#Security Challenges in Cloud Computing

[lucid-outsourcing-solutions]

Key Security Challenges in Cloud Computing and How to Overcome Them

[techtoio]

The Edge of Innovation: Why Edge Computing Is a Big Deal

Introduction

Staying updated with the ever-evolving world of technology is vital. At TechtoIO, we pride ourselves on being at the edge of innovation. Edge computing is one of the most revolutionary developments transforming the technology landscape today. But what exactly is edge computing, and why is it such a big deal? Let’s dive into this fascinating topic to understand its significance and potential impact on our digital future. Read to continue

[fortanix]

Proactively manage data exposure risks with full visibility into all encryption keys and related data services across multi-cloud environments. Identify hidden risks and compliance gaps and future-proof your data security against the looming post-quantum threat.​

Use Key Insight to:​

Discover at-risk AWS/Azure data services​

Assess security policy and compliance gaps​

Remediate corrective actions at scale​

[artemisadore]

hello!

here are some emojis for the drabble challenge if you're still doing it!

payneland with 💀 near death experience (and maybe some 💪 bridal carry as well 👀👀)

have a good day :)

I'm sorry it's taken so long, but I hope you enjoy Modern Payneland AU with a near death experience 🩷

rating: T

tw: mentions of abuse, homophobia (brief), description of car accident and resulting injuries, hospital setting, mentions of medical equipment/supplies

x

Edwin hates the hospital.

He's well aware that he is not unique in this hatred, but he hates it all the same. The fluorescent lights, the hoards of worried families, the overwhelming antiseptic smell, the too-familiar chorus of beeping — well, he just hates it.

But as Edwin bursts into the waiting area of the ICU, he spies something — someone — he hates even more.

He has his back to Edwin, but Edwin recognizes the venom in his shouting, something he used to overhear on the phone when Charles would unthinkingly answer in his presence early on. He’s aged since the few photographs Charles keeps in the drawer of his desk were taken, but the rest of him is largely the same — imposing frame, greasy hair, worn flannel jacket.

Unfortunately, if there is anything Edwin hates more than the hospital, it is Mr. Paul Rowland.

Edwin does not let the anger burning red-hot in his veins slow his stride. As he approaches the reception desk, he can hear Paul arguing with the young man perched behind the computer. “I said I want to see my son right now! Why can't you get that through that little bird brain of yours?”

It would make sense for the young man behind the counter — Monty, if his name tag is to be believed — to be intimidated by the older man, but his expression is simply apathetic, bordering on, well, bored.

“Yeah, he's in surgery, so good luck with that,” Monty rolls his eyes. When he finally looks up at Edwin, his expression changes — brightens, almost, as if Edwin is a welcome sight in the monotony. “Just one minute, sir.”

Before Paul can lash out again, Edwin interjects. “Actually, I'm here for Charles as well,” he says primly, despite the way his hands shake at his sides. He curls them into fists. “You said he's in surgery? What—is he alright?”

Paul turns on Edwin now, pinning him with an intense gaze Edwin hasn't seen since he backed out of Paul's driveway with Charles and his belongings in tow nearly five years ago, never once looking back. If the man recognizes Edwin from that day, it doesn't show on his face. “What are you, his little boyfriend or something? Get the fuck out of here.”

Edwin turns cooly to Monty, who watches them with raised brows. “There must have been a mistake in the system,” Edwin explains as evenly as he can. “I'm Charles’ emergency contact, not this arse.”

Paul's lips curl into a snarl. “Listen. That unappreciative brat is my son, and—”

“And Charles is my husband, so feel free to fuck right off.”

Stunned disbelief cleaves across Paul's face. He sputters for a moment, as if the idea is inconceivable.

“I see here. You must be Edwin Payne,” Monty pipes up. “The emergency contact for Mr. Charles Payne.”

Something ugly clouds Paul's eyes. “What did you just call—”

Monty continues, unphased and practically beaming up at Edwin, “I sincerely apologize for our mistake. I will personally make sure it never happens again.”

There's a small smirk tugging on the corner of Monty's lips, which Edwin clings to like a lifeboat.

“As his husband,” Monty adds pointedly, “you may speak to his wishes on his behalf. On visitors, for example.” He glances meaningfully at Paul.

Edwin wants to feel triumphant, but the worry that buried itself deep in his chest when he first got the call from the hospital less than an hour ago is now lodged in his throat. He tries to swallow around it, but tears spring to his eyes instead. “Out. Get him out.”

Paul probably argues with the security guard that comes to escort him away, if Edwin had to chance a guess. He may even hurl a few nasty words his way — it's not as though Edwin can really hear him anyway, not when he feels himself shutting down.

It takes a hand on his arm to pull him from his stupor. It's Monty, who is looking up at Edwin with an expression teetering on the edge of practiced customer-service neutrality and genuine kindness. “You alright?”

Edwin huffs a wet laugh, swiping at his eyes quickly. “No. I'm afraid I'm not.” His breath shakes on the inhale. “When can I see him? Is he—” Edwin swallows back a sob.

Monty drops his voice, “He's recovering in a room now. I can't, like, see much, but he's listed as stable.”

“What?” Edwin furrows his brows. “I thought—you said he was still in surgery?”

Monty tilts his head to the side. “Oh, that? I lied.” Edwin doesn't have a chance to respond or really even process that before Monty is motioning someone over. “Hey, Thomas, I need a favor!”

The man who strolls over — Thomas, apparently — looks less like the nurse his badge confirms that he is and more like someone off the set of a TV medical drama.

“What's in it for me, sweetcheeks?” Thomas asks, voice smooth as butter, his hair nearly as greasy. When his eyes land on Edwin, they widen curiously. “Oh, my, my. Why didn't you say your favor was so oddly handsome?"

Monty rolls his eyes, but reluctant fondness radiates off him in waves. “Easy, tiger. He's here for his husband. Charles Payne, room 221.”

Thomas hums, considering. “Is that the old geezer or the pretty little twink?”

Edwin scoffs.

“Pretty twink,” Monty confirms easily.

Edwin's face must reflect his displeasure, because Thomas puts up his hands defensively.

“Okay, okay, you don't have to do,” Thomas gestures vaguely, “all of that. Follow me, handsome.” He practically saunters down the hall, and Edwin has no choice but to follow him. He shouts back at Monty, “Don't forget, you owe me one, babes!”

Edwin doesn't turn to look, but from Thomas’ warm chuckle, he thinks Monty may be flipping him the bird.

Thomas prattles on as they make their way down the hall — something about it being perfectly reasonable to think that Edwin could be a gold-digging sugar baby — but Edwin is focused on keeping his eyes forward. The various beeps and moans from the rooms on either side of the hall already conjure images of what state in which he might find Charles, and he's not sure he can bear seeing it too.

When they reach the room, Edwin hesitates at the door. The desperation to see Charles and the dread of facing reality wars within him. Thomas, who has already slinked his way into the room, turns back to him. As he does, his expression shifts.

“No one's told you shit, have they?” Thomas asks, golden eyes softening. From the doorway, Edwin shakes his head mutely. “Tell you what, handsome. It's almost my lunch, so let me catch you up to speed on what's going on with your ol' ball and chain here.”

For the next half an hour, Thomas walks Edwin through everything — from Charles’ scans to the medications in his IV to the notes from his surgeries. He breaks down all of the tubes and bandaging and disorder into information Edwin can almost process, bit by bit.

Charles had been struck on his side of the car by a driver blowing through a red light. He had been immediately rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery on his back, as well as on his broken arm. He's still mildly sedated but no longer intubated, which Thomas assures him is a good sign.

Edwin isn't sure how much of the information he can actually retain at the moment, but the knowing of it all helps settle the worst of his nerves.

To Edwin’s surprise, Thomas procures a decently comfortable-looking chair for him along with a blanket and some snacks that turn Edwin's stomach at the sight. The nurse sets him up on the side of Charles’ body with the unbroken arm.

Before Thomas — in all of his foul-mouthed, good-natured glory — leaves, Edwin whispers a quiet, “Thank you.”

It takes a moment, but Thomas responds, his low timbre taking on a gentle quality. “Yeah, well, don't forget to invite me to the celebratory threesome once golden boy's back on his feet, ‘kay?”

Edwin shakes his head with a huff.

The silence he leaves behind is deafening.

The first thing Edwin does once alone with Charles is cradle his good hand between his palms gingerly, mindful of the IV placed there. He's not sure what he expects, really, but the warmth of Charles’ skin — alive, he's alive — opens the floodgates on the emotions Edwin has been keeping at bay.

Terror. Dread. Love. Fear. Loneliness. Confusion. Grief. Love. Relief. Guilt. Love.

Love.

Edwin allows himself to finally, finally look at Charles’ face, the one he would know in any age, in every universe. Bronze skin, angular planes, dark lashes laying almost peacefully on his cheeks. His bottom lip split open, but no less devastatingly beautiful for the way it parts from the top on a breath.

He looks like home.

Edwin holds Charles’ hand and watches his face and loves him with his whole heart until he's dragged down by exhaustion and joins Charles in sleep.

He doesn't stir until Charles does, waking with a start to Charles’ soft groan. Edwin is immediately alert, which means he's granted the chance to watch Charles’ eyes flutter open.

“Babe?” Charles croaks, voice barely audible. “What—where the bloody hell am I?”

Edwin swallows. “The hospital. You were in an accident.”

Charles blinks a few times before he manages to focus his gaze on Edwin. As soon as he does, his lips twitch into a weak but charming smile. “They must have me on some good shit then, huh? I don't feel a bloody thing.”

It's no wonder this man has his heart and soul, with the way he's able to dissuade Edwin's fears and make him chuckle at the same time.

“Good. Good,” Edwin murmurs, absently stroking Charles’ knuckles with his thumb. He can't bring himself to say more, but Charles understands anyway.

“I'm sorry to worry you, love,” Charles murmurs. “But I'll be alright, yeah? Always am.”

Edwin nods quickly. “Your nurse seems to think you're on the road to a full recovery.” After a moment, he adds, “Though that may just be wishful thinking on his part.”

Confused, Charles’ brows furrow. “What'd you mean?”

Edwin dips his head to press a gentle kiss to the top of his husband's hand. “Don't worry about it, darling.”

Charles nods absently, clearly drifting back to sleep. “M’kay. Just need a quick wink, and I'll be ready to bust outta here, yeah?”

Edwin’s smile is wistful when he says, “I'll be right here, my dear. Always.”

Charles is already snoring quietly, and Edwin would not change it for a thing.

[rottenpumpkin13]

AGSZC + Sephiroth Collecting Paper Scraps = Warm Fuzzy Shenanigans

AGZC leaving Sephiroth a variety of notes in various places, stuck to various things. Some are romantic, some are platonic, some are a simple doodle. They're left in books, on shelves, on walls, attached to magnetic surfaces, attached to each other, etc.

Sephiroth has a scrapbook full of them. The random bits of paper can be put wherever, but the ones from his partners are special.

No one lets arguments they're having seep into the messages, even toward each other. These are specifically for Sephiroth's use in his collection. It doesn't need to be sullied like that.

Sometimes the notes are fastened to gifts or to harmless pranks. A discussion had to be held about this after Sephiroth ended up with a note smelling richly of premium catnip and 16 hours of his life unaccounted for. The incidents that occurred during that time frame were totally unrelated and absolutely couldn't be proven that he had any part in them.

Genesis uses this as an excuse to buy quality stationary. Obscenely priced, quality stationary. Never mind that a block of notepaper would've done just fine, of course...

Angeal is at war with so many sides of his personality because of this habit Sephiroth has. He has to stop himself from cleaning everything up. He still doesn't fully settle until it's called a "collection" and Sephiroth is the owner of empty scrapbooks to fill.

Zack takes it as a challenge to leave him notes in as many unusual places as possible. When he gets told off for leaving one on the light fixture in the middle of the Soldier cafeteria during peak hungry times, he goes on to find another way to make leaving notes just as special as what's inside them. He eventually turns to origami. It has the bonus side effect of being a calming activity for him.

Cloud simply leaves his messages in the most simple, straightforward of manner. Middle of the fridge? Check. Next to the fridge handle? Also check. Coffee mug? Check. Coffee maker? Check. Bathroom mirror? Check. Masamune? Check. Pauldron? Check. Office (that was closed last night & securely locked with clearance he doesn't yet have to be in there alone) Chair? Check. Office ("[ditto]") Desk? Check. Office ("[guess. double dare you.]") Computer Screen? Check. He may be a simple backwater expert country boy, but his feelings for his partners are immense.

Long eloquent messages? Genesis, Cloud.

Average sized notes with a paragraph of words? Angeal, Cloud.

Simple, single sentence missive? Zack, Cloud.

An ostentatious note slipped into an equally ostentatious envelope, sealed with wax and accentuated with gold leaf containing the one word message of "Bitch. ❤️"? Genesis

Single label from the newest label maker saying "beloved"? Angeal, Zack.

One love letter filled with drunken love proclamations addressed to "Sexiroth TooFuckin' Hot": Zack

Post-It with a chocobo and kitten sketch done, smelling faintly of overcrowded cafeteria and broke bitch? Cloud.

- - - - -

Annnnd these are my HCs. ☺️

 

This is the most precious headcanon ever hhhhhnnn. I wonder if years later, when Sephiroth is alone amidst those towering bookshelves in the basement, clutching his latest text, his eyes ever flicker and strain, momentarily tricking him into believing he's holding that scrapbook—that life is still good, still whole. But then he blinks, and the illusion shatters. He's left staring at yet another horrific truth about his creation. The scrapbook is long gone.

[edenesth]

Pride and Prejudice

Pairing: superior!Hongjoong x fem!reader

AU: office au

Word Count: 3.5k

Summary: Kim Hongjoong, the intimidating superior with an unreasonable prejudice against you, holds a grudge that seems endless. What happens when your paths collide in an unexpectedly heartwarming late-night encounter in the office?

ATEEZ Masterlist

Kim Hongjoong.

That was a name that sent shivers down most employees' spines.

In the bustling world of corporate offices, he was known as the intimidating superior that everyone dreaded.

From the moment you set foot in the company, you felt the weight of his prejudice against you. He had a stereotype against pretty girls, believing that you had only secured your position due to what he dubbed as "pretty privilege."

Despite his initial disdain for you, you had been determined to prove your worth. Days turned into weeks, and your hard work began to speak for itself. Your colleagues recognised your dedication and praised your quality of work.

But Hongjoong's pride remained an impenetrable barrier, preventing him from acknowledging your skills and contributions. Because of that, he's been out to get you for as long as you can remember.

Little did you know, things were about to change real soon.

One evening, after the office had emptied out, you found yourself still at your desk, engrossed in a challenging project.

It was then that Hongjoong, against his usual routine, returned to the office for some last-minute work. Surprised to see you there, he observed you from a distance.

He watched as you tirelessly poured over spreadsheets, crafted reports, and revised presentations. It was clear that your commitment went beyond any perceived privilege. Slowly, a realisation dawned upon him, shattering the preconceived notions that had clouded his judgement.

Too immersed in your work to notice him, you typed away, the soft glow of your computer screen casting a dim light on your face.

Hongjoong couldn't help but feel a growing sense of guilt.

He noticed the countless cups of coffee scattered across your desk, each one bearing the telltale signs of late nights and long hours. There was also a half-finished packet of cream crackers, a meagre attempt at sustenance in the midst of your dedication.

His initial irritation at finding you still at the office slowly gave way to concern. It was well past dinner time, and he wondered if you'd even had a proper meal that day. Clearing his throat, he approached your desk, his footsteps light but purposeful.

"You're still here?" He asked in a voice that was almost a whisper, the surprise of your presence evident in his tone.

Your head snapped up at his unexpected appearance, and you shot up from your seat, a reflexive gesture of politeness ingrained in you, "Yes, Mr. Kim," You replied with a polite bow, "Just finishing up some work. What are you doing here?"

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking to the scattered coffee cups and the packet of crackers before meeting your gaze, "I had something I forgot to finish earlier," He confessed, his voice carrying a newfound vulnerability, "So, I came back to the office to settle it."

You nodded slowly, understanding the pressures of your demanding workplace all too well. Returning to your work, you couldn't help but notice the genuine concern in his expression. It was a stark contrast to the disdain and prejudice you had once faced from him.

Then, in a moment that would forever change your professional relationship, he spoke up once more, his words laced with an unexpected humility.

"I didn't realise how hard you work."

Surprised by his admission and the softness in his voice, you looked up again, a flicker of hope in your eyes. With a faint but sincere smile, you replied, "I've been trying to show you all along."

It was a turning point, a moment when the barriers between you and your superior began to crumble, replaced by a newfound understanding.

The awkward silence that hung in the air between you and Hongjoong felt palpable, a reminder of the distance that had separated you for so long. You decided to break the tension by resuming your work, murmuring, "I'll get back to this then."

He simply nodded in response, his eyes fixed on his own office room, but he didn't leave. Instead, he stood there, silently wrestling with his thoughts. He desperately wanted to ask if you had eaten, knowing full well that the late hour meant that a proper meal was long overdue.

However, his pride, which had been a formidable barrier between you two, still held sway over him.

Inwardly frustrated with himself, he cursed under his breath and forced himself to remember why he had returned to the office in the first place. With a reluctant sigh, he reminded himself of the unfinished work waiting for him in his office. Pushing past his internal turmoil, he turned on his heel and headed toward his workspace, determined to distract himself with the tasks at hand.

As he retreated to his office, the lingering sense of guilt and a newfound respect for your dedication continued to gnaw at him.

It was a moment of reckoning, and he wondered if breaking down the remaining walls of pride and prejudice was the path he needed to take to foster a more harmonious working relationship with you.

Hours passed, and the office had grown eerily quiet as midnight approached.

Hongjoong, convinced that you would have left by now, finally decided to call it a night. He stretched, shut down his computer, and began packing his things. But as he made his way towards the exit, he glanced over at your desk and was surprised to find you still there, diligently working away.

His surprise grew when he saw you reach for another packet of crackers, your stomach protesting loudly with a growl. The sight of your dedication and the audibility of your hunger pangs finally broke through the last remnants of his pride and hesitation.

He couldn't let you continue like this.

In a bold move that shocked both you and himself, he approached your desk and swiftly snatched the packet of crackers from your hands, "That's it," He declared, determination in his voice, "I'm taking you to have a proper meal."

You gasped, your wide eyes locked onto his, completely taken aback by his sudden change in demeanour. Without giving you a choice, he tugged you up from your chair, and you reached for your handbag, thinking you might need to pay for your own meal.

Shock and disbelief coursed through your veins as you followed him towards the 24-hour convenience store just downstairs from the office. He surprised you once again.

"Go on, pick whatever you want to eat. It's on me."

The realisation that your once-intimidating superior was genuinely concerned about your well-being left you in a state of utter astonishment.

You carefully selected a light meal, trying to be polite since Hongjoong was footing the bill. But he sighed in frustration when he noticed your restraint, and he swiftly grabbed a few more side dishes, silencing your protests with a stern glare.

Once he had paid, you found yourselves settled at a table and chairs in a quiet corner of the store.

You began, "Thank you for the meal, Mr. Kim."

He nodded in acknowledgement but seemed lost in thought. After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke up, his cheeks turning a faint shade of red, "Just Hongjoong."

You froze, your actions of opening the food package momentarily halted, "What?" You asked, surprised by his request.

He cleared his throat, still blushing but determined, "I said, just call me Hongjoong. We're not at work now, you don't have to be so formal."

A smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you noticed how cute he looked, flustered by the change in dynamics. You nodded, genuinely touched by his gesture, "Okay. Thank you for the meal, Hongjoong. I really appreciate it."

For some inexplicable reason, he felt his heart warm at hearing you say his name for the first time.

As you both shared the meal, he discovered a side of you he had been quick to overlook. He realised just how wrong he had been to judge you based on a shallow stereotype. It became evident that there was so much more to you than just your good looks, and he couldn't help but curse himself for his past behaviour.

He had needlessly made your life difficult from the moment you joined the company, and he felt a growing sense of remorse.

After the meal, you thanked him once more and wished him a safe trip home, intending to return to the office to finish your work. But his unease intensified as he watched you walk back toward the darkened office alone. He couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you after he had left, and he knew he would never forgive himself.

In an unexpected move, he followed you back to the office, stopping the elevator doors from closing and forcing his way in. You gasped in surprise, staring at him with wide eyes.

He cleared his throat, trying to appear nonchalant despite the racing of his heart, "What kind of a terrible boss would I be to let you work alone so late?" He stammered, "I... I'll help you. That way, you'll finish faster, and we can both go home."

Your heart skipped a beat at his thoughtfulness, a gesture you had never expected from the intimidating Kim Hongjoong.

With a grateful smile, you nodded, realising that beneath the stern exterior you had initially encountered, there was a caring and compassionate side to him that you were only just beginning to discover, "Thank you, Hongjoong. This means a lot to me."

From that day forward, the dynamic between you and Hongjoong shifted dramatically.

The next morning at work, an unexpected sight left all of your colleagues in shock. Hongjoong appeared next to your desk, holding a cup of your favourite coffee and a pack of sandwiches that he had clearly taken notice of you enjoying frequently.

His voice was unusually gentle as he greeted you, saying, "Good morning. Here, don't skip breakfast again."

Your heart fluttered with surprise and gratitude as you stammered out a thank you, bowing slightly, "Morning, Mr. Kim! Gosh, you really didn't have to. But thank you so much."

You could see him trying his hardest to maintain his composure in front of your curious colleagues, who were all gawking at the unexpected display of kindness. With a quick nod, he turned and hurried into his office, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Once he was gone, your colleagues flocked around your desk, eager to hear the story behind this sudden change in Hongjoong's behaviour. They bombarded you with questions, excited to unravel the mystery of why your intimidating superior was now going out of his way to be nice to you.

The office buzzed with curiosity and anticipation, as the dynamics within the workplace continued to shift in surprising and heartwarming ways.

Unbeknownst to you, Hongjoong had been discreetly observing you from the glass window of his office.

A smile spread across his face as he watched you finally enjoy the coffee and sandwich he had gotten for you. It was a simple gesture, but it held a deeper significance for both of you.

In the days that followed, everyone at work noticed the remarkable change in his behaviour toward you. He openly acknowledged your skills and contributions, and the two of you began to develop a professional respect for each other.

Your colleagues teased you relentlessly, speculating that there might be something more to his newfound kindness. They playfully suggested that Kim Hongjoong might have developed feelings for you.

But you would have none of it.

You firmly told them off each time they made such ridiculous claims, asserting that his change in behaviour was simply a result of him realising he had been wrong in his initial judgement of you. While the teasing continued, you remained steadfast in your belief that his actions were motivated by respect rather than romantic interest.

The office atmosphere had shifted from one of tension and prejudice to one of teamwork and support, thanks to the unlikely friendship that had blossomed between you and your superior.

Little did you know that your colleagues' playful theories about Hongjoong's feelings were not as far-fetched as you believed.

Frustration began to creep into his actions as he yearned for you to grasp the deeper meaning behind his gestures. He had become more attentive, consistently leaving breakfast at your desk and offering assistance with your workload, even when you hadn't requested it. These efforts were his way of expressing feelings he had only recently come to understand.

He was left bewildered by the evolution of his emotions.

He couldn't pinpoint when it had started, but his newfound respect and admiration for you had gradually transformed into something more profound and romantic.

As he continued to go out of his way to be a part of your life, he wished for the day when you might see beyond the professional facade and realise that his actions were driven by deeper feelings he was struggling to contain.

But Hongjoong had reached a breaking point.

That's it, I guess I'll just have to be more direct.

He couldn't continue to hide his feelings and yearnings any longer; he needed to be more forward about his intentions. The internal struggle was taking its toll, and he was determined to let you know how he truly felt.

On a day like any other, as he got you breakfast, you thanked him once more for the meal.

Gathering his courage, he decided to seize the moment, even if it meant doing so in front of all your colleagues. He cleared his throat and, with an air of determination, he spoke, "You can thank me by going to dinner with me."

A collective gasp rippled through the office as everyone realised that Hongjoong was finally making a move.

You, stunned by his unexpected proposition, gulped and blinked up at him, your heart pounding loudly in your chest. With a shaky voice, you croaked, "A-are you asking me out on a date?"

He nodded, taking a bold step closer to you.

He knew he was being unprofessional, and normally, he would care deeply about that, but his feelings for you had grown too strong to suppress any longer. At this moment, all that mattered was hearing your response, and he couldn't wait to hear you say yes.

As much as you longed to say yes, you couldn't ignore the weight of potential consequences.

The risk of having an office romance with your superior loomed large in your mind, and you feared the impact it might have on both your personal and professional life. You were torn between your heart's desires and the practicality of the situation.

However, your colleagues, growing impatient with your silence, began chanting insistently, "Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!"

Their encouragement, combined with Hongjoong's pleading gaze, melted your heart. You knew that your happiness in the present moment mattered more than any potential complications, so you finally nodded and said, "Yes."

The office erupted into joyful cheers as his face broke into a radiant smile. He couldn't contain his excitement as he gently took your hand and pressed a tender kiss onto your knuckles.

"Great," He said, his voice filled with genuine happiness, "I'll catch you after work, then."

With a newfound sense of hope and anticipation, you felt that this unexpected turn of events might just be the beginning of something wonderful between you and Hongjoong.

Your first date with him had gone exceptionally well, and as you spent more time together, your connection deepened.

After a few more memorable dates, he finally gathered the courage to ask you to be his girlfriend. You couldn't help but voice your concerns about how the relationship might impact your work dynamics.

He listened attentively and reassured you that he understood your concerns completely. He promised to do his utmost to keep things professional and not let your relationship interfere with your work. Trusting his sincerity and the strength of your connection, you took a leap of faith and agreed to be his.

From that point onward, everyone at work began to playfully thank you for transforming Hongjoong from an intimidating figure into a gentle and approachable one.

It was evident that he had become more friendly and open with all the employees, and the atmosphere in the office began to relax. The newfound harmony made everyone happier to work together, as the once-tense environment transformed into a more welcoming and pleasant one.

His transformation from a scary boss to a sweet and caring boyfriend was nothing short of remarkable. He made every effort to ensure that you felt loved and cherished in every aspect of your relationship.

Each morning, he would pick you up from your home with a warm smile and drive you to work, turning your daily commute into a shared adventure.

In his office, you would both enjoy breakfast together, savouring these precious moments before the workday began. As he walked you to your desk, he would often steal a quick, affectionate kiss when he thought no one was watching, leaving a subtle yet sweet reminder of his feelings.

Throughout the day, he would make sure that you never skipped a meal, even if it meant reminding you to take a break. Whenever the weather turned chilly, he'd drape his blazer over your shoulders, ensuring you stayed warm and comfortable.

One of the most significant changes was his commitment to ensuring you didn't stay late at work anymore. He would whisk you away for dinner, treating you to delicious meals before taking you home. And on nights when he was too tired to go home, he'd sometimes stay at your place.

Hongjoong's sweetness as a boyfriend was a stark contrast to the intimidating figure you had first met.

He had evolved into a caring and attentive partner, demonstrating his love not just in words but also through his thoughtful actions, it made your life more meaningful with each passing day.

"Thank you, Mr. Park. I look forward to our collaboration."

As you shook hands with the client, a polite smile on your face, Hongjoong felt a twinge of frustration. He was so close to winning over Park Seonghwa for the latest project.

Fine, you win this round.

A year had passed since you started dating, and your professional paths had taken an unexpected turn. You had been promoted to his level and were now working in a different division, putting you in direct competition with him at work.

He remembered the days when he used to be your intimidating boss, and the thought of you becoming his professional rival both intrigued and challenged him.

While he couldn't deny his pride in seeing your career flourish, the competitive spirit within him burned brightly, as he prepared himself for the battles that lay ahead in your evolving relationship, both in and out of the office.

That evening as you both settled down in the home you now shared, a mischievous grin spread across your face.

You watched with amusement as Hongjoong grumbled and struggled to remove his tie. He wore a look of mock envy as he tried to get rid of the professional attire that now seemed like a burden.

Unable to contain your laughter at his sulking, you approached him, gently helping him remove the tie, "I'm sorry for stealing your client, Joong. I thought you'd be proud of me." You teased, your eyes sparkling with amusement.

He blinked in surprise before a soft smile spread across his face, and he wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you closer.

"I'm just playing with you, silly." He said, his voice filled with affection.

"You didn't steal Seonghwa from me. You won him over fair and square with your skills. And I am incredibly proud of you, my love. You continue to prove me wrong about my past stereotypes every day, and I love you so much for it."

Your boyfriend's sweet words had a way of melting your heart, and in that moment, you couldn't resist the overwhelming rush of affection you felt for him, "I love you too, Joong." His arms around your waist made you feel safe and loved, and you leaned in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to his lips.

His lips met yours with a gentle warmth, and the kiss deepened, filled with all the love and passion that had grown between you over the past year. Your arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer as the world faded away, leaving just the two of you lost in the sweetness of the moment.

Time seemed to stand still as you relished the connection, your hearts beating in sync.

If someone had told you a year and a half ago that you and Kim Hongjoong would eventually fall in love, you wouldn't have believed them. But as you held each other in that moment, you couldn't help but marvel at how far you had both come since those days.

And you wouldn't have it any other way.

Lord, this turned out so much longer than I'd planned.

No regrets though, I realised I had to write this after seeing all the recent photos of Hongjoong in Paris. The sight of this man in suits just does things to me. Like, just imagine having him as your boss.🧎🏻‍♀️

This is personally one of my favourites. Hope y'all liked it too! Thank you for reading and as always, do share your thoughts with me! <3

Tag list: @aurasblue @marievllr-abg @itsvxlentine @minghaoslatina

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[thenatashamaximoff]

Whispers In The Dark; Ch. 2

Summary: When a casual one-night stand develops into a deeper, forbidden love, you and Wanda try to keep your relationship a secret as you navigate the challenges of balancing your growing emotions with the fear of being caught.

Pairing: Wanda x Reader

Warnings: 18+ (nsfw), mentions of death

Words: 6,174

✎ | ❁

┌─────────────ᗢ─────────────┐ @diaryoflife​ @women-am-i-right​ @creatively-analytical​ @obsessed-with-wandamaximoff @beforeoursecrets​ @iliketozoneout​ @olsensnpm​ @hoefnagel521 @chasingmaximoff  └─────────────ᗢ─────────────┘ ┌─────────────∞─────────────┐ @myfavoriteficss @pinkytoecrust @cyncity32 @romanoffomixam @peachbear88 @magicallymaximoff @therealmeari @peggycarter-steverogers @ba-romanoff @natashabelovas @morbid-gaymer @reminiscingtonight @when-wolves-howl @idontknownemore​ @natashasilverfox @sayah13 @fuxk182 @scarletwitchofthewilds @natashamaximoff69 @wuwu96 @jsonebraincell​ @whendarknessturns​ @marvel4liferz @red1culous​  └─────────────∞─────────────┘

“Yes, sir.” You seemed to have stopped listening for a while now. You weren’t sure what he had said. The words had jumbled in your mind, making it difficult to comprehend the meaning behind them. You wondered if you had even articulated your response clearly, or if it had come out as unintelligible gibberish. It was as if the random noise in the back of your throat had escaped, mimicking speech without conveying any coherent message.

On the desk in front of you, Alexander Pierce’s face appeared on the computer screen. As your boss and the higher authority within the organization, his presence demanded attention and respect. Yet… you were struggling to do just that. For what was probably the gazillionth time in the span of twenty minutes, your eyes slowly shifted away from the virtual meeting to land on the folder resting amidst the scattered papers that littered the desk’s surface. Wanda Maximoff’s name was emblazoned in bold, black ink on the tab, enticing your curiosity. It seemed that the comprehensive dossier on her had arrived just before this unexpected meeting commenced. You hadn’t had a chance to explore its contents, as other pressing matters took precedence. 

You had hoped that it would’ve faded into the recesses of your mind, much like the other neglected folders resting amidst the sea of unpacked boxes in your apartment. Yet, its persistent presence refused to be ignored, exerting what felt like a gravitational pull on your thoughts, compelling you to explore its hidden contents.

The allure of the folder became too enticing to resist any longer. With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, you reached out… but the moment your fingers grazed it, you were snapped back to attention by the mere sound of her name rolling off of Alexander Pierce’s tongue. “It has come to my attention that you sent Wanda Maximoff on a highly sensitive operation this morning.”

“Yes, sir.” The fog that had clouded your thoughts began to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of alertness. You recalled the mission you had assigned her earlier, a covert operation of significant importance. “The assignment involved retrieving Loki Laufeyson, Thor’s brother,” you explained, making sure your words were clear and coherent this time. “Agent Maximoff’s unique abilities made her a valuable asset for the task. As far as I’m concerned, she executed it with precision and achieved the objective successfully. The man in question is sitting in one of our… rigged capsules.”

Pierce’s scrutinizing gaze remained fixed on you, his expression unreadable. “I hope you understand the gravity of the situation, Director,” he stated sternly. “Not only are Maximoff’s powers still relatively unknown and untested, but she also has a past that makes it difficult to trust her. We cannot afford any mishaps or breaches in security.”

You maintained a composed demeanor, acknowledging the seriousness of Pierce’s concerns. “I understand the gravity of the situation, sir,” you assured in a steady voice. “While Agent Maximoff’s powers may be unfamiliar to us, she has demonstrated her loyalty and commitment to the mission. Her past may raise questions, but she has been thoroughly vetted and deemed fit for the task.”

Pierce’s expression remained wary, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. “Vetting can only provide limited assurances,” he cautioned. “We must tread carefully when dealing with individuals of such complex backgrounds. Their loyalties can… shift unpredictably.” His eyes were guarded behind a steely look as his words hung in the air, underscoring the delicate nature of the situation and the potential risks involved.

You met his gaze head-on, unyielding in your resolve as a determined spark ignited within you. “I’m well aware of the risks, sir,” you responded firmly, your tone brimming with conviction. “Agent Maximoff’s past may be complicated, but her actions thus far have shown dedication and commitment. She successfully apprehended Loki under the radar. I entrusted her with a mission, and she exceeded all expectations.” Leaning forward, you rested your elbows against the top of the desk, emphasizing your earnestness. “I understand the need for caution, sir, but how can we expect someone to earn trust if they’re never given the opportunity?”

You could’ve sworn you caught Pierce’s expression softening, but he was quick to catch it, steeling himself once more. “You have an optimistic view of her,” he remarked, though his wariness remained visible in his tone. “Just ensure that your optimism doesn’t blind you to potential threats. Keep a close eye on her, Director.”

“I will exercise vigilance, sir,” you assured him. “The safety and integrity of this organization are my utmost priorities. We will monitor her closely and act accordingly should any concerns arise.” As you spoke, your attention was momentarily captured by the sound of your office door swinging open and then closing. Your heart quickened its pace when you watched Wanda confidently stride into the room, maintaining eye contact over the top of the laptop while sitting against the arm of the couch, a subtle smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. The intense energy between you was palpable, and you couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation.

Pierce’s voice brought you back to the present, jolting you out of the spell Wanda’s presence had cast. “Very well, Director,” he acknowledged, his tone authoritative. “I trust your ability to handle this matter with the necessary caution. Keep me informed of any significant developments.”

You nodded in response, slightly struggling to keep your voice steady and determined, “Yes, sir.”

With those parting words, the screen flickered and Pierce’s presence dissipated, ultimately allowing you to turn your gaze back to Wanda, who was still resting against the couch, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. You closed the laptop slowly, deliberately, allowing yourself a moment to collect your thoughts. The room seemed to buzz with an electric charge, and the intensity of the connection between you and Wanda lingered in the air. 

No matter how hard you tried, no matter how much you knew you had to… you couldn’t deny the magnetic pull between the two of you.

“I wasn’t aware I had an open-door policy, Miss Maximoff,” you remarked. As you casually adjusted your position, leaning back in your chair, your arm subtly slid across the desk with your movement, purposefully disrupting the already-scattered pile of papers to conceal the folder containing her dossier.

She chuckled softly, lowly, yet you heard it all too well. “Well, Director, I couldn’t resist the temptation to see you in action,” she replied, her voice carrying a teasing undertone.

A playful spark seemed to ignite within you, and you found yourself leaning forward just as she was slowly moving to stand. “Is that so?” you retorted, a glimmer of excitement unwillingly dancing in your eyes. “Perhaps I should enforce stricter rules then.”

Wanda’s smirk grew more pronounced, and she began closing the distance between you with calculated steps. “Or maybe,” she offered, her voice low and suggestive, “we can find another way to bend them just a little.”

Your eyes darted to the laptop, remnants of the video call with Alexander Pierce slipping into your mind. The weight of your responsibilities bore down on you, reminding you of the delicate balance you had to maintain within the organization. The lines between professional conduct and personal inclinations blurred in the presence of Wanda Maximoff.

The air crackled with suspense as she rounded the desk, pushing against the top of your chair until you were fully facing her. Once again, the weight of responsibility is completely forgotten. Your jaw dropped open, a word on the tip of your tongue, yet no sounds could be heard when Wanda gently lowered herself onto you, straddling your lap as her fingers gripped the back of your neck. Your movements were automatic, your hands resting on her hips as you seemed to have trouble looking away from her emerald irises. 

“Wanda…” You were trying to say her name with authority, trying to warn her that she shouldn’t be doing this, but your body sold you out. Instead, you said her name wanton, as if you were begging for more because, fight as hard as you can, Y/N, you did want more.

And her low, breathy chuckle told you she knew that, too. “I told you,” she whispered, bending slightly so her lips brushed your ear. “I was more than willing to wait to finish thoroughly.” She took your earlobe in between her teeth just as she drove her hips against you, pulling a gasp from your throat while your stomach twisted like a coil.

Your grip on her waist tightened with need, and you gave in to the feeling pushing against you. With one quick maneuver, your lips were pressed into hers, swallowing her moans as your hands guided her rutting. Your insides throbbed with desire, your fingers danced up her shirt as she took over her own motions, and the way she moaned your name into your ear had you gasping. You turned in the chair, Wanda bracing herself against the desk behind her, and the movement seemed to brush some of the scattered papers off of your desk and to the floor.

“Touch me, Y/N,” she whispered, panted, begged. It sent shivers up your spine.

You obliged, allowing the tips of your fingers to ride the supple surface of her abdomen until they reached the hem of her bra. The skin under the garment was warm, and she was groaning the moment your touch skirted over the area she desired to be touched the most. Her chin tilted back as you leaned forward, exposing her neck to give you more access as your lips brushed across it like a feather. 

“Wanda, I’m…” Your words trailed off as a sudden clap of thunder reverberated through the air, jolting you back to reality. The sound seemed to echo in your ears, its intensity leaving you slightly unnerved, yet Wanda appeared unfazed by the disturbance. The moment you pulled back, she pushed forward, pressing her lips to the soft skin just underneath your jaw. It was like flipping a switch, plunging back into the captivating allure of Wanda’s touches and the sensations they bring. However, reality wasn’t going to let go of you that easily, reclaiming its hold as a series of sharp and loud knocks resounded throughout the room.

Unlike earlier, Wanda wasn’t as willing to part ways this time. She released a deep, irritated breath as she swiftly climbed off your lap mere moments before the door opened. A woman popped her head into the room, her eyes bouncing back and forth between you and Wanda for a moment before finally settling on you. She looked familiar, her name making an uncomfortable itch appear in the back of your mind as she fully entered the room.

“Ma’am,” her voice broke through the hazy enchantment, serving as a reminder of the woman’s identity. You recalled her from earlier in the day, realizing that she had requested your signature for… something, yet her name seemed to elude your memory. “There’s an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention.”

You pressed your lips together, scratching the back of your neck before you moved to stand up. Now that Wanda’s body wasn’t pumping adrenaline through you, exhaustion seems to be sneaking up on you pretty quickly. It was evident in your eyes, but your movements didn’t lack confidence as you followed the woman (whose name you can’t remember for some awful reason).

As she guided you down the corridors of the compound, the clamor of raised voices grew louder. Surely this was the urgent matter the woman had mentioned.

Rounding the corner, a scene unfolded before you - a swarm of SHIELD agents surrounding a central figure, their attention fixated on the source of the commotion. It was none other than Thor Odinson, radiating an unmistakable aura of anger and frustration at the heart of the gathering.

“I demand for my brother to be released at once!” he commanded, his furrowed brows displaying deep frustration and determination. His body turned, eyes searching the growing crowd, seeking an authoritative figure. “Loki belongs in the prisons of Asgard, not held captive in some mere human penitentiary! Show me to him!”

“That’s not happening,” you declared, the sea of agents parting at the sound of your voice. It was instant that Thor’s piercing blue eyes snapped onto you, eyeing the way you stood as tall as you could with your hands gripping your hips, projecting an air of superiority. “Your brother stands accused of grave crimes against humanity. He is required by law to face consequences, whether or not he is a god or the adopted brother of one.”

“And he shall see to those consequences on Asgard.”

“He didn’t seem to last very long in your prison,” you countered, your arms firmly crossing over your chest as you held your ground. The tension in the hall thickened as your words hung in the air “Considering he’s here and not there, did he get early release for good behavior?” Thor’s eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying, while faint chuckles floated from the onlookers. Your focus remained on his intimidating presence. The soft laughter ceased just as quickly as it came to be, swallowed by the weight of the situation when he took a small yet heavy step forward, his expression becoming sterner.

“Where’s Fury?” Thor’s voice was laced with a mix of suspicion and urgency. The mention of the former director’s absence seemed to ignite a spark of concern within him.

You cleared your throat, your tone unwavering as you met Thor’s fiery gaze. “He’s no longer with us. Unfortunately for you, Mr. Odinson, that puts me in charge.” Authority floated around you as you stepped forward with confidence despite the anger displayed on his face. “Loki stays here.”

The area grew quiet, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. All eyes were fixed upon the clash of wills between you and Thor, the atmosphere crackled with tension as the two of you stood locked in a silent battle of determination. The fate of Loki hung in the balance, and it was clear that both of you were determined to defend your respective positions.

“Loki is my brother. My responsibility,” Thor announced, his voice growing deeper and more forceful. “I’m not leaving until he is at my side, and anyone who stands in my way will face their own consequences.” The agents in the room exchanged uneasy glances, recognizing the potential for conflict that loomed before them. Some even slowly moved their hands to rest on their sidearms, and you could feel your stomach twisting tautly with nerves. Hopefully, it doesn’t come down to that.

You took a deep breath, steeling yourself against the mounting pressure. It was clear that Thor’s determination had escalated, and finding a peaceful resolution would be an uphill battle. But you couldn’t allow the situation to escalate into violence or compromise the safety of those nearby. “I understand the bond you share with Loki, Mr. Odinson,” you finally said, your tone steady despite the growing tension, “but we cannot allow personal attachments to undermine our duty and the security of innocent lives. We must consider the results of releasing Loki into an environment where he has proven to be a threat.”

Your decision was met with an intense gaze, his grip on Mjolnir tightening, sparks of electricity crackling around him. The crowd held its breath, awaiting his next move.

“Stand aside,” Thor growled, his voice filled with anger and resolve, “or face the full fury of a god.”

Your heart raced rapidly, beating against your chest as he seemed to stand taller before you, but you stood your ground, refusing to be intimidated. “Violence is not the answer.” You lifted a hand in an attempt to calm him down as you added, “We must find a way to resolve this without causing harm to anyone.”

The air seemed to tremble with the unspoken clash between the two of you. The agents watched on, their loyalty divided between their duty and the power emanating from Thor. At that moment, you realized that finding a compromise would be even more challenging than anticipated. The fate of Loki, the security of the organization, and the potential for a confrontation hung in the balance, awaiting a resolution that could satisfy both duty and familial bonds.

Heavy silence suffocated you as Thor’s gaze bore through you, his muscles tensed and ready for action. It wasn’t a debate anymore, it was a standoff. A battle of wills that threatened to tip over into chaos. The weight of the decision rested upon your shoulders, and the outcome would shape the course of events to come.

It was a moment of unexpected intervention. As Thor attempted to wield his hammer, a surge of red energy surrounded his wrist, hindering his progress. His mighty strength rendered ineffective against the force, causing his brows to knit together with rage, his pupils narrowing even further to mere crumbs. His gaze shifted behind you, and you turned to witness Wanda, her eyes ablaze with a fiery crimson hue, exerting her own power to counter Thor’s aggression. You found your stomach uncoiling when she met your stare with a soft, easy smile.

Hushed whispers filled the air as the two powerful beings struggled against each other, the agents watching in awe and apprehension, unsure of how this unexpected turn of events would unfold.

“Release me!” Thor’s voice boomed, his demand filled with indignation and defiance.

You felt a renewed sense of empowerment surge within you, a willful smirk curling your lips. The tables had turned, and you held the upper hand for now. With a determined gaze, you stood your ground, undeterred by Thor’s wrath. “Not until you calm down,” you declared, voice steady and commanding. It was a bold move, challenging the god of thunder himself, but you were resolute in your stance. The safety of everyone involved and the preservation of order was paramount.

Thor’s expression shifted from anger to incredulity, his eyebrows furrowing deeper as he grappled with the unexpected resistance he faced. The room crackled with charged energy, the clash between power and authority hanging in the balance. “I’m calm,” he finally said.

Wanda’s crimson eyes locked with yours once more, a silent understanding passing between you. She released her hold on him, and Thor straightened his form as his eyes danced back to you. He stared at you for a moment, feeling as if he were sizing you up, or as if he were forming another plan in that brain of his to get his brother back. Either way, you didn’t back down.

“Very well,” he conceded, his voice tinged with disappointment. “But know this, Director, I will be watching closely.” He turned on his heels, the crowd of agents instantly parting to give way as he marched away. The presence of the Asgardian gradually faded, his departure leaving behind a lingering sense of tension in the room.

You nodded, clapping your hands together while you announced, “Back to work, everybody.” As the agents returned to their normal rhythm, dispersing to resume their duties, the weight of the confrontation slowly lifted from your shoulders. You turned to fully face Wanda, but your gaze slowly drifted to Coulson lingering behind her in time to catch his small nod before he left.

“That was very impressive,” Wanda mused, struggling to hide the mischievous smirk that played upon her lips. With each sly step she took towards you, your heart quickened its pace, climbing up to your throat, unable to escape the intensity of the moment. The darkening depths of her eyes added an electrifying allure, casting a spell upon your senses. “It takes a special kind of courage to challenge a god, especially one consumed by anger.”

The surge of pride coursed through your veins, straightening your posture and bolstering your confidence. With a casual shrug, you maintained an air of nonchalance, even as you found yourself drawn closer to her magnetic presence. “I wouldn’t be a very good director if I cowered away at mere inconveniences, Miss Maximoff.”

She responded with a whimsical hum, her playful head tilt accompanied by the tantalizing sight of her teeth capturing her bottom lip. Her eyes glistened with desire, casting a bewitching spell that ensnared your senses. Lost in the haze of her allure, your arm instinctively reached out, compelled to gently sweep away the stray strands of hair that adorned her cheek. For a fleeting moment, you forgot your surroundings - that you weren’t in the solitude of your office, nor the seclusion of her apartment - until an abrupt chirp shattered the illusion. Your phone, a stark reminder of reality, jolted you back to your senses. Like a switch being flipped, full control over yourself snapped back, causing your breath to hitch in your throat as you hastily stepped away from her. The passionate darkness in her emerald irises wavered, replaced by a tinge of disappointment as you cleared your throat, forcing yourself to avert your gaze and reach for your phone.

The spell was broken, and the weight of your responsibilities crashed back down upon you when you read your boss’s name on the screen, serving as a harsh reminder of the boundaries that needed to be maintained. The boundaries you are constantly neglecting.

“Excuse me, Miss Maximoff, but duty calls,” you uttered, your voice betraying a hint of reluctance. As you lifted your eyes to meet hers once more, a strange sensation washed over you, causing your legs to momentarily falter. Lost within the depths of her captivating gaze, you found yourself trapped in a trance unlike any before. The usual desires, seductive playfulness, and mischievous glints were replaced with something different - something softer, more powerless.

In that brief instance, vulnerability danced in the depths of her eyes, as if revealing a hidden side that had previously remained concealed. It tugged at your heartstrings, stirring a mix of emotions within you. The allure remained, but it was laced with a yearning for connection and understanding. It was a vulnerable invitation, silently pleading for you to acknowledge the unspoken depths of her being.

However, duty compelled you to tear yourself away from the enchanting pull. With a resolute sigh, you mustered the strength to regain control over your legs, willing them to move forward. Yet, the memory of that moment lingered in the recesses of your mind, leaving an indelible mark upon you.

You could feel her eyes on the back of your head as you walked away.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ᗢ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“Come in,” you announced automatically, barely lifting your gaze from the papers scattered across your desk. The routine had become second nature to you: someone knocked, you acknowledged their presence, signed whatever document they presented, and swiftly dismissed them. Your hand instinctively reached out to receive the clipboard, expecting the familiar weight of papers to land in your palm. But the footsteps approaching your desk seemed unusually slow, causing a flicker of curiosity to interrupt your monotonous rhythm.

Lifting your head, you found yourself locking eyes with Coulson. To your surprise, his hands were empty, folded neatly across his chest as he fixed an expectant gaze upon you. The absence of paperwork left you momentarily puzzled, prompting a question to escape your lips. 

“Am I missing something here?” He maintained his composed stance, the air in the room growing heavy with unspoken revelations, and the gravity of the moment enveloped you. “Out with it, Coulson,” you pressed.

“Mr. Pierce is waiting for you in the conference room.” He met your gaze steadily, clearing his throat as he patiently waited for your mind to process his words.

Confusion furrowed your brows for a brief moment before surprise widened your eyes as you frantically sifted through the papers on your desk, searching for your phone. Desperation laced your voice as you hastily denied the imminent arrival. “No, he’s not due until tomorrow,” you protested, a touch of desperation seeping into your words. “It’s-”

“Ten in the morning.” Coulson interrupted your frantic search, his head tilting to the side as he observed your panicked movements. The unspoken thoughts that passed between you were evident in his expression. No, you hadn’t gone home. No, you hadn’t slept. Yes, you were doing all this paperwork Pierce sent over last night. Yes, your mind had been consumed with thoughts of Wanda Maximoff. The weight of your responsibilities and the unanticipated turn of events collided, leaving you reeling with a mix of exhaustion, longing, and apprehension.

In the corner of your eye, a glimmer caught your attention, obscured beneath the papers on your desk. Relief washed over you as you successfully fished your phone out of the chaotic pile. However, any fleeting sense of triumph swiftly dissipated when you glanced at the screen. Coulson’s words echoed in your mind, confirming Pierce’s untimely arrival and a wave of anxiety surged through you. The details of this meeting eluded you as if shrouded by a foggy haze.

Without a second though, you sprang to your feet with such haste that your chair careened into the wall behind you. The loud thud punctuated the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the disarray that mirrored your racing thoughts. Time seemed to accelerate as you quickly gathered your composure, determined to face the impending meeting, even if you couldn’t recall its purpose.

You exited the room, the door slowly sliding shut behind you, leaving your deputy director alone. However, it didn’t take long for a realization to dawn upon you, prompting a swift about-face. Sheepishly, you poked your head back into the office, a contrite smile adorning your face. “Where’s the conference room?” His finger pointed in the direction you needed to go, and with a nod of gratitude, you swiftly disappeared once more, determined to find your way to the meeting.

Upon reaching the conference room door, the sound of laughter emanating from within caused your muscles to tense up. One laugh was unmistakably Pierce’s, characterized by its gruffness and rigidity. However, the other laughter resonated deep within you, igniting a warmth in your gut that was undeniable. The mere sound of her laugh had the power to captivate you, making you hesitate to open the door and disrupt the harmonious melody unfolding on the other side. But you quickly snapped out of your daze, remembering that Wanda Maximoff should not be engaged in friendly conversation with your boss.

With resolve, you entered the room and confirmed your instincts. Wanda was indeed immersed in a cheerful conversation with Alexander Pierce, both of them sporting smiles. You forced one of your own, but as soon as you met those sparkling green eyes, your grin became authentic. “What’s going on in here?” you inquired, closing the distance to the occupied table.

“There you are, Director. Please, take a seat and join us,” Pierce greeted with unexpected cheerfulness, a major difference from the stern man you’d spoken to through the computer not that long ago. He gestured toward the seat next to Wanda, and you reluctantly settled into the chair while attempting to maintain a noticeable distance from the woman. “Where have you been hiding this one from us?” He looked toward Wanda, whose face had grown brighter when she saw you. “She’s an absolute delight! And she’s already ours for the taking.” Soft laughter lingered in his voice, leaving you intrigued about their earlier conversation.

The sight of Pierce’s ease and comfort with Wanda - as if they were old friends - immediately after issuing a strict order for you to monitor her due to a lack of trust in the new Avenger sent waves of unease rippling through you. It was disconcerting to witness such a stark contrast in his behavior, as if the order had been mere words with no real significance. Your mind raced with questions, trying to comprehend the motives behind his contradictory actions. Did he genuinely trust Wanda more than he let on? Or was there a hidden agenda at play? Doubt gnawed at you.

Wanda chimed in playfully, answering on your behalf while keeping her eyes trained on you, “Oh, Y/N just loves keeping me for herself.” However, as she spoke, Pierce’s demeanor shifted abruptly, returning to his usual strict professionalism. He studied Wanda intently, causing her to divert her gaze from you to meet his scrutinizing one. A knot of anticipation formed in your stomach as you watched him silently analyze her.

He cleared his throat, shaking his head for a moment before turning to you. “I’m impressed by how you handled the Loki situation,” he confessed. A glimmer of pride shone in his eyes, contrasting with his rugged expression. “It was your first assignment, a significant one at that, not to mention. To be honest, I wasn’t sure you had what it took, but I’m not one to shy away from admitting I was wrong.”

Leaning forward, Wanda placed a gentle hand on your shoulder and spoke, her voice filled with admiration, “It’s only been a day, but I think Y/N’s been doing a wonderful job so far.” This time, your smile remained forced as you subtly shifted your shoulder, discreetly removing her hand from your touch under Pierce’s watchful eyes.

“I can handle anything thrown at me, sir,” you commented in an attempt to divert his attention.

He cleared his throat, his eyes dancing back and forth between you and Wanda for a quiet, tense moment before asking, “Do you let all your agents call you by your first name?”

“No, sir-”

“I don’t see how that’s really relevant here,” she interrupted, not mincing her words. You swallowed the thick saliva that had formed in your throat, the knot in your gut beginning to grow tighter. “I believe that she-”

“Agent Maximoff,” you interjected swiftly, your voice firm, trying to regain control of the situation. You avoided meeting her eyes as they flickered toward you. “That’ll be all for now.” The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, with Wanda watching you, Pierce observing her, and you staring at the table, desperate to dodge all eyes.

“Yes, Director.” You winced subtly at the tone of her voice, ultimately telling you that she was not pleased with your dismissal. Surely she wasn’t one to hold a grudge over something so minute… right? 

Pierce adjusted his suit jacket as she made her way out of the room, leaving the two of you alone. The sound of the door closing resonated in the quiet before his voice finally cut through it, “I’m not questioning your ability to do this job, Director.”

“Hasn’t even crossed my mind, sir,” you assured.

“I mean, you’re the first female lead since the fifties. I have the right to be cautious.” His smile appeared forced, lacking the sincerity it held when you first entered the room. The tension returned, and he seemed to fully revert to his usual self. “I came here to ask about your plans with Loki.”

“We have him contained in a specially designed confinement capsule aboard the Helicarrier,” you began, your voice steady and composed. “The cell is equipped with a failsafe. Any attempts to escape or breach the containment will trigger a rapid descent mechanism, dropping whoever is in the cell a significant distance.” You glanced at Pierce, ensuring that he was following your explanation. His eyes narrowed slightly, indicating his focus on the matter at hand. “I made it clear to Loki about the consequences of any efforts of escape,” you continued. “The knowledge of imminent death should serve as a deterrent and discourage any further disruptions or attempts to regain his freedom. My plan for Loki is to keep him imprisoned to prevent any further damage to Earth.”

Pierce nodded, slow and precise movements, but you sensed by the way he leaned back that he was ready to voice his concerns. “You want to keep him locked up for the rest of time?” He scoffed, a humorless laugh crawling out of his throat as he shook his head. “Loki has caused substantial damage to New York, costing us billions of dollars.”

“He has also taken just as many innocent lives,” you quickly claimed. “It’s not about the money, sir. People-”

“That’s beside the point,” he interrupted. “Keeping him locked up isn’t enough.”

Your eyebrows knitted together deeply as you eyed him, trying to get a good read on his face, but he was a closed book with no chance of getting it to open. “I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not sure I understand what you’re implying.”

Pierce’s gaze solidified, his tone growing more serious. “What I’m implying, Director, is that simply containing Loki isn’t a long-term solution. We need to consider more permanent measures to ensure he can never pose a threat again.”

A flicker of concern crossed your face as you contemplated the weight of his words. “Are you suggesting…?”

He leaned forward, his voice lowered. “I’m suggesting we explore options for a more definitive resolution,” he explained.

Your breath caught in the back of your throat, the earnestness of his proposition sinking in. “You’re talking about… terminating Loki?”

His expression remained impassive, but there was an underlying intensity in his eyes. “I didn’t propose such an extreme measure, Director.” He shrugged loosely, a sly smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Loki is a prideful god. He views humans as insignificant and feeble creatures. It’s only a matter of time before his arrogance is bound to make him disregard your warnings and… attempt to escape his rigged prison. If he chooses that path, we cannot be held accountable.”

You paused, allowing his words to sink in, fully aware of the subtle subtext beneath his statement. It was a strategic maneuver to absolve himself and the organization of any responsibility. By framing Loki’s demise as a consequence of his own pretentious choices, he aimed to keep your - and his own - hands free from the stain of his blood.

The knot in your stomach - the one you had thought had dispersed at Wanda’s departure - reappeared, only this time it launched itself into your throat. The way his eyes gleamed with a sinister glint made you feel nauseous. “Sir, I understand the severity of Loki’s actions, but we must also remember our duty to uphold the principles of justice and due process. We cannot become judge, jury, and executioner,” you argued.

His gaze bore into yours, his voice unwavering, “We can’t afford to let sentimentality cloud our judgment. Loki has proven time and again that he is a danger to global security. We must be willing to consider all options, even if they are difficult.”

The weight of his words pressed upon you, and you knew you weren’t going to convince him otherwise no matter how hard you fought. Still, you didn’t plan on giving in so easily just yet. “Then we must exhaust all alternatives, explore advanced containment methods, and leverage our resources to ensure the safety of both our agents and the world.”

Pierce’s face hardened, the lines etched deeper into his features. “Director,” he began, folding his hands on top of the table between you and him, “there will come a point where we have exhausted all options. Don’t you think it’d be a waste of time, resources, and money to only end up at the same outcome?” He smiled lightly, a wicked tinge to the expression. “We cannot shy away from that possibility.”

Your eyes locked with his, a silent battle of principles and pragmatism. You had gone head to head with the God of Thunder and won. Yet, here you were, butting heads with a mortal man and on the verge of losing. “I refuse to believe that we must sacrifice our values is the only path to achieving the greater good. It is our duty to explore other solutions, to seek justice and preserve life - all lives. We cannot embrace the mindset that justifies shedding blood. There must always be a line we will not cross.”

His gaze softened ever so slightly, a flicker of begrudging respect crossing his features. “I must admit, Director, your unwavering dedication is commendable.” However, the smile that lingered on his lips revealed his underlying satisfaction. It was evident that you had officially lost this battle, succumbing to his ability to see to it that you would never step foot inside a SHIELD building for the rest of your life. “I expect a comprehensive report in my email by the end of the week.” He swiftly rose from his seat, adjusting his jacket with deliberate movements. “An autopsy report,” he clarified his tone laced with a chilling edge. A twisted smile played on his lips, the sinister glint in his eyes sending a shiver down your spine. It was a reminder of the darkness that lurked beneath his polished exterior.

With that final unsettling gesture, he exited, leaving you alone with the weight of his demands.

[moose-mousse]

Hello!

Checking out your blog, I noticed that you use C++ and seem quite knowledgeable on it, so I wanted to ask for your help (if it doesn't bother you!).

I've completed the two C++ courses in SoloLearn (which are quite superficial, but serve as good introductions, I believe), and I'm currently reading "The C++ Programming Language", by Bjarne Stroustrup. My issue is that I'm a bit afraid of not really understanding anything and/or being unable to write any functional code by myself. Therefore, I wanted to ask if you had any resources and/or tips that could be helpful for a beginner like me (the only language I've ever used before is HTML, and so I thought it was a good idea to go straight to C++ for the challenge of it xd).

It NEVER bothers me to blabber about code! :D

I LOVE C++

So first a long rant, and then my answer :3

C++ will probably forever be my favorite langauge.

But many do not like it, and it is actually somewhat rare to see as a language a professional uses.

Why? Because one should use a language for what it is good at.

And what is C++ good at?

Well, one of its neatest features is that it is a object oriented language.

It is also a language where you can create objects, but the language ITSELF is object oriented.

C++ is a derived class of the baseclass C

And it have the same philosophy as C

You can do ANYTHING!

You can EASILY write garanteed memory safe code in C++

You can write psydocode that have the same safety garantees as Rust.

Or you can go for 100% performsnce, dancing with void pointers and GOTOs!

Craft a class so it gets build, moved, removed used and works EXACTLY how you want it to! Down to the smallest details!

Write halfway object oriented and half functional!

If it can be done on a computer, it can be done in C++!

It may not be the language most often used. Often there are better languages for creating things

But knowing C++ means that you never again have to fully learn another language.

A C++ programmer KNOWS what a computer can do, so it is just a question of googeling the syntax for whatever language we are writing it in that day :D

Rant over. Answer time! :D

When I have to get a bit familiar with a new language I usually build a HTTP server :3

It is easy enough to look up for help, it means you work with everything you know

Slap it on a raspberry pie 0 or 3 depending on your wallet and bam! You have your own fileserver! :D

Connect a SSD into the raspberry pie 3 and bam, you now have your own cloud storage! :D

That is ALWAYS a useful thing :3

Keep it on your own network with a passwork and use MDNS to use it and it is 100% safe.

Because you piggybag on all the security wirless networks come with these days :3

[cloverdaisies]

BLACK HEARTS - L.SY C.CH L.JY

description: a mysterious trio rules the night, masked in balaclavas armed with whatever they could get their hands on… one favor can reveal a whole lot more than you expect. this is not your first visit to the black hearted universe.

member: sangyeon, chanhee, juyeon x you

genre: angst!action!crime!au!

channel: @deoboyznet

warnings: violence! triggering scenes! reader discretion is advised.

a/n: big thank you to @winterchimez and @heemingyu for helping to curate the ideas to write this piece !! i challenged myself to write this in an hour !! which i just about achieved !! i just had a moment where i was like guys let’s put our brains together and that idea of spontaneity is what makes pieces like this special!

When imagining criminal talk, you imagine murder, guns, the same cold-hearted clichè you hear on the silver screen, however when encountering brains that are not well developed enough to find full time jobs to be honorable members of society you find conversations like these:

“I’m literally batman.” Sangyeon spits across the passenger seat where Juyeon is busy groaning in annoyance, left palm rested on his head.

“No because that would mean I’m robin which is just so wrong.” Juyeon retorted, looking out to the road ahead ignoring the disappointment from Chanhee who had the courtesy of listening to these imbecilic conversations in the back seat.

“Guys-” Chanhee began but was shortly cut off.

“I would be batman.”

“No you wouldn’t, I’m batman.”

“Literally how? I’m batman.”

“Guys?” Chanhee couldn’t seem to get a word in between the two grown men as they drove to their destination, seemingly forgetting all about any plans or what they had to do. “You both are batman, I’m robin.”

Being the only one with a degree in computer science and the brains to execute any plans, Chanhee didn’t mind being robin as long as it settled the childish arguments between the two.

“We’re 5 minutes out, I’ve got into the security systems and disabled the CCTV cameras so we should be good to go. The place closes in 10.” Finally getting his words heard, the other two boys nodded and Sangyeon stepped on the gas - a wide cheshire cat grin spread across his face.

The night was a deep navy, the clouds wrapping up the silver crescent moon in a soft grey blanket, the street lights flickered as the wind hurled and whistled like the sound of pained ghosts.

A small café, bar at night, dimly lit with warm lights stood out from the other stores on 7th street, the place always did well and attracted customers from all over the globe with its homemade goods, in house brewery and highly prestigious aesthetics.

You were working your late shift that night and if you hadn’t noticed the red security light on the cameras begin blinking and suddenly going out - you’d have no reason to believe anything was wrong.

On the phone to your manager, you frantically began asking whether the security had been breached, as you couldn’t get on the till machine to view the stores earnings either - being the lazy old man who you’d woke up from his beauty sleep, he of course began yelling and being entirely unhelpful.

“I’m telling you, I can’t get on to the checkout the lights on the cameras have gone off, I’m scared this hasn’t happened before.” You try to your best to explain how dire the situation was but it was clearly landing on deaf ears.

“Y/N, it must happen all the time. I’m going back to bed I don’t have time for your shit this evening.” With that he hung up, leaving you afraid and the sound of tires screeching from behind the glass window pane had made everything you suspected feel as if it was coming true.

Frantically you got down behind the counter, making an attempt to press the panic alarm but failing as the sound of the door being shattered into tiny crystals screamed through the store, masking your whimpers you kept a tight grip of your mouth.

“Hey kitty cat? You can come out we know you’re here.” A low voice purred, already mapping out the sequence of your death you kept quiet and tried to prolong the moment.

“Come on birdy, you can’t hide.” With that two feet landed in front of you with a slam, a man dressed in all black, features covered by a balaclava crouched in front of you, a pair of unsettlingly familiar cat eyes smiling at you. He reached out, gently pulling your hand away from your mouth. “You know, I won’t hurt you, we just want some cash darling.”

In his right hand was a smaller gun which he didn’t point directly at you, he just led you to the counter where you hadn’t transported the money to the safe yet.

You opened it allowing him to grab all the cash you’d made that day and stuff it into the duffel bag the other was holding.

“Thanks, princess.” The other zipped up the bag, noting the sound of sirens beckoning in the distance.

Since you were unharmed, you didn’t really care that they’d stolen all the money you’d earned that day, after all you never saw a penny of it anyways. However, you’d realized there was a third man in the mix, slightly daintier in frame who rushed out of the private stairwell carrying an arm load of cash stolen from the high security safe upstairs - how did he even get in there?

The sirens closed in, they began to panic as the red and blue flashes closed in on the store.

“Go out the back. It’s unlocked.” You had no idea why you’d told them that, however something in your conscience told you to, whether the devil on your shoulder had told you or you genuinely hated your job that much.

“Why?-” The familiar cat eyes asked, whilst the doe eyed one also stared in confusion over at you.

“Guys there’s no time let’s go.” The muscle of the group barged through the back door, just in time for officers to breach the building.

“Are you unharmed? Are the perpetrators still in the building?” An officer with a megaphone yelled into the store, you did the standard procedure and walked out with your hands in the air.

The last thing you expected was to be grounded to the floor by an officer, your face hitting the pavement lightly with your hands behind your back.

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.” The officer spoke in a gruff voice, screaming to stop resisting as you laid confused.

“I literally work here. I didn’t do anything.”

“Ma’am this store closed hours ago, you have no-”

A shot, a deafening shot that began a frenzy, the officer behind you fell to the floor before you were grabbed and within half a millisecond told to sprint.

A jet black Mercedes had blocked the main road, the sound of chaos erupting behind you, before the door opened and you were let in. The driver sped to the scene before your saviour swept into the passenger seat, if they'd been able to send more police cars there would have been a high likelihood you'd have never gotten away. However, leaving the scene the immense stomach feeling of guilt consumed you.

"You killed a man? Why would you do that?" You yelled suddenly as a silence grew across the men that had gotten you in to the situation.

"Hey, I didn't kill him, it’s not fatal he’ll be fine.” Pulling off the mask, cat eyes revealed himself, his black hair, sharp gestures and sultry voice. Juyeon Lee? You almost couldn’t believe your eyes.. nevermind look at his.

“Besides he would have either killed you or you’d be behind bars. No state attorney would give you a good time in court, we’re just repaying the favor.” Also ripping off his balaclava the driver looked back at you in your seat, his honey skin and deep brown eyes. Sangyeon?

“Do you guys have no sympathy? Is this what you’re doing with your lives now?” You asked distraught over the entire situation that had unfolded.

“Sometimes it’s safer to be feared than loved, y/n.” Sangyeon looked back, a sadistic grin painted across his lips as he almost looked down on your tears.

“Just be quiet and we’ll talk more when we get back. Sangyeon drive.” The boy next to you spoke, his eyes engrossed in the laptop in front of him. He had a more ethereal appearance than the others almost fairy-like which must be a great disguise of innocence for the life he lived. Possibly the most shocking reveal of them all, Chanhee Choi.

Despite feeling as if your entire world had collapsed in front of you and the wavering feelings of guilt eating you up like a lion to steak, somehow it was the most alive you felt in a long time. However the most shocking reveal of this entire encounter was that the same people you’d went to high school with, were living double lives as some of the most notorious criminals in the city.

As you’d arrived a small home located in the middle of a forest area you hadn’t recognized before, the same familiar cat eyes had something to say after the others had already wandered inside.

“I don’t want to be anywhere near you.” You looked at Juyeon seriously folding your arms, had you not had history you probably would have been more grateful for his actions tonight.

“That was years ago, darling. Do you think I still love you? Do you think I still care?” He laughed, his teeth curling into a smirk and his tongue poking the side of his jaw.

“Clearly! You jumped in front of an armed police officer you absolute maniac. I was always right about you, you’ve become some kind of psycho, that’s why I broke up with you and why the hell is Chanhee even involved with you?” You yelled, quickly being hushed by his voice as he stepped closer.

Something about meeting an ex after years of being apart can feel awkward, but for you it felt like time never passed. The evil inherently toxic nature of Juyeon was always drawing no matter how much you told yourself no, it was addicting.. those feelings of spite, anger, envy were all things that buried that burning feeling of love.

As he looked at you under the moonlight you’d been reminded of the way his eyes softened, the way that the cold words he choses were always ways of communicating that he cared. He didn’t enjoy that he’d corrupted your life, he thought he was saving you. If you couldn’t bare the weight of your world he would take you into his, he didn’t want to ruin your life.. He’d risk his life for you, since he knew his was a lot less “valuable”, which you continuously told him back then wasn’t true.

“Maybe I do but remember, you wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for me y/n and I told you not to fall in love with me.” He shook his head, looking down at you, tracing his finger across your jaw, bringing back all those feelings of safety you once felt. “There’s nothing left for you but me. Everyone else is gone. It’s always been that way and you know that.”

Unfortunately he was right.

TBC.

[depression-napping]

A bit more content containing Vincent, although if you have played through this or watched playthroughs, there isn’t any new info. It mostly summarizes the story around where you meet Vincent. There will be plot spoilers. Translations under the cut ❤️

(Blue quoted caption at top)

「バッチリですわ！先に屋敷へ向かって、端末探しときます」

(Cait Sith) It’s perfect! I’ll go on ahead to the mansion first and find the computer terminal.

二ベルマコ炉に到着したクラウドたちは、神羅とウータイの戦闘の痕跡を発見する。カードキーの持ち主であるムラサキ課長も戦闘に巻き込まれたのか、マコ炉内で息絶えていた。クラウドたちがカードキーを入手すると、マコ炉の端末に通信してきたケット•シーが、遠隔操作で神羅屋敷の解錠を行う。

After leaving the Nibel Mako Reactor, Cloud and company discover vestiges of a battle between Shinra and Wutai. The owner of the card key, section manager Mr. Murasaki, appeared to have been caught up in the fighting, and was found dead inside the Mako Reactor. Upon Cloud and the others acquiring the card key, Cait Sith communicates with the computer terminal in the Mako reactor, and unlocks the Shinra Mansion via remote control.

先に神羅屋敷に入っていたケット•シーたちと合流したクラウドは、地下で自称警備員のヴィンセントと出会う。端末の使用許可を得てケット•シーが作業しているあいだ、引き寄せられるように研究室の様子をながめてクラウドは、強烈な頭痛に襲われた。その直後、一行はヴィンセントに銃口を突きつけられる。

Those that went into the Shinra Mansion earlier with Cait Sith rejoin with Cloud, and in the basement they come across Vincent, a self-proclaimed security guard. While Cait Sith gains permission to operate the computer terminal, Cloud is transfixed by something in the laboratory as if drawn to it, but is assaulted by a terrible headache. Immediately after, the party finds themselves staring down the barrel of Vincent’s gun.*

(*I had to rephrase this slightly because the literal translation is uhhh… “Directly after, Vincent thrusts the mouth of his gun at the party,” but that sounded kinda sexual. Is that just me? Anyway, go ahead and write your fanfics about who you want him to thrust his gun at specifically ;)

(Blue quote caption; this is Vincent’s now-famous line ❤️)

「その部屋への立ち入りの許可した覚えない」

“I don’t recall giving you permission to go into that room.”

一行は魔獣へ姿を変えて襲ってきたヴィンセントを退けるが、彼は何も語ろうとはしなかった。目当ての神殿関する情報は端末で得られたため、神羅屋敷にあとにするクラウドたち。そこへ、宝条の細胞投与手術を受けたロッチェが、クラウドの最後の戦いに挑むべく現れた。激闘のすえ、劣化が急速に進んだロッチェーは、うつろなる黒マントの一員になってその場を去っていく。

Vincent transforms into the shape of a magical beast and attacks the party, but they drive the monster back, and he refuses to speak to them further. Cloud and the others are able to get the information related to the Temple of the Ancients from the computer terminal, so they leave the Shinra mansion.

Then, Roche, who had undergone [Sephiroth/Jenova] cell injection surgery from Hojo, challenges Cloud in what appears to be his final battle. After the fierce battle, Roche's condition rapidly deteriorates and he turns into a member of the hollow black-cloaks, then leaves the scene.

[thaiattorney]

Thailand SMART Visa

1.1 Statutory Foundations

Established under Royal Decree on SMART Visa B.E. 2561 (2018)

Amended by Ministerial Regulation No. 377 (2021) expanding eligible sectors

Operates within Thailand 4.0 Economic Model under BOI oversight

1.2 Governance Structure

Primary Authority: Board of Investment (BOI)

Interagency Coordination:

Immigration Bureau (visa issuance)

Digital Economy Promotion Agency (tech qualifications)

Ministry of Higher Education (academic validation)

Technical Review Committees:

12 sector-specific panels

Investment verification unit

2. Eligibility Criteria & Qualification Pathways

2.1 SMART-T (Experts)

Compensation Thresholds

Base Salary: Minimum THB 200,000/month (USD 5,800)

Alternative Compensation:

Equity valued at 25% premium

Performance bonuses (capped at 40% of base)

2.2 SMART-E (Entrepreneurs)

Startup Metrics

Revenue Test: THB 10M+ ARR

Traction Test: 50,000 MAU

Funding Test: Series A (THB 25M+)

Accelerator Requirements:

DEPA-certified programs

Minimum 6-month incubation

3. Application Process & Technical Review

3.1 Document Authentication Protocol

Educational Credentials:

WES/IQAS evaluation for foreign degrees

Notarized Thai translations (MFA-certified)

Employment Verification:

Social security cross-check

Three professional references

3.2 Biometric Enrollment

Facial Recognition: 12-point capture system

Fingerprinting: 10-print electronic submission

Iris Scanning: Optional for Diamond tier

4. Privilege Structure & Compliance

4.1 Employment Rights Framework

Permitted Activities:

Primary employment (≥80% time)

Academic collaboration (≤20%)

Advisory roles (max 2 concurrent)

Restrictions:

Local employment outside specialty

Political activities

Unapproved commercial research

4.2 Dependent Provisions

Spousal Work Rights:

General employment permitted

No industry restrictions

Child Education:

25% tuition subsidy

University admission priority

4.3 Mobility Features

Airport Processing:

Dedicated SMART lanes at 6 airports

15-minute clearance guarantee

Re-entry Flexibility:

Unlimited exits

72-hour grace period

5. Sector-Specific Implementations

5.1 Biotechnology

Special Privileges:

Lab equipment duty waivers

Fast-track FDA approval

50% R&D tax deduction

5.2 Advanced Manufacturing

Incentives:

Robotics import tax exemption

Industrial land lease discounts

THB 500K training subsidy

5.3 Digital Infrastructure

Cloud Computing:

VAT exemption on services

30% energy cost reduction

Cybersecurity:

Liability protections

Gov't certification fast-track

6. Compliance & Monitoring

6.1 Continuous Reporting

Quarterly:

Employment verification

Investment maintenance

Annual:

Contribution assessment

Salary benchmarking

6.2 Renewal Process

Documentation:

Updated financials

Health insurance (USD 100K)

Performance metrics

Fees:

THB 10,000 renewal

THB 1,900 visa stamp

7. Emerging Developments

71 2024 Enhancements

Blockchain Specialist Category

Climate Tech Fast-Track

EEC Regional Expansion

7.2 Pending Reforms

Dual Intent Provision

Skills Transfer Mandate

Global Talent Pool

8. Strategic Application Approach

8.1 Pre-Submission Optimization

Compensation Restructuring

Patent Portfolio Development

Professional Endorsements

8.2 Post-Approval Planning

Tax Residence Strategy

Asset Protection

Succession Planning

9. Risk Management

9.1 Common Rejection Reasons

Document Issues (32%)

Qualification Gaps (28%)

Financial Irregularities (19%)

9.2 Operational Challenges

Banking Restrictions

Healthcare Access

Cultural Integration

[jcmarchi]

Nina Schick, author: Generative AI’s impact on business, politics and society

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/nina-schick-author-generative-ais-impact-on-business-politics-and-society/

Nina Schick, author: Generative AI’s impact on business, politics and society

Nina Schick is a leading speaker and expert on generative AI, renowned for her groundbreaking work at the intersection of technology, society and geopolitics.

As one of the first authors to publish a book on generative AI, she has emerged as a sought-after speaker helping global leaders, businesses, and institutions understand and adapt to this transformative moment.

We spoke to Nina to explore the future of AI-driven innovation, its ethical and political dimensions, and how organisations can lead in this rapidly evolving landscape.

In your view, how will generative AI redefine the foundational structures of business and economic productivity in the coming decade?

I believe generative AI is absolutely going to transform the entire economy as we know it. This moment feels quite similar to around 1993, when we were first being told to prepare for the Internet. Back then, some thirty years ago, we didn’t fully grasp, in our naivety, how profoundly the Internet would go on to reshape business and the broader global economy.

Now, we are witnessing something even more significant. You can think of generative AI as a kind of new combustion engine, but for all forms of human creative and intelligent activity. It’s a fundamental enabler. Every industry, every facet of productivity, will be impacted and ultimately transformed by generative AI. We’re already beginning to see those use cases emerge, and this is only the beginning.

As AI and data continue to evolve as forces shaping society, how do you see them redefining the political agenda and global power dynamics?

When you reflect on just how profound AI is in its capacity to reshape the entire framework of society, it becomes clear that this AI revolution is going to emerge as one of the most important political questions of our generation. Over the past 30 years, we’ve already seen how the information revolution — driven by the Internet, smartphones, and cloud computing — has become a defining geopolitical force.

Now, we’re layering the AI revolution on top of that, along with the data that fuels it, and the impact is nothing short of seismic. This will evolve into one of the most pressing and influential issues society must address over the coming decades. So, to answer the question directly — AI won’t just influence politics; it will, in many ways, become the very fabric of politics itself.

There’s been much discussion about the Metaverse and immersive tech — how do you see these experiences evolving, and what role do you believe AI will play in architecting this next frontier of digital interaction?

The Metaverse represents a vision for where the Internet may be heading — a future where digital experiences become far more immersive, intuitive, and experiential. It’s a concept that imagines how we might engage with digital content in a far more lifelike way.

But the really fascinating element here is that artificial intelligence is the key enabler — the actual vehicle — that will allow us to build and scale these kinds of immersive digital environments. So, even though the Metaverse remains largely an untested concept in terms of its final form, what is clear right now is that AI is going to be the engine that generates and populates the content that will live within these immersive spaces.

Considering the transformative power of AI and big data, what ethical imperatives must policymakers and society address to ensure equitable and responsible deployment?

The conversation around ethics, artificial intelligence, and big data is one that is set to become intensely political and highly consequential. It will likely remain a predominant issue for many years to come.

What we’re dealing with here is a technology so transformative that it has the potential to reshape the economy, redefine the labour market, and fundamentally alter the structure of society itself. That’s why the ethical questions — how to ensure this technology is applied in a fair, safe, and responsible manner — will be one of the defining political challenges of our time.

For business leaders navigating digital transformation, what mindset shifts are essential to meaningfully integrate AI into long-term strategy and operations?

For businesses aiming to digitally transform, especially in the era of artificial intelligence, it’s critical to first understand the conceptual paradigm shift we are currently undergoing. Once that foundational understanding is in place, it becomes much easier to explore and adopt AI technologies effectively.

If companies wish to remain competitive and gain a strategic edge, now is the time to start investigating how generative AI can be thoughtfully and effectively integrated into their business models. This includes identifying priority areas where AI can deliver long-term value — not just short-term.

If you put together a generative AI working group to look into this, your business will be transformed and able to compete with other businesses that are using AI to transform their processes.

As one of the earliest voices to articulate the societal implications of generative AI, what catalysed your foresight to explore this space before it entered the mainstream conversation?

My interest in AI didn’t come from a technical background. I’m not a techie. My experience has always been in analysing macro trends that shape society, geopolitics, and the wider world. That perspective is what led me to AI, as it quickly became clear that this technology would have far-reaching societal implications.

I began researching and writing about AI because I saw it as more than just a technological shift. Ultimately, this isn’t only a story about innovation. It’s a story about humanity. Generative AI, as an exponential technology built and directed by humans, is going to transform not just the way we work, but the way we live. It will even challenge our understanding of what it means to be human.

Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

[attorneyssphuket]

Thailand SMART Visa

1.1 Statutory Foundations

Established under Royal Decree on SMART Visa B.E. 2561 (2018)

Amended by Ministerial Regulation No. 377 (2021) expanding eligible sectors

Operates within Thailand 4.0 Economic Model under BOI oversight

1.2 Governance Structure

Primary Authority: Board of Investment (BOI)

Interagency Coordination:

Immigration Bureau (visa issuance)

Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) for tech qualifications

Ministry of Higher Education for academic validation

Technical Review Committees:

Sector-specific panels (12 industries)

Investment verification unit

2. Eligibility Criteria & Qualification Pathways

2.1 SMART-T (Experts)

Compensation Thresholds

Base Salary: Minimum THB 200,000/month (USD 5,800)

Alternative Compensation:

Equity valued at 25% premium to cash salary

Performance bonuses (capped at 40% of base)

2.2 SMART-E (Entrepreneurs)

Startup Metrics

Revenue Test: THB 10M+ ARR

Traction Test: 50,000 MAU

Funding Test: Series A (THB 25M+)

Accelerator Requirements:

DEPA-certified programs

Minimum 6-month incubation

3. Application Process & Technical Review

3.1 Document Authentication Protocol

Educational Credentials:

WES/IQAS evaluation for foreign degrees

Notarized Thai translations (certified by MFA)

Employment Verification:

Social security cross-check (home country)

Three professional references (direct supervisors)

3.2 Biometric Enrollment

Facial Recognition: 12-point capture system

Fingerprinting: 10-print electronic submission

Iris Scanning: Optional for Diamond tier

4. Privilege Structure & Compliance

4.1 Employment Rights Framework

Permitted Activities:

Primary employment with sponsor (≥80% time)

Academic collaboration (≤20% time)

Advisory roles (max 2 concurrent)

Restrictions:

Local employment outside specialty

Political activities

Unapproved commercial research

4.2 Dependent Provisions

Spousal Work Rights:

General employment permitted

No industry restrictions

Child Education:

25% tuition subsidy at partner schools

University admission priority

4.3 Mobility Features

Airport Processing:

Dedicated SMART lanes at 6 airports

15-minute clearance guarantee

Re-entry Flexibility:

Unlimited exits

72-hour grace period

5. Sector-Specific Implementations

5.1 Biotechnology

Special Privileges:

Lab equipment duty waivers

Fast-track FDA approval

50% R&D tax deduction

5.2 Advanced Manufacturing

Incentives:

Robotics import tax exemption

Industrial land lease discounts

THB 500K training subsidy

5.3 Digital Infrastructure

Cloud Computing:

VAT exemption on services

30% energy cost reduction

Cybersecurity:

Liability protections

Gov't certification fast-track

6. Compliance & Monitoring

6.1 Continuous Reporting

Quarterly:

Employment verification

Investment maintenance

Annual:

Contribution assessment

Salary benchmarking

6.2 Renewal Process

Documentation:

Updated financials

Health insurance (USD 100K)

Performance metrics

Fees:

THB 10,000 renewal

THB 1,900 visa stamp

7. Emerging Developments

7.1 2024 Enhancements

Blockchain Specialist Category

Climate Tech Fast-Track

EEC Regional Expansion

7.2 Pending Reforms

Dual Intent Provision

Skills Transfer Mandate

Global Talent Pool

8. Strategic Application Approach

8.1 Pre-Submission Optimization

Compensation Restructuring

Patent Portfolio Development

Professional Endorsements

8.2 Post-Approval Planning

Tax Residence Strategy

Asset Protection

Succession Planning

9. Risk Management

9.1 Common Rejection Reasons

Document Issues (32%)

Qualification Gaps (28%)

Financial Irregularities (19%)

9.2 Operational Challenges

Banking Restrictions

Healthcare Access

Cultural Integration

[fortanix]

Discover how Fortanix empowers data backup and recovery companies to protect sensitive information with advanced technologies like confidential computing, secure key management, and tamper-proof audit logs. Ensure robust data protection and compliance with seamless integration into existing platforms. Safeguard your data at every stage and prevent costly data breaches. Learn more about Fortanix's innovative solutions today!

#DataSecurity #BackupRecovery #Fortanix #ConfidentialComputing #CyberSecurity

[lovilove0808]

Breaking into Tech: How Linux Skills Can Launch Your Career in 2025

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, Linux skills have become increasingly valuable for professionals looking to transition into rewarding IT careers. As we move through 2025, the demand for Linux System Administrators continues to grow across industries, creating excellent opportunities for career changers—even those without traditional technical backgrounds.

Why Linux Skills Are in High Demand

Linux powers much of the world's technology infrastructure. From enterprise servers to cloud computing environments, this open-source operating system has become the backbone of modern IT operations. Organizations need skilled professionals who can:

Deploy and manage enterprise-level IT infrastructure

Ensure system security and stability

Troubleshoot complex technical issues

Implement automation to improve efficiency

The beauty of Linux as a career path is that it's accessible to motivated individuals willing to invest time in learning the necessary skills. Unlike some tech specialties that require years of formal education, Linux administration can be mastered through focused training programs and hands-on experience.

The Path to Becoming a Linux System Administrator

1. Structured Learning

The journey begins with structured learning. Comprehensive training programs that cover Linux fundamentals, system administration, networking, and security provide the knowledge base needed to succeed. The most effective programs:

Teach practical, job-relevant skills

Offer instruction from industry professionals

Pace the learning to allow for deep understanding

Prepare students for respected certifications like Red Hat

2. Certification

Industry certifications validate your skills to potential employers. Red Hat certifications are particularly valuable, demonstrating your ability to work with enterprise Linux environments. These credentials help you stand out in a competitive job market and often lead to higher starting salaries.

3. Hands-On Experience

Theoretical knowledge isn't enough—employers want to see practical experience. Apprenticeship opportunities allow aspiring Linux administrators to:

Apply their skills in real-world scenarios

Build a portfolio of completed projects

Gain confidence in their abilities

Bridge the gap between training and employment

4. Job Search Strategy

With the right skills and experience, the final step is finding that first position. Successful job seekers:

Tailor their resumes to highlight relevant skills

Prepare thoroughly for technical interviews

Network with industry professionals

Target companies that value their newly acquired skills

Time Investment and Commitment

Becoming job-ready as a Linux System Administrator typically requires:

10-15+ hours per week for studying

A commitment to consistent learning over several months

Persistence through challenging technical concepts

A growth mindset and motivation to succeed

The Career Outlook

For those willing to make the investment, the rewards can be substantial. Linux professionals enjoy:

Competitive salaries

Strong job security

Opportunities for remote work

Clear paths for career advancement

Intellectually stimulating work environments

Conclusion

The path to becoming a Linux System Administrator is more accessible than many people realize. With the right training, certification, and hands-on experience, motivated individuals can transition into rewarding tech careers—regardless of their previous background. As we continue through 2025, the demand for these skills shows no signs of slowing down, making now an excellent time to begin this journey.

[codingquill]

What is Cloud Computing ?

Cloud computing has become a widely discussed topic in recent years, but explaining it in simple terms to someone without a background in computer science can be challenging. Allow me to break it down for you.

Cloud computing is a method of storing and accessing data and programs over the internet, rather than keeping them on your personal computer or mobile device. To illustrate this, let's consider online email services like Gmail or Outlook. When you use these services, you can access your emails from anywhere because they are stored in the cloud. This means you don't need to install any special software or save your messages on your hard drive. Instead, your emails are stored on remote servers owned by companies like Google or Microsoft. You can access them from any device connected to the internet, regardless of your location.

Understanding Servers in the Cloud

Now, let's delve into the concept of servers in the cloud.

The data stored in the cloud is saved on physical servers, which are powerful computers capable of storing and processing vast amounts of information. These servers are typically housed in data centers, which are specialized facilities that accommodate thousands of servers and other equipment. Data centers require significant power, cooling, security, and connectivity to operate efficiently and reliably.

Microsoft and Google are two of the largest cloud providers globally, and they have data centers located in various regions and continents. Here are some examples of where their data centers are located, according to search results:

Microsoft has data centers in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Google has data centers in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.