#Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

[mechsoftme]

Vulnerability Assessment And Penetration (VAPT) Testing identify & resist cyber-attacks on your system. Mechsoft offers services in Dubai, UAE & Middle East.

[securiumsolutionscompany]

Power of VAPT Services with Securium Solutions

In today's digital landscape, where the risk of cyber threats is ever-present, safeguarding your organization's sensitive data and digital assets is paramount. That's where VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) comes into play. As a leading VAPT company, Securium Solutions offers top-notch VAPT services that empower businesses to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors.

VAPT services encompass a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, combining meticulous Vulnerability Assessment and in-depth Penetration Testing. This dynamic duo allows Securium Solutions to not only pinpoint weaknesses within your systems but also simulate real-world attacks to gauge their actual impact.

Are you curious about VAPT and its significance? Our experts at Securium Solutions have you covered. Whether you're looking for an in-depth explanation of VAPT, seeking answers to common VAPT interview questions, or exploring the array of VAPT tools, we provide a wealth of resources to satisfy your curiosity.

With an impressive track record, Securium Solutions employs cutting-edge VAPT tools and methodologies to ensure a robust defense against cyber threats. Our VAPT services are tailored to your specific needs, whether you're a small business or a large enterprise.

In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, staying ahead of threats is imperative. Securium Solutions' VAPT services offer a proactive and strategic approach to protect your digital assets. Partner with us to fortify your defenses and ensure a secure digital future.

[newtness532]

👁👄👁

[blackmoreops]

Top 35 Nmap Commands

Nmap (Network Mapper) is an essential open-source security tool for network exploration, security scanning, and auditing. For hackers, penetration testers, and security professionals, Nmap serves as a crucial reconnaissance tool to identify vulnerabilities and map out network infrastructures. The powerful utility comes with numerous options that might seem overwhelming for beginners, but…

[full-stackmobiledeveloper]

Cyber Security Services Company | Data Security Solutions

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses increasingly rely on technology to store, process, and transmit sensitive data. As companies across industries harness the power of the internet, the need for robust cybersecurity services has never been more crucial. Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing threats from small startups to large corporations that can have devastating consequences. That’s where a cybersecurity company specializing in data protection services and cybersecurity management comes into play.

This blog explores the importance of cybersecurity management, the types of services offered by a cybersecurity services company, and how data protection services and endpoint security services can help businesses protect their sensitive information.

Understanding the Growing Importance of Cybersecurity

The digital transformation that businesses have undergone in recent years has revolutionized operations, providing significant benefits like improved efficiency, better customer engagement, and more streamlined processes. However, this transformation has also opened new doors for cybercriminals who exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks to steal data, launch attacks, and disrupt operations.

With data breaches and cyberattacks on the rise, organizations must safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access, manipulation, and theft. Whether it’s customer data, intellectual property, or financial records, securing these assets is paramount to maintaining trust, compliance with regulations, and protecting brand reputation.

Cybersecurity solutions providers play a key role in defending organizations from these threats. Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical need—it’s a business priority that can help prevent costly disruptions, legal ramifications, and loss of customer confidence. This is where the role of a cybersecurity consulting firm becomes indispensable.

What Is a Cybersecurity Services Company?

A cybersecurity services company specializes in identifying, mitigating, and preventing cyber threats. They provide tailored solutions to ensure businesses’ information and infrastructure are well-protected from a wide range of security risks. These companies are essential partners in safeguarding businesses from cyberattacks and ensuring the security of sensitive data and systems.

Key Services Provided by a Cybersecurity Services Company

Cybersecurity companies offer a range of services designed to safeguard businesses from evolving threats. These services include:

Threat Detection & Prevention Services: Cybersecurity companies deploy advanced monitoring tools and techniques to detect vulnerabilities, anomalous activities, and potential threats before they cause harm. This includes setting up firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

Risk Management: Cybersecurity firms assess vulnerabilities and design strategies to safeguard businesses from both internal and external threats. A cyber risk management company helps ensure that businesses are prepared for any potential cyber risks.

Cybersecurity Audits & Assessments: Regular security audits and penetration testing are vital for identifying weaknesses in a company’s infrastructure. These audits ensure no part of the system remains unprotected.

Compliance Support: For businesses in regulated industries, cybersecurity compliance services help ensure adherence to standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Companies in these industries can also benefit from IT security services companies that provide guidance and support for meeting compliance requirements.

Incident Response & Disaster Recovery: Even with robust security measures, breaches can still occur. Incident response services help businesses respond quickly and effectively to limit damage. Additionally, cybersecurity audit services and vulnerability assessment companies help identify and prevent potential attacks before they materialize.

Employee Training & Awareness: Cybersecurity management companies often provide training programs to raise awareness about phishing, password hygiene, and safe online behavior, reducing human error and improving security.

Types of Data Security Solutions Offered by Cybersecurity Companies

At the core of every cybersecurity service is data protection. Cybersecurity solutions providers offer several key solutions to help businesses secure their information:

Encryption: Encryption ensures that even if data is accessed by cybercriminals, it remains unreadable without the decryption key. Cloud security companies offer encryption solutions to protect data stored in the cloud, safeguarding sensitive information during transit and while at rest.

Access Control & Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) are implemented to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Data protection services monitor data transfers and emails to prevent unauthorized sharing or leakage of confidential information.

Firewalls & Network Security: Firewalls act as the first line of defense by filtering traffic and blocking harmful activities. Network security services providers ensure that your network is properly configured with firewalls, VPNs, and network segmentation to protect data from external attacks.

Backup & Disaster Recovery: A comprehensive backup and recovery plan ensures that lost or compromised data can be restored with minimal disruption to business operations. Cloud security companies play a key role in providing reliable cloud-based backup and recovery services.

Endpoint Security: With more employees working remotely, endpoint security services are becoming essential. Cybersecurity firms implement solutions to protect mobile devices, laptops, and tablets from threats.

Why Partner with a Cybersecurity Services Company?

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from the specialized expertise of a cybersecurity consulting firm. Here are some reasons why partnering with one is essential:

Expertise and Experience

Cybersecurity is a complex field requiring in-depth knowledge of emerging threats and security solutions. A cybersecurity services company brings years of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring best practices and cutting-edge tools are used to protect your data.

Cost Efficiency

Building an in-house cybersecurity team can be costly. By outsourcing to a cybersecurity solutions provider, businesses gain access to expert resources and advanced technologies without the need to invest in full-time staff.

Proactive Protection

Rather than waiting for a breach to occur, a cybersecurity management company helps you adopt a proactive approach by identifying and neutralizing potential threats before they can impact your business.

Regulatory Compliance

Staying compliant with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA can be challenging. A cybersecurity services company ensures your business complies with relevant data protection laws, avoiding legal complications and fines. These companies provide cybersecurity compliance services to meet the highest standards of data protection.

Business Continuity

Cybersecurity services also encompass disaster recovery planning, ensuring that your business can continue to operate smoothly after a cyber attack or natural disaster. Security operations center services ensure continuous monitoring, offering peace of mind that any security breaches are quickly detected and neutralized.

Conclusion: Protect Your Business with a Cybersecurity Services Company

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must take proactive steps to protect their sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Partnering with a reputable cybersecurity consulting firm ensures that you have the right tools, expertise, and strategies in place to prevent cyberattacks, secure your data, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Whether it’s through penetration testing, endpoint security services, or incident response services, a cybersecurity services company plays a crucial role in keeping your data safe and your business running smoothly.

Investing in cybersecurity solutions today can help prevent significant financial and reputational damage in the future. Don't wait until it's too late—reach out to a trusted cybersecurity services company today to protect your data and your business's future.

[nyuway]

https://nyuway.com/why-ptaas-is-a-game-changer-for-your-cybersecurity/

[blacklocksecuritynz]

Web Application Penetration Testing, API Application Security Testing | BlackLock

Looking to get Web Application Penetration Testing services in NZ? BlackLock offers API application penetration testing services. Contact us now!

[k12academics]

The Technology Management Group (TMG) was built by experts and propelled by service. Founded in 1989 by certified cybersecurity, enterprise IT governance, and data privacy solutions engineering expert Chris Moschovitis in New York City, our pioneering tech firm was built on one simple idea. That mid-market companies can neither afford nor keep the expertise necessary to leverage information technologies to maximize their value, optimize operations, and keep their business-critical data safe and sound--especially without breaking the bank or creating more problems.

From the beginning of our history, we've prioritized not only value creation but value protection. And we've been doing cybersecurity since before cybersecurity was a thing! From those first clunky websites to an interconnected planet, artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data--we've been there, done that through it all and we're still here today shaping the future together with you.

Our goal has always been to enable you to enable your business to be smart, be objective and pick the right tech to outpace your competition and deliver the greatest value for your dollar. And we're honored to be known in the business as the people that will go to the end of the world for the clients, clients that are still with us all these decades later.

[networsys]

What is Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)?: Tools, Strategies, and Benefits

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes. Ensuring that your organization's data and systems are secure from potential threats is not just a necessity but a fundamental aspect of your business operations. This is where Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) comes into play. At Networsys, we understand the critical importance of protecting your digital assets. This comprehensive guide will delve into what Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing entails, the tools and strategies involved, and the significant benefits it offers.

What is Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)?

Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is a combination of two crucial security testing processes. While they serve different purposes, together they provide a thorough evaluation of an organization's security posture.

Vulnerability Assessment

Vulnerability Assessment is a systematic process used to identify and classify security vulnerabilities in an information system. It involves scanning the system for weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. This assessment focuses on detecting known vulnerabilities and providing detailed reports that categorize these vulnerabilities based on their severity.

Penetration Testing

Penetration Testing, also known as ethical hacking, goes a step further. It simulates real-world cyber-attacks to evaluate the security of a system. Penetration Testers, or ethical hackers, use various techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled manner. This helps organizations understand how a malicious actor could gain unauthorized access and what data or functionalities are at risk.

By combining Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing, organizations can get a comprehensive view of their security landscape, identifying both existing weaknesses and the potential impact of an exploit.

Tools for Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

Several tools are available to aid in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing. Here are some of the most widely used:

Vulnerability Assessment Tools

Nessus

Nessus is a highly popular tool for vulnerability assessment. It scans for various types of vulnerabilities, including misconfigurations, default passwords, and compliance issues. Nessus provides detailed reports and prioritizes vulnerabilities based on their potential impact.

OpenVAS

OpenVAS is an open-source tool that offers comprehensive vulnerability scanning. It supports a wide range of tests for detecting security issues and provides extensive reporting capabilities.

QualysGuard

QualysGuard is a cloud-based tool that offers continuous vulnerability assessment. It helps in identifying vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues across a range of IT assets.

Strategies for Effective Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

Implementing Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing requires a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive coverage and actionable insights. Here are some strategies to consider:

Planning and Scoping

Before starting the VAPT process, it is crucial to define the scope and objectives. This involves identifying the assets to be tested, the testing methodologies, and the rules of engagement. Clear communication with stakeholders is essential to align expectations and ensure a smooth testing process.

Comprehensive Coverage

Ensure that the assessment and testing cover all critical areas of your IT infrastructure. This includes networks, applications, databases, and endpoints. Comprehensive coverage helps in identifying vulnerabilities across the entire attack surface.

Regular Assessments

Vulnerabilities can emerge at any time due to new threats, software updates, or changes in the IT environment. Regular vulnerability assessments help in identifying new weaknesses and ensuring that existing vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

Combining Automated and Manual Testing

Automated tools are effective for quickly scanning large environments and identifying common vulnerabilities. However, manual testing by skilled professionals is essential for uncovering complex and hidden vulnerabilities that automated tools might miss. A combination of both approaches ensures thorough testing.

Prioritizing Vulnerabilities

Not all vulnerabilities pose the same level of risk. It is important to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and exploitability. This helps in focusing remediation efforts on the most critical issues first.

Reporting and Remediation

Effective reporting is crucial for communicating the findings of VAPT to stakeholders. Reports should provide detailed information about identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation steps. Implementing the recommended fixes promptly is essential for maintaining a secure environment.

Benefits of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing

Implementing Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall security and resilience of your organization. Here are some of the key benefits:

Enhanced Security Posture

VAPT helps in identifying and addressing security weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers. This proactive approach significantly enhances the security posture of your organization, making it more resilient against cyber threats.

Risk Management

By identifying vulnerabilities and assessing their potential impact, VAPT enables organizations to understand their risk exposure. This helps in making informed decisions about risk management and prioritizing security investments.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Many industries are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate regular security assessments and testing. VAPT helps in ensuring compliance with these regulations and avoiding potential fines and penalties.

Protecting Sensitive Data

Data breaches can have severe consequences, including financial losses and reputational damage. VAPT helps in identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches and implementing measures to protect sensitive information.

Cost Savings

Addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited can save organizations significant costs associated with data breaches, downtime, and recovery efforts. Investing in VAPT is a cost-effective way to prevent costly security incidents.

Improved Incident Response

VAPT provides valuable insights into the attack vectors and tactics that could be used against your organization. This knowledge helps in improving incident response plans and ensuring a quicker and more effective response to security incidents.

Building Trust with Customers and Partners

Demonstrating a commitment to security through regular VAPT builds trust with customers and partners. It shows that your organization takes security seriously and is proactive in protecting its digital assets.

Continuous Improvement

VAPT is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process. Regular assessments and testing help in continuously improving your security posture and staying ahead of emerging threats.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity threats, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is an essential practice for any organization aiming to protect its digital assets. By systematically identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities, VAPT provides a comprehensive evaluation of your security posture and helps in mitigating risks effectively. At Networsys, we emphasize the importance of integrating VAPT into your cybersecurity strategy to ensure robust protection against potential threats. Investing in VAPT not only enhances your security but also fosters trust and confidence among your stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of your business.

[siscertglobal]

[bluesteelcyberusa]

Compliance Gap Assessment: Bridging the Divide Between Compliance and Reality

In today's complex regulatory environment, businesses face increasing pressure to comply with a myriad of laws, regulations, and industry standards. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to hefty fines, legal repercussions, and damage to reputation. This is where compliance gap assessment comes into play.

Introduction to Compliance Gap Assessment

Compliance gap assessment is a systematic process of evaluating an organization's adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. It involves identifying discrepancies between current practices and desired compliance standards.

Why Conduct a Compliance Gap Assessment?

Conducting a compliance gap assessment is essential for several reasons:

Identifying potential risks: By pinpointing areas of non-compliance, organizations can proactively address risks before they escalate.

Ensuring regulatory compliance: Compliance with laws and regulations is non-negotiable for businesses operating in various industries.

Improving operational efficiency: Streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary steps can lead to cost savings and improved productivity.

Key Components of a Compliance Gap Assessment

A successful compliance gap assessment involves several key components:

Establishing objectives: Clearly defining the goals and scope of the assessment is crucial for focusing efforts and resources effectively.

Reviewing current policies and procedures: Evaluating existing policies, procedures, and controls provides a baseline for comparison.

Identifying gaps: Analyzing the differences between current practices and regulatory requirements helps prioritize areas for improvement.

Developing a remediation plan: Creating a detailed action plan ensures that identified gaps are addressed systematically.

Steps to Perform a Compliance Gap Assessment

Performing a compliance gap assessment involves the following steps:

Planning and preparation: Define the scope, objectives, and timeline for the assessment. Allocate resources and designate responsibilities accordingly.

Data collection and analysis: Gather relevant documentation, conduct interviews, and collect data to assess compliance across various areas.

Gap identification: Compare current practices against regulatory requirements to identify gaps and deficiencies.

Remediation planning: Develop a comprehensive plan to address identified gaps, including timelines, responsibilities, and resources required.

Implementation and monitoring: Execute the remediation plan, track progress, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure ongoing compliance.

Common Challenges in Compliance Gap Assessment

Despite its importance, compliance gap assessment can pose several challenges:

Lack of resources: Limited budget, time, and expertise can hinder the effectiveness of the assessment process.

Complexity of regulations: Keeping up with evolving regulations and interpreting their implications can be daunting for organizations.

Resistance to change: Implementing changes to achieve compliance may encounter resistance from stakeholders accustomed to existing practices.

Best Practices for Successful Compliance Gap Assessments

To overcome these challenges and ensure a successful compliance gap assessment, organizations should consider the following best practices:

Leadership commitment: Senior management should demonstrate unwavering support for compliance initiatives and allocate necessary resources.

Cross-functional collaboration: Involving stakeholders from various departments fosters a holistic understanding of compliance requirements and facilitates alignment of efforts.

Regular reviews and updates: Compliance is an ongoing process. Regular reviews and updates ensure that policies and procedures remain current and effective.

Case Studies: Real-world Examples of Compliance Gap Assessment

Healthcare Industry

In the healthcare sector, compliance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is paramount to safeguarding patient data and ensuring quality care. Conducting regular gap assessments helps healthcare organizations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their compliance posture.

Financial Sector

Banks and financial institutions are subject to stringent regulations aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability. Compliance gap assessments enable these organizations to detect potential issues such as fraud, money laundering, and regulatory violations.

Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturing companies must adhere to a multitude of regulations governing product safety, environmental impact, and labor practices. Compliance gap assessments assist manufacturers in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Conducting a Compliance Gap Assessment

The benefits of conducting a compliance gap assessment extend beyond mere regulatory compliance:

Risk mitigation: Identifying and addressing compliance gaps reduces the likelihood of fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

Cost savings: Streamlining processes and eliminating inefficiencies can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Enhanced reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to compliance and ethical business practices enhances trust and credibility among stakeholders.

Conclusion

Compliance gap assessment is a critical component of any organization's risk management and governance strategy. By systematically evaluating compliance across various areas, businesses can identify and address potential risks, ensure regulatory adherence, and enhance operational efficiency. Embracing best practices and leveraging real-world examples can help organizations navigate the complexities of compliance effectively.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is compliance gap assessment? Compliance gap assessment is a systematic process of evaluating an organization's adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Why is compliance gap assessment important? Conducting a compliance gap assessment helps organizations identify potential risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve operational efficiency.

What are the key components of a compliance gap assessment? The key components include establishing objectives, reviewing current policies and procedures, identifying gaps, and developing a remediation plan.

What are some common challenges in compliance gap assessment? Common challenges include lack of resources, complexity of regulations, and resistance to change.

What are the benefits of conducting a compliance gap assessment? The benefits include risk mitigation, cost savings, and enhanced reputation.

[cypheroxide]

Building Your Technical Skills

Real world experience is more valuable than a piece of paper nowadays. Developing these skills can give you the level up you need to succeed in ethical hacking and cybersecurity.

The Key to Hacking You’ve mastered the fundamentals. Read all about phishing, SQL injections, and buffer overflows. Set up your home lab with Kali Linux ready to go. When it comes to actually developing those ninja hacker skills though, where do you start? What technical abilities will serve as your trusty tools and weapons as you dive into the world of ethical hacking? Mastering a few key…

[virtualizationhowto]

Top 20 Open Source Vulnerability Scanner Tools in 2023

Top 20 Open Source Vulnerability Scanner Tools in 2023 @vexpert #vmwarecommunities #100daysofhomelab #homelab #OpenSourceVulnerabilityScanners #SecurityTools #VulnerabilityAssessment #PenetrationTesting #SQLInjection #NetworkVulnerabilityTests

In the world of cybersecurity, having the right tools is more important than ever. An extremely important tool for cybersecurity professionals is the vulnerability scanners. They are designed to automatically detect vulnerabilities, security issues, and potential threats in your systems, applications, or network traffic. By carrying out network vulnerability tests and scanning web applications,…

[importantstudentbusinessspy-blog]

Reunion - Aftermath

Masterlist

Pairing: Dick Grayson x (f)reader

Tags: slight NSFW, angst, toxic, you cant fix him, smut, grad school, halloween, Dick is the reader's friend's ex's best friend, reunion, oral, penetration, praise, heartbreak, heartbroken reader,

It took some time to get over your initial jealousy after seeing Dick with the girl at the bar. You excused yourself and left your things with your friends, then headed to the bathroom. You held it together surprisingly well, that is until you saw yourself in the mirror and let out a quiet sob.

Damn you. You fell for it again. Visions of that night replayed in your mind. His kind words, the gentleness of his hands on your body, of his lips on your neck, the way his eyes geld yours - it all meant nothing!

You wished you were a like that. Wished you could indulge in intimate activities without being emotionally attached or vulnerable. That you could just have fun and feel nothing the next day.

"Asshole," you cursed under your breath.

Your mascara was smudged at the sides, giving you away despite your attempts to calm your emotions. You ripped a couple of pieces of paper and tried your best to wipe off the tear smudged eyeliner and bring yourself back to normal.

A knock at the door interrupted your thoughts.

You sniffled, calling out, "Just a minute!" And collected your things.

Opening the door, you questioned if the universe was testing you today because you came face to face with the same girl you had just been mentally cursing. She was pretty, dressed in a simple sweater and skinny jeans, tucked into high leather boots. The outfit slapped. It actually mirrored yours, and you almost laughed at the thought that Dick had a type. Speaking of, he was right behind her, his face nuzzled between her ear and her shoulder as the couple giggled to each other.

His gaze registered you, and then a look of surprise took over his face. His smile dropped, and he straightened up, clearing his throat.

You blinked, partly in surprise, partly to clear a fresh wave of tears threatening to spill. Swallowing uncomfortably, you moved out of their way, pressing yourself against the wall in the narrow hallway and trying to escape.

"Honey," the girl took you gently by the wrist. You squeezed your eyes shut at hearing her kind voice. "Are you okay-"

"I'm fine, thanks." You rushed without meeting her gaze. Then you made a mistake. As you walked past Dick, your shoulder nudged his - more aggressively than it needed to, for a random stranger passing by.

You knew your evening was positively ruined. To avoid ruining the mood of your fellow interns, you offered them a made-up excuse about a headache and took your bag on your way out.

"Y/n," the last voice you wanted to hear right now called our behind you.

You didn't turn around, instead holding your eyes closed and sniffling quietly under your breath. "Why, god?"

"Y/n," Dick prompted behind you. "What happened?"

"Oh, shut up." You said, stopping yourself too late.

He paused in front of you, leaning back as if ti assess you. "You're mad at me..." He observed.

Too tired to argue, you took out your phone and checked the bus schedule.

"Why are you mad at me?" He asked.

What a stupid question. You glared up at him from your phone. "Dont you have a face to suck on in there?"

A knowing smile spread across his face, and he shook his head. "I see."

"Good for you." You snapped, murmuring to yourself, "Go after her." You said, feeling your cheeks heat in embarrassment and began walking towards the bus stop, grasping at your coat as you shivered.

"She can wait." He took you by your hand and turned you to face him, nearly dislocating your shoulder in the process. You tore your arm away, only to be backed up against the wall of the bar, caged in by his frame.

You lifted you chin, challenging him with your red eyed gaze. You sneered, "Aren't you worried she'll see us?"

"Not really." Dick gazed back at you with equal challenge. This close you could smell the mix of his skin with his cologne, a painful reminder of how close you let him get to you. "At least she knows the meaning of 'no-strings-attatched'."

"Oh yeah?" You shot back at him "Well at least -" Your shoulders rose and fell as you searched for a retort, only to come up empty-handed. "At least..."

Giving up, you felt your shoulders sag along with your gaze as you let out another sob you'd been holding back. You sniffled, too ashamed to meet his gaze.

Something in him shifted. The vision of you crying? He never saw that, nor had he wanted to see that again.

He let go of you, feeling his own shame rise in his throat. His voice lowered to an apologetic tone. "I'm sorry. That was... uncool. Had i known you would see us... I would never have done anything in front of you."

Shaking your head, you admitted between sniffles, "I wish I was like you."

His brow furrowed. "Why?"

"I wish I could..." He swallowed. "Not get attached."

"I don't... not get attached -" he attempted half heartedly.

"Please," you rolled your eyes, taking out a napkin to wipe them. "I'm still covering up hickeys you left two days ago -" You pulled down your turtleneck to demonstrate "-and you're already shmoozing with someone new."

"I..." He swallowed thickly, studying to purple marks on your neck. Ones he left there. They had even begun to fade. It was like he branded you. But now that brand was disappearing. That image summoned a possessive flash to course through him.

You noticed his expression shift. Nostrils flared as his breathing begame heavy, and his gaze was scorching, you could almost feel where his eyes looked on your neck.

Quickly, you covered back up, putting some distance between the two of you. You didn't know what that look meant, but you knew you were just going to end up sad again. "I have to go,"

"Wait," he said, you stood, waiting for him to speak. "This isn't right."

"What?"

He ran his hand through his hair, the action causing his leather jacket to lift, revealing the gun and handcuffs on the belt of his jeans. Your eyes narrowed. Was he out on the field today? Was that how he ended up in the bar?

"Damn it, y/n," he let out in a quiet frustration. "I dont like this, you being mad at me. Our night was good. It was fun. I didn't ever wanna see you hurt. Please believe me."

"I believe you." You said, grasping at the strap of your back.

He met your gaze, searching.

"I believe you." Air left your mouth in a cloud as you repeated yourself. And you did. Truly. You didn't think his actions were in any way deliberate to hurt you. That was just... the way he was. "I'll see you around."

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Yeah... he fucked up.

Not in his decision to have sex with you. That was great.

No, what he fucked up in was not picking up on the clues that you were not the kind of girl who had casual sex. The women he usually slept with were all looking for the same as him. No attachment, no feelings, just a good few rounds.

And you had him convinced. How early you got up and got dressed the next day, ready to leave quickly. You didn't even wake him up. So he'd assumed you two were on the same page.

He assumed wrong.

No, he had you all wrong. Back in sophomore year, you'd always carried yourself with nonchalance. You underreacred where others overreacted. You prefered to listen rather than speak. You always appeared so... conservative of your energy. That's what made seeing you cry for the first time, which is much more shocking. Dick felt like he'd ended years of inner peace.

What was worse is that that night when he brought home the girl from the bar, he'd closed his eyes, imagining he was with you he was in bed with.

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"Hey, I'm not like a... bad person, right?" He asked out loud, eyes wandering off behind his mask as he finished dragging a perps unconscious body to the corner of the hangar.

"Who cares?" His youngest brother, Damian, spoke into his comm unhelpfully. The kid had just started the eighth grade, and his voice began to drop. Sometimes, when he spoke over comms, Dick found himself asking who that was.

"What?" Jason asked behind his own mask a meter from him, kicking the limp body of another henchman.

"Where's this coming from?" Tim asked over the comm. He was currently on lookout on the warehouse roof. "Also, you got two perps coming into the warehouse - no, hold on, one."

"Copy that." Dick nodded. "And for the record, I care, you heard me, and -" Dick put up a gloved finger as he listed his answers, then shrugged. "Just curious."

"Nightwing," Jason sighed in annoyance. "There is nothing you could do that would make you a bad-"

Another henchmen ran in, just to be knocked out with a single punch from Nightwing.

"-person." Jason finished.

But Dick wasn't so sure.

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The morning rain poured against the gym’s windows as Dick landed another punch against the bag, harder than necessary. He gritted his teeth, trying to focus, on his stance, his core, anything except the remnants of that night that kept slipping into his mind.

The memories were relentless. Flashes of you beneath him, the feel of your skin on his hands, the way your breath hitched when he kissed a path along your collarbone - they crept in despite his efforts to shove them away. The warmth, the breathiness of your voice, the way you looked at him like he was more everything to you. He shook his head, forcing himself to snap out of it.

He threw another punch, this time more controlled, as if he could hit the memory right out of himself. But even now, he couldn’t ignore the way his stomach twisted, that irritating rush of excitement mixed with something he didn’t want to name. You’d thrown off his rhythm. All it took was a couple of tears. And he hated it.

Hell, he was Dick Grayson. He was supposed to have his heart compartmentalized by now - no strings, no lingering thoughts. Just one night and done. So why did the thought of you keep pulling at him, driving him back to those damn memories? It wasn’t like him to get distracted. Yet here he was, haunted by the way your lips had felt against his skin, the softness of your touch. Fuck.

A curse slipped from his mouth as he gave the bag one final hit, feeling the pain in his knuckles. He’d have to get over it, right? But no matter how many times he told himself he’d forget you, he knew the way you’d laughed, the way you’d looked at him like he was worth something real, had left its stupid mark.

Yeah, he fucked up.

[full-stackmobiledeveloper]

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