#Transport layer Assignment Help

[wlwoceaneyes]

Reader gets hurt during an undercover mission. pEmily comes to check on her, things get tense, then heated. Helps her out of the dress.

Classified Desires

pairing: emily prentiss x fem!bau!reader word count: 2938 k summary: Reader participates in an undercover mission that requires her to wear an elegant, tight-fitting dress. She sustains minor injuries during the takedown. Later, Emily visits her hotel room to check on her. Emotions run high, boundaries blur, and Emily ends up helping her out of the dress — leading to a heated, intimate encounter. tags: smut (18 +), teasing, vaginal fingering, top!emily, light choking… is there something missing? If yes, hit me up (I’m new to this) A/N: Here’s a small attempt for this prompt… I hope the smut part isn’t as cringe as I think it is! I’ve never written anything like this before. Please bear with me😂. I hope you like it :)

You smooth your hands once again over the deep burgundy dress that hugs your curves perfectly and makes you look like a movie star. The lace along the neckline brushes softly against your skin, cradling your breasts before ending just beneath your arms. The silky, cool fabric clings sensually to your body, skimming your legs and accentuating your toned calves. The black high heels complete the outfit, adding height and forcing your posture into elegance. It’s not something you would ever wear in private, and yet tonight, you must pretend as if you belong to this world. You have to blend in, become part of the crowd, dissolve into them. Into this world of glitz and glamour, etiquette and lavish dinners, slip into it as if you reside among them every day.

Banquet tables line the grand foyer, and two massive chandeliers hang from the towering ceilings like majestic constellations. Paintings stretch across the vaults above, and as you glance upward, you’re momentarily transported back to Rome, to the Sistine Chapel. The ceiling fresco vaguely reminds you of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam or maybe that’s just the two glasses of champagne warming you from the inside. You turn once on your heel, watching the guests flow in through the side entrance, their eyes equally drawn up to the ceiling. It’s the perfect distraction, an ideal cover for another move in this case. You tug again at your dress, cursing the lack of security it offers.

It’s only your second undercover assignment with the BAU, and there’s no room for protest, no chance to debate your outfit with Penelope Garcia, whether it’s practical or not. You would’ve preferred something that didn’t draw so many eyes, didn’t reveal so much. But that’s exactly what you’re meant to do tonight: attract attention. His attention. The attention of Valerio Marquez.

He’s your prime suspect in the current case. Wealthy and unholy loud about it, indulgent. A known figure in this city, which initially kept him low on your suspect list. Emily, Unit Chief of the BAU, had to fight through layers of politics before the operation was cleared. If this goes wrong, she’s the one who’ll pay for it. But she trusted you. Trusted your intuition, your research, your facts. You and Tara dove deep for this case, into places no one should have to see. Garcia could testify to that; she’s swatted you more than once with her plush pen in protest of your relentless requests. Still, your digging paid off. He’s no longer a footnote, he’s the centerpiece.

“Hades just arrived,” Luke murmurs beside you, and your grip tightens slightly on his arm. “Want another drink, love?”

You scan the room, spot the broad-shouldered man with dark hair near the window, and nod. “Of course, sweetheart,” you reply, dripping with sarcasm and raising an eyebrow.

Luke presses his lips together to suppress a grin. “All for the cover, although…” he mutters, tugging you through the crowd and past your Unit Chief, who’s posing as a waitress tonight.

She throws you a look, hard to define, lingering on Luke a second too long, offering you just enough time to take in her presence properly. If the situation weren’t so tense, you could lose yourself in the lines of her face.

She wears her jet-black hair in a tight ponytail, with a few strands falling loose to frame her long lashes. A crisp white blouse and black pencil skirt contour her figure, she only agreed to the skirt after you insisted it looked good on her. Your gaze lingers too long on her bare legs, on the exposed skin of her hips, where her blouse rides up every time she bends down. She feels your stare before you can look away, her dark eyes catch yours quicker than you can say amen. Something flickers across her expression. If you had to name it, you’d say she caught you. Embarrassment flushes your cheeks, and you turn quickly, following Luke towards the bar.

“Champagne?” he asks, but your mind is elsewhere. You curse your obvious staring, hoping you haven’t given yourself away. It’s not about your cover, no. What truly terrifies you is the idea that Emily Prentiss might have realized you’ve been secretly pining for her. For months.

You nod absently. Luke places the order and leans in slightly. “Showtime’s soon. You ready?” He brushes your hand in a grounding gesture that snaps you back to the present.

“I’m ready,” you say quietly, going through everything one more time in your mind. You’re ready. You’ve trained for this. Still, your heart hammers against your ribs, and nerves twist deep in your belly. You grip the edge of the bar tighter, to stop your hands from shaking.

As expected, your target joins a familiar circle of people by the windows. Every one of them has something to hide, ranging from minor violations to robbery and murder. You wonder how these people are tolerated in such circles, how no one sees them for who they are. Then you realize: everyone here wears a mask. Just like you.

You steady your fingers around the delicate flute, press a kiss to Luke’s cheek, and drift toward the terrace. Blood pounds in your ears, but your focus remains razor-sharp. You navigate through a group of men, each step measured, like a studied dance. When a hand closes on your forearm, your body stiffens. You’re ready to push back, his thumb glides far too intimately over your skin, until your eyes find hers. Deep brown and unwavering. Saying everything words can’t.

You’ve got this.

It’s Emily. She slips past you with a tray before the moment fully settles, before anyone can think twice about it. Her touch lingers like a whisper across your skin. Your hand tingles, but you straighten your shoulders, borrowing her confidence like a second skin. “You’ve got this,” you echo to yourself.

With your head high, you walk toward the terrace, brushing deliberately against Valerio Marquez, murmuring a flushed, apologetic excuse. He takes the bait and follows you outside. Just as planned.

Hours later, you’re standing in front of the full-length mirror in your hotel room. The dress still clings to your body, but you’ve got a bruise blooming on your collarbone, a scrape on your forehead, and raw knees, but you’re okay. Thank god. Things could’ve gone so differently out there on the terrace – one wrong move, one second too slow, but you did it. You proved your point. You weren’t seriously hurt, just grazed when your team made the takedown.

A knock at the door pulls you from your thoughts. You frown, kick off your heels and tiptoe across the room. When the knock comes again, you sigh, no peace, ever. If someone’s here to demand a debrief, you’re going to snap.

“Just a second!” you call, irritation in your voice. You peek through the peephole and freeze. It’s Emily.

Still in her waitress uniform, worry etched into her features. You fling the door open. “Is everything okay?” you ask, breath catching slightly.

Her eyes dart to the cut on your temple, trace the bruise on your collarbone, then flick down to your bare legs. Heat creeps over your skin, and you buzz beneath her intense gaze. You vibrate with it.

“I should be the one asking you that,” she murmurs. Her eyes flick back up to meet yours. “May I come in?” Her voice is low, almost hesitant.

You clear your throat and step aside, allowing her in, bringing her closer than you should. Her scent wraps around you, earthy with a woody undertone that roots itself low in your stomach. That smell does something to you. It’s intoxicating; it makes you reckless. Part of you wants to lean in, give in to your desire, forget the rules. You’d throw caution to the wind for it, if only you were braver, if only she weren’t your boss.

“You disappeared fast,” she says, breaking the silence. You nod, because you don’t trust your voice at the moment.   All you can think about are her lips brushing your neck, her hands sliding around your waist. How your fingers  would feel, gliding down slowly, deliberately, beneath the hem of her skirt, discovering the warmth of her skin underneath. The toughts flicker hot and reckles through you, you shove it aside and focus on her words instead.

“I didn’t get a chance to check on you,” she continues, her voice softer now. “We didn’t want to draw attention… The takedown went smoothly. We brought him in directly.” Her head tilts slightly, eyes scanning your face. “He confessed. Once we showed your evidence.”

Your heart skips a beat. “Really?” you ask, unable to mask your excitement. Relief floods your system, you were right. Emily won’t take the fall.

“You did excellent work.” She reaches up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “But you got hurt.” Her eyes darken, clouded with something heavier than just concern.

“I’m fine,” you whisper. “Just a scratch. It’ll heal.”

“And the bruise?“, she murmurs, her thumb ghosting along your jaw. “That shouldn’t have happened. You were under my command.“ Your not sure if the means to touch you like that, but it takes your breath away. The space between you hums, charged with more than just electricity.

She pulls her hand back as if burned, suddenly realizing what she’s just done. Crossed a line. “I just wanted to check on you,” she says, her voice rougher than usual. She turns to leave, hand already on the knob, when you finally speak.

“Can you help me with something?” you ask, and her jaw tightens.

“With what?” she asks, still facing the door.

“I can’t get the dress off,” you mumble, cheeks burning with embarrasment. “Penelope helped me into it, but she’s asleep now, and…” You exhale sharply, frustrated and vulnerable. You hate the feeling. “Never mind. I’ll figure it out.”

There is a soft, hesitant pause. “…Okay,” she replies quietly.

When her eyes find yours in the mirror, the air thickens and you forget how to breathe. Her pupils are blown wide, her cheeks flushed. The rigid professionalism from before melts away, just to expose something raw beneath.  

“…O-okay,” you repeat nervously. You turn your back, presenting the zipper to Emily. In the mirror, you watch her fingers fidget nervously. Something you have never seen before, and you probably shouldn’t.

Then, as if flicking a switch, she regains her composure, radiating that commanding aura that usually makes you recoil, but with her, it pulls you in, makes you want to obey without question, even though surrendering control is something you’d normally resist.

She moves behind you, and you instantly feel her warmth. It skims your bare skin like a promise. Her gaze holds yours in the mirror, heavy, unreadable, and full of unspoken truths.

“May I?” she asks, lifting your hair with delicate fingers. The simple question feels far deeper than it sounds.

“Yes,” you breathe, your voice barely more than a whisper. A small, but knowing smile curves her lips.

Her fingertips trail over your neck, brushing the loose strands of your hair over your shoulder, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. You try to hide the shiver rising inside you, but she knows. She knows exactly what she’s doing.

Her fingers linger, ghosting over sensitive skin, barely touching that tender spot on your neck. You press your lips together a little too tightly. She notices and steps even closer, her hips grazing yours.

Her fingers find the zipper, while her breath tickles your ear. “Ready?” Her voice is like warm honey, thick and tempting. You rub your thighs together, feeling the ache she stirs inside you. Emily’s eyes flick down to your legs for just a moment, catching the subtle shift in your movement.

Your ear brushes her lips as you tilt your head. All you can do is nod. She exhales softly against your skin, and you bite back a moan.

Slowly, deliberately, she pulls the zipper down. Her gaze is hooded, her breath uneven. When she reaches the small of your back, her fingers skim your spine. She leans forward, eyes fixed on your reflection, marveling at how your body fits perfectly against hers.

Her lips hover just above your skin at the base of your neck. Her breath teases, and all you want is more. Your mouth parts slightly, and a small, unmistakable sound escapes. Her mouth twitches in amusement.

Then she kisses the spot between your shoulder and neck. Softly.

“Oh,” you breathe as she finds the exact right spot that makes your toes curl.

And just like that, Emily lets the dress slip free. It slides to the floor with a quiet whisper of silk, pooling at your feet. You stand there, bare except for a black thong, in front of your boss.

Gentle hands settle on your waist, tracing over the straps of your thong. “Is this okay?” Emily whispers into your ear, placing a kiss on your cheek.

“More than okay,” you reply, clinging to her forearms as she possessively pulls you tighter against her body.

Her hand moves to your face, which she gently turns toward her. “I couldn’t think about anything else all evening,” Emily’s lips trail down to your jaw before finally pausing in front of your mouth and kissing you. “You looked so sinfully good in that dress, and everyone was staring at you.”

You smile at her words and rest your fingers on her arms. “But I only had eyes for you,” you admit, glancing shyly down at the floor.

“Hey,” Emily’s fingers touch your chin, lifting it gently, “Look at me, Y/N.”

When your eyes meet hers again, all you see is desire, and something softer - maybe devotion. It steals away every coherent thought, because the certainty that your boss wants you just as much as you want her? That’s not something you ever dared to assume. She never let it show. Only occasionally, fleeting hints, flirty comments, brief touches that made you questioning everything.

“You were the most beautiful person in that room,“ she murmurs, brushing another soft kiss on your lips. “And the way you looked at me told me everything I needed to know.“ She pauses, just for a moment.  “There was only one thing I didn’t like about your undercover work.”

You blink at her, caught off guard. “What?“

“That kiss,” she says quietly, her fingers trailing down to the column of your neck. “Was it really necessary?“

You open your mouth to respond, but no words come out.

Her eyes narrow. “I thought so,“ she says, her voice low, not amused.

Her fingers tighten ever so slightly around your neck, silencing you. Making it clear who you belong to now. Her teeth catch your lower lip, tugging gently but deliberately, while her free hand drifts down your body.

“I think we need to make something clear here, don't you?” she murmurs, her voice low and dangerous, threading straight through your core.

You nod submissively, instinctively. Your body already aching for her, the tension coiling deep between your legs.

“Good girl,” she whispers, locking eyes with you in the mirror, "Your lips are mine. Do you understand?"

“Hm,” you manage, your instinct to nod stifled by the pressure of Emily's hand around your throat.

“Say it,” she commands, her fingers trailing over the waistband of your thong, teasing you, then slipping just beneath the fabric.

“Yes, Emily,” you breathe, words like a reflex, “I'm all yours.”

“That's better,” she purrs, sliding her hand between your folds with calculated slowness, "That turns you on, doesn’t it?"

“Yes, Emily,” you gasp, the answer tumbling from your lips.

She hums, clearly pleased. “You're a quick learner,” her index finger slides through your slick folds, drawing a whimper from your throat as your hips shift, seeking more. You press into her hand, craving friction, but Emily has other plans. She removes her hand from your neck, only to wrap it firmly around your waist. Her fingers, gliding through your wetness, press gently against your entrance. She waits until your eyes meets hers in the mirror, seeking silent  permission. And when you give it, barley a nod, she doesn’t hesitate. She thrusts into you, and your breath catches as your knees begin to buckle. But she is already there, her arm tightening around your waist, holding you steady as waves of pleasures roll through you.

“Fuck,” you moan, the word torn from deep within your throat. Emily's pace quickens, her fingers curling just right, finding that spot that makes your legs tremble. The heel of her hand presses perfectly against you, sending sparks through your core, driving you toward the edge with dizzying speed. Your mouth parts in surprise, and in the mirror, Emily's gaze devours you. It’s all it takes. The buildup, sharp and sudden, coils fast and tight within you. Never has an orgasm built up inside you so quickly. There is no room for thoughts, only need.

“You look beautiful when you come for me,” she whispers, her fingers moving with devestating precision, pressing deeper, firmer. Drawing every gasp from your lips. Her mouth trails along your neck until she finds your pulse point and sucks, just hard enough to leave a mark. But you don’t care. Your legs begin to shake, you close your eyes, overwhelmed from the sensation.

“Come for me, princess,” she murmurs against your ear, soft and commanding.

And then your world shatters. Light bursts behind your eyelids as pleasure crashes through you, unraveling you completely in her arms.

[superbat-lmao]

It happens about four months after the Teen Titans are established. The media knows their call signs, had published articles about their fights and rescue operations when they worked with the Justice League after a major natural disaster.

Batman had brought Robin in on another assist with the League. All available heroes were mustering to help with the evacuations, but being the kid of a Founder had its perks. Direct Zeta access in the basement sort of perks.

It had been reported as an Earthquake. That’s what the general public was told anyways, since explaining the larger plot of some maniac trying to make the Earth stronger by eliminating the weak outer layer of the crust and- it was simpler to say Earthquake. Until the League could release a formal statement to the press.

Robin had reported to his assigned location, helping coordinate the clearing of several buildings that wouldn’t withstand the “Earthquake” tremors. People were being gathered and transported a safe distance from where the tremors were originating. He knew the League had a handle on the guy, he rotated his comm channel every few minutes to catch a few updates before going back to directing the mass of civilians. But the fight wasn’t quite over.

He’d just switched his channel when he spotted something through one of the blown out windows. A shape, small and jerky, moving. It was hard to make out, possibly a family pet, and he’d moved closer to the building to get a better view. All he’d done was taken a step forward.

That’s when he heard it.

It was a voice he had almost forgotten, one he dreamt of more in fantasy than memory. She was yelling, a single word frantic and uncoordinated but louder than anything he’d ever heard.

“Robin!”

Dick turned, expecting to see her. Expecting to find her hands in his hair as he bounced off the net, having scared her on accident again.

Tati always told him he shouldn’t fall like that, he knew better. How easily he could break something if he fell wrong. And if he sprained his ankle again he wouldn’t be allowed to perform tonight-

He blinked, looking down at the small animal that had leapt into his arms from the window. There was a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw Wally. His mouth was moving fast but Dick couldn’t hear it over the ringing in his ears.

Dimly, he realized he must have been standing too close to a building, that it had swayed in a way that signaled its collapse. That Wally had gotten him out of the way because a civilian called his name.

He took a breath, trying to center himself. It was still an emergency, he had to focus on the evacuation.

But for a moment, he’d heard his Mom shout his name.

[lesbicosmos]

day 7 of @painlandweek !!

day 7 prompt: soulmate au

summary:

it takes a while to settle down after everything that happened in port townsend. grieving niko, rescuing her, realising your feelings for your best mate might not be entirely platonic... but once they've found their new normal, the boys ask the night nurse a question about their afterlife file, which gives an answer that is both lovely and somewhat unexpected.

notes:

title from francesca by hozier

also on ao3!!

i could find you darlin', in any life

It hadn’t taken long for everyone to settle into their new routine after everything was wrapped up in Port Townsend – well, after they’d managed to find that routine, anyway. That had taken several months.

The first couple of months were slow after Crystal moved to London to join the Agency. The loss of Niko weighed heavily on everyone, and for a while they were too grief-stricken to focus on any cases for long. Edwin kept staring off into space when he was supposed to be researching, and swiftly wiped away any tears or other evidence of his emotions whenever it was brought up. Him and Crystal kept switching back and forth between amiable silence, both heavily sympathising with each other’s grief; and being at each other’s throats more than ever, every feeling heightened as their emotional walls had been worn down by the tragedy. Charles tried to comfort them as best he could, turning to his usual habits of trying to make everyone else feel better while ignoring the grief that weighed heavily on his own heart. It was difficult for everyone.

It was the Night Nurse, in the end, who was the biggest help to them. She’d been attempting to avoid them since she was assigned to help, but a couple of months in her superior had scolded her for it, insisting she be there to do her job of keeping an eye on the work they were doing. She had questioned everyone’s emotional state, spotting something was upsetting everyone. When they explained what had happened to Niko, she was surprisingly sweet about it, offering her condolences. They hadn’t expected her to check in for another two weeks, as was the arranged plan for her visits, so it was quite a shock when she returned to the office only two days later – nowhere near as shocking, though, as the information she brought with her. Being 17 when she died, Niko would have been in the Lost and Found Department’s records. She had checked only to be able to give her mourning friends some closure on her afterlife but had found she wasn’t in their records where she should have been – at least not as having been processed.

Thus, they began The Case of Niko Sasaki. The boys travelled back to Port Townsend to gather more information on the lucky bear charm she had been holding from Tragic Mick, and had learned that in addition to supposedly giving the carrier luck, its intended purpose was to transport the carrier to a different plane in the event of death – similar to the spectral plane ghosts existed on, only this one was not layered on top of the living world, and existed entirely separately, requiring advanced magic to travel between.

Edwin Payne was not a person who was easily intimidated by the phrase ‘advanced magic’, and spent the next several weeks researching and practising, even turning down new cases to ensure his focus. Charles watched on as he worked, barely stopping even for a conversation. He had been worried about him, but he trusted him. He knew if anyone were able to make this work, it would be Edwin.

And that he did. Nearly four months after her death in Esther Finch’s house, Niko Sasaki had been returned to the plane of the living. It had exhausted Edwin so much that once he knew she was safe, that she was back where she belonged and so alive, he slipped into his most basic rest form to recuperate – a glowing white orb. It had only happened a couple of times in the many years Charles had known Edwin, so he knew he must have really worked himself too hard. More than anything, though, Charles was overwhelmingly proud of him. He had brought someone back from another plane. He was more than deserving of a break. Edwin stayed like that for almost two weeks, practically living in Charles’s pocket – and occasionally Niko’s.

Since there was time where Edwin wasn’t around (at least not in his usual manner - he was still there, just glowing brightly on Charles’s chest rather than rambling about banshees or something similar from his desk) Charles had been given the chance to think about him. Specifically, it had finally given him the time he needed to focus on what Edwin had said to him as they left Hell. With everything that had happened: Crystal’s memories, Esther’s torture device, Niko’s death, bringing her back… Charles hadn’t really had time to sit and collect his thoughts on the matter. He thought back on all the time he’d known Edwin, remembered so many tiny yet fond memories they had made over the years, contemplated just how inconceivable the idea of them being separated was, how utterly petrified he had been when he nearly lost him twice. Charles had soon come to realise he might just have been in love with Edwin for years, but because of how natural their relationship had been…he’d just never realised it. He’d always assumed falling in love would be just that: a fall. A rapid paced thing that would simply hit him when he least expected it, when the right person came along. But it hadn’t been like that at all. He hadn’t fallen in love with Edwin; he had simply wandered. Wandered with him for years because it felt so easy, so right. Is it any wonder he had never noticed this feeling? It had crept up on him, like the countdown of an exceptionally slow bomb, and now he had realised it, he felt it wanting to explode out of him. He wanted to scream to the world that he was in love with Edwin Payne.

It was a month after Edwin had returned to his usual self when Charles finally told him. He’d seemed in disbelief that it could be true, that so much good could be happening to him after everything. He’d got Niko back, and now he had Charles reciprocating his love in the same way? It was almost too much to take in. Take it in he did, though, and within a couple more months, it felt like barely anything had changed. This was just a natural part of their wander through eternity. It didn’t feel strange or awkward for Charles to walk up behind Edwin and plant a kiss on his forehead whilst he was reading, or for Edwin to crawl into Charles’s arms and cuddle up together on the sofa. Their love was always heading here, as if it were written in the stars.

So yes, it had taken a while for them to fall into their new normal, but once they had it was brilliant. Niko had moved in with Crystal, and their days were once again filled with solving cases and helping souls. Well, not all of their days. Only 50% of the Dead Boy Detective Agency was actually dead now, so the girls still needed rest and sleep and couldn’t just work consistently. And they’d also encouraged the boys to take a break from time to time. So, while they all worked in the daytime, there were a few evenings and nights a week where they had agreed not to take any new cases. And one day every two weeks, they did something together as a group. If there were emergency cases, they would take them of course, but they took more time to themselves now. And despite Edwin’s initial reluctance, both he and Charles enjoyed taking a break for a while.

Today was supposed to be their biweekly group outing, but they were just off the tail of a particularly taxing case, so the girls had decided to spend their day at home watching movies. The boys had joined them for one or two of the films, but eventually returned to the office and left them to their unwinding. Both Crystal and Niko had seemed strangely happy that the boys were leaving and gave each other a look that Charles couldn’t quite decipher. He supposed they enjoyed their time alone just as much as he and Edwin did, so didn’t think much of it.

They’d decided to be somewhat productive back at the office – not researching or taking on any new cases, but reorganising Charles’s bag of tricks. It had been on their list of things to do ever since a recent case required a book Charles claimed not to have brought with him, only to discover after a thorough search of the bookshelves and a near-breakdown for Edwin, that the book had been in there all along, and Charles had simply forgotten.

“You really do need to keep a record of what you keep in there, Charles,” Edwin had scolded him, clutching onto the book as though it were the only thing keeping him where he stood.

So here they were, having emptied the entire ‘for cases’ section of the backpack – which was still very sizeable. Books and weapons and magical knickknacks had been scattered around the floor of the office, and the boys were desperately trying to catalogue them to figure out whether they were actually necessary to carry around all the time.

Edwin was sitting on the sofa, the small pile of various trinkets he was currently sorting through beside him, while Charles was on the floor, lying on his side propped up on one elbow, the rest of the clutter strewn around him. They had started three piles: one for items to keep in the bag for every case, one for those things they’d keep in there just because they were needed often – such as the first three volumes of Minor Arcana (Edwin had copies of them on the shelf too, having invested in back-ups after the chaos that happened during the Case of the Haunted Museum), and one for things that seem to have been haphazardly thrown into the bag over the last year or so, never really being used.

They barely spoke as they organised, communicating only via their expressions to indicate which pile to put everything in. They’d become proficient at that over the years, being able to talk without talking. It had certainly come in handy when they were dealing with particularly difficult clients (and when they wanted to irritate Crystal every once in a while).

Whenever the silence between them was broken, it was to reminisce about memories of specific cases that objects had reminded them of.

Charles picked up a yellowish folder. It didn’t jog any memories at first, so he opened it – as it turns out, it had been a police file from a previous case. It reminded him of the files the Night Nurse had them filling out these days about almost every client, but more importantly, it reminded him of something she’d said to them recently, something he hadn’t thought too much of until that moment.

“Mate, I just had a thought,” he said, dropping the folder onto the to-put-somewhere-else pile.

“Yeah? What is it?”

“The other day, when the Night Nurse came in, she kept talking about ‘our file’.”

“The Lost and Found Department has afterlife files for everyone, what about it?” Edwin said, inspecting the crystal ball he was currently holding.

“Our file, though. Singular. Why do we have the same file? We died like 70 years apart.”

Edwin put the crystal ball down at that, his eyebrows furrowing slightly in the same way they did whenever he didn’t understand something and didn’t like being out of the loop. It was subtle, but Charles noticed. He noticed every tiny thing about Edwin these days.

“Hmm. You do have a point, there. I hadn’t thought about the implications of the phrase.”

“Shit, you not thinking about the implications? Are you feeling alright?” Charles teased, sitting upright in faux worry.

“Charles, I am a ghost and therefore am incapable of feeling ill. As are you,” he said, unable to hide the slight smile on his face.

“Never mind, everything’s fine, the smartarse is back.”

Edwin rolled his eyes.

“I do not know why we have the same file. Perhaps we should ask the Night Nurse about it during her next visit.”

“Well, if she’s in a better mood this time. Not sure she’d appreciate it if she’s as pissy as she was the other day. You know, I’m convinced you enjoy riling her up.”

“I have no idea what you mean, dear,” Edwin smirked, returning to his stack of trinkets.

“Oh, you’re such a tease.”

“You love it.”

“I do. It’s hot.”

Edwin scoffed, but Charles could see the pride in his face. That was a new development that had happened since they got together. Edwin had been more awkward than usual around Charles in the weeks following his confession, being overly careful about overstepping or making Charles uncomfortable. Charles figured part of it was to do with Niko’s absence. She’d given him so much more confidence when it came to things like this, and then when she was gone…Edwin wasn’t the same. But recently, he had brought his usual snarky personality into their relationship too and was much more openly flirty. Charles loved it, even if it occasionally seemed to break something in his brain for several minutes and had a tendency to hinder his work efficiency.

They continued sorting through the clutter until Edwin had finished his pile and promptly made the decision to move from the sofa and kneel right in front of Charles, in between him and the rest of the jumble that still covered most of the carpet. Charles sat upright again so that they were face to face, and Edwin’s hand moved up to cup his jaw before swiftly pulling him in for a kiss. Charles rested one hand on Edwin’s thigh, keeping himself steady as he leaned further in, the other hand holding the back of Edwin’s head to pull him closer. A muffled sound escaped Edwin’s mouth at the pressure, which only spurred Charles on.

They didn’t return to the mess that was strewn across the floor until the next day, but oh well. The backpack was infinite, and they had forever; surely they had a little time to spare for themselves, right?

Nearly two weeks later, the Night Nurse materialised in their office – now mess-free, after another day of organising the backpack and only getting distracted by each other a few times. She seemed significantly happier than she had been the last time she visited. Charles was convinced she was growing fond of them, though he knew she would reject the idea entirely.

After they had done their usual check-in jobs – getting more paperwork, going over case notes, filling in those dreaded files – the Night Nurse seemed content with their work.

“You boys are certainly more efficient at this than I had expected you to be,” she told them.

Charles desperately wanted to make a joke about that being perhaps the first compliment she had ever given them, but he didn’t want to push their luck. After all, they still had a file to ask her about.

“Thank you,” Edwin said for him. “We do pride ourselves on our efficiency, don’t we, Charles?” he looked up to Charles, who was in his usual spot perched on the desk.

“Yep. Best ghost detectives in London, you know?”

“You are the only ghost detectives in London, as far as the department are aware,” she stated.

Charles shrugged, smiling.

“Well, if that is all…” she began, turning away from the desk.

“Actually-” Edwin interrupted, and she turned back.

She didn’t look as annoyed as Charles had expected her to.

“We had a question.”

“As long as it’s quick, I need not remind you that I am very busy, and I do not have all day,” she said, raising her eyebrows expectantly.

“Last time you checked in on us, you mentioned mine and Charles’s afterlife file. I thought it was unusual that we shared one, I assumed everyone had their own. We were just curious as to why ours is combined.”

“Oh good, for once you ask a question I can actually answer. Yes, everyone does usually have their own file. Technically the two of you do have individual forms within your file, but they’re kept together.”

“How come?”

“The afterlife knows things. The heads of the Lost and Found Department have known about the meeting of the two of you since you died,” she indicated to Edwin as she spoke. “You were always going to meet, it was inevitable, so they set up a joint file as it would be easier to keep track of you when you did.”

“Woah…so we’re like, soulmates,” Charles said, eyes full of shock and wonder as he turned to Edwin, standing as straight as he could while still leaning on the desk.

Edwin had never believed in soulmates when he was alive. He’d thought it was a silly idea people came up with to try and prove their love to someone somehow. Scientifically, he knew there was no proof of the concept, so any semblance of belief he might have had would have been crushed by the facts. Then again, though, Edwin never believed in ghosts until he returned from Hell and became one himself. That might have been part of the reason he felt his cold dead heart flood with warmth somehow at the thought, and he looked up at Charles with a similar expression…until the moment was interrupted when the Night Nurse scoffed loudly.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Charles, it’s merely a way my higher-ups like to brag about their divine foreknowledge. They’ll just pop you in the same file and then act all proud when you finally meet. It’s nothing quite so foolishly trivial as soulmates.”

“Oh.” Charles slumped back down to sit on the desk again, disappointed.

“Now was there anything else? I really do have other things to be getting on with, you know?” she asked impatiently, peering down at her watch.

“No,” Edwin cleared his throat. “I think that will be all. Thank you.”

“Good. I’ll be back in two weeks!” the Night Nurse reassured them, before dematerialising with a poof.

As soon as she was gone, Charles stood up, moving around to Edwin’s side of the desk and facing him.

“…We’re soulmates then, right?” Charles wondered aloud, checking he and Edwin were on the same wavelength.

Edwin, despite his prior hesitancy, absolutely was.

“I rather think we might be.”

“I’ve always thought, if anyone was my soulmate, surely it has to be you.”

“I have to admit I’ve never paid the subject much mind, but I suppose if I had, I would have felt the same. It certainly feels like our souls are irretrievably tied together by now.”

And it made sense, didn’t it? The reason they felt like they were immediately connected when they met, the reason they had found each other at all, despite time and circumstance. They were always meant to find each other. They may have been very different people, who led very different lives and were still so different even after nearly thirty-five years of being around one another constantly, but deep down it was as though they were one entity. They knew each other better than anyone else, could communicate without so much as a word being uttered between them, felt like they had lost a part of themselves whenever the other was separated from them. They orbited around each other so closely it was as though they were one being, inextricably tied together for eternity.

Edwin’s thoughts were cut short when all of sudden, Charles held him by the jaw and pulled him into a swift, bruising kiss. Edwin responded in the obvious way – by pulling Charles down onto his lap to reconnect their lips. There was something ever so slightly more in this kiss. Nothing had changed as such, but it felt like there was an even more intense spark, just for a second, at the knowledge that this was always going to happen. They were always going to find each other, no matter what. They were always going to be together, in one way or another, wherever they were.

Edwin had never believed in soulmates. At least, not until he met Charles Rowland.

[call-me-copycat]

Heya @epickiya722 ! Sorry for getting to this late!

I've been asked to post the titles of all My WIPs and then anyone can ask me anything they want about any of them - I'll do the titles of my writing WIPs and a brief title of my drawing WIPs since I have so many of those too (⁠^⁠～⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ

She's better at explaining it (⁠๑⁠•⁠﹏⁠•⁠)

I have sooooooo many unnamed folders all over my writing app, what you see on Tumblr is after I've fixed it up and made it all nice and shiny (○ﾟεﾟ○)

Writing WIPs:

Random MHA info I've been writing down every time I've watched it (plus info from the movies too)

Random vigilante groups I've made (I like to expand the world, think about the past and the present, the minor things. I like to detail it a ton)

Random Laws and Acts I've made for the MHA universe (I have a ton)

My attempt at restructuring how time (dates wise) is set up in MHA

More random world building, but a little more quirk related

An absolute library of random effects/potential quirk ideas that I haven't fleshed out very well

Random texts for advertisements for UA in MHA (wanted to put these in a drawing, but I have had these texts for a long while)

Order random texts for other MHA in world advertisements

I just discovered this right as I'm typing this but I apparently have a folder with a bunch of random characters made (most likely for background characters). Includes full names, random habit, quirk, and their job

Random emperor/samurai AU I wanted to do late middle school/early highschool but forgot about or gave up on. Has a bunch of MHA characters with assigned roles and everything

Because of that I have a huge folder of a bunch of info I had written down after studying the Samurai era lol

Random information on Japanese services I've used for fics in the past (little things, like convenience stores, post offices, garbage collection, transportation, etc. Helps to World build since MHA is placed in Japan)

Random Japanese names I've forged from different kanji if anyone's curious (you've made me really nostalgic Kiya, I haven't looked at most of these for years lol)

What were Aizawa's parents like? Ideas

More Quirk laws

Emergency laws and regulations that were put into place during the early stages of the development of quirks

Early Quirk rights activists and their contributions

Infamous people in history who supported laws and acts against quirks and those who had them, as well as those who believed that people with quirks were sinners and should be purged

UA after school programs

I forgot I made these but apparently I came up with random click bait news articles that could've been made against UA after USJ and the Bakugo kidnapping (can you tell this is old?)

Limitations of disease manipulation

In The Wake of Chaos (longest WIP)

The Murmurs of The Heart (no memory of writing this, I liked reading it though)

Aizawa's Father Day

Embers of Yesterday (1)

Embers of Yesterday (2 - longer, but scrapped due to being inconsistent with canon)

Prompt was with Deku: "I'll protect you. They'll never touch you again" (scrapped because I have no memory of where I was going with this)

Do You Trust Me?

Purity Prevails at Midnight

A Beautiful Dilemma

Hollow Thoughts

A Glimpse of Tomorrow (almost done and my favorite!)

Close Your Eyes (1, 2, and 3 - have been struggling with this one for some reason)

Short story about the horrors of Regeneration (unfinished, obviously)

Escaping The Night #9 (I know lots have been looking forward to that lol)

Drawing WIPs:

Generic anime girl sketch I only started so I could draw with my friends in a drawing session

The super layered Aizawa sketch I wanted to make for his birthday + the coming out of You're Next that I never got to finishing (⁠T_⁠T⁠)

Sketch of UA

Sketch of Shirakumo and Luffy because I think they look similar + they share a birthday :⁠-⁠)

Random villain drawing I haven't finished the background for

Oldddddd samurai sketch (you can tell it's old since it's still in my chicken scratch era lol)

Tried "painting" a train scene digitally, file got too big and I eventually forgot about it :⁠'⁠( What is done looks nice though

Unfinished schoolgirl base sketch I wanted to draw Pop Step as

Rooftop Trio in random hats (got frustrated with shading the shirts and forgot about it ages ago >⁠.⁠<)

I didn't realize I have so many WIPs (⁠*⁠﹏⁠*⁠;⁠) My notes apps (I have 2) are SO CLUTTERED

It's an absolute mess over there (⁠ꏿ⁠﹏⁠ꏿ⁠;⁠) If you're ever curious, ask about a WIP! Ask about several WIPs! I'd love to share!

If I don't get back to you immediately, don't assume I stopped taking asks! I will answer asks even if you ask like a week later lol (just link the post you're asking about if I've reblogged too much to scroll down) I like to get back as soon as I can but I'm either at work, school, or sleeping in between -⁠ᄒ⁠ᴥ⁠ᄒ⁠-

[peskellence]

Pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed

Tags: Post Pacifist Ending, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Smut, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Masterlist

Read on AO3 here:

Summary: A lot has changed since the revolution. Crimes against androids are now being treated with greater severity, with many being subject to the same penalties as crimes against humans. While anti-android attitudes are on the decline, transforming the mindset of an entire city is no simple task.

A reluctant Gavin Reed and his new partner RK900 have been assigned to investigate a string of disturbing murders. Despite the shift in Detroit's social climate, Gavin still holds reservations about whether or not androids are truly alive. Will his developing feelings for 'Nines' prompt a shift in perspective?

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Depression/Self Destructive Behaviour, Smut

Word Count: 4K

Storage Locker C was a squalid, closed-off room filled to the brim with emptied crates and shipping containers. The CyberLife branding was worn and faded, and all surfaces coated in a thick layer of dust. It looked abandoned, as though it had not been accessed since before the Revolution. 

“Colt, I'm getting really sick of you telling me what you're about to tell me”, Gavin said, addressing the man standing with him in the middle of the densely packed room. 

Sanders let out a clipped huff, tracing a circle in the dusty floor with the tip of his boot. “There’s nothing here. Save dirt and cobwebs. We're gonna sweep the perimeter outside and see if we pick anything up - but I wouldn't count on it."

A couple of scattered Forensics Officers were standing by the entranceway, packing up lights and Thirium analysis kits, ready for transportation. Sanders ushered them towards the exit with a tilt of his head, and they started to head out, the door closing behind them. Despite this, the draft persisted, a consequence of the poor insulation. Gavin hugged his hands to his armpits in an attempt to keep warm, pacing around in fractious circles. 

Nines stood a few feet away, scanning the access panel next to the entranceway. "Keypad secured, accessible via a six-digit code issued to CyberLife employees." He removed his hand from the panel, skin melding back into place. "I suspect the Reaper left the room accessible for a short window. Just long enough for Mr Finch to deposit the phone."  

"Or maybe that didn’t happen." It had been a quiet, introspective grumble as the detective continued to move aimlessly. He had not demanded a response, but he received one nonetheless. 

"There was no sign of forced entry, and I doubt he would have been entrusted with unsupervised access." 

"I don’t mean that. Maybe the reason why it looks like no one has been in here for months is because no one has."

"I am not following you." 

Gavin groaned. "I mean, come on, isn’t it convenient that Finch hands off this phone to some random guy and then has no idea where it goes? What if the exchange never happened, and he’s just fucking with us?" 

"I would know if we had been misdirected", Nines swiftly reminded him, pointing to his temple with a two-fingered gesture. "While the lack of evidence is disappointing, it is not unusual given what we have come to expect in this case—

When the Reaper leaves something behind, he does so with intent. If this place holds no significance to his puzzle, then there would be no reason to leave his usual markers."

"Doesn’t really help us, though, does it?" Gavin came to a halt, reaching into his pocket to check the time on his phone. There was a notification for an unread chat log previewed on the lock screen. "May as well stay here until Sanders and his boys are done. Fowler won't expect us back for a while, and I'm in no hurry to tell ‘im this was another dead-end." 

Unlocking the phone, he was taken to the conversation history that was already opened. He tucked behind a large shipping container, angled away from Nines to ensure he couldn’t see. Scrolling his way to the most recent message proved an difficult task and left him feeling a little uneasy: 

Russian Nesting Doll 

[Saturday at 9:05 am] Good Morning Gavin. How are you feeling today?

You

[Saturday at 11:35 am] like someone is taking a drill to my skull. 

need to stop drinking like that. getting too old. 

Russian Nesting Doll 

[Saturday at 11:36 am] Nothing good ever comes without cost.

I hope it was worth it for the sake of an enjoyable evening. 

You

[Saturday at 12:38 pm] not sure. I dont remember all of it

sorry if i got messy

Russian Nesting Doll 

[Saturday at 12:45 pm] No need to apologise. 

I meant what I said. 

If you ever need someone to talk to - or someone to spend time with - I'm there. Just say the word. 

[Saturday at 1:35 pm] Nothing implied, of course. I am happy to just be friends :) 

Russian Nesting Doll

[Sunday at 1:05 pm] Have a good day at work tomorrow.

I hope things aren’t too uncomfortable with your partner.

You

[Sunday at 3:34 pm] shouldnt be 

talked things out. were okay now. 

Russian Nesting Doll

[Sunday at 3:35 pm] I see. Well, if you think it’s enough, then I won’t tell you otherwise. 

Just don’t let him take advantage of your goodwill. 

You 

[Sunday at 3:55 pm] ???

dont really know what u mean by that? 

we were both being dicks and now we arent

so its fine

Russian Nesting Doll

[Sunday at 3:56 pm] You were not in a good place the other day. 

I wouldn’t be so quick to put your faith in him. 

You might end up getting hurt.

Russian Nesting Doll

[Sunday at 9:23 pm] I hope I haven’t upset you. I am just concerned.

These situations always end the same way. 

Thumbs drumming idly on the screen, Gavin deliberated on the best way to proceed. Tact had never been his strong suit, nor something he typically concerned himself with. However, his recent experiences with Nines had left him a bit more empathetic than usual.  

You

[Draft]

Alex u seem nice but im really not interested

we went on one date you dont know my life

Can i have some time to think about it?

As Gavin tried and failed to formulate a suitable response, another message popped up on the screen:

Russian Nesting Doll

[09:50 am] I can see that you’ve read my messages. 

It’s a shame that you've been unwilling to accept help.  

"Unless he did leave a marker."

The sudden address shocked Gavin back to reality. Quietly locking his phone and placing it back in his pocket, he emerged from his obscured position and back into view of his partner. "What do you mean?" 

"The code to the lockbox", Nines’ LED spun yellow as he accessed the requisite information. "22 42 15 11 44. Knowing our killer, I doubt the numbers are inconsequential. It could be another message." 

"You seemed to think so during Finch’s interrogation." There was a teasing edge to his words as Gavin recalled the events that had led them to their current location. "If he had decided to hold out much longer, I thought you might beat the numbers out of him."

Nines seemed flustered by the suggestion, his cheeks dusted with flecks of blue. "I don't believe my approach was excessively forceful. Having said that, I was...distracted that day, so it is possible that I exercised less patience than I could have." 

Distracted by your 'personal matter'? Gavin pondered but stopped himself from saying. It almost felt like teasing how painfully ambiguous Nines was acting. 

He had been torturing himself the entire morning, clinging to hope over every perceived spark of interest. The glances that had lingered for a little too long on their drive up to the Storage Locker and the way that Nines had brushed his hand upon their exit. Each time he dared to believe that his partner might be feeling it too, the moment dissipated, leaving the detective to wonder if he had been a product of his imagination. 

"So, what was the message?" 

"I am unsure. It appears to be a new code system, one he has not previously used. I have one solution, but I suspect it is not the one we are looking for." There was a biting spite to the way Nines said this, as though casting doubt on his own abilities. "It seems incomplete—much like many of my deliberations as of late."

"I've hardly been much help on the 'cryptic bullshit' front." The detective acknowledged his limited contributions with a wry smile, folding his arms as he did. "Let me pick that big brain of yours. See what I've got." 

Nines seemed receptive to the suggestion, his troubled expression softening into one of quiet gratitude. "The message in the rA9 scripture: ‘Those who worship false prophets will be punished’, followed by a series of incomprehensible numbers and symbols. I have no idea what they could mean." 

"So you think it is a code within a code, right? Like the message that led Robert here?" 

"Correct."

Gavin recalled the slip of paper his partner had shown him previously, trying to follow the same line of reasoning. "If we are getting closer to finding him, maybe he wanted to throw us a curveball…." He tutted at his inability to fully recall the details, looking to Nines with a hopeful shrug. "It's hard to say without seeing the scripture. Is there a way you could show it to me?" 

"My eyes do not come equipped with projectors." 

Then embarrassment washed over him, intermingled with a twinge of guilt. "Right, of course they don't. Sorry." 

"Fortunately, I can show you this way." 

Nines extended his hand as a small beam of light bloomed from the palm. It spread outwards, and a small image came into view. Gavin reeled back from the visage, completely stunned. 

"Right, no projectors in the eyes because they come equipped to your fucking hands. That makes so much more sense."

Nines’ lips, which had been pulled into a forced scowl, twitched in subtle amusement. "If you wish to complain to someone, I’d suggest you contact CyberLife." 

Having gotten over the surprise of the sudden manifestation, Gavin focused on the image. He scrutinised it intently before narrowing his eyes at a particular element. 

"...Are these the numbers you're trying to work out?" he asked, leaning closer to his partner as he pointed to the projection. "He leaves a gap before the start of the sequence. Then all of a sudden, he's squeezing shit in, like he's run out of space. Why would he do that?" 

"Human penmanship is often inconsistent, particularly when rushed."

"So he took his sweet time to decapitate the victim and leave the body posed like a statue, but he decided to rush this? You said it yourself that he does things deliberately. I don't think this is an accident."

Nines paused, his LED cycling yellow as though considering the possibility. "What are you thinking?"

"That maybe it's not the same message. It's two—using different code systems." 

Gavin continued to analyse the sequence. In addition to the densely packed nature, the numbers were penned with far less clarity than the ones that preceded. The edges were softened, forming a strange cursive-like script as one digit flowed into the next.

"Nines, when a human writes a message, what do they sometimes do at the end?" He paused, smiling to himself before he continued. "Also applies to smartass androids sending annoying texts." 

His partner seemed less than enthralled by the teasing jab but responded to the question nonetheless. "They sign it." 

"Exactly. So what if that’s what he’s doing? This has been going on for a while now, maybe the fucker is getting cocky."

"There is cockiness, and then there is stupidity", Nines fired back, eyebrows raised. "I doubt he would reveal his true identity with such transparency."

"I dont think so either - but what if it's another title? Like God's Wrath or His Servant. Except this one is special; he went to more of an effort to hide it."

The android looked across his shoulder at the man peering over it. "Gavin, if you’re right, this could be pivotal."

"If?", the detective fired back, pulling away with an indignant scoff. "Come on, I know it's shocking that I worked something out before you did, but give me some credit. I don't always need to copy your homework." 

"I know you don't. You have always been capable."

A notification pinged on Gavin’s phone, breaking the flow of their conversation. He inwardly bristled—well aware of the likely sender—but fought to conceal his irritation as he continued. "Capable? That’s high fucking praise. Better stop now before I get a big head."

"I am being genuine. You are a remarkable person - of whom I am continuously in awe." 

Another notification and the annoyance escalated, comparable to being trapped with a fly in a moving car. "Okay, now you're going too far with the flattery."  Making a subtle glance at the message, Gavin’s thumb was poised on the volume button, ready to turn it down. "Keep trying, you'll get it eventually." 

"I understand that my actions may not have assisted in giving my words credence...I hope he can express such sentiments in a more articulate way." 

The statement caught him off guard enough to delay the action. He? 

"What are you talking about?"

When the detective looked up, he noted the android's focus was trained on his hand. The diplomatic veneer of his prior words contrasted sharply with the unsettling intensity of his eyes. It seemed he wanted nothing more than to crush the phone into a thousand tiny pieces.

"The man who invited you to dinner. I can only assume that he is the one who is messaging you."

"How did—" The initial surprise Gavin felt gave way to irritation. He levelled an accusatory gaze at his partner. "Assume, my ass. You're scanning my phone." 

"I respect your privacy enough to refrain from using my scanners," Nines retorted, sounding a little offended. "There has been a change in your behaviour recently, which seems to coincide with this new contact. Heightened physical responses that would imply a strong romantic or sexual interest." 

Then Gavin’s annoyance turned to bewilderment. Perhaps Nines’ system was glitching, or he’d misinterpreted the spike in his blood pressure—because that definitely wasn’t what he was feeling.   

"Words can not attest to how lucky he is. I hope the relationship proves long and fulfilling." The forced smile he gave him betrayed something deeply incriminating. An emotion that was hard to mistake. Jealousy. 

Realisation hit him like a hook to the jaw.

He had been feeling what Nines was describing, but Alex was not the object of interest. There had been another inciting incident, one which happened to coincide with the receipt of the initial USwipe message. Something that his partner seemed to have cataclysmically misinterpreted. 

"Nines, I think you've got the wrong idea about where those feelings are coming from." 

"You do not owe me an explanation."

"I'm single." Gavin said, laughing at the absurdity of the situation. "Like 'jacking myself to sleep' every night single. So yeah, I went on a date, but I'm never gonna see him again." 

The forgotten phone in his hand pinged to life once again, and he felt another creep in his blood pressure. "Problem is, the guy can't take a fucking hint." 

"Was his company not as pleasant as you anticipated?" Nines inquired, a strange hopefulness in his voice. However, this optimism quickly shifted to trepidation as his expression hardened. "Did he do something to upset you?"

"What? No, nothing like that. He was fine, I just—" 

Another ping. 

Okay, no, that’s done it. Any concerns of consideration or politeness were promptly thrown out the window as Gavin glared daggers at the message, planning a suitably scathing response:

You

[10:19 am] U need to back off right fucking now. 

I dont know u and u dont know me. so stop with the intrusive bullshit

I dont want to see u again. thats it. were done. 

He had barely removed his thumbs from the screen when he received the man’s response:

Russian Nesting Doll

[10:20 am] I know you well enough - but that’s fine, Gavin. You’ve made it quite clear what it is that you want.

I hope you’ll be happy with your choice. :)  

Glancing over the message, Gavin wondered if he ought to feel guilty, but this concern swiftly gave way to an overwhelming surge of relief. With a triumphant huff, he blocked the number and returned his now undivided attention to his partner. 

"It wasn't what I wanted." The admission came as a leap of faith but one that was decidedly worth it, as Nines finally seemed to realise what he was suggesting.

His jaw tensed, as there was a pronounced bob of movement visible in his throat. "What do you want?"  

Gavin released a heated snarl, seizing Nines by the jacket and pulling down sharply. They stood nose-to-nose, his unsteady breath cascading over the android's face. "Take a wild fucking guess." 

Their kissing was desperate, almost frenzied, as the detective firmly balled his hands into the back of his partner's hair, seeking additional leverage. Nines responded by slipping his arms around the shorter man’s back, pulling him close as he clawed at the threads of his jacket. Their bodies were flush, and it wasn’t long until they started to move in rhythm.

Heat pooled in Gavin’s stomach, travelling downwards, and his hips jerked forward brazenly. Through the motion, he came to an unexpected but wholly welcome discovery. Nines had opted for physical upgrades—evident in the distinct swell that could be felt through the threads of his pants. It brushed against him in smooth, measured motions, and Gavin could feel himself harden almost instantly. Lost in the movements, he didn’t notice that he was stumbling backwards until the corner of a shipping crate had wedged unwelcomely into his back. 

As he hissed in pain, Nines broke the kiss. He tilted back to assess his partner, his grey eyes wide and startled. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" 

"Nah, you’re fine. It’s these damn crates." Gavin winced, massaging the sore spot with his hand. A cloud of dust had displaced itself upon contact, with the particles now floating above their heads. "Barely able to breathe in here." 

"Perhaps we should delay this until later." The android scrutinised the grime-filled air as the man gasped to breathe it in. "These are hardly ideal circumstances."  

"We could be wading around in a sewer right now, I couldn’t give less of a shit."

"That sounds repulsive", Nines chided. Nonetheless, his body betrayed a continued interest as he leant towards him, settling his face against the crook of his neck. "You seem to have deflected my question, Detective, about what it is that you want."  

The title was spoken with a sinful richness that should have been illegal. It danced across Gavin’s ear, signed by a teasing nip on the shell. "Would think the raging hard-on would be a tip-off", he hissed, struggling to suppress the moan that was building in his throat. "I want you, all of it—smug asshole." 

"That is rather non-specific." 

"How vivid do you want me to be?", he snapped. "I indulged in a hefty amount of ‘self-care’ after you ditched me the other day. Almost ascended thinking of all the filthy things we could have done." 

Nines chuckled in satisfaction, trailing kisses along the edge of his stubbled jaw. "I would be quite happy to atone for my mistake, but it would appear that you are still withholding some critical information." 

"Seriously, jackass, use your imagination." 

Strong arms tightened around Gavin's back before hoisting upwards, lifting until he was perched on the edge of a crate. Just as he was about to protest the forceful handling, he felt his legs be pulled apart with equal assertion as his partner nestled between them. 

"Unless I hear it from you, I will have no choice but to put a stop to this." A hand came to cradle Gavin's jaw, applying firm pressure as his head was forcefully tilted upwards. "After I left. What did you think about?" 

Lust overwhelmed any lingering reason as Gavin felt his mouth move of its own accord. "Your lips", he confessed, his gaze flitting subconsciously to the feature as he spoke. A perfect pink bow that demanded attention, sitting inches away from his face. "They felt so good. I wanted to know how much better they'd feel wrapped around my dick."

"Better." Nines' touches grew hotter, reaching fever, as though he were burning from the inside. The bridge of his nose and swell of his cheeks were tinged a royal blue. Gavin may have been concerned if he wasn't so willing to pliantly melt into the forceful caress. "Keep talking." 

"I wish I'd known about this." He punctuated the word with a buck of his hips, catching his partner off guard. He watched in delight as his LED flickered. "I'd have spent more time thinking about how it would feel shoved down my throat." 

Nines’ grip on his face loosened, and he worried that he might have crossed some unspoken boundary. Then he felt a thumb run languidly across his lip, gently pulling down. "I have pondered a few times on ways I could shut this filthy mouth of yours. I imagine fucking it would prove effective."

The pants that Gavin had allowed to escape gave way to a guttural moan. "It's so fucking hot. Hearing you talk like that." 

"I'd rather do more than just talk about it."

The sound of a metal door swinging open rudely interrupted them, followed by a pace of footsteps. "Okay, boys, we're gonna wrap things up now." 

A shared look of horror passed between them as Gavin squirmed from his seat on the crate, clambering to find his footing, and Nines straightened up, adjusting his rumpled jacket. Sanders, engrossed in his tablet, seemed oblivious to the situation.

"He'll send our report to Fowler now. If you need anything else from us, we'll—" As he looked up, the older man paused, regarding the other human officer with a perplexed look. "You okay, Reed? You're a little red." 

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just… warm in here." Gavin’s breath puffed out in a visible cloud as he said this. He awkwardly crossed his legs to avoid revealing anything incriminating but inadvertently offered a clear view of the crate—as well as the distinctly human-shaped print. 

The residual dust was no doubt settled on his legs and backside, a detail not which had not gone unnoticed by Sanders. His dark eyes trailed him up and down, lips pinched inwards in amusement. "Like I said, we're heading out. You two gonna stay and look around, or are we following you out of here?" 

Just then, a low dialling noise could be heard from the direction of the android. The light of his LED pulsed softly, in and out like a breath, signalling an incoming call. "It would appear we ought to leave as well", Nines said with a hint of disappointment. "The Captain is sending through a dispatch request."

"Where does he need us? Back at the station?"

The gentle pulsing stopped abruptly, turning to static red. "No. At a crime scene."

"... Shit." Gavin kicked an empty packing container that was lying at his feet, propelling it across the room. "They've found another body, haven’t they?" 

"Bodies, I -" 

The android fell, dropping unceremoniously to his knees. A hand clasped to his mouth as his body shook in violent tremors. His LED flashed like a siren, so quick that it was almost blinding to look at. The two men watched on, stunned, before rushing in to assist. Gavin was first to drop to the floor, placing hands on his partner's shoulders as he delicately pulled him close. 

"Nines, are you okay? What's wrong?" Each word was met with a gentle tap, to which his partner failed to respond. He stared ahead, grey eyes large and unfocused, as though fading in and out of consciousness. A rumble of static passed from his lips as he moved his head in slow, jerky motions that were decidedly artificial. 

It chilled Gavin to his core and told him something was seriously wrong. Delicate taps turned to shakes as he tried to snap Nines from his daze. "Fucking talk to me, what's happening?" 

Nines muttered repeatedly to himself as though he were sitting alone in the room. The exact same phrase, over and over: 

"It isn't possible."

[jadedrrose]

𝐀 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧'𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞: 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭

art/other info is available on my masterlist.

The clan was beyond delighted to learn of Rose and Sooga’s return. Unbeknownst to them, multiple groups had been sent out in search of them, but due to the vastness of the Faron region combined with the storm, nobody had been able to find them. From what they’d been told, Master Kohga himself had been pretty distraught. 

Once one was finally available, a medic had checked over Sooga’s stitches, and Rose was delighted to hear that she’d done a fairly good job. And with the help of her healing teas and elixirs, Sooga was doing much better now.

Now, two weeks later, they were finally getting back into a normal routine. Rose had resumed her training, but with how quickly she was progressing, Master Kohga had decided to assign her to some missions. Her first one would be later that night. She’d be joining a small group on a stealth mission to Gerudo Town, where they were going to attempt to gather information on some sort of artifact Master Kohga wished to get his hands on. While Rose didn’t feel too keen on helping him steal something, she figured it was just another thing she’d need to get used to. 

However, there was still a lot of time left before she’d be embarking on the mission. They wouldn’t be leaving until sunset, and it was still pretty early in the day. 

At the moment, Rose was listening to Sooga explain one of his quote-unquote ‘easier’ training routines. With the injury the lynel had given him, he was unable to participate in most practice fights. Though fortunately, it seemed he was nearly ready to get back to those, along with going on missions. But the routine he was talking Rose through had absolutely nothing to do with fighting. In fact, it was probably the wildest thing she’d ever heard of. 

Running through the Gerudo Highlands, where it snowed year-round, already sounded crazy enough. But on top of that, Sooga would wear as little clothing as possible in order to deeply feel the freezing air around him. He’d explained that it helped sharpen his mind, while still serving as a good physical work-out. 

“I’d like you to join me,” he offered.

“What?! Sooga, that sounds… dangerous!” Rose cried, unsure if she’d be able to handle what he’d described.

“I shall transport you back here should anything go wrong. And, you grew up in Tabantha Village, no?”

“Well, yeah,” she sighed. “But we wore multiple layers of clothes! We weren’t nearly nude.” 

The thought then entered her mind; would Sooga be almost naked? What did he define ‘as little clothing as possible’ to be? Face burning, she looked away from him. 

“I only ask that you try it this once,” he then said. “If you decide it isn’t for you, I won’t hold it against you.”

“…fine,” she agreed, before nervously asking, “Um… what do I wear?”

“The base part of your uniform will do,” he answered. “No gloves or your… er- stockings, though.”

She could feel his eyes glancing down to her legs, mostly covered by the stockings. Why did the way he’d said that feel so… weird, though? Brushing it off, Rose nodded. “Shoes?”

“Your sandals should be fine.”

With that, Rose headed into her quarters to quickly change. Removing almost every piece of her uniform, she was finally left in just the light-red top and shorts. Putting her sandals back on, she re-entered the hallway, waiting for Sooga, who had also gone to change.

Only, she wished she hadn’t. As she waited, a blademaster entered the adjacent hallway. Unfortunately for Rose, he was able to see directly into the smaller hall that contained her and Sooga’s quarters. The man paused, clearly looking her up and down. Even through the mask, the way he stared made her uncomfortable. Maybe cropping her undershirt wasn’t the best idea…

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Rose crossed her arms over her chest, subtly trying to pull her shirt down. “I-I’m joining Sooga for his run into the highlands,” she stuttered, attempting to explain herself. But would the blademaster even believe her?

He only nodded slowly, before taking off. 

A moment later, Sooga returned. Hearing the door close, Rose turned around to face him, relieved her face had stopped burning before he’d exited the room. Except now, she had an entirely new reason to be blushing for.

Sooga had forgone his shirt, completely exposing the upper-half of his body, save for his face. The only things he wore were his mask, sweatpants and a pair of boots. Quickly turning away, Rose clasped a hand over her mouth as she contained the gasp she’d nearly let out. Of course, the uniform he usually wore didn’t hide too much, but seeing him shirtless was entirely different than seeing the outline of him through clothing. 

“A-apologies for not warning you,” he muttered, awkwardly. 

Rose slowly turned back around, doing her best to contain whatever the hell it was that she was feeling. Heart hammering against her chest, she waved him off. “No worries…” Her gaze then fell on his right arm, where a prominent scar was now visible. Somehow, she felt guilty about it.

“Shall we go, then?” He asked.

She could only nod, tearing her eyes away from the healing wound, looking over his toned chest again. Feeling herself swoon at the sight of him, Rose thought back to what he’d mentioned about sharpening his mind. Hopefully this run through the highlands would distract her from the terrible thoughts that were running wild within her mind…

—

She didn’t last even ten minutes. 

They had gotten pretty high up, but Rose had realized fairly soon into the run that she wasn’t cut out for this sort of thing. With her arms wrapped around herself, she stood in the snow, trembling all over. 

Thankfully, Sooga was quick to notice that she’d stopped running alongside him. 

Backtracking a few feet over to her, he put a hand on her shoulder. Shivering, her eyes widened. He was incredibly warm, but how? Her body decided she didn’t need an explanation though, and she instinctively fell forward, leaning into his warmth. 

“Rose, are you alright?” He asked, hesitantly wrapping his arms around her.

“Too… cold,” she said through chattering teeth, “can’t… keep going…”

“I’ll take you back to the hideout at once,” he then said, now holding onto her more tightly. And with the blink of an eye, she was back in the warm, cozy hideout. 

To her relief, Sooga had brought her straight to her room. As he gently let go of her, she instantly leapt over to her bed, kicking her sandals off and hastily tugging many layers of pink-colored blankets over herself.

“Forgive me, Rose,” Sooga then apologized, bringing more blankets over from a basket she kept in the corner of the room. “I shouldn’t have pushed you to accompany me.”

“N-no, it’s… alright,” she said, still shaking. “At least I… tried.”

Laying the extra blankets over her, Sooga kneeled beside her. “I’ll go make you some tea, alright?”

She nodded, muttering a quick “thank you”.

—

Much later into the day, after warming up and eating an early dinner, Rose was getting ready for her mission. Though she was having a slight dilemma over her uniform. She’d prepared a full-coverage version of it, but hadn’t realized that her hair might be an issue. 

Not many women in Hyrule had waist-length deep brown hair, and she didn’t need to be identified so soon into her Yiga career. Sitting in front of the mirror in her room, she tried various styles. A bun had been her first idea, but she quickly realized it was nearly impossible to get such a large amount of hair into a single bun, and not have it fall out within five minutes. Then she tried braiding it, but found that she was terrible at that. Maybe she should just stick with the ponytail, then? Huffing, she brushed her hair out again and left it down for the time being. Maybe she’d ask Sooga, considering that his hair was fairly long, too.

Leaving her room, Rose began searching for said man throughout the hideout. 

It didn’t take long to find him in his training room, with four other blademasters present, too. He was watching them spar, with his arms crossed in front of his chest. 

Upon entering the room, though, they all froze, faces turning to look right at her. She could hear some whispering among them, but not exactly what they were saying. 

“Continue with your training,” Sooga commanded, before heading over to meet her at the doorway. “How are you feeling?”

“Warmer,” she smiled. 

“I’m relieved to hear that,” he said. “Did you need something, Rose?”

“Uh, yeah…” she felt her face grow a bit warm, embarrassed. “You see, I don’t really know what to do with my hair for this mission.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t want to be identified from it,” she explained. “But I can’t figure out how to style it… I thought maybe you could help?” 

Sooga paused, before looking back to the four other men. “You’re all dismissed.”

“Huh? So soon?” One said, as the others made other confused noises. However, they didn’t question Sooga, and they all walked past him and Rose, out the door.

“Meet me in my room,” he then muttered, before disappearing.

Rose did the same, transporting herself directly into his room. He’d already pulled out the wooden chair at his desk, and was waiting for her behind it. Sitting down, Rose watched as Sooga removed his gloves, setting them down on the rather neat desk. It seemed he didn’t use it much, as aside from a few small items, it was empty. Picking up a brush from his bathroom, he walked back over and began brushing through her hair, hands gentle and light as he worked his way through the length. 

“I’m going to try braiding it,” he told her.

“I figured that would be best,” she said. “I tried it, but… I’m awful at braiding,” she weakly laughed.

“Did anyone ever teach you?”

“…no,” she replied. “My mother always did it for me…”

“I’ll show you, then,” Sooga offered. 

“Thanks,” she smiled. “But… probably not tonight, I’m supposed to meet with the others in about thirty minutes.”

“Alright. Just let me know when.”

With that, Sooga finished brushing through Rose’s long hair, and began sectioning parts of it around her head. He kept her middle part, but took the majority of one side and began braiding it from her hairline. Leaving her long bangs out, he kept the braid tight to her head, but loose enough so that she wouldn’t be uncomfortable. 

“How did you learn?” she then asked, watching his hands closely in the mirror.

“My mother taught me,” he said. “My hair has been long since I was a boy, so she had me learn in order to keep it neat.”

“That’s sweet,” Rose gave him a small smile through the mirror. “Was it her idea to keep your hair long?”

“At first, no,” Sooga answered. “But she grew fond of it.”

“I can see why,” Rose began to say, “I find long hairstyles to be-“ she trailed off, realizing what she was about to say. Attractive. 

“What?” He demanded.

“Cute,” she blurted. It was partially true, but not what she really meant, so that she wouldn’t sound as though she were flirting with him. 

He didn’t reply for a moment, before asking; “has your hair always been this long?” 

“Well, not as long as it is now,” she clarified. “It’s always been long, but it’s only been at this length for maybe, six years or so?”

“I see.”

When the braid reached the top of her head, Sooga brought it a couple inches back before taking it off from her head, the rest of the braid becoming a loose one that hung freely. He then repeated the same with the other side, and pulled what was left-over up, tying both braids and the remaining hair into one ponytail. Securing the white ribbon, similar to the one he wore, his arms fell to his sides as he gazed at her through the mirror. 

“Oh, wow,” she stared in awe, moving her head from side to side, watching as the braids and small ponytail swayed around her, “it looks perfect.”

“The braids help your hair appear shorter,” he then explained. “And with the head cover and mask, nobody should be able to see your bangs.”

Turning to face Sooga again, she smiled. “Thank you.”

He gave her a slight bow. “Of course. Shall I see you off?”

“Uh, sure,” she replied. “Let me get my things…”

Heading over to her room, Rose slid the head cover on, pulling her hair through the hole in the top. Next she put the mask on, and then she secured a demon carver onto her belt, one that she was borrowing until a weapon that would be more fitting for her could be made.

Looking herself over in the mirror, Rose ensured she had everything she needed for the mission. With a confident nod, she left her room, meeting Sooga out in the hall. 

Though she couldn’t physically tell with his mask, something about Sooga’s gaze gave her the feeling that he was smiling. “You look like a real fearsome warrior now,” he said with pride.

She smiled in return, though her face was covered too, now. “You think so?” 

“The mask adds an element of mystery. It’s good for striking fear into your enemies.”

She nodded, understanding what he meant. “Well, I better get going.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a firm squeeze. “Be safe, Rose.”

“I will,” she promised. “I’ll come find you when I return, and tell you how things went.”

“Alright.”

Waving goodbye, Rose then turned on her heel, heading for the entrance to the hideout. 

—

The desert was incredibly cold at night. As the group she’d been assigned to headed out into Karusa Valley, that became extremely clear to Rose. Her uniform did help to keep her warm, but she was certain it wouldn’t be enough, especially once they were out in the open. Luckily, one of the other soldiers had brought some spicy elixirs, one for every member of the group. 

And much like the chilly air, one particular person within the group was acting quite cold. Uki, was her name. Once Rose had joined up with the group at the entrance, the woman had given her a suspicious look. 

Rose knew why, though. As soon as she met the younger woman, she instantly recognized her energy. This was the soldier who had been spying on her before she had decided to join the clan.

Unintentionally, Rose had said so aloud. The others chuckled, but Uki seemed unimpressed. Now, as Uki walked a few feet ahead, she could see that the trained spy was sending suspicious glares back at her.

As they finally reached the end of Karusa Valley and came to the mouth of the desert, the group leader, a captain footsoldier, passed out the elixirs. “You can take them now or when you feel the cold’s become too much to bear.”

Rose decided to take hers right away, recalling how quickly she’d frozen up earlier in the day during her run with Sooga. Although, the mental image of him shirtless was enough to heat her up. Shaking the thought away, Rose continued on with the group, far out towards Gerudo Town.

When they were about halfway there, Uki broke the silence. “So, Rose, you’ve sort of… grown close with Lord Sooga, yeah?” She had a higher-pitched, girl-ish voice, to Rose’s surprise.

What was she trying to accomplish by asking such a question? Why did it seem as though the whole clan were obsessed with her and Sooga’s friendship? 

“Uh, I guess so?” Rose answered. “I mean, he is my mentor, after all.”

“Ah, I guess that makes sense,” Uki shrugged. “I think everyone’s just wondering if… you know…”

“Wondering what?” 

“Uki,” another soldier cut in. “Shut up. It’s none of your business.”

“Ugh, maybe,” she scoffed, “but I am the best spy in the clan. I’m supposed to know these things.”

“I’m not sure what you’re alluding to, Uki,” Rose said, “but I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. Can we just focus on the mission?”

“Fine.”

Shaking her head, Rose wondered why Uki was so wary of her. Perhaps she resented her for having to spy on her for so long? Rose didn’t know the exact amount of time, but she did know that Uki’s presence was one she sensed quite often. She could only hope that the younger woman would get over it with time.

—

Nearing Gerudo Town, the group slowed their movements, put out any lanterns they’d brought, and grew entirely silent. 

It seemed they had soldiers standing guard at every entrance of the town. However, there was no entrance on the south side. Presumably, there would be no guards there. And so, the group crept around to the back, transporting themselves over to the south side, to avoid being spotted by the Gerudo woman who sat by the western entrance.

When they finally all reappeared at the southern end, Rose and Uki were sent to try and get as close as possible to the chief’s palace. 

They’d have to climb a bit, but luckily, the back end was open, giving the two women a good chance at overhearing information on the item they were after. Supposedly it was called the thunder helm, a heirloom that gets passed down to every chief of the Gerudo. One of the others in the group had explained that it grants the wearer the ability to deflect lightning, and could give them extra strength as well. That’s why Master Kohga wanted to get his hands on it, apparently. 

Staying hidden from the eyes of any of the Gerudo in the small palace, Rose decided it would be best to simply listen for now. From what she could tell, her and Uki had started eavesdropping in the middle of a conversation.

“With that out of the way… If you could send out this letter, it’s for the princess,” someone said. Her voice was loud and clear, whoever it was.

“Of course, Lady Urbosa,” another said. So the other voice belonged to Urbosa, chief of the Gerudo? “I’ll take it straight away.”

“You have my thanks,” she replied. “I think I’m going to head up for the night.”

“Alright. Goodnight, Lady Urbosa.”

“Goodnight,” she said, followed by the sound of heels clicking against the floor, growing fainter by the second. 

Glancing over to Uki, Rose noticed that the younger woman was now peeking her head over the edge of the wall. When she didn’t retreat, Rose decided to look, too.

The throne room was empty. Scanning her eyes across the whole room, Rose then spotted it; the thunder helm, sitting up on a pedestal. They had the location of it, now. So they were done here, right?

Preparing herself to slide down the wall and back onto the sand, Rose took in a deep breath. But out of the corner of her eye, Uki moved. Turning to directly look at her, Rose’s eyes widened in horror as she realized Uki was beginning to climb over the wall. 

“Uki,” she whispered. “Don’t-“

“Shut it,” the other woman’s head snapped to Rose. 

“We’re only supposed to be gathering information, not stealing-“

“I’ll do what I deem best, Rose,” Uki snapped. “Go running back to Sooga if you don’t like it.”

“Excuse me?” Rose was whisper-yelling by now, though still afraid of getting caught. 

“You heard me,” she said, clicking her tongue in annoyance, resuming climbing over the ledge. 

Cursing, Rose didn’t know what to do. Should she jump down and see what the others thought? Or wait where she was, and see if Uki could actually pull off stealing the artifact. Before she could decide, Uki disappeared over the wall.

Heart hammering, Rose listened, terrified Uki would get caught at any second. For a moment, there was silence. But then the sound of heels clicking against the floor returned, and Rose’s eyes grew wide as she realized Uki was definitely not getting away unseen.

“Another pathetic attempt to steal my heirloom?” Urbosa’s voice rang out. “I’d suggest you put that back, footsoldier.”

Uki said nothing. Which was usually advised to the regular soldiers, so that they couldn’t be identified. But still, the silence made Rose even more anxious. What was Uki thinking, disregarding orders?

“Fine. Don’t say that you weren’t warned,” Urbosa threatened. Then, Rose heard the sound of fingers snapping. Was it some sort of way to call her guards? 

With a loud clash and roar, lightning struck where Uki was standing, followed by the sound of someone falling to the floor. Did… Urbosa kill her?!

Unable to stay frozen any longer, Rose leapt over the ledge, dashing over to Uki’s body. She could hear Urbosa gasp, but she ignored it. Taking the helm and tossing it away, she scooped up the younger woman’s body. She needed to get Uki out of here. 

To her relief, Rose found that Uki was fairly easy to hold over her shoulder. She was quite smaller than her, after all. Running back over to the ledge, Rose closed her eyes and jumped without a second thought.

But as smoke puffed all around her, Rose opened her eyes and found that she’d transported herself and Uki to the ground. As she regained her footing, she was amazed that she’d actually transported herself and another person. Still, there was no time to celebrate. 

“We need to leave,” she muttered to the rest of the group, not wasting a second as she continued running. 

“Guards!” Urbosa’s voice boomed. “Yiga on the southern end! They’re headed west!”

Shit. Even if they all ran, the Gerudo soldiers would still block the route they’d come from. 

Stopping abruptly and spinning on her heel, sand flew around her legs as Rose looked at the others. “Can you all transport yourselves?”

They stumbled into each other, but nodded. “Then transport back to the hideout. Now!” Rose demanded.

Almost all at the same time, the rest of the group formed the transport technique hand sign and disappeared one by one, leaving her and Uki’s unconscious body alone. The Gerudo were now running towards them, beginning to surround the area she stood in. Taking in a deep breath, Rose focused her energy, imagining herself back in the hideout. Closing her eyes, she then vanished, leaving nothing but smoke and prayer tags behind.

With his daily tasks all finished and out of the way, Sooga found himself feeling rather restless. He couldn’t help but worry over Rose. Yes, it was only a stealth mission to gather information, but Uki had been selected to go as well. And it was a well-known fact throughout the hideout that, even though she was an excellent spy, Uki tended to get reckless at times, especially if her temper ran short. Hopefully, this would be something she’d grow out of. She was still quite young, after all.

Needing something to ease his mind with, Sooga had decided to head down to the library and continue searching for any information on Rose’s family. They’d made quite a bit of progress in the last couple of weeks, but still hadn’t found anything. There were only a couple of shelves left, though, giving him hope that they were close to learning the truth.

He started where he’d left off the last time he’d been down there. The section was mostly books and archives about ancient Sheikah technology. Not remotely related to what he was searching for, but it was fascinating information, nonetheless. Unfortunately, it seemed that with so many centuries passing by, the ability to create such technology was lost to the world. 

Moving on from the technology archives, Sooga began to look through the next and final bookcase. This one was hardly organized, with papers, scrolls and books all shoved into the shelves, seemingly without care. He briefly wondered who’d been at fault for the mess. 

As he looked through all the pieces of information within the disorganized shelf, Sooga came to the realization that everything within it was fairly recent. A lot of the reports dated back less than fifty years ago, some even being closer to twenty years ago. Was he close to finding answers? Calming his mind, he continued scanning through every piece of paper, not wanting to get ahead of himself. 

It was then he found it. A small wooden crate, containing tons of loose papers that had been shoved into the box. They were all clan records, listing every member’s name, ranking, and any important information that needed to be recorded. 

Pulling a yellowing page free from the box, Sooga found that it was from thirty-five years ago. Almost. He then gathered a group of the papers, skimming through each one until he finally spotted the correct dates. Twenty to thirty years ago.

On the oldest record, he looked through the names, skipping down through the alphabet. And there it was, the key to everything he, Rose and Master Kohga had been contemplating.

‘Okuda Hanako. Rank: Blademaster. Age: 33’

And underneath, it read;

‘Siora Hanako. Rank: Nurse/Healer. Age: 31’

Staring at the paper in shock, Sooga couldn't believe that he’d finally found answers. Surely, the two people listed had to be Rose’s parents. The family name and timeline were correct. 

Setting the page aside, Sooga then kept looking. Hopefully there would be a more detailed report on them. And surely enough, there was. 

‘Official Clan Retirement Report: Okuda and Siora Hanako have recently left for Tabantha Village, retiring from their duties as clan members. Okuda is more hesitant, as he comes from a long line of blademasters, including his sister who retired young due to an injury. Mrs. Hanako is supposedly with child; their reason for leaving the hideout. They have agreed that when the child comes of age, they shall join the clan and begin their training. Until then, Okuda and Siora shall do simple work as spies.

Signed: Head Blademaster, Asano’

Instinctively, Sooga wanted to report his findings to Master Kohga right away. Grabbing the other paper, he began walking to the stairway that led back up into the hideout. But, he paused, becoming unsure of what he was about to do. This was going to change things for Rose, and there was no way to foresee how she’d react to or be affected by the information. So, he figured that this was something that she needed to know about before anyone else.

He’d tell Rose as soon as she returned from her mission. With that decided, Sooga folded the two papers and headed back up, going straight to his quarters. 

After getting Uki to the infirmary and ensuring she wasn’t about to die, Rose decided to go back to her room before doing anything else. She was exhausted, and desperately needed a bath after the long mission across the desert. Taking her mask off, she held it within her left hand as she headed for her quarters.

But, before she could even enter her room, the door to Sooga’s opened, and he hastily stepped outside.

“Rose, I must speak with you at once.”

Raising an eyebrow, she looked at him with confusion. “Did something happen?”

He hesitated, but gave her a nod. “…yes.” 

An anxious feeling hit her, filling her with dread. “O-okay…”

“Come,” he then retreated back into his room, standing beside the door to allow her inside. Following, he firmly shut the door behind her.

“Rose, while you were on your mission, I decided to continue searching through the library for any information on your family.”

Her eyes instantly lit up. Did he mean…?

“I found records of your family,” Sooga revealed. 

Gasping, Rose clasped a hand over her mouth. She almost couldn’t believe it. But who exactly in her family? She needed to know more. 

“Can I see them?”

He nodded, picking up two sheets of old, yellowed paper from his desk. He then held them out to her. Feeling as though her entire life were about to change, Rose cautiously took the papers into her hands, finding that she was shaking. 

The first page was a list of clan members. It was then that she saw her parents’s names. Her mouth fell open, and she felt she was beginning to tear up. Her father had been a blademaster, and her mother was a healer? Bringing the other paper above the other, she then read over its contents.

It was a report of her parents’ retirement from the clan. The reason they’d decided to leave was because of her. It also read that her father came from a long line of blademasters, which included her aunt. Shaking her head in disbelief, Rose blinked away the tears that threatened to spill.

“Rose… are you alright?” Sooga asked, his voice soft and low. 

Trembling, she bit her lip. As she gripped the papers between her hands, they began to crease and crumple. A tear slid down her reddened cheek, falling onto the top page.

“Rose,” he called her name again, placing both hands on either of her shoulders. “…I’m sorry you had to find out this way. I don’t understand why they never told you-“

“I’m fine,” she choked out, sucking in a sharp breath after the words left her lips. “Just… a little shocked.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?” He asked again.

Wordlessly, she nodded. 

Hesitantly, Sooga let go of her. “We’ll have to inform Master Kohga soon. Not tonight, though. I want you to get some rest.”

“…yeah,” she breathed. “Um, I’m gonna go shower now. And then sleep, I guess.”

“Alright. If you need anything, please come to me.”

“Okay… goodnight, Sooga…”

“Goodnight, Rose,” he replied, still sounding unsure. Perhaps he could tell that she’d lied, that she was certainly not okay.

Still, she left his room, going into her own and locking the door behind herself. The crumpled pages were now crushed in her hand, as she approached the floor-length mirror. She stared at herself; no longer a half Sheikah woman who’d thought she’d live a simple life had her parents not perished. Now, she stared into the tear-stained eyes of a Yiga woman, one who had come from an ancient bloodline of assassins. 

Despite nothing physically changing, Rose couldn’t recognize herself.

[patriciers]

CHARACTER UPDATES : ARC IV .

BELTHASAR STOUT , LORD COMMANDER OF THE NORTHERN KINGSGUARD .

belthasar returns to winterfell with the northern royal family , resuming his regular activities as lord commander and member of the small council . there , he keeps correspondence with his late wife’s family , helping jory write letters to them as well . he briefly returns to goldgrass , hearing lord jordan had taken ill . though grateful for the opportunity to see more of his mother , younger sibling , and nephew lord kieran bolton ( whose appearance at goldgrass manages to surprise him ) , he takes his leave back to winterfell the moment the old man seems to be doing better , tired of butting heads with his older siblings from the moment he passes through goldgrass’ humble gates . closer to the tournament , he also attends the wedding of northern master of ships cailin mallister and lady helaena mallister née florent , both as a guest and leader of the stark’s entourage .

OSRIC ARRYN , LORD OF THE EYRIE AND THE VALE .

comforted by familiar surroundings upon his return to the vale , osric relaxes almost instantly , just as he did after king’s landing . at the eyrie , he adjusts to officially being a man grown , now that he is no longer the latest addition to the family after more than a quarter of a century . he keeps his needling to a minimum when it comes to his brothers , and dotes on his new niece whenever permitted to , trying to be the best uncle ( and younger brother ) he can possibly be . he also begins a fling with lady aaliyah mormont while they’re at the eyrie congruently . later , his eldest brother lord rodrik arryn sends him on a tour of the vale in his stead , an assignment that , while definitely appropriate for osric , is still a new layer of responsibility he has never had before . he begins his tour by departing with ser tharon to see the rest of clan redsmith , and continues on from there . notably also visits house baelish , house donniger , and house royce ; taking extra time with the royces to keep his best friend andar royce company . he even departs for highgarden from runestone .

SERENA KARSTARK , RULING LADY OF KARHOLD .

aside from watching maika grow , keeping up with her friends and allies , and briefly hosting lady guinevere lannister , a not - so - insignificant amount of serena’s free time is spent in the glass gardens of karhold , retraining a miniature maple she brought from the south ( and passed down to her from her late lady mother ) . her overall content mood spoils , however , when she receives a raven from her nephew , lord yeongjun serrett , that he has been arranged to be married , despite knowing he and his father had an agreement stating otherwise . for the first time ever , perhaps , she doesn’t view joji as someone who had hung the stars in the sky , but as simply a man — and one who’s gone back on his word , no less . when the invitation to the tournament arrives , the thought of not attending crosses her mind, what with the prospect of traveling with an infant , and having already declined an invitation to a wedding in winterfell , but a number of factors influence her , and in the end , she agrees to attend .

TOBIAS TARTH , LORD OF EVENFALL HALL .

overwhelmed  by  the  oppressive  atmosphere  in  dorne  ,  tobias  packs  the  few  belongings  he  brought  himself  to  be  transported  back  to  evenfall  hall  before  slipping  out  the  gates  of sunspear without  a  word  to  anyone  .  he  negotiates  his  way  onto  the  first  vessel  he  can  find  ,  promising  to  help  the  crew  in  whatever  way  he  can  for  the  duration  of  their  voyage  to  earn  his  keep  .  upon  his  arrival  in  lys  ,  he  treks  between  the  free  cities  ,  accumulating  coin  by  picking  up  mercenary  work  ,  gaining  infamy  ,  and  truly  living  up  to  his  old  moniker  of  "  the  butcher  knight  .  "  but  the  toll  of  work  as  a  sellsword  gets  to  him  ,  and  for  a  moment  he  considers  settling  in  lhazar  ,  living  out  the  rest  of  his  days  as  a  shepherd  .  but  ,  as  always  ,  homesickness  creeps  up  on  him  ,  and  he  ventures  to  the  nearest  port  ,  where  he  boards  a  ship  bound  for  (  regrettably  )  king's  landing  ;  though  tobias  heads  directly  toward  evenfall  hall  the  moment  the  ship  makes  landfall  .  there  ,  he  finds  the  castle  empty  ,  and  learns  just  how  much  he's  missed  in  a  mere  six  moons  .  after  a  few  days'  rest  on  tarth  ,  tobias  journeys  to  the  reach  ,  arriving  just  after  the  eventful  second  day  of jousting with  a  heavier  guilt  on  his  shoulders  than  ever  before  .

[martingarry-195]

Best Alternatives to Google My Maps for Sharing Travel Stories

For many travelers, documenting and sharing itineraries visually has become just as important as the journey itself. But with Google My Maps reaching its limits in terms of customizability and collaboration, users are increasingly searching for more flexible, GIS-powered alternatives. The challenge is clear: how can one create rich, day-by-day travel narratives that are both interactive and informative without being restricted by basic plotting tools? That’s where modern story mapping solutions come in.

Why Traditional Mapping Tools Fall Short

Google My Maps is simple, but that simplicity can also be a limitation. When planning multi-day international trips like a week in any place, users often want more than just pins. They want to plot detailed locations, organize travel days, upload photos, write personal notes, and even collaborate with others—all without cluttering the map. Tools that rely purely on basic markers and labels can't deliver the depth required for serious travel storytelling.

GIS in Travel Storytelling

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) bring depth and structure to map-based storytelling. Unlike static maps, GIS-powered platforms allow travelers to create layered narratives by combining spatial data with multimedia elements. From tourism boards creating national heritage trails to travel bloggers curating personalized city walks, GIS has revolutionized the way stories are told through location. Not only does it enhance visualization, but it also allows a more organized, attribute-rich approach to storytelling.

Industries like ecotourism, cultural preservation, travel journalism, and local tourism boards are already embracing GIS to create immersive, shareable travel content. When paired with tools that support real-time collaboration, role-based access, and custom attributes (like accommodation type or transport mode), GIS becomes a storytelling engine, not just a map.

What Makes a Modern Story Mapping Tool Stand Out?

Imagine planning a Cambodia itinerary where each day is mapped with purpose. You begin by manually searching for addresses, dropping custom markers for landmarks like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh markets, or Kampot’s riverside. You label them with titles like "Day 2 - Sunrise at Angkor," add brief descriptions, images from your camera roll, and even tag them with categories like "food stop" or "hiking trail."

Now imagine being able to preview the entire map as a story, share it through a private link, embed it in a blog, or even collaborate with a friend as a contributor or editor. That level of freedom isn’t science fiction anymore. Some platforms are quietly enabling exactly this kind of intuitive travel storytelling.

A Platform Worth Exploring

One such platform worth checking out is MAPOG. It allows users to plot travel journeys day-by-day, attach images and descriptions, and assign custom attributes that help you track every detail—from hotel check-ins to scenic routes. For bloggers and teams, the ability to share editable versions or simply allow viewers to explore your story map makes it a well-rounded alternative to Google My Maps. Though not mentioned often, it’s quietly making travel mapping far more intuitive.

In short, as the need for immersive travel sharing grows, switching to a more GIS-centered, customizable, and story-first platform can turn your trip into something not just remembered, but experienced by others.

[oceanbreezebandb]

Discover the Comfort of North Vancouver Short Term Furnished Apartments with Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast

When visiting North Vancouver, whether for business, leisure, or relocation, finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay is essential. That’s where Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast steps in, offering top-tier North Vancouver short term furnished apartments that combine home-like comfort with hotel-style service. Nestled in one of the most scenic and accessible neighborhoods in the region, these apartments provide the perfect solution for those seeking temporary accommodations with all the conveniences of a fully equipped home.

Ideal for Business Travelers and Vacationers

Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast understands the diverse needs of today’s travelers. Business visitors appreciate the quiet, professional atmosphere and amenities that support productivity, such as high-speed internet, private workspaces, and proximity to downtown Vancouver. At the same time, vacationers benefit from the location’s easy access to local attractions, waterfront parks, hiking trails, and ski resorts. These North Vancouver short term furnished apartments cater to a broad range of guests, making them a versatile choice for short stays of a few days or longer-term arrangements spanning several weeks or months.

Fully Furnished for a Hassle-Free Stay

One of the standout features of Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast's offerings is the attention to detail in every furnished apartment. Each unit is move-in ready, equipped with stylish décor, comfortable beds, full kitchens, and modern appliances. Guests can settle in without worrying about buying essentials or arranging utility services. This turnkey approach is ideal for those who value convenience, allowing them to focus on their work, explore the area, or simply relax and enjoy their stay.

A Prime North Vancouver Location

Location plays a key role in choosing short term accommodations, and Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast delivers North Vancouver short-term furnished apartments accordingly. Situated in the heart of North Vancouver, the property offers stunning views of the waterfront and the city skyline. Guests are within walking distance of Lonsdale Quay, where they can enjoy local markets, cafes, and cultural events. The nearby SeaBus terminal provides quick and easy access to downtown Vancouver, making commuting stress-free. Whether you’re here for a short visit or an extended stay, this central location enhances your experience by placing everything you need within reach.

Personalized Service and a Welcoming Atmosphere

Unlike large, impersonal hotel chains, Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast prides itself on offering warm, personalized service. The team goes the extra mile to ensure every guest feels at home, whether through tailored recommendations, housekeeping services, or help with local transportation. This personal touch sets the property apart and adds a layer of comfort to each stay.

The Smart Choice for Temporary Living

For anyone seeking North Vancouver short term furnished apartments, Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast presents a compelling option. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and quality service, this charming establishment meets the needs of modern travelers. Whether you're relocating, on assignment, or simply taking a much-needed getaway, you’ll find a trusted home base at Ocean Breeze that combines the best of hospitality and home-style living.

[dropitservices]

Circular Economy in Action: Dropit's Role in Reverse Logistics and Sustainable Practices

In an era where sustainability isn’t a choice but a necessity, businesses must rethink not just how products are delivered but what happens after. As the demand for rapid eCommerce grows, so does waste, packaging pollution, and inefficiencies in returns.

Enter the circular economy, a model where resources are reused, recycled, and reintegrated minimizing waste and maximizing value. And at the center of this transformation in urban logistics is Dropit, an EV-powered hyperlocal delivery platform revolutionizing reverse logistics and sustainable last-mile practices.

1. What is the Circular Economy — and Why Does It Matter?

The circular economy is a shift from the traditional “take-make-dispose” linear model. Instead of creating waste, materials are:

Reused

Recycled

Returned into the system

For logistics and commerce, this means smarter returns, packaging reuse, and asset recovery.

2. Reverse Logistics: The Missing Piece in Sustainable Commerce

While most brands focus on shipping out products, reverse logistics the flow of goods back to the seller is often inefficient and carbon-heavy.

Challenges include:

Multiple failed pickup attempts

High fuel consumption for returns

Discarded or non-recycled packaging

Delayed restocking or refurbishing

📦 Dropit bridges this gap, enabling a reverse logistics model that is both eco-friendly and economically viable.

3. Dropit’s Reverse Logistics Model: Smart, Seamless & Sustainable

Dropit integrates returns and pickups directly into its daily delivery routes using electric cargo bikes.

Its reverse logistics model includes:

Pickup of returned goods at customer doorstep

Collection of reusable packaging

Routing returns to local stores or micro-hubs

Real-time status updates via the Dropit app

🔁 This enables businesses to recirculate products faster lowering inventory waste, energy use, and emissions.

4. Reducing Waste Through Packaging Recovery

E-commerce packaging is a massive source of waste. Cardboard, bubble wrap, plastic — often used once and discarded.

Dropit enables:

Collection of used boxes, mailers, or reusable containers

Sorting at micro-fulfillment centers for reuse or recycling

Partnerships with brands offering reusable packaging

♻️ This simple loop reduces landfill waste and boosts packaging ROI.

5. Optimizing Delivery Loops With AI and Data

Sustainability is only scalable with intelligent planning. Dropit uses AI-powered logistics tools to:

Batch returns and deliveries on the same route

Minimize detours and backtracking

Assign riders optimized loops based on volume and proximity

Adapt routes in real-time for new return requests

📊 This means fewer miles, fewer vehicles, and maximum efficiency.

6. Localized Logistics = Faster Circular Flows

Unlike traditional returns that go back to central warehouses, Dropit’s model:

Returns products to local retail outlets or dark stores

Enables faster restocking, repairs, or reuse

Minimizes emissions by avoiding long-haul return trips

🛍️ This “hyperlocal circularity” is ideal for cities where speed and sustainability matter equally.

7. Brands Get ESG Wins Through Dropit

Dropit helps brands meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by:

Reducing Scope 3 emissions (from downstream transport)

Offering sustainable returns to eco-conscious customers

Enabling data reporting on emissions saved and items recovered

Supporting recommerce, repair, and reuse models

🌍 Partnering with Dropit means brands can operate responsibly without compromising convenience.

8. Empowering Green Jobs in the Reverse Supply Chain

Dropit's model also creates green employment opportunities for youth in cities. Riders are trained not just to deliver, but to:

Handle reverse pickups

Sort packaging and reusable materials

Educate customers on eco-friendly habits

💼 This strengthens the human layer of circular logistics building environmental awareness at the street level.

9. Circular Delivery for the Subscription Economy

As subscriptions grow in categories like:

Meal kits

Personal care

Fashion rental

Electronics leasing

The need for frequent returns and pickup loops increases.

Dropit’s recurring reverse logistics is ideal for this model, with:

Weekly/monthly pickup schedules

Product swaps

Container return and reuse

📦 Dropit turns every delivery into a two-way value cycle.

10. Closing the Loop — Literally

The end goal? A fully circular logistics model where:

Every item delivered has a planned return route

Packaging is reused or responsibly recycled

Products are recirculated into the system quickly

Urban logistics supports net-zero cities

Dropit is building that model one return, one EV cycle, one smart route at a time.

Conclusion: From Waste to Worth — Dropit’s Circular Advantage

Modern logistics must do more than move products it must move systems toward sustainability. Dropit’s integration of reverse logistics, packaging reuse, and localized delivery demonstrates how circular practices aren’t just idealistic they’re operational, scalable, and profitable.

Dropit turns sustainability into speed, and returns into returns-on-investment proving that green logistics is the smartest logistics of all.

Ready to make your delivery ecosystem circular?

Partner with Dropit for eco-smart returns, zero-emission delivery, and urban logistics that give back to the planet.

👉 Get started with Dropit or download the Dropit App to schedule pickups, returns, and deliveries.

[penthouse5bblogs]

Corporate Housing NYC: The Smart Choice for Business Travelers

Navigating New York City for work can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between meetings, events, and tight schedules, finding the right place to stay plays a crucial role in your overall experience. That’s where corporate housing NYC steps in as a game-changer. Whether you're relocating for a new job, managing a long-term assignment, or simply in town for an extended project, corporate housing offers the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and flexibility.

What Is Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing refers to fully furnished rental apartments, condos, or homes that are available for both short- and long-term stays. Unlike hotels, corporate housing options provide a more home-like environment, complete with kitchens, living spaces, and often, amenities like in-unit laundry, fitness centers, and concierge services.

In the context of NYC, these residences are typically located in prime neighborhoods Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens close to business hubs and public transportation, making daily commuting seamless.

Why Choose Corporate Housing in NYC?

1. Comfort Meets Functionality

Traditional hotel rooms often feel cramped after a few days. Corporate housing, on the other hand, is designed for longer stays. You'll have a proper bedroom, kitchen, and living space where you can relax, work, and even entertain. This is especially helpful for professionals who need a productive environment or families moving together.

2. Cost-Effective for Extended Stays

Staying in a hotel for weeks or months can drain your budget quickly. Corporate housing offers a more affordable alternative. Many units offer all-inclusive pricing (utilities, Wi-Fi, housekeeping), making it easier to budget accurately for your stay.

3. Prime Locations

Corporate housing in NYC places you close to where the action is financial districts, major corporations, co-working spaces, and more. Whether you're stationed downtown, in Midtown Manhattan, or near Wall Street, there’s a corporate rental nearby that minimizes your commute and maximizes your productivity.

4. Amenities That Matter

From high-speed internet to smart home features, corporate housing caters to business travelers. Many properties come with 24/7 concierge services, fitness centers, rooftop lounges, and secured access adding an extra layer of convenience and luxury.

5. Privacy and Flexibility

Unlike hotels, corporate housing gives you the privacy of a home. No crowded lobbies or noisy hallways. Plus, you have the flexibility to cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and live on your schedule.

Who Needs Corporate Housing?

Corporate housing in NYC is ideal for:

Business travelers on long assignments

Relocated employees and their families

Consultants and contractors

Medical professionals in residency or training

Entertainment industry professionals

Start-up founders and remote workers

In short, if you're staying in NYC for more than a few weeks and want to avoid hotel fatigue, corporate housing is your best bet.

Top Neighborhoods for Corporate Housing in NYC

1. Midtown Manhattan

A hub for many corporate offices, media companies, and law firms, Midtown offers excellent transit connections, upscale dining, and entertainment.

2. Financial District (FiDi)

If your office is on Wall Street or you're working with financial institutions, FiDi places you in the center of the action. The area is also quiet in the evenings, offering a peaceful retreat after work.

3. Long Island City (LIC)

LIC in Queens is just a stop away from Midtown and offers stunning skyline views, new luxury developments, and more affordable rates.

4. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

For creatives, freelancers, and tech professionals, Williamsburg offers a vibrant lifestyle with proximity to Manhattan via the L train.

5. Upper West Side / Upper East Side

These residential neighborhoods are perfect for families and professionals who prefer a quieter, more suburban feel within city limits.

What to Look for in NYC Corporate Housing

To find the best corporate housing NYC option for your needs, keep the following checklist in mind:

Furnished interiors: Look for modern, high-quality furnishings.

Wi-Fi and workspace: Essential for remote work or late-night projects.

Proximity to transit: Quick access to subway lines or shuttle services.

Housekeeping services: Weekly cleaning helps maintain hygiene without the hassle.

Security: 24/7 doorman or controlled building access adds peace of mind.

Flexible lease terms: Choose between weekly, monthly, or longer stays.

How to Find Affordable Corporate Housing in NYC

New York City is known for its high prices, but with the right approach, you can find a luxury corporate rental without breaking your budget. One excellent resource is this detailed guide on how to find affordable corporate housing in NYC without compromising comfort, which outlines smart tips on finding value-for-money properties in the city.

Some key strategies include:

Booking early: High-demand seasons can limit availability and raise prices.

Negotiating lease terms: Especially for longer stays, landlords may offer discounts.

Working with reputable providers: Platforms like Penthouse 5B specialize in vetted luxury rentals.

Looking outside Manhattan: Neighborhoods in Brooklyn or Queens often offer better value with similar amenities.

The Future of Corporate Housing: Smart, Sustainable, and Stylish

Today’s business travelers expect more than just a bed and Wi-Fi. They’re looking for modern features like:

Smart home automation: Control lighting, temperature, and security from your phone.

Sustainable living: Energy-efficient appliances and green-certified buildings.

Stylish design: Thoughtfully decorated interiors that feel inspiring, not sterile.

NYC corporate housing providers are stepping up to meet these expectations, offering residences that rival boutique hotels in aesthetics and functionality.

Final Thoughts

For business professionals coming to the Big Apple, corporate housing NYC provides the ideal solution. It offers everything today’s working traveler needs comfort, convenience, flexibility, and affordability without the stress of short-term rentals or the limitations of hotel living.

Whether you're here for a month or a year, staying in a modern, furnished corporate apartment can transform your experience. With the right approach and helpful resources like the Penthouse 5B guide to affordable corporate housing, you can enjoy all that New York City has to offer on your terms.

[badgeplus2]

Features to Look for When Choosing Durable Cases for Field Equipment

Transporting electronic equipment, particularly devices used in field operations, demands high-performance protective solutions. The right case minimizes risk from physical damage, environmental exposure, and logistical challenges. Several technical features must be considered to ensure protection and functionality during transport.

Let’s explore the key features that define a durable and dependable protective case for field equipment.

Why Equipment Protection Requires Purpose-Built Design?

Field operations often involve unpredictable environments, rough handling, and varying transport conditions. A printer transport case designed with industrial-grade materials and specifications helps prevent impact-related damage, keeps components secure, and ensures the operational readiness of devices during deployment.

Construction Materials and Structural Integrity

A case’s performance begins with the materials used in its construction. Injection-molded HPX® resin and polypropylene are high-strength polymers for their crushproof and corrosion-resistant properties. These materials provide structural rigidity while resisting impact forces, making them suitable for demanding conditions.

Durability is validated through compliance with standards such as MIL-STD-810F, which measures a product’s resistance to vibration, shock, and environmental stressors. Cases meeting this standard are tested to perform in rugged operational environments, making them reliable for field professionals.

Resistance to Weather and Environmental Conditions

Weather resistance is critical for equipment that may be exposed to outdoor conditions. Cases designed with watertight seals and dustproof construction protect sensitive electronics from moisture, dirt, and debris.

Certifications like IP66 indicate that a case can withstand direct water jets and is sealed against dust ingress. This ensures the contents remain safe in rain, humid environments, and dusty locations—conditions commonly encountered during field assignments, site visits, or mobile setups.

Functional Mobility and Transport Efficiency

Transporting field equipment often involves movement over different surfaces and handling by various users. Built-in wheels, such as wide-track polyurethane models with stainless steel bearings, provide smooth rolling on multiple terrains.

Retractable handles and multiple fold-down, soft-grip handles improve maneuverability and handling. These features support quick setup and takedown in environments like trade shows, mobile offices, or remote operations, reducing fatigue and enhancing workflow efficiency.

Security Features for Reliable Transit

Protection during transport extends beyond external impact. Securing the contents within the case is essential to prevent tampering and accidental opening. Cases with press-and-pull latches provide reliable locking while remaining easy to operate under field conditions.

Padlock-compatible hasps offer an additional layer of security, allowing equipment to be locked during unattended transport. Stainless steel hardware further resists wear and tampering, contributing to long-term durability and secure usage.

Custom Interior Fit for Device Protection

The internal layout of a transport case is as important as its outer shell. Precision-cut foam inserts create a snug fit for specific equipment models, reducing internal shifting and absorbing shocks during movement.

Custom interiors may include compartments for accessories such as cables, laptops, cameras, and consumables. By keeping items organized and protected, these configurations streamline setup and preserve equipment functionality over time.

Conclusion

Choosing a durable case for field equipment involves evaluating structural materials, weather resistance, mobility, and security features. Certifications like MIL-STD-810F and IP66 indicate performance in demanding conditions. Secure closures and custom foam interiors create a reliable transport solution that safeguards sensitive equipment and supports efficient field operations.

Visit the relevant website to explore protective solutions for field equipment. There, you can find detailed specifications, product compatibility, and case options.

[bitfreak]

Computer Network Interview Questions

🖥️✨ Computer Network Interview Questions and Answers – Your Easy Prep Guide! ✨🖥️

When you hear the term Computer Networks, does your mind jump to routers, IP addresses, or maybe that one time your Wi-Fi betrayed you during an online class or meeting? 😂 Well, jokes aside, computer networking is one of the core subjects for students from CS/IT backgrounds – and guess what? Interviewers LOVE to ask questions from this topic.

Whether you're preparing for your first technical interview or brushing up for a campus placement, having a solid knowledge on basic networking concepts can make a real difference. From understanding how data travels across the internet to knowing what happens behind the scenes when you type a URL into your browser – networking concepts are everywhere. 💻

🚀 Top Computer Network Interview Questions & Answers 🔍

1. What is a Computer Network? A computer network is a group of two or more computers connected to each other so they can share resources, like files, printers, or the internet. The connection can be wired or wireless.

2. What’s the difference between LAN, MAN, and WAN?

LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area like your home or office.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): Covers a city or a large campus.

WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large distances, like the internet.

3. What is an IP address? An IP address is a unique number assigned to every device connected to a network. It helps identify your device and allows it to communicate with other devices.

4. What is DNS? DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names like google.com into IP addresses. It’s like your phone's contact list – you don’t memorize numbers, just names.

5. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Reliable, sends data in order, and checks for errors. Used for things like emails and web browsing.

UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Faster but less reliable. Used for streaming videos or online games.

6. What is a Router? A router connects different networks together and directs data where it needs to go. It's what allows you to use Wi-Fi at home.

7. What is OSI Model? Can you explain its layers? The OSI Model is a framework that shows how data travels over a network. It has 7 layers:

Physical

Data Link

Network

Transport

Session

Presentation

Application Think of it like a ladder where each step adds more meaning to the data.

8. What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? HTTPS is just like HTTP, but secure. The “S” stands for Secure. It uses encryption to protect your data.

9. What is a MAC address? A MAC address is a unique hardware ID for your device's network card. Think of it like a digital fingerprint.

10. What is a Firewall? A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It helps protect your system from hackers or unwanted access.

📌 Need more? We’ve covered more in-depth questions along with real examples and diagrams on our blog here 👉 🔗 Read Full Blog - Computer Network Interview Questions & Answers

[anywayzmovingus]

Premium Features Offered by Beverly Hills Moving Company to Customers in 2025

Your moving needs today demand world-class service that addresses contemporary standards and treats precious items with superior professional care.

Beverly Hills Moving Company provides high-end features with cutting-edge technology while ensuring old-school white-glove service levels throughout each move process.

Teams willing to work with you today will Tod

provide additional service options for safeguarding what you own and minimizing stress during relocations.

There are endless new features that prove to be helpful during moving times and involve highly specialized handling techniques.

Advanced Packing and Protection Services

You will be delighted to know that it is standard practice to use clean padding throughout your entire moving process. Professional packing crews even get raw materials produced from scratch that become their signature during a shifting session!

You will be met with creative crating services like wood boxes

They will introduce climate control that maintain constant temperatures throughout storage

You may get discounts on bubble wrapping services that create protective layers for breakable items 

Your team will take measurements and build personalized wardrobe boxes from scratch 

Highest attention is given to the packing of electronic equipment, often using cutting-edge foam materials

Technology Integration for Better Service

Are you scared that your items will disappear without a trace? 

Thankfully, these days you can follow them at every stage and receive updates. They usually have mobile notifications and even apps for that!

GPS-enabled trucks can display accurate location data throughout the country. To add to that your professional team will also be using advanced scheduling techniques with buffer time. 

Similarly, Torrance Movers frequently uses these technological advancements while maintaining affordable service rates, while at the same time reducing transportation time.

Specialized Moving Equipment and Vehicles

Modern moving trucks are equipped with air-ride suspension systems, which reduce vibration and protect breakable objects when traveling over uneven terrain. 

Groups can safely lift large objects with hydraulic lifts, which also reduce the risk of accidents during loading procedures. 

Proper handling techniques during your move are ensured by professional dollies, straps, and customized moving equipment. 

While reducing the physical strain on moving crews, these tools help keep your belongings safe.

White-Glove Service Options

Furniture assembly services are included in premium service packages, which save you time during hectic moving times by rebuilding items after transportation. 

Expert teams take care of the intricate setup and place everything precisely where you want it. 

Furthermore, experts at Newport Beach Moving Company maintain outstanding customer satisfaction rates throughout coastal communities while offering comparable first-rate services. 

While you concentrate on other moving-related duties, unpacking services assist in organizing your possessions. 

Expert crews remove packing supplies from your property and arrange items in assigned rooms.

Insurance and Protection Plans

Options for comprehensive coverage provide peace of mind during costly moves while protecting your possessions above and beyond the minimum liability limits. 

Full-value protection ensures appropriate compensation for damaged items while covering replacement costs. 

Before moving into your property, professional teams take pictures and record any damage that already exists. Both parties are protected by this procedure, which also produces accurate records for insurance purposes. 

Throughout your entire moving process, committed moving coordinators keep in constant contact while taking care of every detail. During difficult times of relocation, these experts respond to inquiries and address worries.

Conclusion

During complicated moves, your moving crew keeps you informed and modifies plans in response to evolving conditions. This adaptability aids in meeting unforeseen delays while upholding standards for service quality. During difficult moves, premium moving services provide outstanding value by adjusting to your unique needs and using their professional expertise. When preparing for your next residential move, take into account these cutting-edge features.

[madisontaylor84]

Elevate Your Group Travel with a Luxury Sprinter Van in Atlanta

Traveling with a group can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges—especially in a bustling city like Atlanta. Whether it’s corporate executives attending a conference, a wedding party heading to the venue, or a group of friends preparing for a weekend getaway, one thing remains constant: you need reliable and stylish transportation. That’s where a Luxury Sprinter van in Atlanta becomes a game-changer.

Why Standard Group Travel Falls Short

Let’s face it—traditional group travel options often feel more like a compromise than a solution. Cramped shuttle buses, multiple rideshares, or rental SUVs rarely offer the comfort and unity needed for smooth group coordination. If your group is flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the situation becomes even more chaotic. Splitting up to catch different cars or waiting on delayed pickups isn’t just frustrating—it can throw off your entire schedule.

The difference with a luxury Sprinter van is night and day. These high-end vehicles are designed with both comfort and sophistication in mind. From plush seating and ambient lighting to smooth suspension and onboard amenities, a Sprinter van turns your trip into a stress-free, elegant experience.

Designed for Comfort and Class

Unlike standard vans, luxury Sprinter vans are all about the experience. Stepping inside feels more like entering a private jet than a typical shuttle. Many vans are outfitted with leather seats, high-end audio systems, flat-screen TVs, mood lighting, and even Wi-Fi.

This isn’t just practical for long drives across the Atlanta metro—it enhances every aspect of the ride. Whether you’re entertaining clients or prepping for your big day, traveling together in a luxury setting helps set the tone. And if you’ve got luggage, sports gear, or equipment to haul, these vans typically offer generous cargo space without compromising passenger comfort.

Ideal for Every Occasion

A Sprinter van isn't just for one type of event—it’s versatile enough for almost any situation. Business professionals appreciate the quiet, well-appointed interior for working on the go or taking calls without distraction. Wedding parties love being able to travel together in style, avoiding parking headaches and ensuring everyone arrives on time. For birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette outings, or sightseeing tours around Atlanta, the van becomes part of the celebration.

Traveling to a Falcons game? Planning a group wine tour in North Georgia? Attending a family reunion? The adaptability of a luxury van is hard to beat.

The Advantage of Having a Chauffeur

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a luxury Sprinter van service is having a professional driver behind the wheel. These chauffeurs are trained, experienced, and knowledgeable about Atlanta’s roadways and traffic patterns. They take care of the logistics, navigation, and safety so you and your group can focus on the experience.

Having a chauffeur also adds a layer of convenience and polish that elevates any event. You won’t have to worry about parking, coordinating departure times, or assigning a designated driver. You can simply enjoy the journey.

Cost-Effective for Groups

People often assume that luxury means “expensive,” but when you consider the value of traveling together—especially for groups of 10 or more—a Sprinter van is surprisingly affordable. Instead of booking multiple rideshares or renting several cars, one van keeps everyone together and cuts down on costs and confusion.

Plus, since everything is arranged in advance, you won’t get hit with surprise fees or delays. It’s a smart financial decision that doesn’t skimp on luxury.

Booking a Sprinter Van in Atlanta

When you decide it’s time to upgrade your group travel, booking a luxury Sprinter van is simple. Most services allow you to reserve your van online or by phone, and you'll be asked a few key details: the size of your group, pick-up and drop-off locations, and any amenities you prefer.

You can even request custom setups, like champagne service, privacy screens, or special lighting effects for events. The key is booking ahead—especially during busy seasons like graduation, weddings, and holiday travel.

Conclusion

In a city as dynamic and busy as Atlanta, comfort, efficiency, and style shouldn’t be optional. A Luxury Sprinter van Atlanta rental provides all three in one seamless package. Whether you're heading to the airport, celebrating a special occasion, or organizing a corporate outing, this option guarantees a more refined and memorable experience.

[otocabs]

Why OTO Cabs is the Best New Ride-Hailing Option in Delhi NCR

Delhi NCR, a bustling metropolitan region, is always on the move. Whether it’s daily commutes, late-night travels, or quick errands, the demand for reliable and efficient ride-hailing services is ever-growing. In recent years, several ride-hailing options have emerged, but OTO Cabs has rapidly gained attention as the best new choice in the region. With its commitment to affordability, safety, and customer satisfaction, OTO Cabs is changing the way people travel in Delhi NCR.

Affordable Pricing Without Compromising Quality

One of the primary reasons travelers are shifting to OTO Cabs is its competitive pricing model. Unlike other ride-hailing services that often surge prices during peak hours or high-demand situations, OTO Cabs ensures that fares remain reasonable and predictable. The transparent pricing structure means customers are never surprised by hidden charges or inflated rates.

Moreover, frequent users can take advantage of loyalty programs, discounts, and subscription-based ride options that further lower costs. For commuters looking for budget-friendly and reliable transportation, OTO Cabs provides an ideal solution.

Unmatched Safety and Security Standards

In a city as vast and dynamic as Delhi NCR, safety is a top priority for riders. OTO Cabs stands out by implementing rigorous security measures to ensure passenger safety. The platform incorporates real-time ride tracking, verified driver profiles, and an emergency assistance button for passengers.

Drivers undergo thorough background checks, ensuring that only trustworthy individuals are behind the wheel. Additionally, customers receive detailed information about their assigned driver before the ride begins, adding an extra layer of security and confidence.

Convenient and User-Friendly Booking Process

OTO Cabs has simplified the ride-booking experience with its intuitive mobile app and website interface. With just a few taps, users can book rides, track their assigned vehicle in real time, and make seamless digital payments. Whether you need an immediate ride or prefer to schedule one in advance, the app ensures maximum convenience.

Another standout feature is the variety of ride options available. From economical hatchbacks to premium sedans and SUVs, OTO Cabs caters to all preferences and budgets. This flexibility makes it a preferred choice for business professionals, families, and solo travelers alike.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

In today’s eco-conscious era, OTO Cabs is taking significant steps toward sustainability. The service has introduced electric and hybrid vehicles to its fleet, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener urban transport system. By prioritizing fuel efficiency and environmentally friendly policies, OTO Cabs is helping Delhi NCR move toward a cleaner future.

Additionally, OTO Cabs regularly enhances its technology to improve customer experience. AI-driven route optimization, minimal wait times, and personalized ride recommendations are just a few examples of how the service is revolutionizing the ride-hailing industry.

The Future of Ride-Hailing in Delhi NCR

OTO Cabs is rapidly becoming the go-to ride-hailing service in Delhi NCR. With its affordable pricing, strong safety measures, convenient booking process, and commitment to sustainability, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing OTO Cabs over other alternatives.

As the company continues to expand its services and innovate further, riders can expect an even better experience. Whether you need a quick trip across town or a reliable daily commute, OTO Cabs is setting new standards in urban transportation. Try OTO Cabs today and experience a smoother, safer, and more affordable way to travel in Delhi NCR!