#SAP Warehouse Management

[mannloweitservices]

ERPNext: The All-In-One Open-Source Solution for Streamlining Your Business

In today’s competitive business landscape, streamlining operations and gaining a clear understanding of your company’s data is crucial for success. Enter ERPNext, a powerful and versatile open-source Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutionthat empowers businesses of all sizes to achieve just that.

What is ERPNext?

Developed by the frappe team, ERPNext is a comprehensive ERP system that goes beyond traditional software limitations. It offers a vast array of integrated modules, including:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Sales & Inventory Management

Accounting & Finance

Project Management

Manufacturing

Human Resources (HR)

…and many more!

Why Choose ERPNext?

Here are some compelling reasons why ERPNext should be your go-to solution for business management:

Open-Source Advantage: Unlike traditional ERP systems that lock you into expensive licenses, ERPNext is completely free to use and modify. This translates to significant cost savings and the freedom to customize the platform to your specific needs.

All-Encompassing Functionality: ERPNext boasts a remarkable range of built-in modules, eliminating the need for multiple software integrations and streamlining your entire workflow.

Scalability and Flexibility: ERPNext caters to businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. It adapts and grows alongside your company’s needs.

User-Friendly Interface: ERPNext features a clean and intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and data management for all users, regardless of technical expertise.

Active Community Support: Benefit from a large and vibrant community of developers and users who offer extensive support and resources to ensure a smooth ERPNext experience.

Getting Started with ERPNext

If you’re ready to unlock the potential of ERPNext and transform your business operations, Mannlowe Information Services Pvt. Ltd. can be your trusted guide. We offer comprehensive ERPNext implementation services, helping you:

Define your business needs and identify the most relevant ERPNext modules.

Seamlessly integrate the platform into your existing workflows.

Provide ongoing support and training to ensure your team utilizes ERPNext to its full potential.

Visit our website at https://mannlowe.com/erpnxt.html to learn more about how ERPNext can empower your business!

Conclusion:

ERPNextoffers a compelling alternative to expensive and complex ERP solutions. With its open-source nature, comprehensive functionality, and user-friendly design, ERPNext empowers businesses to streamline operations, gain valuable data insights, and achieve long-term success.

[lifecarelogistic]

How Reverse Logistics is Important for your Supply Chain

Introduction

Moving goods from one place to another to either recuperate some of their value or fully dispose of them is known as reverse logistics. A product may be returned to the maker if it is no longer useful to the customer. It also addresses what happens to items once they are returned, including whether they are recycled, disposed of, or used for something else to make them live longer.

When it comes to operational rigor, reverse logistics is a part of a Best Logistics company's supply chain that is frequently disregarded. Even though reverse logistics is often viewed as "just the cost of doing business," it can be inefficient if it isn't strictly regulated. To keep your reverse logistics operation competitive and efficient, it is more important than ever.

Benefits of  Reverse Logistic

Since the development of sophisticated management systems, managing the reverse logistics process has risen to the top of the priority list for businesses, leading to the development of cutting-edge technologies. Due to shorter product life cycles and more intricate global service networks, the majority of recent advancements have come from the electronics and automotive aftermarket industries as well as remanufacturing.

1. Reduced Costs 

There are several ways to cut shipping expenses or resale goods that would have otherwise been a total loss when it comes to reverse logistics. Cost savings can be calculated using each product type's total cost of ownership. Profit margins will increase if items that are abandoned or resold have their worth recovered and the rest of the system is kept in good working order.

2. Decreased Losses and Unanticipated Gains 

If a successful reverse logistics system is put in place, businesses may handle unprecedented returns with no errors. In addition to the savings from reduced losses, there is room for discretionary income. Products that are repaired, recycled, or simply sold again could bring in income that wasn't anticipated.

How to Better Optimize Reverse Logistic

1. Identify the Insights

It is impossible to observe and evaluate supply chain data in a useful manner if you lack sufficient understanding of operations, shipments, and transactions. Customers' return experiences have a direct impact on how they see your company and service. Before deciding on the next steps in updating its strategy, your supply chain should be thoroughly evaluated for any current reverse logistics patterns. To gain a deeper understanding of your company's return trends and to gain insightful knowledge, analyze past data.

2. Utilize Cutting-edge Technology

You can add technological components to your supply chain in addition to a robust inventory management system to streamline the returns procedure. Modern technology, such as a transportation management system, is necessary for centralizing data and realizing unrealized potential (TMS). If you integrate a TMS system into your management style, you will have easy access to the data you need to optimize your supply chain.

3. Improve your Returns Procedure 

After carefully examining your reverse logistics procedure, you may pinpoint the subsequent steps and start implementing your new plan. Depending on the company, this can entail better load planning, route optimization, a wider return window, or more customer service personnel. Only consistent data analytics and reverse logistics at scale are possible.

[itcertificatedumps]

SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Extended Warehouse Management (C_S4EWM_2023)

The SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Extended Warehouse Management (C_S4EWM_2023) certification is tailored for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in warehouse operations using SAP S/4HANA. This certification covers essential topics such as inventory management, logistics execution, and warehouse processes, equipping candidates with the skills necessary to implement efficient and effective solutions. By mastering these areas, professionals can ensure streamlined operations that align with organizational goals.

Earning the C_S4EWM_2023 certification significantly enhances a professional’s credibility in the competitive field of warehouse management. It opens up new career opportunities and demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. As businesses increasingly focus on optimizing their supply chain processes, certified individuals will be positioned as valuable assets, ready to lead initiatives that drive operational success and innovation. This certification not only validates expertise but also prepares professionals to tackle the challenges of modern warehouse management effectively.

[apprisia]

https://www.apprisia.com/services/sap-ewm-support-services/

[erponlinetraining03]

Looking for the best Oracle Supply Chain Management online training? Proexcellency is the only place to look. They provide thorough training courses given by professionals that cover every facet of Oracle SCM. Proexcellency guarantees that you acquire the information and abilities necessary to be an expert in your industry by providing interactive learning, individualised support, and certification exam preparation. Take your knowledge of supply chain management to the next level with Proexcellency's top-notch Oracle SCM online training.

WEBPage:- https://www.proexcellency.com/product... https://www.proexcellency.com For Joining Any ERP Modules ONLINE TRAINING please feel free to call or email us.

Whatsapp:- +91 8722079509

Mail:- Affan@proexcellency.com | Info@proexcellency.com

Instagram:- https://instagram.com/erp_online_trai...

Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Twitter:- https://twitter.com/Affanpro2022

Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-...

Pinterest:- www.pinterest.com/affan0931

@proexcellency_training

@proexcellencytrainings.7504

@proexcellency3951

[mirnahtechnologysys]

The New Supply Chain Mantra for 2023: Automation for the Win

Businesses have started to prepare for the new normal. Years ago, some enterprises started with the goal of having a seamless supply chain framework that worked to reduce expenses and improve efficiency. It’s the 21st century and if you want to be ahead in the race, tech-driven solutions like Zebra Bahrain or Honeywell Qatar can be an exceptional way to integrate the latest technology in your business framework and orchestrate supply chains effortlessly.

Searching for the latest technology to escalate brand growth to new heights? Here are some ideas for you!

E-commerce warehouse management

To improve collaboration between manufacturers and retailers, organizations are now embracing mobile and cloud-based ecommerce solutions. Ecommerce warehouse management enables businesses to streamline their online sales procedures and reduce last-minute downtime. A massive chunk of marketers thinks that time-consuming processes can be reduced by the automation of e-commerce operations. You can, of course, do the same. Enterprises can structure order processing and vastly improve marketing leads quality with the new-gen e-commerce configuration. E-commerce warehouse management can work wonders for online businesses, whether it's improving e-commerce operations or helping companies maintain consistent business visibility. 

Productive Automation

This new-gen automation blueprint can assist businesses in replacing the manual labor required to complete routine business tasks without human involvement. Productive automation uses logic-based frameworks to identify the problems that occasionally become unclear, covering everything from accounting to HR and sales.

IoT-configured smart shelves

Smart shelves could save your retail business if you work in that industry. Retail establishments can reduce out-of-stock situations by using tech-enabled solutions like Wiseshelf, which map shelf supplies and provide insightful data. For e-commerce stores, IoT-enabled shelves can aid in inventory management. With the use of smart shelves, businesses can monitor crucial indicators and offer practical advice for managing inventory stocking frameworks.

How can automation help?

Conventional supply chain systems had phases that ran independently in discrete segments; however, with automation revolutionizing efficiency the supply chain is streamlined from beginning to end, allowing all chain segments to be handled in synchrony.

Lower indirect and direct operational costs as well as a higher possibility for income are two key ways that supply chain automation could add value. Businesses can also benefit from automating supply chain processes by increasing precision, lowering operating expenses, and increasing coordination. By providing accurate, real-time information on inventory levels and reducing manual errors, automation can help with cost control. In addition, it can also assist companies in adhering to industry norms by standardizing prices, goods, and suppliers.

Cessation

Automated identification, field assets service, mobility software, and SAP Oracle Dynamics ERP Salesforce aren’t just tools anymore that businesses can choose according to their convenience. These tools have become a mandate. Whether you want to step up your game in the supply chain world or you want to spot and solve your workflow issues, enterprise-grade software solutions have become a stepping stone to kickstart your tech transformation of 2023.

Blog Source:

https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/technology/the-new-supply-chain-mantra-for-2023-automation-for-the-win/5583450

[jobsinuk]

Schedule Your Interview In UK

Operations Coordinator Cleaner Software Dev Apprentice Customer Care Staff

[jobs-in-uk]

Schedule Your Interview In UK

Operations Coordinator

Cleaner

Software Dev Apprentice

Customer Care Staff

[mannloweitservices]

Dominate the Digital Age: Your Comprehensive Guide to Digital Transformation

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind. Digital transformation is no longer a buzzword; it’s a critical strategy for achieving sustainable growth and success. This comprehensive guide, inspired by the insights from Mannlowe: https://mannlowe.com/digitrans.html, will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate your digital transformation journey effectively.

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital Transformation is the strategic integration of digital technologies across all aspects of a business. It’s not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about fundamentally changing how you operate to leverage the power of digital to create value for your customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Why is Digital Transformation Important?

The benefits of digital transformation are far-reaching. Here are some key reasons why it’s crucial for businesses of all sizes:

Enhanced Customer Experience: Digital transformation empowers you to create personalized and engaging customer experiences that foster loyalty and drive sales.

Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlining processes and leveraging automation can significantly boost efficiency and productivity.

Increased Agility: Digital transformation fosters a culture of innovation and agility, enabling you to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Data is the new oil, and digital transformation empowers you to harness its power to make informed decisions that optimize operations and drive growth.

Competitive Advantage: By embracing digital transformation, you can stay ahead of the curve and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Key Considerations for Digital Transformation

A successful digital transformation journey requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key factors to consider:

Developing a Digital Transformation Strategy: Clearly define your goals, identify the technologies that align with your objectives, and create a roadmap for implementation.

Leadership Buy-in: Secure the support of your leadership team to champion the digital transformation initiative and drive cultural change within the organization.

Building a Digital Culture: Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning to empower your employees to thrive in the digital age.

Investing in the Right Technologies: Carefully evaluate and select the technologies that best suit your specific needs and goals.

Data Security and Privacy: Implement robust data security measures to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Conclusion

Digital transformation is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. By following these key considerations and leveraging the valuable insights from Mannlowe: https://mannlowe.com/digitrans.html, you can embark on a successful digital transformation journey that propels your business towards a future of growth and success.

Call to Action

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of digital transformation for your business? Visit Mannlowe: https://mannlowe.com/digitrans.html today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your digital goals.

Incorporate Mannlowe Website:

Throughout the blog, weave in references and insights from the Mannlowe website (https://mannlowe.com/digitrans.html), ensuring it provides valuable supplementary information to the reader.

Consider including a subtle mention of Mannlowe’s services as a way for readers to learn more about how they can assist with digital transformation.

[kaartechofficial]

Drowning in Inventory Data? Gain Control with SAP EWM 

Feeling overwhelmed by inaccurate and siloed inventory data? 

Modern warehouses require real-time visibility and data-driven insights for optimal efficiency. Here's how SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) can help: 

Centralized Inventory Management: Gain a unified view of stock across your entire warehouse network. 

Real-Time Data & Reporting: Make informed decisions with accurate and up-to-date inventory information. 

Enhanced Warehouse Analytics: Use powerful insights to optimize processes and identify improvement opportunities. 

Improved Supply Chain Integration: Seamlessly integrate your warehouse with your broader supply chain for better planning and forecasting. 

Ready to transform your warehouse data into actionable insights? 

Explore our blog post for more information: [What is SAP Warehouse Management (WM)? – Types, Features] 

Contact KaarTech, your trusted SAP partner. 

[lifecarelogistic]

3PL Provider Can Transform Your Supply Chain: Here’s How 3PL Provider Can Transform Your Supply Chain

Many companies are slow to embrace an automated approach to warehouse management and instead continue to perform manual processes that are inefficient and time-consuming. You can save your company time and money by automating some of your warehouse management activities.

For more information read our blog-  https://lifecarelogistic.wordpress.com/2022/08/16/3pl-provider-can-transform-your-supply-chain-heres-how-3pl-provider-can-transform-your-supply-chain/

[itcertificatedumps]

SAP Certified Associate - SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Extended Warehouse Management (C_S4EWM_2023)

The SAP Certified Associate – SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, Extended Warehouse Management (C_S4EWM_2023) certification is tailored for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in warehouse operations using SAP S/4HANA. This certification covers essential topics such as inventory management, logistics execution, and warehouse processes, equipping candidates with the skills necessary to implement efficient and effective solutions. By mastering these areas, professionals can ensure streamlined operations that align with organizational goals.

Earning the C_S4EWM_2023 certification significantly enhances a professional’s credibility in the competitive field of warehouse management. It opens up new career opportunities and demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. As businesses increasingly focus on optimizing their supply chain processes, certified individuals will be positioned as valuable assets, ready to lead initiatives that drive operational success and innovation. This certification not only validates expertise but also prepares professionals to tackle the challenges of modern warehouse management effectively.

[frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe]

part two to this little thing 'cause i saw these tags on the last part from @stevesjester and actually kicked my feet and giggled about it

After Pretty Boy kissed him, Eddie walked back to the staff break room in a daze.

His slow lumbering gait still managed to scare some folks, though, so that’s a plus.

He opens the door, slowly turns to close it softly, and leans back against it once it is.

“Eddie? You okay?” Comes a voice he’d know anywhere. “Wait, that is you, right? You’re supposed to be Piggy Man tonight?”

Eddie pulls the rubber mask off, making his stomach flip thinking about the last time it was pulled up. You know, ‘cause he’s a sap.

Chrissy takes in his shocked, sweaty face, “Oh my god, you okay? What happened?”

He looks up at his roommate (best friend, sister) in her bloody cheerleader costume, an ironic holdout from their time in high school, and breathes a laugh, “I fell in love.”

“OMG OMG tell me everything right now!!” Chrissy bounces over to him excitedly and pulls him down to the bench of their one (1) break table, a sagging plastic picnic table.

He looks up at her bright happy face and barks out a half hysterical laugh, “I can’t believe you’re this excited about me potentially falling in love with someone I’m literally being paid to scare.”

“Oooh, so they were a runner??”

“Yeah, literally in this case.”

“Start talking, Munson, or I’m going to throw all your guitar picks down the garbage disposal.”

“Okay, okay, Jesus Christ.. Okay, so I did my usual creepy husky voice at him, called him all the usual things,”

“Let me guess, you started with ‘pretty boy’?”

“Yeah. ‘Cause he’s pretty. Duh. Damn was he pretty…”

“Uh huh. And you fell in love with him ‘cause he was pretty?”

“No, no of course not, listen to this:” Eddie sits up straighter in preparation for the story. “I had him backed into a corner, right? The fake gate over in section 2B,”

“Ah yes, of course.”

“Yeah! And when I lunged at him, he caught my arm, and spun me around.”

“Shut. Up.”

“No, never. SO he’s got me backed against the fence, and he–I swear to fucking Jesus H. Christ–lifts my mask up and kisses me.”

Chrissy starts to squeal incoherently. “Eeeeee!!! Shutupshutupshutup!! Holy shit there’s no way this happened!!”

“Look, 100% serious right now; he kissed me stupid, and spun around and booked it again.”

“Pretty Boy distracted you with a kiss to escape!?! I cannot believe this, c’mon..” Crissy grabs ahold of his arm again and pulls him out of the breakroom with her insane unchecked leftover cheer squad strength.

“Whoa, what? Where’re we going?? He’s probably gone by now! I was standing over in 2B like an idiot for a while after he left!!”

“Not that, we gotta go see Argyle.”

“Argyle why—ohhh shit. Oh my god, you think they caught it on camera?” Eddie’s actively following her now.

The two burst into the warehouses’ security office, where they’re met with the backs of two ‘zombie’ guards (and the leftover smell of weed).

“Argyle, Jonathan, you need to look at something for us,”

“Is it the footage of Eddie’s makeout sesh in 2B? ‘Cause we’re waaayy ahead of you pompom.”

“Ah!! Holy shit he was telling the truth?!” Chrissy bodies between the two, sending Argyle rolling away on his chair, and Jonathan staggering back a step.

“Dude, that’s so cool of your boyfriend to come to the haunt, keepin’ us in business.” Argyle directs at Eddie, though still spinning slowly in his chair.

“He’s not my–you thought he was my boyfriend?”

“Yeah man, why else would you look at him like that.” Jonathan points down at the screen. 

Chrissy re-winds it again and Eddie watches himself charge forward at Pretty Boy (damn, he’s still pretty though this grainy footage too, how the fuck is that possible??), get spun and–oh shit, they’re right.

“Oh Jesus Christ.” he hangs his head into his hands, falling down into Jonathan’s previously abandoned chair.

“Sooo…he’s not your boyfriend..?”

Chrissy re-winds the footage again. Squeals happily.

“Nope. Just met him tonight.”

“Wow dude, that’s like, love at first sight if I ever saw it.”

She re-winds it again, squeals.

“Yeah I know, it’s embarrassing as shit, alright?” Eddie’s still talking into his palms.

Chrissy snorts at that, “Not for you! Well..kinda..but him too, did you not see that pause?”

“...What pause?”

His question goes unanswered as Jon and Argyle move back in over Chrissy’s shoulders and after a few seconds both “Ohh…” in sync.

“The fuck’re you talking about?”

“Look,” She re-winds the tape once again and points, “Watch after he lifts your mask.”

So he does, and..okay, there was a pause.

“...So?”

“He totally fell in love with you at the same time you did him. Fell with him. With each other?”

“You both fell in love at the same time.” Chrissy says what Jonathan was trying to. “We have GOT to find this guy somehow.”

Chrissy records the footage on the screen with her phone, intending to post it online to find the guy, but Argyle’s positive he’s gonna show back up tonight.

“Give him a chance, pompom, he’s totally in love too, remember?”

“Fine, but if he doesn’t come back today, I’m posting this. Maybe it’ll get us some more business too.”

“Do I get a say in this?” Eddie asks, already knowing the answer.

“No.” Yep, there it is.

So, he rolls his eyes, puts his mask back on, and finishes out the night like everything is normal and he didn’t just fall head over fuckin’ heels for a random (hot) stranger earlier.

He’s done for the night before Chrissy since she’s got a lot of that fake blood to try and wash off, so he grabs up his stuff and heads out the front, intending to wave bye to Gareth at the front counter before braving the frigid late fall wind to warm up his car (and move it closer to the entrance so Chrissy doesn't have to walk in the cold). 

“See ya Ed,” Gareth calls, and he waves over his shoulder at him as he passes, his attention pulled to a blonde with a choppy bob looking in through the glass of the door, partially silhouetted by the bright ass headlights of a shiny Tesla parked behind her.

He can see the shadow of someone in the driver seat too, as he gets closer and opens the door for her, their face only partially lit up through the tinted glass by the glow of a phone screen.

She starts rambling off immediately after the door is open. “Oh my god, I thought we were too late and you were closed and I completely didn’t even realize I’d left something here when we were here earlier an–”

“Nope, no worries, ma’am, just go talk to Gareth at the front counter and he can tell you if someone turned in…whatever it is you left here.”

She says her thanks and scoots past him, and he spins quickly towards the side lot where his old Neon is parked.

He glances back when he hears the bell chime over the door, a bit delayed (probably the wind holding it open), and sees that the Tesla’s stopped beaming their headlights into the front door, that’s nice of them.

He unlocks his car and gets in, turning the engine over and cranking the heat as high as it’ll go. Once the engine stops it’s signature ‘I’m cold as fuck rn, don’t even try to move me’ rattle, he drives to the front door to wait for Chrissy, pulling in next to the burgundy Tesla.

He scrolls down TikTok for a couple minutes before a banner pops up on his screen

Chris C.: oh my holy fucking shit eddie, get your ass back inside!

Panicking, he races back in through the door, not even bothering to shut off his engine (or close his car door for that matter), thinking shiny Telsa duo is like, robbing the place or something, but as soon as he gets back in, he’s stopped dead in his tracks.

His heart’s still beating a mile a minute, but now with nerves.

Because standing infront of the counter are Chrissy (who’s actually vibrating with excitement), choppy blonde, and…

Oh fuck.

No way.

“H–hi, hi. I’m Steve, you’re Eddie right?”

He can’t help the grin that splits across his face. “Hey, pretty boy.”

thanks to @henderdads for rightfully pointing out that modern day rich boy steve would probably have a tesla <3

tagging everyone i saw in the tags of the last post that seemed interested in more/wanted to see the aftermath lmao: @bangarangdarling, @tartarusknight, @kas-eddie-munson, @wormdebut (AMAZING url btw), @vecnuthy, @perseus-notjackson, @homosexual-having-tea, @matchingbatbites, @scarcrossdlvrs, @anzelsilver, @auroraplume, @kkpwnall, @wildwildsoul, @bennys-burgers, @steveharringtonssluttywaist

[secretsocietie]

Steve's parents are home.

They came--not for him, but for some need to make Hawkins feel the weight of their presence at the annual charity ball.

Guess you can't hold the title of rich asshole unless your neighbors can watch you prove it.

All it means for him is quiet, stern talks followed by long disappointed looks. Nit-picking comments that attack everything from his life choices to his clothes.

One particularly bad moment has his father, whiskey glass in hand, making a face as he examined Steve's nose. 

"I'm not paying to fix it until you learn to stay out of fights." He tells him, voice a mix of disgusted and haughty that Steve himself used to mimic. 

"There's nothing wrong with my nose!" He'd snapped but still spent an hour in the bathroom anyway, worrying about it.

Which is what his father had wanted, the cold bastard.

It was the straw that had sent Steve banging out of his front door, uncaring about his parents yelling about appearances behind him.

It was enough that he'd suffered under veiled insults and poor attempts at caring. That they hadn't once asked about anything that had happened to him, hadn't cared to continue the conversation the one time Steve had tried to bring even a portion of it up.

To go after his appearance, the last thing he could fucking cling too?

Fuck them. They could have the cold house they refused to call a home to themselves.

He doesn't have a destination in mind when he gets in the Beamer. Just cranks the music and rockets out of the driveway. 

Drives a little too fast. 

Takes the next corner hard and almost nails a car laying haphazardly across the road. 

Steve stands on the brakes, jerking the wheel sideways. Feels his tires slide in gravel as he narrowly misses a full blown collision with what is rapidly looking to be Billy Hargrove's Camaro. 

Adrenaline thunders in body and for a moment Steve feels like he's outside of time, until the Beamer finally slams to a stop. 

"Fucking--help!"  A voice he knows screams, and Steve's out of his car in a second, ready to square up.

He expects to see Hargrove.

 Assumes the idiot is the one causing problems and gears himself up to face the asshole down a second time. 

Hopes whatever poor saps got in his way this time isn't a kid. 

What Steve doesn't expect to see, is the younger man bolting towards him, blood splattered down his face and face screwed up in wild panic.

Something takes his legs out from under him before he gets even halfway to Steve, smashing him face first into the gravel. 

It’s brutal, and Steve flinches back as Hargrove cries out, the sound almost animalistic. It‘s hard to hear over the crunch of gravel, the way his hands had flown down to try and catch himself and were torn along the rough rocks. 

 Somehow he manages to scramble into movement despite the pain he has to be in, determined in a way Steve recognizes instinctively as a mixture of adrenaline and pure terror. 

He has time to process hauntingly familiar red-black vines, like the tentacles of some great creature that’s writhing around Hargrove’s legs as he digs into the ground with his fingers, fighting to escape. 

Grunts harshly as the vines go taught and pull. 

He's being dragged into the maw of an open warehouse, the open door marred with thick, dark slime, and for a split second wide, tear streaked blue eyes meet Steve's own. 

"Harrington!" Hargrove screams, the sound raw, "Help me!" 

It's enough to cut through the shock keeping Steve in place. 

He springs forward as Billy's hand releases the gravel to reach for him instead. 

Not that Steve's going to take it. 

Knows better than to get into a tug of war with the Upside Down.

Instead he darts past, starts kicking the shit out of the tendrils as he looks about desperately for a weapon.

His nailbat is in the back of the Beamer, but he needs to free Hargrove before he can get it. 

Has the worst feeling that if Hargrove is dragged to the bottom of the dark stairs, the blonde won't be making it back home. 

Tendrils strike at his ankles, snakelike, and Steve dances away with a curse. 

Billy is howling up a storm, swear words mixing with pleas in between frantic, choked noises that will haunt him for the rest of his life. 

He needs a fucking weapon. Is furious at himself for not carrying around a knife, or a flashlight or literally anything.

It's the frantic mental scrambling that does him in, a vine snapping out and embedding itself in his ankle. 

It jerks Steve off his feet, and he only evades capture due to his own flailing limbs severing the thin connection as he falls down. 

Belts out a string of curse words as pain rockets up his leg, the singular thin vine trying to bury itself back into his leg, stabbing at the jean material of his pants. 

He jerks away, kicking frantically at it. Has tje odd thought that at least he had managed to avoid smacking his head this time. 

Hargrove is forcefully yanked past him as Steve struggles to stand back up. The slide of his body makes a horrid scraping noise that makes Steve clench his teeth.

The younger man's hands catch on the doorway, blood and tears mixing down his face. 

He stares dead into Steve's eyes, and for the first time, the older boy feels like he's seeing Billy instead of Hargrove.

A guy who's barely 18, blood clumping in his hair and face painfully young.

Way too young to die like this.

"Steve, please." Billy whispers it like he's using his last breath to say it, the plea mounting Steve's fury into something monstrous.

Hell will freeze over before the fucking Upside Down takes another person he knows away from him.

"Fuck this!" Steve snarls, then lunges to bite the largest vine.

It's not made of wood.

The taste is vile, but he can hear whatever's down at the bottom of the stairs shriek as his teeth rip a huge chunk out of it.

He manages to find a decent sized rock in the gravel, and Steve wastes no time using it. Smashes it again and again into the vine, still ripping with his teeth.

It tastes a lot like rancid, raw meat, something Steve is doing his best not to think about. 

Finally the fucking thing tears apart, and Steve spits everything in his mouth out angrily. 

This gets at least one of Hargrove's legs free. 

Later Steve will give credit where credit is due because Billy wastes no time picking the fight back up. 

Watches as he jams a hand down his pockets and yanking out a Swiss army knife. It's not the switchblade Steve's been wishing for, but Billy uses it like it is. 

Flexes his upper body in a show of power, proving his muscles aren't just for looks.

Holds himself up by his core alone as he stabs down at the remaining vine that's trapped him. 

Together they're close to freeing Billy when two slimmer, darker vines shoot up from the gloom. One pierces Hargrove in the shoulder, close to his chest. 

The other goes through Steve's hand to nail Billy's leg. 

They scream in unison, Steve attacking instinctively with his teeth while the shorter boy under him bucks and withers, hand and tiny knife trying to dislodge the tendril in his shoulder. 

Steve succeeds first, biting clear through his vine and yanking it out of himself and Billy. 

He rises to a crouch, uses his good hand to help wrestle with the second tendril as it wiggles its way deeper into Billy.

Rips it out with Billy's help, and prays none of it stays in him as Steve wings it down the stairs. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!' Billy pants, bloodied hands grasping at the ground, his head tipping backwards. 

They're not safe. Not until they get away, or kill whatever larger horror the damn vines are attached to. 

"Come on." Steve pants, moving behind Billy and getting his own arms under his, trying to pull them both up and back. 

Away from the damn warehouse door.

Billy tries to help, legs kicking and scrambling as they half crawl half fall their way in between the Beamer and the Camaro.

It seems his legs are fucked (likely more fucked than Steve's ankle, if the vines been stabbing at him) and pain makes them both curse until they hit the door of Steve's car. 

They crouch together for a moment, breathing hard and bleeding on one another.

Hargrove has a death grip on Steve's arms, holding him like a lifeline, back resting against his chest. 

Steve's partially kneeling behind him,  his good hand fisted on Billys shirt. Both stare at the warehouse door, fighting pain and praying for a few seconds just to let the waves of it pass. 

Nothing happens for one breath.

Two.

On the fifth draw of air, Steve starts trying to stand, tugging on Billy to go up with him. 

On the seventh something makes an inhuman roar, shaking the ground beneath them. 

Hands fly out, reaching for the Beamers back door. Everything's slick under his blood but Steve manages to get it open anyways, hustling Billy inside before slamming it shut. 

Crashes sound, growing louder as Steve dives for the driver's door. 

Thanks every deity he can think of when he finds he never shut the Beamer off.

 Her wheels squeal angrily as he slams her into reverse but he'll apologize for the abuse later, too focused on getting them the hell out of there. 

"No hospital." Hargrove half pants, half moans, strewn across the backseat.  Steve risks a glance at him in the rear view, and tries to make out how bad the other boy's injuries are. "Harrin-urk--gton, no hospital-!"

"I heard." Steve says.

Billy's hands are pressed into his shoulder, his shirt so stained with dirt, grime and blood it takes Steve a moment to realize it's been ripped open, bearing a toned, golden chest.

He doesn't want to go to the hospital either. 

"You gonna die on me?"

Hargrove snorts. 

"Had worse." He grunts out, then smiles around a bloody mouth. "Not even unconscious."

Somehow Steve believes him.

In the other direction, sitting on a nearby park bench, Eddie Munson is finishing up the last drug deal of the night. 

He's too far away to hear any of the noise. Has a beaten and busted stereo playing a Judas Priest cassette, the noise a little fuzzy but good enough.

Definitely loud--which was why he never heard the vines coming.

[thee-morrigan]

midnight, the stars, and you

as my part of the @wayhavenficexchange, a gift for @slushrottweiler💜 thank you for letting me borrow and get to know Lox! I had a blast exploring their dynamic with Mason, and I hope I did them justice here!

The Wayhaven Chronicles // Mason/Detective Loxley "Lox" Wood // also on AO3

— Even past midnight, the air is still thick with humidity, the sticky weight of it pressing against Mason’s skin, a sweltering, airless blanket in the canicular torpor of late summer. Heavy and warm, the air even manages to smell sticky and cloying, saturated with the heady scent of the sun-baked pine needles that carpet the forest floor and the deep, resinous fragrance of pine sap.

On other nights like this, the air clinging like a second skin, he might not have stayed outside, not even for the quiet of the dark and the consistency of its stars. Might have let the lingering fug of summer air send him back indoors to the quiet dark of his room and traded the stars for central air conditioning.

Might, if it weren’t for the person sitting beside him, one shoulder brushing against his. Because tonight, Lox is outside too, their face tipped towards the sky, one of their long legs drawn up against their chest, folded arms half-draped across their bent knee as they scan the night sky.

From the looks of it, they're apparently planning on staying outside for at least a little while, despite the late hour and the long day he's pretty sure they've had, if the hour at which they'd left this morning — mumbling something about the town square and tables, every few words punctuated by a yawn — is any kind of benchmark.

Or the hour at which they'd shown up at the warehouse earlier this evening, a small stack of books tucked in the crook of one elbow and pressed firmly against their side, smelling of soap and hair still a little damp, the lingering wetness turning it a deeper red than usual.

Lox jerks their chin towards the sky as a particularly bright light bursts forth — a swift streak of brilliance, a fleeting, gleaming scar across the sprawling darkness.

"Did you know that the Perseids are actually made up of debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet?"

Mason glances at the sky, at the sporadic quicksilver slashes of radiance, though his attention drifts back to Lox almost immediately, his eyes tracing the curve of their jawline, the line of their nose, backlit by the glow of the night sky. The heat of their body next to his, blanketing him, his senses, in a completely different way than the heat of the summer air.

“Did you know most humans actually spend their nights sleeping?” He quips, lips curving into the beginnings of a smirk.

Lox doesn’t look away from the meteor shower, though Mason doesn’t miss the way the corners of their mouth twitch upwards before they school their mouth back into neutrality. “Ah, shit. And here I thought I’d finally gotten the whole regular human being thing mastered.”

Mason shakes his head, not bothering to stop the huff of a laugh that escapes him. This close, his head still turned toward Lox, that amused breath stirs the strands of hair along their nape and, for a moment, Mason feels the impulse to brush his fingertips along those strands where they curve just beneath Lox’s chin.

“Oh, trust me, sweetheart,” he drawls instead, “I don’t think I’ve ever mistaken you for a ‘regular human being’.” 

“Obviously,” Lox snorts. 

Mason’s lips, still parted as though he hadn’t quite finished speaking, press shut again as he narrows his eyes, the glint of starlight and the meteor shower above them turning his eyes mercurial, hazy grey becoming silver fire. "Obviously?"

"Sure. If you had, there's no way we'd have moved past the monosyllabic phase. Just now you gave me four times as many syllables as you used to," they tease dryly in spite of the tinge of amusement they can't quite manage to keep from tugging at their voice.

Mason can’t help but chuckle at Lox’s remark, their eyes fixed on the meteor shower before them, the night sky lit with streaks of glittering comet debris. Leans in closer to Lox, breath rustling the still-damp hair along the curve of their jaw. "How many syllables do I need to convince you that you should get more rest once in a while?"

Heat blooms in their face at the velvet timbre of his voice, the warm caress of his breath along the side of their neck, even as their mouth slants into a wry grin, eyes shifting from the night sky to Mason's face, though they keep their own face tipped up. “So concerned for my well being, sunshine.”

Mason smirks, the corner of his mouth tilting upward, too, a jagged slash of a grin, moonlight glint of teeth there and gone like a blink. "Seems like someone's gotta look out for you, if you're gonna spend all day doing whatever it was that had you up and out the door at the crack of dawn and then apparently all night stargazing."

Lox lets out a low laugh and turns their head more towards Mason, their dark eyes meeting his once more, their features softening slightly in the dim light. "I took a nap earlier. And I don't have anywhere to be in the morning. Not first thing, anyway."

"Good to know." Mason's grin widens, mischief sparking like lightning in his storm-cloud eyes as Lox rolls their own. Even as their heartbeat quickens. They wonder if, when Mason hears or feels or scents or however, exactly, he detects these little shifts in their emotions, their body, he hears the thrum of the blood rush into their cheeks, elsewhere, the crashing waves of their pulse a muffled echo like holding a seashell to one's ear.

Their eyes flick back towards the dark expanse of the sky, following the trail of another particularly bright meteor as it streaks between the stars above them. Mason watches Lox for another moment, their profile silhouetted against the glittering, starry backdrop of the night sky, before turning his own face upwards, leaning back slightly and bracing a hand behind him, his palm pressed flat against the warehouse rooftop, the gritty surface somehow still holding onto traces of the day's warmth, even all these hours later.

The night sky is so dark it seems almost tangible, a mosaic of stars and meteors, little sparks of light appearing as suddenly as if they've been conjured by the air itself and streaking across the velveteen night. Some barely visible as a faint whisper of light, others exploding into vivid streaks of silver or gold as they carve their own little paths through the darkness. Around them, the forest is muted, the distant croaking of frogs and rustling of night creatures in the underbrush contained within the embrace of the trees standing sentry.

At some point, their shoulders brushing against each other has shifted, Lox tilting a little sideways and leaning just enough that they're pressing flush, more or less, into Mason's side. If they notice — if they realize, as Mason does, that he doesn't shift at their touch, at the gentle, casual weight of them against his body, their warmth somehow, improbably, counterbalancing the sweltering press of the August air, they don't mention it. And if he realizes, as Lox does, that he's leaning into them, too, is either not noticing or simply not caring when their fingers brush, then slide into a loose tangle between their bodies, he doesn't mention that, either.