#cloud security architecture

[jcmarchi]

The ultimate guide to the CCSP certification - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-ccsp-certification-cybertalk/

The ultimate guide to the CCSP certification - CyberTalk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Become a stronger cloud security leader. The CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) certification is perceived as the gold standard in cloud security. The CCSP cert is so highly valued that it has been ranked among the top preferred credentials for security experts.

This certification shows that an individual has the knowledge required to understand vulnerabilities, compliance needs, regulatory requirements and more associated with cloud-based platforms. The CCSP effectively prepares individuals to competently build, manage and govern a cloud security architecture.

In this guide, get everything that you need to know about obtaining the CCSP certification. Discover how the CCSP can be a part of your certification journey, position you as a distinguished cyber security professional in the field, and pave the way for future possibilities.

In this guide:

What is the CCSP?

What are the prerequisites for the CCSP?

What does the CCSP cover?

Key exam information

How should you prepare?

Further recommendations?

Is the CCSP the right choice?

CCSP vs. CISSP

What is the CCSP?

Developed by ISC2 in collaboration with the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the CCSP certification validates the knowledge and skills required to design, manage and secure cloud environments. It’s intended for professionals who regularly work with cloud technology. The CCSP helps ensure that professionals have the knowledge to expertly address challenges associated with cloud security.

The CCSP exam is in compliance with the requirements of the ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024.

What are the prerequisites for the CCSP?

Individuals who are considering the CCSP should have a minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in information technology. Ideally, three of those years should have been in information security, and one year should have been spent in one or more of the six CCSP domains. Candidates can substitute a year of work experience with a relevant four-year degree or another approved credential.

What does the CCSP cover?

The CCSP preparation materials and exam covers six domains. Each domain addresses a foundational element of cloud security. The breakdown is as follows:

Cloud concepts, architecture and design (17%).

Cloud data security (20%).

Cloud platform infrastructure security (17%).

Cloud application security (17%).

Cloud security operations (16%).

Legal, risk and compliance (13%).

The content within the exam was last refreshed in August of 2022, meaning that it remains relevant and aligned with current technologies.

Key exam information

Duration of exam 3-4 hours Number of items on exam 150 Exam format Multiple choice Passing grade 700 out of 1,000 points Exam language availability English, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

How should you prepare for the CCSP?

Due to the breadth of information covered on the CCSP exam, in order to receive a passing score, preparation is critical. Applied study, in-person bootcamps and online practice exams can help.

Do you have any further recommendations?

Dedicate time to studying everyday. Although 20 minutes can sound limited, even a small amount of study time can add up when studying consistently.

As you prepare for the CCSP, register for the exam. That way, you have a date to work your way towards. Select a date that is realistic for you.

Is the CCSP the right choice?

For someone who’s new to cyber security and just starting out in a career, the CCSP might be something to aim for after earning more beginner-friendly credentials.

For someone who’s been in the field for at least three years, and works with the cloud, the CCSP might be worth moving towards on a more immediate timeline.

Also, consider how you want to spend your career. Roles listed on LinkedIn that require or request a CCSP include: Product security engineer, cyber security solutions architect, application security architect, cloud security engineer, information security auditor, compliance technology specialist and information security manager.

CCSP vs. CISSP

If you’ve been in the security industry for several years, you might find yourself deciding between the CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications, both of which are offered by ISC2.

It’s worth noting that the CCSP requires five years of work experience, while the CISSP doubles that requirement, demanding 10 years of cumulative experience. Depending on where you are in your career, this could be a limiting factor.

The CCSP addresses cloud security in a very focused way, while the CISSP has a broader scope, encompassing an array of cyber security topics, potentially making it more attractive for those who are interested in a more diverse range of roles.

You may want to consider pursuing the CCSP in the short term, while working towards the CISSP in the long-term.

Get more insights into popular cyber security certifications:

Explore cyber security training courses –Enroll now 

If you work with Check Point products, consider these trainings & certs – Click here 

Get personalized recommendations and network with peers at this event – Register today 

Lastly, please sign up for the CyberTalk.org newsletter – Here

[technologymonger]

Democratization of Artificial Intelligence

Accessible Artificial Intelligence to All “UAE makes ChatGPT Plus subscription free for all residents as part of deal with OpenAI “ Above mentioned news made headline and a step toward Democratization of Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant vision of the future. it is a daily reality. Personalized recommendations on your phone are changing how we live.…

[scriptingthewhy]

This might be the job for you.

[report360uk]

Cloud Security Market: Explosive Growth and Future Opportunities! Discover the massive growth of the Cloud Security Market! Expected to reach $87.82 billion by 2030, driven by rising cyber threats and evolving regulations. Explore key trends and opportunities.

Read more

[faisalakhtar12]

Building Your Serverless Sandbox: A Detailed Guide to Multi-Environment Deployments (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cloud)

Introduction Welcome, intrepid serverless adventurers! In the wild world of cloud computing, creating a robust, multi-environment deployment pipeline is crucial for maintaining code quality and ensuring smooth transitions from development to production.Here is part 1 and part 2 of this series. Feel free to read them before continuing on. This guide will walk you through the process of setting…

[sbscglobal]

Welcome to the digital era, where data reigns as the new currency.

In modern information technology, the term “Big Data” has surged to the forefront, embodying the exponential growth and availability of data in today’s digital age. This influx of data encompasses vast volumes, generated at unprecedented speeds and with diverse varieties, presenting both challenges and opportunities across industries worldwide.

To unlock the true potential of big data, businesses need to address several critical areas like #BigDataCollection and #DataIntegration, #DataStorage and Management, #DataAnalysis and #DataAnalytics, #DataPrivacy and #DataSecurity, Innovation and Product Development, Operational Efficiency and Cost Optimization. Here at SBSC we recognize the transformative power of #bigdata and empower businesses to unlock its potential through a comprehensive suite of services: #DataStrategy and #Consultation: SBSC’s Tailored advisory services help businesses define their Big Data goals, develop a roadmap, and align data initiatives with strategic objectives.

#DataArchitecture and #DataIntegration: We Design and implementation of scalable, robust data architectures that support data ingestion, storage, and integration from diverse sources. #DataWarehousing and Management: SBSC provides Solutions for setting up data warehouses or data lakes, including management of structured and unstructured data, ensuring accessibility and security. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Advanced analytics capabilities leveraging machine learning, AI algorithms, and statistical models to derive actionable insights and support decision-making.

#DataVisualization and Reporting: Creation of intuitive dashboards and reports that visualize key insights and performance metrics, enabling stakeholders to interpret data effectively. #CloudServices and Infrastructure: Leveraging #cloudplatforms for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in managing Big Data environments, including migration and optimization services Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: Establishment of feedback loops and metrics to measure the impact of Big Data initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation.

By offering a comprehensive suite of services in these areas, SBSC helps businesses to harness the power of Big Data to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and achieve sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape

Contact SBSC to know the right services you need for your Business

Email: info@sbsc.com Website:https://www.sbsc.com

[rajaniesh]

Scaling Your Data Mesh Architecture for maximum efficiency and interoperability

[bivueioluca]

https://justpaste.it/b4afa

Is your current IT infrastructure starting to feel like a pair of outdated shoes? Reliable, sure, but maybe a little worn and hindering your ability to move forward. In today's fast-paced business world, you need agility and flexibility to stay competitive. That's where hybrid cloud infrastructure comes in. 

[racereva]

PG Diploma in Cloud Architecture and Security by Race Reva - Elevate Your Skills and Secure Tomorrow's Cloud Landscape!

Embark on a transformative journey with Race Reva's PG Diploma in Cloud Architecture and Security. Dive into the intricacies of cloud technology, honing your skills to design and secure robust cloud infrastructures. This comprehensive program offers hands-on experience, expert-led sessions, and real-world case studies, ensuring you're equipped to tackle the evolving challenges of cloud security. Enroll today to elevate your career and become a sought-after professional in the dynamic realm of cloud architecture. Secure your spot now and be a trailblazer in shaping the future of secure cloud computing!

[techcarrot-dubai]

Revolutionize Your Business with Custom Web Applications

Web application development services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at designing, building, and maintaining web-based applications. These applications can perform a variety of functions and provide services to users over the internet. Here are the key aspects of web application development that techcarrot offer:

1.     Consultation and Strategy:

Understanding client requirements and business objectives.

Offering strategic guidance and consultation on the technology stack, platform, and features.

2.     Custom Web Application Development:

Building web applications tailored to meet specific business needs.

Utilizing programming languages (such as JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, etc.) and frameworks to develop scalable and secure applications.

3.     Front-End Development:

Creating the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.

Implementing responsive design for optimal user experience across various devices.

4.     Back-End Development:

Developing server-side logic and database management.

Utilizing server-side languages (like Node.js, Django, Flask, Ruby on Rails, etc.) and database systems (such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.).

5.     Database Design and Integration:

Designing and implementing the database architecture.

Integrating databases with the application for efficient data storage and retrieval.

6.     API Development and Integration:

Creating Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for communication with other systems.

Integrating third-party APIs or services for added functionality.

7.     Testing and Quality Assurance:

Conducting a comprehensive testing process that includes unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing.

Identifying and fixing bugs and issues is necessary to ensure a reliable and secure application.

8.     Security Implementation:

Enacting security measures to safeguard against common web vulnerabilities.

Ensuring secure data transmission and storage.

9.     Deployment and Hosting:

Deploying the web application in a hosting environment.

Configuring server settings and ensuring the application is live and accessible.

10. Maintenance and Support:

Providing ongoing maintenance and support services.

Addressing issues, applying updates, and ensuring the application remains compatible with changing technologies.

11. Scalability and Performance Optimization:

Optimizing the application for performance and scalability.

Monitoring and addressing performance issues as the user base grows.

12. Upgrades and Enhancements:

Implementing new features or upgrading existing ones to meet evolving business needs.

Keeping the technology stack up-to-date for security and performance reasons.

When seeking web application development services Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Middle East, techcarrot would be the ideal partner that aligns with your specific project requirements, budget, and long-term goals.

[jcmarchi]

Securing Access at Machine Speed: Why SASE Is the Architecture for the AI Age

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/securing-access-at-machine-speed-why-sase-is-the-architecture-for-the-ai-age/

Securing Access at Machine Speed: Why SASE Is the Architecture for the AI Age

AI-powered adversaries have redefined what fast looks like. Credential stuffing at machine speed. Behavioral mimicry that defeats anomaly detection. And automated reconnaissance that probes VPNs and lateral movement paths without fatigue or friction. In this threat environment, traditional secure access models are no longer just outdated—they’re dangerous.

According to the 2025 State of Secure Network Access Report, 52% of cybersecurity professionals say remote connectivity is now the single hardest resource to secure. VPNs are breaking under the weight of hybrid work. SaaS and remote endpoints are slipping through fragmented security stacks. The perimeter has not only disappeared—it has dissolved into an unpredictable, cloud-native reality.

In this AI-fueled arms race, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) isn’t just a security architecture. It’s the foundational control plane for defending the enterprise.

The Real Threat Isn’t Just Exposure — It’s AI-Accelerated Exploitation

Every modern breach involves abuse of access. Whether it’s a compromised VPN session, stolen OAuth token, or overly permissive SaaS role, attackers aren’t breaking in—they’re logging in. AI simply makes this process faster and harder to detect.

Machine learning models can now generate spear phishing payloads tailored to user roles. LLMs are used to write malware and obfuscate scripts. Compromised endpoints feed behavioral data back to attacker systems that refine their evasion tactics in real time.

And yet, most organizations still rely on static policies, brittle network controls, and legacy access methods. The result? An unguarded runway for AI-assisted lateral movement.

SASE: Designed for This Moment

SASE unifies SD-WAN, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) into a single, cloud-delivered fabric. It treats access not as a static configuration, but as a dynamic decision.

Every request is evaluated in real time. Who is the user? What device are they on? Where are they logging in from? Are they behaving like themselves? Based on this context, access is granted, challenged, or revoked instantly. This is how Zero Trust is enforced in practice—not just in posture decks.

SASE flips the model: users and apps no longer connect to the network. They connect to each other, through policy. And that policy is where your control resides.

Goodbye VPN: Legacy Access Is an Open Door

VPNs are the analog solution to a digital problem. They create flat network access, route traffic inefficiently, and rely on static credentials. They’re slow for users, opaque for defenders, and goldmines for attackers.

The report confirms it: over half of respondents say VPNs are their hardest access layer to secure. High latency. Poor visibility. Inconsistent enforcement. Worse, 42% of organizations say employees themselves are the highest risk group to business security—not outsiders. That’s a damning indictment of legacy access.

SASE eliminates the VPN choke point. Instead of tunneling everything back to a data center, users connect directly to the apps they need—through inspection points that enforce policy, detect anomalies, and block malicious behavior in real time.

AI on Your Side: SASE as Security Infrastructure for Machine Speed

AI threats require AI defenses. But AI can’t protect what it can’t see or control. That’s why SASE is more than just a security delivery model. It’s the infrastructure that enables intelligent, automated defense.

SASE platforms generate unified telemetry across users, devices, locations, apps, and behavior. This rich, normalized data set is what fuels AI-based detection models. It enables machine learning to find patterns, surface anomalies, and continuously optimize policy enforcement.

With SASE in place, you don’t just detect threats faster—you respond in real time. Contextual access controls can throttle bandwidth, trigger re-authentication, or isolate risky sessions automatically. Human responders focus on strategy, not fire drills.

The Choice Is Now: Fragmented or Future-Proof

SASE isn’t a trend. It’s an inevitability. The question is whether organizations adopt it on their terms—or after a breach forces their hand.

In an AI-dominated threat landscape, the winners will be those who design for machine-speed security. Unified visibility. Adaptive controls. Real-time enforcement. These are not future requirements. They are today’s minimums.

SASE makes them possible.

So the real question isn’t whether you can afford to deploy SASE.

It’s whether you can afford not to.

[technologymonger]

Post is about to be curious and benefit of it to lead growth, innovation and prosperity

[technicalfika]

Who is Data Engineer and what they do? : 10 key points

In today’s data-driven world, the demand for professionals who can organize, process, and manage vast amounts of information has grown exponentially. Enter the unsung heroes of the tech world – Data Engineers. These skilled individuals are instrumental in designing and constructing the data pipelines that form the backbone of data-driven decision-making processes. In this article, we’ll explore…

[thisonehere]

Bi-Han accidentally Holds your hand while a Mission

A/n: Alright, raise your hand if you remember that little poll I made and the winner was the "Bi-Han accidentally Holds your hand while a Mission" fic? This was a long time coming. But I will admit, there's more than just hand holding.

Tags: One-Shot, Pre Mk1, Mk1 AU, MK1, Drabble, Bi-Han x GN reader, SFW, action, fluff mixed with agnst

C/w: Mention of blood, slight angst, violence, grief, fakeout death

"Get down!" Bi-han yells as he grabs you by the collar and takes you down to take cover form the incoming fire balls.

You were on one mission to infiltrate a strange temple and procure some strange and ancient relic. And things were going....poorly.

The good news? You acquired it.

Bad news? It proved a struggle to escape.

The guardians have proven adamant about keeping their things secure. They possessed elemental abilities like your Grandmaster. You've never seen anything like it, you bypassed people who could shake the earth itself and others who could use the very winds to rip metal in half. But now your exit was blocked off by a group of pyromancers.

You followed Bi-Han as he darted behind a giant column big enough for both of you to hide.

"What are we going to do?" You say as you cling to the clung to the cool rock. You try your hardest not to scream, you don't want Bi-Han to see how scared you are. He chose you to come with him in this mission. Out of all other Lin Kuei, Sektor, Cyrax, Tomas, yet he chose you. One of the last things you want to do is disappoint Bi-Han by being scared.

Bi-han merely grunted and muttered something under his breath. You felt a fire ball slam against the column shaking it, almost form a squeal of terror out of you. A chilling light forms out of Bi-Han's hands. He threw an ice ball at them and then quickly ducked back behind the clouds as a fire ball flashed by nearly grazing his face.

His eyes darted from this way and that. Studying the architecture, looking for anyway out. The pryomancers shook the column with a barrage of fire balls, it wouldn't be longer before they shattered through it. He heard footsteps from approaching, more of these elementals were coming.

"When I say go, you run to that hallway!" He pointed to the nearby hallway from across the room, to get to it you'd have to. You nod frantically He waved his hands this way and that, the blue light about his hands grew bright and brighter as he charged up.

When it gets as bright as possible, he slams his hands on the ground, immediately a giant wall of ice springs out of the ground long enough to reach the hallway. It would give you enough cover from the pryomancers, but you don't know for how long "Go!" You waste no time. You sprint as fast as your legs can go. Already, the fire elementals began to assault the ice wall. It begins to crack and shudder under strikes of fire balls.

From across the other side of the room the roar of more elementals got Bi-Han's attention. Hydrokinetics, geokinetics, and more pryomancers race towards him. He throws another ice balls to the ground, creating another ice wall, blocking the front of him.

Your heart beats so hard you can feel it in your throat as you get close to the hallway. Suddenly, you hear the crashing of the ice wall that protected you from the pyromancers shattering.

You finally scream, covering your head as you avoid ice shards as they fly about the room. Bi-han isn't so lucky to avoid them. "GAH!" you look back as you hear Bi-Han scream.

He held the side of his neck, the side of his neck became quickly soaked in blood. "Don't worry about me, Go!" He growls.

You make it to the hallway, Bi-Han races to a staircase and runs up it, you are close behind him as the staircase leads you both to another floor. Yo your left are a row of doors and to your right is a balcony. You look over the balcony and see the whole army of Elementals spilling into the hallway. They see you; they race to the stairway to go after you.

Bi-han kicked in one of the doors, "In here!" He yells as he yanks you and forcefully guides you into the room. Yet another ice wall he creates to block the doorway.

It wouldn't hold long.

But it's a chance to catch your breath so you are thankful. It's a small room. There was a shrine filled with offerings and smalls stayed to signify some Elder God. No doubt this is a place for private worship or perhaps to perform rituals. Your eyes travelled around the room, noting everything, just in the hopes of distracting yourself for a second, maybe find a way to escape.

Your eyes eventually fell to your Grandmaster, his neck to be precise. Blood stained the side of his neck. The cut looked pretty nasty, almost fatal. Maybe adrenaline was the thing keeping him going. "Grandmaster-" you tried to take a step closer to get a closer look at the wound. "It's nothing." He is quick to dismiss you, but you could see it in his eyes. He was in pain.

Bi-han, meanwhile was at work breaking open a small window. Ice gathered around his hand as he grabs the sash that invaded the glass and rips it clean off.

He looks out the window to see the surroundings. The temple sits on a snowy mountaintop, below clouds gather, it obscures the earth beneath. On the side of the building, it is composed of very intricate designs. Most importantly there's a ledge, just big enough so that one person can climb on it... barely He looks at you and then back at the ledge. It's dangerous. Too Dangerous, you could get hurt. He didn't ask you to come in this mission with him because he wanted you to be in danger, he wanted to come with him because... nevermind.

"Y/n..." He calls to you. You stop pacing at the sound of his voice, you look at the now opened; you realize what he wants. You merely nod as you run to the window and push yourself through the small frame. What's the use of hesitating? If stay here, you die.

You step out of the window. The ledge is small, old. Is it gonna break if I step on it? You cautiously trail the ledge inch by inch. You made the mistake of looking over your shoulder. The dark clouds that hugged the mountain were dark, you saw nothing. Somehow that made you even more terrified. "Here." Bi-han held out the bag that held relic for you to take it. "Take this and get to the designated check point. The portal will open and take you back to the Artika."

You reach out and take the bag, you and Bi-Han's graise against each other for a second. You look into your Grandmaster's eyes and you see a mournful look in them. "Grandmaster, you'll be right behind me...right?"

Bi-han just stares at you, his frown grows and the mournful look in his eyes worsens. "Right?" You say again. Bi-han answers your question by going back inside the room and freezing the window, making sure you can't go back inside and no one can get out. "Bi-han!!" You gasp horrified. At that second you hear the wall of ice Bi-Han created to block the door explode with a shatter. "No!" You cry as you take a knife out of your belt and begin to chip away at the ice that coated the door, gripping the window frame for support.

You could hear a violent struggle happening inside the room, explosion as no doubt ice balls and fire balls were thrown, yelling, shouting, worse, Bi-Han crying out in pain. And then worse... silence.

You stopped chipping as you let the silence sink in. The blood in your veins run as you feel your stomach twist into knots. "no..." You say again, this time lower.

°°°

You felt the snow crunch beneath your feet as you ran down the white plains of the mountain, looking back over your shoulder in case you had any pursuers. The tracks you and Bi-Han had left when you first arrived here were now buried under a new blanket of snow. To say your heart was beating against your chest would be an understatement to what your whole body was going through. Your brain pulsed and thumped against your skull, your throat was dry, your feet ached. But you kept running. You had to make it to the portal, you had to get this relic back to the Artika...for Bi-Han.

You make your way deeper and deeper down the mountain, find your way into a Forrest of thin, snow covered trees. You take the moment to catch your breath, you fall against the foot of a frozen willow tree. Immediately you are reduced to a state of panting in heavy breaths. Your breathing was frantic, almost hysterical. "Bi-han..." You whimpering as you clutch the bag.

Your Grandmaster...this is horrible.

Despite the cold around you, you felt your eyes run hot. Your breathing is reduced to a mess of sharp inhales as you sight soon became blurry from tears, pain, and exhaustion. In the distance, you can make out the vague image of the portal, ready to open if it senses your presence.

You can go, you enter it and leave this hell and go back to the safety of the Artika...without Bi-Han, your Grandmaster. By the Elder Gods, you felt like such a failure. He asked you to come with him, and all you did was be a useless lump of dead weight. Had it not been for you, Bi-Han would've no doubt been successful and would already be back in the Artika.

This is all my fault, you think as your head falls into your knees. The tears are hot and fresh as you begin to try and think of what to do next. You'll have to report back to Sektor and Kuai Liang. You'll have to tell them the Grandmaster has fallen. That you failed him to keep the Grandmaster safe.

This is all my fault, you think, You think of going back, maybe try and kill them, at least of them, to avenge Bi-Han. But then again you'd fail. You clutched the bag tightly. By the Elders, you felt so lost. What do I do, you wonder as you lean back against the willow tree.

...

"What are you doing?!"

After moments of silence you, a stern and familiar voice immediately breaks you out of your grief.

Through your blurred vision, you saw you Grandmaster's face, worn and beaten with cuts. But that harsh frown still stayed in its place on his face. His eyes dart all around you, as if he had walked in on you doing some odd thing that caused him pause to process. "Grandmaster?" You gasp with a shaky breath. "Y-You're alive!"

"Of course I'm alive!" He hisses. "Did you truly think I was so incompetent?" You're too dumbfounded to speak. Bi-Han extends his hand out to you, offering to help. Something he didn't usually do, so you took his hand and got your feet.

"Uh, here." You say as quickly hand him the bag. Bi-Han grunts slightly as he takes, perhaps his way of saying thank you.

For a moment, Bi-Han looks at your face, he notices the tears on your face. At that second he realizes, you were crying...for him. Normally he would berate a Lin Kuai if he so ever sees any type of weakness such as crying. But he just stares at you, unsure how to even respond.

"We should get back to Artika, you'll need to get that checked." You say, eyeing the dried blood around his neck. Bi-Han silently nods his head in agreeance.

The walk to the portal is silent. Only the doct crunch of the snow beneath your feet filled your ears to combat the silence. Finally, you made it to the portal. It whirled alive, flashing yellow and red flames exploded as it opened.

"Grandmaster..." You finally find the courage to speak, Bi-Han slightly tilts his head towards you. "If you do not mind me asking, what is in the artifact?" Bi-Han looked down at the bag, clutching it tightly. "Something precious to our clan, something of my father's, that somehow fell into those elemental hands."

You nodded your head in understanding. By now the portal has completely opened, a circling abyss of darkness and fire now stood before you both. "Um, Grandmaster." You say again, this time more a tone a bit more shy.

"You can let go of my hand."

Bi-Han's eyes widen as he looks down and sees his hands still interlaced with yours. "I-" he started, he went silent as he tried to process this. His hands warm in you, he can't seem to think of a single thing to do. His eyes goes from you to your hands. Apparently when he helped you up, he hadn't let go of your hand all the way to here. How could he not notice?

Despite the tears you were shedding not too long ago, you found yourself fighting a higgle as you watched your own Grandmaster get frazzled.

He finally gets a thought in his head and rips his hand free from yours. "You will tell no one of this. Understood?" You straightened up, tried to act serious. But seeing the Grandmaster's face red hot with blush made it almost impossible to fight a smile.

"Here." He says as he shoves the bag into your arms. He keeps his face turned from you now, catching on to you noticing his red face. "I need you to keep this. I want you and only you to have this...until further notice." Bi-Han let's you see his face one more time before entering the portal. He gives a look, a strange look, like there was extra meaning behind his words

But before you say anything l, your Grandmaster quickly ducks into the portal.

...

Not much happened after coming home from the Mission. Bi-Han got himself treated, apparently the adrenaline was the main thing keeping him going. He immediately felt the pain when he got settled down. The healers said that he would be bed ridden for the next few weeks. In the meantime, his brother Kuai will act as the temporary Grandmaster.

You found your way up to your room in the sacred halls of the Lin Kuei Base and collapsed onto your bed. The frozen mountain tops were cold, but somehow the Artika was even colder. You wrapped yourself up the warm covers as you try to settle down. You yourself felt the physical strain of the mission took its toll on your. You felt tiredness rush throughout your entire body. For a few hours moments you just laid there as you tried to regain your strength.

You felt the weight of the bag in your hands. Weakly you pushed yourself up into a sitting position. You wondered what could possibly be in this bag, what could possibly be in it that would cause your Grandmaster to nearly die for. It's just an old, brown burlap sack. You felt something slightly heavy in it. You stared at the intently, as if you were expecting it to do something extraordinary.

After a few moments it did nothing, so you decide to open it. You felt a nervous chill rush through your body as you slowly pulled the bag open. A pang of fear and excitement courses through you as carefully open the bag and reach inside.

A red gem is what awaits you inside. Nothing that big or shiny, just a red gem, chipped away at until it was in the shape of a heart.

You try not to be as disappointed as look at it. This is it? This is what Bi-Han almost died for?

You look inside the bag again, and you found two notes inside. You pull them out, more careful than the gem. The paper the notes were on looked very old, like they were written decades ago. The first one looked the oldest. You read it carefully, it was a love leader. Something of my father's, Bi-Han's words ring through your head. In an instant, you realize this is a love letter from Bi-Han's father to his mother.

You read through the words over and over again. Bi-Han's father praises his mother's radiance. He tells her how much he loves her, how much he adores her. He notes every amazing thing about her, her raven black he, her shimmering eyes, her strength, everything. You yourself felt flattered with how love filled this letter was.

You look at the second letter, it looks less old. Like it was made 1 or 2 decades later.

My eldest Son, Bi-Han

One day you'll find someone, someone that you know you can't live without. That you adore without thought or reason.

Give this to them, let this speak for your heart.

For a few moments, look like an idiot as you fail to process what this letter meant.

I need you to keep this. I want you and only you to have this. Bi-Han words range through your ear. That's when it all clicked. You drop the gem and letter in your lap as you freeze, your eyes widen Bi-Han gave you a previous gem that belonged to his father, which was a gift of love to his mother. You felt the phantom warmth of his hand as this came to you.

Your grandmaster wants you to have it now. Bi-Han, the cold-hearted Sub Zero...likes you.

[missydior]

milk & honey ౨ৎ

notes: charles leclerc x reader, established relationship, fluff.

a/n: this is my first uploaded piece on my new blog so please interact, would very much be appreciated.

It is a gentle afternoon in the principality of Monaco: the skies a palette of pale lilac against the quilt of grey clouds in gentle rainfall that lingers with a hint of petrichor, a slow and familiar hustle amongst the streets of smooth stone and Belle Époque architecture where a stray cat wanders her path before disappearing once more into the alcoves of an alley.

After a slow dawn of waking amongst a mess of clean, linen sheets, feathered pillows, and tangled limbs where the heavy, velvet curtains danced serenely in some lovers' waltz, hiding the bedroom in some quiet bask, the both of you enjoyed breakfast over almond croissants, blueberries stolen from one another's plates and your usual café au lait – half a sugar, more milk than deemed necessary, just as Charles knows you love it – before you had walked around the neighbourhood by eleven o'clock to at least feel somewhat productive.

Even when the both of you only wanted to lounge endlessly after returning from Montréal the day before.

Despite finishing 4th and not quite following through in his hopes in securing an awarding podium and a taste of sweet champagne, faced with the recent difficulties of upgrades, he had come to accept and delight in his small succession nonetheless with you by his side, forever proud regardless.

Phones on mute, the rest of society blissfully forgotten and only each other to indulge in, it is pure bliss; perfect heaven.

"Hm, you smell nice," By two o'clock – after a light luncheon on the balcony overlooking the beauty of the Côte d'Azur – you are dozing idly about the plush invitation of the sofa, his voice a hushed murmur near the side of your neck where lips ghost over in something close to a kiss when he speaks.

Charles is half-draped over your own figure, though his weight is comfortably balanced by an elbow against a sewn cushion, some kind of Jardin De Fleurs -inspired embroidery made and gifted by your grandmother, with ankles locked about each other and your soft-skinned palm tracing his shoulder through the white linen of his shirt.

For a moment, a quietude settles between you once more and you welcome the entwined curl of his lithe fingers around your own when his hand drifts higher from the inside of your wrist absently like some unspoken 'I love you' before his mouth meets yours.

It is slow and sweet, the kind of kisses you savour in committing to memory each and every time, and he can taste remnants of sweetened milk & honey tea on your breath that is so apparently mundane but equally unique to you alone.

When your head tilts back against the cushions – hair falling about like an angel's halo – and Charles shifts his own body further, closer, above you, his hands come to cradle either side of your lovely face, his thumbs grazing the delicate line of your cheekbones, his nose brushing lightly against the bridge of your own.

He kisses your brow, then the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, and finally your mouth again, all in that order, before breaking away for air.

"What was that for?" Voice hardly a demure whisper, you gaze at him through the veil of your lashes in some lovesick delight where your mouth threatens to curve against a hushed giggle, your own touch idly feeling along the carved line of his jaw like intricate marble where a dusting of five o'clock shadow lingers from a few days' worth. You secretly adore it, how it feels.

Charles smiles – all beautiful, revealed dimples and a glimmer in his eyes that remind of leaves in late August – and brushes a stray hair behind the shell of your ear. He takes a moment, his gaze lingering about the lines of your visage as if falling in love again, everyday. "For no particular reason, ma chérie, just because I want to."

Then he is leaning down to meet you again just as you welcome the embrace without question, only allowing yourself to melt further into the serenity of some lovesick truth as your arms drape about his shoulders faintly.

"Je pense..." Charles' mouth drifts down from yours slowly in a trail of kisses about your chin in his verbalised albeit quiet musings before lips slant together again and he encourages you to open for him, tasting, feeling, his tongue teasing over yours in a caress, "That I don't need a reason to kiss you."

In some silent, earnest contentment, you agree, because you could never refuse or object to the intimacy of his kisses and touches.

Mouth curving upwards against his, you let your fingertips feel the trimmed, soft hairs at his nape against tousled brunet tresses whilst breathing him in: Ombré Nomade cologne, hints of something akin to cedarwood against raspberry, incense and warm amber, against his natural pheromones. Home.

Feeling the lean muscles against his back through the soft fabric, toying only subtly with the subtle drag of teeth against his plush lower-lip whilst your eyes remain blissfully closed, you meet the faintest resonance of a sound from the back of his throat like a purr when he sucks upon your tongue with the same touch of loving.

"Vous êtes si belle," He sighs the compliments against you in sweet nothings and unabashed confessions, his own touch ghosting over the curves of your waist through the ivory, lace camisole hugging your physique, thumbs fleeting over the jut of your hip-bone before drifting higher once more.

It is when idle strokes are felt over your rib cage that you unconsciously emit a breathless, flushed sound of laughter against him before you can help yourself, instinctively shrinking against the touch whilst earning a look from him as he draws away fractionally with arched brows.

"Ticklish, are we, ma chérie?"

Your mouth parts for a retort or quick dismissal out of bashfulness – even when you know that he already knows too, given the Monégasque has the privilege to know each intimate, secretive and wholehearted truth about you – though the words die on your tongue the moment his fingertips continue their ministrations over your sides.

You cannot stop the serenade of laughter from leaving you, not when you are entirely vulnerable beneath, and a warmth settles in your chest when the corners of his eyes crinkle in a genuine smile as he continues tickling you.

"Arrêt–" A breathless gasp of imploration, palms that reach to try and draw him away with a shove at his chest though your rosé cheeks hurt from the depth of your raw, honest smiles, "Charles." ꒰ stop ꒱

Chuckling lowly, the man offers you the respite of mercy as he comes to a halt and kisses the corner of your mouth intimately, instead allowing his hands to feel the curve of your lower-back and the notches of your vertebrae until eyes meet in the peace of the afternoon, otherwise silent save for the lull of Lana del Rey from the kitchenette radio.

"Je t'aime." ꒰ i love you ꒱

He kisses you again and it is rich in his responding, ardent devotion to you, letting the faint remnants of your lipstick smear his own mouth like the prints you leave on hand-written love letters of cursive Française just for him in your diaries, the cashmere throw forgotten about your feet on the other end of the chaise lounge whilst rain continues.

"Je t'aime aussi, pour toujours." ꒰ i love you too, forever ꒱