#Portable Workspaces

[gotchibam]

Just a heads up, I might open commissions soon since I'll need extra budget for the next month! I know I still have a backlog of ko-fi doodles I need to work on but I'll try my best to do them alongside the comms 😤💪💪💪

[clickloot]

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[interiorergonomics]

Essential Features for Construction Site Office Furniture in Dubai.

Dubai’s extreme climate conditions, including intense heat, humidity, and dust, necessitate durable and weather-resistant furniture. Using powder-coated steel or aluminum frames prevents corrosion, while laminated wooden surfaces resist warping in high temperatures. For outdoor use, UV-resistant plastic furniture is ideal, ensuring longevity despite exposure to harsh sunlight. Given that…

[800silentpod]

The Benefits of Renting Silent Pods for Events and Temporary Needs!

Learn how Renting Silent Pods in Dubai for events & temporary needs can boost productivity with soundproof, private booths ideal for meetings & calls.

[retirementtravelguide]

Staying productive while on the road is a must for anyone who travels for work or study. Finding the right travel laptop can make all the difference, whether you’re working at a café or on a flight. We’ve rounded up our top picks for travel-friendly laptops that combine power, portability, and long battery life.

Starting strong, the 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a standout with a stunning display and lightweight design—perfect for digital nomads and professionals needing reliable performance. On a budget? The HP 14" Ultralight Laptop packs efficiency into a portable design at an attractive price point.

From sleek Apple devices to budget-friendly HP models, there's something for everyone in our list. If you're always on the go and need to balance productivity with travel convenience, check out our top 10 selection to find your perfect match! Your next adventure awaits!

[productiveandfree]

Using an iPad as an Effective Business Tool

Technology has become critical in running modern businesses. Competition is higher today and you need to stay competitive. An iPad is important for your business progress. It provides multiple functionalities like creating documents, editing, and reading. An iPad is popular, sleek, and easy to carry.

It lets you install a wide range of applications useful for business. You may install marketing, financial management, storefront apps, and more. You can use it to create emails, social media posts, and chats. This gadget connects to the cloud, letting you save your data safely.

Things to do on my iPad

An iPad is built as a versatile document. You can use it to work on projects, do creative work, or have fun. This gadget is useful for playing games, listening to music, or watching videos. You can use it to make telephone calls, send emails, chat, or organize your work. Beyond these fun things, an iPad is a powerful business tool. Here are things you can do with an iPad for business.

Your iPad might have a lot of data like music, videos, and personal photos. It could be your iPad used to work with someone else. When you prepare the gadget for business, you should reset iPad to factory through settings. Resetting it removes everything leaving you with a fresh gadget. You can reconfigure the gadget to include business settings. Get instructions on how to factory reset the iPad to make the process smooth. How to reset the iPad is simple and can be done in less than a minute. Open the iPad Settings. Open the ‘General’ icon and then tap Reset iPad.

Integrate iPad with the cloud

iPad integrates smoothly with many cloud service platforms. This ensures your business documents are available and accessible from any place. The gadget syncs well with other Apple devices like Mac, and iPhone. You can integrate it with iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, and more. Many advantages come with cloud integration.

●       Allows you to scale your data storage.

●       Avails data any time from any place.

●       Boosts data sharing with marketing teams and customers.

●       Enhances the safety of your data and financial systems.

●       Frees up space from your iPad and other gadgets.

Install essential apps for business

You can install dozens of iPad apps for business to boost productivity. These are tools that let you automate tasks, communicate, measure progress, and more. For instance, you can install communication tools like Asana, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive. KPI tools to install include Datapine, Smartsheet, and Datapad.

Create a portable office

You can turn your iPad into a portable office with multiple applications. Programs like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace are perfect examples. They let you create documents, balance your books, store data, and do more. They provide an all-inclusive package for emails, word processors, and preparing presentations. The calendar lets you book appointments, and schedule notifications, and reminders.

Improve communication

Communication is critical for creating lasting relationships and converts. An iPad does more than telephone calls and text messages. You can connect to Zoom or another video conferencing tool and host meetings. Its built-in Mail and Messaging apps let you communicate in real time.

Improve online security

Your gadget is built with strong security features for protecting your data. The Face ID and Touch ID are useful authentication features. Its operating system enables encryption and updates of security features. You can configure these to boost your business security. iPad is compatible with third-party security programs. These programs enhance your security when connecting your iPad to business.

Take notes, create content, and annotate

iPads are excellent for taking notes. The Apple Pencil lets you take notes on the go. You can use the gadget to prepare content for marketing or boosting website engagement. It connects to the internet which lets you research for ideas. The gadget lets you draw sketches, create markups, or share ideas.

Boost your marketing experience

Marketing drives leads, converts, and revenue. An iPad can be your preferred marketing tool. You can use it to create an online store and showcase it to the world. Your iPad lets you prepare marketing content and launch campaigns. You can send push notifications or recommendations to show the latest products. It lets you check your stock levels, update catalogs, and improve your work.

Boost productivity

iPads affect every aspect of users, especially those in business. It is important for managing work, and tasks, and improving wellness. When purchasing the best iPad for small business, make sure it has the best productivity features.

You can use the gadget as a digital planner. It allows you to plan your tasks for quick management. Add management software to improve collaboration. You can use it to improve your wellness and mental health.

 Conclusion

The iPad apps for business let you take your business to the next level. You can use this gadget as a portable office or marketing tool. You can add productivity and collaboration tools to boost teamwork. It is a powerful communication gadget that helps you build stronger client relationships. Choose the use that will work best for your business.

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[chadobi]

I promise guys , I’ll get to your requests soon! But for now, I hope you’ll enjoy this one💜

“Under a Blanket of Code”

Bayverse!Donatello x Reader

The power had flickered out about an hour ago.

Mikey screamed something about the pizza oven dying and Raph immediately took it as a sign of the apocalypse. Leo was trying to organize a response plan, but Donnie had already disappeared into the darker parts of the lair—heading toward his lab like a man on a mission.

You didn’t even ask. You just followed him.

It was quiet in his workspace. He had a few emergency lights wired up, casting everything in deep purple and gold. Small LEDs blinked from different shelves, some flickering faintly like fireflies. In the middle of it all, Donnie was crouched beside a stack of servers, furiously typing on a portable rig.

You leaned in the doorway, watching him. He muttered something about “backup fuses” and “secondary distribution lines,” and then paused.

“I know you’re there,” he said without looking. “And I’m not mad. Just… mildly panicked.”

You smiled. “I brought tea.”

That made him glance up. His glasses caught a soft glint of blue from a nearby monitor, and he blinked, surprised. “Oh. Uh. Thank you.” He took the thermos from you awkwardly, hands still faintly buzzing with static.

“Want some company?” you asked gently. “I figured you might need backup.”

Donnie hesitated for a second too long. Then he nodded. “Actually… yeah. That would be nice.”

He gestured to a low platform on the floor surrounded by wires, toolboxes, and glowing screens. You kicked off your shoes and stepped carefully between cables. A fuzzy blanket was already half-draped over the space, clearly something Mikey had tossed aside days ago.

You plopped down, crossing your legs. “So what’s the damage?”

“Main power grid’s fried,” Donnie murmured, sitting beside you. “Generator’s holding up, but I’m going to need to do a manual reroute.” He adjusted his glasses with a tired sigh. “In the meantime, I figured… might as well make the place livable.”

He grabbed a small remote and tapped a button. A string of soft purple lights lit up overhead—cheap LED strips, flickering slightly, but warm in their own way.

“Donnie,” you said, raising an eyebrow. “Did you build yourself a tech blanket fort?”

He looked flustered. “No. I mean—not intentionally. I was optimizing work conditions, and the blanket just… enhances acoustic absorption and comfort for long-term programming sessions.”

“So,” you grinned, “a blanket fort.”

He huffed. “Fine. Yes. A highly advanced blanket fort.”

You giggled and tucked the edge of the blanket around your shoulders. “I love it.”

He blinked. “You do?”

“Of course. It’s kind of perfect.” You leaned back slightly. “It’s warm, quiet, glowy… and it smells like solder and coffee. Very ‘you.’”

Donnie was silent for a beat. Then, he mumbled, “I wasn’t sure you’d like it down here.”

You turned to him. “Why wouldn’t I?”

He shifted awkwardly, fingers fidgeting with a loose wire. “Most people… wouldn’t exactly enjoy sitting in a dark lab full of failing circuits and overheating processors.”

“I’m not most people,” you said softly.

Donnie didn’t respond at first. He looked down at the blanket, at the way it pooled around the two of you, and then carefully set aside the laptop.

“You know,” he started, voice lower now, “sometimes I forget there’s a world outside this lab. Not in a dramatic way, just… I get stuck in my head. The math, the logic, the endless systems I can’t control—sometimes that’s all I focus on.”

You were quiet, letting him talk.

“And then you show up,” he continued. “With tea. And sarcasm. And blankets.” His gaze lifted to meet yours. “And suddenly the world feels… a little quieter. Like the code finally compiled.”

You smiled, heart thudding gently in your chest. “Is that your way of saying you like having me here?”

“Yes,” he said immediately. Then cleared his throat. “I mean—logically speaking, your presence has a statistically significant impact on my overall mood and cognitive focus.”

“Donnie,” you said, nudging his arm with your elbow, “just say you like me.”

He went red. Deep red. The color crept all the way to his bandana. “I—okay—fine. I like you. A lot.”

You laughed and leaned your head against his shoulder. He froze for a second, then slowly, slowly relaxed under the pressure.

“I like you too,” you whispered.

Donnie didn’t say anything, but you felt it—the soft exhale, the way his hand curled just slightly closer to yours under the blanket. He didn’t need grand declarations. Not tonight.

You sat together in the tech-fort, surrounded by quiet buzzes and blinking lights, with the world outside temporarily short-circuited.

And honestly?

You wouldn’t have it any other way.

[witchyintention]

Altars, Shrines, and Temples: What’s the Difference?

So, you’ve decided to dip your toes into the world of spirituality, and suddenly you’re bombarded with terms like altar, shrine, and temple. Cue the confusion, right? These words are often tossed around in spiritual circles like beads at Mardi Gras, but what do they actually mean? More importantly, how do they differ from each other?

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just someone who likes lighting candles for the aesthetic, understanding the nuances between these sacred spaces can add a deeper layer of meaning to your practice. So, grab your sage (or your favorite scented candle), and let’s untangle the mystical spaghetti of altars, shrines, and temples.

Altars: The Personal Power Station

What Is an Altar?

An altar is a personal sacred space, a kind of spiritual command center where you can perform rituals, meditate, or simply bask in the vibes of your carefully arranged crystals and herbs. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of sacred spaces—versatile, portable, and entirely customizable.

Altars are typically set up in homes, and they can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people dedicate an entire room to their altar, while others might have a small shelf or table in a quiet corner. Your altar can hold anything that has spiritual significance to you: candles, statues, crystals, incense, tarot cards, or even a photograph of your cat if that’s what resonates with you.

Purpose of an Altar

The primary purpose of an altar is to serve as a focal point for your spiritual practices. It’s a place where you can center yourself, focus your intentions, and connect with whatever higher power you believe in—or just connect with yourself. Altars are typically used for:

Meditation: A calming space to clear your mind and focus on your breath.

Rituals: Performing spells, ceremonies, or other spiritual practices.

Offerings: Placing items like food, flowers, or incense as a gift to deities or ancestors.

Reflection: A place to journal, think, or simply be.

What Makes an Altar Unique?

The beauty of an altar is in its flexibility. You can change it according to the seasons, your mood, or the phases of the moon. It’s a living, breathing reflection of your spiritual journey, and no two altars are exactly alike.

Shrines: Honoring the Divine (or That Favorite Relative)

What Is a Shrine?

While an altar is a place for your spiritual practices, a shrine is a space dedicated to honoring a specific entity—be it a deity, an ancestor, or even a beloved figure in your life. Shrines are more focused than altars, with a clear intent and a singular point of reverence.

Imagine you have a relative who was particularly influential in your life. A shrine dedicated to them might include their photograph, personal belongings, candles, and items that remind you of them. In a religious context, shrines often contain statues or images of saints, gods, or goddesses, surrounded by offerings and symbols associated with them.

Purpose of a Shrine

Shrines serve as a dedicated space for veneration and connection. They’re often used for:

Prayer: Communicating with the entity the shrine is dedicated to.

Offerings: Leaving gifts like flowers, food, or candles as a sign of respect.

Remembrance: Honoring the memory of someone who has passed away.

Protection: Invoking the protection or guidance of a deity or spirit.

What Makes a Shrine Unique?

The key distinction of a shrine is its dedication to a specific entity. Unlike an altar, which can be a general spiritual workspace, a shrine has a singular focus. Shrines can be found in homes, public spaces, or within temples, often becoming a communal site of worship and reverence.

Temples: The Grand Halls of the Sacred

What Is a Temple?

Temples are the grand, communal spaces where collective worship and ceremonies take place. If altars are the home offices of spirituality, then temples are the corporate headquarters. They’re often large, elaborate structures that serve as a focal point for religious activity in a community.

Temples have been built across various cultures and religions, from the ancient Parthenon in Greece to the intricate Hindu temples of India. These spaces are not just places of worship but also of learning, community gathering, and sometimes even political activity.

Purpose of a Temple

Temples serve multiple purposes, often on a grand scale:

Worship: Hosting religious ceremonies, rituals, and services.

Education: Teaching the principles and practices of the religion.

Community Gathering: Providing a space for the community to come together for religious and social events.

Sanctuary: Offering a place for reflection, prayer, and peace.

What Makes a Temple Unique?

Temples are distinct in their scale and communal nature. While altars and shrines are usually personal or family spaces, temples are built for the larger community. They often house multiple shrines within them and are places where public rituals and ceremonies are performed by priests or religious leaders.

The Interplay Between Altars, Shrines, and Temples

Now that we’ve broken down each sacred space, it’s important to understand that these three aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they often coexist and complement each other. For example:

In a Temple: You might find several shrines dedicated to different deities, each maintained by the temple’s priests. These shrines serve as focal points for worship within the larger temple structure.

At Home: You might have an altar where you perform daily rituals, with a small shrine dedicated to an ancestor or deity that you particularly revere.

In Public Spaces: Shrines can be found in parks, along roadsides, or in other public areas, often serving as small points of reflection or prayer for passersby.

The key is in the intention behind the space. An altar is versatile and personal, a shrine is focused and dedicated, and a temple is communal and grand.

How to Create Your Own Sacred Space

Ready to get started on your own sacred space? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide whether you’re setting up an altar, a shrine, or just daydreaming about building a full-blown temple in your backyard (hey, we won’t judge).

Creating an Altar:

Choose Your Space: Find a quiet, dedicated spot in your home.

Gather Your Tools: Collect items that have spiritual significance to you—crystals, candles, statues, etc.

Set Your Intentions: Decide what you want your altar to represent—meditation, ritual work, daily devotion.

Arrange Your Space: Organize your items in a way that feels harmonious and aligns with your intentions.

Use It Regularly: Incorporate your altar into your daily or weekly spiritual practice.

Creating a Shrine:

Choose Your Focus: Decide who or what your shrine will honor—a deity, ancestor, or spiritual figure.

Select Sacred Items: Gather items that represent the entity—photos, statues, symbols, etc.

Design Your Space: Arrange the items in a way that reflects your reverence and connection.

Make Offerings: Incorporate offerings like flowers, candles, or food as part of your practice.

Visit Regularly: Spend time at your shrine to maintain your connection and show your respect.

Dreaming of a Temple?

Okay, so building a temple might be a bit ambitious (unless you’re an ancient civilization with a surplus of stone and labor), but you can still visit temples or support local communities in maintaining these grand sacred spaces. Temples are an excellent way to connect with a larger community and experience the power of collective worship.

Conclusion: Finding Your Sacred Space

Whether you’re drawn to the personal power of an altar, the focused reverence of a shrine, or the communal grandeur of a temple, each of these sacred spaces offers a unique way to connect with the divine—or with yourself. The most important thing is that your space resonates with you and supports your spiritual journey, whatever that may look like.

So, light that candle, set up that statue, and let your sacred space become a reflection of your inner world. And remember, whether it’s an altar, a shrine, or a temple, it’s not the size of the space that matters—it’s the intention behind it.

[areyoufuckingcrazy]

“Vertical Evac”

Sev x Reader

The Senate landing pad still stank of charred durasteel when the four commandos in Katarn armor strode out of the dawn mist. Boots hit duracrete in perfect cadence, and every aide around you startled, skittering out of their way like spooked tookas.

The one in the center stopped in front of you.

“Senator,” the vocoder rasped, calm as a metronome, “Delta Squad assumes your protection detail.”

You’d asked for one discreet guard after the Separatist torpedoes punched holes in your shuttle last night. Instead you’d been delivered a miniature shock battalion.

“I requested subtle,” you said dryly, sweeping your gaze over identical T‑visors. “Instead I’ve been issued four portable war crimes.”

A bark of laughter crackled through the comms. The clone on the left—armor scorched black at the shoulders—tapped two fingers to his helmet. “Portable war crime, that’s a new one, Senator. I’m Scorch. Demo expert. You break it, I blow it.”

“Stand down, Scorch,” the leader murmured. “I’m Boss. These are Fixer and Sev.”

The tallest—Sev—inclined his helmet a millimeter. “We’ll try not to stain the carpets.”

You almost smiled.

⸻

Your suite looked less like a workspace and more like a forward operating base. Scorch crawled through the ceiling vents, humming while he tucked micro‑det charges behind every ornate sconce. Fixer was wrist‑deep in the security terminal, ripping out obsolete boards and muttering about “code that predates the Jedi Order.” Boss paced, mapping angles of fire that only a clone commando would notice.

Sev took the window.

He didn’t move, didn’t even sway—just stood with the DC‑17m sniper attachment snug against his shoulder, visor tracking the boulevard five stories below.

You returned from the kitchenette with a tray of caf. “I assume troopers run on caffeine the way senators run on spite.”

Fixer declined with a grunt. Scorch popped down from a vent to snag two cups—one for himself, one he tried to hand to Sev by clinking the rim against the sniper’s elbow. Sev accepted without breaking sight‑line.

“Thanks,” he muttered. The voice behind the filter was low, gravel under ice.

You leaned against the sill beside him. “How long can you stare at traffic before you see stars?”

“Long as it takes.”

“Healthy.”

He gave a quiet huff that might have been a laugh. “Health is secondary. Mission first.”

Your lips twitched. “Let’s keep them aligned, Trooper.”

He finally turned his head. The visor reflected your own weary expression. “Call me Sev.”

“So,” you ventured, “Sev. What’s that actually short for? Your brothers keep calling you ‘Oh‑Seven.’ ”

A low rasp filtered through his vocoder. “Serial: RC‑1207. Clones don’t waste syllables—turns into ‘Zero‑Seven,’ then ‘Sev.’ Vau tried to rename me once—Strill‑bait—but Sev stuck.”

“Efficient,” you mused. “I was hoping for something poetic.”

“Closest thing to poetry we got,” he answered, “was Sergeant Walon Vau reading after‑action reports aloud and marking every missed shot in red. I preferred numbers.”

You huffed a laugh. “Numbers never filibuster.”

“Exactly.” He tipped the caf under his helmet, then added with a shrug you felt more than saw: “Still, seven isn’t a bad omen. Seven Geonosian snipers on my first real op. They’re the stripes.”

Your gaze dipped to the dried‑maroon slashes across his plate. Those kills were in the official record—no campfire exaggeration, just Sev doing Sev. “Better trophy than a Senate commendation,” you said.

“Commendations don’t stop blaster bolts,” he agreed. “Armor paint might. Enemies aim for the bright bit.”

“Note to self—add high‑visibility stripes to every lobbyist I want removed.”

He chuckled, deep and short. “You handle it with speeches, I handle it with DC charges. Same outcome; mine’s louder.”

The ceiling vent banged open and Scorch—all riot‑yellow hazard marks—dropped in upside‑down. “Louder? Did someone say louder? Because I have a three‑det primer that’ll make democracy sing.”

Sev kept his rifle steady, unamused. “You done wiring the vents?”

“Finished! Whole place is a merry little grave waiting to happen.” Scorch swung like a loth‑monkey. “What’s the banter—numerology and murder? Count me in. My favorite number’s forty‑seven—arms, legs, whatever’s left.”

Fixer snapped from the terminal, voice flat. “Scorch, your ‘festive’ cabling is shorting the main feed. Touch another conductor and I’ll teach you binary via blunt‑force trauma.”

“Harsh love, Fix.” Scorch saluted invertedly…and clipped a coil. Screens died, lights cut; the building’s distant alarm groaned awake.

Pen‑light clicked—Sev’s, white beam spearing the dark. “Stay with me, Senator.” He toggled comms. “Boss, primary’s down in the principal’s suite—unknown cause, probably Scorch.”

Boss answered, calm and clipped. “Assume breach until proven Scorch Error. Fixer: backups. Scorch: vent lockdown. Sev, keep the package intact.”

“Copy.” Sev shifted, square in front of you. Above, Scorch’s grin hovered in the torch.

“Bright side,” Scorch quipped, “if hostiles come now, they won’t see the scorch marks!”

“Touch that wire again,” Fixer warned in the dark, “and the next blackout’s permanent—for you.”

The auxiliary kicked in; light flooded back. Scorch fled up the duct, chastened but humming. Boss appeared in the doorway, orange visor band bright.

“Clear. Scorch is off det‑detail,” he declared.

Sev’s low chuckle rumbled. “Discipline, Delta‑style.”

You toasted him with the caf. “To functional anarchy. First amendment: electrified committee chairs.”

He gave a tiny nod. “Second amendment: motion passes with high‑explosive majority.”

A distant “I CAN SUPPLY THOSE” echoed from the shaft.

Side‑by‑side at the window, you both let the city’s neon river roll past, sharing bruised humor and the mutual certainty that, whatever happened next, you’d handle it—whether by votes or by very precise blaster fire.

⸻

Sleep never really came. You were half‑draped across a stack of datapads when every pane of transparisteel in the lounge shattered inward at once—a prismatic roar of sound and stinging air.

A glare‑white projectile streaked through the breach, thunked against the far wall, and bloomed into a spiderweb of crackling ion static. Lights died. Grav‑conduits hiccupped. Gravity itself seemed to wobble.

“Contact, east aspect—breach charges and ion!” Boss’s voice snapped from the darkness, all business. He’d been on silent watch in the corridor.

Sev materialised out of the gloom between you and the ruined window, rifle already hot. “Droid jump‑squad—minimum six. Senator, with me.”

You barely had time to register the whirring hiss of BX‑series commando droids vaulting the balcony rail before Sev’s gauntlet closed around your forearm.

Boss kicked the apartment’s panic door open with enough force to shear its hinges, emergency chemlights flickering along his orange‑striped armour.

“Fixer, Scorch—status?” he barked into squad‑comms while shoving a palm‑sized beacon into your hand. An amber arrow blinked on its surface: PROX‑CODE DELTA.

“Dining area’s a toaster, Boss. I’m boxed—two droids.”

“Vent shafts compromised—make that three,” Scorch added, laughing like it was Life Day.

“Hold and delay,” Boss ordered. “We’re exfil Alpha with the principal.”

Sev herded you down the service hall, DC‑17m coughing scarlet bolts that popped droid skulls as they rounded corners. A ricochet sizzled past your ear; you felt the heat, smelled scorched upholstery.

“Keep your head ducked,” he growled. “That helmet budget of yours is still pending.”

You shot back, breathless, “Filed under agricultural subsidies—nobody reads those.”

“Smart.” He clipped a spare vibroblade from his thigh and pressed it into your palm. “If it comes to close‑quarters—stab the gap at the jaw hinge.”

“Charming bedside manner, Sev.”

“Better than a funeral eulogy.”

The maintenance lift doors yawned open—just in time to reveal the empty shaft beyond. Gravity stabilisers flickered; wind howled up the vertical tunnel.

Boss lobbed a glow‑stick; it spiralled downward, showing two hundred metres of nothing before emergency nets. “Main lift’s offline. We rappel.”

A cable launcher thunked against the upper frame. Sev snapped the line to your belt, then to his own. “Clip in and step off on my count. Boss goes first.”

Blaster‑fire rattled down the corridor—Fixer’s voice on comms: “Third droid down, corridor secure.”

“Copy, Fix,” Boss replied. Then to you, calm and steady: “Three… two… one.” He vanished over the edge.

Sev guided you after him. The world flipped; you were suddenly running down a wall of permacrete, black void on either side, cable humming overhead. You focused on Boss’s glowing armour below, and on Sev’s hand firm between your shoulder blades.

Halfway down, a BX droid leaned out a blown‑open access door and fired upward. The cable near your hip sparked.

Sev twisted mid‑descent, rifle spitting crimson. The droid’s chest plate caved; it pinwheeled into darkness.

“Cable integrity?” Boss called.

“Nominal,” Sev grunted. To you: “Still with me?”

“Not filing that helmet request after all,” you gasped.

“Good. Would’ve been a waste of paperwork.”

Boots hit deck plating beside Boss. An auxiliary hangar gaped before you—service speeders, loading cranes, and, at the far end, a battered LAAT/i gunship painted civilian grey.

Boss punched the hatch codes. “Borrowing that. Scorch, Fixer—vector to my beacon.”

Scorch: “Roger—bringing the fireworks!”

Fixer: “And the repair bill.”

Sev swept the bay, visor pinging heat‑sigs. “Two more droids on the gantry.”

“I’ll drive,” you said, surprising yourself.

Sev angled his helmet. “Can you?”

“Committee on Combat Logistics. I made sure senators kept their pilot’s certs current.”

Boss tossed you the cockpit datakey. “Then fly it like you filibuster—fast and ruthless.”

⸻

The gunship thundered out of the sub‑level exit just as Scorch vaulted aboard, demo‑satchel first, Fixer broken‑armed behind him. Sev slammed the side hatch; Boss took the troop bay guns.

City lights blurred past. Sirens dopplered below. Somewhere behind, your shattered apartment flickered with fresh explosions—Scorch’s parting gift.

Sev crouched beside the cockpit, shoulder braced against the bulkhead. “Secondary safe‑house is eighteen klicks. We’ll clear traffic for you.”

You tightened your grip on the yoke. “Appreciate it. Next housing allowance better cover blast windows.”

“That, or we install the windows we like—three metres thick, transparisteel.” His tone was almost light. “Adds character.”

You glanced back, met his visor. “And here I thought I was the expensive one in this arrangement.”

“Worth every credit, Senator,” he said—and for the first time you heard a smile in RC‑1207’s gravelled voice.

Outside, the dawn line crept over Coruscant’s horizon—crimson, like Sev’s war‑paint—while Delta Squad regrouped in the hold, bruised but intact. The war would send more droids, more nights like this, but for now you flew toward the rising light, the commando’s words lingering like an unspoken promise.

⸻

The scarlet bloom of predawn still clung to Sev’s visor as Delta Squad escorted you across the durasteel bridgeway toward the Sienar Senatorial Cutter waiting in docking cradle G‑43.

You’d only decided an hour ago—papers signed, aide‑team recalled—that it was time to go home: to the domed foundries of your world, to the committees that actually listened. Coruscant could keep its marble tombs.

Fixer had already swept the cutter’s nav‑core; Scorch grumbled that the fuel cells were “too clean, suspiciously sober.” Boss, always by the datapad, had plotted the twenty‑six‑hour jump. Sev walked at your left flank, rifle slung but senses wired tight.

“I still think the Senate Medical Board could clear you in two days,” he said through the vocoder, voice low.

“And I think if I stay two days more, the war will veto me permanently.” You managed a wry smile. “Besides, your safe‑house couch is murderous on the lumbar.”

“Could requisition a better couch.”

“You’d blow it up for target practice.”

“Fair.”

A claxon whooped overhead, routine pre‑launch. Hangar crews gave thumbs‑up as they sealed the cutter’s boarding ramp, crimson Republic insignia catching the light.

Scorch jogged back from the refuel pylon, yellow armor bright against the grey deck. “All green—ship’s thirstier than a cadet, but she’s topped.”

Boss nodded. “Mount up. We launch in eleven.”

You rested a hand on the cool hull, exhaled. Going home. For the first time in weeks, the knot behind your ribs loosened.

A muffled whump—more vibration than sound—rippled underfoot. You frowned; Sev’s helmet snapped toward the cutter. An instant later a second, deeper concussion rolled across the ring. Cries echoed; deck crew scattered.

Sev’s shout hit like blaster fire: “DOWN!”

He tackled you behind a cargo skid just as the Senatorial Cutter blossomed into white‑hot shrapnel. The blast‑wave hammered the gangway, ripping durasteel like foil. Chunks of hull screamed overhead, flaming arcs against the pale sky.

Boss’s orders barked through squad‑comms—“Perimeter! Trawl for secondaries!”—even as Fixer dragged a stunned tech from the collapsing ramp. Scorch ran straight into the haze, thermal scanner up, searching for unexploded ordnance.

Your ears rang. Liquid fire licked the wreck thirty meters away; atmosphere pull whipped the flames sideways until emergency force‑screens slammed down.

Sev’s weight still covered you, armour shielding against stray shards. Heat washed over the two of you; the copper tang of scorched electronics filled your lungs.

He leaned close, voice pitched for your ears only. “Senator, you all right?”

Heart hammering, you forced a nod. “Yes.” The word came thin. “Our ship—”

“Gone,” he said, absolute. “Someone timed a shaped charge for pre‑board.”

You felt the knot snap tight again—rage this time, not fear. “That hangar was Level Three clearance. Only Republic personnel.”

“Or someone wearing their code cylinder.” Sev’s visor reflected the inferno. “Saboteur’s still out there.”

Fire‑suppression foam oozed from ceiling vents; med‑droids hissed down the smoke‑curtains. Boss herded survivors past you, every gesture clipped, professional.

“Saboteur planted thermal baradium in the starboard fuel neck,” Fixer reported, one gauntlet cradling his bandaged arm. “Timed off the pressure equaliser—no remote signal.”

Scorch skidded up, visor flecked with soot. “Found partial detonator casing. Separatist‑pattern, but tractable.”

Boss looked to you. “Senator, the ring isn’t secure. I recommend immediate extraction to Defender‑class corvette Vigilant—Command has a cabin we can hard‑seal.”

You opened your mouth—I still have to reach my planet—but Sev cut across gently, “Your world can wait eight more hours. You can’t if there’s a second bomber.”

You met his visor, saw your own shaken reflection. A breath in, out. “Corvette it is.”

The Vigilant detached from the ring on emergency vector, hyperdrives spooling. Through the small viewport the docking cradle burned, a smear of smoke against the stratosphere.

You sat on a cot, jacket singed, palms trembling. Sev posted at the door, Boss conferring with the bridge. Fixer typed one‑handed at a forensic padd; Scorch fussed, pulling charred slivers from his pauldrons.

“You know the irony,” Scorch called across the room, irrepressible even now. “Hangars scare me more than battlefields. Too many things that go ‘boom’ when they’re supposed to behave.”

Fixer grunted. “Statistically still safer than letting you cook ration bars.”

You managed a weak laugh, rubbing temples. “Gentlemen, please—one trauma at a time.”

Sev stepped forward, offered a flask of electrolyte water. “Sip slowly.”

You obeyed, then asked, “Anyone else hurt?”

“Minor burns only,” Boss answered, approaching. “But the Separatists just escalated. Cutter’s manifest leaked thirty minutes ago—only a very short list knew you’d leave today.”

“Which means,” Sev finished, “there’s a mole in Republic logistics.”

Silence pressed in, broken by the corvette’s hyperdrive howl—the stars outside stretched to lines.

You set the flask aside, straightened. “So we find them.”

Boss inclined his helmet. “That’s the plan.”

Sev’s voice dropped, meant only for you. “And until we do, no transports. No public schedules. We move when we control every variable.”

A beat. Then you asked, quietly fierce, “Does that include better couches?”

The sniper’s helmet tipped, the faintest nod. “And blast windows thick enough for a rancor.”

Despite everything—the smoke, the dead crew, the gut‑deep dread—you felt a spark of something steadier than fear. Delta had you. And you weren’t done fighting.

Outside, hyperspace opened like a blue fracture, swallowing the Vigilant—but not the promise Sev had made, soft as a sniper’s breath: They’d failed to kill you twice. Third time would never come.

⸻

The Vigilant slipped into hyperspace hours ago, but sleep never boarded with the rest of you.

When the muted corridor lights dimmed for ship‑night, you found yourself drifting—restless—until the muffled clank of a familiar gait guided your steps.

Most racks were dark, humming behind containment fields, yet one bench lamp burned low. Sev sat there, helmet off, the harsh light carving shadows along the scar that split his right temple. He was field‑stripping the DC‑17m with the same care a jeweler gives crystal.

You halted at the threshold. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

Crimson eyes flicked up—tired, alert, softening when they found you. “Blaster lubricant’s cheaper than sedatives.”

You ventured closer, palms tucked in your sleeves to hide the tremor still living there. “I wanted to thank you. You put yourself between me and—” You gestured at empty air that smelled faintly of ionized smoke. “Everything.”

He reassembled the last actuator, set the rifle aside. “That’s the job.”

“I know when duty ends and choice begins.” You lowered onto the next bench. “Saving me was duty. Staying here polishing gun parts at three a.m.—that’s choice.”

For a moment the only sound was the distant thrum of hyperdrive coils. Sev’s gaze dropped to your hands. “You’re still shaking.”

“Adrenaline’s a stubborn tenant.”

He reached into a med‑pouch, produced a flat stim patch. “Cortical calmative. Won’t knock you out—just tells the nerves the shooting’s done.”

You accepted it, hesitated. “Could put it on my own neck, but I imagine you’re more precise.”

His expression did something rare—softened into a hint of a smile. He peeled the backing, brushed your hair aside with surprising gentleness, and pressed the patch below your ear. Heat bloomed, then a slow coolness spread through muscle and marrow alike.

“Better?” he asked, thumb lingering against your pulse as if counting the beats to be sure.

“Getting there.” You studied the scar on his temple—white against tan skin, the kind Kamino med‑droids never fully erased. “Geonosis?”

He nodded once. “Turret ricochet. Left a mark. Reminds me to keep my head down.”

“You kept mine down today.”

A silence stretched, warm instead of awkward, until he said, low: “When the cutter blew, time slowed. Thought—if that’s the last thing I do, it’s enough.”

Your breath hitched. “Don’t say that.”

“It’s true.” His hand dropped to the bench between you, open‑palmed—an invitation without expectation.

You laid your fingers across his. Armor‑calloused knuckles felt like forged durasteel, but the grip he returned was careful, almost reverent.

“I’m glad,” you whispered, “that ‘enough’ didn’t end there.”

His lips curved—a small, earnest thing. “Me too, cyar’ika.” The Mandalorian endearment slipped out before he caught it; color touched his cheeks. “Sorry”.

“Don’t be.” You squeezed his hand. “I speak fluent subtext.”

From the passageway came Scorch’s distant voice complaining about ration bars; somewhere Fixer muttered diagnostics. But inside the armory a hush settled—two steady heartbeats, the scent of cleaning solvent, the promise of unexploded tomorrows.

Sev reclaimed his rifle, but his other hand never left yours. “Stay a while. The patch works better with company.”

You leaned your shoulder to his, felt the tremor finally subside, and decided the armory was, for tonight, the safest place in the galaxy.

[auntiepasto]

Hylian Mushroom Rice Balls

A staple at most Hylian stables, easily prepared and portable for the hero on the go. Unlike the mushrooms native to the Kingdom of Hyrule, the ones found in your local market can be mixed and matched for a tasty filling without compromising the rice balls' deliciously satisfying abilities.

Hylian Mushroom Rice Balls

Makes four to five. 6 oz mixed mushrooms; shiitake, maitake, and shimeji (beech), or any other type of mushrooms you prefer ½ Tbsp. butter ½ Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil Pinch salt 2 Tbsp. water 1 - 1 ½ tsp. soy sauce ¾ c. white sushi rice, or one rice-cooker cup of rice 1 c. dashi or chicken broth 1 sheet nori, toasted and cut into strips

For the Mushrooms:

Chop the mushrooms into small pieces, leaving a few small shimeji whole for garnish. Melt the butter and oil together in a skillet over medium heat, add the mushrooms (including the whole shimeji) and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat, then pour in the water and immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the mushrooms to cook, undisturbed, for about five minutes.

When the mushrooms are wilted and most of the water is released, remove the lid and allow to cook until all the water is evaporated and the mushrooms have started to brown, stirring occasionally. Drizzle with the soy sauce, stir to coat, and remove from the heat.

Reserve the whole shimeji for garnish now. Remove ¼ c. of the mushroom mixture and chop it finely, for the rice. Reserve the rest of the mushroom mixture for the filling.

For the Rice:

On the stovetop: add the sushi rice to a pot large enough to fit approximately three times the amount of rice. It will bubble during cooking. Pour cold water over the rice, and swish with your fingers to remove the starch. Pour the water off. Repeat two more times. Pour the dashi or chicken broth over the rinsed rice. Add the reserved ¼ c. finely chopped mushrooms.

Place a lid on the pot, and bring to a boil over medium heat. As soon as it reaches a boil, turn the heat down, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the dashi is absorbed. You will see little dimples in the top of the rice. Turn off the heat, and let the rice rest for 15 minutes.

In a rice cooker: add the sushi rice to the cooker bowl. Pour cold water over the rice, and swish with your fingers to remove the starch. Drain, and repeat two more times. Pour the dashi or chicken broth over the rinsed rice to the 1-cup mark, topping it off with a little water if you need to. Add the reserved ¼ c. finely chopped mushrooms, close the rice cooker, and cook according to your cooker’s directions.

When the rice is done, remove it from the pot or rice cooker and place it in a large bowl, stirring gently to fluff it up and incorporate the mushrooms throughout.

Set the remaining mushroom filling at your workspace.

Set a bowl of cold water near your workspace, and wet your hands.

Pick up a small palmful of the rice and spread it on one hand, creating a dimple in the center to fill with the filling. Add a generous pinch of the mushroom filling. Pick up another small palmful of the rice, cover the filling, and shape and squeeze with your hands until you achieve a solid ball of rice. Shape into a triangle or circle as you prefer. Repeat with the remaining rice, wetting your hands between each rice ball. You should get approximately four or five rice balls.

Wrap a toasted nori strip around the bottom of each rice ball, and garnish the top of the rice ball with one of the reserved shimeji mushrooms. Enjoy!

[rarepairdumpster]

Bodyguard AU Part 1

Pairing: Viktor/Silco (Arcane) Rating: M C/W: Canonverse, Ulterior Motive, Anti-Enforcer,

Silco is the older, jaded man hired to guard Viktor after he receives death threats.

And the two fall in love while living in close quarters out of necessity 

Jayce having no idea that he hired a literal kingpin to protect his lab partner

Silco is so close to laughing in his face because of the sheer audacity, but the man of progress is also clearly a fool, and this is the perfect opportunity to get close to Hextech.

Silco adjusts his appearance for the job.

Instead of his usual three piece suits, he's back to the kind of wardrobe he'd worn in his youth: leather jackets and wrapped wrists in preparation for fist fights.

It irritates him that he slides back into the old role like a well-worn glove instead of facing the discomfort he'd expected.

Viktor is not pleased that Jayce went behind his back to hire a bodyguard, but at least its not an enforcer. 

He is even more displeased to be shadowed everywhere he goes, to have his mail intercepted before he can even open it, etc. But the worst is Jayce shuffling him and the bodyguard off to the Talis family estate, which hasnt even been used in like 100 years, because the deeds stipulated the heir had to be Councillor to live in it, so it's all dusty and blegh and Viktor's lungs aren't happy (A/N: Talis Estate idea inspired by THIS fic)

Viktor just looks frustrated between coughing fits and wheezes, while he grumpily sets up a workspace in the study.

Jayce is too paranoid to hire a cleaning staff, so its just Viktor and Silco spending weeks in the estate, going room to room, cleaning, so Viktor won't freaking die from an asthma attack

There is way too much helping Viktor through coughing fits, and not nearly enough sneaking copies of Hextech plans for his liking

Meanwhile, Viktor is discovering the sharp, jaded man hired to protect him has a soft streak, making him teas for his chest and throat, etc

And Silco begins to enjoy Viktor's intelligent conversations and smart mouth.

The fact that Viktor keeps badmouthing enforcers definitely helps.

Complains about Marcus always looking at him like he's some dog shit on the bottom of his boot or something.

It's an odd feeling when Viktor starts to ask Silco his opinions about the designs he's working on.

A thrill because yes, Hextech is what he came for

But a wobble because Viktor is genuinely asking for his input.

"I'm not so sure I know much about that," Silco says.

"Well, I don't have anyone else to ask so your opinion will have to do," Viktor sighs, but looks up at him. "I do value it though."

"Why?"

"You're a Zaunite." Viktor looks back down. "Like me. And no one knows what Zaun needs to heal and prosper better than we do."

"You're designing things for Zaun?" Silco rushes over in his surprise. He had known Viktor was a Zaunite but he assumed he had left all of that behind him. 

Viktor chuckles as Silco comes up beside him. "Of course. This is likely the only time I'll have to do so."

"And you think Piltover will allow it?"

"That...I'm not so sure about." Viktor frowns down at his designs. "I designed an improved gauntlet for the miners, powered with an arcane core, but plans to reveal them during the progress day speech were....disrupted. Heimerdinger was reluctant to place power crystals in the hands of common people. He wanted to wait a decade, to work out the...ah...kinks, or so he said. Jayce, of course, crumpled like wet tissue. But Mel Medarda is younger, a non-native resident, and more open to change. If I can convince her of the merits of these designs, we will have a better chance."

Silco runs his fingers lightly across the pages in the notebook, outlining a portable air filtration that was cleaner and more efficient than the chem tech ones. 

"This is amazing," he breathes, turning the page without permission

The next lot of pages are just varieties of prosthesis.

Eyes, arms, legs, etc. 

And then hearing aids.

Braces of all kinds. 

Arcane-powered repulsor chairs for those who can't walk at all. 

Lights that will glow brighter, but use less energy.

Water filters.

Silco is embarrassed to feel his eyes prickling. 

Unable to help himself, Silco tugs the notebook closer, almost cradling it.

"I used to wish I was this smart. This creative." 

Viktor glances at him.

"If we were all the same, the world would be dull. There are other kinds of intelligence that are just as important."

Viktor holds his hand out for the notebook and adds delicately "Social intelligence is one of them."

Silco glances at Viktor, gaze narrowing a little.

"Bodyguards have no need for social intelligence." 

Amber eyes sparkle as Viktor smiles. 

"Perhaps not."

Part 2

Arch + Woods

[sevasey51]

What would Connors office look like? Would he also keep a med kit in his office for her? What would be in it?

The Space He Keeps for Her

I’d imagine his office would look something like this maybe with the couch big enough so she can lay down but also so he can support her

Summary: Connor’s office isn’t just a workspace—it’s a reflection of who he is: meticulous, brilliant, and quietly, fiercely devoted to the woman he loves. Between patient consults, trauma rounds, and the constant rhythm of Med, it’s the one place that belongs entirely to him. And in the bottom drawer, tucked away but never forgotten, is a compact med kit—built just for her. Because even when she’s floors away or having a good day, he’s always prepared. Always watching. Always ready.

It was mid-afternoon when Ava poked her head into Connor’s office and smirked.

“Why is your office nicer than half the boardrooms in this place?”

Connor didn’t look up from the scans he was reviewing. “Because I’m here more than I’m home.”

She rolled her eyes but said nothing else—just stepped out again.

And once the door clicked shut, everything was quiet again.

His office wasn’t showy. Just intentional.

One framed photo—just one—sat on the windowsill: Y/N laughing, hair windblown, Charlie mid-bark beside her. It had been taken at the lake on one of their rare weekends off. She’d told him not to take the picture, and he’d done it anyway.

There was a narrow bookshelf by the wall. A single dog biscuit tucked behind a paperweight. A few trauma journals, a coffee mug from Jay that said Trauma King, and tucked behind the anatomical heart model—

A small med bag.

Connor opened the bottom drawer and pulled it out now, checking it by feel as he read through vitals Y/N had logged that morning. She was okay. Just tired. But still—he always made sure this was stocked.

It wasn’t much. Just enough.

Connor’s Office Med Kit:

• IV fluid bag & port-friendly tubing

• Zofran (injectable and dissolvable tabs)

• Toradol preloaded syringe

• Sumatriptan auto-injector (because migraines don’t care what floor you’re on)

• TXA vial

• Electrolyte mix packets

• A spare port access needle (because you just never know)

• Warming pack for vasodilation

• Nitrile gloves, alcohol wipes, sterile dressings

• Portable vitals monitor

• Her favorite stim tool (lavender-colored, with a fidget roller)

• A mini bottle of ginger tea concentrate and a foldable straw

• Noise-canceling earplugs & a silk eye mask (for when it’s not a crash, just too much)

He restocked what he needed without a second thought.

Because if she ever needed him and couldn’t get to the maternity lounge, or if she texted a quiet “Not good today” and couldn’t leave her floor—he’d have everything ready within minutes.

Sometimes Ava teased him. Sometimes Will just gave him that knowing look.

But he didn’t care.

Because this drawer, this kit—it wasn’t about panic. It wasn’t about preparing for the worst.

It was love.

Quiet, steady, surgeon’s-hands kind of love.

And in the chaos of Med, this space—his space—always had room for her.

[hungrywriter]

Herbs & Hearts (Pt.5)

Raiden x f!reader

Raiden roamed the academy grounds, seeking his dear friend, Y/n. A lot of things have happened for the past few days and in just a few days, they will follow Liu Kang to war against the other Shang Tsung, who had disguised himself as Damashi. Raiden wanted to talk to Y/n, just to have a clear mind about her ‘relationship’ with Kung Lao. He had truly missed their friendship, and wanted to spend some time with her just in case anything happened during the war and he wasn’t able to resolve any issues he had with Y/n. He soon found them at her greenhouse, and Y/n was feeding him a spoonful of medicine paste that she had made. He watched their interaction, smiling and looked very happy without him there. As he approached, they finally acknowledged his presence, and Y/n greeted him with a smile. However, Kung Lao's response was less enthusiastic, and Raiden couldn't help but detect a hint of disappointment in his friend's eyes.

“Raiden. Are you here to get treated?” Y/n inquired, preparing to retrieve her portable medical kit from her bag. Raiden stammered, initially hoping for a private conversation with her rather than with Kung Lao present.

“Actually, I’m here to just check on you,” He said, walking nearer to her study table and looking at the plants she had grown. He saw a picture frame sitting next to a plant, and noticed that the picture it holds was Kung Lao and Y/n, taking a selfie. Both of them were wearing their monk’s clothes, so it was pretty recent. When did they take this? And where was he?

"I'm doing well. Both of us are fine. Thank you for asking, Raiden,” She answered, almost robotically. The whole conversation didn’t feel as natural as before, and he wonders if all of this was his fault. There was silence in the greenhouse as Y/n worked on her new medicine. The silence soon became unbearable, but lucky for them, Johnny had run in. All three’s attention was on the actor who raised an eyebrow at them.

“Alright, so something definitely happened here, and I would love to hear the gossip. Unfortunately, Kenshi hurt one of the soldiers again, so I need to borrow Y/n for a while,” Johnny urgently said. Y/n hastily grabbed her med kit and ran after Johnny, who was already running as soon as he was done with his announcement. 

Awkward silence engulfed the greenhouse, and for the first time in their lives, they found themselves uncomfortable around one another. Kung Lao turned his chair to tinker with the various items scattered around Y/n's workspace, while Raiden stood beside him, admiring the plant anatomy diagrams on a chalkboard hanging above her desk. He couldn't help but notice a picture frame on the desk, which held another photo of Y/n and Kung Lao.

"Wow, she did all this by herself?" Raiden inquired, hoping to engage in a conversation with his best friend. Kung Lao finally smiled and nodded, his curiosity piqued regarding Y/n's interests. The two friends began to chat about Y/n, and Raiden felt relieved to be able to spend time with one of his closest friends. It was as if nothing had changed between them, and he cherished the feeling, even if it was only fleeting.t.

“You know, I was thinking of asking her out,” Kung Lao blurted out. Raiden froze in his tracks, wondering if he had misheard. Did Kung Lao mean that in a friendly way or romantically? Raiden's gaze shifted to Kung Lao, who sat there holding a precious piece of jewellery. He immediately recognized it as Kung Lao's mother's ring, the same ring that had been used by Kung Lao's father for his proposal. The sight of the ring in Kung Lao's hand added to the complexity of the situation, leaving Raiden with even more uncertainty and mixed emotions.

“Like as in… friends?” he asked hopefully, preferring the thought of Kung Lao approaching Y/n for friendship rather than a romantic relationship. Kung Lao's face contorted in a brief frown, and he stood to face Raiden directly.

“No, Raiden. I mean as a couple. Y/n is perfect, and she deserves to live a happy life, don’t you think?” Kung Lao questioned with a strained tone. Raiden's mind raced with thoughts of the potential consequences of his two closest friends becoming romantically involved. Would they leave him behind? Could Kung Lao care for Y/n properly? How would their relationship affect him if they married? He was spiralling but his friend's hand on his shoulder snapped him out of it while asking if he was okay. 

“You can’t do that,” Raiden blurted out unintentionally, cursing himself internally for not expressing his feelings more tactfully. He observed the swift change in Kung Lao's demeanour, noticing how his friend's breathing quickened, and his fists clenched involuntarily. He held his guard up, prepared for a confrontation.

“Why not?” Kung Lao questioned, his face betraying a sense of confusion and mounting anger. Raiden scrambled to find excuses to dissuade Kung Lao from pursuing a romantic relationship with Y/n, fearing the impact on their friendship.

“Because the three of us have always been friends. That's the way it's always been! I don't want that to change," Raiden tried to reason with his friend. However, it appeared that Kung Lao was unwilling to listen, and his frustration only grew. Kung Lao scrutinised Raiden and then returned his attention to the ring he held in his hand.

“Raiden, I don’t want to fight you because you’re my brother. But what I do with Y/n is my business,” Kung Lao declared, managing to calm his emotions. He gathered his belongings and made his way to the exit, but before leaving, he turned back to Raiden.

"It's not my place to tell you this, but our friendship changed years ago," he remarked before leaving. Raiden stood there, feeling worse than ever, a whirlwind of questions spinning through his mind. What did Kung Lao mean by that?

[bleachbleachbleach]

Rukia is in the WHERE now?

[Bleach 089]

If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that my mental map of the Seireitei is very wrong, and that there is really no helping this at this point. I also realized that when I think about Soul Society, invariably west is always down, east is up, north is left, and south is right--which like, whyyyy would THAT be the way I orient the map?!

Because of Hisagi's dumb bowl drawing in Colorful Bleach, that's why:

[Colorful Bleach]

Naturally, I was curious about the directions Ikkaku offers here! Rukia is where?

"the barracks of the Thirteen Court Guard companies"

My assumption has always been that each division's barracks are separate from one another, and exist within the rest of the division grounds. We all assume this. We know we are correct about this. Though it WOULD be hilarious is this massive tower prison was just like, the barrack penthouse and the entire Gotei lived in one very flammable tenement. Also, the Gotei version of Rear Window would be magnificent. But anyway. I guess I assumed the rest of Rukia's Tower Complex was also prison, or that it was part of some amalgamated center where the Central 46 and stuff was, rather than barrack.

So what is Ikkaku talking about here?

Specifically, he says, 各隊の詰所 (kakutai no tsumesho), which he then abbreviates to 各隊詰所, each division's station/post (same "station" as in Coordinated Relief Station). In the Edo period, a tsumesho was basically a rest stop for visiting government officials, or people who were traveling to shrines and the like--a place to overnight, or nap, or wait. In modern parlance, it's kind of like a hostel. So I don't think he means like, the barracks barracks, the primary sleeping locations barracks.

Gotei WeWork

The Wiki article on tsumesho also notes that tsumesho can refer to like, shared office space for factory guards, or people who are coming and going, which makes the most sense in our application. So rather than 'every barrack for every division' I feel like the intention here is "Rukia is in the tower part of the shared workspace/staging area, Gotei WeWork." It makes sense to have one, particularly if this is where the library and reports archives live!

Also obsessed with the idea that the The Tower is just like, next to some crappy portable with one table, a wastebasket, a copy machine with zero toner, a cabinet with a shitton of paper and brushes and ink so you can handwrite your own copies, and a mysterious stained futon that literally every shinigami in the entire Gotei has napped on at one point or another.

But also, I feel like Ikkaku could have been a little more descriptive. "That can't-miss imperious white tower by the giant butte smack in the middle of town," maybe? But I guess if that's not how they talk about that place in their working day, then it's not how they talk about that place in their working day!

I'll also note that in this view, north is actually at the top of the image, unlike in Hisagi's drawing:

[Bleach e384]

In fairness to Hisagi, his drawing was explaining the POV of Ichigo et al having started in West Rukongai. Because they walked up to the West Gate to try to enter the Seireitei, it makes sense that the vanishing point (that which lies beyond the gate; that is, east) would be at the top of the frame. But I prefer to think of Hisagi as someone who would just draw maps like that, because now he's got me doing it, too.

[800silentpod]

The Benefits of Renting Silent Pods for Events and Temporary Needs!

Introduction

In 2024, over 60% of professionals report struggling to focus in noisy environments, with many citing the lack of private spaces as a significant barrier to productivity. Events and exhibitions, which are central to Dubai’s dynamic business and tourism landscape, often create such noise, making it difficult for attendees to make phone calls, hold private meetings, or concentrate on work. Dubai’s airports and hotels, bustling with constant announcements, foot traffic, and distractions, are also not ideal for focused work or confidential discussions. In fact, a study by the Global Workplace Analytics found that over 30% of workers in open-office environments are unable to concentrate due to external noise.

This is where opting for the best Silent Pods rental services in UAE can make a big difference. These soundproof, private booths provide a peaceful, distraction-free environment, ensuring privacy and focus for work, meetings, or calls. Whether at a busy exhibition, conference, or within Dubai’s corporate environment, silent pods offer the perfect retreat, transforming chaotic spaces into productive zones.

What Are Silent Pods?

Silent pods are compact, portable, and soundproof booths designed to provide privacy and eliminate external noise. They offer a dedicated, enclosed space where individuals can focus, make phone calls, attend virtual meetings, or have private conversations without distractions. Silent pods are ideal for use in environments like busy events, offices, airports, hotels, and public spaces where noise and crowd disturbances can impact productivity.

These booths are designed to be easily transportable and can be set up or relocated quickly, making them a great choice for events or temporary needs. Silent pods are equipped with features like soundproofing, air circulation, and comfortable seating, ensuring a quiet, comfortable, and functional space for their users.

Although they are commonly referred to as “silent pods,” there are also variations of these booths, such as Single Pods for one person, Duo Pods for two people and Meeting Pods for group discussions. These variations can accommodate different group sizes, whether you need a quiet space for a single individual or a larger space for meetings or collaborative sessions.

Benefits of Renting Silent Pods for Events

Renting silent pods offers several advantages for those attending or hosting events. Here are some of the key benefits:

Enhanced Focus and Productivity

One of the main challenges at events and exhibitions is the overwhelming noise. From loudspeakers and background music to large crowds and constant movement, it’s difficult to concentrate on important tasks like taking phone calls, writing emails, or attending meetings. Renting a silent pod allows individuals to escape the distractions and focus on their work in a private, quiet space.

Whether you’re a business professional attending a conference, a speaker preparing for a presentation, or an attendee needing to catch up on emails, silent pods offer the perfect environment to boost focus and productivity. With a soundproof booth, you’ll have the space you need to concentrate without outside interference, enabling you to accomplish more during an event.

Privacy for Confidential Conversations

Confidentiality is critical, particularly when discussing sensitive information in a public setting. At large conferences, trade shows, or exhibitions, finding a private space for such discussions can be difficult. Renting a silent pod ensures that you have the privacy you need to hold important conversations without worrying about eavesdropping.

These soundproof booths provide an ideal setting for business negotiations, client meetings, or HR interviews. They offer a secure, distraction-free environment where you can talk freely without interruptions. For events where privacy is paramount, renting a silent pod ensures that sensitive conversations stay confidential.

Flexibility for Temporary Needs

Events are often temporary in nature, lasting just a few days or even hours. Building permanent office spaces or meeting rooms for short-term use can be impractical and costly. This is where renting silent pods shines. They offer flexibility in terms of short-term use, providing businesses and event organizers with a cost-effective solution without the need for long-term commitment.

Whether you’re setting up a temporary office, a private meeting space for attendees, or a quiet room at an exhibition, renting a silent pod ensures that you have the right setup for your event without investing in permanent infrastructure.

Comfortable and Convenient

Silent pods are designed for comfort and convenience. They come equipped with comfortable seating, proper lighting, and ventilation, ensuring that users feel relaxed during their time in the pod. Setting up a meeting or working from a silent pod is also hassle-free, as they are easy to install and relocate, making them an ideal choice for busy events or venues where space is limited.

Additionally, silent pods provide a quieter and more comfortable alternative to working or holding meetings in crowded hallways, noisy rooms, or public spaces. Renting a silent pod for your event gives you the flexibility to adjust your space to meet your specific needs without the hassle of searching for available conference rooms or private areas.

Benefits of Renting Silent Pods for Temporary Needs

Beyond events, silent pods also provide a great solution for various temporary needs. Here’s how renting a silent pod can help:

Cost-Effectiveness

Renting silent pods is a budget-friendly solution, particularly when compared to building permanent office spaces or meeting rooms. Creating dedicated spaces at an event can involve high costs for construction, maintenance, and staffing. Renting a silent pod eliminates these costs and allows you to have a functional, professional space for a fraction of the price.

Whether you’re a small business attending a trade show or a large corporation hosting a corporate seminar, renting a silent pod offers excellent value for money. It provides a temporary workspace without the added expense of creating a permanent solution.

Quick Setup and Easy Relocation

Unlike permanent structures, silent pods can be quickly set up and relocated, making them perfect for temporary needs. Whether you need to set up a pop-up office for a few days or create a private space for important meetings, silent pods can be installed and made ready for use within hours. This convenience allows event organizers and businesses to maximize their time and resources during short-term events.

The ease of installation and relocation also means that you can adapt the setup as needed. Silent pods can be moved around to accommodate changes in space requirements, attendee numbers, or event schedules.

Versatility for Different Purposes

Silent pods are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using them for phone calls, video conferencing, or private meetings, silent pods can be customized for various purposes. Duo pods, which accommodate two people, are perfect for small group discussions, while larger meeting booths can be used for collaborative sessions.

Additionally, silent pods can be used for more than just events. They’re also great for creating temporary office spaces, offering individuals or teams a comfortable and private environment for work. Their adaptability makes them ideal for various temporary setups, including events, exhibitions, hotels, airports, and even remote workspaces.

Why Silent Pods Are Perfect for Dubai’s Event Culture?

Dubai is known for its thriving event scene, hosting some of the world’s largest exhibitions, trade shows, and conferences. With such a bustling event calendar, quiet, private spaces are in high demand. Renting silent pods in Dubai offers businesses and professionals the opportunity to maximize their productivity while attending or hosting these large-scale events.

Whether you’re attending the Arabian Travel Market, the Gulf Food Exhibition, or an international conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre, silent pods provide an oasis of calm amidst the noise. They allow professionals to make calls, hold private meetings, or simply catch up on work during busy events. Renting a silent pod in Dubai makes it easy to navigate the high-energy atmosphere while staying focused and productive.

How Renting Silent Pods Can Enhance Your Event Experience?

Silent pods are more than just functional; they also contribute to an overall improved event experience. When attendees have access to a quiet space, it enables them to recharge, focus, and engage in private conversations or meetings without distractions. This leads to better networking opportunities, more productive sessions, and an overall more positive atmosphere at the event.

For exhibitors and event organizers, providing silent pods as part of the event setup can significantly enhance the attendee experience. Providing spaces for individuals to escape the noise and focus on tasks enhances the environment. This professional and inviting atmosphere encourages more people to attend future events.

Conclusion

Renting silent pods offers numerous benefits for various needs. Whether it’s an event, a conference, or a temporary office, they provide the perfect solution. They offer privacy, enhanced focus, and convenience. Their cost-effectiveness makes them ideal for both business and personal use in busy environments.

If you’re looking for Affordable Silent Pods Renting Services in Dubai, SilentPod is your go-to provider. We offer a range of Single Pods, Duo Pods, and Meeting Booths to suit your needs. Let us help you create the perfect setup for your next event or temporary requirement. Don’t let noise and distractions impact your productivity. Contact SilentPod to explore our rental options and experience the benefits of a quiet, private space!

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