugly behemoth that Ceaușescu had built out of mania and ego and the city and ppl suffered for it. it's the most ironic name you could give a parliament building. it's ugly and lame. skip it.

there are many other places to see, but last thing i'll mention here if you can swing it is the newly refurbished Marmorosch Blank Bank, which is now a hotel & restaurant. it's jaw-dropping, gorgeous kitsch and super bougie and expensive, but if you can look around it's worth it.

anyway, hope you have fun and that you get smth out of the experience! (don't worry about language hick-ups, btw, a lot of Romanians, especially younger ppl, know pretty good English)