#Remote Work Impact

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Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Lessons from a Changing Workplace

A Tale of Two Eras.Technology has reshaped nearly every aspect of modern work, but its impact hasn’t been uniform across industries. I’ve had the unique experience of working in roles that were transformed almost overnight by technology, while others remained relatively untouched. And then there’s photography—where the evolution has been profound, yet the essence of the craft feels…

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Exploring Remote Work Influence on Relationship Resilience

Abstract

The link between remote work and relationship resilience has become the most important aspect of social psychology, encompassing both physical and psychological well-being. This research aims to discover the impact of remote work on relationship resilience and ultimately to understand its effect on career satisfaction, particularly in an era of technological advancement and the shift of work affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the primary goal of this study is to understand boundaries in professional and personal lives that influence emotional well-being. By integrating the diary method, this study aims to capture day-to-day activities while exploring real-time data based on individual experiences. Utilizing cluster sampling of 20 adults engaged in remote work actively involved in a romantic relationship, married, or seeking marriage, this study aims to focus on work experience, the fusion of technology, relationship dynamics, personal/professional communication, and career satisfaction, through thematic analysis analyzing the complex dynamic of work and relationship. It offers a pathway for future studies to explore and examine this dynamic and support future policies, procedures, or strategies for this transformation.

Keywords: Remote Work, Relationship Resilience, Work-Life Balance, Mental Well-Being

Exploring Remote Work Influence on Relationship Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of technology is reshaping personal professional lives continuously fostering a new work dynamic while redefining communication and connection among individuals (Prodanova & Kocarev, 2022), a new avenue for work and relationship, encouraging companies to create innovative measures to adapt and develop new structures while adjusting to the change. The continues globally shift additionally resulted in a rapid growth and expansion of technology effecting personal and professional lives. Therefore, this is study seeks to highlight the ever-growing shift while examine the impacted of this transition on relationship resilience among adults impacted by this shift while working from home, providing an avenue to understand the dynamic of work and the resulting relationship satisfaction. Seeking to explore the impact of professional career on mental health and a need to better understand its effect (Andrews & Wan, 2009).

This study focuses to understand how individuals cope with their daily work environment and responsibilities while also working towards building and maintaining a healthy relationship with their partners. Likewise, by understanding the impact of work on relationship this study also seeks to understand if this new work environment has resulted in boundaries becoming blurred making relationship challenging, resulting in an unhealthy relationship formation or if this change has triggered positive relationship formation developing a healthier connection among couples. Seeking to explore various emotional and physical factors to understanding how remote work can affect relationship. By interpreting participants day-to-day interactions and their influence on their relationship based on work environment and work dynamics, seeking to understand outcomes related to relationship resilience and ultimately their overall mental health state.

Through examining the effects of remote works dynamic on relationship resilience this study seeks to understand individual differences on coping strategies used as a mediator in personal and professional lives highlighting the connection of remote work and relationship in hope of creating new pathways toward better future developments of strategies that can be utilized to advocating new implementation, plans, or policies that employers and employees can implement as a mediator to advance personal and professional lives one step at a time. Recognizing the importance of emotional connection and emotional well-being therefore become one of the most important steps in both personal and professional lives helping to shape and support employees achieve work-life balance while recognizing the importance of the role work can play achieving balance.

One of the most important aspect of individuality is characterized by one’s influence and impact to the world, changing the meaning of career and it long term effect a way to create meaning in life while giving purpose both in world outlook and the influence on life domains, shaping views and act as a motivator to support and help develop positive outlook and internal balance (Shimura et al., 2023). Maslow's hierarchy of needs when regarding balance suggest that elements supporting individualization through life can be seen as personal need ranging from basic survival to self-actualization (Koltko-Rivera, 2006); work, therefore, can serves not only as a mean to provide personal and psychological needs but rather to support as a foundation of safety, belonging, esteem, and ultimately self-actualization (Koltko-Rivera, 2006), effecting all aspects of his hierarchy.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs recognition and acknowledgment thereby can offer an understanding of inner desires a mean to develop and grow personal interpretations of supporting inner respect, while forming self-esteem, building recognition, forming strength, and delivering autonomy, incorporating safety, and psychological needs. Thus, a healthy work environment acts not only as a unidimensional aspect of life but rather a multidimensional concept that can provide tools needed to achieve inner desires, a sense of security, emotional well-being, while supporting the building block of positive personal and professional relationships (Koltko-Rivera, 2006).

Koltko-Rivera, (2006) explores personal relationship in life as it is considered an essential feature marked by love and belonging though Maslow’s interpretations of his hierarchy of needs. Thereby creating a fundamental aspect for forming connection, intimacy, and love supporting the recognition of true emotional states and well-being. Consequently, the foundation of need is marked as a key to balance an essential factor to recognize the role of work and relationship and the given impact once united.

Technology likewise in maintaining a relationship act as a critical role both as a facilitator and/or as a barrio; thus, examining the role of technology and its impacts is plays a role within relationship is another aspect of this study as technology can both be seen or regarded as an enablers to connect and build relationships providing flexibility while also it can be seen as a challenge or a barrio in maintaining traditional boundaries creating a separation or a mixture of boundary within work and personal lives.

Work and its nature or condition involves aspects seen in society incorporating high powers influencing physiological well-being and resilience in both personal and professional lives; however, today an era where remote work, the rise of technological, coped with emotional dependency is continuously rising works nature has becomes normalized and minimalized due to lack of adequate research and at times boundaries among work and relationship become overlooked or neglected resulting in negative consequences (Ali et al., 2023). Thus, the boundaries in personal and professional lives supporting to shape and drive willingness to drive must be recognized and reinforced as understanding this missing link is marked as a crucial step to develop personal recognition and most importantly creating an awareness of opportunities to grow, develop, adjust, or embrace new possibilities creating a true work-life balance. Therefore, by examining the effect or impact of remote work this study aims to uncover the multifaceted modes in which remote work has or have shaped lives and is continuing to reshape logistical aspect of professional and personal lives.

Consequently in this new era examining the role of remote work and its effect on relationship while concentrating on personal and professional aspects particularly regarding personal and professional communication, relationship satisfaction, and personal support within relationship becomes highly important and valuable in this society especially when regarding personal development and overall well-being.

Literature review

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, there has been a significant shift, a constant move toward a transition of work impacting personal and professional aspects of life incorporating work environment and social interactions impacting relationships of those working remotely (Van et al., 2021). A new shift impacting professional and personal lives on a global scale, a change that has become increasingly impactful in ways day-to-day interactions are done. Van et al. (2021) discovered critical factors incorporating such adjustment to remote work from an on-sit positions. This transition has been linked to higher employees’ career satisfaction considering the environmental factor of their positions. Thus, factor such as, work outcome, perceived work performances, and an ability to balance personal and professional demands is identified as key aspect of this transition.

During their study Van et al. (2021) utilized 5,452 employees discovering fundamental elements influencing work transition based on structural element exploration on work autonomy and job clarity. Through observing relational dynamics in workplace Van et al. (2021) explored interpersonal trust and social isolation in contextual workplace examining the shift in workplace environment such as change in location and work disruptions hypothesizing that independency of work is associates with work adjustment. Likewise the clarity of work is linked to employees’ positive adjustment, requiring inner/outer trust, limitation of social isolation, change in location, and a disruption of routines. Therefore, it become essential to recognize work not only as a unidimensional but rather a multidimensional factor impacting personal and prelesional lives.

Furthermore, Van et al. (2021) explored communication quality regarding work as a crucial moderator particularly through the utilization of technologies, revealing that previous data that suggest trust among colleagues and supervisors does not facilitate successful work outcome rather structural and contextual facts are key in a healthy work environment that can create and become key element in creating a successful adaptation in the transition of work underlining the complexity of remote work and its adaptation, emphasizing the value that work plays and the importance of having a diverse view in facilitating success for employees’ ability to navigate challenges and achieve the modern work goals.

Van et al. (2021) suggest the need to further understand remote work and its implications in today’s world, this understanding can support implications of needed adjustment for organizational practices and to support the creation of new policies in times of crisis and even beyond crisis signifying that the existing and past crisis are simply a call for a need to further adapt new methodologies and prepare the future work force for possible events such as wars, economic disaster, environmental tragedies, and many more requiring further adjustment to current work force seeking further research to better support and advocate upcoming changes and possible or needed adjustments.

Van et al. (2021) likewise highlighted the importance of this new adjustment from traditional work to work from home and its impact on both individuals personal and professional lives. Emphasizing the significance of autonomy, job clarity, trust, and the mitigation of social isolation when incorporating remote work. Vanet al. (2021) recognized the importance of personal roles when working remotely and its effect on relationship resilience marking it as a important step in developing new strategies that can supports employees in navigating the complexity of work and to better recognize the importance of work-life balance. Furthermore through this development organizations can implent new understanding to change and recognizing the needed adjustment employers can better understanding the importance of organizational management particularly when adapting new policies to accommodate change that can affect the work force.

Henke et al. (2022) also in their study explored remote work and its accelerated shift of traditional work to remote work while focusing on the adaptation and the success factors in the work environment utilizing a semi-structured interview in his study focusing on 59 participants in various levels and demographics seeking to explore contribution and challenges within individuals, teams, and organizational levels within a healthcare organization regarding remote work by utilizing a thematic analysis. Henke et al. (2022) identified skillsets and organizational changes as a crucial factor in supporting remote workers not only highlighting the importance of clear communication and policies that can result in empowering employees but also recognizing the importance addressing and ensuring fairness recognizing the challenges existing in building and likewise maintaining healthy relationship as relationship were challenging to make and maintain, highlighting that continues skill development as a key component in facilitating successful professional and personal relationship (Henke et al., 2022).

An important component in shaping lives and experiences especially considering professional and personal relationship is mental well-being and mental health (Phelan et al., 2001).  Over the past 60 years research discovered that individuals suffering from mental health can be twice as likely to die from illnesses compared to these who are not suffering from mental health issues (Phelan et al., 2001). One of the most important and often overlooked aspect is providing mental health the value that it needs as it have been neglected for far too often (Younger, 2011); thus, professionals must acknowledge the existing relationship between physical and emotional well-being in support of understanding the link  among such interactions and ways that new implementation can be set supporting the current literature.

Numerous research recommended importance of mental health and mental well-being suggesting a need for change and a deeper focus on improving personal health and well-being of employees reducing the impact of job strains and supporting employees personal and professional lives. (Laschinger et al., 2005, Gonge et al., 2002, Van Den Berg et al., 2006, Way & MacNeil 2006). Work, employee health, healthy relationships, and career success are recognized as complex but closely linked factors to each other impacting lives directly and indirectly (Way & MacNeil 2006). Current research is highlighting the existing influence of mental health and mental well-being on career outcome suggesting that negative mental health and mental well-being can affect up to 50% of individuals throughout their given lifespan triggering major societal cost proposing a U-shape life trajectory demonstrating that mental health and well-being peaks at a specific point in life course emphasizing the complexity of mental health and its course (Dijk & Mierau, 2023), signifying the critical link concerning mental well-being and physical well-being requiring immediate adaptations, recognition, and a need for more targeted research (Robson & Gray, 2007).

Nevertheless, a lack of acknowledgment remains in understanding the true connection and the nature of mental health and its importance linked in existing social stigma regarding mental health and mental illness of individuals’ (Lyons, et al., 2009). Although, various entities have attempted to create protocals and procedures in reshaping the existing stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, its existing effect seeks additional development and awareness as little success has been made while many neglect the true effect and influence of a healthy mental health on people (Lyons, et al., 2009). Thus, mental health, is seen as fundamental aspect of life supporting individuals’ level of internal satisfaction, forming internal drive, while crafting a willingness to grow seen as an essential key in developing positive self-image both internally and externally.

Similarly, a healthier mental well-being fostering growth and development results the creation of positive and healthy work environment suggest positive impacts on professional and personal lives. Miller et al. (2007) highlights in their study the importance of mental health and effects beyond anxiety and stress impacting employees and its posible consequence, correlating the impact of mental health of individuals physical and emotional state suggesting poor mental health has protentional to manifest itself while going beyond psychological state and in some cases being linked to an increased chance of developing breast and cervical cancer.

Therefore the connection between physical and mental state suggests an important link effecting aspects of life that are at times ignored or not cared for; consequently, creating a positive and healthy environmental structure can create empowerment while significantly improving perceptions of fairness, respect, and trust resulting a higher level of job satisfaction within employees and also create a stronger commitment to employers and ultimately manifesting itself into personal lives of employees supporting a healthier mental health and a healthier prosomal relationship (Spence Laschinger & Finegan, 2005)

Davila et al. (2017) explored the notion of healthy relationship functioning—romantic competence and its influence on personal and professional relationship satisfaction creating emotional resilience in understanding the true value of having positive relationship resilience, and personal well-being on both mental and emotional state. Research has continually linked the importance of having a positive and healthy relationship to a positive and healthy mental and physical health (Umberson & Montez, 2010). Therefore, exploring relationship competnce is considered as a combined influence of multiple skills including insight, mutuality, and emotional regulation.

Davila et al. (2017) study included a total of 187 participants examined across three diverse groups comprising of single women, a mixed-gender group, and romantic couples. Participants were identified as 140 women and 47 men with an average age of 19.65 with mix racial background who were involved in a romantic relationship. Utilizing web-based survey participants involved in this study were examined in their romantic competence measuring their  levels of relationship competence expressing higher competence level, reporting a significant link with their enhanced and improved relationship security forming an adept decision-making while increasing relational satisfaction in each couples relationship and most importantly reducing mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and stress highlighting the importance of relationship competency and its value (Davila et al., 2017), marking competency a significant factor in the development of a healthy relationship dynamics promoting psychological well-being and an improved mental health. Davila et al. (2017) not only validates the Romantic Competence Interview for Emerging Adults (RCI–EA) as a positive and reliable measure of relationship competence but also highlights the hypothetcal of romantic capability as foundational element for educational programs that are aimed to enhance relational skills prior to formation of long-term commitments, offering a proactive approach in improving relationship outcomes and mental well-being.

Lal et al. (2023) in their study focused on the significance of maintaining healthy and positive social interaction among employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on individuals that are actively working from home, being physically distant and facing limited social interactions with colleagues and others. Lal et al. (2023) explored a need to reevaluate impacts that are possible to result social isolation. Previous research mainly emphasized the importance of social interaction through traditional on-site roles and has been marked as a fundamental characteristic of social life particularly in a work environment aimed to create structure and a positive individuals experience; however, with the introduction of remote work this experience has been removed creating a gap in curet information of aspects work and the possibility of social isolation due to the current shift of remote work (Lal et al., 2023).

Lal & Haag, (2023) qualitative study comprised of diary entries gathered from twenty-nine participants to further explore technology-enabled social interactions among employees and its dynamic in regard to remote work, the qualitative study revealed significant challenges in maintaining social connection without the presence of physical connection. Such challenges include but are not limited to a lack of non-verbal cues, emotional intelligence, work insecurity, amplified workload, and a heavy dependance on technology. However, despite the existence of such challenges many participants revealed a desire in maintaining remote work status as a primarily method of working and are not looking to go back to traditional work settings, suggesting that a traditional in-person work environment could result in a lack of productivity and security.

Lal & Haag, (2023) emphasized the importance of varied work experiences of employees with work from home arrangements highlighting the importance of employers need in recognizing and managing differences effectively as such recognitions can mutually enhance efficiency and increase the level of satisfactions associated with work from home contributing the importance of insights in the evolving nature of work dynamic fundamental to the role of digital communication in remote work environment seeking to improve mental well-being and employees productivity rate (Lal & Haag, 2023).

Martin (2017) study marks as an important research to consider as he focused on exploring relationship from different dimensions, examining personal and professional relationship outcomes. Martin (2017) sought to understand the role of leaders on employees effecting personal and professional relationships to achieve goals aligned with desired outcome to supports personal and professional aspect of well-being. His study was focused in recognizing the influence of leaders that are considered inspirational through knowledgeable stimulation, implementing positive motivations, healthy personal and professional influence, and positive considerations in developing professional and personal well-being fostering growth exploring groups experienced with transformational leadership to emphasiz personal mentoring, positive vision sharing, and supportive generosity (Martin, 2017).

Martin (2017) explores the importance of work-life balance being recognized as a key ingredent in development of a healthy and supporting work relationship that can be seen as a buffer supporting employees from negative effects while in the same hand supporting employees to further enhance personal relationship forming growth to reaching personal and professional goals. Therefore, empowering personal and professional relationships while providing actionable steps and insight to employees become a key ingredient of well-being. Martin (2017) suggest that a positive and healthy leadership is the primarily component in addressing healthy balance, marking comunication and support as a vital factor in work-life balance an important factor for both employees and employers to consider.

Another important aspect of any relationship is the level of communication and how each person is capable of clearly communicate the emotions and feeling. Hirschmann et al. (2020) explored the relationship-centered communication skills and the value that communication plays highlighting the profound impact both in regard to professional and interpersonal aspects highlighting a significant shift in professional interactions and personal growth. Hirschmann et al. (2020) revealed enhanced professional and interpersonal relationship based on improved communication that can be seen as a skill that is transferrable across many situations a great example of the value that communication can play in achieving goals and reaching mutual positive perspective. This study not only explores the value of positive communication but also explores the effect that it can create across many aspects of personal and professional lives leading to an improved experience and a positive outcome. Hirschmann et al. (2020) expressed that despite organizational dynamic or the given structure there is a need of interprofessionally work in order to provider positive and desired outcome. This study supports the study by acknowledging the importance of positive communication and the quality it can add on a relationship as communication can support and build patterns positive relationship supporting the personal and professional resilience.

Likewise, another aspect in developing a healthy relationship relies on the power of acknowledgment and recognition. Acknowledgment and recognition therefore explored thorough mindfulness and time spent in recognizing and exploring inner and outer values. Kimmes et al. (2018) utilized Relationship Mindfulness Measure (RMM) that is designated to explore the level of mindfulness within a romantic relationship specifically designed to access individuals’ mindfulness level within romantic relationship addressing the gap in mindfulness research seeking to further focus on how mindfulness plays a role in relationship and discover how deep-rooted emotions and attachment play a role in relationship and how significant they are. Kimmes et al. (2018) study involved 185 participants with RMM predicting both positive and negative aspects of relationship qualities, attachment anxiety and also predicting avoidance. Indicating that mindfulness activates behaviors and emotional patters operates differently in romantic relationship a view different from other perspectives highlighting the importance of context-specific mindfulness in improving relationship outcome.

Therefore, working from home can offer employees a place and a chance to communicate and share feelings with their partners more effectively by paying attention to each other in ways that help couples be purposeful and in the present moment without any judgment holding awareness to further develop and build upon their relationship (Kimmes et al., 2018). When regarding a healthy relationship’s aspects such as the level of intimacy, mutual respect, positive regard to self and partner, healthy communication among partners, and having a positive sense of security marks an important factor in relationship (Kimmes et al., 2018), giving remote workers a better chance to manage and support their partners throughout the relationship creating positive and healthy outcomes.

Aleksić-Glišović et al. (2019) analyzeed motivation as a process supporting individuals to reach their goals recognizing employees as the most important aspect of any organization, thus their level of motivation marks as a key factor is achieving overall companies’ goals, seeking for new motivational tools and factors to be emplaced to support employees in reaching their goals and therefore helping company to reach its goals (Aleksić-Glišović et al., 2019). Contemporary motivational theories such equality, goal setting, reinforcement, and expectancy explore the new dynamic and express that importance of current shift from traditional one size fit all motivational strategies to rather a personalized theory that perfectly fits the new existing demands of remote work indicating the significant benefit of remote work and both in regard to employees and employers outcome fostering a workforce who are motivated, productive, and most importantly satisfied (Aleksić-Glišović et al., 2019).

By its nature remote work seeks this transformation to support organizations and personals in modeling new avenues toward a new model that highlights all aspects of personal and proceptions lives supporting autonomy, trust, and flexibility creating a sense of appreciation while driving autonomy and balance central to principals in motivational theory (Aleksić-Glišović et al., 2019).

When viewing goals, adults goal hierarchy has developed and transformed over the years indicating relationship and career as the most important aspect of adulthood with minimal research supporting the importance of this link between career and relationship (Ranta et al., 2014), thus, providing employees with control over not only their work environment but also allowing a flexible schedule and means of work employers can support a higher motivational need for further autonomy that can result in improving not only job satisfaction and autonomy but also can enhance employees personal lives and call for a better relationship outcomes; likewise, the nature of goal setting and feedback can be regarded as goal setting theory key driver of motivation; therefore, remote work not only aligns with traditional motivational strategies but also it promotes a healthy work-life balance providing fundamental framework for stablishing work life integrations that can contribute in maintaining healthy robust relationship both within and outside the workplace (Aleksić-Glišović et al., 2019).

Oz-Soysal et al. (2024), highlights the impact of remote work on adult relationships relating it to the autonomy factor a need for satisfaction and openness in relationship resilience amplifying the importance of how autonomy plays a role in relationship quality. Oz-Soysal et al. (2024) study proved that autonomy satisfaction and openness within romantic relationships significantly contribute to improved relationship quality and developing relationship resilience.

Problem Statement

            The transformation of professional and personal lives stimulated by technology while accelerated by the COIVD-19 Pandemic has formed flexibility and autonomy redefining personal and professional boundaries globally while raising critical questions in ways that relationship is navigated and/or maintained (Prodanova & Kocarev, 2022). Current research has provided extensive research on the evolution of remote work and its effect on psychological state (Van et al., 2021; Henke et al., 2022), and its importance on psychological well-being particularly in regard to relationship resilience (Davila et al., 2017; Kimmes et al., 2018) likewise the importance of relationships resilience regarding employee’s psychological state has been extensively examined (Davila et al., 2017; Kimmes et al., 2018). However, the link between these domains particularly ways that remote work effects/influences remain an unexploited gap requiring further exploration.

            Current research has highlighted the transformative potential of remote work particularly when regarding job satisfaction and work-life balance on employees who are actively engaged in remote work (Ali et al., 2023), yet its effects on relationship remains unexplored. Likewise, current research highlights the integration of technology as both a facilitator and a barrier in maintaining relationship (Lal & Haag, 2023), suggesting its complexity when maintaining relationship. However, there is a lack of sufficient research that encompasses the complexity of relationship and how it’s been affecting individuals working from home particularly regarding communication patters, relationship satisfaction, and support within a romantic relationship.

The effect of remote work is an important area of exploration impacting mental and physical well-being directly and indirectly particularly in regard to relationship dynamic, communication patters, and relationship satisfaction; as current research indicates remote work to be a positive factor in personal relationship development biased on factors such as work-life balance, communication quality, and mental well-being (Lal et al., 2023; Oz-Soysal et al., 2024), yet overlooking this correlation and factors work environment can either foster positive or negative relationship consequence remains unknown. Questions such as will remote work promote, built, help support, and/or maintain relationship satisfaction while supporting resilience particularly in the context of the existing global shift remines at utmost important to answer.

This study is seeking to bridge the gap within the current existing research by analyzing insights from remote work adaptation and its psychological impact and understand the importance of remote work when considering romantic relationship (Van et al., 2021; Henke et al., 2022), understanding the importance of mental well-being in professional and personal lives (Phelan et al., 2001; Robson & Gray, 2007), while recognizing the role of technology in relationship dynamic and todays digital age (Davila et al., 2017; Lal et al., 2023).

            Addressing the existing gap regarding remote work and relationship in research is not only necessary for advancing social psychology but likewise an important factor in development of interventions that can support relationship resilience in an era of ever-growing technological advancement forming a rise of remote work replacing traditional onsite roles. This is an important area that can impact both employees and employers, a fundamental step in setting new policies, practices, and/or developing stage to fostering healthy relationship while raising awareness for the importance of future research.

Purpose of the Study

The ultimate goal of this study is to explore remote work and its impact on relationship resilience exploring the union of professional and personal relationship in the rise of technology. This study seeks to investigate how remote work contributes to relationship dynamics by supporting couples, participants overall well-being, while recognizing possible career satisfaction as a result. By utilizing the diary method this study can capture in-depth view of day-to-day interaction in real-time, understand daily interaction of participant while engaged in work. Ultimately the goal of this study is to better understand how each individuals experience impacts/influences their relationship experience. Hypothesizing that remote work can offers relationship resilience leading to career satisfaction.

This study is rooted in three primary questions delivered from the gap identified within research. The first question is to explore and identify how remote work can impact participants day-to-day relationship satisfaction while working from home and living with their partners, understanding direct impact by recognizing perception while considering the existing balance within professional and personal boundaries.

The second question is to understand in what ways do communication changes in relationship while working remotely and how such changes affect personal relationship. This question will provide an understanding of communication dynamic particularly within remote work and its implications seeking to understand how the new norm can sustain or enhance relationship resilience.

Finally the last question is to understand how each participants perceive their relationship in terms of support given their work arrangements and how will this support in turn impacts the ways participants view not only their relationship but their career, seeking to explore the importance of support within the relationship impacting not only the relationship but also the ways it can enhance career satisfaction.

These questions are set to foster a deep analyzation in complexity of the link within personal and professional relationships and discover if this link can enhance or impair relationship resilience, ultimately impacting professional and personal relationship satisfaction providing empirical insight to adapt strategies supporting future research in navigating challenges and opportunities in relationship dynamic.

Research Methodology

Participants

This study will recruit participants online and utilizing cluster sampling. The participants will be comprised of 20 adult who are actively working in a remote work setting working from home and are actively engaged in relationship will be selected randomly to participate in this study. Likewise the sample will be selected with an aim to include a wide range of participant particularly selected based on geographcal regions within the United States with wide range of age and gender in no particular order to demonstrate random sampling seeking to gain a broad understanding of participants experience not only focusing on one particular group.

The participants for this study will be recruited through social media platforms such as Instagram and Google Ads to support a personalized targeting advertisement and create a higher audience retention. By utilizing online platforms such as Google Ads and Instagram the selection of participants can have better chance of only targeting eligible audience who fall into appropriate criteria that are needed for this study; therefore, utilizing targeting advertisement strategies can be a helpful step as it can reduce the time spent on advertisement due to its targeting ability and likewise it can reduce the cost of advertisement by focusing its target only on individuals who fall into the study criteria.

The criteria for participants who will be eligible to participate in this study is to be actively work on a full-time position and are engaged in a remote position working from home for at least six months and likewise actively engaged in a romantic relationship with no children, married, and living together for at least one year. Having no children is an important factor for this study as it supports in removing all possible external factors that could manipulate results or divert participants based on children’s unpredictability influences. The goal of this sample is to provide the researcher with a diverse sample, a sample that can represent a verity of professional experience and age group across the U.S. population.

Method

The primarily methodology for this study will be in the use of diary method as it can provide the researcher tools to capture real-time data that are naturalistic biased on participants daily experience, thoughts , and feelings in regard to their work experience, incorporation of technology, relationship satisfaction, and finally career satisfaction. These questions are designated to support participants in expressing their true experience related to their work experience and relationship factors.

Utilizing the diary methods participants will be asked to reflect on their daily experience and provide journal entry of their experience over four-weeks. Likewise, to ensure participants engagement during the study and provide interventions and adjustment the researcher and the participants will have weekly online meeting over Zoom to support the participants in answering any question that they may have and provide support in case of any issues that may come to surface. This weekly meeting also is utilized as a motivator factor and an accountability factor to support the participants in achieving their goals and make any adjustment needed during the duration of this study.

Procedures

Upon recruitment, participants will be briefed about the study's purpose, confidentiality measures, and their role in the diary-keeping process. The participants in this study will be provided a digital diary platform that can be accessible through a secure application using both iOS and Android, ensuring security, privacy, ease of use, and cross platform usage. Participants will be then prompted to download the application, create an account, set a four digit password, and make daily entries, focusing on work routines, interactions with their partners, perceived support, communication patterns, overall relationship satisfaction, and career satisfaction. Weekly and daily reminders will also be sent to encourage consistent participation.

Measurement Tools

This study will be structured on several key factors regarding remote work to better capture the experience of participants particularly focusing on career satisfaction and relationship resilience. Factors such as work experience, technology incorporations, relationship dynamic, communication patters, and career satisfaction are important aspects of this study as together can create a better picture of participants experience.

Work Experience: This section of the entries will focus on remote work experience particularly regarding participants remote work settings such as environmental factors, tasks, challenges, and successes focusing on specific factors that either facilitate or hinder participants productivity and well-being.

Technology Incorporations: This section will reflect participants interaction with technology both personal and professional and the role of technology in participants daily life given their work requirement. An important step to understand the role of technology on supporting participants or hinder participants in thier time management or communication within their relationships concerning both personal and professional aspects of their lives.

Relationship Dynamics: Dairy entries in this section will account for participants daily interactions with their partners both during and after work. Participants will be asked to reflect on their relationships dynamic and relationship satisfactions particularly due to their work expectations. This section will also include a section for participant to reflect on quality time spent together with their partner, possible conflict, and resolution strategies in case of possible conflicts.

Communication Patterns: Participants will be asked to reflect on their communication styles both during and after work hours seeking to underline frequency, mode, quality of communication, and patterns of change over time.

Career Satisfaction: This section will be used for participants to reflect on their career and assess their overall career satisfaction. Participants will also be asked to reflect on their career path, opportunities for growth, and work life balance.

Weekly Online Meetings

Weekly online meeting is placed to support participants and act as a motivational tool supporting the participants in any questions or concerns, they may have. Likewise, it is used to as a tool for the researcher to be further involved in the process of the study and conduct semi-structured interviews to further ensure consistency and accuracy of dada. During weekly meeting participants will be given a chance to explore and express their experience while engaged in this study and share any questions they may have regarding the process of the study or any upcoming challenges that they may have. This meeting will also be used to support participants in refining their eateries and serve as a tool that participants that they can utilize to share and express any issues that they may encounter during the study regarding the use of the app and any other technical issues that they may face.

Data Analysis

To analyze the data that has been provided by the participants for this study the researcher will utilize thematic analysis. Also, by utilizing NVivo qualitative data analysis software the researcher can better identify patters, themes, and insights into the data provided by each participant. The use of NVivo coding proses can allow for a better organization of data that is more focused on gathering and extracting themes related to the impact of remote work in regard to relationship dynamics, communicational changes, professional and personal support system, while examining overall career satisfaction and relationship resilience seeking to understand how remote work influence relationship resilience and in turn effect career satisfaction.

Validity and Reliability

The diary entries and interviews will be triangulated by the researcher for this study to ensure validity and reliability of all provided data. Likewise to improve accuracy and compliance the participants will have the opportunity to review contributions that they have provided that is known as “member checking” to further enhance credibility and trustworthiness of the data and ensure both calidity and reliability.     

Ethical Considerations

Before the start of the study all participants will be given proper consent forms and will be informed of their rights and are free to exit the program at any time and will be given instruction regarding their contribution and will also be eligible to receive support in case of being overwhelmed and/or emotionally impacted during the study. Additionally, participant confidentiality is highly important during the study and upon receiving the data for this study all personal information’s such as names, address, phone number, and date of births will be removed ensuring anonymity and confidentiality. Likewise prior to the study ethical approval will be obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Conclusion

The primary goal of this research is to explore the relationship between remote work dynamic and relationship resilience. A comprehensive proposal to explore how current work dynamic influences relationship, and therefore affects career satisfaction. By exploring nuance involved in remote work dynamic. The existing body of research incorporates various aspects concentrating on remote work setting, fluctuations of work due to pandemic, state of relationship, and the future of personal and professional life; however, the current gap involves link among work and its effect on relationship.

Employing a diary method, coupled with weekly meetings this study will ensures participants have a place to reflect and acknowledge their experience surrounding personal and professional lives reflecting on factors that eaither support or hinders overall mental and emotional well-being. Utilizing the diary method integrates real time account of daily experiences of participants day-to-day activities and the existence or lack thereof work-life balance as a result of remote work. By analyzing relationship dynamic, work experience, the fusion of technology, analyzing communication patterns, and understanding overall career satisfaction this study aims to highlight the impact of work on relationship exploring factors that involve career path and relationship satisfaction.

The methodology and measurements selected can support the researcher in capturing participants experience ensuring rich an accurate data resulting in meaningful conclusions of participants experience regarding their well-being while ensuring accurate randomized account of experiences utilized to incorporate and support the findings. This study has the potential to inform future policies supporting personal and professional lives aiming to acknowledge individuals and organizational goals while navigating the complexity of work-life balance fostering mental well-being.

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[buckynats]

If I made a ko-fi what could I sell that people would want? All of my potential job hunting is not panning out and I'm kind of losing it.

[vyuntspakhkite-l-darling]

Here I was thinking I was desensitized to most things in media but I am just full of surprises I guess

[10bmnews]

Companies Roll Out Remote Work, Safety Protocols Amid India-Pakistan Flare-Up; Details - News18

Last Updated:May 10, 2025, 09:49 IST India’s top corporations and multinational firms have begun rolling out safety protocols for employees, as tensions with Pakistan escalate Amid LoC tensions, Indian firms are adopting safety steps India’s top corporations and multinational firms have begun rolling out safety protocols for employees, as tensions with Pakistan escalate following recent…

[flexispheres]

The UNICEF Child Protection Officer position in Kharkiv, Ukraine, offers an exciting opportunity to support the mission of promoting children’s rights in one of the most vulnerable regions. This is a temporary appointment, lasting 364 days, at the NO-1 level, providing a chance to make a tangible impact on child protection efforts. UNICEF’s Mission and Commitment UNICEF’s work spans over 190…

[olivergisttv]

How New UK Immigration Laws Impact Small Businesses

The UK government’s recent changes to immigration laws are stirring up debates across industries, particularly for small businesses. These shifts are reshaping the landscape of hiring, workforce diversity, and operational flexibility. Small businesses, which often rely on hiring talent from overseas to fill skill gaps, are facing new challenges, but also opportunities to adapt and thrive in an…

[beingjellybeans]

How Forcing Employees Back to the Office Undermines the Green Revolution Sparked by COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic was a disruptive force, reshaping lives and industries across the globe. Yet, amid the challenges, it also triggered an unintended green revolution—an opportunity to rethink our approach to sustainability. As lockdowns and restrictions led to a dramatic reduction in pollution, carbon emissions, and waste, many began to realize that a more sustainable future was possible.…

[labrone1475]

AI's Game-Changing Impact in 2024: Unlock New Careers & Online Earning S...

[neigepomme]

cw // NSFW. caleb loves when you control him.

caleb's a big man — in more ways than one. however, when he's near you? just an oversized ragdoll for you to manhandle as you please.

the first time he realized that, you were pointing at something for him to see. unfortunately, his attention was on something else, and after losing your patience, you tug at his necklace for him to lean down.

poor guy almost came on the spot. the action wasn't even remotely sexual, but the fact that you felt comfortable enough to boss him around, control him? oh that did caleb in.

somehow, you also caught on. his nervous smile and red ears were telltale signs that he was impacted, and boy, it was bound to be lots of fun for you.

so you tried it out more often. just some inconspicuous stuff to gauge his reactions! no harm in discovery, right?

when he was leaving for work, you'd roughly grab his face with one hand and bring him down to your level to press a kiss on his puckered lips. 

“have a lovely day at work, baby. go get 'em colonel!”

you spoke with the sweetest tone you could muster, and caleb's flushed face and lovestruck smile was a delight to see so early in the morning. wishing you a good day as well, he heads over to the fleet — only to find out he has a hard-on. caleb deals with it in his office, before heading out to train the cadets (who realize their ever so scary colonel is capable of sporting a smile).

the next instance was when you two were out and about in a supermarket, picking out the ingredients for hot pot tonight. you stare at caleb when an older gentleman heads your way with his cart, wobbling around — and a mischievous idea quickly forms in your head. you quickly tug caleb's arm, pressing his body against yours when you flash him a smile, “oops. a cart was headed your way. ”

the pilot can't maintain eye contact, his pants suddenly feeling way tighter than usual. you were going to be the death of him if you kept going, but caleb would be lying if he said that dying to your hands wasn't the best way to go.

the time that cemented it in both of your minds, though, was when you were straddling his lap and making out with him on the living room couch. caleb was taking over your mouth, kissing you like a starved man, and you desperately needed to catch your breath — so you tugged on his hair, hard, in order to separate him from your mouth.

his hips bucked up into yours when you did that, and as the realization hit him, a vicious red blush took over his face.

“fuck pips, you can't keep doing that.”

funnily enough, his words didn't exactly match his actions. when you tugged a little harder in response, his hands grabbed onto your hips and dragged you against his, your clothed core rubbing against his growing bulge. you moan against his ear when a sound between a whimper and a groan comes out of his mouth.

“hmm, but i think you love it, don't you?”

that might be the understatement of the century, caleb thinks. he doesn't just love it, he adores it when you play rough with him — so teasing and unfair, it makes him want to push your buttons, so you keep on doing it.

and that's exactly what he plans on doing when he throws you over his shoulder and starts walking towards the bedroom.

“i do. love it when you control me.”

🍎 pomme's notes — h.. hey.... alexa put on control me by colde....

[graymand]

Business Statistics - Assignment 6 - The impact of remote work on employee productivity and well being

Topic: The impact of remote work on employee productivity and well-being. Description This research aims to understand how the shift to remote work, especially accelerated by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, influences employee productivity and well-being. The study will explore factors such as work-life balance, job satisfaction, and the effectiveness of remote collaboration…

[bitchthefuck1]

The only thing that actually made me feel anything remotely real about that plot point was those few seconds after the body lands behind Karen where you can see her realize she might have just lost Foggy and Matt before she turns and sees it's Dex. That was good. Everything else just felt ridiculous.

The most damning thing I can say about the daredevil reboot is that I watched one of my favorite characters get tragically gunned down in front of his best friends and felt absolutely nothing besides vague bemusement.

[reasonsforhope]

"A tiny lizard found only on one tiny Caribbean island has seen a dramatic 1,500% increase in its population, after just a few years of island restoration efforts.

In 2018, researchers estimated there were fewer than 100 individuals of the critically endangered Sombrero ground lizard (Pholidoscelis corvinus) on the small hat-shaped Sombrero Island, part of Anguilla in the Caribbean. Just six years later, there are more than 1,600 of them, a recent survey has found.

“I am beyond thrilled to see the ground lizards on the road to recovery, and this is a fantastic reward for everyone who has worked hard to restore Sombrero,” Jenny Daltry, Caribbean alliance director at conservation NGOs Fauna & Flora and Re:wild, told Mongabay. “Too many island species have been lost already, and we really need to prevent extinctions whenever we can.”

Today, Sombrero Island hosts large seabird colonies and several unique and rare species. But invading mice, likely brought to the island on ships or other means by people, as well as climate change impacts, have wreaked havoc on the island’s inhabitants...

To turn things around, Fauna & Flora, Anguilla National Trust and Re:wild began restoration efforts in 2018. They trapped and removed all the mice by placing bait from June to August 2021. They also developed a “biosecurity plan” in which researchers regularly check the island to ensure it’s still mouse-free.

Given Sombrero’s remote location, the likelihood of reinvasion by mice is considered low, Daltry said. She added that the teams are also developing “remote surveillance cameras with AI capability” to automatically detect and alert them of invasive species.

While the mice may be gone, the threat from hurricanes fueled by climate change still loom close. While the researchers have been working to restore the island’s native vegetation, the island has lost much of its original soil cover, which will take time to rebuild, Daltry said. With no tree cover yet, any severe hurricane or storm surge in the future “could set back the speed of recovery of the soil layer and vegetation,” she added.

However, Daltry said she’s hopeful that even the current sparse vegetation provides the Sombrero ground lizards “with vital food and shelter, giving them a much better chance of survival when the next storm strikes.”

“This could make the difference between survival and extinction,” she said."

-via Mongabay News, December 20, 2024

[ohproserpine]

v. deer dolly

see all chapters here tags: fem! reader, reader is a performer in a speakeasy, heavy warning for violence and bloof, graphic descriptions of injuries, manipulation, allusion to death, grey morality, references to alcoholism, twisted view of love, gorey descriptions of love, murder

"THAT SLAG!"

Velvette's piercing scream echoed through the meeting room, slicing through the air. Vox and Valentino jolted, turning their gazes toward the source of the disturbance.

"Good-for-nothing piece of shit twat assistant!" Velvette paced the room, her movements agitated and frantic as she angrily tapped away on her phone.

In a sudden surge of anger, she flung her device across the room, sending it flying above Valentino's head. A crash punctuated the air as it collided with a window, the impact shattering the glass into shards that rained down onto the floor.

"Velvette, darling," Vox raised an eyebrow, his voice calm as always, "What's got you so worked up?"

He took a sip of his coffee, the rich aroma wafting up from the steaming cup as he idly scrolled through his laptop. "Is it that showgirl situation again?"

"Oh, bloody hell!" Velvette rolled her eyes. "Of course, it is, you git! It's been literally the ONLY thing I've been banging on about this week!"

Valentino's sigh cut through the conversation as he adjusted his sunglasses. Holding his glittering firearm up to his face, he pressed rhinestones on it with tacky glue, unfazed by Velvette's anger.

"It's just some performer, babydoll. We can find a replacement."

"Are you out of your mind?!" Velvette seethed as she stormed toward them, her heels clicking loudly with each step. With a forceful slam of her hands against the table, it shifted forward, jolting the items on its surface. With a hiss of pain, Vox recoiled, his hand jerking back from the scalding coffee he had spilled on himself.

"The boutique opening is in three days! How on earth am I supposed to find a girl who's got the looks and a set of pipes in time?!" she exclaimed.

Valentino looked up from his bedazzling, a raised eyebrow visible above the rim of his sunglasses. "Have you tried one of my models? I got a lot of pretty little chicas who can charm the socks off anyone. No need to stress yourself out."

"Your models? Do you have any idea how much time and effort it's going to take for me to wrangle those little amateurs into something remotely resembling a professional performance?" Velvette scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Sod off!"

Valentino snarled in response but turned away with a huff, muttering under his breath, "Have it your way."

"If I may," Vox spoke, wiping his hand with a grumble, the sting of the burn still lingering. He tilted his head slightly, raising a single brow. "Have you tried scouting?"

"Have I tried scouting?" Velvette mocked, her hands waving around in frustration. "Of course I have! All I've come across are bloody singers around here, and they all look like they've been dragged through the dirt backwards!"

"Well, have you tried the back district?" he offered, tapping his claws on the long glass table. He watched as Velvette pulled out a pocket mirror from her purse, visibly cringing at his suggestion.

"Why in bloody hell would I go there?" Velvette grimaced as she re-applied her dark lipstick. "I'm not about to waste my time scouring the back district for some dime-a-dozen talent. I need someone who's got class, not gutter scraps."

"Well, there's this performer," Vox insisted, snapping his fingers. A screen materialized with a whiz, displaying a video of a figure in a sparkly silver dress singing and dancing. As the video drew to a close, the camera zoomed in, capturing a close-up of the woman's face. Her features were radiant, a smile gracing her lips as she gazed out at the audience.

Velvette snapped her mirror shut with a flick of her wrist, interest sparking in her eyes. She leaned in closer, studying the performer's features.

"Who's this?" she quipped.

"Dolly, at least that's what they call her," Vox hummed, sliding the screen over to Velvette. "She works at Mimzy's Lounge."

Velvette's expression darkened, strands of hair falling over her eyes as she took the screen in her hands, leaning down to view the image again. The glow of the projection illuminated her face, casting shadows that danced across her steely expression.

"Mimzy?" she uttered the name slowly, her lips dripping with venom. "That's the cunt who tore up my best showgirl!"

"Drama," Valentino chuckled, spinning his bedazzled gun around his fingers.

"Well, this Dolly girl is her biggest star, and she's been making quite a name for herself there," Vox drawled, gesturing toward the screen. With a tap of his claw on the screen, he zoomed in closer. "She's got the looks, the voice, and the stage presence you're looking for."

"And she's managed to shine even in the shadow of that cesspool," he added with a sardonic grin as he sipped from his coffee.

A flicker ignited in Velvette's eyes as she straightened. "Then it's settled. I'll pay her a visit."

"Sounds like you've got a plan brewing, my dear. Care for some company?" Vox spoke with a smirk playing on his lips.

Velvette shot him a knowing glance before a grin tugged at the corner of her lips. "Why not? I could use some of your charm."

.

"Cher? Dearest? It's time to get up," the radio atop your bedside table rumbled, your husband's voice crackling through the air.

Grunting in protest, you burrowed deeper into the warmth of your blankets, seeking refuge from the harsh bite of the morning. But Alastor's persistent calls refused to be ignored.

"Mon cœur? Cher? W̷A̴K̶E̴ ̶U̸P̷!̶" it blared, the words amplified by hissing static, demanding attention like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

With a heavy sigh, you reluctantly peeled yourself away from the cocoon of comfort that had enveloped you. Sitting up, you felt the blanket slip from your shoulders, pooling around your hips. Memories of last night flooded in, and the remnants of Alastor's romantic gesture still adorned your room. The bouquet sat atop your dresser, with scattered white roses delicately strewn across your bed like whispers of affection.

Despite the tender atmosphere, a throbbing headache reminded you of an unwelcome guest that accompanied you into the morning—the hangover.

Dragging yourself to the side, you swung your legs over the edge of the bed and sat for a moment, rubbing your temples in a futile attempt to ease the discomfort. Then, pushing yourself to your feet, you padded across the room, the cool floorboards sending a shiver through your bare skin. You picked up the radio, its incessant blare akin to an annoying alarm clock, with Alastor's voice still grating on your nerves.

"Alright. Alright. I'm up, love," you grumbled, rubbing at your eyes which still felt thick with sleep.

The radio rumbled with delight at your response.

"Hellish morning to you, my dear!" Alastor's voice boomed through the speakers, his jovial tone slicing through the early morning gloom. Despite your grogginess, a small smile tugged at the corners of your lips at the sound of his voice.

"Hellish morning to you too, darling," you returned, laced with affection.

"I trust you had a restful sleep?" Alastor questioned.

"As restful as one can get with a noisy radio blaring in their ear," you sighed, already feeling the weight of the day bearing down on you.

"Hah!" Alastor laughed, the sound making you roll your eyes. "But where ever would you be without my dulcet tones to serenade you awake?"

"Probably catching a few more precious minutes of sleep," you muttered, already regretting the start of another day. “You are insufferable, you know that?”

"Ah, but that's why you love me."

Back in his hotel room, Alastor chuckled to himself as he shrugged on his suit jacket. From his microphone, he caught the rustling of your clothes, followed by the gentle rush of running water.

With a flick of his wrist, Alastor summoned a gramophone, its boxy form materializing atop his dresser with a soft thud. Soon enough, the needle gently descended onto the spinning vinyl record, releasing a soft, nostalgic melody that filled the room.

I'll never smile again Until I smile at you I'll never laugh again What good would it do?

As Alastor began to sing along, his smooth voice seeping through the rusting speakers of the radio, you paused in the middle of washing your hair, caught off guard by the unexpected serenade.

"Stupid, stupid man," you muttered under your breath with a shake of your head. And yet, despite yourself, a smile tugged at the corners of your lips, warmth creeping into your heart.

For tears would fill my eyes My heart would realize That our romance is through

Exiting the bath, you toweled yourself off and approached your wardrobe, humming softly as you selected your attire for the day. After scanning through the hangers, you settled on a vibrant red hooverette dress. With matching stockings and white heels, you completed the look, the final touch being a few roses plucked from the bouquet Alastor had given you, tucked behind your ear.

I'll never love again I'm so in love with you I'll never thrill again To somebody new

Dressed and ready to face the day, you returned to the radio, the soft strains of music and Alastor's voice still lingering in the air. As the final notes faded into silence, you stood for a moment, savoring the fleeting illusion of domestic bliss for a moment longer.

With a pang of sadness, you glanced at the clock, realizing that it was time to go.

"I have to head out now, darling," you spoke into the radio, feeling a tug at your heartstrings. "My shift starts in a while."

"Ah, until we meet again, mon cher," Alastor's voice replied warmly. "Do take care of yourself."

In response, you leaned down to press a kiss against the speakers, a gesture of your affection. The soft sound of the kiss was barely audible, but Alastor's ears perked up and caught the gentle touch against the metal surface. He chuckled softly, then, with a soft click, the radio fell silent.

As you slipped your purse over your shoulder, a thought crossed your mind—should you bring the radio along? The temptation to have Alastor's voice with you throughout the day was strong, but the risk of further damaging the precious device gave you pause. With a sigh, you decided against it, opting to leave it safely in your room, where it would patiently await your return.

Heading out of your room, the lounge was already buzzing with the hustle and bustle of customers and staff. Although no singer graced the stage yet, the speakers blasted with the familiar tunes of Hell’s Top 10 Hits.

"There you are!" Mimzy's voice cut through the lively atmosphere, her smile failing to reach her eyes as she bounded towards you.

"Mimzy," you greeted flatly, acknowledging her with a nod.

"How are ya doin', doll? Just the person I was looking for," she purred with a bat of her eyes. "Alright, listen, I've got a marvelous idea for a performance."

You sighed inwardly, bracing yourself for whatever scheme she had cooked up this time. Mimzy's requests were as extravagant as they were challenging, always pushing the boundaries to maintain her club's "reputation" and squeeze every last dime from these sinners' wallets.

"Let's hear it," you replied, mustering a polite smile.

"So, I was thinking," Mimzy began, tapping her finger along her chin, "how about a duet? A throwback to the good ole days, sharing the spotlight. It's bound to be a performance these wayward fools are going to talk about for ages!"

You raised an eyebrow, surprised by the relatively tame suggestion. The blonde wasn't exactly known for her subtlety or restraint when it came to showmanship. At most, a duet with Mimzy was sure to be a spectacle, for better or for worse.

"And when is this going to be held?" you grinned tensely, hands at your hips. There was bound to be a switch somewhere.

"When else? Prime time tonight!" Mimzy giggled as she threw up her hands with a flourish.

And there it was.

"Tonight?" Your eyes widened, shoulders squaring in shock. "Miss Ma'am, that's cutting it a bit close, don't you think?"

"Bushwa! We'll make it work," Mimzy replied dismissively, waving off your concerns with a flick of her hand. "And I've already got the perfect song in mind. It'll be a real humdinger, mark my words."

"Alright," you sighed, hoping for the best but bracing yourself for the chaos that was sure to follow. "Tonight it is."

"That's the spirit! Hell, why don't you take the morning off?" Mimzy grinned as she hurried off down the hallway to make preparations. "I'll see you tonight! Make sure to be here by sunset!"

Standing by the stairs as stiff as a pole, you watched her skip off with an unusually chipper air. It struck you as odd, but you pushed the thought aside, eager to have the morning to yourself. As you turned away, however, your head throbbed once more, the reminder of your hangover cutting through the moment.

"Looks like a ciggy is in order," you muttered to yourself, rubbing at your throbbing temples. Making your way outside, hoping to smoke away the edge of discomfort.

Trudging along the filthy backstreets, you did your best to avoid the muck and other questionable liquids that lined the roadside. The stench of decay hung heavy in the air, assaulting your senses with each step you took.

No one spared you a glance as you passed; the citizens of hell were absorbed in their own pursuits or concerns, and you blended into the backdrop of the grim landscape. 

Finally reaching a clearer stretch of street, you took a seat on one of the benches, the worn wood groaning under your weight. The city bustled around you, a mix of sounds and movements that seemed to blur together.

With a weary sigh, you reached into your bag in search of company—nicotine.

Fingers fumbling through the contents of your purse, you felt the familiar shape of the roll, and with a hum, pulled it out. However, as you continued to rummage through your belongings, a sinking realization settled in.

Your matchbox wasn't there.

Dropping your head into your hands with a scowl, you could feel the stress mounting within you, bubbling up like a simmering pot ready to boil over.

Wallowing in your misfortune, you failed to notice someone approaching you from behind. A sudden tap on your shoulder jolted you, and as you turned, you found yourself face to face with a tall and slender spider-like demon. His frame was practically drowning in a plush white fur coat, the color almost blending into his skin. It contrasted sharply with the sleekness of the black bodycon dress clinging onto his curves underneath.

"Need a light?" he asked casually as he held up a pink-colored lighter.

You eyed him skeptically for a moment.

In hell, kindness often came with a price. Whether it was a favor owed, a debt to be repaid, or simply a hidden agenda waiting to be revealed, nothing came for free. However, when your head throbbed again, you sighed and relented with a nod, accepting the offer despite your reservations.

Angel Dust ignited the lighter, the flame pirouetting gracefully and flickering in the wind. Drawing closer, you leaned in, offering the tip of your cigarette to the flame. With a gentle hiss, the tobacco caught fire, wisps of smoke curling into the air like ethereal dancers. As you took a deep, shaky inhale, the saccharine poison of the smoke flooded your lungs, leaving a bittersweet taste lingering on your tongue. Shutting your eyes, a sense of calm washed over you as you leaned back, letting yourself be carried away by the fleeting tranquility of the moment.

Remembering you had company, you grounded yourself and opened your eyes. "Thank you ever so much, dear. Can I have your name?" you asked, tilting your head up at him. The stranger moved to sit down next to you, the worn wood of the bench creaking under his weight.

"Angel Dust," he said, and your eyes shot wide open, lips forming an 'O' shape.

"The porn star?" you blurted out before you could stop yourself.

"Didn't take you as the type to watch my shit, toots," Angel laughed heartily as his grin widened from ear to ear in response, his golden tooth gleaming at you like a wink.

"Well, I may not be your typical fan, but your name does tend to make its rounds in conversation," you chuckled, shaking your head in amusement. Taking a drag from your cigarette, you gestured with it casually. "I saw you in my husb—erm, the Radio Demon's commercial. Hazbin Hotel, was it?"

"Yeah, and don't worry, I know. Dolly, was it?" Angel Dust replied smoothly, his demeanor surprisingly nonchalant given the situation. Extending his hand for you to shake, he continued, "Nice to finally put a face to the name."

His confession caught you off guard, but you shook his hand firmly nonetheless. "How did you—did Alastor tell you about me? You two must be close."

Angel Dust hesitated, a grimace crossing his features. His crimson eyes darted away briefly, as if weighing his words carefully.

"Let's just say... word gets around in our circles," he replied vaguely, tugging his coat closer around himself.

"I don't know him that well, though," Angel Dust admitted with a shrug, his gaze drifting off momentarily. "Sometimes he can be a bit..."

"A pompous dick with a sadistic streak?" you suggested, exhaling smoke as you raised an eyebrow at Angel Dust, testing the waters.

Angel Dust laughed genuinely, throwing his head back. "Something along those lines, toots," he grinned, taking another drag of his cigarette.

"Well, it's good to know I'm not the only one who sees it," you remarked, a wry smile playing on your lips.

"Believe me, ya ain't alone in that," he agreed. "So, ah—What brings ya out here? Aside from the obvious need for a blow."

"Just needed some fresh air," you admitted with a shrug. "Plus, I may have indulged a bit too much last night and woke up feeling like death warmed over."

"I hear ya," Angel Dust replied, nodding sympathetically as he raked his eyes over your worn-out form, noting the slump of your body and the dark circles under your eyes. You looked so different from the sparkly performer he had seen on stage days ago.

"Hey, I actually caught one of ya shows the other night," he piped up, attempting to shift the conversation to a lighter topic.

"Did you?" you cooed, surprise evident in your voice.

"Yeah," Angel nodded, stretching out on the bench, spreading both his arms across the back of the wood. "Gotta say, ya put on quite the show up there. I mean—ya had the crowd eating out of the palm of ya hand."

A faint smile crept onto your cheeks at his praise, a swell of pride rising within you.

"Well, thank you," you bowed your head in gratitude, momentarily forgetting your fatigue in the warmth of his words. "It means a lot coming from someone like you."

Angel Dust waved off your thanks with a casual flick of his hand, lips jutting out in a playful pout.

"Ah, c'mon. I call it like I see it," he grinned with a shrug. "N'trust me, I've seen my fair share of performances."

Lost in the easy flow of conversation, you surrendered to the comfort of the moment, finding solace in the presence of your spider companion. Hours passed, and before you knew it, the sun dipped below the horizon,  painting the park in hues of golden warmth.

A jarring ringtone shattered the moment, causing Angel Dust to glance down at his phone with a whistle. His brows furrowed as he scrolled through a flurry of notifications, irritation flashing across his features.

"As much as I'm enjoying our little chat, duty calls," he sighed, flicking away ash from his cigarette. "Can't keep the boss waiting."

You nodded in understanding, offering a wave as he rose from the bench. "No worries, Angel. Catch you later."

"Looking forward to it, dollface," he replied with a wink before sauntering off into the city streets, leaving you to enjoy the peace alone. After a few minutes of watching the sunset, you decided it was time to go. You stubbed out your cigarette and rose from the bench, making your way out.

As you approached the streets leading to the lounge, the neon lights of the city burst into life, casting vibrant reflections on the pavement. Climbing the stairs to the entrance, you were enveloped by the familiar sights and sounds of the establishment. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and cigarette smoke, mingling with the pulsating rhythm of the music from within.

Mimzy was nowhere to be seen, which came as a welcome relief. And with a last scan to ensure she wasn't lurking anywhere nearby, you made a beeline straight to your dressing room, eager to ready yourself for tonight's performance in peace without a certain blonde talking your ear off.

Taking a seat at the vanity, you began to prepare for the evening ahead, carefully applying your makeup and fixing your hair into place.

A sudden knock broke your routine, prompting you to rise from your seat and stride over to the door. With a quick twist of the knob, you swung it open, revealing an imp demon. White blotches adorned his skin, and he sported sunglasses perched high up on his nose. In his hands, he held up a box, his expression expectant as he waited for your reaction.

"May I help you?" you murmured, tilting your head at him, curiosity coloring your tone.

"Yeah. Are you Dolly?" the imp asked, his tone curt and impatient.

"Yes?" you replied, a brow raised.

"Great. This is for you, lady," he said, thrusting the box of jewelry toward you. "If you could just sign here so I can get the hell out of this shithole, that'd be great."

You accepted the box from the imp demon's outstretched hand, eyeing him warily as he thrust a pen and clipboard in your direction. With a resigned sigh, you reluctantly took the pen and scrawled your signature on the dotted line, handing the clipboard back to him with a curt nod.

"Thanks," he muttered, barely sparing you a glance as he turned on his heel and hurried away, disappearing into the crowded hallway of the club.

Interest piqued, you turned your attention back to the box in your hands. With a gentle touch, you ran your fingers along the surface and lifted the lid of the box. Nestled amidst folds of satin lay a pearl necklace, the orbs gleaming as if moonlight itself was captured and trapped within. At its heart, a rose pendant bloomed, its petals of silver. 

Taken aback, you reached for the small card tucked within the box. Gently retrieving, you turned it around to see the words "From Al" penned gracefully in elegant script.

"Oh, you cheese…"

With a soft smile pulling at the corners of your lips, you delicately lifted the necklace from its satin-lined cocoon, feeling the cool weight of the pearls in your palm. As you draped it around your neck, the pendant nestled against your collarbone.

Feeling as giddy as a teenager in love, you turned away from the vanity, your heart fluttering with excitement. With a skip in your step, you crossed the room to the wardrobe, fingers dancing over the array of neatly hung dresses.

Before your fingers could grasp onto a dress, a sudden deafening explosion tore through the air. The sound was thunderous, shaking the walls and causing the ground beneath your feet to tremble violently. The shockwave slammed into you with palpable force, knocking you off balance and sending you crashing to the floor amidst a cloud of dust and debris.

Alarm flashed across your features as your heart pounded in your chest, the adrenaline coursing through your veins like a raging river. With trembling hands, you pushed yourself up from the ground.

What in hell was that?

Staggering to your feet, you ran out into the lounge. As the dust settled, you could see the entrance of the lounge now reduced to a gaping maw, the doors blown open by the force of the explosion. The familiar sights and sounds of the club were replaced by a scene of utter devastation, with debris strewn haphazardly across the floor and smoke billowing out into the night air.

Two ominous figures cast dark shadows amidst the panicked frenzy of staff and customers.

Struggling to discern the figures amidst the chaos, you squinted, trying to make out the details. One of them was a slender demon, dressed immaculately, with cedar-brown skin and long, fiery red curls tied into neat pigtails.

A sinking feeling settled in your chest as you recognized her as one of Hell's infamous overlords. Your heart plummeted further as you caught sight of Mimzy, ensnared in Velvette's vice-like grip, fear twisting her features as she struggled against her captor.

But it was the presence of the figure behind Velvette that truly sent a shiver down your spine.

The TV Demon, Vox.

His gaze swept over the room with a detached coldness, as if the pandemonium were of little consequence. Suddenly, his icy eyes locked onto yours, freezing you in place.

"Mimzy, dear," Vox's voice buzzed with deceptive sweetness as he addressed the shaking blonde. "Why don't you go and have a little chat with your esteemed employee about our... conditions?"

Wide-eyed with fear, Mimzy frantically nodded, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps.

"Make it quick," Velvette scoffed, releasing her grip on Mimzy's throat. The blonde stumbled toward you, her movements shaky and unsteady.

"What is—" you started, but Mimzy cut you off, panic evident as she began to drag you backstage. Without a moment's hesitation, she pushed you into your dressing room, swiftly locking the door behind you.

"Mimzy, what in hell is going on out there?" you demanded, leaning down to her height and shaking her by the arms.

Mimzy's breaths came in ragged gasps as she leaned against the door, her eyes wide with terror. She struggled to find her words, her entire figure trembling as she tried to compose herself.

"It's Velvette," she finally managed to choke out.

"Why is she here? What does she want from us?" you pressed, urgency creeping into your tone as you searched Mimzy's face for answers. But her response only added to your unease.

"You need to go with them," Mimzy decided abruptly.

"Go with who? What are you talking about?" you asked, your voice turning breathless with disbelief.

"She's out for payback, see? And she won't stop until she gets it," Mimzy explained, her tone grave yet determined, like she had some ace up her sleeve. "I gotta level the playing field, doll. She wants a replacement, and she's chosen you."

"I can't just go along with this!" your voice rose to a shout as you began to shake her again, nails digging into the chiffon of her glove. "My contract with you ends in a year. If I go with them, I'll be their pawn for all of eternity!"

"I can't just risk Velvette destroying everything I've built!" Mimzy defended herself, her tone devoid of remorse. "Do you have any idea how much work it took for me to get this place running?!"

Anger surged within you, fueled by betrayal and fear. "What about me? What about Alastor?"

"Oh, him again!" Mimzy shook her arms away from your grip and pushed herself off the door. "You've been so obsessed with that radio fool, you've forgotten who's been with you since the very start! Ever since you got hitched to him, you stopped caring about a damn thing!"

"I cared! And I still bloody well care, Mimzy!" you shot back, your voice rising with anger. Your eyes blazed with fire, cracks beginning to form on your face as your demon form threatened to break free. "But you were an empty, hollow shell of a woman with naught in her head but money! You'd sell out anyone, even me, to get what you want!"

Mimzy recoiled slightly, her façade momentarily cracked by your words. "You-You think you're any better? Running off with your precious Alastor, pretending like he's the savior of your life. But I know you've heard his broadcasts. I know you've seen the news. He's no better than me, playing you like a puppet while hiding behind his façade of being a good man!"

Enraged, you lunged forward, tackling her against the wall. As fury consumed you, your form contorted and twisted, taking on a monstrous semblance. Your features morphed, sharpening into angular lines, while cracks spiderwebbed across your skin like shattered porcelain. Limbs stretched and warped, turning jagged and broken, resembling the joints of a marionette. Teeth elongated into razor-sharp fangs, and as you bared them in a snarl, your lips curled back in a grotesque mockery of a mouth. "Say that again! I fucking dare you!"

"I'll say it as many times as I damn well please!" Mimzy spat, her voice trembling as she locked eyes with your hollow gaze. "Until you get it through your fucking thick, cracked skull!"

The blonde's hand darted to a nearby object, seizing hold of a picture frame within reach. With sudden, fierce motion, she swung it, the weighty wood and glass connecting with your transformed flesh in a sickening thud.

"Mph—!" Biting your lip to stifle a scream, you staggered backward. Thick blood dripped from the wound, pooling on the floor and mingling with the cracks in your porcelain-like skin.

"You've got some nerve!" Mimzy's voice thundered as she stood over you, her pale face flushing crimson with anger. "You wanted that fame, and I made it happen. Now you don't?! Fuck! Some ungrateful brat you are! Willing to throw it all away for some man! Do you really think what he feels for you is love?!"

As Mimzy's tirade continued, her words cutting through the haze of pain and anger, a sense of disorientation washed over you. Her words struck a nerve, stirring up memories that you had long tried to suppress.

.

Rain poured down, drenching your hunched form. The world around you blurred into a chaotic whirlwind of colors and shapes, disorienting and suffocating. 

Beneath the fabric of your dress, your knees throbbed painfully, raw from the harsh scrape against unforgiving concrete. Your hands desperately fumbled in the darkness, searching for something to anchor yourself to. Then, finally, your fingertips brushed against the familiar texture of rusting metal.

With a ragged sigh of relief, you realized you had found the gate of your house. Summoning all your remaining strength, you clasped both hands around the cold, wet metal bars and attempted to pull yourself up.

Through the haze, you felt rough hands sneak around your waist, and as your vision cleared slightly, your husband's face emerged from the blur. His once impeccable suit now clung to him like a second skin, soaked through by the downpour. Strands of his usually neat hair stuck to his forehead, dampened and dripping onto his glasses. Cursing like a sailor under his breath, he scooped you up into his arms, expression turning tense as he felt the icy chill of your body against his own.

If you weren't moving he would have thought you a corpse.

"Cher?" Alastor's voice cut through the fog in your mind, but your response was sluggish, your gaze glassy and dilated. "Merde. Did you drag yourself here all alone?"

Without waiting for an answer, he moved, cradling you in his arms as he hurried back toward your house. Once inside, he wasted no time in laying you down on the sofa.

"Al," you finally spoke, whimpering softly as you raised a shaky hand towards him. Alastor immediately moved towards you, hushing your cries as he pressed a deep kiss on your lips.

Your husband moved to cradle your face in his rough hands, and what he saw shattered whatever fragments of his heart were still intact. Bruises and dried blood stained your body, your skin clammy and pale. Streaks of mascara carved paths down your tear-stained face, and your limbs twitched involuntarily. The taste of whiskey still lingered on your lips, and the fearful haze in your eyes mirrored the terror of a rabbit cornered by a wolf.

"Who did this to you?" he growled, his pupils dilating with anger as he knelt before you, gently slipping your torn stockings and muddy heels off your feet.

"Mimzy," you sobbed out, curling into yourself, the weight of it all feeling too heavy on your shoulders.

"I tried to quit. She didn't let me. The bar. She gave me a drink. More and more. I couldn't stop. I was just so upset." Your words were fragmented, broken by the wrenching sobs that shook your fragile form, vulnerability laid bare before him.

"Mon cœur," Alastor hushed, rubbing circles into your ankle with his thumb. "Calm down. Take your time."

You made an effort, though the first few attempts were shallow and rushed. Eventually, you managed to draw in a deep breath, releasing it in a rush before taking another. And another.

"That's it, my dear. Now, what happened?"

Summoning all your strength, you opened your mouth and began to recount the harrowing events of the night.

Earlier this evening, you had mustered up enough courage to hand in your resignation letter to Mimzy. However, her reaction was far from pleasant. An argument erupted, filled with less than savory words being thrown around like daggers.

Before you knew it, Mimzy's rage boiled over, and she tackled you, raining blows upon you with a fury that bordered on madness, beating you with an inch of your life. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped.

Her demeanor shifted drastically, morphing from a raging storm into a gentle breeze. With a sickening sweetness, she offered you a hand up, as if nothing had happened. Weak and disoriented, you allowed her to lead you to her private bar, where she poured drink after drink, urging you to indulge.

As per habit, you found yourself consuming the alcohol with reckless abandon, the burning liquid dulling the pain and blurring the edges of reality

Alastor's heart clenched at the anguish in your voice, his expression darkening with a mixture of concern and simmering anger. Slowly, he rose from his seat and lifted you onto his lap, cradling you gently in his arms.

Taking your hand in his, he leaned in close, his voice a soft murmur.

"Let me take care of everything, doll," he whispered, his breath warm against your ear. "She won't ever bother you again."

The tenderness in his voice caused your breath to hitch, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to fall into the reassurance of his presence. It offered a fleeting sense of security amidst everything surrounding you. Yet, slowly as the puzzles fell into pieces, a gnawing sense of dread clawed at your insides.

"Alastor, no," you whimpered, withdrawing your hands and pressing them against his chest, pushing him away with trembling fingers. "Please don't tell me it means what I think it does."

Your gaze pleaded with him, searching his eyes for any sign of reassurance, any glimmer of hope that what you feared was not true. However, your husband's smile remained unchanged—comforting yet chilling—as he pressed another kiss to the corner of your lips.

"I would kill for you," Alastor murmured against your skin, his thumb tracing the contours of your wedding ring. Bending down, he pressed a tender kiss against the golden band, sealing his vow with the promise of bloodshed, lips lingering against the cool metal. As he drew back, you found yourself ensnared by the intensity of his gaze, pools of brown reflecting a manic fervor.

"Please let me kill for you."

Tears blurred your vision as you bowed your head, the weight of his words sinking deep into your soul. You knew Alastor's devotion knew no bounds. Whether it meant causing pain, shedding blood, or delving into the darkest corners of his being, he would do it for you without a moment's hesitation.

A warmth trickled down your cheeks with each blink, tracing a path along your skin. Your eyes burned fiercely, tears cascading down your flushed cheeks and silently dripping from your chin like dewdrops. As you attempted to draw deep breaths, your body shook with a desperation to escape, though you couldn't quite grasp what it was you were fleeing from.

A ragged sound echoed through the room, grating against your senses. It took you a moment to register that the noise came from your own lungs, your breaths torn and jagged as they struggled to find a rhythm.

"Okay," you whispered, the weight of that single word heavy with the burden of guilt and a future tinged with blood.

There was a soft chuckle, accompanied by the gentle touch of a hand moving to caress your cheeks. "Good girl."

.

Snapping back to the present, you found yourself staring at Mimzy as she raged around the room, her fury unleashed on the surroundings, wrecking anything and everything in her path.

A man who kills for you. A man who dirties his hands for you. Is that not love?

A kick from her sent your vanity toppling over, causing bottles of your perfume and whiskey to crash from its surface. The glass shattered upon impact, releasing splintering sounds that pierced your ears. As the bottles broke, the air filled with the pungent scent of flora, mingling with the rich aroma of spilled whiskey.

It must be love.

With a hand trembling from adrenaline, you ran your fingers through your hair, the sticky feeling of blood staining your palm. Rising unsteadily to your feet, you turned to face Mimzy, strands of damp, bloodied hair falling over your cracked porcelain face.

"You ornery washed-up bitch," you rasped out in a laugh, voice breathless and laced with venom. "I should have left you to rot in that forest."

Mimzy froze, her wide eyes locked on you.

"What did you say to me?" she seethed, her voice trembling with anger as she extended her hand toward the shattered liquor glass and the spilled liquid, her fingers curling into fists.

With a flick of her wrist, the whiskey began to swirl and solidify, forming chains that snaked around your limbs, binding you in place. Your muscles tensed against the restraints as Mimzy manipulated you like a puppeteer. Slowly, you reverted back to your regular form, forced to your knees before her.

The blonde bent down, her grip firm on your face, nails digging deep into your skin as she pulled your head up to face her. "You're here because of me! Everything you've ever achieved was because of me! I made you a star, and this is how you repay me?!"

You recognized the anger in her tone, but beneath it lurked a deeper pain and desperation. The poor gal was fighting to reclaim control over a situation slipping through her grasp.

A sudden knock at the door startled Mimzy, causing her to tense. The door creaked open to reveal the imposing figure of Vox filling the doorway. As he entered the room, a wave of static filled the air, crackling and sending goosebumps cascading over your skin. His gaze swept over the scene, taking note of your restraints and bloodied head before settling on Mimzy.

"What is the meaning of this?" 

Under Vox's gaze, Mimzy's confident demeanor faltered, replaced by a nervous tremor in her voice. "I-I was just… settling some unfinished business, mistah," she stammered, attempting to regain her composure.

"You've just damaged the merchandise, sweetheart," Vox stated matter-of-factly, gesturing to you with a wave of his hand. "And we can't have that, now can we?"

With a casual snap of his fingers, the wires from the stage lights above writhed and twisted, tearing free from the ceiling with a deafening creak. They snaked through the air like serpents, wrapping around Mimzy's torso and dragging her away from you with a forceful yank.

With Mimzy taken care of, Vox then turned his attention to you.

"Dolly, was it?" he smiled, voice disarming. "I've got to say, I have always wanted to see you up close."

"You've seen me," you replied with a cold edge to your voice, slowly backing away and pressing yourself against the wall. "I'm here."

"Charmed," Vox smiled, his gaze heating as he drank you in, every detail of you like candy to his eyes. As Vox strode towards you, you instinctively curled into yourself, shrinking back deeper against the wall. He chuckled softly, noticing your reaction, and halted his advances. Instead, he took a seat on the cushion by your toppled vanity, glowing eyes locked onto you.

Pretty Dolly Heart.

Your lips were painted a vivid red, pouting slightly in a frown. Damp, glossy curls framed your face, shimmering in the light and tempting him to reach out and run his fingers through them. Rivulets of blood marred your temple, staining the delicate white flowers nestled into your hair.

The TV Demon was interested in you, and he wouldn't let go until he went home with you tonight, that much was clear.

"I have a deal in mind," Vox turned to Mimzy with a look in his eyes that screamed trouble. "Are you willing to trade your soul for hers?"

Your blood ran cold with fear.

"As Velvette and I are business partners, our souls contracts are intertwined. I'm sure there would be no issue if you signed the deal with me instead," he added with a chuckle, his eyes swirling with a dangerous allure.

Panic clawed at your insides, urging you to flee from the impending doom that loomed before you. But rooted to the spot by fear, you found yourself unable to move.

"Yes! A-Absolutely!" Mimzy's words shattered the heavy silence, her voice trembling with desperation as she nodded frantically. Her eyes remained nervously glued to the crackling electricity of the torn wires still wrapped around her, the fear in her gaze mirroring your own.

With a clap of his hands, Vox conjured a new contract and a strong burst of wind swept through the room, ruffling curtains and causing objects to tremble on their surfaces. Blue light flooded the walls, casting eerie shadows and filling the room with an ominous glow. The atmosphere crackled with electricity, every hair on your body standing on end as if charged with static energy.

A tablet materialized and floated before you, its screen pulsing with a faint, golden glow.

"Make her sign here, and it'll be done," Vox instructed, his voice carrying an air of finality as he handed Mimzy a stylus, tapping his clawed finger along the screen of his tablet.

With a trembling hand, Mimzy took the stylus and held it out for you, the strings of her magic wrapping around your limbs once again. You attempted to shout out, but Mimzy's magic stitched your lips shut, leaving you unable to utter a sound.

Helpless, you watched as your hand was forced to reach out and take the pen into your grasp, your fingers moving against your will as Mimzy guided them to sign the contract. With each stroke of the pen, a wave of despair washed over you, a muffled sob bubbling from your throat as your name appeared on the screen, sealing your fate.

Vox's grin widened, a glint of triumph dancing in his eyes as he held up your old paper contract with Mimzy, the words now rendered meaningless. With a swift motion, he tore it to shreds, the sound of paper ripping echoing through the tense silence of the room.

"Welcome to VoxTek, Dolly."

[flexispheres]

Immunization Specialist (P-3), Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Fixed Term Job no: 580354 Position type: Fixed Term Appointment Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti Division: Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office Categories: Health UNICEF Overview UNICEF is dedicated to protecting the rights of every child, ensuring their survival, development, and well-being. The organization operates in over 190…

[newobsessionweekly]

Aftershock - Office Barbie

Main masterlist | The Rookie masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Tim Bradford x younger!reader

Fandom: The Rookie

Summary: Weeks later, fate (and a lost bet) brings Tim to a community conference—where you just so happen to be the key speaker.

Fluff

Warnings: sexual tension? kissing? not proofread

You didn’t expect to see him again.

Not really. You figured Sergeant Bradford belonged to that weird category of men you clash with once and remember longer than you should. Like a slow burn from a too-hot pan. Irritating, and then it lingers.

Tim wanted to leave the second they walked in.

“You two are evil,” he mutters to Lucy and Angela as they weave through city-funded booths and low-effort posters with cheap pamphlets about green living.

“This is what you get for losing a bet, Bradford,” Lucy chirps.

“I thought the punishment was brunch,” he growls.

Angela grins. “Brunch and an event. That’s how you learn humility.”

Tim’s already working on a plan to fake a phone call when the lights dim and a new voice comes through the speaker system.

Sharp. Confident. Familiar.

He turns his head—and his body goes still.

“Holy shit,” Lucy whispers beside him. “It’s her.”

Angela lifts a brow. “Tell me that’s not your girl from the construction site.”

Tim clenches his jaw. “She’s not my—”

“She called you Grinch,” Lucy interrupts, grinning. “You called her Barbie. And now she’s out here talking about carbon-neutral foundations in heels that could kill a man.”

“I think I love her,” Angela whispers.

“She’s not—” Tim tries again, but his voice dies in his throat as you scroll through your presentation, completely composed. He watches the way you move—elegant, direct, sure of yourself. You don’t look nervous. You look like the stage was built for you. Like the mic came from your purse.

You look… expensive. Like someone who knows how to win a boardroom, a bet, and a man—if you feel like it. Like the version of you he wouldn’t know how to approach, if he hadn’t already seen you in a hard hat and work boots, barking orders at construction workers during an earthquake like it was just another Tuesday.

You don’t dress like this for conferences.

Usually it’s practical shoes, maybe a sleek ponytail, something just polished enough to prove you take yourself seriously, but not too much—so no one calls you “daddy’s little intern” behind your back.

But today?

Today you wear hot pink.

The blazer is tailored, the skirt is short, and the heels are unapologetically sharp. Office Barbie realness. And you own it. You glide across the conference stage with your presentation remote in one hand and a bulletproof smile in place, heart pounding but controlled.

You’ve got this.

You’re talking sustainability in construction—carbon reduction, green infrastructure, water retention—and you know your shit better than half the men in the room who’ve been in the industry twice as long as you’ve been alive.

But then you see him.

Scowling like someone dragged him here against his will, still looking too good in a plain black T-shirt and jeans. And still somehow managing to make his scowl sexy.

You inhale, steady your hands on the remote. You don’t let it show. Not the way your stomach tightens or how your heart does a messy skip at the sight of him. You keep your voice level and your smile unfazed.

Because this isn’t the time. Or the place.

But God, you missed that face.

Tim hears words. He knows you’re talking about sustainability, about long-term environmental impact, about scalable urban design. He even recognizes a few terms. But none of it sticks. All he can focus on is the curve of your mouth when you speak, the fierce spark in your eyes, the way you command the room like you own every inch of it.

He's absolutely screwed.

Lucy elbows him hard. “Close your mouth, Bradford.”

“I’m not—”

“You’re drooling,” Angela stage-whispers.

“I’m going to kill both of you,” he growls.

“You’re welcome,” Lucy sings.

The second you step off stage, the conference organizer pulls you aside. Praise, compliments, the usual. But your eyes keep darting to the back of the room, where the tall, broody one is whispering furiously to his two grinning companions.

“What are you doing?” Tim hisses.

Lucy clasps her hands like a rom-com fairy godmother. “Helping you get laid. Now shut up and be nice.”

Angela tugs her away. “Don’t be a caveman. Go say hi.”

Tim glares after them. But he moves.

God, he looked even better up close. A little scruffier than last time. Brooding. And his eyes—so blue they could knock the wind out of you.

Tim gave you a slow once-over, and that smirk hit.

He stands there, hands in his pockets, the corner of his mouth just barely tipped up. That same annoyingly sexy, broody look on his face. Blue shirt stretched across his shoulders like a sin.

“Office Barbie suits you.”

You roll your eyes—but you’re smiling. “Still calling me that?”

“Still acting like you don’t love it?”

You step closer, arms crossed. “What are you doing here, Grinch?”

“Lost a bet.”

You bite your lip to hold in the laugh. “That explains the permanent scowl.”

Tim glanced at the now-empty stage, then back at you. “You were good.”

“Only ‘good’?” you teased, stepping closer. “I worked on that presentation for weeks.”

He tilted his head, eyes lingering on your mouth. “To be honest, I didn’t hear most of it.”

“Oh?” You raised your brows, pretending offense. “Too many big words for you?”

His mouth twitched like he was trying not to smile. “Too many distractions.”

Your cheeks warmed. But you didn’t flinch. “That sounds like a you problem.”

“Maybe,” he said, eyes dropping briefly—pointedly—to your legs before dragging back up to your eyes. “But the view was decent.”

You let out a soft laugh and cocked a hip. “You flirting with me, Sergeant?”

He stepped closer. “Would it work?”

“Depends.” You toyed with the button of your blazer. “Are you here to arrest me for having too many words in my presentation?”

“Didn't bring cuffs."

You gave him a slow, deliberate once-over.

“That’s too bad. I did prefer the uniform.”

He smiled. Actually smiled. It was a little crooked. A little dangerous.

And it did things to your insides.

Before you could say something even more reckless, a voice called your name. One of your professors—old, sweet, the type who’d ask you for lecture slides in a USB drive.

“I should go."

But when you started to step away, he reaches for your wrist—not grabbing, just touching. His fingers brush against your skin and it jolts through you like a live wire.

“Wait—can I get your number?” he asks.

You pause. Smirk.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

He raises a brow. “You’d rather I stalk you?”

You lean in slightly, lips just shy of his ear.

“You’ll have to catch me first.”

Then you’re gone—heels clicking as you cross the room, leaving him standing there with a frustrated groan and a look that says challenge accepted.

The event wrapped up an hour later, long after the panels ended and the buzz of too many conversations filled the air.

And there he was.

Leaning against his truck like he belonged there. Arms crossed. Jaw tight. Watching you approach like he hadn’t been doing exactly that since the second you walked in.

You slowed, one brow raised. “Stalking me now?”

He shrugged. “Maybe I’m just being polite.”

You glanced at the truck. “Didn’t think Grinches offered rides to strangers.”

He stepped forward, opened the passenger door for you like a damn gentleman. “Get in, Princess Barbie.”

You rolled your eyes, but your smile gave you away.

The inside of Tim’s truck is warm. Smells faintly like pine and leather and whatever cologne clings to him naturally, subtle but unmistakably him and masculine in a way that makes your thighs press together instinctively. You settle into the passenger seat, crossing your legs, careful to tug your skirt down as far as it'll go.

He starts the engine. Glances at you. “Seatbelt, Barbie.”

You smirk. “Worried about my safety, Sargeant?”

His jaw flexes, his eyes on the road now. “Always.”

Silence falls for a beat, thick and brimming with the words neither of you are ready to say. Then he clears his throat.

“So… what are you studying exactly?”

You raise an eyebrow. “Civil engineering. Sustainability focus. You know, boring stuff.”

He scoffs. “Didn’t look boring from where I was sitting.”

You give him a side glance. “You mean from where you were staring?”

His mouth twitches—almost a smile. “You were hard to miss.”

You feign surprise. “Because of the heels or the facts?”

Tim shoots you a look. “Definitely the heels.”

You laugh, and he exhales like he can finally breathe again. The ease between you returns, like it never left—not after the earthquake, not after the adrenaline wore off.

Not even after weeks apart.

The car settles into a smooth cruise, city lights rolling past the windows. Tim rests his right elbow on the center console. His fingers dangle—casual, relaxed. Then they brush against the bare skin of your thighs.

Heat crackles up your spine. You don’t move. Neither does he. His pinky drags the lightest line over your skin—so subtle it could’ve been an accident. But it’s not. You both know it.

You shift, just barely. His finger follows.

Still, neither of you look at each other. You chew your lip.

“You were impressive today,” he says, voice lower now. “Seriously.”

You glance at him.

“Thanks,” you say, softer. “I wasn’t sure anyone actually listened.”

“I did,” he murmurs. “Mostly.”

Your brow lifts. “Mostly?”

“I was distracted.”

You smirk. “By the visuals?”

“By your mouth,” he says simply. “Hard to focus on what you’re saying when you look like that.”

A pulse flutters in your throat. You open your mouth to answer—but then the car slows. A red light.

And suddenly, he turns. His fingers shift, pressing slightly into the inside of your thigh. His other hand leaves the wheel. And then he leans in.

You meet him halfway.

The kiss starts soft—testing, brushing. But your lips part almost immediately, like your body was waiting for this, begging for it. His hand cups your cheek. Yours tangle in the collar of his shirt. His tongue slips past your lips, deep and claiming.

It’s slow for a second. Then it’s not. The kiss turns wild—hungry, open-mouthed, teeth and breath and want. Like all the flirting, the near-misses, the power plays between you were just foreplay for this.

Your back arches into the kiss. His hand slides up your thigh, firm and confident. You gasp softly against his mouth, and he swallows the sound like it feeds him.

Then someone honks, announcing the green light. You both freeze.

Tim pulls back slowly, his forehead resting against yours for a beat before he straightens and puts the truck in gear again, cursing under his breath as he drives. His fingers never leave your thigh.

He pulls up in front of your apartment building, cuts the engine, and hops out to open your door before you can even unbuckle.

Chivalry looks good on him.

You step out, heart pounding, the kiss still tingling on your lips. But the second you’re on the sidewalk, his eyes are on your mouth again.

You smile up at him, voice low and teasing. “You know… I live alone.”

He raises an eyebrow, lips twitching. “As an cop, I suggest you stop saying that to strangers.”

You grin. “Didn’t know you were a stranger back in the car, Sergeant.”

He steps closer and kisses you again. Harder this time. Wilder. His hands find your waist, dragging you against him as your fingers tangle in the front of his shirt. You kiss him like you’ve been waiting—because you have. For weeks. For months. For this exact moment.

You fumble with your keys, still kissing, still gasping between touches.

The door opens. Neither of you stop as you kick the door shut with your heel.

Tim presses you up against it, his mouth hot and hungry on your neck.

You pull his shirt over his head—god, he’s ripped—and he does the same to you, sliding your blazer off your shoulders, fingers grazing your skin, leaving heat in their wake. You gasp when his lips find your collarbone.

“Tell me to stop,” he murmurs.

You look him in the eye. “Don’t you dare.”